Composition containing ethylene / α-olefin multiblock interpolymers with high melt index

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composition comprising the following substances: a) at least one ethylene / α-olefin multiblock interpolymer comprising soft segments (SS) and hard segments (HS), and wherein the interpolymer has the following properties: i) melt index (I2) ≥ 30 dg / min, ii) the molar ratio of "the α-olefin in the SS" to "the α-olefin in the HS" ≥ 18, iii) the weight ratio of the SS to the HS ≤ 12.0; at least one tackifier and / or at least one oil.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 017,537, filed Apr. 29, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Adhesive compositions containing ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymers have been used in a variety of applications. However, there is a need for such low-viscosity adhesives that have improved processability while maintaining or improving adhesive properties such as loop tack and peel strength. Typical hot melt adhesive formulations contain polymers, tackifiers, oils or other low molecular weight components. Reducing the viscosity or molecular weight of the polymer component or reducing the amount of the polymer is a typical way to reduce the viscosity of the final adhesive. However, since the polymer component represents the only high molecular weight material in the formulation, the polymer is responsible for the mechanical strength and cohesive strength of the adhesive. Thus, reducing the viscosity or molecular weight of the polymer or reducing its amount often results in deterioration of the adhesive properties.

[0004] U.S. Patent 9,243,173 discloses an adhesive composition comprising the following: a) an olefin block copolymer comprising ethylene and an α-olefin comonomer, b) a tackifier, and c) an oil. The olefin block copolymer comprises: i) a hard block, wherein the hard block comprises 1 mol % - 8 mol % comonomer and wherein the hard block is present in an amount of 20 wt % - 45 wt % of the olefin block copolymer; and ii) a soft block, wherein the soft block comprises 10 mol % - 14 mol % comonomer. The olefin block copolymer has an Mw of 15,000 g / mol - 100,000 g / mol, a total crystallinity of 5 wt % - 30 wt %, a Tm of 60° C. - 105° C., and a Tc of 45° C. - 100° C. See claim 1. The patent discloses in Table 1 two higher melt index interpolymers with high density and / or high hard segment (HS) content. Both high density and high HS content serve to increase the crystallinity of the adhesive composition and thus reduce the tackiness of the composition.

[0005] U.S. Patent 7,524,911 discloses an adhesive composition comprising at least one ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer, at least one tackifier, and optionally at least one additive such as a plasticizer, wax or antioxidant. See the abstract. However, these compositions typically contain high molecular weight multiblock interpolymers or high density, higher melt index interpolymers as seen in Table 10b, which will reduce the tackiness.

[0006] Additional adhesive compositions are disclosed in U.S. Publication 2011 / 0262747, U.S. Patent 7989543, and U.S. Patent 7608668. However, as described above, there is still a need for a lower viscosity adhesive composition that maintains or improves adhesive properties such as loop tack and peel strength. The following invention has met this need. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] A composition comprising:

[0008] a) at least one ethylene / α-olefin multiblock interpolymer comprising soft segments (SS) and hard segments (HS), and wherein the interpolymer has the following properties:

[0009] i) Melt index (I2) ≥ 30 dg / min,

[0010] ii) The molar ratio of "α-olefin in SS" to "α-olefin in HS" ≥ 18,

[0011] iii) The weight ratio of SS to HS ≤ 12.0;

[0012] b) at least one tackifier and / or at least one oil. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] As discussed above, a composition is provided that comprises:

[0014] a) at least one ethylene / α-olefin multiblock interpolymer comprising soft segments (SS) and hard segments (HS), and wherein the interpolymer has the following properties:

[0015] i) Melt index (I2) ≥ 30 dg / min,

[0016] ii) The molar ratio of "α-olefin in SS" to "α-olefin in HS" ≥ 18,

[0017] iii) The weight ratio of SS to HS ≤ 12.0;

[0018] b) at least one tackifier and / or at least one oil.

[0019] The above compositions can include combinations of two or more of the embodiments described herein. The ethylene / α-olefin multiblock interpolymer (component a) can include combinations of two or more of the embodiments described herein. Component b can include combinations of two or more of the embodiments described herein.

[0020] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments (each embodiment is described herein), the melt index (I2) of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock interpolymer (component a) is ≥35, or ≥40, or ≥45, or ≥50, or ≥55 dg / min. In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments (each embodiment is described herein), the melt index (I2) of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock interpolymer is ≤300, or ≤250, or ≤200, or ≤150, or ≤140, or ≤130, or ≤120, or ≤110 dg / min.

[0021] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments (each embodiment is described herein), herein, the molar ratio of "α-olefin in SS" to "α-olefin in HS" of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock interpolymer is ≥19, or ≥20, or ≥21. In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments (each embodiment is described herein), the molar ratio of "α-olefin in SS" to "α-olefin in HS" of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock interpolymer is ≤100, or ≤80, or ≤60, or ≤50, or ≤40, or ≤30.

[0022] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments (each embodiment is described herein), based on the total molar amount of monomers in HS, the amount of α-olefin in HS of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock interpolymer is ≤0.90 mol%, or ≤0.88 mol%, or ≤0.86 mol%, or ≤0.84 mol%. In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments (each embodiment is described herein), based on the total molar amount of monomers in HS, the amount of α-olefin in HS of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock interpolymer is ≥0.50 mol%, or ≥0.55 mol%, or ≥0.60 mol%, or ≥0.65 mol%, or ≥0.70 mol%.

[0023] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments (each embodiment is described herein), based on the total molar amount of monomers in the SS, the amount of α-olefin in the SS of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock interpolymer is ≤20.0 mol%, or ≤19.5 mol%, or ≤19.0 mol%, or ≤18.5 mol%, or ≤18.0 mol%, or ≤17.8 mol%, or ≤17.6 mol%, or ≤17.5 mol%. In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments (each embodiment is described herein), based on the total molar amount of monomers in the SS, the amount of α-olefin in the SS of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock interpolymer is ≥15.0 mol%, or ≥15.5 mol%, or ≥16.0 mol%, or ≥16.5 mol%, or ≥17.0 mol%.

[0024] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments (each embodiment is described herein), the weight ratio of the SS to the HS of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock interpolymer is ≤11.8, or ≤11.6, or ≤11.4, or ≤11.2, or ≤11.0, or ≤10.8, or ≤10.6, or ≤10.4, or ≤10.2. In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments (each embodiment is described herein), the weight ratio of the SS to the HS of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock interpolymer is ≥5.0, or ≥5.5, or ≥6.0, or ≥6.2, or ≥6.4, or ≥6.6, or ≥6.8, or ≥7.0, or ≥7.2.

[0025] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments (each embodiment is described herein), based on the total molar amount of monomers in the interpolymer, the total amount of α-olefin in the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock interpolymer is ≥10 mol%, or ≥11 mol%, or ≥12 mol%, or ≥13 mol%, or ≥14 mol%, or ≥15 mol%. In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments (each embodiment is described herein), based on the total molar amount of monomers in the interpolymer, the total amount of α-olefin in the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock interpolymer is ≤50 mol%, or ≤40 mol%, or ≤30 mol%, or ≤25 mol%, or ≤20 mol%, or ≤18 mol%, or ≤16 mol%.

[0026] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments (each embodiment described herein), the density of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock interpolymer is ≥0.856 g / cc, or ≥0.858 g / cc, or ≥0.860 g / cc, or ≥0.862 g / cc, or ≥0.863 g / cc, or ≥0.864 g / cc, or ≥0.865 g / cc, or ≥0.866 g / cc, or ≥0.867 g / cc (1 cc = 1 cm 3 ). In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments (each embodiment described herein), the density of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock interpolymer is ≤0.874 g / cc, or ≤0.873 g / cc, or ≤0.872 g / cc, or ≤0.871 g / cc, or ≤0.870 g / cc, or ≤0.869 g / cc.

[0027] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments (each embodiment described herein), the molecular weight distribution MWD (=Mw / Mn) of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock interpolymer is ≥1.5, or ≥1.6, or ≥1.7, or ≥1.8, or ≥1.9, or ≥2.0, or ≥2.1. In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments (each embodiment described herein), the molecular weight distribution MWD of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock interpolymer is ≤3.0, or ≤2.9, or ≤2.8, or ≤2.7, or ≤2.6, or ≤2.5, or ≤2.4, or ≤2.3, or ≤2.2.

[0028] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments (each embodiment described herein), the composition comprises at least one tackifier or at least one oil.

[0029] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments (each embodiment described herein), the composition comprises at least one tackifier and at least one oil.

[0030] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments (each embodiment described herein), the composition comprises ≥98.5 wt%, ≥99.0 wt%, or ≥99.1 wt%, or ≥99.2 wt%, or ≥99.3 wt%, or ≥99.4 wt% of the sum of components a and b based on the weight of the composition. In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments (each embodiment described herein), the composition comprises ≤100.0 wt%, or ≤99.9 wt%, ≤99.8 wt%, or ≤99.7 wt%, or ≤99.6 wt%, or ≤99.5 wt% of the sum of components a and b based on the weight of the composition.

[0031] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments (each embodiment is described herein), the viscosity (at 177 °C) of the composition is ≥ 2,000 cP, or ≥ 2,400 cP, or ≥ 2,600 cP, or ≥ 2,800 cP, or ≥ 3,000 cP, or ≥ 3,200 cP. In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments (each embodiment is described herein), the viscosity (at 177 °C) of the composition is ≤ 15,000 cP, or ≤ 14,000 cP, or ≤ 13,000 cP, or ≤ 12,000 cP, or ≤ 11,000 cP, or ≤ 10,000 cP, or ≤ 9,000 cP, or ≤ 8,000 cP, or ≤ 7,000 cP, or ≤ 6,800 cP, or ≤ 6,600 cP, or ≤ 6,400 cP, or ≤ 6,200 cP.

[0032] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments (each embodiment is described herein), the composition satisfies the following relationship: [(ring tack force (N) / viscosity (cP)) x (1000 (cP / N))] ≥ 4.0, or ≥ 4.2, or ≥ 4.4, or ≥ 4.6, or ≥ 4.8, or ≥ 5.0, or ≥ 5.2. In this document, the viscosity is measured at 177 °C.

[0033] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments (each embodiment is described herein), the composition satisfies the following relationship: [(90-degree peel (lb / in) / viscosity (cP)) x (1000 (cP·in / lb))] ≥ 1.0, or ≥ 1.1, or ≥ 1.2, or ≥ 1.3. In this document, the viscosity is measured at 177 °C.

[0034] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments (each embodiment is described herein), the α-olefin of the multi-block copolymer (component a) is a C3-C20 α-olefin, and further a C3-C10 α-olefin. In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments described herein respectively, the α-olefin is selected from propylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene or 1-octene, and further propylene, 1-butene or 1-octene, and further 1-butene or 1-octene, and further 1-octene.

[0035] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments (each embodiment described herein), the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock interpolymer is an ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer. In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments (each embodiment described herein), the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock interpolymer is selected from the group consisting of: ethylene / propylene multiblock copolymer, ethylene / butene multiblock copolymer, or ethylene / octene multiblock copolymer, and further is an ethylene / butene multiblock copolymer or an ethylene / octene multiblock copolymer, and further is an ethylene / octene multiblock copolymer.

[0036] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments (each embodiment described herein), the composition is an adhesive composition, and further is a hot melt adhesive or a pressure sensitive adhesive, and further is a hot melt adhesive.

[0037] The present invention also provides an article comprising at least one component formed from a composition of any one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments described herein. In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments (each embodiment described herein), the article is a diaper or a medical garment.

[0038] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments (each embodiment described herein), the composition of the present invention further comprises a thermoplastic polymer that differs from the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock interpolymer (component a) in one or more characteristics such as monomer type, distribution and / or amount, density, melt index (I2), Mn, Mw, Mz, MWD, V0.1, V100, RR (V0.1 / V100), or any combination thereof, and further in one or more characteristics such as monomer type, distribution and / or amount, density, melt index (I2), Mn, Mw, MWD, or any combination thereof. Polymers include, but are not limited to, ethylene-based polymers, propylene-based polymers, and other olefin multiblock interpolymers. Suitable ethylene-based polymers include, but are not limited to, linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), very low density polyethylene (VLDPE), ultra low density polyethylene (ULDPE), uniformly branched linear ethylene-based polymers, and uniformly branched substantially linear ethylene-based polymers (i.e., uniformly branched long chain branched ethylene polymers). Examples of propylene-based polymers include polypropylene homopolymers and propylene / ethylene copolymers.

[0039] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments (each embodiment described herein), the composition contains only one ethylene / α-olefin multiblock interpolymer for component a.

[0040] Ethylene / α - Olefin Multiblock Interpolymer

[0041] Ethylene / α-olefin multiblock interpolymers are characterized by multiple blocks or segments of two or more polymerized monomer units that differ in chemical or physical properties. In some embodiments, the multiblock copolymer can be represented by the formula: (AB) n , where n is at least 1, preferably an integer greater than 1, such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 or greater. As used herein, "A" represents a hard block or segment, and "B" represents a soft block or segment. Preferably, the A and B segments are connected in a substantially linear manner as opposed to a substantially branched or substantially star-shaped manner. In other embodiments, the A and B segments are randomly distributed along the polymer chain. In other words, for example, the block copolymer generally does not have a structure such as: AAA-AA-BBB-BB. In other embodiments, the block copolymer generally does not have a third type of block or segment that includes one or more different comonomers. In still other embodiments, each of the A and B blocks has monomers or comonomers that are substantially randomly distributed within the block. In other words, neither the A block nor the B block contains two or more subsegments (or sub-blocks) of different compositions, such as end segments, that have a composition that is substantially different from the rest of the block.

[0042] As used herein, the term "hard segment (HS)" refers to a block of polymerized monomer units in which ethylene is present in an amount of ≥95 mol%, or ≥98 mol%, or ≥99 mol% based on the total moles of monomers polymerized in the block. In one embodiment, ethylene is present in an amount of ≤99.8 mol%, or ≤99.6 mol%, or ≤99.4 mol%, or ≤99.3 mol% based on the total moles of monomers polymerized in the block.

[0043] As used herein, the term "soft segment (SS)" refers to a block of polymerized monomer units in which ethylene is present in an amount of ≤90 mol%, or ≤88 mol%, or ≤86 mol%, or ≤84 mol% based on the total moles of monomers polymerized in the block. In one embodiment, ethylene is present in an amount of ≥80 mol%, or ≥81 mol%, or ≥82 mol% based on the total moles of monomers polymerized in the block.

[0044] Typically, ethylene comprises 50 mole percent or a majority mole percent of the entire multi-block copolymer; that is, ethylene comprises at least 50 mole percent of the entire polymer. More preferably, ethylene comprises at least 60 mole percent, at least 70 mole percent, or at least 80 mole percent, and substantially the remainder of the entire polymer comprises at least one other comonomer, which is preferably an α-olefin having three or more carbon atoms.

[0045] As discussed, the ethylene / α-olefin multi-block interpolymer comprises two or more chemically distinct regions or segments (referred to as "blocks"), preferably joined in a linear fashion. In one embodiment, the blocks differ in terms of the amount or type of comonomer incorporated, density, amount of crystallinity, the microcrystalline size of the polymer attributable to such a composition, type or degree of stereoisomerism (isotactic or syndiotactic), regioregularity or regiomiscibility, amount of branching (including long-chain or hyper-branching), homogeneity, or any other chemical or physical property. Compared to prior art block interpolymers, including those produced by continuous monomer addition, stereorigid catalysts, or anionic polymerization techniques, the ethylene / α-olefin multi-block interpolymers of the present invention are characterized by a unique distribution of polymer polydispersity (PDI or Mw / Mn or MWD), block length distribution, and / or polydisperse block number distribution, which in one embodiment is due to the effect of one or more chain shuttling agents used in their preparation in combination with multiple catalysts.

[0046] Olefin block copolymers can generally be produced via a chain shuttling process, such as that described in U.S. Patent No. 7,858,706, which is incorporated herein by reference. Some chain shuttling agents and related information are listed in columns 16, line 39 to column 19, line 44. Some catalysts are described in column 19, line 45 to column 46, line 19 and some cocatalysts are described in column 46, line 20 to column 51, line 28. Some method features are described in column 51, line 29 to column 54, line 56. See also the following: U.S. Patent No. 7,608,668; U.S. Patent No. 7,893,166; and U.S. Patent No. 7,947,793 and U.S. Patent Publication 2010 / 0197880. See also U.S. Patent No. 9,243,173.

[0047] Tackifier

[0048] Tackifiers are known in the art and can be solids, semi - solids or liquids at room temperature. Non - limiting examples of tackifiers include (1) natural and modified rosins (e.g., gum rosin, wood rosin, tall oil rosin, distilled rosin, hydrogenated rosin, dimerized rosin and polymerized rosin); (2) glycerol esters and pentaerythritol esters of natural and modified rosins (e.g., glycerol ester of wood rosin, glycerol ester of hydrogenated rosin, glycerol ester of polymerized rosin, pentaerythritol ester of hydrogenated rosin and phenolic modified rosin pentaerythritol ester); (3) copolymers and terpolymers of natural terpenes (e.g., styrene / terpene and α - methylstyrene / terpene); (4) polyterpene resins and hydrogenated polyterpene resins; (5) phenolic modified terpene resins and their hydrogenated derivatives (e.g., resin products produced by the condensation reaction of bicyclic terpenes and phenols in an acidic medium); (6) aliphatic or cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon resins and their hydrogenated derivatives (e.g., resins obtained by polymerizing monomers mainly composed of olefins and diolefins); (7) aromatic hydrocarbon resins and their hydrogenated derivatives; (8) aromatic modified, aliphatic or cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon resins and their hydrogenated derivatives; and combinations thereof. In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments (each embodiment is described herein), the tackifier is selected from hydrogenated hydrocarbons.

[0049] Oil

[0050] Non - limiting examples of oils include olefin oligomers, low - molecular - weight polyolefins such as liquid polybutene, phthalates, mineral oils such as naphthenic oil, paraffin oil or hydrogenated (white) oil (e.g., KAYDOL oil), vegetable oils and animal oils and their derivatives, petroleum - derived oils and combinations thereof. In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments (each embodiment is described herein), the oil is selected from the group consisting of mineral oil, hydrogenated oil or petroleum - derived oil.

[0051] Definitions

[0052] Unless stated to the contrary, implied by the context or customary in the art, all parts and percentages are by weight, and as of the filing date of this disclosure, all test methods are current methods.

[0053] As used herein, the term "composition" includes mixtures of materials, the mixtures of materials including the composition and reaction products and decomposition products formed from the composition materials. Any reaction product or decomposition product is typically present in trace or residual amounts.

[0054] As used herein, the term "polymer" refers to a polymeric compound prepared by the polymerization of the same or different types of monomers. Thus, the general term polymer encompasses the term homopolymer (used to refer to a polymer prepared from only one type of monomer, it being understood that trace impurities may be incorporated into the polymer structure) and the term interpolymer as defined hereinafter. Trace impurities (such as catalyst residues) may be incorporated into and / or within the polymer. Generally, polymers are stabilized with very low amounts ("ppm" amounts) of one or more stabilizers.

[0055] As used herein, the term "interpolymer" refers to a polymer prepared by the polymerization of at least two different types of monomers. The term interpolymer thus includes the term copolymer (used to refer to a polymer prepared from two different types of monomers) and polymers prepared from more than two different types of monomers.

[0056] As used herein, the term "olefin-based polymer" refers to a polymer that comprises 50 weight percent or a majority weight percentage of olefins in polymeric form, such as ethylene or propylene (by weight of the polymer) and optionally may comprise one or more comonomers.

[0057] As used herein, the term "propylene-based polymer" refers to a polymer that comprises a majority weight percentage of propylene in polymeric form (based on the weight of the polymer) and optionally may comprise one or more comonomers.

[0058] As used herein, the term "ethylene-based polymer" refers to a polymer that includes 50 wt% or a majority weight percentage of ethylene in polymeric form (by weight of the polymer) and optionally may include one or more comonomers.

[0059] As used herein, the term "ethylene / α-olefin multiblock interpolymer" refers to a multiblock interpolymer that comprises 50 weight percent or a majority weight percentage of ethylene (by weight of the interpolymer) and α-olefins in polymeric form. As used herein, the term "ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer" refers to a multiblock copolymer that comprises 50 weight percent or a majority amount of ethylene monomer (based on the weight of the copolymer) and α-olefins as the only two monomer types. See the previous discussion.

[0060] The terms "comprising", "including", "having" and their derivatives are not intended to exclude the presence of any additional components, steps or procedures, whether or not such components, steps or procedures are specifically disclosed. For the avoidance of any doubt, unless stated to the contrary, all compositions claimed by use of the term "comprising" may include any additional additives, adjuvants or compounds, whether in polymeric form or otherwise. In contrast, the term "consisting essentially of" excludes from any scope subsequently recited any other components, steps or procedures, except those that are not essential to operability. The term "consisting of" excludes any ingredient, step or procedure not specifically recited or listed.

[0061] List of Some Composition Characteristics

[0062] A] A composition comprising the following substances:

[0063] a) At least one ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer, which comprises a soft segment (SS) and a hard segment (HS), and wherein the copolymer has the following properties:

[0064] i) Melt index (I2) ≥ 30 dg / min,

[0065] ii) The molar ratio of "α-olefin in SS" to "α-olefin in HS" ≥ 18,

[0066] iii) The weight ratio of SS to HS ≤ 12.0;

[0067] b) At least one tackifier and / or at least one oil.

[0068] B] The composition of A] above, wherein the melt index (I2) of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer (component a) is ≥ 35, or ≥ 40, or ≥ 45, or ≥ 50, or ≥ 55 dg / min.

[0069] C] The composition of A] or B] above, wherein the melt index (I2) of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer is ≤ 300, or ≤ 250, or ≤ 200, or ≤ 150, or ≤ 140, or ≤ 130, or ≤ 120, or ≤ 110 dg / min.

[0070] D] The composition of any one of A]-C] (A] to C]) above, wherein the molar ratio of "α-olefin in SS" to "α-olefin in HS" of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer is ≥ 19, or ≥ 20, or ≥ 21.

[0071] E] The composition according to any one of A] - D] above, wherein the molar ratio of "α-olefin in SS" to "α-olefin in HS" of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer is ≤100, or ≤80, or ≤60, or ≤50, or ≤40, or ≤30.

[0072] F] The composition according to any one of A] - E] above, wherein based on the total molar amount of monomers in HS, the amount of α-olefin in HS of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer is ≤0.90 mol%, or ≤0.88 mol%, or ≤0.86 mol%, or ≤0.84 mol%.

[0073] G] The composition according to any one of A] - F] above, wherein based on the total molar amount of monomers in HS, the amount of α-olefin in HS of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer is ≥0.50 mol%, or ≥0.55 mol%, or ≥0.60 mol%, or ≥0.65 mol%, or ≥0.70 mol%.

[0074] H] The composition according to any one of A] - G] above, wherein based on the total molar amount of monomers in SS, the amount of α-olefin in SS of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer is ≤20.0 mol%, or ≤19.5 mol%, or ≤19.0 mol%, or ≤18.5 mol%, or ≤18.0 mol%, or ≤17.8 mol%, or ≤17.6 mol%, or ≤17.5 mol%.

[0075] I] The composition according to any one of A] - H] above, wherein based on the total molar amount of monomers in SS, the amount of α-olefin in SS of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer is ≥15.0 mol%, or ≥15.5 mol%, or ≥16.0 mol%, or ≥16.5 mol%, or ≥17.0 mol%.

[0076] J] The composition according to any one of A] - I] above, wherein the weight ratio of SS to HS of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer is ≤11.8, or ≤11.6, or ≤11.4, or ≤11.2, or ≤11.0, or ≤10.8, or ≤10.6, or ≤10.4, or ≤10.2.

[0077] K] The composition according to any one of A] - J] above, wherein the weight ratio of SS to HS of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer is ≥5.0, or ≥5.5, or ≥6.0, or ≥6.2, or ≥6.4, or ≥6.6, or ≥6.8, or ≥7.0, or ≥7.2.

[0078] The composition according to any one of A] - K] above, wherein based on the total weight of SS and HS, the amount of SS of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer is ≤ 98% by weight, or ≤ 96% by weight, or ≤ 94% by weight, or ≤ 92% by weight.

[0079] The composition according to any one of A] - L] above, wherein based on the total weight of SS and HS, the amount of SS of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer is ≥ 70% by weight, or ≥ 75% by weight, or ≥ 80% by weight, or ≥ 82% by weight, or ≥ 84% by weight, or ≥ 86% by weight, or ≥ 88% by weight.

[0080] The composition according to any one of A] - M] above, wherein based on the total weight of SS and HS, the amount of HS of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer is ≤ 20% by weight, or ≤ 18% by weight, or ≤ 16% by weight, or ≤ 14% by weight, or ≤ 12% by weight.

[0081] The composition according to any one of A] - N] above, wherein based on the total weight of SS and HS, the amount of HS of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer is ≥ 7% by weight, or ≥ 8% by weight, or ≥ 9% by weight.

[0082] The composition according to any one of A] - O] above, wherein based on the total molar amount of monomers in the copolymer, the total amount of α-olefin of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer is ≥ 10 mol%, or ≥ 11 mol%, or ≥ 12 mol%, or ≥ 13 mol%, or ≥ 14 mol%, or ≥ 15 mol%.

[0083] The composition according to any one of A] - P] above, wherein based on the total molar amount of monomers in the copolymer, the total amount of α-olefin of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer is ≤ 50 mol%, or ≤ 40 mol%, or ≤ 30 mol%, or ≤ 25 mol%, or ≤ 20 mol%, or ≤ 18 mol%, or ≤ 16 mol%.

[0084] The composition according to any one of A] - P] above, wherein the density of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer is ≥ 0.856 g / cc, or ≥ 0.858 g / cc, or ≥ 0.860 g / cc, or ≥ 0.862 g / cc, or ≥ 0.863 g / cc, or ≥ 0.864 g / cc, or ≥ 0.865 g / cc, or ≥ 0.866 g / cc, or ≥ 0.867 g / cc (1 cc = 1 cm 3 )

[0085] The composition according to any one of A-R above, wherein the density of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer is ≤ 0.874 g / cc, or ≤ 0.873 g / cc, or ≤ 0.872 g / cc, or ≤ 0.871 g / cc, or ≤ 0.870 g / cc, or ≤ 0.869 g / cc.

[0086] The composition according to any one of A-S above, wherein the molecular weight distribution MWD (=Mw / Mn) of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer is ≥ 1.5, or ≥ 1.6, or ≥ 1.7, or ≥ 1.8, or ≥ 1.9, or ≥ 2.0, or ≥ 2.1.

[0087] The composition according to any one of A-T above, wherein the molecular weight distribution MWD of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer is ≤ 3.0, or ≤ 2.9, or ≤ 2.8, or ≤ 2.7, or ≤ 2.6, or ≤ 2.5, or ≤ 2.4, or ≤ 2.3, or ≤ 2.2.

[0088] The composition according to any one of A-U above, wherein the number-average molecular weight Mn of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer is ≥ 14,000 g / mol, or ≥ 15,000 g / mol, or ≥ 16,000 g / mol, or ≥ 17,000 g / mol, or ≥ 18,000 g / mol.

[0089] The composition according to any one of A-V above, wherein the number-average molecular weight Mn of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer is ≤ 30,000 g / mol, or ≤ 28,000 g / mol, or ≤ 26,000 g / mol, or ≤ 24,000 g / mol, or ≤ 22,000 g / mol.

[0090] The composition according to any one of A-W above, wherein the weight-average molecular weight Mw of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer is ≥ 30,000 g / mol, or ≥ 32,000 g / mol, or ≥ 34,000 g / mol, or ≥ 36,000 g / mol, or ≥ 38,000 g / mol.

[0091] The composition according to any one of A-X above, wherein the weight-average molecular weight Mw of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer is ≤ 60,000 g / mol, or ≤ 58,000 g / mol, or ≤ 56,000 g / mol, or ≤ 54,000 g / mol, or ≤ 52,000 g / mol, or ≤ 50,000 g / mol, or ≤ 48,000 g / mol, or ≤ 46,000 g / mol.

[0092] The composition according to any one of A-Y above, wherein the composition comprises at least one tackifier or at least one oil.

[0093] AA]The composition according to any one of A]-Y] above, wherein the composition comprises at least one tackifier and at least one oil.

[0094] BB]The composition according to any one of A]-Y] or AA] above, wherein the composition comprises at least one tackifier and at least one oil, and the weight ratio of the at least one tackifier to the at least one oil is ≥2.0, or ≥2.5, ≥3.0, or ≥3.5, or ≥4.0.

[0095] CC]The composition according to any one of A]-Y], AA] or BB] above, wherein the composition comprises at least one tackifier and at least one oil, and the weight ratio of the at least one tackifier to the at least one oil is ≤6.0, or ≤5.5, or ≤5.0, or ≤4.5.

[0096] DD]The composition according to any one of A]-CC] above, wherein the composition comprises at least one tackifier and optionally at least one oil, and the weight ratio of the at least one tackifier to the at least one ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer is ≥0.8, or ≥1.0, ≥1.2, or ≥1.4.

[0097] EE]The composition according to any one of A]-DD] above, wherein the composition comprises at least one tackifier and optionally at least one oil, and the weight ratio of the at least one tackifier to the at least one ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer is ≤3.0, or ≤2.8, or ≤2.6, or ≤2.4, or ≤2.2, or ≤2.0, or ≤1.8, or ≤1.6.

[0098] FF]The composition according to any one of A]-EE] above, wherein the composition comprises at least one oil and optionally at least one tackifier, and the weight ratio of the at least one ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer to the at least one oil is ≥2.0, or ≥2.2, or ≥2.4, or ≥2.5, or ≥2.6, or ≥2.7.

[0099] GG]The composition according to any one of A]-FF] above, wherein the composition comprises at least one oil and optionally at least one tackifier, and the weight ratio of the at least one ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer to the at least one oil is ≤4.0, or ≤3.8, or ≤3.6, or ≤3.4, or ≤3.2, or ≤3.0.

[0100] HH]The composition according to any one of A]-GG] above, wherein based on the weight of the composition, the composition comprises ≥20 wt%, or ≥22 wt%, or ≥24 wt%, or ≥26 wt%, or ≥28 wt%, or ≥30 wt%, or ≥32 wt%, or ≥34 wt% of at least one ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer.

[0101] II] The composition according to any one of A]-HH] above, wherein based on the weight of the composition, the composition comprises ≤ 50% by weight, or ≤ 48% by weight, or ≤ 46% by weight, or ≤ 44% by weight, or ≤ 42% by weight, or ≤ 40% by weight, or ≤ 38% by weight, or ≤ 36% by weight of at least one ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer.

[0102] JJ] The composition according to any one of A]-II] above, wherein based on the weight of the composition, the composition comprises at least one tackifier and further comprises ≥ 40% by weight, or ≥ 42% by weight, or ≥ 44% by weight, or ≥ 46% by weight, or ≥ 48% by weight, or ≥ 50% by weight, or ≥ 51% by weight, or ≥ 52% by weight of at least one tackifier.

[0103] KK] The composition according to any one of A]-JJ] above, wherein based on the weight of the composition, the composition comprises at least one tackifier and further comprises ≤ 70% by weight, or ≤ 65% by weight, or ≤ 60% by weight, or ≤ 58% by weight, or ≤ 56% by weight, or ≤ 54% by weight of at least one tackifier.

[0104] LL] The composition according to any one of A]-KK] above, wherein based on the weight of the composition, the composition comprises at least one oil and further comprises ≥ 6% by weight, or ≥ 8% by weight, or ≥ 10% by weight, or ≥ 11% by weight, or ≥ 12% by weight of at least one oil.

[0105] MM] The composition according to any one of A]-LL] above, wherein based on the weight of the composition, the composition comprises at least one oil and further comprises ≤ 20% by weight, or ≤ 18% by weight, or ≤ 16% by weight, or ≤ 14% by weight of at least one oil.

[0106] NN] The composition according to any one of A]-MM] above, wherein based on the weight of the composition, the composition comprises ≥ 98.5% by weight, or ≥ 99.0% by weight, or ≥ 99.1% by weight, or ≥ 99.2% by weight, or ≥ 99.3% by weight, or ≥ 99.4% by weight of the sum of at least one ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer, at least one tackifier and at least one oil.

[0107] OO] The composition according to any one of A]-NN] above, wherein based on the weight of the composition, the composition comprises ≤ 100.0% by weight, or ≤ 99.9% by weight, or ≤ 99.8% by weight, or ≤ 99.7% by weight, or ≤ 99.6% by weight, or ≤ 99.5% by weight of the sum of at least one ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer, at least one tackifier and at least one oil.

[0108] The composition according to any one of the above [A]-[OO], wherein the viscosity (at 177 °C) of the composition is ≥ 2,000 cP, or ≥ 2,400 cP, or ≥ 2,600 cP, or ≥ 2,800 cP, or ≥ 3,000 cP, or ≥ 3,200 cP.

[0109] The composition according to any one of the above [A]-[PP], wherein the viscosity (at 177 °C) of the composition is ≤ 15,000 cP, or ≤ 14,000 cP, or ≤ 13,000 cP, or ≤ 12,000 cP, or ≤ 11,000 cP, or ≤ 10,000 cP, or ≤ 9,000 cP, or ≤ 8,000 cP, or ≤ 7,000 cP, or ≤ 6,800 cP, or ≤ 6,600 cP, or ≤ 6,400 cP, or ≤ 6,200 cP.

[0110] The composition according to any one of the above [A]-[QQ], wherein the initial tack of the composition in the form of a loop is ≥ 24 N, or ≥ 26 N, or ≥ 28 N, or ≥ 30 N, or ≥ 32 N.

[0111] The composition according to any one of the above [A]-[RR], wherein the initial tack of the composition in the form of a loop is ≤ 100 N, or ≤ 90 N, or ≤ 80 N, or ≤ 70 N, or ≤ 60 N, or ≤ 50 N, or ≤ 45 N.

[0112] The composition according to any one of the above [A]-[SS], wherein the 90-degree peel of the composition is ≥ 5.0 lb / in, or ≥ 6.0 lb / in, or ≥ 6.5 lb / in, or ≥ 7.0 lb / in, or ≥ 7.5 lb / in, or ≥ 8.0 lb / in.

[0113] The composition according to any one of the above [A]-[TT], wherein the 90-degree peel of the composition is ≤ 50 lb / in, or ≤ 40 lb / in, or ≤ 30 lb / in, or ≤ 20 lb / in, or ≤ 15 lb / in.

[0114] The composition according to any one of the above [A]-[UU], wherein the composition satisfies the following relationship: [(initial tack of the loop (N) / viscosity (cP)) x (1000 (cP / N))] ≥ 4.0, or ≥ 4.2, or ≥ 4.4, or ≥ 4.6, or ≥ 4.8, or ≥ 5.0, or ≥ 5.2. The viscosity is measured at 177 °C.

[0115] The composition according to any one of the above [A]-[VV], wherein the composition satisfies the following relationship: [(initial tack of the loop (N) / viscosity (cP)) x (1000 (cP / N))] ≤ 20, or ≤ 18, or ≤ 16, or ≤ 14, or ≤ 12. The viscosity is measured at 177 °C.

[0116] XX]A composition according to any one of the above A]-WW], wherein the composition satisfies the following relationship: [(90-degree peel (lb / in) / (viscosity (cP)) x (1000 (cP·in / lb))] ≥ 1.0, or ≥ 1.1, or ≥ 1.2, or ≥ 1.3. The viscosity is measured at 177 °C.

[0117] YY]A composition according to any one of the above A]-XX], wherein the composition satisfies the following relationship: [(90-degree peel (lb / in) / (viscosity (cP)) x (1000 (cP·in / lb))] ≤ 4.0, or ≤ 3.5, or ≤ 3.0, or ≤ 2.9. The viscosity is measured at 177 °C.

[0118] ZZ]A composition according to any one of the above A]-YY], wherein the α-olefin of the ethylene / α-olefin multi-block interpolymer (component a) is a C3-C20 α-olefin, and further is a C3-C10 α-olefin.

[0119] A3]A composition according to any one of the above A]-ZZ], wherein the α-olefin of the ethylene / α-olefin multi-block interpolymer (component a) is selected from propylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene or 1-octene, and further propylene, 1-butene or 1-octene, and further 1-butene or 1-octene, and further 1-octene.

[0120] B3]A composition according to any one of the above A]-A3], wherein the ethylene / α-olefin multi-block interpolymer is an ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymer.

[0121] C3]A composition according to any one of the above A]-B3], wherein the ethylene / α-olefin multi-block interpolymer is selected from the following: ethylene / propylene multi-block copolymer, ethylene / butene multi-block copolymer or ethylene / octene multi-block copolymer, and further is ethylene / butene multi-block copolymer or ethylene / octene multi-block copolymer, and further is ethylene / octene multi-block copolymer.

[0122] D3]A composition according to any one of the above A]-C3], wherein the composition further comprises a thermoplastic polymer, which is different from the ethylene / α-olefin multi-block interpolymer (component a) in one or more characteristics such as monomer type, distribution and / or amount, density, melt index (I2), Mn, Mw, Mz, MWD, Mooney viscosity, V0.1, V100, RR or any combination thereof, and further in one or more characteristics such as monomer type, distribution and / or amount, density, melt index (I2), and / or amount, Mn, Mw, MWD or any combination thereof.

[0123] The composition according to any one of A] - D], wherein the composition comprises only one ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer for component a.

[0124] The composition according to any one of A] - E], wherein based on the weight of the composition, the composition comprises ≥98.5 wt%, ≥99.0 wt%, or ≥99.1 wt%, or ≥99.2 wt%, or ≥99.3 wt%, or ≥99.4 wt% of the total of components a and b.

[0125] The composition according to any one of A] - F], wherein based on the weight of the composition, the composition comprises ≤100.0 wt%, or ≤99.9 wt%, ≤99.8 wt%, or ≤99.7 wt%, or ≤99.6 wt%, or ≤99.5 wt% of the total of components a and b.

[0126] The composition according to any one of A] - G], wherein the composition is an adhesive composition, and further is a pressure-sensitive adhesive or a hot-melt adhesive, and further is a hot-melt adhesive.

[0127] An article comprising at least one component formed from the composition according to any one of A] - H].

[0128] The article according to I], wherein the article is a diaper or a medical garment.

[0129] Test Methods

[0130] Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC)

[0131] The chromatographic system consists of a PolymerChar GPC-IR (Valencia, Spain) high-temperature GPC chromatograph equipped with an internal IR5 infrared detector (IR5). The autosampler oven is set to 160 °C and the column oven is set to 150 °C. The columns are four Agilent "Mixed A" 30 cm 20 micron linear mixed-bed columns. The chromatographic solvent is 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene containing 200 ppm of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The solvent source is nitrogen sparged. The injection volume is 200 microliters and the flow rate is 1.0 ml / min.

[0132] The GPC column set was calibrated with 21 polystyrene standards of narrow molecular weight distribution, with molecular weights ranging from 580 to 8,400,000, and arranged in six "cocktail" mixtures with at least a ten-fold separation between individual molecular weights. The standards were purchased from Agilent Technologies. For molecular weights equal to or greater than 1,000,000, "0.025 g of polystyrene standard was prepared in 50 mL of solvent", and for molecular weights less than 1,000,000, 0.05 g of polystyrene standard was prepared in 50 mL of solvent. The polystyrene standards were dissolved at 80 °C for 30 minutes with gentle stirring. The polystyrene standard peak molecular weights were converted to polyethylene molecular weights using Equation 1 (as described in Williams and Ward, Journal of Polymer Science (J. Polym. Sci.), Polymer Letters (polym. let.), 6, 621 (1968)):

[0133] M 聚乙烯 = A × (M 聚苯乙烯 ) B (EQ1), where M is the molecular weight, A has a value of 0.4315, and B equals 1.0.

[0134] A fifth-order polynomial was used to fit the calibration points for the corresponding polyethylene equivalents. Small adjustments (approx. 0.375 to 0.445) to A were made to correct for column resolution and band broadening effects such that a linear homopolymer polyethylene standard was obtained at 120,000 Mw.

[0135] The plate count of the GPC column set was performed with decane ("prepared as 0.04 g in 50 mL of TCB" and dissolved for 20 minutes with slow stirring). The plate count (Equation 2) and symmetry (Equation 3) were measured with a 200 μL injection according to the following equations:

[0136] where RV is the retention volume in mL, the peak width is in mL, the maximum peak is the maximum height of the peak, and the 1 / 2 height is 1 / 2 of the maximum peak height; and

[0137] Where RV is the retention volume in milliliters, and the peak width is in milliliters, the maximum peak is the maximum peak position, the tenth height is 1 / 10 of the maximum peak height, and where the trailing peak refers to the peak tail at a later retention volume compared to the maximum peak, and where the leading peak refers to the peak front at an earlier retention volume compared to the maximum peak. The plate count of the chromatographic system should be greater than 18,000, and the symmetry should be between 0.98 and 1.22.

[0138] Samples were prepared semi - automatically using PolymerChar “Instrument Control Software”, where the target weight of the sample was set at “2 mg / ml”, and the solvent (containing 200 ppm BHT) was added to a septum - capped vial pre - bubbled with nitrogen through a PolymerChar high - temperature autosampler. The sample was dissolved at 160 °C for two hours with “low - speed” shaking.

[0139] Based on the GPC results, using the internal IR5 detector (measurement channel) of the PolymerChar GPC - IR chromatograph, according to Equation 4 - 6, using PolymerChar GPCOne TM software, the Mn of the polyethylene equivalent molecular weight was calculated from the baseline - subtracted IR chromatogram at each equidistant data collection point (i) and the calibration curve of the narrow standards at point (i) according to Equation 1 (GPC) , Mw (GPC) and Mz (GPC) The calculation is as follows. Equations 4 - 6 are as follows:

[0140] and

[0141] To monitor the deviation over time, a flow rate marker (decane) is introduced into each sample via a micropump controlled by a PolymerChar GPC-IR system. This flow rate marker (FM) is used to linearly correct the pump flow rate (flow rate (nominal)) of each sample by comparing the RV of the corresponding decane peak within the sample (RV(FM sample)) with the RV of the alkane peak within the narrow standard calibration (RV(FM calibrated)). Then, any change in the decane marker peak time is assumed to be related to a linear change in the flow rate (flow rate (effective)) throughout the run. To facilitate the highest accuracy in the RV measurement of the flow marker peak, a least squares fitting procedure is used to fit the peak of the flow marker concentration chromatogram to a quadratic equation. Subsequently, the first derivative of the quadratic equation is used to solve for the true peak position. After calibrating the system based on the flow marker peak, the effective flow rate (relative to the narrow standard calibration) is calculated according to Equation 7: flow rate (effective) = flow rate (nominal) * (RV(FM calibrated) / RV(FM sample)) (EQ7). The processing of the flow marker peak is completed by PolymerChar GPCOne TM software. Acceptable flow rate correction results in the effective flow rate being within + / - 0.7% of the nominal flow rate.

[0142] Melt Index

[0143] The melt index I2 of the vinyl polymer is measured according to ASTM D-1238 at 190 °C / 2.16 kg. The melt flow rate (MFR) of the polypropylene polymer is measured according to ASTM D-1238 at 230 °C / 2.16 kg.

[0144] Density

[0145] The density of the polymer is measured as follows: A polymer sample is prepared according to ASTM D 1928 and then the density is measured within one hour of sample pressing according to Method B of ASTM D792.

[0146] 13C NMR for Determining: A) Amount of Hard Segments (HS) and Amount of Soft Segments (SS), B) Amount of α - Olefin in Hard Segments (HS) and Amount of α - Olefin in Soft Segments (SS), C) Total Amount of α - Olefin in Ethylene / α - Olefin Multiblock Interpolymer Table A

[0147] 13C NMR spectroscopy is one of the various techniques known in the art for measuring the incorporation of comonomers into polymers. An example of such a technique for determining the comonomer content of ethylene / α-olefin copolymers is described in Randall (Journal of Macromolecular Science, Reviews in Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics, C29(2&3), 201-317(1989)), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The basic procedure for determining the comonomer content of ethylene / α-olefin interpolymers involves obtaining a 13C NMR spectrum under conditions where the intensity of the peaks corresponding to the different carbons in the sample is proportional to the total number of nuclei in the sample that are operative. Methods for ensuring this proportionality are known in the art and involve allowing sufficient relaxation time after a pulse, the use of gated decoupling techniques, relaxation agents, etc. In practice, the relative intensity of a peak or group of peaks is obtained from its computer-generated integral. After obtaining the spectrum and integrating the peaks, those peaks associated with the comonomer are assigned. This assignment can be done by reference to known spectra or literature, or by synthesis and analysis of model compounds, or by using isotopically labeled comonomers. The mole % of the comonomer can be determined by the ratio of the integral corresponding to the moles of the comonomer to the integral corresponding to the moles of all monomers in the interpolymer, as described in the aforementioned Randall reference.

[0148] Since the hard segments typically have less than about 2.0 wt% comonomer, their main contribution to the spectrum is only in the integral at about 30 ppm. It is assumed that at the start of the analysis, the contribution of the hard segments to the peaks "not at 30 ppm" is negligible. Thus, for the starting point, it is assumed that the integral of the peaks "not at 30 ppm" comes only from the soft segments. Using linear least squares minimization to fit these integrals to a first-order Markovian statistical model of the copolymer, fitting parameters are generated for calculating the contribution of the soft segments to the 30 ppm peak (i.e., the probability P of octene insertion after octene oo and the probability P of octene insertion after ethylene eo ). The difference between the "total measured 30 ppm peak integral" and the "calculated contribution of the soft segment integral to the 30 ppm peak" is the contribution of the hard segments. Thus, the experimental spectrum has now been deconvoluted into two lists of integrals that separately describe the soft and hard segments. The calculation of the weight percentage of the hard segments is straightforward and is calculated by the ratio of the sum of the integrals of the hard segment spectrum to the sum of the integrals of the total spectrum.

[0149] From the list of deconvoluted soft segment integrals, the comonomer composition can be calculated according to, for example, the method of Randall. From the comonomer composition of the total spectrum and the comonomer composition of the soft segments, the comonomer composition of the hard segments can be calculated using a mass balance. From the comonomer composition of the hard segments, the contribution of the hard segments to the integral of the "non-30 ppm peak" is calculated using Bernoulli statistics. There is usually very little octene in the hard segments, typically from about 0 mol% to about 1 mol%, such that Bernoulli statistics is a valid and robust approximation. These contributions are then subtracted from the experimental integral of the "non-30 ppm peak". The resulting "non-30 ppm peak" integral is then fit to the first order Markovian statistical model of the copolymer as described in the previous paragraph. The iterative process is performed in the following manner: fit the total "non-30 ppm peak", then calculate the contribution of the soft segments to the 30 ppm peak; then calculate the soft / hard segment split, then calculate the contribution of the hard segments to the "non-30 ppm peak"; then correct the contribution of the hard segments to the "non-30 ppm peak" and fit the resulting "non-30 ppm peak". This process is repeated until the value of the soft / hard segment split converges to a minimum error function. The final comonomer composition of each segment is reported.

[0150] The measurements were verified by analyzing several in-situ polymer blends. By designing the polymerization and catalyst concentration, the expected split was compared to the measured NMR split values. Table A shows the chemical shift assignments for the ethylene-octene polymers.

[0151] Adhesive Viscosity

[0152]

[0153] The following experimental procedure was used. Each sample was prepared by adding approximately 2.6 grams of a 50 / 50 mixture of tetrachloroethane-d2 / o-dichlorobenzene (which was 0.025 M in chromium acetylacetonate (relaxant)) to 0.2 grams of the sample in a 10 mm NMR tube. The sample was dissolved and homogenized by heating the tube and its contents to 150 °C. Data was collected using a Bruker 400 MHz spectrometer equipped with a Bruker Dual DUL high temperature CryoProbe. Data was acquired at a sample temperature of 120 °C using 160 scans per data file and a 6 second pulse repetition delay. Data was acquired using a spectral width of 25,000 Hz and a file size of 32K data points.

[0154] Initial Loop Tack

[0155] The viscosity of each composition (8 g - 9 g) was measured according to ASTM standard D1986 using a digital Brookfield viscometer, model DV-I prime, with a Brookfield temperature controller and thermosel. Spindle SC4-31 was used and the temperature was 177 °C.

[0156] 90 - Degree Peel

[0157] The loop tack was measured according to PSTC-16, Method A, using an INSTRON at a test rate of "12 inches / minute" on a stainless steel plate (2 inches x 6 inches, purchased from Chem Instruments). Each adhesive formulation was coated onto a corona-treated polyester film (MYLAR) at 150 °C using a hot melt knife coater at a coating weight of 20 ± 2 g / m 2 , to form a tape. Each tape was laminated with a CHEMINSTRUMENTS RP-12 silicone release liner (to protect the adhesive layer prior to testing) and cut into one-inch wide strips. According to PSTC-16, Method A, the adhesive side of the tape was contacted with the stainless steel plate. At least three test samples were tested and the average value was reported.

[0158] Experiments

[0159] The peel adhesion was measured according to PSTC-101, Method F, using an INSTRON at a test rate of "12 in / min" on a stainless steel plate (see above). Each adhesive formulation was coated onto a corona-treated polyester film (MYLAR) at 150 °C using a hot melt knife coater at a coating weight of 20 ± 2 g / m 2 , to form a tape. Each tape was laminated with a CHEMINSTRUMENTS RP-12 silicone release liner (to protect the adhesive layer prior to testing) and cut into one-inch wide strips. According to PSTC-101, Method F, the adhesive side of the tape was contacted with the stainless steel plate. At least three test samples were tested and the average value was reported.

[0160] Polymer Synthesis and Characterization

[0161] Table 1

[0162] Continuous solution polymerization is carried out in a batch reactor (e.g., CSTR) equipped with an internal agitator. A purified mixed alkane solvent (ISOPAR E available from ExxonMobil), monomers, and a molecular weight regulator (hydrogen or a chain transfer agent) are supplied to a "3.8L" reactor equipped with a jacket for temperature control. The solvent fed to the reactor is measured by a mass flow controller. A pump controls the solvent flow rate and pressure to the reactor. At the discharge of the pump, a side stream is used to provide a flush stream to the main catalyst, cocatalyst, and chain transfer agent (catalyst component solution) injection line. These flow rates are measured and controlled to maintain an effective production rate. The remaining solvent is combined with the monomers and hydrogen and fed into the reactor. The temperature of the solvent / monomer solution is controlled by using a heat exchanger. This solution stream enters the bottom of the reactor.

[0163] The catalyst component solution is metered using a pump and a flow meter, combined with a catalyst flush solvent, and introduced to the bottom of the reactor. Under vigorous agitation, the reactor is filled with liquid at "500 psig". The polymer is removed through an outlet line at the top of the reactor. The reactor effluent is deactivated by adding a suitable reagent (water) and reacting with it, and other additives for polymer stabilization are added. After catalyst deactivation and additive addition, the polymer is removed from the non-polymer stream by devolatilization. The separated polymer melt is pelletized and collected. The polymerization conditions are shown in Table 1, and the polymer properties are shown in Tables 2A and 2B. In Table 1, each "ppm" amount is based on the weight of the corresponding catalyst (or cocatalyst) feed solution, and the "wt%" polymer is based on the weight of the reactor contents.

[0164] As discussed, the polymer properties, including those of INFUSE 9807 (The Dow Chemical Company), are shown in Tables 2A and 2B. In Table 2B, the symbol SS refers to the soft segment, HS refers to the hard segment, and C8 refers to polymerized octene.

[0165] Table 2A: Interpolymer Properties

[0166]

[0167]

[0168] *OBC 1 = ethylene / octene multiblock copolymer #1.

[0169] **OBC 2 = ethylene / octene multiblock copolymer #2.

[0170] A: [N-[2,6-bis(1-methylethyl)phenyl]-.alpha.-[2-(1-methylethyl)phenyl]-6-(1-naphthalenyl-.kappa.C2)-2-pyridinemethanaminato(2-)-.kappa.N1,.kappa.N2]dimethylhafnium (US2011 / 0262747 and US7524911).

[0171] B: bis[2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-6-[[(2-methylcyclohexyl)imino-.kappa.N]methyl]phenolato-.kappa.O]dimethyl-zirconium (US2011 / 0262747 and US7524911).

[0172] C: bis(hydrogenated tallow alkyl)methyltetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate(1-).

[0173] D (chain shuttling agent): diethylzinc / triethylaluminum.

[0174] Table 2B: Interpolymer Properties (13C NMR)

[0175]

[0176] Adhesive Compositions and Coatings

[0177]

[0178] a: The mole percentage of octene in OBC, and based on the total mole number of monomers in OBC. Determined by 13C NMR.

[0179] b: The weight percentage of octene in OBC, and determined from the "mole percentage of octene in OBC" by 13C NMR.

[0180] c: The mole percentage of octene in each segment (SS or HS), based on the total mole number of monomers in each segment. Determined by 13C NMR.

[0181] d: The weight percentage of each segment (HS or SS), based on the total weight of SS and HS. Determined by 13C NMR.

[0182] Adhesive Properties

[0183] Each adhesive composition comprises the following components: 35 wt% OBC + 52.5 wt% tackifier (REGALITE 1090) + 12.5 wt% oil (PARALUX 6001). The formulation is prepared and mixed in a PARR 4560 benchtop reactor with a 4848 reactor controller. The formulation is mixed at 150 °C and 150 rpm. All ingredients are added to the PARR reactor and mixed for 30 minutes. Each adhesive formulation is coated onto a corona-treated polyester film at 150 °C at a coating weight of 20 ± 2 g / m 2 . See the "Test Methods" section above.

[0184] Table 3: Adhesive Properties

[0185] The viscosity (177 °C), "loop tack" and "90-degree peel" of each composition are detected. The results are shown in Table 3. As can be seen, each composition of the present invention has a much lower viscosity, but provides significantly higher tack and peel values.

[0186] ​

[0187]

Claims

1. A composition, the composition comprising the following substances: a) At least one ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer, which comprises a soft segment SS and a hard segment HS, and wherein the copolymer has the following properties: i) The melt index I2 ≥ 30 dg / min and ≤ 200 dg / min, ii) The molar ratio of "the α-olefin in the SS" to "the α-olefin in the HS" ≥ 18 and ≤ 100, iii) The weight ratio of the SS to the HS ≤ 12.0; b) At least one tackifier and / or at least one oil.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein based on the total molar number of monomers in the copolymer, the amount of α-olefin in the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer ≥ 10 mol%.

3. The composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the density of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer ≥ 0.856 g / cc.

4. The composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the density of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer ≤ 0.874 g / cc.

5. The composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the Mw / Mn molecular weight distribution MWD of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer ≥ 1.

5.

6. The composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the Mw / Mn molecular weight distribution MWD of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer ≤ 3.

0.

7. The composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the composition comprises at least one tackifier and at least one oil.

8. The composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the composition comprises, based on the weight of the composition, ≥ 98.5 wt% of the total of components a and b.

9. The composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the viscosity of the composition measured at 177 °C according to ASTM standard D1986 ≥ 2,000 cP.

10. The composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the viscosity of the composition measured at 177 °C according to ASTM standard D1986 ≤ 15,000 cP.

11. The composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the composition satisfies the following relationship: loop tack (N) / viscosity (cP) x 1000 (cP / N) ≥ 4.0, wherein the viscosity is measured at 177 °C according to ASTM standard D1986.

12. The composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the composition satisfies the following relationship: 90-degree peel (lb / in) / viscosity (cP) x 1000 (cP·in / lb) ≥ 1.0, wherein the viscosity is measured at 177 °C according to ASTM standard D1986.

13. The composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a) the α-olefin of the ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymer is a C3-C20 α-olefin.

14. The composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a) the ethylene / α-olefin multi-block interpolymer is an ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymer.

15. An article comprising at least one component formed from the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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