Metallocene polypropylene composition

Abstract

A polymer composition comprising at least 95% by weight of a metallocene catalyzed polypropylene, and at least one of a clarifying agent or a nucleating agent. The polymer composition of the present invention may have a lower haze when compared to a second polymer composition having the same component in the same weight% as the polymer composition of the present invention, distinct only in that the polypropylene in the second polymer composition is Ziegler-Natta catalyzed polypropylene. The haze can be determined by ASTM D1003 at a thickness of 50 mils.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 398,336, filed on August 16, 2022. The contents of the referenced application are incorporated into this application by reference. Background of the Invention

[0004] A. Technical field

[0005] The present application generally relates to polypropylene compositions. In some aspects, when the polypropylene is a metallocene-catalyzed polypropylene, a clarifier and / or a nucleating agent may be added to improve the clarity of the composition. The improved clarification effect of these agents can be demonstrated by comparing the clarification effect of these agents in metallocene-catalyzed polypropylene and non-metallocene-catalyzed polypropylene.

[0006] B. Related technical description

[0007] Polypropylene belongs to the polyolefin class of polymers and is one of the most widely used polymers today. Polypropylene is often considered a commodity chemical, produced in large quantities for use in the automotive industry, consumer goods, and furniture industries. As polypropylene technology has improved, its applications have expanded to specialty areas such as medical devices and aircraft components.

[0008] Polypropylene is made of propylene (C 3 H 6 ) monomers, typically using one of two catalysts, a Ziegler-Natta catalyst or a metallocene catalyst. Each propylene monomer includes a polymerizable element, which is composed of two carbon atoms with a double bond between them and a pendant methyl group attached to one of the two carbon atoms. The polymerizable elements in the monomers chemically react with each other to form long hydrocarbon chains with one pendant methyl group for every two carbon atoms.

[0009] Each propylene monomer can be oriented in one of two ways when polymerized. Therefore, the pendant methyl groups attached to each propylene monomer are fixed in one of two orientations. The collective pattern of orientation of the pendant methyl groups along the polymer chain leads to different basic chain structures. Isotactic polypropylene (iPP) has a uniform and repeating arrangement of methyl groups, where the methyl groups are oriented on one side of the polymer chain. Syndiotactic polypropylene (sPP) has a uniform and alternating arrangement of methyl groups, where the methyl groups are oriented alternately on both sides of the polymer chain. Atactic polypropylene (aPP) has an irregular arrangement of pendant methyl groups with no orientation pattern. The overall orientation pattern of the pendant methyl groups affects the degree to which the polymer chains are aligned with each other, a property known as crystallinity.

[0010] Polypropylene is a semicrystalline polymer that consists of ordered regions with aligned polymer chains and amorphous regions that lack a well-defined shape or form. The ordered or crystalline regions, called spherulites, vary in shape and size, with amorphous regions present between them. Crystallinity affects polymer properties such as stiffness and the material's chemical and thermal resistance.

[0011] As polypropylene cools from a molten state to a solid state, spherulite nuclei begin to form around microscopic sites naturally present in the material. The spherulites continue to grow around the nucleation sites, eventually growing larger than the wavelength of visible light. Large spherulites scatter light, causing the material to appear hazy. A hazy appearance is undesirable for applications where visual appeal is a high priority (e.g., packaging). The haziness of polypropylene can be a factor limiting its use in end products where clarity is desired. This haziness can be more pronounced when polypropylene is formed (e.g., by injection molding) into articles of increased thickness compared to films. Summary of the invention

[0012] We have made a discovery that provides a solution to the hazy appearance associated with certain types of polypropylene. In one aspect, it was found that certain additives have different effects on the clarity of polypropylene, depending in part on the type of catalyst used to synthesize the polypropylene. In particular, it was found that additives such as nucleating agents and / or clarifying agents provide improved clarity when combined with metallocene-catalyzed polypropylene compared to Ziegler-Natta catalyzed polypropylene. The clarifying effect of these additives is reduced when combined with Ziegler-Natta catalyzed polypropylene. In some specific aspects, the clarifying agent can be: a nonanol-based clarifying agent (e.g., 1,2,3,4-dibenzylidene sorbitol, 1,2,3,4-di-p-methylbenzylidene sorbitol, 1,2,3,4-di-m-, p-methylbenzylidene sorbitol or 1,2,3-trideoxy-4,5:5,7-bis-O-[(4-propylphenyl)methylene]-nonanol) or a triamide-based clarifying agent (e.g., 1,3,5-benzenetriamide amide derivatives, preferably 1,3,5-tris(2,2-dimethylpropionamide)benzene). In some specific aspects, the nucleating agent can be a phosphate-based nucleating agent (e.g., (phosphate) 2,2'-methylenebis(4,6,-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphate, which is optionally used in combination with a dispersant). As shown in the examples in a non-limiting manner, this combination of clarifier and / or nucleator with metallocene-catalyzed polypropylene surprisingly improves clarity compared to Ziegler-Natta-catalyzed polypropylene. This improved clarity opens up a wide range of applications and / or uses for the metallocene-catalyzed polypropylene compositions of the present invention. For example, this improved clarity is particularly advantageous in applications where the polypropylene polymer has been formed (e.g., by injection molding) into an article having a thickness of at least 2 mils, preferably at least 5 mils, more preferably at least 10 mils, or more preferably 20 mils to 300 mils, or even more preferably 20 mils to 100 mils.

[0013] In one aspect of the invention, a polymer composition is disclosed, comprising at least 95% by weight of metallocene-catalyzed polypropylene and at least one of a clarifier or a nucleating agent, wherein the polymer composition of the invention may have a lower haze when compared to a second polymer composition, the second polymer composition having the same components of the same weight % as the polymer composition of the invention, but the polypropylene in the second polymer composition is a Ziegler-Natta-catalyzed polypropylene, and the haze is measured by ASTM D1003 at a thickness of 50 mils. Other thicknesses may also be used to test and compare haze (e.g., 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, or 80 mils). In some aspects, the percentage (%) difference between the haze of the polymer composition of the invention and the second polymer composition increases with the amount of at least one clarifier or at least another nucleating agent. The polymer composition may include 0.02% to 0.4% by weight of at least one clarifier or nucleating agent. In some specific aspects, the clarifier may preferably be present at 0.2 wt % to 0.4 wt % (or any range or value therein, such as 0.2, 0.3 or 0.4 wt %). In some specific aspects, the nucleating agent may preferably be present at 0.02 wt % to 0.2 wt % (or any range or value therein, such as 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1 or 0.2 wt %).

[0014] When the haze is associated with the amount of at least one clarifying agent or nucleating agent in the two polymer compositions, the composition can exhibit one or more of the following characteristics. When the polymer composition of the present invention and the second polymer composition both contain 0.1% by weight of at least one clarifying agent or nucleating agent, the percentage difference between the haze of the polymer composition of the present invention and the second polymer composition can be 10% to 25%. When the polymer composition of the present invention and the second polymer composition both contain 0.2% by weight of at least one clarifying agent or nucleating agent, the percentage difference between the haze of the polymer composition of the present invention and the second polymer composition can be 45% to 60%. When the polymer composition of the present invention and the second polymer composition both contain 0.4% by weight of at least one clarifying agent or nucleating agent, the percentage difference between the haze of the polymer composition of the present invention and the second polymer composition can be 90% to 105%. The preferred thickness for measuring these haze values ​​is on a 50 mil molded plate. However, as described above, other thicknesses can also be used to test haze values.

[0015] In some aspects, the metallocene-catalyzed polypropylene and the Ziegler-Natta-catalyzed polypropylene are each homopolymers. In other aspects, the metallocene-catalyzed polypropylene and the Ziegler-Natta-catalyzed polypropylene are each random copolymers. In other aspects, the metallocene-catalyzed polypropylene and the Ziegler-Natta-catalyzed polypropylene are blends of homopolymers and copolymers.

[0016] In some aspects, the polymer composition comprises at least one clarifying agent. In other aspects, the clarifying agent is a clarifying agent based on nonanol (Nonitol) or a clarifying agent based on triamide. In specific aspects, the clarifying agent based on nonanol is 1,2,3,4-dibenzylidene sorbitol, 1,2,3,4-di-p-methylbenzylidene sorbitol, 1,2,3,4-di-m-, p-methylbenzylidene sorbitol or 1,2,3-trideoxy-4,5:5,7-bis-O-[(4-propylphenyl)methylene]-nonanol. In other aspects, the clarifying agent based on triamide is a 1,3,5-benzenetriamide amide derivative, preferably 1,3,5-tris(2,2-dimethylpropionamide)benzene. In some aspects, the clarifying agent is 1,2,3-trideoxy-4,5:5,7-bis-O-[(4-propylphenyl)methylene]-nonanol (Nonitol).

[0017] In some aspects, the polymer composition includes at least one nucleating agent. In a particular aspect, the nucleating agent is a nucleating agent based on phosphate ester. In a particular embodiment, the nucleating agent based on phosphate ester includes (phosphate ester) 2,2'-methylene bis (4,6,-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphate. In some aspects, the dispersant may be included in the nucleating agent based on phosphate ester.

[0018] In some aspects, the melt flow index of the polymer composition measured by ASTM D 1238 (230° C. / 2.16 kg) is 0.2 to 150 g / 10 min. In other aspects, the melt flow index of the polymer composition is 5 to 100 g / 10 min, preferably about 20-30 g / 10 min, and the second polymer composition has the same components in the same weight % amount as the polymer composition, except that the polypropylene in the second polymer composition is a Ziegler-Natta catalyzed polypropylene with a melt flow coefficient of 5 to 100 g / 10 min, preferably about 25-35 g / 10 min.

[0019] In some aspects, the polymer composition further comprises an additive. The additive can be an antioxidant, an acid neutralizer, an antistatic agent, an anti-caking agent, an anti-fogging agent, a preservative, an ultraviolet absorber, a lubricant, a plasticizer, a mineral oil, a wax, a clay, talc, calcium carbonate, diatomaceous earth, carbon black, mica, glass fiber, a filler, a slip agent, a pigment, an ultraviolet stabilizer, a flame retardant, a release agent, a dye, a foaming agent, a fluorescent agent, a surfactant, or any combination thereof.

[0020] In some aspects, the first polypropylene composition may comprise an elongation of 1% to 20%, preferably 3% to 10%, or more preferably about 7% as measured by ASTM D3218 and / or a melting point of 125° C. to 175° C., preferably 140° C. to 160° C., or more preferably about 151° C. as measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The second polymer composition may comprise an elongation of 5% to 20%, preferably 10% to 15%, or more preferably about 12% as measured by ASTM D638 and / or a melting point of 125° C. to 200° C., preferably 150° C. to 175° C., or more preferably about 165° C. as measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).

[0021] In some aspects of the invention, the metallocene catalyzed polypropylene composition, Ziegler-Natta catalyzed polypropylene composition, and / or articles formed from or comprising the metallocene-catalyzed or Ziegler-Natta catalyzed composition may have a thickness of at least 2 mils, 3,4 mils, 4 mils, 5 mils, 6 mils, 7 mils, 8 mils, 9 mils, 10 mils, 15 mils, 20 mils, 25 mils, 30 mils, 35 mils, 40 mils, 45 mils, 50 mils, 55 mils, 60 mils, 65 mils, 70 mils, 75 mils, 80 mils, 85 mils, 90 mils, 95 mils, 100 mils, 100 mils, 100 mils, 100 mils, 100 mils, 100 mils, 100 mils, 100 mils, 100 mils, 100 mils, 100 mils, 100 mils, In some preferred aspects, the polypropylene compositions or articles of the present invention may have a thickness of 20 mils to 100 mils.

[0022] The present invention also discloses an article comprising the polymer composition of the present invention. In some aspects, the method of manufacturing the article comprises: obtaining the polymer composition and manufacturing the article by injection molding, blow molding, compression molding, stretch molding, rotational molding, transfer molding, sheet extrusion thermoforming, shallow-draw thermoforming, deep-draw thermoforming, or profile extrusion.

[0023] A method for preparing the polypropylene composition of the present invention is also disclosed. The method may include: obtaining a composition comprising at least 95% by weight of polypropylene and a clarifying agent and / or a nucleating agent, and extruding the composition to obtain a polypropylene composition. In some aspects, the extrusion conditions include a temperature of 200° C. to 260° C.

[0024] Aspects 1-24 are also disclosed in the context of the present invention. Aspect 1 includes a polymer composition comprising: (a) at least 95 wt% metallocene-catalyzed polypropylene; and (b) at least one of a clarifier or a nucleating agent, wherein the polymer composition can have a lower haze when compared to a second polymer composition, the second polymer composition having the same components as the polymer composition in the same wt% but the polypropylene in the second polymer composition is a Ziegler-Natta catalyzed polypropylene and the haze is measured by ASTM D1003 at a thickness of 50 mils. Aspect 2 is the polymer composition of aspect 1, wherein the percentage (%) difference between the haze of the polymer composition and the second polymer composition increases with increasing amounts of at least one clarifier or at least another nucleating agent. Aspect 3 is the polymer composition of aspect 2, wherein the polymer composition comprises 0.02 wt% to 0.4 wt% of at least one clarifier and / or at least one nucleating agent, preferably 0.2 wt% to 0.4 wt% of at least one clarifier and / or preferably 0.02 wt% to 0.2 wt% of at least one nucleating agent. Aspect 4 is the polymer composition of Aspect 3, wherein: when both polymer compositions contain 0.1 wt% of at least one clarifying agent or nucleating agent, the percentage difference between the haze of the polymer composition and the second polymer composition is 10% to 25%; when both polymer compositions contain 0.2 wt% of at least one clarifying agent or nucleating agent, the percentage difference between the haze of the polymer composition and the second polymer composition is 45% to 60%; and / or when both polymer compositions contain 0.4 wt% of at least one clarifying agent or nucleating agent, the percentage difference between the haze of the polymer composition and the second polymer composition is 90% to 105%. Aspect 5 is the polymer composition of any one of Aspects 1 to 4, wherein the metallocene-catalyzed polypropylene and the Ziegler-Natta-catalyzed polypropylene are both homopolymers. Aspect 6 is the polymer composition of any one of Aspects 1 to 4, wherein the metallocene-catalyzed polypropylene and the Ziegler-Natta-catalyzed polypropylene are both random copolymers. Aspect 7 is the polymer composition of any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the metallocene-catalyzed polypropylene and the Ziegler-Natta-catalyzed polypropylene are blends of homopolymers and copolymers. Aspect 8 is the polymer composition of any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the polymer composition comprises at least one clarifying agent. Aspect 9 is the polymer composition of aspect 8, wherein the clarifying agent is a nonanol-based clarifying agent or a triamide-based clarifying agent.Aspect 10 is the polymer composition of aspect 9, wherein: the nonanol-based clarifying agent is 1,2,3,4-dibenzylidene sorbitol, 1,2,3,4-di-p-methylbenzylidene sorbitol, 1,2,3,4-di-m-, p-methylbenzylidene sorbitol or 1,2,3-trideoxy-4,5:5,7-bis-O-[(4-propylphenyl)methylene]-nonanol; or the triamide-based clarifying agent is a 1,3,5-benzenetriamide amide derivative, preferably 1,3,5-tris(2,2-dimethylpropionamide)benzene. Aspect 11 is the polymer composition of aspect 10, wherein the clarifying agent is 1,2,3-trideoxy-4,5:5,7-bis-O-[(4-propylphenyl)methylene]-nonanol. Aspect 12 is the polymer composition of any one of aspects 1 to 11, wherein the polymer composition comprises at least one nucleating agent. Aspect 13 is the polymer composition of aspect 12, wherein the nucleating agent is a phosphate-based nucleating agent. Aspect 14 is the polymer composition of aspect 13, wherein the nucleating agent comprises (phosphate) 2,2'-methylenebis(4,6,-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphate and an optional dispersant. Aspect 15 is the polymer composition of any one of aspects 1 to 14, wherein the melt flow index of the polymer composition measured by ASTM D1238 (230°C / 2.16kg) is 0.2 to 150 g / 10 min. Aspect 16 is the polymer composition of aspect 15, wherein the melt flow index of the polymer composition is 5 to 100 g / 10 min, preferably about 20 to 30 g / 10 min, and the melt flow index of the second polymer composition is 5 to 100 g / 10 min, preferably about 25 to 35 g / 10 min. Aspect 17 is the polymer composition of any one of Aspects 1 to 16, wherein the polymer composition further comprises an additive, and the additive is an antioxidant, an acid neutralizer, an antistatic agent, an anti-caking agent, an anti-fogging agent, a preservative, a UV absorber, a lubricant, a plasticizer, mineral oil, wax, clay, talc, calcium carbonate, diatomaceous earth, carbon black, mica, glass fiber, filler, slip agent, pigment, UV stabilizer, flame retardant, release agent, dye, foaming agent, fluorescent agent, surfactant or any combination thereof.Aspect 18 is a polymer composition as described in any of Aspects 1 to 17, wherein: the polymer composition has at least one of the following properties: an elongation measured according to ASTM D3218 of 1% to 20%, preferably 3% to 10%, or more preferably about 7%; and / or a melting point measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) of 125°C to 175°C, preferably 140°C to 160°C, or more preferably about 151°C; and / or the second polymer composition has at least one of the following properties: an elongation measured according to ASTM D638 of 5% to 20%, preferably 10% to 15%, or more preferably about 12%; and / or a melting point measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) of 125°C to 200°C, preferably 150°C to 175°C, or more preferably about 165°C. Aspect 19 is the polymer composition of aspects 1 to 18, wherein the polymer composition has a thickness of at least 2 mils, preferably at least 5 mils, more preferably at least 10 mils, or even more preferably 20 mils to 300 mils, or even more preferably 20 mils to 100 mils. Aspect 20 is an article comprising the polymer composition of any one of aspects 1 to 19. Aspect 21 is the article of aspect 20, wherein the article is an injection molded article, preferably having a thickness of 20 mils to 100 mils.

[0025] Aspect 22 is a method for manufacturing the article of aspect 21, the method comprising: obtaining the polymer composition of any one of aspects 1 to 19, and manufacturing the article by injection molding, blow molding, compression molding, stretch molding, rotational molding, transfer molding, sheet extrusion thermoforming, shallow draw thermoforming, deep draw thermoforming or profile extrusion. Aspect 23 is a method for producing the polypropylene composition of any one of aspects 1 to 19, the method comprising: (a) obtaining a composition comprising the following components: at least 95% by weight of polypropylene; and a clarifier or a nucleating agent; and (b) extruding the composition to obtain the polypropylene composition of any one of aspects 1-19. Aspect 24 is the method of aspect 23, wherein the extrusion conditions include a temperature of 200°C to 260°C.

[0026] Other aspects or embodiments of the present invention are also discussed in this application. Any aspect or embodiment discussed with respect to one aspect of the present invention is also applicable to other aspects or embodiments of the present invention, and vice versa. Each aspect or embodiment described herein is understood to be applicable to aspects or embodiments of the present invention of other aspects of the present invention. It is contemplated that any aspect or embodiment discussed herein can be combined with other aspects or embodiments discussed herein and / or implemented with any method or composition of the present invention, and vice versa. In addition, compositions and systems of the present invention can be used to implement methods of the present invention.

[0027] Included below are definitions of various terms and phrases used throughout this specification.

[0028] The term "about" or "approximately" is defined as close to the understanding of those skilled in the art. In a non-limiting embodiment, the term is defined as within 10%, or within 5%, or within 1%, or within 0.5%.

[0029] The terms "weight %", "volume %" or "mole %" refer to the weight percentage, volume percentage or mole percentage of a component, respectively, based on the total weight, total volume or total number of moles of the material containing the component. In a non-limiting example, 10 grams of a component in 100 grams of material is 10 weight % of the component. The term "ppm" refers to one millionth of the weight based on the total weight including the component.

[0030] The term "substantially" and variations thereof are defined to include ranges within ±10%, within ±5%, within ±1%, or within ±0.5%.

[0031] The terms "inhibit" or "reduce" or "prevent" or "avoid" or any variation of these terms, when used in the claims and / or specification, include any measurable reduction or complete inhibition to achieve the desired result.

[0032] The term "effective," as used in the specification and / or claims, means sufficient to accomplish a desired, intended, or expected result.

[0033] When "a" or "an / a" is used with any of the terms "comprising," "including," "containing," or "having" in the claims or the specification, it can mean "one", but is also consistent with the meaning of "one or more", "at least one," and "one or more than one."

[0034] The phrase "and / or" may include "and" or "or". To illustrate, X, Y and / or Z may include: X alone, Y alone, Z alone, a combination of X and Y, a combination of X and Z, a combination of Y and Z, or a combination of X, Y, Z.

[0035] The words "comprise" (and any forms of inclusion, such as "comprising" and "containing"), "have" (and any forms of having, such as "having" and "having"), "include" (and any forms of inclusion, such as "including" and "comprising"), or "contain" (and any forms of containing, such as "including" and "including") are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional unrecited elements or method steps.

[0036] The methods and systems of the present invention may "comprise," "consist essentially of," or "consist of" the specific ingredients, components, compositions, steps, etc. disclosed throughout the specification. With respect to the transitional phrase "consisting essentially of," in one non-limiting aspect, a fundamental novel feature of the compositions and methods of the present invention includes the use of nucleating agents and clarifiers to improve the clarity of metallocene-catalyzed polypropylene compositions compared to Ziegler-Natta-catalyzed polypropylene compositions.

[0037] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description and examples. However, it should be understood that although these detailed descriptions and examples show specific embodiments of the present invention, they are only given in an illustrative manner and are not meant to be restrictive. In addition, it is contemplated that changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art through the detailed description. In other embodiments, the features of the specific embodiments may be combined with the features of other embodiments. For example, features from one embodiment may be combined with features from any other embodiment. In other embodiments, additional features may be added to the specific embodiments described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] One aspect of the present invention is based on the discovery that clarifiers and / or nucleating agents provide targeted improvements in clarity in metallocene-catalyzed polypropylene compositions. The improvement in clarity is surprising and unexpected because the degree of improvement in clarity is greater than other polypropylene compositions, such as Ziegler-Natta catalyzed compositions. In a side-by-side comparison of polypropylene compositions produced using different catalysts, the addition of clarifiers or nucleating agents selectively imparts reduced haze to metallocene-catalyzed polypropylene. The non-limiting data in the Examples section confirm this discovery. These and other non-limiting aspects of the present invention will be discussed in further detail in the following sections.

[0039] A. Polypropylene

[0040] Polypropylene polymers can include homopolymers of polypropylene (e.g., isotactic, syndiotactic, atactic polypropylene), copolymers of propylene and other olefins, and terpolymers of propylene, ethylene and / or dienes. In some cases, controlled rheology grade polypropylene (CRPP) can be used. CRPP is a polypropylene polymer that has been further processed (e.g., by a degradation process) to produce a higher melt flow index (MFI), lower molecular weight, and / or narrower molecular weight distribution than the starting polypropylene.

[0041] Polypropylene can be prepared by any commercially available polymerization process (e.g., "high pressure" process, slurry process, solution process, and gas phase process). Polypropylene can be prepared using the methods described in U.S. Patent Nos. 8,957,159, 8,088,867, 8,071,687, 7,056,991, and 6,653,254. Polypropylene can also be purchased from commercial sources, such as TotalEnergies (USA), Total SA, Lyondell Bassel Industries, Reliance Industries Ltd, Sinopec, and ExxonMobil Chemical Co. Polypropylene can be in pre-extruded form and / or solid form, such as pellets. A non-limiting example of a polypropylene polymer that can be used in the present invention is M3766, a metallocene-catalyzed polypropylene homopolymer having a melt index (2.16 kg-230° C.) of 24 g / 10 min as measured by ASTM D-1238, a density of 0.9 g / cc as measured by ASTM D-1505, and a melting point of 151° C. (304° F.) as measured by differential scanning calorimetry. A non-limiting example of a polypropylene polymer that can be used to demonstrate the effectiveness of clarifying and nucleating additives in metallocene-catalyzed polypropylene is 3825, a Ziegler-Natta-catalyzed polypropylene homopolymer having a melt index (2.16 kg-230° C.) of 30 g / 10 min as measured by ASTM D-1238, a density of 0.9 g / cc as measured by ASTM D-1505, and a melting point of 165° C. (330° F.) as measured by differential scanning calorimetry.

[0042] B. First Polypropylene Composition (Metallocene-Catalyzed Polypropylene Composition)

[0043] The first polypropylene composition can include at least 95 % by weight of metallocene-catalyzed polypropylene and at least one of clarifier or nucleator. Based on the gross weight of the first composition, the first polypropylene composition can contain 95 % by weight to 100 % by weight of polypropylene, or equal to any, at least any, at most any or between any two values ​​in the following values: 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 99.1, 99.2, 99.3, 99.4, 99.5, 99.6, 99.7, 99.8 and 99.9, 99.95 and 100 % by weight. The polypropylene in the first polypropylene composition can be a blend of homopolymer, random copolymer or homopolymer and copolymer. In some aspects, the melt flow index of the first polypropylene composition is 5 to 100 grams / 10 minutes, preferably about 20-30 grams / 10 minutes. In certain aspects, the first polypropylene composition can have any, any combination or all of the following characteristics: i) an elongation as measured by ASTM D3218 of 1% to 20%, preferably 3% to 10%, or more preferably about 7% and / or ii) a melting point as measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) of 125°C to 175°C, preferably 140°C to 160°C, or more preferably about 151°C.

[0044] C. Second Control Polypropylene Polymer (Ziegler-Natta Catalyzed Polypropylene Composition)

[0045] The second polypropylene composition is a control composition that can be used to compare the anti-fog effect of a clarifier or a nucleating agent on different polypropylene compositions. The second polypropylene composition can be a polypropylene catalyzed by Ziegler-Natta. In some aspects, the second polymer composition has the same components of the same weight % as the first polymer composition, except that the polypropylene in the second polymer composition is a polypropylene catalyzed by Ziegler-Natta. The polypropylene in the second polypropylene composition can be a blend of a homopolymer, a random copolymer, or a homopolymer and a copolymer. In some aspects, the melt flow index of the second polypropylene composition is 5 to 100 g / 10 minutes, preferably about 25 to 35 g / 10 minutes. In some aspects, the second polypropylene composition can have any, any combination or all of the following features: i) 5% to 20%, preferably 10% to 15%, or more preferably about 12% of the elongation measured by ASTM D3218 and / or ii) 125°C to 200°C, preferably 150°C to 175°C, or more preferably about 165°C of the melting point measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).

[0046] D. Clarifying agent

[0047] The polypropylene composition of the present invention may include a clarifier or a combination of multiple clarifiers. The clarifier may include a triamide-based clarifier, a nonanol-based clarifier and / or a sorbitol-based clarifier or any combination thereof. The triamide clarifier includes, but is not limited to, an amide derivative of benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid, an amide derivative of 1,3,5-benzenetriamine, a derivative of N-(3,5-bis-formylamino-phenyl)-formamide, a derivative of 2-carbamoyl-malonamide, and a combination thereof. In certain aspects, N,N′,N″-benzene-1,3,5-triyltris(2,2-dimethylpropionamide). Nonanol-based clarifying agents include, but are not limited to, derivatives of nonanol, an example of which includes 1,2,3-trideoxy-4,5:5,7-bis-O-[(4-propylphenyl)methylene]-nonanol (NX8000, CAS Reg. No. 882073-43-0, Milliken Chemical, Spartanburg, South Carolina). Sorbitol clarifying agents include, but are not limited to, 1,2,3,4-dibenzylidene sorbitol (Millad 3905, CAS#: 32647-67-9, Milliken Chemical, Spartanburg, South Carolina), 1,2,3,4-di-p-methylbenzylidene sorbitol (Millad 3940, CAS#: 54686-97-4, Milliken Chemical Company, Spartanburg, South Carolina) and 1,2,3,4-di-p-methylbenzylidene sorbitol (Millad 3998, CAS#: 135861-56-2, Milliken Chemical Company, Spartanburg, South Carolina). Another clarifying agent useful in the present invention includes NA-71 (ADK STAB NA-71) (Adeka Corporation, Tokyo, Japan). In some preferred aspects, the clarifying agent is 1,2,3-trideoxy-4,5:5,7-bis-O-[(4-propylphenyl)methylene]-nonanol (NX8000, CAS Reg. No. 882073-43-0, Milliken Chemical Company, Spartanburg, South Carolina). Chemical, Spartanburg, SC). In other preferred aspects, the clarifying agent is a 1,3,5-benzenetriamide derivative, preferably 1,3,5-tris(2,2-dimethylpropionamido)benzene (Irgacelar XT 386, BASF, Ludwigshafen, Germany).

[0048] In some preferred aspects, the clarifying agent is a nonanol-based clarifying agent, preferably 1,2,3-trideoxy-4,5:5,7-bis-O-[(4-propylphenyl)methylene]-nonanol (NX8000, CAS Reg. No. 882073-43-0, Milliken Chemical, Spartanburg, South Carolina).

[0049] The amount of nucleating agent that may be included in the polypropylene composition of the present invention includes 0.01 wt% to 5 wt%, or any amount or range therein (e.g., 0.01 wt%, 0.05 wt%, 0.1 wt%, 0.2 wt%, 0.3 wt%, 0.4 wt%, 0.5 wt%, 0.6 wt%, 0.7 wt%, 0.8 wt%, 0.9 wt%, 1 wt%, 1.5 wt%, 2 wt%, 2.5 wt%, 3 wt%, 3.5 wt%, 4 wt%, 4.5 wt%, 5 wt%). In some preferred aspects, the polypropylene composition of the present invention may comprise 0.01 wt% to 0.5 wt%, or any amount or range therein (e.g., 0.01 wt%, 0.02 wt%, 0.03 wt%, 0.04 wt%, 0.05 wt%, 0.06 wt%, 0.07 wt%, 0.08 wt%, 0.09 wt%, 0.1 wt%, 0.2 wt%, 0.3 wt%, 0.4 wt%, or 0.5 wt%) of a clarifier.

[0050] E. Nucleating agent

[0051] The polypropylene composition of the present invention may include a nucleating agent or a combination of multiple nucleating agents. The nucleating agent may include a phosphate-based nucleating agent. Non-limiting examples of phosphate-based nucleating agents include 2,2'-methylenebis(4,6,-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphate or Hyperform HPN 715 (Milliken Chemical Company, Spartanburg, South Carolina). 2,2'-methylenebis(4,6,-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphate can also be purchased from Aidico (Tokyo, Japan) under the trade name ADK STABNA-11 or ADK STAB NA-27. NA-27 is a combination of NA 11 and a dispersant. In other cases, the nucleating agent may be a non-phosphate-based nucleating agent (e.g., bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2,3-dicarboxylic acid disodium salt or Hyperform HPN 68L (Milliken Chemical Company, Spartanburg, South Carolina)).

[0052] The amount of nucleating agent that may be included in the polypropylene composition of the present invention includes 0.01 wt% to 5 wt%, or any amount or range therein (e.g., 0.01 wt%, 0.05 wt%, 0.1 wt%, 0.2 wt%, 0.3 wt%, 0.4 wt%, 0.5 wt%, 0.6 wt%, 0.7 wt%, 0.8 wt%, 0.9 wt%, 1 wt%, 1.5 wt%, 2 wt%, 2.5 wt%, 3 wt%, 3.5 wt%, 4 wt%, 4.5 wt%, 5 wt%). In some preferred aspects, the polypropylene composition of the present invention may comprise 0.01 wt% to 0.5 wt%, or any amount or range therein (e.g., 0.01 wt%, 0.02 wt%, 0.03 wt%, 0.04 wt%, 0.05 wt%, 0.06 wt%, 0.07 wt%, 0.08 wt%, 0.09 wt%, 0.1 wt%, 0.2 wt%, 0.3 wt%, 0.4 wt%, or 0.5 wt%) of a nucleating agent.

[0053] F. Additives

[0054] The first and second polypropylene compositions of the present invention may include various additives. Non-limiting examples of additives include: dispersants, anti-adhesives, antistatic agents, antioxidants, neutralizers, antistatic agents, antifogging agents, preservatives, lubricants, plasticizers, mineral oils, waxes, clays, talc, calcium carbonate, diatomaceous earth, carbon black, mica, glass fiber, foaming agents, crystallization aids, dyes, flame retardants, fillers, impact modifiers, release agents, oils, another polymer, dyes, pigments, processing agents, reinforcing agents, slip agents, fluorescent agents, surfactants, flame retardants, flow modifiers, stabilizers, UV inhibitors and combinations thereof. Additives can be obtained from various commercial suppliers. Non-limiting examples of commercial additive suppliers include BASF (Germany), Dover Chemical Corporation (U.S.), Akzo Nobel (Netherlands), (Sigma-Aldrich, USA), Atofina Chemicals, etc. The amount of the additive in the first polypropylene composition and / or the second polypropylene composition is 0.01 wt % to 5 wt % (e.g., 0.01 wt %, 0.05 wt %, 0.1 wt %, 0.2 wt %, 0.3 wt %, 0.4 wt %, 0.5 wt %, 0.6 wt %, 0.7 wt %, 0.8 wt %, 0.9 wt %, 1 wt %, 1.5 wt %, 2 wt %, 2.5 wt %, 3 wt %, 3.5 wt %, 4 wt %, 4.5 wt %, 5 wt %, or any value or range therein). In some aspects, the amount of the additive and additive added to the first polypropylene composition should be the same as the amount of the additive and additive added to the second polypropylene composition to control the effect of different additives / amounts.

[0055] G. Methods of Making Polymer Compositions

[0056] The first polymer composition and the second polymer composition of the present invention can be prepared by blending polypropylene (the first composition is metallocene-catalyzed polypropylene, and the second composition is Ziegler-Natta-catalyzed polypropylene) with clarifier and / or nucleator and optionally other additives. In some aspects, polypropylene can be in solid form (such as pellets), and can be melted and mixed with clarifier and / or nucleator and optional other additives. Suitable blenders are well known to those skilled in the art. Non-limiting examples include mixers, kneaders and extruders. In some aspects, polypropylene and clarifier and / or nucleator and other additives can be introduced into the extruder hopper, using an extruder to implement the process. Non-limiting examples of extruders include single screw extruders, counter-rotating and co-rotating twin screw extruders, planetary gear extruders, annular extruders or co-kneaders. The melt temperature of melt blending can be 200°C to 260°C, or equal to, at least, at most 200°C, 205°C, 210°C, 215°C, 220°C, 225°C, 230°C, 235°C, 240°C, 245°C, 250°C, 255°C and 260°C, or any two thereof. During blending, the polypropylene and the clarifying agent and / or nucleating agent and other additives can be subjected to elevated temperatures for a sufficient period of time. The blending temperature can be above the softening point of the polypropylene.

[0057] The clarifier and / or nucleating agent and other additives may be premixed or added separately to the polypropylene. For example, the clarifier and / or nucleating agent and other additives may be premixed and thus added to the polypropylene. The method of adding the clarifier, nucleating agent and other additives to the polypropylene may be, for example, by mixing the above components using conventional methods in the process technology. The blending temperature may be higher than the softening point of the polypropylene. In certain aspects, the process may be carried out at a temperature of about 160° C. to 250° C. Such "melt mixing" or "melt compounding" allows the additives of the present invention to be uniformly dispersed in the polypropylene.

[0058] H.Products

[0059] The polymer composition of the present invention can be included in the article. In some aspects, the article can be an article of extrusion, blow molding, rotational molding, injection molding and / or thermoforming. In some aspects, the article can be transparent. The non-limiting examples of the article can include film, sheet, fiber, yarn, packaging film, molded film, protective packaging, shrink film sleeve, and / or label, shrink film, twist wrap, sealing film, lid, crate, bottle, jar, funnel, pipette tip, orifice plate, micro titer plate, syringe, suture, mask, personal protective equipment, medical tool, medical tray, sample bottle, cuvette, reaction bottle, contact lens mold, cigarette filter, industrial filter, knitted socks, cold-proof warm sportswear, underwear, shoes, rope, hemp rope, bale (bale warp), tapes, architectural / industrial fabrics, pipes, non-electrical fuses for detonating explosives, absorbent products (e.g., diapers), expanding foams, carpets, mats, quilts, furniture, toys, luggage, handbags, duffel bags, sports bags, backpacks, fabrics, food containers, food covers, deli containers and covers, dairy containers and covers, automotive parts, dashboards, bumpers, cladding, exterior trim, film cushioning, film skins, coverings, automotive interior components. In these and other uses, the resins can be combined with other materials, such as particulate materials, including talc, calcium carbonate, wood, and fibers, such as glass or graphite fibers, to form composite materials. Examples of such composite materials include components for furniture, automotive parts, and building materials, particularly those used as wood substitutes.

[0060] Example

[0061] The present invention will be described in more detail by specific embodiment.The embodiment provided below is only for illustrative purposes and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way.Those skilled in the art will easily identify various non-critical parameters, and these parameters can be changed or modified to produce substantially the same result.

[0062] A. Example 1 - (Preparation of Ziegler-Natta Catalyzed Polypropylene Composition Using Nucleating Agent)

[0063] The polypropylene composition of Example 1 was prepared by adding a nucleating agent (NA27, 0.1 wt%) directly to a Ziegler-Natta catalyzed polypropylene (3825, 99.9 wt%) and mixing with 1 1 / 4 The two materials were blended together in a 4.5-inch Welex extruder at a rate of 30 pph with a melt temperature of 400°F.

[0064] B. Example 2 - (Preparation of Metallocene-Catalyzed Polypropylene Composition Using Nucleating Agent)

[0065] The polypropylene composition of Example 2 was prepared by adding a nucleating agent (NA27, 0.1 wt%) directly to a metallocene-catalyzed polypropylene (M3766, 99.9 wt%) and mixing with 1 1 / 4 The two materials were blended together in a 4.5-inch Welex extruder at a rate of 30 pph with a melt temperature of 400°F.

[0066] C. Example 3 - (Preparation of Ziegler-Natta Catalyzed Polypropylene Composition Using Clarifier)

[0067] The polypropylene composition of Example 3 was prepared by adding a clarifier (NX8000, 0.2 wt%) directly to a Ziegler-Natta catalyzed polypropylene (3825, 99.8 wt%) and mixing with 1 1 / 4 The two materials were blended together in a 4.5-inch Welex extruder at a rate of 30 pph with a melt temperature of 400°F.

[0068] D. Example 4 - (Preparation of Metallocene-Catalyzed Polypropylene Composition Using a Clarifier)

[0069] The polypropylene composition of Example 4 was prepared by adding a clarifier (NX8000, 0.2 wt%) directly to a metallocene-catalyzed polypropylene (M3766, 99.8 wt%) and mixing with 1 1 / 4 The two materials were blended together in a 4.5-inch Welex extruder at a rate of 30 pph with a melt temperature of 400°F.

[0070] E. Example 5 - (Preparation of Ziegler-Natta Catalyzed Polypropylene Composition Using Clarifier)

[0071] The polypropylene composition of Example 5 was prepared by adding a clarifier (NX8000, 0.4 wt%) directly to a Ziegler-Natta catalyzed polypropylene (3825, 99.6 wt%) and mixing with 1 1 / 4The two materials were blended together in a 4.5-inch Welex extruder at a rate of 30 pph with a melt temperature of 400°F.

[0072] F. Example 6 - (Preparation of Metallocene-Catalyzed Polypropylene Composition Using a Clarifying Agent)

[0073] The polypropylene composition of Example 6 was prepared by adding a clarifier (NX8000, 0.4 wt%) directly to a metallocene-catalyzed polypropylene (M3766, 99.6 wt%) and mixing with 1 1 / 4 The two materials were blended together in a 4.5-inch Welex extruder at a rate of 30 pph with a melt temperature of 400°F.

[0074] G. Example 7 - (Haze value of the composition of Examples 1-6)

[0075] Tables 1 and 2 provide data on the haze values ​​of the polypropylene compositions of Examples 1-6.

[0076] Table 1 - Example compositions

[0077] Example No. Polymer Type Additive Type Additive amount (weight %) Example 1 Ziegler Natta Catalyzed Nucleating Agent 0.1％ Example 2 Metallocene catalyzed Nucleating Agent 0.1％ Example 3 Ziegler Natta Catalyzed Clarifying agent 0.2％ Example 4 Metallocene catalyzed Clarifying agent 0.2％ Example 5 Ziegler Natta Catalyzed Clarifying agent 0.4％ Example 6 Metallocene catalyzed Clarifying agent 0.4％

[0078] Table 2 - Haze Values

[0079] Example No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Haze(%) 46.1 38.8 30.8 18.0 15.4 5.4 Standard Deviation % 1.8 0.5 1.4 1.9 0.5 0.7

[0080] Table 1 depicts the various polypropylene compositions prepared. These polypropylene compositions include combinations of metallocene-catalyzed polypropylene or Ziegler-Natta-catalyzed polypropylene and varying amounts of clarifiers or nucleating agents. The compositions were molded into 50 mil thick caps and then examined for haze.

[0081] Table 2 includes haze values ​​for various polypropylene compositions. Comparison of Examples 1 and 2 shows that equal amounts of nucleating agent provide higher clarity (i.e., lower haze) in metallocene-catalyzed materials. Comparison of Examples 3 and 4 shows that equal amounts of clarifying agent also provide higher clarity in metallocene-catalyzed materials. When comparing Examples 5 and 6, a greater improvement in clarity of the metallocene-catalyzed materials is also observed.

[0082] Comparison of metallocene-catalyzed Examples 4 and 6 shows that higher clarifier dosages result in higher clarity. The net fractional reduction in haze between Examples 5 and 6 (w / 0.4% clarifier) ​​is greater than the corresponding fractional reduction in haze observed in Examples 3 and 4 (w / 0.2% clarifier). These results indicate that the improvement in clarity is more pronounced with increasing additive concentration (from 0.2% to 0.4%). In summary, the results indicate that significant clarification effects are observed when nucleating agents or clarification additives are used in metallocene-catalyzed polypropylene compositions. The clarification effect in the metallocene-catalyzed polypropylene compositions is greater than in the Ziegler-Natta catalyzed polypropylene combinations.

[0083] ****

[0084] Although the embodiments of the present application and their advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and modifications may be made to this document without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments defined in the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments of the processes, machines, manufactures, material compositions, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As will be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the above disclosure, processes, machines, manufactures, material compositions, means, methods or steps that currently exist or will be developed in the future and perform substantially the same functions as the corresponding embodiments herein or achieve substantially the same results may be utilized. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to include such processes, machines, manufactures, material compositions, means, methods or steps within their scope.

Claims

1. A polymer composition comprising: (a) at least 95 wt. % metallocene-catalyzed polypropylene; and (b) at least one of a clarifier or a nucleating agent, in, The polymer composition has a lower haze when compared to a second polymer composition having the same components in the same weight % as the polymer composition, but the polypropylene in the second polymer composition is a Ziegler-Natta catalyzed polypropylene and the haze is measured by ASTM D1003 at a thickness of 50 mils.

2. The polymer composition according to claim 1, wherein The percentage (%) difference between the haze of the polymer composition and the second polymer composition increases as the amount of the at least one clarifying agent or the at least one other nucleating agent increases.

3. The polymer composition according to claim 2, wherein The polymer composition comprises 0.02 to 0.4 wt % of at least one clarifier and / or at least one nucleating agent, preferably 0.2 to 0.4 wt % of at least one clarifier and / or preferably 0.02 to 0.2 wt % of at least one nucleating agent.

4. The polymer composition of claim 3, wherein: When both polymer compositions contain 0.1 wt. % of at least one clarifying agent or nucleating agent, the percent difference between the haze of the polymer composition and the second polymer composition is from 10% to 25%; When both polymer compositions contain 0.2 wt. % of at least one clarifying agent or nucleating agent, the percent difference between the haze of the polymer composition and the second polymer composition is 45% to 60%; and / or When both polymer compositions contain 0.4 weight percent of at least one clarifying agent or nucleating agent, the percent difference between the haze of the polymer composition and the second polymer composition is from 90% to 105%.

5. The polymer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein Both metallocene-catalyzed polypropylene and Ziegler-Natta-catalyzed polypropylene are homopolymers.

6. The polymer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein Both metallocene-catalyzed polypropylene and Ziegler-Natta-catalyzed polypropylene are random copolymers.

7. The polymer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein Metallocene-catalyzed polypropylene and Ziegler-Natta-catalyzed polypropylene are blends of homopolymers and copolymers.

8. The polymer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The polymer composition includes at least one clarifier.

9. The polymer composition according to claim 8, wherein The clarifier is a nonanol-based clarifier or a triamide-based clarifier.

10. The polymer composition of claim 9, wherein: The nonanol-based clarifying agent is 1,2,3,4-dibenzylidene sorbitol, 1,2,3-4-di-p-methylbenzylidene sorbitol, 1,2,3,4-di-m-,p-methylbenzylidene sorbitol or 1,2,3-trideoxy-4,5:5,7-bis-O-[(4-propylphenyl)methylene]-nonanol; or The triamide based clarifying agent is a 1,3,5-benzenetriamide amide derivative, preferably 1,3,5-tris(2,2-dimethylpropionamide)benzene.

11. The polymer composition according to claim 10, wherein The clarifier is 1,2,3-trideoxy-4,5:5,7-bis-O-[(4-propylphenyl)methylene]-nonanol.

12. The polymer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The polymer composition comprises at least one nucleating agent.

13. The polymer composition according to claim 12, wherein The nucleating agent is a phosphate ester based nucleating agent.

14. The polymer composition according to claim 13, wherein The nucleating agent includes (phosphate ester) 2,2'-methylenebis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphate and an optional dispersant.

15. The polymer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The polymer composition has a melt flow index of 0.2 to 150 g / 10 min measured by ASTM D 1238 (230° C. / 2.16 kg).

16. The polymer composition according to claim 15, wherein The polymer composition has a melt flow index of 5 to 100 g / 10 min, preferably about 20 to 30 g / 10 min, and the second polymer composition has a melt flow index of 5 to 100 g / 10 min, preferably about 25 to 35 g / 10 min.

17. The polymer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The polymer composition further comprises an additive, wherein the additive is an antioxidant, an acid neutralizer, an antistatic agent, an anti-caking agent, an anti-fogging agent, a preservative, an ultraviolet absorber, a lubricant, a plasticizer, a mineral oil, a wax, a clay, talc, calcium carbonate, diatomaceous earth, carbon black, mica, glass fiber, a filler, a slip agent, a pigment, an ultraviolet stabilizer, a flame retardant, a mold release agent, a dye, a foaming agent, a fluorescent agent, a surfactant or any combination thereof.

18. The polymer composition of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The polymer composition has at least one of the following properties: An elongation of 1% to 20%, preferably 3% to 10%, or more preferably about 7%, as measured according to ASTM D3218; and / or A melting point of 125°C to 175°C, preferably 140°C to 160°C, or more preferably about 151°C, as measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC); and / or The second polymer composition has at least one of the following properties: An elongation of 5% to 20%, preferably 10% to 15%, or more preferably about 12%, as measured according to ASTM D638; and / or The melting point measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is 125°C to 200°C, preferably 150°C to 175°C, or more preferably about 165°C.

19. The polymer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The polymer composition has a thickness of at least 2 mils, preferably at least 5 mils, more preferably at least 10 mils, or even more preferably from 20 mils to 300 mils, or even more preferably from 20 mils to 100 mils.

20. An article comprising the polymer composition of any one of claims 1 to 4.

21. The article of claim 20, wherein: The article is an injection molded article, preferably having a thickness of 20 mils to 100 mils.

22. A method for manufacturing the article of claim 21, the method comprising obtaining the polymer composition of claim 1 and manufacturing the article by injection molding, blow molding, compression molding, stretch molding, rotational molding, transfer molding, sheet extrusion thermoforming, shallow draw thermoforming, deep draw thermoforming or profile extrusion.

23. A method for producing a polypropylene composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the method comprising: (a) obtaining a composition comprising the following components: at least 95 wt. % polypropylene; as well as Clarifying or nucleating agents; and (b) extruding the composition to obtain the polypropylene composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein: Extrusion conditions included a temperature of 200°C to 260°C.