BR112019003362B1 - ETHYLENE/C3-C6 ALPHA-OLEFIN INTERPOLYMER COMPOSITION AND ETHYLENE/C3-C6 ALPHA-OLFIN INTERPOLYMER ARTICLE - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided a composition comprising an ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer, and wherein the interpolymer comprises the following properties: a) an HCC value that meets the following equation: HCC (% by weight) -648.6 [(% by weight)(cc)/(g)] x (density) + 569.4(% by weight); b) an aged fluidity 130 g/s.

Description

FUNDAMENTALS

[001] Low molecular weight ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymers often exhibit viscosity during the flow of pellets formed from these interpolymers. There is a need for ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymers which have reduced blocking (adhesion) characteristics and which can be used in adhesive formulations. These needs have been met by the following invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[002] A composition is provided comprising an ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer, and wherein the interpolymer comprises the following properties: a) an HCC value that meets the following equation: HCC (% by weight) > -648.6 [(% by weight)(cm3)/(g)] x (density) + 569.4(% by weight); b) an aged fluidity > 130 g/s.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[003] Figure 1 represents a graph "HCC versus density" for various ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymers of the invention. Figure 2 represents an "HCC versus density" graph for various ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymers of the invention. Figure 3 represents the test funnel for studying the flowability of pellets.

[004] Figure 4 is an example chromatogram for determining an HCC value for a comparative copolymer. Figure 5 represents the extrapolation of the elution temperature for the TGIC temperature calibration. Figure 6 shows HT-TGIC chromatograms for polymers EH-2 and EH-7 (HCC Method #2).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[005] As discussed above, there is provided a composition comprising an ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer, and wherein the interpolymer comprises the following properties: c) an HCC value that meets the following equation: HCC (% by weight) > -648.6 [(% by weight)(cm3)/(g)] x (density) + 569.4(% by weight); d) an aged fluidity > 130 g/s.

[006] A provided polymer composition may comprise a combination of two or more embodiments as described herein.

[007] In one embodiment, the composition is in pellet form.

[008] In one embodiment, HCC Method 2 is used for HCC value determination.

[009] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer has an HCC value that satisfies the following equation: HCC (% by weight) > -648.6 [(% by weight)(cm3)/( g)] x (density) + 570.9(% by weight). In another embodiment, the alpha-olefin is a C3 or C6 alpha-olefin. In one embodiment, HCC Method 2 is used for determining the HCC value.

[0010] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer further comprises an HCC value that satisfies the following equation: HCC (% by weight) < -463.4 [(% by weight)(cm3)/ (g)] x (density) + 413.8(% by weight). In another embodiment, the alpha-olefin is a C3 or C6 alpha-olefin. In one embodiment, HCC Method 2 is used for determining the HCC value.

[0011] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer has an HCC value > 0% by weight, or > 1.0% by weight, or > 4.0% by weight, or > 4, 2% by weight or > 4.5% by weight or > 5.0% by weight, or > 5.5% by weight, or > 6.0% by weight. In another embodiment, the alpha-olefin is a C3 or C6 alpha-olefin. In one embodiment, HCC Method 2 is used for determining the HCC value.

[0012] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer has an HCC value < 12.0% by weight, or < 11.5% by weight, or < 11.0% by weight, or < 10.5% by weight, or < 10.0% by weight, or < 9.5% by weight, or 9.0% by weight. In another embodiment, the alpha-olefin is a C3 or C6 alpha-olefin. In one embodiment, HCC Method 2 is used for determining the HCC value.

[0013] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6alpha-olefin interpolymer has an HCC value >4.0% by weight, or >4.2% by weight, or >4.5% by weight, or >5.0 % by weight, or > 5.5% by weight, or > 6.0% by weight. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C6 alpha-olefin copolymer. In one embodiment, HCC Method 2 is used for determining the HCC value. In one embodiment, the ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer has an HCC value < 11.0% by weight, or < 10.5% by weight, or < 10.0% by weight, or < 9.5% by weight or 9.0% by weight. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C6 alpha-olefin copolymer. In one embodiment, HCC Method 2 is used for determining the HCC value.

[0014] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer has an HCC value >0% by weight, or >0.5% by weight, or >1.0% by weight. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C3 alpha-olefin interpolymer, or copolymer. In one embodiment, HCC Method 2 is used for determining the HCC value. In one embodiment, the ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer has an HCC value <5.0% by weight, or <4.5% by weight, or <4.0% by weight, or <3.5% by weight , or <3.0% by weight. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C3 alpha-olefin interpolymer, or copolymer. In one embodiment, HCC Method 2 is used for determining the HCC value.

[0015] The HCC value (or “High Comonomer Content”) is a compositional characteristic of the polymer formed during polymerization and is not a residual impurity. The HCC value indicates the amount of a low density, low molecular weight oligomeric fraction in the polymer sample. The HCC value does not represent an average comonomer content in the entire polymer sample. See the test methods below to determine the HCC value. The entire polymer sample, not solvent-extracted portions, is analyzed for HCC value. Chromatography test methods are used to measure the comonomer distribution in the polymer sample, and are not used to measure impurities in the polymer sample. The "comonomer distribution" is a microstructure parameter of the polymer, not an impurity. In one embodiment, HCC Method 2 is used for determining the HCC value.

[0016] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer has an aged flowability > 135.0 g/s, or > 140.0 g/s, or > 145.0 g/s, or > 150, 0 g/s, or > 155.0 g/s. In another embodiment, the alpha-olefin is a C3 or C6 alpha-olefin. Aged fluidity is determined by the method described here. In one embodiment, the composition is in pellet form.

[0017] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer has an aged flowability < 400.0 g/s, or < 350.0 g/s, or < 300.0 g/s. In another embodiment, the alpha-olefin is a C3 or C6 alpha-olefin. Aged fluidity is determined by the method described here. In one embodiment, the composition is in pellet form.

[0018] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer has an aged flowability of >135.0 g/s, or >140.0 g/s, or >145.0 g/s. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C6 alpha-olefin copolymer. In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6alpha-olefin interpolymer has an aged flowability of < 500.0 g/sec, or < 400.0 g/sec, or < 300.0 g/sec. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C6 alpha-olefin copolymer. Aged fluidity is determined by the method described here. In one embodiment, the composition is in pellet form.

[0019] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer has an aged fluidity > 140.0 g/s, or > 150.0 g/s, or > 160.0 g/s. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C3 alpha-olefin interpolymer, or copolymer. In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer has an aged flowability of < 450.0 g/sec, or < 400.0 g/sec, or < 350.0 g/sec. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C3 alpha-olefin interpolymer, or copolymer. Aged fluidity is determined by the method described here. In one embodiment, the composition is in pellet form.

[0020] In one embodiment, the C3-C6 ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer has a melt viscosity of < 50,000 cP, or < 45,000 cP, or < 40,000 cP, or < 35,000 cP, or < 30,000 cP, or < 25,000 cP, or < 20,000 cP, at 350°F (177°C). In another embodiment, the alpha-olefin is a C3 or C6 alpha-olefin. In another embodiment, the alpha-olefin is a C3 or C6 alpha-olefin. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C6 alpha-olefin copolymer. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C3 alpha-olefin interpolymer, or copolymer.

[0021] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer has a melt viscosity of >2000 cP, or >2500 cP, or >3000 cP, or >3500 cP, or >4000 cP, or >4500 cP , or > 5,000 cP, or > 5,500 cP, or > 6,000 cP at 350°F (177°C). In another embodiment, the alpha-olefin is a C3 or C6 alpha-olefin. In another embodiment, the alpha-olefin is a C3 or C6 alpha-olefin. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C6 alpha-olefin copolymer. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C3 alpha-olefin interpolymer, or copolymer.

[0022] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer has a melt viscosity of 2,000 cP to 50,000 cP, or 2,500 cP to 45,000, or 3,000 cP to 40,000, or 3,500 cP to 35,000, or from 4,000 cP to 30,000, or from 4,500 cP to 25,000, or from 5,000 cP to 20,000 at 350°F (177°C). In another embodiment, the alpha-olefin is a C3 or C6 alpha-olefin. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C6 alpha-olefin copolymer. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C3 alpha-olefin interpolymer, or copolymer.

[0023] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer has a density > 0.855 g/cm3, or > 0.860 g/cm3, or > 0.865 g/cm3, or > 0.870 g/cm3 (1 cc = 1 cm3). In another embodiment, the alpha-olefin is a C3 or C6 alpha-olefin.

[0024] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer has a density <0.910 g/cm3 or <0.905 or <0.900 g/cm3 or <0.895 g/cm3. In another embodiment, the alpha-olefin is a C3 or C6 alpha-olefin.

[0025] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer has a density of from 0.855 to 0.900 g/cm3, or from 0.860 to 0.895 g/cm3, or from 0.865 to 0.890 g/cm3, or from 0.870 to 0.885 g/cm3. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C6 alpha-olefin copolymer.

[0026] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer has a density of from 0.875 to 0.910 g/cm3, or from 0.880 to 0.905 g/cm3, or from 0.885 to 0.900 g/cm3, or from 0.890 to 0.895 g/cm3. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C3 alpha-olefin interpolymer, or copolymer.

[0027] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer has a higher peak melting temperature of <85.0°C, or <82.0°C, or <80.0°C. In another embodiment, the alpha-olefin is a C3 or C6 alpha-olefin. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C6 alpha-olefin copolymer. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C3 alpha-olefin interpolymer, or copolymer.

[0028] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer has a higher peak melting temperature >60.0°C, or >62.0°C, or >64.0°C. In another embodiment, the alpha-olefin is a C3 or C6 alpha-olefin. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C6 alpha-olefin copolymer. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C3 alpha-olefin interpolymer, or copolymer.

[0029] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer has a higher peak melting temperature <80.0°C, or <78.0°C, or <76.0°C. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C6 alpha-olefin copolymer. In one embodiment, the ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer has a higher peak melting temperature of >60.0°C, or >62.0°C, or >64.0°C. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C6 alpha-olefin copolymer.

[0030] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer has a higher melting temperature of <84.0°C, or <82.0°C, or <80.0°C. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C3 alpha-olefin interpolymer. In one embodiment, the ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer has a higher melting temperature of >72.0°C, or >74.0°C, or >76.0°C. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C3 alpha-olefin interpolymer, or copolymer.

[0031] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer has a higher crystallization temperature (Tc) <72.0°C, or <70.0°C, or <68.0°C. In another embodiment, the alpha-olefin is a C3 or C6 alpha-olefin. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C6 alpha-olefin copolymer. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C3 alpha-olefin interpolymer, or copolymer.

[0032] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer has a crystallization temperature (Tc) >48.0°C, or >50.0°C, or >52.0°C. In another embodiment, the alpha-olefin is a C3 or C6 alpha-olefin. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C6 alpha-olefin copolymer. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C3 alpha-olefin interpolymer, or copolymer.

[0033] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer has a higher crystallization temperature (Tc) <70.0°C, or <68.0°C, or <66.0°C. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C6 alpha-olefin copolymer. In one embodiment, the ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer has a crystallization temperature (Tc) >48.0°C, or >50.0°C, or >52.0°C. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C6 alpha-olefin copolymer.

[0034] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer has a higher crystallization temperature (Tc) <72.0°C, or <70.0°C, or <68.0°C. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C3 alpha-olefin interpolymer, or copolymer. In one embodiment, the ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer has a crystallization temperature (Tc) >58.0°C, or >60.0°C, or >62.0°C. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C3 alpha-olefin interpolymer, or copolymer.

[0035] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer has a Tm and Tc that satisfy the following relationship: (Tm - Tc) is from 5°C to 25°C, further from 8°C to 20° C, still 10°C to 15°C. In another embodiment, the alpha-olefin is a C3 or C6 alpha-olefin. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C6 alpha-olefin copolymer.

[0036] In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C3 alpha-olefin interpolymer, or copolymer.

[0037] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer has a percentage crystallinity < 50 percent, or < 45 percent, or < 40 percent, or < 35 percent, or < 30 percent, as determined by DSC. In another embodiment, the alpha-olefin is a C3 or C6 alpha-olefin. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C6 alpha-olefin copolymer. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C3 alpha-olefin interpolymer, or copolymer.

[0038] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer has a percentage crystallinity > 8 percent, or > 10 percent, or > 12 percent, or > 15 percent, or > 17 percent, as determined by DSC. In another embodiment, the alpha-olefin is a C3 or C6 alpha-olefin. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C6 alpha-olefin copolymer. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C3 alpha-olefin interpolymer, or copolymer.

[0039] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer has a percentage crystallinity < 35 percent, or < 30 percent, or < 25 percent. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C6 alpha-olefin copolymer. In one embodiment, the ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer has a percent crystallinity > 12 percent, or > 14 percent, or > 16 percent. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C6 alpha-olefin copolymer.

[0040] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer has a percentage crystallinity of < 40 percent, or < 35 percent, or < 30 percent. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C3 alpha-olefin interpolymer. In one embodiment, the ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer has a percent crystallinity > 20 percent, or > 22 percent, or > 24 percent. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C3 alpha-olefin interpolymer, or copolymer.

[0041] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer has a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) > 1.8, or > 2.0, or > 2.1, or > 2.2. In another embodiment, the alpha-olefin is a C3 or C6 alpha-olefin. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C6 alpha-olefin copolymer. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C3 alpha-olefin interpolymer, or copolymer.

[0042] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer has a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) < 3.5 or < 3.2, or < 3.0, or < 2.9, or < 2.8, or < 2.7 or < 2.6. In another embodiment, the alpha-olefin is a C3 or C6 alpha-olefin. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C6 alpha-olefin copolymer. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C3 alpha-olefin interpolymer, or copolymer.

[0043] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer has a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) >2.0, or >2.1, or >2.2. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C6 alpha-olefin copolymer. In one embodiment, the ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer has a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) of 3.0, or < 2.8, or < 2.6. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C6 alpha-olefin copolymer.

[0044] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer has a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) >2.0, or >2.1, or >2.2. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C3 alpha-olefin interpolymer, or copolymer. In one embodiment, the ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer has a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) < 3.0 or < 2.8 or < 2.5. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C3 alpha-olefin interpolymer, or copolymer.

[0045] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer has an average molecular weight (Mw) < 40,000 g/mol, or < 35,000 g/mol, or < 30,000 g/mol, or < 25,000 g/mol . In another embodiment, the alpha-olefin is a C3 or C6 alpha-olefin. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C6 alpha-olefin copolymer. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C3 alpha-olefin interpolymer, or copolymer.

[0046] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer has a weight average molecular weight (Mw) > 10,000 g/mol or > 12,000 g/mol, or > 15,000 g/mol. In another embodiment, the alpha-olefin is a C3 or C6 alpha-olefin. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C6 alpha-olefin copolymer. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C3 alpha-olefin interpolymer, or copolymer.

[0047] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer has a number average molecular weight (Mn) < 20,000 g/mol, or < 18,000 g/mol, or < 16,000 g/mol, or < 14,000 g/mol mol, or < 12,000 g/mol, or < 10,000 g/mol. In another embodiment, the alpha-olefin is a C3 or C6 alpha-olefin. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C6 alpha-olefin copolymer. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C3 alpha-olefin interpolymer, or copolymer.

[0048] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer has a number average molecular weight (Mn) > 4,500 g/mol, or > 5,000 g/mol, or > 5,500 g/mol, or > 6,000 g/ mol, or > 6500 g/mol, or > 7000 g/mol. In another embodiment, the alpha-olefin is a C3 or C6 alpha-olefin. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C6 alpha-olefin copolymer. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C3 alpha-olefin interpolymer, or copolymer.

[0049] Regarding the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer, the preferred α-olefins include propylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene and 1-hexene, and further propylene, 1-butene and 1-hexene, and further propylene and hexene.

[0050] In one embodiment, the alpha-olefin is a C6 alpha-olefin or a C3 alpha-olefin.

[0051] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer comprises, in polymerized form, from 12 to 40% by weight, or from 14 to 38% by weight, or from 16 to 36% by weight, or from 18 to 34% by weight of the C3-C6 alpha-olefin, based on the weight of the interpolymer. In another embodiment, the alpha-olefin is a C3 or C6 alpha-olefin. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C6 alpha-olefin copolymer. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C3 alpha-olefin interpolymer, or copolymer.

[0052] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 α-olefin interpolymer is an ethylene/C3-C6 α-olefin copolymer. Preferred α-olefins are described above.

[0053] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer has a melt index (I2 or MI), or calculated melt index (I2 or MI), greater than or equal to 400 g/10 min, even greater than or equal to 600 g/10 min, and even greater than or equal to 800 g/10 min. In a further embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer is an ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin copolymer. Preferred α-olefins are described above. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C6 alpha-olefin copolymer. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C3 alpha-olefin interpolymer, or copolymer.

[0054] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer has a melt index (I2 or MI), or calculated melt index (I2 or MI) less than or equal to 2,000 g/10 min, even less or equal to 1,500 g/10 min and even less than or equal to 1,200 g/10 min. In a further embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer is an ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin copolymer. Preferred α-olefins are described above. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C6 alpha-olefin copolymer. In another embodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/C3 alpha-olefin interpolymer, or copolymer.

[0055] In one embodiment, the composition further comprises at least one tackifier and at least one oil.

[0056] In one embodiment, the composition comprises from 10 to 50% by weight, or from 15 to 45% by weight, or from 20 to 40% by weight of a tackifier, based on the weight of the composition.

[0057] In one embodiment, the composition comprises from 10 to 45% by weight, or from 15 to 40% by weight, or from 20 to 30% by weight of an oil, based on the weight of the composition.

[0058] The ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer may comprise a combination of two or more embodiments as described herein. The ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin copolymer can comprise a combination of two or more embodiments, as described herein. A composition may comprise a combination of two or more embodiments described herein.

[0059] Also provided is an article comprising at least one component formed from an inventive composition.

[0060] In one embodiment, the article further comprises a substrate. In another embodiment, the substrate is selected from the group consisting of the following: coated substrates, substrates made from a recycled paper, and combinations thereof. An article may comprise a combination of two or more embodiments as described herein.

[0061] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer is polymerized in at least one reactor is selected from the following: a recirculated loop reactor, a continuous stirred tank reactor, a plug flow reactor, or a combination thereof.

[0062] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer is polymerized in the presence of a catalyst, which is selected from a metal complex (eg, hafnium, zirconium, or titanium) of a polyvalent aryloxyether.

Ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymers

[0063] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 α-olefin interpolymer is a homogeneously branched linear interpolymer and further copolymer, or a substantially linear branched homogeneous interpolymer and further copolymer.

[0064] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 α-olefin interpolymer is a homogeneously branched linear interpolymer, and further a copolymer.

[0065] In one embodiment, the ethylene/C3-C6 α-olefin interpolymer is a substantially linear branched homogeneous interpolymer, and further a copolymer.

[0066] The terms "homogeneous" and "homogeneously branched" are used in reference to an ethylene/α-olefin interpolymer, in which the α-olefin comonomer is randomly distributed within a given polymer molecule, and all molecules of polymer have the same ratio or substantially the same ratio of comonomer or ethylene.

[0067] Linear homogeneously branched ethylene interpolymers are ethylene polymers which lack long-chain branching but have short-chain branches derived from the polymerized comonomer in the interpolymer and which are homogeneously distributed both within the same polymer chain and between different polymer chains. These ethylene/α-olefin interpolymers have a linear polymer backbone, no measurable long-chain branching, and a narrow molecular weight distribution. This class of polymers is disclosed, for example, by Elston in US patent 3,645,992, and subsequent processes for producing such polymers, using bismetalocene catalysts, have been developed, as shown, for example, in EP 0 129 368; EP 0 260 999; US Patent 4,701,432; US Patent 4,937,301; US Patent 4,935,397; US Patent 5,055,438; and WO 90/07526; each incorporated herein by reference. As discussed, homogeneously branched linear ethylene interpolymers lack long chain branching, as is the case for linear low density polyethylene polymers or linear high density polyethylene polymers. Commercial examples of homogeneously branched linear ethylene/α-olefin interpolymers include TAFMER polymers from Mitsui Chemical Company, and EXACT and EXCEED polymers from ExxonMobil Chemical Company.

[0068] Substantially homogeneous branched ethylene/α-olefin interpolymers are described in US Patent 5,272,236; 5,278,272; 6,054,544; 6,335,410 and 6,723,810; each incorporated herein by reference. Substantially linear ethylene/α-olefin interpolymers have long chain branching. The long-chain branches have the same comonomer distribution as the polymer backbone and can be approximately the same length as the polymer backbone length. "Substantially linear" typically is, in reference to a polymer that is replaced, on average, by "0.01 long chain branch per 1000 total carbons" to "3 long chain branches per 1000 total carbons." The length of a long chain branch is longer than the carbon length of a branch chain formed by incorporating a comonomer into the polymer backbone.

[0069] Some polymers can be replaced by "0.01 long chain branch per 1000 total carbons to 3 long chain branch per 1000 total carbons", even from "0.01 long chain branch per 1000 total carbons to 2 branch long chain branch per 1000 total carbons" and further from "0.01 long chain branch per 1000 total carbons to 1 long chain branch per 1000 total carbons".

[0070] Substantially linear homogeneously branched ethylene/α-olefin interpolymers form a unique class of homogeneously branched ethylene polymers. They differ substantially from the well-known class of conventional homogeneously branched linear ethylene/α-olefin interpolymers, as discussed above, and furthermore, they are not in the same class as "Ziegler-Natta catalyst polymerized" linear ethylene polymers ( for example, ultra low density polyethylene (ULDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) or high density polyethylene (HDPE) made, for example, using the technique disclosed by Anderson et al. in US Patent 4,076,698.); nor are they in the same class as highly branched high pressure free radical initiated polyethylenes, such as, for example, low density polyethylene (LDPE), ethylene acrylic acid (EAA) copolymers and ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers ( EVE).

[0071] The substantially linear, homogeneously branched ethylene/α-olefin interpolymers useful herein have excellent processability even though they have a relatively narrow molecular weight distribution. Surprisingly, the melt flow ratio (I10/I2), according to ASTM D 1238, of substantially linear ethylene interpolymers can be varied widely and essentially independently of the molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn or MWD). This surprising behavior is contrary to conventional homogeneously branched ethylene interpolymers, such as those described, for example, by Elston in US 3,645,992, and conventional, heterogeneously branched "Zigler-Natta polymerized" linear polyethylene interpolymers, such as those described , for example, by Anderson et al. in document US 4,076,698. Unlike substantially linear ethylene interpolymers, linear ethylene interpolymers (whether homogeneously or heterogeneously branched) have rheological properties such that, as the molecular weight distribution increases, the I10 /I2 value also increases.

[0072] Long-chain branching can be determined using 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and can be quantified using Randall's method (Rev. Macromol. Chem. Phys., C29 (2 & 3), 1989, pp. 285-297), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Two other methods are Gel Permeation Chromatography coupled with a Low Angle Laser Light Scattering detector (GPCLALLS) and Gel Permeation Chromatography coupled with a Differential Viscometer detector (GPC-DV). The use of these techniques for long-chain branching detection and underlying theories have been well documented in the literature. See, for example, Zimm, B.H. and Stockmayer, W.H., J. Chem. Phys., 17, 1301 (1949) and Rudin, A., Modern Methods of Polymer Characterization, John Wiley & Sons, New York (1991), pgs. 103-112.

[0073] In contrast to "substantially linear ethylene polymer", "linear ethylene polymer" means that the polymer lacks measurable or demonstrable long-chain branching, that is, the polymer is replaced by an average of less than 0.01 long-chain branching per 1000 carbons.

[0074] The ethylene/C3-C6 α-olefin interpolymer may comprise a combination of two or more embodiments as described herein. The ethylene/C3-C6 α-olefin copolymer can comprise a combination of two or more embodiments, as described herein.

Additives and Applications

[0075] Typically, polymers and resins are treated with one or more stabilizers, for example antioxidants, such as IRGANOX 1010, IRGANOX 1076 and IRGAFOS 168, now supplied by BASF. Polymers are typically treated with one or more stabilizers prior to an extrusion or other melting process. Other polymeric additives include, but are not limited to, ultraviolet light absorbers, antistatic agents, pigments and dyes, nucleating agents, fillers, glidants, fire retardants, plasticizers, processing aids, lubricants, stabilizers, smoke inhibitors, agents viscosity control and anti-blocking agents. The inventive compositions can also contain one or more thermoplastic polymers.

[0076] The inventive compositions can also be used in a variety of applications including, but not limited to, adhesives, automotive applications, graphic arts, nonwovens, panel mounting, high performance tapes, hot melt contact adhesives , paperboard coatings, inks, personal care products and cosmetics, sealants, color concentrates and additives, carpet tape adhesives, wood adhesives and profile wrap adhesives.

[0077] The inventive compositions may further comprise a tackifier. Exemplary tackifiers include, but are not limited to, aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, and aromatic hydrocarbons, and modified hydrocarbons and hydrogenated versions; terpenes and modified terpenes and hydrogenated versions; and rosins and rosin derivatives and hydrogenated versions; and mixtures thereof. Suitable tackifiers include, but are not limited to, EASTOTAC H100 and EASTOTAC H115, each available from Eastman Chemical. In one embodiment, the composition comprises from 10 to 60 percent by weight, further from 20 to 50 percent by weight, and further from 30 to 40 percent by weight of the tackifier, based on the weight of the composition. In another embodiment, the tackifier is a hydrocarbon and furthermore a hydrogenated hydrocarbon.

[0078] The inventive compositions may further comprise a wax. Waxes include, but are not limited to, paraffin waxes, microcrystalline waxes, high density polyethylene waxes, low molecular weight polyethylene waxes, polypropylene waxes, thermally degraded waxes, byproduct polyethylene waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, Tropsch oxidized and functionalized waxes, such as hydroxy stearamide waxes and fatty amide waxes. It is common in the art to use the terminology "synthetic high melting point waxes" to include high density, low molecular weight polyethylene waxes, by-product polyethylene waxes, and Fischer-Tropsch waxes. Other waxes also include those described in US Patents 6,335,410; 6,054,544 and 6,723,810; all of which are incorporated herein by reference. Preferred waxes include, but are not limited to, SASOL waxes (eg, SASOLWAX H1 from Sasol Wax Company) and Fischer-Tropsch Waxes.

[0079] In one embodiment, the composition comprises from 10 to 60 percent by weight, further from 15 to 50 percent by weight, and further from 20 to 40 percent by weight, and further from 25 to 30 percent by weight of wax, based on the weight of the composition.

[0080] The inventive compositions may further comprise an oil. Oils are typically employed to reduce adhesive viscosity. When employed, an oil will typically be present in an amount of less than 50, preferably less than 40, and most preferably less than 35 percent by weight, based on the weight of the composition. An oil can have an amount greater than or equal to 2 percent by weight, even greater than or equal to 5 percent by weight, and even greater than or equal to 10 percent by weight, based on the weight of the composition. Examples of oil grades include, but are not limited to, white mineral oil (such as KAYDOL oil available from Witco), and SHELLFLEX 371 naphthenic oil (available from Shell Oil Company) and CALSOL 5550 (naphthenic oil from Calumet Lubricants).

[0081] DEFINITIONS

[0082] Unless otherwise stated, all test methods are current as of the filing date of this disclosure.

[0083] The term "composition," as used herein, refers to a mixture of materials comprising the composition, as well as reaction products and decomposition products formed from the materials of the composition.

[0084] The term "polymer", as used herein, refers to a polymeric compound prepared by polymerizing monomers, whether of the same type or a different type. The generic term polymer thus encompasses the term homopolymer (used to refer to polymers prepared from only one type of monomer, with the understanding that trace amounts of impurities may be incorporated into the polymer structure) and the term interpolymer as defined Next. Trace amounts of impurities, for example catalyst residues, may be incorporated into and/or within the polymer.

[0085] The term "interpolymer", as used herein, refers to polymers prepared by polymerizing at least two different types of monomers. The generic term interpolymer thus includes copolymers (used to refer to polymers prepared from two different types of monomers) and polymers prepared from more than two different types of monomers.

[0086] The term "olefin-based polymer", as used herein, refers to a polymer comprising, in polymerized form, 50% by weight or a major amount of olefin monomer, for example, ethylene or propylene (with based on polymer weight) and optionally may comprise one or more comonomers.

[0087] The term "propylene-based polymer", as used herein, refers to a polymer that comprises, in polymerized form, a major amount of propylene monomer (based on the weight of the polymer) and, optionally, can understand one or more comonomers.

[0088] The term "ethylene-based polymer", as used herein, refers to a polymer comprising, in polymerized form, > 50% by weight and preferably a major amount of ethylene monomer (based on weight of the polymer) and optionally may comprise one or more comonomers.

[0089] The term "ethylene/α-olefin interpolymer", as used herein, refers to an interpolymer comprising, in polymerized form, > 50% by weight and preferably a major amount of ethylene monomer (based on in the weight of the interpolymer) and at least one α-olefin.

[0090] The term "ethylene/α-olefin copolymer", as used herein, refers to a copolymer comprising, in polymerized form, > 50% by weight and preferably a major amount of ethylene monomer (with basis on copolymer weight) and an α-olefin as the only two types of monomer.

[0091] The term "pellet form" as used herein typically refers, in reference to a polymer, to small polymer particles formed from a pelletizing process. This term also includes polymer particles formed by compressing or adhering a polymer powder into granular pellets. In one embodiment, the polymer particles are formed from a pelletizing process.

[0092] The terms "comprising", "including", "having" and their derivatives, are not intended to exclude the presence of any additional component, step or procedure, whether or not the same is specifically disclosed. For the avoidance of doubt, all compositions claimed herein through the use of the term "comprising" may include any additional additive, adjuvant or compound, whether polymeric or otherwise, unless otherwise indicated. In contrast, the term "consisting essentially of" excludes from its scope of any further reference any other component, step or process other than those that are not essential for operability. The term "consisting of" excludes any component, step or procedure not delineated or listed. TEST METHODS Melt Viscosity

[0093] Melt viscosity was measured in accordance with ASTM D 3236 at 177°C, (350°F) using a Brookfield Digital Viscometer (Model DV-III, Version 3) and disposable aluminum sample chambers. The spindle used was an SC-31 hot melt spindle, suitable for measuring viscosities in the range of 10 to 100,000 centipoise. The sample was added to the chamber which, in turn, was inserted into a Brookfield Thermosel and locked in place. The sample chamber had a notch in the bottom that fitted into the bottom of the Brookfield Thermosel to ensure that the chamber was not allowed to rotate when the shaft was inserted and was rotating. The sample (approximately 8 to 10 grams of resin) was heated to the required temperature until the molten sample was approximately one inch below the top of the sample chamber. The viscometer apparatus was lowered and the shaft submerged in the sample chamber. Lowering was continued until the supports on the viscometer lined up on the Thermosel. The viscometer was turned on and adjusted to operate at a shear rate, which led to a torque reading in the range of 40 to 60 percent of full torque capability based on the rpm output of the viscometer. Readings were taken every minute for about 15 minutes, or until values stabilized, at which point a final reading was recorded.

Fusion Index

[0094] The melt index (I2, or MI) of an ethylene-based polymer was measured according to ASTM D-1238, condition 190°C/2.16 kg. For high I2 polymers (I2 greater than or equal to 200 g/mol, the melt index was preferably calculated from the Brookfield viscosity, as described in U.S. Patents 6,335,410; 6,054,544; 6,723,810. /2.16kg) = 3.6126[10(log(n)-6-6928)/-1' 1363]-9.3185l, where q= melt viscosity, in cP, at 350°F.

Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)

[0095] Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) can be used to measure the melting, crystallization and glass transition behavior of a polymer over a wide temperature range. For example, the TA Instruments DSC Q1000, equipped with an RCS (Refrigerated Cooling System) and an Autosampler was used to perform this analysis. During the test, a nitrogen purge gas flow of 50 ml/min was used. About 5 mg to 8 mg of polymer sample is weighed out and placed in a pan of DSC and the pan closed. Analysis was then carried out to determine its thermal properties.

[0096] The thermal behavior of the sample was determined by raising the temperature of the sample up and down to create a heat flow against the temperature profile. First, the sample was rapidly heated to 180°C and kept isothermal for three minutes in order to remove its thermal history. Then, the sample was cooled to -80°C at a cooling rate of 10°C/minute and kept isothermal at -80°C for three minutes. The sample was then heated to 180°C (this is the "second heat" ramp) at a heating rate of 10°C/minute. The second heating and cooling curves were recorded. The values determined are the peak melting temperature, Tm, and the maximum crystallization temperature, Tc. The heat of fusion (Hf) (in Joules per gram), and % crystallinity was determined using the Equation below (for polyethylene samples): % Crystallinity = ((Hf)/292 J/g) x 100.

[0097] The melting heat (Hf) and the melting peak temperature are reported from the second heating curve. The peak crystallization temperature was determined from the cooling curve.

[0098] Density - Density was measured according to ASTM D-792. The measured density was a "rapid density", which means that the density was determined after one hour from the molding time.

High Comonomer Content Method (HCC) 1

[0099] A commercial Crystallization Elution Fractionation (CEF) instrument (Polymer Char, Spain) was used to perform the measurement of high temperature thermal gradient interaction chromatography (TGIC) (Cong, et al., Macromolecules, 2011, 44(8), 3062-3072). A Hypercarb column (100 x 4.6 mm, Part # 35005-104646, Thermo Scientific) was used for separation. An “8 cm x 0.48 cm (3/16 in. ID)” stainless steel column packed with 27 micron glass beads (Catalog # GL01918/20-27um, MO-SCI Specialty Products, LLC, Rolla, MO, USA), was installed in front of the IR detector, in the upper oven of the CEF instrument. The experimental parameters were as follows: an oven top/transfer line/needle temperature of 150°C, a dissolution temperature of 160°C, a dissolution agitation setting of 2, a sample load volume of 0.400 mL, a pump stabilization time of 15 seconds, a column cleaning at 0.500 mL/m, a column load pump flow rate of 0.300 mL/min, a stabilization temperature of 150°C, a stabilization (pre, before column loading) at 3.0 min, a stabilization time (post, after column loading) at 1.0 min, an SF (soluble fraction) time at 3.0 min, a cooling from 3.00°C/min from 150°C to 30°C, a flow rate during the cooling process of 0.00 ml/min, a heating rate of 2.00°C/min from 30°C at 160°C, an isothermal time at 160°C for 10 min, an elution flow rate of 0.500 mL/min, and an injection loop size of 140 microliters.

[00100] The samples were prepared by the PolymerChar autosampler at 160°C for 60 minutes at a concentration of 4.0 mg/ml in ortho-dichlorobenzene (ODCB, 99% anhydrous grade, Sigma-Aldrich). Silica gel 40 (particle size 0.2 ~ 0.5 mm, catalog number 10181-3, EMD) was dried in a vacuum oven at 160°C for about two hours before use. 2,5-Di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol (1.6 grams, BHT, catalog number B1378-500G, Sigma-Aldrich) and silica gel (5.0 grams) were added to two liters of ODCB . This "ODBC containing BHT and silica gel" is now referred to as "ODBC". This ODBC was sparged with dry nitrogen (N2) for one hour before use.

[00101] The TGIC data were processed on a "GPC One" software platform by PolymerChar (Spain). The temperature calibration was performed with a mixture of about 4 to 6 mg of EICOSANE, 14.0 mg of iPP isotactic homopolymer polypropylene (molecular weight Mw referred to as polyethylene equivalent from 150,000 to 190,000 g/mol and polydispersity (Mw/Mn ) from 3.6 to 4.0 and 14.0 mg of HDPE homopolymer polyethylene (zero comonomer content, Mw referred to as polyethylene equivalent as 115,000 to 125,000 g/mol and polydispersity from 2.5 to 2.8) , in a 10 mL flask filled with 7.0 mL of ODCB The dissolution time was two hours at 160°C.

[00102] The calibration process (30°C to 150°C for EICOSANE elution and HDPE elution) consisted of the following steps:

[00103] We extrapolate the elution temperature for each of the isothermal steps during the elution according to the heating rate.

[00104] We calculate the amount of delay. We shifted the temperature (x-axis) corresponding to the IR measurement channel chromatogram (y-axis) so that the EICOSANE peak (y-axis) was coincident with the elution temperature at 30.0°C. The delay volume was calculated from the temperature difference (30°C - the current EICOSANE peak maximum elution temperature) divided by the method heating rate and then multiplied by the elution flow rate.

[00105] We adjust each registered elution temperature with this same delay volume adjustment.

[00106] The heating rate was scaled linearly, so that the HDPE reference had an elution peak of 150.0°C, maintaining an EICOSANE elution peak temperature of 30.0°C.

[00107] It was observed that the peak temperature of polypropylene was 119.3-120.2°C, which is a validation of the calibration method.

[00108] Data processing for the TGIC polymer samples is described below.

[00109] A solvent blank (pure solvent injection) was run under the same experimental conditions as the polymer samples. Data processing for polymer samples included the following: a) solvent blank subtraction for each detector channel, b) temperature extrapolation as described in the calibration process, c) temperature compensation with the delay volume, determined at from the calibration process and d) adjustment on the elution temperature axis up to 30°C and 160°C as calculated from the calibration heating rate.

[00110] The chromatogram was integrated into the PolymerChar “GPC One” software. A straight baseline was taken from the visible difference when the peak drops to a flat baseline (approximately a zero value in the blank subtracted chromatogram) at the high elution temperature and the minimum or flat region of the detector signal on the opposite side. high temperature of the soluble fraction (SF).

[00111] The upper temperature integration limit was established based on the visible difference when the peak falls into the flat baseline region (approximately a zero value in the blank subtracted chromatogram). The lowest temperature integration limit was established based on the intersection point of the baseline with the chromatogram including the soluble fraction.

[00112] The “High Comonomer Content (HCC)” is defined as the weight percentage of the eluent material at a temperature < 65.0°C. The HCC was calculated by integrating the IR measurement channel (IR chromatogram) at temperatures less than 65.0°C and dividing this value by the total integration of the IR measurement channel. Figure 4 is an example chromatogram for determining the HCC value for a comparative copolymer.

High Comonomer Content Method (HCC) 2

[00113] The measurement of HT-TGIC (or TGIC) uses a commercial Crystallization Elution Fractionation (CEF) instrument (Polymer Char, Spain) to perform the measurement of high temperature thermal gradient interaction chromatography (HT-TGIC or TGIC) ( Cong, et al., Macromolecules, 2011, 44(8), 3062-3072 ). Method #2 used the CEF instrument which was equipped with an IR-4 detector (such as the one sold commercially from PolymerChar, Spain) and a low porosity graphite as substrate or stationary phase. The low porosity graphite was packed in a column with a dimension of 0.46 (ID) x 25 (length) cm. One “8 cm x 0.48 cm (3/16 in. ID)” stainless steel column packed with “27 micron diameter” glass beads (Catalog # GL01918/20-27um, MO-SCI Specialty Products, LLC, Rolla, MO, USA) was installed in front of the IR detector in the upper oven of the CEF instrument. PolymerChar instrument control software was used. The experimental parameters for the PolymerChar instrument control software were: maximum oven/transfer line/needle temperature at 150°C, dissolution temperature at 160°C, dissolution agitation setting of 2, 15 seconds, clean column pump flow rate at 0.500 ml/m, column load pump flow rate at 0.300 ml/min, stabilization temperature at 150°C, stabilization time (pre, before loading of the column) at 3.0 min, stabilization time (post, after loading on the column) at 1.0 min, SF time (soluble fraction) at 5.0 min, cooling rate at 3.00°C/min from 150°C to 30°C. The flow rate during cooling was 0.04 mL/min, and the heating rate was 2.00/min, from 30°C to 150°C and an isothermal time at 150°C for 10 minutes. The elution flow rate was 0.500 ml/min and the injection loop size was 200 microliters. The flow rate during the cooling process was adjusted according to the length of the graphite column where all polymer fractions must remain in the column at the end of the cooling cycle.

[00114] The samples were prepared by the PolymerChar autosampler at 160°C for 60 minutes at a concentration of 4.0 mg/ml in ODCB (defined below). Silica gel 40 (particle size 0.2 ~ 0.5 mm, catalog number 10181-3, EMD) was dried in a vacuum oven at 160°C for about two hours before use. 2,6-Di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol (1.6 grams, BHT, catalog number B1378-500G, Sigma-Aldrich) and Silica Gel 40 (5.0 grams) were added to two liters of ortho-dichlorobenzoyl (ODCB, 99% anhydrous grade, Sigma-Aldrich). This "ODBC containing BHT and silica gel" was referred to as "ODBC". This ODBC was sparged with dry nitrogen (N2) for one hour before use.

[00115] The TGIC data were processed in a "GPC One" software platform by PolymerChar (Spain). Temperature calibration was performed with a mixture of about 4 to 6 mg of EICOSANE, 14.0 mg of iPP homopolymer isopathic polypropylene (polydispersity 3.6 to 4.0 and molecular weight Mw reported as polyethylene equivalent of 150,000 to 190,000 and polydispersity (Mw/Mn) of 3.6 to 4.0. DSC melting temperature at 158-159°C with the method specified below), and 14.0 mg HDPE homopolymer polyethylene (zero comonomer content, reported Mw as polyethylene equivalents such as 115,000 to 125,000 and polydispersity from 2.5 to 2.8), in a 10 mL vial filled with 7.0 mL of ODCB. The dissolution time was two hours at 160°C.

[00116] The calibration process (30°C to 150°C for EICOSANE elution and HDPE elution) consists of the following steps:

[00117] Extrapolate the elution temperature for each of the isothermal steps during the elution according to the heating rate (demonstrated in Figure 5 (extrapolation of the elution temperature for the TGIC temperature calibration)).

[00118] Calculate the delay volume. Shift the temperature (x-axis) corresponding to the IR measurement channel chromatogram (y-axis) so that the maximum EICOSANE peak (y-axis) coincides with the elution temperature at 30.0°C. The delay volume is calculated from the temperature difference (30°C - the current EICOSANE peak maximum elution temperature) divided by the method heat rate and then multiplied by the elution flow rate.

[00119] Adjust each registered elution temperature with this same delay volume adjustment.

[00120] Linearly scale the heating rate, so that the observed HDPE reference has a maximum elution peak temperature of 150.0°C, while the maximum elution peak temperature of EICOSANE remains at 30.0°C .

[00121] The maximum temperature of polypropylene will be observed in the range of 119.3-120.2°C, which is a validation of the calibration method.

[00122] Data processing for the TGIC polymer samples is described below.

[00123] A solvent blank (pure solvent injection) was run under the same experimental conditions as the polymer samples. Data processing for polymer samples includes: solvent blank subtraction for each detector channel, temperature extrapolation as described in the calibration process, temperature compensation with the delay volume determined from the calibration process, and on-axis adjustment elution temperature up to 30°C and 150°C as calculated from the calibration heating rate.

[00124] The chromatogram (measurement channel of the IR-4 detector) was integrated with the PolymerChar "GPC One" software. A straight baseline was taken from the visible difference when the peak drops to a flat baseline (approximately a zero value in the blank subtracted chromatogram) at the high elution temperature and the minimum or flat region of the detector signal on the opposite side. low temperature of the soluble fraction (SF).

[00125] The upper temperature integration limit was established based on the visible difference when the peak falls into the flat baseline region (approximately a zero value in the blank subtracted chromatogram). The lowest temperature integration limit is established based on the point of intersection of the baseline with the chromatogram including the soluble fraction.

[00126] The HCC of Method 2 is defined as the polymer fraction eluting between the lower temperature integration limit to 59.0oC see Equation H2 below.

[00127] For Method 2, the HCC value is determined from the area from 28.2°C to 59.0°C, divided by the total area (28.2°C to 160°C), and this quotient multiplied by 100. See also Figure 6, which shows the HT-TGIC chromatograms for polymers EH-2 and EH-7, each obtained by HCC Method #2. The HCC values obtained using methods (1 and 2) described herein give the same values, within ± 0.1 standard deviation or less.

Column Preparation - Low Porosity Stationary Phase - HCC Method 2

[00128] A graphite of low porosity, spherical particles, with a D50 of 20-24 microns, the D10 was greater than 12 microns and the D90 less than 42 microns. Porosity characteristics are listed in Table A. Low porosity graphite was packed into a 0.46 (ID) x 25 (length) cm column. Table A: Pore size distribution and surface area characterization*

Packing Column Hardware for Method #2 - HT-TGIC

[00129] The stainless steel column, frit, and column finish were obtained from Agilent Technologies (formerly PolymerLab Inc.). An Agilent Model 1100 liquid chromatographic pump was used for the slurry packaging method. TCB (1,2,4-trichloro-benzene) was the slurry medium. A paste packaging reservoir was constructed of "0.46 cm" ID stainless steel tubing with Valco end fittings. The reservoir was 150 mm long. A standard %" OD tubing union was used to connect the packing vessel to the empty analytical column.

Methodologies for Packing Columns

[00130] Packed columns that exhibit good mass transfer properties, including low back pressure under normal flow and temperature operating conditions, low sensitivity to shock from rapidly changing conditions, and lack of channels and voids.

[00131] Packed columns that have sufficient internal liquid volume to allow the study of the effect of dynamic cooling on the resolution of the component. Dynamic cooling is a process of using a slow flow during the cooling process of CEF and HT-TGIC (Monrabal et al, Macromol. Symp. 257, 71-79 (2007), and Cong, et al., Macromolecules, 11, 44(8), 3062)).

[00132] Low porosity column(s) preparation methodologies first use (1) dry packing using the tap-and-fill method, in which the added material is sedimented by tapping the column, or using an electric vibrating tool , followed by (2) slurry packing method, which uses a suspension or slurry of the substrate where the slurry is pumped into the column under flow-through conditions (Striegel, Yau, et al., Modern Size Exclusion Liquid Chromatography, Wiley, 2nd edition, Chapter 6).

[00133] For the simple touch and fill method, the column is suspended vertically. Substrate is added in small increments through a funnel while the column is tapped or vibrated to settle the substrate. When the substrate is flush with the end of the column, the end fitting is added and the column is tightened. It is standard practice to condition columns before use, and to inspect the bed for sedimentation or voids. If voids are found, more packing is added to level the end of the column.

[00134] For the paste packing method, substrate materials were added dry to the empty column. The reservoir and column with end fitting are then assembled and connected to the Agilent pump. The TCB is pumped upwards at a rate of 1 mL/min through the reservoir until the air is displaced from the column. Flow is momentarily stopped, the column and reservoir are then inverted to a downflow position. TCB is pumped at 3-5 mL/min through the column for at least twenty minutes, or until the system pressure reaches 17.23 MPa (2500 PSIG). The column is disconnected from the packing sump and any excess packing at the end of the column is removed with a flat blade scraper to provide an even level with the end of the pipeline. The end fitting is tightened into place and the column is ready for conditioning.

column conditioning

[00135] The freshly packed column is installed in the HT-TGIC instrument and the flow rate is set to 0.1 mL/min at room temperature. Depending on the packaging material and efficiency, the back pressure at this point is usually 2-10 Bar. The flow is increased in steps of 0.1 mL/min, allowing the pressure to stabilize between each increase, up to 0.7 or 1.0 mL/min. The column temperature is increased to 60°C, and then a linear temperature ramp is used to heat the column, under flow, to 140°C at 10°C/min. This final temperature is held for 20 minutes, and then the column is cooled at 10°C/min to 100°C and pronounced ready for testing.

Mercury Porosimetry for Pore Distribution and Porosity

[00136] The pore size distribution was obtained by mercury porosimetry. Mercury porosimetry analysis was performed on a Micromeritics Autopore IV 9520, available from Micromeritics. Samples were dried at 110°C for 2 hours and then mechanically degassed under vacuum prior to analysis to remove any physically adsorbed species (ie moisture) from the sample surface.

[00137] The test conditions included a Hg filling pressure of 0.003 MPa (0.50 psia), Hg contact angle of 130°, Hg surface tension of 485 dyn/cm, Hg density 13.53 g /mL, 30 minutes evacuation time, large bore penetrometer (powder type: 1131 rod volume) with 5 cm3 lamp, 30 seconds equilibration time, 92 point pressure table (75 intrusions plus 17 points of extrusion pressure) and mechanical evacuation <50 μm Hg. The low to high pressure crossover point was collected at approximately 0.27 MPa (39 psia) (4.6um). The pressure table used was generated to allow a uniform incremental pressure distribution, on a recording scale, from 0.003 MPa to 413.7 MPa (0.5 to 60,000 psia), and was used to detect pore sizes from 0.003 to 60,000 psia. 400 µm in diameter. The mercury was forced into smaller and smaller pores as the pressure gradually increased from vacuum to a maximum of nearly 413.7 MPa (60,000 psia). To verify that the instrument was functioning properly, a Silica-Alumina reference material (Micromeritics lot A-501-46) was analyzed. The median pore diameter (volume) of the reference sample was 0.0072 ± 0.0005 μm. Autopore reported the median pore diameter (volume) of the reference material as 0.0071 µm. Porosity was calculated by excluding interparticle intrusion using data processing software equipped with Micromeritics Autopore IV 9520. Skeletal density was calculated after the volume of all pores larger than approximately 0.003 µm was excluded from the presumed volume occupied by the material.

Nitrogen Adsorption/Desorption (B.E.T.)

[00138] Nitrogen adsorption/desorption analysis was performed on an Accelerated Surface Area and Porosimetry (ASAP 2405) Micromeritics instrument. Samples were degassed at 200°C for approximately 24 hours under vacuum before analysis. Approximately 0.5 grams of the "as received" sample was used for the analysis. Typically, B.E.T. are achieved with an accuracy of <3% RSD (relative standard deviation). The instrument employs a static (volumetric) method of dosing samples and measures the amount of gas (nitrogen) that can be physically adsorbed onto a solid at the temperature of liquid nitrogen. For the measurement of B.E.T. of multiple points, the volume of nitrogen uptake was measured at pre-selected relative pressure points at constant temperature. Relative pressure was the ratio of the applied nitrogen pressure to the nitrogen vapor pressure at the analysis temperature of 77 K. Pore sizes from about 17 to 3,000 Angstroms in diameter are detected by this method.

[00139] The test conditions for the nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms include a 15-second equilibration interval, a 97-point pressure table (40 adsorption points, 40 desorption points, B.E.T. surface area of multiples points, 20 points of micropores and total pore volume of 1 point), a P/Po tolerance of 5%/5 mmHg and a Po interval of 120 min. The calculation of B.E.T. was performed using data processing software equipped with the Micromeritics Accelerated Surface & Porosimetry instrument (ASAP 2405).

Particle size distribution (D50, D10, D90)

[00140] The laser diffraction particle size analyzer uses the Fraunhofer theory of light scattering. Particle size analysis based on laser diffraction relies on the fact that particles passing through a laser beam scatter light at an angle where the intensity of the scattered light is directly related to the particle size.

[00141] A Beckman Coulter LS13 320 laser diffraction instrument, equipped with a Universal Liquid Module, was used to determine the particle size distribution of the base particles. A “0.25 gram” of sample was dispersed in 40 ml of clean, bubble-free deionized (DI) water. The instrument performed a routine background check, prior to the actual run, and subtracted any particles that might have been present prior to loading the particles to be measured. The mixture was agitated with a magnetic stirrer to evenly disperse the particles at room temperature. One drop of “Micro 90 Surfactant (manufacture)” was added to the base particle mix. Drops of the diluted dispersion were mixed into the analyzer's liquid module port until 8% obscuration was achieved. The instrument was then set to run mode. Each run was 60 seconds. Three consecutive runs, separated by one minute, were performed to ensure that the obscuration remained constant and that the particles did not dissolve or agglomerate. An equivalent spherical diameter was used to characterize the particle size distribution. Particle size measurements were performed in the size range of 0.4 to 2000 microns. Particles outside the measurement range were not included in the statistics reported by the software. Data acquisition and calculation of mean particle size were done with software provided by the Beckman Coulter LS 13 320 instrument. The D10, D50 and D90 are defined as the diameter of the cumulative distribution curve (volume based) at 10% , 50% and 90%, respectively. The instrument has been checked with latex standards for normal operation with Beckman Coulter control samples.

Conventional GPC

[00142] The high temperature gel permeation chromatography (HT GPC) systems consisted of a PL-220 model from Agilent, or a GPC IR model from PolymerChar. Column and carousel compartments were operated at 140°C. Three Polymer Laboratories “10-μm Mixed-B columns are used with a 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene solvent. Samples were prepared at a concentration of "0.1 g of polymer in 50 ml of solvent". The solvent used to prepare the samples contains “200 ppm of the antioxidant BHT”. Samples were prepared by gently shaking/stirring for four hours at 160°C. The injection volume was 200 microliters and the flow rate was 1.0 mL/min. Calibration of the GPC column set was performed with twenty-one narrow molecular weight distribution polystyrene standards purchased from Agilent. Polystyrene standard peak molecular weights were converted to polyethylene molecular weights using Equation 1 below: where M is the molecular weight, A has a value of 0.4316 and B is equal to 1.0 (Reference: T. Williams and IM Ward, J. Polym. Sci., Polym. Let, 6, 621 (1968) ): A third-order polynomial was determined to construct the logarithmic calibration of the molecular weight as a function of the elution volume. Polyethylene equivalent molecular weight calculations were performed using the “GPC One” software (PolymerChar). Weight and numerical average molecular weights were calculated according to the following Equation 2 and Equation 3:

[00143] In Equations 2 and 3, Wfi is the weight fraction of the nth component, and Mi is the molecular weight of the nth component. Weight average molecular weight (Mw) accuracy is <2.6%. Replicated analysis can be done to achieve this accuracy.

Aged Flow Test Method

[00144] To quantify the pellet-to-pellet viscosity, a funnel test was developed. This test is based on the basic concept that increasing interparticle interaction (viscosity) will reduce the discharge rate of a steep funnel. The change in discharge rate can be related to the change in surface properties (i.e., viscosity) of a polymer pellet.

[00145] The test apparatus (see Figure 3) consists of a steep glass funnel attached to a cylinder (diameter 4.15 inches). The cylindrical section provides the necessary capacity so that a substantial amount of pellets can be tested and avoids the problem of differentiating small values of discharge times. The test was repeated five times for statistical purposes.

[00146] The discharge rate of pellets was measured on the “as received” sample and after conditioning the pellets at a predefined storage temperature for a predetermined duration. The pellets were "heat treated" or "aged" at 42°C for three weeks. The conditioned pellets were chilled overnight at 21°C to achieve constant temperature.

[00147] As discussed above, the polymer (about 2500 g; form of pellets; 30 ± 10 pellets per gram) was heat treated in an oven at 42°C for three weeks. The polymer was removed from the oven and allowed to cool for 12 hours at 21°C. The hopper was loaded with the polymer pellets (2500 g), and the time for complete discharge of the pellets from the hopper was measured, and the discharge rate was calculated using the equation below.

[00148] Unloading rate or fluidity (g/s) = number of pellets in the hopper (g) / Time spent to unload (s)

[00149] Flowability is an indicator of the viscosity of the pellet. It has been determined that a flow rate of 120 g/sec is the minimum flow rate necessary to achieve acceptable handling characteristics of the polymer pellets. However, even higher rates are preferred for better handling of the polymer pellets. Higher pellet flow values correspond to more free flowing and less sticky pellets. A polymer can be stabilized with < 5000 ppm, or less of one or more stabilizer(s) (eg, IRGONOX 1010, IRGANOX 1076, and IRGAFOS 168); however, such low amounts of stabilizer(s) will not affect polymer flow results.

Thermal Stress

[00150] The resistance to thermal stress (Thermal Stress) was measured according to the “Suggested Test Method for Determining the Heat Stress Resistance of Hot Melt Adhesives” method T-3006, prepared by the Institute of Packaging Professions (IoPP). To prepare a sample, two cardboard coupons (cut with flutes running in the long direction) with dimensions of 2 inches (50.8 mm) x 3-3/16 inches (81 mm) and 2 inches (50.8 mm) x 5-1/2 in (139.7 mm) were bonded by applying 2.50 kg/cm (0.00014lb/in) of the composition (0.13 kg (0.000 28 lbs)) in the middle of the shortest coupon, with an Olinger Bond Tester. The composition was applied perpendicular to the flutes in the center of the shorter coupon and the coupons were glued so that the composition was % in (19 mm) from one end of the long coupon. Six replicates were made for each adhesive formulation. Samples were loaded into the sample holder, with the end of the short coupon aligned with the edge of the sample holder. The samples were held in place with the wide plate secured by wing nuts. A 200 g weight was placed 3.94 in (100 mm) from the connection. The weight was fixed by placing the peg, on the weight, in a hole made in the long coupon. The sample holder was then placed in a convection oven at a test temperature for 24 hours. If at least 4 out of 6 of the connections do not fail, then the sample is considered to have passed the heat resistance test temperature. The furnace temperature was varied until the maximum resistance to heat stress was determined. All new bonded coupon samples were used for each test temperature. Results are reported as Thermal Stress Temperature (°C). Peel Adhesion Failure Temperature (PAFT) and Shear Adhesion Failure Temperature (SAFT)

[00151] The test samples were prepared using two sheets of “18.1 kg” (“40 pounds”) Kraft paper, each sheet having dimensions of 6 x 12 inches (152 mm x 305 mm). On the bottom sheet, lengthwise and centered, a 1 inch (25 mm) gap is created by sandwiching parchment paper on each side of the 1” center space between the two layers of Kraft paper. The adhesive formulation was heated to 177°C (350°F), approximately 7 grams of the molten adhesive was dispensed onto the top center of the bottom substrate. Then, before the adhesive unduly thickened, two glass rods (each 0.25" in diameter), one rod, wrapped with 114.3 mm (4.5") of pressure sensitive tape, such as duct tape spaced 50 mm (2"), mounted immediately on the lower substrate, followed by the second rod, mounted on the upper substrate, and (between the two rods) the second sheet of paper, and the rods were slid along the length of the sheets. This was done in such a way that the first rod evenly spreads the adhesive into the gap, and the second rod evenly compresses the second sheet over the top of the gap. Thus, a single "one inch (25.4 mm) wide" strip of adhesive bonding was created between the two sheets of paper. The sheets thus bonded were cut transversely into strips of 1 inch width (25.4 mm) and 3 inches (76.2 mm) length, each strip having a 1 inch x 1 inch (25 mm) adhesive sample bond. mm x 25 mm) in the center. All test strips were conditioned at room temperature, 23°C and 50% relative humidity, for 24 hours prior to testing. The strips were then used in the PAFT and SAFT tests.

[00152] The peel adhesion failure temperature (PAFT) and the shear adhesion failure temperature (SAFT) were determined according to the ASTM D-4498 test standard. A programmable oven was used. The oven temperature started at 30°C, and increased by 0.5°C/min, until the adhesive bonds failed and the maximum temperature at which the bonds did not fail was recorded.

[00153] For the PAFT test, a “100 gram weight” was attached to one end of the Kraft paper substrate. The same end of the other Kraft paper was attached to a stationary sample holder. This setup looks like a 180 degree detachment action. Three test strips were tested and the average temperature reported.

[00154] For the PSAFT test, a “500 gram weight” was attached to one end of the Kraft paper substrate. The opposite end of the other Kraft paper was fixed to a stationary sample holder. This configuration looks like a 180 degree shear action. Three test strips were tested and the average temperature reported.

Fiber Tear Percentage (FT)

[00155] The Fiber Tear Percentage (FT) of each adhesive formulation using corrugated board for the interior was determined according to a standardized method. A drop of the adhesive was applied to the center of a cardboard coupon (5 cm x 6 cm) using an Olinger Bond Tester, a mechanical testing device used to form and tear test bonds (bead location at about 0.13 kg/cm (0.7514 lb/in)). A second cardboard coupon (2.5 cm x 6.5 cm) was quickly placed on top of the sticker. Light finger pressure, for about three seconds, was applied to keep the connection in place. Test samples were conditioned for at least four hours at room temperature and 50% relative humidity. Samples were then conditioned at test temperatures for five hours to 24 hours. For each test temperature, five test samples were each separated by hand, and the amount (%) of fiber tear within each bonding area was determined. The average percentage of fiber tear was recorded. Opening Time and Adjustment Time

[00156] Open Time and Set Time properties were determined using an Olinger Bond Tester, a mechanical testing device used to form and tear test bonds. The Olinger Bond Tester was heated to 350°C (177°C) to melt the adhesive formulation. The bottom substrate, 2.5 inch (63.5 mm) x 2 inch (50.8 mm) corrugated board, moved on a conveyor belt under an adhesive pot, which provided an approximately 1/16" bead of adhesive (1.6 mm) to 1/8" (3.2 mm) wide and 1" (25.4 mm) long (bond tester operated at 2.50 kg/cm (0.00014 pounds of adhesive/ in)). The pressure of the adhesive pot was increased or decreased in order to maintain consistent bead size. A top substrate, 2.5 inches (63.5 mm) x 2 inches (50.8 mm), was applied to the lower substrate containing the strip of adhesive, with a two-bar pressure.The Olinger was equipped with two timers, used to measure the set time and potential open time to the nearest second.

[00157] Opening time is the longest period of time between applying the adhesive to a substrate and bonding the second substrate, which results in at least 50% fiber tear for 3 samples at room temperature. For the determination of the opening time, a compression time was defined for the time necessary to reach 100% fiber rupture for 3 samples at room temperature. The “time period between applying the adhesive to one substrate and bonding the second substrate (t)” was initially set at 10 seconds, and increased at 10 second intervals, until less than 50% fiber tear for 1 sample at room temperature. The time, t, decreased by 5 seconds and the % fiber tear was determined. Finally, the time, t, was changed by a one second interval to determine the maximum time allowed to reach 50% or more fiber tear for 3 samples at room temperature.

[00158] Adjustment Time is the minimum compression time required to obtain a fiber tear bond of at least 50% fiber tear for 3 samples at room temperature. For this test, the opening time was set to two seconds. A bond was formed as the upper substrate was compressed into the lower substrate at a pressure of two bars. After a preset compression time, a tear test was performed by pulling the upper substrate from the lower substrate at room temperature. A visual assessment was then made to determine the percentage of fiber tear obtained under the predefined compression time. The set time was changed at one-second intervals to determine the compression time required to achieve 50% fiber tear in 3 samples at room temperature and the compression time required to achieve less than 75% fiber tear (average of five samples tested) at room temperature. The setting time was recorded as the shortest time, to the nearest second, in which a minimum of 50% fiber tear was obtained for 3 samples at room temperature.

13C NMR

[00159] Samples were prepared by adding approximately 2.6 g of tetrachloroethane-d2 which is 0.025 M in chromium acetylacetonate (relaxing agent) to 0.2 g of sample in a 10 mm NMR tube. Samples were dissolved and homogenized by heating the tube and its contents to 150°C. Data were collected using a JEOL Eclipse 400 MHz spectrometer. Data were acquired at 130°C using 4000 scans per data file, a pulse repetition delay of 6 seconds, a spectral width of 25,200Hz, and a file size of 32K data points.

[00160] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail in the following Examples.

EXPERIMENTAL A. Representative Polymerization - Overview

[00161] Each polymer was produced in a continuous solution polymerization reactor. All reagents (monomer, comonomer, and hydrogen) were dissolved in a solvent carrier feed stream and injected into a single loop, circular reactor, equivalent to that described in U.S. Pat. 5,977,251. The diluting solvent was a saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon molecule, composed of 5 to 9 carbons (ISOPAR E).

[00162] The catalyst was (titanium, [N--(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1,1-dimethyl-1-[(1,2,3,4,5-n)-2,3,4, 5-tetramethyl-2,4-cyclopentadien-1-yl]silanaminato(2-)-KA/][(1,2,3,4-q)-1,3-penta-diene]-). Two cocatalysts were used: tris-(2,3,4,5,6,-pentafluorophenyl)borane (cocatalyst 1) and modified methylaluminoxane (cocatalyst 2). The two cocatalysts were mixed before injection and this mixture was fed to the reactor separately from the catalyst.

[00163] The catalyst concentration in the reactor was adjusted to control the ethylene concentration in the reactor at the target value. The concentration of each of the two cocatalyst species was adjusted to control the molar ratio of each to the catalyst species at the target value for complete activation of the catalyst complex. The concentration of alpha-olefin comonomer (1-hexene or propylene) in the feed to the reactor was adjusted to control the density of the polymer and the concentration of hydrogen was adjusted to control the melt viscosity (or molecular weight) of the polymer . Each polymerization was carried out at a reaction temperature of 135°C and a reaction pressure greater than 35 barg. Catalyst kill (deionized water) and antioxidant (IRGANOX 1010) were diluted in solvent and injected into the polymerization stream leaving the reactor to terminate the reaction and protect the polymer from oxidation. The reactor effluent was processed through a system that removed the polymer product from the solvent, unreacted monomer, unreacted comonomer and hydrogen. The molten polymer was converted into solid granules using an underwater pelletizer. The polymer was stabilized with 1000 ppmw of IRGANOX 1010.

[00164] A summary of the polymerization conditions is shown below in Tables 1a and 1b. Polymer properties are listed in Table 2a to 2d and Table 3 below. Table 1a: EH Copolymers Table 1b: EP Copolymers Table 2a: EH Copolymers * HCC Method 2. **Estimate based on flow measurement taken on another batch of polymer from the same polymer production. Table 2b: EH Copolymers Table 2c: EH Copolymers * Tm2 is the “highest peak melting temperature” defined as the temperature at which the highest heat flux is observed.

[00165] As seen in Tables 2a and 3, each polymer was found to have an aged flowability greater than 130 g/s, although some of the polymers had higher HCC values (e.g. greater than 6% by weight) . See also Figures 1 and 2. Table 2d: EH Copolymers Table 3: EP interpolymers *13C NMR. ** Estimated Aged Flowability based on Aged Flow value for EP3 and HCC values less than EP1 and EP2. ***HCC Method 2.

Adhesive Preparation

[00166] Each hot melt adhesive formation was prepared using a can mixer method. A total of 50 grams of the adhesive components were weighed and placed in an epoxy-coated 453.6 g (16 oz) aluminum can. The can was then placed in an oven, preset at 350°F (177°C), for 30 minutes to melt the components. The can was then transferred to a heat block maintained at 350°F (177°C) to mix the components. The mixing apparatus comprises a hot plate (Model SPA1025B Type 1000, manufactured by Thermolyne), a digital temperature controller (Model 89000-10, manufactured by Cole-Parmer), a mechanical stirrer (Model L1U08F LabMaster SI Mixer, manufactured by Lightnin ) and the heating block above, equipped with a thermocouple. The contents of the aluminum can were allowed to equilibrate for approximately five minutes before being shaken. The mixing speed was slowly increased from 0 to 100 rpm and a nitrogen pad was used to fill the airspace of the aluminum can. Mixing continued for approximately five minutes. The contents (adhesive) of the can were then poured onto a TEFLON sheet at room temperature and cooled. Once the adhesive was at room temperature, it was stored in Ziploc bags until use. Each adhesive formulation was tested under the following test conditions: PAFT, SAFT, Thermal Stress Temperature, Open Time, Set Time, and Fiber Tear at various temperatures. The results are shown in Table 4 below. As seen in Table 4, each hot melt adhesive showed good adhesion performance in PAFT, SAFT, heat stress and fiber tear, and each had a defined open time and set time. Table 4: Adhesive Formulation (parts in weight) and Results

Claims (8)

1. Ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer composition, characterized in that it comprises an ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer, and wherein the interpolymer comprises the following properties: a) a High Ethylene Content value Comonomer (HCC) from 6.8 to 9.1% by weight of eluting material, the HCC value being determined by the 2 HCC method using the CEF (Crystallization Elution Fractionation) instrument equipped with an IR chromatogram detector -4, given the following equation: HCC (% by weight) ≥ -648.6 [(% by weight)(cm3)/(g)] x (density) + 569.4(% by weight); density is the density of the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer over a range of 0.875 to 0.910 g/cm3 as measured in accordance with ASTM D-792; b) an aged flowability > 130 g/sec, as determined using the funnel test method by measuring the viscosity, where the composition is in the form of pellets. 2. Composition according to claim 1, characterized in that the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer has an HCC value, as determined using the method, which satisfies the following equation: HCC (% by weight) ≥ -648.6 [(% by weight)(cm3)/(g)] x (density) + 570.9(% by weight). 3. Composition according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the interpolymer further comprises an HCC value, as determined using the method, which satisfies the following equation: HCC (% by weight) < -463, 4 [(% by weight)(cm3)/(g)] x (density) + 413.8 (% by weight). 4. Composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer has a melt viscosity of 2,000 cP to 50,000 cP at 177°C (350°F) , as measured in accordance with ASTM D 3236 177°C. 5. Composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer has a higher peak melting temperature, less than or equal to 80.0°C . 6. Composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the alpha-olefin is a C6 alpha-olefin or a C3 alpha-olefin. 7. Composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it further comprises at least one tackifier and at least one oil. 8. Article of ethylene/C3-C6 alpha-olefin interpolymer, characterized in that it comprises at least one component formed from the composition defined in any one of claims 1 to 7.