Pellets, resin composition, and molded body

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention pertains to pellets. The pellets contain an alpha-olefin polymer (C) and are characterized in that an oil-based liquid (A) and a fatty acid amide (B) having an average particle size of 110 μm or less adhere to the surface of the pellet bodies [I], the amount of the oil-based liquid (A) adhered on the surface of the pellet bodies [I] is 0.025-0.22 mass% relative to the total pellet mass, and the amount of the fatty acid amide (B) adhered on the surface of the pellet bodies [I] is 0.015-0.28 mass% relative to the total pellet mass.

Description

Pellets, resin composition and molded article

[0001] The present invention relates to a pellet, a resin composition, and a molded article.

[0002] In recent years, various resins have been increasingly supplied to the market in the form of pellets, which are useful in terms of ease of removal from storage, ease of supply to molding equipment, ease of transportation, ease of measurement, etc.

[0003] However, due to its stickiness, adhesive resins may aggregate into blocks during pellet storage, thereby eliminating the purpose of forming them into pellets. Even resins that are relatively non-adhesive at room temperature may cause the pellets to aggregate together if they are kept under load or in a high-temperature environment, such as in the summer, and the value of the pelletized product may be lost.

[0004] In order to solve these problems, methods have been proposed in which external additives such as powders such as calcium stearate and talc, or liquids such as silicone oil are attached to resin pellets to suppress blocking and improve the handleability of the pellets (e.g., Patent Documents 1 to 5).

[0005] JP 2001-200060 A JP 2001-342259 A WO 2002 / 085979 WO 2008 / 018404 JP 2012-040719 A

[0006] However, the types and amounts of external additives described in Patent Documents 1 to 5 have the problem that the blocking resistance may be insufficient when the pellets are stored in a high-temperature environment such as in summer and then exposed to a low-temperature environment such as in winter. Also, when the pellets are used, particles derived from the pellets, such as external additives, remain on the inner surface of the feeding hopper, causing the blending ratio with other raw materials to deviate from the desired value, resulting in variations in quality.

[0007] An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide pellets, a resin composition comprising the pellets, and a molded article that have excellent blocking resistance in a high-temperature environment and when the temperature environment changes from high to low, and that are less likely to leave the pellets or powder adhering to the pellet surface in a hopper when the pellets are used.An object of another embodiment of the present invention is to provide a resin composition and a molded article that have excellent impact resistance.

[0008] The present invention achieves the above object by providing a pellet comprising an α-olefin polymer (C), wherein an oil-based liquid (A) and a fatty acid amide (B) having an average particle size of 110 μm or less are adhered to the surface of the pellet body [I], the amount of the oil-based liquid (A) adhered to the surface of the pellet body [I] is 0.025 to 0.22% by mass with respect to the total mass of the pellet, and the amount of the fatty acid amide (B) adhered to the surface of the pellet body [I] is 0.015 to 0.28% by mass with respect to the total mass of the pellet.

[0009] [2] The pellet according to [1], wherein the fatty acid amide (B) has an average particle size of 28 μm or less. [3] The pellet according to [1] or [2], wherein the amount of the oil-based liquid (A) adhering to the surface of the pellet body [I] is 0.05 to 0.20 mass% with respect to the mass of the entire pellet.

[0010] [4] The pellet according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the amount of the fatty acid amide (B) attached to the surface of the pellet body [I] is 0.03 to 0.20 mass% relative to the mass of the entire pellet. [5] The pellet according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the oil-based liquid (A) comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of polyether polyol, aliphatic hydrocarbon oil, natural oil, naphthenic oil, paraffin oil, aromatic oil, and silicone oil.

[0011] [6] The pellet according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the oil-based liquid (A) contains silicone oil. [7] The pellet according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the fatty acid amide (B) satisfies at least one of the following requirements (Ba) and (Bb): (Ba) the fatty acid amide contains 16 to 50 carbon atoms; (Bb) the fatty acid amide is a saturated fatty acid bisamide.

[0012] [8] The pellet according to [7] above, wherein the fatty acid amide (B) satisfies the requirements (Ba) and (Bb), and the number of carbon atoms contained in the fatty acid amide according to the requirement (Ba) is 28 to 48. [9] The pellet according to any one of [1] to [9] above, wherein the α-olefin polymer (C) comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of an ethylene polymer (C1), a propylene polymer (C2), a 1-butene polymer (C3), and a 4-methyl-1-pentene polymer (C4).

[0013]

[10] The pellet according to [9] above, wherein the α-olefin polymer (C) comprises an ethylene polymer (C1) or a propylene polymer (C2).

[11] The pellet according to any one of [1] to

[10] above, wherein the α-olefin polymer (C) is an acid-modified α-olefin polymer and satisfies the following requirements (C-a) to (C-c): (C-a) the degree of acid modification is in the range of 0.3 to 3.0 mass %; (C-b) the melt flow rate at 230°C under a load of 2.16 kg according to ASTM D1238 is in the range of 0.05 to 100 g / 10 min; (C-c) the density according to ASTM D1505 is in the range of 850 to 900 kg / m ３ is in the range.

[0014]

[12] The pellet according to any one of [1] to

[10] above, wherein the α-olefin polymer (C) is an unmodified α-olefin polymer and satisfies the following requirements (C-b) to (C-c): (C-b) a melt flow rate of 0.05 to 100 g / 10 min at 230°C under a load of 2.16 kg according to ASTM D1238; and (C-c) a density of 850 to 900 kg / m according to ASTM D1505. ３

[13] A resin composition using the pellets according to any one of [1] to

[12] .

[14] A molded article comprising the resin composition according to

[13] .

[0015] The pellets according to one embodiment of the present invention have excellent blocking resistance in a high-temperature environment and when the temperature environment changes from high to low, and are less likely to leave the pellets in a hopper or powder adhering to the pellet surface when the pellets are used. In another embodiment of the present invention, a resin composition and a molded article having excellent impact resistance can be provided.

[0016] Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the length (L) of a pellet and the longest length (D) of the pellet. Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining the method of the blocking test. Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining the hopper used in the hopper drop test.

[0017] Matters related to the embodiments will be described in detail below. In this specification, a numerical range expressed using "to" means a range that includes the numerical values ​​written before and after "to" as the lower and upper limits. A numerical range "A to B" indicates A or more and B or less. In this specification, when the units of the numerical values ​​written before and after "to" that indicate a numerical range are the same, the unit of the numerical value written before "to" may be omitted. For example, "851 kg / m ３ ~900 kg / m ３ " to "851 to 900 kg / m ３". In this specification, when referring to the amount of each component in a composition, if the composition contains multiple substances corresponding to each component, it means the total amount of multiple substances present in the composition, unless otherwise specified. In this specification, a combination of two or more preferred embodiments is a more preferred embodiment. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, each component in the composition or each structural unit in the polymer (resin) may be contained in one type or in two or more types. In this specification, room temperature means 23°C.

[0018] Pellets according to one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter also referred to as "the pellets") contain an α-olefin polymer (C), and have an oil-based liquid (A) and a fatty acid amide (B) having an average particle size of 110 μm or less adhered to the surface of the main body of the pellet (hereinafter also referred to as "pellet main body [I]"), and the amount of the oil-based liquid (A) adhered to the surface of the pellet main body [I] is 0.025 to 0.22% by mass with respect to the total mass of the pellets, and the amount of the fatty acid amide (B) adhered to the surface of the pellet main body [I] is 0.015 to 0.28% by mass with respect to the total mass of the pellets.

[0019] The inventors speculate that by setting the adhesion amounts of the oil-based liquid (A) and fatty acid amide (B) within the above ranges, the pellets and particles attached to their surfaces are less likely to remain in the hopper when the pellets are used. While the reason for this is unclear, the inventors speculate that if the adhesion amount of the fatty acid amide (B) is too high, the fatty acid amide (B) that does not come into direct contact with the surface of the pellet body [I] is more likely to fall off into the hopper due to vibration when the pellets are loaded into the hopper. Furthermore, since the oil-based liquid (A) is thought to act as a binder that prevents the fatty acid amide (B) from falling off the pellets, the inventors speculate that if the adhesion amount of the oil-based liquid (A) is low, the fatty acid amide (B) is more likely to fall off into the hopper. On the other hand, if the adhesion amount of the oil-based liquid (A) is too high, the pellets themselves are more likely to remain on the inner wall of the hopper.

[0020] The inventors also speculate that the use of a specific amount or more of fatty acid amide (B) having an average particle size of 110 μm or less results in excellent blocking resistance for the pellets. While the reason for this is unclear, it is believed that the smaller the average particle size of the fatty acid amide (B), the greater the surface area per unit volume. This increases the binding strength via the oil-based liquid (A), thereby suppressing detachment from the surface of the pellet body [I]. Furthermore, the pellet shape provides a higher surface area than bale, chip, or flake shapes, resulting in a higher coverage of the surface of the pellet body [I] with external additives. This reduces contact between the pellet surfaces, thereby improving blocking resistance. Furthermore, the pellets exhibit excellent blocking resistance in high-temperature environments and when the temperature changes from high to low. Therefore, they can be expected to have excellent blocking resistance in a variety of environments, allowing them to be stored, transported, etc., in a variety of seasons and regions.

[0021] <Oil-based liquid (A)> The oil-based liquid (A) adheres to the surface of the pellet body [I]. The oil-based liquid (A) may be one type alone or a combination of two or more types, but is preferably one type alone.

[0022] From the viewpoint of easily obtaining pellets that have excellent blocking resistance and are less likely to leave behind in a hopper when the pellets are used, the oil-based liquid (A) preferably contains one or more selected from the group consisting of polyether polyols, aliphatic hydrocarbon oils, natural oils, naphthenic oils, paraffinic oils, aromatic oils, and silicone oils, more preferably contains one or more selected from polyether polyols and silicone oils, even more preferably contains silicone oil, and is particularly preferably silicone oil.

[0023] Specific examples of silicone oils include polysiloxanes having a repeating unit represented by the following formula (a).

[0024]

[0025] In formula (a), R and R' each independently represent an alkyl group, an aryl group, or a group in which the hydrogen atoms of these groups have been substituted with halogen atoms or the like. R and R' may be the same group or different groups. Furthermore, a portion of R and R' may be substituted with a hydroxyl group or an alkoxy group.

[0026] Specific examples of alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, and tert-butyl groups. Specific examples of aryl groups include phenyl and tolyl groups. Specific examples of halogen atoms include fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine atoms. Specific examples of alkoxy groups include methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, and isopropoxy groups.

[0027] The oil-based liquid (A) may be produced using, for example, a raw material derived from a fossil fuel and / or a raw material derived from biomass. The raw material may be one type only or two or more types may be combined.

[0028] The oil-based liquid (A) preferably has a kinematic viscosity at 25°C according to JIS K 2283 of 0.5 to 100,000 cSt, more preferably 100 to 5,000 cSt, and even more preferably 200 to 1,000 cSt.

[0029] In one embodiment, the amount of oil-based liquid (A) adhering to the surface of the pellet body [I] of the present pellet is 0.025 to 0.22% by mass relative to the mass of the entire pellet. From the viewpoint of easily obtaining pellets that are excellent in blocking resistance and that are less likely to leave the pellets or powder adhering to the pellet surface in a hopper when the pellets are used, the amount of oil-based liquid (A) adhering is preferably 0.04 to 0.21% by mass, more preferably 0.05 to 0.20% by mass, even more preferably 0.05 to 0.15% by mass, particularly preferably 0.05 to 0.10% by mass, and most preferably 0.06 to 0.10% by mass.

[0030] <Fatty Acid Amide (B)> The fatty acid amide (B) is attached to the surface of the pellet body [I]. The fatty acid amide (B) may be one type alone or a combination of two or more types, but is preferably one type alone.

[0031] The number of carbon atoms contained in the molecular structure of the fatty acid amide (B) is preferably 16 to 50, more preferably 20 to 49, even more preferably 28 to 48, and particularly preferably 33 to 43, from the viewpoint of easily obtaining pellets that are excellent in blocking resistance and that are unlikely to leave the pellets or powder adhering to the pellet surfaces in a hopper when the pellets are used.

[0032] The fatty acid amide (B) may be either a saturated fatty acid or an unsaturated fatty acid, but from the viewpoint of easily obtaining pellets that have excellent blocking resistance and are less likely to leave the pellets or powder adhering to their surfaces in the hopper when the pellets are used, saturated fatty acid amides or saturated fatty acid bisamides are preferred, and saturated fatty acid bisamides are more preferred. The use of fatty acid amide (B) makes it less likely to react with reactive groups (e.g., acidic groups) in the resin contained in the pellet body [I], suppresses stickiness of the pellet particle surfaces, and makes it easy to obtain pellets in which particles adhering to the pellet surfaces are less likely to accumulate in the feed screw.

[0033] Specific examples of the fatty acid amide (B) include saturated fatty acid amides such as palmitic acid amide, stearic acid amide, behenic acid amide, oleic acid amide, elaidic acid amide, erucic acid amide, and hydroxystearic acid amide, and saturated fatty acid bisamides such as methylene bisstearic acid amide, ethylene bisstearic acid amide, and ethylene bispalmitic acid amide. From the viewpoint of obtaining pellets that are excellent in blocking resistance and in which the pellets and powder adhering to the pellet surfaces are unlikely to remain in a hopper when the pellets are used, the fatty acid amide (B) is more preferably ethylene bisstearic acid amide or ethylene bispalmitic acid amide, and even more preferably ethylene bisstearic acid amide.

[0034] The fatty acid amide (B) may be produced, for example, using a raw material derived from a fossil fuel and / or a raw material derived from biomass. The raw material may be one kind or a combination of two or more kinds.

[0035] The fatty acid amide (B) preferably satisfies at least one of the following requirements (Ba) and (Bb), and more preferably satisfies both requirements: (Ba) The number of carbon atoms contained in the molecular structure of the fatty acid amide (B) is 16 to 50. (Bb) The fatty acid amide (B) is a saturated fatty acid bisamide.

[0036] In requirement (Ba), the number of carbon atoms contained in the molecular structure of the fatty acid amide (B) is more preferably 20 to 49, even more preferably 28 to 48, and particularly preferably 33 to 43. In requirement (B-b), specific examples of the saturated fatty acid bisamide include the same compounds as the saturated fatty acid bisamides described above as specific examples of the fatty acid amide (B), and ethylene bisstearamide or ethylene bispalmitamide is more preferred, with ethylene bisstearamide being even more preferred.

[0037] In one embodiment, the average particle size (volume basis) of the fatty acid amide (B) is 110 μm or less. From the viewpoint of easily obtaining pellets that have excellent blocking resistance and are less likely to leave behind in a hopper when used, and in which powder adhering to the pellet surface is less likely to remain, the average particle size (volume basis) of the fatty acid amide (B) is preferably 50 μm or less, more preferably 28 μm or less, even more preferably 20 μm or less, and particularly preferably 15 μm or less. The lower limit is not particularly limited, but may be 3 μm or more, 4 μm or more, or even 5 μm or more. That is, the average particle size (volume basis) of the fatty acid amide (B) is preferably in the range of 3 to 110 μm, more preferably 3 to 50 μm, even more preferably 3 to 28 μm, particularly preferably 4 to 20 μm, and most preferably 5 to 15 μm.

[0038] When the average particle size of the fatty acid amide (B) is within the above range, the fatty acid amide (B) is likely to adhere uniformly to the surface of the pellet body [I], making it possible to easily obtain pellets with excellent blocking resistance. In addition, the fatty acid amide (B) is unlikely to fall off the pellet body [I], which is thought to prevent the powder adhering to the pellet surface from remaining in the hopper.

[0039] The average particle size of the fatty acid amide (B) can be measured using a laser diffraction particle distribution analyzer. The average particle size can be measured by a laser diffraction / scattering method based on the Mie scattering theory. Specifically, a particle size distribution is created on a volume basis using a laser diffraction / scattering particle size distribution analyzer, and the D50 is used as the average particle size. D50 is also called the median diameter and refers to the average particle size at which the cumulative frequency of the particle size is 50%. A measurement sample obtained by dispersing the fatty acid amide (B) in water using ultrasonic waves can be preferably used. As a laser diffraction / scattering particle size distribution analyzer, for example, an LA-950 manufactured by Horiba, Ltd. can be used.

[0040] In one embodiment, the amount of fatty acid amide (B) adhered to the surface of the pellet body [I] of the present pellet is 0.015 to 0.28% by mass relative to the total mass of the present pellet, preferably 0.02 to 0.25% by mass, more preferably 0.03 to 0.20% by mass, even more preferably 0.05 to 0.15% by mass, particularly preferably 0.05 to 0.10% by mass, and extremely preferably 0.06 to 0.10% by mass, from the viewpoint of easily obtaining pellets that have excellent blocking resistance and are less likely to leave powder adhered to the pellet surface or remain in a hopper during use.

[0041] <α-Olefin Polymer (C)> The α-olefin polymer (C) is a polymer containing an α-olefin as a main component, such as a homopolymer of an α-olefin, such as ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, 1-heptene, 1-octene, 1-nonene, 1-decene, 1-undecene, 1-dodecene, 1-tetradecene, 1-hexadecene, 1-octadecene, 1-nonadecene, or 1-eicosene; a copolymer of the α-olefin with another α-olefin (such as ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, 1-hexene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, 1-heptene, 1-octene, 1-nonene, 1-decene, 1-undecene, 1-dodecene, 1-tetradecene, 1-hexadecene, 1-octadecene, 1-nonadecene, or 1-eicosene); or a copolymer of the α-olefin with a monomer other than an α-olefin. The α-olefin polymer (C) may be of one kind alone or a combination of two or more kinds, but is preferably of one kind alone.

[0042] The α-olefin polymer (C) preferably contains one or more selected from the group consisting of an ethylene polymer (C1), a propylene polymer (C2), a 1-butene polymer (C3), and a 4-methyl-1-pentene polymer (C4). From the viewpoint of easily obtaining pellets that have excellent blocking resistance and are less likely to leave the pellets or powder adhering to the pellet surfaces in a hopper when the pellets are used, the α-olefin polymer (C) more preferably contains an ethylene polymer (C1) or a propylene polymer (C2), and even more preferably contains an ethylene polymer (C1).

[0043] The α-olefin polymer (C) may be an unmodified polymer or a polymer graft-modified with a polar compound. That is, the ethylene polymer (C1), propylene polymer (C2), 1-butene polymer (C3), and 4-methyl-1-pentene polymer (C4) may be an unmodified polymer or a polymer graft-modified with a polar compound (for example, an acid-modified α-olefin polymer described below). When the pellets are used as an engineering plastic modifier, it is preferable that the pellets contain a polymer graft-modified with a polar compound from the viewpoint of compatibility.

[0044] <Polar Compound> The polar compound is preferably one or more polar compounds selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl group-containing unsaturated compounds, amino group-containing unsaturated compounds, epoxy group-containing unsaturated compounds, aromatic vinyl compounds, unsaturated carboxylic acids and their derivatives, vinyl ester compounds, and vinyl chloride. When the present pellets are used as an engineering plastic modifier, the polar compound can be appropriately selected depending on the resin contained in the modified material (engineering plastic). When the present pellets are used as an engineering plastic modifier mainly composed of polyamide, for example, the polar compound is preferably an unsaturated carboxylic acid and its derivatives from the viewpoint of reactivity with polyamide.

[0045] Examples of hydroxyl group-containing unsaturated compounds include hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate, 3-hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropyl (meth)acrylate, 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate, glycerin mono(meth)acrylate, pentaerythritol mono(meth)acrylate, trimethylolpropane mono(meth)acrylate, tetramethylolethane mono(meth)acrylate, butanediol mono(meth)acrylate, polyethylene mono(meth)acrylate, propylene glycol ... (meth)acrylic acid esters such as ethylene glycol mono(meth)acrylate and 2-(6-hydroxyhexanoyloxy)ethyl acrylate; 10-undecen-1-ol, 1-octen-3-ol, 2-methanol norbornene, hydroxystyrene, hydroxyethyl vinyl ether, hydroxybutyl vinyl ether, N-methylolacrylamide, 2-(meth)acroyloxyethyl acid phosphate, glycerin monoallyl ether, allyl alcohol, allyloxyethanol, or 2-butene-1,4-diol.

[0046] Examples of the amino group-containing unsaturated compound include alkyl ester derivatives of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid, such as aminoethyl (meth)acrylate, propylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, aminopropyl (meth)acrylate, phenylaminoethyl methacrylate, and cyclohexylaminoethyl methacrylate; vinylamine derivatives, such as N-vinyldiethylamine and N-acetylvinylamine; allylamine derivatives, such as allylamine, methacrylamine, N-methylacrylamine, N,N-dimethylacrylamide, and N,N-dimethylaminopropylacrylamide; acrylamide derivatives, such as acrylamide and N-methylacrylamide; aminostyrenes, such as p-aminostyrene; and imides, such as 6-aminohexylsuccinimide and 2-aminoethylsuccinimide.

[0047] Examples of epoxy group-containing unsaturated compounds include glycidyl acrylate, glycidyl methacrylate, mono- or diglycidyl esters of maleic acid, mono- or diglycidyl esters of fumaric acid, mono- or diglycidyl esters of crotonic acid, mono- or diglycidyl esters of tetrahydrophthalic acid, mono- or diglycidyl esters of itaconic acid, mono- or diglycidyl esters of butenetricarboxylic acid, mono- or diglycidyl esters of citraconic acid, endo-cis-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2,3-dicarboxylic acid (nadic acid), TM ), mono- or diglycidyl ester of endo-cis-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2-methyl-2,3-dicarboxylic acid (methyl nadic acid TM ), dicarboxylic acid mono- or alkyl glycidyl esters such as mono- or diglycidyl ester of allyl succinic acid (in the case of a monoglycidyl ester, the alkyl group preferably has 1 to 12 carbon atoms), alkyl glycidyl ester of p-styrenecarboxylic acid, allyl glycidyl ether, 2-methylallyl glycidyl ether, styrene-p-glycidyl ether, 3,4-epoxy-1-butene, 3,4-epoxy-3-methyl-1-butene, 3,4-epoxy-1-pentene, 3,4-epoxy-3-methyl-1-pentene, 5,6-epoxy-1-hexene, or vinylcyclohexene monoxide.

[0048] Examples of aromatic vinyl compounds include styrene, α-methylstyrene, o-methylstyrene, p-methylstyrene, m-methylstyrene, p-chlorostyrene, m-chlorostyrene, and p-chloromethylstyrene, 4-vinylpyridine, 2-vinylpyridine, 5-ethyl-2-vinylpyridine, 2-methyl-5-vinylpyridine, 2-isopropenylpyridine, 2-vinylquinoline, 3-vinylisoquinoline, N-vinylcarbazole, and N-vinylpyrrolidone.

[0049] Examples of vinyl ester compounds include vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate, vinyl n-butyrate, vinyl isobutyrate, vinyl pivalate, vinyl caproate, vinyl versatate, vinyl laurate, vinyl stearate, vinyl benzoate, vinyl p-tert-butylbenzoate, vinyl salicylate, and vinyl cyclohexanecarboxylate.

[0050] Examples of unsaturated carboxylic acids and derivatives thereof include unsaturated carboxylic acids having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, preferably 3 to 8 carbon atoms, and derivatives of such unsaturated carboxylic acids.

[0051] Examples of unsaturated carboxylic acids include acrylic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, tetrahydrophthalic acid, itaconic acid, citraconic acid, crotonic acid, isocrotonic acid, and nadic acid. TM (endo cis-bicyclo[2,2,1]hept-5-ene-2,3-dicarboxylic acid).

[0052] Examples of the derivatives of unsaturated carboxylic acids include acid halide compounds, ester compounds, imide compounds, acid anhydrides, and ester compounds of unsaturated carboxylic acids, such as malenyl chloride, maleimide, maleic anhydride, citraconic anhydride, monomethyl maleate, dimethyl maleate, and glycidyl maleate.

[0053] As the unsaturated carboxylic acid and its derivative, preferably, unsaturated dicarboxylic acid and its acid anhydride, more preferably, maleic acid, nadic acid TM and acid anhydrides thereof. In the α-olefin polymer (C), the grafting position of the polar compound to be grafted is not particularly limited, as long as the polar compound is bonded to any carbon atom of the unmodified polymer. The polar compound may be, for example, a fossil fuel-derived monomer and / or a biomass-derived monomer. These monomers may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0054] When the α-olefin polymer (C) is an acid-modified α-olefin polymer graft-modified with an unsaturated carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof, the α-olefin polymer (C) has excellent blocking resistance when the temperature environment changes from high to low, and from the viewpoint of easily obtaining pellets that are less likely to remain in a hopper when the pellets are used, and powder adhering to the pellet surface, the α-olefin polymer (C) preferably satisfies at least one of the following requirements (Ca) to (C-c), more preferably satisfies two or more requirements, and even more preferably satisfies all requirements: (Ca) The degree of acid modification is in the range of 0.3 to 3.0 mass%. (C-b) The melt flow rate at 230°C under a load of 2.16 kg according to ASTM D1238 is in the range of 0.05 to 100 g / 10 min. (C-c) The density according to ASTM D1505 is in the range of 850 to 900 kg / m 3 is in the range.

[0055] When the α-olefin polymer (C) is an unmodified α-olefin polymer that has not been modified with a polar compound or the like, the α-olefin polymer (C) preferably satisfies at least one of the following requirements (C-b) and (C-c), and more preferably satisfies all of the following requirements (C-b) and (C-c), from the viewpoints of having excellent blocking resistance in high-temperature environments and easily obtaining pellets that are less likely to remain in a hopper during use, and of which powder adhering to the pellet surface is less likely to remain: (C-b) a melt flow rate of 0.05 to 100 g / 10 min at 230°C under a load of 2.16 kg as measured in accordance with ASTM D1238 is in the range of 0.05 to 100 g / 10 min; (C-c) a density of 850 to 900 kg / m as measured in accordance with ASTM D1505 is in the range of 100 to 200 g / m; 3 is in the range.

[0056] The α-olefin polymer (C) is preferably an unmodified α-olefin polymer from the viewpoints of excellent blocking resistance in high-temperature environments and easy production of pellets that are less likely to leave the pellets or powder adhering to the pellet surfaces in a hopper during use. Here, "unmodified" means that the degree of acid modification calculated under the conditions described in the Examples below is below the detection limit. In the case of a resin composition in which a graft-modified α-olefin polymer (C) and an unmodified α-olefin polymer (C) are mixed in pellets, and the degree of acid modification of the resin composition is below the detection limit, the α-olefin polymer (C) is treated as an unmodified α-olefin polymer.

[0057] (Requirement (C-a)) When the α-olefin polymer (C) is an acid-modified α-olefin polymer, the degree of acid modification (amount of acid modification) of the α-olefin polymer (C) is preferably 0.3 to 3.0 mass%, more preferably 0.4 to 2.8 mass%, even more preferably 0.4 to 2.5 mass%, particularly preferably 0.4 to 2.4 mass%, and extremely preferably 0.6 to 2.2 mass%. When the degree of acid modification of the α-olefin polymer (C) is within the above range, it is possible to obtain pellets that are excellent in impact resistance and blocking resistance when the temperature environment changes from high to low, and that are less likely to leave the pellets or powder adhering to the pellet surface in a hopper when used. The degree of acid modification of the α-olefin polymer (C) can be calculated by measuring FT-IR under the conditions described in the Examples below.

[0058] (Requirement (C-b)) The melt flow rate (MFR) of the α-olefin polymer (C) at 230°C under a load of 2.16 kg according to ASTM D1238 is preferably in the range of 0.05 to 100 g / 10 min, more preferably 0.1 to 50 g / 10 min, and even more preferably 0.5 to 30 g / 10 min. When the MFR of the α-olefin polymer (C) is in the above range, a polymer with excellent moldability can be obtained, and pellets can be easily produced that are excellent in impact resistance and blocking resistance when the temperature environment changes from high to low, and that are less likely to leave the pellets or powder adhering to the pellet surfaces in a hopper when the pellets are used.

[0059] (Requirement (C-c)) The density of the α-olefin polymer (C) according to ASTM D1505 is preferably 850 to 900 kg / m 3 , more preferably 855 to 890 kg / m 3 , more preferably 860 to 880 kg / m 3 When the density of the α-olefin polymer (C) is within the above range, it is possible to easily produce pellets that are lightweight and have excellent impact resistance, and that have excellent blocking resistance when the temperature environment changes from high to low, and that are less likely to leave the pellets or powder adhering to the surfaces of the pellets in a hopper during use.

[0060] (Ethylene-Based Polymer (C1)) Examples of the ethylene-based polymer (C1) include ethylene homopolymers and copolymers of ethylene and α-olefins having 3 to 20 carbon atoms (ethylene-α-olefin copolymers), and examples thereof include polymers containing ethylene-derived structural units as a main component, which are usually called high-density polyethylene (HDPE), medium-density polyethylene (MDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), or ethylene-α-olefin copolymers. The ethylene-based polymer (C1) may be of one type alone or in combination of two or more types, but is preferably of one type alone.

[0061] Examples of the α-olefin having 3 to 20 carbon atoms that can be copolymerized with ethylene include linear α-olefins such as propylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-heptene, 1-octene, 1-nonene, 1-decene, 1-undecene, 1-dodecene, 1-tetradecene, 1-hexadecene, 1-octadecene, 1-nonadecene, and 1-eicosene; and branched α-olefins such as 3-methyl-1-butene, 3-methyl-1-pentene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, 3-ethyl-1-pentene, 4,4-dimethyl-1-pentene, 4-methyl-1-hexene, 4,4-dimethyl-1-hexene, 4-ethyl-1-hexene, and 3-ethyl-1-hexene.

[0062] Among these, α-olefins having 3 to 10 carbon atoms are preferred, α-olefins having 3 to 8 carbon atoms are more preferred, and from the viewpoint of easily obtaining pellets that have excellent blocking resistance and are less likely to leave the pellets or powder adhering to the pellet surface in a hopper when the pellets are used, propylene, 1-butene, 1-hexene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, or 1-octene are even more preferred, 1-butene or 1-octene are particularly preferred, and 1-butene is most preferred. The α-olefins having 3 to 20 carbon atoms may be used alone or in combination of two or more, but preferably alone.

[0063] The monomers constituting the ethylene polymer (C1) (e.g., ethylene, an α-olefin having 3 to 20 carbon atoms) may be, for example, fossil fuel-derived monomers and / or biomass-derived monomers. These monomers may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The ethylene polymer (C1) may contain one or more monomers selected from the group consisting of a propylene polymer (C2), a 1-butene polymer (C3), and a 4-methyl-1-pentene polymer (C4), or may contain one or more monomers selected from the group consisting of a propylene polymer (C2) and a 1-butene polymer (C3), within the scope of not impairing the effects of the present invention.

[0064] Specific examples of suitable ethylene-α-olefin copolymers include ethylene-propylene copolymers, ethylene-1-butene copolymers, ethylene-1-hexene copolymers, ethylene-4-methyl-1-pentene copolymers, ethylene-1-octene copolymers, ethylene-propylene-1-butene copolymers, and ethylene-propylene-1-octene copolymers, from the viewpoint of easily obtaining pellets that have excellent blocking resistance and are less likely to leave behind in a hopper when used, or powder adhering to the pellet surfaces. Among these, ethylene-propylene copolymers, ethylene-1-butene copolymers, ethylene-1-hexene copolymers, ethylene-4-methyl-1-pentene copolymers, and ethylene-1-octene copolymers are preferred, ethylene-1-butene copolymers and ethylene-1-octene copolymers are more preferred, and ethylene-1-octene copolymers are even more preferred.

[0065] When the ethylene polymer (C1) is an ethylene-α-olefin copolymer, the molar ratio of the structural units derived from ethylene to the structural units derived from an α-olefin having 3 to 20 carbon atoms (ethylene / α-olefin) is preferably 99 / 1 to 60 / 40, more preferably 95 / 5 to 70 / 30, and even more preferably 90 / 10 to 65 / 25, from the viewpoint of easily obtaining pellets that are excellent in blocking resistance and are unlikely to leave the pellets or powder adhering to the pellet surfaces in a hopper when the pellets are used. The content (mol %) of the structural units derived from each monomer can be, for example, 13 When the content of the structural units derived from each monomer in the ethylene polymer (C1) is within the above range, the resulting pellets have excellent impact resistance.

[0066] When the ethylene polymer (C1) is an ethylene-α-olefin copolymer, the density according to ASTM D1505 is preferably 850 to 900 kg / m from the viewpoint of easily obtaining pellets that are excellent in blocking resistance and are unlikely to leave the pellets or powder adhering to the pellet surfaces in a hopper when the pellets are used. 3, more preferably 855 to 890 kg / m 3 , more preferably 860 to 880 kg / m 3 is.

[0067] The melt flow rate (MFR) of the ethylene polymer (C1), measured in accordance with ASTM D1238 at 230°C under a load of 2.16 kg, is preferably in the range of 0.05 to 100 g / 10 min, more preferably 0.1 to 90 g / 10 min, more preferably 0.3 to 80 g / 10 min, and even more preferably 0.5 to 70 g / 10 min. When the MFR of the ethylene polymer (C1) is in the above range, pellets having an excellent balance between fluidity and impact resistance and anti-blocking properties can be easily obtained, and the pellets and powder adhering to the pellet surfaces are less likely to remain in a hopper when the pellets are used.

[0068] The ratio (Mw / Mn) of the weight average molecular weight (Mw) to the number average molecular weight (Mn) of the ethylene polymer (C1) measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) is preferably in the range of 1.2 to 3.5, more preferably 1.5 to 3.0, and even more preferably 1.8 to 2.5. When the Mw / Mn of the ethylene polymer (C1) is in the above range, pellets can be easily obtained that are less sticky and have excellent blocking resistance, and that are less likely to leave behind the pellets or powder adhering to the pellet surfaces in a hopper when the pellets are used.

[0069] (Propylene-Based Polymer (C2)) Examples of the propylene-based polymer (C2) include propylene homopolymers and copolymers of propylene and α-olefins other than propylene having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, and examples thereof include polymers generally referred to as propylene-α-olefin copolymers, which contain propylene-derived structural units as a main component. The propylene-based polymer (C2) may be of one type alone or in combination of two or more types, but is preferably of one type alone.

[0070] As the α-olefin having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, excluding propylene, which is copolymerized with propylene, from the viewpoint of easily obtaining pellets which have excellent blocking resistance and which are unlikely to cause the pellets or powder adhering to the pellet surface to remain in a hopper when the pellets are used, ethylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-heptene, 1-octene, 1-nonene, 1-decene, 1-undecene, 1-dodecene, 1-tetradecene, 1- Examples of the α-olefin include linear α-olefins such as hexadecene, 1-octadecene, 1-nonadecene, and 1-eicosene; and branched α-olefins such as 3-methyl-1-butene, 3-methyl-1-pentene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, 3-ethyl-1-pentene, 4,4-dimethyl-1-pentene, 4-methyl-1-hexene, 4,4-dimethyl-1-hexene, 4-ethyl-1-hexene, and 3-ethyl-1-hexene.

[0071] Among these, α-olefins having 2 to 10 carbon atoms excluding propylene are preferred, α-olefins having 2 to 8 carbon atoms excluding propylene are more preferred, and ethylene, 1-butene, 1-hexene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, or 1-octene are even more preferred. The α-olefins having 2 to 20 carbon atoms excluding propylene may be used alone or in combination of two or more, but preferably alone.

[0072] The monomer constituting the propylene polymer (C2) (e.g., propylene, an α-olefin having 2 to 20 carbon atoms excluding propylene) may be, for example, a monomer derived from a fossil fuel and / or a monomer derived from biomass. These monomers may be used alone or in combination of two or more, but preferably alone. The propylene polymer (C2) may contain one or more monomers selected from the group consisting of the ethylene polymer (C1), the 1-butene polymer (C3), and the 4-methyl-1-pentene polymer (C4), or may contain one or more monomers selected from the group consisting of the ethylene polymer (C1) and the 1-butene polymer (C3), or may contain the ethylene polymer (C1), within a range that does not impair the effects of the present invention.

[0073] Specific examples of suitable propylene-α-olefin copolymers include propylene-ethylene copolymers, propylene-1-butene copolymers, propylene-1-hexene copolymers, propylene-1-octene copolymers, propylene-ethylene-1-butene copolymers, and propylene-1-butene-ethylene copolymers, from the viewpoint of easily obtaining pellets that have excellent blocking resistance and are less likely to leave behind in a hopper when used, or powder adhering to the pellet surfaces. Among these, propylene-ethylene copolymers, propylene-1-butene copolymers, propylene-ethylene-1-butene copolymers, and propylene-1-butene-ethylene copolymers are preferred, and propylene-ethylene copolymers and propylene-1-butene-ethylene copolymers are more preferred.

[0074] When the propylene polymer (C2) is a propylene-α-olefin copolymer, the molar ratio of the structural units derived from propylene to the structural units derived from an α-olefin having 2 to 20 carbon atoms other than propylene (propylene / α-olefin) is preferably 99 / 1 to 60 / 40, more preferably 95 / 5 to 60 / 40, and even more preferably 90 / 10 to 60 / 40. The content (mol %) of the structural units derived from each monomer is, for example, 13 When the content of the structural units derived from each monomer in the propylene polymer (C2) is within the above range, pellets that are excellent in impact resistance and blocking resistance and that are unlikely to leave the pellets or powder adhering to the pellet surfaces in a hopper during use can be easily obtained.

[0075] The density of the propylene polymer (C2) in accordance with ASTM D1505 is preferably 850 to 910 kg / m from the viewpoint of obtaining pellets that are excellent in blocking resistance and in which the pellets and powder adhering to the pellet surfaces are unlikely to remain in a hopper during use. 3 , more preferably 855 to 900 kg / m 3 , more preferably 860 to 890 kg / m 3 is.

[0076] The melt flow rate (MFR) of the propylene polymer (C2), measured in accordance with ASTM D1238 at 230°C under a load of 2.16 kg, is preferably in the range of 0.1 to 50.0 g / 10 min, more preferably 0.3 to 40.0 g / 10 min, still more preferably 0.5 to 30.0 g / 10 min, and particularly preferably 1.0 to 20.0 g / 10 min. When the MFR of the propylene polymer (C2) is in the above range, pellets having an excellent balance between fluidity and impact resistance and anti-blocking properties can be easily obtained, and the pellets and powder adhering to the pellet surfaces are less likely to remain in a hopper when the pellets are used.

[0077] The ratio (Mw / Mn) of the weight average molecular weight (Mw) to the number average molecular weight (Mn) of the propylene polymer (C2) measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) is preferably 1.2 to 3.5, more preferably 1.5 to 3.0, and even more preferably 1.8 to 2.5. When the / Mn of the propylene polymer (C2) is within the above range, pellets can be easily obtained that are less sticky and have excellent blocking resistance, and that are less likely to leave behind the pellets or powder adhering to the pellet surfaces in a hopper during use.

[0078] (1-Butene Polymer (C3)) Examples of the 1-butene polymer (C3) include a 1-butene homopolymer and a copolymer of 1-butene and an α-olefin having 2 to 20 carbon atoms other than 1-butene, and examples thereof include a polymer having a structural unit derived from 1-butene as a main component, which is usually called a 1-butene-α-olefin copolymer. The 1-butene polymer (C3) may be of one type alone or a combination of two or more types, but is preferably of one type alone.

[0079] The α-olefin having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, excluding 1-butene, which is copolymerized with 1-butene, is preferably ethylene, propylene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-heptene, 1-octene, 1-nonene, 1-decene, 1-undecene, 1-dodecene, 1-tetradecene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-heptene, 1-octene, 1-nonene, 1-decene, 1-undecene, 1-dodecene, 1-tetradecene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-heptene, 1-octene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-hexene, 1-hexene, 1-octene, 1-pent ... Examples of the α-olefin include linear α-olefins such as hexadecene, 1-octadecene, 1-nonadecene, and 1-eicosene; and branched α-olefins such as 3-methyl-1-butene, 3-methyl-1-pentene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, 3-ethyl-1-pentene, 4,4-dimethyl-1-pentene, 4-methyl-1-hexene, 4,4-dimethyl-1-hexene, 4-ethyl-1-hexene, and 3-ethyl-1-hexene.

[0080] Among these, α-olefins having 2 to 10 carbon atoms excluding 1-butene are preferred, α-olefins having 2 to 8 carbon atoms excluding 1-butene are more preferred, and ethylene, propylene, 1-hexene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, or 1-octene are even more preferred. The α-olefins having 2 to 20 carbon atoms excluding 1-butene may be used alone or in combination of two or more, but are preferably used alone.

[0081] The monomer constituting the 1-butene polymer (C3) (e.g., 1-butene, an α-olefin having 2 to 20 carbon atoms excluding 1-butene) may be, for example, a fossil fuel-derived monomer and / or a biomass-derived monomer. These monomers may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The 1-butene polymer (C3) may contain one or more monomers selected from the group consisting of an ethylene polymer (C1), a propylene polymer (C2), and a 4-methyl-1-pentene polymer (C4), or may contain one or more monomers selected from the group consisting of an ethylene polymer (C1) and a propylene polymer (C2), within a range that does not impair the effects of the present invention.

[0082] Specific examples of suitable 1-butene-α-olefin copolymers include 1-butene-ethylene copolymers, 1-butene-propylene copolymers, 1-butene-1-hexene copolymers, 1-butene-4-methyl-1-pentene copolymers, 1-butene-1-octene copolymers, 1-butene-ethylene-propylene copolymers, and 1-butene-4-methyl-1-pentene copolymers, from the viewpoint of easily obtaining pellets that have excellent blocking resistance and are less likely to leave behind in a hopper when used. Among these, 1-butene-ethylene copolymers, 1-butene-propylene copolymers, 1-butene-1-hexene copolymers, 1-butene-4-methyl-1-pentene copolymers, and 1-butene-1-octene copolymers are preferred, with 1-butene-ethylene copolymers and 1-butene-propylene copolymers being more preferred.

[0083] When the 1-butene polymer (C3) is a 1-butene / α-olefin copolymer, the molar ratio of the structural units derived from 1-butene to the structural units derived from an α-olefin having 2 to 20 carbon atoms other than 1-butene (1-butene / α-olefin) is preferably 99 / 1 to 60 / 40, more preferably 95 / 5 to 65 / 35, and even more preferably 90 / 10 to 70 / 30. The content (mol %) of the structural units derived from each monomer is, for example, 13 When the content of the structural units derived from each monomer in the 1-butene polymer (C3) is within the above range, pellets having excellent impact resistance and blocking resistance and which are less likely to remain in a hopper or as powder adhering to the surface of the pellets when used can be easily obtained.

[0084] The melt flow rate (MFR) of the 1-butene polymer (C3), measured in accordance with ASTM D1238 at 230°C under a load of 2.16 kg, is preferably in the range of 0.01 to 100 g / 10 min, more preferably 0.03 to 90.0 g / 10 min, more preferably 0.5 to 70.0 g / 10 min, and even more preferably 1.0 to 50.0 g / 10 min. When the MFR of the 1-butene polymer (C3) is in the above range, pellets having an excellent balance between fluidity and impact resistance and excellent blocking resistance can be easily obtained, and the pellets and powder adhering to the pellet surfaces are unlikely to remain in a hopper when the pellets are used.

[0085] The ratio (Mw / Mn) of the weight average molecular weight (Mw) to the number average molecular weight (Mn) of the 1-butene polymer (C3) measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) is preferably 1.5 to 3.0, more preferably 1.6 to 2.8, and even more preferably 1.8 to 2.5. When the Mw / Mn of the 1-butene polymer (C3) is within the above range, pellets can be easily obtained that are less sticky and have excellent blocking resistance, and that are less likely to leave the pellets or powder adhering to the pellet surfaces in a hopper when the pellets are used.

[0086] (4-Methyl-1-pentene Polymer (C4)) Examples of the 4-methyl-1-pentene polymer (C4) include a 4-methyl-1-pentene homopolymer and a copolymer of 4-methyl-1-pentene and an α-olefin having 2 to 20 carbon atoms other than 4-methyl-1-pentene, and examples thereof include a polymer having as its main component a structural unit derived from 4-methyl-1-pentene, which is usually called a 4-methyl-1-pentene-α-olefin copolymer. The 4-methyl-1-pentene polymer (C4) may be of one type alone or in combination of two or more types, but is preferably of one type alone.

[0087] The α-olefin having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, excluding 4-methyl-1-pentene, which is copolymerized with 4-methyl-1-pentene, is preferably ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-heptene, 1-octene, 1-nonene, 1-decene, 1-undecene, 1-pent ... Examples of the α-olefin include linear α-olefins such as dodecene, 1-tetradecene, 1-hexadecene, 1-octadecene, 1-nonadecene, and 1-eicosene; and branched α-olefins such as 3-methyl-1-butene, 3-methyl-1-pentene, 3-ethyl-1-pentene, 4,4-dimethyl-1-pentene, 4-methyl-1-hexene, 4,4-dimethyl-1-hexene, 4-ethyl-1-hexene, and 3-ethyl-1-hexene.

[0088] Among these, α-olefins having 2 to 10 carbon atoms excluding 4-methyl-1-pentene are preferred, α-olefins having 2 to 8 carbon atoms excluding 4-methyl-1-pentene are more preferred, and ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, 1-hexene, or 1-octene is even more preferred. The α-olefins having 2 to 20 carbon atoms excluding 4-methyl-1-pentene may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0089] The monomer constituting the 4-methyl-1-pentene polymer (C4) (for example, 4-methyl-1-pentene, an α-olefin having 2 to 20 carbon atoms excluding 4-methyl-1-pentene) may be, for example, a monomer derived from a fossil fuel and / or a monomer derived from biomass. These monomers may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The 4-methyl-1-pentene polymer (C4) may contain one or more selected from the group consisting of an ethylene polymer (C1), a propylene polymer (C2), and a 1-butene polymer (C3), or may contain one or more selected from the group consisting of an ethylene polymer (C1) and a propylene polymer (C2), within a range that does not impair the effects of the present invention.

[0090] Specific preferred examples of the 4-methyl-1-pentene·α-olefin copolymer include a 4-methyl-1-pentene·ethylene copolymer, a 4-methyl-1-pentene·propylene copolymer, a 4-methyl-1-pentene·1-butene copolymer, a 4-methyl-1-pentene·1-hexene copolymer, a 4-methyl-1-pentene·1-octene copolymer, and a 4-methyl-1-pentene·ethylene·propylene copolymer, from the viewpoint of easily obtaining pellets that have excellent blocking resistance and are less likely to leave behind in a hopper when used, or powder adhering to the pellet surface, and of which a 4-methyl-1-pentene·ethylene copolymer or a 4-methyl-1-pentene·propylene copolymer is more preferred.

[0091] When the 4-methyl-1-pentene polymer (C4) is a 4-methyl-1-pentene / α-olefin copolymer, the molar ratio of the structural units derived from 4-methyl-1-pentene to the structural units derived from an α-olefin having 2 to 20 carbon atoms excluding 4-methyl-1-pentene (4-methyl-1-pentene / α-olefin) is preferably 90 / 10 to 55 / 45, more preferably 85 / 15 to 60 / 40, and even more preferably 85 / 15 to 65 / 35. The content (mol %) of the structural units derived from each monomer is, for example, 13 When the content of the structural units derived from each monomer in the 4-methyl-1-pentene polymer (C4) is within the above range, the resulting pellets have excellent impact resistance.

[0092] The density of the 4-methyl-1-pentene polymer (C4) according to ASTM D1505 is preferably 830 to 870 kg / m 3 , more preferably 830 to 865 kg / m 3 , more preferably 830 to 855 kg / m 3 is.

[0093] The melt flow rate (MFR) of the 4-methyl-1-pentene polymer (C4), measured in accordance with ASTM D1238 at 230°C under a load of 2.16 kg, is preferably in the range of 4.0 to 30 g / 10 min, more preferably 7.0 to 15.0 g / 10 min, and even more preferably 7.0 to 13.0 g / 10 min. When the MFR of the 4-methyl-1-pentene polymer (C4) is in the above range, the resulting pellets have an excellent balance between fluidity and impact resistance.

[0094] The 4-methyl-1-pentene polymer (C4) has a ratio (Mw / Mn) of weight average molecular weight (Mw) to number average molecular weight (Mn) measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) of preferably 1.0 to 3.5, more preferably 1.2 to 3.0, and even more preferably 1.5 to 2.8. When the Mw / Mn of the 4-methyl-1-pentene polymer (C4) is within the above range, the stickiness of the resulting pellets is suppressed.

[0095] (Other α-olefin polymers) The pellets may contain other α-olefin polymers other than the ethylene polymer (C1), the propylene polymer (C2), the 1-butene polymer (C3), and the 4-methyl-1-pentene polymer (C4), as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired. The other α-olefin polymers may be one type alone or two or more types in combination.

[0096] <<Method for Producing the Present Pellets>> The present pellets are obtained by adhering an oil-based liquid (A) and a fatty acid amide (B) to the surface of a pellet body [I] containing an α-olefin polymer (C). The method for producing the present pellets preferably includes a step (I) of preparing a pellet body [I] containing an α-olefin polymer (C), and a step (II) of adhering the oil-based liquid (A) and the fatty acid amide (B) to the pellet body [I].

[0097] <Step (I)> Step (I) is a step of preparing pellet bodies [I] containing an α-olefin polymer (C). The pellet bodies [I] are pellet-shaped particles containing the α-olefin polymer (C), and can be produced, for example, by a known extruder. The pellet bodies [I] preferably have a length (L) of 1.5 to 5.0 mm and a diameter (D) of 3.5 to 6.0 mm.

[0098] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing one specific example of a pellet-shaped particle (e.g., pellet body [I] or the present pellet), and a horizontally elongated ellipse represents one pellet-shaped particle. In FIG. 1, the length (L) of the pellet-shaped particle is indicated by "L". Furthermore, in FIG. 1, the cross section of the pellet-shaped particle is visualized, and the cross section having the largest diameter among the cross sections is represented by the curved and dotted lines shown in the ellipse of the pellet. In FIG. 1, the diameter (D) of the pellet-shaped particle is indicated by "D".

[0099] In the pellet body [I], the length (L) of the pellet-shaped particle is more preferably 1.8 to 4.7 mm, and even more preferably 2.0 to 4.5 mm, and the diameter (D) of the pellet-shaped particle is more preferably 3.7 to 5.7 mm, and even more preferably 4.0 to 5.5 mm. The pellet body [I] having the length (L) and diameter (D) in the above ranges has excellent handleability during molding.

[0100] The pellet body [I] may consist solely of the α-olefin polymer (C), but may also contain additives other than the α-olefin polymer (C), as necessary. Examples of additives include, but are not limited to, weather resistance stabilizers, heat resistance stabilizers, ultraviolet absorbers, infrared absorbers, antistatic agents, antislip agents, antiblocking agents, antifogging agents, lubricants, pigments, dyes, plasticizers, antioxidants, hydrochloric acid absorbers, antioxidants, crystal nucleating agents, antifungal agents, antibacterial agents, flame retardants, organic fillers, and softeners. These additives may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0101] The method for producing the pellet body [I] is not particularly limited, and for example, a conventionally known production method can be used. A method can be used in which the α-olefin polymer (C) and any additives are melt-kneaded and then granulated using an extruder. The melt-kneading method is not particularly limited, and a commonly used known mixer such as a kneader, a roll mill, a Banbury mixer, or a single-screw or twin-screw extruder can be used. This method can easily produce high-quality pellets in which the α-olefin polymer (C) and any additives are uniformly dispersed and mixed.

[0102] <Step (II)> Step (II) is a step of adhering an oil-based liquid (A) and a fatty acid amide (B) to the pellet body [I] obtained in step (I). There are no particular limitations on the method for adhering each component to the pellet body [I] obtained in step (I), but the pellet body [I] can be produced by contacting the oil-based liquid (A) and the fatty acid amide (B) with the pellet body [I].

[0103] The contact of the pellet body [I] with the fatty acid amide (B) may be before, after, or simultaneously with the contact with the oil-based liquid (A), but a preferred method is to mechanically mix the pellet body [I] with the oil-based liquid (A) by a known method to adhere the oil-based liquid (A) to the pellet body [I], and then sprinkle and mix the fatty acid amide (B) over the pellet body [I] with the oil-based liquid (A) adhered thereto, and then further adhere the fatty acid amide (B).

[0104] Mechanical mixing can be carried out using, for example, a ribbon blender, a drum tumbler, a paddle blender, a Henschel mixer, a fluidized bed operation, etc. Alternatively, the pellet body [I], the oil-based liquid (A), and the fatty acid amide (B) may be continuously fed to a contacting device, and the pellets obtained at each stage may be continuously withdrawn from the device to produce the pellets.

[0105] The contact of the pellet body [I] with the oil-based liquid (A) and / or fatty acid amide (B) can be carried out at any temperature so long as the oil-based liquid (A) does not evaporate, solidify, or become too viscous, and is not particularly limited, but is usually 0 to 150° C., preferably 10 to 60° C., and more preferably 15 to 35° C. The contact time is also not particularly limited, but is usually 0.01 second to 10 hours, and preferably 0.1 second to 1 hour.

[0106] In another embodiment of the present pellet manufacturing method, a method can be employed in which, using an extruder equipped with a so-called underwater cut type pelletizer, the pellet body [I] in a molten state is extruded into water in which the oil-based liquid (A) and, if necessary, a known surfactant have been added to finely disperse the oil-based liquid (A), and the pellet body [I] is pelletized while being cooled, thereby adhering the oil-based liquid (A) to the surface thereof, and then the surface of the pellet body [I] to which the oil-based liquid (A) has adhered is sprinkled with fatty acid amide (B), and further fatty acid amide (B) is adhered.

[0107] The amount of oil-based liquid (A) used is preferably 0.0275 to 0.242 parts by mass, more preferably 0.044 to 0.231 parts by mass, even more preferably 0.055 to 0.220 parts by mass, particularly preferably 0.055 to 0.165 parts by mass, extremely preferably 0.055 to 0.110 parts by mass, and most preferably 0.066 to 0.110 parts by mass, relative to 100 parts by mass of the pellet body [I].

[0108] The amount of the fatty acid amide (B) used is preferably 0.0165 to 0.308 parts by mass, more preferably 0.022 to 0.275 parts by mass, even more preferably 0.033 to 0.220 parts by mass, particularly preferably 0.055 to 0.165 parts by mass, extremely preferably 0.055 to 0.110 parts by mass, and most preferably 0.066 to 0.110 parts by mass, relative to 100 parts by mass of the pellet body [I].

[0109] <<Physical Properties of the Present Pellets>> The present pellets preferably have the same specifications (length (L) and diameter (D)) as the pellet bodies [I] obtained in step (I). That is, the length (L) of the pellet-shaped particles of the present pellets is preferably 1.5 to 5.0 mm, more preferably 1.8 to 4.7 mm, and even more preferably 2.0 to 4.5 mm, and the diameter (D) of the pellet-shaped particles is preferably 3.5 to 6.0 mm, more preferably 3.7 to 5.7 mm, and even more preferably 4.0 to 5.5 mm.

[0110] The pellets have a blocking force (cold blocking force) of preferably 30 N or less, more preferably 25 N or less, even more preferably 20 N or less, still more preferably 18 N or less, and particularly preferably 16 N or less, after being subjected to a load of 12 kPa at 35°C for 1 day and then cooled to -10°C for 7 days. When the cold blocking force of the pellets is equal to or less than the upper limit, the pellets are preferred because they have excellent blocking resistance when the temperature environment changes from a high temperature environment such as summer to a low temperature environment such as winter.

[0111] Furthermore, the pellets of the present invention have a blocking force (melt-blocking force) of preferably 11 N or less, more preferably 9 N or less, even more preferably 7 N or less, still more preferably 5 N or less, particularly preferably 4 N or less, and extremely preferably 3 N or less after being subjected to a load of 12 kPa at 40° C. for 7 days. The melt-blocking force of the pellets of the present invention is preferably the above-mentioned upper limit or less, since it provides excellent blocking resistance in high-temperature environments such as summer.

[0112] Since the present pellets obtained by the above-mentioned method tend to have excellent blocking resistance under various temperature environments, it is preferable that the cold-blocking strength and the melt-blocking strength be equal to or less than the upper limit value. Specifically, the cold-blocking strength and the melt-blocking strength are measured by the test methods described in the Examples below.

[0113] Furthermore, it is preferable that the pellets and particles derived from fatty acid amide (B) and the like adhering to the pellets do not accumulate in the hopper when the pellets are used. Specifically, when a specific amount of pellets (e.g., 5 kg) is charged into the hopper with the lower shutter closed, and after a specific time has elapsed at a specific temperature (e.g., after leaving it in an environment of 23°C for 30 minutes), the shutter is opened and the pellets are poured out. It is preferable that the pellets and particles derived from fatty acid amide (B) and the like adhering to the pellets do not accumulate or remain on the inner wall of the hopper. If no accumulation in the hopper is observed, clogging of the hopper tends to be less likely to occur during continuous use of the pellets, and the blending ratio with other raw materials tends to be supplied as desired, resulting in stable quality.

[0114] The pellets, in which the amount of oil-based liquid (A) and fatty acid amide (B) adhered is within the above range, are less likely to accumulate particles derived from the pellets and external additives in the hopper. Even when the amount of external additive adhered is within the above range, the pellets exhibit excellent blocking resistance in high-temperature environments and when the temperature changes from high to low, resulting in excellent transportability, storage stability, and handling of the product in a variety of seasons and regions. Furthermore, since the pellets use a fatty acid amide, which has excellent chemical stability, as the external additive, the pellets are less likely to accumulate external additives on the feed screw. Furthermore, since the pellets use a fatty acid amide with a small particle size as the external additive, the pellets are less likely to accumulate external additives on the feed screw, resulting in excellent blocking resistance.

[0115] The ratio of the mass of the α-olefin polymer (C) to the mass of the oil-based liquid (A) [(C) / (A)] is preferably 0.5×10 ３ ~4.9 x 10 ３ and more preferably 0.8 × 10 ３ ~4.0 x 10 ３ and more preferably 1.0 × 10 ３ ~3.0 x 10 ３ and particularly preferably 1.2 × 10 ３ ~3.0 x 10 ３ is.

[0116] The ratio of the mass of the α-olefin polymer (C) to the mass of the fatty acid amide (B) [(C) / (B)] is preferably 0.4×10 ３ ~9.8 x 10 ３ and more preferably 0.7 × 10 ３ ~8.0 x 10 ３ and more preferably 1.0 × 10 ３ ~5.0 x 10 ３ and particularly preferably 1.2 × 10 ３ ~3.0 x 10 ３ is.

[0117] The ratio of the mass of the oil-based liquid (A) to the mass of the fatty acid amide (B) [(B) / (A)] is preferably 0.3 to 7.5, more preferably 0.4 to 6.0, even more preferably 0.6 to 4.0, and particularly preferably 0.8 to 2.0.

[0118] <<Uses of the Present Pellets>> As described above, various α-olefin polymers can be used for the present pellets, and there are no particular limitations on their use, but the pellets are suitable for use as modifiers, such as water-crosslinkable rubber modifiers, thermoplastic resin modifiers, and plastic modifiers for engineering plastics (engineering plastics). For example, a modified α-olefin polymer (e.g., ethylene polymer (C1)) obtained by graft-modifying (particularly acid-modifying) the α-olefin polymer (C) is preferably used particularly as a polyamide modifier, from the viewpoints of its flexibility and compatibility with engineering plastics such as polyamides mainly composed of polar resins.

[0119] Resin Composition A resin composition according to one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter also referred to as "the resin composition") is obtained, for example, using the pellets. The resin composition may also be a composition containing, for example, an oil-based liquid (A), a fatty acid amide (B) having an average particle size of 110 μm or less, and an α-olefin polymer (C). The oil-based liquid (A), fatty acid amide (B), and α-olefin polymer (C) are synonymous with the oil-based liquid (A), fatty acid amide (B), and α-olefin polymer (C) contained in the pellets. The α-olefin polymer (C) is preferably an acid-modified α-olefin polymer.

[0120] In the present resin composition, the ratio of the mass of the α-olefin polymer (C) to the mass of the oil-based liquid (A) [(C) / (A)] is preferably 0.5×10 ３ ~4.9 x 10 ３ and more preferably 0.8 × 10 ３ ~4.0 x 10 ３ and more preferably 1.0 × 10 ３ ~3.0 x 10 ３ and particularly preferably 1.2 × 10 ３ ~3.0 x 10 ３ is.

[0121] In the present resin composition, the ratio of the mass of the α-olefin polymer (C) to the mass of the fatty acid amide (B) [(C) / (B)] is preferably 0.4×10 ３ ~9.8 x 10 ３ and more preferably 0.7 × 10 ３ ~8.0 x 10 ３ and more preferably 1.0 × 10 ３ ~5.0 x 10 ３ and particularly preferably 1.2 × 10 ３ ~3.0 x 10 ３ is.

[0122] In the present resin composition, the ratio of the mass of the oil-based liquid (A) to the mass of the fatty acid amide (B) [(B) / (A)] is preferably 0.3 to 7.5, more preferably 0.4 to 6.0, even more preferably 0.6 to 4.0, and particularly preferably 0.8 to 2.0.

[0123] The resin composition preferably further contains a polyamide resin. The polyamide resin may be a single type, or a combination of two or more types. When the resin composition further contains a polyamide resin, the content ratio of the polyamide resin to the α-olefin polymer (C) (polyamide resin:α-olefin polymer (C)) is preferably 30 to 99% by mass:1 to 70% by mass, more preferably 50 to 98% by mass:50 to 2% by mass, even more preferably 70 to 95% by mass:30 to 5% by mass, and particularly preferably 85 to 95% by mass:15 to 5% by mass. However, the total content of the polyamide resin and the α-olefin polymer (C) is taken as 100% by mass.

[0124] <Polyamide Resin> The polyamide resin is not particularly limited, and conventionally known aliphatic polyamides, semi-aromatic polyamides, and aromatic polyamides can be used without limitation as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired. For example, the polyamide resin can be a melt-moldable polyamide resin obtained by a polycondensation reaction of an amino acid lactam or an organic diamine with an organic dicarboxylic acid.

[0125] Examples of organic dicarboxylic acids include organic dicarboxylic acids having 4 to 12 carbon atoms, such as adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, phthalic acid, terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, phenylenedioxydiacetic acid, sebacic acid, and dodecanedioic acid; and organic dicarboxylic acids having 13 or more carbon atoms, such as oxydibenzoic acid, diphenylmethanedicarboxylic acid, diphenylsulfonedicarboxylic acid, and biphenyldicarboxylic acid.

[0126] Examples of the organic diamine include organic diamines having 2 to 13 carbon atoms, such as hexamethylenediamine, octamethylenediamine, nonanediamine, octanediamine, decanediamine, undecanediamine, and dodecanediamine.

[0127] Examples of polyamide resins include polycondensates of organic dicarboxylic acids having 4 to 12 carbon atoms and organic diamines having 2 to 13 carbon atoms. Examples of such polycondensates include polyhexamethylene adipamide [polyamide 66], which is a polycondensate of hexamethylene diamine and adipic acid, polyhexamethylene azelamide [polyamide 69], which is a polycondensate of hexamethylene diamine and azelaic acid, polyhexamethylene sebacamide [polyamide 610], which is a polycondensate of hexamethylene diamine and sebacic acid, and polyhexamethylene dodecanoate, which is a polycondensate of hexamethylene diamine and dodecanedioic acid. polydecamethylenesebacamide [polyamide 612], which is a polycondensation product of decamethylenediamine and sebacic acid [polyamide 1010], semi-aromatic polyamides which are polycondensations of aromatic dicarboxylic acids and aliphatic diamines [e.g., polyamide 6T, polyamide 9T, polyamide 10T, polyamide 11T], and polybis(4-aminocyclohexyl)methanedodecane, which is a polycondensation product of bis-p-aminocyclohexylmethane and dodecanedioic acid.

[0128] Further, examples of polyamide resins include polycondensates of ω-amino acids, such as polyundecaneamide [polyamide 11], which is a polycondensate of ω-aminoundecanoic acid.

[0129] Further examples of polyamide resins include ring-opening polymers of lactams, such as polycapramide [polyamide 6], which is a ring-opening polymer of ε-aminocaprolactam, and polylauric lactam [polyamide 12], which is a ring-opening polymer of ε-aminolaurolactam.

[0130] The polyamide resin may be modified with a small amount of a trivalent or higher polyhydroxy compound such as a triol or tricarboxylic acid, or a polycarboxylic acid, as long as it exhibits thermoplasticity.

[0131] From the viewpoint that the resin composition containing the polyamide resin has a fluidity suitable for producing molded articles and that the resulting molded articles have high impact resistance even when thin-walled, the polyamide resin is preferably an aliphatic polyamide, more preferably one or more polyamides selected from the group consisting of polyamide 6, polyamide 66, polyamide 11, polyamide 12, polyamide 612, polyamide 610, and polyamide 1010, and even more preferably one or more polyamides selected from the group consisting of polyamide 66, polyamide 69, and polyamide 6.

[0132] Furthermore, as the polyamide resin, for example, a polyamide resin produced from adipic acid, isophthalic acid, and hexamethylenediamine can be used, and further, a blend of two or more polyamide resins, such as a mixture of polyamide 6 and polyamide 66, can also be used.

[0133] The raw material for the polyamide resin may be a raw material derived from a fossil fuel or a raw material derived from biomass, or a combination of a raw material derived from a fossil fuel and a raw material derived from biomass.

[0134] <Method for Producing the Resin Composition> The resin composition can be produced, for example, using the pellets by employing any known method. For example, the resin composition can be produced by mixing a predetermined amount of the pellets and, if necessary, a polyamide resin using any known method, or by mixing, followed by melt-kneading, and then granulating or pulverizing. The resin composition can also be produced by mixing, if necessary, the oil-based liquid (A), the fatty acid amide (B), and the α-olefin polymer (C), and, if necessary, a polyamide resin using any known method, or by mixing, followed by melt-kneading, and then granulating or pulverizing.

[0135] The various components can be mixed by manual blending in a bag such as a plastic bag, or using a Henschel mixer, V-blender, ribbon blender, tumbler blender, Pam-Apex mixer, or Loedige mixer. The mixture can be melt-kneaded using a single-screw extruder, twin-screw extruder, kneader, or Banbury mixer. The resin composition is also preferably in the form of pellets, sheets, or the like.

[0136] <Molded Articles> The pellets or resin compositions containing the pellets can be used in a wide range of applications, from household products such as daily necessities and recreational uses to general industrial applications and industrial products. For example, they can be used to produce molded articles, preferably by melt molding. The melt molding can be performed by any melt molding method, such as compression molding, injection molding, or extrusion molding. In particular, injection-molded articles produced by injection molding are preferred.

[0137] Applications of injection-molded articles include, for example, parts and components for various articles such as home appliances, communication equipment, electrical and electronic equipment, automobiles, other vehicles, ships, aircraft, building materials, civil engineering materials, agricultural materials, power tools, food containers, films, sheets, and fibers. In particular, injection-molded articles can be suitably used as automobile parts and components, or automobile electrical components. Injection-molded articles can also be suitably used as automobile parts and components for gasoline-powered vehicles, hybrid vehicles (HVs), plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHVs), electric vehicles (EVs), fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), and the like. Injection-molded articles can also be suitably used as parts and components for electric motorcycles.

[0138] Examples of automotive parts and components include interior parts or components such as door trim, door modules, instrument panels, center panels, roof panels, tailgate panels, accelerator and brake pedals, vertical exterior panels such as doors, fenders, and tailgates, horizontal exterior panels such as hoods and roofs, engine compartment components such as air intakes, front-end modules, and fan shrouds, and automotive electrical components such as wire harness connectors, cable connectors, lamp sockets, on-board sensor switches, combination switches, batteries, motor mounts, power modules, converters, capacitors, insulators, motor terminal blocks, and electric compressors.

[0139] The pellets and resin composition of the present invention will be described below with reference to examples, but the pellets and resin composition of the present invention are not limited to these examples in any way.

[0140] <Melt Flow Rate (MFR)> The MFR of the α-olefin polymer (C) was measured in accordance with ASTM D1238 under conditions of 230° C. and a load of 2.16 kg.

[0141] <Density> The density of the α-olefin polymer (C) was measured at 25° C. in accordance with ASTM D1505.

[0142] <Degree of Acid Modification> The degree of acid modification of the α-olefin polymer (C) was determined by the following method. Specifically, the obtained pellets were subjected to FT-IR analysis, and the wave number of 1780 cm attributed to the carbonyl group was determined. －1 Based on the peak intensity, the amount of modification with maleic anhydride (mass %) was calculated from a calibration curve of acid-modified α-olefin polymer prepared separately.

[0143] <Quantification of Adhesion Amount> - Quantification of Adhesion Amount of Oil-Based Liquid (A) The adhesion amount of the oil-based liquid (A) was determined by the following method: Specifically, the obtained pellets were washed with methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK), and the resulting washing liquid was subjected to X-ray fluorescence analysis, and the adhesion amount of silicone oil was determined from the X-ray intensity of Si and a previously prepared calibration curve of silicone oil.

[0144] Determination of the amount of fatty acid amide (B) attached The amount of fatty acid amide (B) attached was determined by the following method: Specifically, the surface of the obtained pellet was washed with an organic solvent, and the washing liquid was analyzed by gas chromatography, and the amount of ethylene bisstearamide attached was determined by the absolute calibration curve method.

[0145] Determination of the amount of adhesion of other additives The amount of adhesion of other additives was determined by the following method. Specifically, the amount of adhesion of other additive (cA-1), which will be described later, was determined by dry ashing the obtained pellets (treatment with hydrofluoric acid and fusion with acid) and then dissolving them in dilute acid. The test solution was adjusted to a constant volume with pure water and analyzed using ICP-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES, measuring device: 720-ES, manufactured by Agilent Technologies). The amount of adhesion of other additive (cB-1), which will be described later, was determined by analyzing the washings obtained by washing the surface of the obtained pellets with an organic solvent using gas chromatography and using the absolute calibration curve method, which will be described later.

[0146] <Average particle size of fatty acid amide (B), etc.> The average particle size of fatty acid amide (B) and other additives was measured using a laser diffraction particle distribution analyzer (LA-950, manufactured by Horiba, Ltd.) Specifically, the particle size distribution of fatty acid amide (B) dispersed in water by ultrasonic waves was prepared on a volume basis, and D50 (median diameter) was calculated.

[0147] <Blocking Test> Cold Blocking Force The cold blocking force of the pellets was evaluated using the following method. Specifically, 95 g of the resulting pellets were placed in a No. 6 standard plastic bag measuring 210 mm in length and 100 mm in width. The opening of the plastic bag was folded so that the vertical length was 90 mm and secured with cellophane tape. Three such bags (hereinafter also referred to as "sample bags") were prepared. A U-shaped support (U-shaped support plate) was placed in a test room previously maintained at an ambient temperature of 35°C. One sample bag was placed inside the U-shaped support plate with its vertical and horizontal surfaces in contact with the floor, and the remaining two sample bags were placed on top of it (see Figure 2). A 7 mm-thick wooden board was placed on top of the top sample bag, and a 10 kg weight was then placed on top of the wooden board. The force exerted by this weight is estimated to correspond to the force exerted on the bottommost package when 11 to 13 25 kg pellet packages (70 cm long, 48 cm wide, and 14 cm high when packed with pellets) are stacked vertically (heightwise) with the vertical and horizontal sides touching the floor. This condition is calculated to be a load of 12 kPa. Since placing the weight on top of the sample bag would cause it to become unbalanced and tip over, the weight is supported by a U-shaped support. The complete test set, including the sample bag, wooden board, weight, and U-shaped support plate, was moved to another test room previously set to an ambient temperature of 35°C. One day after the move, the ambient temperature was changed to -10°C, and another 7 days were allowed to pass. The wooden board and weight on top of the sample bag were then removed, and the sample bag was removed from the test room. Three sides of the sample bag were cut open with a cutter, the plastic bag was peeled off, and then a push-pull gauge (a Nidec-Shimpo FGC-5B model with a φ12 push adapter attached) was pressed against the center of the sample to measure the maximum force (blocking force) required to break the pellet blocking. The blocking force was measured for each of the three bags, and the average value was calculated. The degree to which the pellet aggregates crumbled was also evaluated visually according to the following criteria: (Evaluation criteria) A: The pellet aggregate crumbled overall. B: The pellet aggregate crumbled only at the blocking force measurement location (measurement terminal). C: The pellet aggregate did not crumble.

[0148] Melt-blocking force The melt-blocking force of the pellets was evaluated by the following method. Specifically, similar to the measurement of the cold-blocking force, a set of test equipment including a sample bag, a wooden board, a weight, and a U-shaped support plate was prepared, and the set was transferred directly to another test room that had been previously set to an ambient temperature of 40° C. instead of the test room with an ambient temperature of 35° C. Seven days after the transfer, the blocking force was measured and the degree of crumbling of the pellet aggregate was evaluated, similar to the measurement of the cold-blocking force.

[0149] <Feeder Accumulation Test> The obtained pellets were fed using a twin-screw feeder screw with a diameter of 25.5 mm at a rate of 50 kg / hour for 4 hours. Thereafter, the presence or absence of accumulation on the feeder screw was visually judged according to the following criteria. (Evaluation criteria) A: No adhesion B: Adhesion

[0150] <Hopper Drop Test> 5 kg of the obtained pellets were charged into a SUS304 hopper (a hopper with a maximum cone diameter (feeding portion) of 300 mm, a minimum diameter (exit portion) of 42 mm, and a cone height of 200 mm, see Figure 3) with the lower shutter closed, and left to stand for 30 minutes in an environment at 23°C. The shutter was then opened and the pellets were allowed to fall naturally. After the pellets had completely fallen, the inner wall of the hopper was visually inspected from above the hopper, and the degree of pellet and powder residue on the inner wall of the hopper was evaluated according to the following criteria. (Evaluation criteria for residual pellets) A: Less than 5 pellets adhere to the inner wall of the hopper B: 5 or more pellets adhere to the inner wall of the hopper (Evaluation criteria for residual powder) A: No powder was observed on the inner wall of the hopper B: Powder was observed on the inner wall of the hopper

[0151] <Materials Used> The oil-based liquid (A), fatty acid amide (B), and α-olefin polymer (C) used in the examples and comparative examples are as follows: (Oil-based liquid (A)) (A-1): Silicone oil (manufactured by Dow-Toray Industries, Inc., trade name DOWSIL, SH-200)

[0152] (Fatty Acid Amides (B)) (B-1): Ethylene bisstearamide (manufactured by Dainichi Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., trade name Daiwax BA-500), average particle size 7 μm (B-2): Ethylene bisstearamide (manufactured by Dainichi Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., trade name Daiwax BA), average particle size 13 μm (B-3): Ethylene bisstearamide (manufactured by Kao Corporation, trade name Kaowax EB-FF), average particle size 30 μm

[0153] (Other additives) (cB-1): Ethylene bisstearamide (manufactured by Kao Corporation, trade name Kaowax EB-P), average particle size 112 μm (cB-2): Calcium stearate (manufactured by NOF Corporation, trade name Calcium Stearate), average particle size 10 μm

[0154] (α-Olefin Polymer (C)) (C-1): A solution of 240 g of maleic anhydride (MAH) and 12 g of 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di-(tert-butylperoxy)-3-hexyne (trade name Perhexyne 25B) in acetone was blended with 10 kg of α-olefin polymer (C-2) described below. The resulting mixture was fed through the hopper of a twin-screw extruder having a screw diameter of 30 mm and an L / D ratio of 42, and extruded into strands at a resin temperature of 250°C, a screw rotation speed of 180 rpm, and a discharge rate of 10 kg / hr. The resulting strands were sufficiently cooled and then granulated to obtain α-olefin polymer (C-1), which was a maleic anhydride-modified ethylene-1-butene copolymer. (C-2): An α-olefin polymer (C-2), which is an unmodified ethylene-1-butene copolymer, was obtained based on the method described in Example 4 of International Publication No. 2008 / 152935 (WO2008 / 152935A1). (C-3): An unmodified ethylene-propylene copolymer was obtained based on the method described in Example 4 of International Publication No. 2008 / 152935 (WO2008 / 152935A1), except that 1-butene was changed to propylene and the charging ratio of propylene to ethylene was adjusted. Next, a solution of 60 g of maleic anhydride (MAH) and 3 g of 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di-(tert-butylperoxy)-3-hexyne (trade name: Perhexyne 25B) dissolved in acetone was blended with 10 kg of the resulting unmodified ethylene-propylene copolymer. The resulting mixture was fed through the hopper of a twin-screw extruder with a screw diameter of 30 mm and an L / D ratio of 42 mm, and extruded into strands at a resin temperature of 250°C, a screw rotation speed of 180 rpm, and a throughput of 10 kg / hr. The resulting strands were sufficiently cooled and then granulated to obtain an α-olefin polymer (C-3), which was a maleic anhydride-modified ethylene-1-butene copolymer. (C-4): A maleic anhydride-modified ethylene-1-octene copolymer (manufactured by Dow, trade name: Fusabond N493) was used as the α-olefin polymer (C-4).(C-5): An α-olefin polymer (C-5), which is a maleic anhydride-modified propylene-ethylene copolymer, was obtained in the same manner as in the preparation of the α-olefin polymer (C-1), except that the raw material α-olefin polymer (C-2) was changed to a propylene-ethylene copolymer (trade name: Vistamaxx 3020FL, manufactured by ExxonMobil). The physical properties of the α-olefin polymers (C-1) to (C-5) are shown in Table 1.

[0155]

[0156] [Example 1] In Example 1, 100 parts by mass of pellet body [I-1] and 0.08 parts by mass of oil-based liquid (A-1) were mechanically mixed using a Henschel mixer to obtain pellets [II-1] having the oil-based liquid (A-1) attached to their surfaces. The amount of oil-based liquid (A) attached to the surface of the pellets [II-1] (the content (mass%) of oil-based liquid (A) in the pellets [II-1]) was quantified according to the method described above. The content ratios of the pellet body [I-1] and the oil-based liquid (A-1) in the obtained pellets [II-1] are the same as the composition of the pellet body [I-1] and the oil-based liquid (A-1) in the pellets [III-1] described below, as shown in Table 2-1. The pellets used for the pellet body [I-1] were prepared by feeding α-olefin polymer (C-1) from the hopper of a single-screw extruder (VS50-30, manufactured by Tanabe Plastics) with a screw diameter of 50 mm, extruding the extruded material into water at a resin temperature of 200°C and a screw rotation speed of 150 rpm, and processing the extruded material into the shape shown in Table 2-1. The amount of oil-based liquid (A) adhering to the surface of pellet [II-1] was quantified according to the method described above. Next, 100 parts by mass of the resulting pellet [II-1] and 0.07 parts by mass of fatty acid amide (B-1) were added to a plastic bag and mixed to obtain pellet [III-1]. The amount of fatty acid amide (B) adhering to the surface of pellet [III-1] (the content (mass%) of fatty acid amide (B) in pellet [III-1]) was quantified according to the method described above. Furthermore, a blocking test, a feeder accumulation test, and a hopper drop test were performed using pellet [III-1]. The results are shown in Table 2-1. Since it is believed that there is no difference in the amount of oil-based liquid (A) (oil-based liquid (A-1): silicone oil) attached between pellet [II-1] and pellet [III-1], the amount of oil-based liquid (A) attached measured in pellet [II-1] was taken as the amount of oil-based liquid (A) attached in pellet [III-1] (the pellet) (the content (mass %) of oil-based liquid (A-1) in pellet [III-1]). The same applies to the following Examples 2 to 16 and Comparative Examples 1 to 10. The composition ratios of the raw materials (oil-based liquid (A), fatty acid amide (B), and α-olefin polymer (C)) of the obtained pellet [III-1] are shown in Table 2-1.

[0157] Examples 2 to 16, Comparative Examples 6 to 10 Pellets [III-2] to [III-16] and pellets [III-22] to [III-26] were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the oil-based liquid (A), fatty acid amide (B), and α-olefin polymer (C) used were changed to those shown in Tables 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3 (hereinafter, these three are also collectively referred to as "Table 2"), and the amounts of each material used were changed so as to obtain pellets having the composition and composition ratio (mass%) shown in Table 2. The pellet bodies [I-2] to [I-16] and [I-22] to [I-26] were prepared by feeding the α-olefin polymers (C-1) to (C-5) from the hopper of a single-screw extruder (VS50-30 manufactured by Tanabe Plastics) having a screw diameter of 50 mm, extruding them into water at a resin temperature of 200°C and a screw rotation speed of 150 rpm, and then underwater cutting the extruded pellets into the shapes shown in Table 2. The composition ratios of the raw materials (oil-based liquid (A), fatty acid amide (B), and α-olefin polymer (C)) for the resulting pellets [III-2] to [III-16] and pellets [III-22] to [III-26] are shown in Table 2. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0158] Comparative Examples 1 to 5 Pellets [III-17] to [III-21] were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the fatty acid amide (B) was not used, other additives were used in the types shown in Table 2-3, and the amounts of each material were changed to obtain pellets having the composition and composition ratios (mass%) shown in Table 2-3. In Comparative Example 3, α-olefin polymer (C-2) was used instead of α-olefin polymer (C-1). The pellet bodies [I-17] to [I-21] were prepared by feeding α-olefin polymer (C-1) or (C-2) from the hopper of a single-screw extruder (Tanabe Plastics VS50-30) with a screw diameter of 50 mm, extruding the polymer into water at a resin temperature of 200°C and a screw rotation speed of 150 rpm, and then processing the extruded polymer into the shapes shown in Table 2-3. The composition ratios of the raw materials (oil-based liquid (A), α-olefin polymer (C), and other additives) of the obtained pellets [III-17] to [III-21] are shown in Table 2-3. The results are shown in Table 2-3.

[0159]

[0160] [Examples 17-19, Reference Example 1] A polyamide resin (manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc., trade name Amilan CM1017) which is polyamide 6, and pellets [III-1] to [III-3] were mixed in a Henschel mixer in the composition ratios (mass%) shown in Table 3 to prepare dry blends (resin compositions). This dry blend was then fed into the main inlet of a twin-screw extruder (L / D = 40, 30 mmφ) set at 285°C and extruded at a screw rotation speed of 180 rpm and a throughput of 15 kg / hr to prepare pellets of a resin composition containing polyamide. The resulting resin composition pellets were dried overnight at 100°C and then injection molded to prepare test specimens for physical property testing. Charpy impact tests were performed using the following test method. Note that for Reference Example 1, a test specimen made of 100% polyamide resin was used. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0161] <Charpy Impact Test> The Charpy impact strength of a resin composition or the like was determined by the following method. Specifically, under the following test conditions, a hammer was swung down from the back of the notch of a fixed test specimen, and the impact strength was determined from the swing-up angle of the hammer after the test specimen broke and the lifting angle of the hammer before the test. (Test Conditions) Test temperature: 23°C / -40°C Hammer capacity: 4J Lifting angle: 149.9 Test specimen: notched Remaining width 8 mm, width 4 mm

[0162]

[0163] 1. Weight 2. U-shaped support plate 3. Wooden board 4. Sample bag 5. Hopper 6. Maximum diameter of cone (feeding part) (300 mm) 7. Minimum diameter of cone (exiting part) (42 mm) 8. Height of cone (200 mm) 9. Height from feeding part to cone (100 mm)

Claims

1. Pellets containing an α-olefin polymer (C), wherein an oil-based liquid (A) and a fatty acid amide (B) having an average particle size of 110 μm or less are adhered to the surface of the pellet body [I], the amount of the oil-based liquid (A) adhered to the surface of the pellet body [I] is 0.025 to 0.22 mass% of the total mass of the pellet, and the amount of the fatty acid amide (B) adhered to the surface of the pellet body [I] is 0.015 to 0.28 mass% of the total mass of the pellet.

2. The pellet according to claim 1, wherein the fatty acid amide (B) has an average particle size of 28 μm or less.

3. The pellet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the amount of the oil-based liquid (A) adhering to the surface of the pellet body [I] is 0.05 to 0.20 mass % relative to the mass of the entire pellet.

4. The pellet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the amount of the fatty acid amide (B) attached to the surface of the pellet body [I] is 0.03 to 0.20% by mass relative to the total mass of the pellet.

5. The pellets according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the oil-based liquid (A) comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of polyether polyols, aliphatic hydrocarbon oils, natural oils, naphthenic oils, paraffinic oils, aromatic oils, and silicone oils.

6. The pellet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the oil-based liquid (A) contains silicone oil.

7. The pellets according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fatty acid amide (B) satisfies at least one of the following requirements (Ba) and (Bb): (Ba) the fatty acid amide contains 16 to 50 carbon atoms; (Bb) the fatty acid amide is a saturated fatty acid bisamide.

8. The pellet according to claim 7, wherein the fatty acid amide (B) satisfies the requirements (Ba) and (Bb), and the fatty acid amide according to the requirement (Ba) contains 28 to 48 carbon atoms.

9. The pellet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the α-olefin polymer (C) comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of an ethylene polymer (C1), a propylene polymer (C2), a 1-butene polymer (C3), and a 4-methyl-1-pentene polymer (C4).

10. The pellet according to claim 9, wherein the α-olefin polymer (C) comprises an ethylene polymer (C1) or a propylene polymer (C2).

11. The pellet according to claim 9, wherein the α-olefin polymer (C) is an acid-modified α-olefin polymer and satisfies the following requirements (C-a) to (C-c): (C-a) the degree of acid modification is in the range of 0.3 to 3.0 mass%; (C-b) the melt flow rate at 230°C under a load of 2.16 kg according to ASTM D1238 is in the range of 0.05 to 100 g / 10 min; and (C-c) the density according to ASTM D1505 is in the range of 850 to 900 kg / m ３ is in the range.

12. The pellets according to claim 9, wherein the α-olefin polymer (C) is an unmodified α-olefin polymer and satisfies the following requirements (C-b) to (C-c): (C-b) a melt flow rate of 0.05 to 100 g / 10 min at 230°C under a load of 2.16 kg according to ASTM D1238; and (C-c) a density of 850 to 900 kg / m according to ASTM D1505. ３ is in the range.

13. A resin composition using the pellets according to claim 1 or 2.

14. A molded article comprising the resin composition according to claim 13.

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