The homopolymerization and copolymerization of conjugated dienes using rare earth Ziegler-Natta catalysts

lanthanide metallocene catalysts and non-metallocene rare earth complex catalysts were reviewed. The catalytic behavior

stereoselectivity

microstructure

molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of the obtained polymers were greatly affected by the type of rare earth metals

structure of ligands

cocatalyst and promoters. Polybutadiene

polyisoprene

butadiene-isoprene copolymer

cojugated diene/styrene copolymer with various microstructures could be prepared by these catalysts at different reaction conditions. In addition

the novel composites of crystallizable high-cis butadiene-styrene elastomer with styrene-based polymer could be achieved and the "three steps in one-pot" polymerization technique had been also developed.