Classifications

• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
  • C08L—COMPOSITIONS OF MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS
  • C08L47/00—Compositions of homopolymers or copolymers of compounds having one or more unsaturated aliphatic radicals, at least one having two or more carbon-to-carbon double bonds; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
  • C08L—COMPOSITIONS OF MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS
  • C08L23/00—Compositions of homopolymers or copolymers of unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons having only one carbon-to-carbon double bond; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers
  • C08L23/02—Compositions of homopolymers or copolymers of unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons having only one carbon-to-carbon double bond; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers not modified by chemical after-treatment
  • C08L23/04—Homopolymers or copolymers of ethene
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
  • C08L—COMPOSITIONS OF MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS
  • C08L23/00—Compositions of homopolymers or copolymers of unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons having only one carbon-to-carbon double bond; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers
  • C08L23/02—Compositions of homopolymers or copolymers of unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons having only one carbon-to-carbon double bond; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers not modified by chemical after-treatment
  • C08L23/04—Homopolymers or copolymers of ethene
  • C08L23/06—Polyethene
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
  • C08L—COMPOSITIONS OF MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS
  • C08L23/00—Compositions of homopolymers or copolymers of unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons having only one carbon-to-carbon double bond; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers
  • C08L23/02—Compositions of homopolymers or copolymers of unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons having only one carbon-to-carbon double bond; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers not modified by chemical after-treatment
  • C08L23/10—Homopolymers or copolymers of propene
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
  • C08L—COMPOSITIONS OF MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS
  • C08L23/00—Compositions of homopolymers or copolymers of unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons having only one carbon-to-carbon double bond; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers
  • C08L23/02—Compositions of homopolymers or copolymers of unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons having only one carbon-to-carbon double bond; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers not modified by chemical after-treatment
  • C08L23/16—Elastomeric ethene-propene or ethene-propene-diene copolymers, e.g. EPR and EPDM rubbers
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
  • C08L—COMPOSITIONS OF MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS
  • C08L2666/00—Composition of polymers characterized by a further compound in the blend, being organic macromolecular compounds, natural resins, waxes or and bituminous materials, non-macromolecular organic substances, inorganic substances or characterized by their function in the composition
  • C08L2666/02—Organic macromolecular compounds, natural resins, waxes or and bituminous materials
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
  • C08L—COMPOSITIONS OF MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS
  • C08L2666/00—Composition of polymers characterized by a further compound in the blend, being organic macromolecular compounds, natural resins, waxes or and bituminous materials, non-macromolecular organic substances, inorganic substances or characterized by their function in the composition
  • C08L2666/02—Organic macromolecular compounds, natural resins, waxes or and bituminous materials
  • C08L2666/04—Macromolecular compounds according to groups C08L7/00 - C08L49/00, or C08L55/00 - C08L57/00; Derivatives thereof
  • C08L2666/06—Homopolymers or copolymers of unsaturated hydrocarbons; Derivatives thereof

Definitions

• the present application is directed to a new composition comprising a heterophasic polypropylene, a filler, and a polyethylene, as well as to its manufacture and use.
• Polypropylene is the material of choice in many applications as it can be tailored to specific purposes needed.
• heterophasic polypropylenes are widely used in the automobile industry (for instance in bumper applications) as they combine good stiffness with reasonable impact strength behavior.
• Heterophasic polypropylenes contain a polypropylene matrix in which an amorphous phase is dispersed.
• the amorphous phase contains a propylene copolymer rubber, like an ethylene propylene rubber (EPR) or a ethylene propylene diene monomer polymer (EPDM).
• EPR ethylene propylene rubber
• EPDM ethylene propylene diene monomer polymer
• the heterophasic polypropylene contains a crystalline polyethylene to some extent.
• heterophasic polypropylenes grades contain an amount of about 30 wt.-% propylene copolymer rubber, which normally is produced directly in one or two gas phase reactors or added externally to the matrix via a compounding step. These materials are normally used in combination with 10 to 20 wt.-% filler, like talcum, which overall leads to materials offering a good balance of stiffness and impact strength.
• the low temperature impact strength is seen as a key property since cars are used during the whole year and in different climate zones. During winter times the danger of breakage is unacceptably high if the impact strength, especially at ⁇ 20° C. or lower, would be insufficient. More and more often there is the demand from the automotive industry for materials showing not only a good low temperature impact but an exceptional impact at very low temperatures, enabling the use of heterophasic material independently of the respective geographic circumstances. To be sure that these requirements are fulfilled the automobile industry asks for heterophasic polypropylene grades with very good impact strength measured at ⁇ 40° C.
• EP1401894 A1 discloses propylene polymers with improved properties, especially combining high stiffness and impact strength through a combination of polypropylene with selective ⁇ -nucleation, however not resulting in a sufficient impact strength at temperatures of ⁇ 20° C. or below and furthermore suffering from a reduced thermomechanical stability resulting from a lower melting point of the ⁇ -modification. Also, U.S. Pat. No.
• 4,363,885 describes a propylene polymer composition useful for bumpers by combining a heterophasic polypropylene copolymer with EPR elastomer and talc filler, however requiring a special chamber kneader of the Banbury type for preparation due to the nature of the applied elastomer, and still not showing sufficient impact strength at temperatures below ⁇ 30° C.
• 5,086,109 covers a polypropylene resin composition based on polypropylene and further comprising a combination of EPR or EPDM with a hydrogenated block copolymer composed of both end blocks of an aromatic vinyl compound and an intermediate block of a conjugated diene polymer (styrene elastomer) as well as a flaky mineral filler, however not achieving a brittleness transition below ⁇ 20° C. and requiring the use of the comparatively costly styrene elastomer component.
• styrene elastomer conjugated diene polymer
• the object of the present invention is to provide a heterophasic polypropylene being featured by good stiffness and excellent impact performance at very low temperatures, i.e. at temperatures far below ⁇ 20° C., preferably below ⁇ 30° C., like at ⁇ 40° C.
• the finding of the present invention is that the heterophasic polypropylene needs an additive which improves the dispersion of the rubber phase and simultaneously positively affects the impact behavior. More precisely the finding of the present invention is that a polyethylene of bimodal or multimodal character must be incorporated into the heterophasic polypropylene. A further finding is that the incorporation can preferably be accomplished in case the polyethylene of bimodal or multimodal character is premixed with an elastomeric component before added to the heterophasic polypropylene.
• composition (C) comprising
• the present invention comprises different polymer materials. However these materials are not crosslinked, for instance by the use of crosslinking agents.
• the elastomeric copolymer(s) (EP), the high density polyethylene (HDPE) and the filler (F) are dispersed in said polypropylene matrix (M-PP).
• the elastomeric copolymer(s) (EP) and the high density polyethylene (HDPE) form inclusions which are dispersed in the polypropylene matrix (M-PP).
• the present invention is in particular directed to a so-called heterophasic system.
• the present invention can be also defined as a heterophasic polypropylene composition (H-PP) comprising
• the polypropylene matrix (M-PP) contains (finely) dispersed inclusions being not part of the matrix and said inclusions contain either the elastomeric copolymer (EP) or the high density polyethylene (HDPE).
• inclusion shall preferably indicate that the polypropylene matrix (M-PP) and the inclusion form different phases within the heterophasic polypropylene composition (H-PP), said inclusions are for instance visible by high resolution microscopy, like electron microscopy or scanning force microscopy.
• inclusions may also contain the filler (F); however preferably the filler (F) forms separate inclusions within the polypropylene matrix (M-PP).
• the polypropylene matrix (M-PP) contains (finely) dispersed inclusions being not part of the matrix and said inclusions contain the elastomeric copolymer (EP) and the high density polyethylene (HDPE).
• the high density polyethylene (HDPE) may preferably form on its part inclusions (finely dispersed) within in the elastomeric copolymer (EP).
• composition (C) i.e. said heterophasic polypropylene composition (H-PP), comprises
• composition (C) i.e. said heterophasic polypropylene composition (H-PP), comprises
• the xylene soluble (XS) content of the composition (C), i.e. of said heterophasic polypropylene composition (H-PP), is also rather high, i.e. at least 12 wt.-%, more preferably in the range of 20 to 70 wt.-%, like 30 to 50 wt.-%.
• the weight ratio between the high density polyethylene (HDPE) and the sum of the elastomeric copolymer(s) (EP) is from 1:10 to 2:1, preferably from 1:8 to 1:2.
• the present composition (C), i.e. said heterophasic polypropylene composition (H-PP), comprises as polymer components only the polypropylene matrix (M-PP), the high density polyethylene (HDPE) and the elastomeric copolymer(s) (EP).
• the composition (C), i.e. said heterophasic polypropylene composition (H-PP) may contain further additives and the filler (F) but no other polymer in an amount exceeding 5 wt-%, more preferably exceeding 3 wt.-%, like exceeding 1 wt.-%, based on the total composition (C).
• One additional polymer which may be present in such low amounts is a polyethylene which is a reaction product obtained by the preparation of one of the components used for the manufacture of the instant invention (see in detail below). Accordingly it is in particular appreciated that the instant composition (C) contains only the polypropylene matrix (M-PP), the high density polyethylene (HDPE), the elastomeric copolymer(s) (EP) and a polyethylene in amounts as mentioned in this paragraph.
• M-PP polypropylene matrix
• HDPE high density polyethylene
• EP elastomeric copolymer(s)
• composition (C) of the instant invention can overcome the drawbacks of heterophasic systems known in the art.
• the new composition (C) shows excellent impact behavior at very low temperatures, i.e. at ⁇ 40° C., without compromising the stiffness of the composition (C) (see table 1 to 3).
• the instant invention it is possible to provide automobile articles which can be applied also in regions with extreme weather conditions, especially in regions infested by extreme cold winters.
• the high density polyethylene is bimodal or multimodal. More particularly the high density polyethylene (HDPE) is bimodal or multimodal in view of the molecular weight distribution and/or the comonomer content distribution.
• the polypropylene matrix (M-PP) can be unimodal or multimodal, like bimodal in view of the molecular weight distribution and/or the comonomer content distribution.
• multimodal or “bimodal” used herein refers to the modality of the polymer, i.e.
• the polypropylene matrix (M-PP) and/or the high density polyethylene (HDPE) can be produced by blending different polymer types, i.e. of different molecular weight and/or comonomer content.
• the polymer components of the polypropylene matrix (M-PP) and/or of the high density polyethylene (HDPE) are produced in a sequential step process, using reactors in serial configuration and operating at different reaction conditions. As a consequence, each fraction prepared in a specific reactor will have its own molecular weight distribution and/or comonomer content distribution.
• these curves may show two or more maxima or at least be distinctly broadened when compared with curves for the individual fractions.
• Such a polymer, produced in two or more serial steps, is called bimodal or multimodal, depending on the number of steps.
• the polypropylene matrix can be a propylene homopolymer (M-HoPP) or a propylene copolymer (M-CoPP).
• the propylene matrix (M-PP) is a propylene homopolymer (M-HoPP).
• propylene homopolymer used in the instant invention relates to a polypropylene that consists substantially, i.e. of more than 99.5 wt.-%, still more preferably of at least 99.7 wt.-%, like of at least 99.8 wt.-%, of propylene units. In a preferred embodiment only propylene units in the propylene homopolymer are detectable.
• the comonomer content can be determined with FT infrared spectroscopy, as described below in the examples.
• the polypropylene matrix (M-PP) is a propylene copolymer (M-CoPP)
• the propylene copolymer (M-CoPP) comprises units derived from at least one comonomer selected from the group consisting of ethylene and C 4 to C 20 ⁇ -olefin, preferably at least one comonomer selected from the group consisting of ethylene and C 4 to C 10 ⁇ -olefin, e.g. 1-butene or 1-hexene.
• the propylene copolymer (M-CoPP) is a propylene ethylene copolymer.
• the comonomer content, like ethylene content, in the propylene copolymer (M-CoPP) is in such a case preferably relatively low, i.e. up to 5.0 wt.-%, more preferably 0.5 to 5.0 wt.-%, still more preferably 1.0 to 4.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably 2.0 to 4.0 wt.-%.
• the ethylene is the only comonomer in the propylene copolymer (M-CoPP).
• propylene homopolymer may be multimodal or bimodal in view of the molecular weight.
• the polypropylene matrix (M-PP) is a propylene copolymer (M-CoPP)
• said propylene copolymer (M-CoPP) may be multimodal, like bimodal, in view of the comonomer content and/or molecular weight. It is in particular appreciated that the propylene copolymer (M-CoPP) is multimodal, like bimodal, in view of the comonomer content.
• the polypropylene matrix (M-PP) is of multimodal, like bimodal, character, in particular multimodal, like bimodal, in view of the comonomer content
• the individual fractions are present in amounts influencing the properties of the material. Accordingly it is appreciated that each of these fractions is at least present in the amount of 10 wt.-% based on the polypropylene matrix (M-PP). Accordingly in case of a bimodal system, in particular in view of the comonomer content, the split of the two fractions is roughly 50:50.
• the polypropylene matrix (M-PP) comprises two fractions which differ in their comonomer content, like ethylene content, wherein the first fraction is present from 40 to 60 wt.-% and the second fraction from 60 to 40 wt.-%.
• the polypropylene matrix (M-PP) is a propylene copolymer (M-CoPP)
• said propylene copolymer (M-CoPP) comprises at least two fractions that have different comonomer contents.
• the propylene copolymer (M-CoPP) comprises at least two fractions, more preferably consists of two fractions, that have a comonomer content, like ethylene content, which differ of at least 0.8 wt.-%, more preferably differ of at least 1.2 wt.-%.
• the difference in the comonomer content in the two fractions should be not too high, i.e.
• the propylene copolymer (M-CoPP) comprises at least two fractions, more preferably consists of two fractions, that have comonomer contents which differ of 2.0 to 6.0 wt.-%, more preferably of 2.5 to 5.0 wt.-%.
• the propylene copolymer comprises, preferably consists of, a first fraction being a propylene homopolymer and a second fraction being a propylene copolymer having a comonomer content, preferably ethylene content, of at least 0.5 wt.-%, more preferably of at least 1.5 wt.-%, like of at least 2.0 wt.-%, e.g. of at least 2.5 wt.-%.
• the polypropylene matrix (M-PP) may be produced in a polymerization stage effected in one or more polymerization reactors.
• the polypropylene matrix (M-PP) comprising two or more different propylene polymers may be produced by carrying out polymerization in two or more different polymerisation reactors (e.g. bulk and/or gas phase reactors; as bulk reactors, loop reactors are preferred) whereby to generate polymers of the different desired molecular weight distributions or monomer make ups in the different polymerization reactors.
• the polypropylene matrix (M-PP) has a rather low melt flow rate.
• the melt flow rate mainly depends on the average molecular weight. This is due to the fact that long molecules render the material a lower flow tendency than short molecules.
• An increase in molecular weight means a decrease in the MFR-value.
• the melt flow rate (MFR) is measured in g/10 min of the polymer discharged through a defined die under specified temperature and pressure conditions and the measure of viscosity of the polymer which, in turn, for each type of polymer is mainly influenced by its molecular weight but also by its degree of branching.
• the melt flow rate measured under a load of 2.16 kg at 230° C. (ISO 1133) is denoted as MFR 2 (230° C.).
• the polypropylene matrix (M-PP) has an MFR 2 (230° C.) in a range of 0.05 to 250.0 g/10 min, more preferably of 1.0 to 100.0 g/10 min, still more preferably of 2.0 to 50.0 g/10 min.
• the polypropylene matrix (M-PP) is isotactic. Accordingly it is appreciated that the polypropylene matrix (M-PP) has a rather high pentad concentration, i.e. higher than 80%, more preferably higher than 85%, yet more preferably higher than 90%, still more preferably higher than 92%, still yet more preferably higher than 93%, like higher than 95%.
• M-PP polypropylene matrix
• M-CoPP propylene copolymer
• the second requirement of the instant invention is the presence of at least one elastomeric copolymer(s) (EP), preferably one or two elastomeric copolymer(s) (EP), in the inventive composition (C), i.e. in the heterophasic polypropylene composition (H-PP).
• EP elastomeric copolymer(s)
• inventive composition (C) i.e. in the heterophasic polypropylene composition (H-PP).
• the elastomeric copolymer(s) comprises, preferably consists of, units derivable from ethylene and at least another C3 to C20 ⁇ -olefin, like C3 to C10 ⁇ -olefin, more preferably units derivable from ethylene and at least another ⁇ -olefin selected form the group consisting of propylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-heptene and 1-octene.
• the elastomeric copolymer (EP) may additionally contain units derived from a non-conjugated diene, however it is preferred that the elastomeric copolymer consists of units derivable from ethylene and propylene and/or C4 to C20 ⁇ -olefins only.
• Suitable non-conjugated dienes include straight-chain and branched-chain acyclic dienes, such as 1,4-hexadiene, 1,5-hexadiene, 1,6-octadiene, 5-methyl-1, 4-hexadiene, 3,7-dimethyl-1,6-octadiene, 3,7-dimethyl-1,7-octadiene, and the mixed isomers of dihydromyrcene and dihydro-ocimene, and single ring alicyclic dienes such as 1,4-cyclohexadiene, 1,5-cyclooctadiene, 1,5-cyclododecadiene, 4-vinyl cyclohexene, 1-allyl-4-isopropylidene cyclohexane, 3-allyl cyclopentene, 4-cyclohexene and 1-isopropenyl-4-(4-butenyl) cyclohexane.
• Multi-ring alicyclic fused and bridged ring dienes are also suitable including tetrahydroindene, methyltetrahydroindene, dicyclopentadiene, bicyclo (2,2,1) hepta-2,5-diene, 2-methyl bicycloheptadiene, and alkenyl, alkylidene, cycloalkenyl and cycloalkylidene norbornenes, such as 5-methylene-2-norbornene, 5-isopropylidene norbornene, 5-(4-cyclopentenyl)-2-norbornene; and 5-cyclohexylidene-2-norbornene.
• Preferred non-conjugated dienes are 5-ethylidene-2-norbornene, 1,4-hexadiene and dicyclopentadiene.
• the elastomeric copolymer(s) (EP) comprise(s) at least units derivable from ethylene and propylene and may comprise other units derivable from a further ⁇ -olefin as defined in the previous paragraph.
• elastomeric copolymer(s) (EP) comprise(s) units only derivable from ethylene and propylene and optionally a non-conjugated diene as defined in the previous paragraph, like 1,4-hexadiene.
• EPDM ethylene propylene non-conjugated diene monomer polymer
• EPR ethylene propylene rubber
• the elastomeric copolymer(s) (EP) can be unimodal or multimodal, like bimodal. However it is preferred that the elastomeric copolymer(s) (EP) is/are unimodal. Concerning the definition of unimodal and multimodal, like bimodal, it is referred to the definition above.
• the instant composition (C), i.e. the heterophasic polypropylene composition (H-PP), comprises at least one elastomeric copolymer (EP1) and one elastomeric copolymer (EP2), said elastomeric copolymer (EP2) having a higher ethylene content than the elastomeric copolymer (EP1), resulting in a lower glass transition temperature for the elastomeric copolymer (EP2) as compared to the elastomeric copolymer (EP1).
• the elastomeric copolymer (EP1) has a glass transition temperature (point) being higher, i.e. being at least of 5° C. higher, i.e.
• inventive composition (C) i.e. the heterophasic polypropylene composition (H-PP)
• H-PP the heterophasic polypropylene composition
• the inventive composition (C) i.e. the heterophasic polypropylene composition (H-PP)
• H-PP heterophasic polypropylene composition
• the weight ratio between the elastomeric copolymer (EP1) and an elastomeric copolymer (EP2) is 18:1 to 1:9, more preferably 9:1 to 1:4.5.
• the inventive composition (C) i.e.
• heterophasic polypropylene composition comprises from 4 to 36 wt.-%, preferably from 5 to 32 wt.-%, more preferably from 6 to 28 wt.-%, of the elastomeric copolymer (EP1) and from 2 to 36 wt.-%, preferably from 3 to 30 wt.-%, more preferably from 4 to 24 wt.-%, of the elastomeric copolymer (EP2).
• the elastomeric copolymer (EP2) has a higher overall comonomer content than the elastomeric copolymer (EP1), said overall comonomer content being the sum of ethylene content, C 4 -C 20 ⁇ -olefin content and non-conjugated diene content.
• the elastomeric copolymer (EP1) comprises, preferably consists of, units derivable from propylene and at least another ⁇ -olefin selected from the group consisting of ethylene and C4 to C20 ⁇ -olefin, like C4 to C10 ⁇ -olefin, more preferably units derivable from propylene and at least another ⁇ -olefin selected form the group consisting of ethylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-heptene and 1-octene.
• the elastomeric copolymer (EP1) may additionally contain units derived from a non-conjugated diene, however it is preferred that the elastomeric copolymer consists of units derivable from propylene and ethylene and/or C4 to C20 ⁇ -olefins only. Concerning possible non-conjugated dienes, if used, it is referred to list mentioned above.
• the elastomeric copolymer (EP1) comprises at least units derivable from propylene and ethylene and may comprise other units derivable from a further ⁇ -olefin as defined in the previous paragraph.
• elastomeric copolymer (EP) comprises units only derivable from propylene and ethylene and optionally a non-conjugated diene as defined above, like 1,4-hexadiene.
• EPDM ethylene propylene non-conjugated diene monomer polymer
• EPR ethylene propylene rubber
• the content of units derivable from propylene in the elastomeric copolymer (EP1) ranges from 30.0 to 80.0 wt.-%, more preferably 40.0 to 75.0 wt.-%.
• the elastomeric copolymer (EP1) comprises from 20.0 to 70.0 wt.-%, more preferably 25.0 to 60.0 wt.-%, units derivable from ethylene.
• the elastomeric copolymer (EP1) is an ethylene propylene non-conjugated diene monomer polymer (EPDM) or an ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), the latter especially preferred, with a propylene content as defined in this paragraph.
• the elastomeric copolymer (EP1) may be produced by conventional gas phase ⁇ -olefin polymerization techniques; however it is preferably produced using a supported catalyst system, e.g. a Ziegler Natta catalyst system or a metallocene catalyst system. More information about the preparation of the elastomeric copolymer (EP1) see below.
• the elastomeric copolymer (EP2) comprises preferably units derived from ethylene, at least one C3 to C20 ⁇ -olefin and optionally a non-conjugated diene.
• the elastomeric copolymer (EP2) comprises, preferably consists of, units derivable from ethylene and at least another C3 to C20 ⁇ -olefin, like C3 to C10 ⁇ -olefin, more preferably units derivable from ethylene and at least another ⁇ -olefin selected form the group consisting of propylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-heptene and 1-octene.
• the elastomeric copolymer (EP2) may additionally contain units derived from a non-conjugated diene, however it is preferred that the elastomeric copolymer (EP2) consists of units derivable from ethylene and C3 to C20 ⁇ -olefins only. Concerning possible non-conjugated dienes, if used, it is referred to list mentioned above.
• the elastomeric copolymer (EP2) comprises at least units derivable from ethylene and propylene and may comprise other units derivable from a further ⁇ -olefin as defined in the previous paragraph.
• elastomeric copolymer (EP2) comprises units only derivable from ethylene and propylene and optionally a non-conjugated diene as defined above, like 1,4-hexadiene.
• EPDM ethylene propylene non conjugated diene monomer polymer
• EPR ethylene propylene rubber
• units derivable from ethylene constitutes the main part within the elastomeric copolymer (EP2). Accordingly it is preferred that the content of units derivable from ethylene in the elastomeric copolymer (EP2) is more than 50.0 wt.-%, more preferably ranges from 50.0 to 70.0 wt.-%, more preferably 51.0 to 60.0 wt.-%.
• the elastomeric copolymer (EP2) with an ethylene content as defined in this paragraph is an ethylene propylene non conjugated diene monomer polymer (EPDM) or an ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), the latter especially preferred.
• the density measured according to ISO 1183 of the elastomeric copolymer (EP2) shall preferably not exceed 900 kg/m 3 , more preferably shall be in the range 850 to 900 kg/m 3 , still more preferably in the range of 855 to 875 kg/m 3 .
• the elastomeric copolymer (EP2) may be produced by conventional solution or gas phase ⁇ -olefin polymerization techniques with homogeneous or heterogeneous catalysts.
• composition (C) i.e. the heterophasic polypropylene composition (H-PP), comprises
• a further essential aspect of the present invention is that the instant composition (C), i.e. in the heterophasic polypropylene composition (H-PP), comprises a specific high density polyethylene (HDPE).
• H-PP heterophasic polypropylene composition
• HDPE specific high density polyethylene
• HDPE high density polyethylene
• ISO 1183-187 a polyethylene with a density measured according to ISO 1183-187 of at least 940 kg/m 3 , more preferably in the range of 940 to 960 kg/m 3 , like 942 to 955 kg/m 3 .
• the high density polyethylene comprises at least two fractions of different comonomer content and/or of different average weight molecular weight M w .
• the high density polyethylene comprises, preferably consists of a fraction (A) and a fraction (B), said fraction (A) has a lower comonomer content and/or a lower weight average molecular weight IVI, measured according to ISO 16014 than fraction (B).
• the fraction (A) is a polyethylene homopolymer or a polyethylene copolymer with the proviso that in case the fraction (A) is a polyethylene copolymer that the comonomer content is preferably lower compared to the comonomer content of the fraction (B).
• the fraction (B) may be also a polyethylene homopolymer or alternatively a polyethylene copolymer, the latter being preferred.
• the high density polyethylene (HDPE) i.e. the fraction (A) and/or the fraction (B)
• the comonomers are selected from the group consisting of 1-butene, 1-octene, 1-hexene and 4-methyl-penetene.
• fraction (A) of the high density polyethylene (HDPE) is preferably defined as follows:
• fraction (A) It is a polyethylene copolymer with a comonomer, like 1-butene or 1-hexene, content of 0.5 to 2.5 wt.-% or a polyethylene homopolymer, the latter being preferred.
• the weight average molecular weight M, measured according to ISO 16014 of fraction (A) ranges from 10,000 to 50,000 g/mol, more preferably from 20,000 to 40,000 g/mol. It is further appreciated that the fraction (A) has a higher melt flow rate MFR 2 (190° C.) measured according to ISO 1133 compared to the fraction (B).
• the MFR 2 (190° C.) measured according to ISO 1133 of fraction (A) is preferably from 50 to 1,000 g/10min, more preferably from 200 to 800 g/10 min.
• the density measured according to ISO 1183-187 of the fraction (A) is preferably higher compared to the density of fraction (B).
• the fraction (A) has a density measured according to ISO 1183-187 in the range from 950 to 980 kg/m 3 , more preferably from 955 to 956 kg/m 3 .
• fraction (B) of the high density polyethylene (HDPE) is preferably defined as follows:
• the weight average molecular weight M measured according to ISO 16014 of fraction (B) ranges from 75,000 to 500,000 g/mol, more preferably from 90,000 to 300,000 g/mol.
• the fraction (B) has a MFR 2 (190° C.) measured according to ISO 1133 from 0.01 to 1.00 g/10min, more preferably from 0.04 to 0.08 g/10 min Additionally the density measured according to ISO 1183-187 of the fraction (B) may range from 920 to 950 kg/m 3 , more preferably from 925 to 940 kg/m 3 .
• the weight ratio between the fraction (A) and the fraction (B) of the high density polyethylene (HDPE) ranges from 70:30 to 30:70, more preferably 60:40 to 40:60.
• melt flow rate MFR 2 (190° C.) measured according to ISO 1133 of the high density polyethylene (HDPE) ranges from 0.1 to 7.0 g/10 min, preferably from 0.5 to 6.0 g/10min and/or the melt flow rate ratio FRR (MFR 21 (190° C)/MFR 2 (190° C.)) ranges from 20 to 150, more preferably from 40 to 90.
• the weight average molecular weight M measured according to ISO 16014 of the high density polyethylene (HDPE) is preferably in the range of 75.000 to 500.000 g/mol, preferably in the range of 90.000 to 300.000 g/mol.
• the molecular weight distribution (ratio of the weight average molecular weight (M,) to the number average molecular weight (MO) ranges preferably from 5 to 80, more preferably from 8 to 60, like 12 to 45.
• the total comonomer content other than ethylene of the high density polyethylene (HDPE) is preferably of 0.2 to 10 wt.-%, preferably 1.0 to 3.0 wt.-%, as measured by FTIR as defined in the example section.
• the crystalline melting point of the high density polyethylene (HDPE) is preferably between 120 and 140° C., as determined by DSC analysis and the crystallinity of 60 to 90% as determined by DSC analysis.
• the instant composition (C), i.e. the heterophasic polypropylene composition (H-PP), must comprise a filler (F), preferably an inorganic filler (F).
• the filler (F) can be any filler as long as it has a positive effect on the impact properties of the final product, i.e. improves the impact behavior.
• the filler (F) can be preferably an inorganic filler, having preferably a upper limit of the particle size distribution d95 of not more than 100 ⁇ m, more preferably not more than 60 ⁇ m.
• the “d” value is the diameter of the percentage of particles, e.g. d95 denotes that the diameter of 95% of the particles is not more than 100 ⁇ m.
• the filler (F) has a surface area measured according to the commonly known BET method with N 2 gas as analysis adsorptive of less than 20 m 2 /g, more preferably of less than 15 m 2 /g, yet more preferably of less than 10 m 2 /g. In some embodiments, the filler (F) shows a surface area of 7 m 2 /g or less. Filler (F) fulfilling these requirements are preferably anisotropic mineral fillers, like talc, mica and wollastonite. An especially preferred filler is talc.
• composition (C) i.e. the heterophasic polypropylene composition (H-PP)
• H-PP heterophasic polypropylene composition
• typical other additives useful in the automobile sector like carbon black, other pigments, antioxidants, UV stabilizers, nucleating agents, antistatic agents and slip agents, in amounts usual in the art.
• composition (C) i.e. the heterophasic polypropylene composition (H-PP)
• H-PP heterophasic polypropylene composition
• M-PP polypropylene matrix
• the present invention is also directed to a composition (MB), i.e. masterbatch, comprising
• the weight ratio of the high density polyethylene (HDPE) and the elastomeric copolymer (EP) is from 60:40 to 20:80, more preferably 50:50 to 30:70.
• HDPE high density polyethylene
• EP elastomeric copolymer
• M-PP polypropylene matrix
• composition (MB) contains a higher concentration of elastomeric copolymer (EP) and/or high density polyethylene (HDPE) than in the instant composition (C), i.e. the heterophasic polypropylene composition (H-PP).
• EP elastomeric copolymer
• HDPE high density polyethylene
• the composition (MB), i.e. masterbatch, may contain typical additives and optionally the filler (F) in a concentration useful for the preparation of the instant composition (C), i.e. for the preparation of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (H-PP).
• the composition (MB), i.e. the masterbatch contains as polymer components only the elastomeric copolymer (EP) and the high density polyethylene (HDPE).
• the elastomeric copolymer (EP) and the high density polyethylene (HDPE) together constitutes at least 85 wt.-%, more preferably at least 90 wt.-% of the composition (MB), i.e. of the masterbatch.
• the elastomeric copolymer (EP) is preferably the elastomeric copolymer (EP2) as defined above. Concerning the preferred embodiments of the high density polyethylene (HDPE) it is referred to the definition given above.
• HDPE high density polyethylene
• composition (C) i.e. the heterophasic polypropylene composition (H-PP)
• composition (MB) i.e the masterbatch
• H-PP1 a heterophasic polypropylene
• the filler (F) can be either premixed with the composition (MB), i.e. the masterbatch, or is added separately during the preparation of the heterophasic polypropylene (H-PP).
• composition (C) i.e. the heterophasic polypropylene composition (H-PP), is in particular obtained by mixing, i.e. by melt mixing or by injection molding,
• the elastomeric copolymer (EP) of the heterophasic polypropylene (H-PP1) is preferably the elastomeric copolymer (EP1) as defined above.
• the polypropylene matrix (M-PP) of the heterophasic polypropylene (H-PP1) is the same as the polypropylene matrix (M-PP) defined for the instant composition (C), i.e. for the heterophasic polypropylene composition (H-PP).
• composition (MB) i.e. the masterbatch
• heterophasic polypropylene results in much better final properties of the instant composition (C), i.e. of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (H-PP), compared to a mixing of the composition (MB), i.e. the masterbatch, with a propylene homopolymer or propylene copolymer or compared to mixing the pure high density polyethylene (HDPE) with the heterophasic polypropylene (H-PP1).
• HDPE high density polyethylene
• heterophasic polypropylene (H-PP1) used for the mixing with the composition (MB), i.e. the masterbatch, is preferably as follows:
• Heterophasic polypropylene (H-PP1) comprising
• a heterophasic polypropylene (H-PP1) is an intimate mixture of the polypropylene matrix (M-PP) as defined in detail above for the instant composition (C), i.e. for the heterophasic polypropylene composition (H-PP), and amorphous phase dispersed therein.
• the intimate mixture can be accomplished by melt blending, however it is preferred that the heterophasic polypropylene (H-PP1) is a reactor blend.
• Such reactor blends are preferably obtained by carrying out an at least two stage process resulting in a multiphase structure with a polypropylene matrix (M-PP) and inclusions therein comprising the elastomeric copolymer (EP1) as a part of the amorphous phase.
• heterophasic polypropylene (H-PP1) of this invention comprises the polypropylene matrix (M-PP) and the elastomeric copolymer (EP1) being (finely) dispersed in said matrix preferably in form of inclusions.
• the elastomeric copolymer (EP1) is preferably main part of the amorphous phase, i.e. the amorphous inclusions.
• the heterophasic polypropylene (H-PP1) may additionally comprise to some extent a (crystalline) polymer other then polypropylene, like (crystalline) polyethylene and/or other (crystalline) C4 to C20 ⁇ -olefin polymers.
• the amount of (crystalline) polymer, like polyethylene, part of the dispersed phase is preferably 0 to 10 wt.-%, more preferably 2 to 8 wt.-% based on the total heterophasic polypropylene (H-PP1).
• a further characteristic of the elastomeric copolymer (EP1) not mentioned when defining the instant composition (C), i.e. the heterophasic polypropylene composition (H-PP), is its intrinsic viscosity, reflecting the molecular weight and thus the melt viscosity of said component.
• the xylene cold soluble fraction (XCS) of the heterophasic polypropylene (H-PP1) is dominated by the elastomeric copolymer (EP1). Accordingly the intrinsic viscosity of the elastomeric copolymer (EP1) is reflected by the intrinsic viscosity of the xylene cold soluble fraction (XCS) of the total heterophasic polypropylene (H-PP1).
• the intrinsic viscosity of the xylene cold soluble fraction (IV of XCS) of the heterophasic polypropylene (H-PP1) is equal or below 4.0 dl/g.
• the intrinsic viscosity is in the range of 1.0 to 6.0 dl/g, still more preferred in the range of 1.5 to 4.5 dl/g.
• the intrinsic viscosity is measured according to ISO 1628 in decaline at 135° C.
• heterophasic polypropylene H-PP1
• M-PP polypropylene matrix
• EP1 elastomeric copolymer
• heterophasic polypropylene has units derived from C2 to C20 ⁇ -olefins other than propylene, preferably derived from ethylene, is in the range of 7 to 30 wt.-%, preferably in the range of 10 to 25 wt.-%.
• the MFR 2 (230° C.) of the heterophasic polypropylene (H-PP1) is in a range of 1.0 to 30.0 g/10 min, more preferably of 2.0 to 20.0 g/10 min, still more preferably of 2.5 to 12.0 g/10 min.
• the xylene cold soluble fraction (XCS) of the heterophasic polypropylene (H-PP1) can be rather high, i.e. up to 40 wt.-%. Accordingly in a preferred embodiment the xylene cold soluble fraction (XCS) of the heterophasic polypropylene (H-PP1) is preferably in the range of 5 to 40 wt.-%, like 7 to 30 wt.-%.
• the instant composition (C) i.e. the heterophasic polypropylene composition (H-PP) is produced by applying the following steps of
• the polymerization can be carried out in the presence of a metallocene catalyst or Ziegler-Natta-type catalyst, the latter is in particular preferred.
• a Ziegler-Natta type catalyst typically used in the present invention for propylene polymerization is a stereospecific, high yield Ziegler-Natta catalyst comprising as essential components Mg, Ti, Al and Cl. These type of catalysts comprise typically in addition to a solid transition metal (like Ti) component a cocatalyst(s) as well external donor(s) as stereoregulating agent.
• These compounds may be supported on a particulate support, such as inorganic oxide, like silica or alumina, or, usually, the magnesium halide may form the solid support. It is also possible that solid catalysts are self supported, i.e. the catalysts are not supported on an external support, but are prepared via emulsion-solidification method.
• the solid transition metal component usually also comprises an electron donor (internal electron donor).
• Suitable internal electron donors are, among others, esters of carboxylic acids, like phthalates, citraconates, and succinates. Also oxygen- or nitrogen-containing silicon compounds may be used.
• the cocatalyst used in combination with the transition metal compound typically comprises an aluminium alkyl compound.
• the aluminium alkyl compound is preferably trialkyl aluminium such as trimethylaluminium, triethylaluminium, tri-isobutylaluminium or tri-n-octylaluminium.
• it may also be an alkylaluminium halide, such as diethylaluminium chloride, dimethylaluminium chloride and ethylaluminium sesquichloride.
• the catalyst also comprises an external electron donor.
• Suitable electron donors known in the art include ethers, ketones, amines, alcohols, phenols, phosphines and silanes.
• Silane type exernal donors are typically organosilane compounds containing Si—OCOR, Si—OR, or Si—NR 2 bonds, having silicon as the central atom, and R is an alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, arylalkyl or cycloalkyl with 1-20 carbon atoms are known in the art.
• Suitable catalysts and compounds in catalysts are shown in among others, in WO 87/07620, WO 92/21705, WO 93/11165, WO 93/11166, WO 93/19100, WO 97/36939, WO 98/12234, WO 99/33842, WO 03/000756, WO 03/000757, WO 03/000754, WO 03/000755, WO 2004/029112, WO 92/19659, WO 92/19653, WO 92/19658, U.S. Pat. No. 4,382,019, U.S. Pat. No. 4,435,550, U.S. Pat. No. 4,465,782, U.S. Pat. No.
• a Ziegler Natta catalyst e.g. an inorganic halide (e.g. MgCl 2 ) supported titanium catalyst or self supported solid Ziegler Natta catalysts, together with an aluminium alkyl (e.g. triethylaluminium) cocatalyst are preferably employed.
• Silanes e.g. dicyclopentanedimethoxysilane (DCPDMS) or cyclohexylmethyldimethoxysilane (CHMDMS)
• DCPDMS dicyclopentanedimethoxysilane
• CHMDMS cyclohexylmethyldimethoxysilane
• the catalyst in the second polymerization stage is typically the same that is used in the first polymerization stage.
• the heterophasic polypropylene (H-PP1) is produced in a reactor system comprising at least one bulk reaction zone including at least one bulk reactor and at least one gas phase reaction zone including at least one gas phase reactor.
• the polymerization of propylene copolymer (M-PP), i.e. the matrix of the heterophasic polypropylene (H-PP1), is preferably carried out in a loop reactor and in at least one gas phase reactor, i.e. in one or two gas phase reactor(s).
• Hydrogen can be used in different amounts as a molar mass modifier or regulator in any or every reactor in the first (polymerization of propylene copolymer (M-PP)) and second polymerization stage (polymerization of elastomeric copolymer (EP1)).
• a separation stage can be employed between the reaction zones to prevent the carryover of reactants from the first polymerization stage into the second one.
• the polymerization reaction system can also include a number of additional reactors, such as pre-reactors.
• the pre-reactors include any reactor for pre-activating and/or pre-polymerizing the catalyst with propylene and/or other ⁇ -olefin(s), like ethylene, if necessary. All reactors in the reactor system are preferably arranged in series.
• the high density polyethylene (HDPE) as defined in the instant invention may be produced by blending two or more monomodal polyethylenes having differently centred maxima in their MWDs or having different comonomer content.
• the high density polyethylene may be produced by polymerization using conditions which create a bimodal or multimodal polymer product, using for instance a catalyst system or mixture with two or more different catalytic sites, using two or more stage polymerization process with different process conditions in the different stages (e.g. different temperatures, pressures, polymerization media, hydrogen partial pressures, comonomer content etc).
• Such a high density polyethylene (HDPE) may be produced relatively simply by a multistage ethylene polymerization, e.g. using a series of reactors, with comonomer addition in only the reactor (s) used for production of the higher/highest molecular weight component (s).
• Examples of high density polyethylene (HDPE) production are given in EP 0 778 289 and W0 92/12182.
• an ethylene homopolymer component is produced by slurry polymerization involving use of recycled diluent, that diluent may contain small amounts of higher ⁇ -olefins as contaminants Likewise where an earlier polymerization stage has produced an ethylene copolymer component, small amounts of comonomer may be carried over to an ethylene homo-polymerization stage.
• ethylene homopolymer is meant herein a polymer containing at least 99.9% by weight of ethylene units.
• the homo-polymerization catalysts may be at least partially active during the copolymerization reaction, any copolymer component making up less than 5 wt.-% of the total polymer shall not be considered to be the lowest molecular weight component in an high density polyethylene (HDPE) according to the invention.
• HDPE high density polyethylene
• the polymerization reactions used to produce the high density polyethylene may involve conventional ethylene homo-polymerization or copolymerization reactions, e.g. gas-phase, slurry phase, liquid phase polymerizations, using conventional reactors, e.g. loop reactors, gas phase reactors, batch reactors etc. (see for example W0 97/44371 and W0 96/18662).
• the catalyst systems used may likewise be any conventional systems, e.g. chromium catalysts, Ziegler-Natta and metallocene or metallocene: aluminoxane catalysts, either homogeneous or more preferably heterogeneous catalysts, e.g.
• catalysts supported on inorganic or organic particulates in particular on magnesium halides or inorganic oxides such as silica, alumina or silica-alumina.
• inorganic or organic particulates in particular on magnesium halides or inorganic oxides such as silica, alumina or silica-alumina.
• supported Ziegler-Natta catalysts as the molecular weight can then conveniently be controlled using hydrogen.
• supported metallocene catalysts it is particularly straightforward to select desired molecular weights by appropriate selection of particular metallocenes.
• the metallocenes used will typically be group IVa to VIa metals (in particular Zr or Hf) complexed by optionally substituted cyclopentadienyl groups, e.g. groups carrying pendant or fused substituents optionally linked together by bridging groups. Suitable metallocenes and aluminoxane cocatalysts are widely described in the literature, e.g. the patent publications of Borealis, Ho
• the high density polyethylene will be prepared using multistage polymerization using a single catalyst system or a plurality of catalyst systems, e.g. two or more metallocenes, one or more metalWocenes and one or more Ziegler-Natta catalysts, two or more chromium catalysts, one or more chromium catalysts and one or more Ziegler-Natta catalysts, etc.
• a catalyst system as described in EP 0 688 794.
• the elastomeric copolymer (EP2) may be manufactured or synthesized by using a variety of techniques.
• these copolymers can be synthesized by employing solution, slurry, or gas phase polymerization techniques that employ various catalyst systems including Ziegler-Natta systems including vanadium catalysts and take place in various phases such as solution, slurry, or gas phase.
• Exemplary catalysts include single-site catalysts including constrained geometry catalysts and Group IV-VI metallocenes, and Brookhart catalysts.
• Elastomeric copolymers are commercially available under the tradenames Vistalon, like Vistalon 606, (ExxonMobil, USA), Keltan (DSM Elastomers, NL), Nordel (Dow Chemical, USA), NORDEL MG. (Dow Chemical, USA), Royalene, like Royalene 501, (Lion Copolymer LLC, USA), Buna EP (Lanxess AG, DE) and Dutral (Polimeri Europa, IT).
• Vistalon like Vistalon 606, (ExxonMobil, USA), Keltan (DSM Elastomers, NL), Nordel (Dow Chemical, USA), NORDEL MG. (Dow Chemical, USA), Royalene, like Royalene 501, (Lion Copolymer LLC, USA), Buna EP (Lanxess AG, DE) and Dutral (Polimeri Europa, IT).
• auxiliary substances apart from the filler (F) which may range from 0.01 to 2.5 wt.-% of stabilizers, 0.01 to 1 wt.-% of processing aids, 0.1 to 1 wt.-% of antistatic agents, and 0.2 to 3 wt.-% of pigments, in each case based on the sum of the instant composition (C), may be added.
• the final composition (C), i.e. said heterophasic polypropylene composition (H-PP), (preferably in pellet form) is then preferably used to form articles, like injection molded articles.
• the final composition (C), i.e. said heterophasic polypropylene composition (H-PP), (preferably in pellet form) is especially used to form automotive articles, like bumpers, side trims, step assists, body panels, spoilers, dashboards, interior trims and the like.
• the present invention is further directed to the use of the high density polyethylene (HDPE) or the composition (MB), i.e. the masterbatch, as defined in the instant invention to improve the toughness at low temperatures, for example expressed by the impact resistance measured according to ISO 179 at these low temperatures, i.e. at temperatures below ⁇ 20° C., preferably below ⁇ 30° C., like at ⁇ 40° C., of a heterophasic polypropylene, preferably of the heterophasic polypropylene (H-PP1) as defined in the present invention.
• HDPE high density polyethylene
• MB composition
• H-PP1 heterophasic polypropylene
• the present invention is in particular directed to the use of the high density polyethylene (HDPE) or the composition (MB), i.e. the masterbatch, to improve the impact resistance of a heterophasic polypropylene, like the heterophasic polypropylene (H-PP1), the improvement is defined by
• the isotacticity is determined by quantitative 13 C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy after basic assignment as e.g. in: V. Busico and R. Cipullo, Progress in Polymer Science, 2001, 26, 443-533. Experimental parameters are adjusted to ensure measurement of quantitative spectra for this specific task as e.g in: S. Berger and S. Braun, 200 and More NMR Experiments: A Practical Course, 2004, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim. Quantities are calculated using simple corrected ratios of the signal integrals of representative sites in a manner known in the art. The isotacticity is determined at the pentad level i.e. mmmm fraction of the pentad distribution.
• NMR nuclear magnetic resonance
• Density is measured according to ISO 1183-187. Sample preparation is done by compression molding in accordance with ISO 1872-2:2007.
• M n Number average molecular weight
• M w weight average molecular weight
• MFD molecular weight distribution
• SEC size exclusion chromatography
• the oven temperature is 140° C.
• Trichlorobenzene is used as a solvent (ISO 16014).
• MFR 2 (230° C.) is measured according to ISO 1133 (230° C., 2.16 kg load).
• MFR 2 (190° C.) is measured according to ISO 1133 (190° C., 2.16 kg load).
• MFR 21 (190° C.) is measured according to ISO 1133 (190° C., 21.6 kg load).
• Melt flow rate ratio FRR is defined as the ratio MFR 21 (190° C.)/MFR 2 (190° C.)
• the comonomer content is determined by quantitative Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) after basic assignment calibrated via quantitative 13 C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in a manner well known in the art. Thin films are pressed to a thickness of between 100-500 ⁇ m and spectra recorded in transmission mode.
• FTIR quantitative Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
• NMR quantitative 13 C nuclear magnetic resonance
• the ethylene content of a polypropylene-co-ethylene copolymer is determined using the baseline corrected peak area of the quantitative bands found at 720-722 and 730-733 cm ⁇ 1 . Quantitative results are obtained based upon reference to the film thickness.
• Intrinsic viscosity is measured according to DIN ISO 1628/1, October 1999 (in Decalin at 135° C.).
• Flexural Modulus The flexural modulus was determined in 3-point-bending according to ISO 178 on injection molded specimens of 80 ⁇ 10 ⁇ 4 mm prepared in accordance with ISO 294-1:1996.
• Coefficient of linear thermal expansion The coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) was determined in accordance with ISO 11359-2:1999 on 10 mm long pieces cut from the same injection molded specimens as used for the flexural modulus determination. The measurement was performed in a temperature range from +23 to +80° C. at a heating rate of 1° C./min.
• Charpy impact test The Charpy notched impact strength (Charpy NIS) is measured according to ISO 179 2C/DIN 53453 at 23° C., ⁇ 20 ° C. and ⁇ 40° C., using injection molded bar test specimens of 50 ⁇ 6 ⁇ 4 mm 3 prepared in accordance with ISO 294-1:1996.
• Crystallization temperature is determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurement according to ISO 11357-1,2,3 at a cooling rate of 10 K/min after a first heating to 200° C.
• Peak temperature Tm Melting temperature (peak temperature) Tm was measured by DSC according to ISO 11357-1,2,3 using the peak temperature in the second heat in a heat—cool—heat cycle with a rate of 10 K/min between ambient temperature and 210° C.
• Glass transition point The glass transition points were measured using dynamic-mechanical analysis according to ISO 6721-7 on compression molded plaques of 1 mm thickness, prepared in accordance with ISO 1877-2:2007.
• the xylene solubles (XCS, wt.-%): Content of Xylene solubles (XCS) is determined at 23° C. according ISO 6427.
• Particle size d95 is calculated from the particle size distribution as determined by laser diffraction according to ISO 13320-1:1999.
• H-PP1 is the commercial product KSR4542 of Borealis and is a heterophasic polypropylene with a MFR 2 (230° C.) of 7 g/10 min, a density of 905 kg/m 3 , a xylene soluble content of 25 wt.-%, an intrinsic viscosity of the XS-fraction of 2.8 dl/g; the matrix of the heterophasic polypropylene is a propylene homopolymer and the elastomer phase has a glass transition point of ⁇ 48° C.
• EPR-MB is the commercial product Dutral PM 06 of Polimeri Europa and is a masterbatch containing 34 wt.-% of an unimodal polyethylene and 66 wt.-% of an ethylene propylene rubber with an ethylene content of 60 wt.-%, said masterbatch has a MFR 2 (230° C.) of 1.8 g/10 min and a density of 940 kg/m 3 , the EPR component having a glass transition point of ⁇ 56° C.,
• EPR2 is the commercial product Vistalon 606 of ExxonMobil and is an ethylene propylene rubber with an ethylene content of 54 wt.-%, a density of 865 kg/m 3 , and a glass transition point of ⁇ 55° C.,
• EPDM2 is the commercial product Royalene 501 of Lion Copolymer LLC and is an ethylene propylene diene monomer polymer (EPDM) with an ethylene content of 57 wt.-%, diene content of 3.8 wt.-%, a density of 860 kg/m 3 , and a glass transition point of ⁇ 58° C.,
• HDPE1 is the commercial product MB6562 of Borealis and is a bimodal high density polyethylene with a MFR 2 (190° C.) of 1.5 g/10 min, a MFR 21 (190° C.) of 97 g/10 min, a density of 951 kg/m 3 ,
• HDPE2 is the commercial product FB1460 of Borealis and is a bimodal high density polyethylene with a MFR 2 (190° C.) of 0.2 g/10 min, a MFR 21 (190° C.) of 6.0 g/10 min, a density of 946 kg/m 3 ,
• MB1 is an extruder-blended mixture of 65 wt.-% of EPR2 and 35 wt.-% HDPE1
• MB2 is an extruder-blended mixture of 65 wt.-% of EPR2 and 35 wt.-% HDPE2
• MB3 is an extruder-blended mixture of 65 wt.-% of EPDM2 and 35 wt.-% HDPE2
• CB is the commercial product Plasblak PE4103 of Cabot Corp and is an masterbatch of polyethylene with 30 wt.-% carbon black and an MFR 2 (190° C.) of 8 g/10 min,
• Filler is the commercial product Luzenac A20 of Luzenac and is a talcum with a particle size distribution d95 of 20 ⁇ m and a specific surface area of 6.5 m 2 /g.

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