ETHYLENE/LONGER ALPHA-OLEFIN COPOLYMERS

Abstract: High molecular weight linear copolymers of ethylene and 1-50 mole percent linear alpha -olefins having from 10 to 100 carbon atoms are disclosed. The polymers have Mw of 30,000-1,000,000, MWD of 2-4, a density of 0.85-0.95 g/cm<3>, and a high composition distribution breadth index. Also disclosed are a method for making the polymers with a cyclopentadienyl metallocene catalyst system, and adhesives, films, molded articles and other products made from the copolymers.

Description: ETHYLENE/ LONGER ALPHA-OLEFIN COPOLYMERS Field of the Invention This invention relates to copolymers of ethylene and longer α-olefins. More particularly, this invention relates to high molecular weight ethylene copolymers of α-olefins having from 10 to 100 carbon atoms. This invention also re¬ lates to a process for copolymerizing ethylene with longer α-olefins utilizing certain transition metal compounds from Group IV B of the Periodic Table of Elements that produces high molecular weight copolymers. Background of the Invention Prior art copolymers of ethylene and longer α-olefins, i.e. olefins having about 10 or more carbon atoms, have suffered a number of disadvantages. Primarily, it has not been possible to prepare such copolymers, having sufficiently high molecular weight for most applications, using a traditional Ziegler-Natta catalyst. Generally, as the longer α-olefin comonomer content increases, the molecular weight decreases significantly. Also, the ethylene copolymers have had a very broad molecular weight distribution, as well as a broad α-olefin composition distribution. This arises from the prior art catalyst systems having a high ratio of ethylene:comonomer reactivity, as well as a low ratio of polymerization propagation to termination. As a result, the low molecular weight species have substantially higher α-olefin comonomer content and the high molecular weight species have a very low comonomer content. It has been proposed to use certain metallocenes such as bis(cyclopentadienyl) titanium or zirconium dialkyls in combination with aluminum alkyl/water cocatalyst as a homogeneous catalyst system for the polymerization of olefins. For example: German Patent Application 2,608,863 teaches the use of a catalyst system for the polymerization of ethylene consisting of bis(cyclopentadienyl) titanium dialkyl, aluminum trialkyl and water; German Patent Application 2,608,933 teaches an ethylene polymerization catalyst system consisting of zirconium metallocenes of the general formula (cyclopentadienyl) n ZrY 4 . n , wherein n stand for an integer in the range of 1 to 4, Y for R, CH 2 1R 2 CH 2 CH 2 1R E and CH 2 CH(A1R 2 ) 2 , wherein R stands for alkyl o metallo alkyl, an aluminum trialkyl cocatalyst and water European Patent Application No. 0035242 teaches a proces for preparing ethylene and atactic propylene polymers in th presence of a halogen-free Ziegler catalyst system of (1 cyclopentadienyl compound of the formul (cyclopentadienyl) n MY 4 _ n in which n is an integer from 1 t 4, M is a transition metal, especially zirconium, and Y i either hydrogen, a C^-Cg alkyl or metallo alkyl group or radical having the following general formula CHgAlRg, CHgCH^ lRg, and CH 2 CH(A1R 2 ) 2 in which R represents a ^-^ alkyl or metallo alkyl group, and (2) an alumoxane; and U. S. Patent 4,564,647 teaches a low pressure process for polymerizing ethylene, either alone or in combination with small amounts of other α-olefins, in the presence of a catalyst which may comprise a cyclopentadienyl compound, represented by the formula (Cp)MR 2 R 3 R 4 wherein (Cp) represents a cyclopentadienyl group, M represents titanium, vanadium, zirconium or hafnium, and R 2 , R 3 and R 4 are each an alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a cyclopentadienyl group, a halogen atom or a hydrogen atom, an alumoxane, which can be prepared by reacting trialkyl aluminum or dialkyl aluminum monohalide with water and a filler. Each of the above patents also teach that the polymerization process employing the homogeneous catalyst system is hydrogen sensitive thereby providing a means to control polymer molecular weight. As is well known in the prior art, catalyst systems comprising a cyclopentadienyl compound, hereinafter frequently referred to as a metallocene or metallocene catalyst component, and an alumoxane offer several distinct advantages when compared to the more conventional Ziegler- type catalyst systems. For example, the cyclopentadienyl- transition metal/alu oxane catalyst systems, particularly those wherein the cyclopentadienyl compound contains at least one halogen atom, have demonstrated extremely high activity in the polymerization of α-olefins, particularly ethylene. Moreover, these catalyst systems produce relatively high yields of polymer product having a relatively narrow molecular weight distribution. However, these catalyst systems, when used to prepare copolymers of ethylene with longer α-olefins in anything more than a very minor proportion, still suffer from the drawbacks of low incorporation rates, and low molecular weights. For many applications it is of primary importance for a polyolefin to have a high weight average molecular weight while having a relatively narrow molecular weight distribution. A high weight average molecular weight, when accompanied by a narrow molecular weight distribution, provides a polyolefin or an ethylene-lower-α-olefin copolymer with high strength properties. Traditional Ziegler-Natta catalyst systems —a transition metal compound cocatalyzed by an aluminum alkyl — are capable of producing polyolefins having a high molecular weight but a broad molecular weight distribution. More recently a catalyst system has been developed wherein the transition metal compound has two or more cyclopentadienyl ring ligands, such transition metal compound also being referred to as a metallocene — which catalyzes the production of olefin monomers to polyolefins. Accordingly, metallocene compounds of the Group IV B metals, particularly, titanocene and zirconocene, have been utilized as the transition metal component in such "metallocene" containing catalyst system for the production of polyolefins and ethylene-α-olefin copolymers. When such metallocenes are cocatalyzed with an aluminum alkyl — as is the case with a traditional type Ziegler-Natta catalyst system — the catalytic activity of such metallocene catalyst system is generally too low to be of any commercial interest. It has since become known that such metallocenes may be cocatalyzed with an alumoxane — rather than an aluminum alkyl — to provide a metallocene catalyst system of high activity which catalyzes the production of polyolefins. The zirconium metallocene species, as cocatalyzed or activated with alumoxane are commonly more active than their hafnium or titanium analogues for the polymerization of ethylene alone or together with a lower α-olefin comonomer. A wide variety of Group IV B transition metal compounds of the metallocene type have been named as possible candidates for an alumoxane cocatalyzed catalyst system. Hence, although bis(cyclopentadienyl) Group IV B transition metal compounds have been the most preferred and heavily investigated type metallocenes for use in metallocene/alumoxane catalyst for polyolefin production, suggestions have appeared that mono and tris(cyclopentadienyl) transition metal compounds may also be useful. See, for example, U. S. Patents Nos. 4,522,982; 4,530,914 and 4,701,431. Such mono(cyclopentadienyl) transition metal compounds as have heretofore been suggested as candidates for a metallocene/alumoxane catalyst are mono(cyclopentadienyl) transition metal trihalides and trialkyls. More recently International Publication No. WO 87/03887 described the use of a composition comprising a transition metal coordinated to at least one cyclopentadienyl and at least one heteroatom ligand as a metallocene type component for use in a metallocene/alumoxane catalyst system for α- olefin polymerization. The composition is broadly defined as a transition metal, preferably of Group IV B of the Periodic Table which is coordinated with at least one cyclopentadienyl ligand and one to three heteroatom ligands, the balance of the coordination requirement being satisfied with cyclopentadienyl or hydrocarbyl ligands. The metallocene/alumoxane catalyst system described is illustrated solely with reference to transition metal compounds which are bis(cyclopentadienyl) Group IV B transition metal compounds. Therefore, a need still exists for catalyst systems that permit the production of higher molecular weight ethylene-longer-α-olefin copolymers and desirably with a narrow molecular weight distribution and a narrow composition distribution. The present invention addresses the need, then, for a polymerization process which permits the efficient and economically attractive production of high molecular weight ethylene/longer α-olefin copolymers and copolymer products. Summary of the Invention In accordance with the present invention, longer α- olefins are copolymerized with ethylene in the presence of a catalyst system comprising an activated cyclopentadienyl- transition metal compound. Quite surprisingly, it has been found that the longer α-olefins have a polymerization rate on the same order as ethylene when these catalysts are employed, despite the large "tail" of the longer α-olefin. As a result, the longer α-olefin is unexpectedly incorporated into the copolymer at a competitive rate with the ethylene, and the composition distribution is substantially uniform and random. The present invention resides, at least in part, in the discovery that longer α-olefins (e.g. C 10 -C 100 ) can be polymerized with ethylene using certain monocyclopentadienyl metallocene catalysts to obtain a high molecular weight copolymer with a high proportion of longer α-olefin incorporation, a narrow molecular weight distribution and a relatively random and uniform longer α-olefin comonomer distribution. Certain of these copolymers have very surprising properties, such as, for example, modulus, strain to break, rheological properties, storage and loss moduli, dissipative characteristics, and the like, as detailed more completely below. In one aspect, then, the present invention provides a substantially compositionally uniform copolymer of ethylene and from about 1 to about 50 mole percent, preferably from about 2 to about 30, and especially from about 4 to about 30 mole percent, of a longer α-olefin having at least 10 carbon atoms, preferably at least 12 carbon atoms. The copolymer has a density of from about 0.85 to about 0.95 g/cm 3 , and can be semicrystalline or amorphous. The copolymer preferably has a weight average molecular weight from about 30,000 to about 1,000,000 daltons or more, more preferably from about 80,000 to about 500,000 daltons, and a molecular weight distribution substantially between about 2 and about 4. The copolymer has a generally uniform comonomer composition distribution. In another aspect, the present invention provides adhesives comprising a blend of the foregoing copolymer with a tackifier. The present invention also provides useful articles made from the foregoing copolymers, including films, sheets, coatings and molded articles. In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of preparing a copolymer by contacting ethylene and α-olefin having at least 10 carbon atoms with a catalyst at polymerization conditions wherein the ethylene:comonomer reactivity ratio is less than about 50. In a preferred embodiment, the foregoing copolymers are prepared by contacting ethylene and a longer α-olefin with a catalyst system comprising an activated Group IV B transition metal component at polymerization conditions, and recovering a high molecular weight, narrow molecular weight copolymer having a generally uniform, random α-olefin composition distribution. The "Group IV B transition metal component" of the catalyst system is represented by the general formula: wherein: M is Zr, Hf or Ti and is in its highest formal oxidation state (+4, d° complex) ; CgHs. y - x R-.) is a cyclopentadienyl ring which is substituted with from zero to five substituent groups R, "x" is O, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 denoting the degree of substitution, and each substituent group R is, independently, a radical selected from a group consisting of C T -C JO hydrocarbyl radicals, substituted 0,-0 20 hydrocarbyl radicals wherein one or more hydrogen atoms is replaced by a halogen radical, an amido radical, a phosphido radical, an alkoxy radical, an alkylborido radical, or any other radical containing a Lewis acidic or basic functionality, 0,-0 20 hydrocarbyl-substituted metalloid radicals wherein the metalloid is selected from the Group IV A of the Periodic Table of Elements, and halogen radicals, amido radicals, phosphido radicals, alkoxy radicals, alkylborido radicals or any other radical containing Lewis acidic or basic functionality or (C 5 H 5 _ y _ x R x ) is a cyclopentadienyl ring in which two adjacent R-groups are joined forming a C A -C 20 ring to give a saturated or unsaturated polycyclic cyclopentadienyl ligand such as indenyl, tetrahydroindenyl, fluorenyl or octahydrofluorenyl; (JR' j ^. y ) is a heteroatom ligand in which J is an element with a coordination number of three from Group V A or an element with a coordination number of two from Group VI A of the Periodic Table of Elements, preferably nitrogen, phosphorus, oxygen or sulfur, and each R 1 is, independently a radical selected from the group consisting of C 1 -C 20 hydrocarbyl radicals, substituted C^C JQ hydrocarbyl radicals wherein one or more hydrogen atoms is replaced by a halogen radical, an amido radical, a phosphido radical, an alkoxy radical, an alkylborido radical or any other radical containing a Lewis acidic or basic functionality and "z" is the coordination number of the element J; Each Q may be independently any univalent anionic ligand such as halogen, hydride, or substituted or unsubstituted 0,-0 20 hydrocarbyl, alkoxide, aryloxide, amide, arylamide, phosphide or arylphosphide, provided that where any Q is a hydrocarbyl such Q is different from (C 5 H 5 . y . x R x ) or both Q together may be an alkylidene or a cyclometallated hydrocarbyl or any other divalent anionic chelating ligand; "y" is 0 or 1 when w is greater than 0; y is 1 when w is 0; when "y" is 1, T is a covalent bridging group containing a Group IV A or V A element such as, but not limited to, a dialkyl, alkylaryl or diaryl silicon or germanium radical, alkyl or aryl phosphine or amine radical, or a hydrocarbyl radical such as methylene, ethylene and the like; L is a Lewis base such as diethylether, tetraethylammonium chloride, tetrahydrofuran, dimethylaniline, aniline, trimethylphosphine, n-butylamine, and the like; and "w" is a number from 0 to 3; L can also be a second transition metal compound of the same type such that the two metal centers M and M 1 are bridged by Q and Q', wherein M 1 has the same meaning as M and Q 1 has the same 5 meaning as Q. Such compounds are represented by the formula: Q The metallocene catalyst component can be activated by an alumoxane component represented by the formulas: (R 3 -A1- 0) m ; R 4 (R 5 -Al-0) m -AlR 6 2 or mixtures thereof, wherein R 3 -R 6 are, independently, a univalent anionic ligand such as a C 1 -C 5 alkyl group or halide and "m" is an integer ranging from 1 to abut 50 and preferably is from about 13 to about 25. Alternatively, the metallocene catalyst component can be activated with a cation capable of donating a proton and a bulky, non-coordinating anion capable of stabilizing the metal cation formed by reaction between the proton provided by the cation and a substituent of the metallocene reactive with the proton. Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 is a semilog plot of loss tangent versus temperature for an adhesive of the present invention comprising a 60:40 weight blend of ethylene/hexadecene copolymer and ESC-5380 tackifier (Example 23) showing glass transition temperature. Fig. 2 is a semilog plot of loss tangent versus temperature for an adhesive comprising a 60:40 blend of ethylene/hexadecene copolymer and ESC-1310LC tackifier showing glass transition temperature. Fig. 3 is a log-log plot of viscosity (Δ-Δ-Δ) and stress (O-O-O) at 75°C (steady flow) versus frequency for an ethylene/octadecene copolymer (Example 21) of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a plot of the same material and variables of Fig. 3 at 140°C. Fig. 5 is a log-log plot of viscosity (Δ-Δ-Δ) and stress (0-0-0) at 25°C (steady flow) versus frequency for an ethylene/dodecene copolymer (Example 14) . Fig. 6 is the plot of the same material and variables of Fig. 5 at 95°C. Fig. 7 is the plot of the same material and variables of Fig. 5 at 75°C. Fig. 8 is a semilog plot of tan δ (10% strain, G" (100 rad/sec)/G' (1 rad/sec)) versus mole percent dodecene (Examples 8 and 10) and tetradecene (Examples 13 and 14) comonomer in the ethylene copolymers of the present invention compared to ethylene/butene copolymers. Fig. 9 is a log-log plot of storage modulus (G') versus frequency for an ethylene/tetradecene copolymer (Δ-Δ-Δ) (Example 14) and an ethylene/octadecene copolymer (0-0-0) (Example 21) compared to ethylene/propylene and ethylene/butene copolymers. Fig. 10 is a plot showing the deviation in weight average molecular weight (M from standard polyethylene calibration curve (ratio of M„ determined by viscometric GPC to M^ determined by GPC differential refractive index (DRI) using a polyethylene calibration curve; M H (GPC/VIS)/M H (GPC/DRI PE) ) versus mole percent comonomer in ethylene/α-olefin copolymers for comonomers propylene, butene-1, hexene-1, dodecene-1, tetradecene-1 and octadecene-1. Fig. 11 is a plot of correction factors for converting observed molecular weight into actual molecular weight for the copolymers of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Invention The present invention relates to copolymers of ethylene with longer α-olefins. The longer α-olefins are preferably linear monomers of at least 10 carbon atoms up to about 100 carbon atoms or more. The novel characteristics of the copolymers of the present invention derive from th relatively long pendant alkyl side chains that ar introduced by the "tails" of the longer α-olefins comonomer as they are inserted into the generally linear polyme chain. When the side chains reach about 8 carbons in lengt (corresponding to decene-1 comonomer) , and the side chain are sufficiently prevalent in the polymer, the side chain are capable of crystallization and imparting nove characteristics to the polymer. Particularly at side chai lengths of 10 or more carbon atoms (corresponding to C 12 α olefin comonomer) , the crystallizability of the side chain is more definite and pronounced. Theoretically, any α olefin up to 100 carbon atoms or more is used to impart sid chain crystallizability, but as a practical matter, α olefins of up to C 30 of the desired purity are availabl commercially. Alpha-olefin monomers having more than abou 30 carbon atoms generally have a broader distribution of molecular weights, and can also have some branching which influences crystallizability. Thus, the preferred α-olefins in this invention are linear α-olefins having from about 10 to about 100 carbon atoms, more preferably from about 12 to about 30 carbon atoms. Specific representative examples of the longer α- olefinε include 1-decene, 1-undeσene, 1-dodecene, 1- tetradecene, 1-hexadecene, 1-octadecene, 1-eicosene, 1- docosene, 1-tetracosene, 1-hexacosene, 1-octacosene, 1- triacontene, 1-dotriacontene, 1-tetracontene, 1- pentacontene, 1-hexacontene, 1-heptacontene, 1-octacontene, 1-nonacontene, 1-hectene and the like. In general, the longer the α-olefin, the more pronounced are the properties imparted thereby, e.g. as the size of the α-olefin increases, the more unlike polyethylene the copolymer becomes. As the size of the comonomer increases, the softness, for example, generally increases while strain to break decreases, up to a point where side chain crystallinity occurs, and then, quite surprisingly, softness decreases with additional comonomer length and strain to break increases. The copolymer can further contain additional monomers usually in relatively minor amounts. which do not substantially adversely affect the novel properties of the copolymers. Such termonomers include vinyl and vinylidene compounds, for example, lower α-olefins having from 3 to 9 carbon atoms, such as propylene, 1- butene, isobutene, 1-pentene, 3-methyl-pentene-l, 4- methylpentene-1, 1-hexene, 1-heptene, 1-octene, 3,3,5- trimethylpentene-1, 1-nonene, vinyl cyclohexene, and the like; dienes, such as 1,3-butadiene, 1,5-hexadiene and the like; vinyl aromatic monomers, such as styrene or alkyl- substituted styrene and the like; and combinations thereof. Preferably, the ethylene is interpolymerized with from about 1 to about 50 mole percent longer α-olefin, more preferably from about 2 to about 30 mole percent longer α- olefin, and especially from about 4 to about 30 mole percent longer α-olefin. In general, at an increased longer α- olefin content, the properties imparted by the longer α- olefin are more pronounced, e.g., density and strain to break decrease while softness increases with increasing longer α-olefin content. However, when the α-olefin comonomer content is increased to a point where the side chains become prevalent, e.g. there is side chain crystallization as a separate domain, the softness decreases and strain to break increases significantly. The polymers of the present invention can vary from completely amorphous to semicrystalline. The ethylene/longer α-olefin copolymers generally have a density from about 0.85 to about 0.95 g/cm 3 . Amorphous material generally has a density below about 0.87 g/cm 3 . Semicrystalline polymer is generally in the density range of from about 0.854 to about 0.92 g/cm 3 . Crystallinity can be influenced by a number of factors, including molecular weight, the size of the longer α-olefin and content thereof, and the composition distribution. In general, copolymers containing about 12 mole percent or more of randomly distributed longer α-olefin are amorphous, whereas copolymers containing less than about 12 mole percent of the longer α-olefin comonomer have more crystallinity as the comonomer content is reduced. The polymers of the present invention have surprisingly high molecular weight, preferably from abo 30,000 to about 1,000,000 daltons or more, depending on t desired end-use application. As used herein, molecul weight refers to the weight average molecular weight (M unless otherwise indicated. The unique characteristics o the longer α-olefin copolymers are not generally observed a lower molecular weights where there is limited chai entanglement. Polymers having a molecular weight highe than this range, while theoretically possible, are difficul to prepare as a practical matter. Most commercially usefu polymers, e.g. in film and adhesive applications, have M,, i the range of from about 80,000 to about 500,000 daltons. The polymers of the present invention have a narro molecular weight distribution (MWD) . This surprising fac is reflected in a low polydispersity, i.e. a ratio of M H t number average molecular weight (M,,) . The MWD (M^/M,,) i generally in the range of from about 2 to about 4, even i the copolymers of very high molecular weight. The copolymers of the present invention ar substantially random and quite surprisingly have a fairly uniform longer α-olefin distribution throughout th copolymer. This uniform composition is reflected in a relatively high composition distribution breadth index (CDBI) . As used herein, CDBI is defined as the percentage by weight of the copolymer molecules having a longer α- olefin comonomer content within 50 percent of the median molar comonomer content, i.e. +50 percent of the median C 10 - C 100 ole in content. Homopolymers such as polyethylene, which do not contain a comonomer, thus have a CDBI of 100%. The CDBI of a copolymer is readily calculated from data obtained by techniques known in the art, such as, for example, temperature rising elution fractionation (TREF) as described in U. S. Ser. No. 151,350 or Wild et al., J. Poly. Sci. Polv. Phys. Ed.. vol. 20, p. 441 (1982). The ethylene/longer α-olefin copolymers herein generally have a CDBI on the order of about 70 percent or more, i.e. about 70 percent or more of the copolymer has a molar longer α-olefin comonomer content within ±50 percent of the median comonomer content. In contrast, linear low density polyethylene prepared using conventional Ziegler-Natta catalyst has a CDBI on the order of 30 to 40 percent. The present polymers comprise linear, comb-like molecules, as opposed to uncontrolled long chain branched polymers. This derives from the use of a single-site coordination catalyst as opposed to a free radical catalyst. The olefin polymerizes in a predominantly head-to-tail fashion so that the polymer molecule has a generally linear main chain formed by polymerization at the carbon-carbon double bond, and a plurality of side chains of controlled length corresponding to the aliphatic "tails" of the longer α-olefin. The novel characteristics of the ethylene/longer α- olefin copolymers of the present invention, i.e. simultaneously high longer α-olefin content, high y , narrow MWD and high CDBI, impart a number of unique and, in some cases, rather surprising physical, rheological and other properties to the copolymers. As a consequence, the copolymers have a wide number of uses. FILMS For structural film applications, the copolymers are generally semicrystalline, having an α-olefin comonomer content below about 12 or 13 mole percent and a density from about 0.88 to about 0.93 g/cm 3 . The copolymers are formed into film by blown film or extrusion casting procedures using techniques and equipment well known in the linear, low density polyethylene (LLDPE) arts. The present films have high strength and a Young's modulus similar to conventional LLDPE, but have exceptionally high elongation and strain-to- break, and excellent processability due to rheological properties. The films are unusually soft owing to a relatively low storage modulus compared to copolymers made using smaller α-olefin. The copolymer can be used in a monolayer film, e.g., a film comprised of a single layer of the copolymer without adjacent layers made of a different polymer. Alternatively, the copolymer can be used as one or more layers in a multi- layer film, e.g. as a structural and/or skin layer. As another option, the copolymer can be used as a cling additive in the cling layer of a film, particularly the amorphous copolymer mentioned above. The film can include one or more conventional additives, e.g. anticling (slip and/or antiblock) additives which may be added during the production of the copolymer or subsequently blended in. Such additives are well-known in the art and include, for example, silicas, silicates, diatomaceous earths, talcs and various lubricants. These additives are preferably utilized in amounts ranging from about 100 ppm to about 20,000 ppm, more preferably between about 500 ppm to about 10,000 ppm by weight based upon the weight of the copolymer. The copolymer can, if desired, also include one or more other well-known additives such as, for example, tackifiers, antioxidants, ultraviolet absorbers, antistatic agents, release agents, pigments, colorants or the like; however, this again should not be considered a limitation of the present invention. The film is produced from the ethylene copolymer by any one of a number of well-known extrusion or coextrusion techniques. As preferred examples, any of the blown or chill roll cast processes known in the art can be used. As previously mentioned, the semicrystalline films of the present invention have properties making them especially well suited for use in a variety of applications. For example, these films can be used in stretch/cling films or made into other forms, such as a tape, by any one of a number of well-known cutting, slitting and/or rewinding operations. Physical properties including, but not limited to, tensile strength, tear strength and elongation can be adjusted over wide ranges by altering the copolymer properties and specifications, as well as additive packages, as appropriate to meet the requirements to a given wrapping, bundling, taping or other application. For bundling, packaging and unitizing applications, the thermoplastic film of the present invention is stretch- wrapped by any one of a number of well-known procedures around an article or a plurality of articles. Typical of articles suitable for bundling, packaging and unitizing wit the present thermoplastic film include, but are not limite to, various foodstuffs (canned or fresh) , rolls of carpet liquid containers and various like goods normall containerized and/or palletized for shipping, storage and/o display. ADHESIVES For adhesive applications, the polymers of thi invention can be blended with tackifiers and other additive into an adhesive formulation. Suitable tackifiers includ those resins which are compatible with the copolymer o copolymer blend. Tackifiers are chosen to impar substantial adhesive strength, promote substrate wetting an generally enhance coating performance. Tackifier components suitable for use in this inventio include aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbon resins such a ESCOREZ or WINGTACK 95. WINGTACK 95 is the tradename for diene-olefin copolymer of piperylene and 2-methyl-2-buten having a softening point of 95°C. The resin is prepared b the cationic polymerization of 60 weight percent piperylene, 10 weight percent isoprene, 5 weight percent cyclopentadiene, 15 weight percent 2-methylbutene and about 10 weight percent dimer. See U. S. Patent 3,577,398. Other tackifying resins of the same general type may be employed in which the resinous copolymer comprises 20-80 weight percent of piperylene and 80-20 weight percent of 2-methyl- 2-butene. Other adhesion-promoting resins which are also useful in the compositions of this invention include hydrogenated rosins, rosin esters, polyterpenes, terpenephenol resins, and polymerized mixed olefins. Hydrogenated hydrocarbon resins obtained under the trade designation ESCOREZ 5380 and ECR-143H are preferred. These tackifiers typically have a ring and ball softening point from about 10°C to about 180°C, preferably from about 15°C to about 75°C. Other hydrocarbon tackifiers obtained from Exxon Chemical Co. under the trade designations ECR-lll, and ECR-327 have also been found to be particularly preferred. ECR-143H resin, for example, is prepared by the cationic polymerization of a C 5 olefin/diolefin feed stream described in U. S. Patent 4,916,192 which is her incorporated by reference herein. Pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) properties dependent on selection of tackifier resin. Particula important is the T g of the tackifier. Tack-rela properties can be improved by optimizing the T g of the P system. Selection of tackifier is an important variable this regard. For example, when tackifiers are blend together, several tack properties can be improved in P systems incorporating the blended tackifier over PSA syste incorporating each individual tackifier resin. Gener tackifier composition is also a strong variable in P property optimization. Adhesive systems which are an embodiment of th invention may contain a tackifier resin in an amount of fr about 5 to about 95 parts by weight and the copolymer copolymers in an amount of from about 5 to about 95 parts weight, relative to the tackifier parts by weigh Preferred adhesive systems contain the tackifier in amount of from about 30 to about 70 parts by weight, a copolymer or copolymers in an amount of from about 30 about 70 parts by weight. The adhesive composition may further contain relativel minor amounts of ingredients such as, oils, fillers coupling agents, colorants, antioxidants, and othe stabilizing additives which do not substantially adversel affect the system such as, for example, by adversel interfering with adhesion to a substrate surface. Th formulation is preferably a hot-melt essentially free o solvents and other vaporizable constituents which detrac from the hot-melt characteristics of the formulation, e.g. no need for drying or solvent removal. Coating systems which are an embodiment of thi invention may optionally contain a resin including bot tackifiers and other high polymers blended up to about 5 parts by weight and the longer-α-olefin/ethylene copolyme in an amount of 50 parts by weight or more wherein the part by weight of the resin and copolymer components total 100. Antioxidants or stabilizers, when used, can be added from about 0.1 to about 3 percent by weight, preferably fr about 0.1 to about 1.5 percent by weight, more preferab from about 0.1 to about 1 percent by weight, and typical at about 0.5 weight percent. The optional oils which may be mentioned inclu refined hydrocarbon oils typically present in adhesive including paraffinic, aromatic, and naphthenic oi available under the trade designations KAYDOL (produced WITCO) , TUFFLO (produced by ARCO) , and the like. T refined oils serve to reduce viscosity and improve surfa tack properties. Particulated fillers which may be also used f thickening and price reduction include glass, silic amorphous Siθ 2 , fumed alumina, calcium carbonate, fibers a the like. Suitable commercially available fillers a available under the trade designations CAB-O-SIL, ZEOSIL 35 AEROSIL R972, DUCRAL 10 and the like. Suitable coupling agents include (but are not limite to) organometallic compounds such as, for example, silane based compounds, organotitanates, organozirconates organozircoaluminates, chrome complexes and the like. Thes are generally selected to promote adhesion based on th substrates and/or fillers involved in the particula application. Suitable dyes include Fuchsine (Cl 42510) , Calcoci Green S (Cl 44090) , Solvent Yellow 34 (Cl 4100B) , and th like. Suitable pigments include titanium dioxide, colloida carbon, graphite, ceramics, clays, phosphor particles an metal particles, e.g. aluminum magnetic iron, copper, an the like. The coating compositions of this invention ar preferably prepared as organic solvent solutions of th copolymer and any other components, although copolyme emulsions and hot melts may also be used if so desired. Th coating compositions may be applied to the substrate from solution of up to about 40 percent weight solids of th ingredients in a solvent such as toluene, the solvent bein removed by evaporation to leave a coating on the substrat sur f ace. Alternatively, the ingredients may be mixed in a solvent, the mixture may be emulsified and the solvent evaporated, and the coating may be applied to a substrate as 5 0 -60 percent weight solids emulsion, the water being removed by evaporation with conventional drying equipment and techniques. For hot melt application, the coating compositions may be prepared by blending the copolymer with any optional component in the melt until a homogeneous blend is obtained. Various methods of blending materials of this type are known to the art, and any method that produces a homogeneous blend is satisfactory. Typical blending equipment includes, for example, mixing extruders, roll mills, Banbury mixers, Brabenders and the like. In general, the blend components b lend easily in the melt and a heated vessel equipped with a stirrer is all that is required. The components are added in no particular order, but generally the copolymer is added first and heated in the vessel until molten. Thereafter, any optional components are then added. The hot melt formulation may be cooled and later reheated for use, or used directly, e.g. supplied from a reservoir or melt pot to a substrate using conventional equipment, for example, for pumping or pressure extrusion through slot dies. Generally, the hot melt is heated sufficiently for a target viscosity of about 100,000 cps, although a viscosity as high as 150,000 cps can usually be tolerated. For suitable pot stability, the viscosity of the hot melt should not increase more than 20 percent when maintained at the pot temperature for a period of 8 hours. An unusual property of the present copolymers and adhesives formulated therewith.is a shear-thinning phenomenon. At low shear rates at typical hot melt application temperatures, the copolymer has a relatively high viscosity; but at high rates of shear, the viscosity generally declines, usually in a dramatic fashion. This permits the copolymer adhesive to be sprayed onto a substrate surface, e.g. through a nozzle. The copolymer experiences a high shear rate as it passes through the spraying device, typically including relatively small orifices and/or passageways, and requires less pressure than a conventional polyolefin, if the conventional polyolefin could be sprayed at all. However, once deposited on the substrate surface where there is very little shear, the viscosity is effectively high and advantageously inhibits running or dripping before the copolymer can cool and solidify. The preparation of coated articles such as films, sheets, plates and molded objects involves the initial step of coating at least a portion of a surface of the selected article with a solution, emulsion or hot melt of the copolymer or adhesive composition. Any suitable coating technique may be employed while applicable substrates, including composites thereof, may be comprised of paper and paperboard; fiberglass; wood; graphite; conductive metals, e.g. copper, aluminum, zinc, and steel, etc. ; and semi- conductive substrates such as silicon and gallium arsenide; glass and ceramic; textiles, both natural and synthetic, woven and non-woven; synthetic resins including the ho o- and copolymers of ethylene, propylene, vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, vinyl acetate, styrene, isobutylene, and acrylonitrile; polyvinyl acetal; polyethylene terephthalate; polyamides; and cellulose esters such as cellulose acetate and cellulose butyrate. The latter polymeric substrates may contain fillers or reinforcing agents, such as the various synthetic, natural or modified fibers, including, for example, cellulosic fiber, e.g. cotton, cellulose acetate, viscose rayon, and paper; glass; and polyamide fibers. These reinforced substrates may be used in laminated or composite form. The coating of the copolymer or adhesive composition should be applied to the substrate surface so that upon drying its thickness will be in the range of about 0.05 to about 10 mils. Drying of the wet polymer coating may be achieved by air drying or by the application of any other particular drying technique is favored by the practitioner. A preferred use of the present invention is in the preparation of pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes or in the manufacture of labels. The pressure-sensitive adhesive tape comprises a flexible backing sheet and a layer of the copolymer or adhesive composition of the novel PSA compoun coated on one major surface of the backing sheet. Th backing sheet may be a plastic film, paper or any othe suitable material and the tape may include various othe layers or coatings, such as primers, release coatings an the like, which are used in the manufacture of pressure sensitive tapes. The present coating composition may be used as corrosion resistant barrier coating on various meta surfaces in intimate contact with corrosion-causing fluid or gases including water, seawater, high and low pH fluids, and the like or exposed to a corrosion-causing environment. Examples include, liners in food and beverage containers; liners in vessels, pipes, and miscellaneous equipment used in manufacturing plants, ships, and the like; and anti-rust coatings for automobiles, etc. As other useful coatings, the copolymers may be used as film-forming binders or adhesives in the production of various coating and/or impregnating compositions for application to papers and textiles. OTHER USES The copolymer of the present invention has a wide number of uses because of its unique properties which can be varied to suit particular applications. The copolymer can have utility, for example, in film and adhesive applications, as previously mentioned; in applications requiring super tough polymers with the unique morphology of the present copolymer; in polymer blends as a compatibilizer between normally incompatible polymers; in film surface modifications wherein the copolymer is added to or coated on, e.g. a conventional polyethylene, and the film surface can also be subjected to corona discharge or other surface treatment; in polymer processing as an additive to enhance the melt viscosity of the thermoplastic, elastomer or thermoplastic elastomer being processed; in soft elastomer applications, particularly vulcanizable elastomers wherein the copolymer includes a termonomer which imparts vulcanizability; in applications requiring a tactile polymer; in various molding applications, e.g. injecti molding, blow molding and thermoforming; and the like. CATALYST COMPONENT The present invention relates to copolymers of ethyle and longer α-olefins made by a process comprisi polymerizing the longer α-olefins with ethylene in t presence of a catalyst providing a low ethylene:comonom reactivity ratio, preferably a ratio less than about 5 more preferably less than about 30, especially from about to about 20, and more particularly from about 5 to about 1 A preferred catalyst comprises an activat cyclopentadienyl-transition metal compound wherein t transition metal component is from Group IV B. The Group IV B transition metal component of t catalyst system is represented by the general formula: (c 5 H 5-y-x R χ ) ''' \ / Q *y M. - !_,, x Q wherein: M is Zr, Hf or Ti and is in its highest forma oxidation state (+4, d° complex); (C 5 H 5 . y _ x .R x ) is a cyclopentadienyl ring which i substituted with from zero to five substituent groups R, "x is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 denoting the degree of substitution and each substituent group R is, independently, a radica selected from a group consisting of 0,-0 20 hydrocarby radicals, substituted C,-C 20 hydrocarbyl radicals wherein on or more hydrogen atoms is replaced by a halogen radical, a amido radical, a phosphido radical, an alkoxyl radical o any other radical containing a Lewis acidic or basi functionality, C,-C 20 hydrocarbyl-substituted metalloi radicals wherein the metalloid is selected from the Group I A of the Periodic Table of Elements, and halogen radicals amido radicals, phosphido radicals, alkoxy radicals alkylborido radicals or any other radical containing a Lew acidic or basic functionality or (C 5 H 5 . y . x R x ) is cyclopentadienyl ring in which two adjacent R-groups a joined forming C 4 -C 20 ring to give a saturated or unsaturate polycyclic cyclopentadienyl ligand such as indenyl tetrahydroindenyl, fluorenyl or octahydrofluorenyl; (JR'^. y ) is a heteroatom ligand in which J is a element with a coordination number of three from Group V or an element with a coordination number of two from Grou VI A of the Periodic Table of Elements, preferably nitrogen phosphorus, oxygen or sulfur with nitrogen being preferred and each R* is, independently a radical selected from group consisting of C,-C 20 hydrocarbyl radicals, substitute C,-C 20 hydrocarbyl radicals wherein one or more hydroge atoms is replaced by a halogen radical, an amido radical, phosphido radical, an alkoxy radical or any other radica containing a Lewis acidic or basic functionality, and "z" i the coordination number of the element J; Each Q is, independently any univalent anionic ligan such as halogen, hydride, or substituted or unsubstitute C,-C 2 o hydrocarbyl, alkoxide, aryloxide, amide, arylamide, phosphide or arylphosphide, provided that where any Q is a hydrocarbyl such Q is different from (CsH j - y .^ or both Q together may be an alkylidene or a cyclometallated hydrocarbyl or any other divalent anionic chelating ligand. "y" is 0 or 1 when w is greater than 0; y is 1 when w is 0; when "y" is 1, T is a covalent bridging group containing a Group IV A or V A element such as, but not limited to, a dialkyl, alkylaryl or diaryl silicon or germanium radical, alkyl or aryl phosphine or amine radical, or a hydrocarbyl radical such as methylene, ethylene and the like. L is a Lewis base such as diethylether, tetraethylammonium chloride, tetrahydrofuran, dimethylaniline, aniline, trimethylphosphine, n-butylamine, and the like; and "w" is a number from 0 to 3; L can also be a second transition metal compound of the same type such that the two metal centers M and M' are bridged by Q and Q■, wherein M' has the same meaning as M and Q 1 has the same meaning as Q. Such compounds are represented by t formula: ( c 5 H 5-y-x R χ) . JR. i < c 5 H 5-y-x R x> (J K z-l-y^ A preferred activator is an alumoxane component whi may be represented by the formulas: (R 3 -Al-0) m ; R 4 (R 5 -Al-0 )π A1R 6 2 or mixtures thereof, wherein R 3 -R 6 are, independentl a univalent anionic ligand such as a C,-C 5 alkyl group halide and "m" is an integer ranging from 1 to about 50 a preferably is from about 13 to about 25. Examples of the T group which are suitable as constituent group of the Group IV B transition meta component of the catalyst system are identified in Column of Table 1 under the heading "T". TABLE 1 t TABLE 1 (CONT'D) Exemplary hydrocarbyl radicals for the Q are methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, amyl, isoamyl, hexyl, isobutyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, cetyl, 2-ethylhexyl, phenyl an the like, with methyl being preferred. Exemplary haloge atoms for Q include chlorine, bromine, fluorine, and iodine, with chlorine being preferred. Exemplary alkoxides an aryloxides for Q are methoxide, phenoxide and substituted phenoxides such as 4-methylphenoxide. Exemplary amides for Q are dimethylamide, diethylamide, methylethylamide, di-t- butylamide, diiospropylamide and the like. Exemplary amides for Q are dimethylamide, diethylamide, methylethyla ide, di- t-butylamide, diisopropylamide and the like. Exemplary aryl amides are diphenylamide and any other substituted phenyl amides. Exemplary phosphides for Q are diphenylphosphide, dicyclohexylphosphide, diethylphosphide, dimethylphosphide and the like. Exemplary alkyldiene radicals for both Q together are methylidene, ethylidene and propylidene. Examples of the Q group which are suitable as a constituent group or element of the Group IV B transition metal component of the catalyst system are identified in Column 4 of Table 1 under the heading "Q". Suitable hydrocarbyl and substituted hydrocarbyl radicals, which may be substituted as an R group for at least one hydrogen atom in the cyclopentadienyl ring, will contain from 1 to about 20 carbon atoms and include straight and branched alkyl radicals, cyclic hydrocarbon radicals, alkyl-substituted cyclic hydrocarbon radicals, aromatic radicals, alkyl-substituted aromatic radicals, phosphido substituted hydrocarbon radicals, alkoxy substituted hydrocarbon radicals, alkylborido substituted radicals and cyclopentadienyl rings containing one or more fused saturated or unsaturated rings. Suitable organometallic radicals, which may be substituted as an R group for at least one hydrogen atom in the cyclopentadienyl ring, include tri ethylsilyl, -triethylsilyl, ethyldimethylsilyl, methyldiethylsilyl, triphenylgermyl, trimethylger yl and the like. Other suitable radicals that may be substituted for one or more hydrogen atom in the cyclopentadienyl ring include halogen radicals, amido radicals, phosphido radicals, alkoxy radicals, alkylborido radicals and the like. Examples of cyclopentadienyl ring groups (0^^.-^) which are suitable as a constituent group of the Group IV B transition metal component of the catalyst system are identified in Column 2 of Table 1 under the heading (C 5 H 5 . y . x R χ) • Suitable hydrocarbyl and substituted hydrocarbyl radicals, which may be used as an R' group in the heteroatom J ligand group, will contain from 1 to about 20 carbon atoms and include straight and branched alkyl radicals, cyclic hydrocarbon radicals, alkyl-substituted cyclic hydrocarbon radicals, aromatic radicals, alkyl-substituted aromatic radicals, halogen radicals, amido radicals, phosphido radicals, alkylborido radicals and the like. Examples of heteroatom ligand groups (JR' 2 .,. y ) which are suitable as a constituent group of the Group IV B transition metal component of the catalyst system re identified in Column 3 of Table 1 under the heading (JR' 2 .,. y ) . Table 1 depicts representative constituent moieties for the "Group IV B transition metal component", the list is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed to be limiting in any way. A number of final components may be formed by permuting all possible combinations of the constituent moieties with each other. Illustrative compounds are: dimethylsilyltetramethyl-cyclopentadienyl- tert-butylamido zirconium dichloride, dimethylsilytetramethy1cyclopentadieny1-tert-buty1amido hafnium dichloride, dimethylsilyl-tert-butyl- cyclopentadienyl-tert-butylamido hafnium dichloride, dimethylsilyltrimethylsilylcyclopentadienyl-tert-butylamido zirconium dichloride, dimethylsilyl- tetramethylcyclopentadienylphenylamido zirconium dichloride, dimethylsilyltetramethylcyclopentadienyl-phenylamido hafnium dichloride, methylphenylsilyl-tetramethylcyclopentadienyl- tert-buty1amido zirconium dichloride, methylpheny1sily1tetramethylcyclopentadieny1-tert-buty1amido hafnium dichloride, methylphenylsilyl- tetramethylcyclopentadienyl-tert-butylamido hafnium dimethyl, dimethylsilyltetramethylcyclopentadienyl-p-n- butylphenylamido zirconium dichloride, dimethylsilyl tetramethylcyclopentadienyl-p-n-butylphenylamido hafniu dichloride. As noted, titanium species of the Group IV B transitio metal compound have generally been found to yield catalys systems which in comparison to their zirconium or hafniu analogues, are of higher activity and α-olefin comonome incorporating ability. Illustrative, but not limiting of the titanium species which exhibit such superior properties are methylphenylsilyltetramethylcyclopentadienyl-tert- butylamido titanium dichloride, dimethylsilyl- tetramethylcyclopentadienyl-p-n-butylphenylamido titanium dichloride, dimethylsilyltetramethylcyclopentadienyl-p- methoxyphenylamido titanium dichloride, dimethylsily1-tert- butylcyclopentadienyl-2,5-di-tert-butylphenylamido titanium dichloride, dimethylsilylindenyl-tert-butylamido titanium dichloride, dimethylsilyltetramethyl- cyclopentadienylσyclohexylamido titanium dichloride, dimethylsilylfluorenylcyclohexylamido titanium dichloride, dimethylsilyltetramethylcyclopentadienyl-phenylamido titanium dichloride, di ethylsilyl- tetramethylcyclopentadienyl-tert-butylamido titanium dichloride, dimethylsilyltetramethylcyclopentadienyl- cyclododecyla ido titanium dichloride, and the like. For illustrative purposes, the above compounds and those permuted from Table 1 do not include the Lewis base ligand (L) . The conditions under which complexes containing Lewis base ligands such as ether or those which form dimers is determined by the steric bulk of the ligands about the metal center. For example, the t-butyl group in Me 2 Si(Me 4 C 5 ) (N-t-Bu)ZrCl 2 has greater steric requirements than the phenyl group in Me 2 Si(Me 4 C 5 ) (NPh)ZrCl 2 .Et 2 0 thereby not permitting ether coordination in the former compound. Similarly, due to the decreased steric bulk of the trimethylsilylcyclopentadienyl group in [Me 2 Si(Me 3 SiC 5 H 3 ) (N- t-Bu)ZrCl 2 ] 2 versus that of the tetramethylcyclopentadienyl group in Me 2 Si(Me 4 C 5 ) (N-t-Bu)ZrCl 2 , the former compound is dimeric and the latter is not. Generally the bridged species of the Group IV transition metal compound ("y"=l) are preferred. Thes compounds can be prepared by reacting a cyclopentadieny lithium compound with a dihalo compound whereupon a lithiu halide salt is liberated and a monohalo substituent is covalently bound to the cyclopentadienyl compound. Th substituted cyclopentadienyl reaction product is next reacted with a lithium salt of a phosphide, oxide, sulfide or amide (for the sake of illustrative purposes, a lithium amide) whereupon the halo element of the monohalo substituent group of the reaction product reacts to liberate a lithium halide salt and the amine moiety of the lithium amide salt is covalently bound to the substituent of the cyclopentadienyl reaction product. The resulting amine derivative of the cyclopentadienyl product is then reacted with an alkyl lithium reagent whereupon the labile hydrogen atoms, at the carbon atom of the cyclopentadienyl compound and at the nitrogen atom of the amine moiety covalently bound to the substituent group, react with the alkyl of the lithium alkyl reagent to liberate the alkane and produce a dilithium salt of the cyclopentadienyl compound. Thereafter the bridged species of the Group IV B transition metal compound is produced by reacting the dilithium salt cyclopentadienyl compound with a Group IV B transition metal preferably a Group IV B transition metal halide. Unbridged species of the Group IV B transition metal compound can be prepared from the reaction of a cyclopentadienyl lithium compound and a lithium salt of an amine with a Group IV B transition metal halide. Suitable, but not limiting, Group IV B transition metal compounds which may be utilized in the catalyst system of this invention include those bridged species ("y"=l) wherein the T group bridge is a dialkyl, diaryl or alkylaryl silane, or methylene or ethylene. Exemplary of the more preferred species of bridged Group IV B transition metal compounds are dimethylsilyl, methylphenylsilyl, diethylsilyl, ethylphenylsilyl, diphenylsilyl, ethylene or methylene bridged compounds. Most preferred of the bridged species are dimethylsilyl, diethylsilyl and methylphenylsil bridged compounds. Suitable Group IV B transition metal compounds whi are illustrative of the unbridged ("y"=0) species which m be utilized in the catalyst systems of this invention a exemplified by pentamethylcyclopentadienyldi- butylphosphinodimethyl hafniu pentamethylcyclopentadienyldi-t-butylphosphinomethylethyl hafnium; cyclopentadienyl-2-methylbutoxide dimethy titanium. To illustrate members of the Group IV B transitio metal component, select any combination of the species i Table 1. An example of a bridged species would b dimethylsilylcyclopentadienyl-t-butylamidodichloro zirconium; an example of an unbridged species would b cyclopentadienyldi-J:-butylamidodichloro zirconium. Those species of the Group IV B transition meta component wherein the metal is titanium have been found t impart beneficial properties to a catalyst system which ar unexpected in view of what is known about the properties o bis(cyclopentadienyl) titanium compounds which ar cocatalyzed by alumoxanes. Whereas titanocenes in thei soluble form are generally unstable in the presence o aluminum alkyls, the monocyclopentadienyl titanium metal components of this invention, pairticularly those wherein the heteroatom is nitrogen, generally exhibit greater stability in the presence of aluminum alkyls and higher catalyst activity rates. Further, the titanium species of the Group IV B transition metal component catalyst of this invention generally exhibit higher catalyst activities and the production of polymers of greater molecular weight than catalyst systems prepared with the zirconium or hafnium species of the Group IV B transition metal component. Generally, wherein it is desired to produce an α-olefin copolymer which incorporates a high content of α-olefin, while maintaining high molecular weight polymer the species of Group IV B transition metal compound preferred is one of titanium. The most preferred species of titanium metal compounds are represented by the formula: wherein Q, L, R 1 , R, "x" and "w" are as previously defined and R 1 and R 2 are each independently a C, to C 20 hydrocarbyl radicals, substituted C, and C 20 hydrocarbyl radicals wherein one or more hydrogen atom is replaced by a halogen atom; R 2 and R 3 may also be joined forming a C 3 to C 20 ring which incorporates the silicon bridged. Suitable hydrocarbyl and substituted hydrocarbyl radicals which may be used as an R 1 group have been described previously. Preferred R 1 groups include those bearing primary carbons bonded directly to the nitrogen atom such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, n- hexyl, n-octyl, n-decyl, n-dodecyl, n-tetradecyl, n- hexadecyl, n-octadecyl, benzyl and the like, and those bearing secondary carbons bonded directly to the nitrogen atom such as 2-propyl, 2-butyl, 3-pentyl, 2-heptyl, 2-octyl, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, cyclododecyl, 2-norbornyl and the like. Also, the most preferred cyclopentadienyl ring is tetramethylcyclopentadiene (R - Me and x = 4) . The alumoxane component of the catalyst system is an oligomeric compound which may be represented by the general formula (R 3 -Al-0) m which is a cyclic compound, or may be R (R 5 -Al-0-) m -AlR 6 2 which is a linear compound. An alumoxane is generally a mixture of both the linear and cyclic compounds. In the general alumoxane formula R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , and R 6 are, independently a univalent anionic ligand such as a C,-C 5 alkyl radical, for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl or halide and "m" is an integer from 1 to abut 50. Most preferably, R 3 , R 4 , R 5 and R 6 are each methyl an "m" is at least 4. When an alkyl aluminum halide i employed in the preparation of alumoxane, one or more of R 3* could be halide. As is now well known, alumoxanes can be prepared by various procedures. For example, a trialkyl aluminum may be reacted with water, in the form of a moist inert organic solvent; or the trialkyl aluminum may be contacted with a hydrated salt, such as hydrated copper sulfate suspended in an inert organic solvent, to yield an alumoxane. Generally, however prepared, the reaction of a trialkyl aluminum with a limited amount of water yields a mixture of both the linear and cyclic species of alumoxane. Suitable alumoxanes which may be utilized in the catalyst systems of this invention are those prepared by the hydrolysis of a alkylaluminum reagent; such as trimethylaluminum, triethyaluminum, tripropylaluminum, triisobutylaluminum, dimethylaluminumchloride, diisobutylaluminumchloride, diethylaluminumchloride, and the like. Mixtures of different alkyl aluminum reagents in preparing an alumoxane may also be used. The most preferred alumoxane for use is methylalumoxane (MAO) , particularly methylalumoxanes having a reported average degree of oligomerization of from about 4 to about 25 ("m"=4 to 25) with a range of 13 to 25 being most preferred. As an alternative to the alumoxane activation, the metallocene component can be ionically activated using the procedures and techniques set forth in Turner et al., U. S. Ser. No. 133,052, filed December 21, 1987; Turner et al., ϋ. S. Ser. No. 133,480, filed December 22, 1987; Greg et al., ϋ. S. Ser. No. 542,236, filed June 22, 1990; and EP Publication Nos. 277,004; 418,044; and 426,637; all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Briefly, for ionic activation, the metallocene has at least one substituent capable of reacting with a proton. The metallocene is activated by reaction with a proton-donating cation and a bulky, non-coordinating anion which stabilizes the metal cation formed by the metallocene-proton reaction. Typically, Q in the above formula is hydrocarbyl, the cation is trialkylammonium, for example, and the anion i tetraperfluorophenyl borate, for example. CATALYST SYSTEMS The catalyst systems employed in the method of th invention comprise a complex formed upon admixture of th Group IV B transition metal component with an activatin component. The catalyst system may be prepared by additio of the requisite Group IV B transition metal and alumoxan components, or a previously cationically activated Group I B transition metal component, to an inert solvent in whic olefin polymerization can be carried out by a solution slurry or bulk phase polymerization procedure. The catalyst system may be conveniently prepared b placing the selected Group IV B transition metal componen and the selected alumoxane or ionic activating component(s) in any order of addition, in an alkane or aromati hydrocarbon solvent, preferably one which is also suitabl for service as a polymerization diluent. Where th hydrocarbon solvent utilized is also suitable for use as polymerization diluent, the catalyst system may be prepare in situ in the polymerization reactor. Alternatively, th catalyst system may be separately prepared, in concentrate form, and added to the polymerization diluent in a reactor. Or, if desired, the components of the catalyst system may b prepared as separate solutions and added to th polymerization diluent in a reactor, in appropriate ratios, as is suitable for a continuous liquid polymerizatio reaction procedure. Alkane and aromatic hydrocarbon suitable as solvents for formation of the catalyst syste and also as a polymerization diluent are exemplified by, bu are not necessarily limited to, straight and branched chai hydrocarbons such as isobutane, butane, pentane, hexane, heptane, octane and the like, cyclic and alicycli hydrocarbons such as cyclohexane, cycloheptane, methylcyclohexane, methylcycloheptane and the like, and aromatic and alkyl-substituted aromatic compounds such as benzene, toluene, xylene and the like. Suitable solvents also include liquid olefins which may act as monomers or comonomers, including ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, hexene and the like, particularly when the cataly components are prepared as separate solutions. In accordance with this invention optimum results a generally obtained wherein the Group IV B transition met compound is present in the polymerization diluent in concentration of preferably from abut 0.00001 to about 10. millimoles/liter of diluent and the alumoxane componen when used, is present in an amount to provide a mola aluminum to transition metal ratio of from about 0.5:1 t about 20,000:1. Sufficient solvent is normally used so a to provide adequate heat transfer away from the catalys components during reaction and to permit good mixing. The catalyst system ingredients, that is, the Group I B transition metal, the alumoxane and/or ionic activators and polymerization diluent, can be added to the reactio vessel rapidly or slowly. The temperature maintained durin the contact of the catalyst components can vary widely, suc as, for example, from -100°C to 300°C. Greater or lesse temperatures can also be employed. Preferably, durin formation of the catalyst system, the reaction is maintaine within a temperature of from about 25°C to 100°C , mos preferably about 25°C. At all times, the individual catalyst syste components, as well as the catalyst system once formed, ar protected from oxygen and moisture. Therefore, th reactions are performed in an oxygen and moisture free atmosphere and, where the catalyst system is recovered separately it is recovered in an oxygen and moisture free atmosphere. Preferably, therefore, the reactions are performed in the presence of an inert dry gas such as, for example, helium or nitrogen. POLYMERIZATION PROCESS In a preferred embodiment of the process of this invention the catalyst system is utilized in the liquid phase (slurry, solution, suspension or bulk phase or combination thereof) , high pressure fluid phase or gas phase polymerization of an olefin monomer. These processes may be employed singularly or in series. The liquid phase proces comprises the steps of contacting a longer α-olefin monome and ethylene with the catalyst system in a suitabl polymerization diluent and reacting said monomers in th presence of said catalyst system for a time and at temperature sufficient to produce a polyolefin of hig molecular weight. Conditions most preferred for th copolymerization of ethylene are those wherein ethylene is submitted to the reaction zone at pressures of from about 0.019 psia to about 50,000 psia and the reaction temperature is maintained at from about -100°C to about 300°C. The aluminum to transition metal molar ratio is preferably from about 1:1 to 18,000 to 1. A more preferable range would be 1:1 to 2000:1. The reaction time is preferably from about 10 seconds to about 4 hours. Without limiting in any way the scope of the invention, one means for carrying out the process of the present invention for production of a copolymer is as follows: in a stirred-tank reactor liquid α-olefin monomer is introduced, such as 1-dodecene. The catalyst system is introduced via nozzles in either the vapor or liquid phase. Feed ethylene gas is introduced either into the vapor phase of the reactor, or sparged into the liquid phase as is well known in the art. The reactor contains a liquid phase composed substantially of liquid α- olefin comonomer, together with dissolved ethylene gas, and a vapor phase containing vapors of all monomers. The reactor temperature and pressure may be controlled via reflux of vaporizing α-olefin monomer (autorefrigeration) , as well as by cooling coils, jackets etc. The polymerization rate is generally controlled by the concentration of catalyst. The ethylene content of the polymer product is determined by the ratio of ethylene to α- olefin comonomer in the reactor, which is controlled by manipulating the relative feed rates of these components to the reactor. As before noted, a catalyst system wherein the Group IV B transition metal component is a titanium species has the ability to incorporate high contents of longer α-olefin comonomers. Accordingly, the selection of the Group IV B transition metal component is another parameter which may utilized as a control over the ethylene content of copolymer within a reasonable ratio of ethylene to longer olefin comonomer. EXAMPLES CATALYST PREPARATION All catalyst preparation and polymerization procedure were performed under an inert atmosphere of helium o nitrogen. Solvent choices were often optional, for example in most cases either pentane or 30-60 petroleum ether coul be interchanged. The choice between tetrahydrofuran (THF and diethyl ether was a bit more restricted, but in severa reactions, either could be used. The lithiated amides wer prepared from the corresponding amines and either n butyllithium (n-BuLi) or methyllithiu (MeLi) Tetramethylcyclopentadienyl-lithium (C 5 Me 4 HLi) was prepare according to the procedures of C. M. Fendrick et al., Or anometallies. 1984, 3, 819 and F. H. Kohler and K. H. Doll, Z Naturforsch. 1982, 376, 144. Other lithiate substituted cyclopentadienyl compounds were generall prepared from the corresponding cyclopentadienyl ligand an n-BuLi or MeLi, or by reaction of MeLi with the prope fulvene. TiCl 4 was typically used in its etherate form. The etherate was generally prepared by simply adding TiCl 4 to ether, filtering off the solid product and vacuum drying. TiCl 4 , ZrCl 4 , HfCl 4 , amines, silanes, substituted and unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl compounds or precursors, and lithium reagents were purchased from Aldrich Chemical Company or Petrarch Systems. Methylalumoxane was supplied by either Schering or Ethyl Corporation. C 5 Me 4 HLi (10.0 g, 0.078 mol) was slowly added to Me 2 SiCl 2 (11.5 ml, 0.095 mol, in 225 ml of THF solution). The solution was stirred for 1 hour to assure a complete reaction. The solvent was then removed in vacuo. Pentane was added to precipitate the LiCl. The mixture was filtered through diatomaceous earth and the solvent was removed from the filtrate in vacuo. Tetramethy1cyclopentadienyldimethy1chlorosilane, (C 5 Me 4 H)SiMe 2 Cl, (15.34 g, 0.071 mol) was recovered as a pale yellow liquid. (C 5 Me 4 H)SiMe 2 Cl (8.0 g, 0.037 mol) was slowly added to a suspension of lithium cyclododecylamine (LiHNC 12 H 23 ) (7.0 g, 0.037 mol, "80 ml THF). The mixture was stirred overnight. The THF was then removed by vacuum to a cold trap held at -196°C. A mixture of petroleum ether and toluene was added to precipitate the LiCl. The mixture was filtered through diatomaceous earth. The solvent was removed from the filtrate. Tetramethylcyclopentadienyl aminocyclododecyldimethylsilane, Me 2 Si(C 5 Me 4 H) (NHC^H j ^ , (11.8 g, 0.033 mol) was isolated as a pale yellow liquid. Me 2 Si(C 5 Me 4 H) (NHC^H^) (11.9 g, 0.033 mol) was diluted with "150 ml of ether. MeLi (1.4 M, 47 ml, 0.066 mol) was added slowly, and the mixture was stirred for 2 hours. The ether was reduced in volume by evaporation. The product was filtered off. The product [Me 2 Si(C 5 Me 4 ) (NC 12 H 23 ) ]Li 2 , was washed with several small portions of ether, then vacuum dried to yield 11.1 g (0.030 mol). [Me 2 Si(C 5 Me 4 ) (NC^HsHL^ (3.0 g, 0.008 mol) was suspended in cold ether. TiCl 4 « 2Et 2 0 (2.7 g, 0.008 mol) was slowly added and the resulting mixture was stirred overnight. The ether was removed via a vacuum to a cold trap held at -196°C. Methylene chloride was added to precipitate the LiCl. The mixture was filtered through diatomaceous earth. The solvent was significantly reduced in volume by evaporation and petroleum ether was added to precipitate the product. This mixture was refrigerated prior to filtration in order to maximize precipitation. The solid collected was recrystallized from methylene chloride and Me 2 Si(C 5 Me 4 ) (NC 12 H 23 )TiCl 2 was isolated (1.0 g, 2.1 mmol) . POLYMERIZATION EXAMPLES 1-21 Polymerization was done in a 1-liter autoclave reactor equipped with a paddle stirrer, an external water jacket for temperature control, a regulated supply of dry nitrogen, ethylene, propylene, 1-butene and hexane, and a septum inlet for introduction of other solvents or comonomers, transition metal compound and alumoxane solutions. The reactor wa dried and degassed thoroughly prior to use. A typical ru consisted of injecting a quantity of solvent (typicall toluene), the comonomer and 1.0 M methylalumoxane (MAO) int the reactor. The reactor was then heated to the specifie temperature and the transition metal compound solution an the ethylene at a pressure of 4.08 atm were introduced int the system. The polymerization reaction was limited to specified time, typically 30 minutes. The reaction wa ceased by rapidly cooling and venting the system, and th resulting polymer was recovered by evaporating the solven under a stream of nitrogen. Remaining process run conditions are given in Table including the amount of transition metal catalyst solutio (TMC) used, the amount of methylalumoxane solution used, th Al/Ti molar ratio, the amount of toluene and comonomer used, the polymerization temperature, polymer yield, catalyst efficiencies in terms of kg polymer per mole catalyst'atm*hr and kg polymer per mole catalyst*hr and catalyst reactivity ratio. For example, 390 ml of toluene, 6 ml of 1 M MAO and 10 ml of 1-decene were added to the reactor described above. The reactor was heated to 80°C prior to introducing 1.2 ml of the catalyst stock solution made by dissolving 13.5 mg of the transition metal compound in 10 ml of toluene. The reactor was then immediately pressurized with 4.08 atm of ethylene. The polymerization reaction was limited to 30 minutes after which time the reaction was ceased by rapidly cooling and venting the system. The resulting polymer (39 g) was recovered by evaporating the solvent under a stream of nitrogen. Catalyst productivity was calculated at 5,212 (kg polymer/mol TMC-atm-hr) and 23,038 (kg polymer/mol TMC*hr) . Polymer characteristics include a GPC/DRI PE molecular weight of 123,000 daltons, a molecular weight distribution of 2.6, 3.2 mole percent incorporated 1-decene giving a catalyst reactivity ratio of 18.7 ethylene to 1- decene, a polymer density of 0.914 g/ml, a melting point of 118°C and a T g of -100°C(T α ) and -70°C(T j g) . TABLE 2 Resulting polymer characteristics are given in Table including weight average molecular weight, molecular weig distribution, comonomer concentration, polymer densit melting point and glass transition temperatures (both T α a Tβ). TABLE 3 a First figure from GPC _>ffβrβπt__l Refractive Index (DRI) with polyethylene standard; second figure from GPC-viscometer. The gel permeation chromatography (GPC) data for the present copolymer is very unusual in that the Mw as determined by GPC with differential refractive index (DRI) measurement yielded artificially low results as compared to the more accurate (but more difficult) viscosity (VIS) measurements. This is apparently due to the length of the comonomer side chain distributed throughout the polymer backbone. A comparison of calibration curves for converting GPC/DRI data to GPC/VIS developed from the examples is illustrated in Figs. 10 and 11 for dodecene, tetradecene and octadecene copolymers. Standard calibration curves included in Figs. 10 and 11 for polyethylene, ethylene-propylen copolymer, and ethylene-butene and -hexene copolymers, sho the comparatively dramatic differences in the GP calibration curves for the present copolymers. The melting point data for some of the examples are surprising, particularly those with relatively hig comonomer content. In Examples 10, 13, 14, 18 and 21, note the melting points reflect the crystallinity of the side chains, to the exclusion of the backbone or main chain. Where the side chains introduced by the α-olefin comonomer are frequent enough, usually above about 10 mole percent (or less as the length of the comonomer increases) , crystallization of the side chains is evidenced in the lower and/or dual melting points. The stress-strain properties of the copolymers as reported in Table 3 show that the copolymers are extremely soft and tough materials. The modulus of elasticity can vary from extremely low (note Examples 8 and 20) to moderate, and appears to correlate with both comonomer length and content. The strain to break is very unusual in that it is remarkably high. The strain to break of Examples 17 and 20, in excess of 800 %, is exceptional. The unusual characteristics of the present copolymers are also seen in the storage modulus (G'), loss modulus (G") and tan δ data developed for Examples 5, 9 and 14 presented below in Table 4. The copolymers in general show that they are very lossy, capable of dissipating substantial energy. This property is very desirable in energy absorption and damping applications, for example, in shock absorbers, vibration dampening, etc. Also, the materials show themselves to have good debonding characteristics (G") at high and low frequencies, e.g. they are lossy and compliant, and yet have excellent bonding characteristics (G 1 ) at low frequency, for good adhesion performance. See also Fig. 8 which compares tan δ of the present copolymers against ethylene-butene copolymers at varying comonomer contents. TABLE 4 CONT'D a-taπ(delta) Rheological testing was undertaken for several of th copolymer examples. A relationship of the shear thinnin property of the present invention copolymers agains comonomer chain length and temperature can be seen in Figs 3-7. Shear thinning, as represented by the reduction o viscosity (η) and stress (σ) at increasing frequency, i more pronounced for copolymers with shorter comonome branches (C t2 versus C 18 and at a lower temperature) . Compare particularly Fig. 4 and Fig. 6. ADHESIVE FORMULATIONS Measurements of viscoelastic properties were performed using a PHEOMETRICS SYSTEM IV rheometer or a POLYMER LABORATORIES DMTA rheometer. Isothermal measurements were performed on the SYSTEM IV rheometer over a wide range of temperatures. Isochronal experiments were conducted at a frequency of 10 rad/s and 1 Hz on the SYSTEM IV and the DMTA rheometer, respectively. Adhesive tests were performed on adhesive compositions dissolved in toluene and then knife-coated to a thickness of about 1.5 mil on a MYLAR substrate. Unless otherwise mentioned, the substrate for the adhesive test was either aluminum, polyethylene or polypropylene. To prepare a test sample, the adhesive composition was dissolved in toluene and poured inside a hollow-glass cylinder over a piece of stretched cellophane. Films were formed by evaporating the solvent at room temperature. Further drying was conducted in a vacuum oven at 50°C or at room temperature. The storage modulus (G ~ ) is determined according to a Polymer Laboratories, Inc. dynamic mechanical thermal analyzer (DMTA) procedures at ambient temperature. The PSA is cast in a Teflon-coated mold, and 12 mm diameter disks are die cut for DMTA testing. G ~ is understood in the art to be a measurement of the elastic or storage modulus (stress/strain) measured in phase with sinusoidal shear displacement of the material. For T-peel testing, the molten adhesive was poured onto a silicone coated release paper and smoothed to a thickness of about 6 mils by drawing a heated bar across the adhesive layer. The adhesive film, after cooling was peeled from the release paper and bonded between 2 pieces of 5 mil thick aluminum sheets under the bonding conditions of 150°c/40 psi/10 seconds. T-peel strength is defined as the average load per unit width of bondline required to produce progressive separation of 2 bonded adherends. The separation speed was 2 inches/minute. The shear adhesion failure temperature (SAFT) was measured as the failure temperature of a tape, coated with a 1.5 mil thickness of the adhesive specimen and adhered on a 1" x 1" overlap onto a steel substrate, under a 500 g vertical load. This test was conducted in an oven by increasing the oven temperature at the rate of 40°F per hour. EXAMPLES 22-23 Adhesive formulations were prepared by solvent blending in toluene the Example 3 (ethylene-C 10 ) or Example 17 (ethylene-C 16 ) polymer with ESC-5380 tackifier having a hydrogenated cyclic composition (T g = 36°C, M„ = 590 and M j /M,, = 1.5). The formulation was a 60:40 polymer:tackifier weight ratio and either BHT or IRGANOX 1010 was added as a stabilizer (1 wt % based on total adhesive weight) . Adhesive properties are summarized in Table 4. The SAFT is good but the T-Peel results are extraordinary especially for the PE substrate which failed prior to the adhesive bond. TABLE 5 substrate fa lure - 1" x 1" x 500g Differential scanning calorimetry analysis of th Example 23 adhesive (Fig. 1) gives a glass transitio temperature (T g ) of 38.4°C. When the ESC-5380 tackifier wa replaced in the adhesive blend with ESC-1310LC tackifie (aliphatic composition, T g = 40°C, „ = 1500 and M^/ ,, = 1.3 maintaining the 60:40 polymer:tackifier composition, the T was 43.8°C (Fig. 2) . Many modifications and variations besides th embodiments specifically mentioned may be made in th compositions and methods described herein withou substantially departing from the concept of the presen invention. Accordingly, it should be clearly understoo that the form of the invention described herein is exemplar only, and is not intended as a limitation of the scop thereof.

Claims: Claims : 1. A substantially compositionally uniform copolymer comprising ethylene and from about 1 to about 50 mol percent of an α-olefin comonomer of at least 10 carbo atoms substantially uniformly incorporated randomly i the copolymer, wherein the copolymer has a density fro about 0.85 to about 0.95 g/cm 3 , a weight averag molecular weight from about 30,000 to about 1,000,00 daltons, and a molecular weight distribution from abou 2 to about 4. 2. The copolymer of claim 1 having a compositio distribution breadth index of at least about 7 percent. 3. The copolymer of claim 1, wherein the α-olefi comonomer has from 12 to about 100 carbon atoms. 4. The copolymer of claim 1, wherein the α-olefi comonomer is straight-chained. 5. The copolymer of claim 1, wherein the α-olefi comonomer has from 12 to 30 carbon atoms. 6. The copolymer of claim 1, comprising from about 2 to about 30 mole percent of the α-olefin comonomer. 7. The copolymer of claim 1, comprising from about 4 to about 30 mole percent of the α-olefin. 8. An amorphous copolymer of claim 1, comprising at least about 12 mole percent of the α-olefin comonomer and having a density from about 0.85 to about 0.90 g/cm 3 . 9. A semicrystalline copolymer of claim 1, comprising up to about 12 mole percent of the α-olefin comonomer and having a density above about 0.88 g/cm 3 . 10. The copolymer of claim 1, wherein the molecular weight is from about 80,000 to about 500,000 daltons. 11. A film, comprising a semicrystalline copolymer of ethylene and from about 2 to about 12 mole percent of an α-olefin comonomer of at least 10 carbon atoms substantially uniformly incorporated randomly in the copolymer, wherein the copolymer has a density from about 0.88 to about 0.93 g/cm 3 , a weight average molecular weight from about 80,000 to about 500,000 daltons, and a molecular weight distribution from abo 2 to about 4. 12. An adhesive, comprising the copolymer of claim blended with a tackifier. 13. A method for preparing a substantially compositionall uniform copolymer of ethylene and an α-olefin comonome having at least 10 carbon atoms, comprising contactin a mixture of ethylene and the comonomer with a catalys at polymerization conditions wherein th ethylene:comonomer reactivity ratio is less than abou 50. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the reactivity ratio i less than about 30. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the reactivity ratio i from about 3 to about 20. 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the reactivity ratio i from about 5 to about 15. 17. A method for preparing the copolymer of claim 1, comprising: charging a reactor with ethylene and the α-olefin at reaction conditions in the presence of a catalyst system including an activated metallocene catalyst component of the formula: or wherein M is Zr, Hf or Ti in its highest forma oxidation state: (C 5 H 5 . y . x R x ) is a cyclopentadienyl ring which i substituted with from zero to fiv substituent groups R, "x" is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 o 5 denoting the degree of substitution, an each substituent group R is, independently, radical selected from a group consisting o 0,-0 20 hydrocarbyl radicals; substituted 0,-0 2 hydrocarbyl radicals wherein one or mor hydrogen atoms is replaced by a haloge radical, an amido radical, a phosphid radical, an alkoxy radical, an alkylborido radical or a radical containing a Lewis acidic or basic functionality; 0,-0 20 hydrocarbyl-substituted metalloid radicals wherein the metalloid is selected from the Group IV A of the Periodic Table of Elements; and halogen radicals, amido radicals, phosphido radicals, alkoxy radicals, alkylborido radicals, or a radical containing Lewis acidic or basic functionality; or (C 5 H 5 . y . x R x ) is a cyclopentadienyl ring in which two adjacent R-groups are joined forming C 4 -C 20 ring to give a saturated or unsaturated polycyclic cyclopentadienyl ligand; (JR'-.^. y ) is a heteroatom ligand in which J is an element with a coordination number of three from Group V A or an element with a coordination number of two from Group VI A of the Periodic Table of Elements, each R' is, independently a radical selected from a group consisting of 0,-0 30 hydrocarbyl radicals, substituted C,-C 20 hydrocarbyl radicals wherein one or more hydrogen atoms is replaced by a halogen radical, an amido radical, an alkylborido radical, a phosphido radical, an alkoxy radical, or a radical containing a Lewis acidic or basic functionality; and "z" is the coordination number of the element J; each Q is, independently, any univalent anionic ligand, provided that where Q is a hydrocarbyl such Q is different than the (CgHs- y - x R-.) or both Q together are an alkylidene, a cyclometallated hydrocarbyl or a divalent anionic chelating ligand; "y" is 0 or 1 when "w" is greater than 0; "y" is 1 when "w" is 0; when "y" is 1, T is a covalent bridging group containing a Group IV A or V A element; L is a neutral Lewis base where "w" denotes a number from 0 to 3. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the catalyst system includes an alumoxane component as the metallocene activator. 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the metallocene catalyst component contains at least one substituent- capable of reacting with a proton and the catalyst system comprises the metallocene catalyst component activated by combination with a cation capable of donating a proton and a bulky non-coordinating anion capable of stabilizing the metal cation formed as a result of reaction between the proton provided by the cation and said substituent of the metallocene. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein M is Ti in its highest formal oxidation state. 21. The method of claim 17, wherein the heteroatom ligand group J element is nitrogen, phosphorous, oxygen or sulfur. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein Q is a halogen or hydrocarbyl radical. 23. The method of claim 21, wherein the heteroatom ligand group J element is nitrogen. 24. The method of claim 21, wherein R is a C,-C 2 o hydrocarbyl radical and "x" is 4. 25. The method of claim 21, wherein R 1 is an aliphatic hydrocarbyl radical having either a primary or secondary carbon atom bonded directly to the J elemen or an alicyclic hydrocarbyl radical having a secondar carbon atom bonded directly to the J element. 26. The method of claim 21, wherein the mole ratio of A1: is from 0.5:1 to 5000:1. 27. The method of claim 21, wherein Q is independentl halogen, hydride, or a substituted or unsubstituted C, C 20 hydrocarbyl, alkoxide, aryloxide, amide, arylamide, phosphide or aryl phosphide, provided that where any is a hydrocarbyl such Q is different from (C ζ E^.^) o both together are an alkylidene or a cyclometallate hydrocarbyl. 28. The method of claim 18, wherein said alumoxane compoun is methylalumoxane. 29. The method of claim 21, wherein the catalyst syste includes an alumoxane and the Group IV B transition metal component has the formula: wherein M is Zr, Hf or Ti in its highest formal oxidation state; R is a substituent group with "x" denoting the degree of substitution (x = 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4) and each R is, independently, a radical selected from a group consisting of C,-C 20 hydrocarbyl radicals, substituted 0,-0 20 hydrocarbyl radicals wherein one or more hydrogen atoms is replaced by a halogen radical, an amido radical, a phosphido radical, an alkoxy radical or any other radical containing a Lewis acidic or basic functionality, C,-C 20 hydrocarbyl-substituted metalloid radicals wherein the metalloid selected from the Group IV A of the Period Table of Elements and halogen radicals, ami radicals, phosphido radicals, alkox radicals, alkylborido radicals or a radica containing Lewis acidic or basi functionality, or at least two adjacent R groups are joined forming C 4 -C 20 ring to giv a saturated or unsaturated polycycli cyclopentadienyl ligand; (JR' Z _ 2 ) is a heteroatom ligand in which J is a element with a coordination number of thre from Group V A or an element with coordination number of two from Group IV A o the Periodic Table of Elements, and each R 1 is, independently a radical selected from group consisting of 0,-0 20 hydrocarby radicals, substituted C,-C 0 hydrocarby radicals where one or more hydrogen atom i replaced by a halogen radical, an amido radical, a phosphido radical, and alkoxy radical or a radical containing a Lewis acidic or basic functionality, and "z" is the coordination number of the element J; each Q is, independently, any univalent anionic ligand, such as a halide, hydride, or a substituted or unsubstituted 0,-0 20 hydrocarbyl, alkoxide, aryloxide, amide, arylamide, phosphide or arylphosphide, or both Q together are an alkylidene, or a cyclometallated hydrocarbyl or any divalent anionic chelating ligand; T is a covalent bridging group containing a Group VI A or V A element; L is a neutral Lewis base where "w" denotes a number from 0 to 3. 30. The method of claim 21, wherein the catalyst system includes an alumoxane and the Group IV B transition metal component has the formula wherein R 1 and R 2 are, independently, C, to C 20 hydrocarbyl radicals, substituted C, to C 20 hydrocarbyl radicals wherein one or more hydrogen atoms is replaced by a halogen atom; R, and R 2 may also be joined forming a C 3 to C 20 ring. 31. The method of claims 29 or 30, wherein J is nitrogen. 32. The method of claim 31 wherein R is a C, to C 20 hydrocarbyl radical, "x" is 4 and R 1 is an aliphatic hydrocarbyl radical having either a primary or secondary carbon atom bonded directly to the J element or an alicyclic hydrocarbyl radical having a secondary carbon atom bonded directly to the J element. 33. The method of claims 29 or 30, wherein M is titanium. 34. The method of claims 29 or 30, wherein M is hafnium or zirconium. 35. The method of claim 29, wherein T is silicon, J is nitrogen and when R is an alkyl radical, R 1 is a cyclohydrocarbyl, and when "x" is 4 and the R substituents form a polycyclic ring system, R 1 is an alkyl or cyclohydrocarbyl radical. 36. The method of claim 30, wherein M is titanium, J is nitrogen and R 1 is cyclohydrocarbyl. 37. the method of claim 36, wherein R' has from 10 to 16 carbon atoms. 38. The method of claim 36, wherein R' is cyclododecyl. 39. The method of claim 18, 29 or 30, wherein the Al to transition metal molar ratio is 2000:1 or less. 40. The method of claim 17, wherein the comonomer has from 12 to 30 carbon atoms. 41. The method of claim 17, wherein the comonomer is straight-chained.

Inventors: BRANT PATRICK, CANICH JO ANN MARIE, BRANT, PATRICK, CANICH, JO, ANN, MARIE
Applicants: EXXON CHEMICAL PATENTS INC, EXXON CHEMICAL PATENTS INC.
Application year: 1992
Main classification: C08F4
IPC codes: C08F4, C08F210