Polypropylene composition with improved clarity

Abstract

The invention discloses a polymer composition. The composition can include (a) at least 95% by weight of polypropylene, (b) a fining agent, and (c) a nucleating agent wherein the presence of the fining agent and the nucleating agent in the polymer composition reduces the haze value of the polymer composition as compared to the haze value of a polymer composition having the fining agent but not containing the nucleating agent, the haze value is determined by ASTM D1003 at a thickness of 40 to 80 mils.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 395,035, filed on August 4, 2022. The contents of the referenced application are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art A. Technical field

[0002] The present invention generally relates to polypropylene compositions comprising additives. In some aspects, the polypropylene composition may include a combination of a clarifier (such as a nonanol-based clarifier or a triamide-based clarifier) ​​and a nucleating agent (such as a phosphate-based nucleating agent), which can improve the clarity and / or stiffness of the composition. B. Description of Related Art

[0003] 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.

[0004] 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 the two carbon atoms, 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.

[0005] 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.

[0006] 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.

[0007] 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

[0008] A polypropylene composition is found to have improved clarity and / or stiffness. In one aspect of the invention, it is found that a polypropylene composition comprising a clarifier (such as a nonanol-based or triamide-based clarifier) ​​and a nucleating agent (such as a phosphate-based nucleating agent) can improve the haze value of the polypropylene composition. As shown in a non-limiting manner in the examples, the combination of this clarifier and nucleating agent unexpectedly results in a reduced haze value compared to (1) a polypropylene composition containing a nucleating agent without a clarifier and (2) a polypropylene composition containing a clarifier without a nucleating agent. Specifically, it is found that the haze value of the polypropylene composition containing a nucleating agent is higher, the haze value of the polypropylene composition containing a clarifier is lower, and the haze value of the polypropylene composition containing a nucleating agent and a clarifier is the lowest. The presence of a nucleating agent and a clarifier unexpectedly improves the haze value compared to the same composition containing a clarifier but not a nucleating agent. In some aspects, the clarifier can be 1,2,3-trideoxy-4,5:5,7-bis-O-[(4-propylphenyl)methylene]-nonanol or a 1,3,5-benzenetriamide amide derivative (such as 1,3,5-tris(2,2-dimethylpropionamido)benzene), and the nucleating agent can be 2,2'-methylenebis(4,6,-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphate. This improved clarity is particularly advantageous in applications where the polypropylene polymer is 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. For example, increasing the thickness while improving the clarity of the polypropylene composition can make the polypropylene composition have more applications in areas where clarity is required. In addition, it has been found that the polypropylene composition comprising a clarifier and a nucleating agent can increase the tensile modulus of the polypropylene composition. As shown in a non-limiting manner in the examples, this combination of clarifier and nucleating agent unexpectedly increases the tensile modulus compared to a polypropylene composition containing a clarifier but no nucleating agent. These properties open up a wide range of applications and / or uses for the polypropylene composition of the invention.

[0009] In one aspect of the invention, a polymer composition is disclosed, which comprises at least 95, 96, 97, 98 or 99% by weight of polypropylene, a clarifier and a nucleator. In some aspects, the presence of a clarifier and a nucleator in the polymer composition reduces the haze value, which is measured by ASTM D1003. In some aspects, the haze value is measured under the condition that a polypropylene molded plate (plaque) thickness is 20-80 mils, preferably 40-80 mils, or more preferably 60-80 mils, wherein 1 mil is equal to one thousandth of an inch (0.001 inch). In some aspects, the haze value is measured under the condition that a polypropylene molded plate thickness is 20, 40, 50, 60, 70 or 80 mils, or preferably 20, 40, 60 or 80 mils, or more preferably 40, 60 or 80 mils. In some aspects, the reduced haze value is compared with the haze value of a polymer composition containing a clarifier but not containing a nucleator or containing a nucleator but not containing a clarifier. In some aspects, the haze value of the polypropylene composition comprising a clarifier and a nucleating agent is reduced by at least 1%, preferably at least 2%, more preferably 1% to 5%, or even more preferably 2% to 5%, compared to the haze value of a polymer composition containing a clarifier but no nucleating agent or containing a nucleating agent but no clarifier. In some aspects, the haze value of the polymer composition comprising a clarifier and a nucleating agent is less than or equal to 20%, or 15% to 20%, as determined by ASTM D1003. In contrast, the haze value of a polymer composition containing a clarifier but no nucleating agent is greater than 20%, or greater than 20% to 25%.

[0010] In one aspect, the composition comprises 0.01 to 0.5 wt %, or 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, or 0.5 wt %, or any range therein, of a clarifying agent. The composition may also comprise 0.01 to 0.5 wt %, or 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0,08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, or 0.5 wt %, or any range therein, of a nucleating agent. In one aspect, the composition comprises 0.1 to 0.3 wt % of a clarifying agent and 0.05 to 0.2 wt % of a nucleating agent. In other aspects, the ratio of the weight percentages of the clarifying agent and the nucleating agent in the composition is from 0.01 / 5 to 0.5 / 0.01.

[0011] In some aspects, the clarifying agent is a nonanol-based clarifying agent or a triamide-based clarifying agent, and the nucleating agent is a phosphate-based nucleating agent. In some aspects, the clarifying agent is a nonanol-based clarifying agent or a triamide-based clarifying agent. In a specific aspect, the nonanol-based clarifying agent is 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-dimethylpropionamido)benzene. In some aspects, the clarifying agent is 1,2,3,4-dibenzylidene sorbitol, 1,2,3,4-di-p-methylbenzylidene sorbitol or 1,2,3,4-di-p-methylbenzylidene sorbitol.

[0012] In some aspects, the nucleating agent is a phosphate-based nucleating agent. In some aspects, the phosphate-based nucleating agent is 2,2'-methylenebis(4,6,-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphate. In some aspects, the phosphate-based nucleating agent further comprises a dispersant.

[0013] In some aspects, the polypropylene is a homopolymer, a random copolymer or a mixture thereof. In some aspects, at least a portion of the monomers in the polypropylene random copolymer are ethylene monomers and / or butene monomers. In some aspects, the polypropylene is a Ziegler-Natta catalyzed polypropylene or a metallocene catalyzed polypropylene. In some aspects, the melt flow index of the polymer composition is 0.2 to 150 g / 10 min as measured by ASTM D1238 (230°C / 2.16 kg). In some specific aspects, the polypropylene composition comprises at least 95 weight percent of a random copolymerized metallocene-catalyzed polypropylene having any one, any combination, or all of the following properties: (1) a melt flow rate of 9 g / 10 min, as determined in accordance with ASTM D-1238; (2) a tensile strength at break of 4800 psi (35 MPa), as determined in accordance with D-882; (3) an elongation at break of 700%, as determined in accordance with ASTM D-882; (4) a 1% secant modulus of 100,000 psi (689 MPa), as determined in accordance with ASTM D-882; (5) a 45° gloss of 80, as determined in accordance with ASTM D-2457; (6) a melting point of 289°F (143°C), as determined in accordance with ASTM D-3417 as measured by a DSC-2 differential scanning calorimeter; and / or (7) a density of 0.9 g / cc as measured in accordance with ASTM D-1505. The data for (2)-(5) are based on a non-oriented film - 2 mil (50 microns).

[0014] In some aspects, the polymer composition further comprises an additive. In some aspects, the additive is an antioxidant, an acid neutralizer, an antistatic agent, an antiblock agent, an antifogging agent, a preservative, an ultraviolet light 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 light stabilizer, a flame retardant, a release agent, a dye, a foaming agent, a fluorescent agent, a surfactant, or any combination thereof. In some aspects, the polymer composition has at least one property selected from the group consisting of a tensile modulus of 200,000 to 230,000 psi as measured by ASTM D638, a tensile strength at yield of 4,400 to 4,800 psi as measured by ASTM D638, a flexural modulus of 180,000 to 220,000 psi as measured by ASTM D790, and a notched izod impact strength of 0.5 to 1.5 ft-lbs / in as measured by ASTM D256.

[0015] Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to articles comprising any polymer composition disclosed herein. In some aspects, the method for manufacturing articles includes obtaining a polypropylene composition disclosed herein, 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. In some aspects, the method for producing a polypropylene composition includes obtaining a composition comprising at least 95, 96, 97, 98 or 99 weight % polypropylene, and extruding the composition in the presence of a clarifier and a nucleating agent to obtain a polypropylene composition of the present invention. In some aspects, the method includes extruding at a melt temperature of 200°C to 260°C.

[0016] In some aspects of the invention, the polypropylene composition and / or articles formed from or comprising the polypropylene composition may have a thickness of at least 2 mils, 3 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, 110 mils, 120 mils, 130 mils, 140 mils, 155 mils, 160 mils, 170 mils, 180 mils, 190 mils, 200 mils, 210 mils, 220 mils, 230 mils, 240 mils, 250 mils, 260 mils, 270 mils, 280 mils, 290 mils, 300 mils, 310 mils, 311 mils, 312 mils, 320 mils, 321 mils, 322 mils In some preferred aspects, the polypropylene composition or article of the present invention may have a thickness of 20 mils to 100 mils.

[0017] 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.

[0018] Aspects 1-23 are also disclosed in the context of the present invention. Aspect 1 includes a polymer composition comprising: (a) at least 95 weight percent polypropylene, (b) a clarifier, and (c) a nucleating agent, wherein the presence of the clarifier and the nucleating agent in the polymer composition reduces the haze value of the polymer composition as compared to the haze value of the polymer composition containing the clarifier but not the nucleating agent, as measured by ASTM D1003 at a thickness of 40-80 mils. Aspect 2 is the polymer composition of aspect 1, wherein the composition comprises 0.01 to 0.5 weight percent of the clarifier and 0.01 to 0.5 weight percent of the nucleating agent. Aspect 3 is the polymer composition of aspect 2, wherein the composition comprises 0.1 to 0.3 weight percent of the clarifier and 0.05 to 0.2 weight percent of the nucleating agent, or wherein the composition comprises the clarifier and the nucleating agent in a weight percent ratio of 0.01 / 5 to 0.5 / 0.01. Aspect 4 is the polymer composition described in any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the clarifier is a nonanol-based clarifier or a triamide-based clarifier, and the nucleating agent is a phosphate-based nucleating agent. Aspect 5 is the polymer composition described in aspect 4, wherein the nonanol-based clarifier is 1,2,3-trideoxy-4,5:5,7-bis-O-[(4-propylphenyl)methylene]-nonanol, or the triamide-based clarifier is a 1,3,5-benzenetriamide amide derivative, preferably 1,3,5-tris(2,2-dimethylpropionamido)benzene. Aspect 6 is the polymer composition described in any one of aspects 4 to 5, wherein the phosphate-based nucleating agent is 2,2'-methylenebis(4,6,-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphate. Aspect 7 is the polymer composition of Aspect 4, wherein the clarifying agent is 1,2,3-trideoxy-4,5:5,7-bis-O-[(4-propylphenyl)methylene]-nonanol and the nucleating agent is 2,2'-methylenebis(4,6,-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphate. Aspect 8 is the polymer composition of any one of Aspects 1 to 7, wherein the presence of the clarifying agent and the nucleating agent in the polymer composition increases the tensile modulus of the polymer composition compared to the tensile modulus of the polymer composition containing the clarifying agent but not the nucleating agent, and the tensile modulus is measured by ASTM D638. Aspect 9 is the polymer composition of any one of Aspects 1 to 8, wherein the haze value is reduced by at least 1%, preferably at least 2%, more preferably 1% to 5%, or even more preferably 2% to 5%. Aspect 10 is the polymer composition of any one of Aspects 1 to 9, wherein the haze value of the polymer composition comprising a clarifier and a nucleating agent is less than or equal to 20% or is between 15% and 20%, and wherein the haze value of the polymer composition comprising a clarifier but not a nucleating agent is greater than 20% or is between greater than 20% and 25%.Aspect 11 is the polymer composition of any one of aspects 1 to 10, wherein the polypropylene is a homopolymer or a random copolymer or a mixture thereof. Aspect 12 is the polymer composition of any one of aspects 1 to 11, wherein the polypropylene is a Ziegler-Natta catalyzed polypropylene or a metallocene catalyzed polypropylene. Aspect 13 is the polymer composition of any one of aspects 1 to 12, wherein the melt flow index of the polymer composition is 0.2 to 150 g / 10 min as measured by ASTM D1238 (230° C. / 2.16 kg). Aspect 14 is the polymer composition of any one of aspects 1 to 13, wherein the polymer composition further comprises an additive. Aspect 15 is the polymer composition described in Aspect 14, wherein 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 16 is the polymer composition of any one of aspects 1 to 15, wherein the polymer composition has at least one of the following properties: a tensile modulus of 200,000 to 230,000 psi as measured by ASTM D638, a yield tensile strength of 4,400 to 4,800 psi as measured by ASTM D638, a flexural modulus of 180,000 to 220,000 psi as measured by ASTM D790, and a notched Izod impact strength of 0.5 to 1.5 ft-lbs / in as measured by ASTM D256. Aspect 17 is the polymer composition of any one of aspects 1 to 16, 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 18 is the polymer composition of any one of aspects 1 to 17, wherein the polymer composition is an injection molding polymer composition.

[0019] Aspect 19 is an article comprising the polymer composition described in any one of aspects 1 to 18.

[0020] Aspect 20 is a method for manufacturing the article of aspect 19, the method comprising obtaining the polymer composition of any one of aspects 1 to 18, and manufacturing the article by injection molding, blow molding, compression molding, stretch molding, rotational molding, transfer molding, sheet extrusion thermoforming, shallow drawing thermoforming, deep drawing thermoforming or profile extrusion. 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.

[0021] Aspect 22 is a method for producing the polypropylene composition of any one of aspects 1 to 18, the method comprising: (a) obtaining a composition comprising at least 95 wt% of a polypropylene, a clarifier, and a nucleating agent; and (b) extruding the composition to obtain the polypropylene composition of any one of aspects 1 to 17. Aspect 23 is the method of aspect 22, wherein the extrusion conditions include a melt temperature of 200-260°C.

[0022] Included below are definitions of various terms and phrases used throughout this specification.

[0023] Polypropylene random copolymers are copolymers produced by polymerizing propylene with greater than 0% and up to 10% by total weight of ethylene and / or butene.

[0024] 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%.

[0025] 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% by weight of the component. The term "ppm" refers to one part per million by weight based on the total weight including the component.

[0026] The term "substantially" and variations thereof are defined to include ranges within ±10%, within ±5%, within ±1%, or within ±0.5%.

[0027] 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.

[0028] The term "effective," as used in the specification and / or claims, means sufficient to accomplish a desired, intended, or expected result.

[0029] 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."

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] The methods and systems of the present invention may "comprise," "consist essentially of," or "consist of" particular ingredients, components, compositions, steps, etc. disclosed throughout the specification. With respect to the transition phrase "consisting essentially of," in one non-limiting aspect, the basic and novel features of the compositions and methods of the present invention include polypropylene compositions that include a clarifying agent and a nucleating agent and that exhibit reduced haze.

[0033] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following drawings, detailed descriptions and examples. However, it should be understood that although these figures, 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 detailed descriptions. In other embodiments, the features of a specific embodiment 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. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Advantages of the present invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] Figure 1 is a graph showing the tensile modulus of polypropylene compositions containing one or more additives.

[0036] Figure 2 is a graph showing the tensile strength at yield of polypropylene compositions containing one or more additives.

[0037] Figure 3 is a graph showing the flexural modulus of polypropylene compositions containing one or more additives.

[0038] Figure 4is a graph showing the variation in haze with thickness for polypropylene molded plaques containing one or more additives. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] One aspect of the present invention is based on the following discovery: polypropylene compositions comprising both clarifiers and nucleators exhibit reduced haze compared to the same compositions without nucleators and / or the same compositions without clarifiers. This improved clarity is particularly advantageous in applications where the polypropylene polymer is formed (e.g., by injection molding) into articles having 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 still more preferably 20 mils to 100 mils. In addition, as shown in the examples, polypropylene compositions of the present invention may have improved mechanical properties compared to formulations containing clarifiers but without nucleators. Examples of improved mechanical properties include tensile modulus, tensile strength, flexural modulus, and / or notched Izod impact strength values. These attributes open up a wide range of applications and / or uses for polypropylene compositions of the present invention.

[0040] These and other non-limiting aspects of the present invention are discussed in further detail in the following sections. A. Polypropylene

[0041] The polymers of the present invention may include homopolymers of polypropylene (e.g., isotactic polypropylene, syndiotactic polypropylene, atactic polypropylene), random copolymers of propylene, and blends thereof. In some aspects, controlled rheology grade polypropylene (CRPP) may 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.

[0042] Polypropylene can be prepared by any commercially used polymerization process (such as "high pressure" process, slurry process, solution process and / or gas phase process) and using any known catalyst (such as Ziegler-Natta catalyst, chromium or Phillips catalyst, single site catalyst, metallocene catalyst, etc.). 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.

[0043] Based on the total weight of polypropylene, the polypropylene composition of the present invention can contain at least 90 wt % polypropylene, such as 90 wt % to 100 wt %, or equal to, at least, at most 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 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 wt % of any one or any two of polypropylene. In some aspects, the polypropylene can be a polypropylene homopolymer or a random copolymer polypropylene.In certain aspects, the polypropylene can have any one, any combination, or all of the following properties: (1) a melt flow rate of from 0.5 g / 10 min to 150 g / 10 min, or equal to, at least, or at most 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150 g / 10 min, wherein a preferred melt flow rate is from 5 to 15 g / 10 min, wherein the melt flow rate is determined according to ASTM D 1404. D1238 (230 ° C / 2.16 kg); (2) 2000 to 7000, preferably about 4500 to 5500 psi (MPa) tensile strength at break, the tensile strength at break is determined according to D-882; (3) 300% to 1000%, preferably 600% to 800% elongation at break, the elongation at break is determined according to ASTM D-882; (4) 50,000 to 150,000, or preferably 75,000 to 125,000 psi 1% secant modulus, the 1% secant modulus is determined according to ASTM D-882; (5) 50 to 100, preferably 70 to 90 45° gloss, the 45° gloss is determined according to ASTM (6) 100°C to 300°C, preferably 125°C to 190°C, or even more preferably 140°C to 180°C, or equal to, at least, or at most 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177 and (7) a density of at least 0.85, 0.86, 0.87, 0.88, 0.89, 0.9, 0.91, 0.92, 0.93, 0.94, and 0.95 g / cc, as measured according to ASTM D-1505. The data for (2)-(5) are based on non-oriented films - 2 mils (50 microns). In some aspects, the present invention can use commercially available polypropylene (e.g., produced by Total Energy Company (Houston, Texas)). M6571). B. Clarifying agent

[0044] The polypropylene composition of the present invention may include a clarifier or a combination of 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).

[0045] The amount of clarifier 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 include 0.01 wt% to 0.5 wt% of a clarifier, 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%). C. Nucleating Agent

[0046] 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 is available 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.

[0047] 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 compositions of the present invention may include 0.01 wt% to 0.5 wt% of a nucleating agent, 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%).

[0048] In certain aspects, the polypropylene composition of the present invention may include a clarifier and a nucleating agent in a weight percent ratio of 0.01 / 5 to 0.5 / 0.01 or any ratio therein (e.g., 0.0002:1, 0.001:1, 0.01:1, 0.02:1, 0.03:1, 0.04:1, 0.05:1, 0.06:1, 0.07:1, 0.08:1, 0.09:1, 0.10:1, 0.11:1, 0.12:1, 0.13:1, 0.14:1, 0.15:1, 0.16:1, 0.17:1, 0.18:1, 0.19:1, 0.20:1, 0.21:1, 0.22:1, 0.23:1, 0.24:1, 0.25:1, 0.26:1, 0.27:1, 0.28:1, 0.29:1, 0.30:1, 0.31:1, 0.32:1 1, 0.9:1, 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, 6:1, 7:1, 8:1, 9:1, 10:1, 15:1, 20:1, 25:1, 30:1, 35:1, 40:, 45:1, 50:1). D. Additives

[0049] The polypropylene composition of the present invention may include various additives. Non-limiting examples of additives include anti-caking agents, antistatic agents, antioxidants, neutralizers, foaming agents, crystallization aids, dyes, flame retardants, fillers, impact modifiers, release agents, oils, other polymers, pigments, processing agents, reinforcing agents, slip agents, 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 (USA), Akzo Nobel (Netherlands), (Sigma-Aldrich, USA), Atofina Chemicals, etc. The amount of the optional additive in the 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). E. Methods of Making Polymer Compositions

[0050] Polymer composition of the present invention can be made by blending polypropylene with clarifier and nucleator and optional other additives. In some respects, polypropylene can be in solid form (such as pellets), can be melted and mixed with clarifier and nucleator and optional other additives. Suitable blending machines are well known to those skilled in the art. Non-limiting examples include mixers, kneaders and extruders. In some respects, polypropylene, clarifier, nucleator and other additives can be introduced into the extruder hopper, thereby using the extruder to implement the process. The non-limiting examples of extruders include single screw extruders, counter and co-rotating twin screw extruders, planetary gear extruders, ring 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 the blending process, the polypropylene and the clarifying agent, nucleating agent and other additives can be subjected to high temperature for a sufficiently long time. The blending temperature can be higher than the softening point of the polypropylene.

[0051] The clarifier and nucleating agent and other additives can be premixed or added separately to the polypropylene. For example, the clarifier and nucleating agent and other additives can be premixed for addition to the polypropylene. The method of adding the clarifier, nucleating agent and other additives to the polypropylene can be, for example, mixing the above components using conventional methods in the process technology. The blending temperature can be higher than the softening point of the polypropylene. In some aspects, the process can be carried out at a temperature of about 160°C to 250°C. Such "melt mixing" or "melt compounding" can make the additives of the present invention uniformly dispersed in the polypropylene. D. Articles containing polymer compositions

[0052] 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 and 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. Example

[0053] 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 recognize various non-critical parameters, and these parameters can be changed or modified to produce substantially the same result. Example 1 (Preparation of polypropylene composition)

[0054] The polypropylene composition (Example 1) was prepared by mixing a phenolic antioxidant (Irganox 1010, 0.06 wt%), a secondary antioxidant (Irgafos 168, 0.06 wt%), a neutralizer (calcium stearate, 0.03 wt%), a nucleating agent (NA 27, 0.1 wt%) and a metallocene polypropylene random copolymer-based resin (M6571, fluff form, the balance), and then extruding the mixture at a melt mass flow rate (MFR) of 9 dg / min. It is believed that the phenolic antioxidant, the secondary antioxidant and the neutralizer will not affect the haze value of the polypropylene composition. The mixture was produced using a 11 / 4" single screw extruder with three temperature zones (350°F-410°F-420°F and a die 420°F). Example 2 (Preparation of polypropylene composition)

[0055] The polypropylene composition (Example 2) was prepared by mixing a phenolic antioxidant (Irganox 1010, 0.06 wt%), a secondary antioxidant (Irgafos 168, 0.06 wt%), a neutralizer (calcium stearate, 0.03 wt%), a nucleating agent (HPN 715, 0.1 wt%) and a resin based on a metallocene polypropylene random copolymer (M6571, fluffy, the balance), and then extruding the mixture at a melt mass flow rate (MFR) of 9 dg / min. It is believed that the phenolic antioxidant, the secondary antioxidant and the neutralizer do not affect the haze value of the polypropylene composition. Example 3 (Preparation of polypropylene composition)

[0056] The polypropylene composition (Example 3) was prepared by mixing a phenolic antioxidant (Irganox 1010, 0.06 wt%), a secondary antioxidant (Irgafos 168, 0.06 wt%), a neutralizer (calcium stearate, 0.03 wt%), a clarifying agent (Millad NX8000, 0.2 wt%) and a resin based on a metallocene polypropylene random copolymer (M6571, fluffy, the balance), and then extruding the mixture at a melt mass flow rate (MFR) of 9 dg / min. It is believed that the phenolic antioxidant, the secondary antioxidant and the neutralizer do not affect the haze value of the polypropylene composition. Example 4 (Preparation of polypropylene composition)

[0057] The polypropylene composition (Example 4) was prepared by mixing a phenolic antioxidant (Irganox 1010, 0.06 wt%), a secondary antioxidant (Irgafos 168, 0.06 wt%), a neutralizer (calcium stearate, 0.03 wt%), a nucleating agent (NA 27, 0.1 wt%), a clarifying agent (Millad NX8000, 0.2 wt%) and a metallocene polypropylene random copolymer-based resin (M6571, fluffy, the balance), and then extruding the mixture at a melt mass flow rate (MFR) of 9 dg / min. It is believed that the phenolic antioxidant, the secondary antioxidant and the neutralizer do not affect the haze value of the polypropylene composition. Example 5 (Preparation of polypropylene composition)

[0058] The polypropylene composition (Example 5) was prepared by mixing a phenolic antioxidant (Irganox 1010, 0.06 wt%), a secondary antioxidant (Irgafos 168, 0.06 wt%), a neutralizer (calcium stearate, 0.03 wt%), a nucleating agent (HPN 715, 0.1 wt%), a clarifying agent (Millad NX8000, 0.2 wt%) and a metallocene polypropylene random copolymer-based resin (M6571, fluffy, the balance), and then extruding the mixture at a melt mass flow rate (MFR) of 9 dg / min. It is believed that the phenolic antioxidant, the secondary antioxidant and the neutralizer do not affect the haze value of the polypropylene composition.

[0059] The following Table 1 shows the polypropylene compositions prepared in Examples 1-5. Table 1* Example No. 1 2 3 4 5 Base resin type M6571 M6571 M6571 M6571 M6571 additive weight% weight% weight% weight% weight% Irganox 1010 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 Irgafos 168 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 Calcium stearate 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 NA 27 0.1 - - 0.1 - HPN 715 - 0.1 - - 0.1 Millad NX8000 - - 0.2 0.2 0.2 *M6571 is a random copolymer metallocene polypropylene (Total Energy, Houston, TX). Its melt flow index is 9 g / 10 min (2.16 Kg-230°C). *Irganox 1010 is pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate) (BASF, Ludwigshafen, Germany). *Irgafos 168 is tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphite (BASF, Ludwigshafen, Germany). * Calcium stearate is C 36 H 70 CaO 4 (Baerlocher, Germany). NA 27 is 2,2'-methylenebis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphate containing a dispersant (ADK STABNA-27, ADK (Tokyo, Japan)). *HPN 715 is Hyperform HPN 715 (Milliken Chemical Company, Spartanburg, SC). *Millad NX8000 is 1,2,3-trideoxy-4,5:5,7-bis-O-[(4-propylphenyl)methylene]-nonanol (Milliken Chemical Company, Spartanburg, SC). Example 6 (Results)

[0060] Polypropylene composition Example 1 contains a nucleating agent (NA27) and no clarifying agent. The composition has a high tensile modulus ( Figure 1 ) and high flexural modulus ( Figure 2 ), but the clarity is relatively poor (high haze, Figure 3 ). Similarly, polypropylene composition Example 2 includes a nucleating agent (HPN-715) and no clarifier and exhibits similar properties.

[0061] Polypropylene composition Example 3 contains a clarifier (NX8000) but no nucleating agent and exhibits the desired low haze ( Figure 3 ). However, this example exhibits a low tensile modulus ( Figure 1 ) and low flexural modulus ( Figure 2 ).

[0062] The polypropylene compositions (Examples 4 and 5) containing a nucleating agent (NA 27 or HPN 715, respectively) and a clarifying agent (NX8000) have a high tensile modulus ( Figure 1 ), high flexural modulus ( Figure 2 ) and high clarity (low haze, Figure 3 The haze reduction was more pronounced in thicker formed plaques where the haze difference was greater compared to the single additive combination described above ( Figure 4 , see 80 mil thick plate). By adding both nucleating agent and clarifying agent to the polypropylene composition, a high hardness polypropylene composition can be obtained while maintaining high clarity in thicker product applications. These results can be attributed to the synergistic effect of the combination of nucleating agent and clarifying agent in the polypropylene composition.

[0063] Table 2 below lists the notched Izod impact test results of the various polypropylene compositions described above. Table 2 ****

[0064] 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. % polypropylene; (b) clarifiers; and (c) a nucleating agent, in, The presence of the clarifying agent and the nucleating agent in the polymer composition reduces the haze value of the polymer composition as measured by ASTM D1003 at a thickness of 40-80 mils compared to the haze value of a polymer composition containing the clarifying agent but not the nucleating agent.

2. The polymer composition according to claim 1, wherein The composition includes 0.01 to 0.5 weight percent of a clarifying agent and 0.01 to 0.5 weight percent of a nucleating agent.

3. The polymer composition according to claim 2, wherein The composition comprises 0.1 to 0.3 wt % of a clarifier and 0.05 to 0.2 wt % of a nucleating agent, or wherein the composition comprises the clarifier and the nucleating agent in a weight percent ratio of 0.01 / 5 to 0.5 / 0.

01.

4. The polymer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The clarifying agent is a nonanol-based clarifying agent or a triamide-based clarifying agent, and the nucleating agent is a phosphate-based nucleating agent.

5. The polymer composition according to claim 4, wherein The nonanol-based clarifying agent is 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-dimethylpropionamido)benzene.

6. The polymer composition according to claim 4, wherein The phosphate-based nucleating agent is 2,2'-methylenebis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphate.

7. The polymer composition according to claim 4, wherein The clarifier is 1,2,3-trideoxy-4,5:5,7-bis-O-[(4-propylphenyl)methylene]-nonanol, and the nucleating agent is 2,2'-methylenebis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphate.

8. The polymer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The presence of the clarifier and the nucleating agent in the polymer composition increases the tensile modulus of the polymer composition as measured by ASTM D638, compared to the tensile modulus of a polymer composition containing the clarifier but not the nucleating agent.

9. The polymer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The haze value is reduced by at least 1%, preferably at least 2%, more preferably from 1% to 5%, or even more preferably from 2% to 5%.

10. The polymer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The polymer composition comprising a clarifying agent and a nucleating agent has a haze value less than or equal to 20% or from 15% to 20%, and wherein the polymer composition comprising a clarifying agent but not a nucleating agent has a haze value greater than 20% or from greater than 20% to 25%.

11. The polymer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The polypropylene is a homopolymer or a random copolymer or a mixture thereof.

12. The polymer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The polypropylene is a Ziegler-Natta catalyzed polypropylene or a metallocene catalyzed polypropylene.

13. The polymer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The polymer composition has a melt flow index of 0.2 to 150 g / 10 min, the melt flow index being measured by ASTM D1238 (230° C. / 2.16 kg).

14. The polymer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The polymer composition further comprises additives.

15. The polymer composition according to claim 14, 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 release agent, a dye, a foaming agent, a fluorescent agent, a surfactant or any combination thereof.

16. The polymer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The polymer composition has at least one of the following characteristics: A tensile modulus of 200,000 to 230,000 psi as measured by ASTM D638; 4,400 to 4,800 psi tensile strength at yield as measured by ASTM D638; A flexural modulus of 180,000 psi to 220,000 psi as measured by ASTM D790; and / or Notched Izod impact strength of 0.5 to 1.5 ft-lbs / in as measured by ASTM D256.

17. The polymer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 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.

18. The polymer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The polymer composition is an injection molded polymer composition.

19. An article comprising the polymer composition of any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. A method for manufacturing an article as claimed in claim 19, the method comprising obtaining the polymer composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18, and manufacturing the article by injection molding, blow molding, compression molding, stretch molding, rotational molding, transfer molding, sheet extrusion thermoforming, shallow drawing thermoforming, deep drawing thermoforming or profile extrusion.

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 process for producing a polypropylene composition according to any one of claims 1 to 18, the process comprising: (a) obtaining a composition comprising the following components: at least 95 wt. % polypropylene; Clarifying agent; and Nucleating agent; as well as (b) extruding the composition to obtain the polypropylene composition according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein: The extrusion conditions include a melt temperature of 200-260°C.

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