Thermoplastic elastomer composition

Abstract

Disclosed are thermoplastic elastomer compositions and methods for making thermoplastic elastomers. The thermoplastic elastomer may include a polymer blend. The polymer blend may include a non-crosslinked elastomer, an oil, polyethylene, and an antioxidant. The oil may be about 15 wt % to about 50 wt %. The polyethylene may be about 3 wt % to about 30 wt %. The antioxidant may be about 0 to about 0.5 wt %.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese patent application with the application date of April 22, 2020, application number "202080030740.3", and invention name "Thermoplastic Elastomer Composition". The original application is the Chinese national phase application of the international application PCT / US2020 / 029366. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to thermoplastic elastomer compositions and, more particularly, to thermoplastic elastomer compositions having low compression set and good melt strength. Background Art

[0003] An increasingly evident problem in today’s wine industry is that large quantities of traditionally naturally sealed wines are being spoiled by contaminated, unsuitable or spoiled corks.

[0004] It is estimated that around 5-10% of wine is affected to some degree and in some cases the wine will have to be thrown away because the cork is spoiled, meaning that the porous and imperfect material (the wood bark) becomes contaminated or infected and in contact with the wine it changes its chemical properties, compromising the quality of the wine. “Corked wine” is affected and depending on the severity of the contamination it can show symptoms ranging from a musty smell to the wine’s taste changing to becoming flat and bodyless.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need to develop synthetic wine corks of elastic materials with low compression set and good melt strength. Summary of the invention

[0006] According to a first aspect, the thermoplastic elastomer can include a polymer blend. The polymer blend can include a non-crosslinked elastomer, an oil, polyethylene, and an antioxidant. The oil can be about 15 wt % to about 50 wt %. The polyethylene can be about 3.0 wt % to about 30 wt %. The antioxidant can be about 0 to about 0.5 wt %.

[0007] In certain aspects, the oil comprises mineral oil.

[0008] In certain aspects, the non-crosslinked elastomer can comprise a styrene block copolymer.

[0009] In certain aspects, the styrene block copolymer can be selected from styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene polymers, styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene, styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene (SEPS), hydrogenated polybutadiene, hydrogenated polyisoprene, hydrogenated styrene-isoprene random copolymer, styrene-ethylene-propylene (SEP) block copolymer, styrene-ethylene ethylene-propylene-styrene (SEEPS) and hydrogenated styrene-butadiene random copolymer.

[0010] In certain aspects, the styrenic block copolymer can include a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene polymer.

[0011] In certain aspects, the styrenic block copolymer can comprise from about 20 wt % to about 50 wt % styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene polymer.

[0012] In certain aspects, the total molecular weight of the styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene polymer is from 100,000 to 440,000 g / mol.

[0013] In certain aspects, the mineral oil can include paraffin oil.

[0014] In certain aspects, the total molecular weight of the styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene polymer is from 200,000 g / mol to 440,000 g / mol. In certain aspects, the polyethylene can include linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE).

[0015] In certain aspects, the total molecular weight of the styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene polymer is 240,000 g / mol to 440,000 g / mol. In certain aspects, the linear low density polyethylene has a melt flow index of about 0.5 to about 10.0 g / 10 minutes, measured at 230°C, using a 2.16 kilogram (kg) weight.

[0016] In certain aspects, the thermoplastic elastomer has a Shore A hardness of about 30 to 95A.

[0017] In certain aspects, the thermoplastic elastomer has a weight percent of non-crosslinked elastomer to oil (when present) of about 0.4 to about 2.5.

[0018] In certain aspects, the weight percent is from about 0.7 to about 1.5.

[0019] In certain aspects, the thermoplastic elastomer has a melt viscosity of about 200 to about 2000 Pa.s at a shear rate of 67 1 / s, measured at 200°C.

[0020] In certain aspects, the thermoplastic elastomer has a melt viscosity of about 500 to about 1300 Pa.s at a shear rate of 67 1 / s, measured at 200°C.

[0021] In certain aspects, the thermoplastic elastomer has a melt viscosity of about 200 to about 500 Pa.s at a shear rate of 67 1 / s, measured at 200°C.

[0022] In certain aspects, the thermoplastic elastomer has a melt viscosity of about 700 to about 1100 Pa.s at a shear rate of 67 1 / s, measured at 200°C.

[0023] In certain aspects, the total molecular weight of the non-crosslinked elastomer is from about 100,000 to about 440,000 g / mol.

[0024] In certain aspects, the total molecular weight of the non-crosslinked elastomer is from about 200,000 to about 400,000 g / mol.

[0025] According to a second aspect, the thermoplastic elastomer may include a polymer blend. The polymer blend may include a styrene block copolymer, oil, polyethylene, and an antioxidant. The oil may be about 15% by weight to about 50% by weight, the polyethylene may be about 3% by weight to about 30% by weight, and the antioxidant may be about 0% to about 0.5% by weight antioxidant. The melt viscosity of the thermoplastic elastomer at a shear rate of 67 1 / s measured at about 200°C may be about 200 to about 2000. According to a second aspect, the thermoplastic elastomer may include a polymer blend. The polymer blend may include a styrene block copolymer, oil, polyethylene, and an antioxidant. The oil may be about 15% by weight to about 50% by weight. The polyethylene may be about 3% by weight to about 30% by weight. The antioxidant may be about 0% to about 0.5% by weight. If present, the weight percentage of the styrene block copolymer and the oil in the thermoplastic elastomer may be about 0.4 to about 2.5. The styrene block copolymer may be selected from styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene polymers, styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene, styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene (SEPS), styrene-ethylene-propylene (SEP) block copolymers, styrene-ethylene-ethylene-propylene-styrene (SEEPS) and hydrogenated styrene-butadiene random copolymers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they may obscure the disclosure in unnecessary detail. For the present disclosure, the following terms and definitions shall apply.

[0027] References throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the claimed subject matter. Thus, the phrases "in one embodiment" or "an embodiment" appearing throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in one or more embodiments.

[0028] Furthermore, variations to the disclosed embodiments may be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0029] In addition, two or more steps can be performed simultaneously or partially simultaneously. In addition, the steps of the method can be performed in a different order than that disclosed. This variation will depend on the selected process hardware system and the designer's choice. All of these variations are within the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, even though the present disclosure has been described with reference to its specific exemplary embodiments, many different changes, modifications, etc. will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0030] Embodiments include thermoplastic elastomeric material compositions, methods for preparing the compositions, and articles prepared from the compositions. In one embodiment, a provided thermoplastic elastomeric composition comprises a polymer blend of about 15% to about 50% styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene (SEBS) polymers; about 15% to about 50% oil; about 3.0% to about 30% polyethylene; and about 0 to about 0.5% antioxidant.

[0031] As used herein, the term "polymer" refers to the product of a polymerization reaction, including homopolymers, copolymers, terpolymers, etc. As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the term "copolymer" refers to a polymer formed by polymerizing at least two different monomers. For example, the term "copolymer" includes the copolymerization product of ethylene and α-olefins such as 1-hexene. However, the term "copolymer" also includes copolymerization of a mixture of, for example, ethylene, propylene, 1-hexene, and 1-octene.

[0032] As used herein, when a polymer is referred to as "comprising a monomer," the monomer is present in the polymer in the polymerized form of the monomer or in the form of a derivative of the monomer.

[0033] As used herein, "molecular weight" refers to weight average molecular weight ("Mw"). Mw is determined using gel permeation chromatography. Molecular weight distribution ("MWD") can be defined or measured as Mw divided by number average molecular weight ("Mn"). (For more information, see U.S. Pat. No. 4,540,753 to Cozewith et al. and references cited therein, and Ver Strate et al., 21 MACROMOLECULES, pp. 3360-3371 (1998)). "Mz" values ​​are high average molecular weight values, calculated according to the discussion in ARCooper's Concise Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Engineering, pp. 638-639 (JI Kroschwitz, ed. John Wiley & Sons 1990).

[0034] The term "active agent" refers to a substance that can provide a specific activity or function to a user. Suitable active agents can be in a variety of geometric forms, including discrete particles, fibers, flakes, rods, spheres, needles, particles coated with fibers, etc.

[0035] The term "compression" refers to the process or result of pressurizing an object by applying a force to it, thereby increasing the density of the object. The terms "elastomer," "elastic," "elastic," and other derivatives of "elastomer" are used interchangeably to refer to materials having elastic or rubbery properties. Elastic materials, such as thermoplastic elastomers and thermoplastic vulcanizates, are generally capable of recovering their shape after deformation upon removal of the deforming force. Specifically, as used herein, elasticity refers to the property of any material that allows the material to be stretched to a stretched length that is at least about 25% greater than its relaxed length upon application of a stretching force, and which will allow the material to recover at least 40% of its elongation upon release of the stretching, elongating force. A hypothetical example that would meet this definition of an elastic material in the XY plane dimensions is a one (1) inch sample of material that can be stretched to at least 1.25 inches, and upon being stretched to 1.25 inches and released, will recover to a length of no more than 1.15 inches. Many elastic materials can be stretched beyond 25% of their relaxed length, and can substantially recover to their original relaxed length upon release of the stretching, elongating force. In addition to materials that are elastic in the XY plane dimensions of a structure, including webs or sheets, the material may be elastic in the Z plane dimension. Specifically, when a structure is subjected to a compressive load, it exhibits elastic properties and will substantially return to its original position after the load is removed. Compression set is sometimes used to help describe this elastic recovery. When a compressive force is applied to an elastomeric structure, the structure may exhibit elastomeric properties and then return to nearly its original position when relaxed.

[0036] The term "ductile" refers to a material that is generally capable of being stretched or otherwise deformed but does not recover a significant portion of its shape after the stretching or deforming force is removed.

[0037] The term "flexible" refers to the ability of a material to flex under an applied load such that its flexural modulus at 0.5 mm deflection is 1000 g / mm or less, as measured by the Flexural Modulus Test.

[0038] The term "thermoplastic" describes a material that softens and / or flows when heated and returns substantially to its original hardened state when cooled to room temperature.

[0039] As used herein, "weight percent" or "percent by weight." Unless otherwise indicated, "%" refers to the weight percent of a particular component, based on the total weight of the composition in which the component is contained. For example, if a mixture contains three pounds of sand and one pound of sugar, the weight of the sand is 75% (3 pounds of sand / 4 pounds of total mixture) and the sugar 25% by weight.

[0040] If used, the term "crystalline" refers to a polymer or segment having a first order transition or crystalline melting point (Tm) as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) or an equivalent technique. The term is used interchangeably with the term "semi-crystalline." The term "amorphous" refers to a polymer that does not have a crystalline melting point as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) or an equivalent technique.

[0041] As used herein, melt flow rate ("MFR") can be measured according to ASTM D1238 at 230°C and 2.16 kg weight.

[0042] As used herein, melt index ("MI") or melt flow index / index, also referred to as melt flow rate, can be measured according to ASTM D1238 at 190°C and 2.16 kg weight.

[0043] Unless otherwise indicated, all numerals used in the specification and claims indicating the number of ingredients, properties such as molecular weight, reaction conditions, properties such as molecular weight, reaction conditions, etc. should be understood as instances of the word "about" in all cases. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and the appended claims are approximate values, which may vary according to the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. At least, rather than attempting to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be interpreted in terms of reported significant figures and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Although the numerical ranges and parameters set forth within the broad scope of the present invention are approximate values, the numerical values ​​set forth in the specific embodiments are reported as accurately as possible. However, any numerical value inherently contains certain errors, which are necessarily caused by the standard deviation found in their respective test measurements.

[0044] The thermoplastic elastomer composition may comprise a polymer blend. The polymer blend may comprise a non-crosslinked elastomer, an oil, a polyethylene, and an antioxidant.

[0045] Preferred styrene block copolymers are those having the following formulae respectively: ABA, (AB) n X, ABAB' or ABA'B', wherein A and A' represent poly(monovinyl aromatic) blocks and B and B' represent hydrogenated poly(conjugated diene) blocks, wherein n is an integer ≥ 2 and wherein X is the remainder of the coupling agent. It is understood that blocks A and A' and B and B' are the same or different from each other, wherein block A is greater than block A' and block B is greater than B' or B and B' are equal.

[0046] The most preferred block copolymers have the formula ABA or (AB) nX, wherein A represents one or more selected from styrene, C1-C4 alkylstyrene and C1-C4 dialkylstyrene and in particular styrene, α-methylstyrene, o-methylstyrene or p-methylstyrene, 1,3-dimethylstyrene, p-tert-butylstyrene or mixtures thereof, most preferably only styrene, wherein B represents a polymer block of one or more conjugated diene monomers, containing from 4 to 8 carbon atoms, for example 1,3-butadiene, 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene (isoprene), 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene or mixtures thereof, preferably butadiene or isoprene, most preferably butadiene.

[0047] Preferred block copolymers are ABA or (AB) n X comprises substantially pure poly(styrene) blocks, each having a true molecular weight in the range of 3 kg / mol to 50 kg / mol, and a total apparent molecular weight in the range of 70 to 700 kg / mol, preferably 100 to 500 kg / mol. The molecular weights referred to in this specification and claims can be measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) using polystyrene calibration standards, for example, according to ASTM 3536. GPC is a well-known method in which polymers are separated according to molecular size, with the largest molecules eluting first. The chromatograph is calibrated using commercially available polystyrene molecular weight standards. The molecular weight of a polymer measured using such a calibrated GPC is an apparent molecular weight, also referred to as styrene equivalent molecular weight. When the styrene content of the polymer and the vinyl content of the diene segment are known, the styrene equivalent molecular weight can be converted to a true molecular weight. The detector used is preferably a combination of an ultraviolet and a refractive index detector. The molecular weights represented herein are measured at the peak of the GPC trace and converted to a true molecular weight, commonly referred to as a "peak molecular weight".

[0048] Methods for the preparation of such polymers can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,200,200. U.S. Pat. No. 3,231,635, U.S. Pat. No. 3,231,635, U.S. Pat. No. 3,231,635, U.S. Pat. No. 3,231,635, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,231,635, U.S. Pat. No. 3,231,635, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,231,635. Methods for the selective hydrogenation of the B block are known, for example: U.S. Pat. No. 3,231,635, U.S. Pat. No. 3,231,635, U.S. Pat. No. 3,231,635, U.S. Pat. No. 3,231,635, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,231,635. The disclosures of these aforementioned documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0049] A suitable representative of the most preferred block copolymers is the SEPTON TM and TUFTEC TM Those obtained, such as KRATON G1650, KRATON G1654, KRATON G1651, KRATON G1652, KRATON G1633, KRATON G1641, KRATON G1657, KRATON A1535, KRATON A1636, KRATON GRP6924, SEPTON 4055, SEPTON 4077, TUFTEC H1272, TSRC Taipol 6150, Taipol 6156, Taipol 6156, Taipol 610T, Taipol 6156, Taipol 610T, Taipol 6156, Taipol poly(conjugated diene) blocks are hydrogenated until less than 10% of the original ethylenic unsaturation.

[0050] The block copolymers useful in this embodiment may be selected from styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS), styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene (SEPS), hydrogenated polybutadiene, hydrogenated polyisoprene, hydrogenated styrene-isoprene random copolymer, styrene-ethylene-propylene (SEP) block copolymer, styrene-ethylene-ethylene-propylene-styrene (SEEPS) and hydrogenated styrene-butadiene random copolymer.

[0051] Authors EW Duck, JR Hawkins and JM Locke describe the hydrogenation of random diene copolymers in Journal of the IRI, 6, 19, 1972, which can be used as highly saturated elastomers in the present invention and are incorporated herein by reference. Saturated triblock polymers SEBS and SEPS are also used in the present invention, with styrene end blocks as saturated elastomers. SEBS and SEPS are obtained by hydrogenation of triblock copolymers of styrene and butadiene or styrene and isoprene, and are known to be commercially available. Some commercial examples of such elastomers include Kraton G series polymers. U.S. Patent No. 3,686,364 and U.S. Patent No. 3,865,776 give some examples of block copolymers that can be used in the practice of the present invention, which are incorporated herein by reference. It is highly preferred that the highly saturated elastomer is SEBS, which has a combined styrene content in the range of 15% by weight to about 60% by weight.

[0052] Saturated block copolymers as modified versions of SEBS can be used. Such modified block copolymers additionally have a large number of styrene units randomly distributed in the rubber midblock of ethylene and butene. These modified saturated block copolymers are supplied in the Kraton'A' series. The saturated block copolymer grades mentioned in TPE 2003RAPRA Conference Proceedings, Brussels, Belgium, September 16-17, 2003, pages 18, 157 and 21, 181 can also be used, and are incorporated herein by reference.

[0053] In one embodiment, the polystyrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene (SEBS) block copolymer may include a suitable SEBS copolymer including one having a block styrene content of about 10 weight percent to about 35 weight percent based on the total SEBS copolymer and having a Shore A hardness value of about 40 to about 80.

[0054] The thermoplastic elastomer may comprise about 0.1 wt % to about 40 wt % polyethylene, more preferably about 1.0 wt % to about 35 wt % polyethylene, more preferably 3.0 wt % to about 30 wt % polyethylene, more preferably, 4.0 wt % to about 25 wt % polyethylene, suitable polyethylene may include high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE) and linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE). In one embodiment, a high molecular weight polyethylene compound may be used. In one embodiment, a suitable linear low density polyethylene (LLDP) typically has a melt index of about 0.5 to about 10.0 g / 10 minutes, measured at 230° C., using a 2.16 kilogram (kg) weight.

[0055] The thermoplastic elastomer composition can include up to about 60 wt % oil, preferably about 15 wt % to about 55 wt % oil, more preferably about 15 wt % to about 50 wt % oil, for example. Suitable oil can include mineral oil. Suitable mineral oil can include paraffin oil (ASTM D2226 TYPE 104) or naphthenic oil (ASTM 103 & 104A). All of the above oils represent different fractions from crude oil distillation.

[0056] Additionally, the thermoplastic elastomer composition may include up to about 2 wt%, preferably up to about 1 wt%, and more preferably up to about 0.5 wt% antioxidant. Suitable antioxidants may include hindered phenols, thiol compounds, amines, or phosphites.

[0057] The thermoplastic elastomer composition may also contain up to about 3 weight percent colorant. Suitable color pigments are known to those skilled in the art, and the exact amount of color pigment can be readily determined empirically based on the desired color characteristics of the composition and the finished product.

[0058] The thermoplastic elastomer composition may also contain up to about 3 wt %, preferably about 1 wt %, of a processing aid such as a metal stearate, soap, ultra high molecular weight silicone polymer or a lubricant to help the polymer melt flow properly through the injection molding barrel and mold and produce molded parts with good surface properties. A suitable example is zinc stearate.

[0059] The thermoplastic elastomer composition may also optionally include stabilizers, such as heat stabilizers and / or light stabilizers, such as ultraviolet light stabilizers, and combinations of heat stabilizers and light stabilizers. Heat stabilizers, such as antioxidants, include phenols, amines, phosphites, and the like, and combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing heat stabilizers. Light stabilizers include low molecular weight (number average molecular weight less than about 1,000 AMU) benzophenones or hindered amines, high molecular weight (number average molecular weight greater than about 1,000 AMU) hindered amines, benzotriazoles, hydroxyphenyl triazines and the like, and combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing light stabilizers. Optionally, various additives known in the art may be used as needed to impart various properties to the composition, such as thermal stability, stability when exposed to ultraviolet wavelength radiation, long-term durability, and processability. The exact amount of stabilizer is easily determined empirically by the reaction employed and the desired properties of the final product, up to about 3% by weight, with 1% by weight being better.

[0060] Thermoplastic elastomer compositions and articles formed therefrom can be prepared in one process. In the present method, a polymer blend consisting of a thermoplastic elastomer material, such as a styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene (SEBS) polymer in powder form, is premixed with polyethylene, an antioxidant and oil using a high shear mixer or other such device to form a drum-mixed blend of the composition before placing the composition in the hopper of a twin-screw extruder, through which the premix is ​​melted, mixed and granulated into thermoplastic elastomer pellets. The shaped thermoplastic elastomer can be processed into different products such as wine bottle stoppers, toothpicks, etc. by extrusion processes, injection molding and other polymer processing processes.

[0061] Example

[0062] Mixing in a continuous process usually occurs in a twin screw extruder, which is raised to a temperature sufficient to melt the polymer matrix, while adding all additives at the feed throat, or by injection or downstream side feeder. For example, the extruder speed ranges from about 50 to about 1200 revolutions per minute (rpm), preferably about 300 to about 700 rpm. Typically, the output of the extruder is pelletized for post-processing. By using a twin screw extruder, the blending components shown below are kneaded at about 160°C to about 220°C and extruded into strands, which are then cut into pellets. For example, a laboratory twin screw extruder includes 9 zones, wherein zone 1 is about 160°C, zone 2 is about 180°C, zone 3 is about 210°C, zone 4 is about 210°C, zone 5 is about 200°C, zone 6 is about 180°C, zone 7 is about 160°C, zone 8 is about 160°C, and zone 9 is about 160°C. The pelletizer temperature can be 170°C.

[0063] Examples 1-4

[0064] According to the mixing formula shown in Table 1, a composition in the form of pellets was prepared using a twin-screw extruder under the conditions discussed in the experimental details. The pellets were injection molded to prepare square sheets of 10 cm×10 cm. The sheets were cut with a dumbbell cutter to prepare test pieces for measurement. When preparing the composition in the twin-screw extruder, the components were dry blended; the blend was passed through the extruder. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0065] As is clear from Table 2, the elastomer composition of this embodiment is an elastomer having low compression set, excellent elasticity, and excellent dynamic characteristics.

[0066] Table 1:

[0067]

[0068] Table 214A, 14B, 14C, 1A Group Test Results Summary

[0069]

[0070] Embodiment 5-9

[0071] According to the mixing formula shown in Table 3, a composition in the form of pellets was prepared using a twin-screw extruder under the conditions discussed in the experimental details. The pellets were injection molded to prepare square sheets of 10 cm×10 cm. The sheets were cut with a dumbbell cutter to prepare test pieces for measurement. When preparing the composition in the twin-screw extruder, the components were dry blended; the blend was passed through the extruder. The results are shown in Table 4.

[0072] As is clear from Table 4, the elastomer composition of this embodiment is an elastomer having low compression set, excellent elasticity and good melt strength.

[0073] Table 3

[0074]

[0075] Table 4

[0076]

[0077]

[0078]

[0079] Table 6

[0080] serial number Hardness, Shore A Compression Settings Test conditions Experimental protocol 177A 41 41.8 70℃，22h ASTM D359B 177B 58 38 70℃，22h ASTM D359B 177C 58 40.1 70℃，22h ASTM D359B 177D 59 35.7 70℃，22h ASTM D359B 178A 58 46.2 70℃，22h ASTM D359B 178B 60 45 70℃，22h ASTM D359B

[0081] Embodiments of the compositions, methods, and articles made therefrom of the present invention, while primarily described with respect to wine cork applications, may be used in many other applications, including non-automotive and automotive applications, such as interior coverings, including instrument panel skins, door panels, air bag covers, headliners, and seat covers.

[0082] It should be understood that those skilled in the art may modify the embodiments shown herein within the scope and intent of the claims. Although the present invention has been described as being implemented in its specific embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto, but is intended to cover the present invention broadly within the scope of the claims.

[0083] The patents and patent publications cited above are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Although various embodiments have been described with reference to particular arrangements of components, features, etc., these are not intended to be exhaustive of all possible arrangements or features, and indeed, those skilled in the art may identify numerous other embodiments, modifications, variations, etc. Therefore, it should be understood that the present invention may therefore be implemented in ways other than those specifically described above.

Claims

1. A thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising: a polymer blend comprising a non-crosslinked elastomer; from about 15 wt % to about 50 wt % oil; From about 3.0 wt. % to about 30 wt. % polyethylene; and About 0 to about 0.5 weight percent antioxidant.

2. The thermoplastic elastomer composition of claim 1 wherein the oil comprises mineral oil.

3. The thermoplastic elastomer composition of claim 1, wherein the non-crosslinked elastomer comprises a styrene block copolymer.

4. The thermoplastic elastomer composition of claim 3, wherein the styrene block copolymer is selected from the group consisting of styrene-butadiene-styrene polymer (SBS), styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS), styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS), styrene-isoprene-butadiene-styrene (SIBS), styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene (SEPS), styrene-ethylene-propylene (SEP) block copolymer, styrene-ethylene-ethylene-propylene-styrene (SEEPS), hydrogenated polybutadiene, hydrogenated polyisoprene, hydrogenated styrene-isoprene random copolymer, poly(styrene-[(butadiene) 1-x -(ethylene-co-butene) x ]-styrene), wherein x is the hydrogenated portion of the molecule, and hydrogenated styrene-butylene random copolymers.

5. The thermoplastic elastomer composition of claim 4, wherein the styrenic block copolymer comprises a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene polymer.

6. The thermoplastic elastomer composition of claim 5, wherein the styrenic block copolymer comprises from about 20 weight percent to about 50 weight percent styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene polymer.

7. The thermoplastic elastomer composition of claim 5, wherein the total molecular weight of the styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene polymer is from about 100,000 to about 440,000 g / mol.

8. The thermoplastic elastomer composition of claim 2, wherein the mineral oil comprises paraffin oil.

9. A thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising: a polymer blend comprising a styrenic block copolymer; from about 15% to about 50% by weight oil; From about 5 wt % to about 30 wt % polyethylene; and About 0 to about 0.5 weight percent of an antioxidant, wherein the thermoplastic elastomer has a melt viscosity of about 200 to about 2000 at a shear rate of 67 1 / s measured at about 200°C.

10. A thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising: A polymer blend comprising a styrene block copolymer, wherein the styrene block copolymer is selected from the group consisting of styrene-butadiene-styrene polymer (SBS), styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS), styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS), styrene-isoprene-butadiene-styrene (SIBS), styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene (SEPS), styrene-ethylene-propylene (SEP) block copolymer, styrene-ethylene-ethylene-propylene-styrene (SEEPS), hydrogenated polybutadiene, hydrogenated polyisoprene, hydrogenated styrene-isoprene random copolymer, poly(styrene-[(butadiene) 1-x -(ethylene-co-butene) x }-styrene), wherein x is the hydrogenation fraction of the molecule, hydrogenated styrene-butylene random copolymer; from about 15 wt % to about 50 wt % oil; From about 3 wt % to about 30 wt % polyethylene; and From about 0 to about 0.5 weight percent antioxidant, wherein the thermoplastic elastomer has a weight percent of styrenic block copolymer to oil (when present) of from about 0.4 to about 2.5.

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