WO2016011546A1 - Ultrapure copolymers - Google Patents
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- WO2016011546A1 WO2016011546A1 PCT/CA2015/050675 CA2015050675W WO2016011546A1 WO 2016011546 A1 WO2016011546 A1 WO 2016011546A1 CA 2015050675 W CA2015050675 W CA 2015050675W WO 2016011546 A1 WO2016011546 A1 WO 2016011546A1
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
- C08F—MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS OBTAINED BY REACTIONS ONLY INVOLVING CARBON-TO-CARBON UNSATURATED BONDS
- C08F210/00—Copolymers of unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons having only one carbon-to-carbon double bond
- C08F210/04—Monomers containing three or four carbon atoms
- C08F210/08—Butenes
- C08F210/10—Isobutene
- C08F210/12—Isobutene with conjugated diolefins, e.g. butyl rubber
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
- C08F—MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS OBTAINED BY REACTIONS ONLY INVOLVING CARBON-TO-CARBON UNSATURATED BONDS
- C08F6/00—Post-polymerisation treatments
- C08F6/04—Fractionation
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
- C08F—MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS OBTAINED BY REACTIONS ONLY INVOLVING CARBON-TO-CARBON UNSATURATED BONDS
- C08F8/00—Chemical modification by after-treatment
- C08F8/18—Introducing halogen atoms or halogen-containing groups
- C08F8/20—Halogenation
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
- C08K—Use of inorganic or non-macromolecular organic substances as compounding ingredients
- C08K5/00—Use of organic ingredients
- C08K5/04—Oxygen-containing compounds
- C08K5/09—Carboxylic acids; Metal salts thereof; Anhydrides thereof
- C08K5/098—Metal salts of carboxylic acids
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
- C08L—COMPOSITIONS OF MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS
- C08L15/00—Compositions of rubber derivatives
- C08L15/02—Rubber derivatives containing halogen
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- 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
- C08L23/26—Compositions of homopolymers or copolymers of unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons having only one carbon-to-carbon double bond; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers modified by chemical after-treatment
- C08L23/28—Compositions of homopolymers or copolymers of unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons having only one carbon-to-carbon double bond; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers modified by chemical after-treatment by reaction with halogens or compounds containing halogen
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
- C08L—COMPOSITIONS OF MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS
- C08L9/00—Compositions of homopolymers or copolymers of conjugated diene hydrocarbons
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
- C08L—COMPOSITIONS OF MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS
- C08L2205/00—Polymer mixtures characterised by other features
- C08L2205/02—Polymer mixtures characterised by other features containing two or more polymers of the same C08L -group
- C08L2205/025—Polymer mixtures characterised by other features containing two or more polymers of the same C08L -group containing two or more polymers of the same hierarchy C08L, and differing only in parameters such as density, comonomer content, molecular weight, structure
Definitions
- the invention relates to a method to reduce or prevent agglomeration of particles of optionally halogenated rubbers in aqueous media by LCST compounds, their purification as well as ultrapure optionally halogenated rubbers.
- the invention further relates to (halogenated) copolymer products comprising the same or derived therefrom.
- Butyl rubbers in particular those comprising repeating units derived from isoolefins are industrially prepared by carbocationic polymerization processes. Of particular importance are isobutylene-isoprene rubbers (MR) and their halogenated derivatives chlorobutyl rubber (CI IR) and bromobutyl rubber (BIIR).
- MR isobutylene-isoprene rubbers
- CI IR chlorobutyl rubber
- BIIR bromobutyl rubber
- butyl rubber e.g. isobutene and isoprene are polymerized in a polar halohydrocarbon medium, such as methyl chloride with an aluminum based initiating system, typically either aluminum trichloride (AICI 3 ) or ethyl aluminum dichloride (EtAICI 2 ).
- AICI 3 aluminum trichloride
- EtAICI 2 ethyl aluminum dichloride
- the butyl rubber does not appreciably dissolve in this polar medium, but is present as suspended particles and so this process is normally referred to as a slurry process.
- Residual monomers and polymerization medium are typically removed via distillation or stripping and the resulting polymer then isolated or further modified , in particular by halogenation.
- the reaction mixture typically comprises the butyl halogenated rubber and the diluent.
- This mixture which is typically a solution is after neutralization and phase separation typically either batchwise or more commonly in industry continually transferred into a steam-stripper wherein the aquous phase comprises an anti-agglomerant which for all existing commercial grades today is a fatty acid salt of a multivalent metal ion, in particular either calcium stearate or zinc stearate in order to form and preserve halogenated butyl rubber particles, which are more often referred to as "halobutyl rubber crumb"
- the water in this vessel is typically steam heated to remove and recover the diluent.
- a slurry of halogenated butyl rubber particles is obtained which is then subjected to dewatering to isolate halogenated butyl rubber particles.
- the isolated halogenated butyl rubber particles are then dried, baled and packed for delivery.
- the anti-agglomerant ensures that in the process steps described above the halogenated butyl rubber particles stay suspended and show a reduced tendency to agglomerate.
- the anti-agglomerants in particular calcium and zinc stearates function as a physical- mechanical barrier to limit the close contact and adhesion of butyl rubber particles.
- the physical properties required of these anti-agglomerants are a very low solubility in water which is typically below 20 mg per liter under standard conditions, sufficient mechanical stability to maintain an effective barrier, and the ability to be later processed and mixed with the butyl rubber to allow finishing and drying.
- fatty acid salts of a mono- or multivalent metal ion in particular sodium, potassium calcium or zinc stearate or palmitate is that they contribute to high levels of extractable matter which is undesired in particular where cure or uncured butyl rubber products come into contact with food, pharmaceuticals or human tissue or blood.
- cyclic polymers In addition to that butyl rubber production produces small amounts of cyclic polymers as side products. Such cyclic polymers may also be undesirable in such applications of butyl rubber. Therefore a reduction in cyclic polymer levels in the butyl rubber or halogenated butyl rubbers may be desirable. Furthermore, such cyclic polymers may themselves find utility in certain applications such as precursors for the production of lubricants and traction fluids, therefore obtaining the cyclic polymers themselves may also be desirable.
- a process for the preparation of a pure (halogenated) copolymer comprising at least the steps of:
- A) filtering a first organic medium comprising:
- At least one (halogenated) copolymer comprising a fraction of cyclic copolymers having a molecular weight of 2000 g/mol or less and ii) an organic diluent
- a retentate comprising at least one (halogenated) copolymer comprising a fraction of cyclic copolymers having a molecular weight of 2000 g/mol or less which is lower than in the (halogenated) copolymer employed in the organic medium before filtration and an organic diluent
- a permeate comprising cyclic copolymers having a molecular weight of 2000 g/mol or less and an organic diluent.
- copolymer encompasses any product which contain at least 2 repeating units of the monomers employed. This includes including cyclic compounds.
- halogenated copolymer denotes copolymers which were halogenated and thus comprise halogen atoms bound in the copolymer.
- (halogenated) copolymer denotes copymers and halogenated copolymers as defined hereinabove.
- the invention also encompasses all combinations of preferred embodiments, ranges parameters as disclosed hereinafter with either each other or the broadest disclosed range or parameter.
- step A) a first organic medium comprising at least one (halogenated) copolymer comprising a fraction of cyclic copolymers having a molecular weight of 2000 g/mol or less and an organic diluent is filtered through a semipermeable ultrafiltration membrane.
- Preferred (halogenated) copolymers include (halogenated) copolymers comprising repeating units derived from at least one isoolefin and at least one multiolefin whereby for halogenated copolymers the repeating units derived from the at least one multiolefin are at least partially halogenated.
- isoolefins examples include isoolefin monomers having from 4 to 16 carbon atoms, preferably 4 to 7 carbon atoms, such as isobutene, 2-methyl-1 -butene, 3- methyl-1 -butene, 2-methyl-2-butene.
- isobutene is isobutene.
- Suitable multiolefins include isoprene, butadiene, 2-methylbutadiene, 2,4- dimethylbutadiene, piperyline, 3-methyl-1 ,3-pentadiene, 2,4-hexadiene, 2- neopentylbutadiene, 2-methyl-1 ,5-hexadiene, 2,5-dimethyl-2,4-hexadiene, 2-methyl- 1 ,4-pentadiene, 4-butyl-1 ,3-pentadiene, 2,3-dimethyl-1 ,3-pentadiene, 2,3-dibutyl-1 ,3- pentadiene, 2-ethyl-1 ,3-pentadiene, 2-ethyl-1 ,3-butadiene, 2-methyl-1 ,6-heptadiene, cyclopentadiene, methylcyclopentadiene, cyclohexadiene and 1 -vinyl-cyclohexadiene
- Preferred multiolefins are isoprene and butadiene. Isoprene is particularly preferred.
- the (halogenated) copolymers may or may not further comprise repeating units derived from further olefins which are neither isoolefins nor multiolefins.
- Suitable olefins include the ⁇ -pinene, styrene, divinylbenzene, diisopropenylbenzene, o-, m- and p-methyl-styrene.
- the multiolefin content of the (halogenated) copolymers is typically 0.1 mol-% or more, preferably of from 0.1 mol-% to 15 mol-%, in another embodiment 0.5 mol-% or more, preferably of from 0.5 mol-% to 10 mol-%, in another embodiment 0.7 mol-% or more, preferably of from 0.7 to 8.5 mol-% in particular of from 0.8 to 1 .5 or from 1 .5 to 2.5 mol-% or of from 2.5 to 4.5 mol-% or from 4.5 to 8.5 mol-%, particularly where isobutene and isoprene are employed.
- the halogen level is for example of from 0.1 to 5 wt.-%, preferably of from 0.5 to 3.0 wt.-% with respect to the halogenated copolymer.
- the halogenated copolymer may be a brominated copolymer or a chlorinated copolymer.
- multiolefin content denotes the molar amount of repeating units derived from multiolefins with respect to all repeating units of the (halogenated) copolymer.
- the weight average molecular weight of the (halogenated) copolymer is in the range of from 10 to 2,000 kg/mol, preferably in the range of from 20 to 1 ,000 kg/mol, more preferably in the range of from 50 to 1 ,000 kg/mol, even more preferably in the range of from 200 to 800 kg/mol, yet more preferably in the range of from 375 to 550 kg/mol, and most preferably in the range of from 400 to 500 kg/mol.
- Molecular weights are obtained using gel permeation chromatography in tetrahydrofuran (THF) solution using polystyrene molecular weight standards if not mentioned otherwise.
- the polydispersity of the (halogenated) copolymer is in the range of 1 .5 to 4.5 as measured by the ratio of weight average molecular weight to number average molecular weight as determined by gel permeation chromatography.
- the (halogenated) copolymer for example and typically has a Mooney viscosity of at least 10 (ML 1 + 8 at 125 °C, ASTM D 1646), preferably of from 10 to 80, more preferably of from 20 to 80 and even more preferably of from 25 to 60 (ML 1 + 8 at 125 °C, ASTM D 1646).
- the fraction of cyclic copolymers having a molecular weight of 2000 g/mol or less of the copolymer employed in the first organic medium is for example in the range of from 900 to 5,000 ppm, preferably of from 1 ,000 to 4,000 ppm and more preferably of from 1 ,500 to 3,000 ppm of the total weight of the (halogenated) copolymers.
- the fraction of cyclic copolymers having a molecular weight of 2000 g/mol or less of the (halogenated) copolymer in the resulting retentate is lower than that of the (halogenated) copolymer in the first organic medium employed for step A) and is for example in the range of from 20 to 2,000, preferably of from 30 to 1 ,000 ppm, more preferably from 50 to 850 ppm and more preferably of from 50 to 500 ppm of the total weight of the (halogenated) copolymers.
- the fraction of cyclic copolymers having a molecular weight of 2000 g/mol or less of the (halogenated) copolymer in the resulting retentate is 90 % or less, preferably 70 % or less, more preferably 50 % or less and even more preferably 30 % or less of the fraction of the (halogenated) copolymer in the first organic medium employed for step A).
- the cyclic polymers typically produced as part of the copolymer include C 13 (1 -isopropenyl- 2,2,4,4-tetramethylcyclohexane, C 13 H 24 ) and C 2 i (1 ,1 ,5,5-tetramethyl-2-(1 - methylethenyl)-3-(2,2,4-trimethylpentyl)-cyclohexane, C 2 i H 40 ) cyclic copolymers having the following structures:
- cyclic oligomers are unsaturated and may form halogenated derivatives upon halogenation of the copolymers.
- cyclic polymers thus includes halogenated cyclic polymers where halogenated copolymers are mentioned.
- the term cyclic copolymers having a molecular weight of 2000 g/mol or less exclusively refers to said C13 and C21 copolymers or their halogenated analogues.
- the first organic medium further comprises an organic diluent.
- organic diluent encompasses diluting or dissolving organic chemicals which are liquid under process conditions. Any suitable organic diluent may be used which does not or not to any appreciable extent react with (halogenated) copolymers and provides for a solubility of at least 10 g/l of the copolymer employed.
- organic diluent includes mixtures of at least two diluents.
- Suitable orgaic diluents include non-halogenated or halogenated hydrocarbons such as aromatic or aliphatic hydrocarbons and ethers.
- Aromatic hydrocarbons include toluene, benzene and chlorobenzene.
- Ethers include methyl-tert. butylether, tetrahydrofurane and dioxane.
- organic diluents include aliphatic hydrocarbons which in a further preferred embodiment include neopentane, cyclopentane, n-pentane, isohexane, 2-methylpentane, 3-methylpentane, 2-methylbutane, 2,2-dimethylbutane, 2,3-dimethylbutane, 2-methylhexane, 3-methylhexane, 3-ethylpentane, 2,2- dimethylpentane, 2,3-dimethylpentane, 2,4-dimethylpentane, 3,3-dimethyl pentane, 2- methylheptane, 3-ethylhexane, 2,5-dimethylhexane, 2,2,4, -trimethylpentane, octane, heptane, butane, ethane, methane, nonane, decane, dodecane, undecane, hexane, methyl
- organic diluents further include hydrochlorocarbons, preferably halogenated alkanes such as dichloromethane.
- Suitable organic diluents further include mixtures of at least two compounds selected from the groups of hydrochlorocarbons and/or hydrocarbons.
- the concentration of the (halogenated) copolymer within the first organic medium is for example of from 0.5 to 40 wt.-%, preferably of from 1 to 30 wt.-%, more preferably of from 5 to 25 wt.-% based on the total weight of the first organic medium.
- the concentration is selected such that the (halogenated) copolymer is dissolved to at least 90 wt.-%, preferably to at least 95 wt.-%.
- the first organic medium may optionally contain an aqueous phase.
- the water content may be in a range of about 1 to 40 wt.%, wherein 100 wt.% refers to the total weight of the first organic medium. In one embodiment, the water content is in a range of about 1 -40 wt.%, preferably about 2-20 wt.%, more preferably about 3-15 wt%.
- halogenated copolymers are employed in step A) it is preferred to use the reaction mixture obtained by halogenation of the copolymer as first organic medium optionally after neutralisation with aqueous bases such a aqueous sodium carbonate solutions and/ or washing with water.
- aqueous bases such as a aqueous sodium carbonate solutions and/ or washing with water.
- the first organic medium employed in step A) is obtained by a process comprising at least the step of:
- basic means that the aqeous phase has a pH value of 7,5 to 13, preferably 8 to 12, more preferably 8 to 1 1 and even more preferably 9 to 10
- step i) the copolymer is halogenated.
- the amount of halogenating agent is in the range of from about 0.1 to about 20 %, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 8%, even more preferably from about 0.5% to about 4%, yet even more preferably from about 0.8% to about 3%, even still more preferably from about 1 .5% to about 2.5% and most preferably even more preferably from 1 .5 to 2,5% by weight of the copolymer employed.
- the quantity of halogenating agent is 0.2 to 1 .2 times the molar quantity of double bonds contained in the (halogenated) copolymer in the second organic medium, preferably 0.8 to 1 .2 times the molar quantity.
- the halogenating agent may comprise elemental bromine (Br 2 ), elemental chlorine (Cl 2 ) interhalogens such as bromine chloride (BrCI) and/or organo-halide precursors thereto, for example dibromo-dimethyl hydantoin, N-bromosuccinimide, or the like.
- the most preferred bromination agent comprises elemental bromine, the most preferred chlorinating agent elemental chlorine.
- the halogenation process may be operated at a temperature of from 10°C to 90 °C, preferably from 20 °C to 80 °C and the reaction time may be from 1 to 10 minutes, preferably from 1 to 5 minutes.
- the pressure in the bromination reactor may be from 0.8 to 10 bar.
- the level of halogenation during this procedure may be controlled so that the final halogenated copolymer has the preferred amounts of halogen described hereinabove.
- the specific mode of attaching the halogen to the polymer is not particularly restricted and those of skill in the art will recognize that modes other than those described above may be used while achieving the benefits of the invention.
- solution phase bromination processes see, for example, Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry (Fifth, Completely Revised Edition, Volume A231 Editors Elvers, et al.) and/or "Rubber Technology" (Third Edition) by Maurice Morton, Chapter 10 (Van Nostrand Reinhold Company ⁇ 1987), particularly pp. 297-300, which are incorporated herein by reference.
- step A) it is possible to use the reaction mixture obtained by carbocationic polymerization in solution, preferably in aliphatic hydrocarbons, preferably after quenching of the initiator and/or removal of unreacted monomers where existent and/or washing with water.
- Solution polymerizations in aliphatic hydrocarbons are described e.g. in WO2010/006983, WO201 1/089091 and WO201 1/089092 which are herein incorporated in their entirety.
- ultrafiltration membrane it is possible to use any semipermeable and durable size exclusion barrier known in the art of ultrafiltration or nanofiltration.
- Ultrafiltration membranes which have a highly porous outer layer (support layer) and further more finely porous inner layers (separating layer) are preferred.
- the highly porous outer layer may be a fabric or nonwoven or a ceramic substructure.
- the term "highly porous” is intended to mean an average pore diameter of the outer layer in the range of more than about 500 nm.
- the inner layers are symmetric or asymmetric membranes of suitable polymers applied to the outer layers, or a further more finely porous ceramic layer.
- the inner layers are more finely porous than their respective outer layer.
- the pore diameters of the inner layers may also become continuously smaller from the outside inwards.
- the average pore size of the inner layers, or of at least one inner layer, lies in the range of about 0.5 - 200 nm, preferably in the range of about 1 - 50 nm.
- the membrane may furthermore have a thin range of about 1 - 50 nm.
- the membrane may furthermore have a thin separating layer on the surface, which optionally contains ionic groups.
- Suitable polymeric membrane materials for both the outer layer and the inner layer of the membrane include polysulfones, polyether sulfones, polyamides, polyimides (also silicone-coated polyimides), polyether ketones, polyureas, polyurethanes, polyvinylidene difluoride, cellulose acetates, cellulose nitrates, polycarbonates, polyacrylonitrile and polyepoxides.
- Membranes based on oxides, carbonates, carbides and nitrides of the elements aluminum, antimony, barium, beryllium, bismuth, boron, hafnium, cobalt, manganese, magnesium, nickel, silicon, thorium, titanium, tungsten and zirconium, sometimes mixed, are typically used as ceramic components.
- Ultrafiltration membranes are generally provided in modules. Any commercially available type of module may be employed.
- suitable membrane modules include, for example, plate modules, coil modules, tube modules, capillary modules and multichannel modules, which may optionally be supported by integrated flow spoilers.
- the first organic medium is subjected to crossflow filtration to get high flux.
- the method may be carried out either batch or continuously.
- a continuous method is preferred.
- membrane modules may be operated in a cascade fashion. The other components may thus be removed stepwise and different concentrations of other components in the first organic medium may be targeted.
- Pressures under which the ultrafiltration may be performed may be in a range of about 0.1 to 8.0 MPa, preferably about 0.2 to 5.0 MPa.
- the permeate contains the other components, and may be replaced by fresh solvent if the intention is to avoid concentrating the first organic medium to be extracted (retentate).
- An advantage with this method is that the residual concentration of the other components in the pure (halogenated) copolymer can be adjusted in any desired way through the amount of solvent replaced.
- the ultrafiltration is performed at constant volume in which fresh organic diluent is added to the retentate to maintain a constant volume of retentate throughout the ultrafiltration.
- the crossflow velocity preferably provides a flow rate of the retentate past the membrane of not less than about 0.5 m/s. Slower flow rates may result in concentration polarization and a drop in permeate flux rate if there are concentrations of (halogenated) copolymers of more than 3 wt.%.
- a crossflow rate in a range of about 0.5-10 m/s is preferred, more preferably 0.5 to 5 m/s, even more preferably 0.5 to 2 m/s.
- Some (halogenated) copolymers require the presence of stabilizers to prevent degradation or other microstructural or molecular weight changes. Further, certain (halogenated) copolymers are particularly sensitive to the presence of hydrogen halide, and unwanted microstructural and/or molecular weight changes in the (halogenated) copolymers can be accelerated at elevated temperatures. For example, although bromination of butyl rubber at moderate temperature (e.g. room temperature, 25 °C) can result in a brominated copolymer with a high proportion of secondary allylic bromine, and minor amounts of tertiary, isomerization to a primary allylic structure increases at elevated temperatures, and isomerization at elevated temperature is also increased in an acidic environment. Therefore, especially when ultrafiltration is performed at elevated temperature, the presence of one or more suitable stabilizers in the retentate is desired.
- moderate temperature e.g. room temperature, 25 °C
- ultrafiltration may be performed at elevated temperature in the presence of non-permeating stabilizers, resulting in an efficient ultrafiltration process in which the retentate contains purified (halogenated) copolymer while retaining at least one of the one or more stabilizers, and the permeate is homogeneous and contains other components that were impurities to the (halogenated) copolymers where some of the other components may be products unto themselves (e.g. cyclic copolymers).
- the one or more stabilizers are preferably acid scavengers and/or antiagglomerants.
- acid scavengers for example, in case of the ultrafiltration of (halogenated) copolymers, it is desirable to choose an acid scavenger that remains in the retentate, but does not pass over into the permeate and therefore eliminates the need for replenishment of acid scavenger or the need for a separation process to remove excess acid scavenger from the permeating solvent.
- Such an acid scavenger reduces isomerization and molecular weight degradation during the ultrafiltration process at room temperature but especially at elevated temperature, for example at a temperature in a range of about 10-190 "C, 40-185 °C, 50-180 °C, or 60-175 °C, particularly about 40-150 °C (for example 40-130 °C), more particularly about 60-140 °C, even more particularly about 70-125 °C, yet more particularly about 75-1 15 °C.
- Acid scavengers are particularly preferred stabilizers. Generally suitable is any scavenger that is capable of reacting with hydrogen halide, but does not interfere with subsequent utility of the (halogenated) copolymer, or can be removed from the (halogenated) copolymer prior to eventual end use.
- Useful acid scavengers include, for example epoxides.
- Suitable epoxides are the products formed by epoxidizing esters and glycerides of C 8 - C 24 unsaturated fatty acids, for example esters found in soybean oil, castor oil, linseed oil, safflower oil, etc.
- Preferred specific polyethers of this class include epoxidized soybean oil (ESBO) and epoxidized linseed oil (sold under the trademarks DrapexTM 6.8 and DrapexTM 10.4, respectively).
- epoxides are monomeric low molecular weight, e.g., C 2 -C 7 , monofunctional epoxides, such as ethylene epoxide, propylene epoxide, butylene epoxide, etc.
- Preferred low molecular weight monofunctional epoxides include ethylene epoxide, propylene epoxide and butylene epoxide.
- aryl substituted alkyl epoxide for example 1 ,2- epoxyethylbenzene, i.e., styrene epoxide.
- the acid scavenger should be present in an amount which is effective to react with the hydrogen halide by-product formed during halogenation, taking into consideration reaction kinetics, e.g., temperature in the region in which the scavenger must react, the time available for the reaction compared to the potential for the acid halide to cause an undesirable side reaction (e.g. addition or degradation or isomerization), the use of additional means to remove hydrogen halide from the process (e.g. , gas scrubbing, particularly in a process for halogenation of neat polymer), etc.
- the molecular weight of the (halogenated) copolymers is relatively unchanged by the ultrafiltration process.
- the molecular weight decrease of polyisoolefin polymer following ultrafiltration is desirably less than 15%, more desirably less than 10%, even more desirably less than 5%.
- the choice of acid scavenger has been found to have an effect on molecular weight of the (halogenated) copolymers in the retentate.
- step B) a second organic medium comprising the (halogenated) copolymer of or obtainable from the retentate obtaine in step A) and an organic diluent is contacted with an aqueous medium comprising at least one LCST compound having a cloud point of 0 to 100 °C, preferably 5 to 100 °C, more preferably 15 to 80 °C and even more preferably 20 to 70 °C and the organic diluent at least partially removed to obtain the pure (halogenated) copolymer.
- the retentate obtained according to step A) is employed as second organic medium.
- the (halogenated) copolymer is isolated from the retentate and redissolved in a organic diluent.
- the aqueous medium may further contain non-LCST compounds selected from the group consisting of ionic or non-ionic surfactants, emulsifiers, and antiagglomerants in particular salts of mono- or multivalent metal ions such as stearates or palmitates in aprticular those of sodium, potassium, calcium and zinc.
- non-LCST compounds selected from the group consisting of ionic or non-ionic surfactants, emulsifiers, and antiagglomerants in particular salts of mono- or multivalent metal ions such as stearates or palmitates in aprticular those of sodium, potassium, calcium and zinc.
- the aqueous medium therefore comprises 20.000 ppm or less, preferably 10.000 ppm or less, more preferably 8.000 ppm or less, even more preferably 5.000 ppm or less and yet even more preferably 2.000 ppm or less and in another yet even more preferred embodiment 1 .000 ppm or less of non-LCST compounds whereby the non-LCST compounds are
- the abovementioned amounts are with respect to the amount of (halogenated) copolymer present in the organic medium.
- the aqueous medium comprises 500 ppm or less, preferably 100 ppm or less, more preferably 50 ppm or less, even more preferably 30 ppm or less and yet even more preferably 10 ppm or less and in another yet even more preferred embodiment 1 .000 ppm or less of non-LCST compounds whereby the non-LCST compounds are
- the abovementioned amounts are with respect to the amount of (halogenated) copolymer present in the second organic medium).
- ppm refers to parts per million by weight.
- the aqueous medium comprises of from 0 to 5,000 ppm, preferably of from 0 to 2,000 ppm, more preferably of from 10 to 1 ,000 ppm, even more preferably of from 50 to 800 ppm and yet even more preferably of from 100 to 600 ppm of salts of mono or multivalent metal ions calculated on their metal content and with respect to the amount of (halogenated) copolymer present in the second organic medium.
- the aqueous medium comprises of from 0 to 5,000 ppm, preferably of from 0 to 2,000 ppm, more preferably of from 10 to 1 ,000 ppm, even more preferably of from 50 to 800 ppm and yet even more preferably of from 100 to 600 ppm of salts of multivalent metal ions calculated on their metal content and with respect to the amount of (halogenated) copolymer present in the second organic medium.
- the weight ratio of salts of stearates, palmitates and oleates of mono- and multivalent metal ions, if present, to the LCST compounds is of from 1 :2 to 1 :100, preferably 1 :2 to 1 :10 and more preferably of from 1 :5 to 1 :10 in the aqueous medium.
- the aqueous medium comprises 550 ppm or less, preferably 400 ppm or less, more preferably 300 ppm or less, even more preferably 250 ppm or less and yet even more preferably 150 ppm or less and in another yet even more preferred embodiment 100 ppm or less of salts of metal ions calculated on their metal content and with respect to the amount of (halogenated) copolymer present in the second organic medium.
- the aqueous medium comprises 550 ppm or less, preferably 400 ppm or less, more preferably 300 ppm or less, even more preferably 250 ppm or less and yet even more preferably 150 ppm or less and in another yet even more preferred embodiment 100 ppm or less of salts of multivalent metal ions calculated on their metal content and with respect to the amount of (halogenated) copolymer present in the second organic medium.
- the aqueous medium comprises 8.000 ppm or less, preferably 5.000 ppm or less, more preferably 2.000 ppm or less, yet even more preferably 1 .000 ppm or less, in another embodiment prefeably 500 ppm or less, more preferably 100 ppm or less and even more preferably 15 ppm or less and yet even more preferably no or from 1 ppm to 10 ppm of non-ionic surfactants being non-LCST compounds selected from the group consisting of ionic or non-ionic surfactants, emulsifiers, and antiagglomerants and with respect to the amount of (halogenated) copolymer present in the second organic medium.
- a LCST compound is a compound which is soluble in a liquid medium at a lower temperature but precipitates from the liquid medium above a certrain temperature, the so called lower critical solution temperature or LCST temperature. This process is reversible, so the system becomes homogeneous again on cooling down.
- the temperature at which the solution clarifies on cooling down is known as the cloud point (see German standard specification DIN EN 1890 of September 2006). This temperature is characteristic for a particular substance and a particular method.
- DIN EN 1890 of September 2006 The temperature at which the solution clarifies on cooling down.
- This temperature is characteristic for a particular substance and a particular method.
- the determination of the cloud point may require different conditions as set forth in DIN EN 1890 of September 2006. Even though this DIN was originally developed for non-ionic surface active agents obtained by condensation of ethylene oxide this method allows determination of cloud points for a broad variety of LCST compounds as well. However, adapted conditions were found helpful to more easily determine cloud points for structurally different compounds.
- LCST compound as used herein covers all compounds where a cloud point of 0 to 100°C, preferably 5 to 100°C, more preferably 15 to 80 °C and even more preferably 20 to 80 °C can be determined by at least one of the following methods:
- the cloud points indicated above can be determined by at least one of the methods 1 ) , 2) or 4) .
- non-LCST compounds are in general those compounds having either no cloud point or a cloud point outside the scope as defined hereinabove. It is apparent to those skilled in the art and known from various commercially available products, that the different methods described above may lead to slightly different cloud points. However, the measurements for each method are consistent and reproducible within their inherent limits of error and the general principle of the invention is not affected by different LCST temperatures determined for the same compound as long as with at least one of the above methods the cloud point is found to be within the ranges set forth above.
- metal ions in particular multivalent metal ions such as aluminum already stemming from the initiator system employed e.g. for the preparation of copolymers are not encompassed by the calculation of metal ions present in the aqueous medium employed in step B).
- the aqueous medium comprises 70 ppm or less, preferably 50 ppm or less, more preferably 30 ppm or less and even more preferably 20 ppm or less and yet even more preferably 10 ppm or less of salts of multivalent metal ions calculated on their metal content and with respect to the amount of (halogenated) copolymer present in the organic medium.
- the aqueous medium comprises 25 ppm or less, preferably 10 ppm or less, more preferably 8 ppm or less and even more preferably 7 ppm or less and yet even more preferably 5 ppm or less of salts of multivalent metal ions calculated on their metal content and with respect to the amount of (halogenated) copolymer in the the second organic medium.
- the aqueous medium comprises 550 ppm or less, preferably 400 ppm or less, more preferably 300 ppm or less, even more preferably 250 ppm or less and yet even more preferably 150 ppm or less and in another yet even more preferred embodiment 100 ppm or less of carboxylic acid salts of multivalent metal ions calculated on their metal content and with respect to the amount of (halogenated) copolymer in the second organic medium, whereby the carboxylic acids are selected from those having 6 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 24 carbon atoms, more preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms. In one embodiment such carboxylic acids are selected from monocarboxylic acids. In another embodiment such carboxylic acids are selected from saturated monocarboxylic acids such as stearic acid.
- the following example shows how the calculation is performed.
- the molecular weight of calcium stearate (C 36 H 7 oCa0 4 ) is 607.04 g/mol.
- the atomic weight of calcium metal is 40.08 g/mol.
- the aqueous medium comprises 70 ppm or less, preferably 50 ppm or less, more preferably 30 ppm or less and even more preferably 20 ppm or less and yet even more preferably 10 ppm or less of carboxylic acid salts of multivalent metal ions calculated on their metal content and with respect to the amount of (halogenated) copolymer in the second organic medium, whereby the carboxylic acids are selected from those having 6 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 24 carbon atoms, more preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms.
- such carboxylic acids are selected from monocarboxylic acids.
- such carboxylic acids are selected from saturated monocarboxylic acids such as palmitic acid or stearic acid.
- the aqueous medium comprises 25 ppm or less, preferably 10 ppm or less, more preferably 8 ppm or less and even more preferably 7 ppm or less and yet even more preferably 5 ppm or less of carboxylic acid salts of multivalent metal ions calculated on their metal content and with respect to the amount of (halogenated) copolymer in the second organic medium, whereby the carboxylic acids are selected from those having 6 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 24 carbon atoms, more preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms.
- such carboxylic acids are selected from monocarboxylic acids.
- such carboxylic acids are selected from saturated monocarboxylic acids such as stearic acid.
- the aqueous medium is free of carboxylic acid salts of multivalent metal ions whereby the carboxylic acids are selected from those having 6 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 24 carbon atoms, more preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms. In one embodiment such carboxylic acids are selected from monocarboxylic acids. In another embodiment such carboxylic acids are selected from saturated monocarboxylic acids such as stearic acid.
- the aqueous medium comprises 100 ppm or less, preferably 50 ppm or less, more preferably 20 ppm or less and even more preferably 15 ppm or less and yet even more preferably 10 ppm or less of salts of monovalent metal ions calculated on their metal content and with respect to the amount of (halogenated) copolymer in the second organic medium.
- the aqueous medium comprises additionally or alternatively 100 ppm or less, preferably 50 ppm or less, more preferably 30 ppm or less, even more preferably 20 ppm or less and yet even more preferably 10 ppm or less and in another yet even more preferred embodiment 5 ppm or less of carboxylic acid salts of monovalent metal ions such as sodium stearate, sodium palmitate and sodium oleate and potassium stearate, potassium palmitate and potassium oleate calculated on their metal content and with respect to the amount of (halogenated) copolymer in the second organic medium, whereby the carboxylic acids are selected from those having 6 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 24 carbon atoms, more preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms.
- carboxylic acids are selected from monocarboxylic acids. In another embodiment such carboxylic acids are selected from saturated monocarboxylic acids such as stearic acid. Examples of monovalent salts of carboxylic acids include sodium stearate, palmitate and oleate as well as potassium stearate, palmitate and oleate.
- the aqueous medium is free of carboxylic acid salts of monovalent metal ions whereby the carboxylic acids are selected from those having 6 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 24 carbon atoms, more preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms. In one embodiment such carboxylic acids are selected from monocarboxylic acids. In another embodiment such carboxylic acids are selected from saturated monocarboxylic acids such as palmitic or stearic acid.
- the aqueous medium comprises of from 0 to 5,000 ppm, preferably of from 0 to 2,000 ppm, more preferably of from 10 to 1 ,000 ppm, even more preferably of from 50 to 800 ppm and yet even more preferably of from 100 to 600 ppm of
- magnesium carbonate and calcium carbonate calculated on their metal content and with respect to the amount of (halogenated) copolymer in the second organic medium.
- the aqueous medium comprises comprises 550 ppm or less, preferably 400 ppm or less, more preferably 300 ppm or less, even more preferably 250 ppm or less and yet even more preferably 150 ppm or less and in another yet even more preferred embodiment 100 ppm or less of
- magnesium carbonate and calcium carbonate calculated on their metal content and with respect to the amount of (halogenated) copolymer in the second organic medium.
- the aqueous medium comprises 70 ppm or less, preferably 50 ppm or less, more preferably 30 ppm or less and even more preferably 20 ppm or less and yet even more preferably 10 ppm or less of
- magnesium carbonate and calcium carbonate calculated on their metal content and with respect to the amount of (halogenated) copolymer in the second organic medium.
- multivalent metal ions encompasses in particular bivalent earth alkaline metal ions such as magnesium, calcium, strontium and barium, preferably magnesium and calcium, trivalent metal ions of group 13 such as aluminium, multivalent metal ions of groups 3 to 12 in particular the bivalent metal ion of zinc.
- monovalent metal ions encompasses in particular alkaline metal ions such as lithium, sodium and potassium.
- the aqueous medium comprises 500 ppm or less, preferably 200 ppm or less, more preferably 100 ppm or less, even more preferably 50 ppm or less and yet even more preferably 20 ppm or less and in another yet even more preferred embodiment no layered minerals such as talcum calculated with respect to the amount of (halogenated) copolymer in the second organic medium.
- the aqueous medium comprises 500 ppm or less, preferably 200 ppm or less, more preferably 100 ppm or less, even more preferably 20 ppm or less and yet even more preferably 10 ppm or less and in another yet even more preferred embodiment 5 ppm or less and yet even more preferably no dispersants, emulsifiers or anti-agglomerants other than the LCST compounds.
- step B) the pure (halogenated) copolymer is obtained in form of an aqueous slurry comprising a plurality of particles of the (halogenated) copolymer suspended therein.
- aqueous slurry comprising a plurality of (halogenated) copolymer particles suspended therein denotes a slurry having at least 10 discrete particles per liter suspended therein, preferably at least 20 discrete particles per liter, more preferably at least 50 discrete particles per liter and even more preferably at least 100 discrete particles per liter.
- halogenated copolymer particles denote discrete particles of any form and consistency, which in a preferred embodiment have a particle size of between 0.05 mm and 25 mm, more preferably between 0.1 and 20 mm.
- the weight average particle size of the (halogenated) copolymer particles is from 0.3 to 10.0 mm.
- the (halogenated) copolymer formed according to the invention may still contain organic diluent and further may contain water encapsulated within the (halogenated) copolymer.
- the (halogenated) copolymer contains 90 wt.-% or more of the (halogenated) copolymer calculated on the sum of organic diluent and (halogenated) copolymer, preferably 93 wt. -% or more, more preferably 94 wt.-% or more and even more preferably 96 wt.-% or more.
- Particles of (halogenated) copolymer are often referred to as crumbs in the literature.
- the (halogenated) copolymer particles or crumbs have non-uniform shape and/or geometry.
- aqueous medium denotes a medium comprising 80 wt.-% or more of water, preferably 90 wt.-% or more 80 wt.-% and even more preferably 95 wt.-% or more of water and yet even more preferably 99 wt.-% or more.
- the remainder to 100 wt.-% includes the LCST compounds and may further include compounds selected from the group of
- antioxidants and/or stabilizers • where an extended shelf life of the product is desired antioxidants and/or stabilizers.
- the aqueous phase comprises of from 1 to 2,000 ppm of antioxidants, preferably of from 50 to 1 ,000 ppm more preferably of from 80 to 500 ppm calculated with respect to the amount of (halogenated) copolymer in the second organic medium.
- the water employed to prepare the aqueous phase is demineralized by standard procedure such as ion- exchange, membrane filtration techniques such as reverse osmosis and the like.
- °dH degree of 8.0 german degrees of hardness
- the water is mixed with the at least one LCST compunds to obtain a concentrate which is depending on the temperature either a slurry or a solution having a LCST-compound concentration of from 0.1 to 2 wt.-%, preferably 0.5 to 1 wt.- %.
- This concentrate is then metered into and diluted with more water in the vessel in which step A) is performed to the desired concentration.
- the concentrate is a solution and metered into the vessel having a temperature of from 0 to 35 °C, preferably 10 to 30 °C.
- ppm refer to weight. -ppm.
- the aqueous medium may further contain antioxidants and/or stabilizers:
- Antioxidants and stabilizers include 2,6-di-tert.-butyl-4-methyl-phenol (BHT) and pentaerythrol-tetrakis-[3-(3,5-di-tert.-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-propanoic acid (also known as Irganox® 1010), octadecyl 3,5-di(tert)-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamate (also known as Irganox® 1076), tert-butyl-4-hydroxy anisole (BHA), 2-(1 ,1 -dimethyl)-1 ,4- benzenediol (TBHQ), tris(2,4,-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphate (Irgafos® 168), dioctyldiphenylamine (Stalite® S), butylated products of p-cresol and dicyclopentadiene (Wingstay) as well as other
- Suitable antioxidants generally include 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenol, 2,4,6 tri- isobutylphenol, 2-tert-butyl-4,6-dimethylphenol, 2,4-dibutyl-6-ethylphenol, 2,4- dimethyl-6-tert-butylphenol, 2,6-di-tert-butylhydroyxytoluol (BHT), 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4- ethylphenol, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-n-butylphenol, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-iso-butylphenol, 2,6- dicyclopentyl-4-methylphenol, 4-tert-butyl-2,6-dimethylphenol, 4-tert-butyl-2,6- dicyclopentylphenol, 4-tert-butyl-2,6-diisopropylphenol, 4,6-di-tert-butyl-2- methyl
- Suitable stabilizers, in particular for brominated copolymers include epoxidized unsaturated oils such as epoxidized linseed oil or epoxidized soybean oil, whereby the latter is preferred.
- Antioxidants and/or stabilizers may, in one embodiment, be alternatively or additionally also present or added to the organic medium before performing step A).
- antioxidants are added to the aqueous medium and the stabilizers are present or are added to the second organic medium.
- step B) the second organic medium is contacted with an aqueous medium comprising at least one LCST compound having a cloud point of 0 to 100°C, preferably 5 to 100°C, more preferably 15 to 80 °C and even more preferably 20 to 70 °C and removing at least partially the organic diluent to obtain the (halogenated) copolymer.
- an aqueous medium comprising at least one LCST compound having a cloud point of 0 to 100°C, preferably 5 to 100°C, more preferably 15 to 80 °C and even more preferably 20 to 70 °C and removing at least partially the organic diluent to obtain the (halogenated) copolymer.
- the contact can be performed in any vessel suitable for this purpose. In industry such contact is typically performed in a flash drum or any other vessel known for separation of a liquid phase and vapours.
- Removal of organic diluent may also employ other types of distillation so to subsequently or jointly remove the residual monomers and the organic diluent to the desired extent. Distillation processes to separate liquids of different boiling points are well known in the art and are described in, for example, the Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Kirk Othmer, 4th Edition, pp. 8-31 1 , which is incorporated herein by reference. Generally, the organic diluent may either be seperatly or jointly be recycled into a step i) of a halogenation reaction.
- the pressure in step B) and in one embodiment the steam-stripper or flash drum depends on the organic diluent but is typically in the range of from 100 hPa to 5,000 hPa.
- the temperature in step B) is selected to be sufficient to at least partially remove the organic diluent.
- the temperature is from 10 to 100 °C, preferably from 50 to 100°C, more preferably from 60 to 95 °C and even more preferably from 75 to 95 °C.
- the at least LCST compound as earlier observed for conventional anti-agglomerants such as calcium stearate depletes from LCST compounds so that in the final aqueous slurry at least a part, according to the observations disclosed in the experimental part a substantial part of the LCST compounds are part of the (halogenated) copolymer particles and are presumably bound to the surface of the (halogenated) copolymer particles causing the tremendous anti-agglomerating effect.
- Suitable LCST compounds are for example selected from the group consisting of: poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-N,N-dimethylacrylamide, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-alt-2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate, poly(N-vinylcaprolactam), poly(N,N-diethylacrylamide), poly[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate], poly(2- oxazoline) glycopolymers, Poly(3-ethyl-N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone), hydroxylbutyl chitosan, polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monostearate, polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, poly(ethylene glycol) meth
- polyethyleneglycol-co-polypropylene glycol preferably those with 2 to 8 ethylene glycol units and 2 to 8 polypropylene units, ethoxylated iso-C 13 H 27 -alcohols, preferably with an ethoxylation degree of 4 to 8, polyethylene glycol with 4 to 50, preferably 4 to 20 ethyleneglycol units, polypropylene glycol with 4 to 30, preferably 4 to 15 propyleneglycol units, polyethylene glycol monomethyl, dimethyl, monoethyl and diethyl ether with 4 to 50, preferably 4 to 20 ethyleneglycol units, polypropylene glycol monomethyl, dimethyl, monoethyl and diethyl ether with 4 to 50, preferably 4 to 20 propyleneglycol units, whereby methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl methylcellulose and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose are preferred.
- methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl methylcellulose and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose have a degree of substitution of from 0.5 to 2.8 the theoretical maximum being 3, preferably 1 .2 to 2.5 and more preferably 1 .5 to 2.0.
- hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl methylcellulose and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose have a MS (moles of substitution) of from 3, preferably of from 4, more preferably of from 4 to 20 with respect to ethylene glycol or propylene glycol groups per glucose unit.
- the amount of LCST compound(s) present in the aquous medium employed in step A) is for example of from 1 to 20,000 ppm, preferably 3 to 10,000 ppm, more preferably 5 to 5,000 ppm and even more preferably 10 to 5,000 ppm with respect to the amount of (halogenated) copolymer in the second organic medium.
- the LCST compounds exhibit a molecular weight of at least 1 ,500 g/mol, preferably at least 2,500 g/mol and more preferably at least 4,000 g/mol.
- the weight average molecular weight is for example of from 1 ,500 to 2,000,000.
- the unique capability of the LCST compounds to stabilize (halogenated) copolymer particles in aqueous solution is a major finding of the invention.
- the invention therefore also encompasses a method to prevent or reduce or to slow-down agglomeration of slurries comprising (halogenated) copolymer particles suspended in aqueous media by addition or use of LCST compounds having a cloud point of 0 to 100 °C, preferably 5 to 100 °C, more preferably 15 to 80 °C and even more preferably 20 to 70 °C.
- the at least partial removal of the organic diluent typically requires significant amounts of heat to balance the heat of evaporation which can be provided for example by heating the vessel wherein step B) is performed either from outside or in a preferred embodiment additionally or alternatively by introducing steam which further aids removal of organic diluent and to the extent still present after polymerization the monomers (steam stripping).
- Step B) may be carried out batchwise or continuously, whereby a continuous operation is preferred.
- the temperature of the resulting slurry obtained in step B) is from 50 to 100°C, preferably from 60 to 100°C, more preferably from 70 to 95 °C and even more preferably from 75 to 95 °C.
- the temperature in step B) is above the highest determined cloud point of the at least one LCST compound employed.
- Highest determined cloud point means the highest cloud point measured with the three methods disclosed above. If a cloud point cannot be determined for whatever reason with one or two methods the highest cloud point of the other determinations is taken as the highest determined cloud point.
- the removal of the organic diluent is performed until the aqueous slurry comprises less than 10 wt.-% of organic diluent calculated on the (halogenated) copolymer contained in the (halogenated) copolymer particles of the resulting aqueous slurry, preferably less than 7 wt.-% and even more preferably less than 5 wt.-% and yet even more preferably less than 3 wt.-%.
- aqueous slurries disclosed hereinabove and as obtainable according to step B) as such are therefore also encompassed by the invention.
- aqueous slurries obtained according to step B) serve as an ideal starting material to obtain the (halogenated) copolymers in isolated form.
- step C) the (halogenated) copolymer particles contained in the aqueous slurry obtained according to step B) may be separated to obtain the (halogenated) copolymers.
- the separation may be effected by flotation, centrifugation, filtration, dewatering in a dewatering extruder or by any other means known to those skilled in the art for the separation of solids from fluids.
- the separated aqueous phase is recycled into step B) if required after replacement of LCST-compounds, water and optionally other components which were removed with the (halogenated) copolymer particles.
- step D) the (halogenated) copolymers obtained according to step C) are dried, preferably to a residual content of volatiles of 7,000 or less, preferably 5,000 or less, even more preferably 4,000 or less and in onother embodiment 2,000 ppm or less, preferably 1 ,000 ppm or less.
- step D material produced according to the invention without the use of calcium stearate shows reduced fines in the finishing process when compared to material produced according to standard methods. Reducing fines shows advantages in fouling and reduced cleaning frequency required in step D).
- these multivalent stearates or palmitates may be added to the (halogenated) copolymer particles obtained according to the invention e.g. at step C) or D), preferably step C).
- This may be effected e.g. in step e) by spraying aqueous suspensions of said multivalent stearates and/or palmitates onto the (halogenated) copolymer particles.
- Multivalent stearates and/or palmitates in particular calcium and/or zinc stearate and/or palmitate may also be added at any point or step after the formation of the aqueous slurry of (halogenated) copolymers particles according to step B).
- LCST agents by adding at least one LCST agent to a production process using anti-agglomerants known in the prior art for step B) :
- agglomeration of (halogenated) copolymer particles in an aqueous slurries produced through use of multivalent stearates and/or palmitates such as calcium and/or zinc stearate and/or palmitate can be substantially delayed through the addition of at least one LCST agent after formation of (halogenated) copolymer particles.
- the invention encompasses also the general use of LCST compounds, including their preferred embodiments, in processing of (halogenated) copolymers.
- volatiles denotes compounds having a boiling point of below 250 °C, preferably 200 °C or less at standard pressure and include water as well as remaining organic diluents.
- Drying can be performed using conventional means known to those in the art, which includes drying on a heated mesh conveyor belt.
- the (halogenated) copolymers may also be brought into a different shape such as pellets.
- (halogenated) copolymers encompasses any type of (halogenated) copolymers irrespective of its shape as long as the parameter defined herein are fulfilled.
- Such (halogenated) copolymers are also encompassed by the invention and for example obtained by drying in an extruder followed by pelletizing at the extruder outlet. Such pelletizing may also be performed under water.
- the process according to the invention allows preparation of h(halogenated) copolymers having a tunable or if desired an unprecedented low level of mono- and multivalent metal ions and cyclic polymers.
- the invention therefore encompasses (halogenated) copolymer products having a (halogenated) copolymer content of 98.5 wt.-% or more, preferably 98.8 wt.-% or more, more preferably, 99.0 wt.-% or more even more preferably 99.2 wt.-% or more, yet even more preferably 99.4 wt.-% or more and in another embodiment 99.5 wt.-% or more preferably 99.7 wt.-% or more having a fraction of cyclic copolymers having a molecular weight of 2000 g/mol or less in the range of from 20 to 2,000, preferably of from 30 to 1 ,000 ppm, more preferably from 50 to 850 ppm and more preferably of from 50 to 500 ppm of the total weight of the (halogenated) copolymer.
- the (halogenated) copolymer products comprise 550 ppm or less, preferably 400 ppm or less, more preferably 300 ppm or less, even more preferably 250 ppm or less and yet even more preferably 150 ppm or less and in another yet even more preferred embodiment 100 ppm or less of salts of mono- or multivalent metal ions calculated on their metal content.
- the (halogenated) copolymers comprise 5000 ppm or less, preferably 2.000 ppm or less, more preferably 1 .000 ppm or less, even more preferably 500 ppm or less and yet even more preferably 100 ppm or less and in another yet even more preferred embodiment 50 ppm or less, preferably 50 ppm or less more preferably 10 ppm or less and yet even more preferably no non-LCST compounds whereby the non-LCST compounds are
- the invention provides (halogenated) copolymer products comprising salts of multivalent metal ions in an amount of of 500 ppm or less, preferably 400 ppm or less, more preferably 250 ppm or less, even more preferably 150 ppm or less and yet even more preferably 100 ppm or less and in an even more preferred embodiment 50 ppm or less calculated on their metal content.
- the (halogenated) copolymer products may further comprise antioxidants such as 2,6- di-tert.-butyl-4-methyl-phenol (BHT) and pentaerythrol-tetrakis-[3-(3,5-di-tert.-butyl-4- hydroxyphenyl)-propanoic acid (also known as Irganox® 1010), for example in an amount of from 50 ppm to 1000 ppm, preferably of from 80 ppm to 500 ppm and in another embodiment of from 300 ppm to 700 ppm.
- antioxidants such as 2,6- di-tert.-butyl-4-methyl-phenol (BHT) and pentaerythrol-tetrakis-[3-(3,5-di-tert.-butyl-4- hydroxyphenyl)-propanoic acid (also known as Irganox® 1010), for example in an amount of from 50 ppm to 1000 ppm, preferably of from 80 ppm to
- the (halogenated) copolymer products may further comprise stabilizers, in particular for brominated copolymers such as epoxidized unsaturated oils such as epoxidized linseed oil or epoxidized soybean oil, whereby the latter is preferred.
- stabilizers are for example present in an amount of from 0.05 to 2.50 wt.-%, preferably 0.20 to 1 .50 wt.-% and in another embodiment of from 0.50 to 1 .50 wt.-%.
- the remainder to 100 wt.-% include the LCST compound(s), volatiles, to the extent employed at all salts of multivalent metal ions as well as low levels of residual monovalent metal ion salts such as sodium chloride.
- the amount of LCST compounds present in the (halogenated) copolymer products is from 1 ppm to 18,000 ppm, preferably of from 1 ppm to 10,000 ppm, more preferably 1 ppm to 5,000 ppm, even more preferably from 1 ppm to 2,000 ppm and in a more preferred embodiment from 5 to 1 ,000 ppm or from 5 to 500 ppm.
- the amount of salts of monovalent metal ions present in the (halogenated) copolymer products is from 1 ppm to 1 ,000 ppm, preferably from 10 ppm to 500 ppm and in a more preferred embodiment from 10 to 200 ppm.
- the amount of stearates or palmitates of mono- or multivalent metal ions present in the (halogenated) copolymer products is 0 to 4,000 ppm, preferably 0 to 2,000 ppm, more preferably 0 to 1 ,000 ppm and in a more preferred embodiment from 0 to 500 ppm.
- the amount of LCST compounds present in the (halogenated) copolymer products is from 1 ppm to 5,000 ppm, preferably from 1 ppm to 2,000 ppm and in a more preferred embodiment from 5 to 1 ,000 ppm or from 5 to 500 ppm.
- the amount of stearates or palmitates of multivalent metal ions present in the (halogenated) copolymer products is 0 to 4,000 ppm, preferably 0 to 2,000 ppm, more preferably 0 to 1 ,000 ppm and in a more preferred embodiment from O to 500 ppm.
- the invention therefore encompasses (halogenated) copolymer products comprising
- the invention encompasses (halogenated) copolymers comprising I) 100 parts by weight of a (halogenated) copolymer having a fraction of cyclic copolymers having a molecular weight of 2000 g/mol or less in the range of from 20 to 2,000, preferably of from 30 to 1 ,000 ppm, more preferably from 50 to 850 ppm and more preferably of from 50 to 500 ppm of the total weight of the (halogenated) copolymer
- V from 0.005 to 1 .5, preferably 0.05 to 1 .0, more preferably 0.005 to 0.5, even more preferably from 0.01 to 0.3 and yet even more preferably from 0.05 to 0.2 parts by weight of volatiles having a boiling point at standard pressure of 200 °C or less.
- the (halogenated) copolymer products further comprise
- VI from 0.05 to 2.5, preferably from 0.20 to 1.50, more preferably from 0.50 to 1 .50 parts by weight and even more preferably 0.75 to 1 .50 parts by weight of stabilizers, preferably epoxidized compounds, preferably epoxidized unsaturated oils such as epoxidized linseed oil or epoxidized soybean oil, whereby the latter is preferred.
- stabilizers preferably epoxidized compounds, preferably epoxidized unsaturated oils such as epoxidized linseed oil or epoxidized soybean oil, whereby the latter is preferred.
- the aforementioned components I) to V) add up to 100.00501 to 105.300000 parts by weight, preferably 100.00501 to 104.100000 parts by weight, more preferably from 100.01 to 103.00 parts by weight, even more preferably from 100.10 to 101 .50 parts by weight, yet even more preferably from 100.10 to 100.80 parts by weight and together represent 99.50 to 100.00 wt.-% or, in another embodiment, 99.80 to 100.00 wt.-%, preferably 99.90 to 100.00 wt.-%, more preferably 99.95 to 100.00 wt.-% and yet even more preferably 99.97 to 100.00 wt.-% of the total weight of the (halogenated) copolymer product.
- the aforementioned components I) to VI) add up to 100.05501 to 107.800000 parts by weight, preferably 100.05501 to 106.600000 parts by weight, preferably from 100.21 to 104.50 parts by weight, more preferably from 100.60 to 103.00 parts by weight, even more preferably from 100.85 to 102.30 parts by weightand together represent 99.50 to 100.00 wt.-% or, in another embodiment, 99.80 to 100.00 wt.-%, preferably 99.90 to 100.00 wt.-%, more preferably 99.95 to 100.00 wt.-% and yet even more preferably 99.97 to 100.00 wt.-% of the total weight of the (halogenated) copolymer product.
- the remainder, if any, may respresent salts or components which are none of the aforementioned components and e.g. stemming from the water employed to prepare the aqueous phase used in step A) or other components stemming e.g. from post- polymerization modifications.
- the invention further encompasses (halogenated) copolymer products comprising 97.5 wt.-% or more, preferably 98.0 wt.-% or more, more preferably, 98.2 wt.-% or more even more preferably 98.4 wt.-% or more, yet even more preferably 98,5 wt.-% or more and in another embodiment 99.5 wt.-% or more of a (halogenated) coplymer having a fraction of cyclic copolymers having a molecular weight of 2000 g/mol or less in the range of from 20 to 2,000, preferably of from 30 to 1 ,000 ppm, more preferably from 50 to 850 ppm and more preferably of from 50 to 500 ppm of the total weight of the (halogenated) copolymer and having an ash content measured according to ASTM D5667 of 0.25 w
- the aforementioned (halogenated) copolymer products further comprise 1 ppm to 5,000 ppm, preferably from 1 ppm to 2,000 ppm and in a more preferred embodiment from 5 to 1 ,000 ppm or from 5 to 500 ppm of a least one LCST compound.
- the ash content measured according to ASTM D5667 is for example 0.25 wt.-% or less, preferably 0.15 wt.-% or less, more preferably 0.10 wt.-% or less and even more preferably 0.05 wt.-% or less.
- the invention encompasses (halogenated) copolymer products comprising
- the (halogenated) copolymer products further have an ash content measured according to ASTM D5667 of 0.25 wt.-% or less, preferably 0.15 wt.-% or less, more preferably 0.10 wt.-% or less and even more preferably 0.05 wt.-% or less.
- the invention encompasses (halogenated) copolymer products comprising
- the (halogenated) copolymer products further have an ash content measured according to ASTM D5667 of 0.25 wt.-% or less, preferably 0.15 wt.-% or less, more preferably 0.10 wt.-% or less and even more preferably 0.05 wt.-% or less.
- the aforementioned (halogenated) copolymer products further comprise
- V from 0.05 to 2.5, preferably from 0.20 to 1 .50, more preferably from 0.50 to 1 .50 parts by weight and even more preferably 0.75 to 1 .50 parts by weight of stabilizers, preferably epoxidized compounds, preferably epoxidized unsaturated oils such as epoxidized linseed oil or epoxidized soybean oil, whereby the latter is preferred.
- stabilizers preferably epoxidized compounds, preferably epoxidized unsaturated oils such as epoxidized linseed oil or epoxidized soybean oil, whereby the latter is preferred.
- the aforementioned components I) to IV) add up to 100.00501 to 102.300000 parts by weight and together represent 99.00 to 100.00 wt.-% or, in another embodiment, 99.50 to 100.00 wt.-%, preferably 99.70 to 100.00 wt.-% of the total weight of the (halogenated) copolymer product.
- the aforementioned components I) to V) add up to 100.05501 to 105.800000 parts by weight and together represent 99.00 to 100.00 wt.-% or, in another embodiment, 99.50 to 100.00 wt.-%, preferably 99.70 to 100.00 wt.-% of the total weight of the (halogenated) copolymer product.
- GC-FID Gas Chromatography with a Flame Ionization Detector
- the jar is put on a shaker for 12 hours. Then 23 ml acetone are added and the remaining mixture evaporated to dryness at 50 °C which takes typically 30 minutes. Thereafter 10 ml methanol and 2 drops of concentrated sulfuric acid are added, shaken to mix and heated for 1 hour to 50 °C to convert the carboxylic acids into their methyl esters. Thereafter 10 ml hexane and 10 ml demineralized water are added, vigourously shaken and finally the hexane layer is allowed to separate. 2 ml of the hexane solution are used for GC-FID analysis.
- Direct measurement of carboxylic acid salts in particular stearates and palmitates can be accomplished by FTIR as follows: A sample of rubber is pressed between two sheets of silicon release paper in a paper sample holder and analyzed on an infrared spectrometer. Calcium stearate carbonyl peaks are found at 1541 .8 &1577.2 cm “1 . The peaks of heat converted calcium stearate (a different modification of calcium stearate, see e.g. Journal of Colloid Science Volume 4, Issue 2, April 1949, Pages 93- 101 ) are found at 1562.8 and 1600.6 cm “1 and are also included in the calcium stearate calculation. These peaks are ratioed to the peak at 950 cm "1 to account for thickness variations in the samples.
- the concentrations of calcium stearate can be determined.
- carboxylic acid salts in particular stearates and palmitates as well.
- a single zinc stearate carbonyl peak is found at 1539.5 cm “1
- sodium stearate a single carbonyl peak is found at 1558.5 cm “1 .
- Multivalent metal ions such as calcium and zinc contents
- ICP-AES Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry
- contents of various elements can be determined by X-ray fluorescence (XRF).
- XRF X-ray fluorescence
- the sample is irradiated with X-ray radiation of sufficient energy to excite the elements of interest.
- the elements will give off energy specific to the element type which is detected by an appropriate detector. Comparison to standards of known concentration and similar matrix will give quantitation of the desired element.
- LCST compounds in particular methyl cellulose contents are measurable and were measured using Gel Filtration Chromatography on a Waters Alliance 2690/5 separations module equipped with a PolySep-GFC-P4000, 300x7.8 mm aqueous GFC column and a PolySep-GFC-P4000, 35x7.8 mm guard column and a Waters 2414 Differential Refractometer against standards
- the samples are for example prepared according to the following procedure:
- the (halogenated) copolymer products according to the invention may be blended either with each other or additionally or alternatively with at least one secondary rubber being different from the (halogenated) polymer product, which is preferably selected from the group consisting of natural rubber (NR), epoxidized natural rubber (ENR), polyisoprene rubber, poly(styrene-co-butadiene) rubber (SBR), chloroprene rubber (CR), polybutadiene rubber (BR), perfluoro(halogenated) copolymer (FFKM/FFPM), ethylene vinylacetate (EVA) rubber, ethylene acrylate rubber, polysulphide rubber (TR), poly(isoprene-co-butadiene) rubber (IBR), styrene-isoprene-butadiene rubber (SIBR), ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR), ethylene-propylene-diene M-class rubber (EPDM), polyphenylensulfide, nitrile-butad
- star-branched polyisobutylene rubber star-branched brominated butyl (polyisobutylene/isoprene (halogenated) copolymer) rubber; poly(isobutylene-co-p- methylstyrene) and halogenated poly(isobutylene-co-p-methylstyrene), poly(isobutylene-co-isoprene-co-styrene), poly(isobutylene-co-isoprene-co-alpha- methylstyrene), halogenated poly(isobutylene-co-isoprene-co-a-methylstyrene).
- thermoplastic polymer which is preferably selected from the group consisting of polyurethane (PU), polyacrylic esters (ACM, PMMA), thermoplastic polyester urethane (AU), thermoplastic polyether urethane (EU), perfluoroalkoxyalkane (PFA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
- PU polyurethane
- ACM polyacrylic esters
- PMMA thermoplastic polyester urethane
- EU thermoplastic polyether urethane
- PFA perfluoroalkoxyalkane
- PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene
- PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene
- One or more of the (halogenated) copolymer products or the blends with secondary rubbers and/or thermoplastic polymers described above may be compounded with one or more fillers.
- the fillers may be non-mineral fillers, mineral fillers or mixtures thereof.
- Non-mineral fillers are preferred in some embodiments and include, for example, carbon blacks, rubber gels and mixtures thereof.
- Suitable carbon blacks are preferably prepared by lamp black, furnace black or gas black processes. Carbon blacks preferably have BET specific surface areas of 20 to 200 m 2 /g.
- Some specific examples of carbon blacks are SAF, ISAF, HAF, FEF and GPF carbon blacks.
- Rubber gels are preferably those based on polybutadiene, butadiene/styrene (halogenated) copolymers, butadiene/acrylonitrile (halogenated) copolymers or polychloroprene.
- Suitable mineral fillers comprise, for example, silica, silicates, clay, bentonite, vermiculite, nontronite, beidelite, volkonskoite, hectorite, saponite, laponite, sauconite, magadiite, kenyaite, ledikite, gypsum, alumina, talc, glass, metal oxides (e.g. titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, magnesium oxide, aluminum oxide), metal carbonates (e.g. magnesium carbonate, calcium carbonate, zinc carbonate), metal hydroxides (e.g. aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide) or mixtures thereof.
- metal oxides e.g. titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, magnesium oxide, aluminum oxide
- metal carbonates
- Dried amorphous silica particles suitable for use as mineral fillers may have a mean agglomerate particle size in the range of from 1 to 100 microns, or 10 to 50 microns, or 10 to 25 microns. In one embodiment, less than 10 percent by volume of the agglomerate particles may be below 5 microns. In one embodiment, less than 10 percent by volume of the agglomerate particles may be over 50 microns in size.
- Suitable amorphous dried silica may have, for example, a BET surface area, measured in accordance with DIN (Deutsche Industrie Norm) 66131 , of between 50 and 450 square meters per gram.
- DBP absorption as measured in accordance with DIN 53601 , may be between 150 and 400 grams per 100 grams of silica.
- a drying loss, as measured according to DIN ISO 787/1 1 may be from 0 to 10 percent by weight.
- Suitable silica fillers are commercially sold under the names HiSilTM 210, HiSilTM 233 and HiSilTM 243 available from PPG Industries Inc. Also suitable are VulkasilTM S and VulkasilTM N, commercially available from Bayer AG.
- High aspect ratio fillers useful in the present invention may include clays, talcs, micas, etc. with an aspect ratio of at least 1 :3.
- the fillers may include acircular or nonisometric materials with a platy or needle-like structure.
- the aspect ratio is defined as the ratio of mean diameter of a circle of the same area as the face of the plate to the mean thickness of the plate.
- the aspect ratio for needle and fiber shaped fillers is the ratio of length to diameter.
- the high aspect ratio fillers may have an aspect ratio of at least 1 :5, or at least 1 :7, or in a range of 1 :7 to 1 :200.
- High aspect ratio fillers may have, for example, a mean particle size in the range of from 0.001 to 100 microns, or 0.005 to 50 microns, or 0.01 to 10 microns. Suitable high aspect ratio fillers may have a BET surface area, measured in accordance with DIN (Deutsche Industrie Norm) 66131 , of between 5 and 200 square meters per gram.
- the high aspect ratio filler may comprise a nanoclay, such as, for example, an organically modified nanoclay. Examples of nanoclays include natural powdered smectite clays (e.g. sodium or calcium montmorillonite) or synthetic clays (e.g. hydrotalcite or laponite).
- the high aspect filler may include organically modified montmorillonite nanoclays.
- the clays may be modified by substitution of the transition metal for an onium ion, as is known in the art, to provide surfactant functionality to the clay that aids in the dispersion of the clay within the generally hydrophobic polymer environment.
- onium ions are phosphorus based (e.g. phosphonium ions) or nitrogen based (e.g. ammonium ions) and contain functional groups having from 2 to 20 carbon atoms.
- the clays may be provided, for example, in nanometer scale particle sizes, such as, less than 25 ⁇ by volume.
- the particle size may be in a range of from 1 to 50 ⁇ , or 1 to 30 ⁇ , or 2 to 20 ⁇ .
- the nanoclays may also contain some fraction of alumina.
- the nanoclays may contain from 0.1 to 10 Wt.-% alumina, or 0.5 to 5 Wt.-% alumina, or 1 to 3 Wt.-% alumina.
- Examples of commercially available organically modified nanoclays as high aspect ratio mineral fillers include, for example, those sold under the trade name Cloisite® clays 10A, 20A, 6A, 15A, 30B, or 25A.
- polymer products may further contain other ingredients such as curing agents, reaction accelerators, vulcanizing accelerators, vulcanizing acceleration auxiliaries, antioxidants, foaming agents, anti-aging agents, heat stabilizers, light stabilizers, ozone stabilizers, processing aids, plasticizers, tackifiers, blowing agents, dyestuffs, pigments, waxes, extenders, organic acids, inhibitors, metal oxides, and activators such as triethanolamine, polyethylene glycol, hexanetriol, etc., which are known to the rubber industry.
- ingredients are used in conventional amounts that depend, inter alia, on the intended use.
- the polymer products may further contain a curing system which allows them to be cured.
- the curing system may be sulphur-based, peroxide-based, resin-based or ultraviolet (UV) light-based
- sulfur-based curing system may comprise: (i) at least one metal oxide which is optional, (ii) elemental sulfur and (iii) at least one sulfur-based accelerator.
- metal oxides as a component in the sulphur curing system is well known in the art and preferred.
- a suitable metal oxide is zinc oxide, which may be used in the amount of from about 1 to about 10 phr. In another embodiment, the zinc oxide may be used in an amount of from about 2 to about 5 phr.
- Elemental sulfur is typically used in amounts of from about 0.2 to about 2 phr.
- Suitable sulfur-based accelerators may be used in amounts of from about 0.5 to about 3 phr.
- Non-limiting examples of useful sulfur-based accelerators include thiuram sulfides (e.g. tetramethyl thiuram disulfide (TMTD)), thiocarbamates (e.g. zinc dimethyl dithiocarbamate (ZDMC), zinc dibutyl dithiocarbamate (ZDBC), zinc dibenzyldithiocarbamate (ZBEC) and thiazyl or benzothiazyl compounds (e.g. 4- morpholinyl-2-benzothizyl disulfide (Morfax), mercaptobenzothiazol (MBT) and mercaptobenzothiazyl disulfide (MBTS)).
- TMTD tetramethyl thiuram disulfide
- ZDMC zinc dimethyl dithiocarbamate
- ZDBC zinc dibutyl dithiocarbamate
- ZBEC zinc dibenzyldithiocarbamate
- a peroxide-based curing system may comprises a peroxide curing agent, for example, dicumyl peroxide, di-tert-butyl peroxide, benzoyl peroxide, 2,2'-bis(tert.-butylperoxy diisopropylbenzene (Vulcup® 40KE), benzoyl peroxide, 2,5- dimethyl-2,5-di(tert-butylperoxy)-hexyne-3, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(benzoylperoxy)hexane, (2,5-bis(tert-butylperoxy)-2,5-dimethyl hexane and the like.
- a peroxide curing agent for example, dicumyl peroxide, di-tert-butyl peroxide, benzoyl peroxide, 2,2'-bis(tert.-butylperoxy diisopropylbenzene (Vulcup® 40KE), benzoyl per
- peroxide curing agent comprises dicumyl peroxide and is commercially available under the name DiCup 40C.
- Peroxide curing agents may be used in an amount of about 0.2-7 phr, or about 1 -6 phr, or about 4 phr.
- Peroxide curing co-agents may also be used. Suitable peroxide curing co-agents include, for example, triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC) commercially available under the name DIAK 7 from DuPont, N,N'-m-phenylene dimaleimide known as HVA-2 from DuPont or Dow), triallyl cyanurate (TAC) or liquid polybutadiene known as Ricon D 153 (supplied by Ricon Resins).
- TAIC triallyl isocyanurate
- DIAK 7 from DuPont
- HVA-2 N,N'-m-phenylene dimaleimide
- TAC triallyl cyanurate
- Ricon D 153 supplied by
- Peroxide curing co- agents may be used in amounts equivalent to those of the peroxide curing agent, or less.
- the state of peroxide cured articles is enhanced with butyl polymers comprising increased levels of unsaturation, for example a multiolefin content of at least 0.5 mol- %.
- the polymer products may also be cured by the resin cure system and, if required, an accelerator to activate the resin cure.
- Suitable resins include but are not limited to phenolic resins, alkylphenolic resins, alkylated phenols, halogenated alkyl phenolic resins and mixtures thereof.
- a halogen activator When used for curing butyl rubber, a halogen activator is occasionally used to effect the formation of crosslinks.
- activators include stannous chloride or halogen- containing polymers such as polychloroprene.
- the resin cure system additionally typically includes a metal oxide such as zinc oxide.
- Halogenated resins in which some of the hydroxyl groups of the methylol group are replaced with, e.g., bromine, are more reactive. With such resins the use of additional halogen activator is not required.
- Illustrative of the halogenated phenol aldehyde resins are those prepared by Schenectady Chemicals, Inc. and identified as resins SP 1055 and SP 1056.
- the SP 1055 resin has a methylol content of about 9 to about 12.5% and a bromine content of about 4%.
- the SP 1056 resin has a methylol content of about 7.5 to about 1 1 % and a bromine content of about 6%.
- Commercial forms of the nonhalogenated resins are available such as SP-1044 with a methylol content of about 7 to about 9.5% and SP-1045 with a methylol content of about 8 to about 1 1 %.
- the invention also encompasses the use of such cure sulfur-based curing system, resin cure systems and peroxide based curing systems and their specific components as mentioned above singly and jointly for curing compounds comprising the copolymers according to the invention.
- the invention further encompasses the use of the (halogenated) copolymer products to prepare the polymer products described above and a process for the preparation of the polymer products described above by blending or compounding the ingredients mentioned above.
- Such ingredients may be compounded together using conventional compounding techniques.
- Suitable compounding techniques include, for example, mixing the ingredients together using, for example, an internal mixer (e.g. a Banbury mixer), a miniature internal mixer (e.g. a Haake or Brabender mixer) or a two roll mill mixer.
- An extruder also provides good mixing, and permits shorter mixing times. It is possible to carry out the mixing in two or more stages, and the mixing can be done in different apparatuses, for example one stage in an internal mixer and one stage in an extruder.
- Compounding See Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Engineering, Vol. 4, p. 66 et seq.
- Other techniques as known to those of skill in the art, are further suitable for compounding.
- the polymer products according to the invention may due to their unique purity as components of pharmaceutical containers, such as closures for parenteral (I.V.) vials, closures for injection vials, closures for vials containing freeze dried pharmaceutical products, closures for blood collection tubes or other diagnostic tubes, plungers and plunger tips for syringes, discs and gaskets, intravenous drug delivery components and like applications and additionally in medical devices, objects with food and drink contact, such as seals and gaskets in bottle caps, objects or components of objects used in cell and tissue culture, further as an elastomer in gum base in the production of chewing gum.
- pharmaceutical containers such as closures for parenteral (I.V.) vials, closures for injection vials, closures for vials containing freeze dried pharmaceutical products, closures for blood collection tubes or other diagnostic tubes, plungers and plunger tips for syringes, discs and gaskets, intravenous drug delivery components and like applications and additionally in medical devices, objects with food and drink contact
- the polymer products according to the invention are highly useful in wide variety of applications.
- the low degree of permeability to gases, the unsaturation sites which may serve as crosslinking, curing or post polymerization modification site as well as their low degree of disturbing additives accounts for the largest uses of these rubbers.
- the invention also encompasses the use of the polymer products according to the invention for innerliners, bladders, tubes, air cushions, pneumatic springs, air bellows, accumulator bags, hoses, conveyor belts and pharmaceutical closures.
- the invention further encompasses the aforementioned products comprising the polymer products according to the invention whether cured or /uncured.
- the polymer products further exhibit high damping and have uniquely broad damping and shock absorption ranges in both temperature and frequency.
- the invention also encompasses the use of the polymer products according to the invention in automobile suspension bumpers, auto exhaust hangers, body mounts and shoe soles.
- the polymer products of the instant invention are also useful in tire sidewalls and tread compounds.
- the polymer characteristics impart good ozone resistance, crack cut growth, and appearance.
- the polymer products may be shaped into a desired article prior to curing.
- Articles comprising the cured polymer products include, for example, belts, hoses, shoe soles, gaskets, o-rings, wires/cables, membranes, rollers, bladders (e.g. curing bladders), inner liners of tires, tire treads, shock absorbers, machinery mountings, balloons, balls, golf balls, protective clothing, medical tubing, storage tank linings, electrical insulation, bearings, pharmaceutical stoppers, adhesives, a container, such as a bottle, tote, storage tank, etc.
- a container closure or lid a seal or sealant, such as a gasket or caulking ; a material handling apparatus, such as an auger or conveyor belt; power belts, a cooling tower; a metal working apparatus, or any apparatus in contact with metal working fluids; an engine component, such as fuel lines, fuel filters, fuel storage tanks, gaskets, seals, etc.; a membrane, for fluid filtration or tank sealing.
- a seal or sealant such as a gasket or caulking
- a material handling apparatus such as an auger or conveyor belt
- power belts, a cooling tower a metal working apparatus, or any apparatus in contact with metal working fluids
- an engine component such as fuel lines, fuel filters, fuel storage tanks, gaskets, seals, etc.
- a membrane for fluid filtration or tank sealing.
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Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (8)
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CA2955907A CA2955907A1 (en) | 2014-07-24 | 2015-07-21 | Ultrapure copolymers |
RU2017105522A RU2017105522A (en) | 2014-07-24 | 2015-07-21 | Ultrafine copolymers |
JP2017503872A JP6527938B2 (en) | 2014-07-24 | 2015-07-21 | Ultra high purity copolymer |
CN201580041181.5A CN106715488A (en) | 2014-07-24 | 2015-07-21 | Ultrapure copolymers |
EP15824371.7A EP3172249A4 (en) | 2014-07-24 | 2015-07-21 | Ultrapure copolymers |
SG11201700561WA SG11201700561WA (en) | 2014-07-24 | 2015-07-21 | Ultrapure copolymers |
US15/327,460 US20170174795A1 (en) | 2014-07-24 | 2015-07-21 | Ultrapure copolymers |
KR1020177005233A KR20170036053A (en) | 2014-07-24 | 2015-07-21 | Ultrapure copolymers |
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EP (1) | EP3172249A4 (en) |
JP (2) | JP6527938B2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR20170036053A (en) |
CN (1) | CN106715488A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2955907A1 (en) |
RU (1) | RU2017105522A (en) |
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Cited By (2)
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EP3233936A4 (en) * | 2014-12-19 | 2018-08-22 | Arlanxeo Singapore Pte. Ltd. | Ultrafiltration of polyisoolefin copolymers and polyisoolefin copolymers with reduced oligomer content |
RU2787159C1 (en) * | 2018-12-21 | 2022-12-29 | Арланксео Сингапур Пте. Лтд. | Continuous method for production of halogenated isoolefin copolymer |
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FR3092328B1 (en) * | 2019-02-01 | 2021-08-06 | S N F Sa | Process for modifying the water permeability of a subterranean formation |
JP7080523B1 (en) * | 2021-05-17 | 2022-06-06 | 株式会社 土佐農機 | A method for controlling plant infectious diseases by spraying clay mineral suspended water and a sprayer used for that method. |
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- 2015-07-21 US US15/327,460 patent/US20170174795A1/en not_active Abandoned
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RU2787159C1 (en) * | 2018-12-21 | 2022-12-29 | Арланксео Сингапур Пте. Лтд. | Continuous method for production of halogenated isoolefin copolymer |
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JP6527938B2 (en) | 2019-06-12 |
EP3172249A1 (en) | 2017-05-31 |
JP2019014900A (en) | 2019-01-31 |
US20170174795A1 (en) | 2017-06-22 |
CA2955907A1 (en) | 2016-01-28 |
KR20170036053A (en) | 2017-03-31 |
JP2017521539A (en) | 2017-08-03 |
RU2017105522A3 (en) | 2018-11-23 |
RU2017105522A (en) | 2018-08-29 |
SG11201700561WA (en) | 2017-02-27 |
CN106715488A (en) | 2017-05-24 |
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