Thermoplastic molding materials with improved property profiles, their production processes and uses, and propylene and polypropylene-based polymers.

Abstract

Thermoplastic molding materials with improved property profile. The present invention relates to thermoplastic molding materials comprising styrene block copolymers and propylene-based copolymers, wherein the SBC polymers comprise a styrene content of 5 to 40% by weight and the main chain of the propylene copolymers has a weight average molecular weight Mw < 10,000 g / mol. The thermoplastic molding materials are suitable for granule fixation due to their melt viscosity and mechanical properties.

Description

1 / 45 Thermoplastic molding materials with improved property profiles, their production processes and uses, and propylene and polypropylene-based polymers. Field

[001] The present invention relates to thermoplastic molding materials with improved mechanical properties for use in, or as a sprayable, structure-forming hot melt adhesive, comprising styrene block copolymers (SBCs) and propylene-based polymers, optionally grafted with carboxylic anhydrides or styrene.

[002] The thermoplastic molding material according to the invention and the melt adhesive based thereon is suitable for the adhesive bonding of substrates to each other or for fixing powder or granules to substrates of any kind, wherein the melt adhesives may contain, in addition to the thermoplastic molding materials according to the invention, thickeners, plasticizers, organic or inorganic pigments, fillers, flame retardants, stabilizers, antistatic agents, antioxidants and light stabilizers. Background

[003] Melt-in-place adhesives are thermoplastic compositions that are solid at room temperature. When heated, they are converted to a molten or liquid state, i.e., the melt-in-place adhesive is opened, and the melt-in-place adhesive can be applied to a substrate. When a second substrate is applied to the melt-in-place adhesive before it has cooled to a solid state, an adhesive bond linking the two substrates can be formed. The melt-in-place adhesive has an optimized open time for its intended use and achieves a strong adhesive bond. Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, page 5 / 116 2 / 45 permanent of the adhesives. Melt-in-place adhesives typically contain a cohesive base polymer, an adhesive thickener, and optionally waxes, plasticizers (oils), and other additives. Their function is described in US 5,026,756.

[004] Cohesive base polymers used are polymers such as, for example, natural and synthetic rubbers, polyacrylates, polyisobutylenes, polyolefin(s), polyesters, polychloroprenes, polyvinyl ethers, polyurethanes, styrene block copolymers (SBCs) comprising styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS), styrene-isoprene-butadiene-styrene (SIBS), styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene (SEBS), styrene-ethylene-propylene (SEP) or styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene (SEPS) block copolymers. These base polymers are generally responsible for the cohesive effect of the adhesive system.

[005] The adhesive effect of melt adhesives is determined primarily by the thickener, which is often or contains a resin. These resins are, for example, low molecular weight products from the C5- or C9 crude oil processing stream, often contain aromatics, and usually have a glass transition temperature above room temperature.

[006] Thus the mixing of resins in melt adhesive formulations increases the glass transition temperature of the formulations and such melt adhesives therefore suffer from reduced low temperature flexibility and the temperature range in which the melt adhesive can be used is limited.

[007] Also used as resins are polyterpene resins, natural or modified rosin resins, in particular resin esters, glycerol esters of wood resins, phenol-modified pentaerythritol esters and modified terpene resins Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, page 6 / 116 3 / 45 with phenol. These types of resin contain substances that are an irritant health concern, such as abietic acid, and can cause allergies; as a result, they are questionable for applications in the hygiene sector, for food packaging, and in the medical sector.

[008] Resins typically exhibit a density of more than 1 g / cm3 in some cases. The use of such resins in melt-bonded adhesive formulations therefore results in an increase in density, particularly in formulations comprising polyolefin as the cohesive base polymer. This means that in a constant application volume more melt-bonded adhesive by weight is required which is both a negative cost factor and results in a higher weight of the adhesively bonded substrates.

[009] The plasticizer in the melt adhesive formulation reduces the viscosity of the adhesive composition and thus improves processability and ease of application. Melt adhesives, particularly those based on SBC, generally contain mineral oils as plasticizers, in some cases in considerable quantities.

[0010] Mineral oils are crude and passim-based and contain paraffinic, naphthenic, aromatic, and polycyclic compounds as well as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to increased indoor air pollution. These compounds, also called mineral oil-based saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) and mineral oil-based aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH), are classified as toxicologically harmful due to their tendency to accumulate in human tissue. Mineral oils are generally poorly integrated into melt-bonded adhesive formulations and thus exhibit a tendency to migrate. Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, page 7 / 116 4 / 45 enlarged.

[0011] Fused mass adhesives have a multitude of possible uses. They are employed in particular for adhesive bonds that are permanent. Because of the fusion process, fused mass adhesives can avoid solvents.

[0012] Since many melt-blown adhesives are frequently used in direct contact with the human body or are used in everyday articles, it is advantageous when melt-blown adhesives contain the lowest possible mineral oil and resin proportions, so that they exhibit better environmental durability and lower toxicity and are produced in a sustainable manner.

[0013] The processing of melt adhesives, in particular application to the relevant substrates, can be carried out via various methods, for example, by spraying, extrusion application, application by means of a roller, a counter or a groove die. In order to be optionally suitable for the wide variety of application methods, the melt adhesive must have rheological properties appropriate to the application method.

[0014] In spray application of fused mass adhesive technology, it is a commonly used application technique. In rotary spraying, a filament of fused mass exits the spray nozzle, is optionally extended by an air current without tearing, and is then applied to the substrate in a spiral pattern. Application temperatures are 150°C to 250°C depending on the material. Conventional fused mass adhesive formulations based on SBCs but also polyolefins are difficult to spray at temperatures above 160°C. Poor spray patterns result and severely limit the field of use. Higher application temperatures result in increased energy consumption and aging. Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, page 8 / 116 5 / 45 premature adhesive removal resulting in mechanical damage.

[0015] EP 3 271 436 (Henkel) discloses a sprayable fused mass adhesive based on polyolefin and absorbent articles containing the adhesive. The sprayable fused mass adhesive based on polyolefin is particularly suitable for spraying at low application temperatures. Sprayable fused mass adhesives at a low application temperature allow for thin adhesive bonding to heat-sensitive substrates. This document does not discuss the mechanical properties of the fused mass adhesive.

[0016] Sprayable melt adhesive compositions are primarily in the low viscosity range, so they can be applied using this application technique. The low melt viscosity of a sprayable melt adhesive is typically associated with inadequate mechanical properties that negatively affect the cohesive properties of the material. These include particular properties such as elongation at break, strength restoration, and material resistance. Substrates of this type, adhesively bonded by spray applications, usually only withstand low mechanical stresses. They are optimized to ensure effective and more homogeneous material coating of the substrate to be adhesively bonded. The adhesive bonding of the substrates is the priority here, while, conversely, the cohesive polymer is intended to ensure sufficient stability to prevent the adhesive bond per se from becoming brittle.The elasticity of the adhesive bond plays only a secondary role here. Although melt adhesives with a higher melt viscosity can be sprayed by increasing the application temperature, such an increase in temperature results in high energy consumption and... Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, p. 9 / 116 6 / 45 may lead to undesirable thermally induced degradation of the components used.

[0017] The possibility of formulating melt-bonded adhesives based on polyolefins with SBC components is known from the prior art.

[0018] The polymer compositions described in WO 2006 / 020309 (Exxon) include at least one component that is a polymer derived from polymer units and at least one component that is a styrene block copolymer. The polymer compositions exhibit processing properties that are suitable for a multitude of applications such as, for example, films, fibers, fabrics and nonwovens, plates, moldings, extruded parts, thermoformed objects, etc. However, no spray application is described since the claimed systems exhibit melt viscosities that are too high for that application technique.

[0019] EP 3 453 408 (Fuller) refers to a melt adhesive composition comprising a first polymer that is propylene-based and has a Mw of not more than about 75,000 and a polydispersity index of less than about 5 and a second polymer that is a hydrogenated styrene block copolymer with a styrene content of not more than about 20%, and a melt flow rate when tested according to ASTM 1238 (230°C, 5 kg) of not more than about 25 g / 10 min, wherein the adhesive composition contains between 10% by weight and 18% by weight of plasticizer. Propylene-based polymers with a weight average molecular weight below 10,000 g / mol are not explicitly disclosed.

[0020] The effective formulation of melt-blown adhesives could be as challenging as the polymers used in the formulation. Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, p. 10 / 116 7 / 45 of melt-blown adhesives – especially those where the amount of thickeners and plasticizers is reduced – are only partly due to incompatibility issues between the different polymers. The components are miscible to a high degree, but the miscibility achieved is not good enough to produce completely homogeneous mixtures.

[0021] P. Galli, T. Simonazzi, D. Del Duca; Acta Polim. 39 (1988) explain that most polymers are not mixable with each other due to their low entropy of mixtures. The mechanical properties of a combination or formulation are not only a function of its composition, they also depend on the degree of dispersion, the phase form and the interactions of the combining phases among themselves. By controlling the morphology it is possible to control the combining characteristics.

[0022] There have been several state-of-the-art efforts to improve the compatibility of different polymers, such as polyolefin and polystyrene, by using various compatibilizers.

[0023] Grafted polymers were also considered as compatibilizers.

[0024] RM Ho, AC Su, CH Wu; Polymer 34 (1993) 3264 provides a comprehensive overview of the possibility of modifying polypropylene by grafting reactions. The disadvantage of all the syntheses described is the non-uniformity of the resulting graft copolymers and the formation of non-grafted fractions, which makes the characterization of their molecular structures and the representation of uniform properties difficult.

[0025] Therefore, miscibility problems were addressed with available solutions, such as block copolymers, which were applied to decompose compatibility issues. SBC block copolymers, which combine the properties of Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, page 11 / 116 8 / 45 polymers, such as PS and PP / PE, are more specific and reliable in producing the preferred solution, so they were the preferred solution for compatibility-related issues.

[0026] Other compatibilizing routes have not been intensively pursued in the prior art as there has been no need to improve the miscibility and therefore the mechanical properties of combined polymer mixtures.

[0027] The problem of compatibility between SBCs and propylene-based polymers has not been considered in depth until now, as highly miscible combinations of these components can be provided.

[0028] Only a few examples of compatibility concepts based on grafted polymers have been applied to melt adhesives in the state of the art.

[0029] The invention of US 5,461,111 (Shell) provides a rigid thermoplastic composition comprising about 60-95% by weight of the polymer components of a graft copolymer comprising about 10-65% by weight of the graft copolymer of a styrene polymer grafted onto a propylene backbone material, and about 40-5% by weight of the polymer components of a rubber component comprising (1) about 20-100% by weight of the rubber component of a selectively hydrogenated block copolymer having styrene domains and about 80-0% by weight of the rubber component of an olefin copolymer rubber, for example, EPM (ethylene-propylene monomer rubber). The rigid composition of significantly improved strength and melt viscosity and presumably does not exhibit low viscosity and sprayability. The mechanical properties of the rigid thermoplastic composition have not been described. Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, page 12 / 116 9 / 45

[0030] US 7,439,305 (Henkel) refers to a melt adhesive based on at least one aromatically modified polyethylene and / or polypropylene (co)polymer, another ethylene or propylene / C4 to C29 α-olefin copolymer, at least one tackifying resin, and waxes and additives. The polyolefins and aromatically modified polyolefins have molecular weights Mn between 1,000 and 50,000 g / mol. The enthalpy of fusion and pour point were disclosed. The mechanical properties, which are relevant to the special applications of the melt adhesive, were not considered in the teaching of this application.

[0031] However, the levels of compatibility achieved so far are not sufficient for special applications that require high mechanical stability of small quantities of polymer, such as fine polymer fibers.

[0032] Current trends involve sprayable fused mass adhesives that form stable mesh structures for hygiene applications.

[0033] DE 11 2016 001 247 (Procter & Gamble) refers to an adsorbent structure for an absorbent article comprising a first substrate and an absorbent layer supported thereon. This absorbent layer comprises an absorbent material which in turn comprises a superabsorbent polymer material, wherein the absorbent structure comprises a woven structure in order to immobilize the absorbent layer at least partially on the first substrate. This stated woven structure has a storage modulus (G') at 21°C of more than 1.2 x 10⁶ Pa. The thermoplastic polymer composition has weight-average molecular weights (Mw) greater than 10,000 g / mol. No explicit mixtures of SBC and propylene-based polymers are described. Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, page 13 / 116 10 / 45

[0034] WO 2017 / 132119 (Procter & Gamble) discloses a superabsorbent immobilizer comprising at least 50% by weight of one or more polymers each having a peak molecular weight of at least 10 kg / mol. The polymers mentioned are selected from the group consisting of propylene, ethylene, butene polymers and copolymers, and combinations thereof; styrenic block copolymers; polyolefins; olefin block copolymers, and combinations thereof.

[0035] Using polyolefin-based melt adhesive formulations, stable mesh structures for the fixation of spatial expansion and contraction granules could not be produced until now, since no suitable formulation exhibiting the critical mechanical properties for this application could be produced.

[0036] The objective of the invention is to overcome the problems described in the prior art and to provide improved sprayable fused mass adhesives with a well-balanced ratio of mechanical properties that can be applied by energy-efficient and material-efficient application techniques while still ensuring high stability and mechanical flexibility of the adhesive bond, thus opening up possible uses that place increased demands for adhesive bond stability. Particular mention can be made of spray applications on the adhesive fiber mesh that fix granules or powders without hindering mass transfer with the environment and that can also stabilize expansion and contraction systems by liquid absorption. Summary of the Invention

[0037] This objective is achieved according to the invention by thermoplastic molding materials comprising (a) at least one styrene block copolymer (SBC) Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, p. 14 / 116 11 / 45 having a styrene content of 5 to 40% by weight, preferably 10 to 35% by weight, particularly preferably 20 to 35% by weight, based on the total mass of the SBCs, and (b) one or more propylene-based polymers (PbPs), with a PbP backchain having a weight-average molecular weight Mw of less than 10,000 g / mol, preferably less than 9,000 g / mol, particularly preferably less than 7,000 g / mol (PbP-ng), wherein the PbPs preferably have an enthalpy of fusion, measured in accordance with ISO 11357-2, below 50 J / g, preferably below 30 J / g, particularly preferably between 0 and 5 J / g, more particularly preferably 0 J / g.

[0038] A PbP exhibiting an enthalpy of fusion of 0 J / g does not exhibit any crystallinity.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, one or more propylene-based polymers (PbP-ngs) are grafted with 1 to 50% by weight, preferably 3 to 30% by weight, and particularly preferably 5 to 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the PbP back chain, of vinyl-aromatic monomers (PbP-gVAM), preferably styrene and its derivatives (PbP-g-ST).

[0040] In a preferred alternative embodiment of the invention, one or more propylene-based polymers (PbP-ngs) are grafted with 0.1 - 20 % by weight, preferably 0.5 to 15 % by weight, particularly preferably 1 to 10 % by weight, based on the total weight of the PbP back chain, of unsaturated vinyl monomers including a heteroatom (PbP-g-UVMH), preferably carboxylic anhydrides, particularly preferably maleic anhydride (PbP-g-MA). Brief Description of the Drawings

[0041] The way to achieve some of the characteristics will become more evident and the revelation itself will be better understood by Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, page 15 / 116 12 / 45 reference to the following description of the example forms of the disclosure taken in combination with the attached drawings, wherein Fig. 1 shows the dumbbell-shaped test type used for measuring certain mechanical properties of the thermoplastic molding material. Detailed Description Definitions

[0042] Propylene-based polymers (PbPs) means in the context of this invention low molecular weight linear propylene homopolymers or copolymers produced using Ziegler or metallocene catalysts having a propylene content of at least 50% by weight or more.

[0043] PbPs covers both grafted PbPs (PbP-ng) and grafted PbPs with (i) aromatic vinyl monomers (PbPg-VAM) including an embodiment equivalent to styrene-grafted PbPs (PbP-g-ST) or (ii) grafted PbPs with unsaturated vinyl monomers including a heteroatom (PbP-g-UVMH), such as maleic anhydride-grafted PbPs (PbP-g-MAs). The term PbP-gVAM as used in this application corresponds to / is identical to the term PbP-g-St as defined in U.S. Provisional Application 62 / 966,394, which priority is claimed. If this application refers only to non-grafted PbPs, these are indicated as non-grafted PbPs (ng-PbP).

[0044] PbP backbone means in the context of this invention linear PbP produced using Ziegler or metallocene catalysts, without substitution at the graft sites. The term PbP backbone can technically be replaced with the term PbPng, but both terms are used to clarify the function of the polymer by a person skilled in the art.

[0045] PbP-ngs used in thermoplastic molding material Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, page 16 / 116 13 / 45 according to the invention are described, for example, in WO 2018 / 0073088, where they are a constituent of permanently pressure-sensitive, non-sprayable adhesives.

[0046] The use of PbPs in the thermoplastic molding material according to the invention ensures better integration into the SBC matrix, thus resulting in reduced migration (bleeding through) and reduced formation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

[0047] PbP-g-VAM or PbP-g-UVMH are manufactured by performing a graft reaction on PbP-ng as described according to the following method:

[0048] Suitable starting materials for the production of PbP-gVAM or PbP-g-UVMH are PbP-ngs produced using Ziegler or metallocene catalysts and having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of less than 10,000 g / mol. Preferred PbP-ngs have a melt viscosity at 170°C between 20 and 1,000 mPa.s, such as PbPs. Particularly preferred PbP-ngs are low molecular weight homopolymers or copolymers characterized by low crystallinity and a statistical distribution of comonomers and a predominantly fully tactic structure of the polypropylene moieties when received by using catalyst systems.

[0049] Suitable materials preferably comprise propylene and one or more other monomers selected from the group consisting of ethylene and higher C4-C18 α-olefins. PbP-ngs particularly preferably comprise propylene and ethylene.

[0050] Vinyl aromatic monomers (VAMs) such as styrene, or styrene derivatives that are ring-substituted and have linear or branched alkyl substituents such as α-methylstyrene, pterc-butylmethylstyrene, 1,3-dimethylstyrene, or alkoxylated styrene derivatives are suitable as graft components, of Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, page 17 / 116 14 / 45 styrene and its derivatives are preferred, particularly styrene. The VAM component is used in an amount of 0.1 to 50% by weight of the starting material.

[0051] Unsaturated vinyl monomers including a heteroatom (UVMH), preferably carboxylic anhydrides, particularly maleic anhydride (MA), are suitable as graft components. The UVMH component is used in an amount of 0.1 to 20% by weight of the starting material.

[0052] Suitable radical initiators are components that sufficiently decay into radicals under reaction conditions, such as organic peroxides, for example, alkyl-, aryl- or acyl peroxides such as di-tert-butyl peroxide, dibenzoyl peroxide or dicumyl peroxide, peroxyesters such as tert-butyl peracetate or tert-butyl perbenzoate and hydroperoxides such as tert-butylhydroperoxide or cumol hydroperoxide. Other possible radical initiators are aliphatic azo compounds such as azo-bis-(2-methylpropionitrile) or 2,2'-azo-bis-(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile). Dialkyl peroxides are preferred. Di-tert-butyl peroxide is particularly preferred. The radical initiator is used in an amount of 0.1 to 50% by weight of PbP.

[0053] The reaction of PbP with the graft component can occur continuously as well as discontinuously. With the discontinuous process, PbP-ng is heated to a temperature above the melting point of PbP-ngs, preferably between 100°C and 200°C, particularly preferably between 130°C and 180°C, and the graft component as well as the radical initiator are added continuously for a suitable period while stirring, either in one or more portions and, if applicable, under an inert gas atmosphere. After the final dosage, optionally after the addition of an additional amount of radical initiator, Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, p. 18 / 116 15 / 45 A post-reaction at the same or different temperature may follow. Volatile components that were generated during the reaction or superfluous volatile starting materials may be distilled under vacuum and / or separated by over-extraction with inert gas.

[0054] Such modified PbP-ngs grafted with (i) vinyl-aromatic monomers such as styrene, or styrene derivatives that are substituted in the ring and have linear or branched alkyl substituents such as α-methylstyrene, p-tert-butylmethylstyrene, 1,3-dimethylstyrene, or alkoxylated styrene derivatives (PbP-g-VAM), preferably PbP-g-ST, or grafted with (ii) unsaturated vinyl monomers including a heteroatom such as carboxylic anhydrides (PbP-g-UVMH), preferably maleic anhydride PbP-g-MA, have a wide range of possible applications as a compatibilizer or adhesive base polymer in melt adhesives, especially in combination with SBCs and / or PbP-ngs.

[0055] The PbP-g-VAMs according to the invention are characterized by a main chain having a weight average molecular weight of less than 10,000 g / mol, preferably less than 9,000 g / mol, particularly preferably less than 7,000 g / mol, a styrene content between 1 and 50% by weight, preferably between 3 and 30% by weight, particularly preferably between 5 and 20% by weight, and an enthalpy of fusion below 50 J / g, preferably below 30 J / g, more preferably between 0 and 5 J / g, and particularly preferably 0 J / g.

[0056] The PbP-g-UVMHs according to the invention are characterized by a PbP- backbone with a weight-average molecular weight of less than 10,000 g / mol, preferably less than 9,000 g / mol, particularly preferably less than 7,000 g / mol, a carboxylic anhydride content between 0.1 and 20% by weight, preferably between 0.5 and 15% by weight, particularly preferably Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, page 19 / 116 16 / 45 between 1 and 10% by weight, and an enthalpy of fusion below 50 J / g, preferably below 30 J / g, more preferably between 0 and 5 J / g, and particularly preferably 0 J / g.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the PbP-g-VAMs or PbP-gUVMHs according to the invention are characterized by a weight-average molecular weight of less than 20,000 g / mol, preferably less than 15,000 g / mol, particularly preferably less than 10,000 g / mol.

[0058] In an alternative embodiment, the thermoplastic molding material comprises a styrene block copolymer (SBC) and one or more PbPs selected from the group consisting of PbP-ngs having a weight average molecular weight Mw of less than 10,000 g / mol, PbP-g-VAMs having a weight average molecular weight of less than 20,000 g / mol and PbP-g-UVMHs having a weight average molecular weight of less than 20,000 g / mol, wherein the SBC comprises a styrene content of 5 to 40% by weight, preferably 10 to 35% by weight, particularly preferably 20 to 35% by weight, based on the total mass of the SBCs.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the sprayability and improved mechanical properties of the thermoplastic molding material are achieved by PbPs comprising at least one PbP-ng having a pour point, determined according to ASTM D97, below 50°C, preferably below 30°C and more preferably below 25°C, or at least one PbP-g-VAM or PbP-g-UVMH having a pour point, determined according to ASTM D97, below 85°C, preferably below 60°C, more preferably below 55°C.

[0060] In another preferred embodiment, PbPs exhibit a melt viscosity at 170°C, measured according to the Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, page 20 / 116 17 / 45 standard DIN 53019, from 1 - 1,000 mPas, preferably from 1 - 500 mPas, particularly preferably from 1 - 300 mPas, which further contributes to the sprayability of the thermoplastic molding material.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the thermoplastic molding material comprises either one or more PbP-ng and (i) one or more PbP-g-VAM, preferably one or more PbP-gST, or (ii) one or more PbP-g-UVMH, preferably one or more PbP-g-MA, in varying weight proportions. Such an embodiment facilitates better miscibility of the polymer components and therefore improved mechanical properties. Surprisingly, the combination of PbP-ng and (i) PbP-g-VAM or (ii) PbP-g-UVMH allows for a lower viscosity of the thermoplastic molding material compared to the thermoplastic molding material comprising only PbP-ng, although PbP-g-VAM, preferably PbP-g-ST or PbP-g-UVMH, preferably PbPg-MA itself, exhibits a higher viscosity than PbP-ng. Another technical feature of this implementation is reduced component migration.

[0062] The PbP-g-VAM or PbP-UVMH polymer may have the same or different polymer chain as PbP-ng. Preferably, the PbP main chain of the PbP-g-VAM or PbP-g-UVMH polymer is the same as that of PbP-ng.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the thermoplastic molding material consists of SBCs and PbPs, which may be PbP-ng and / or PbP-g-VAM or PbP-g-UVMH derived from the same or another PbP backbone. Preferably, PbP-g-VAM or PbP-gUVMH is derived from the same PbP backbone as PbP-ng.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment, the PbP backbone is a copolymer of propylene and another monomer selected from Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, page 21 / 116 18 / 45 group consisting of ethylene and C4-C18 α-olefins.

[0065] The thermoplastic molding material according to the invention may further comprise polyolefin-based copolymers in addition to PbPs having a Mw of less than 10,000 g / mol.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the PbPs exhibit a glass transition temperature Tg, determined by DSC according to DIN EN ISO 11357-2, below -20°C, preferably below 30°C and particularly preferably below -40°C.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the PbP main chain was produced by metallocene catalysis.

[0068] PbPs are preferably propylene random copolymers with a propylene proportion of less than 90% by weight, preferably with a propylene proportion between 60 and 85% by weight.

[0069] The PbPs are preferably propylene-ethylene copolymers, wherein said copolymer is derived from 60–85% by weight of propylene and 15–40% by weight of ethylene.

[0070] The SBC may comprise one or more SBCs according to the invention.

[0071] The SBC preferably has a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of more than 30,000 g / mol, preferably more than 40,000 g / mol, particularly preferably more than 50,000 g / mol.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, the SBC has a molten mass flow rate MFR (230°C / 2.16 kg) of between 5 and 250 g / 10 min, preferably between 10 - 150 g / 10 min, particularly preferably between 20 - 80 g / 10 min, determined in accordance with ASTM 1238.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, the SBC has a molten mass enthalpy below 10 J / g, preferably below Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, p. 22 / 116 19 / 45 J / ge thus forms an amorphous structure, resulting in a rubber-like behavior that influences the mechanical properties of the thermoplastic material.

[0074] The thermoplastic molding material preferably comprises 10–55% by weight, more preferably 20–45% by weight, particularly preferably 25–40% by weight of SBCs, based on the total mass of the thermoplastic molding material.

[0075] The thermoplastic molding material preferably comprises 10–80% by weight of PbPs, particularly preferably 20–75% by weight, more particularly preferably 35–70% by weight of PbPs, based on the total mass of the thermoplastic molding material. At these weight ratios the properties in the individual components of the corresponding molding materials are combined in the optimum form.

[0076] The SBC is preferably selectively hydrogenated at the double bonds in the polymer chain, which is characterized by an iodine number below 100 g I2 per 100 g of polymer, particularly preferably below 50 g I2 per 100 g of polymer.

[0077] The SBC is preferably selected from the group consisting of elastomeric triblock copolymers of the ABA type, wherein A consists of rigid styrene units and B of elastomeric units, which influence the miscibility of the components. In addition to the elastomeric triblock copolymer of the ABA type, the SBC may comprise an elastomeric diblock copolymer of the AB type or an elastomeric multiblock copolymer of the [AB]n type, wherein n is the number of blocks.

[0078] The SBC, in particular, preferably consists of one or more SBCs selected from the SEBS, SEPS and polymer group. Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, page 23 / 116 20 / 45 SEP.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment, the molten mass viscosity of the thermoplastic molding material, measured according to DIN 53019 at 170°C, is between 100 - 30,000 mPas, preferably between 500 - 20,000 mPas, particularly preferably between 1,000 - 15,000 mPas. Within these viscosity ranges, an optimal spraying result is achieved with spraying methods suitable for the application.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment, the thermoplastic molding material has an elongation at break of more than 800%, preferably more than 1,000%, measured according to ISO 527, except that the test specimen used (cf. Figure 1) has the following dimensions which deviate from the specification according to ISO 527: total length: 50 mm, width of the narrow part: 3.3 mm, width at the ends: 7 mm, length of the narrow parallel part: 25 mm, thickness: 1 mm.

[0081] Elongation at break is a measure of the deformation behavior of a polymer and is determined according to ISO 527 by a tensile elongation test in the same test experiment as for the determination of tensile strength. The value for elongation at break indicates the percentage of elongation of the test specimen until material failure.

[0082] Tensile strength is determined by a tensile elongation test in accordance with ISO 527, except that the dumbbell-shaped test specimen used (cf. Figure 1) has the following dimensions which deviate from the specification according to ISO 527: total length: 50 mm, width of the narrow part: 3.3 mm, width at the ends: 7 mm, length of the narrow parallel part: 25 mm, thickness: 1 mm. Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, page 24 / 116 21 / 45 This determines the force per unit area (reported in MPa) required to elongate the test specimen.

[0083] In another preferred embodiment, the thermoplastic molding material has a resilience of more than 70%, preferably more than 80%, particularly preferably more than 90%, wherein the resilience is determined by the method described in the Measurement Methods section of this description. Resilience is a measure of the restoring strength of the thermoplastic molding material.

[0084] In another preferred embodiment, the thermoplastic molding material has a true tensile strength at 23°C higher than 2.2 and a stress hardening index at 23°C higher than 25.

[0085] The true tensile strength, tensile hardening index and yield stress are determined according to the extensional test method described in the Measurement Methods section of this description.

[0086] A low yield stress and a high stress hardening index are beneficial for stabilizing the network structure during expansion due to changes in size and shape of bound particles from water or moisture adsorption.

[0087] The stress hardening index is a measurement of the difference between initial yield stress and maximum yield stress. A value above 25 leads to better stress distribution within the network, avoiding high local stress. This significantly increases the expandability of the network structure.

[0088] The increase in true breakdown voltage is an overall benefit to allow network infrastructure to expand.

[0089] The rheological properties of the thermoplastic molding material underscore its ability to have a high melt resistance. Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, page 25 / 116 22 / 45 reasonable at said temperature in order to create a durable bond while applied via spray application and are described by tan δ @ 100°C and Storage Modulus G' @ 100°C.

[0090] In another preferred embodiment, the PbPs have a density, determined in accordance with ISO 1183, of less than 0.95 g / cm3, preferably less than 0.92 g / cm3 and particularly preferably less than 0.90 g / cm3.

[0091] In another preferred embodiment, the PbPs exhibit a polydispersity index of less than 5, preferably less than 3, particularly preferably less than 2.5. The PDI polydispersity index is calculated from the quotient of average molecular weight in Mw and average molecular weight by Mn number and was determined in accordance with the ISO 16014 standard.

[0092] The PbPs used for thermoplastic molding materials according to the invention can both assume the function of the base polymer and replace the functions of the plasticizer and the bonding agent in the formulation. This results in other advantages for the user. For example, fewer components need to be melted and mixed, thus resulting in faster and more cost-effective work processes.

[0093] In a preferred embodiment, the thermoplastic molding material is free of bonding agent, which means in the sense of the invention that the bonding agent content in the thermoplastic material is below 0.1% by weight.

[0094] In another preferred embodiment, the thermoplastic molding material is free of plasticizers such as mineral oils, naphthenic oils, paraffinic oils (e.g., cycloparaffin oils), phthalate esters, adipate esters, which means in the sense of this invention that the plasticizer content in the thermoplastic material is below 0.1% by weight. Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, page 26 / 116 23 / 45

[0095] A thermoplastic molding material that is produced without the addition of thickeners or plasticizers is particularly environmentally sound and toxicologically safe and is therefore suitable for use in the human body.

[0096] In an alternative embodiment, the thermoplastic molding material preferably comprises thickeners that positively influence adhesion to the substrate.

[0097] The thermoplastic molding material preferably comprises one or more organic or inorganic pigments, fillers, flame retardants, stabilizers, antistatic agents, antioxidants and light stabilizers.

[0098] Preferably, the antioxidant is selected from the group consisting of sterically hindered phenols and hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS), which inhibit the odor emerging from the thermoplastic molding material. Particularly preferably, the antioxidant is a hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS).

[0099] In addition, the invention relates to a process for producing the thermoplastic molding material according to the invention by mixing at least one SBC with at least one PbP, characterized in that (a) at least one SBC having a styrene content of 5 to 40% by weight, preferably 10 to 35% by weight, particularly preferably 20 to 35% by weight; and (b) one or more PbPs having a PbP backbone having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of less than 10,000 g / mol, preferably less than 9,000 g / mol, particularly preferably less than 7,000 g / mol, optionally grafted with 1 to 50% by weight, preferably 3 to 30% by weight and particularly preferably 5 to 20% by weight of vinyl aromatic monomers (PbP-g) Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, page 27 / 116 24 / 45 VAMs), preferably styrene and its derivatives (PbP-g-ST), or with 0.5 to 20% by weight, preferably with 1 to 15% by weight and particularly preferably with 3 to 10% by weight of unsaturated vinyl monomers including a heteroatom (PbP-gUVMH), preferably carboxylic anhydrides, particularly preferably maleic anhydride (PbP-g-MA), wherein the PbPs have an enthalpy of fusion, measured according to ISO 11357-2, below 50 J / g, preferably below 30 J / g, particularly preferably between 0 and 5 J / g, more particularly preferably 0 J / g.

[00100] The process according to the invention preferably comprises mixing at least one SBC with at least one PbP, in particular using a co-rotating twin-screw extruder at a processing temperature between 200°C and 250°C.

[00101] The invention herein refers to a melt-blown adhesive consisting of thermoplastic molding material according to the invention or containing said material in addition to other components.

[00102] The invention further relates to the use of thermoplastic molding materials according to the invention or of melt adhesive according to the invention for bonding flexible and / or rigid substrates of any kind.

[00103] The melt adhesive or thermoplastic molding material according to the invention is suitable for bonding flexible and / or rigid substrates of any kind, for example, paper, cardboard packaging, glass, wood, polypropylene (PP) plastics, polyethylene (PE) plastics, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) plastics, in particular for structured substrates or textile substrates such as, for example, fibrous nets, woven or non-woven textiles. Those skilled in the art Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, page 28 / 116 25 / 45 means that structured substrates have a Pt profile depth of more than 1 mm.

[00104] The melt-blown adhesive according to the invention or the thermoplastic molding material according to the invention is particularly preferably used for these applications. The improved thermoplastic molding materials or melt-blown adhesives can be applied such that, instead of forming a homogeneous, compact film, they form a moisture-permeable, air-network-type structure. These moisture- and air-permeable, network-type structures (network structure) are particularly suitable for fixing, for example, absorbents onto substrates of any kind. Through all this type of fixing it is possible, in particular, to fix filler materials, drying agents or moisture absorbers onto hygiene articles, packaging materials, automotive parts, vehicle bodies, furniture, furnishings or mattresses, for example, and onto surfaces of any kind.In this case, the network structure fixes the aforementioned granules and, due to its particular mechanical properties, maintains a certain mechanical load through movement and expansion dependent on the liquid content.

[00105] Quite surprisingly, thermoplastic molding materials exhibiting the described characteristics combine good molding material processability, effected by their low melt viscosity, with exceptional mechanical properties. These combinations of the described properties qualify the molding materials according to the invention for their use as high-performance melt adhesives. Measurement methods:

[00106] The listed polyolefins were characterized according to the listed standards. Non-standard characterizations were performed. Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, page 29 / 116 26 / 45 as per the description. weight average molecular weight (Mw)

[00107] Determination of the weight-average molecular weights (Mw) of PbPs was conducted in 1,2-ortho-dichlorobenzene using a PP gauge. Measurement was performed by gel permeation chromatography at a temperature of 135°C. Determination was performed according to ISO 16014-1.

[00108] Determination of the weight-average molecular weights (Mw) of SBC was conducted in THF as a mobile phase at a flow rate of 1 mL / min with a polystyrene calibration using standards in the range of 680 - 1,670,000 g / mol. Measurement was performed by gel permeation chromatography on styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer columns of PSS at a constant temperature of 40°C. For the measurement, an SBC polymer solution was prepared at a concentration of (2 mg Polymer) / (mL THF) and 50 µL of the solution were injected. A differential refractometer was used for detection. Pour point

[00109] The pour point or point determined in accordance with the ASTM D97 standard. Iodine number

[00110] The iodine number was determined in accordance with the DIN 6162:2014 standard. Melt viscosity

[00111] Determination of molten mass viscosity was performed in accordance with DIN 53019. Polydispersity Index (PDI)

[00112] The PDI polydispersity index is calculated from the quotient of average molecular weight in weight Mw and average molecular weight by number Mn and was determined according to the ISO 16014-1 standard. Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, page 30 / 116 27 / 45 Tensile strength

[00113] The tensile strength and elongation at break of thermoplastic molding materials were determined according to ISO 527, except in this case a type of non-standard test produced by pressing molten mass and differentiating the test type according to the standard in terms of its dimensions was used. The test types used for measuring strength and elongation at break have the following dimensions: total length: 50 mm, width of the narrow part: 3.3 mm, width at the ends: 7 mm, length of the narrow parallel part: 25 mm, thickness: 1 mm. Resilience

[00114] The resilience of thermoplastic molding materials was tested with the above-mentioned test species in a Zwick tensile / stretch machine, by stretching the test species of the sample to be determined from a starting length L1 by 300% to length L2, at a stretching rate of 50 mm / min. Subsequently, the test species was allowed to fully relax, i.e., the test species no longer changed its length at a force of 0 Pa. The resulting length corresponds to L3.

[00115] The resilience R in % is given as follows: R = ((L2 L3) / L2 - L1) * 100 Oscillatory rheometry test method

[00116] The oscillatory rheometry test method is used to measure the storage modulus and loss factor of a polymer composition. A controlled-strain rotational rheometer (such as Discovery HR-3, TA Instruments, Newcastle, DE, USA, or equivalent) capable of controlling sample temperature (using a combination of Peltier cooler and resistance heater) with a Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, page 31 / 116 28 / 45 accuracy equal to or exceeding 0.5°C over at least the range of -0°C to 150°C. The rheometer is open in a plate configuration with 20 mm parallel plate rigging made of stainless steel.

[00117] A parallel plate clearance of 1.000 pm is initially used in the method. To compensate for the thermal expansion of the rigging. The clearance is set to 1.000 pm, and a mapping of the actual plate clearance (as measured using a suitable standard test fluid) as a function of temperature above the range of -10 °C to 150 °C is performed. This mapping is then used throughout the determination of the storage module parameter and the loss factor parameter.

[00118] The rheometer is heated to 150 °C, the polymer composition is introduced into the rheometer, the gap is set to 1.050 µm, the protruding sample is trimmed, and the gap is then set to 1.000 µm. (The rheometer force control is set to 0 N and maintained within ± 0.1 N of force during the experiment, thus thermal expansion / contraction of the sample itself is compensated by adjusting the gap in order to avoid overflow or underfilling beyond the aforementioned apparatus compensation.) The rheometer is then allowed to cool to 130 °C, at which point the measurement begins with a temperature rise from 130 °C to -10 °C at a constant cooling rate of 2 °C / min. The applied strain amplitude is 0.1%, and the oscillation frequency is 1 Hz (i.e., one cycle per second). The resulting oscillatory stress is recorded.

[00119] After this step, the sample temperature is adjusted to 23 °C (temperature is raised to this setpoint at a rate of 10 °C / min), and the sample is left to stand for 4.0 hours at 23 °C. At the end of this period, the temperature is adjusted to 10 °C (temperature is raised to this setpoint at a rate of 10 Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, page 32 / 116 (29 / 45 °C / min), the sample is equilibrated for 300 seconds at -10 °C, and a second oscillatory rheology measurement is conducted (0.1% deformation, oscillation frequency of 1 Hz) while the temperature is raised up to 130 °C at a constant rate of increase of 2 °C / min.

[00120] From the first decreasing temperature sweep, the storage modulus G' is calculated and recorded at 100°C, and these values ​​are reported in Pascals (Pa) to the nearest 1 Pa as the storage modulus at 100°C. From the first decreasing temperature sweep, the loss factor (also known as tan delta) is calculated and recorded at 100°C, and this dimensionless value is reported to the nearest hundredth as the Loss Factor at 100°C. Extensional testing method

[00121] The extensional test method is used to determine the yield stress parameter, the maximum stress parameter, the true rupture stress parameter, and the tensile hardening index for a given type of polymer composition. A thin film formed from the polymer composition is analyzed with a rotational rheometer fitted with a specialized attachment with counter-rotating rollers, and the associated extensional strain is measured and recorded. Instrumental Setup

[00122] A rotational rheometer (ARES G2, TA Instruments, New Castle, DE, USA, or equivalent) is fitted with an attachment featuring counter-rotating cylindrical rollers specifically designed for interrogating the extensional deformation of films. An example of a suitable attachment is the extensional viscosity attachment, or EVF (EVF, TA Instruments, or equivalent). The rheometer is further fitted with a furnace. Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, p. 33 / 116 30 / 45 forced convection FCO (FCO, TA Instruments, or equivalent) and cooling system (ACS 2, TA Instruments, or equivalent) capable of controlling the temperature from at least -50 to 250 °C within a tolerance of 0.5 °C. Species preparation

[00123] Approximately 10 g of polymer composition are placed in a polytetrafluoroethane (PTFE) bowl and introduced into a vacuum oven. After 15 minutes at 170 °C ambient pressure, the pressure is reduced to 1 kPa (10 mbar), and the composition is subsequently maintained at 170 °C and 1 kPa (10 mbar) for 45 minutes to remove air bubbles from the polymer composition. The polymer composition is removed from the vacuum oven and allowed to cool to ambient lab conditions (23 ± 2 °C) for 90 ± 30 minutes, at which point the polymer composition is removed from the PTFE bowl and placed between 2 sheets of silicone paper. A 0.50 mm thick metal shim is used in the heated press as a spacer to obtain a film thickness of 0.50 mm when pressed with a heated press at 90 °C and 1000 kPa (10 Bar) (instrument setting) for 60 seconds to give a polymeric film.If 90 °C is insufficient to melt the polymer composition, a higher temperature (but not the lowest temperature sufficient to melt the composition) is used. The film is stored for at least 120 hours in the laboratory at 23 ± 2 °C before testing. Individual film specimens for measurement are perforated with a sample cutter to specimen dimensions of 20.0 mm by 10.0 mm by 0.50 mm. This specimen will be cut longitudinally with scissors to achieve a final width of 5 ± 0.5 mm. The exact width and thickness will be determined with a digital caliper (Electronic Caliper PRO-MAX Fowler). Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, page 34 / 116 31 / 45 approximation of 0.01 mm and entered into the rheometer software. Measurement

[00124] The EVF cylinders are heated to 80 °C for 90 ± 30 s in the rheometer's forced convection oven. Then a small droplet (0.03 ± 0.01 g) of the polymer composition is applied to each cylinder. The polymer composition used would exhibit a stiffness (G' at 23°C greater than 10 MPa) so as not to interfere with the measurement. A type of polymer composition is quickly pressed into a molten polymer composition on the EVF cylinders to fix them to the cylinder surface. The type is placed perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the cylinders.

[00125] The specimen mounted on the EVF is then placed in the rheometer's forced convection furnace for thermal conditioning and is held isothermally at 23 ± 1 °C for 300 ± 10 s. After this time has elapsed, the specimen is mechanically conditioned. To mechanically condition the specimen, the torque transducer is zeroed, and the sample is subjected to a pre-stretch rate of 0.001 s⁻¹ to 0.30 s⁻¹ and then allowed to relax for 60 s. (In this method, all deformation is expressed in terms of Hencky strain, also shown as true strain or logarithmic strain.)

[00126] The measurement is performed in the FCO furnace at 23 °C ± 0.5 °C. The strain rate extension for the measurement is 0.01 s⁻¹, and the strain at maximum extension is 4.0. After measurement, the specimen is checked for rupture. If rupture occurred, the location of the rupture is observed. If the rupture is approximately midway between the two cylinders of the EVF, the collected data are deemed acceptable.Otherwise, if the polymer film rupture occurs at or near the rotating cylinders, the results are discarded and the addition is performed again in a repeated batch. Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, page 35 / 116 32 / 45 Analysis

[00127] For the calculation of extensional stress, a constant volume is adopted. From the gross torque versus angular displacement data recorded by the rheometer, extensional stress (in megapascals, or MPa) versus Hencky strain data are calculated. The data are plotted graphically in semi-logarithmic form with Hencky strain on the abscissa (linear scale) and extensional stress on the ordinate (logarithmic scale). A linear fit with a positive slope with an R² value of 0.9 or greater is fitted between a Hencky strain of 0.5 and 1. Alternatively, the maximum value of extensional stress recorded during the measurement is reported as the yield stress parameter, again reported in MPa to the nearest kilopascal. The value of the line fitted at a Hencky strain of zero (i.e., the y-intercept) is defined as the yield stress parameter, which is reported in MPa to the nearest kilopascal.The maximum stress value in the diagram is defined as the Maximum Stress Parameter, reported in MPa to the nearest kilopascal. The Hencky Strain, when the species breaks and / or the reported torque value is lower than 100 pNm, is reported as the strain to break parameter as a dimensionless value to the nearest 0.1 (or, in the case of no rupture during measurement, to a strain of 4.0). The difference between the maximum stress and the yield stress divided by the yield stress is defined as the Stress Hardening Index, which is reported as a dimensionless value to the nearest 1. Examples

[00128] To produce the molding materials according to the invention, PbP was mixed with SBC. The components used as SBC were styrene block copolymers derived from Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, page 36 / 116 33 / 45 manufacturer Kraton Corporation or DZBH New Material.

[00129] The PbP used is Licoceno® PPA 330 from the manufacturer Clariant.

[00130] The chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of both components are each characterized in detail in Tables 1 and 2. A) PbP Table 1 PbP (Lycocene® PPA330) Catalysis method used for production Metallocene catalysis Melt viscosity @170°C [mPas] 200 Propylene content [% by weight] 79.5 Mw [g / mol] 6,400 PDI 1.5 Tg [°C] -44 Enthalpy of fusion [J / g] 0 Pour point: [°C] 21 Elongation at break [%] Not determinable, dimensionally unstable Strength [MPa] Not determinable, dimensionally stable B) PbP-g-ST or PbP-g-MA polymer Example of synthesis 1:

[00131] 2,500 g of PbP according to Table 1 were heated to 165°C in a glass apparatus equipped with a stirrer, internal thermometer, and distillation bridge under a nitrogen atmosphere. Over a period of 3 hours, 250 g of freshly distilled styrene or maleic anhydride were added continuously, while simultaneously adding 25 g of di-tert-butyl peroxide continuously from a dropper funnel. After the end of the dosing, the reaction was Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, page 37 / 116 34 / 45 left to continue for 1 hour. Subsequently, a vacuum of approximately 2 kPa (20 mbar) was applied to remove volatile components. A clear, pasty liquid polymer was obtained, exhibiting the properties listed in Table 2. Table 2 PbP-g-St (Styrene-grafted Lycocene® PPA 330) PbP-g-MA (Lycocene® PPA 330 grafted with maleic anhydride) Catalysis method used for the production of the polymer backbone Metallocene catalysis Metallocene catalysis Styrene or Maleic Anhydride content [% by weight] 10 1 Melt viscosity @170°C [mPas] 280 255 Propene content in the PbP backbone [% by weight] 79.5 79.5 Mw [g / mol] 9,240 6,120 PDI 1.9 1.6 Tg [°C] -44 -43.2 Enthalpy of fusion [J / g] 0 0 Pour point: [°C] 45°C 35°C C) SBC Components Table 3 Kraton MD 1648 Kraton MD6951 Kraton MD 1653 Kraton G1730 Kraton G 1657 DZBH 506 Enthalpy of fusion [J / g] 0 J / g 0 J / g 0 J / g 0 J / g 0 J / g 0 J / g Elongation at break [%] 750 750 600 800 750 900 Strength [MPa] 11 18 48 20 23 5 Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, p. 38 / 116 35 / 45 Kraton MD 1648 Kraton MD6951 Kraton MD 1653 Kraton G1730 Kraton G 1657 DZBH 506 Melt Flow Rate MFR (230°C / 2.16 kg [g / 10min]) 220 48 27 11* 22* 5 Styrene content (% by weight) 20 34 30 20 13 13 Iodine number [g of I2 / 100 g of polymer] 3.65 3.0 1.45 2.85 2.65 37 Mw [g / mol] 73,500 133,300 64,060 103,300 104,600 167,300 Type Triblock SEBS Triblock SEBS Triblock SEBS Triblock SEPS Triblock SEBS Triblock SEBS *5 kg D) Sticky agent

[00132] To produce the thermoplastic molding materials, a resin-based bonding agent was partially combined with the two polymers. The following commercially available thickeners were used: a) Regalite 9100 (Eastman) b) Sukorez SU400 (Kolon)

[00133] Melt mass mixtures of the components were produced by melt extrusion from the polymers described in Tables 1 and 2, optionally the binding agent and optionally other additives, in particular antioxidants. This was achieved using a co-rotating twin-screw extruder at a speed of 130 rpm and a processing temperature of 230°C.

[00134] The following antioxidants were added to produce the thermoplastic molding materials: Antioxidant 1: Hostanox®, a sterically bonded phenol Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, page 39 / 116 Antioxidant 1: Hostavin®, a hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS), manufactured by Clariant; Antioxidant 2: Hostavin®, a hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS), manufactured by Clariant. Assessment

[00135] The comparative examples show comparative blends that are either resin-free blends or non-inventive propylene-based polymer blends with SBCs or inventive propylene-based polymer blends with other polyolefins.

[00136] The following properties were determined for the melt adhesive compositions thus produced: - viscosity of molten mass at 170°C, in - resilience [%].

[00137] To ensure the sprayability of the thermoplastic molding material, its melt viscosity at 170°C would be less than or equal to 30,000 mPas.

[00138] The following scheme is used to classify mechanical properties: Table 4 Classification: Inadequate (C) Inventive: (B), sufficient for some applications Preferred: (A), for specific applications Elongation at break X < 800% 800% < X < 1,000% X > 1,000% Resilience X < 70% 70% < X < 90% X > 90% Examples of (inventive) work / (quantities used as a % by weight) Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, p. 40 / 116 37 / 45 Table 5 AE 1 AE 2 AE 3 AE 4 AE 5 AE6 AE7 AE8 AE9 AE10 PbP-g-ST PbP-g-MA PbP-ng 25 30 30 30 24 22 64.4 50.5 50 69.3 Kraton MD1648 40 12.5 36 33 Kraton MD 6951 25 27.7 27.7 Kraton MD 1653 25 12.5 Kraton G1730 6.9 6.9 Kraton G 1657 DZBH 506 25 29 .7 Regalite 9100 44.3 44.3 Sukorez SU400 34.3 44.3 39.3 44.3 13.9 24 Antioxidant 1 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 Antioxidant 2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 Melt mass viscosity @170°C [mPa^s] 4.205 4.509 3.212 3.290 3.400 2.710 3.500 7.000 9.000 29.000 Elongation at break [%] 1.052 1.487 1.005 1.161 1.001 1.201 1.103 1.304 1.247 885 (Classification) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (B) Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, p. 41 / 116 38 / 45 AE 1 AE 2 AE 3 AE 4 AE 5 AE6 AE7 AE8 AE9 AE10 Resilience at 300% [%] 98.5 98.5 98.5 98.2 98.5 99.7 97.6 98.2 99.4 99.4 (Classification) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) Tensile strength [MPa] 5.8 6.9 6.8 5.8 4.8 5 2.8 5.4 2.6 0.7 Table 6 AE11 AE12 AE13 AE14 AE15 AE16 AE17 AE18 AE19 AE20 PbP-g-ST 9.9 29.7 69.3 34.7 64.4 PbP-g-MA 10.0 10.0 64.0 PbP-ng 54 .5 30 34 .7 59 .4 34.6 54.0 49.0 Kraton MD1648 25 Kraton MD 6951 27.7 27.7 36.6 27.7 28.0 40.0 28.0 Kraton MD 1653 Kraton G1730 6.9 6.9 3 6.9 7.0 7.0 Kraton 1657 29.7 DZBH 506 29.7 Regalite 9100 Sukorez SU400 44 .3 Antioxidant 1 0.7 0.5 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 Antioxidant 2 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, page 42 / 116 39 / 45 AE11 AE12 AE13 AE14 AE15 AE16 AE17 AE18 AE19 AE20 Molten mass viscosity @170°C [mPa·s] 5,500 1,400 11,000 10,000 10,750 3,700 3,500 10,750 3,700 18,000 Elongation at break [%] 882 1,189 950 942 1,049 1,156 831 1,049 1,156 1,120 (Classification) (B) (A) (B) (B) (A) (A) (B) (A) (A) (A) Resilience at 300% [%] 97.6 95.5 98.5 98.9 98.2 97.8 97.6 98.2 97.8 98.3 (Classification) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) Tensile strength [MPa] 1.7 3.6 1.8 1.3 2.4 3.8 2.9 2.4 3.8 2.1 Table 7 AE21 AE22 AE23 AE24 PbP-g-ST PbP-g-MA PbP-ng 30 30 25 30 Kraton MD1648 Kraton MD 6951 5 5 Kraton MD 1653 25 20 20 Kraton G1730 25 Kraton G 1657 DZBH 506 Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, p. 43 / 116 40 / 45 AE21 AE22 AE23 AE24 Regalite 9100 Sukorez SU400 44 44 49 44 Antioxidant 1 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Antioxidant 2 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Molten mass viscosity @170°C [mPa^s] 3,000 9,300 3,600 3,900 Elongation at break [%] 950 1,200 960 930 (Classification) (B) (A) (B) (B) Resilience at 300% [%] 97.3 98.9 97.3 96.9 (Classification) (A) (A) (A) (A) Tensile strength [MPa] 6.8 5.3 4.9 4.0 Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, page 44 / 116 41 / 45

[00139] The thermoplastic molding materials according to the invention have at least one (B) classification in both categories Comparative Examples (non-inventive) / (quantities used in % by weight) Table 8 AV 1 AV 2 AV 3 AV 4 AV 5 AV 6 AV7 Lycocene PP 2502 50 40 69 59 Lycocene PP 1302 40 PbP 59 50 10 Vistamaxx 6502 30 40 49 30 Kraton MD 1648 49 59 59 Kraton G 1657 Antioxidant 1 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 Antioxidant 2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 Melt viscosity @170°C [mPa^s] 70,000 116,000 30,860 27,060 8,252 11,040 11,110 Tensile strength [MPa] 6.1 4.9 3.7 11.0 1.1 1.5 11.0 Elongation at break [%] 815 635 666 1.250 328 419 1.121 (Classification) (B) (C) (C) (A) (C) (C) (A) Resilience at 300% [%] 76.3 89.7 94.1 26.5 76.5 75.0 45.6 (Classification) (B) (B) (A) (C) (B) (B) (C)

[00140] The inventive examples show significantly better values ​​for the critical mechanical properties compared to the comparative examples. For example, the invention combines a low melt viscosity with a high elongation in Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, page 45 / 116 42 / 45 elongation at break and high resilience. Formulations exhibiting good mechanical properties but not sprayable were as incapable of solving the objective technical problem of the invention as formulations exhibiting low melt viscosities but at least one insufficient mechanical property. Only the inventive examples exhibit both a sufficiently low melt viscosity and reasonable elongation at break, as well as adequate resilience to be suitable for achieving sprayable network applications.

[00141] Additional properties were subsequently measured when applied to Tables 8 and 9: Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, page 46 / 116 43 / 45 Table 9 Desired Properties AE 1 AE 2 AE 3 AE 4 AE 5 AE 6 AE 9 AE 10 AE 12 Storage Modulus @100°C [Pa] > 200 Pa 6,530 17,992 26,800 1,370 2,380 865 9,390 5,338 192 tan δ @ 100°C < 5 2.7 0.6 1.0 4.5 4.3 6.9 0.72 1.08 10.88 Yield Stress @ 23°C [MPa] < 2 MPa 0.09 0.06 0.09 0.06 0.09 0.10 0.02 0.02 0.09 True Breaking Stress @ 23°C > 2.2 2.8 3.5 2.6 2.8 2.9 2.9 2.9 3.1 2.8 Tensile hardening index @ 23°C > 25 591 2.010 473 550 597 568 663 650 315 Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, page 47 / 116 44 / 45 Table 10 Desired Properties AE 13 AE 14 AE 15 AE 16 AE 21 AE 22 AE 23 AE 24 Storage Modulus @100°C [Pa] > 200 Pa 7.452 3.187 12.352 1.500 26.481 10.874 3.792 6.090 tan δ @ 100°C < 5 0.66 0.95 0.88 0.88 1.0 1.4 2.9 2.2 Yield Stress @ 23°C [MPa] < 2 MPa 0.03 0.04 0.03 0.002 0.06 0.06 0.19 0.13 True Breaking Stress @ 23°C > 2.2 2.9 3.4 2.9 2.2 2.52 3.35 2.75 2.76 Tensile hardening index @ 23°C > 25 123 128 302 209 467 1265 384 313 Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, page 48 / 116 45 / 45

[00142] Tables 9 and 10 show additional mechanical properties that are relevant for application as stable network structures. The important parameters, namely yield stress, true tensile strength, and tensile hardening index, fulfill all the requirements for mechanical stability of spray-on network applications. Therefore, the material does not fail instantly under high local stress, which leads to a significant increase in the extensibility of the network structure. Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, page 49 / 116

Claims

1 / 6 CLAIMS 1. Thermoplastic molding material, characterized in that it comprises: (a) one or more styrene block copolymers (SBCs), having a styrene content of 5 to 40% by weight, 10 to 35% by weight, or 20 to 35% by weight, based on the total mass of the SBC; and (b) one or more propylene-based polymers (PbPs) with a propylene-based polymer chain (PbP main chain) having a weight-average molecular weight Mw of less than 10,000 g / mol, less than 9,000 g / mol, or less than 7,000 g / mol (PbP-ng), with PbPs having an enthalpy of fusion, measured in accordance with ISO 11357-2, of less than 50 J / g, less than 30 J / g, between 0 and 5 J / g, or less than 0 J / g.

2. Thermoplastic molding material, according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the propylene-based PbP polymers is grafted with 1 to 50% by weight, 3 to 30% by weight, or 5 to 20% by weight, based on the main chain weight of PbP from vinyl-aromatic monomers (PbP-g-VAM), or from styrene and its derivatives (PbP-g-ST).

3. Thermoplastic molding material, according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the propylene-based PbP polymers is grafted with 0.1 to 20% by weight, 0.5 to 15% by weight, or 1 to 10% by weight, based on the PbP main chain weight, of unsaturated vinyl monomers including a heteroatom (PbP-g-UVMH), carboxylic anhydrides, or maleic anhydride (PbP-g-MA).

4. Thermoplastic molding material, according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the PbPs exhibit a PbP-ng pour point, determined according to ASTM D97, below 50°C, below 30°C, or below 25°C.

5. Thermoplastic molding material, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the PbPs have a melt viscosity at 170°C, measured according to DIN 53019, of 1 to 1,000 mPas, 1 to 500 mPas, or 1 to 300 mPas.

6. Thermoplastic molding material, according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises one or more PbP-ngs and (i) one or more propylene-based polymers grafted with aromatic vinyl monomers (PbP-gVAMs) or (ii) one or more propylene-based polymers grafted with unsaturated vinyl monomers including a heteroatom (PbPg-UVMH).

7. Thermoplastic molding material, according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the main chain of PbPs are random copolymers of propylene, produced by metallocene catalysis, with a propylene proportion of less than 90% by weight, or with a propylene proportion between 60 and 85% by weight.

8. Thermoplastic molding material, according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises 10 to 55% by weight, or 20 to 45% by weight of one or more SBCs, based on the total mass of the thermoplastic molding material, and 10 to 80% by weight, or 20 to 75% by weight of one or more PbPs, based on the total mass of the thermoplastic molding material.

9. Thermoplastic molding material, according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the SBCs comprise at least one elastomeric block copolymer selected from the group consisting of ABA-type elastomeric triblock copolymers, AB-type elastomeric diblock copolymers and [AB]n-type elastomeric multiblock copolymers, wherein A consists of rigid styrene units and B of elastomeric units, and n is the number of blocks.

10. Thermoplastic molding material, according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said material exhibits an elongation at break of more than 800%, or more than 1,000%, measured in accordance with ISO 527, except that the test specimen has the following dimensions which deviate from the standard: total length: 50 mm, width of the narrow part: 3.3 mm, width at the ends: 7 mm, length of the narrow parallel part: 25 mm, thickness: 1 mm.

11. Thermoplastic molding material, according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that said material has a resilience R of more than 70%, more than 80%, or more than 90%, measured with a resilience test, wherein the test specimen was stretched in a Zwick tension / stretch machine, from 300% of the starting length L1 to length L2 at a stretching rate of 50 mm / min and subsequent total relaxation to the relaxed length L3, wherein the resilience R was calculated according to the formula R = ((L2 - L3) / L2 - L1) * 100, and the test specimen has the following dimensions: total length: 50 mm, width of the narrow part: 3.3 mm, width at the ends: 7 mm, length of the narrow parallel part: 25 mm, thickness: 1 mm.

12. Process for producing thermoplastic molding material, as defined in any of claims 1 to 11, characterized by mixing at least one SBC with at least one PbP, wherein the at least one SBC comprises a content Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, page. 52 / 116 4 / 6 of styrene from 5 to 40% by weight, from 10 to 35% by weight, or from 20 to 35% by weight, and at least one PbP with a PbP back chain having a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of less than 10,000 g / mol, less than 9,000 g / mol, or less than 7,000 g / mol, wherein the PbPs have an enthalpy of fusion, measured according to ISO 11357-2, below 50 J / g, below 30 J / g, between 0 and 5 J / g, or 0 J / g.

13. Process, according to claim 12, characterized in that at least one PbP is grafted with 1 to 50% by weight, 3 to 30% by weight, or 5 to 20% by weight of vinyl-aromatic monomers (PbP-g-VAM), or styrene and its derivatives (PbP-g-ST).

14. Process according to claim 12, characterized in that at least one PbP is grafted with 0.1 to 20% by weight, 0.5 to 15% by weight, or 1 to 10% by weight of unsaturated vinyl monomers including a heteroatom, carboxylic anhydride monomers, or maleic anhydride (PbP-g-MA).

15. Use of a thermoplastic molding material, as defined in any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it is for bonding substrates, or for fixing granular or powdery materials to smooth, structured or textile substrates.

16. Polymer based on propylene grafted with vinyl aromatic monomer (PbP-g-VAM), or grafted with vinyl aromatic monomer selected from the group consisting of styrene (PbPg-ST) and its derivatives, characterized in that it comprises: - a PbP- main chain with a weight average molecular weight of less than 10,000 g / mol, less than 9,000 g / mol, or less than 7,000 g / mol, - a VAM content between 1 and 50% by weight, between 3 and 30% by weight, or between 5 and 20% by weight, Petition 870260056795, dated 11 / 06 / 2026, p. 53 / 116 5 / 6 - an enthalpy of fusion, measured according to ISO 11357-2, below 50 J / g, below 30 J / g, between 0 and 5 J / g, or 0 J / g, and - a pour point, determined according to ASTM D97, is below 85°C, below 60°C, or below 55°C.

17. PbP-g-VAM polymer, according to claim 16, characterized in that the PbP backbone is a propylene random copolymer with a propylene proportion of less than 90% by weight, between 60-85% by weight, or between 65-80% by weight, which was produced by metallocene catalysis.

18. A propylene-based polymer grafted with unsaturated vinyl monomers including a heteroatom (PbP-gUVMH), grafted with a carboxylic anhydride, or grafted with maleic anhydride (PbP-g-MA), characterized in that it comprises: - a PbP backbone with a weight-average molecular weight of less than 10,000 g / mol, less than 9,000 g / mol, or less than 7,000 g / mol, - a UVMH monomer content between 0.1 and 20% by weight, between 0.5 and 15% by weight, or between 1 and 10% by weight, - an enthalpy of fusion, measured according to ISO 11357-2, below 50 J / g, below 30 J / g, between 0 and 5 J / g, or 0 J / g, e - a pour point, determined according to ASTM D97, is below 85°C, below 60°C, or below 55°C.

19. PbP-g-UVMH polymer, according to claim 18, characterized in that the PbP backbone is a random copolymer of propylene with a propylene proportion of less than 90% by weight, between 60-85% by weight, or between 65-80% by weight, which was produced by metallocene catalysis.

Images