WO2018098711A1 - Polypropylene composition (c) with low coefficient of thermal expansion (clte) - Google Patents

Polypropylene composition (c) with low coefficient of thermal expansion (clte) Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018098711A1
WO2018098711A1 PCT/CN2016/108088 CN2016108088W WO2018098711A1 WO 2018098711 A1 WO2018098711 A1 WO 2018098711A1 CN 2016108088 W CN2016108088 W CN 2016108088W WO 2018098711 A1 WO2018098711 A1 WO 2018098711A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
polypropylene
range
weight
rpp
propylene copolymer
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Application number
PCT/CN2016/108088
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Shih Ping CHEN
Xin Zhou
Dongyu FANG
Antti Tapio TYNYS
Original Assignee
Borouge Compounding Shanghai Co., Ltd.
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Publication date
Application filed by Borouge Compounding Shanghai Co., Ltd. filed Critical Borouge Compounding Shanghai Co., Ltd.
Priority to PCT/CN2016/108088 priority Critical patent/WO2018098711A1/en
Priority to CN201680090796.1A priority patent/CN109963903B/en
Publication of WO2018098711A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018098711A1/en
Priority to SA519401871A priority patent/SA519401871B1/en

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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
    • C08L23/02—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
    • C08L23/14—Copolymers of propene
    • 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
    • C08K3/00—Use of inorganic substances as compounding ingredients
    • C08K3/18—Oxygen-containing compounds, e.g. metal carbonyls
    • C08K3/20—Oxides; Hydroxides
    • C08K3/22—Oxides; Hydroxides of metals
    • C08K2003/2217—Oxides; Hydroxides of metals of magnesium
    • 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
    • C08K2201/00—Specific properties of additives
    • C08K2201/002—Physical properties
    • C08K2201/003—Additives being defined by their diameter
    • 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
    • C08K2201/00—Specific properties of additives
    • C08K2201/002—Physical properties
    • C08K2201/004—Additives being defined by their length
    • 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
    • C08K9/00—Use of pretreated ingredients
    • C08K9/10—Encapsulated ingredients
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08L—COMPOSITIONS OF MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS
    • C08L2203/00—Applications
    • C08L2203/18—Applications used for pipes
    • 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
    • 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
    • C08L2205/14—Polymer mixtures characterised by other features containing polymeric additives characterised by shape
    • C08L2205/16—Fibres; Fibrils

Definitions

  • the present invention is directed to a polypropylene composition (C) , a pipe comprising the polypropylene composition (C) and the use of the polypropylene composition (C) to lower the coefficient of linear thermal extension (CLTE) .
  • pipe as used according to the present invention is meant to comprise pipes in a broader sense, further including supplementary parts like pipe fittings, pipe valves, pipe chambers and all parts which are commonly applied for piping systems, in particular piping systems for the transport of pressurised fluids under elevated temperatures.
  • the term “pipe” also comprises single or multilayer pipes and single or multilayer supplementary parts like pipe fittings, pipe valves, pipe chambers, and all parts which are commonly necessary for piping systems.
  • pipe also includes structural wall pipes, such as corrugated pipes, double wall pipes with or without hollow sections.
  • Pipes made of polymeric materials are frequently used for various purposes, such as fluid transport, i.e. transport of gases or liquids.
  • the fluid transport may be conducted pressurised, e.g. when transporting natural gas or tap water, or non-pressurised, e.g. when transporting sewage or drainage.
  • the fluid transport may be conducted at varying temperatures, usually within a temperature in the range of about 0 °C to about 100 °C.
  • a propylene block copolymer is capable of improving impact properties
  • a block copolymer is usually not compatible with the base resin of the pipe, typically being a propylene random copolymer or a propylene homopolymer. It is required that the fibre reinforced polypropylene composite is compatible with other polymers, in particular in multilayer pipes. Moreover, a high crystallisation temperature is desired because it allows shorter cycle times resulting in a higher output.
  • a polypropylene composition (C) with low the coefficient of linear thermal extension (CLTE) having excellent impact properties and a high crystallization temperature can be obtained when providing a random propylene copolymer (RPP) comprising a first polypropylene (PP1) , a second polypropylene (PP2) and a third polypropylene (PP3) in conjunction with fibre (FB) and a modified polypropylene (PMP) .
  • RPP random propylene copolymer
  • PP1 first polypropylene
  • PP2 second polypropylene
  • PP3 third polypropylene
  • FB fibre
  • PMP modified polypropylene
  • a first aspect is directed at a polypropylene composition (C) comprising:
  • the random propylene copolymer comprises polypropylene (PP1) , polypropylene (PP2) and polypropylene (PP3) ;
  • the polypropylene (PP1) has a melt flow rate MFR 2 (230 °C) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.1 to 3.0 g/10min;
  • the polypropylene (PP3) has a lower melt flow rate compared to the polypropylene (PP2) and the polypropylene (PP2) has a lower melt flow rate compared to the polypropylene (PP1) .
  • random propylene copolymer (RPP) of the polypropylene composition (C) comprises
  • RPP random propylene copolymer
  • C x [HPP3] is the amount in mol-%of C 2 and/or C 4 to C 12 ⁇ -olefin derived comonomer units in the polypropylene (PP3)
  • C x [HPP1] is the amount in mol-%of C 2 and/or C 4 to C 12 ⁇ -olefin derived comonomer units in the polypropylene (PP1)
  • RPP random propylene copolymer of the polypropylene composition (C) fulfils in-equation (II) :
  • C x [HPP2] is the amount in mol-%of C 2 and/or C 4 to C 12 ⁇ -olefin derived comonomer units in the polypropylene (PP2)
  • C x [HPP1] is the amount in mol-%of C 2 and/or C 4 to C 12 ⁇ -olefin derived comonomer units in the polypropylene (PP1) .
  • the polypropylene (PP1) has a lower amount in mol-%of C 2 and/or C 4 to C 12 ⁇ -olefin derived comonomer units than the polypropylene (PP2) and that the polypropylene (PP2) has a lower amount in mol-%of C 2 and/or C 4 to C 12 ⁇ -olefin derived comonomer units than the polypropylene (PP3) .
  • the polypropylene (PP1) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 0.5 to 10.0 mol%
  • the polypropylene (PP2) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 1.0 to 15.0 mol%
  • the polypropylene (PP3) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 16.0 to 40.0 mol%.
  • random propylene copolymer (RPP) of the polypropylene composition (C) fulfils in-equation (III)
  • XCS [HPP3] is the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction of the polypropylene (PP3) in wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP3)
  • XCS [HPP1] is the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction of the polypropylene (PP1) in wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP1)
  • XCS [HPP2] is the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction of the polypropylene (PP2) in wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP2)
  • XCS [HPP1] is the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction of the polypropylene (PP1) in wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP1)
  • the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction of the polypropylene (PP1) in wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP1) is lower than the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction of the polypropylene (PP2) in wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP2) and that the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction of the polypropylene (PP2) in wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP2) is lower than the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction of the polypropylene (PP3) in wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP3) .
  • the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction of the polypropylene (PP1) in wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP1) is in the range of 0.5 to 10.0 wt. -%
  • the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction of the polypropylene (PP2) in wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP2) is in the range of 1.0 to 20.0 wt. -%
  • the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction of the polypropylene (PP3) in wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP3) is in the range of 25.0 to 60.0 wt. -%.
  • the random propylene copolymer has a shear thinning index SHI (0/50) measured according to ISO 6271-10 (200 °C) of at least 6.
  • RPP random propylene copolymer
  • the random propylene copolymer has a crystallisation temperature (Tc) measured according to ISO 11357-3 in the range of 100 to 130.
  • a second aspect is directed at a pipe comprising the polypropylene composition (C) described above.
  • the pipe may be a multi-layered pipe comprising a middle layer comprising the polypropylene composition (C) described above.
  • the multi-layered pipe is a three-layered pipe comprising an inner layer, a middle and an outer layer, wherein both of the inner layer and the outer layer comprise the random propylene copolymer (RPP) with a melt flow rate MFR 2 (230°C) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.01 to 2.0 g/10min of the polypropylene composition (C) described above.
  • RPP random propylene copolymer
  • a third aspect is directed at the use of the polypropylene composition (C) described above in a pipe to provide a coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) measured according to ISO 11359 in a temperature range from -30 to +30 °C in the range of 10.0 to 60.0 ⁇ m/mK.
  • CLTE coefficient of linear thermal expansion
  • a first aspect is directed at a polypropylene composition (C) comprising a random propylene copolymer (RPP) , fibre (FB) and a modified polypropylene (PMP) .
  • C polypropylene composition
  • RPP random propylene copolymer
  • FB fibre
  • PMP modified polypropylene
  • polypropylene composition (C) comprises:
  • the polypropylene composition (C) has a flexural modulus of at least 2000 MPa, like in the range of 2000 to 8000 MPa, preferably in the range of 2500 to 7000 MPa, more preferably in the range of 3500 to 6500 MPa.
  • the polypropylene composition (C) has a tensile modulus of at least 2000 MPa, like in the range of 2000 to 8000 MPa, preferably in the range of 2500 to 7000 MPa, more preferably in the range of 3500 to 6000 MPa.
  • the polypropylene composition (C) has a Charpy Notched Impact Strength at +23 °C of at least 10.0 kJ/m 2 , preferably in the range of 10.0 to 80.0 kJ/m 2 , more preferably in the range of 15.0 to 50.0 kJ/m 2 , even more preferably in the range of 20.0 to 30.0 kJ/m 2 .
  • the polypropylene composition (C) has a coefficient of linear thermal extension (CLTE) measured according to ISO 11359 in a temperature range from -30 to +30 °C of no more than 80 ⁇ m/mK, like in the range of 1.0 to 80.0 ⁇ m/mK, preferably in the range of 10.0 to 60.0 ⁇ m/mK, more preferably in the range of 15.0 to 45.0 ⁇ m/mK.
  • CLTE coefficient of linear thermal extension
  • the polypropylene composition (C) has a melt flow rate MFR 2 (230 °C) measured according to ISO 1133 of no more than 5.0 g/10min, like in the range of 0.01 to 5.0 g/10min, preferably in the range of 0.05 to 2.0 g/10min, more preferably in the range of 0.05 to 1.0 g/10min, even more preferably in the range of 0.1 to 0.5 g/10min.
  • the polypropylene composition (C) has a Vicat A50 softening temperature in the range of 100 to 200 °C, preferably in the range of 120 to 180 °C, more preferably in the range of 130 to 160 °C, even more preferably in the range of 140 to 150 °C.
  • the polypropylene composition (C) has a heat deformation temperature (HDT) in the range of 95 to 145 °C, preferably in the range of 100 to 135 °C and more preferably in the range of 110 to 120 °C.
  • HDT heat deformation temperature
  • the polypropylene composition (C) has a melting temperature measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) of not more than 165 °C, like in the range of 120 to 165 °C, preferably in the range of 130 to 160 °C, more preferably in the range of 135 to 155 °C, even more preferably in the range of 140 to 152 °C.
  • DSC differential scanning calorimetry
  • the polypropylene composition (C) has a crystallisation temperature measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) of at least 90 °C, preferably at least 100 °C, more preferably at least 110 °C, like in the range of 90 to 160 °C, preferably in the range of 100 to 150 °C, more preferably in the range of 105 to 130 °C, even more preferably in the range of 110 to 125 °C.
  • DSC differential scanning calorimetry
  • the polypropylene composition (C) comprises as main polymer component only the random propylene copolymer (RPP) .
  • the polypropylene composition (C) comprises not more than 10.0 wt. -%, more preferably not more than 5.0 wt. -%, even more preferably not more than 2.0 wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) , of polymers other than the random propylene copolymer (RPP) .
  • Such “other polymers” may be by-products obtained from the polymerization process for the preparation of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) or may be introduced into the polypropylene composition (C) in form of polymeric carrier material (PCM) , described in more detail below.
  • the polypropylene composition (C) may contain further additives but no other polymer in an amount exceeding 10.0 wt. -%, preferably in an amount exceeding 5.0 wt. -%, even more preferably in an amount exceeding 2.0 wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) .
  • the polypropylene composition (C) consists of
  • (iv) optionally up to 10.0 wt. -%, preferably up to 5.0 wt. -%, more preferably up to 2.0 wt. %, like in the range of 0.1 to 10.0 wt. -%, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 5.0 wt. -%, even more preferably in the range of 0.5 to 2.0 wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) , additives (AD) .
  • polypropylene composition (C) consists of,
  • polypropylene composition (C) consists of,
  • polypropylene composition (C) consists of,
  • polypropylene composition (C) consists of,
  • polypropylene composition (C) consists of,
  • polypropylene composition (C) consists of,
  • the polypropylene composition (C) is obtained by blending random propylene copolymer (RPP) , fibre (FB) , modified polypropylene (PMP) and optionally additives (AD) .
  • RPP random propylene copolymer
  • FB fibre
  • PMP modified polypropylene
  • AD optionally additives
  • a master batch can be applied, wherein at least two of the components comprised in the polypropylene composition (C) are premixed.
  • a conventional compounding or blending apparatus e.g. a Banbury mixer, a 2-roll rubber mill, Buss-co-kneader or a twin screw extruder may be used.
  • the polymer materials recovered from the extruder are usually in the form of pellets. These pellets are then preferably further processed, e.g. by injection moulding to generate articles, like pipes, of the inventive polypropylene composition (C) .
  • An essential component of the polypropylene composition (C) is the random propylene copolymer (RPP) .
  • the random propylene copolymer (R-PP) before being mixed with other components mentioned herein, i.e. fiber (FB) , modified polypropylene (PMP) and optionally additives (AD) is monophasic. Accordingly, it is preferred that the propylene copolymer (R-PP) before being mixed with the other components mentioned herein, i.e. fiber (FB) , modified polypropylene (PMP) and optionally additives (AD) , does not contain elastomeric (co) polymers forming inclusions as a second phase for improving mechanical properties. A polymer containing elastomeric (co) polymers as insertions of a second phase would by contrast be called heterophasic.
  • DMTA dynamic mechanical thermal analysis
  • the random propylene copolymer (RPP) has no glass transition temperature below -20 °C, preferably below -25 °C, more preferably below -30 °C.
  • the random propylene copolymer (RPP) has a glass transition temperature in the range of -12 to +2 °C, preferably in the range of -10 to +2 °C. In one embodiment the random propylene copolymer (RPP) has no glass transition temperature below -20 °C.
  • the propylene copolymer (R-PP) comprises apart from propylene also comonomers.
  • the propylene copolymer (R-PP) comprises apart from propylene a comonomer selected from ethylene, C 4 to C 12 ⁇ -olefin and mixtures thereof.
  • the term "propylene copolymer" according to this invention is preferably understood as a polypropylene comprising, preferably consisting of, units derivable from
  • the random propylene copolymer (R-PP) comprises, preferably consists of, propylene and monomers co-polymerizable with propylene, for example comonomer units derived from ethylene and/or C 4 to C 12 ⁇ -olefins, preferably derived from ethylene and/or C 4 to C 10 ⁇ -olefins, more preferably derived from ethylene, 1-butene and/or 1-hexene, even more preferably derived from ethylene and/or 1-butene, yet even more preferably derived from ethylene.
  • comonomer units derived from ethylene and/or C 4 to C 12 ⁇ -olefins, preferably derived from ethylene and/or C 4 to C 10 ⁇ -olefins, more preferably derived from ethylene, 1-butene and/or 1-hexene, even more preferably derived from ethylene and/or 1-butene, yet even more preferably derived from ethylene.
  • the random propylene copolymer (R-PP) comprises, especially consists of, propylene and monomers co-polymerizable with propylene selected from the group consisting of ethylene, 1-butene and 1-hexene. More specifically, it is appreciated that the random propylene copolymer (R-PP) comprises -apart from propylene -units derivable from ethylene and/or 1-butene. In a preferred embodiment the random propylene copolymer (R-PP) comprises propylene and units derivable from ethylene only.
  • the random propylene copolymer (R-PP) comprises comonomer units, preferably comonomer units derivable from ethylene, in an amount of ⁇ 20 mol%, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 20 mol%, more preferably in the range of 1.0 to 15.0 mol%, even more preferably in the range of 3.0 to 10.0 mol%.
  • the random propylene copolymer has a melt flow rate MFR 2 (230 °C) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.05 to 10.0 g/10min, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 5.0 g/10min, more preferably in the range of 0.1 to 2.0 g/10min, even more preferably in the range of 0.1 to 0.5 g/10min.
  • the random propylene copolymer (RPP) has a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction of not more than 30.0, like in the range of 1.0 to 30.0 wt. -%, preferably in the range of 2.0 to 20.0 wt. -%, more preferably in the range of 3.0 to 15.0 wt. -%, even more preferably in the range of 5.0 to 12.0 wt. -%, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) .
  • XCS xylene cold soluble
  • the random propylene copolymer (RPP) should be suitable for pipe applications and must comply with standards in this technical field.
  • the random propylene copolymer (RPP) has a shear thinning index SHI (0/50) measured according to ISO 6271-10 (200 °C) of at least 5, preferably of at least 6, more preferably of at least 7, like in the range of 5 to 30, preferably in the range of 6 to 25, more preferably in the range of 7 to 15.
  • the random propylene copolymer has a crystallisation temperature (Tc) measured according to ISO 11357-3 of at least 90 °C, preferably of at least 100 °C, more preferably of at least 110 °C, like in the range of 90 to 160 °C, preferably in the range of 100 to 150 °C, more preferably in the range of 105 to 130 °C, yet more preferably in the range of 110 to 125 °C.
  • Tc crystallisation temperature measured according to ISO 11357-3 of at least 90 °C, preferably of at least 100 °C, more preferably of at least 110 °C, like in the range of 90 to 160 °C, preferably in the range of 100 to 150 °C, more preferably in the range of 105 to 130 °C, yet more preferably in the range of 110 to 125 °C.
  • the random propylene copolymer is has a melting temperature (Tm) measured according to ISO 11357-3 of at least 100 °C, preferably of at least 120 °C, more preferably of at least 130 °C, like in the range of 100 to 200 °C, preferably in the range of 120 to 180 °C, more preferably in the range of 130 to 160 °C, yet more preferably in the range of 145 to 150 °C.
  • Tm melting temperature measured according to ISO 11357-3 of at least 100 °C, preferably of at least 120 °C, more preferably of at least 130 °C, like in the range of 100 to 200 °C, preferably in the range of 120 to 180 °C, more preferably in the range of 130 to 160 °C, yet more preferably in the range of 145 to 150 °C.
  • the random propylene copolymer (R-PP) exhibits an excellent balance between impact performance and stiffness.
  • the random propylene copolymer (RPP) has a flexural modulus of at least 300 MPa, preferably of at least 600 MPa, more preferably of at least 800 MPa, like in the range of 300 to 2000 MPa, preferably in the range of 600 to 1500 MPa, more preferably in the range of 800 to 1200 MPa.
  • the random propylene copolymer has Charpy Notched Impact Strength at +23 °C of at least 20.0 kJ/m 2 , preferably in the range of 20.0 to 100.0 kJ/m 2 , more preferably in the range of 30.0 to 80.0 kJ/m 2 , even more preferably in the range of 40.0 to 70.0 kJ/m 2 .
  • the random propylene copolymer has Charpy Notched Impact Strength at 0 °C of at least 3.0 kJ/m 2 , preferably of at least 5.0 kJ/m 2 , like in the range of 3.0 to 30.0 kJ/m 2 , preferably in the range of 5.0 to 20.0 kJ/m 2 , more preferably in the range of 6.0 to 10.0 kJ/m 2 .
  • the random propylene copolymer (RPP) can be nucleated.
  • the random propylene copolymer (RPP) may comprise a nucleating agent (NU) , preferably an ⁇ -nucleating agent (NU) .
  • the random propylene copolymer (RPP) comprises the nucleating agent (NU) in an amount of up to 5 wt. -%, preferably in an amount of up to 1 wt. -%, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) .
  • the random propylene copolymer (RPP) contains nucleating agent (NU) in an amount in the range of 1 to 200 ppm, more preferably in an amount in the range of 5 to 100 ppm.
  • the nucleating agent (NU) is an ⁇ -nucleating agent, in particular an ⁇ -nucleating agent selected from the group consisting of dibenzylidenesorbitol (e.g. 1, 3: 2, 4 dibenzylidene sorbitol) , dibenzylidenesorbitol derivative, preferably dimethyldibenzylidenesorbitol (e.g.
  • RPP random propylene copoyler
  • VCH vinylcyclohexane
  • the random propylene copolymer (RPP) contains vinylcyclohexane (VCH) polymer, which is introduced into the random propylene copolymer (RPP) by the BNT technology, which is described in more detail below.
  • VH vinylcyclohexane
  • the random propylene copolymer necessarily comprises polypropylene (PP1) , polypropylene (PP2) and polypropylene (PP3) , which differ from each other in their melt flow rate, their amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction, and/or their comonomer content, i.e. the amount of C 2 and/or C 4 to C 12 ⁇ -olefin derived comonomer units.
  • PP1 polypropylene
  • PP2 polypropylene
  • PP3 polypropylene
  • comonomer content i.e. the amount of C 2 and/or C 4 to C 12 ⁇ -olefin derived comonomer units.
  • the polypropylene (PP1) has a lower amount in mol-%of C 2 and/or C 4 to C 12 ⁇ -olefin derived comonomer units than the polypropylene (PP3) .
  • the random propylene copolymer (RPP) fulfils in-equation (I) , preferably in-equation (Ia) , more preferably in-equation (Ib) , even more preferably in-equation (Ic) :
  • C x [HPP3] is the amount in mol-%of C 2 and/or C 4 to C 12 ⁇ -olefin derived comonomer units in the polypropylene (PP3)
  • C x [HPP1] is the amount in mol-%of C 2 and/or C 4 to C 12 ⁇ -olefin derived comonomer units in the polypropylene (PP1)
  • the polypropylene (PP1) has a lower amount in mol-%of C 2 and/or C 4 to C 12 ⁇ -olefin derived comonomer units than the polypropylene (PP2) .
  • the random propylene copolymer (RPP) fulfils in-equation (II) , preferably in-equation (IIa) , more preferably in-equation (IIb) , even more preferably in-equation (IIc) :
  • C x [HPP2] is the amount in mol-%of C 2 and/or C 4 to C 12 ⁇ -olefin derived comonomer units in the polypropylene (PP2)
  • C x [HPP1] is the amount in mol-%of C 2 and/or C 4 to C 12 ⁇ -olefin derived comonomer units in the polypropylene (PP1)
  • the polypropylene (PP1) has a lower amount in mol-%of C 2 and/or C 4 to C 12 ⁇ -olefin derived comonomer units than the polypropylene (PP2) and the polypropylene (PP2) has a lower amount in mol-%of C 2 and/or C 4 to C 12 ⁇ -olefin derived comonomer units than the polypropylene (PP3)
  • the polypropylene (PP1) has a lower amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction than the polypropylene (PP3) .
  • the random propylene copolymer (RPP) fulfils in-equation (III) , preferably in-equation (IIIa) , more preferably in-equation (IIIb) , even more preferably in-equation (IIIc) :
  • XCS [HPP3] is the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the polypropylene (PP3) in wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP3)
  • XCS [HPP1] is the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the polypropylene (PP1) in wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP1)
  • the polypropylene (PP1) has a lower amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction than the polypropylene (PP2) .
  • the random propylene copolymer (RPP) fulfils in-equation (IV) , preferably in-equation (IVa) , more preferably in-equation (IVb) , even more preferably in-equation (IVc) :
  • XCS [HPP2] is the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the polypropylene (PP2) in wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP2)
  • XCS [HPP1] is the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the polypropylene (PP1) in wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP1)
  • the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the polypropylene (PP1) in wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP1) is lower than the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the polypropylene (PP2) in wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP2) and the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the polypropylene (PP2) in wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP2) is lower than the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the polypropylene (PP3) in wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP3) .
  • RPP random propylene copolymer
  • the random propylene copolymer (RPP) comprises as main polymer components only polypropylene (PP1) , polypropylene (PP2) and polypropylene (PP3) .
  • the random propylene copolymer (RPP) comprises not more than 10.0 wt. -%, more preferably not more than 5.0 wt. -%, more preferably not more than 2.0 wt. -%, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , of polymers other than polypropylene (PP1) , polypropylene (PP2) and polypropylene (PP3) .
  • Such “other polymers” may be by-products obtained from the polymerization process for the preparation of the polypropylene (PP1) , the polypropylene (PP2) and/or the polypropylene (PP3) or may be introduced into the random propylene copolymer (RPP) in form of polymeric carrier material (PCM) , which are described in more detail below.
  • the random propylene copolymer (RPP) may contain further additives but no other polymer in an amount exceeding 10.0 wt. -%, preferably in an amount exceeding 5.0 wt. -%, more preferably in an amount exceeding 2.0 wt. -%, based on the weight of random propylene copolymer (RPP) .
  • random propylene copolymer consists of
  • (iv) optionally up to 10.0 wt. -%, preferably up to 5.0 wt. -%, more preferably up to 2.0 wt. %, like in the range of 0.1 to 10.0 wt. -%, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 5.0 wt. -%, even more preferably in the range of 0.5 to 2.0 wt. -%, based on the weight of random propylene copolymer (RPP) , additives (AD) .
  • RPP random propylene copolymer
  • AD additives
  • the random propylene copolymer (RPP) consists of,
  • the random propylene copolymer (RPP) consists of,
  • the random propylene copolymer (RPP) consists of,
  • the random propylene copolymer (RPP) consists of,
  • the random propylene copolymer (RPP) consists of,
  • the random propylene copolymer (RPP) consists of,
  • the random propylene copolymer (RPP) consists of,
  • the random propylene copolymer (RPP) consists of,
  • the random propylene copolymer (RPP) consists of,
  • the polypropylene (PP1) can be a propylene homopolymer or a propylene copolymer, the latter being especially preferred.
  • propylene homopolymer 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 are detectable in the propylene homopolymer.
  • the polypropylene (PP1) is a propylene copolymer
  • the polypropylene (PP1) comprises, preferably consists of, propylene and monomers co-polymerizable with propylene, for example comonomer units derived from ethylene and/or C 4 to C 12 ⁇ -olefins, preferably derived from ethylene and/or C 4 to C 10 ⁇ -olefins, more preferably derived from ethylene, 1-butene and/or 1-hexene, even more preferably derived from ethylene and/or 1-butene, yet even more preferably derived from ethylene.
  • the polypropylene (PP1) comprises, especially consists of, propylene and monomers co-polymerizable with propylene selected from the group consisting of ethylene, 1-butene and 1-hexene. More specifically, it is appreciated that the polypropylene (PP1) comprises -apart from propylene -units derivable from ethylene and/or 1-butene. In a preferred embodiment the polypropylene (PP1) comprises propylene and units derivable from ethylene only.
  • the polypropylene (PP1) comprises comonomer units in an amount of ⁇ 10 mol%, preferably ⁇ 6 mol%, like in the range of 0.5 to 10.0 mol%, preferably in the range of 1.0 to 6.0 mol%, more preferably in the range of 2.0 to 5.0 mol%.
  • the polypropylene (PP1) has a melt flow rate MFR 2 (230 °C) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.1 to 3.0 g/10min, preferably in the range of 0.3 to 2.0 g/10min, more preferably in the range of 0.5 to 1.0 g/10 min.
  • the polypropylene (PP1) has a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction of ⁇ 10 wt. -%, preferably of ⁇ 5 wt. -%, like in the range of 0.5 to 10.0 wt. -%, preferably in the range of 1.0 to 6.0 wt. -%, more preferably in the range of 2.5 to 5.0 wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP1) .
  • XCS xylene cold soluble
  • the polypropylene (PP1) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 0.5 to 10.0 mol%, preferably in the range of 1.0 to 6.0 mol%, more preferably in the range of 2.0 to 5.0 mol%and has
  • melt flow rate MFR 2 (230 °C) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.1 to 3.0 g/10min, preferably in the range of 0.3 to 2.0 g/10min, more preferably in the range of 0.5 to 1.0 g/10 min;
  • a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 0.5 to 10.0 wt. -%, preferably in the range of 1.0 to 6.0 wt. -%, more preferably in the range of 2.5 to 5.0 wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP1) .
  • the polypropylene (PP1) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 0.5 to 10.0 mol%and has
  • melt flow rate MFR 2 (230 °C) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.3 to 2.0 g/10min
  • a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 1.0 to 6.0 wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP1) .
  • the polypropylene (PP1) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 1.0 to 6.0 mol%and has
  • melt flow rate MFR 2 (230 °C) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.3 to 2.0 g/10min
  • a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 1.0 to 6.0 wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP1) .
  • the polypropylene (PP1) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 2.0 to 5.0 mol%and has
  • melt flow rate MFR 2 (230 °C) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.3 to 2.0 g/10min
  • a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 1.0 to 6.0 wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP1) .
  • the polypropylene (PP1) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 1.0 to 6.0 mol%and has
  • melt flow rate MFR 2 (230 °C) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.1 to 3.0 g/10min;
  • a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 1.0 to 6.0 wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP1) .
  • the polypropylene (PP1) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 1.0 to 6.0 mol%and has
  • melt flow rate MFR 2 (230 °C) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.3 to 2.0 g/10min
  • a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 1.0 to 6.0 wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP1) .
  • the polypropylene (PP1) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 1.0 to 6.0 mol%and has
  • melt flow rate MFR 2 (230 °C) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.5 to 1.0 g/10min
  • a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 1.0 to 6.0 wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP1) .
  • the polypropylene (PP1) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 1.0 to 6.0 mol%and has
  • melt flow rate MFR 2 (230 °C) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.3 to 2.0 g/10min
  • a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 5.0 to 10.0 wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP1) .
  • the polypropylene (PP1) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 1.0 to 6.0 mol%and has
  • melt flow rate MFR 2 (230 °C) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.3 to 2.0 g/10min
  • a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 1.0 to 6.0 wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP1) .
  • the polypropylene (PP1) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 1.0 to 6.0 mol%and has
  • melt flow rate MFR 2 (230 °C) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.3 to 2.0 g/10min
  • a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 2.5 to 5.0 wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP1) .
  • the polypropylene (PP2) can be a propylene homopolymer or a propylene copolymer, the latter being especially preferred.
  • the polypropylene (PP2) is a propylene copolymer
  • the polypropylene (PP2) comprises, preferably consists of, propylene and monomers co-polymerizable with propylene, for example comonomer units derived from ethylene and/or C 4 to C 12 ⁇ -olefins, preferably derived from ethylene and/or C 4 to C 10 ⁇ -olefins, more preferably derived from ethylene, 1-butene and/or 1-hexene, even more preferably derived from ethylene and/or 1-butene, yet even more preferably derived from ethylene.
  • the polypropylene (PP2) comprises, especially consists of, propylene and monomers co-polymerizable with propylene selected from the group consisting of ethylene, 1-butene and 1-hexene. More specifically, it is appreciated that the polypropylene (PP2) comprises -apart from propylene -units derivable from ethylene and/or 1-butene. In a preferred embodiment the polypropylene (PP2) comprises propylene and units derivable from ethylene only.
  • the polypropylene (PP2) comprises comonomer units in an amount of ⁇ 15.0 mol%, preferably ⁇ 10.0 mol%, like in the range of 1.0 to 15.0 mol%, preferably in the range of 2.0 to 12.0 mol%, more preferably in the range of 5.5 to 10.0 mol%.
  • the polypropylene (PP2) has a melt flow rate MFR 2 (230 °C) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.01 to 1.0 g/10min, preferably in the range of 0.05 to 0.5 g/10min, more preferably in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 g/10 min.
  • the polypropylene (PP2) has a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction of ⁇ 20 wt. -%, preferably in the range of 1.0 to 20.0 wt. -%, more preferably in the range of 2.0 to 15.0 wt. -%, even more preferably in the range of 5.5 to 10.0 wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP2) .
  • XCS xylene cold soluble
  • the polypropylene (PP2) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 1.0 to 15.0 mol%, preferably in the range of 2.0 to 12.0 mol%, more preferably in the range of 5.5 to 10.0 mol%and has
  • melt flow rate MFR 2 (230 °C) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.01 to 1.0 g/10min, preferably in the range of 0.05 to 0.5 g/10min, more preferably in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 g/10 min;
  • a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 1.0 to 20.0 wt. -%, more preferably in the range of 2.0 to 15.0 wt. -%, even more preferably in the range of 5.5 to 10.0 wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP2) .
  • the polypropylene (PP2) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 1.0 to 15.0 mol%and has
  • melt flow rate MFR 2 (230 °C) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.05 to 0.50 g/10min;
  • a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 2.0 to 15.0 wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP2) .
  • the polypropylene (PP2) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 2.0 to 12.0 mol%and has
  • melt flow rate MFR 2 (230 °C) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.05 to 0.50 g/10min;
  • a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 2.0 to 15.0 wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP2) .
  • the polypropylene (PP2) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 5.5 to 10.0 mol%and has
  • melt flow rate MFR 2 (230 °C) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.05 to 0.50 g/10min;
  • a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 2.0 to 15.0 wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP2) .
  • the polypropylene (PP2) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 2.0 to 12.0 mol%and has
  • melt flow rate MFR 2 (230 °C) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.01 to 1.0 g/10min
  • a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 2.0 to 15.0 wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP2) .
  • the polypropylene (PP2) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 2.0 to 12.0 mol%and has
  • melt flow rate MFR 2 (230 °C) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.05 to 0.5 g/10min;
  • a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 2.0 to 15.0 wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP2) .
  • the polypropylene (PP2) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 2.0 to 12.0 mol%and has
  • melt flow rate MFR 2 (230 °C) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 g/10min
  • a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 2.0 to 15.0 wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP2) .
  • the polypropylene (PP2) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 2.0 to 12.0 mol%and has
  • melt flow rate MFR 2 (230 °C) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.05 to 0.5 g/10min;
  • XCS xylene cold soluble
  • the polypropylene (PP2) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 2.0 to 12.0 mol%and has
  • melt flow rate MFR 2 (230 °C) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.05 to 0.5 g/10min;
  • a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 2.0 to 15.0 wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP2) .
  • the polypropylene (PP2) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 2.0 to 12.0 mol%and has
  • melt flow rate MFR 2 (230 °C) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.05 to 0.5 g/10min;
  • XCS xylene cold soluble
  • the polypropylene (PP2) differs from the polypropylene (PP1) in the amount of comonomer units, the melt flow rate and/or the xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction.
  • the polypropylene (PP3) can be a propylene homopolymer or a propylene copolymer, the latter being especially preferred.
  • the polypropylene (PP3) is a propylene copolymer
  • the polypropylene (PP3) comprises, preferably consists of, propylene and monomers co-polymerizable with propylene, for example comonomer units derived from ethylene and/or C 4 to C 12 ⁇ -olefins, preferably derived from ethylene and/or C 4 to C 10 ⁇ -olefins, more preferably derived from ethylene, 1-butene and/or 1-hexene, even more preferably derived from ethylene and/or 1-butene, yet even more preferably derived from ethylene.
  • the polypropylene (PP3) comprises, especially consists of, propylene and monomers co-polymerizable with propylene selected from the group consisting of ethylene, 1-butene and 1-hexene. More specifically, it is appreciated that the polypropylene (PP3) comprises -apart from propylene -units derivable from ethylene and/or 1-butene. In a preferred embodiment the polypropylene (PP3) comprises propylene and units derivable from ethylene only.
  • the polypropylene (PP3) comprises comonomer units in an amount of ⁇ 16.0 mol%, preferably ⁇ 18.0 mol%, like in the range of 16.0 to 40.0 mol%, preferably in the range of 18.0 to 30.0 mol%, more preferably in the range of 20.0 to 25.0 mol%.
  • the polypropylene (PP3) has a melt flow rate MFR 2 (230 °C) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 1 x 10 -4 to 1 x 10 -1 g/10min, preferably in the range of 5 x 10 -4 to 1 x 10 -2 g/10min, more preferably in the range of 1 x 10 -3 to 5 x 10 -3 g/10 min.
  • the polypropylene (PP3) has a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction of ⁇ 25.0 wt. -%, preferably in the range of 25.0 to 60.0 wt. -%, more preferably in the range of 30.0 to 50.0 wt. -%, even more preferably in the range of 38.0 to 48.0 wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP3) .
  • XCS xylene cold soluble
  • the polypropylene (PP3) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 16.0 to 40.0 mol%, preferably in the range of 18.0 to 30.0 mol%, more preferably in the range of 20.0 to 25.0 mol%and has
  • melt flow rate MFR 2 (230 °C) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of in the range of 1 x 10 -4 to 1 x 10 -1 g/10min, preferably in the range of 5 x 10 -4 to 1 x 10 -2 g/10min, more preferably in the range of 1 x 10 -3 to 5 x 10 -3 g/10 min;
  • a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range 25.0 to 60.0 wt. -%, preferably in the range of 30.0 to 50.0 wt. -%, more preferably in the range of even more preferably in the range of 38.0 to 48.0 wt. -%, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP3) .
  • XCS xylene cold soluble
  • the polypropylene (PP3) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 16.0 to 40.0 mol%and has
  • melt flow rate MFR 2 (230 °C) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 1 x 10 -4 to 1 x 10 -1 g/10min;
  • XCS xylene cold soluble
  • the polypropylene (PP3) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 18.0 to 30.0 mol%and has
  • melt flow rate MFR 2 (230 °C) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 1 x 10 -4 to 1 x 10 -1 g/10min;
  • XCS xylene cold soluble
  • polypropylene (PP3) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 20.0 to 25.0mol%and has
  • XCS xylene cold soluble
  • the polypropylene (PP3) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 18.0 to 30.0 mol%and has
  • melt flow rate MFR 2 (230 °C) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 1 x 10 -4 to 1 x 10 -1 g/10min;
  • XCS xylene cold soluble
  • the polypropylene (PP3) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 18.0 to 30.0 mol%and has
  • melt flow rate MFR 2 (230 °C) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 5 x 10 -4 to 1 x 10 -2 g/10min;
  • XCS xylene cold soluble
  • the polypropylene (PP3) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 18.0 to 30.0 mol%and has
  • melt flow rate MFR 2 (230 °C) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 1 x 10 -3 to 5 x 10 -3 g/10min;
  • XCS xylene cold soluble
  • the polypropylene (PP3) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 18.0 to 30.0 mol%and has
  • melt flow rate MFR 2 (230 °C) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 5 x 10 -4 to 1 x 10 -2 g/10min;
  • XCS xylene cold soluble
  • the polypropylene (PP3) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 18.0 to 30.0 mol%and has
  • melt flow rate MFR 2 (230 °C) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 5 x 10 -4 to 1 x 10 -2 g/10min;
  • XCS xylene cold soluble
  • the polypropylene (PP3) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 18.0 to 30.0 mol%and has
  • melt flow rate MFR 2 (230 °C) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 5 x 10 -4 to 1 x 10 -2 g/10min;
  • XCS xylene cold soluble
  • the polypropylene (PP3) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 18.0 to 30.0 mol%and has
  • melt flow rate MFR 2 (230 °C) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 5 x 10 -4 to 1 x 10 -2 g/10min;
  • XCS xylene cold soluble
  • polypropylene (PP3) differs from the polypropylene (PP1) and the polypropylene (PP2) in its comonomer content, its melt flow rate and/or its xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction.
  • the random propylene copolymer (RPP) can be produced by melt blending polypropylene (PP1) , polypropylene (PP2) and polypropylene (PP3) .
  • PP1 polypropylene
  • PP2 polypropylene
  • PP3 polypropylene
  • the random propylene copolymer (RPP) is produced in a sequential step process, using reactors in serial configuration and operating at different reaction conditions.
  • the random propylene copolymer (RPP) is produced in a sequential step process, using reactors in serial configuration and operating at different reaction conditions.
  • each fraction prepared in a specific reactor may have its own molecular weight distribution and/or comonomer content distribution.
  • the random propylene copolymer (RPP) can be obtained by a sequential polymerization process wherein polypropylene (PP1) is produced in a first reactor (R1) , polypropylene (PP2) is produced in a second reactor (R2) and polypropylene (PP3) is produced in a third reactor (R3) .
  • sequential polymerization process indicates that the random propylene copolymer (RPP) is produced in at least three reactors, preferably in at least three reactors or more, connected in series. Accordingly, it is appreciated that the process comprises at least a first reactor (R1) , a second reactor (R2) and a third reactor (R3) .
  • polymerization reactor shall indicate that the main polymerization takes place. Thus, in case the process consists of three or more polymerization reactors, this definition does not exclude the option that the overall process comprises for instance a pre-polymerization step in a pre-polymerization reactor.
  • consist of is only a closing formulation in view of the main polymerization reactors.
  • the polypropylene (PP1) is produced in a first reactor (R1) .
  • the polymer obtained in the first reactor is subsequently transferred into a second reactor (R2) .
  • the polypropylene (PP2) is produced in the second reactor (R2) .
  • the polymer obtained in the second reactor (R2) is subsequently transferred into a third reactor (R3) .
  • the polypropylene (PP3) is produced in the third reactor (R3) and the random propylene copolymer (RPP) is obtained.
  • the first reactor (R1) is preferably a slurry reactor (SR) and can be any continuous or simple stirred batch tank reactor or loop reactor (LR) operating in bulk or slurry.
  • Bulk means a polymerization in a reaction medium that comprises of at least 60 % (w/w) monomer.
  • the slurry reactor (SR) is preferably a (bulk) loop reactor (LR) .
  • the second reactor (R2) and the third reactor (R3) are preferably gas phase reactors (GPR) .
  • gas phase reactors can be any mechanically mixed or fluid bed reactors.
  • the gas phase reactors comprise a mechanically agitated fluid bed reactor with gas velocities of at least 0.2 m/sec.
  • the gas phase reactor is a fluidized bed type reactor preferably with a mechanical stirrer.
  • the first reactor (R1) is a slurry reactor (SR) , like loop reactor (LR)
  • the second reactor (R2) and the third reactor (R3) are gas phase reactors (GPR1 and GPR2) .
  • SR slurry reactor
  • GPR1 and GPR2 gas phase reactors
  • at least three polymerization reactors namely a slurry reactor (SR) , like loop reactor (LR) , a first gas phase reactor (GPR1) and a second gas phase reactor (GPR2) connected in series are used. If needed prior to the slurry reactor (SR) a pre-polymerization reactor is placed.
  • a preferred multistage process is a “loop-gas phase” -process, such as developed by Borealis A/S, Denmark (known as technology) described e.g. in patent literature, such as in EP 0 887 379, WO 92/12182 WO 2004/000899, WO 2004/111095, WO 99/24478, WO 99/24479 or in WO 00/68315.
  • a further suitable slurry-gas phase process is the process of Basell.
  • SR slurry reactor
  • LR loop reactor
  • the temperature is within the range of 40 °C to 110 °C, preferably between 60 °C and 100 °C, like 68 to 95 °C,
  • the pressure is within the range of 20 bar to 80 bar, preferably between 35 bar to 70 bar,
  • the conditions for the gas phase reactors (GPR1) and (GPR2) respectively may be as follows:
  • the temperature is within the range of 50 °C to 130 °C, preferably between 60 °C and 100 °C,
  • the pressure is within the range of 5 bar to 50 bar, preferably between 15 bar to 35 bar,
  • the residence time can vary in the different reactor zones. It is appreciated that the residence time in the slurry reactor (SR) , like a loop reactor (LR) , is in the range of 0.2 to 4 hours, e.g. 0.3 to 1.5 hours and the residence time in the gas phase reactors (GPR1) , and (GPR2) respectively is in the range of 0.2 to 6.0 hours, like 0.5 to 4.0 hours.
  • SR slurry reactor
  • LR loop reactor
  • GPR1 gas phase reactors
  • GPR2 gas phase reactors
  • the polymerization may be effected in a known manner under supercritical conditions in the first reactor (R1) , i.e. in the slurry reactor, like in the loop reactor, and/or as a condensed mode in the gas phase reactors.
  • the process may also comprise a prepolymerization, in particular a prepolymerization conducted in presence of the catalyst system.
  • the prepolymerization is conducted as bulk slurry polymerization in liquid propylene, i.e. the liquid phase mainly comprises propylene, with minor amount of other reactants and optionally inert components dissolved therein.
  • the prepolymerization reaction is typically conducted at a temperature of 0 to 50 °C, preferably from 10 to 45 °C, and more preferably from 15 to 40 °C.
  • the pressure in the prepolymerization reactor is not critical but must be sufficiently high to maintain the reaction mixture in liquid phase. Thus, the pressure may be from 20 to 100 bar, for example 30 to 70 bar.
  • the catalyst components are preferably all introduced to the prepolymerization step.
  • the solid catalyst component (i) and the cocatalyst (ii) can be fed separately it is possible that only a part of the cocatalyst is introduced into the prepolymerization stage and the remaining part into subsequent polymerization stages. Also in such cases it is necessary to introduce so much cocatalyst into the prepolymerization stage that a sufficient polymerization reaction is obtained therein. It is possible to add other components also to the prepolymerization stage.
  • hydrogen may be added into the prepolymerization stage to control the molecular weight of the prepolymer as is known in the art.
  • antistatic additive may be used to prevent the particles from adhering to each other or to the walls of the reactor.
  • the random propylene copolymer is obtained by a sequential polymerization process, as described above, in the presence of a catalyst system.
  • the random propylene copolymer is prepared in presence of a Ziegler-Natta catalyst system comprising as component (i) a Ziegler-Natta procatalyst which contains a trans-esterification product of a lower alcohol and a phthalic ester.
  • the Ziegler-Natta procatalyst can be prepared by
  • R 1’ and R 2’ are independently at least a C 5 alkyl under conditions where a transesterification between said C 1 to C 2 alcohol and said dialkylphthalate of formula (I) takes place to form the internal donor
  • step d) optionally reacting the product of step c) with additional TiCl 4.
  • the adduct which is first melted and then spray crystallized or emulsion solidified, is used as catalyst carrier.
  • dialkylphthalate of formula (I) selected from the group consisting of propylhexylphthalate (PrHP) , dioctylphthalate (DOP) , di-iso-decylphthalate (DIDP) , and ditridecylphthalate (DTDP) , yet more preferably the dialkylphthalate of formula (I) is a dioctylphthalate (DOP) , like di-iso-octylphthalate or diethylhexylphthalate, in particular diethylhexylphthalate,
  • R 1 and R 2 being methyl or ethyl, preferably ethyl,the dialkylphthalat of formula (II) being the internal donor and
  • the adduct of the formula MgCl 2 *nROH, wherein R is methyl or ethyl and n is 1 to 6, is in a preferred embodiment melted and then the melt is preferably injected by a gas into a cooled solvent or a cooled gas, whereby the adduct is crystallized into a morphologically advantageous form, as for example described in WO 87/07620.
  • This crystallized adduct is preferably used as the catalyst carrier and reacted to the Ziegler-Natta procatalyst as described in WO 92/19658 and WO 92/19653.
  • the Ziegler-Natta procatalyst contains 2.5 wt. -%of titanium at the most, preferably 2.2%wt. -%at the most and more preferably 2.0 wt. -%at the most.
  • Its donor content is preferably between 4 to 12 wt. -%and more preferably between 6 and 10 wt. -%.
  • the Ziegler-Natta procatalyst has been produced by using ethanol as the alcohol and dioctylphthalate (DOP) as dialkylphthalate of formula (V) , yielding diethyl phthalate (DEP) as the internal donor compound.
  • DOP dioctylphthalate
  • V dialkylphthalate
  • DEP diethyl phthalate
  • the catalyst used is the BCF20P catalyst of Borealis (prepared according to WO 92/19653 as disclosed in WO 99/24479; especially with the use of dioctylphthalate as dialkylphthalate of formula (V) according to WO 92/19658) .
  • the catalyst system used preferably comprises in addition to the special Ziegler-Natta procatalyst an organometallic cocatalyst as component (ii) . Accordingly, it is preferred to select the cocatalyst from the group consisting of trialkylaluminium, like triethylaluminium (TEAL) , dialkyl aluminium chloride and alkyl aluminium sesquichloride.
  • TEAL triethylaluminium
  • dialkyl aluminium chloride dialkyl aluminium chloride
  • alkyl aluminium sesquichloride alkyl aluminium sesquichloride.
  • the catalyst system used preferably comprises in addition to the special Ziegler-Natta procatalyst and the organometallic cocatalyst an external donor as component (iii) .
  • the external donor used is an external donor represented by formula (VIIa) or (VIIb) .
  • Formula (VIIa) is defined by
  • R 5 represents a branched-alkyl group having 3 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably a branched-alkyl group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms, or a cyclo-alkyl having 4 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably a cyclo-alkyl having 5 to 8 carbon atoms. It is in particular preferred that R 5 is selected from the group consisting of iso-propyl, iso-butyl, iso-pentyl, tert. -butyl, tert. -amyl, neopentyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, methylcyclopentyl and cycloheptyl.
  • Formula (VIIb) is defined by
  • R x and R y can be the same or different a represent a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms.
  • R x and R y are independently selected from the group consisting of linear aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms and cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. It is in particular preferred that R x and R y are independently selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, octyl, decanyl, iso-propyl, iso-butyl, iso-pentyl, tert.
  • both R x and R y are the same, yet more preferably both R x and R y are an ethyl group. More preferably the external donor of formula (VIIb) is diethylaminotriethoxysilane.
  • the external donor is of formula (VIIa) , like dicyclopentyl dimethoxy silane [Si (OCH 3 ) 2 (cyclo-pentyl) 2 ] or diisopropyl dimethoxy silane [Si (OCH 3 ) 2 (CH (CH 3 ) 2 ) 2 ] .
  • the Ziegler-Natta procatalyst can be modified by polymerising a vinyl compound in the presence of the catalyst system, comprising the special Ziegler-Natta procatalyst (component (i) ) , an external donor (component (iii) and optionally a cocatalyst (component (iii) ) , which vinyl compound has the formula:
  • R 3 and R 4 together form a 5-or 6-membered saturated, unsaturated or aromatic ring or independently represent an alkyl group comprising 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and the modified catalyst is used for the preparation of the heterophasic propylene copolymer according to this invention.
  • the polymerized vinyl compound can act as an ⁇ -nucleating agent.
  • the polar modified polypropylene (PMP) is present in the polypropylene composition (C) to achieve an easier and more uniform dispersion of the fibers (FB) in the polymer components which act as a matrix for the fiber (FB) comprised in the polypropylene composition (C) .
  • the polar modified polypropylene is preferably a polypropylene containing polar groups, in particular a propylene homopolymer containing polar groups.
  • the polar modified polypropylene (PMP) is preferably selected from graft or block copolymers.
  • the polar modified polypropylene (PMP) is a graft propylene copolymer comprising propylene in the main chain and polar groups in the side chain.
  • the said polar groups are unsaturated cyclic anhydrides and their aliphatic diesters, and the diacid derivatives.
  • the polar groups are selected from the group consisting of maleic anhydride, glycidyl methacrylate and mixtures thereof.
  • the polar group is maleic anhydride.
  • PMP polar modified polypropylene
  • the polar modified polypropylene (PMP) can be produced in a simple manner by reactive extrusion of the polymer, for example with maleic anhydride in the presence of free radical generators (like organic peroxides) , as disclosed for instance in EP 0 572 028.
  • the polar modified polypropylene (PMP) is commercially available
  • Preferred amounts of groups deriving from polar groups in the polar modified polypropylene (PMP) are from 0.5 to 3.0 wt. -%, preferably from 0.5 to2.5 wt. -%, more preferably from 0.8 to 2.0 wt. -%.
  • melt flow rate MFR 2 (190 °C) for the polar modified polypropylene (PMP) is at least 50 g/10min, preferably at least 80 g/10min, like in the range of 50 to 150 g/10min, preferably in the range of 70 to 140 g/10min, more preferably in the range of 90 to 130 g/10min, even more preferably in the range of 100 to 115 g/10min.
  • the polar modified polypropylene (PMP) is known in the art and commercially available.
  • a suitable example is SCONA TPPP 8112 GA of BYK Kometra GmbH (Germany) or Bondyam 1010 of Polyram (Israel) .
  • the fibers (FB) are present in the polypropylene composition (C) to increase the stiffness providing a low coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) .
  • the fibers (FB) may be selected from the group consisting of glass fiber, mineral fiber, ceramic fiber and graphite fiber.
  • the fibers (FB) are glass fibers, preferably continuous glass fibers or cut glass fibers, also known as short fibers or chopped strands, the latter being particularly preferred.
  • the fibers (FB) are cut glass fibers, also known as short fibers or chopped strands.
  • the fibers (FB) more preferably the cut glass fibers have an average length in the range of 0.5 to 10 mm, preferably in the range of 1.0 to 5.0 mm, more preferably in the range of 2.0 to 4.0 mm.
  • the fibers (FB) more preferably the cut glass fibers have an average diameter in the range of 5 to 40 ⁇ m, preferably in the range of 5 to 20 ⁇ m, more preferably in the range of 7 to 15 ⁇ m.
  • the fibers (FB) are known in the art and commercially available.
  • a suitable example is ECS10-3.0 T438H of Taishan Fiberglass Inc. (China) .
  • the polypropylene composition (C) may comprise additives (AD) .
  • Typical additives are acid scavengers, antioxidants, colorants, light stabilisers, plasticizers, slip agents, anti-scratch agents, dispersing agents, processing aids, lubricants, pigments, and the like.
  • This includes nucleating agent (NU) and polymeric carrier material (PCM) described in more detail below.
  • PCM Polymeric Carrier Material
  • the polypropylene composition (C) does not comprise further polymer (s) different to the random propylene copolymer (RPP) in an amount exceeding 10 wt. -%, preferably in an amount exceeding 5 wt. -%, more preferably in an amount exceeding 2 wt. -%, even more preferably in an amount exceeding 1.5 wt. %, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) .
  • such a polymer is typically a by-product of the polymerization process for preparing random propylene copolymer (RPP) or a polymeric carrier material (PCM) .
  • RPP random propylene copolymer
  • PCM polymeric carrier material
  • the polymeric carrier material is a carrier polymer to ensure a uniform distribution in the polypropylene composition (C) .
  • the polymeric carrier material (PCM) is not limited to a particular polymer.
  • the polymeric carrier material may be an ethylene homopolymer, an ethylene copolymer obtained from ethylene and ⁇ -olefin comonomer such as C 3 to C 8 ⁇ -olefin comonomer, a propylene homopolymer and/or a propylene copolymer obtained from propylene and ⁇ -olefin comonomer such as ethylene and/or C 4 to C 8 ⁇ -olefin comonomer. If an additional polymer is present, such a polymer is typically a polymeric carrier material (PCM)
  • the polypropylene composition (C) in particular the random propylene copolymer (RPP) may comprise a nucleating agent (NU) , such as an ⁇ -nucleating agent.
  • a nucleating agent such as an ⁇ -nucleating agent.
  • the polypropylene composition (C) comprises an ⁇ -nucleating agent and is free of ⁇ -nucleating agents.
  • the nucleating agent (NU) is preferably selected from the group consisting of
  • salts of monocarboxylic acids and polycarboxylic acids e.g. sodium benzoate or aluminum tert-butylbenzoate, and
  • dibenzylidenesorbitol e.g. 1, 3: 2, 4 dibenzylidenesorbitol
  • C 1 -C 8 -alkyl-substituted dibenzylidenesorbitol derivatives such as methyldibenzylidenesorbitol, ethyldibenzylidenesorbitol or dimethyldibenzylidenesorbitol (e.g.
  • salts of diesters of phosphoric acid e.g. sodium 2, 2'-methylenebis (4, 6-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphate or aluminium-hydroxy-bis [2, 2'-methylene-bis (4, 6-di-t-butylphenyl) phosphate]
  • diesters of phosphoric acid e.g. sodium 2, 2'-methylenebis (4, 6-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphate or aluminium-hydroxy-bis [2, 2'-methylene-bis (4, 6-di-t-butylphenyl) phosphate]
  • the polypropylene composition (C) nucleating agent (NU) and the nucleating agent (NU) is vinylcycloalkane polymer and/or vinylalkane polymer.
  • the nucleating agent (NU) is vinylcycloalkane polymer, like vinylcyclohexane (VCH) polymer. Vinyl cyclohexane (VCH) polymer is particularly preferred as ⁇ -nucleating agent.
  • the amount of vinylcycloalkane, like vinylcyclohexane (VCH) , polymer and/or vinylalkane polymer, more preferably of vinylcyclohexane (VCH) polymer, in the composition is not more than 500 ppm, preferably not more than 200 ppm, more preferably not more than 100 ppm, like in the range of 0.1 to 500 ppm, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 200 ppm, more preferably in the range of 1 to 100 ppm.
  • the vinylcycloalkane polymer and/or vinylalkane polymer is introduced into the composition by the BNT technology.
  • a catalyst system preferably a Ziegler-Natta procatalyst
  • a catalyst system can be modified by polymerizing a vinyl compound in the presence of the catalyst system, comprising in particular the special Ziegler-Natta procatalyst, an external donor and a cocatalyst, which vinyl compound has the formula:
  • R 3 and R 4 together form a 5-or 6-membered saturated, unsaturated or aromatic ring or independently represent an alkyl group comprising 1 to 4 carbon atoms
  • the modified catalyst is preferably used for the preparation of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) present in the polypropylene composition (C) .
  • the polymerized vinyl compound acts as an ⁇ -nucleating agent.
  • the weight ratio of vinyl compound to solid catalyst component in the modification step of the catalyst is preferably of up to 5 (5: 1) , more preferably up to 3 (3: 1) , like in the range of 0.5 (1: 2) to 2 (2: 1) .
  • nucleating agents are commercially available and are described, for example, in "Plastic Additives Handbook” , 5th edition, 2001 of Hans Zweifel (pages 967 to 990) .
  • pipe is meant to comprise pipes in a broader sense including supplementary parts like pipe fittings, pipe valves, pipe chambers and all parts which are commonly applied for piping systems, in particular piping systems for the transport of pressurised fluids under elevated temperatures.
  • pipe also includes single or multilayer pipes and single or multilayer supplementary parts like pipe fittings, pipe valves, pipe chambers, and all parts which are commonly necessary for piping systems.
  • pipe also includes structural wall pipes, such as corrugated pipes, double wall pipes with or without hollow sections.
  • a second aspect is directed at a pipe, in particular at a pipe comprising the polypropylene composition (C) described above.
  • the present invention is directed at a pipe wherein the pipe comprises at least 60 wt. -%, preferably at least 75 wt. -%, more preferably at least 90 wt. -%, even more preferably at least 95 wt. -%, yet even more preferably at least 99 wt. -%, based on the total weight of the pipe, of the polypropylene composition (C) .
  • the pipe may consist of the polypropylene composition (C) .
  • the present invention is directed at a multilayer pipe, wherein at least one layer comprises the polypropylene composition (C) .
  • the at least one layer comprises at least 60 wt. -%, preferably at least 75 wt. -%, more preferably at least 90 wt. -%, even more preferably at least 95 wt. -%, yet even more preferably at least 99 wt. -%, based on the total weight of the pipe, the polypropylene composition (C) .
  • the at least one layer of the multilayer pipe may consist of the polypropylene composition (C) .
  • the pipe is a multi-layered pipe comprising an inner layer, a middle layer, and an outer layer, wherein the middle layer comprises the polypropylene composition (C) .
  • the middle layer comprises the polypropylene composition (C) .
  • Both of the inner layer and the out layer comprise the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , described above.
  • the present invention is directed at a pipe fitting, wherein the pipe fitting comprises the polypropylene composition (C) .
  • the at least one layer of the fitting comprises at least 60 wt. -%, preferably at least 75 wt. -%, more preferably at least 90 wt. -%, even more preferably at least 95 wt. -%, yet even more preferably at least 99 wt. -%, based on the total weight of the pipe, the polypropylene composition (C) .
  • the pipe fitting can consist of the polypropylene composition (C) .
  • polypropylene composition (C) can be applied to increase to lower the coefficient of linear thermal extension (CLTE) while preventing an adverse effect on the impact properties.
  • a third aspect is directed at the use of the polypropylene composition (C) described above to provide a coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) measured according to ISO 11359 in a temperature range from -30 to +30 °C in the range of 10.0 to 60.0 ⁇ m/mK.
  • CLTE coefficient of linear thermal expansion
  • w (PP1) is the weight fraction [in wt. -%] of the polypropylene (PP1) , i.e. the polymer produced in the first reactor (R1) ,
  • w (PP2) is the weight fraction [in wt. -%] of the polypropylene (PP2) , i.e. the polymer produced in the second reactor (R2) ,
  • C (PP1) is the comonomer content [in mol-%] of the polypropylene (PP1) , i.e. the polymer produced in the first reactor (R1) ,
  • C (PP12) is the comonomer content [in mol-%] of the polypropylene (PP1) and the polypropylene (PP2) , i.e. polymer produced in the first and the second reactor (R1 +R2) ,
  • C (PP2) is the calculated comonomer content [in mol-%] of the polypropylene (PP2) , i.e. the polymer produced in the second reactor (R2) .
  • w (PP12) is the weight fraction [in wt. -%] of the polypropylene (PP1) and the polypropylene (PP2) , i.e. the polymer produced in the first and the second reactor (R1 + R2) ,
  • w (PP3) is the weight fraction [in wt. -%] of the polypropylene (PP3) , i.e. the polymer produced in the third reactor (R3) ,
  • C (PP12) is the comonomer content [in mol-%] of the polypropylene (PP1) and the polypropylene (PP2) , i.e. the polymer produced in the first and the second reactor (R1 + R2) ,
  • C (PP123) is the comonomer content [in mol-%] of the polypropylene (PP1) , the polypropylene (PP2) , and the polypropylene (PP3) i.e. polymer produced in the first, the second and the third reactor (R1 + R2 + R3) ,
  • C (PP3) is the calculated comonomer content [in mol-%] of the polypropylene (PP3) , i.e. the polymer produced in the third reactor (R3) .
  • w (PP1) is the weight fraction [in wt. -%] of the polypropylene (PP1) , i.e. the polymer produced in the first reactor (R1) ,
  • w (PP2) is the weight fraction [in wt. -%] of the polypropylene (PP2) , i.e. the polymer produced in the second reactor (R2)
  • XS (PP1) is the xylene cold soluble (XCS) content [in wt. -%] of the polypropylene (PP1) , i.e. the polymer produced in the first reactor (R1) ,
  • XS (PP12) is the xylene cold soluble (XCS) content [in wt. -%] of the polypropylene (PP1) and the polypropylene (PP2) , i.e. polymer produced in the first and second reactor (R1+R2) ,
  • XS (PP2) is the calculated xylene cold soluble (XCS) content [in wt. -%] of the polypropylene (PP2) , i.e. the polymer produced in the second reactor (R2) .
  • w (PP12) is the weight fraction [in wt. -%] of the polypropylene (PP1) and the polypropylene (PP2) , i.e. the polymer produced in the first reactor and the second reactor (R1+R2) ,
  • w (PP3) is the weight fraction [in wt. -%] of the polypropylene (PP3) , i.e. the polymer produced in the third reactor (R3)
  • XS (PP12) is the xylene cold soluble (XCS) content [in wt. -%] of the polypropylene (PP1) and the polypropylene (PP2) , i.e. the polymer produced in the first reactor and the second (R1+R2) ,
  • XS is the xylene cold soluble (XCS) content [in wt. -%] of the polypropylene (PP1) , the polypropylene (PP2) and the polypropylene (PP3) , i.e. polymer produced in the first, the second reactor and the third reactor (R1 + R2 + R3) ,
  • XS (PP3) is the calculated xylene cold soluble (XCS) content [in wt. -%] of the polypropylene (PP3) , i.e. the polymer produced in the third reactor (R3) .
  • w (PP1) is the weight fraction [in wt. -%] of the polypropylene (PP1) , i.e. the polymer produced in the first reactor (R1) ,
  • w (PP2) is the weight fraction [in wt. -%] of the polypropylene (PP2) , i.e. the polymer produced in the second reactor (R2) ,
  • MFR (PP1) is the melt flow rate MFR 2 (230 °C) [in g/10min] of the polypropylene (PP1) , i.e. the polymer produced in the first reactor (R1) ,
  • MFR (PP12) is the melt flow rate MFR 2 (230 °C) [in g/10min] of the polypropylene (PP1) and the polypropylene (PP2) , i.e. the polymer produced in the first and the second reactor (R1 + R2) ,
  • MFR (PP2) is the calculated melt flow rate MFR 2 (230 °C) [in g/10min] of the second propylene copolymer fraction, i.e. the polymer produced in the second reactor (R2) .
  • w (PP12) is the weight fraction [in wt. -%] of the polypropylene (PP1) and the polypropylene (PP2) , i.e. the polymer produced in the first and second reactor (R1+R2) ,
  • w (PP3) is the weight fraction [in wt. -%] of the polypropylene (PP3) , i.e. the polymer produced in the third reactor (R3) ,
  • MFR (PP12) is the melt flow rate MFR 2 (230 °C) [in g/10min] of the polypropylene (PP1) and the polypropylene (PP2) , i.e. the polymer produced in the first and second reactor (R1+R2) ,
  • MFR (PP123) is the melt flow rate MFR 2 (230 °C) [in g/10min] of the polypropylene (PP1) , the polypropylene (PP2) and the polypropylene (PP3) , i.e. the polymer produced in the first, the second and the third reactor (R1 + R2 + R3) ,
  • MFR (PP3) is the calculated melt flow rate MFR 2 (230 °C) [in g/10min] of the polypropylene (PP3) , i.e. the polymer produced in the third reactor (R3) .
  • the NMR tube was further heated in a rotatory oven for at least 1 hour. Upon insertion into the magnet the tube was spun at 10 Hz.
  • This setup was chosen primarily for the high resolution and quantitatively needed for accurate ethylene content quantification. Standard single-pulse excitation was employed without NOE, using an optimised tip angle, 1 s recycle delay and a bi-level WALTZ16 decoupling scheme as described in Z. Zhou, R. Kuemmerle, X. Qiu, D. Redwine, R. Cong, A. Taha, D. Baugh, B. Winniford, J. Mag. Reson. 187 (2007) 225 and V. Busico, P.
  • the comonomer fraction was quantified using the method of W-J. Wang and S. Zhu, Macromolecules 2000, 33 1157, through integration of multiple signals across the whole spectral region in the 13 C ⁇ 1 H ⁇ spectra. This method was chosen for its robust nature and ability to account for the presence of regio-defects when needed. Integral regions were slightly adjusted to increase applicability across the whole range of encountered comonomer contents.
  • the mole percent comonomer incorporation was calculated from the mole fraction.
  • the weight percent comonomer incorporation was calculated from the weight fraction.
  • Shear Thinning Indexes which are correlating with MWD and are independent of Mw, were calculated according to Heino 1, 2) (below) .
  • SHI is calculated by dividing the Zero Shear Viscosity by a complex viscosity value, obtained at a certain constant shear stress value, G*.
  • the abbreviation, SHI (0/50) is the ratio between the zero shear viscosity and the viscosity at the shear stress of 50 000 Pa.
  • CLTE Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion
  • the Heat Deformation Temperature is determined according to ISO 75-2 Method A (load 1.80 MPa surface stress) using a Ceast 6921 of GmbH, Germany.
  • the Vicat Softening Temperature (Vicat A50) is determined according to ISO 306 (A50) at a load of 10 N and a heating rate of 50K/h, using a Ceast 6921 of GmbH, Germany.
  • the Viact B is the temperature at which the specimen is penetrated to a depth of 1 mm by a flat-ended needle with a 1 mm 2 circular or square cross-section, under a 1000 gm load.
  • Flexural modulus is measured according to ISO178.
  • Charpy Notched Impact Strength (CNIS) is measured according to ISO 179-1/1eA /DIN 53453 at 23 °C, 0°C and -20 °C, using injection molded bar test specimens of 80x10x4 mm 3 mm 3 prepared in accordance with ISO 294-1: 1996.
  • the Glass Transition Temperature (T g ) is determined by dynamic mechanical analysis according to ISO 6721-7. The measurements are done in torsion mode on compression moulded samples (40x10x1 mm 3 ) between -100 °C and +150 °C with a heating rate of 2 °C/min and a frequency of 1 Hz.
  • Melt Flow Rate MFR 2 (230 °C) is measured according to ISO 1133 (230 °C, 2.16 kg load) .
  • Xylene Cold Soluble (XCS) fraction is determined at 23 °C according to ISO 6427.
  • T m Melting Temperature
  • T c Crystallization Temperature
  • Median particle size d 50 (Sedimentation) is calculated from the particle size distribution [wt. -%] as determined by gravitational liquid sedimentation according to ISO 13317-3 (Sedigraph) .
  • Cutoff particle size d 95 (Sedimentation) is calculated from the particle size distribution [mass percent] as determined by gravitational liquid sedimentation according to ISO 13317-3 (Sedigraph) .
  • BET surface area is determined with N 2 gas according to DIN 66131/2, apparatus Micromeritics Tristar 3000: sample preparation at a temperature of 50 °C, 6 hours in vacuum.
  • the random propylene copolymer (RPP) was produced in a Borstar pilot plant with one slurry loop reactor (SL) and two gas phase reactors (GPR1 and GPR2) .
  • the polypropylene (PP1) was produced in the slurry loop reactor (SL)
  • the polypropylene (PP2) was produced in the first gas phase reactor (GPR1)
  • the polypropylene (PP3) was produced in the second gas phase reactor (GPR2) .
  • the catalyst used was the commercially available BCF20P catalyst of Borealis (Borealis AG with triethylaluminium (TEAL) as cocatalyst and dicyclo pentyl dimethoxy silane (DPDS) as donor compound.
  • TEAL triethylaluminium
  • DPDS dicyclo pentyl dimethoxy silane
  • the catalyst was prepolymerized with vinyl cyclohexane in an amount to achieve a concentration of 200 ppm poly (vinyl cyclohexane) (PVCH) in the final polymer.
  • PVCH poly (vinyl cyclohexane)
  • the preparation of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) is summarized in Table 1a.
  • the properties of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) are summarized in Table 1b.
  • inventive examples IE1, IE2 and IE3 and the comparative examples CE1, CE2 and CE3 are based on the polypropylene compositions according to Table 2.
  • AD additives
  • polypropylene as polymeric carrier material
  • magnesium oxide the commercial antioxidants dioctadecyl 3, 3'-thiodipropionate ( "Irganox 802 FL” of BASF Germany) and Di-stearyl-thio-di-propionate ( “Irganox PS-802 FL” of BASF, Germany)
  • 1, 3, 5-Tris (3’ , 5’ -di-tert including polypropylene as polymeric carrier material, magnesium oxide, the commercial antioxidants dioctadecyl 3, 3'-thiodipropionate ( "Irganox 802 FL” of BASF Germany) and Di-stearyl-thio-di-propionate ( “Irganox PS-802 FL” of BASF, Germany) , and 1, 3, 5-Tris (3’ , 5’ -di-tert.
  • the polypropylene composition IE1, IE2, IE3, CE1, CE2 and CE3 are prepared through melt blending by using a twin screw extruder.
  • the random propylene copolymer (RPP) in case of compositions IE1, IE2, IE3 and CE1 and the propylene block copolymer (BPP) in case of compositions CE2 and CE3 are provided into the main feeder F1, the glass fibers (FB) are provided into the first side feeder (F2) , and the additives (AD) , premixed with polypropylene as polymeric carrier material (PCM) , are provided into the second side feeder (F3) .
  • the feed materials are heated and homogenously mixed at a temperature in the range of 190 °C to 280 °C and finally extruded as pellets.
  • the IEs obtain a comparable impact property to the glass fiber-reinforced block coPP, and simultaneously, a comparable stiffness and strength.
  • the PPR material is more compatible with PPR base resin of inner and outer layer in multilayer pipe structure due to the similar base polymer structure.

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Abstract

The present invention is directed to a polypropylene composition (C) comprising: (i) 48 to 76 wt.-%, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C), of a random propylene copolymer (RPP) with a melt flow rate MFR2 (230 °C) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.01 to 2.0 g/lOmin; and (ii) 23 to 50 wt.-%, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C), of a fibre (FB); and (iii) 0.1 to 10 wt.-%, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C), of a modified polypropylene (PMP); wherein (a) the random propylene copolymer (RPP) comprises polypropylene (PP1), polypropylene (PP2) and polypropylene (PP3); (b) the polypropylene (PP1) has a melt flow rate MFR2 (230 °C) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.1 to 3.0 g/10min; (c) the polypropylene (PP3) has a lower melt flow rate compared to the polypropylene (PP2) and the polypropylene (PP2) has a lower melt flow rate compared to the polypropylene (PP1). The present invention also is directed to a pipe comprising the polypropylene composition (C) and the use of the polypropylene composition (C) to lower the coefficient of linear thermal extension (CLTE).

Description

Polypropylene composition (C) with low coefficient of thermal expansion (CLTE)
The present invention is directed to a polypropylene composition (C) , a pipe comprising the polypropylene composition (C) and the use of the polypropylene composition (C) to lower the coefficient of linear thermal extension (CLTE) .
The term "pipe" as used according to the present invention is meant to comprise pipes in a broader sense, further including supplementary parts like pipe fittings, pipe valves, pipe chambers and all parts which are commonly applied for piping systems, in particular piping systems for the transport of pressurised fluids under elevated temperatures. The term "pipe" also comprises single or multilayer pipes and single or multilayer supplementary parts like pipe fittings, pipe valves, pipe chambers, and all parts which are commonly necessary for piping systems. The term "pipe" also includes structural wall pipes, such as corrugated pipes, double wall pipes with or without hollow sections.
Pipes made of polymeric materials are frequently used for various purposes, such as fluid transport, i.e. transport of gases or liquids. Furthermore, the fluid transport may be conducted pressurised, e.g. when transporting natural gas or tap water, or non-pressurised, e.g. when transporting sewage or drainage. Furthermore, the fluid transport may be conducted at varying temperatures, usually within a temperature in the range of about 0 ℃ to about 100 ℃.
Different requirements are imposed on pipes for the transport of fluids at ambient temperatures and pipes for the transport of fluids at elevated temperatures. If fluids have to be transported in a piping system at elevated temperature, it is necessary to control the thermal expansion influencing the length of the piping system. In order limit the thermal expansion it is possible to apply a fibre reinforced polypropylene composite. However, while the application of a fibre reinforced polypropylene composite results in an increased stiffness, the impact properties are negatively influenced.
Although a propylene block copolymer is capable of improving impact properties, a block copolymer is usually not compatible with the base resin of the pipe, typically being a propylene random copolymer or a propylene homopolymer. It is required that the fibre reinforced polypropylene composite is compatible with other polymers, in particular in multilayer pipes. Moreover, a high crystallisation temperature is desired because it allows shorter cycle times resulting in a higher output.
Thus, there is a need for polypropylene compositions suitable for pipe applications with low coefficient of linear thermal extension (CLTE) having excellent impact properties. Furthermore, it advantageous to provide polypropylene composition having a high crystallization temperature.
It has surprisingly been found that a polypropylene composition (C) with low the coefficient of linear thermal extension (CLTE) having excellent impact properties and a high crystallization temperature can be obtained when providing a random propylene copolymer (RPP) comprising a first polypropylene (PP1) , a second polypropylene (PP2) and a third polypropylene (PP3) in conjunction with fibre (FB) and a modified polypropylene (PMP) .
Accordingly, a first aspect is directed at a polypropylene composition (C) comprising:
(i) 48 to 76 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) , of a random propylene copolymer (RPP) with a melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.01 to 2.0 g/10min；
(ii) 23 to 50 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) , of a fibre (FB) ； and
(iii) 0.1 to 10 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) , of a modified polypropylene (PMP) ；
wherein
(a) the random propylene copolymer (RPP) comprises polypropylene (PP1) , polypropylene (PP2) and polypropylene (PP3) ；
(b) the polypropylene (PP1) has a melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.1 to 3.0 g/10min；
(c) the polypropylene (PP3) has a lower melt flow rate compared to the polypropylene (PP2) and the polypropylene (PP2) has a lower melt flow rate compared to the polypropylene (PP1) .
It is appreciated that the random propylene copolymer (RPP) of the polypropylene composition (C) comprises
(i) 20 to 60 wt. -％, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , of the polypropylene (PP1) ；
(ii) 30 to 70 wt. -％, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , of the polypropylene (PP2) ； and
(iii) 1 to 20 wt. -％, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , of the polypropylene (PP3) .
Furthermore, it is appreciated that the random propylene copolymer (RPP) of the polypropylene composition (C) fulfils in-equation (I) :
Cx [HPP3] /Cx [HPP1] > 1 (I)
wherein
Cx [HPP3] is the amount in mol-％of C2 and/or C4 to C12 α-olefin derived comonomer units in the polypropylene (PP3)
Cx [HPP1] is the amount in mol-％of C2 and/or C4 to C12 α-olefin derived comonomer units in the polypropylene (PP1)
Furthermore, it is appreciated that the random propylene copolymer (RPP) of the polypropylene composition (C) fulfils in-equation (II) :
Cx [HPP2] /Cx [HPP1] > 1 (II)
wherein
Cx [HPP2] is the amount in mol-％of C2 and/or C4 to C12 α-olefin derived comonomer units in the polypropylene (PP2)
Cx [HPP1] is the amount in mol-％of C2 and/or C4 to C12 α-olefin derived comonomer units in the polypropylene (PP1) .
Furthermore, it is appreciated that the polypropylene (PP1) has a lower amount in mol-％of C2 and/or C4 to C12 α-olefin derived comonomer units than the polypropylene (PP2) and that the polypropylene (PP2) has a lower amount in mol-％of C2 and/or C4 to C12 α-olefin derived comonomer units than the polypropylene (PP3) .
Furthermore, it is appreciated that the polypropylene (PP1) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 0.5 to 10.0 mol％, that the polypropylene (PP2) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 1.0 to 15.0 mol％and that the polypropylene (PP3) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 16.0 to 40.0 mol％.
Furthermore, it is appreciated that the random propylene copolymer (RPP) of the polypropylene composition (C) fulfils in-equation (III)
XCS [HPP3] /XCS [HPP1] > 1 (III)
wherein
XCS [HPP3] is the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction of the polypropylene (PP3) in wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP3)
XCS [HPP1] is the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction of the polypropylene (PP1) in wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP1)
Furthermore, it is appreciated that the random propylene copolymer (RPP) of the polypropylene composition (C) that the random propylene copolymer (RPP) fulfils in-equation (IV) :
XCS [HPP2] /XCS [HPP1] >1.0 (IV)
wherein
XCS [HPP2] is the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction of the polypropylene (PP2) in wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP2)
XCS [HPP1] is the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction of the polypropylene (PP1) in wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP1)
Furthermore, it is appreciated that the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction of the polypropylene (PP1) in wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP1) is lower than the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction of the polypropylene (PP2) in wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP2) and that the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction of the polypropylene (PP2) in wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP2) is lower than the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction of the polypropylene (PP3) in wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP3) .
Furthermore, it is appreciated that the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction of the polypropylene (PP1) in wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP1) is in the range of 0.5 to 10.0 wt. -％, that the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction of the polypropylene (PP2) in wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP2) is in the range of 1.0 to 20.0 wt. -％, and that the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction of the polypropylene (PP3) in wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP3) is in the range of 25.0 to 60.0 wt. -％.
Furthermore, it is appreciated that the random propylene copolymer (RPP) has a shear thinning index SHI (0/50) measured according to ISO 6271-10 (200 ℃) of at least 6.
Furthermore, it is appreciated that the random propylene copolymer (RPP) is nucleated, preferably α-nucleated.
Furthermore, it is appreciated that the random propylene copolymer (RPP) has a crystallisation temperature (Tc) measured according to ISO 11357-3 in the range of 100 to 130.
A second aspect is directed at a pipe comprising the polypropylene composition (C) described above.
The pipe may be a multi-layered pipe comprising a middle layer comprising the polypropylene composition (C) described above.
It is appreciated that the multi-layered pipe is a three-layered pipe comprising an inner layer, a middle and an outer layer, wherein both of the inner layer and the outer layer comprise the random propylene copolymer (RPP) with a melt flow rate MFR2 (230℃) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.01 to 2.0 g/10min of the polypropylene composition (C) described above.
A third aspect is directed at the use of the polypropylene composition (C) described above in a pipe to provide a coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) measured according to ISO 11359 in a temperature range from -30 to +30 ℃ in the range of 10.0 to 60.0 μm/mK.
Polypropylene Composition (C)
A first aspect is directed at a polypropylene composition (C) comprising a random propylene copolymer (RPP) , fibre (FB) and a modified polypropylene (PMP) .
It is appreciated the polypropylene composition (C) comprises:
(i) 48 to 76 wt. -％, preferably 55 to 75 wt. -％, more preferably 58 to 75 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) , of a random propylene copolymer (RPP) ；
(ii) 23 to 50 wt. -％, preferably 24 to 40 wt. -％, more preferably 25 to 35 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) , of a fibre (FB) ； and
(iii) 0.1 to 10.0 wt. -％, preferably 0.5 to 5.0 wt. -％, more preferably 1.0 to 2.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) , of a modified polypropylene (PMP) .
As indicated above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a polypropylene composition with low coefficient of linear thermal extension (CLTE) while maintaining an excellent balance of impact behaviour and stiffness.
Thus, it is appreciated that the polypropylene composition (C) has a flexural modulus of at least 2000 MPa, like in the range of 2000 to 8000 MPa, preferably in the range of 2500 to 7000 MPa, more preferably in the range of 3500 to 6500 MPa.
Furthermore, it is appreciated that the polypropylene composition (C) has a tensile modulus of at least 2000 MPa, like in the range of 2000 to 8000 MPa, preferably in the range of 2500 to 7000 MPa, more preferably in the range of 3500 to 6000 MPa.
Furthermore, it is appreciated that the polypropylene composition (C) has a Charpy Notched Impact Strength at +23 ℃ of at least 10.0 kJ/m2, preferably in the range of 10.0 to 80.0 kJ/m2, more preferably in the range of 15.0 to 50.0 kJ/m2, even more preferably in the range of 20.0 to 30.0 kJ/m2.
Furthermore, it is appreciated that the polypropylene composition (C) has a coefficient of linear thermal extension (CLTE) measured according to ISO 11359 in a temperature range from -30 to +30 ℃ of no more than 80 μm/mK, like in the range of 1.0 to 80.0 μm/mK, preferably in the range of 10.0 to 60.0 μm/mK, more preferably in the range of 15.0 to 45.0 μm/mK.
Furthermore, it is appreciated that the polypropylene composition (C) has a melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) measured according to ISO 1133 of no more than 5.0 g/10min, like in the range of 0.01 to 5.0 g/10min, preferably in the range of 0.05 to 2.0 g/10min, more preferably in the range of 0.05 to 1.0 g/10min, even more preferably in the range of 0.1 to 0.5 g/10min.
Furthermore, it is appreciated that the polypropylene composition (C) has a Vicat A50 softening temperature in the range of 100 to 200 ℃, preferably in the range of 120 to 180 ℃, more preferably in the range of 130 to 160 ℃, even more preferably in the range of 140 to 150 ℃.
Furthermore, it is appreciated that the polypropylene composition (C) has a heat deformation temperature (HDT) in the range of 95 to 145 ℃, preferably in the range of 100 to 135 ℃ and more preferably in the range of 110 to 120 ℃.
Furthermore, it is appreciated that the polypropylene composition (C) has a melting temperature measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) of not more than 165 ℃, like in the range of 120 to 165 ℃, preferably in the range of 130 to 160 ℃, more preferably in the range of 135 to 155 ℃, even more preferably in the range of 140 to 152 ℃.
Furthermore, it is appreciated that the polypropylene composition (C) has a crystallisation temperature measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) of at least 90 ℃, preferably at least 100 ℃, more preferably at least 110 ℃, like in the range of 90 to 160 ℃, preferably in the range of 100 to 150 ℃, more preferably in the range of 105 to 130 ℃, even more preferably in the range of 110 to 125 ℃.
Preferably the polypropylene composition (C) comprises as main polymer component only the random propylene copolymer (RPP) . In particular, it is appreciated that the polypropylene composition (C) comprises not more than 10.0 wt. -％, more preferably not more than 5.0 wt. -％, even more preferably not more than 2.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) , of polymers other than the random propylene copolymer (RPP) . Such "other polymers" may be by-products obtained from the polymerization process for the preparation of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) or may be introduced into the polypropylene composition (C) in form of polymeric carrier material (PCM) ,  described in more detail below. In other words, the polypropylene composition (C) may contain further additives but no other polymer in an amount exceeding 10.0 wt. -％, preferably in an amount exceeding 5.0 wt. -％, even more preferably in an amount exceeding 2.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) .
Therefore, it is especially preferred that the polypropylene composition (C) consists of
(i) 48 to 76 wt. -％, preferably 55 to 75 wt. -％, more preferably 58 to 75 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) , random propylene copolymer (RPP) ；
(ii) 23 to 50 wt. -％, preferably 24 to 40 wt. -％, more preferably 25 to 35 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) , fibre (FB) ；
(iii) 0.1 to 10.0 wt. -％, preferably 0.5 to 5.0 wt. -％, more preferably 1.0 to 2.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) , modified polypropylene (PMP) ； and
(iv) optionally up to 10.0 wt. -％, preferably up to 5.0 wt. -％, more preferably up to 2.0 wt. ％, like in the range of 0.1 to 10.0 wt. -％, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 5.0 wt. -％, even more preferably in the range of 0.5 to 2.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) , additives (AD) .
In one embodiment the polypropylene composition (C) consists of,
(i) 48 to 76 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) , random propylene copolymer (RPP) ；
(ii) 23 to 50 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) , fibre (FB) ；
(iii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) , modified polypropylene (PMP) ； and
(iv) optionally 0.5 to 5.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) , additives (AD) .
In one embodiment the polypropylene composition (C) consists of,
(i) 55 to 75 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) , random propylene copolymer (RPP) ；
(ii) 24 to 40 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) , fibre (FB) ；
(iii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) , modified polypropylene (PMP) ； and
(iv) optionally 0.5 to 5.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) , additives (AD) .
In one embodiment the polypropylene composition (C) consists of,
(i) 58 to 75 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) , random propylene copolymer (RPP) ；
(ii) 24 to 40 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) , fibre (FB) ；
(iii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) , modified polypropylene (PMP) ； and
(iv) optionally 0.5 to 5.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) , additives (AD) .
In one embodiment the polypropylene composition (C) consists of,
(i) 58 to 72 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) , random propylene copolymer (RPP) ；
(ii) 24 to 40 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) , fibre (FB) ；
(iii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) , modified polypropylene (PMP) ； and
(iv) optionally 0.5 to 5.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) , additives (AD) .
In one embodiment the polypropylene composition (C) consists of,
(i) 55 to 75 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) , random propylene copolymer (RPP) ；
(ii) 24 to 40 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) , fibre (FB) ；
(iii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) , modified polypropylene (PMP) ； and
(iv) optionally 0.5 to 5.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) , additives (AD) .
In one embodiment the polypropylene composition (C) consists of,
(i) 55 to 75 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) , random propylene copolymer (RPP) ；
(ii) 25 to 35 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) , fibre (FB) ；
(iii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) , modified polypropylene (PMP) ； and
(iv) optionally 0.5 to 5.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) , additives (AD) .
The polypropylene composition (C) is obtained by blending random propylene copolymer (RPP) , fibre (FB) , modified polypropylene (PMP) and optionally additives (AD) . Alternatively, a master batch can be applied, wherein at least two of the components comprised in the polypropylene composition (C) are premixed. For mixing, a conventional compounding or blending apparatus, e.g. a Banbury mixer, a 2-roll rubber mill, Buss-co-kneader or a twin screw extruder may be used. The polymer materials recovered from the extruder are usually in the form of pellets. These pellets are then preferably further processed, e.g. by injection moulding to generate articles, like pipes, of the inventive polypropylene composition (C) .
Random Propylene Copolymer (RPP)
An essential component of the polypropylene composition (C) is the random propylene copolymer (RPP) .
It is appreciated that the random propylene copolymer (R-PP) before being mixed with other components mentioned herein, i.e. fiber (FB) , modified polypropylene (PMP) and optionally additives (AD) , is monophasic. Accordingly, it is preferred that the propylene copolymer (R-PP) before being mixed with the other components mentioned herein, i.e. fiber (FB) , modified polypropylene (PMP) and optionally additives (AD) , does not contain elastomeric (co) polymers forming inclusions as a second phase for improving mechanical properties. A polymer containing elastomeric (co) polymers as insertions of a second phase would by contrast be called heterophasic. The presence of second phases or the so called inclusions are for instance visible by high resolution microscopy, like electron microscopy or atomic force microscopy, or by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) . Specifically, in DMTA the presence of a multiphase structure can be identified by the presence of at least two distinct glass transition temperatures.
Accordingly, it is preferred that the random propylene copolymer (RPP) has no glass transition temperature below -20 ℃, preferably below -25 ℃, more preferably below -30 ℃. On the other hand, it is appreciated that the random propylene copolymer (RPP) has a glass transition temperature in the range of -12 to +2 ℃, preferably in the range of -10 to +2 ℃. In one embodiment the random propylene copolymer (RPP) has no glass transition temperature below -20 ℃.
The propylene copolymer (R-PP) comprises apart from propylene also comonomers. Preferably the propylene copolymer (R-PP) comprises apart from propylene a comonomer selected from ethylene, C4 to C12 α-olefin and mixtures thereof. Accordingly, the term "propylene copolymer" according to this invention is preferably understood as a polypropylene comprising, preferably consisting of, units derivable from
(a) propylene
and
(b) ethylene and/or C4 to C12 α-olefins.
Thus, the random propylene copolymer (R-PP) comprises, preferably consists of, propylene and monomers co-polymerizable with propylene, for example comonomer units derived from ethylene and/or C4 to C12 α-olefins, preferably derived from ethylene and/or C4 to C10 α-olefins, more preferably derived from ethylene, 1-butene and/or 1-hexene, even more preferably derived from ethylene and/or 1-butene, yet even more preferably derived from ethylene. Thus, it is appreciated that the random propylene copolymer (R-PP) comprises, especially consists of, propylene and monomers co-polymerizable with propylene selected from the group consisting of ethylene, 1-butene and 1-hexene. More specifically, it is appreciated that the random propylene copolymer (R-PP) comprises -apart from propylene -units derivable from ethylene and/or 1-butene. In a preferred embodiment the random propylene copolymer (R-PP) comprises propylene and units derivable from ethylene only.
It is appreciated that the random propylene copolymer (R-PP) comprises comonomer units, preferably comonomer units derivable from ethylene, in an amount of ≤ 20 mol％, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 20 mol％, more preferably in the range of 1.0 to 15.0 mol％, even more preferably in the range of 3.0 to 10.0 mol％.
Furthermore, it is appreciated that the random propylene copolymer (RPP) has a melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.05 to 10.0 g/10min, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 5.0 g/10min, more preferably in the range of 0.1 to 2.0 g/10min, even more preferably in the range of 0.1 to 0.5 g/10min.
Furthermore, it is appreciated that the random propylene copolymer (RPP) has a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction of not more than 30.0, like in the range of 1.0 to 30.0 wt. -％, preferably in the range of 2.0 to 20.0 wt. -％, more preferably in the range of 3.0 to 15.0 wt. -％, even more preferably in the range of 5.0 to 12.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) .
As outlined above, the random propylene copolymer (RPP) should be suitable for pipe applications and must comply with standards in this technical field. Thus, it is appreciated that the random propylene copolymer (RPP) has a shear thinning index SHI (0/50) measured according to ISO 6271-10 (200 ℃) of at least 5, preferably of at least 6, more preferably of at least 7, like in the range of 5 to 30, preferably in the range of 6 to 25, more preferably in the range of 7 to 15.
Furthermore, it is appreciated that the random propylene copolymer (RPP) has a crystallisation temperature (Tc) measured according to ISO 11357-3 of at least 90 ℃, preferably of at least 100 ℃, more preferably of at least 110 ℃, like in the range of 90 to 160 ℃, preferably in the range of 100 to 150 ℃, more preferably in the range of 105 to 130 ℃, yet more preferably in the range of 110 to 125 ℃.
Furthermore, it is appreciated that the random propylene copolymer (RPP) is has a melting temperature (Tm) measured according to ISO 11357-3 of at least 100 ℃, preferably of at least 120 ℃, more preferably of at least 130 ℃, like in the range of 100 to 200 ℃, preferably in the range of 120 to 180 ℃, more preferably in the range of 130 to 160 ℃, yet more preferably in the range of 145 to 150 ℃.
In addition, it is desired that the random propylene copolymer (R-PP) exhibits an excellent balance between impact performance and stiffness. Thus, it is appreciated that the random propylene copolymer (RPP) has a flexural modulus of at least 300 MPa, preferably of at least 600 MPa, more  preferably of at least 800 MPa, like in the range of 300 to 2000 MPa, preferably in the range of 600 to 1500 MPa, more preferably in the range of 800 to 1200 MPa.
Furthermore, it is appreciated that the random propylene copolymer (R-PP) has Charpy Notched Impact Strength at +23 ℃ of at least 20.0 kJ/m2, preferably in the range of 20.0 to 100.0 kJ/m2, more preferably in the range of 30.0 to 80.0 kJ/m2, even more preferably in the range of 40.0 to 70.0 kJ/m2.
Furthermore, it is appreciated that the random propylene copolymer (R-PP) has Charpy Notched Impact Strength at 0 ℃ of at least 3.0 kJ/m2, preferably of at least 5.0 kJ/m2, like in the range of 3.0 to 30.0 kJ/m2, preferably in the range of 5.0 to 20.0 kJ/m2, more preferably in the range of 6.0 to 10.0 kJ/m2.
The random propylene copolymer (RPP) can be nucleated. Thus, the random propylene copolymer (RPP) may comprise a nucleating agent (NU) , preferably an α-nucleating agent (NU) . In this case it is appreciated that the random propylene copolymer (RPP) comprises the nucleating agent (NU) in an amount of up to 5 wt. -％, preferably in an amount of up to 1 wt. -％, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) . In particular, it is s appreciated that the random propylene copolymer (RPP) contains nucleating agent (NU) in an amount in the range of 1 to 200 ppm, more preferably in an amount in the range of 5 to 100 ppm. In one embodiment the nucleating agent (NU) is an α-nucleating agent, in particular an α-nucleating agent selected from the group consisting of dibenzylidenesorbitol (e.g. 1, 3: 2, 4 dibenzylidene sorbitol) , dibenzylidenesorbitol derivative, preferably dimethyldibenzylidenesorbitol (e.g. 1, 3: 2, 4 di (methylbenzylidene) sorbitol) , or substituted nonitol-derivatives, such as 1, 2, 3-trideoxy-4, 6: 5, 7-bis-O- [ (4-propylphenyl) methylene] -nonitol, vinylcycloalkane polymer, vinylalkane polymer, and mixtures thereof. It is especially preferred the random propylene copoyler (RPP) contains a vinylcycloalkane, like vinylcyclohexane (VCH) , polymer and/or vinylalkane polymer.
In one embodiment the random propylene copolymer (RPP) contains vinylcyclohexane (VCH) polymer, which is introduced into the random propylene copolymer (RPP) by the BNT technology, which is described in more detail below.
The random propylene copolymer necessarily comprises polypropylene (PP1) , polypropylene (PP2) and polypropylene (PP3) , which differ from each other in their melt flow rate, their amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction, and/or their comonomer content, i.e. the amount of C2 and/or C4 to C12 α-olefin derived comonomer units. In other words, it is appreciated that the random propylene copolymer (RPP) is multimodal, in particular with respect to its molecular weight and/or comonomer fractions.
Preferably the polypropylene (PP1) has a lower amount in mol-％of C2 and/or C4 to C12 α-olefin derived comonomer units than the polypropylene (PP3) . Thus, it is appreciated that the random propylene copolymer (RPP) fulfils in-equation (I) , preferably in-equation (Ia) , more preferably in-equation (Ib) , even more preferably in-equation (Ic) :
Cx [HPP3] /Cx [HPP1] > 1 (I)
80.0 ≥ Cx [HPP3] /Cx [HPP1] ≥ 1.0 (Ia)
25.0 ≥ Cx [HPP3] /Cx [HPP1] ≥ 2.0 (Ib)
10.0 ≥ Cx [HPP3] /Cx [HPP1] ≥ 3.0 (Ic)
wherein
Cx [HPP3] is the amount in mol-％of C2 and/or C4 to C12 α-olefin derived comonomer units in the polypropylene (PP3)
Cx [HPP1] is the amount in mol-％of C2 and/or C4 to C12 α-olefin derived comonomer units in the polypropylene (PP1)
Preferably the polypropylene (PP1) has a lower amount in mol-％of C2 and/or C4 to C12 α-olefin derived comonomer units than the polypropylene (PP2) . Thus, it is appreciated that the random propylene copolymer (RPP) fulfils in-equation (II) , preferably in-equation (IIa) , more preferably in-equation (IIb) , even more preferably in-equation (IIc) :
Cx [HPP2] /Cx [HPP1] > 1 (II)
30.0 ≥ Cx [HPP2] /Cx [HPP1] ≥ 1.1 (IIa)
20.0 ≥ Cx [HPP2] /Cx [HPP1] ≥ 1.1 (IIb)
5.0 ≥ Cx [HPP2] /Cx [HPP1] ≥ 1.1 (IIc)
wherein
Cx [HPP2] is the amount in mol-％of C2 and/or C4 to C12 α-olefin derived comonomer units in the polypropylene (PP2)
Cx [HPP1] is the amount in mol-％of C2 and/or C4 to C12 α-olefin derived comonomer units in the polypropylene (PP1)
In a preferred embodiment the polypropylene (PP1) has a lower amount in mol-％of C2 and/or C4 to C12 α-olefin derived comonomer units than the polypropylene (PP2) and the polypropylene (PP2) has a lower amount in mol-％of C2 and/or C4 to C12 α-olefin derived comonomer units than the polypropylene (PP3)
Preferably the polypropylene (PP1) has a lower amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction than the polypropylene (PP3) . Thus, it is appreciated that the random propylene copolymer (RPP) fulfils in-equation (III) , preferably in-equation (IIIa) , more preferably in-equation (IIIb) , even more preferably in-equation (IIIc) :
XCS [HPP3] /XCS [HPP1] > 1 (III)
120.0 ≥ XCS [HPP3] /XCS [HPP1] ≥ 1.1 (IIIa)
25.0 ≥ XCS [HPP3] /XCS [HPP1] ≥ 5.0 (IIIb)
20.0 ≥ XCS [HPP3] /XCS [HPP1] ≥ 8.0 (IIIc)
wherein
XCS [HPP3] is the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the polypropylene (PP3) in wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP3)
XCS [HPP1] is the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the polypropylene (PP1) in wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP1)
Preferably the polypropylene (PP1) has a lower amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction than the polypropylene (PP2) . Thus, it is appreciated that the random propylene copolymer (RPP) fulfils in-equation (IV) , preferably in-equation (IVa) , more preferably in-equation (IVb) , even more preferably in-equation (IVc) :
XCS [HPP2] /XCS [HPP1] >1.0 (IV)
40.0 ≥ XCS [HPP2] /XCS [HPP1] ≥ 1.1 (IVa)
20.0 ≥ XCS [HPP2] /XCS [HPP1] ≥ 1.1 (IVb)
5.0 ≥ XCS [HPP2] /XCS [HPP1] ≥ 1.1 (IVc)
XCS [HPP2] is the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the polypropylene (PP2) in wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP2)
XCS [HPP1] is the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the polypropylene (PP1) in wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP1)
In a preferred embodiment the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the polypropylene (PP1) in wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP1) is lower than the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the polypropylene (PP2) in wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP2) and the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the polypropylene (PP2) in wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP2) is lower than the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the polypropylene (PP3) in wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP3) .
It is appreciated that the random propylene copolymer (RPP) comprises
(i) 20 to 60 wt. -％, preferably, 30 to 50 wt. -％, more preferably 35 to 45 wt. -％, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , polypropylene (PP1) ；
(ii) 30 to 70 wt. -％, preferably, 40 to 60 wt. -％, more preferably 45 to 55 wt. -％, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , polypropylene (PP2) ； and
(iii) 1 to 20 wt. -％, preferably 5 to 15 wt. -％, more preferably 7 to 12 wt. -％, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , polypropylene (PP3) .
Preferably the random propylene copolymer (RPP) comprises as main polymer components only polypropylene (PP1) , polypropylene (PP2) and polypropylene (PP3) . In particular, it is appreciated that the random propylene copolymer (RPP) comprises not more than 10.0 wt. -％, more preferably not more than 5.0 wt. -％, more preferably not more than 2.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , of polymers other than polypropylene (PP1) , polypropylene (PP2) and polypropylene (PP3) . Such "other polymers" may be by-products obtained from the polymerization process for the preparation of the polypropylene (PP1) , the polypropylene (PP2) and/or the polypropylene (PP3) or may be introduced into the random propylene copolymer (RPP) in form of polymeric carrier material (PCM) , which are described in more detail below. In other words, the random propylene copolymer (RPP) may contain further additives but no other polymer in an amount  exceeding 10.0 wt. -％, preferably in an amount exceeding 5.0 wt. -％, more preferably in an amount exceeding 2.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of random propylene copolymer (RPP) .
Therefore, it is especially preferred that random propylene copolymer (RPP) consists of
(i) 20 to 60 wt. -％, preferably, 30 to 50 wt. -％, more preferably 35 to 45 wt. -％, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , polypropylene (PP1) ；
(ii) 30 to 70 wt. -％, preferably, 40 to 60 wt. -％, more preferably 45 to 55 wt. -％, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , polypropylene (PP2) ；
(iii) 1 to 20 wt. -％, preferably 5 to 15 wt. -％, more preferably 7 to 12 wt. -％, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , of the polypropylene (PP3) ； and
(iv) optionally up to 10.0 wt. -％, preferably up to 5.0 wt. -％, more preferably up to 2.0 wt. ％, like in the range of 0.1 to 10.0 wt. -％, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 5.0 wt. -％, even more preferably in the range of 0.5 to 2.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of random propylene copolymer (RPP) , additives (AD) .
In one embodiment the random propylene copolymer (RPP) consists of,
(i) 25 to 55 wt. -％, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , polypropylene (PP1) ；
(ii) 40 to 60 wt. -％, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , polypropylene (PP2) ；
(iii) 5 to 15 wt. -％, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , polypropylene (PP3) ； and
(iv) optionally up to 5.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of random propylene copolymer (RPP) , additives (AD) .
In one embodiment the random propylene copolymer (RPP) consists of,
(i) 30 to 50 wt. -％, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , polypropylene (PP1) ；
(ii) 40 to 60 wt. -％, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , polypropylene (PP2) ；
(iii) 5 to 15 wt. -％, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , of the polypropylene (PP3) ； and
(iv) optionally up to 5.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of random propylene copolymer (RPP) , additives (AD) .
In one embodiment the random propylene copolymer (RPP) consists of,
(i) 35 to 45 wt. -％, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , polypropylene (PP1) ；
(ii) 40 to 60 wt. -％, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , polypropylene (PP2) ；
(iii) 5 to 15 wt. -％, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , of the polypropylene (PP3) ； and
(iv) optionally up to 5.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of random propylene copolymer (RPP) , additives (AD) .
In one embodiment the random propylene copolymer (RPP) consists of,
(i) 30 to 50 wt. -％, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , polypropylene (PP1) ；
(ii) 35 to 60 wt. -％, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , polypropylene (PP2) ；
(iii) 5 to 15 wt. -％, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , of the polypropylene (PP3) ； and
(iv) optionally up to 5.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of random propylene copolymer (RPP) , additives (AD) .
In one embodiment the random propylene copolymer (RPP) consists of,
(i) 30 to 50 wt. -％, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , polypropylene (PP1) ；
(ii) 40 to 60 wt. -％, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , polypropylene (PP2) ；
(iii) 5 to 15 wt. -％, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , polypropylene (PP3) ； and
(iv) optionally up to 5.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of random propylene copolymer (RPP) , additives (AD) .
In one embodiment the random propylene copolymer (RPP) consists of,
(i) 30 to 50 wt. -％, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , polypropylene (PP1) ；
(ii) 45 to 55 wt. -％, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , polypropylene (PP2) ；
(iii) 5 to 15 wt. -％, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , polypropylene (PP3) ； and
(iv) optionally up to 5.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of random propylene copolymer (RPP) , additives (AD) .
In one embodiment the random propylene copolymer (RPP) consists of,
(i) 30 to 50 wt. -％, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , polypropylene (PP1) ；
(ii) 40 to 60 wt. -％, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , polypropylene (PP2) ；
(iii) 1 to 20 wt. -％, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , polypropylene (PP3) ； and
(iv) optionally up to 5.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of random propylene copolymer (RPP) , additives (AD) .
In one embodiment the random propylene copolymer (RPP) consists of,
(i) 30 to 50 wt. -％, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , polypropylene (PP1) ；
(ii) 40 to 60 wt. -％, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , polypropylene (PP2) ；
(iii) 5 to 15 wt. -％, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , polypropylene (PP3) ； and
(iv) optionally up to 5.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of random propylene copolymer (RPP) , additives (AD) .
In one embodiment the random propylene copolymer (RPP) consists of,
(i) 30 to 50 wt. -％, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , polypropylene (PP1) ；
(ii) 40 to 60 wt. -％, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , polypropylene (PP2) ；
(iii) 7 to 12 wt. -％, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , polypropylene (PP3) ； and
(iv) optionally up to 5.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of random propylene copolymer (RPP) , of additives (AD) .
Polypropylene (PP1)
The polypropylene (PP1) can be a propylene homopolymer or a propylene copolymer, the latter being especially preferred.
The expression “propylene homopolymer” 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 are detectable in the propylene homopolymer.
In case the polypropylene (PP1) is a propylene copolymer it is appreciated that the polypropylene (PP1) comprises, preferably consists of, propylene and monomers co-polymerizable with propylene, for example comonomer units derived from ethylene and/or C4 to C12 α-olefins, preferably derived from ethylene and/or C4 to C10 α-olefins, more preferably derived from ethylene, 1-butene and/or 1-hexene, even more preferably derived from ethylene and/or 1-butene, yet even more preferably derived from ethylene. Thus, it is appreciated that the polypropylene (PP1) comprises, especially consists of, propylene and monomers co-polymerizable with propylene selected from the group consisting of ethylene, 1-butene and 1-hexene. More specifically, it is appreciated that the polypropylene (PP1) comprises -apart from propylene -units derivable from ethylene and/or 1-butene. In a preferred embodiment the polypropylene (PP1) comprises propylene and units derivable from ethylene only.
It is appreciated that the polypropylene (PP1) comprises comonomer units in an amount of ≤ 10 mol％, preferably ≤ 6 mol％, like in the range of 0.5 to 10.0 mol％, preferably in the range of 1.0 to 6.0 mol％, more preferably in the range of 2.0 to 5.0 mol％.
Furthermore, it is appreciated that the polypropylene (PP1) has a melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.1 to 3.0 g/10min, preferably in the range of 0.3 to 2.0 g/10min, more preferably in the range of 0.5 to 1.0 g/10 min.
Furthermore, it is appreciated that the polypropylene (PP1) has a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction of ≤ 10 wt. -％, preferably of ≤ 5 wt. -％, like in the range of 0.5 to 10.0 wt. -％, preferably in the range of 1.0 to 6.0 wt. -％, more preferably in the range of 2.5 to 5.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP1) .
In other words, it is appreciated that the polypropylene (PP1) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 0.5 to 10.0 mol％, preferably in the range of 1.0 to 6.0 mol％, more preferably in the range of 2.0 to 5.0 mol％and has
(i) a melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.1 to 3.0 g/10min, preferably in the range of 0.3 to 2.0 g/10min, more preferably in the range of 0.5 to 1.0 g/10 min； and
(ii) a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 0.5 to 10.0 wt. -％, preferably in the range of 1.0 to 6.0 wt. -％, more preferably in the range of 2.5 to 5.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP1) .
In one embodiment the polypropylene (PP1) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 0.5 to 10.0 mol％and has
(i) a melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.3 to 2.0 g/10min； and
(ii) a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 1.0 to 6.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP1) .
In one embodiment the polypropylene (PP1) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 1.0 to 6.0 mol％and has
(i) a melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.3 to 2.0 g/10min； and
(ii) a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 1.0 to 6.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP1) .
In one embodiment the polypropylene (PP1) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 2.0 to 5.0 mol％and has
(i) a melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.3 to 2.0 g/10min； and
(ii) a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 1.0 to 6.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP1) .
In one embodiment the polypropylene (PP1) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 1.0 to 6.0 mol％and has
(i) a melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.1 to 3.0 g/10min； and
(ii) a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 1.0 to 6.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP1) .
In one embodiment the polypropylene (PP1) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 1.0 to 6.0 mol％and has
(i) a melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.3 to 2.0 g/10min； and
(ii) a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 1.0 to 6.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP1) .
In one embodiment the polypropylene (PP1) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 1.0 to 6.0 mol％and has
(i) a melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.5 to 1.0 g/10min； and
(ii) a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 1.0 to 6.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP1) .
In one embodiment the polypropylene (PP1) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 1.0 to 6.0 mol％and has
(i) a melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.3 to 2.0 g/10min； and
(ii) a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 5.0 to 10.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP1) .
In one embodiment the polypropylene (PP1) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 1.0 to 6.0 mol％and has
(i) a melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.3 to 2.0 g/10min； and
(ii) a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 1.0 to 6.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP1) .
In one embodiment the polypropylene (PP1) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 1.0 to 6.0 mol％and has
(i) a melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.3 to 2.0 g/10min； and
(ii) a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 2.5 to 5.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP1) .
Polypropylene (PP2)
The polypropylene (PP2) can be a propylene homopolymer or a propylene copolymer, the latter being especially preferred.
In case the polypropylene (PP2) is a propylene copolymer it is appreciated that the polypropylene (PP2) comprises, preferably consists of, propylene and monomers co-polymerizable with propylene, for example comonomer units derived from ethylene and/or C4 to C12 α-olefins, preferably derived from ethylene and/or C4 to C10 α-olefins, more preferably derived from ethylene, 1-butene and/or 1-hexene, even more preferably derived from ethylene and/or 1-butene, yet even more preferably derived from ethylene. Thus, it is appreciated that the polypropylene (PP2) comprises, especially  consists of, propylene and monomers co-polymerizable with propylene selected from the group consisting of ethylene, 1-butene and 1-hexene. More specifically, it is appreciated that the polypropylene (PP2) comprises -apart from propylene -units derivable from ethylene and/or 1-butene. In a preferred embodiment the polypropylene (PP2) comprises propylene and units derivable from ethylene only.
It is appreciated that the polypropylene (PP2) comprises comonomer units in an amount of ≤ 15.0 mol％, preferably ≤ 10.0 mol％, like in the range of 1.0 to 15.0 mol％, preferably in the range of 2.0 to 12.0 mol％, more preferably in the range of 5.5 to 10.0 mol％.
Furthermore, it is appreciated that the polypropylene (PP2) has a melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.01 to 1.0 g/10min, preferably in the range of 0.05 to 0.5 g/10min, more preferably in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 g/10 min.
Furthermore, it is appreciated that the polypropylene (PP2) has a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction of ≤ 20 wt. -％, preferably in the range of 1.0 to 20.0 wt. -％, more preferably in the range of 2.0 to 15.0 wt. -％, even more preferably in the range of 5.5 to 10.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP2) .
In other words, it is appreciated that the polypropylene (PP2) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 1.0 to 15.0 mol％, preferably in the range of 2.0 to 12.0 mol％, more preferably in the range of 5.5 to 10.0 mol％and has
(i) a melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.01 to 1.0 g/10min, preferably in the range of 0.05 to 0.5 g/10min, more preferably in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 g/10 min； and
(ii) a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 1.0 to 20.0 wt. -％, more preferably in the range of 2.0 to 15.0 wt. -％, even more preferably in the range of 5.5 to 10.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP2) .
In one embodiment the polypropylene (PP2) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 1.0 to 15.0 mol％and has
(i) a melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.05 to 0.50 g/10min； and
(ii) a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 2.0 to 15.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP2) .
In one embodiment the polypropylene (PP2) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 2.0 to 12.0 mol％and has
(i) a melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.05 to 0.50 g/10min； and
(ii) a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 2.0 to 15.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP2) .
In one embodiment the polypropylene (PP2) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 5.5 to 10.0 mol％and has
(i) a melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.05 to 0.50 g/10min； and
(ii) a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 2.0 to 15.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP2) .
In one embodiment the polypropylene (PP2) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 2.0 to 12.0 mol％and has
(i) a melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.01 to 1.0 g/10min； and
(ii) a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 2.0 to 15.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP2) .
In one embodiment the polypropylene (PP2) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 2.0 to 12.0 mol％and has
(i) a melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.05 to 0.5 g/10min； and
(ii) a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 2.0 to 15.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP2) .
In one embodiment the polypropylene (PP2) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 2.0 to 12.0 mol％and has
(i) a melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 g/10min； and
(ii) a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 2.0 to 15.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP2) .
In one embodiment the polypropylene (PP2) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 2.0 to 12.0 mol％and has
(i) a melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.05 to 0.5 g/10min； and
(ii) a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 1.0 to 20.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP2) .
In one embodiment the polypropylene (PP2) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 2.0 to 12.0 mol％and has
(i) a melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.05 to 0.5 g/10min； and
(ii) a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 2.0 to 15.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP2) .
In one embodiment the polypropylene (PP2) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 2.0 to 12.0 mol％and has
(i) a melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.05 to 0.5 g/10min； and
(ii) a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 5.5 to 10.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP2) .
It is appreciated that the polypropylene (PP2) differs from the polypropylene (PP1) in the amount of comonomer units, the melt flow rate and/or the xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction.
Polypropylene (PP3)
The polypropylene (PP3) can be a propylene homopolymer or a propylene copolymer, the latter being especially preferred.
In case the polypropylene (PP3) is a propylene copolymer it is appreciated that the polypropylene (PP3) comprises, preferably consists of, propylene and monomers co-polymerizable with propylene, for example comonomer units derived from ethylene and/or C4 to C12 α-olefins, preferably derived from ethylene and/or C4 to C10 α-olefins, more preferably derived from ethylene, 1-butene and/or 1-hexene, even more preferably derived from ethylene and/or 1-butene, yet even more preferably derived from ethylene. Thus, it is appreciated that the polypropylene (PP3) comprises, especially consists of, propylene and monomers co-polymerizable with propylene selected from the group consisting of ethylene, 1-butene and 1-hexene. More specifically, it is appreciated that the polypropylene (PP3) comprises -apart from propylene -units derivable from ethylene and/or 1-butene. In a preferred embodiment the polypropylene (PP3) comprises propylene and units derivable from ethylene only.
It is appreciated that the polypropylene (PP3) comprises comonomer units in an amount of ≥ 16.0 mol％, preferably ≥ 18.0 mol％, like in the range of 16.0 to 40.0 mol％, preferably in the range of 18.0 to 30.0 mol％, more preferably in the range of 20.0 to 25.0 mol％.
Furthermore, it is appreciated that the polypropylene (PP3) has a melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 1 x 10-4 to 1 x 10-1 g/10min, preferably in the range of 5 x 10-4 to 1 x 10-2 g/10min, more preferably in the range of 1 x 10-3 to 5 x 10-3 g/10 min.
Furthermore, it is appreciated that the polypropylene (PP3) has a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction of ≥ 25.0 wt. -％, preferably in the range of 25.0 to 60.0 wt. -％, more preferably in the range of 30.0 to 50.0 wt. -％, even more preferably in the range of 38.0 to 48.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP3) .
In other words, it is appreciated that the polypropylene (PP3) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 16.0 to 40.0 mol％, preferably in the range of 18.0 to 30.0 mol％, more preferably in the range of 20.0 to 25.0 mol％and has
(i) a melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of in the range of 1 x 10-4 to 1 x 10-1 g/10min, preferably in the range of 5 x 10-4 to 1 x 10-2 g/10min, more preferably in the range of 1 x 10-3 to 5 x 10-3 g/10 min； and
(ii) a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range 25.0 to 60.0 wt. -％, preferably in the range of 30.0 to 50.0 wt. -％, more preferably in the range of even more preferably in the range of 38.0 to 48.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP3) .
In one embodiment the polypropylene (PP3) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 16.0 to 40.0 mol％and has
(i) a melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 1 x 10-4 to 1 x 10-1 g/10min； and
(ii) a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 30.0 to 50.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP3) .
In one embodiment the polypropylene (PP3) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 18.0 to 30.0 mol％and has
(i) a melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 1 x 10-4 to 1 x 10-1 g/10min； and
(ii) a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 30.0 to 50.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP3) .
In one embodiment the polypropylene (PP3) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 20.0 to 25.0mol％and has
(i) amelt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 1 x 10-4 to 1 x 10-1 g/10min； and
(ii) a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 30.0 to 50.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP3) .
In one embodiment the polypropylene (PP3) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 18.0 to 30.0 mol％and has
(i) a melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 1 x 10-4 to 1 x 10-1 g/10min； and
(ii) a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 30.0 to 50.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP3) .
In one embodiment the polypropylene (PP3) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 18.0 to 30.0 mol％and has
(i) a melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 5 x 10-4 to 1 x 10-2 g/10min； and
(ii) a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 30.0 to 50.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP3) .
In one embodiment the polypropylene (PP3) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 18.0 to 30.0 mol％and has
(i) a melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 1 x 10-3 to 5 x 10-3 g/10min； and
(ii) a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 30.0 to 50.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP3) .
In one embodiment the polypropylene (PP3) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 18.0 to 30.0 mol％and has
(i) a melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 5 x 10-4 to 1 x 10-2 g/10min； and
(ii) a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 30.0 to 50.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP3) .
In one embodiment the polypropylene (PP3) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 18.0 to 30.0 mol％and has
(i) a melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 5 x 10-4 to 1 x 10-2 g/10min； and
(ii) a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 25.0 to 60.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP3) .
In one embodiment the polypropylene (PP3) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 18.0 to 30.0 mol％and has
(i) a melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 5 x 10-4 to 1 x 10-2 g/10min； and
(ii) a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 30.0 to 50.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP3) .
In one embodiment the polypropylene (PP3) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 18.0 to 30.0 mol％and has
(i) a melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 5 x 10-4 to 1 x 10-2 g/10min； and
(ii) a xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction in the range of 38.0 to 48.0 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP3) .
It is appreciated that the polypropylene (PP3) differs from the polypropylene (PP1) and the polypropylene (PP2) in its comonomer content, its melt flow rate and/or its xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction.
Preparation of the Random Propylene Copolymer (RPP)
The random propylene copolymer (RPP) can be produced by melt blending polypropylene (PP1) , polypropylene (PP2) and polypropylene (PP3) . However, it is preferred that the random propylene copolymer (RPP) is produced in a sequential step process, using reactors in serial configuration and operating at different reaction conditions. In particular, it is preferred that the random propylene copolymer (RPP) is 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 may have its own molecular weight distribution and/or comonomer content distribution.
Accordingly, the random propylene copolymer (RPP) can be obtained by a sequential polymerization process wherein polypropylene (PP1) is produced in a first reactor (R1) , polypropylene (PP2) is produced in a second reactor (R2) and polypropylene (PP3) is produced in a third reactor (R3) .
The term “sequential polymerization process” indicates that the random propylene copolymer (RPP) is produced in at least three reactors, preferably in at least three reactors or more, connected in series. Accordingly, it is appreciated that the process comprises at least a first reactor (R1) , a second reactor (R2) and a third reactor (R3) .
The term “polymerization reactor” shall indicate that the main polymerization takes place. Thus, in case the process consists of three or more polymerization reactors, this definition does not exclude the option that the overall process comprises for instance a pre-polymerization step in a pre-polymerization reactor. The term “consist of” is only a closing formulation in view of the main polymerization reactors.
It is appreciated that the polypropylene (PP1) is produced in a first reactor (R1) . The polymer obtained in the first reactor is subsequently transferred into a second reactor (R2) . The polypropylene (PP2) is produced in the second reactor (R2) . The polymer obtained in the second reactor (R2) is subsequently transferred into a third reactor (R3) . The polypropylene (PP3) is produced in the third reactor (R3) and the random propylene copolymer (RPP) is obtained.
The first reactor (R1) is preferably a slurry reactor (SR) and can be any continuous or simple stirred batch tank reactor or loop reactor (LR) operating in bulk or slurry. Bulk means a polymerization in a reaction medium that comprises of at least 60 ％ (w/w) monomer. According to the present invention the slurry reactor (SR) is preferably a (bulk) loop reactor (LR) .
The second reactor (R2) and the third reactor (R3) are preferably gas phase reactors (GPR) . Such gas phase reactors can be any mechanically mixed or fluid bed reactors. Preferably the gas phase reactors comprise a mechanically agitated fluid bed reactor with gas velocities of at least 0.2 m/sec. Thus it is appreciated that the gas phase reactor is a fluidized bed type reactor preferably with a mechanical stirrer.
Thus, in a preferred embodiment the first reactor (R1) is a slurry reactor (SR) , like loop reactor (LR) , whereas the second reactor (R2) and the third reactor (R3) are gas phase reactors (GPR1 and GPR2) . Accordingly, for the instant process at least three polymerization reactors, namely a slurry reactor (SR) , like loop reactor (LR) , a first gas phase reactor (GPR1) and a second gas phase reactor (GPR2)  connected in series are used. If needed prior to the slurry reactor (SR) a pre-polymerization reactor is placed.
A preferred multistage process is a “loop-gas phase” -process, such as developed by Borealis A/S, Denmark (known as
Figure PCTCN2016108088-appb-000001
technology) described e.g. in patent literature, such as in EP 0 887 379, WO 92/12182 WO 2004/000899, WO 2004/111095, WO 99/24478, WO 99/24479 or in WO 00/68315.
A further suitable slurry-gas phase process is the
Figure PCTCN2016108088-appb-000002
process of Basell.
Preferably the conditions for the slurry reactor (SR) , like a loop reactor (LR) , may be as follows:
- the temperature is within the range of 40 ℃ to 110 ℃, preferably between 60 ℃ and 100 ℃, like 68 to 95 ℃,
- the pressure is within the range of 20 bar to 80 bar, preferably between 35 bar to 70 bar,
- hydrogen can be added for controlling the molar mass in a manner known per se.
Preferably the conditions for the gas phase reactors (GPR1) and (GPR2) respectively may be as follows:
- the temperature is within the range of 50 ℃ to 130 ℃, preferably between 60 ℃ and 100 ℃,
- the pressure is within the range of 5 bar to 50 bar, preferably between 15 bar to 35 bar,
- hydrogen can be added for controlling the molar mass in a manner known per se.
The residence time can vary in the different reactor zones. It is appreciated that the residence time in the slurry reactor (SR) , like a loop reactor (LR) , is in the range of 0.2 to 4 hours, e.g. 0.3 to 1.5 hours and the residence time in the gas phase reactors (GPR1) , and (GPR2) respectively is in the range of 0.2 to 6.0 hours, like 0.5 to 4.0 hours.
If desired, the polymerization may be effected in a known manner under supercritical conditions in the first reactor (R1) , i.e. in the slurry reactor, like in the loop reactor, and/or as a condensed mode in the gas phase reactors.
As indicated above, the process may also comprise a prepolymerization, in particular a prepolymerization conducted in presence of the catalyst system. In a preferred embodiment, the  prepolymerization is conducted as bulk slurry polymerization in liquid propylene, i.e. the liquid phase mainly comprises propylene, with minor amount of other reactants and optionally inert components dissolved therein. The prepolymerization reaction is typically conducted at a temperature of 0 to 50 ℃, preferably from 10 to 45 ℃, and more preferably from 15 to 40 ℃. The pressure in the prepolymerization reactor is not critical but must be sufficiently high to maintain the reaction mixture in liquid phase. Thus, the pressure may be from 20 to 100 bar, for example 30 to 70 bar.
The catalyst components are preferably all introduced to the prepolymerization step. However, where the solid catalyst component (i) and the cocatalyst (ii) can be fed separately it is possible that only a part of the cocatalyst is introduced into the prepolymerization stage and the remaining part into subsequent polymerization stages. Also in such cases it is necessary to introduce so much cocatalyst into the prepolymerization stage that a sufficient polymerization reaction is obtained therein. It is possible to add other components also to the prepolymerization stage. Thus, hydrogen may be added into the prepolymerization stage to control the molecular weight of the prepolymer as is known in the art. Further, antistatic additive may be used to prevent the particles from adhering to each other or to the walls of the reactor.
The precise control of the prepolymerization conditions and reaction parameters is within the skill of the art.
According to the invention, the random propylene copolymer (RPP) is obtained by a sequential polymerization process, as described above, in the presence of a catalyst system.
In one embodiment the random propylene copolymer (RPP) is prepared in presence of a Ziegler-Natta catalyst system comprising as component (i) a Ziegler-Natta procatalyst which contains a trans-esterification product of a lower alcohol and a phthalic ester.
The Ziegler-Natta procatalyst can be prepared by
a) reacting a spray crystallized or emulsion solidified adduct of MgCl2 and a C1-C2 alcohol with TiCl4
b) reacting the product of stage a) with a dialkylphthalate of formula (V)
Figure PCTCN2016108088-appb-000003
wherein R1’ and R2’ are independently at least a C5 alkyl under conditions where a transesterification between said C1 to C2 alcohol and said dialkylphthalate of formula (I) takes place to form the internal donor
c) washing the product of stage b) or
d) optionally reacting the product of step c) with additional TiCl4.
The process for the preparation of the Ziegler-Natta procatalyst described for example in the patent applications WO 87/07620, WO 92/19653, WO 92/19658 and EP 0 491 566. The content of these documents is herein included by reference.
First an adduct of MgCl2 and a C1-C2 alcohol of the formula MgCl2*nROH, wherein R is methyl or ethyl and n is 1 to 6, is formed. Ethanol is preferably used as alcohol.
The adduct, which is first melted and then spray crystallized or emulsion solidified, is used as catalyst carrier.
In the next step the spray crystallized or emulsion solidified adduct of the formula MgCl2*nROH, wherein R is methyl or ethyl, preferably ethyl and n is 1 to 6, is contacting with TiCl4 to form a titanized carrier, followed by the steps of
● adding to said titanised carrier
(i) a dialkylphthalate of formula (I) with R1’ and R2’ being independently at least a C5-alkyl, like at least a C8-alkyl,
or preferably
(ii) a dialkylphthalate of formula (I) with R1’ and R2’ being the same and being at least a C5-alkyl, like at least a C8-alkyl,
or more preferably
(iii) a dialkylphthalate of formula (I) selected from the group consisting of propylhexylphthalate (PrHP) , dioctylphthalate (DOP) , di-iso-decylphthalate (DIDP) , and ditridecylphthalate (DTDP) , yet more preferably the dialkylphthalate of formula (I) is a dioctylphthalate (DOP) , like di-iso-octylphthalate or diethylhexylphthalate, in particular diethylhexylphthalate,
to form a first product,
● subjecting said first product to suitable transesterification conditions, i.e. to a temperature above 100 ℃, preferably between 100 to 150 ℃, more preferably between 130 to 150 ℃, such that said methanol or ethanol is transesterified with said ester groups of said dialkylphthalate of formula (I) to form preferably at least 80 mol-％, more preferably 90 mol-％, most preferably 95 mol. -％, of a dialkylphthalate of formula (VI)
Figure PCTCN2016108088-appb-000004
with R1 and R2 being methyl or ethyl, preferably ethyl,the dialkylphthalat of formula (II) being the internal donor and
● recovering said transesterification product as the procatalyst composition (component (i) ) .
The adduct of the formula MgCl2*nROH, wherein R is methyl or ethyl and n is 1 to 6, is in a preferred embodiment melted and then the melt is preferably injected by a gas into a cooled solvent or a cooled gas, whereby the adduct is crystallized into a morphologically advantageous form, as for example described in WO 87/07620.
This crystallized adduct is preferably used as the catalyst carrier and reacted to the Ziegler-Natta procatalyst as described in WO 92/19658 and WO 92/19653.
As the catalyst residue is removed by extracting, an adduct of the titanised carrier and the internal donor is obtained, in which the group deriving from the ester alcohol has changed.
In case sufficient titanium remains on the carrier, it will act as an active element of the Ziegler-Natta procatalyst.
Otherwise the titanization is repeated after the above treatment in order to ensure a sufficient titanium concentration and thus activity.
Preferably the Ziegler-Natta procatalyst contains 2.5 wt. -％of titanium at the most, preferably 2.2％wt. -％at the most and more preferably 2.0 wt. -％at the most. Its donor content is preferably between 4 to 12 wt. -％and more preferably between 6 and 10 wt. -％.
More preferably the Ziegler-Natta procatalyst has been produced by using ethanol as the alcohol and dioctylphthalate (DOP) as dialkylphthalate of formula (V) , yielding diethyl phthalate (DEP) as the internal donor compound.
Still more preferably the catalyst used is the BCF20P catalyst of Borealis (prepared according to WO 92/19653 as disclosed in WO 99/24479； especially with the use of dioctylphthalate as dialkylphthalate of formula (V) according to WO 92/19658) .
For the production of the random propylenencopolymer (RPP) the catalyst system used preferably comprises in addition to the special Ziegler-Natta procatalyst an organometallic cocatalyst as component (ii) . Accordingly, it is preferred to select the cocatalyst from the group consisting of trialkylaluminium, like triethylaluminium (TEAL) , dialkyl aluminium chloride and alkyl aluminium sesquichloride.
For the production of the random propylenencopolymer (RPP) the catalyst system used preferably comprises in addition to the special Ziegler-Natta procatalyst and the organometallic cocatalyst an external donor as component (iii) . Preferably the external donor used is an external donor represented by formula (VIIa) or (VIIb) . Formula (VIIa) is defined by
Si (OCH3) 2R2 5   (VIIa)
wherein R5 represents a branched-alkyl group having 3 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably a branched-alkyl group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms, or a cyclo-alkyl having 4 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably a cyclo-alkyl having 5 to 8 carbon atoms. It is in particular preferred that R5 is selected from the group  consisting of iso-propyl, iso-butyl, iso-pentyl, tert. -butyl, tert. -amyl, neopentyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, methylcyclopentyl and cycloheptyl. Formula (VIIb) is defined by
Si (OCH2CH3) 3 (NRxRy)      (VIIb)
wherein Rx and Ry can be the same or different a represent a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. Rx and Ry are independently selected from the group consisting of linear aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms and cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. It is in particular preferred that Rx and Ry are independently selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, octyl, decanyl, iso-propyl, iso-butyl, iso-pentyl, tert. -butyl, tert. -amyl, neopentyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, methylcyclopentyl and cycloheptyl. More preferably both Rx and Ry are the same, yet more preferably both Rx and Ry are an ethyl group. More preferably the external donor of formula (VIIb) is diethylaminotriethoxysilane. Most preferably the external donor is of formula (VIIa) , like dicyclopentyl dimethoxy silane [Si (OCH3) 2 (cyclo-pentyl) 2] or diisopropyl dimethoxy silane [Si (OCH3) 2 (CH (CH3) 2) 2] .
In a further embodiment, the Ziegler-Natta procatalyst can be modified by polymerising a vinyl compound in the presence of the catalyst system, comprising the special Ziegler-Natta procatalyst (component (i) ) , an external donor (component (iii) and optionally a cocatalyst (component (iii) ) , which vinyl compound has the formula:
CH2＝CH-CHR3R4
wherein R3 and R4 together form a 5-or 6-membered saturated, unsaturated or aromatic ring or independently represent an alkyl group comprising 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and the modified catalyst is used for the preparation of the heterophasic propylene copolymer according to this invention. The polymerized vinyl compound can act as an α-nucleating agent.
Concerning the modification of catalyst reference is made to the international applications WO 99/24478, WO 99/24479 and particularly WO 00/68315, incorporated herein by reference with respect to the reaction conditions concerning the modification of the catalyst as well as with respect to the polymerization reaction.
The Polar Modified Polypropylene (PMP)
The polar modified polypropylene (PMP) is present in the polypropylene composition (C) to achieve an easier and more uniform dispersion of the fibers (FB) in the polymer components which act as a matrix for the fiber (FB) comprised in the polypropylene composition (C) .
The polar modified polypropylene (PMP) is preferably a polypropylene containing polar groups, in particular a propylene homopolymer containing polar groups.
In terms of structure, the polar modified polypropylene (PMP) is preferably selected from graft or block copolymers. Preferably the polar modified polypropylene (PMP) is a graft propylene copolymer comprising propylene in the main chain and polar groups in the side chain. In this context, preference is given to a polar modified polypropylene (PMP) containing polar groups selected from the group consisting of acid anhydrides, carboxylic acids, carboxylic acid derivatives, primary and secondary amines, hydroxyl compounds, oxazoline and epoxides.
Specific examples of the said polar groups are unsaturated cyclic anhydrides and their aliphatic diesters, and the diacid derivatives. In particular, one can use maleic anhydride and compounds selected from C1 to C10 linear and branched dialkyl maleates, C1 to C10 linear and branched dialkyl fumarates, itaconic anhydride, C1 to C10 linear and branched itaconic acid dialkyl esters, maleic acid, fumaric acid, itaconic acid, acrylic acid and esters thereof, methacrylic acid and esters thereof, like glycidyl methacrylate, and mixtures thereof. Preferably the polar groups are selected from the group consisting of maleic anhydride, glycidyl methacrylate and mixtures thereof. In particular, it is preferred that the polar group is maleic anhydride.
Particular preference is given to using a propylene polymer grafted with maleic anhydride as the polar modified polypropylene (PMP) , i.e. the adhesion promotor.
The polar modified polypropylene (PMP) can be produced in a simple manner by reactive extrusion of the polymer, for example with maleic anhydride in the presence of free radical generators (like organic peroxides) , as disclosed for instance in EP 0 572 028. The polar modified polypropylene (PMP) is commercially available
Preferred amounts of groups deriving from polar groups in the polar modified polypropylene (PMP) are from 0.5 to 3.0 wt. -％, preferably from 0.5 to2.5 wt. -％, more preferably from 0.8 to 2.0 wt. -％.
It is appreciated that the melt flow rate MFR2 (190 ℃) for the polar modified polypropylene (PMP) is at least 50 g/10min, preferably at least 80 g/10min, like in the range of 50 to 150 g/10min, preferably in the range of 70 to 140 g/10min, more preferably in the range of 90 to 130 g/10min, even more preferably in the range of 100 to 115 g/10min.
The polar modified polypropylene (PMP) is known in the art and commercially available. A suitable example is SCONA TPPP 8112 GA of BYK Kometra GmbH (Germany) or Bondyam 1010 of Polyram (Israel) .
Fibers (FB)
The fibers (FB) are present in the polypropylene composition (C) to increase the stiffness providing a low coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) .
The fibers (FB) may be selected from the group consisting of glass fiber, mineral fiber, ceramic fiber and graphite fiber.
In one embodiment the fibers (FB) are glass fibers, preferably continuous glass fibers or cut glass fibers, also known as short fibers or chopped strands, the latter being particularly preferred. In other words, in one embodiment the fibers (FB) are cut glass fibers, also known as short fibers or chopped strands.
It is appreciated that the fibers (FB) , more preferably the cut glass fibers have an average length in the range of 0.5 to 10 mm, preferably in the range of 1.0 to 5.0 mm, more preferably in the range of 2.0 to 4.0 mm.
Furthermore, it is appreciated that the fibers (FB) , more preferably the cut glass fibers have an average diameter in the range of 5 to 40 μm, preferably in the range of 5 to 20 μm, more preferably in the range of 7 to 15 μm.
The fibers (FB) are known in the art and commercially available. A suitable example is ECS10-3.0 T438H of Taishan Fiberglass Inc. (China) .
Additives (AD)
The polypropylene composition (C) may comprise additives (AD) . Typical additives are acid scavengers, antioxidants, colorants, light stabilisers, plasticizers, slip agents, anti-scratch agents, dispersing agents, processing aids, lubricants, pigments, and the like. This, includes nucleating agent (NU) and polymeric carrier material (PCM) described in more detail below.
Such additives are commercially available and for example described in “Plastic Additives Handbook” , 6th edition 2009 of Hans Zweifel (pages 1141 to 1190) .
The Polymeric Carrier Material (PCM)
Preferably the polypropylene composition (C) does not comprise further polymer (s) different to the random propylene copolymer (RPP) in an amount exceeding 10 wt. -％, preferably in an amount exceeding 5 wt. -％, more preferably in an amount exceeding 2 wt. -％, even more preferably in an amount exceeding 1.5 wt. ％, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) .
If an additional polymer is present, such a polymer is typically a by-product of the polymerization process for preparing random propylene copolymer (RPP) or a polymeric carrier material (PCM) .
The polymeric carrier material (PCM) is a carrier polymer to ensure a uniform distribution in the polypropylene composition (C) . The polymeric carrier material (PCM) is not limited to a particular polymer. The polymeric carrier material may be an ethylene homopolymer, an ethylene copolymer obtained from ethylene and α-olefin comonomer such as C3 to C8 α-olefin comonomer, a propylene homopolymer and/or a propylene copolymer obtained from propylene and α-olefin comonomer such as ethylene and/or C4 to C8 α-olefin comonomer. If an additional polymer is present, such a polymer is typically a polymeric carrier material (PCM)
Nucleating Agent (NU)
The polypropylene composition (C) , in particular the random propylene copolymer (RPP) may comprise a nucleating agent (NU) , such as an α-nucleating agent. Preferably, the polypropylene composition (C) comprises an α-nucleating agent and is free of β-nucleating agents.
The nucleating agent (NU) is preferably selected from the group consisting of
(i) salts of monocarboxylic acids and polycarboxylic acids, e.g. sodium benzoate or aluminum tert-butylbenzoate, and
(ii) dibenzylidenesorbitol (e.g. 1, 3: 2, 4 dibenzylidenesorbitol) and C1-C8-alkyl-substituted dibenzylidenesorbitol derivatives, such as methyldibenzylidenesorbitol, ethyldibenzylidenesorbitol or dimethyldibenzylidenesorbitol (e.g. 1, 3: 2, 4 di (methylbenzylidene) sorbitol) , or substituted nonitol-derivatives, such as 1, 2, 3-trideoxy-4, 6: 5, 7-bis-O- [ (4-propylphenyl) methylene] -nonitol, and
(iii) salts of diesters of phosphoric acid, e.g. sodium 2, 2'-methylenebis (4, 6-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphate or aluminium-hydroxy-bis [2, 2'-methylene-bis (4, 6-di-t-butylphenyl) phosphate] , and
(iv) vinylcycloalkane polymer or vinylalkane polymer, and
(v) mixtures thereof.
In one embodiment the polypropylene composition (C) nucleating agent (NU) and the nucleating agent (NU) is vinylcycloalkane polymer and/or vinylalkane polymer. Preferably, the nucleating agent (NU) is vinylcycloalkane polymer, like vinylcyclohexane (VCH) polymer. Vinyl cyclohexane (VCH) polymer is particularly preferred as α-nucleating agent. It is appreciated that the amount of vinylcycloalkane, like vinylcyclohexane (VCH) , polymer and/or vinylalkane polymer, more preferably of vinylcyclohexane (VCH) polymer, in the composition is not more than 500 ppm, preferably not more than 200 ppm, more preferably not more than 100 ppm, like in the range of 0.1 to 500 ppm, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 200 ppm, more preferably in the range of 1 to 100 ppm. Furthermore, it is appreciated that the vinylcycloalkane polymer and/or vinylalkane polymer is introduced into the composition by the BNT technology. With regard to the BNT-technology reference is made to the international applications WO 99/24478, WO 99/24479 and particularly WO 00/68315. According to this technology a catalyst system, preferably a Ziegler-Natta procatalyst, can be modified by polymerizing a vinyl compound in the presence of the catalyst system, comprising in particular the  special Ziegler-Natta procatalyst, an external donor and a cocatalyst, which vinyl compound has the formula:
CH2＝CH-CHR3R4
wherein R3 and R4 together form a 5-or 6-membered saturated, unsaturated or aromatic ring or independently represent an alkyl group comprising 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and the modified catalyst is preferably used for the preparation of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) present in the polypropylene composition (C) . The polymerized vinyl compound acts as an α-nucleating agent. The weight ratio of vinyl compound to solid catalyst component in the modification step of the catalyst is preferably of up to 5 (5: 1) , more preferably up to 3 (3: 1) , like in the range of 0.5 (1: 2) to 2 (2: 1) .
Such nucleating agents are commercially available and are described, for example, in "Plastic Additives Handbook" , 5th edition, 2001 of Hans Zweifel (pages 967 to 990) .
Pipe
As indicated above, the term "pipe" is meant to comprise pipes in a broader sense including supplementary parts like pipe fittings, pipe valves, pipe chambers and all parts which are commonly applied for piping systems, in particular piping systems for the transport of pressurised fluids under elevated temperatures. Furthermore, the term "pipe" also includes single or multilayer pipes and single or multilayer supplementary parts like pipe fittings, pipe valves, pipe chambers, and all parts which are commonly necessary for piping systems. Moreover, the term "pipe" also includes structural wall pipes, such as corrugated pipes, double wall pipes with or without hollow sections.
A second aspect is directed at a pipe, in particular at a pipe comprising the polypropylene composition (C) described above.
In one embodiment the present invention is directed at a pipe wherein the pipe comprises at least 60 wt. -％, preferably at least 75 wt. -％, more preferably at least 90 wt. -％, even more preferably at least 95 wt. -％, yet even more preferably at least 99 wt. -％, based on the total weight of the pipe, of the polypropylene composition (C) . In other words, the pipe may consist of the polypropylene composition (C) .
In one embodiment the present invention is directed at a multilayer pipe, wherein at least one layer comprises the polypropylene composition (C) . In this case it is appreciated that the at least one layer comprises at least 60 wt. -％, preferably at least 75 wt. -％, more preferably at least 90 wt. -％, even more preferably at least 95 wt. -％, yet even more preferably at least 99 wt. -％, based on the total weight of the pipe, the polypropylene composition (C) . In other words, the at least one layer of the multilayer pipe may consist of the polypropylene composition (C) .
In a preferred embodiment, the pipe is a multi-layered pipe comprising an inner layer, a middle layer, and an outer layer, wherein the middle layer comprises the polypropylene composition (C) . Both of the inner layer and the out layer comprise the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , described above.
In one embodiment the present invention is directed at a pipe fitting, wherein the pipe fitting comprises the polypropylene composition (C) . In this case it is appreciated that the at least one layer of the fitting comprises at least 60 wt. -％, preferably at least 75 wt. -％, more preferably at least 90 wt. -％, even more preferably at least 95 wt. -％, yet even more preferably at least 99 wt. -％, based on the total weight of the pipe, the polypropylene composition (C) . It is appreciated that the pipe fitting can consist of the polypropylene composition (C) .
Use
As indicated above the polypropylene composition (C) can be applied to increase to lower the coefficient of linear thermal extension (CLTE) while preventing an adverse effect on the impact properties.
A third aspect is directed at the use of the polypropylene composition (C) described above to provide a coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) measured according to ISO 11359 in a temperature range from -30 to +30 ℃ in the range of 10.0 to 60.0 μm/mK.
EXAMPLES
A. Measuring methods
The following definitions of terms and determination methods apply for the above general description of the invention as well as to the below examples unless otherwise defined.
Calculation of comonomer content of the polypropylene (PP2) , i.e. the polymer produced in the second reactor (R2) :
Figure PCTCN2016108088-appb-000005
wherein
w (PP1) is the weight fraction [in wt. -％] of the polypropylene (PP1) , i.e. the polymer produced in the first reactor (R1) ,
w (PP2) is the weight fraction [in wt. -％] of the polypropylene (PP2) , i.e. the polymer produced in the second reactor (R2) ,
C (PP1) is the comonomer content [in mol-％] of the polypropylene (PP1) , i.e. the polymer produced in the first reactor (R1) ,
C (PP12) is the comonomer content [in mol-％] of the polypropylene (PP1) and the polypropylene (PP2) , i.e. polymer produced in the first and the second reactor (R1 +R2) ,
C (PP2) is the calculated comonomer content [in mol-％] of the polypropylene (PP2) , i.e. the polymer produced in the second reactor (R2) .
Calculation of comonomer content of the the polypropylene (PP3) , i.e. the polymer produced in the third reactor (R3) :
Figure PCTCN2016108088-appb-000006
wherein
w (PP12) is the weight fraction [in wt. -％] of the polypropylene (PP1) and the polypropylene (PP2) , i.e. the polymer produced in the first and the second reactor (R1 + R2) ,
w (PP3) is the weight fraction [in wt. -％] of the polypropylene (PP3) , i.e. the polymer produced in the third reactor (R3) ,
C (PP12) is the comonomer content [in mol-％] of the polypropylene (PP1) and the polypropylene (PP2) , i.e. the polymer produced in the first and the second reactor (R1 + R2) ,
C (PP123) is the comonomer content [in mol-％] of the polypropylene (PP1) , the polypropylene (PP2) , and the polypropylene (PP3) i.e. polymer produced in the first, the second and the third reactor (R1 + R2 + R3) ,
C (PP3) is the calculated comonomer content [in mol-％] of the polypropylene (PP3) , i.e. the polymer produced in the third reactor (R3) .
Calculation of the xylene cold soluble (XCS) content the polypropylene (PP2) , i.e. the polymer produced in the second reactor (R2) :
Figure PCTCN2016108088-appb-000007
wherein
w (PP1) is the weight fraction [in wt. -％] of the polypropylene (PP1) , i.e. the polymer produced in the first reactor (R1) ,
w (PP2) is the weight fraction [in wt. -％] of the polypropylene (PP2) , i.e. the polymer produced in the second reactor (R2) 
XS (PP1) is the xylene cold soluble (XCS) content [in wt. -％] of the polypropylene (PP1) , i.e. the polymer produced in the first reactor (R1) ,
XS (PP12) is the xylene cold soluble (XCS) content [in wt. -％] of the polypropylene (PP1) and the polypropylene (PP2) , i.e. polymer produced in the first and second reactor (R1+R2) ,
XS (PP2) is the calculated xylene cold soluble (XCS) content [in wt. -％] of the polypropylene (PP2) , i.e. the polymer produced in the second reactor (R2) .
Calculation of the xylene cold soluble (XCS) content of the polypropylene (PP3) , i.e. the polymer produced in the third reactor (R3) :
Figure PCTCN2016108088-appb-000008
wherein
w (PP12) is the weight fraction [in wt. -％] of the polypropylene (PP1) and the polypropylene (PP2) , i.e. the polymer produced in the first reactor and the second reactor (R1+R2) ,
w (PP3) is the weight fraction [in wt. -％] of the polypropylene (PP3) , i.e. the polymer produced in the third reactor (R3) 
XS (PP12) is the xylene cold soluble (XCS) content [in wt. -％] of the polypropylene (PP1) and the polypropylene (PP2) , i.e. the polymer produced in the first reactor and the second (R1+R2) ,
XS (PP123) is the xylene cold soluble (XCS) content [in wt. -％] of the polypropylene (PP1) , the polypropylene (PP2) and the polypropylene (PP3) , i.e. polymer produced in the first, the second reactor and the third reactor (R1 + R2 + R3) ,
XS (PP3) is the calculated xylene cold soluble (XCS) content [in wt. -％] of the polypropylene (PP3) , i.e. the polymer produced in the third reactor (R3) .
Calculation of melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) of the polypropylene (PP2) , i.e. the polymer produced in the second reactor (R2) :
Figure PCTCN2016108088-appb-000009
wherein
w (PP1) is the weight fraction [in wt. -％] of the polypropylene (PP1) , i.e. the polymer produced in the first reactor (R1) ,
w (PP2) is the weight fraction [in wt. -％] of the polypropylene (PP2) , i.e. the polymer produced in the second reactor (R2) ,
MFR (PP1) is the melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) [in g/10min] of the polypropylene (PP1) , i.e. the polymer produced in the first reactor (R1) ,
MFR (PP12) is the melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) [in g/10min] of the polypropylene (PP1) and the polypropylene (PP2) , i.e. the polymer produced in the first and the second reactor (R1 + R2) ,
MFR (PP2) is the calculated melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) [in g/10min] of the second propylene copolymer fraction, i.e. the polymer produced in the second reactor (R2) .
Calculation of melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) of the polypropylene (PP3) , i.e. the polymer produced in the third reactor (R3) :
Figure PCTCN2016108088-appb-000010
wherein
w (PP12) is the weight fraction [in wt. -％] of the polypropylene (PP1) and the polypropylene (PP2) , i.e. the polymer produced in the first and second reactor (R1+R2) ,
w (PP3) is the weight fraction [in wt. -％] of the polypropylene (PP3) , i.e. the polymer produced in the third reactor (R3) ,
MFR (PP12) is the melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) [in g/10min] of the polypropylene (PP1) and the polypropylene (PP2) , i.e. the polymer produced in the first and second reactor (R1+R2) ,
MFR (PP123) is the melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) [in g/10min] of the polypropylene (PP1) , the polypropylene (PP2) and the polypropylene (PP3) , i.e. the polymer produced in the first, the second and the third reactor (R1 + R2 + R3) ,
MFR (PP3) is the calculated melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) [in g/10min] of the polypropylene (PP3) , i.e. the polymer produced in the third reactor (R3) .
Quantification of Copolymer Microstructure and Comonomer Content by NMR Spectroscopy Quantitative nuclear-magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to quantify the comonomer content of the polymers.
Quantitative 13C {1H} NMR spectra were recorded in the solution-state using a Bruker Advance III 400 NMR spectrometer operating at 400.15 and 100.62 MHz for 1H and 13C respectively. All spectra were recorded using a 13C optimised 10 mm extended temperature probehead at 125 ℃ using nitrogen gas for all pneumatics. Approximately 200 mg of material was dissolved in 3 ml of 1, 2-tetrachloroethane-d2 (TCE-d2) along with chromium- (III) -acetylacetonate (Cr (acac) 3) resulting in a 65 mM solution of relaxation agent in solvent as described in G. Singh, A. Kothari, V. Gupta, Polymer Testing 2009, 28 (5) , 475.
To ensure a homogenous solution, after initial sample preparation in a heat block, the NMR tube was further heated in a rotatory oven for at least 1 hour. Upon insertion into the magnet the tube was spun at 10 Hz. This setup was chosen primarily for the high resolution and quantitatively needed for accurate ethylene content quantification. Standard single-pulse excitation was employed without NOE, using an optimised tip angle, 1 s recycle delay and a bi-level WALTZ16 decoupling scheme as described in Z. Zhou, R. Kuemmerle, X. Qiu, D. Redwine, R. Cong, A. Taha, D. Baugh, B. Winniford, J. Mag. Reson. 187 (2007) 225 and V. Busico, P. Carbonniere, R. Cipullo, C. Pellecchia, J. Severn, G. Talarico, Macromol. Rapid Commun. 2007, 28, 1128. A total of 6144 (6k) transients were acquired per spectra. Quantitative 13C {1H} NMR spectra were processed, integrated and relevant quantitative properties determined from the integrals. All chemical shifts were indirectly referenced to the central methylene group of the ethylene block (EEE) at 30.00 ppm using the chemical shift of the solvent. This approach allowed comparable referencing even when this structural unit was not present. With characteristic signals corresponding to 2, 1 erythro regio defects observed (as described in L. Resconi, L. Cavallo, A. Fait, F. Piemontesi, Chem. Rev. 2000, 100 (4) , 1253, in Cheng, H.N., Macromolecules 1984, 17, 1950, and in W-J. Wang and S. Zhu, Macromolecules 2000, 33 1157) the correction for the influence of the regio defects on determined properties was required. Characteristic signals corresponding to other types of regio defects were not observed.
Characteristic signals corresponding to the incorporation of ethylene were observed (as described in Cheng, H.N., Macromolecules 1984, 17, 1950) and the comonomer fraction calculated as the fraction of ethylene in the polymer with respect to all monomer in the polymer.
The comonomer fraction was quantified using the method of W-J. Wang and S. Zhu, Macromolecules 2000, 33 1157, through integration of multiple signals across the whole spectral region in the 13C {1H}  spectra. This method was chosen for its robust nature and ability to account for the presence of regio-defects when needed. Integral regions were slightly adjusted to increase applicability across the whole range of encountered comonomer contents.
The mole percent comonomer incorporation was calculated from the mole fraction.
The weight percent comonomer incorporation was calculated from the weight fraction.
Shear Thinning Indexes (SHI) , which are correlating with MWD and are independent of Mw, were calculated according to Heino 1, 2) (below) . SHI is calculated by dividing the Zero Shear Viscosity by a complex viscosity value, obtained at a certain constant shear stress value, G*. The abbreviation, SHI (0/50) , is the ratio between the zero shear viscosity and the viscosity at the shear stress of 50 000 Pa. 
1) Rheological characterization of polyethylene fractions. Heino, E.L.； Lehtinen, A； Tanner, J.； 
Figure PCTCN2016108088-appb-000011
J. Neste Oy, Porvoo, Finland. Theor. Appl. Rheol., Proc. Int. Congr. Rheol., 11th (1992) , 1360-362
2) The influence of molecular structure on some rheological properties of polyethylene. Heino, Eeva-Leena. Borealis Polymers Oy, Porvoo, Finland. Annual Transactions of the Nordic Rheology Society, 1995
Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion (CLTE) is determined according to 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 -30 to +30℃ at a heating rate of 1 ℃/min.
The Heat Deformation Temperature (HDT) is determined according to ISO 75-2 Method A (load 1.80 MPa surface stress) using a Ceast 6921 of
Figure PCTCN2016108088-appb-000012
GmbH, Germany.
The Vicat Softening Temperature (Vicat A50) is determined according to ISO 306 (A50) at a load of 10 N and a heating rate of 50K/h, using a Ceast 6921 of
Figure PCTCN2016108088-appb-000013
GmbH, Germany. The Viact B is the temperature at which the specimen is penetrated to a depth of 1 mm by a flat-ended needle with a 1 mm2 circular or square cross-section, under a 1000 gm load.
Tensile Modulus and Tensile Strength were measured according to ISO 527-2 (cross head speed ＝50 mm/min； 23 ℃) using injection molded specimens as described in EN ISO 1873-2 (dog bone shape, 4 mm thickness) .
Flexural modulus is measured according to ISO178.
Charpy Notched Impact Strength (CNIS) is measured according to ISO 179-1/1eA /DIN 53453 at 23 ℃, 0℃ and -20 ℃, using injection molded bar test specimens of 80x10x4 mm3mm3 prepared in accordance with ISO 294-1: 1996.
The Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) is determined by dynamic mechanical analysis according to ISO 6721-7. The measurements are done in torsion mode on compression moulded samples (40x10x1 mm3) between -100 ℃ and +150 ℃ with a heating rate of 2 ℃/min and a frequency of 1 Hz.
Melt Flow Rate MFR2 (230 ℃) is measured according to ISO 1133 (230 ℃, 2.16 kg load) .
Xylene Cold Soluble (XCS) fraction is determined at 23 ℃ according to ISO 6427.
Melting Temperature (Tm) and Crystallization Temperature (Tc) , is measured with Mettler TA820 differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) on 5-10 mg samples. Both crystallization and melting curves were obtained during 10 ℃/min cooling and heating scans between 30 ℃ and 225 ℃. Melting and crystallization temperatures were taken as the peaks of endotherms and exotherms.
Melt Enthalpy and Crystallization Enthalpy (Hm and Hc) were measured by the DSC method according to ISO 11357-1.
Median particle size d50 (Sedimentation) is calculated from the particle size distribution [wt. -％] as determined by gravitational liquid sedimentation according to ISO 13317-3 (Sedigraph) .
Cutoff particle size d95 (Sedimentation) is calculated from the particle size distribution [mass percent] as determined by gravitational liquid sedimentation according to ISO 13317-3 (Sedigraph) . BET surface area is determined with N2 gas according to DIN 66131/2, apparatus Micromeritics Tristar 3000: sample preparation at a temperature of 50 ℃, 6 hours in vacuum.
2. Examples
The random propylene copolymer (RPP) was produced in a Borstar pilot plant with one slurry loop reactor (SL) and two gas phase reactors (GPR1 and GPR2) . The polypropylene (PP1) was produced in the slurry loop reactor (SL) , the polypropylene (PP2) was produced in the first gas phase reactor (GPR1) and the polypropylene (PP3) was produced in the second gas phase reactor (GPR2) . The catalyst used was the commercially available BCF20P catalyst of Borealis (Borealis AG with triethylaluminium (TEAL) as cocatalyst and dicyclo pentyl dimethoxy silane (DPDS) as donor compound. Before the polymerization, the catalyst was prepolymerized with vinyl cyclohexane in an amount to achieve a concentration of 200 ppm poly (vinyl cyclohexane) (PVCH) in the final polymer. The respective process is described in EP1028984 and EP1183307.
The preparation of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) is summarized in Table 1a. The properties of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) are summarized in Table 1b
Table 1a: Polymerization conditions of random propylene copolymer (RPP)
Figure PCTCN2016108088-appb-000014
wt. -％             Based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP)
#wt. -％            Based on the weight of the product obtained in the loop reactor (LR)
##wt. -％          Based on the weight of the product obtained in the 1st gas phase reactor (GPR1)
###wt. -％         Based on the weight of the product obtained in the 2nd gas phase reactor (GPR2)
DPDS                Dicyclo pentyl dimethoxy silane
TEAL                Triethylaluminium
TEAL/DPDS            Molar ratio of TEAL to DPDS in the catalyst
Al/Ti               Molar ratio of Aluminum to Titanium in the catalyst
TEMP                Temperature
PRES                Pressure
MFR                 Melt flow rate MFR2 at 230 ℃
XCS                 Xylene cold soluble fraction
C2                  Molar amount of ethylene
Table 1b: Properties of the random propylene copolymer (RPP)
    RPP
XCS [wt. -％] 8.5
MFR [g/10min] 0.27
C2 [mol％] 6.3
FM [MPa] 880
SHI [％] 8
CNIS (23) [kJ/m2] 55
CNIS (0) [kJ/m2] 7.0
Tc [℃] 116.0
wt. -％                Based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP)
XCS                    Xylene Cold Soluble (XCS) fraction
MFR                    Melt Flow Rate MFR2 at 230 ℃
C2                     Ethylene Content
FM                     Felxural Modulus
SHI                    Shear Thinning Index
CNIS (23)              Charpy Notched Impact Strength at 23 ℃
CNIS (0)               Charpy Notched Impact Strength at 0 ℃
Tc                     Crystallization Temperature Tc
The inventive examples IE1, IE2 and IE3 and the comparative examples CE1, CE2 and CE3 are based on the polypropylene compositions according to Table 2.
Table 2: Recipes of the polypropylene compositions
    IE1 IE2 IE3 CE1 CE2 CE3
RPP [wt. -％] # 71.35 66.35 61.35 100.0    
BPP [wt. -％] #         66.35 100.0
FB [wt. -％] # 25.0 30 35   30.0  
PMP [wt. -％] # 1.5 1.5 1.5   1.5  
#rest to 100 wt. -％are additives (AD) including polypropylene as polymeric carrier material, magnesium oxide, the commercial antioxidants dioctadecyl 3, 3'-thiodipropionate ( "Irganox 802 FL" of BASF Germany) and Di-stearyl-thio-di-propionate ( “Irganox PS-802 FL” of BASF, Germany) , and 1, 3, 5-Tris (3’ , 5’ -di-tert. butyl-4’ -hydroxybenzyl) -isocyanurate ( “Irganox 3114” of BASF, Germany) , and Tris (2, 4-di-t-butylphenyl) phosphite ( “Irgafos 168” of BASF, Germany) .
RPP   BNT nucleated random propylene copolymer described above.
BPP   Commercial propylene block copolymer "
Figure PCTCN2016108088-appb-000015
BA212E" of Borealis AG.
PMP  Commercial graft copolymer of polypropylene (functionalized and grafted with maleic anhydride) “TPPP8112” of BYK Co. Ltd, Germany, having a MFR2 (190 ℃) of 100 g/10min and a maleic anhydride content of 1.4 ％；
FB   Commercial glass fibers “ECS10 3.0-T438H” of Taishan Fiberglass Inc. (China) , having a fiber diameter of 10 μm and a fiber length of 3.0 mm
The polypropylene composition IE1, IE2, IE3, CE1, CE2 and CE3 are prepared through melt blending by using a twin screw extruder. The random propylene copolymer (RPP) in case of compositions IE1, IE2, IE3 and CE1 and the propylene block copolymer (BPP) in case of compositions CE2 and CE3 are provided into the main feeder F1, the glass fibers (FB) are provided into the first side feeder (F2) , and the additives (AD) , premixed with polypropylene as polymeric carrier material (PCM) , are provided into the second side feeder (F3) . The feed materials are heated and homogenously mixed at a temperature in the range of 190 ℃ to 280 ℃ and finally extruded as pellets.
The conditions for the preparation of the polypropylene composition IE1, IE2, IE3, CE1, CE2 and CE3 are summarized in Table 3
Table 3: Conditions of the extruder for the preparation of the polypropylene compositions IE1, IE 2 and IE3
    IE1 IE2 IE3
Feeder   RT RT RT
Zone 2 [℃] 190 195 195
Zone 3 [℃] 220 225 225
Zone 4 [℃] 220 225 230
Zone 5 [℃] 220 225 230
Zone 6 [℃] 225 230 235
Zone 7 [℃] 230 235 240
Zone 8 [℃] 230 235 240
Zone 9 [℃] 235 240 245
Zone 10 [℃] 235 240 245
Zone 11 [℃] 225 230 235
Die [℃] 220 225 230
Melt temperature [℃] 220 225 230
Throughput [kg/h] 60 60 60
Screw speed [rpm] 580 580 580
Torque [％] 60 65 65
Vacuum [MPa] -0.7 -0.7 -0.7
The properties of the polypropylene compositions are summarized in Table 4
Table 4: Properties of the polypropylene compositions
    IE1 IE2 IE3 CE1 CE2 CE3
MFR [g/10min] 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.6
TM [MPa] 4140 4770 5540 903 5940 1690
FM [MPa] 4330 5020 5830 955 6090 1780
CNIS (23) [kJ/m2] 22.2 21.1 21.3 43.5 22.2 51.2
VICAT [℃] 145.7 145.6 146.2   145.4  
HDT [℃] 115.1 114.7 114.4   141.2  
CLTE [μm/mK] 38.10 36.73 39.29 89.18 33.6 72.73
Tc [℃] 117.5 116.8 117.9 116.5 129.3 129.0
Hc [J/g] 50.47 46.04 43.57 68.21 62.53 88.61
Tm [℃] 149.0 149.6 149.5 148.1 167.2 167.8
Hm [J/g] 47.09 45.95 40.48 59.94 59.11 87.46
MFR                 Melt Flow Rate
TM                  Tensile Modulus
FM                  Felxural Modulus
CNIS (23)           Charpy Notched Impact Strength at 23 ℃
VICAT               Vicat A50 Softening Temperature
HDT                 Heat Deformation Temperature
CLTE                Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion
Tc                  Crystallization Temperature
Hc                  Crystallization Enthalpy
Tm                  Melt Temperature
Hm                  Melt Enthalpy
As shown in Table 4, CLTE of IE1-3 is greatly reduced compared with CE1 and CE3 without glass fiber.
In addition, as compared with CE2 (comprising a propylene block copolymer and glass fiber) , the IEs obtain a comparable impact property to the glass fiber-reinforced block coPP, and simultaneously, a comparable stiffness and strength. Further, as a material for a middle layer of a multilayer pipe, the PPR material is more compatible with PPR base resin of inner and outer layer in multilayer pipe structure due to the similar base polymer structure.

Claims (17)

  1. Polypropylene composition (C) comprising:
    (i) 48 to 76 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) , of a random propylene copolymer (RPP) with amelt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.01 to 2.0 g/10min； and
    (ii) 23 to 50 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) , of a fibre (FB) ； and
    (iii) 0.1 to 10 wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene composition (C) , of a modified polypropylene (PMP) ；
    wherein
    (a) the random propylene copolymer (RPP) comprisespolypropylene (PP1) , polypropylene (PP2) and polypropylene (PP3) ；
    (b) the polypropylene (PP1) has a melt flow rate MFR2 (230 ℃) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.1 to 3.0g/10min；
    (c) the polypropylene (PP3) has a lowermelt flow ratecompared to the polypropylene (PP2) and the polypropylene (PP2) has a lower melt flow ratecompared to the polypropylene (PP1) .
  2. Polypropylene composition (C) according to claim 1, wherein the random propylene copolymer (RPP) comprises
    (i) 20 to 60 wt. -％, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , of the polypropylene (PP1) ；
    (ii) 30 to 70 wt. -％, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , of the polypropylene (PP2) ； and
    (iii) 1 to 20 wt. -％, based on the weight of the random propylene copolymer (RPP) , of the polypropylene (PP3) .
  3. Polypropylene composition (C) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the random propylene copolymer (RPP) fulfils in-equation (I) :
    Cx [HPP3] /Cx [HPP1] > 1 (I)
    wherein
    HLZ：TP
    Cx [HPP3] is the amount in mol-％ of C2 and/or C4 to C12 α-olefin derived comonomer units in the polypropylene (PP3)
    Cx [HPP1] is the amount in mol-％ of C2 and/or C4 to C12 α-olefin derived comonomer units in the polypropylene (PP1)
  4. Polypropylene composition (C) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the random propylene copolymer (RPP) fulfils in-equation (II) :
    Cx [HPP2] /Cx [HPP1] > 1 (II)
    wherein
    Cx [HPP2] is the amount in mol-％ of C2 and/or C4 to C12 α-olefin derived comonomer units in the polypropylene (PP2)
    Cx [HPP1] is the amount in mol-％ of C2 and/or C4 to C12 α-olefin derived comonomer units in the polypropylene (PP1) .
  5. Polypropylene composition (C) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein
    (i) the polypropylene (PP1) has a lower amount in mol-％ of C2 and/or C4 to C12 α-olefin derived comonomer units than the polypropylene (PP2； ) and
    (ii) the polypropylene (PP2) has a lower amount in mol-％ of C2 and/or C4 to C12 α-olefin derived comonomer units than the polypropylene (PP3) .
  6. Polypropylene composition (C) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein
    (i) the polypropylene (PP1) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 0.5 to 10.0 mol％；
    (ii) the polypropylene (PP2) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 1.0 to 15.0 mol％； and
    (iii) the polypropylene (PP3) comprises comonomer units in an amount in the range of 16.0 to 40.0 mol％.
  7. Polypropylene composition (C) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the random propylene copolymer (RPP) fulfils in-equation (III)
    XCS [HPP3] /XCS [HPP1] > 1 (III)
    wherein
    XCS [HPP3] is the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction of the polypropylene (PP3) in wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP3)
    XCS [HPP1] is the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction of the polypropylene (PP1) in wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP1)
  8. Polypropylene composition (C) according to any one of the precedingclaims, wherein the random propylene copolymer (RPP) fulfils in-equation (IV) :
    XCS [HPP2] /XCS [HPP1] >1.0 (IV)
    wherein
    XCS [HPP2] is the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction of the polypropylene (PP2) in wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP2)
    XCS [HPP1] is the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction of the polypropylene (PP1) in wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP1)
  9. Polypropylene composition (C) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein
    (i) the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction of the polypropylene (PP1) in wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP1) is lower than the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction of the polypropylene (PP2) in wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP2) ； and
    (ii) the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction of the polypropylene (PP2) in wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP2) is lower than the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction of the polypropylene (PP3) in wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP3) .
  10. Polypropylene composition (C) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein
    (i) the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction of the polypropylene (PP1) in wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP1) is in the range of 0.5 to 10.0 wt. -％
    (ii) the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction of the polypropylene (PP2) in wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP2) is in the range of 1.0 to 20.0 wt. -％
    (iii) the amount of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction of the polypropylene (PP3) in wt. -％, based on the weight of the polypropylene (PP3) is in the range of 25.0 to 60.0 wt. -％.
  11. Polypropylene composition (C) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the random propylene copolymer (RPP) has a shear thinning index SHI (0/50) measured according to ISO 6271-10 (200℃) of at least 6.
  12. Polypropylene composition (C) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the random propylene copolymer (RPP) is nucleated, preferably α-nucleated.
  13. Polypropylene composition (C) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the random propylene copolymer (RPP) has a crystallisation temperature (Tc) measured according to ISO 11357-3 in the range of 100 to 130.
  14. Pipe comprising the polypropylene composition (C) according to any one of the previous claims 1 to 13.
  15. The pipe according to claim 14, wherein the pipe is a multi-layered pipe comprising a middle layer comprising the polypropylene composition (C) according to any one of the previous claims 1 to 13.
  16. The pipe according to claim 15, wherein the multi-layered pipe is a three-layered pipe comprising an inner layer, a middle and anouter layer, wherein both of the inner layer and the outer layer comprise the random propylene copolymer (RPP) with a melt flow rate MFR2 (230℃) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.01 to 2.0 g/10minof the polypropylene composition (C) according to any one of the previous claims 1 to 13.
  17. Use of the polypropylene composition (C) according to any one of the previous claims 1 to 13 in a pipe to provide a coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) measured according to ISO 11359 in a temperature range from -30 to +30℃ in the range of 10.0 to 60.0 μm/mK.
PCT/CN2016/108088 2016-11-30 2016-11-30 Polypropylene composition (c) with low coefficient of thermal expansion (clte) WO2018098711A1 (en)

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