Interpolymer composition based on highly mobile propylene

Abstract

The present invention provides a composition, which comprises the following components: a) at least one propylene / ethylene interpolymer or at least one propylene / α-olefin interpolymer, each interpolymer having the following properties: i) a melting point Tm of 60 °C to 85 °C, ii) a viscosity (at 177 °C) of 3,000 cP to 30,000 cP; b) at least one wax; c) at least one oil; and wherein the composition has a weight ratio of component b to component c of 0.30 to 4.0.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 017,541, filed on April 29, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0003] Modular carpet tile manufacturers seek a recyclable, low - viscosity alternative to asphalt that can be used as a carpet backing. This alternative should meet the processing and performance requirements of the market. Ethylene / octene random copolymers and block copolymers with low melt flow (melt index of approximately 30 grams per 10 minutes at 190 °C with 2.16 kg) are used in commercial hot - melt adhesive (HMA) carpet backing products. HMA formulations containing polymers, tackifiers, waxes, and oils meet the performance requirements of modular carpet tiles; however, the viscosity of current formulations is five to ten times higher than that of existing asphalt formulations. Therefore, current HMA formulations require specialized equipment for processing, which limits their marketability.

[0004] An adhesive used as a modular carpet backing should have a low viscosity (less than 30,000 cP at 165 °C for an unfilled formulation), good dimensional stability (as indicated by Young's Modulus), and high fracture tensile strain. Additionally, the assembled modular carpet tiles must be able to bend completely onto themselves without cracking (good flexibility as indicated by high fracture tensile strain).

[0005] U.S. Patent 7,700,707 discloses adhesives containing functionalized components and olefin polymers. The olefin polymers include 50 wt% or more of C3 - C30 α - olefins and at least 50 ppm of diene. The polymer has a weight - average molecular weight (Mw) of 10,000 g / mol to 100,000 g / mol and a heat of fusion of 1 J / g to 70 J / g in part. See Claim 1. The polymer is compounded with a tackifier, wax, and / or oil and is used in an adhesive formulation. See also U.S. Patent 7,524,910. U.S. Patent 7,294,681 discloses branched olefin polymers having an Mw of 10,000 g / mol to 100,000 g / mol, amorphous segments, and semi - crystalline segments in part. See Claim 1. The polymer is compounded with a tackifier, wax, and / or oil and is used in an adhesive formulation.

[0006] US 2016 / 0102429 discloses a carpet backing composition that includes a filler, a compatibilizer, and a first polymer component that includes an elastomeric polymer. The compatibilizer provides a source of free radicals to bond with the first polymer component and the filler. See claim 1. Additional polymers and compositions for applications that may include carpet components are disclosed in the following references: US Patent 9,051,683; US Patent 9,365,711; US Patent 7,357,971; US Publication 2011 / 025,633; International Publication WO2016 / 029,006; and International Publication WO2009 / 086,091.

[0007] However, adhesive compositions in the art do not provide a low viscosity polymer composition (filled) having the desired mechanical properties for use as a backing for modular carpet tiles. Accordingly, there is a need for an adhesive composition having low viscosity and improved performance (e.g., optimal modulus and high elongation at break) in carpet backing formulations with good processability on standard production lines. Preferably, such compositions are recyclable. These needs are met by the following invention. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] A composition comprising the following components:

[0009] a) at least one propylene / ethylene interpolymer or at least one propylene / α-olefin interpolymer, each interpolymer having the following properties:

[0010] i) a melting point Tm of 60 °C to 85 °C,

[0011] ii) a viscosity (at 177 °C) of 3,000 cP to 30,000 cP;

[0012] b) at least one wax;

[0013] c) at least one oil; and

[0014] wherein the composition has a weight ratio of component b to component c of 0.30 to 4.0. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Compositions have been found that have improved mechanical properties (Young's modulus, elongation at break) and generally lower viscosity (at 165 °C). These compositions are well suited as carpet backing materials, particularly for use as backing materials for modular carpet tiles.

[0016] As discussed above, a composition is provided that comprises the following components:

[0017] a) at least one propylene / ethylene interpolymer or at least one propylene / α-olefin interpolymer, each interpolymer having the following properties:

[0018] i) A melting point Tm (DSC) of 60 °C to 85 °C,

[0019] ii) A viscosity (at 177 °C) of 3,000 cP to 30,000 cP;

[0020] b) At least one wax;

[0021] c) At least one oil; and

[0022] wherein the composition has a weight ratio of component b to component c of 0.30 to 4.0.

[0023] The composition of the present invention may include one or more embodiments as described herein. Each component (a, b, c) may include one or more embodiments as described herein.

[0024] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments each described herein, component a has a Tm of ≥62 °C, or ≥63 °C, or ≥64 °C, or ≥65 °C, or ≥66 °C, or ≥67 °C, or ≥68 °C. As discussed in the "Test Methods" section, Tm is determined by DSC. In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments each described herein, component a has a Tm of ≤84 °C, or ≤83 °C, or ≤82 °C, or ≤81 °C, or ≤80 °C, or ≤79 °C, or ≤78 °C, or ≤77 °C, or ≤76 °C.

[0025] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments each described herein, component a has a viscosity (at 177 °C) of ≥3,500 cP, or ≥4,000 cP, or ≥4,200 cP, or ≥4,400 cP, or ≥4,600 cP, or ≥4,800 cP, or ≥5,000 cP, or ≥5,200 cP, or ≥5,400 cP, or ≥5,600 cP, or ≥5,800 cP, or ≥6,000 cP, or ≥6,200 cP, or ≥6,400 cP, or ≥6,600 cP, or ≥6,800 cP, or ≥7,000 cP, or ≥7,200 cP. In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments each described herein, component a has a viscosity (at 177 °C) of ≤28,000 cP, or ≤26,000 cP, or ≤24,000 cP, or ≤22,000 cP, or ≤20,000 cP, or ≤18,000 cP, or ≤16,000 cP, or ≤15,000 cP, or ≤14,000 cP, or ≤13,000 cP, or ≤12,000 cP, or ≤11,000 cP, or ≤10,000 cP.

[0026] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments each described herein, the composition has a weight ratio of component b to component c of ≥0.35, or ≥0.40, or ≥0.45, or ≥0.50, or ≥0.52, or ≥0.54, or ≥0.56, or ≥0.58, or ≥0.60, or ≥0.62. In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments each described herein, the composition has a weight ratio of component b to component c of ≤3.9, or ≤3.8, or ≤3.7, or ≤3.6, or ≤3.5, or ≤3.4, or ≤3.3, or ≤3.2, or ≤3.0, or ≤2.8, or ≤2.6, or ≤2.4, or ≤2.2, or ≤2.0, or ≤1.8, or ≤1.6.

[0027] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments each described herein, component a has a density of ≥0.860 g / cc, or ≥0.861 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, or ≥0.868 g / cc (1 cc = 1 cm 3 ). In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments each described herein, component a has a density of ≤0.874 g / cc, or ≤0.873 g / cc, or ≤0.872 g / cc, or ≤0.871 g / cc, or ≤0.870 g / cc.

[0028] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments each described herein, component a is a propylene / ethylene interpolymer and further is a propylene / ethylene copolymer.

[0029] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments each described herein, component a has a density / Tm ratio of ≥0.008, or ≥0.009, or ≥0.010, or ≥0.011 (g / (cc·°C)). In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments each described herein, component a has a density / Tm ratio of ≤0.020, or ≤0.019, or ≤0.017, or ≤0.016, or ≤0.015, or ≤0.014 (g / (cc·°C)).

[0030] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments each described herein, the composition further comprises component d): at least one filler.

[0031] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments described herein, the composition has a weight ratio of component d to component a of ≥5.00, or ≥6.00, or ≥7.00, or ≥8.00. In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments described herein, the composition has a weight ratio of component d to component a of ≤15.0, or ≤14.0, or ≤13.0, or ≤12.0, or ≤11.0, or ≤10.0.

[0032] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments described herein, the composition further comprises component e): an acid anhydride-functionalized and / or carboxylic acid-functionalized olefin-based polymer, and is further an acid anhydride-grafted and / or carboxylic acid-grafted olefin-based polymer. In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments described herein, component e is an acid anhydride-functionalized and / or carboxylic acid-functionalized propylene-based polymer, and is further an acid anhydride-grafted and / or carboxylic acid-grafted propylene-based polymer.

[0033] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments described herein, the composition has a weight ratio of component a to component e of ≥15, or ≥16, or ≥17, or ≥18, or ≥19, or ≥20. In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments described herein, the composition has a weight ratio of component a to component e of ≤30, or ≤28, or ≤26, or ≤25, or ≤24, or ≤23, or ≤22.

[0034] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments described herein, the composition further comprises component f): at least one tackifier.

[0035] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments described herein, in the case of having component d, the composition has a viscosity (165 °C) of ≥10,000 cP, or ≥12,000 cP, or ≥14,000 cP, or ≥16,000 cP, or ≥18,000 cP, or ≥20,000 cP. In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments described herein, in the case of having component d, the composition has a viscosity (165 °C) of ≤50,000 cP, or ≤48,000 cP, or ≤46,000 cP, or ≤44,000 cP, or ≤42,000 cP, or ≤40,000 cP, or ≤38,000 cP, or ≤36,000 cP, or ≤34,000 cP.

[0036] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments described herein, the composition has a breaking tensile strain of ≥6.0%, or ≥6.5%, or ≥7.0%, or ≥7.5%, or ≥8.0%, or ≥9.0%. In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments described herein, the composition has a breaking tensile strain of ≥10%, or ≥11%, or ≥12%, or ≥13%, or ≥14%, or ≥15%.

[0037] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments described herein, the composition has a Young's modulus of ≥100 MPa, or ≥105 MPa, or ≥110 MPa, or ≥112 MPa, or ≥114 MPa, or ≥116 MPa, or ≥118 MPa, or ≥120 MPa. In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments described herein, the composition has a Young's modulus of ≥150 MPa, or ≥200 MPa, or ≥250 MPa, or ≥300 MPa.

[0038] The present invention also provides an article comprising at least one component formed from the 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 described herein, the article is a carpet.

[0039] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments described herein, the composition of the present invention further comprises a thermoplastic polymer that differs from component a in one or more characteristics such as monomer type and / or amount, Tm, Tc, Tg, density, viscosity (177 °C), Mn, Mw, MWD, or any combination thereof, and further in one or more characteristics such as monomer type and / or amount, Tm, Tc, Tg, density, viscosity (177 °C), or any combination thereof. Polymers include, but are not limited to, ethylene-based polymers, propylene-based polymers, and olefin block copolymers. 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 other propylene / ethylene copolymers.

[0040] Wax

[0041] The waxes include, but are not limited to, paraffin wax, microcrystalline wax, polyethylene wax, polypropylene wax, Fischer-Tropsch wax, oxidized Fischer-Tropsch wax, hydroxystearamide wax, fatty amide wax, and combinations thereof. Additional waxes include animal waxes, vegetable waxes, and combinations thereof.

[0042] Oil

[0043] The oils include, but are not limited to, mineral oils such as naphthenic oil, paraffin oil, or hydrogenated (white) oil; vegetable oils and animal oils and their derivatives; petroleum-derived oils; and combinations thereof. Additional oils include liquid polyolefins such as liquid polybutene; and phthalates such as diisoundecyl phthalate, diisononyl phthalate, dioctyl phthalate; and combinations thereof.

[0044] Viscosity modifier

[0045] The tackifiers are known in the art and can be solid, semi-solid, or liquid at room temperature. The tackifiers include, but are not limited to, aliphatic hydrocarbon resins (hydrogenated or unhydrogenated), aromatic hydrocarbon resins (hydrogenated or unhydrogenated), hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, rosin, rosin esters, wood rosin, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosin, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic-modified polyterpenes, terpene phenols, aromatic-modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resins, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes and modified terpenes, hydrogenated abietic acid, hydrogenated rosin esters, their derivatives, and combinations thereof. Preferred tackifiers are selected from hydrogenated aliphatic hydrocarbon resins and hydrogenated aromatic hydrocarbon resins.

[0046] Additive

[0047] The compositions of the present invention can include one or more additives. Non-limiting examples of suitable additives include fillers, antioxidants, flame retardants, and antimicrobial agents. Fillers include, but are not limited to, calcium carbonate (CaCO3), fly ash, barium sulfate, and clay (aluminum hydroxide silicate). Fillers can also include high heat content fillers such as limestone, marble, quartz, silica, and barite (BaSO4).

[0048] In one embodiment, the composition comprises at least one antioxidant. The antioxidant prevents the composition from being degraded due to reactions with oxygen initiated by such substances as heat, light, or residual catalysts present in commercial materials. Suitable antioxidants include antioxidants commercially available from BASF, such as IRGANOX 1010, IRGANOX 1076, and IRGANOX 1726, which are hindered phenols. These primary antioxidants, which act as free radical scavengers, can be used alone or in combination with other antioxidants, such as phosphite antioxidants, like IRGAFOS 168 also available from BASF. In one embodiment, the composition comprises 0.1 wt%, or 0.2 wt%, or 0.3 wt% To 0.6 wt%, or 0.8 wt%, or 1.0 wt% of at least one antioxidant. The weight percentages are based on the total weight of the composition.

[0049] Define

[0050] Unless stated to the contrary, implied by the context, or customary in the art, all parts and percentages are by weight, and all test methods are the latest test methods as of the filing date of this disclosure.

[0051] As used herein, the term "composition" includes mixtures of materials, said mixtures of materials including the composition as well as reaction products and decomposition products formed from the materials of the composition. Any reaction products or decomposition products are typically present in trace or residual amounts.

[0052] As used herein, the term "polymer" refers to a polymeric compound prepared by polymerizing 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. Typically, polymers are stabilized with very low amounts ("ppm" amounts) of one or more stabilizers, such as one or more antioxidants.

[0053] 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.

[0054] As used herein, the term "olefin-based polymer" refers to a polymer that comprises 50 weight percent or a majority weight percentage of olefins, such as ethylene or propylene (based on the weight of the polymer) in polymerized form and optionally may contain one or more comonomers.

[0055] As used herein, the term "propylene-based polymer" means a polymer that comprises a majority weight percentage of propylene in polymerized form (based on the weight of the polymer) and optionally may comprise one or more comonomers.

[0056] As used herein, the term "propylene / ethylene interpolymer" means a random interpolymer that comprises a majority weight percentage of propylene (based on the weight of the interpolymer) and ethylene in polymerized form.

[0057] As used herein, the term "propylene / ethylene copolymer" means a random copolymer that comprises a majority weight percentage of propylene monomer and ethylene as the only two monomer types in polymerized form (based on the weight of the copolymer).

[0058] As used herein, the term "propylene / α-olefin interpolymer" means a random interpolymer that comprises a majority weight percentage of propylene (based on the weight of the interpolymer) and an α-olefin in polymerized form.

[0059] As used herein, the term "propylene / α-olefin copolymer" means a random copolymer that comprises a majority weight percentage of propylene monomer and an α-olefin as the only two monomer types in polymerized form (based on the weight of the copolymer).

[0060] As used herein, the term "ethylene-based polymer" means a polymer that comprises 50 wt% or a majority weight percentage of ethylene in polymerized form (based on the weight of the polymer) and optionally may comprise one or more comonomers.

[0061] As used herein, the term "anhydride-functionalized and / or carboxylic acid-functionalized olefin-based polymer" means an olefin-based polymer that comprises an anhydride functional group and / or a carboxylic acid functional group.

[0062] As used herein, the term "anhydride-functionalized and / or carboxylic acid-functionalized propylene-based polymer" means a propylene-based polymer that comprises an anhydride functional group and / or a carboxylic acid functional group.

[0063] 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 polymeric or otherwise. In contrast, the term "consisting essentially of" excludes any other components, steps or procedures from any subsequent recited scope, except those that are not essential to the operability. The term "consisting of" excludes any component, step or procedure not specifically recited or listed.

[0064] A list of some composition characteristics

[0065] A] A composition comprising the following components:

[0066] a) at least one propylene / ethylene copolymer or at least one propylene / α-olefin copolymer, each copolymer having the following properties:

[0067] i) a melting point Tm (DSC) of 60 °C to 85 °C,

[0068] ii) a viscosity (at 177 °C) of 3,000 cP to 30,000 cP;

[0069] b) at least one wax;

[0070] c) at least one oil; and

[0071] wherein the composition has a weight ratio of component b to component c of 0.30 to 4.0.

[0072] B] The composition according to A] above, wherein component a has a Tm of ≥62 °C, or ≥63 °C, or ≥64 °C, or ≥65 °C, or ≥66 °C, or ≥67 °C, or ≥68 °C. As discussed in the "Test Methods" section, Tm is determined by DSC.

[0073] C] The composition according to A] or B] above, wherein component a has a Tm of ≤84 °C, or ≤83 °C, or ≤82 °C, or ≤81 °C, or ≤80 °C, or ≤79 °C, or ≤78 °C, or ≤77 °C, or ≤76 °C.

[0074] D] The composition according to any one of A] to C] above, wherein component a has a viscosity (at 177 °C) of ≥ 3,500 cP, or ≥ 4,000 cP, or ≥ 4,200 cP, or ≥ 4,400 cP, or ≥ 4,600 cP, or ≥ 4,800 cP, or ≥ 5,000 cP, or ≥ 5,200 cP, or ≥ 5,400 cP, or ≥ 5,600 cP, or ≥ 5,800 cP, or ≥ 6,000 cP, or ≥ 6,200 cP, or ≥ 6,400 cP, or ≥ 6,600 cP, or ≥ 6,800 cP, or ≥ 7,000 cP, or ≥ 7,200 cP.

[0075] E] The composition according to any one of A] to D] above, wherein component a has a viscosity (at 177 °C) of ≤ 28,000 cP, or ≤ 26,000 cP, or ≤ 24,000 cP, or ≤ 22,000 cP, or ≤ 20,000 cP, or ≤ 18,000 cP, or ≤ 16,000 cP, or ≤ 15,000 cP, or ≤ 14,000 cP, or ≤ 13,000 cP, or ≤ 12,000 cP, or ≤ 11,000 cP, or ≤ 10,000 cP.

[0076] F] The composition according to any one of A] to E] above, wherein the composition has a weight ratio of component b to component c of ≥ 0.35, or ≥ 0.40, or ≥ 0.45, or ≥ 0.50, or ≥ 0.52, or ≥ 0.54, or ≥ 0.56, or ≥ 0.58, or ≥ 0.60, or ≥ 0.62.

[0077] G] The composition according to any one of A] to F] above, wherein the composition has a weight ratio of component b to component c of ≤ 3.9, or ≤ 3.8, or ≤ 3.7, or ≤ 3.6, or ≤ 3.5, or ≤ 3.4, or ≤ 3.3, or ≤ 3.2, or ≤ 3.0, or ≤ 2.8, or ≤ 2.6, or ≤ 2.4, or ≤ 2.2, or ≤ 2.0, or ≤ 1.8, or ≤ 1.6.

[0078] H] The composition according to any one of A] to G] above, wherein component a has a density / Tm ratio of ≥ 0.008, or ≥ 0.009, or ≥ 0.010, or ≥ 0.011. Unit = (g / (cc·°C)).

[0079] I] The composition according to any one of A] to H] above, wherein component a has a density / Tm ratio of ≤ 0.020, or ≤ 0.019, or ≤ 0.017, or ≤ 0.016, or ≤ 0.015, or ≤ 0.014. Unit = (g / (cc·°C)).

[0080] J] The composition according to any one of A] to I] above, wherein component a has a density of ≥ 0.860 g / cc, or ≥ 0.861 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, or ≥ 0.868 g / cc (1 cc = 1 cm 3 ).

[0081] K] The composition according to any one of A] to J] above, wherein component a has a density of ≤ 0.874 g / cc, or ≤ 0.873 g / cc, or ≤ 0.872 g / cc, or ≤ 0.871 g / cc, or ≤ 0.870 g / cc.

[0082] L] The composition according to any one of A] to K] above, wherein component a has a crystallization temperature Tc of ≥ 15 °C, or ≥ 16 °C, or ≥ 17 °C, or ≥ 18 °C, or ≥ 19 °C, or ≥ 20 °C.

[0083] M] The composition according to any one of A] to L] above, wherein component a has a crystallization temperature Tc of ≤ 40 °C, or ≤ 39 °C, or ≤ 38 °C, or ≤ 37 °C, or ≤ 36 °C, or ≤ 35 °C, or ≤ 34 °C, or ≤ 33 °C, or ≤ 32 °C.

[0084] N] The composition according to any one of A] to M] above, wherein component a has a glass transition temperature Tg of ≥ - 35 °C, or ≥ - 34 °C, or ≥ - 33 °C, or ≥ - 32 °C, or ≥ - 31 °C.

[0085] O] The composition according to any one of A] to N] above, wherein component a has a glass transition temperature Tg of ≤ - 25 °C, or ≤ - 26 °C, or ≤ - 27 °C, or ≤ - 28 °C, or ≤ - 29 °C.

[0086] P] The composition according to any one of A] to O] above, wherein component a has a weight average molecular weight Mw of ≥ 30,000 g / mol, or ≥ 32,000 g / mol, or ≥ 34,000 g / mol, or ≥ 36,000 g / mol, or ≥ 38,000 g / mol, or ≥ 40,000 g / mol, or ≥ 42,000 g / mol, or ≥ 43,000 g / mol.

[0087] Q] The composition according to any one of A] to P] above, wherein component a has a weight-average molecular weight Mw of ≤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 ≤47,000 g / mol.

[0088] R] The composition according to any one of A] to Q] above, wherein component a has a number-average molecular weight Mn of ≥10,000 g / mol, or ≥12,000 g / mol, or ≥14,000 g / mol, or ≥16,000 g / mol, or ≥18,000 g / mol.

[0089] S] The composition according to any one of A] to R] above, wherein component a has a number-average molecular weight Mn of ≤32,000 g / mol, or ≤30,000 g / mol, or ≤28,000 g / mol, or ≤26,000 g / mol, or ≤24,000 g / mol, or ≤22,000 g / mol, or ≤20,000 g / mol.

[0090] T] The composition according to any one of A] to S] above, wherein component a has a molecular weight distribution MWD (=Mw / Mn) of ≥1.80, or ≥2.00, or ≥2.10, or ≥2.20, or ≥2.30.

[0091] U] The composition according to any one of A] to T] above, wherein component a has a molecular weight distribution MWD of ≤3.00, or ≤2.80, or ≤2.70, or ≤2.60, or ≤2.50, or ≤2.40.

[0092] V] The composition according to any one of A] to U] above, wherein component a is a propylene / ethylene interpolymer and further is a propylene / ethylene copolymer.

[0093] W] The composition according to any one of A] to U] above, wherein component a is a propylene / α-olefin interpolymer and further is a propylene / α-olefin copolymer.

[0094] X] The composition according to W] above, wherein the α-olefin is a C4-C20 α-olefin, and further is a C4-C10 α-olefin, and further is a C4-C8 α-olefin.

[0095] Y]The composition according to any one of A] to X] above, wherein based on the weight of the composition, the composition comprises ≤ 1.00 wt%, or ≤ 0.50 wt%, or ≤ 0.20 wt%, or ≤ 0.10 wt%, or ≤ 0.05 wt% of filler.

[0096] Z]The composition according to any one of A] to Y] above, wherein the composition does not contain filler.

[0097] AA]The composition according to any one of A] to Z] above, wherein in the absence of filler, the composition has a viscosity (at 165 °C) of ≥ 800 cP, or ≥ 900 cP, or ≥ 1000 cP, or ≥ 1100 cP, or ≥ 1200 cP.

[0098] BB]The composition according to any one of A] to AA] above, wherein in the absence of filler, the composition has a viscosity (at 165 °C) of ≤ 3000 cP, or ≤ 2800 cP, or ≤ 2600 cP, or ≤ 2400 cP, or ≤ 2200 cP, or ≤ 2200 cP, or ≤ 1800 cP, or ≤ 1600 cP, or ≤ 1400 cP.

[0099] CC]The composition according to any one of A] to BB] above, wherein based on the weight of the composition, in the absence of filler, the composition

[0100] comprises ≥ 34 wt%, or ≥ 36 wt%, or ≥ 38 wt%, or ≥ 40 wt% of component a.

[0101] DD]The composition according to any one of A] to CC] above, wherein based on the weight of the composition, in the absence of filler, the composition comprises ≤ 50 wt%, or ≤ 48 wt%, or ≤ 46 wt%, or ≤ 44 wt% of component a.

[0102] EE]The composition according to any one of A] to DD] above, wherein based on the weight of the composition, in the absence of filler, the composition comprises ≥ 40 wt%, or ≥ 42 wt%, or ≥ 44 wt%, or ≥ 46 wt%, or ≥ 48 wt%, or ≥ 50 wt%, or ≥ 52 wt% of the sum of components a, b and c.

[0103] FF]The composition according to any one of A] to EE] above, wherein based on the weight of the composition, in the absence of filler, the composition comprises ≤ 70 wt%, or ≤ 68 wt%, or ≤ 66 wt%, or ≤ 64 wt%, or ≤ 62 wt%, or ≤ 60 wt%, or ≤ 58 wt% of the sum of components a, b and c.

[0104] GG]The composition according to any one of A] to X] above, wherein the composition further comprises component d): at least one filler.

[0105] HH]The composition according to GG] above, wherein the composition has a weight ratio of component d to component a of ≥5.00, or ≥6.00, or ≥7.00, or ≥8.00.

[0106] II]The composition according to GG] or HH] above, wherein the composition has a weight ratio of component d to component a of ≤15.0, or ≤14.0, or ≤13.0, or ≤12.0, or ≤11.0, or ≤10.0.

[0107] JJ]The composition according to any one of GG] to II] above, wherein based on the weight of the composition, the composition comprises ≥55.0 wt%, or ≥60.0 wt%, or ≥65.0 wt%, or ≥70.0 wt%, or ≥75.0 wt%, or ≥77.0 wt% of component d.

[0108] KK]The composition according to any one of GG] to JJ] above, wherein based on the weight of the composition, the composition comprises ≤90.0 wt%, or ≤88.0 wt%, or ≤86.0 wt%, or ≤84.0 wt%, or ≤82.0 wt%, or ≤80.0 wt% of component d.

[0109] LL]The composition according to any one of A] to KK] above, wherein the composition further comprises component e): an acid anhydride-functionalized and / or carboxylic acid-functionalized olefin-based polymer, and further is an acid anhydride-grafted and / or carboxylic acid-grafted olefin-based polymer.

[0110] MM]The composition according to LL] above, wherein component e is an acid anhydride-functionalized and / or carboxylic acid-functionalized propylene-based polymer, and further is an acid anhydride-grafted and / or carboxylic acid-grafted propylene-based polymer.

[0111] NN]The composition according to LL] or MM] above, wherein the composition has a weight ratio of component a to component e of ≥15, or ≥16, or ≥17, or ≥18, or ≥19, or ≥20.

[0112] OO]The composition according to any one of LL] to NN] above, wherein the composition has a weight ratio of component a to component e of ≤30, or ≤28, or ≤26, or ≤25, or ≤24, or ≤23, or ≤22.

[0113] PP]The composition according to any one of A] to OO] above, wherein the composition further comprises component f): at least one tackifier.

[0114] QQ]The composition according to the composition of PP] above, wherein the composition has a weight ratio of component a to component f of ≥0.80, or ≥0.85, or ≥0.90, or ≥0.95.

[0115] RR]The composition according to the composition of PP] or QQ] above, wherein the composition has a weight ratio of component a to component f of ≤1.20, or ≤1.15, or ≤1.10, or ≤1.05, or ≤1.00.

[0116] SS]The composition according to any one of GG] to RR] above, wherein, based on the weight of the composition, in the case of having component d, the composition comprises ≥5.0 wt%, or ≥6.0 wt%, or ≥7.0 wt%, or ≥8.0 wt% of component a.

[0117] TT]The composition according to any one of GG] to SS] above, wherein, based on the weight of the composition, in the case of having component d, the composition comprises ≤15.0 wt%, or ≤14.0 wt%, or ≤13.0 wt%, or ≤12.0 wt%, or ≤11.0 wt%, or ≤10.0 wt% of component a.

[0118] UU]The composition according to any one of GG] to TT] above, wherein, based on the weight of the composition, in the case of having component d, the composition comprises ≥5.0 wt%, or ≥6.0 wt%, or ≥7.0 wt%, or ≥8.0 wt%, or ≥9.0 wt%, or ≥10.0 of the total of components a, b and c.

[0119] VV]The composition according to any one of GG] to UU] above, wherein, based on the weight of the composition, in the case of having component d, the composition comprises ≤20 wt%, or ≤18 wt%, or ≤16 wt%, or ≤14 wt%, or ≤12 wt% of the total of components a, b and c.

[0120] WW]The composition according to any one of GG] to VV] above, wherein, in the case of having component d, the composition has a viscosity (165 °C) of ≥10,000 cP, or ≥12,000 cP, or ≥14,000 cP, or ≥16,000 cP, or ≥18,000 cP, or ≥20,000 cP.

[0121] XX]The composition according to any one of GG] to WW] above, wherein when component d is present, the composition has a viscosity (at 165 °C) of ≤ 50,000 cP, or ≤ 48,000 cP, or ≤ 46,000 cP, or ≤ 44,000 cP, or ≤ 42,000 cP, or ≤ 40,000 cP, or ≤ 38,000 cP, or ≤ 36,000 cP, or ≤ 34,000 cP.

[0122] YY]The composition according to any one of A] to XX] above, wherein the ratio of "the viscosity (at 165 °C) of the composition when component d is present" to "the viscosity (at 165 °C) of the composition when component d is absent" is ≥ 3.0, or ≥ 5.0, or ≥ 7.0, or ≥ 10.0, or ≥ 12.0, or ≥ 14.0, or ≥ 16.0, or ≥ 18.0, or ≥ 20.0, or ≥ 22.0, or ≥ 24.0.

[0123] ZZ]The composition according to any one of A] to YY] above, wherein the ratio of "the viscosity (at 165 °C) of the composition when component d is present" to "the viscosity (at 165 °C) of the composition when component d is absent" is ≤ 65, or ≤ 55, or ≤ 50, or ≤ 48, or ≤ 46, or ≤ 44, or ≤ 42, or ≤ 40, or ≤ 38, or ≤ 36, or ≤ 34, or ≤ 32, or ≤ 30.

[0124] A3]The composition according to any one of A] to ZZ] above, wherein the composition has a breaking tensile strain of ≥ 6.0%, or ≥ 6.5%, or ≥ 7.0%, or ≥ 7.5%, or ≥ 8.0%, or ≥ 9.0%.

[0125] B3]The composition according to any one of A] to A3] above, wherein the composition has a breaking tensile strain of ≥ 10%, or ≥ 11%, or ≥ 12%, or ≥ 13%, or ≥ 14%, or ≥ 15%.

[0126] C3]The composition according to any one of A] to B3] above, wherein the composition has a breaking tensile strain of ≤ 60%, or ≤ 50%, or ≤ 40%.

[0127] D3]The composition according to any one of A] to C3] above, wherein the composition has a Young's modulus of ≥ 100 MPa, or ≥ 105 MPa, or ≥ 110 MPa, or ≥ 112 MPa, or ≥ 114 MPa, or ≥ 116 MPa, or ≥ 118 MPa, or ≥ 120 MPa.

[0128] E3] The composition according to any one of A] to D3] above, wherein the composition has a Young's modulus of ≥150 MPa, or ≥200 MPa, or ≥250 MPa, or ≥300 MPa.

[0129] F3] The composition according to any one of A] to E3] above, wherein the composition has a Young's modulus of ≤1000 MPa, or ≤900 MPa, or ≤800 MPa, or ≤700 MPa.

[0130] G3] The composition according to any one of A] to F3] above, wherein the composition further comprises a thermoplastic polymer, which is different from component a in one or more characteristics such as monomer type and / or amount, Tm, Tc, Tg, density, viscosity (177 °C), Mn, Mw, MWD, or any combination thereof, and further in one or more characteristics such as monomer type and / or amount, Tm, Tc, Tg, density, viscosity (177 °C), or any combination thereof.

[0131] H3] An article comprising at least one component formed from the composition according to any one of A] to G3] above.

[0132] I3] The article according to H3] above, wherein the article is a carpet.

[0133] Test method

[0134] Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)

[0135] Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to measure Tm, Tc, Tg, and crystallinity in propylene (PP)-based samples and ethylene (PE)-based samples. Each sample (0.5 g) was compression molded into a film at 25000 psi and 190 °C for 10 to 15 seconds. Approximately 5 mg to 8 mg of the film sample was weighed and placed in a DSC pan. The lid was tightened on the pan to ensure an enclosed atmosphere. The sample pan was placed in the DSC unit, and then it was heated to a temperature of 230 °C (180 °C for PE) at a rate of approximately 10 °C / minute for PP. The sample was held at this temperature for three minutes. Then, the sample was cooled to -60 °C ( -90 °C for PE) at a rate of 10 °C / minute for PP and held isothermally at that temperature for three minutes. Subsequently, the sample was heated at a rate of 10 °C / minute until complete melting (second heating). Unless otherwise stated, the melting point (Tm) and glass transition temperature (Tg) of each polymer sample were determined from the second heating curve, and the crystallization temperature (Tc) was determined from the first cooling curve. The Tg and the corresponding peak temperatures of Tm and Tc were recorded. The percent crystallinity was calculated by dividing the heat of fusion (Hf) determined from the second heating curve by the theoretical heat of fusion of 165 J / g for PP (292 J / g for PE) and multiplying this quantity by 100 (e.g., % crystallinity = (Hf / 165 J / g) × 100 for PP).

[0136] Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) - propylene-based polymers

[0137] A high-temperature gel permeation chromatography (GPC) system equipped with a robotic-assisted delivery (RAD) system for sample preparation and sample injection was used. The concentration detector was an infrared detector (IR4) from Polymer Char Inc. (Valencia, Spain). Data acquisition was performed using a Polymer Char DM 100 data acquisition cartridge. The system was equipped with an online solvent degassing device from Agilent Technologies. The column compartment was operated at 150 °C. The columns were four Mixed A LS 30 cm, 20 micron columns. The solvent was 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene (TCB) purged with nitrogen (N2) and containing approximately "200 ppm" of 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol (BHT). The flow rate was 1.0 mL / minute, and the injection volume was 200 μl. A sample concentration of "2 mg / mL" was prepared by dissolving the sample in N2-purged and preheated TCB (containing 200 ppm BHT) for 2.5 hours (with gentle stirring at 160 °C).

[0138] The GPC column set was calibrated by running twenty narrow molecular weight distribution polystyrene (PS) standards. The molecular weights (MW) of the standards ranged from 580 g / mol to 8,400,000 g / mol, and the standards were contained in six “cocktail” mixtures. Each standard mixture had at least a decade separation between individual molecular weights. Using the following equation (1), the Mark-Houwink coefficients of polypropylene (Th.G. Scholte, N.L.J. Meijerink, H.M. Schoffeleers, and A.M.G. Brands, J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 29, 3763–3782 (1984)) and polystyrene (E.P. Otocka, R.J. Roe, N.Y. Hellman, P.M. Muglia, Macromolecules, 4, 507 (1971)) were used to calculate the equivalent polypropylene molecular weight for each PS standard:

[0139]

[0140] where M PP is the PP equivalent MW and M PS is the PS equivalent MW. The log K and a values for the Mark-Houwink coefficients for PP and PS are listed in Table A below.

[0141] Table A

[0142] Polymer a logK Polypropylene 0.725 -3.721 Polystyrene 0.702 -3.900

[0143] A logarithmic molecular weight calibration as a function of elution volume was generated using a fourth-order polynomial fit. The number-average molecular weight and weight-average molecular weight were calculated according to the following equations:

[0144]

[0145] where w fi and M i are the weight fraction and molecular weight of eluted component i, respectively (note that MWD = Mw / Mn).

[0146] Melt index

[0147] The melt flow rate (MFR) of the propylene-based polymer was measured according to ASTM D-1238 at 230 °C / 2.16 kg. The melt index I2 of the ethylene-based polymer was measured according to ASTM D-1238 at 190 °C / 2.16 kg.

[0148] Density

[0149] ASTM D4703 is used to prepare polymer plaques for density analysis. The density of each polymer is measured using ASTM D792, Method B.

[0150] Viscosity of unfilled composition

[0151] The viscosity of each unfilled composition at 165 °C under a SC4-31 spindle is measured using a Brookfield Viscometer, model LVDV-1Prime with Thermosel, in accordance with the Standard Test for Apparent Viscosity of Hot Melt Adhesives and Coating Materials, ASTM D1986. The sample is added to the sample chamber, and then the sample chamber is inserted into the Brookfield Thermosel and locked in place. The sample chamber has a notch at the bottom that fits the bottom of the Brookfield Thermosel to ensure that the chamber does not rotate when the spindle is inserted and rotated. The sample (about 8 grams to 10 grams) is heated to the desired temperature until the molten sample is approximately one inch below the top of the sample chamber. The viscometer device is lowered, and the spindle is immersed into the sample chamber. The viscometer is further lowered until the bracket on the viscometer aligns with the Thermosel. The viscometer is turned on and set to operate at a certain shear rate that will cause the torque reading to be in the range of 40% to 60% of the total torque capacity based on the RPM output of the viscometer. Readings are taken once per minute for 30 minutes or until the value stabilizes, at which point the final reading is recorded.

[0152] Viscosity of filled composition

[0153] The viscosity of each filled composition at 165 °C is measured using a Brookfield Viscometer, model DV2THBTJ0 Prime with Thermosel, using a SC4-29 spindle. The sample (about 22 grams) is measured and added to a sample vial. The sample vial is placed in the Thermosel and melted. Next, the SC4-29 spindle is placed in the sample. Using the RHEOCALC T software or "manual mode" on the instrument, the spindle is rotated at 3 RPM for ten minutes. Immediately after that, the speed is increased to 40 RPM, and data is collected every minute for 30 minutes. The viscosity is reported as the average of the last five readings (last 5 minutes).

[0154] Viscosity of polymer Degree

[0155] According to ASTM D3236, the viscosity of each polymer (8 g to 10 g) was measured using a Brookfield viscometer model LVDV-1Prime with Thermosel. The viscosity at 177 °C was measured using rotor SC4-31.

[0156] Compression molding

[0157] Each composition was compression molded into one or more plaques using a Carver press for physical testing. The plaque dimensions were "6 inches by 2.5 inches by 0.08 inches thick". The polymer was pre-melted at 190 °C for one minute at 5,000 lb and then pressed at 30,000 lb for five minutes and then cooled between cooling plates at 17 °C for one minute.

[0158] Microtensile testing - mechanical properties

[0159] Microtensile data was collected on each compression molded plaque (see above) on an INSTRON 5565 equipped with a 100 N load cell. Each plaque was die cut using a NAEF stamping press with "ASTM die D1708" to form microtensile bars with a thickness of 0.08 inches. A strain rate of 0.100 inches / minute was applied to each tensile bar until failure (failure was defined as load < 0.25 N). A minimum of three samples and a maximum of five samples were collected for each composition and the average value of each property was reported.

[0160] Experiment

[0161] Commercial materials

[0162] Commercial materials are listed in Table 1 below.

[0163] Table 1: Commercial materials

[0164]

[0165] *Estimated viscosity (at 190 °C) > 500,000 cP.

[0166] Polymer synthesis and properties

[0167] In a single all-liquid reactor configuration, each propylene-ethylene copolymer is produced using a solution polymerization process. Industrial standard positive displacement pump technology is used to deliver the solvent (ISOPAR E) pressure. The ISOPAR E flow rate is metered to maintain the solvent-to-polymer production ratio indicated in Table 2 below. Standard positive displacement pump technology is also used to deliver the propylene pressure. The propylene is metered to maintain the ratio of solvent to propylene indicated in Table 2. The propylene is combined with the solvent downstream of the solvent flow meter. Industrial standard gas compressor technology is used to deliver the ethylene pressure. The ethylene flow rate is metered to maintain the ratio of propylene to ethylene indicated in Table 2. The hydrogen supply pressure is delivered from a cylinder. The hydrogen flow rate is metered to maintain the hydrogen-to-polymer production ratio indicated in Table 2. The hydrogen is combined with the ethylene gas downstream of the ethylene flow meter. The combined gas stream is mixed with the combined liquid stream. Standard coriolis meters are used to measure the solvent, propylene, and ethylene flow rates, and standard thermal mass flow meters are used to measure the hydrogen flow rate. The polymer viscosity is controlled by controlling the hydrogen-to-polymer production ratio. To decrease the polymer viscosity, the ratio of hydrogen to polymer is increased, which results in a greater hydrogen flow rate to the reactor. To increase the polymer viscosity, the ratio of hydrogen to polymer is decreased, which results in a lower hydrogen flow rate to the reactor.

[0168] The combined feed stream is passed through a heat exchanger system to cool the stream to the target feed temperature indicated in Table 2. The flow is directed from the heat exchanger system into a reactor where the fluid is injected into the polymerization liquid. The feed pressure is not directly controlled. The control point is the reactor pressure. Thus, for a given total flow rate, the feed pressure is the result of the pressure drop in the feed system.

[0169] The pressure required to inject each catalyst component in the catalyst composition is delivered using industrial standard positive displacement pump technology. The flow rate is measured using a coriolis meter. Each component is pumped and metered separately. The catalyst complex and the cocatalyst are injected into the reactor separately. The cocatalyst 2 is combined with the cocatalyst 1, and the combined stream is injected into the reactor. As a result of this configuration, the catalyst complex is activated in the reactor.

[0170] The flow rate of the catalyst complex is adjusted to control the propylene conversion to the value indicated in Table 2. The flow rates of the cocatalyst 1 and the cocatalyst 2 are controlled to maintain a constant molar ratio of each component to the catalyst. The ethylene conversion is controlled by the selected catalyst complex and its relative reactivity of propylene to ethylene for the propylene conversion set point.

[0171] Two different catalyst complexes from the biphenylphenoxy family are used to produce the copolymer. Catalyst A is used to prepare HIPOs 1 and 4, while Catalyst B is used to prepare HIPOs 2 and 3. The procedures for synthesizing each of Catalyst A and Catalyst B can be found in WO2012 / 027448 and WO2007 / 136493, respectively. Both catalysts contain a hafnium metal center (M), and the structures are shown in Table 3 below. Each catalyst is activated by contacting the metal-ligand complex with bis(hydrogenated tallow alkyl)methyltetrakis(pentafluoro-phenyl)borate(1<->)amine (Cocatalyst 1) and MMAO (Cocatalyst 2). See Table 3.

[0172] The exotherm of polymerization is removed by the adiabatic temperature rise of the solvent and reactants from the feed to the reactor temperature, and by non-adiabatic heat removal via heat exchange to maintain the reactor temperature in Table 2. Water is injected into the reactor effluent to terminate the polymerization reaction. The polymer is separated in bales. The polymer can be stabilized with one or more antioxidants at 1000 ppm to 1500 ppm. The polymer properties are shown in Tables 4A and 4B.

[0173] Table 2: Polymerization conditions

[0174]

[0175] *

[0176] **

[0177] Table 3: Catalysts and cocatalysts

[0178]

[0179] Table 4A: Polymer properties (density, DSC, viscosity)

[0180]

[0181] Table 4B: Polymer properties (GPC)

[0182] P / E Mw (g / mol) Mn (g / mol) MWD HIPO 1 49,085 23,806 2.06 HIPO 2 45,855 19,440 2.36 HIPO 3 45,088 19,160 2.35 HIPO 4 43,074 22,463 3.01

[0183] Study – filled compositions

[0184] Composition – Compound with filler

[0185] The compositions are shown in Table 5. Compounding of each filled composition was carried out on a HAAKE RHEOMIX 3000 rotating at 8 RPM. At 140 °C, the polymer (HIPO or commercial polymer) and the functionalized copolymer (MORTON 100P) were added to the mixer and mixed until molten. The filler (CaCO3) was divided into three equal parts. The first part of the filler was added to the mixer and briefly mixed. Then the second part of the filler was added to the mixer and the ram was lowered. The RPM was increased to 60 RPM and mixing was continued for one minute, and then the RPM was reduced to 15 RPM and mixing was continued for one minute. The last part of the filler, wax and IRGANOX 1010 were added, the ram was lowered, and the resulting mixture was mixed at 60 RPM for ten minutes. Next, the tackifier and oil were added, the ram was lowered, and the resulting mixture was mixed for two minutes, and then the RPM was reduced to 15 RPM and mixing was continued for one minute. The mixture collected on the ram was scraped back into the bowl, the RPM was increased to 60 RPM and mixing was continued for two minutes. The RPM was increased to 90 RPM and mixing was continued for three minutes. The final mixture was collected from the HAAKE RHEOMIX and flattened for future testing (compression molding and microtensile testing).

[0186] Each composition in Table 5 was compression molded (see "Test Methods" section) and the mechanical properties were examined by microtensile testing. The mechanical properties are shown in Table 6.

[0187] Table 5: Filled compositions

[0188]

[0189]

[0190] As shown in Table 6, Compositions 1-4 of the present invention show an optimal combination of high Young's modulus and high tensile strain at break. The compositions of the present invention exhibit improved flexibility, as seen in the higher tensile strain at break (%) values. In addition, the Young's modulus is a good indicator of the thermal stability and expansion strength of the composition. Compositions 1 and 4 of the present invention have an optimal combination of a sufficiently high modulus value (less than 450 MPa and greater than 60 MPa) and a high tensile strain at break value, and in addition to the improved flexibility of the carpet backing, this combination also allows for a reduction in carpet backing buckling during the service life of the carpet.

[0191] Except for Comparative Composition A, the unfilled viscosities of all compositions are well below the manufacturing requirement of an unfilled viscosity of 30,000 cP or less (at 165 °C). It should be noted that Comparative Composition A is formed from the high viscosity copolymer VERSIFY 4200. Additionally, each composition of the present invention as a filled thermoplastic can be re-extruded multiple times with little loss in mechanical properties. This can be accomplished by a variety of conversion techniques, including the most common practice of single screw or twin screw extrusion. This also allows these formulations to be recycled in carpet applications or other applications where highly filled formulations will deliver the desired performance properties.

[0192] Table 6: Mechanical properties

[0193]

[0194]

[0195] *The unfilled compositions were prepared by separately compounding the materials of the compositions. Compounding of each unfilled composition was carried out on a HAAKE RHEOMIX 3000 rotating at 30 RPM to 50 RPM. For each composition, the raw materials were dry blended before being added to the mixer. The mixer was preheated to 180 °C. Mixing was continued for five minutes after the punch was fixed in the lower position.

Claims

1. A composition, the composition comprising the following components: a) At least one propylene / ethylene interpolymer or at least one propylene / α-olefin interpolymer, each interpolymer having the following properties: i) A melting point Tm of 60 °C to 85 °C, ii) A viscosity measured at 177 °C of 3,000 cP to 30,000 cP, iii) A molecular weight distribution MWD of ≥ 2.10 and ≤ 3.00; b) at least one wax; c) at least one oil; and f) at least one tackifier; and wherein the composition has a weight ratio of component b to component c of 0.30 to 4.0; wherein the composition further comprises a component d) : at least one filler; wherein the composition has a weight ratio of component d to component a of ≥ 5.00, and the composition has a weight ratio of component d to component a of ≤ 15.

0.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the component a has a density of ≥ 0.860 g / cc and ≤ 0.874 g / cc.

3. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the component a is a propylene / ethylene interpolymer, where the term "interpolymer" refers to a polymer prepared by the polymerization of at least two different types of monomers.

4. The composition according to claim 2, wherein the component a is a propylene / ethylene interpolymer, wherein the term "interpolymer" means a polymer prepared by the polymerization of at least two different types of monomers.

5. The composition according to any one of claims 3 to 4, wherein the component a is a propylene / ethylene copolymer.

6. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the composition has a viscosity measured at 165 °C of ≥ 10,000 cP and ≤ 50,000 cP.

7. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the composition has a breaking tensile strain of ≥ 6.0% and ≤ 60%.

8. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the composition has a breaking tensile strain of ≥ 12% and ≤ 60%.

9. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the composition has a Young's modulus of ≥ 100 Mpa and ≤ 1000 MPa.

10. An article, the article comprising at least one component formed from the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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