Post consumer recycled polyethylene compositions

Abstract

A polymeric composition includes 10 wt% to 70 wt% of post-consumer recycled polyethylene based on the total weight of the polymeric composition, wherein the post-consumer recycled polyethylene has a density of 0.910 g / cc to 0.940 g / cc as measured according to ASTM D792 and 30 wt% to 90 wt% of an ethylene-based polymer based on the total weight of the polymeric composition, wherein the ethylene-based polymer is linear and has a density of 0.910 g / cc to 0.935 g / cc as measured according to ASTM D792.

Description

[0001] POST CONSUMER RECYCLED POLYETHYLENE COMPOSITIONS

[0002] BACKGROUND

[0003] Field of the disclosure

[0004] The present disclosure relates to polymeric compositions, and more specifically to postconsumer recycled polyethylene compositions.

[0005] Introduction

[0006] Sustainability in manufacturing has become a significant market driver for a variety of industries. For example, industries relying on the use of polymeric compositions have been actively looking for ways to incorporate recycled plastic content. One common form of recycled material used is post-consumer resin. However, challenges exist to the incorporation of post-consumer resin into products made from polymeric compositions. For example, drawbacks of using post-consumer resin include poor mechanical properties, process consistency, environmental stress crack resistance (“ESCR”) and other properties compared to virgin resins. These drawbacks make post-consumer resin generally unsuitable on its own to meet the demands of applications where strong properties and consistency are critical. While post-consumer resin may be blended with virgin resins, its inclusion at any meaningful amount (e.g., 30 wt% or greater) typically degrades the properties of the resulting mixture.

[0007] Wires and cables typically employ one or more jacket layers positioned around a central conductor. The jacket layers are composed of polymeric compositions and must meet various mechanical and electrical property requirements set by law in order to be used in a specific jurisdiction. Generally speaking, a polymeric composition used for jacket layers need to exhibit a tensile strength at break of greater than 17 megapascals (“MPa”) before aging and 15 MPa after aging, an elongation at break greater than 570% before aging and greater than 500% after aging, an aged tensile strength retention and aged elongation retention of greater than 85%, a melt flow ratio (I21 / I2) of greater than 53 for improved processability, and an ESCR (F0, ASTM DI 693) much greater than 1000 hrs. In order to meet such stringent requirements, the polymeric composition must be composed of materials able to provide the desired properties. One material that is typically not used on its own in the construction of polymeric compositions for jacket layers is low density polyethylene (“LDPE”) as it exhibits mechanical properties which are generally too low to meet the above noted requirements.

[0008] In view of the foregoing, it would be surprising to discover a polymeric composition comprising post-consumer resin LDPE that meets the above-noted performance criteria. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0009] The inventors of the present application have discovered a polymeric composition comprising post-consumer recycled LDPE that meets the above-noted performance criteria.

[0010] The invention is a result of discovering that by utilizing a post-consumer polyethylene in conjunction with a linear ethylene-based polymer having a similar density, that the performance criteria can be met. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the similar density and melt index between the post-consumer polyethylene and the linear ethylene-based polymer allow complete mixing of the materials and a good balance of performance properties. Such a result is surprising as certain combinations exhibit synergistic properties exceeding that of either base material.

[0011] According to a first feature, a polymeric composition comprises 10 wt% to 70 wt% of post-consumer recycled polyethylene based on the total weight of the polymeric composition, wherein the post-consumer recycled polyethylene has a density of 0.910 g / cc to 0.940 g / cc as measured according to ASTM D792; and 30 wt% to 90 wt% of an ethylene-based polymer based on the total weight of the polymeric composition, wherein the ethylene-based polymer is linear and has a density of 0.910 g / cc to 0.935 g / cc as measured according to ASTM D792.

[0012] According to a second feature, the polymeric composition comprises from 30 wt% to 60 wt% of the post-consumer recycled polyethylene based on the total weight of the polymeric composition.

[0013] According to a third feature, the polymeric composition comprises from 40 wt% to 70 wt% of the ethylene-based polymer based on the total weight of the polymeric composition.

[0014] According to a fourth feature, the polymeric composition may have any one of features (i) to (iii): (i) the post-consumer recycled has a melt index of 0.1 g / lOmin to 3.0 g / 10 min as measured according to ASTM D1238; (ii) the post-consumer recycled has a density of 0.920 g / cc to 0.935 g / cc as measured according to ASTM D792; and (iii) both of features (i) and (ii).

[0015] According to a fifth feature, the polymeric composition may have any one of features (i) to (v): (i) the ethylene-based polymer has a melt index of 0.1 g / lOmin to 3.0 g / lOmin as measured according to ASTM D1238; (ii) the ethylene-based polymer has a density of 0.915 g / cc to 0.935 g / cc as measured according to ASTM D792; (iii) the ethylene-based polymer is unimodal; (iv) the ethylene-based polymer is bimodal; and (v) any combination of two or more of features (i) to (iiv).

[0016] According to a sixth feature, the polymeric composition may have any one of features (i) to (v): (i) the ethylene-based polymer has a melt index of 0.1 g / lOmin to 3.0 g / lOmin as measured according to ASTM D1238; (ii) the ethylene-based polymer has a density of 0.915 g / cc to 0.935 g / cc as measured according to ASTM D792; (iii) the ethylene-based polymer is bimodal; and (iv) any combination of two or more of features (i) to (iii).

[0017] According to a seventh feature, the polymeric composition may have any one of features (i) to (iii): (i) the polymeric composition has a melt index of 0.1 g / lOmin to 3.0 g / lOmin as measured according to ASTM D1238; (ii) the polymeric composition has a density of 0.915 g / cc to 0.935 g / cc as measured according to ASTM D792; and (iii) both of features (i) and (ii).

[0018] According to an eighth feature, the polymeric composition may have one or more of the following features: (i) the polymeric composition has an unaged tensile strength at break of 17.0 MPa or greater as measured according to ASTM D638; (ii) the polymeric composition has an aged tensile strength at break of 15.0 or greater as measured according to ASTM D638; (iii) the polymeric composition has an unaged elongation at break at break of 570% or greater as measured according to ASTM D638; (iv) the polymeric composition has an aged elongation at break of 500% or greater as measured according to ASTM D638; (v) the polymeric composition has an ESCR value of greater than 1000 hours as measured according to ASTM DI 693; and (vi) any combination of two or more of features of (i) to (v).

[0019] According to a ninth feature, the ethylene-based polymer has any one or more of the following features: (i) a density from 0.910 g / cc to 0.930 g / cc, or from 0.915 to 0.925 g / cc; (ii) an I21 / I2 ratio from 90 to 140, or from 92 to 135, or from 93 to 130; (iii) an Mw / Mn from 7.0 to 15.0, or from 7.0 to 13.0, or from 7.1 to 12.0; (iv) an Mz less than 600,000 g / mol, or from 100,000 g / mol to 500,000 g / mol, or from 200,000 g / mol to 400,000 g / mol, or from 300,000 g / mol to 400,000 g / mol; and / or (v) an SHI value ( r] 0.1 / 77 100) from 5.0 to 30.0, or from 7.0 to 28, or from 8.0 to 27, or from 9.0 to 23.0.

[0020] According to a tenth feature, a cable, comprising: a conductor; and the polymeric composition of any one of claims 1 -9 disposed on the conductor.

[0021] According to an eleventh feature, the polymeric composition exhibits a surface roughness of 8 pm or less as measured according to Roughness Testing.

[0022] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] As used herein, the term “and / or,” when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

[0024] All ranges include endpoints unless otherwise stated.

[0025] Test methods refer to the most recent test method as of the priority date of this document unless a date is indicated with the test method number as a hyphenated two-digit number. References to test methods contain both a reference to the testing society and the test method number. Test method organizations are referenced by one of the following abbreviations: ASTM refers to ASTM International (formerly known as American Society for Testing and Materials); IEC refers to International Electrotechnical Commission; EN refers to European Norm; DIN refers to Deutsches Institut fur Normung; and ISO refers to International Organization for Standards.

[0026] As used herein, the term weight percent (“wt%”) designates the percentage by weight a component is of a total weight of the polymeric composition unless otherwise specified.

[0027] Melt index (la) values herein refer to values determined according to ASTM method D1238 at 190 degrees Celsius (°C) with 2.16 Kilogram (kg) mass and are provided in units of grams eluted per ten minutes (“g / 10 min”).

[0028] Density values herein refer to values determined according to ASTM D792 at 23 °C and are provided in units of grams per cubic centimeter (“g / cc”).

[0029] As used herein, Chemical Abstract Services registration numbers (“CAS#”) refer to the unique numeric identifier as most recently assigned as of the priority date of this document to a chemical compound by the Chemical Abstracts Service.

[0030] Polymeric composition

[0031] The present disclosure is directed to a polymeric composition. The polymeric composition comprises a post-consumer recycled polyethylene and an ethylene-based polymer.

[0032] The polymeric composition may exhibit a melt index of 0.1 g / lOmin to 3.0 g / lOmin as measured according to ASTM DI 238 and / or density of 0.915 g / cc to 0.935 g / cc as measured according to ASTM D792. For example, the polymeric composition may exhibit a melt index of 0. 1 g / lOmin or greater, or 0.2 g / lOmin or greater, or 0.5 g / lOmin or greater, or 1.0 g / lOmin or greater, or 1.5 g / lOmin or greater, or 2.0 g / lOmin or greater, or 2.5 g / lOmin or greater, while at the same time, 3.0 g / lOmin or less, or 2.5 g / lOmin or less, or 2.0 g / lOmin or less, or 1.5 g / lOmin or less, or 1.0 g / lOmin or less, or 0.5 g / lOmin or less, or 0.2 g / lOmin or less as measured according to ASTM D1238. With respect to density, the polymeric composition may exhibit a density of 0.915 g / cc or greater, or 0.920 g / cc or greater, or 0.925 g / cc or greater, or 0.930 g / cc or greater, while at the same time, 0.935 g / cc or less, or 0.930 g / cc or less, or 0.925 g / cc or less, or 0.920 g / cc or less as measured according to ASTM D792.

[0033] The polymeric composition may exhibit a variety of mechanical properties. For example, the polymeric composition may have any one of features (i) to (vi): (i) the polymeric composition has an unaged tensile strength at break of 17.0 MPa or greater as measured according to ASTM D638; (ii) the polymeric composition has an aged tensile strength at break of 15.0 or greater as measured according to ASTM D638; (iii) the polymeric composition has an unaged elongation at break at break of 570% or greater as measured according to ASTM D638; (iv) the polymeric composition has an aged elongation at break of 500% or greater as measured according to ASTM D638; (v) the polymeric composition has an ESCR value of greater than 1000 hours as measured according to ASTM D1693; and (vi) any combination of two or more of features of (i) to (v).

[0034] The polymeric composition may exhibit an unaged tensile strength at break of 17 megapascals (“MPa”) or greater as measured according to ASTM D638. For example, the polymeric composition may exhibit an unaged tensile strength at break of 17 MPA or greater, or 20 MPa or greater, or 22 MPa or greater, or 24 MPa or greater, or 26 MPa or greater, or 28 MPa or greater, while at the same time, 30 MPa or less, or 28 MPa or less, or 26 MPa or less, or 24 MPa or less, or 22 MPa or less, or 20 MPa or less, or 18 MPa or less as measured according to ASTM D638.

[0035] The polymeric composition may exhibit an aged tensile strength at break of 15 MPa or greater as measured according to ASTM D638. For example, the polymeric composition may exhibit an aged tensile strength at break of 15 MPa or greater, or 17 MPA or greater, or 20 MPa or greater, or 22 MPa or greater, or 24 MPa or greater, or 26 MPa or greater, or 28 MPa or greater, while at the same time, 30 MPa or less, or 28 MPa or less, or 26 MPa or less, or 24 MPa or less, or 22 MPa or less, or 20 MPa or less, or 18 MPa or less, or 16 MPa or less as measured according to ASTM D638.

[0036] The polymeric composition may exhibit an unaged elongation at break at break of 570% or greater as measured according to ASTM D638. For example, the polymeric composition may exhibit an unaged elongation at break at break of 570% or greater, or 580% or greater, or 600% or greater, or 620% or greater, or 640% or greater, or 660% or greater, or 680% or greater, or 700% or greater, or 720% or greater, or 740% or greater, or 760% or greater, or 780% or greater, while at the same time, 800% or less, or 780% or less, or 760% or less, or 740% or less, or 720% or less, or 700% or less, or 680% or less, or 660% or less, or 640% or less, or 620% or less, or 600% or less, or 580% or less as measured according to ASTM D638. The polymeric composition may exhibit an aged elongation at break at break of 500% or greater as measured according to ASTM D638. For example, the polymeric composition may exhibit an aged elongation at break at break of 500% or greater, or 520% or greater, or 540% or greater, or 560% or greater, or 580% or greater, or 600% or greater, or 620% or greater, or 640% or greater, or 660% or greater, or 680% or greater, or 700% or greater, or 720% or greater, or 740% or greater, or 760% or greater, or 780% or greater, while at the same time, 800% or less, or 780% or less, or 760% or less, or 740% or less, or 720% or less, or 700% or less, or 680% or less, or 660% or less, or 640% or less, or 620% or less, or 600% or less, or 580% or less, or 560% or less, or 540% or less, or 520% or less as measured according to ASTM D638.

[0037] The polymeric composition may exhibit an ESCR value of greater than 1000 hours as measured according to ASTM D1693. For example, the polymeric composition may exhibit an ESCR value of greater than 1000 hours, or greater than 2000 hours, or greater than 3000 hours, or greater than 4000 hours, or greater than 5000 hours, or greater than 6000 hours.

[0038] Ethylene-based polymer

[0039] As noted above, the polymeric composition comprises the ethylene-based polymer. The ethylene-based polymer may have any of features (i) to (v): the ethylene-based polymer has a melt index of 0.1 g / lOmin to 3.0 g / lOmin as measured according to ASTM D1238; (ii) the ethylene-based polymer has a density of 0.915 g / cc to 0.935 g / cc as measured according to ASTM D792; (iii) the ethylene-based polymer is unimodal; (iv) the ethylene-based polymer is bimodal; (v) any combination of two or more of features (i) to (iv). The ethylene-based polymer may be a linear low-density polyethylene (“LLDPE”). As used herein, a “linear” ethylenebased polymer is defined as an ethylene / a-olefin copolymer containing heterogeneous shortchain branching distribution comprising units derived from ethylene and units derived from at least one C3-C10 a-olefin comonomer or at least one C4-C8 a-olefin comonomer, or at least one C6-C8 a-olefin comonomer. Linear polymers are characterized by little, if any, long chain branching, in contrast to polyethylene (co)polymers made in a high-pressure process.

[0040] As used herein, “ethylene -based” polymers are polymers in which greater than 50 wt% of the monomers are ethylene though other co-monomers may also be employed. Ethylenebased polymers include ethylene and one or more C3-C20 a-olefin comonomers such as propylene, 1 -butene, 1 pentene, 4-methyl-l -pentene, 1 -hexene, and 1 -octene. The ethylenebased polymer may be produced in a gas phase polymerization reactor or in a solution or slurry phase reactor. The ethylene-based polymer may comprise 50 wt% or greater, 60 wt% or greater, 70 wt% or greater, 80 wt% or greater, 85 wt% or greater, 90 wt% or greater, or 91 wt% or greater, or 92 wt% or greater, or 93 wt% or greater, or 94 wt% or greater, or 95 wt% or greater, or 96 wt% or greater, or 97 wt% or greater, or 97.5 wt% or greater, or 98 wt% or greater, or 99 wt% or greater, while at the same time, 99.5 wt% or less, or 99 wt% or less, or 98 wt% or less, or 97 wt% or less, or 96 wt% or less, or 95 wt% or less, or 94 wt% or less, or 93 wt% or less, or 92 wt% or less, or 91 wt% or less, or 90 wt% or less, or 85 wt% or less, or 80 wt% or less, or 70 wt% or less, or 60 wt% or less of ethylene monomers as measured using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) or Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy.

[0041] Other units of ethylene-based polymers may be derived from one or more polymerizable monomers including, but not limited to, polar monomers such as unsaturated esters. The unsaturated esters (i.e. polar monomers) may be alkyl acrylates, alkyl methacrylates, or vinyl carboxylates. The alkyl groups can have from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, or from 1 to 4 carbon atoms. The carboxylate groups can have from 2 to 8 carbon atoms, or from 2 to 5 carbon atoms. Examples of acrylates and methacrylates include, but are not limited to, ethyl acrylate, methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, t-butyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, n-butyl methacrylate, and 2 ethylhexyl acrylate. Examples of vinyl carboxylates include, but are not limited to, vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate, and vinyl butanoate. The ethylene-based polymer may have a polar comonomer content of 40 wt% or less, or 35 wt% or less, or 30 wt% or less, or 25 wt% or less, or 20 wt% or less, 15 wt%, or 10 wt%, or 5 wt% or less, or 3 wt% or less, or 1 wt% or less, or 0 wt% based on the total weight of the ethylene-based polymer as measured using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) or Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy.

[0042] The ethylene-based polymer can have a unimodal or a bimodal molecular weight distribution and can be used alone or in combination with one or more other types of ethylenebased polymers (e.g., a blend of two or more ethylene-based polymers that differ from one another by monomer composition and content, catalytic method of preparation, molecular weight, molecular weight distributions, densities, etc.). If a blend of ethylene-based polymers is employed, the polymers can be blended by any in-reactor or post-reactor process. The term “multimodal polymer” refers to polymers that are characterized by having at least two distinct peaks in a gel permeation chromatography (GPC) chromatogram depicting the molecular weight distribution of the composition. Accordingly, the generic term multimodal polymer includes bimodal polymers, which have two primary fractions: a first fraction, which may be a low molecular weight fraction and / or component, and a second fraction, which may be a high molecular weight fraction and / or component.

[0043] The polymeric composition may comprise from 30 wt% to 90 wt% of the ethylenebased polymer based on a total weight of the polymeric composition. For example, the polymeric composition may comprise 30 wt% or greater, or 35 wt% or greater, or 40 wt% or greater, or 45 wt% or greater, or 50 wt% or greater, or 55 wt% or greater, or 60 wt% or greater, or 65 wt% or greater, or 70 wt% or greater, or 75 wt% or greater, or 80 wt% or greater, or 85 wt% or greater, while at the same time, 90 wt% or less, or 85 wt% or less, or 80 wt% or less, or 75 wt% or less, or 70 wt% or less, or 65 wt% or less, or 60 wt% or less, or 55 wt% or less, or 50 wt% or less, or 45 wt% or less, or 40 wt% or less, or 35 wt% or less of the of the ethylenebased polymer based on a total weight of the polymeric composition.

[0044] The density of the ethylene-based polymer is from 0.915 g / cc to 0.935 g / cc as measured according to ASTM D792. For example, the density of the ethylene-based polymer is 0.915 g / cc or greater, or 0.918 g / cc or greater, or 0.920 g / cc or greater, 0.922 g / cc or greater, or 0.924 g / cc or greater, or 0.926 g / cc or greater, or 0.928 g / cc or greater, or 0.930 g / cc or greater, or 0.932 g / cc or greater, or 0.934 g / cc or greater, while at the same time, 0.935 g / cc or less, or 0.932 g / cc or less, or 0.930 g / cc or less, or 0.928 g / cc or less, or 0.926 g / cc or less, or 0.924 g / cc or less, or 0.922 g / cc or less, or 0.920 g / cc or less, or 0.918 g / cc or less, or 0.916 g / cc or less as measured according to ASTM D792.

[0045] The ethylene-based polymer may have a melt index (I2) of 0.1 g / 10 min to 3.0 g / 10 min. as measured according to ASTM DI 238. For example, the ethylene-based polymer may have a melt index (I2) of 0.1 g / 10 min or greater, or 0.2 g / 10 min or greater, or 0.3 g / 10 min or greater, or 0.4 g / 10 min or greater, or 0.5 g / 10 min or greater, or 0.6 g / 10 min or greater, or 0.7 g / 10 min or greater, or 0.8 g / 10 min or greater, or 0.9 g / 10 min or greater, 1.0 g / 10 min or greater, or 1.1 g / 10 min or greater, or 1.2 g / 10 min or greater, or 1.3 g / 10 min or greater, or 1.4 g / 10 min or greater, or 1.5 g / 10 min or greater, or 1.6 g / 10 min or greater, or 1.7 g / 10 min or greater, or 1.8 g / 10 min or greater, or 1.9 g / 10 min or greater, or 2.0 g / 10 min or greater, or 2.1 g / 10 min or greater, or 2.2 g / 10 min or greater, or 2.3 g / 10 min or greater, or 2.4 g / 10 min or greater, or 2.5 g / 10 min or greater, or 2.6 g / 10 min or greater, or 2.7 g / 10 min or greater, or 2.8 g / 10 min or greater, or 2.9 g / 10 min or greater while at the same time, 3.0 g / 10 min or less, or 2.9 g / 10 min or less, or 2.8 g / 10 min or less, or 2.7 g / 10 min or less, or 2.6 g / 10 min or less, or

[0046] 2.5 g / 10 min or less, or 2.4 g / 10 min or less, or 2.3 g / 10 min or less, or 2.2 g / 10 min or less, or

[0047] 2.1 g / 10 min or less, or 2.0 g / 10 min or less, or 1.9 g / 10 min or less, or 1.8 g / 10 min or less, or

[0048] 1.7 g / 10 min or less, or 1.6 g / 10 min or less, or 1.5 g / 10 min or less, or 1.4 g / 10 min or less, or 1.3 g / 10 min or less, or 1.2 g / 10 min or less, or 1.1 g / 10 min or less, or 1.0 g / 10 min or less, or 0.5 g / 10 min or less as measured according to ASTM D1238.

[0049] The ethylene-based polymer may have a melt flow ratio (I21 / I2) of 90 to 140. For example, the melt flow ratio may be 90 or greater, or 92 or greater, or 94 or greater, or 96 or greater, or 98 or greater, or 100 or greater, or 102 or greater, or 104 or greater, or 106 or greater, or 108 or greater, or 110 or greater, or 102 or greater, or 104 or greater, or 106 or greater, or 108 or greater, or 110 or greater, or 112 or greater, or 114 or greater, or 116 or greater, or 118 or greater, or 120 or greater, or 122 or greater, or 124 or greater, or 1 6 or greater, or 128 or greater, or 130 or greater, or 132 or greater, or 134 or greater, or 136 or greater, or 138 or greater, while at the same time, 140 or less, or 138 or less, or 136 or less, or 134 or less, or 132 or less, or 130 or less, or 128 or less, or 126 or less, or 124 or less, or 122 or less, or 120 or less, or 1 18 or less, or 116 or less, or 114 or less, or 1 12 or less, or 110 or less, or 108 or less, or 106 or less, or 104 or less, or 102 or less, or 100 or less, or 98 or less, or 96 or less, or 94 or less, or 92 or less.

[0050] The ethylene-based polymer may have a molecular weight distribution (weight average molecular weight divided by number average molecular weight) of 7.0 to 15.0. For example, the molecular weight distribution may be 7.0 or greater, or 7.5 or greater, or 8.0 greater, or 8.5 or greater, or 9.0 greater, or 9.5 or greater, or 10.0 greater, or 10.5 or greater, or 11.0 greater, or 11.5 or greater, or 12.0 greater, or 12.5 or greater, or 13.0 greater, or 13.5 or greater, or 14.0 greater, or 14.5 or greater, while at the same time, 15.0 or less, or 14.5 or less, or 14.0 or less, or 13.5 or less, or 13.0 or less, or 12.5 or less, or 12.0 or less, or 1 1.5 or less, or 11.0 or less, or 10.5 or less, or 10.0 or less, or 9.5 or less, or 9.0 or less, or 8.5 or less, o 8.0 or less, or 7.5 or less. The weight average molecular weight and the number average molecular weight are measured according to Gel Permeation Chromatography.

[0051] The ethylene-based polymer may have a z-average molar mass (“Mz) of 100,000 g / mol to 600,000 g / mol. For example the ethylene-based polymer may have an Mz of 100,000 g / mol or greater, or 125,000 g / mol or greater, or 150,000 g / mol or greater, or 175,000 g / mol or greater, or 200,000 g / mol or greater, or 225,000 g / mol or greater, or 250,000 g / mol or greater, or 275,000 g / mol or greater, or 300,000 g / mol or greater, or 325,000 g / mol or greater, or 350,000 g / mol or greater, or 375,000 g / mol or greater, or 400,000 g / mol or greater, or 425,000 g / mol or greater, or 450,000 g / mol or greater, or 475,000 g / mol or greater, or 500,000 g / mol or greater, or 525,000 g / mol or greater, or 550,000 g / mol or greater, or 575,000 g / mol or greater, while at the same time, 600,000 g / mol or less, or 575,000 g / mol or less, or 550,000 g / mol or less, or 525,000 g / mol or less, or 500,000 g / mol or less, or 475,000 g / mol or less, or 450,000 g / mol or less, or 425,000 g / mol or less, or 400,000 g / mol or less, or 375,000 g / mol or less, or 350,000 g / mol or less, or 325,000 g / mol or less, or 300,000 g / mol or less, or 275,000 g / mol or less, or 250,000 g / mol or less, or 225,000 g / mol or less, or 200,000 g / mol or less, or 175,000 g / mol or less, or 150,000 g / mol or less, or 125,000 g / mol or less as measured according to Gel Permeation Chromatography.

[0052] The ethylene-based polymer may have a shear thinning index (“SHI”) value (defined as |0. 1 / T] 100) from 5.0 to 30.0. For example, the SHI may be 5.0 or greater, or 10 or greater, or 15 or greater, or 20 or greater, or 25 or greater, while at the same time, 30 or less, or 25 or less, or 20 or less, or 15 or less, or 10 or less. The SHI is measured using dynamic mechanical spectroscopy as explained later.

[0053] The ethylene-based polymer may or may not contain trace amounts of various elements. For example, the ethylene-based polymer have between 0 parts per billion (“ppb”), or from greater than 0 ppb to 80 ppb, or from 1 ppb to 50 ppb of boron; 0 parts per million (“ppm”), or from greater than 0 ppm to 5 ppm, or from 1 ppm to 3 ppm of fluorine; and / or 0 ppb, or from greater than 0 ppb to less than 100 ppb of chromium.

[0054] The base bimodal ethylene / C4-Cs a-olefin copolymer may be produced in a solution polymerization process. A “solution polymerization process,” refers to one or more continuous solution polymerization reactors, operating under polymerization conditions, wherein the polymer (e.g., polyethylene) is formed in a liquid polymerization solvent to which monomer (e.g., ethylene) and comonomers (e.g., C3-C20 a-olefin, or C4-C8 a-olefin) along with catalyst / cocatalyst (activator) are added. The term "polymerization conditions," as used herein, refer to process parameters under which ethylene and comonomer are copolymerized in the presence of a catalyst system. Polymerization conditions include, for example, polymerization reactor conditions (reactor type), reactor pressure, reactor temperature, concentrations of reagents and polymer, solvent, carrier, residence time and distribution, influencing the molecular weight distribution and polymer structure.

[0055] Post-consumer recycled polyethylene

[0056] The polymeric composition also comprises the post-consumer recycled polyethylene. The post-consumer recycled polyethylene may have any one of features (i) to (iii): (i) the postconsumer recycled has a melt index of 0.1 g / lOmin to 3.0 g / 10 min as measured according to ASTM D1238; (ii) the post-consumer recycled has a density of 0.910 g / cc to 0.940 g / cc as measured according to ASTM D792; and (iii) both of features (i) and (ii). The post-consumer recycled polyethylene is made from the recycling of various other polymeric materials and as such includes various compositions. The post-consumer recycled polyethylene may be sourced from low density polyethylene and / or linear low density polyethylene packaging such as films. The post-consumer recycled polyethylene may include residue from its original use such as paper, adhesive, ink, nylon, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and other odor-causing agents.

[0057] The density of the post-consumer recycled polyethylene is from 0.910 g / cc to 0.940 g / cc as measured according to ASTM D792. For example, the density of the ethylene-based polymer is 0.910 g / cc or greater, or 0.912 g / cc or greater, or 0.914 g / cc or greater, 0.916 g / cc or greater, 0.918 g / cc or greater, 0.920 g / cc or greater, 0.922 g / cc or greater, or 0.926 g / cc or greater, or 0.928 g / cc or greater, or 0.930 g / cc or greater, or 0.932 g / cc or greater, or 0.934 g / cc or greater, or 0.936 g / cc or greater, or 0.938 g / cc or greater, while at the same time, 0.940 g / cc or less, or 0.938 g / cc or less, or 0.936 g / cc or less, or 0.934 g / cc or less, or 0.932 g / cc or less, or 0.930 g / cc or less, or 0.928 g / cc or less, or 0.926 g / cc or less, or 0.924 g / cc or less, or 0.922 g / cc or less, or 0.920 g / cc or less, or 0.918 g / cc or less, or 0.916 g / cc or less, or 0.914 g / cc or less, or 0.912 g / cc or less as measured according to ASTM D792.

[0058] The post-consumer recycled polyethylene may have a melt index (E) of 0.1 g / 10 min to 3.0 g / 10 min. as measured according to ASTM D1238. For example, the first ethylene-based polymer may have a melt index (E) of 0.1 g / 10 min or greater, or 0.2 g / 10 min or greater, or 0.3 g / 10 min or greater, or 0.4 g / 10 min or greater, or 0.5 g / 10 min or greater, or 0.6 g / 10 min or greater, or 0.7 g / 10 min or greater, or 0.8 g / 10 min or greater, or 0.9 g / 10 min or greater, 1.0 g / 10 min or greater, or 1.1 g / 10 min or greater, or 1.2 g / 10 min or greater, or 1.3 g / 10 min or greater, or 1.4 g / 10 min or greater, or 1.5 g / 10 min or greater, or 1.6 g / 10 min or greater, or 1.7 g / 10 min or greater, or 1.8 g / 10 min or greater, or 1.9 g / 10 min or greater, or 2.0 g / 10 min or greater, or 2.1 g / 10 min or greater, or 2.2 g / 10 min or greater, or 2.3 g / 10 min or greater, or 2.4 g / 10 min or greater, or 2.5 g / 10 min or greater, or 2.6 g / 10 min or greater, or 2.7 g / 10 min or greater, or 2.8 g / 10 min or greater, or 2.9 g / 10 min or greater while at the same time, 3.0 g / 10 min or less, or 2.9 g / 10 min or less, or 2.8 g / 10 min or less, or 2.7 g / 10 min or less, or 2.6 g / 10 min or less, or 2.5 g / 10 min or less, or 2.4 g / 10 min or less, or 2.3 g / 10 min or less, or 2.2 g / 10 min or less, or 2.1 g / 10 min or less, or 2.0 g / 10 min or less, or 1.9 g / 10 min or less, or 1.8 g / 10 min or less, or 1.7 g / 10 min or less, or 1.6 g / 10 min or less, or 1.5 g / 10 min or less, or 1.4 g / 10 min or less, or 1.3 g / 10 min or less, or 1.2 g / 10 min or less, or 1.1 g / 10 min or less, or 1.0 g / 10 min or less, or 0.5 g / 10 min or less as measured according to ASTM D1238. Additives

[0059] The polymeric composition may comprise additional additives in the form of antioxidants, cross-linking co-agents, cure boosters and scorch retardants, processing aids, coupling agents, ultraviolet stabilizers (including UV absorbers), antistatic agents, additional nucleating agents, slip agents (i.e., silicone gums), lubricants, viscosity control agents, tackifiers, anti-blocking agents, surfactants, extender oils, acid scavengers, anti-drip agents (e.g., ethylene vinyl acetate) and metal deactivators. The polymeric composition may comprise from 0.01 wt% to 20 wt% of one or more of the additional additives.

[0060] The UV light stabilizers may comprise hindered amine light stabilizers (“HALS”) and UV light absorber (“UVA”) additives. Representative UVA additives include benzotriazole types such as TINUVIN 326™ light stabilizer and TINUVIN 328™ light stabilizer commercially available from BASF, Inc. Blends of HAL’s and UVA additives are also effective.

[0061] The antioxidants may comprise hindered phenols such as tetrakis[methylene(3,5-di- tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhydro-cinnamate)]methane; bis[(beta-(3,5-ditert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl) methylcarboxyethyl) | -sulphide, 4,4’-thiobis(2-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol), 4,4’-thiobis(2-tert- butyl-5-methylphenol), 2,2'-thiobis(4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol), and thiodiethylene bis(3,5- di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy)-hydrocinnamate; phosphites and phosphonites such as tris(2,4-di-tert- butylphenyl)phosphite and di-tert-butylphenyl-phosphonite; thio compounds such as dilaurylthiodipropionate, dimyristylthiodipropionate, and distearylthiodipropionate; various siloxanes; polymerized 2,2,4-trimethyl-l,2-dihydroquinoline, n,n'-bis(l,4-dimethylpentyl-p- phenylenediamine), alkylated diphenylamines, 4,4’-bis(alpha, alpha- dimethylbenzyl)diphenylamine, diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine, mixed di-aryl-p-phenylenediamines, and other hindered amine anti-degradants or stabilizers.

[0062] The processing aids may comprise metal salts of carboxylic acids such as zinc stearate or calcium stearate; fatty acids such as stearic acid, oleic acid, or erucic acid; fatty amides such as stearamide, oleamide, erucamide, or N,N'-ethylene bis-stearamide; polyethylene wax; oxidized polyethylene wax; polymers of ethylene oxide; copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide; vegetable waxes; petroleum waxes; non-ionic surfactants; silicone fluids, poly siloxanes, fluoropolymers, and / or fluoroelastomers.

[0063] Compounding

[0064] The components of the polymeric composition can be added to a batch or continuous mixer for melt blending. The components can be added in any order or first preparing one or more masterbatches for blending with the other components. The melt blending may be conducted at a temperature above the highest melting polymer but lower than the maximum compounding temperature of 285 °C. The melt-blended composition can then either be delivered to an extruder or an injection-molding machine or passed through a die for shaping into the desired article, or converted to pellets, tape, strip or film or some other form for storage or to prepare the material for feeding to a next shaping or processing step. Optionally, if shaped into pellets or some similar configuration, then the pellets, etc. can be coated with an anti -block agent to facilitate handling while in storage.

[0065] Examples of compounding equipment that may be used include internal batch mixers, continuous single or twin-screw mixers, or kneading continuous extruders. The type of mixer utilized, and the operating conditions of the mixer, will affect properties of the composition such as viscosity, volume resistivity, and extruded surface smoothness.

[0066] Cable

[0067] The polymeric composition may be utilized in a cable. In some examples, the cable may be a coated conductor. In other examples, the cable may be a fiber optic cable. In coated conductor examples, the coated conductor includes a conductor and a coating on the conductor, the coating including the polymeric composition. The polymeric composition is at least partially positioned around the conductor to produce the coated conductor. The conductor may comprise a conductive metal or an optically transparent structure.

[0068] The polymeric composition, when extruded on a core as an insulation or jacketing layer, may exhibit a surface roughness of 8 microns or less as measured according to Roughness Testing. For example, the polymeric composition may exhibit a surface roughness of 8 microns or less, or 7 microns or less, or 6 microns or less, or 5 microns or less, or 4 microns or less, or 3 microns or less, or 2 microns or less, or 1 microns or less as measured according to Roughness Testing.

[0069] Examples

[0070] Materials

[0071] The following materials were used in the formation of the inventive examples (“IE”) and the comparative examples (“CE”).

[0072] PCR is a post-consumer recycled polyethylene having a density of 0.933 g / cc, a melt index (E) of 0.85 g / lOmin. and is commercially available as PCR AV150 from Avanguard Innovative, Waller, TX. LLDPE1 is a solution phase produced bimodal linear low density polyethylene having a density of 0.921 g / cc and a melt index (I2) of 0.79 g / lOmin and was produced as described in United States provisional patent applications 63 / 485963 and 63 / 458968.

[0073] LLDPE2 is a gas phase produced unimodal linear low-density polyethylene having a density of 0.92 g / cc and a melt index (I2) of 0.84 g / lOmin and is commercially available as DFDA-7530 NT from The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI.

[0074] CBMB is a carbon black masterbatch having 45 wt% carbon black, a balance of linear low density polyethylene, a density of 1 .077 g / cc and is commercially available as DFNA 0037BK from The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI.

[0075] AO1 is the antioxidant pentaerythritol tetrakis[3-[3,5-di-tert-butyl-4- hydroxyphenyl]propionate commercially available as IRGANOX™ 1010 from BASF, Ludwigshafen, Germany.

[0076] AO2 is the antioxidant Tris (2, 4-ditert-butylphenyl) phosphite commercially available as IRGAFOS™ 168 from BASF, Ludwigshafen, Germany.

[0077] PEG is polyethylene glycol having a weight average molecular weight of 8000 g / mol and is commercially available from The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, ML

[0078] Sample Preparation

[0079] The samples were prepared in an internal batch mixer with drop temperature of 170°C and 25 revolutions per minute. The polymer resins, CBMB, and other additives were loaded into the bowl and mixed. After mixing, the compositions were then compression molded into plaques of varying thickness for testing. The plaques were compression molded in an electrically heated hydraulic press. The samples were pressed under low pressure (500 psi) at 180°C for 5 minutes, and then high pressure (2500 psi) for 5 minutes. After a first pass press, the samples were removed cut into sections and a second press was repeated with the same conditions as the first pressing.

[0080] Test Methods

[0081] Melt Index: Melt index was tested according to ASTM D1238 for both I2 (2.16 kg at 190 °C) and I21 (21.6kg at 190 °C).

[0082] Density: Density was tested according to ASTM D792 on compression molded specimens of 50 mil thickness. Tensile strength and Elongation: Tensile strength and Elongation was tested according to ASTM D638 on Type IV dumbbells from compression molded specimens of 75 mil thickness. Aging conditions were 14 days at 1 10°C in an ASTM Type 1 oven.

[0083] ESCR: Environmental stress crack resistance was tested according to ASTM DI 693 condition B in 10% Igepal solution at 50 °C on compression molded specimens of 75 mil thickness.

[0084] Roughness Testing: Roughness Testing is performed on a Mitutoyo SJ-400 Surface Roughness Tester that conforms to JTS’82, JTS’94, JIS’Ol , TSO, ANSI, and VDA standards. The reported values are the average of 12 measured samples. The cables for testing were prepared using a 1.905 cm single screw extruder, a 24:1 metering screw having 3:1 compression ratio. The wire construction consisted of 14 AWG solid copper with an aggressively thin nominal 0.254 mm jacket wall thickness. Temperature zones were set at 160, 180, 180, and 190 °C for zones 1-4 respectively, and 40 RPM screw speed.

[0085] Gel permeation chromato raphy: The average molecular weights and molecular weight distributions for ethylene-base polymers are determined with gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The chromatographic system consisted of a PolymerChar GPC-IR (Valencia, Spain) high temperature GPC chromatograph equipped with an internal IR5 infra-red detector (IR5) and 4-capillary viscometer (DV) coupled to a Precision Detectors (Now Agilent Technologies) 2-angle laser light scattering (LS) detector Model 2040. For all absolute Light scattering measurements, the 15 degree angle is used for measurement. The autosampler oven compartment was set at 160° Celsius and the column and detector compartment were set at 150° Celsius. The columns used were 4 Agilent “Mixed A” 30cm 20-micron linear mixed-bed columns. The chromatographic solvent used was 1,2,4 trichlorobenzene and contained 200 ppm of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The solvent source was nitrogen sparged. The injection volume used was 200 microliters and the flow rate was 1.0 milliliters / minute.

[0086] Calibration of the GPC column set was performed with 21 narrow molecular weight distribution polystyrene standards with molecular weights ranging from 580 to 8,400,000 and were arranged in 6 “cocktail” mixtures with at least a decade of separation between individual molecular weights. The standards were purchased from Agilent Technologies. The polystyrene standards were prepared at 0.025 grams in 50 milliliters of solvent for molecular weights equal to or greater than 1,000,000, and 0.05 grams in 50 milliliters of solvent for molecular weights less than 1,000,000. The polystyrene standards were pre-dissolved at 80 °C with gentle agitation for 30 minutes then cooled and the room temperature solution is transferred cooled into the autosampler dissolution oven at 160°C for 30 minutes. The polystyrene standard peak molecular weights were converted to polyethylene molecular weights using Equation 1 (as described in Williams and Ward, J. Polym. Sci., Polym. Let., 6, 621 (1968)).: where M is the molecular weight, A has a value of 0.43 and B is equal to 1.0.

[0087] A fifth order polynomial was used to fit the respective polyethylene-equivalent calibration points.

[0088] The total plate count of the GPC column set was performed with decane which was introduced into blank sample via a micropump controlled with the PolymerChar GPC-IR system. The plate count for the chromatographic system should be greater than 18,000 for the 4 Agilent “Mixed A” 30cm 20-micron linear mixed-bed columns.

[0089] Samples were prepared in a semi-automatic manner with the PolymerChar “Instrument Control” Software, wherein the samples were weight- targeted at 2 mg / ml, and the solvent (contained 200ppm BHT) was added to a pre nitrogen-sparged septa-capped vial, via the PolymerChar high temperature autosampler. The samples were dissolved for 2 hours at 160° Celsius under “low speed” shaking.

[0090] The calculations of Mn(GPQ, MW(GPC), and MZ(GPC) were based on GPC results using the internal IR5 detector (measurement channel) of the PolymerChar GPC-IR chromatograph according to Equations 2-4, using PolymerChar GPCOne™ software, the baseline-subtracted IR chromatogram at each equally-spaced data collection point (i), and the polyethylene equivalent molecular weight obtained from the narrow standard calibration curve for the point (i) from Equation 1.

[0091]

[0092] (EQ 4)

[0093] In order to monitor the deviations over time, a flowrate marker (decane) was introduced into each sample via a micropump controlled with the PolymerChar GPC-IR system. This flowrate marker (FM) was used to linearly correct the pump flowrate (Flowrate(nominal)) for each sample by RV alignment of the respective decane peak within the sample (RV(FM Sample)) to that of the decane peak within the narrow standards calibration (RV(FM Calibrated)). Any changes in the time of the decane marker peak are then assumed to be related to a linear-shift in flowrate (Flowrate(effective)) for the entire run. After calibrating the system based on a flow marker peak, the effective flowrate (with respect to the narrow standards calibration) is calculated as Equation 5. Processing of the flow marker peak was done via the PolymerChar GPCOne™ Software. Acceptable flowrate correction is such that the effective flowrate should be within + / -0.5% of the nominal flowrate.

[0094] Flowrate(effective) = Flowrate(nominal) * (RV(FM Calibrated) / RV(FM Sample)) (EQ5)

[0095] Elemental analysis^ Boron elemental analysis was determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). The samples were prepared for ICP metals analysis, in duplicate, by weighing 0.25 grams (nominal) into 15-mL Teflon test tubes and adding 1 -milliliter (mL) of de-ionized water, 2-mL of concentrated nitric acid and 0.15 mL hydrofluoric acid. The tubes were then placed into a Milestone Ultrawave closed vessel microwave digestion system and digested at 240°C for 30 minutes. After digestion, the samples were removed from the microwave and diluted to a final volume of ten milliliters using de-ionized water. The samples were transferred into autosampler test tubes and were ready for ICP-MS analysis.

[0096] The prepared solutions were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) using an Agilent 7900x. The instrument was calibrated over the range of 0- 10 ng / mL using 0, 0.5, 1.0, 5.0 and 10 ng / mL calibration standards (SPEX CertiPrep, Multi-element Standards) made up in 5% nitric acid and 1.5% hydrofluoric acid. The instrument operating conditions used for this analysis are shown in Table A. Where possible, multiple isotopes of the analytes were monitored in no gas, hydrogen, and helium mode. This was done in case there may have been any interferences from the sample matrix.

[0097] Table A. Agilent 7900x ICP-MS Instrument Operating Conditions.

[0098] Dynamic Mechanical Spectroscopy (DMS): DMS is used to measure polymer melt viscosity. Resins were compression-molded into “3 mm thick x 1 inch” circular plaques at 350 °F, for five minutes, under 25000 psi pressure, in air. The sample was then taken out of the press and placed on a counter to cool. A constant temperature frequency sweep was performed using a TA Instruments “Advanced Rheometric Expansion System (ARES),” equipped with 25 mm (diameter) parallel plates, under a nitrogen purge. The sample was placed on the plate, and allowed to melt for five minutes at 190 °C. The plates were then closed to a gap of “2 mm,” the sample trimmed (extra sample that extends beyond the circumference of the “25 mm diameter” plate was removed), and then the test was started. The method had an additional five minute delay built in, to allow for temperature equilibrium. The experiments were performed at 190 °C over a frequency range of 0.1 to 100 (radians / second). The strain amplitude was constant at 10%. The complex viscosity r|*, tan (5) or tan delta, viscosity at 0.1 radians / second (V0.1 ), the viscosity at 100 rad / s (VI 00), and the viscosity ratio (V0. 1 / V 100) were calculated from these data.

[0099] Results

[0100] Table 1 provides the composition for CE1-CE3 and IE1-IE5 in weight percent of the component based on the total weight percent of the polymeric composition. Table 2 provides the mechanical testing data for CE1-CE3 and IE1-IE5.

[0101] Table 1

[0102] Table 2

[0103] Referring now to Tables 1 and 2, it can be seen that CE1 and CE2 do not meet the target performance criteria, but the inventive examples do meet the performance criteria. CE1 demonstrates that post post-consumer recycled polyethylene on its own cannot meet the performance criteria. CE2 similarly demonstrates that some LLDPEs on their own are unable to meet the performance criteria. Surprisingly, the combinations of both the post-consumer recycled polyethylene and the LLDPE2, shown as IE1 and IE2, are able to achieve the performance criteria together. Such a result is surprising because IE1 and IE2 demonstrate a synergistic effect when combined to achieve properties which neither of the components can meet individually. The results are also surprising because one would expect the incorporation of post-consumer recycled polyethylene to degrade the properties of a virgin resin, rather than improve them as demonstrated by IE1 and IE2. In fact, this is the case for the combinations with LLDPE1 in IE3-IE5, which demonstrate good retention of the properties of the LLDPE1 despite addition of PCR, and in some of the properties, enhancement with the addition of PCR.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is1. A polymeric composition comprising:10 wt% to 70 wt% of post-consumer recycled polyethylene based on the total weight of the polymeric composition, wherein the post-consumer recycled polyethylene has a density of 0.910 g / cc to 0.940 g / cc as measured according to ASTM D792; and30 wt% to 90 wt% of an ethylene-based polymer based on the total weight of the polymeric composition, wherein the ethylene-based polymer is linear and has a density of 0.910 g / cc to 0.935 g / cc as measured according to ASTM D792.

2. The polymeric composition of claim 1 , wherein the polymeric composition comprises from 30 wt% to 60 wt% of the post-consumer recycled polyethylene based on the total weight of the polymeric composition.

3. The polymeric composition of any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the polymeric composition comprises from 40 wt% to 70 wt% of the ethylene-based polymer based on the total weight of the polymeric composition.

4. The polymeric composition of any one of claims 1 -3 having any one of features (i) to (iii):(i) the post-consumer recycled has a melt index of 0.1 g / lOmin to 3.0 g / 10 min as measured according to ASTM DI 238;(ii) the post-consumer recycled has a density of 0.920 g / cc to 0.935 g / cc as measured according to ASTM D792; and(iii) both of features (i) and (ii).

5. The polymeric composition of any one of claims 1-4 having any one of features (i) to (v):(i) the ethylene-based polymer has a melt index of 0.1 g / lOmin to 3.0 g / lOmin as measured according to ASTM DI 238;(ii) the ethylene-based polymer has a density of 0.915 g / cc to 0.935 g / cc as measured according to ASTM D792;(iii) the ethylene-based polymer is unimodal;(iv) the ethylene -based polymer is bimodal; and(v) any combination of two or more of features (i) to (iiv).

6. The polymeric composition of any one of claims 1 -5 having any one of features (i) to (v):(i) the ethylene-based polymer has a melt index of 0.1 g / lOmin to 3.0 g / lOmin as measured according to ASTM DI 238;(ii) the ethylene-based polymer has a density of 0.915 g / cc to 0.935 g / cc as measured according to ASTM D792;(iii) the ethylene-based polymer is bimodal; and(iv) any combination of two or more of features (i) to (iii).

7. The polymeric composition of any one of claims 1-5 having any one of features (i) to(iii):(i) the polymeric composition has a melt index of 0.1 g / lOmin to 3.0 g / lOmin as measured according to ASTM DI 238;(ii) the polymeric composition has a density of 0.915 g / cc to 0.935 g / cc as measured according to ASTM D792; and(iii) both of features (i) and (ii).

8. The polymeric composition of any one of claims 1-5 having one or more of the following features:(i) the polymeric composition has an unaged tensile strength at break of 17.0 MPa or greater as measured according to ASTM D638;(ii) the polymeric composition has an aged tensile strength at break of 15.0 or greater as measured according to ASTM D638;(iii) the polymeric composition has an unaged elongation at break at break of 570% or greater as measured according to ASTM D638;(iv) the polymeric composition has an aged elongation at break of 500% or greater as measured according to ASTM D638;(v) the polymeric composition has an ESCR value of greater than 1000 hours as measured according to ASTM DI 693; and(vi) any combination of two or more of features of (i) to (v).9 The polymeric composition of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the ethylene-based polymer has any one or more of the following features:(i) a density from 0.910 g / cc to 0.930 g / cc, or from 0.915 to 0.925 g / cc;(ii) an I21 / I2 ratio from 90 to 140, or from 92 to 135, or from 93 to 130;(iii) an Mw / Mn from 7.0 to 15.0, or from 7.0 to 13.0, or from 7.1 to 12.0;(iv) an Mz less than 600,000 g / mol, or from 100,000 g / mol to 500,000 g / mol, or from 200,000 g / mol to 400,000 g / mol, or from 300,000 g / mol to 400,000 g / mol; and / or(v) an SHI value (pO.1 / r|l 00) from 5.0 to 30.0, or from 7.0 to 28, or from 8.0 to 27, or from 9.0 to 23.0.

10. A cable, comprising: a conductor; and the polymeric composition of any one of claims 1-9 disposed on the conductor.

11. The cable of claim 10, wherein the polymeric composition exhibits a surface roughness of 8 pm or less as measured according to Roughness Testing.