EP4493627A1

EP4493627A1 - Thermoplastic polymer compositions having improved processability and mechanical properties

Info

Publication number: EP4493627A1
Application number: EP23709198.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Mohammad Azizol ABDUL WAHAB; Nasser Mansour Alsubaie
Original assignee: SABIC Global Technologies BV
Current assignee: SABIC Global Technologies BV
Priority date: 2022-03-16
Filing date: 2023-03-03
Publication date: 2025-01-22
Also published as: JP2025507730A; WO2023174721A1; CN118946629A; KR20240157086A

Abstract

The invention relates to a thermoplastic polymer composition, which includes: (a) a copolymer (A) having polymeric units derived from (i) a vinyl aromatic monomer, and (ii) a vinyl nitrile monomer; and (b) a rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E) having a polymeric rubber content of ≥ 55.0 wt.%, preferably ≥ 57.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E). The invention further relates to a method of preparing such thermoplastic compositions and to articles formed from such thermoplastic compositions. In addition, the invention further relates to the use of the thermoplastic compositions for improving processability and the mechanical properties of impact and tensile strain of polymer compositions that are suitable for thermoplastic processing.

Description

THERMOPLASTIC POLYMER COMPOSITIONS HAVING IMPROVED PROCESSABILITY AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to the field of thermoplastic polymer compositions such as compositions based on acrylonitrile butadiene and styrene (ABS), having an excellent balance of processability and mechanical properties. The invention further relates to a method of preparing such thermoplastic compositions and to articles prepared from such thermoplastic compositions. In addition, the invention relates to the use of the thermoplastic compositions for improving the processability and mechanical properties of polymer compositions that are suitable for injection moulding.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Thermoplastic polymer compositions such as compositions based on acrylonitrilebutadiene- styrene (ABS), are used extensively for manufacturing products using processing techniques such as injection molding. Industry practitioners often require the thermoplastic polymer to have excellent flow properties during processing without compromising the mechanical properties of impact and/or tensile strain of such a polymer. However, it is often observed that for a polymer, its flow and mechanical properties, such as impact strength, have opposite correlation, where attempts to improve any one of the property results in adversely affecting the other competing property.

[0003] For example, from a processing requirement, it is often desired that the thermoplastic composition that is used for injection molding, should have a certain flow characteristics, especially for manufacturing thin walled articles involving complex design features (e.g. automobile components). A suitable flow property improves processability of a polymer and may help in mitigating structural and aesthetics defects induced by polymer sagging during processing. However, it is often observed that attempts in improving the flow property of an injection moldable polymer composition comes at the cost of having reduced mechanical properties of impact and tensile strain.

[0004] Previously to address such an issue, industry practitioners have often physically blended “high impact” polymer formulations (e.g. high impact ABS grade polymer formulations) with “high flow” polymer formulations (e.g. high flow ABS grade polymer formulations), with the intent of obtaining a polymer formulation having the desired balance of mechanical and flow properties. However, such an approach, involves additional processing steps and requires extensive inventory management, rendering the overall manufacturing process inefficient. Further, controlling the flow consistency of the resultant formulation was often found to be challenging resulting in quality control issues for polymer convertors.

[0005] On the other hand, impact modifiers such as silicone oil have often been used to increase the impact properties of thermoplastic polymers without affecting the flow properties of the polymers. However, such an approach not only adds to production cost but may also add to processing complexities and such an approach may not be preferred in certain instances.

[0006] Yet another approach has been described in the patent EP2053090B1, involving formulations based on ABS and copolymers of methyl methacrylate, styrene and acrylonitrile. However, from the exemplified data provided in the EP patent, the balance of flow and mechanical properties of such formulations may be further improved for certain application.

[0007] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention, to provide a thermoplastic polymer composition, which demonstrates a suitable balance of flow and mechanical properties of impact and tensile strain. It is yet another objective of the present invention to develop a thermoplastic polymer composition, which demonstrates the desired balance of flow and mechanical properties of impact and tensile strain, even in the absence of impact modifiers such as silicone oil.

DESCRIPTION

[0008] Accordingly, one or more objectives of the present invention is achieved by a thermoplastic polymer composition, comprising: a. > 50.0 wt.% and < 70.0 wt.%, preferably > 60.0 wt.% and < 69.0 wt.%, preferably > 65.0 wt.% and < 69.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition, of a copolymer (A) comprising polymeric units derived from (i) a vinyl aromatic monomer, and (ii) a vinyl nitrile monomer; and b. > 30.0 wt.% and < 50.0 wt.%, preferably > 31.0 wt.% and < 40.0 wt.%, preferably > 31.0 wt.% and < 35.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition, of a rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E), wherein the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E) has a polymeric rubber content of > 55.0 wt.%, preferably > 57.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E); and wherein the copolymer (A) has: a melt flow rate of > 7.0 g/10 min and < 20.0 g/10 min, preferably

> 8.0 g/10 min and < 15.0 g/10 min, preferably > 9.0 g/10 min and < 11.0 g/10 min, as determined at 230°C at 1.2 kg load in accordance with ISO 1133 (2005).

[0009] Preferably, the thermoplastic polymer composition, comprises a. > 60.0 wt.% and < 69.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition, of a copolymer (A) comprising polymeric units derived from (i) a vinyl aromatic monomer, and (ii) a vinyl nitrile monomer; and b. > 31.0 wt.% and < 40.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition, of a rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E), wherein the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E) has a polymeric rubber content of > 55.0 wt.%, preferably > 57.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E); and wherein the copolymer (A) has: a melt flow rate of > 8.0 g/10 min and < 15.0 g/10 min, preferably

> 9.0 g/10 min and < 11.0 g/10 min, as determined at 230°C at 1.2 kg load in accordance with ISO 1133 (2005).

[0010] Preferably, the thermoplastic polymer composition, comprises a. > 65.0 wt.% and < 69.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition, of a copolymer (A) comprising polymeric units derived from (i) a vinyl aromatic monomer, and (ii) a vinyl nitrile monomer; and b. > 31.0 wt.% and < 35.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition, of a rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E), wherein the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E) has a polymeric rubber content of > 55.0 wt.%, preferably > 57.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E); and wherein the copolymer (A) has: a melt flow rate of > 8.0 g/10 min and < 15.0 g/10 min, preferably

> 9.0 g/10 min and < 11.0 g/10 min, as determined at 230°C at 1.2 kg load in accordance with ISO 1133 (2005). [0011] Preferably, the thermoplastic polymer composition, comprises a. > 65.0 wt.% and < 69.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition, of a copolymer (A) comprising polymeric units derived from (i) a vinyl aromatic monomer, and (ii) a vinyl nitrile monomer; and b. > 31.0 wt.% and < 35.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition, of a rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E), wherein the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E) has a polymeric rubber content of > 55.0 wt.%, preferably > 57.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E); and wherein the copolymer (A) has: a melt flow rate of > 9.0 g/10 min and < 11.0 g/10 min, as determined at 230°C at 1.2 kg load in accordance with ISO 1133 (2005).

[0012] Preferably, the thermoplastic polymer composition comprises < 0.001 wt.%, preferably < 0.0001 wt.%, preferably zero (0.0) wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition, of silicone oil.

[0013] The inventors found that when the copolymer (A) having a certain melt flow rate is combined at a certain proportion with the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E), the resultant polymer so formed has the desired balance of flow properties or processability and mechanical properties. Advantageously, in some aspects of the invention, the thermoplastic polymer composition exhibits a suitable balance of flow and mechanical properties of impact and tensile strain even when such a thermoplastic polymer composition is substantially free of silicone oil. As a further advantage, in some aspects of the invention, the thermoplastic polymer composition avoids the need of using silicone oil for enhancing impact property, thereby avoiding certain degree of processing complexities and making the production process of the polymer more efficient and cost effective.

[0014] Accordingly, in some embodiments of the invention, the thermoplastic polymer composition may comprise: a. > 50.0 wt.% and < 70.0 wt.%, preferably > 60.0 wt.% and < 69.0 wt.%, preferably > 65.0 wt.% and < 69.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition, of a copolymer (A) comprising polymeric units derived from (i) a vinyl aromatic monomer, and (ii) a vinyl nitrile monomer; and b. > 30.0 wt.% and < 50.0 wt.%, preferably > 31.0 wt.% and < 40.0 wt.%, preferably > 31.0 wt.% and < 35.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition, of a rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E) wherein the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E) has a polymeric rubber content of > 55.0 wt.%, preferably > 57.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E); wherein the copolymer (A) has: a melt flow rate of > 7.0 g/10 min and < 20.0 g/10 min, preferably

> 8.0 g/10 min and < 15.0 g/10 min, preferably > 9.0 g/10 min and < 11.0 g/10 min, as determined at 230°C at 1.2 kg load in accordance with ISO 1133 (2005), and wherein the thermoplastic polymer composition may comprise of < 0.001 wt.%, preferably < 0.0001 wt.%, preferably zero (0.0) wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition, of silicone oil.

[0015] Preferably, the thermoplastic polymer composition, comprises a. > 60.0 wt.% and < 69.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition, of a copolymer (A) comprising polymeric units derived from (i) a vinyl aromatic monomer, and (ii) a vinyl nitrile monomer; and b. > 31.0 wt.% and < 40.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition, of a rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E), wherein the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E) has a polymeric rubber content of > 55.0 wt.%, preferably > 57.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E); and wherein the copolymer (A) has: a melt flow rate of > 8.0 g/10 min and < 15.0 g/10 min, preferably

> 9.0 g/10 min and < 11.0 g/10 min, as determined at 230°C at 1.2 kg load in accordance with ISO 1133 (2005) and further wherein the thermoplastic polymer composition may comprise of < 0.0001 wt.%, preferably zero (0.0) wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition, of silicone oil.

[0016] Preferably, the thermoplastic polymer composition, comprises a. > 65.0 wt.% and < 69.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition, of a copolymer (A) comprising polymeric units derived from (i) a vinyl aromatic monomer, and (ii) a vinyl nitrile monomer; and b. > 31.0 wt.% and < 35.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition, of a rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E), wherein the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E) has a polymeric rubber content of > 55.0 wt.%, preferably > 57.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E); and wherein the copolymer (A) has: a melt flow rate of > 8.0 g/10 min and < 15.0 g/10 min, preferably > 9.0 g/10 min and < 11.0 g/10 min, as determined at 230°C at 1.2 kg load in accordance with ISO 1133 (2005) and further wherein the thermoplastic polymer composition may comprise zero (0.0) wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition, of silicone oil.

[0017] Preferably, in some aspects of the invention, the invention relates to the use of the thermoplastic polymer composition of the present invention, for improving the processability and the mechanical properties of a polymer composition, suitable for thermoplastic processing. Thermoplastic processing, may for example include the process of extrusion, injection-molding, blow molding, and thermo-forming.

Copolymer (A):

[0018] The thermoplastic polymer composition may contain a suitable amount of the copolymer (A). For example, the thermoplastic polymer composition has > 50.0 wt.% and < 70.0 wt.%, preferably > 60.0 wt.% and < 69.0 wt.%, preferably > 65.0 wt.% and < 69.0 wt.%, of a copolymer (A) with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition.

[0019] The copolymer (A) may for example be so selected to have a suitable flow property. For example, the copolymer (A) may have a melt flow rate of > 7.0 g/10 min and < 20.0 g/10 min, preferably > 8.0 g/10 min and < 15.0 g/10 min, preferably > 9.0 g/10 min and < 11.0 g/10 min, as determined at 230°C at 1.2 kg load in accordance with ISO 1133 (2005). The inventors found that if the melt flow rate of the copolymer (A) is too high, the overall impact property of the thermoplastic polymer composition may be adversely affected whereas if the melt flow rate of the copolymer (A) is too low the desired flow property of the thermoplastic polymer is not attained, affecting the processability of the thermoplastic polymer.

[0020] The copolymer (A) may have a suitable molecular weight. For example, the copolymer (A) has an average molecular weight (Mw) of > 50,000 g/mol and < 100,000 g/mol, preferably > 80,000 g/mol and < 100,000 g/mol, preferably > 85,000 g/mol and < 98,000 g/mol, preferably > 93,000 g/mol and < 97,000 g/mol as determined in accordance with gel permeation chromatography in accordance with ASTM D5296-11. The determination of molecular weight for example was made using gel permeation chromatography in accordance with ASTM D5296-11 using polystyrene based calibration with tetrahydrofuran (THF) as solvent.

[0021] Preferably, the copolymer (A) may have a combination of: a. an average molecular weight (Mw) of > 50,000 g/mol and < 100,000 g/mol, preferably > 80,000 g/mol and < 100,000 g/mol, preferably > 85,000 g/mol and < 98,000 g/mol, preferably > 93,000 g/mol and < 97,000 g/mol as determined in accordance with gel permeation chromatography in accordance with ASTM D5296-11; and b. > 20.0 wt.% and < 26.0 wt.%, preferably > 22.0 wt.% and < 26.0 wt.%, preferably > 23.0 wt.% and < 26.0 wt.% of polymeric units, derived from the vinyl nitrile monomer, with regard to the total weight of the copolymer (A).

[0022] The copolymer (A) may for example be constituted by polymeric units derived from (i) a vinyl aromatic monomer, and (ii) a vinyl nitrile monomer.

[0023] The vinyl aromatic monomer may for example be selected from styrene, a-methyl styrene, dibromostyrene, vinyltoluene, vinylxylene, butylstyrene, p-hydroxystyrene, methoxystyrene, or any combination thereof. Preferably, the vinyl aromatic monomer may be selected from styrene, a-methyl styrene, or a combination thereof. More preferably, the vinyl aromatic monomer may be styrene.

[0024] The vinyl nitrile monomer may for example be selected from acrylonitrile, alphachloro acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, ethacrylonitrile, or any combination thereof. Preferably, the vinyl nitrile monomer may be acrylonitrile. Preferably, the copolymer (A) has a suitable amount of polymeric units derived from the vinyl nitrile monomer. For example, the copolymer (A) has > 20.0 wt.% and < 26.0 wt.%, preferably > 22.0 wt.% and < 26.0 wt.%, preferably > 23.0 wt.% and < 26.0 wt.% of polymeric units, derived from the vinyl nitrile monomer, with regard to the total weight of the copolymer (A). Accordingly, the copolymer (A) has > 74.0 wt.% and < 80.0 wt.%, preferably > 74.0 wt.% and < 78.0 wt.%, preferably > 74.0 wt.% and < 77.0 wt.% of polymeric units, derived from the vinyl aromatic monomer, with regard to the total weight of the copolymer (A).

[0025] In some aspects of the invention, the copolymer (A) may for example be a terpolymer comprising polymeric units derived from (i) a vinyl aromatic monomer, (ii) a vinyl nitrile monomer, and (iii) (meth)acrylic monomers. The vinyl aromatic monomer and the vinyl nitrile monomer may be selected from monomers as defined herein. The (meth)acrylic monomers may for example be selected from methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, propyl methacrylate, iso-propyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, hexyl methacrylate, and decyl methacrylate. Preferably, the (meth) acrylic monomer may be methyl methacrylate (MMA). Accordingly, the copolymer (A) may for example be a terpolymer comprising polymeric units derived from styrene/acrylonitrile/methylmethacrylate, or from alpha-methyl-styrene/acrylonitrile/methyl methacrylate.

[0026] Preferably, in some embodiments of the invention, the copolymer (A) is substantially free of polymeric units from (meth) acrylic monomers. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the copolymer (A) may comprise < 5.0 wt.%, preferably < 2.0 wt.%, preferably < 1.0 wt.%, preferably < 0.5 wt.%, of polymeric units derived from (meth) acrylic monomers. Preferably, the copolymer (A) comprises > 0.0 wt.% and < 5.0 wt.%, preferably > 0.0 wt.% and < 2.0 wt.%, preferably > 0.0 wt.% and < 1.0 wt.%, preferably > 0.0 wt.% and < 0.5 wt.%, of polymeric units derived from (meth) acrylic monomers, with regard to the total weight of the copolymer (A).

[0027] Accordingly, in some preferred aspects of the invention, the copolymer (A) may be constituted by polymeric units derived from only (i) a vinyl aromatic monomer, and (ii) a vinyl nitrile monomer. In some preferred aspects of the invention, the copolymer (A) may comprise styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN).

[0028] In some preferred embodiments of the invention, the copolymer (A) has > 20.0 wt.% and < 26.0 wt.%, preferably > 22.0 wt.% and < 26.0 wt.%, preferably > 23.0 wt.% and < 26.0 wt.% of polymeric units, derived from the acrylonitrile monomer, with regard to the total weight of the copolymer (A). The styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN) may be so selected to have a melt flow rate of > 7.0 g/10 min and < 20.0 g/10 min, preferably > 8.0 g/10 min and < 15.0 g/10 min, preferably > 9.0 g/10 min and < 11.0 g/10 min, as determined at 230°C at 1.2 kg load in accordance with ISO 1133 (2005).

Rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E):

[0029] The thermoplastic polymer composition may contain a suitable amount of the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E). For example, the thermoplastic polymer composition has > 30.0 wt.% and < 50.0 wt.%, preferably > 31.0 wt.% and < 40.0 wt.%, preferably > 31.0 wt.% and < 35.0 wt.%, of a rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E) with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition.

[0030] The rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E) comprises a polymeric rubber grafted with a grafting thermoplastic copolymer (C). In some embodiments of the invention, the polymeric rubber may be a discontinuous elastomeric phase dispersed across a continuous rigid thermoplastic phase comprising the grafting thermoplastic copolymer (C), with at least a portion of the rigid thermoplastic phase being grafted to the elastomeric phase. The polymeric rubber may for example have a suitable particle based morphology. For example, the polymeric rubber may be in the form of a rubber particle and having a broad, monomodal particle size distribution. The polymeric rubber may for example have an average particle diameter of > 50 nanometers (nm) and < 1000 nanometers (nm), preferably with an average particle diameter of > 200 nanometers (nm) and < 500 nanometers (nm).

[0031] The polymeric rubber may for example comprise polymeric units derived from a conjugated diene and optionally from one or more monomer selected from a vinyl aromatic monomer and/or a vinyl nitrile monomer. For example, the polymeric rubber may comprise > 90.0 wt.% and < 100 wt.%, preferably > 95.0 wt.% and < 100 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the polymeric rubber, of polymeric units derived from a conjugated diene and optionally from > 0.0 wt.% and < 10.0 wt.%, preferably > 0.0 wt.% and < 5.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the polymeric rubber, of polymeric units derived from a vinyl aromatic monomer and/or a vinyl nitrile monomer.

[0032] The rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E) may for example, comprise: a. a polymeric rubber comprising: i. > 90.0 wt.% and < 100 wt.%, preferably > 95.0 wt.% and < 100 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the polymeric rubber, of polymeric units derived from a conjugated diene, wherein the conjugated diene is selected from 1,3 -butadiene, isoprene, 1,3- heptadiene, methyl- 1,3 -pentadiene, 2,3-dimethyl-l,3-butadiene, 2-ethyl- 1,3 -pentadiene, 1,3 -hexadiene, 2,4-hexadiene, or any combination thereof, preferably the conjugated diene is selected from 1,3 -butadiene, isoprene, or any combination thereof, more preferably the conjugated diene is 1,3-butadiene; and ii. > 0.0 wt.% and < 10.0 wt.%, preferably > 0.0 wt.% and < 5.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the polymeric rubber, of polymeric units derived from a vinyl aromatic monomer and/or a vinyl nitrile monomer; wherein vinyl aromatic monomer is selected from styrene, a-methyl styrene or any combinations thereof; and the vinyl nitrile monomer is acrylonitrile; b. a grafting thermoplastic copolymer (C), wherein the grafting thermoplastic copolymer (C) is grafted to the polymeric rubber, and wherein the grafting thermoplastic copolymer (C) comprises polymeric units derived from: i. a vinyl aromatic monomer selected from styrene, a-methyl styrene, dibromostyrene, vinyl toluene, vinylxylene, butyl styrene, p-hydroxy styrene, methoxy styrene, or any combination thereof, preferably the vinyl aromatic monomer is styrene; ii. a vinyl nitrile monomer selected from acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, ethacrylonitrile, or combinations thereof, preferably the vinyl nitrile monomer is acrylonitrile; and iii. optionally, (meth)acrylic monomers selected from methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, propyl methacrylate, iso-propyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, hexyl methacrylate, and decyl methacrylate, preferably the (meth)acrylic monomer is methyl methacrylate (MMA); and further wherein the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E) has a polymeric rubber content of > 55.0 wt.% and < 75.0 wt.%, preferably > 57.0 wt.% and < 70.0 wt.%, preferably > 60.0 wt.% and < 65.0 wt.%, preferably > 60.0 wt.% and < 63.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E). The polymeric rubber content may for example be determined using Fourier Transform Infrared Micro-Spectroscopy (FT-IR).

[0033] In some embodiments of the invention, the polymeric rubber may comprise polymeric units derived only from a conjugated diene, for example only from 1,3-butadiene to form polybutadiene. Accordingly, in some embodiments of the invention, the polymeric rubber is polybutadiene. In some embodiments of the invention, the polymeric rubber comprises an elastomeric copolymer derived from a conjugated diene and a vinyl aromatic monomer. For example in some embodiments of the invention, the polymeric rubber may an elastomeric copolymer comprising polymeric units derived from 1,3 butadiene and styrene. [0034] In some other embodiments of the invention, the polymeric rubber comprises an elastomeric copolymer derived from a conjugated diene and a vinyl nitrile monomer. For example in some embodiments of the invention, the polymeric rubber is an elastomeric copolymer comprising polymeric units derived from 1,3 butadiene and acrylonitrile.

[0035] In some other embodiments of the invention, the polymeric rubber comprises an elastomeric terpolymer derived from a conjugated diene, a vinyl aromatic monomer and a vinyl nitrile monomer. For example in some embodiments of the invention, the polymeric rubber is an elastomeric terpolymer comprising polymeric units derived from styrene, 1,3 butadiene and acrylonitrile copolymer.

[0036] Preferably, the polymeric rubber may be selected from polybutadiene, an elastomeric copolymer comprising butadiene and styrene, an elastomeric copolymer comprising butadiene and acrylonitrile, and an elastomeric terpolymer comprising styrene-butadiene-and acrylonitrile. Preferably, the polymeric rubber is polybutadiene.

[0037] The polymeric rubber may be prepared using any known polymerization process such as bulk, solution, or an emulsion polymerization process. In some non-limiting embodiments of the invention, the polymeric rubber may be prepared by an aqueous emulsion polymerization process in presence of a free radical initiator, e.g., an azonitrile initiator, an organic peroxide initiator, a persulfate initiator or a redox initiator system, and, optionally, in the presence of a chain transfer agent, e.g., an alkyl mercaptan.

[0038] In some embodiments of the invention, the grafting thermoplastic copolymer (C) may for example comprise of polymeric units derived from: i. a vinyl aromatic monomer selected from styrene, a-methyl styrene, dibromostyrene, vinyltoluene, vinylxylene, butyl styrene, p-hydroxystyrene, methoxystyrene, or any combination thereof, preferably the vinyl aromatic monomer is styrene; ii. a vinyl nitrile monomer selected from acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, ethacrylonitrile, or combinations thereof, preferably the vinyl nitrile monomer is acrylonitrile; and iii. (meth)acrylic monomers selected from methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, propyl methacrylate, iso-propyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, hexyl methacrylate, and decyl methacrylate, preferably the (meth)acrylic monomer is methyl methacrylate (MMA).

[0039] The grafting thermoplastic copolymer (C) may for example be selected from styrene/acrylonitrile copolymers, alpha-methyl styrene/acrylonitrile copolymers, styrene/ methyl methacrylate/acrylonitrile/copolymers, and alpha-methyl styrene/acrylonitrile/methyl methacrylate copolymers, preferably the grafting thermoplastic copolymer (C) may be styrene/ methyl methacrylate/ acrylonitrile/copolymer.

[0040] Accordingly, the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E) may comprise: the grafting thermoplastic copolymer (C), selected from styrene/acrylonitrile copolymers, alphamethyl styrene/acrylonitrile copolymers, styrene/ methyl methacrylate/ acrylonitrile/ copolymer, and alpha-methyl styrene/acrylonitrile/methyl methacrylate copolymers, preferably the grafting thermoplastic copolymer (C) is styrene/ methyl methacrylate/ acrylonitrile/ copolymer; and the polymeric rubber, selected from polybutadiene, an elastomeric copolymer comprising polymeric units derived from 1,3 butadiene and styrene, an elastomeric copolymer comprising polymeric units derived from butadiene and acrylonitrile, and an elastomeric terpolymer comprising polymeric units derived from styrene butadiene and acrylonitrile, preferably the polymeric rubber is selected from polybutadiene, an elastomeric copolymer comprising polymeric units derived from 1,3 butadiene and styrene, an elastomeric copolymer comprising polymeric units derived from butadiene and acrylonitrile, more preferably the polymeric rubber is polybutadiene.

[0041] Preferably, the grafting thermoplastic copolymer (C) is styrene/ methyl methacrylate/ acrylonitrile/ copolymer; and the polymeric rubber is polybutadiene.

[0042] Preferably, the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E) is polybutadiene grafted with styrene/ methyl methacrylate/ acrylonitrile/ copolymer.

[0043] Preferably, the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E) may comprise: > 55.0 wt.% and < 75.0 wt.%, preferably > 57.0 wt.% and < 70.0 wt.%, preferably > 60.0 wt.% and < 65.0 wt.%, preferably > 60.0 wt.% and < 63.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E), of polymeric units derived from a conjugated diene selected from 1,3 -butadiene, isoprene, 1,3 -heptadiene, methyl-l,3-pentadiene, 2,3-dimethyl-l,3- butadiene, 2-ethyl-l,3-pentadiene, 1,3 -hexadiene, 2,4-hexadiene, or any combination thereof. Preferably, the conjugated diene is 1,3 -butadiene. [0044] The rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E) may comprise: a. > 55.0 wt.% and < 75.0 wt.%, preferably > 57.0 wt.% and < 73.0 wt.%, preferably > 60.0 wt.% and < 65.0 wt.%, preferably > 60.0 wt.% and < 63.0 wt.%, of polymeric units derived from a conjugated diene selected from 1,3 -butadiene, isoprene, 1,3 -heptadiene, methyl- 1,3 -pentadiene, 2,3-dimethyl-l,3-butadiene, 2-ethyl-l,3-pentadiene, 1,3 -hexadiene, 2,4-hexadiene, or any combination thereof; b. > 19.0 wt.% and < 30.0 wt.%, preferably > 20.0 wt.% and < 29.0 wt.%, of polymeric units derived from vinyl aromatic monomers; c. > 5.0 wt.% and < 12.0 wt.%, preferably > 6.0 wt.% and < 10.0 wt.%, of polymeric units derived from vinyl nitrile monomers, and d. > 1.0 wt.% and < 5.0, preferably > 1.0 wt.% and < 3.0 wt.%, wt.% of polymeric units derived from (meth)acrylic monomers; with regard to the total weight the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E).

[0045] Preferably, the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E) may comprise: a. > 55.0 wt.% and < 75.0 wt.%, preferably > 57.0 wt.% and < 73.0 wt.%, preferably > 60.0 wt.% and < 65.0 wt.%, preferably > 60.0 wt.% and < 63.0 wt.%, of polymeric units derived from 1,3-butadiene; b. > 19.0 wt.% and < 30.0 wt.%, preferably > 20.0 wt.% and < 29.0 wt.%, of polymeric units derived from styrene; c. > 5.0 wt.% and < 12.0 wt.%, preferably > 6.0 wt.% and < 10.0 wt.%, of polymeric units derived from acrylonitrile; and d. > 1.0 wt.% and < 5.0, preferably > 1.0 wt.% and < 3.0 wt.%, of polymeric units derived from methyl methacrylate (MMA); with regard to the total weight the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E).

[0046] The copolymer (A) and the grafting thermoplastic copolymer (C) may be prepared according to any known polymerization processes, for example, mass polymerization, emulsion polymerization, suspension polymerization or combinations thereof. Further, during the preparation of the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E), the grafting thermoplastic copolymer (C) may be chemically bonded, i.e., "grafted" to the polymeric rubber via reaction with unsaturated sites present in the polymeric rubber. The grafting reaction may be performed in a batch, continuous or in a semi-continuous process.

[0047] The rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E) may comprise a portion of the grafting thermoplastic copolymer (C) that is not chemically grafted to the polymeric rubber. The portion of the grafting thermoplastic copolymer (C) that is not chemically grafted to the polymeric rubber may be referred to as the “free thermoplastic copolymer (C)”. For example, the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E) may comprise < 15.0 wt.%, preferably < 10.0 wt.%, preferably < 5.0 wt.%, preferably < 2.0 wt.%, of the grafting thermoplastic copolymer (C) that is not chemically grafted to the polymeric rubber “free thermoplastic copolymer (C)” .

[0048] Accordingly, in some embodiments of the invention, the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E) may for example comprise: a. > 55.0 wt.% and < 75.0 wt.%, preferably > 57.0 wt.% and < 73.0 wt.%, preferably > 60.0 wt.% and < 65.0 wt.%, preferably > 60.0 wt.% and < 63.0 wt.%, of the polymeric rubber; b. > 25.0 and < 35.0 wt.%, preferably > 25.0 and < 30.0 wt.%, of the grafting thermoplastic copolymer (C); and c. > 0.0 wt.% and < 15.0 wt.%, preferably > 5.0 wt.% and < 10.0 wt.%, of free thermoplastic copolymer (C); with regard to the total weight the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E).

Thermoplastic Polymer composition:

[0049] The thermoplastic polymer composition of the present invention has a suitable content of polymeric units derived from the conjugated diene to form the polymeric rubber present in the thermoplastic polymer composition. For example, the thermoplastic polymer composition may comprise > 17.1 wt.% and < 38.0 wt.%, preferably > 17.1 wt.% and < 36.0 wt.%, preferably > 17.1 wt.% and < 30.0 wt.%, preferably > 17.1 wt.% and < 23.0 wt.%, preferably > 18.0 wt.% and < 23.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition of polymeric units derived from a conjugated diene selected from 1,3 -butadiene, isoprene, 1,3- heptadiene, methyl-l,3-pentadiene, 2,3-dimethyl-l,3-butadiene, 2-ethyl-l,3-pentadiene, 1,3- hexadiene, 2,4-hexadiene, or any combination thereof. Preferably the conjugated diene is 1,3- butadiene. [0050] Preferably the thermoplastic polymer composition may comprise > 17.1 wt.% and < 38.0 wt.%, preferably > 17.1 wt.% and < 36.0 wt.%, preferably > 17.1 wt.% and < 30.0 wt.%, preferably > 17.1 wt.% and < 23.0 wt.%, preferably > 18.0 wt.% and < 23.0 wt.%, of polymeric units derived from 1,3 -butadiene, with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition.

[0051] Preferably, the thermoplastic polymer composition may comprise: a. > 17.1 wt.% and < 38.0 wt.%, preferably > 17.1 wt.% and < 36.0 wt.%, preferably > 17.1 wt.% and < 30.0 wt.%, preferably > 17.1 wt.% and < 23.0 wt.%, preferably > 18.0 wt.% and < 23.0 wt.%, of polymeric units derived from 1,3 -butadiene; b. > 55.0 wt.% and < 65.0 wt.%, preferably > 55.0 wt.% and < 63.0 wt.%, of polymeric units derived from styrene; c. > 5.0 wt.% and < 22.0 wt.%, preferably > 7.0 wt.% and < 22.0 wt.%, preferably > 10.0 wt.% and < 22.0 wt.%, preferably > 15.0 wt.% and < 22.0 wt.%, of polymeric units derived from acrylonitrile; and d. > 0.0 wt.% and < 1.0 wt.%, preferably > 0.0 wt.% and < 0.8 wt.%, of polymeric units derived from methyl methacrylate (MMA); with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition.

[0052] The content of the polymeric units for the thermoplastic polymer composition and/or the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E) may for example be determined by Fourier Transform Infrared Micro-Spectroscopy (FT-IR). The Fourier Transform Infrared MicroSpectroscopy technique may for example be followed in accordance with ASTM El 68-99.

[0053] The thermoplastic polymer composition may comprise one or more stabilizing additives such as acid scavengers, lubricants, anti-oxidants, processing stabilizers and combinations thereof. Preferably, the stabilizing additive may be a combination of an acid scavenger and a lubricant.

[0054] The stabilizing additives may for example be present in the thermoplastic polymer composition in a suitable proportion. The thermoplastic polymer composition may for example comprise < 1.2 wt.%, preferably < 1.0 wt.%, preferably < 0.8 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition, of stabilizing additives selected from magnesium oxide (MgO), wax, stabilizers, colorants, processing stabilizers, or any combination thereof, preferably the stabilizing additive is a combination of magnesium oxide (MgO) and wax. Preferably, the thermoplastic polymer composition may comprise stabilizing additives in amount > 0.0 wt.% and 1.0 wt.%, preferably > 0.0 wt.% and 0.8 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition.

[0055] The magnesium oxide may for example be present in an amount of > 0.01 wt.% and < 0.2 wt.%, preferably > 0.08 wt.% and < 0.18 wt.%, preferably > 0.1 wt.% and < 0.15 wt.%, of magnesium oxide (MgO), with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition. The wax may for example be present in an amount of > 0.10 wt.% and < 1.0 wt.%, preferably > 0.3 wt.% and < 0.5 wt.%; preferably > 0.4 wt.% and < 0.5 wt.%, of wax, with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition. The wax may for example be an ethylene bis stearamide (EBS) wax.

[0056] In some embodiments of the invention, the thermoplastic polymer composition may for example be substantially free of silicone oil. Preferably, the thermoplastic polymer composition may comprise of < 0.001 wt.%, preferably < 0.0001 wt.%, preferably zero (0.0) wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition, of silicone oil. Silicone oil may for example include any compound containing a one or more siloxane repeating unit. Non-limiting examples of silicone oil may for example include polydimethyl siloxane, methyl hydrodiene polysiloxanes, and polymethylphenyl siloxane, and any of their derivatives.

[0057] Preferably, the thermoplastic polymer composition may comprise: a. > 50.0 wt.% and < 70.0 wt.%, preferably > 60.0 wt.% and < 69.0 wt.%, preferably > 65.0 wt.% and < 69.0 wt.%, of styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer; and b. > 30.0 wt.% and < 50.0 wt.%, preferably > 31.0 wt.% and < 40.0 wt.%, preferably > 31.0 wt.% and < 35.0 wt.%, of polybutadiene grafted with styrene/ methyl methacrylate/ acrylonitrile/ copolymer; and c. > 0.0 wt.% and 1.0 wt.%, preferably > 0.0 wt.% and 0.8 wt.%, of stabilizing additives, with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition.

[0058] Preferably, the thermoplastic polymer composition may comprise or consists of: a. > 50.0 wt.% and < 68.89 wt.%, preferably > 60.0 wt.% and < 68.89 wt.%, preferably > 65.0 wt.% and < 68.89 wt.%, of the copolymer (A), preferably the copolymer (A) comprises styreneacrylonitrile copolymer (SAN); b. > 31.0 wt.% and < 48.8 wt.%, preferably > 31.0 wt.% and < 39.0 wt.%, preferably > 31.0 wt.% and < 34.0 wt.%, of the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E); preferably the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E) comprises polybutadiene grafted with styrene/ methyl methacrylate/ acrylonitrile/ copolymer; c. > 0.01 wt.% and < 0.2 wt.%, preferably > 0.08 wt.% and < 0.18 wt.%, preferably > 0.1 wt.% and < 0.15 wt.%, of magnesium oxide (MgO); and d. > 0.10 wt.% and < 1.0 wt.%, preferably > 0.3 wt.% and < 0.5 wt.%; preferably > 0.4 wt.% and < 0.5 wt.%, of wax; with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition.

[0059] Preferably, the thermoplastic polymer composition comprises or consists of: a. > 50.0 wt.% and < 68.89 wt.%, of the copolymer (A), wherein the copolymer (A) comprises styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN); b. > 31.0 wt.% and < 48.8 wt.%, of the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E); wherein the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E) comprises polybutadiene grafted with styrene/ methyl methacrylate/ acrylonitrile/ copolymer; c. > 0.01 wt.% and < 0.2 wt.%, of magnesium oxide (MgO); and d. > 0.10 wt.% and < 1.0 wt.%, of wax; with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition, wherein the copolymer (A) has: a melt flow rate of > 8.0 g/10 min and < 15.0 g/10 min, preferably > 9.0 g/10 min and < 11.0 g/10 min, as determined at 230°C at 1.2 kg load in accordance with ISO 1133 (2005) and further wherein the thermoplastic polymer composition may comprise zero (0.0) wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition, of silicone oil.

[0060] Preferably, the thermoplastic polymer composition comprises or consists of: a. > 60.0 wt.% and < 68.0 wt.%, of the copolymer (A), wherein the copolymer (A) comprises styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN); b. > 31.0 wt.% and < 39.0 wt.%, of the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E); wherein the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E) comprises polybutadiene grafted with styrene/ methyl methacrylate/ acrylonitrile/ copolymer; c. > 0.08 wt.% and < 0.18 wt.%, of magnesium oxide (MgO); and d. > 0.3 wt.% and < 0.5 wt.%; of wax; with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition, wherein the copolymer (A) has: a melt flow rate of > 8.0 g/10 min and < 15.0 g/10 min, preferably > 9.0 g/10 min and < 11.0 g/10 min, as determined at 230°C at 1.2 kg load in accordance with ISO 1133 (2005) and further wherein the thermoplastic polymer composition may comprise zero (0.0) wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition, of silicone oil.

[0061] Preferably, the thermoplastic polymer composition comprises or consists of: a. > 65.35 wt.% and < 68.0 wt.%, of the copolymer (A), wherein the copolymer (A) comprises styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN); b. > 31.5 wt.% and < 34.0 wt.%, of the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E); wherein the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E) comprises polybutadiene grafted with styrene/ methyl methacrylate/ acrylonitrile/ copolymer; c. > 0.1 wt.% and < 0.15 wt.%, of magnesium oxide (MgO); and d. > 0.4 wt.% and < 0.5 wt.%, of wax; with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition, wherein the copolymer (A) has: a melt flow rate of > 8.0 g/10 min and < 15.0 g/10 min, preferably > 9.0 g/10 min and < 11.0 g/10 min, as determined at 230°C at 1.2 kg load in accordance with ISO 1133 (2005) and further wherein the thermoplastic polymer composition may comprise zero (0.0) wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition, of silicone oil.

Properties of the Thermoplastic Polymer composition:

[0062] In some aspects of the invention, the thermoplastic polymer composition achieves the desired balance of flow and impact properties. Advantageously, in some aspects of the present invention, the desired balance of flow and impact properties are achieved even with the thermoplastic polymer composition of the present invention being substantially free of silicone oil. For example, in some embodiments of the invention, the thermoplastic polymer of the present invention exhibits: a. a melt flow rate of > 25.0 g/10 min and < 50.0 g/10 min, preferably > 30.0 g/10 min and

< 50.0 g/10 min, preferably > 30.0 g/10 min and < 40.0 g/10 min, preferably > 30.0 g/10 min and

< 35.0 g/10 min, as determined at 220°C using a 10.0 kg load and in accordance with ISO 1133 (2005); and b. a Izod Notched Impact strength of > 15.0 kJ/m² and < 30.0 kJ/m², preferably > 18.0 kJ/m² and < 25.0 kJ/m², preferably > 20.0 kJ/m² and < 23.0 kJ/m², as determined at 23 °C in accordance with ISO 180 (2006).

[0063] Alternatively, the flow property of a polymer composition may also be evaluated based on the melt volume flow rate (MVR) properties. For example, the thermoplastic polymer exhibits a melt volume flow rate of > 22.0 cm³/10 min and < 40.0 cm³/10 min, preferably > 25.0 cm³/ 10 min and < 35.0 cm³/ 10 min, preferably > 27.0 cm³/ 10 min and < 30.0 cm³/ 10 min, as determined at 220°C using a 10.0 kg load and in accordance with ISO 1133 (2005).

[0064] In one aspect of the invention, the thermoplastic polymer composition has a suitable mechanical property of tensile strain at break, indicative of the resistance a polymer material offers to deformation under the influence of an external force. For example, the thermoplastic polymer exhibits a tensile strain at break of > 20.0 % and < 30.0 %, preferably > 21.0 % and < 27.0 %, preferably > 21.0 % and < 25.0 %, as determined in accordance with ISO 527-1 (2019).

[0065] In a preferred aspect of the invention, the thermoplastic polymer composition demonstrates an excellent combination of mechanical properties and flow properties. Preferably, in some embodiments of the invention, the thermoplastic polymer composition exhibits: a. a melt flow rate of > 25.0 g/10 min and < 50.0 g/10 min, preferably > 30.0 g/10 min and

< 35.0 g/10 min, as determined at 220°C using a 10.0 kg load and in accordance with ISO 1133 (2005); b. a Izod Notched Impact strength of > 15.0 kJ/m² and < 30.0 kJ/m², preferably > 18.0 kJ/m² and < 25.0 kJ/m², preferably > 20.0 kJ/m² and < 23.0 kJ/m², as determined at 23 °C in accordance with ISO 180 (2006); c. a melt volume flow rate of > 22.0 cm³/10 min and < 40.0 cm³/10 min, preferably > 25.0 cm³/ 10 min and < 35.0 cm³/10 min, preferably > 27.0 cm³/ 10 min and < 30.0 cm³/ 10 min, as determined at 220°C using a 10.0 kg load and in accordance with ISO 1133 (2005); and d. a tensile strain at break of > 20.0 % and < 30.0 %, preferably > 21.0 % and < 27.0 %, preferably > 21.0 % and < 25.0 %, as determined in accordance with ISO 527-1 (2019).

[0066] The evaluation of the thermoplastic polymer composition for the Izod Notched Impact strength and the tensile strain at break, may for example be determined using an injection molded test sample comprising the thermoplastic polymer composition in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Process for preparing Thermoplastic Polymer composition:

[0067] In some aspects of the invention, the invention is directed to a method of preparing the thermoplastic polymer composition of the present invention. The method of preparing the thermoplastic polymer composition may for example include the steps of a) melt kneading in an extruder, a set of ingredients comprising the copolymer (A), the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E) and optionally one or more stabilizing additives, to form a precursor composition; and thereafter b) extruding the precursor composition at a melt temperature of < 300 °C, preferably < 280 °C, and forming the thermoplastic polymer composition. Preferably, the one or more stabilizing additive is a combination of magnesium oxide (MgO) and wax. The extrusion process may for example involve the steps of extruding the precursor composition across different extrusion zones being operated at a melt temperature of < 300 °C, preferably < 280 °C.

[0068] The steps involving melt-kneading and extrusion may be performed using a single screw extruder, a twin-screw extruder, and a Banbury mixer. Preferably, a twin-screw extruder is used for the process of melt-kneading and extrusion in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In one aspect of the invention, the precursor composition is evenly mixed and is subsequently extruded using a twin-screw extruder to obtain the thermoplastic polymer composition in the form of pellets.

[0069] In one aspect of the invention, the invention is directed to an article comprising the thermoplastic polymer composition comprising the thermoplastic polymer composition of the present invention. Preferably, the article is an injection -molded article. Preferably, such an article may comprise > 90.0 wt.%, preferably > 95.0 wt.%, preferably > 99.0 wt.%, preferably 100.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the article, of the thermoplastic polymer composition. Nonlimiting examples of such injection -molded article may include automotive components, electronic goods, consumer goods, sporting equipment. [0070] Preferably, the invention is directed to an article comprising thermoplastic polymer composition, comprising: a. > 50.0 wt.% and < 70.0 wt.%, preferably > 60.0 wt.% and < 69.0 wt.%, preferably > 65.0 wt.% and < 69.0 wt.%, of a copolymer (A) with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition, comprising polymeric units derived from (i) a vinyl aromatic monomer, and (ii) a vinyl nitrile monomer; and b. > 30.0 wt.% and < 50.0 wt.%, preferably > 31.0 wt.% and < 40.0 wt.%, preferably > 31.0 wt.% and < 35.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition, of a rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E) wherein the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E) has a polymeric rubber content of > 55.0 wt.%, preferably > 57.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E).

[0071] Preferably, the copolymer (A) has: a melt flow rate of > 7.0 g/10 min and < 20.0 g/10 min, preferably > 8.0 g/10 min and < 15.0 g/10 min, preferably > 9.0 g/10 min and < 11.0 g/10 min, as determined at 230°C at 1.2 kg load in accordance with ISO 1133 (2005).

[0072] Specific examples demonstrating some of the embodiments of the invention are included below. The examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention. It should be understood that the embodiments and the aspects disclosed herein are not mutually exclusive and such aspects and embodiments can be combined in any way. Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize parameters that can be changed or modified to yield essentially the same results.

EXAMPLES

[0073] Purpose: For the purposes of exemplifying the present invention, four different thermoplastic compositions were prepared. The sample denoted as “IE”, represents an inventive thermoplastic polymer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention while samples denoted as “CE1”, “CE2” and “CE3” are comparative thermoplastic polymer compositions.

[0074] Materials: The following material were used:

Table 1 [0075] The copolymer (A) and the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E) were compounded together involving the steps of melt-kneading and extrusion. The general process steps that were followed included melt kneading in a twin-screw extruder, the copolymer (A), the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E) and the stabilizing additives comprising magnesium oxide (MgO) and EBS wax, which resulted in the formation of the precursor composition. For the sample CE1, silicone oil, was added with the other ingredients. Subsequently, the precursor composition was extruded to obtain the thermoplastic polymer composition in the form of pellets. The process included a 133 mm twin-screw extruder that was equipped with an automatic screen changer, a strand die head, a water-slide system, a pelletizer, a pellet dryer system and pellet screen er system.

[0076] During the process of extrusion, the polymer melt was extruded through die holes and pulled through a water slide system for moderate cooling and hardening prior to passing it to a pelletizer to form the pellets. Subsequently, polymer pellets were dried in a pellet dryer system, which, in turn discharged the polymer pellets onto a rotary motion screen to remove any undersized and oversized pellets.

[0077] The conditions for extrusion and melt kneading are provided below:

Table 2

[0078] The thermoplastic polymer compositions obtained are classified below in terms of inventive composition (IE) and the comparative compositions (CE1, CE2 and CE3).

Table 3

[0079] The samples obtained were evaluated for their flow properties and their mechanical properties of impact and tensile strain at break. The following test parameters were used:

[0080] Melt Flow Rate (MFR) for the samples obtained from (IE and CE1-CE3) was determined at 220°C using a 10.0 kg load in accordance with ISO 1133 (2005).

[0081] Melt Volume Flow Rate (MVR) for the samples obtained from (IE and CE1-CE3) was determined at 220°C using a 10.0 kg load in accordance with ISO 1133 (2005).

[0082] Izod Notched Impact strength was determined at 23 °C in accordance with ISO 180 (2006). For the Izod Notched Impact strength test, a sample (Sample dimension 80 x 10 x 4.0 mm) was prepared by injection molding the pellets comprising the thermoplastic polymer compositions (IE and CE1-CE3). During the injection molding process, the temperature profile was maintained at 220°C, 230°C, 230°C, and 230°C (Zone 1-Zone 4). The temperature for the feeding zone, nozzle and the mold sections were maintained at 30°C, 230°C and 60°C, respectively. [0083] Tensile Strain at Break was determined in accordance with ISO 527-1 (2019) on an injection molded sample comprising the thermoplastic polymer composition at a test speed of 50mni/rnin.

[0084] Results: The test results obtained for the samples are provided in the table below:

Table 4

[0085] It is evident from the data obtained from the above table that, only with a purposeful combination of a copolymer (A) with a rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, that a polymer composition having a desired balance of flow and mechanical properties is obtained. For example, it is evident that although the inventive composition (IE) and the comparative composition (CE1) uses an identical copolymer (A) (sample SAN581) and an identical rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E), the proportion of these components are different, which play a role in imparting the desired balance of impact and flow properties. In particular, it is observed that the inventive composition IE, demonstrates higher impact and tensile strain properties compared to the comparative formulation CE1 while retaining still retaining sufficiently high flow properties. Further, as compared to the comparative composition CE1, the inventive composition IE is able to achieve the improved balance of flow and mechanical properties even in the absence of silicone oil being added.

[0086] The improved balance of flow and mechanical properties for the inventive composition IE, is also evident, from the corresponding data obtained for the comparative compositions CE2 and CE3. Further, the inventive composition IE demonstrates an increase in both mechanical (impact and tensile strain) and flow properties (melt flow rate and melt volume flow rate) in comparison to the comparative composition CE2.

[0087] Thus the thermoplastic composition IE, having one or more features in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, demonstrates desired balance of mechanical and flow properties when compared with the comparative samples CE1-CE3. The improved flow properties impart better processability to the polymer while the mechanical properties of the polymer imparts the desired impact and tensile properties to articles prepared from such composition.

Claims

1. A thermoplastic polymer composition, comprising: a. > 50.0 wt.% and < 70.0 wt.%, preferably > 60.0 wt.% and < 69.0 wt.%, preferably

> 65.0 wt.% and < 69.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition, of a copolymer (A) comprising polymeric units derived from (i) a vinyl aromatic monomer, and (ii) a vinyl nitrile monomer; and b. > 30.0 wt.% and < 50.0 wt.%, preferably > 31.0 wt.% and < 40.0 wt.%, preferably > 31.0 wt.% and < 35.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition, of a rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E) wherein the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E) has a polymeric rubber content of > 55.0 wt.%, preferably > 57.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E); wherein the copolymer (A) has: a melt flow rate of > 7.0 g/10 min and < 20.0 g/10 min, preferably > 8.0 g/10 min and < 15.0 g/10 min, preferably > 9.0 g/10 min and < 11.0 g/10 min, as determined at 230°C at 1.2 kg load in accordance with ISO 1133 (2005).

2. The thermoplastic polymer composition of claim 1, wherein the copolymer (A) has: a. an average molecular weight (Mw) of > 50,000 g/mol and < 100,000 g/mol, preferably > 80,000 g/mol and < 100,000 g/mol, preferably > 85,000 g/mol and < 98,000 g/mol, preferably > 93,000 g/mol and < 97,000 g/mol, as determined in accordance with gel permeation chromatography in accordance with ASTM D5296-11; and b. > 20.0 wt.% and < 26.0 wt.%, preferably > 22.0 wt.% and < 26.0 wt.%, preferably

> 23.0 wt.% and < 26.0 wt.% of polymeric units, derived from the vinyl nitrile monomer, with regard to the total weight of the copolymer (A).

3. The thermoplastic polymer composition of claims 1-2, wherein the vinyl aromatic monomer is selected from styrene, a-methyl styrene, dibromostyrene, vinyltoluene, vinylxylene, butylstyrene, p-hydroxystyrene, methoxystyrene, or any combination thereof, preferably the vinyl aromatic monomer is selected from styrene, a-methyl styrene, or a combination thereof, more preferably the vinyl aromatic monomer is styrene. The thermoplastic polymer composition of claims 1-3, wherein the vinyl nitrile monomer is selected from acrylonitrile, alpha-chloro acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, ethacrylonitrile or a combination thereof, preferably the vinyl nitrile monomer is acrylonitrile. The thermoplastic polymer composition of claims 1-4, wherein the copolymer (A) comprises styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN). The thermoplastic polymer composition of claim 1, wherein the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E) comprises: a. a polymeric rubber comprising: i. > 90.0 wt.% and < 100 wt.%, preferably > 95.0 wt.% and < 100 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the polymeric rubber, of polymeric units derived from a conjugated diene, wherein the conjugated diene is selected from 1,3 -butadiene, isoprene, 1,3 -heptadiene, methyl-l,3-pentadiene, 2,3- dimethyl- 1,3 -butadiene, 2-ethyl-l,3-pentadiene, 1,3 -hexadiene, 2,4- hexadiene, or any combination thereof, preferably the conjugated diene is selected from 1,3 -butadiene, isoprene, or any combination thereof, more preferably the conjugated diene is 1,3 -butadiene; and ii. > 0.0 wt.% and < 10.0 wt.%, preferably > 0.0 wt.% and < 5.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the polymeric rubber, of polymeric units derived from a vinyl aromatic monomer and/or a vinyl nitrile monomer; wherein vinyl aromatic monomer is selected from styrene, a-methyl styrene, or any combinations thereof; and the vinyl nitrile monomer is acrylonitrile; b. a grafting thermoplastic copolymer (C), wherein the grafting thermoplastic copolymer (C) is grafted to the polymeric rubber, and wherein the grafting thermoplastic copolymer (C) comprises polymeric units derived from: i. a vinyl aromatic monomer selected from styrene, a-methyl styrene, dibromostyrene, vinyltoluene, vinylxylene, butylstyrene, p-hydroxystyrene, methoxystyrene, or any combination thereof, preferably the vinyl aromatic monomer is styrene; ii. a vinyl nitrile monomer selected from acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, ethacrylonitrile, or combinations thereof, preferably the vinyl nitrile monomer is acrylonitrile; and iii. optionally, a (meth)acrylic monomers selected from methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, propyl methacrylate, iso-propyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, hexyl methacrylate, decyl methacrylate, preferably the (meth)acrylic monomer is methyl methacrylate (MMA); and further wherein the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E) has a polymeric rubber content of > 55.0 wt.% and < 75.0 wt.%, preferably > 57.0 wt.% and < 70.0 wt.%, preferably > 60.0 wt.% and < 65.0 wt.%, preferably > 60.0 wt.% and < 63.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E). he thermoplastic polymer composition of claims 1 or 6, wherein a. the grafting thermoplastic copolymer (C) is selected from styrene/acrylonitrile copolymers, alpha-methyl styrene/acrylonitrile copolymers, styrene/ methyl methacrylate/ acrylonitrile/ copolymer, and alpha-methyl styrene/acrylonitrile/methyl methacrylate copolymer, preferably the grafting thermoplastic copolymer (C) is styrene/ methyl methacrylate/ acrylonitrile/ copolymer; and b. the polymeric rubber is selected from polybutadiene, an elastomeric copolymer comprising polymeric units derived from 1,3 butadiene and styrene, an elastomeric copolymer comprising polymeric units derived from butadiene and acrylonitrile, and an elastomeric terpolymer comprising polymeric units derived from styrene butadiene and acrylonitrile, preferably the polymeric rubber is selected from polybutadiene, an elastomeric copolymer comprising polymeric units derived from 1,3 butadiene and styrene, an elastomeric copolymer comprising polymeric units derived from butadiene and acrylonitrile, more preferably the polymeric rubber is polybutadiene. The thermoplastic polymer composition of claims 1-7, wherein the thermoplastic polymer composition comprises: > 17.1 wt.% and < 38.0 wt.%, preferably > 17.1 wt.% and < 36.0 wt.%, preferably > 17.1 wt.% and < 30.0 wt.%, preferably > 17.1 wt.% and < 23.0 wt.%, preferably > 18.0 wt.% and < 23.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition, of polymeric units derived from a conjugated diene selected from 1,3 -butadiene, isoprene, 1,3 -heptadiene, methyl-l,3-pentadiene, 2,3-dimethyl-l,3- butadiene, 2-ethyl- 1,3 -pentadiene, 1,3 -hexadiene, 2,4-hexadiene, or any combination thereof, preferably the conjugated diene is 1,3 -butadiene. The thermoplastic polymer composition of claims 1-8, wherein the thermoplastic polymer composition further comprises < 1.2 wt.%, preferably < 1.0 wt.%, preferably < 0.8 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition, of stabilizing additives selected from magnesium oxide (MgO), wax, stabilizers, colorants, processing stabilizers, or any combination thereof, preferably the stabilizing additive is a combination of magnesium oxide (MgO) and wax. The thermoplastic polymer composition of claims 9, wherein the thermoplastic polymer composition comprises or consists of: a. > 50.0 wt.% and < 68.89 wt.%, preferably > 60.0 wt.% and < 68.89 wt.%, preferably > 65.0 wt.% and < 68.89 wt.%, of the copolymer (A), preferably the copolymer (A) comprises styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN); b. > 31.0 wt.% and < 48.8 wt.%, preferably > 31.0 wt.% and < 39.0 wt.%, preferably > 31.0 wt.% and < 34.0 wt.%, of the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E); preferably > 31.0 wt.% and < 48.8 wt.%, preferably > 31.0 wt.% and < 39.0 wt.%, preferably > 31.0 wt.% and < 34.0 wt.%, of polybutadiene grafted with styrene/ methyl methacrylate/ acrylonitrile/ copolymer; c. > 0.01 wt.% and < 0.2 wt.%, preferably > 0.08 wt.% and < 0.18 wt.%, preferably > 0.1 wt.% and < 0.15 wt.%, of magnesium oxide (MgO); and d. > 0.10 wt.% and < 1.0 wt.%, preferably > 0.3 wt.% and < 0.5 wt.%; preferably > 0.4 wt.% and < 0.5 wt.%, of wax; with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition. The thermoplastic polymer composition of claims 1-10, wherein the thermoplastic polymer composition further comprises of < 0.001 wt.%, preferably < 0.0001 wt.%, preferably zero (0.0) wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition, of silicone oil. The thermoplastic polymer composition of claims 1-11, wherein the thermoplastic polymer exhibits: a. a melt flow rate of > 25.0 g/10 min and < 50.0 g/10 min, preferably > 30.0 g/10 min and < 50.0 g/10 min, preferably > 30.0 g/10 min and < 40.0 g/10 min, preferably > 30.0 g/10 min and < 35.0 g/10 min, as determined at 220°C using a 10.0 kg load and in accordance with ISO 1133 (2005); and b. a Izod Notched Impact strength of > 15.0 kJ/m² and < 30.0 kJ/m², preferably > 18.0 kJ/m² and < 25.0 kJ/m², preferably > 20.0 kJ/m² and < 23.0 kJ/m², as determined at 23 °C in accordance with ISO 180 (2006). A method of preparing the thermoplastic polymer composition of claims 1-12, wherein the method comprises: a. melt kneading in an extruder, a set of ingredients comprising the copolymer (A), the rubber modified thermoplastic polymer (E) and optionally one or more stabilizing additives, to form a precursor composition; and b. extruding the precursor composition at a melt temperature of < 300 °C, preferably < 280 °C, and forming the thermoplastic polymer composition. An article comprising the thermoplastic polymer composition of claims 1-12, preferably wherein the article is an injection-molded article. Use of the thermoplastic polymer composition of claims 1-12 for improving the processability and the mechanical properties of a polymer composition suitable for thermoplastic processing.