Ziegler–Natta catalyst

The Ziegler–Natta catalyst is a chemical catalyst used to produce polymers, particularly polyethylene and polypropylene, from simple molecules like ethylene and propylene. Developed in the 1950s by chemists Karl Ziegler and Giulio Natta, this catalyst system enables the creation of plastics with specific properties by controlling the polymerization process. Its ability to produce high-density and low-density materials has significantly advanced the field of plastics, leading to a wide range of applications in everyday products, from containers to automotive parts. This innovation has had a lasting impact on the chemical industry and materials science.