Abstract

The Fe((SO4)2(NH4)2)/TiO 2 compound was prepared via the sol-gel technique at pH 9 dried at 70°C and treated thermally at different calcination temperatures (200, 400, 600 and 800°C). It was characterized by BET, XPS and XRD and it was tested as a catalyst for ethylene polymerization. A strong dependence was found between the structural properties of the support, the iron complex and the annealing temperature. Catalytic activity decreased with increasing heat treatment temperature up to 400°C and remained practically constant above this temperature. These differences occurred without important changes in the physical, chemical and structural properties of the synthesized polymer. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.