US Patent 7638597 Removal of metal contaminants from polyethylene

A process to remove metal contaminants from a hydrocarbon solution of polyethylene is disclosed. The process comprises adding a primary alcohol and a β-diketone to a solution of polyethylene at a temperature within the range of 120° C. to 300° C. and contacting the solution with basic alumina. The process removes metal contaminants and minimizes degradation and condensation products, which can have a detrimental effect on polyethylene properties. The process provides polyethylene with low metal residues and good properties.