HIGH-STRENGTH CAST POLYPROPYLENE

Abstract

The present invention is related to a process for a high melt strength polypropylene (HMS-PP), wherein the process comprises at least two electron beam irradiation periods, a high melt strength polypropylene (HMS-PP) obtainable by the inventive process, as well as an article comprising said high melt strength polypropylene (HMS-PP).

Description

1 / 47 HIGH-STRENGTH CAST POLYPROPYLENE Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a process for producing high-strength cast polypropylene (HMS-PP), high-strength cast polypropylene (HMS-PP) obtained by said process, as well as an article comprising said high-strength cast polypropylene (HMS-PP). Technical Background

[0002] Propylene-based polymer compositions are versatile base materials that find application in various areas, such as food packaging or automotive components.

[0003] In the case of propylene-based polymer compositions being used to form shaped objects, it is necessary that the compositions have a sufficiently high molten material strength to enable the compositions to be molded into the desired shape. This is, for example, the case when propylene-based polymer compositions are shaped into objects through processes in which the composition is heated above its melting temperature and subsequently shaped into the desired objects. In such processes, high shape stability of the propylene-based polymer composition is required at the temperature at which the object is molded. The propylene-based polymer composition needs to be able to maintain its shape in the molten state under these temperature conditions before solidification by cooling occurs.

[0004] The strength of the molten material represents an indication of the extent to which individual polymer molecules can maintain their positions relative to each other (molecular entanglement) under conditions in which the polymer composition is in a molten state. In particular, it can be described as the resistance of the molten polymer to stretching and disentanglement under tension. Petition 870250080363, dated 09 / 08 / 2025, p. 9 / 233 2 / 47

[0005] Linear polypropylenes with a main chain with no or only a small number of side chains refer to relatively easy cross-linking, as there is little or no option available for the polymer chains to cross-link with each other.

[0006] Branched polypropylenes, on the other hand, exhibit significantly higher melt strength due to the intertwining of the polymer main chains and side chains with each other, which is why they are labeled as high melt strength polypropylenes (HMSPP).

[0007] The branching of long chains, in particular, substantially modifies the rheological behavior of polypropylene, for example, the elongation and shear viscosity.

[0008] High strength of the cast material provides beneficial characteristics to the product, such as greater elasticity and good mechanical properties, resulting in better processability, for example, in extrusion, blow molding, foaming and thermoforming. Along with the mechanical properties and chemical resistance of standard polypropylene, this also allows entry into non-traditional polypropylene applications.

[0009] Although the applications of high-strength cast polypropylenes are widespread, there are still several disadvantages in the known preparation processes.

[0010] Several routes have been explored to obtain branched polypropylenes.

[0011] Three main known routes for producing branched polypropylenes are: A. Irradiation of polypropylene with or without coupling agents; B. Reactive extrusion of polypropylene using low-temperature peroxide / peroxycarbonate alone or in combination with a coupling agent; C. Polymerization of propylene and oligomers using special catalysts.

[0012] Pathways A and B depend on the formation of radicals, produced by a Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 10 / 233 3 / 47 high-energy beam or peroxide reagents, respectively, for the branching reaction.

[0013] The use of peroxides on an industrial scale requires a higher level of safety measures, as they are highly reactive and can lead to highly exothermic and explosion-like reactions when handled improperly.

[0014] The disadvantages of route C stem from the special catalyst and special polymerization conditions required, as well as the small production volumes compared to the typical size of commercial polymerization reactors.

[0015] Route A is the most preferred route in terms of product purity, but ensuring product quality in irradiation processes is a challenge, since active macroradicals tend to initiate viscosity reactions.

[0016] The production of high-strength polypropylenes from molten material by irradiating linear polypropylene with an electron beam to form macroradicals that lead to long-chain branching of linear polypropylene is known in the art.

[0017] By means of this, an electron beam with a specific energy, depending on the acceleration voltage of the electron accelerator used, is applied to the polypropylene. The amount of energy transferred to the polypropylene (i.e., absorbed by the polypropylene) determines the amount of radicals formed and is typically described in the Gray unit, which corresponds to the absorption of one joule of radiation energy per kilogram of matter.

[0018] Document EP 0190889 discloses a process for producing branched polypropylene by irradiating polypropylene flakes under reduced oxygen in the presence of low-level antioxidants without a coupling agent. The radiation dose range is revealed to be from 0.1 to 1000 kGy / min and it is revealed that the ionizing radiation must have sufficient energy to penetrate to the desired extent into the mass of linear propylene polymer material being irradiated. The use of a potential is also revealed. Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 11 / 233 4 / 47 acceleration (for an electron generator) of 500 to 4000 kV and radiation dose of 10 to 90 kGy. After the irradiation step, the irradiated material is heated in an extruder to deactivate the macroradicals.

[0019] Methods with additional crosslinking or branching agents are also known.

[0020] Document WO 01 / 88001 discloses a process for preparing branched polypropylene by irradiation in the presence of crosslinking-promoting gases such as butadiene and acetylene.

[0021] Document EP 1187860 discloses a process for the preparation of high-strength polypropylene from molten material by irradiating the polypropylene with a radiation dose of 5 to 100 kGy with an electron beam having an accelerating voltage > 5 MeV in the presence of branching agents such as acrylates, diacrylates, butadiene and tetravinylsilane.

[0022] Document EP 1170306 discloses a process for irradiating polypropylene that has been polymerized using a Ziegler-Natta catalyst with an electron beam having an energy of at least 5 MeV and a radiation dose of at least 10 kGy and mechanically processing a molten material of the irradiated polypropylene to form long-chain branches in the polypropylene molecules.

[0023] Document WO 2018 / 028922 discloses a process for producing high-strength molten polypropylene by irradiating polypropylene pellets containing only vitamin E.

[0024] Document EP 0678527 discloses a process for producing a modified polypropylene in which polypropylene and a crosslinking agent mixture are irradiated with ionizing radiation in order to generate an absorbed dose of 1 to 20 kGy, with subsequent heat treatment of the resulting material.

[0025] It is also known that when irradiating isotactic polypropylene, which was produced using conventional Ziegler-Natta catalysts, irradiation of the polypropylene with an electron beam produces free macroradicals and there is a competition Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 12 / 233 5 / 47 between chain fission and branching, depending on the absorbed radiation dosage and temperature.

[0026] Several unsaturated branching agents have been revealed for polypropylene to achieve the required level of branching without gel formation at low doses.

[0027] These substances are used to stabilize macroradicals formed by hydrogen abstraction from the polypropylene chain by high-energy irradiation to form a branched structure by combination. Typical branching agents are highly reactive unsaturated chemical compounds such as acrylates, di- and tri-acrylates, conjugated dienes such as butadiene, acetylene, or vinyl compounds such as tetravinylsilane or divinylbenzene.

[0028] The use of branching (or grafting or sensitizing) agents typically leads to the disadvantage of unpleasant odor, increased cost, and an increased possibility of environmental problems, particularly toxicity, as a result of unreacted branching or grafting agent in the modified polypropylene. Another problem common to all these proposed substances is the possible migration of unreacted branching agent from the polymer into the environment.

[0029] Preferably, all substances (branching agents and antioxidants) used in the polypropylene composition should be from a renewable source and should generally be recognized as safe (GRAS) or approved as food-grade for use in polypropylene compositions, since food packaging is one of the main applications for branched polypropylene.

[0030] The present invention aims to provide a process for obtaining polypropylene resins that have enhanced properties, in particular enhanced strength of the molten material, which can be manufactured at a high production rate, optionally using a branching agent.

[0031] During extensive studies in this area, it was surprisingly found that a process comprising at least two periods of Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 13 / 233 6 / 47 irradiation instead of just one irradiation period, as known in the art, leads to improved properties due to increased branching of the high-strength polypropylenes of the cast material obtained, similar to higher cast strength and shear hardening index, while applying the same total amount of radiation dose as in known one-step methods without interruption of ionizing energy. Summary of the invention

[0032] Consequently, the present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a high-strength cast polypropylene (HMSPP), comprising steps in the following order: a) provide a linear propylene polymer (L-PP), preferably a linear propylene homopolymer (H-PP), and a1) optionally, blend said propylene polymer (L-PP) with a coupling agent (CA) comprising a polyunsaturated organic compound, preferably a polyunsaturated fatty acid, and b) Irradiate the linear propylene polymer (L-PP) provided in step a) or the blend obtained in step a1) by means of electron beam irradiation, wherein step b) comprises at least two irradiation periods, and wherein between each irradiation period there is a non-irradiation period, and wherein each non-irradiation period is in the range of 0.01 min to 20 min, preferably 1.0 min to 20 min, more preferably 2.0 min to 20 min.

[0033] Furthermore, the present invention is directed to a high-strength cast polypropylene (HMS-PP) obtainable from said process. Finally, the present invention relates to an article comprising the high-strength cast polypropylene (HMS-PP) as described. Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 14 / 233 7 / 47 above. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0034] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims. The present invention is described in more detail below. Linear propylene polymer (L-PP)

[0035] The linear propylene polymer (L-PP) applied in the present invention can be a propylene homopolymer or copolymer.

[0036] The term linear with respect to propylene polymer means that the branching in the polymer is low. In particular, it is preferable that the branching in linear propylene polymer (L-PP) be in the range of 0 to 10 branches / 1000 carbon atoms, more preferably in the range of 0 to 5 branches / 1000 carbon atoms, even more preferably in the range of 1 to 5 branches / 1000 carbon atoms.

[0037] Polypropylene compositions are known that consist of a linear propylene homopolymer or a linear propylene copolymer.

[0038] A linear propylene homopolymer is obtained by polymerizing propylene under suitable polymerization conditions. A linear propylene copolymer is obtained by copolymerizing propylene with one or more other olefins, preferably ethylene, under suitable polymerization conditions.

[0039] The preparation of propylene homopolymers and copolymers is, for example, described in Moore, EP (1996) Polypropylene Handbook. Polymerization, Characterization, Properties, Processing, Applications, Hanser Publishers; New York.

[0040] Polypropylene, as used in this document, means a propylene homopolymer or a propylene copolymer with an α-olefin, for example, an α-olefin chosen from the group of α-olefins with 2 or 4 to 10 carbon atoms, preferably ethylene, wherein the amount of α-olefin, and similar to ethylene, is preferably less than 10% by weight based on the total propylene copolymer. Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 15 / 233 8 / 47

[0041] Polypropylene and a copolymer of propylene with an α-olefin can be produced by any known polymerization technique, as well as by any known polymerization catalyst system. Regarding techniques, reference can be made to paste, solution or gas phase polymerizations; regarding the catalyst system, reference can be made to Ziegler-Natta, metallocene or single-site catalyst systems.

[0042] Preferably, the linear propylene polymer (L-PP) has a melt flow rate MFR2 (230 °C, 2.16 kg) determined according to ISO 1133 in the range of 0.1 to 100 g / 10 min, more preferably in the range of 0.2 to 50 g / 10 min, with much more preference in the range of 0.5 to 10.0 g / 10 min.

[0043] Linear propylene polymer (L-PP) can be a copolymer or a homopolymer of propylene, the latter being preferred. In addition, linear propylene polymer (L-PP) can comprise one or more different linear propylene polymer (L-PP) components.

[0044] If the linear propylene polymer (L-PP) is a propylene copolymer, it is preferable that the linear propylene polymer (L-PP) have a comonomer content, such as ethylene content, in the range of 0.2 to 25.0 mol%, more preferably in the range of 0.5 to 20.0 mol%, even more preferably in the range of 2.0 to 15.0 mol%, as in the range of 6.0 to 12.0 mol%.

[0045] Preferably, the comonomer is selected from ethylene and / or C4 to C8 αolefins. It is especially preferred that the comonomer be ethylene. For linear propylene polymers (L-PP) comprising more than one, such as two different propylene polymer components that are propylene copolymers, it is preferred that all propylene polymer components contain the same comonomer, such as ethylene.

[0046] Preferably, the propylene polymer (PP), such as the propylene homopolymer (H-PP), is isotactic. Consequently, it is preferable that the propylene polymer (PP), such as the propylene homopolymer (H-PP), has a fairly high pentad concentration (%mmmm), i.e., more than 94.1%, more preferably more than 94.4%, such as more than 94.4 to 98.5%, even more Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 16 / 233 9 / 47 preference, at least 94.7%, as in the range of 94.7 to 97.5%.

[0047] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, linear propylene polymer (L-PP) is a linear propylene homopolymer (HPP).

[0048] According to the present invention, the expression “propylene homopolymer” refers to a polypropylene consisting substantially of, that is, at least 99.0% by weight, more preferably at least 99.5% by weight, even more preferably at least 99.8% by weight, or at least 99.9% by weight, propylene units. In another embodiment, only the propylene units are detectable, that is, only polymerized units. Optional coupling agent (CA) comprising a polyunsaturated organic compound.

[0049] Optionally, the inventive process may comprise a step a1), wherein step a1) comprises blending linear propylene polymer (L-PP) with a coupling agent (CA) comprising a polyunsaturated organic compound.

[0050] As used in this document, the term polyunsaturated organic compound refers to an organic compound that has at least two carbon-carbon double bonds.

[0051] The following embodiments refer to embodiments of the inventive process comprising step a1).

[0052] The mixture obtained in step a1) of the inventive process preferably comprises 0.01% to 5.0% by weight, more preferably 0.1% to 2.0% by weight of the coupling agent (CA) comprising a polyunsaturated organic compound, based on the total weight of the mixture obtained in step a1).

[0053] Preferably, the amount of polyunsaturated organic compound in the coupling agent (CA) comprising a polyunsaturated organic compound is in the range of 20% to 100% by weight, preferably 30% to 90% by weight, more preferably 40% to 80% by weight. Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 17 / 233 10 / 47

[0054] The polyunsaturated organic compound can be, for example, a polyunsaturated terpene, a diene, or a polyunsaturated fatty acid.

[0055] Polyunsaturated terpenes are, for example, squalene, geraniol, nerol and linalool.

[0056] The dienes are, for example, butadiene, 1,7-octadiene, 1,9-decadiene, 1,13-tetradecadiene, 1,8-nonadiene, 1,10-undecadiene, 1,11-dodecadiene, 1,15-hexadecadiene, 1,17-octadecadiene and norbornadiene.

[0057] Polyunsaturated fatty acids are, for example, linoleic acid, eicosadienoic acid, docosadienoic acid, α-linolenic acid, γ-linolenic acid, pinolenic acid, eleostearic acid, mead's acid, di-homo-γ-linolenic acid, eicosatrienoic acid, stearidonic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid, adrenoic acid, bosseopentaenoic acid, ozubondo acid, sardine acid, tetracosanolpentaenoic acid, cervonic acid and herring acid.

[0058] Preferably, the coupling agent (CA) comprising a polyunsaturated organic compound comprises a bifunctional polyunsaturated organic compound, that is, an organic compound with an additional functional group besides the carbon-carbon double bonds, for example, a polyunsaturated fatty acid.

[0059] Preferably, the polyunsaturated organic compound is a polyunsaturated fatty acid, especially a polyunsaturated fatty acid selected from the group consisting of linoleic acid, eicosadienoic acid, docosadienoic acid, α-linolenic acid, γ-linolenic acid, pinolenic acid, eleostearic acid, mead's acid, di-homo-γ-linolenic acid, eicosatrienoic acid, stearidonic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid, adrenoic acid, bosseopentaenoic acid, ozubondo acid, sardine acid, tetracosanolpentaenoic acid, cervonic acid and herring acid. The polyunsaturated fatty acid with the highest preference is linoleic acid and / or α-linolenic acid.

[0060] Preferably, the coupling agent (CA) comprising a Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 18 / 233 11 / 47 polyunsaturated organic compound comprises linoleic acid and / or α-linolenic acid.

[0061] Preferably, the coupling agent (CA) is a natural source of polyunsaturated fatty acids. In particular, it is preferable that the coupling agent (CA) be selected from the group consisting of linseed oil, walnut oil, tung oil and sunflower oil. Preferably, the coupling agent (CA) is linseed oil, more preferably native linseed oil.

[0062] Linseed oil is distinguished by its unusually large amount of α-linolenic acid, which has a distinct reaction with atmospheric oxygen and therefore acts as a stabilizer / radical scavenger for polypropylene and offers the combination of the highest content of polyunsaturated fatty acids with the lowest level of saturating fatty acids available as commercial vegetable oils. The USFDA has granted Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status to linseed oil with high α-linolenic content. Consequently, the high-strength cast material polypropylene (HMS-PP) according to the present invention is suitable for the production of food containers and food-related products. A blend of L-PP and CA

[0063] The blending techniques are known in the field as fusion blending, dry blending and solution blending.

[0064] Linear propylene polymer (L-PP) is preferably melt-blended, for example by extrusion, or dry-blended with the coupling agent (CA).

[0065] A peroxide can be added during melt mixing to adjust the MFR by means of chemical viscoreduction during the extrusion step.

[0066] The mixture between L-PP and CA may further comprise an organometallic stearate selected from magnesium stearate, aluminum stearate, sodium stearate, and calcium stearate. Preferably, the mixture comprises calcium stearate. The amount of stearate Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 19 / 233 12 / 47 organometallic, preferably calcium stearate, can vary between 100 ppm and 1000 ppm by weight, more preferably between 200 ppm and 800 ppm by weight, with even greater preference between 400 ppm and 600 ppm by weight, based on the total weight of the mixture.

[0067] The blend between L-PP and CA may additionally comprise antioxidants and process stabilizers used for polypropylene in the industry in 2022.

[0068] Suitable antioxidants and process stabilizers are known to those skilled in the art. For example, commercially available antioxidants and process stabilizers are described in the Plastic Additives Handbook, 6th edition, 2009, by Hans Zweifel (pages 1141 to 1190).

[0069] In one embodiment of the invention, the mixture between L-PP and CA does not comprise antioxidants and / or process stabilizers.

[0070] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the mixture between L-PP and CA comprises antioxidants in an amount in the range of 50 to 500 ppm, preferably 100 to 200 ppm, and / or process stabilizers in an amount in the range of 50 to 500 ppm, preferably 100 to 200 ppm, based on the total weight of the mixture.

[0071] Preferably, the mixture is produced in a twin-screw extruder under nitrogen to avoid viscosity reactions.

[0072] Preferably, the mixture between L-PP and CA consists of an L-PP, as described above, and a CA, as described above, in a total amount in the range of 95.0% to 100% by weight, preferably 97.0% to 100% by weight, more preferably 99.0% to 100% by weight, based on the total weight of the mixture. Electron beam irradiation

[0073] To initiate radical formation and subsequent long-chain branching, linear propylene polymer (L-PP), as described above, or the mixture between CA and L-PP, as described above, is irradiated with a beam of Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 20 / 233 13 / 47 electrons in step b) of the inventive process.

[0074] Surprisingly, it was found that, in a process where the irradiation step b) comprises at least two irradiation periods, it is possible to obtain a high-strength cast polypropylene (HMS-PP) that is better than an HMS-PP obtained in a process comprising only one irradiation period.

[0075] Irradiation of polymers by means of electron beam irradiation is known in the art.

[0076] Typically, the amount of radiation applied to the respective sample of matter is indicated by the unit Gray (Gy), which is the absorption of one joule of radiation energy per kilogram of matter.

[0077] Because the energy absorbed at different depths of matter varies, the radiation doses given in this disclosure refer to the amount of energy that is applied to the surface of the matter facing the electron beam per kilogram of matter and are therefore described as surface irradiation doses.

[0078] According to the invention, partitioning the total surface radiation dose applied to linear propylene polymer (L-PP) or to a blend of linear propylene polymer and coupling agent into at least two irradiation periods results in an HMS-PP with enhanced characteristics, for example, enhanced strength of the F30 molten material.

[0079] Therefore, it is preferable that the surface radiation dose applied in the first of at least two irradiation periods be in the range of 10 to 150 kGy, preferably 50 kGy to 130 kGy, and more preferably 60 kGy to 110 kGy.

[0080] In addition, it is preferable that the surface radiation dose applied in the second of at least two irradiation periods be in the range of 5 to 150 kGy, preferably 8 to 80 kGy, and more preferably 10 to 50 kGy.

[0081] Preferably, the surface radiation dose applied in Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 21 / 233 14 / 47 second of at least two irradiation periods is less than the surface radiation dose applied in the first of at least two irradiation periods.

[0082] Consequently, the ratio between the surface radiation dose applied in the first of at least two irradiation periods and the surface radiation dose applied in the second of at least two irradiation periods is preferably in the range of more than 1.1 to 30, preferably 1.2 to 15, most preferably 1.5 to 8.0.

[0083] The inventive process may comprise more than two irradiation periods, similar to three, four or five, but it is preferable that the irradiation in step b) comprises two irradiation periods and no other irradiation periods.

[0084] Consequently, it is preferable that step b) consist of two irradiation periods and, between them, a non-irradiation period, wherein the non-irradiation period is in the range of 0.01 min to 20 min, preferably 1.0 min to 20 min, more preferably 2.0 min to 20 min.

[0085] For clarification purposes only, the inventive process does not additionally include irradiation periods before or after step b).

[0086] The total radiation dose applied is the sum of the radiation doses applied in each irradiation period of step b). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the total surface radiation dose applied in the process is in the range of 30 kGy to 200 kGy, preferably 50 kGy to 180 kGy, more preferably 60 kGy to 130 kGy.

[0087] Between each of the at least two irradiation periods there is a non-irradiation period and each non-irradiation period is in the range of more than 0.01 min to 20 min, preferably 1.0 min to 20 min, more preferably 2.0 min to 20 min, and even more preferably 4.0 min to 12 min. Process parameters

[0088] The methods for producing electron beams and applying doses of Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 22 / 233 15 / 47 radiation is known in the art. Furthermore, it is known that the accelerating voltage and beam current of the electron beam production device used have a direct influence on the penetration depth and transferable energy of the electron beam.

[0089] According to the inventive process, it is preferable that the electron beam be produced with an accelerating voltage in the range of 5 MeV to 15 MeV, preferably 7 MeV to 13 MeV, more preferably 8 MeV to 12 MeV.

[0090] To transfer the energy (which corresponds to the radiation dose from the surface) of the electron beam to the respective matter, the matter must be subjected to the electron beam.

[0091] This can be done, for example, by using a moving conveyor belt that passes under the electron beam, thereby subjecting the L-PP supplied in step a) or the mixture obtained in step a1), which is applied to the conveyor belt, to the electron beam.

[0092] The parameters that need to be adjusted for the application of a specific radiation dose are known to those skilled in the art.

[0093] For example, a higher speed of the moving conveyor belt decreases the contact time of the electron beam with the matter to be irradiated and, consequently, decreases the applied surface radiation dose.

[0094] Other parameters that influence the applied surface dose are the quality of the electron beam focus, the size of the electron beam, and the distance of the material to the horn of the electron beam generator device.

[0095] Focused electron beams have a dimension of approximately 100x10 mm at a distance close to the horn. The beam width on the surface of the matter and the resulting contact time depend on the distance to the horn and the quality of the electron beam focus.

[0096] Consequently, the contact time t per irradiation period can be calculated by dividing the width of the electron beam at the surface (mm) by the conveyor belt speed (mm / s). Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 23 / 233 16 / 47

[0097] The conveyor belt speed depends on the required dose on the surface and the energy (kWh) emitted by the accelerator. The contact time typically for PP pellets placed on a moving conveyor belt irradiated with 200 kWh / h operated with an output power of 190 kW is < 2 seconds, assuming an electron beam with dimensions of 100x10 mm wide. Containment

[0098] Irradiation in step b) can be carried out in an inert or non-inert environment.

[0099] Preferably, step b) is performed in an inert atmosphere on a moving conveyor belt. In particular, it is preferable that the irradiation be carried out under nitrogen.

[0100] To control the gaseous environment, the L-PP supplied in step a) or the mixture obtained in step a1) can be placed inside a sealable container before irradiation in step b).

[0101] The term sealable refers to the condition that a gaseous environment (e.g., in a containment) can be separated from another gaseous environment (outside the containment) to prevent any substantial exchange of gas between the two gaseous environments.

[0102] The form of sealable containment is not limited to any specific shape. Sealable containment can be a vessel, an airtight chamber, or a mixer, such as a fluidized bed reactor or a stirred tank reactor.

[0103] The shape of the container may be selected, for example, from a cubic, cuboidal or cylindrical shape; preferably, the container capable of being sealed has a cylindrical shape.

[0104] To avoid undesirable side reactions, such as the uncontrolled formation of peroxide by atmospheric oxygen, the sealable containment containing the L-PP supplied in step a) or the mixture obtained in step a1) may be rinsed with nitrogen until an atmosphere containing oxygen in the range of 1 to 1000 ppm is achieved, preferably 50 to Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 24 / 233 17 / 47 400 ppm, preferably 100 to 300 ppm within the containment area.

[0105] During irradiation and the subsequent radical reaction, hydrogen gas is produced. Hydrogen gas poses a risk of explosions, but it favors the formation of long-chain branches in PP.

[0106] The containment or reactor vessel can be used to collect hydrogen for later use as energy production and to create a reaction environment that supports the formation of long-chain branches by increasing the partial pressure of hydrogen during the irradiation process and in subsequent steps until all radicals are deactivated.

[0107] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is preferred that the maximum (over)pressure in the process does not exceed 0.2 bar. Consequently, the pressure during the process is preferably in the range of 0.0 to 0.2 bar.

[0108] To ensure that the maximum pressure inside the containment is less than 0.2 bar, a sealable containment comprising a safety valve that releases excess gas when the internal pressure reaches a level above the selected threshold may be used.

[0109] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, it is preferred that the (over)pressure during the process be greater than 0.2 bar, particularly in a range of more than 0.2 bar to 2 bar. Additional processing

[0110] The irradiated L-PP or the irradiated mixture obtained after step b) contains reactive radicals. To complete the branching reaction and deactivate most of the radicals, the inventive process may comprise, after step b), an additional step c), wherein step c) comprises a quenching period, in which the irradiated L-PP or the irradiated mixture obtained in step b) is quenched at a temperature in the range of 40 to 140 °C, preferably 50 °C to 70 °C.

[0111] In this revelation, tempering should be understood as a heat treatment.

[0112] In addition, it is preferable that the tempering period in step c) be in the range of 5 min to 120 min, preferably 45 min to 90 min. Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 25 / 233 18 / 47

[0113] Due to the difference in absorbed energy, depending on the depth of irradiated matter, a mixture of unmodified or less modified PP and modified PP is obtained after step b) or step c).

[0114] To homogenize the PP mixture obtained, the inventive process may comprise an additional step d), wherein step d) comprises the homogenization of the irradiated L-PP or the irradiated mixture obtained after step b) or c).

[0115] The techniques for homogenization are known to those skilled in the art. For example, the irradiated L-PP or the irradiated blend obtained after step b) or step c) can be homogenized by extrusion.

[0116] Step d) can also be used to compose or blend the obtained HMS-PP with additives (AD) to obtain beneficial properties.

[0117] Preferably, the irradiated product from step b) or c) should not come into contact with oxygen before or during the addition of additives in step d).

[0118] Suitable additives (ADs) are nucleating and clarifying agents, stabilizers, release agents, fillers, peroxides, plasticizers, antioxidants, lubricants, antistatic agents, scratch-resistant agents, high-performance fillers, pigments and / or dyes, impact modifiers, flame retardants, blowing agents, acid scavengers, recycling additives, coupling agents, antimicrobials, anti-fogging agents, slip agents, antiblocking agents, polymer processing aids and the like. Such additives are commercially available and are, for example, described in “Plastic Additives Handbook” 6th edition 2009 by Hans Zweifel (pages 1141 to 1190). Preferably, additives (ADs) are selected from the group consisting of antioxidants, process stabilizers or mixtures thereof.

[0119] The term “additives (AD)” according to the present invention also includes carrier materials, in particular, polymeric carrier materials.

[0120] Instead of or in addition to the addition of additives (AD) in step d) to Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 26 / 233 19 / 47 To the irradiated L-PP or to the irradiated blend obtained after step b) or step c), additives (AD) can be applied to the surface of the homogenized irradiated L-PP or the homogenized irradiated blend in order to obtain economical and energy-efficient surface stabilization.

[0121] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inventive process comprises the following steps: a) provide a linear propylene polymer (L-PP), preferably a linear propylene homopolymer (H-PP), and a1) blend said propylene polymer (L-PP) with a coupling agent (CA) comprising a polyunsaturated fatty acid, and b) irradiate the mixture obtained in step a1) by means of electron beam irradiation, and c) temper the irradiated mixture obtained in step b) to a temperature in the range of 50 °C to 70 °C, and d) homogenize the irradiated mixture obtained in step c), wherein step b) preferably comprises two irradiation periods and a non-irradiation period between the two irradiation periods, wherein the surface radiation dose applied in the first irradiation period is in the range of 60 kGy to 110 kGy, and wherein the surface radiation dose applied in the second irradiation period is in the range of 10 kGy to 50 kGy, and wherein the non-irradiation period between the two irradiation periods is in the range of 2 min to 20 min, and wherein the quenching period in step c) is in the range of 45 min to 90 min. HMS-PP

[0122] A high-strength cast material polypropylene (HMS-PP) according to this disclosure additionally has material strength Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 27 / 233 20 / 47 molten F30 (AMS) of > 5cN, determined according to ISO 16790:2005, compared with the molten F30 (LMS) strength of a linear polypropylene with the same melt flow rate MFR2.

[0123] The present invention provides a process for manufacturing such high-strength polypropylene from the melt-blown material HMS-PP.

[0124] In particular, the inventive process can be used to produce a high-strength cast polypropylene (HMS-PP) that has the following characteristics.

[0125] A high-strength cast polypropylene (HMS-PP) comprising units derived from: i) propylene and ii) at least one polyunsaturated fatty acid, wherein the high-strength cast polypropylene (HMS-PP) has a crystallization temperature Tc determined according to DSC of more than 120 °C, preferably in the range of 120 °C to 132 °C, and wherein the shear strength F30 measured by Rheotens according to ISO 16790:2005 at 200 °C, acceleration of 120 mm / s², at standard shear (die pressure of 30 bar) is more than 26 cN, preferably in the range of more than 26 cN to 50 cN, the melt flow rate MFR2 (230 °C, 2.16 kg) determined according to ISO 1133 is in the range of 1.0 to 2.4 g / 10 min, and wherein the complex shear viscosity η * at a frequency of 285 rad / s, determined by dynamic shear measurements in accordance with ISO 6721-1 and 6721-10 standards, is more than 170 Pa s, preferably in the range of more than 170 Pa s to 220 Pa s.

[0126] Preferably, the units derived from at least one polyunsaturated fatty acid are from linseed oil. By means of this, linseed oil is the coupling agent (CA) comprising a polyunsaturated organic compound in the production process of high-strength cast polypropylene (HMS-PP). Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 28 / 233 21 / 47

[0127] Lastly, the invention relates to foamed objects or articles that are produced using high-strength cast polypropylene (HMS-PP) according to the present invention.

[0128] The present invention further relates to an article comprising high-strength cast polypropylene (HMS-PP). Preferably, the article comprises at least 80% by weight, more preferably at least 90% by weight, even more preferably at least 95% by weight, as well as at least 99% by weight of high-strength cast polypropylene (HMS-PP), based on the total weight of the article. It is especially preferred that the article consists of high-strength cast polypropylene (HMS-PP).

[0129] The article is preferably a foamed article, more preferably an extruded foam article, an injection-molded foam article or a pearlescent foam article, a blow-molded injection article or a blown film.

[0130] Preferably, the article is a foamed article, an injection blow-molded article or a blown film. It is especially preferred that the article be a foamed article, such as an extruded foam article, an injection foam molded article or a particle foam article.

[0131] High-strength cast polypropylene (HMS-PP) according to the invention can be formed into foam structures by a melt processing step. This melt processing step can be carried out in a melt extruder. A blowing agent can be added to the melt processing to induce foam cell formation. This blowing agent can be a chemical blowing agent or a physical blowing agent. The chemical blowing agent can, for example, be selected from sodium bicarbonate, citric acid derivatives, azodicarbonamide, hydrazodicarbonamide, 4,4'-oxybis(benzenesulfonyl hydrazide), N,N-dinitrosopentamethylenetetramine, 5-phenyltetrazole, p-toluenesulfonyl hydrazide and / or p-toluenesulfonylsemicarbazide. The Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 29 / 233 22 / 47 The physical blowing agent may, for example, be selected from nitrogen, carbon dioxide, isobutane, pentane, and cyclopentane. Preferably, the blowing agent is isobutane.

[0132] The blowing agent can be introduced into the extruder at a location where the high-strength molten polypropylene (HMS-PP) according to the invention is in a molten state. For example, it is preferable that the blowing agent be introduced in amounts in the range of 1.0 to 20.0% by weight, more preferably in the range of 1.5 to below 10.0% by weight, even more preferably in the range of 2.0 to 5.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the high-strength molten polypropylene (HMS-PP). The introduction of these amounts of blowing agent can contribute to the formation of a foamed structure that has a desired low density in combination with a desired high fraction of closed cells. It is preferable that 2.0 to less than 10.0% by weight, more preferably more than 2.0 to 5.0% by weight of isobutene, based on the total weight of the high-strength polypropylene (HMS-PP) cast material, be used as a blowing agent.

[0133] In addition, other commonly known additives suitable for the production of foam structures from propylene-based polymer compositions may be used. For example, a quantity of a nucleating agent, such as talc and / or fatty acid (bis)amides, may be added. Preferably, talc is used as the nucleating agent. For example, it is preferable that the nucleating agent be added in amounts of 0.1 to 2.0% by weight, more preferably 0.5 to 1.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the high-strength polypropylene of the cast material (HMS-PP).

[0134] In addition, a quantity of a cell stabilizer, such as glycerol monostearate (GMS), glycerol monopalmitate (GMP), glycol distearate (GDS), palmitides and / or amides, for example, stearyl stearamide, palmitamide and / or stearamide, may be added. Preferably, glycerol monostearate is used as a cell stabilizer. For example, it is... Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 30 / 233 23 / 47 preferably the cell stabilizer is added in amounts of 0.1 to 2.0% by weight, more preferably 0.5 to 1.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the high-strength polypropylene of the molten material (HMS-PP).

[0135] High-strength melt-bonded polypropylene (HMS-PP) can subsequently be extruded from a die outlet of the melt extruder. Thus, the foam structure can be formed.

[0136] The present invention also relates to foam produced with high-strength cast polypropylene (HMS-PP) obtained by the irradiation process according to the invention.

[0137] The density of the foam structures is in the range between 20 and 800 kg / m3. The density of the foam structures was determined as the apparent bulk density according to ISO 845 (2006). The closed-cell fraction is preferably greater than or equal to 90%, more preferably greater than or equal to 98%, even more preferably greater than 98%. The closed-cell fraction was determined by placing a sample of foam with a known mass and a known density, determined as the apparent bulk density according to ISO 845 (2008), in a desiccator. Each sample was 5 cm long and 3 cm wide. The desiccator was filled with water and polyethylene glycol as a surfactant. The pressure in the desiccator was reduced to 500 mbar.The samples were kept under these conditions for 0 min, after which the objects were subjected to a foaming process by extrusion of the molten material using a propylene-based composition produced according to the process of the invention, wherein the foamability window is greater than or equal to 5 °C, the foamability window being defined as the temperature range in which foams with an apparent total density less than or equal to 175 kg / m3 can be produced as determined in accordance with ISO 845 (2006) and a closed-cell content greater than or equal to 90% when using 2.3% by weight of isobutane as a blowing agent.

[0138] In addition, the invention relates to the following numbered aspects. Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 31 / 233 24 / 47 1. A process for producing high-strength cast polypropylene (HMS-PP), comprising the following steps: a) provide a linear propylene polymer (L-PP) and b) Irradiate the linear propylene polymer (L-PP) provided in step a) by means of electron beam irradiation, wherein step b) comprises at least two irradiation periods, and wherein between each irradiation period there is a non-irradiation period, and wherein each non-irradiation period is in the range of more than 0.01 min to 20 min, preferably 1.0 min to 20 min, more preferably 2.0 min to 20 min. 2. The process according to aspect 1, wherein the high-strength melt polypropylene (HMS-PP) additionally has a melt strength F30 (AMS) of > 5 cN compared to the melt strength F30 (LMS) of a linear polypropylene with the same melt flow rate MFR2 (ISO 1133, 2.16 kg, 230 °C) as the high-strength melt polypropylene (HMS-PP), calculated according to equation (II) AMS = MS(HMS-PP) - LMS (II), wherein AMS is the additionally determined melt strength F30 (AMS) determined in accordance with ISO 16790:2005 compared with the melt strength F30(LMS) of a linear polypropylene with the same melt flow rate MFR2 (230 °C, 2.16 kg) determined in accordance with ISO 1133 as the high-strength melt polypropylene (HMS-PP) in [cN], MS(HMS-PP) is the F30 cast strength of high-strength cast polypropylene (HMS-PP) determined according to ISO 16790:2005 in [cN]. LMS is the melt strength F30 (LMS) of a linear polypropylene with the same melt flow rate MFR2 (230 °C, 2.16 kg) determined according to ISO 1133 as the polypropylene of Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 32 / 233 25 / 47 high strength cast material (HMS-PP) in [cN], and wherein the melt strength F30 (LMS) of the corresponding linear polypropylene with the same melt flow rate MFR2 as the high strength cast material (HMS-PP) polypropylene and a polydispersity in the range of 3 to 5 is determined according to equation (III) LMS = 17.35MFR-0.994(III), where MFR is the melt flow rate MFR2 (230 °C, 2.16 kg) determined according to ISO 1133 standard for high-strength cast polypropylene (HMS-PP). 3. The process, according to any of the previous aspects, which comprises the following steps: a) provide a linear propylene homopolymer (H-PP), and b) Irradiate the linear propylene homopolymer (H-PP) provided in step a) by means of electron beam irradiation, wherein step b) comprises at least two irradiation periods, between each irradiation period there is a non-irradiation period, and wherein each non-irradiation period is in the range of more than 0.01 min to 20 min, preferably 1.0 min to 20 min, more preferably 2.0 min to 20 min. 4. The process, according to any of the previous aspects, which comprises the following steps: a) provide a linear propylene polymer (L-PP), a1) blend the linear propylene polymer (L-PP) provided in step a) with a coupling agent (CA) comprising a polyunsaturated organic compound, and b) irradiate the mixture obtained in step a1) by means of electron beam irradiation, wherein step b) comprises at least two irradiation periods, and wherein between each irradiation period there is a non-irradiation period, and wherein each non-irradiation period is in the range of more than 0.01 min to Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 33 / 233 26 / 47 min, preferably 1.0 min to 20 min, more preferably 2.0 min to 20 min.

[0139] The process, according to any of the previous aspects, which comprises the following steps: a) provide a linear propylene homopolymer (H-PP), and a1) blend said linear propylene homopolymer (H-PP) with a coupling agent (CA) comprising a polyunsaturated organic compound, and b) irradiate the mixture obtained in step a1) by means of electron beam irradiation, wherein step b) comprises at least two irradiation periods, and wherein between each irradiation period there is a non-irradiation period, and wherein each non-irradiation period is in the range of more than 0.01 min to 20 min, preferably 1.0 min to 20 min, more preferably 2.0 min to 20 min. 5. The process, according to any of the previous aspects, which comprises the following steps: a) provide a linear propylene polymer (L-PP) and a1) blend said linear propylene polymer (L-PP) with a coupling agent (CA) comprising a polyunsaturated fatty acid, and b) irradiate the mixture obtained in step a1) by means of electron beam irradiation, wherein step b) comprises at least two irradiation periods, between each irradiation period there is a non-irradiation period, and wherein each non-irradiation period is in the range of more than 0.01 min to 20 min, preferably 1.0 min to 20 min, more preferably 2.0 min to 20 min. 6. The process, according to any of the previous aspects, which comprises the following steps: a) provide a linear propylene homopolymer (H-PP), and Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 34 / 233 27 / 47 a1) merging said linear propylene homopolymer (H-PP) with a coupling agent (CA) comprising a polyunsaturated fatty acid, and b) irradiate the mixture obtained in step a1) by means of electron beam irradiation, wherein step b) comprises at least two irradiation periods, between each irradiation period there is a non-irradiation period, and wherein each non-irradiation period is in the range of more than 0.01 min to 20 min, preferably 1.0 min to 20 min, more preferably 2.0 min to 20 min. 7. The process according to any one of aspects 4 to 7, wherein the mixture obtained in step a1) comprises 0.01 to 5.0% by weight, more preferably 0.1 to 2.0% by weight of the coupling agent (CA) comprising a polyunsaturated organic compound, based on the total weight of the mixture obtained in step a1). 8. The process according to any one of aspects 4 to 8, wherein the amount of polyunsaturated organic compound in the coupling agent (CA) comprising a polyunsaturated organic compound is in the range of 20% by weight to 100% by weight, preferably 30% by weight to 90% by weight, more preferably 40% by weight to 80% by weight. 9. The process according to any one of aspects 4 to 9, wherein the coupling agent (CA) comprising a polyunsaturated organic compound is selected from the group consisting of linseed oil, walnut oil, tung oil and sunflower oil, preferably linseed oil, more preferably virgin linseed oil. 10. The process according to any one of aspects 4 to 10, wherein the mixture between L-PP and CA obtained in step a1) additionally comprises antioxidants in an amount in the range of 10 to 500 ppm, preferably 25 to 200 ppm, based on the total weight of the mixture, and / or process stabilizers, each in an amount in the range of 10 to Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 35 / 233 28 / 47 500 ppm, preferably 25 to 200 ppm, based on the total weight of the mixture. 11. The process in accordance with any of the preceding aspects, in which the maximum pressure in the process does not exceed 0.2 bar and is in the range of 0.0 to 0.2 bar. 12. The process according to any of aspects 1 to 11, wherein the process pressure is more than 0.2 bar, preferably in the range of more than 0.2 bar to 2.0 bar. 13. The process according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the process additionally comprises, after step b), a step c), wherein step c) comprises a quenching period, in which the irradiated mixture obtained in step b) is quenched at a temperature in the range of 40 to 140 °C, preferably 50 °C to 70 °C. 14. The process according to any of the previous aspects, where the tempering period in step c) is in the range of 5 min to 120 min, preferably 45 min to 90 min. 15. The process according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein in step b) the surface radiation dose applied in the first of at least two irradiation periods is in the range of 10 to 150 kGy, preferably 55 kGy to 130 kGy, more preferably 60 kGy to 110 kGy. 16. The process according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein in step b) the surface radiation dose applied in the second of at least two irradiation periods is in the range of 5 to 150 kGy, preferably 8 to 80 kGy, more preferably 10 to 50 kGy. 17. The process according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein, in step b), the ratio between the surface radiation dose applied in the first of at least two irradiation periods and the surface radiation dose applied in the second of at least two irradiation periods is in the range of more than 1.1 to 30, preferably 1.2 to 15, more Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 36 / 233 29 / 47 preferably from 1.5 to 8.0. 18. The process according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the total surface radiation dose applied in the process is in the range of 30 kGy to 200 kGy, preferably 50 kGy to 180 kGy, more preferably 60 kGy to 130 kGy. 19. The process according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the electron beam for electron beam irradiation is an electron beam having an accelerating voltage in the range of 5 MeV to 15 MeV, preferably 7 MeV to 13 MeV, more preferably 8 MeV to 12 MeV. 20. The process according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein step b) consists of two irradiation periods and, between them, a non-irradiation period, wherein the non-irradiation period is in the range of 0.01 min to 20 min, preferably 1.0 min to 20 min, more preferably 2.0 min to 20 min. 21. The process, according to any of the previous aspects, which comprises the following steps: a) provide a linear propylene polymer (L-PP), preferably a linear propylene homopolymer (H-PP), and a1) blend said propylene polymer (L-PP) with a coupling agent (CA) comprising a polyunsaturated organic compound, preferably a polyunsaturated fatty acid, and b) irradiate the mixture obtained in step a1) by means of electron beam irradiation, and c) tempering the irradiated mixture obtained in step b) to a temperature in the range of 50 °C to 70 °C, wherein step b) preferably comprises two irradiation periods and a non-irradiation period between the two irradiation periods, wherein the surface radiation dose applied in the first irradiation period is in the range of 60 kGy to 110 kGy, and Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 37 / 233 30 / 47 where the surface radiation dose applied in the second irradiation period is in the range of 10 kGy to 50 kGy, and where the non-irradiation period between the two irradiation periods is in the range of 2 min to 20 min, and where the quenching period in step c) is in the range of 45 min to 90 min. 22. The process according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the linear polypropylene (L-PP) supplied in step a) or the blend obtained in step a1) is placed in a sealable containment prior to irradiation in step b). 23. The process according to aspect 23, wherein the sealable containment containing linear polypropylene (L-PP) supplied in step a) or the mixture obtained in step a1) is rinsed with nitrogen until it reaches an atmosphere having oxygen in the range of 1 to 1000 ppm, preferably 50 to 400 ppm, more preferably 100 to 300 ppm inside the containment. 24. The process according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the process comprises, after step b) or step c), an additional step d), wherein step d) comprises homogenizing the irradiated L-PP or the irradiated mixture obtained in step b) or step c). 25. The process according to aspect 25, in which additives (AD) can be added to the irradiated L-PP or to the irradiated mixture obtained in step b) or in step c) before or during homogenization. 26. The process according to aspect 25, in which additives (AD) are applied to the surface of the homogenized irradiated L-PP or the homogenized irradiated blend. 27. A high-strength cast polypropylene (HMS-PP) comprising units derived from: i) propylene and ii) at least one polyunsaturated fatty acid, Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 38 / 233 31 / 47 wherein the high-strength polypropylene of the molten material (HMS-PP) has a crystallization temperature Tc determined according to DSC of more than 120 °C, preferably in the range of 120 °C to 132 °C, and wherein the strength of the molten material F30 by Rheotens measurement according to ISO 16790:2005 at 200 °C, acceleration of 120 mm / s, in standard shear (die pressure of 30 bar) is more than 26 cN, preferably in the range of more than 26 cN to 50 cN, the melt flow rate MFR2 (230 °C, 2.16 kg) determined according to ISO 1133 is in the range of 1.0 to 2.4 g / 10 min, and wherein the complex shear viscosity η* at a frequency of 285 rad / s, determined Based on dynamic shear measurements in accordance with ISO 6721-1 and 6721-10 standards, the ideal shear pressure is more than 170 Pa s, preferably in the range of more than 170 Pa s to 220 Pa s. 28. High-strength cast polypropylene (HMS-PP) according to aspect 28, wherein the HMS-PP is obtained by the process according to any one of aspects 1 to 27. 29. High-strength cast material polypropylene (HMS-PP) according to aspect 28 or 29, wherein the derivable units of at least one polyunsaturated fatty acid are linseed oil as the coupling agent (CA) comprising a polyunsaturated organic compound. 30. An article comprising high-strength cast polypropylene (HMS-PP) according to any of aspects 28 to 30. 31. A use of high-strength cast polypropylene (HMS-PP) according to any one of claims 28 to 30 for foam applications, preferably extruded foam, bead foam, injection molding foam or coating foam. EXAMPLES Measurement methods [01 40] The following definitions of terms and methods of determination apply to the general description of the invention above, as well as to the examples below, Petition 870250080363, dated 09 / 08 / 2025, p. 39 / 233 32 / 47 unless otherwise specified. MFR2 (230 °C) is measured according to ISO 1133 (230 °C, 2.16 kg load). GPC measurement

[0141] A gel permeation chromatograph (GPC) manufactured by PolymerChar (Valencia, Spain) equipped with an infrared detector (IR5), an online four-bridge capillary viscometer, and a multi-angle light scattering detector (MALS) (Dawn Helios 2) with 18 angles ranging from 22.5° to 147.0° from Wyatt Technology (Santa Barbara, USA) was used. Agilent 3x Olexis and 1x Olexis Guard columns were used as the stationary phase, and 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene (TCB, stabilized with 250 mg / L of the composition 2,6-Di tert-butyl-4-methylphenol) was used as the mobile phase at 160 °C and a constant flow rate of 1 mL / min. The polymer sample was dissolved at a concentration of 1 mg / mL at 160 °C for 150 min in TCB. 200 pl of the polymer solution were injected per analysis. The injected concentration of the polymer solution at 160 °C (c160°c) was determined as follows. GPC-VISC-MALS

[0142] The IR detector was calibrated with NIST1475a using a nominal IR of 1.01 dl / g. The interdetector volume between the different detectors, the concentration detector (IR), the LS and the viscometer was obtained by analyzing a closely distributed PS standard having a molar mass of 30,000 g / mol.

[0143] For the determination of MWD using the GPC-VISC-MALS technique, the normalization of the different MALS angles was obtained with a narrowly distributed PS standard having a molar mass of 30,000 g / mol. The MALS detector was calibrated with the certified PE standard, NIST1475a, with a Mw of 54,000 g / mol using a dn / dc of 0.094 ml / mg at a laser wavelength (À0) of 660 nm. For the molecular weight calculation, a laser wavelength (À0) of 660 nm and a dn / dc of 0.094 ml / mg were used for PP in TCB solution. Due to higher baseline noise and frequent perturbations, the MALS signal from the 3 smallest angles was not used in all calculations. Due to the low sample concentration used, the second Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 40 / 233 33 / 47 viral coefficient (A2=0) was neglected. The absolute Mw in each chromatographic section and the corresponding radius of gyration (Rg) were obtained from the slope and intercept of the Debye plot.i Zimm's formulary was used for the extrapolation of the corresponding Rayleigh ratios (R(Θ)) of the different angles.

[0144] The mean molecular weights (Mz(LS), Mw(LS) and Mn(LS)), molecular weight distribution (MWD) and its amplitude, described by polydispersity, PD(LS)= Mw(LS) / Mn(LS) (where Mn(LS) is the number-average molecular weight and Mw(LS) is the weight-average molecular weight obtained from GPC-LS) were calculated using Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) with the following formulas: Mn(LS) = Σ^^Σ(Ai / M(Ls)) MW(LS) = Σί=ι(Αx mí(ls))ΣΛ MZ(LS) = ^tldiX Mi(LS)) Σ(Ai / Mi(LS))

[0145] For a constant elution volume range Δνί, where Ai and Mi(ls) are the chromatographic peak slice area and the molecular weight (MW) of the polyolefin determined by GPC-MALS, respectively, associated with the elution volume, Vi..

[0146] The corresponding values ​​of mass IV (mass) and mass Mw (mass) are calculated as follows: Area, c Mw(mass) = Area&ir K(Mals) * ------— (dn / dc)2 IV (mass) = Area^Sy Visc AreaIR* KIV

[0147] Where AreaiR, AreaLSzero and Areaspvisc are the concentration signal area (IR5), the extrapolated LS signal area at an angle of 0° and the specific viscosity area. KIV and K(MALS) are the corresponding detector constants. Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 41 / 233 34 / 47 Conventional GPC

[0148] The column array was calibrated using universal calibration with 19 polystyrene (PS) standards with a narrow molecular weight distribution (MWD) in the range of 0.5 kg / mol to 11,500 kg / mol. The PS standards were dissolved for 30 min at 160 °C. The conversion of the polystyrene peak molecular weight to polypropylene molecular weights is performed using the Mark Houwink equation and the following Mark Houwink constants: Kps = 19 x 10-3 mL / g Kpp = 19 x 10'3mL / g, αρ$ = 0.655 αρρ = 0.725

[0149] A third-order polynomial fit was used to fit the calibration data.

[0150] The average molecular weights (Mz, Mw, and Mn), molecular weight distribution (MWD), and their ranges, described by the polydispersity index, PDI = Mw / Mn (where Mn is the number-average molecular weight and Mw is the weight-average molecular weight), were determined by Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) using the following formulas: MnΣ^ / M) Σ^Μ)Mw λΣ=1=Σ£ι(Α x M^ZΣ£Α / Μ) ... _ Σ£ι(Α* M^^ * Vconv = ^pp For a constant elution volume range Δνί, where Ai and Mi are the chromatographic peak slice area and molecular weight (MW), respectively, associated with the elution volume, Vi. gpcBR Index The gpcBR index is calculated using the following formula: Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 42 / 233 35 / 47 ΓΖ IVCοην\l rMw(mass)iasp'?= iL^a))! · I Mwj-1 All GPC calculations were performed using PolymerChar's GPCone software. Wyatt, P.J. (1993) Analyze. Chim. Acta, Light Scattering and the Absolute Characterization of Macromolecules. 272, 1-40. Determination of the concentration of the grafted coupling agent (α-linolenic acid) after irradiation by 1H-NMR. 1. Soxhlet extraction to remove ungrafted coupling agent.

[0151] 2.5 g of the ground sample are weighed into a Soxhlet sleeve. 200 ml of n-hexane are placed in a round flask (250 ml), and the sleeve is inserted into the Soxhlet. Extraction of the ungrafted coupling agent occurs under reflux cooling over a period of 24 hours. The residue is dried overnight in a vacuum drying oven at 90 °C, cooled to room temperature, and used by 1H NMR spectroscopy method. 2. 1H-NMR spectroscopy method

[0152] Quantitative 1H NMR spectra recorded in the solution state using a Bruker AVNEO 400 NMR spectrometer operating at 400.15 MHz. All spectra were recorded using an optimized 13C 10 mm extension selective excitation probe head at 125 °C using nitrogen gas for all pneumatics. Approximately 200 mg of material were dissolved in approximately 3 ml of 1,2-tetrachloroethane-d2 (TCE-d2) using approximately 3 mg of Hostanox 03 (CAS 32509-66-3) as a stabilizer. Standard single-pulse excitation was employed using a 30-degree pulse, a relaxation delay of 3 s, and a sample rotation of 10 Hz. A total of 64k data points were collected by FID with a dwell time of 61 ps, corresponding to a spectral window of approximately 20 ppm. 512 transients were acquired by spectrograms using 4 simulated sweeps.This configuration was chosen for its high sensitivity, resolution, and stability with respect to unsaturated species. Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 43 / 233 36 / 47

[0153] Quantitative 1H spectra were processed by applying an exponential window function with 0.3 Hz line broadening, integrated and relevant proportions determined from the integral intensities. All chemical shifts were indirectly referenced to TMS at 0.00 ppm using the resulting signal from the residual protonated solvent at 5.95 ppm {Resconi L., Cavallo L., Fait A., Piemontesi F., Chem. Rev. 2000, 100, 1253} and the aliphatic mass signal intensity (Imass) defined as 100,000. Characteristic signals in specific 1H NMR chemical shifts corresponding to the presence of the listed structural groups were observed, which are summarized in Table 1 {Resconi L., Piemontesi F., Camurati I., Sudmeijer O., Nifantèf IE, Ivschenko PV, Kuzmina LG, J. Am. Soc. 1998, 120, 2308-2321}: Table 1: 1H NMR signal characteristics Structural group Chemical shift 1H NMR [ppm] Aliphatic mass intensity 2.80 - (-0.5) y terminal vinylidene 4.73 - 4.66 w internal vinylidene 4.85 - 4.73 z vinylene 5.55 - 5.27 x allyl isobutenyl 5.08 - 4.85 v hostanox 7.00 - 6.81 h

[0154] Ratios were calculated between the intensities of specific groups compensating for the influences of other groups: ratio between x / z = x / (zw) ratio between x / y = x / (y-(h / 4*42)) Microstructure quantification by NMR spectroscopy Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 44 / 233 37 / 47

[0155] Quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was performed as described in document WO 2022 / 238520 A1.

[0156] Intrinsic viscosity (IV) was measured according to DIN ISO 1628 / 1, October 1999 (in Decalina at 135 °C). Melting point Tm, crystallization temperature Tc, and enthalpy of fusion Hm

[0157] The melting temperature, Tm, was determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) according to ISO 11357-3 with a TA-Instrument 2920 Dual-Cell with RSC cooling apparatus and data station. A heating and cooling rate of 10 °C / min is applied in a heating / cooling / heating cycle between +23 and +210 °C. The crystallization temperature (Tc) is determined from the cooling stage while the melting temperature (Tm) and enthalpy of fusion (Hm) are determined in the second heating stage. Strength of cast material F30 and F200 and extensibility of cast material v30

[0158] The test described in this document follows the ISO 16790:2005 standard. The stress hardening behavior was determined by the method as described in the article “Rheotens-Mastercurves and Drawability of Polymer Melts”, MH Wagner, Polymer Engineering and Science, Vol. 36, pages 925 to 935. The stress hardening behavior of polymers was analyzed using the Rheotens apparatus (product of Gottfert, Siemensstr.2, 74711 Buchen, Germany) in which a bead of molten material is elongated by extraction with a defined acceleration.

[0159] The Rheotens experiment simulates industrial extrusion and spin processes. Initially, a molten material is pressed or extruded through a round die and the resulting bead is carried along. The stress in the extrudate is recorded as a function of melt properties and measurement parameters (especially the ratio between exit velocity and transport velocity, practically a measure for the extension rate). For the results Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 45 / 233 Figures 38 / 47 shown below were extruded using a HAAKE Polylab laboratory extruder system and a cylindrical die gear pump (L / D = 6.0 / 2.0 mm). To measure the strength of the F30 molten material and the extensibility of the V30 molten material, the pressure at the extruder outlet (= gear pump inlet) is set to 30 bar, bypassing a portion of the extruded polymer. To measure the strength of the F200 molten material, the pressure at the extruder outlet (= gear pump inlet) is set to 200 bar, bypassing a portion of the extruded polymer.

[0160] The gear pump was pre-set to a strand extrusion rate of 5 mm / s, and the melting temperature was set to 200 °C. The turning line length between the die and Rheotens wheels was 80 mm. At the start of the experiment, the inlet speed of the Rheotens wheels was set to the speed of the extruded polymer strand (zero tensile force): Then, the experiment was started by slowly increasing the inlet speed of the Rheotens wheels until the polymer filament broke. The acceleration of the wheels was small enough so that the tensile force could be measured under near-steady conditions. The acceleration of the extracted molten material strand is 120 mm / s². The Rheotens was operated in combination with the EXTENS PC program. This is a real-time data acquisition program that displays and stores the measured tensile force and extraction speed data.The endpoints of the Rheotens curve (force versus pulley rotation speed), where the polymer wire breaks, are considered to be the values ​​of molten material strength F30 and molten material extensibility v30, or molten material strength F200, respectively.

[0161] The additional molten material strength (AMS) is calculated according to equation (II) AMS = MS(HMS-PP) - LMS (II), where AMS is the additional molten material strength F30 (AMS) determined according to ISO 16790:2005 compared to the molten material strength F30 (LMS) of a linear polypropylene with the same flow rate. Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 46 / 233 39 / 47 melt flow rate MFR2 (230 °C, 2.16 kg) determined according to ISO 1133 as high-strength cast polypropylene (HMS-PP) in [cN], MS(HMS-PP) is the melt flow rate F30 of high-strength cast polypropylene (HMS-PP) determined according to ISO 16790:2005 in [cN], LMS is the melt flow rate F30 (LMS) of a linear polypropylene with the same melt flow rate MFR2 (230 °C, 2.16 kg) determined according to ISO 1133 as high-strength cast polypropylene (HMS-PP) in [cN], and the melt flow rate F30 (LMS) of the corresponding linear polypropylene that has the same melt flow rate as high-strength cast polypropylene (HMS-PP) and a polydispersity in the range of 3 to 5 is determined according to equation (III) LMS = 17.35MFR- 0.994(III), where MFR is the melt flow rate MFR2 (230 °C, 2.16 kg) determined according to ISO 1133 standard for high-strength molten polypropylene (HMS-PP).

[0162] Equation (III) is the fitting function for the melt flow rate MFR2 (230 °C, 2.16 kg) determined according to ISO 1133 and melt strength F30 as defined above for commercial linear propylene homopolymers tested by Rheotens. The melt flow rates and melt strength F30 of said commercial linear propylene homopolymers from Borealis are summarized in Table 2. Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 47 / 233 40 / 47 Table 2: Strength of molten material F30 as a function of the melt flow rate. Commercial linear PP MFR2 [g / 10 min] Melt strength F30 [cN] BA390 0.2 87 BE50 0.3 60 HA001 0.5 35 HA507 0.9 17 HB600TF 2.0 9 HC205TF 5.0 3.5 HD120MO 10.0 1.8 Shear thinning index (SHI)

[0163] The characterization of molten polymers by dynamic shear measurements is in accordance with ISO 6721-1 and 6721-10 standards. Measurements were performed on an Anton Paar MCR501 controlled-stress rotational rheometer, equipped with a 25 mm parallel plate geometry. Measurements were performed on compression-molded plates using a nitrogen atmosphere and establishing a deformation within the linear viscoelastic regime. Oscillatory shear tests were performed at 200 °C applying a frequency range between 0.01 and 300 rad / s and defining a gap of 0.5 mm.

[0164] In a dynamic shear experiment, the probe is subjected to homogeneous deformation in a variable sinusoidal shear strain or shear stress (strain-controlled and stress-controlled mode, respectively). In a strain-controlled experiment, the probe is subjected to a sinusoidal strain that can be expressed by Y(t) = γ0 sin(ωt) (1) Petition 870250080363, dated 09 / 08 / 2025, p. 48 / 233 41 / 47

[0165] If the applied deformation is within the linear viscoelastic regime, the resulting sinusoidal stress response can be given by σ(t) = σο sin(ωt +δ) (2) where σο and γο are the stress and strain amplitudes, respectively; ω is the angular frequency; δ is the phase change (applied deformation angle and stress response); t is the time.

[0166] The results of dynamic tests are typically expressed by several different rheological functions, namely, loss between shear storage modulus G', loss shear modulus G”, complex shear modulus G*, complex shear viscosity η*, dynamic shear viscosity η', out-of-phase component of complex shear viscosity η” and loss tangent tan η, which can be expressed as follows: G' = cosδ [Pa] Ύ0 (3) G = sinδ [Pa] 0 (4) G* = G' + iG'' [Pa] (5) η * = η' - ίη [Pa-s] (6) η' = £ [Pa-s] (7) η'' = £ [Pa-s] (8)

[0167] The determination of the so-called Shear Thinning Index, which correlates with MWD and is independent of Mw, is done as described in equation 9. cli । _ Eta* at 0.05 rad / s SHI005285. = Eta* at 285 rad / s (9)

[0168] For example, SHI(0.05 / 285) is defined by the value of the complex viscosity, in Pa.s, determined at a frequency of 0.05 rad / s, divided by the value of the complex viscosity, in Pa.s, determined at a frequency of 285 rad / s.

[0169] The values ​​for storage modulus (G'), loss modulus (G), complex modulus (G*) and complex viscosity (η*) were obtained as a function of Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 49 / 233 42 / 47 frequency (ω).

[0170] Thus, for example, n*285rad / s (eta*285rad / s) is used as an abbreviation for the complex viscosity at a frequency of 285 rad / s and η*0.05rad / s (eta*0.05rad / s) is used as an abbreviation for the complex viscosity at a frequency of 0.05 rad / s.

[0171] The loss tangent tan(delta) is defined as the ratio between the loss modulus (G) and the storage modulus (G') at a given frequency. Thus, for example, tan0.05 is used as an abbreviation for the ratio between the loss modulus (G) and the storage modulus (G') at 0.05 rad / s, and tan285 is used as an abbreviation for the ratio between the loss modulus (G) and the storage modulus (G') at 285 rad / s.

[0172] The tan0.05 / tan285 elasticity balance is defined as the ratio between the loss tangent tan0.05 and the loss tangent tan285. The polydispersity index, PI, is defined by equation 10. PI =———-, wcop - ω for (G'— G'') (10) G (Mcop) where ωcop is the crossover angular frequency, defined as the angular frequency for which the storage modulus, G', is equal to the loss modulus, G''.

[0173] The values ​​are determined by means of a single-point interpolation procedure, as defined by the Rheoplus software. In situations where a given value of G* is not experimentally achieved, the value is determined by extrapolation, using the same procedure as before. In both cases (interpolation or extrapolation), the Rheoplus option Interpolate y-values ​​to x-values ​​from parameter and the logarithmic interpolation type were applied. References: [1] “Rheological characterization of polyethylene fractions, Heino, EL, Lehtinen, A., Tanner J., Seppãlã, J., Neste Oy, Porvoo, Finland, Theor. Appl. Rheol., Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 50 / 233 43 / 47 Proc. Int. Congr. Rheol, 11a(1992), 1,360-362. [2] “The influence of molecular structure on some rheological properties of polyethylene”, Heino, EL, Borealis Polymers Oy, Porvoo, Finland, Annual Transactions of the Nordic Rheology Society, 1995. [3] “Definition of terms relating to the non-ultimate mechanical properties of polymers”, Pure & Appl. Chem., Vol. 70, no. 3, pages. 701-754, 1998. Inventive Examples

[0174] The inventive examples IE1 to IE5 and the comparative examples CE1, CE2 were prepared as follows: Precursor materials

[0175] As a linear precursor, the linear polypropylene homopolymer HA001 from Borealis was used, which has an MFR2 of 0.6 g / 10 min (230 °C, 2.16 kg / cm2; ISO 1133), a melting point of 161 °C, a crystallization temperature of 116 °C, an isotacticity of 97.3% (pentad concentration by 13C NMR) produced by a slurry process using a ZieglerNatta catalyst and containing 50 ppm by weight of Irganox 1076 (antioxidant from BASF). The molten strength F30 of the stabilized powder is 35 cN.

[0176] The linseed oil was purchased from Lausitzer Olmühle Hoyerswerda GmbH and is a cold-pressed linseed oil comprising 99 g of fat, 23 g of monounsaturated fatty acids, 60 g of polyunsaturated fatty acids, 15 g of saturated fatty acids and 0.22 g of protein per 100 mL. Preparation of the compound

[0177] Borealis HA001 propylene homopolymer down was compounded with 0.25% by weight of linseed oil and 0.05% by weight of calcium stearate in pellets (PP pellets) in a Prism TSE 24MC twin-screw extruder under nitrogen, with a yield of 10 kg / h and a screw speed of 200 rpm. The additives were dosed via premixing or direct dosing in the extruder. The extruder temperature setting was 220°. The MFR2 of the compound containing linseed oil and calcium stearate used in the irradiation tests was 1.0 g / 10 min (230 °C, 2.16 kg / cm2; ISO 1133). Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 51 / 233 44 / 47 Sample Preparation

[0178] 2 kg of PP pellets were placed in an aluminum cylinder with a wall thickness of 2 mm and an outer diameter of 100 mm, equipped with a safety valve that ensures a maximum pressure of 0.2 bar. Before irradiation, the cylinder was rinsed with nitrogen to achieve 200 ppm of oxygen in the gas phase at equilibrium, using approximately 70 L of N2 per kg of PP. Electron beam irradiation General procedure of the inventive process for IE1-IE5:

[0179] The aluminum cylinder containing the PP granules and a nitrogen atmosphere with a defined O2 concentration of 200-300 ppm is placed on a conveyor belt at 25 °C. The cylinder is then moved at a first conveyor speed Vi, passing through a 10 MeV electron beam (IBA TT200 with a beam current of 5 mA), thereby applying a first dose of surface radiation to the sample. The conveyor belt is then stopped for a specific period of time (reaction time) and then moved back at a second conveyor speed V2, passing through the electron beam again and applying a second dose of surface radiation to the sample (see Table 1 for the exact reaction parameters). After this, the cylinder was stored for one hour at a temperature of 60 °C to complete the reaction (radical deactivation) before cooling the sample by rinsing the cylinder with nitrogen. Comparative examples CE1-CE2:

[0180] The same procedure as inventive examples IE1-IE5, except that the samples are subjected to only one dose of surface radiation and then stored directly for one hour at a temperature of 60 °C.

[0181] For stabilization, each product obtained was compounded with 0.3% by weight of Irganox 1010 (BASF antioxidant) and 0.3% by weight of Irgafos 168 (BASF processing stabilizer) in a Prism TSE 24MC twin-screw extruder with a barrel length L / D of 40 under nitrogen, with Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 52 / 233 45 / 47 a production of 10 kg / h, screw speed of 300 rpm and a temperature of 220 °C. Table 3: Process parameters for inventive examples IE1-IE5 and comparative examples CE1-CE2. Sample First conveyor belt speed Vi [m min-1] First surface radiation dose [kGy] Reaction time [min] Second conveyor belt speed V2 [m min-1] Second surface radiation dose [kGy] IE1 0.66 91.5 2 2.99 20.3 IE2 0.66 91.5 3 2.99 20.3 IE3 0.66 91.5 5 2.99 20.3 IE4 0.66 91.5 10 2.99 20.3 IE5 0.82 74.2 1 1.66 36.6 CE1 0.54 111.8 0 0 0 CE2 0.66 91.5 0 0 0 Petition 870250080363, dated 09 / 08 / 2025, p. 53 / 233 46 / 47 Table 4: Summary of the properties of the inventive and comparative HMS polypropylenes obtained. Example Total radiation dose MFR2 [g / 10 min] gpcBR SHI (0.05 / 285) [-] Crossover point irad / sl Crossover point Gc ro CL _ CL η * 0.05 [Pa s] η * 285 [Pa s] Tan delta a 0.1 rad / s Material resistance Material resistance Phase angle a V30 [mm / s] Tm first Tm second Hm second Tc [°C] IE 1 111 ,8 2.3 0 61, 8 9.6 8221, 1 12, 2 118 27 191 ,4 1, 5 29, 8 27, 2 56, 5 26 0 16 1 159 103 122 ,5 IE 2 111 ,8 2.1 5 1.2 6 60, 0 10.8 8717, 3 11, 5 115 02 191 .7 1, 6 26, 1 25, 7 57, 0 26 2 16 2 159 .5 99 123 .0 IE 3 111 .8 1.5 8 1.3 3 70. 0 6.3 6797, 8 14, 7 132 83 189 1.4 0 73, 2 5.3 6748, 4 14, 8 147 04 200, 9 1, 4 31, 3 29, 9 54, 4 26 3 16 2 159, 5 101, 7 123, 0 13, 9 135 00 197 ,9 1, 4 28, 9 26, 7 55, 1 25 6 CE 1 111 ,8 3,5 7 1,0 5 52, 0 16,9 9934, 4 10, 1 947 6 182 ,2 1, 8 24, 7 23, 6 59, 1 26 7 16 3 159 ,5 99 122 ,4 CE 2 91, 5 2,4 5 55, 6 12,3 1100 8 9,1 125 61 225 ,9 1, 8 26, 0 23, 1 60, 3 25 6, Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 54 / 233 47 / 47 Table 5: Summary of the molar properties of the inventive and comparative HMS polypropylenes IE2-IE4 and CE1 obtained. Example Mn [g / mol] Mw [g / mol] o EN '-ss Mass Mw [g / mol] IV (Mass) PDI IE2 2.92*104 7.38*105 4.58*106 7.40*105 1.269 25.27 IE3 2.48*104 7.52*105 4.54*106 7.62*105 1.257 30.32 IE4 3.05*104 8.01*105 5.52*106 8.01*105 1.266 26.26 CE1 2.86*104 5.90*105 3.32*106 5.89*105 1.192 20.63

[0182] As can be seen in Table 4, the HMS-PP IE1-IE5 obtained by the inventive process exhibits higher cast material strength F30 and F200 compared to CE1 and CE2 with only one irradiation period. Furthermore, a lower MFR2 and a higher gpcBR of the inventive examples show that a higher degree of branching is obtained. A higher shear hardening index (SHI) is also obtained. Petition 870250080363, dated 09 / 08 / 2025, p. 55 / 233

Claims

1 / 4 CLAIMS 1. Process for producing a high-strength cast polypropylene (HMS-PP) characterized by comprising steps in the following order: a) providing a linear propylene polymer (L-PP), preferably a linear propylene homopolymer (H-PP), a1) optionally, blending said propylene polymer (L-PP) with a coupling agent (CA) comprising a polyunsaturated organic compound, preferably a polyunsaturated fatty acid, and b) irradiating the L-PP provided in step a) or the blend obtained in step a1) by means of electron beam irradiation, wherein step b) comprises at least two irradiation periods, and wherein between each irradiation period there is a non-irradiation period, and wherein each non-irradiation period is in the range of 0.01 min to 20 min, preferably 1.0 min to 20 min, more preferably 2.0 min to 20 min. min.

2. Process, according to claim 1, characterized in that, in step b), the surface radiation dose applied in the first of at least two irradiation periods is in the range of 10 to 150 kGy, preferably 50 kGy to 130 kGy, more preferably 60 kGy to 110 kGy; and / or the surface radiation dose applied in the second of at least two irradiation periods is in the range of 5 kGy to 150 kGy, preferably 8 kGy to 80 kGy, more preferably 10 kGy to 50 kGy; and / or in that the ratio between the surface radiation dose applied in the first of at least two irradiation periods and the surface radiation dose applied in the second of at least two irradiation periods is in the range of more than 1.1 to 30, preferably 1.2 to 15, more preferably 1.5 to 8.0; and / or in which the total surface radiation dose applied in the process is Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page.56 / 233 2 / 4 in the range of 30 kGy to 200 kGy, preferably 50 kGy to 180 kGy, with more preference for 60 kGy to 130 kGy.

3. Process according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the process is characterized by comprising step a1) and the mixture obtained in step a1) comprising from 0.01 to 5.0% by weight, more preferably 0.1 to 2.0% by weight of the coupling agent (CA) comprising a polyunsaturated organic compound, based on the total weight of the mixture obtained in step a1); and / or wherein the amount of polyunsaturated organic compound in the coupling agent (CA) comprising a polyunsaturated organic compound is in the range of 20% by weight to 100% by weight, preferably 30% by weight to 90% by weight, more preferably 40% by weight to 80% by weight; and / or the coupling agent (CA) comprising a polyunsaturated organic compound is selected from the group consisting of linseed oil, walnut oil, tung oil and sunflower oil, preferably linseed oil, with more preference given to virgin linseed oil.

4. A process, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the maximum pressure in the process does not exceed 0.2 bar and is preferably in the range of 0.0 to 0.2 bar; or in that the pressure in the process is more than 0.2 bar, preferably in the range of more than 0.2 bar to 2.0 bar.

5. A process according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the process is characterized by further comprising, after step b), a step c), wherein step c) comprises a quenching period, in which the irradiated L-PP or the irradiated blend obtained in step b) is quenched at a temperature in the range of 40 to 140 °C, preferably 50 °C to 70 °C; and / or the quenching period in step c) is in the range of 5 min to 120 min, preferably 45 min to 90 min.

6. Process, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electron beam for electron beam irradiation is an electron beam having an accelerating voltage in the range of 5 MeV to 15 MeV, preferably 7 MeV to 13 MeV, more preferably 8 MeV to 12 MeV.

7. Process, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that step b) consists of two irradiation periods and, between them, a non-irradiation period, wherein the non-irradiation period is in the range of 0.01 min to 20 min, preferably 1.0 min to 20 min, more preferably 2.0 min to 20 min.

8. Process, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the L-PP supplied in step a) or the mixture obtained in step a1) is placed in a sealable containment prior to irradiation in step b).

9. Process, according to claim 8, characterized in that the sealable containment containing the L-PP supplied in step a) or containing the mixture obtained in step a1) is rinsed with nitrogen until it reaches an atmosphere that has oxygen in an amount in the range of 1 to 1000 ppm, preferably 50 to 400 ppm, more preferably 100 to 300 ppm inside the containment.

10. A process according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the process is characterized by comprising, after step b) or c), an additional step d), wherein step d) comprises the homogenization of the irradiated L-PP or the irradiated mixture obtained in step b) or c).

11. Process according to claim 10, characterized in that the additives (AD) can be added to the irradiated L-PP or irradiated blend obtained after step b) or step c) before or during homogenization in step d); and / or in that the additives (AD) are applied to the surface of the irradiated homogenized L-PP or the irradiated homogenized blend obtained after step d).

12. High-strength cast polypropylene (HMS-PP) characterized by comprising units derived from: Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page.58 / 233 4 / 4 i) propylene and ii) at least one polyunsaturated fatty acid, wherein the high-strength cast polypropylene (HMS-PP) has a crystallization temperature Tc determined according to DSC of more than 120 °C, preferably in the range of 120 °C to 132 °C, and wherein the shear strength F30 measured by Rheotens according to ISO 16790:2005 at 200 °C, acceleration of 120 mm / s², in standard shear (die pressure of 30 bar) is more than 26 cN, preferably in the range of more than 26 cN to 50 cN, the melt flow rate MFR2 (230 °C, 2.16 kg) determined according to ISO 1133 is in the range of 1.0 to 2.4 g / 10 min, and wherein The complex shear viscosity η* at a frequency of 285 rad / s, determined by dynamic shear measurements in accordance with ISO 6721-1 and 6721-10 standards, is more than 170 Pa s, preferably in the range of more than 170 Pa s to 220 Pa s.

13. High-strength cast polypropylene (HMS-PP) according to claim 12, characterized in that the HMS-PP is obtained by the process as defined in any one of claims 1 to 11.

14. Article characterized by comprising high-strength cast polypropylene (HMS-PP) as defined in either claim 12 or 13.

15. Use of high-strength cast polypropylene (HMS-PP) as defined in claims 12 or 13, characterized by being for foam applications, preferably extruded foam, bead foam, injection molding foam, or coating foam. Petition 870250080363, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 59 / 233