Ethylene / alpha-olefin interpolymer compositions for extrusion applications

Abstract

Compositions and related processes comprising the following components a) and b): a) a first composition comprising a multimodal ethylene / alpha-olefin interpolymer, and wherein the first composition comprises the following properties: i) a density from 0.855 g / cc to 0.900 g / cc, ii) [V100 (190 DEG C)] < = 1000 Pa.s, iii) [V0.1 (190 DEG C) / V100 (190 DEG C)] > = 8.0, b) at least one peroxide. Compositions and related processes comprising the following components a) to c): a) a first composition comprising a multimodal ethylene / alpha-olefin interpolymer, and wherein the first composition comprises the following properties: i) a density from 0.855 g / cc to 0.900 g / cc, ii) [V0.1 (190 DEG C) / V100 (190 DEG C)] > = 5.0, b) at least one peroxide, c) at least one Tempo compound of structure I) selected from structure IA, structure IB or structure IC, each structure is as described herein.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Vulcanized EPDM is the main material for sealing strip profiles, which is highly filled with carbon black and plasticizer oil and cured by a complex sulfur curing agent system. Nowadays, the automotive industry is trying to manufacture lightweight vehicles (especially lightweight electric vehicles) with lower conductivity and lower VOC values, and thus lower odor. Typical vulcanized EPDM cannot well meet all these requirements.

[0002] Extrusion and continuous vulcanization (CV) are the most commonly used processing methods for manufacturing sealing strip profiles. To manufacture "high polymer content" profiles, conventional EPDM is not suitable because a large amount of carbon black and oil are required to reduce the inherently high viscosity of EPDM. The fillers increase the weight of the profiles.

[0003] When using a conventional polyolefin elastomer (POE) composition containing a high polymer content (e.g., ≥90% by weight based on the weight of the composition) to extrude a profile and then crosslink it under high-temperature CV, there is usually a compromise between the surface quality of the extrudate and the shape retention of the extrudate. When the "POE composition" has high fluidity, a good-quality surface can be obtained via extrusion, but the profile shape cannot be maintained during the CV process. A composition containing high molecular weight (high viscosity) POE can help maintain the extrudate shape, but the extrudate surface becomes uneven and rough (i.e., poor surface quality).

[0004] New polymer compositions are needed that can be extruded with good surface quality and can also maintain the extrudate shape during curing in a CV tunnel. Such compositions should be free of or contain a small amount of fillers.

[0005] International Publication WO2021 / 128128 discloses a composition comprising the following components a)-c): a) an α composition, which comprises a multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer, and wherein the α composition has the following properties: i) Mz / Mn≥8.0, ii) density of 0.855 g / cc to 0.890 g / cc, iii) V100(100 °C)≤2,000 Pa·s, iv) V1.0(100 °C)≥15,000 Pa·s, v) Mn≥16,000 g / mol; b) a peroxide; and c) a silane coupling agent.

[0006] U.S. Patent No. 9,102,824 discloses a composition comprising a first composition, the first composition comprising the following: A) a first interpolymer, the first interpolymer comprising, in polymeric form, ethylene, an α-olefin, and a non-conjugated polyene; B) a second interpolymer, the second interpolymer comprising, in polymeric form, ethylene, an α-olefin, and a non-conjugated polyene; and wherein the first composition has [(ML(1+4, 125 °C)) / Mw(conv)] * 1000 greater than 0.429 mol / g, and wherein the ratio of the Mooney (ML, 1+4, 125 °C) of the first interpolymer to the Mooney (ML, 1+4, 125 °C) of the second interpolymer is from 1.1 to 1.2; and wherein the first interpolymer has a Mooney viscosity (ML, 1+4, 125 °C) less than or equal to 120. See Claim 1. Vulcanizing agents include, but are not limited to, sulfur-containing compounds and peroxides (see, for example, columns 10, lines 33 - 60).

[0007] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2019 / 0276573 discloses a multimodal elastomer comprising a copolymer of ethylene and at least one α-olefin monomer, wherein the multimodal elastomer comprises the following: 20 wt% to 90 wt% of a high molecular weight (HMW) fraction, wherein the HMW fraction has a number average molecular weight (Mn) of at least 50 kg / mol and comprises at least 35 wt% ethylene and at least 30 wt% α-olefin comonomer; a low molecular weight fraction (LMW) fraction, wherein the LMW fraction has a Mn of 4 kg / mol to 25 kg / mol and comprises at least 50 wt% ethylene and at least 29 wt% α-olefin comonomer. The ratio of the Mn of the HMW fraction to the Mn of the LMW fraction is at least 5:1. The multimodal elastomer has a density between 0.853 g / cc and 0.875 g / cc, a shear viscosity of less than 2,500 Pa-s at 100 rad / s, and a shear viscosity of less than 120,000 Pa-s at 0.1 rad / s. See Claim 1.

[0008] U.S. Patent No. 6,541,592 discloses a thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising the following: 5 wt% to 95 wt% of (A) and 5 wt% to 95 wt% of (B): (A) is an ethylene-α-olefin polymer having a tensile stress M 100 of 2.5 MPa or less; (B) is a polyolefin-based resin having a tensile stress M 100 of 2.5 MPa or greater. According to the flow property test using a capillary rheometer, the melt flow index I is 1.35 or greater. See the abstract. The composition can be crosslinked using sulfur, peroxides, metal ions, silanes, water, or other conventional methods (see columns 9, lines 53 - 57).

[0009] U.S. Patent Publication 2020 / 0263018 discloses a composition comprising: A) an ethylene / α-olefin / diene interpolymer; B) a peroxide comprising at least one peroxide bond; and C) a bis-TEMPO compound having Structure I as described herein. The ratio of the molar amount of the nitroxyl radical of Component C to the molar amount of the peroxide bond of Component B is from 0.100:1.000 to 2.000:1.000. See the abstract.

[0010] International Publication WO2020 / 140067 discloses a curable composition comprising the following: A) a polyolefin component and B) a curing component comprising a crosslinking agent. The polyolefin component comprises an unsaturated polyolefin of formula A 1 L 1 wherein L 1 is a polyolefin, and A 1 is selected from a vinyl group, a vinylene group of formula CH2═C(Y 1 )-, a vinylene group of formula Y 1 CH═CH-, a mixture of a vinyl group and a vinylene group of formula Y 1 CH═CH-, a mixture of a vinyl group and a vinylene group of formula CH2═C(Y 1 )-, a mixture of a vinylene group of formula CH2═C(Y 1 )- and a vinylene group of formula Y1CH═CH-, and a mixture of a vinyl group, a vinylene group of formula CH2═C(Y 1 )- and a vinylene group of formula Y 1 CH═CH-; and Y 1 is independently at each occurrence a C1 to C30 hydrocarbyl group. See claim 1. The curing component may further contain scorch inhibitors / retarders such as hindered phenols, semi-hindered phenols; TEMPO; TEMPO derivatives; 1,1-diphenylethylene; 2,4-diphenyl-4-methyl-1-pentene; and allyl-containing compounds described in US 6277925B1. See paragraph

[0247] . Also see WO2020 / 140061, WO2020 / 135681, WO2020 / 135708, WO2020 / 135680, WO2020 / 139993 and WO2020 / 140058.

[0011] U.S. Patent No. 8,581,094 discloses an electronic device module comprising: A) at least one electronic device, and B) a polymeric material in intimate contact with at least one surface of the electronic device. The polymeric material comprises the following components (1) and optionally (2) and (3): (1) a polyolefin copolymer having at least one of the following: (a) a density of less than about 0.90 g / cc, (b) a 2% tangent modulus of less than about 150 megapascals (mPa), (c) a melting point of less than about 95 °C, (d) an alpha-olefin content of at least about 15 wt% and less than about 50 wt% based on the weight of the polymer, (e) a Tg of less than about -35 °C, and (f) an SCBDI of at least about 50; (2) an optional free radical initiator (e.g., a peroxide or a nitrogen-containing compound) or a photoinitiator (e.g., benzophenone); and (3) an optional additive. See the abstract. Generally, the polyolefin copolymer is an ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymer. Optionally, the polymeric material may further comprise vinyl silane and / or a scorch inhibitor, and the copolymer may be uncrosslinked or crosslinked. See the abstract. Scorch inhibitors include 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxy, also known as nitroxide 2, or NR 1, or 4-oxypiperidinol, or tanol, or tempol, or tmpn, or 4-hydroxy-TEMPO (see lines 30-54 of column 11).

[0012] J. Kruzelak et al., Vulcanization of Rubber Compounds with Peroxide Curing Systems, Rubber Chemistry and Technology, Vol. 90, No. 1: pp. 60-88, 2017 discloses the characterization of organic peroxides as curing agents and their decomposition mechanisms. The reference also discloses the classification and characterization of additives used in peroxide crosslinking in relation to the properties of the materials prepared, as well as the interaction and reaction mechanisms between peroxides, additives, and the rubber matrix. See the abstract. The reference discloses scorch retarders such as 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol (BHT); 2,4-diphenyl-4-methyl-1-pentene (methylstyrene dimer, MSD); 1,1-diphenylethylene (DPE); (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidin-1-yl)oxy (TEMPO); bis-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl) sebacate (bis-TEMPO); or acrylate-functionalized TEMPO; 4-acryloyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidine-N-oxy (AOTEMPO). See page 83.

[0013] Additional polymer compositions are disclosed in the following references: EP2958151A1, EP2637217A1, EP2747150A1, WO 2011 / 033232, US2012 / 0273718.

[0014] However, as described above, there is still a need for new polymer compositions that can be extruded with good surface quality and that can also maintain the extrudate shape during curing in a CV tunnel. Such compositions should be free or contain small amounts of fillers. These needs have been met by the present invention. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] In a first aspect, a composition comprising components a) and b) below:

[0016] a) A first composition comprising a multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer, and wherein the first composition includes the following properties:

[0017] i) A density of from 0.855 g / cc to 0.900 g / cc,

[0018] ii) [V100(190 °C)] ≤ 1000 Pa·s,

[0019] iii) [V0.1(190 °C) / V100(190 °C)] ≥ 8.0,

[0020] b) At least one peroxide.

[0021] In a second aspect, a composition comprising components a)-c) below:

[0022] a) A first composition comprising a multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer, and wherein the first composition includes the following properties:

[0023] i) A density of from 0.855 g / cc to 0.900 g / cc,

[0024] ii) [V0.1(190 °C) / V100(190 °C)] ≥ 5.0,

[0025] b) At least one peroxide,

[0026] c) At least one Tempo compound of Structure I selected from Structure IA, Structure IB or Structure IC, each structure as described herein.

[0027] In a third aspect, a method of forming a crosslinked composition, the method comprising heat-treating a composition comprising components a) and b) below:

[0028] a) A first composition, the first composition comprising a multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer, and wherein the first composition includes the following properties:

[0029] i) having a density of from 0.855 g / cc to 0.900 g / cc,

[0030] ii) V100 (190 °C) ≤ 1000 Pa·s,

[0031] iii) [V0.1 (190 °C) / V100 (190 °C)] ≥ 8.0,

[0032] b) at least one peroxide.

[0033] In a fourth aspect, a method of forming a crosslinked composition, the method

[0034] comprises heat treating a composition comprising the following components a)-c):

[0035] a) A first composition, the first composition comprising a multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer, and wherein the first composition includes the following properties:

[0036] i) having a density of from 0.855 g / cc to 0.900 g / cc,

[0037] ii) [V0.1 (190 °C) / V100 (190 °C)] ≥ 5.0,

[0038] b) at least one peroxide,

[0039] c) at least one Tempo compound of Structure I selected from Structure IA, Structure IB or Structure IC, each structure as described herein. Detailed Description

[0040] Compositions have been found that contain a high level of polymer (e.g., ≥ 90 wt% based on the weight of the composition) and can be extruded with good surface quality and also maintain the shape of the extrudate during curing in a CV tunnel.

[0041] As described above, in a first aspect, a composition comprising the following components a) and b), each component as described herein. In a second aspect, a composition comprising the following components a) to c), each component as described herein. In a third aspect, a method of forming a crosslinked composition, the method comprising heat treating a composition comprising the following components a) and b), each component as described herein. In a fourth aspect, a method of forming a crosslinked composition, the method comprising heat treating a composition comprising the following components a) to c), each component as described herein. Each composition may comprise a combination of two or more embodiments as described herein. Each method may comprise a combination of two or more embodiments as described herein. Each of components a, b, and c may comprise a combination of two or more embodiments as described herein. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments apply to the first, second, third, and fourth aspects.

[0042] Note that as used herein, with respect to Structure IA, Structure IB, or Structure IC (see Component c), R1 = R 1 , R2 = R 2 , R3 = R 3 etc. Additionally, with respect to the number of carbon atoms in the chemical substituents of Structure IA, Structure IB, or Structure IC, a symbol such as "C1-C18" (where "1 to 18" represents consecutive numbers from 1 to 18) refers to "1 to 18 carbon atoms" that may be present in the substituent. An "alkyl" group may be straight-chain, branched-chain, cyclic, or any combination thereof. An alkylene group may be straight-chain, branched-chain, cyclic, or any combination thereof.

[0043] With respect to the first aspect and the third aspect, in one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments each described herein, the first composition has a V0.1 (190 °C, Pa·s) of ≥ 3,000, or ≥ 3,200, or ≥ 3,400, or ≥ 3,600, or ≥ 4,000, or ≥ 4,500, or ≥ 5,000 and / or ≤ 30,000, or ≤ 25,000, or ≤ 20,000, or ≤ 18,000.

[0044] With respect to the second aspect and the fourth aspect, in one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments each described herein, the first composition has a melt index (I2, g / 10 min) of ≤ 5.0, or ≤ 4.8, or ≤ 4.6 and / or ≥ 0.1, or ≥ 0.2, or ≥ 0.4, or ≥ 0.6, or ≥ 0.8, or ≥ 1.0.

[0045] Regarding the first and third aspects, in one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments each described herein, the composition further comprises at least one Tempo compound of Structure I as described herein as Component c.

[0046] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments each described herein, the molar ratio of NO· from at least one Tempo compound (Component c) to the peroxy (O—O) bond of at least one peroxide (Component b) is ≥0.30, or ≥0.31, or ≥0.33, or ≥0.34 and / or ≤0.90, or ≤0.88, or ≤0.85, or ≤0.82, or ≤0.80, or ≤0.78, or ≤0.75, or ≤0.72, or ≤0.70, or ≤0.68, or ≤0.65, or ≤0.62, or ≤0.60, or ≤0.58.

[0047] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments each described herein, based on 100 parts of Component a, Component c is present in an amount of ≥0.20 phr, or ≥0.22 phr, or ≥0.25 phr, or ≥0.28 phr, or ≥0.30 phr, or ≥0.32 phr, or ≥0.35 phr, or ≥0.38 phr, or ≥0.40 phr, or ≥0.42 phr, or ≥0.45 phr and / or ≤0.90 phr, or ≤0.88 phr, or ≤0.85 phr, or ≤0.82 phr, or ≤0.80 phr, or ≤0.78 phr, or ≤0.75 phr.

[0048] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments each described herein, the first composition has a total unsaturation of ≥0.20 / 1000C, or ≥0.25 / 1000C, or ≥0.30 / 1000C, or ≥0.35 / 1000C, or ≥0.40 / 1000C, or ≥0.45 / 1000C, or ≥0.50 / 1000C, or ≥0.51 / 1000C, or ≥0.52 / 1000C, or ≥0.53 / 1000C and / or ≤15.0 / 1000C, or ≤10.0 / 1000C, or ≤5.00 / 1000C, or ≤2.00 / 1000C, or ≤1.50 / 1000C, or ≤1.20 / 1000C, or ≤1.00 / 1000C.

[0049] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments each described herein, the multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer is selected from multimodal ethylene / α-olefin copolymers.

[0050] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments each described herein, component a further comprises a second multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer having a density of 0.855 g / cc to 0.900 g / cc and a total unsaturation ≥ 0.20 / 1000C, and the second interpolymer is different from the multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer and further different in one or more characteristics selected from density, total unsaturation, melt index (I2), or any combination thereof.

[0051] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments each described herein, the second multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer is a multimodal ethylene / α-olefin copolymer.

[0052] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments each described herein, the ratio of the density of the multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer to the density of the second multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer is ≥ 0.80, or ≥ 0.85, or ≥ 0.90, or ≥ 0.92, or ≥ 0.94, or ≥ 0.96, or ≥ 0.98, or ≥ 1.0 and / or ≤ 1.25, or ≤ 1.20, or ≤ 1.18, or ≤ 1.16, or ≤ 1.14, or ≤ 1.12, or ≤ 1.11.

[0053] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments each described herein, the composition comprises ≤ 10 wt%, or ≤ 5.0 wt%, or ≤ 2.0 wt%, or ≤ 1.0 wt%, or ≤ 0.5 wt%, or ≤ 0.1 wt% filler by weight of the composition; and further the composition does not contain filler.

[0054] Regarding the third and fourth aspects, in one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments each described herein, the heat treatment is carried out in air.

[0055] There is also provided a crosslinked composition formed from a composition of one or more embodiments as described herein or formed by a method of one or more embodiments as described herein. There is also provided an article comprising at least one component formed from a composition of one or more embodiments as described herein or formed from a crosslinked composition of one or more embodiments as described herein.

[0056] Multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer

[0057] In one embodiment, the multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer comprises at least two ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer fractions. Each ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer fraction independently comprises, in polymeric form, ethylene and an α-olefin. The α-olefin can be an aliphatic or aromatic compound. The α-olefin is preferably a C3-C20 aliphatic compound, more preferably a C3-C10 aliphatic compound such as propylene, 1-butene, 1-hexene, and 1-octene. The distribution of the monomer units, particularly of the α-olefin, can be random, block, homogeneous, non-homogeneous, etc. Preferably, the multimodal interpolymer is a random interpolymer (i.e., including a random distribution of its monomer components).

[0058] In one embodiment, the multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer is produced by using different catalysts, different catalyst configurations, or different reactor conditions. For example, two catalysts are used during the polymerization process in one reactor to form two interpolymer fractions (in-situ blend). The multimodal interpolymer can also be produced from a physical blend of at least two ethylene / α-olefin interpolymers. In one embodiment, the multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer is formed from one of the following: a) two catalysts in one reactor; or b) a single catalyst used under different polymerization conditions; or c) two catalysts, each used under different polymerization conditions; or d) a physical blend. In another embodiment, the multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer is formed from one of the following: a) two catalysts in one reactor; or b) a single catalyst used under different polymerization conditions; and further formed from two catalysts in one reactor.

[0059] Tempo compound (Component c)

[0060] The Tempo compound has structure IA, structure IB, or structure IC, each as described herein. Examples of the Tempo compound include, but are not limited to, bis-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy-4-yl) sebacate.

[0061] Peroxide (Component b)

[0062] As used herein, a peroxide contains at least one oxygen-oxygen bond (O-O). Peroxides include, but are not limited to, dialkyl, diaryl, dialkylaryl, or diarylalkyl peroxides having the same or different respective alkyl, aryl, alkaryl, or aralkyl moieties, and further each dialkyl, diaryl, dialkylaryl, or diarylalkyl peroxide having the same respective alkyl, aryl, alkaryl, or aralkyl moiety.

[0063] Exemplary organic peroxides include dicumyl peroxide (“DCP”); tert-butyl perbenzoate; di-tert-amyl peroxide (“DTAP”); bis(tert-butylperoxyisopropyl)benzene (“BIPB”); cumyl isopropyl tert-butyl peroxide; tert-butyl cumyl peroxide; di-tert-butyl peroxide; 2,5-bis(tert-butylperoxy)-2,5-dimethylhexane (“LUPEROX 101”); 2,5-bis(tert-butylperoxy)-2,5-dimethylhex-3-yne; 1,1-bis(tert-butylperoxy)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane; cumyl cumyl peroxide; butyl 4,4-bis(tert-butylperoxy)valerate; di(cumyl) peroxide; 1,1-di-(tert-butylperoxy)cyclohexane (“LUPEROX 331”); 1,1-di-(tert-amylperoxy)cyclohexane (“LUPEROX 531”); tert-butyl peroxyacetate (“TBPA”); tert-amyl peroxyacetate (“TAPA”); tert-butyl peroxy-2-ethylhexyl carbonate (“TBEC”); and mixtures of two or more of them.

[0064] The peroxide can be a cyclic peroxide. Examples of cyclic peroxides include cyclic peroxides derived from acetone, methyl amyl ketone, methyl heptyl ketone, methyl hexyl ketone, methyl propyl ketone, methyl butyl ketone, diethyl ketone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl octyl ketone, methyl nonyl ketone, methyl decyl ketone, methyl undecyl ketone, and combinations thereof, etc. The cyclic peroxides can be used alone or in combination with each other. Many cyclic peroxides are commercially available, for example, under the trade name TRIGONOX such as 3,6,9-triethyl-3,6,9-trimethyl-1,4,7-triperoxynonane.

[0065] Additive

[0066] The compositions of the present invention can contain one or more additives. Additives include, but are not limited to, crosslinking aids, blowing agents, antioxidants, UV stabilizers, colorants, processing aids (e.g., zinc stearate), and fillers (in small amounts).

[0067] The crosslinking aids include, but are not limited to, triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC), triallyl cyanurate (TAC), triallyl trimellitate (TATM), trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA), trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (TMPTMA), 1,6 - hexanediol diacrylate, pentaerythritol tetraacrylate, dipentaerythritol pentaacrylate, tris(2 - hydroxyethyl) isocyanurate triacrylate, trivinyl cyclohexane (TVCH), or combinations thereof. Additional aids include alkenyl - functional monocyclic organosiloxanes, such as those disclosed in WO 2019 / 000311 and WO 2019 / 000654, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety (e.g., monocyclic organosiloxanes of the formula [R1,R2SiO2 / 2]n, where the subscript n is an integer greater than or equal to 3; each R1 is independently a (C2 - C4) alkenyl or H2C=C(R1a)-C(=O)-O-(CH2)m-, where R1a is H or methyl and the subscript m is an integer from 1 to 4; and each R2 is independently H, (C1 - C4) alkyl, phenyl, or R1; for example, 2,4,6,8 - tetramethyl - 2,4,6,8 - tetravinylcyclotetrasiloxane, 2,4,6 - trimethyl - 2,4,6 - trivinyl - cyclotrisiloxane, or combinations thereof).

[0068] In one embodiment, the additive is present in an amount of ≥0.10 phr, or ≥0.20 phr, or ≥0.30 phr, or ≥0.35 phr, or ≥0.40 phr based on 100 parts of component a and / or ≤5.0 phr, or ≤4.0 phr, or ≤3.0 phr, or ≤2.0 phr, or ≤1.0 wt%, or ≤0.50 phr based on 100 parts of component a.

[0069] Definition

[0070] Unless stated to the contrary, implied by the context, or customary in the art, all parts and percentages are by weight, and as of the filing date of this disclosure, all test methods are current methods.

[0071] As used herein, the term "composition" includes mixtures of materials, the mixtures of materials comprising the composition as well as reaction products and decomposition products formed from the composition materials. Any reaction product or decomposition product is typically present in trace or residual amounts.

[0072] As used herein, the term "polymer" refers to a polymeric compound prepared by polymerizing the same or different types of monomers. Thus, the general term polymer includes the term homopolymer (used to refer to a polymer prepared from only one type of monomer, it being understood that trace impurities may be incorporated into the polymer structure) and the term interpolymer as defined hereinafter. Trace impurities (such as catalyst residues) may be incorporated into and / or within the polymer. Generally, polymers are stabilized with very low amounts (in "ppm" amounts) of one or more stabilizers.

[0073] As used herein, the term "interpolymer" refers to a polymer prepared by the polymerization of at least two different types of monomers. The term interpolymer thus includes the term copolymer (used to refer to a polymer prepared from two different types of monomers) and polymers prepared from more than two different types of monomers.

[0074] As used herein, the term "olefin-based polymer" refers to a polymer that contains 50 wt% or a majority weight percentage of an olefin (such as ethylene or propylene) in polymeric form (based on the weight of the polymer) and optionally may contain one or more comonomers.

[0075] As used herein, the term "propylene-based polymer" refers to a polymer that contains a majority weight percentage of propylene in polymeric form (based on the weight of the polymer) and optionally may contain one or more comonomers.

[0076] As used herein, the term "ethylene-based polymer" refers to a polymer that contains 50 weight % or a majority weight percentage of ethylene in polymeric form (based on the weight of the polymer) and optionally may contain one or more comonomers.

[0077] As used herein, the term "ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer" refers to an interpolymer that contains 50 weight % or a majority weight percentage of ethylene (based on the weight of the interpolymer) and an α-olefin in polymeric form.

[0078] As used herein, the term "ethylene / α-olefin copolymer" refers to a copolymer that contains 50 weight % or a majority weight percentage of ethylene (based on the weight of the copolymer) and an α-olefin as the only two monomer types in polymeric form.

[0079] As used herein, the term "multimodal" in the polymer term "multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer (or copolymer)" refers to an interpolymer (or copolymer) having a broad molecular weight distribution (MWD≥2.8, further ≥3.0). This broad MWD is typically generated by multiple interpolymer fractions present in the multimodal interpolymer (or copolymer). Each fraction of the interpolymer can be generated, for example, by using different catalysts, different catalyst configurations, or different reactor conditions during the polymerization process (each type of polymerization process produces an in-situ blend of two or more fractions). For example, two interpolymer fractions (in-situ blend) are formed in one reactor using two catalysts during the polymerization process. Each fraction can also be produced from a physical blend of multiple ethylene / α-olefin interpolymers or from the product of post-reactor chemical reactions to form polymers such as reactive extrusion. In one embodiment, the broad MWD is produced by an in-situ blend of two or more interpolymer (or copolymer) fractions or a physical blend of two or more interpolymers (or copolymers). In another embodiment, the broad MWD is produced by an in-situ blend of two interpolymer (or copolymer) fractions or a physical blend of two interpolymers (or copolymers).

[0080] The phrase "major weight percentage" with respect to a polymer (or interpolymer or copolymer) refers to the amount of the monomer present in the polymer in the largest quantity.

[0081] The term "heteroatom" refers to an atom other than hydrogen or carbon (e.g., O, S, N, or P). The term "heteroatom group" refers to a heteroatom or a chemical group containing one or more heteroatoms.

[0082] The terms "hydrocarbon", "hydrocarbyl", and similar terms as used herein refer to the corresponding compounds or chemical groups containing only carbon and hydrogen atoms, etc. The divalent "hydrocarbylene group" is defined in a similar manner.

[0083] The terms "heterohydrocarbon", "heterohydrocarbyl", and similar terms as used herein refer to the corresponding hydrocarbon or hydrocarbyl group, etc., in which at least one carbon atom is replaced by a heteroatom group (e.g., O, S, N, or P). The monovalent heterohydrocarbyl group can be bonded to the rest of the compound of interest via a carbon atom or via a heteroatom. The divalent "heterohydrocarbylene group" is defined in a similar manner; and the divalent heterohydrocarbylene group can be bonded to the rest of the compound of interest via two carbon atoms, two heteroatoms, or a carbon atom and a heteroatom.

[0084] The terms "substituted hydrocarbon", "substituted hydrocarbyl group", and similar terms as used herein refer to the corresponding hydrocarbon or hydrocarbyl group, etc., in which one or more hydrogen atoms are independently replaced by heteroatom groups. The "substituted hydrocarbylene group" is defined in a similar manner.

[0085] As used herein, the terms "substituted heteroalkene", "substituted heteroalkenyl group" and like terms refer to the corresponding heteroalkene or heteroalkenyl group and the like in which one or more hydrogen atoms are independently replaced by a heteroatom group. "Substituted heteroalkylene group" is defined in a similar manner.

[0086] As used herein, the term "crosslinked composition" refers to a composition having a network structure due to the formation of chemical bonds between polymer chains. Relative to a non-crosslinked composition, the degree of formation of this network structure is represented by an increase in the "MH-ML" difference discussed herein. Based on the weight of the crosslinked composition, the crosslinked composition typically has a gel content of ≥60 wt%, further ≥70 wt%, further ≥80 wt%, further ≥90 wt%. The gel content can be determined by refluxing the crosslinked composition in xylene. For example, approximately 0.5 g of the crosslinked composition (Ws) is sealed in a wire mesh (mesh size 120) to form a filled sample, and the filled sample is weighed (Wt1). Then the filled sample is transferred to a flask (500 mL) equipped with a condenser and containing 350 mL of xylene. After refluxing for five hours, the filled sample is removed from the xylene, placed in a vacuum oven and heated at 120 °C under vacuum for two hours. After this time, the filled sample is removed from the oven and weighed (Wt2). Gel content = 1 - [(Wt1 - Wt2) / Ws] * 100%.

[0087] As used herein, the terms "heat-treated", "thermally treating / thermal treatment" and like phrases with respect to a composition as described herein refer to raising the temperature of the composition by applying heat. As an example, heat can be applied by an electrical device (e.g., a heating coil) and / or by radiation and / or by hot oil and / or by mechanical shear. Note that the temperature at which the heat treatment is carried out refers to the temperature of the device that "applies the heat", or if the device contains an enclosed or semi-enclosed atmosphere, it refers to the temperature of the atmosphere within the device, such as the atmosphere in an oven or a tunnel (e.g., the air temperature in a hot air oven or a hot air tunnel).

[0088] As used herein, the term "extrudate" refers to a polymer composition that typically exits an extruder in a molten form.

[0089] As used herein, the term "extruder configuration" refers to the arrangement and number (n≥1) of extruders used during the extrusion process. Typically, two or more extruders are arranged in a series orientation.

[0090] As used herein, with respect to an extrusion process using one or more extruders, each extruder comprising at least one barrel, the term "average barrel temperature" refers to the average temperature of the sum of the barrel temperatures if two or more barrels are present, or the temperature of the single barrel if only one barrel is present.

[0091] As used herein, the term "Garvey die" with respect to an extrusion process refers to a die of a specific geometry that complies with ASTM D2230-17 and allows the appearance and profile of the extrudate to be observed.

[0092] The terms "comprising", "including", "having" and their derivatives are not intended to exclude the presence of any additional components, steps or procedures, whether or not such components, steps or procedures are specifically disclosed. For the avoidance of any doubt, unless stated to the contrary, all compositions claimed by use of the term "comprising" may include any additional additives, adjuvants or compounds, whether in polymeric form or otherwise. In contrast, the term "consisting essentially of" excludes any other components,

[0093] steps or procedures from any subsequent recited scope, other than those components, steps or procedures that are not essential to operability. The term "consisting of" excludes any component, step or procedure not specifically recited or listed.

[0094] List of some compositions and methods

[0095] A] A composition comprising the following components a) and b):

[0096] a) A first composition comprising a multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer, and wherein the first composition comprises the following properties: i) a density of 0.855 g / cc to 0.900 g / cc, ii) [V100(190 °C)] ≤ 1000 Pa·s, iii) [V0.1

[0097] (190 °C) / V100(190 °C)] ≥ 8.0,

[0098] b) At least one peroxide.

[0099] B] The composition according to A] above, wherein the first composition has ≥ 3,000, or ≥

[0100] 3,200, or ≥ 3,400, or ≥ 3,600, or ≥ 4,000, or ≥ 4,500, or ≥

[0101] V0.1 (190 °C, Pa·s) of 5,000 and / or ≤ 30,000, or ≤ 25,000, or ≤ 20,000, or ≤ 18,000.

[0102] C] The composition according to A] or B] above, wherein the first composition has [V100(190 °C), Pa·s] of ≤ 1000, or ≤ 950, or ≤ 900 and / or ≥ 300, or ≥ 350, or ≥ 400, or ≥ 450, or ≥ 500, or ≥ 550, or ≥ 600.

[0103] D] The composition according to any one of A] - C] (A] to C]) above, wherein the first composition has a V0.1 / V100 value of ≥ 9.0, or ≥ 10, or ≥ 11, or ≥ 12, or ≥ 13 and / or ≤ 50, or ≤ 40, or ≤ 35, or ≤ 30, or ≤ 25.

[0104] E] The composition according to any one of A] - D] above, wherein the composition further comprises at least one Tempo compound of structure I) as described herein (see I] below) as component c.

[0105] F] The composition according to E] above, wherein the molar ratio of NO· from at least one Tempo compound (component c) to the peroxy (O - O) bond from at least one peroxide (component b) is 0.30 to 0.90.

[0106] G] The composition according to E] or F] above, wherein based on 100 parts of component a,

[0107] component c is present in an amount of 0.20 phr to 0.90 phr.

[0108] H] The composition according to any one of A] - G] above, wherein the first composition has ≥

[0109] 0.1, or ≥ 0.2, or ≥ 0.4, or ≥ 0.6, or ≥ 0.8, or ≥ 1.0 and / or ≤ 2000, or ≤ 1000, or ≤ 500, or ≤ 200, or ≤ 100, or ≤ 50, or ≤ 20, or

[0110] ≤ 10, or ≤ 5.0 melt index (I2, g / 10 min or dg / min).

[0111] I] A composition comprising the following components a) to c):

[0112] a) A first composition, the first composition comprising a multimodal ethylene / α - olefin interpolymer, and

[0113] The first composition includes the following characteristics: i) a density of 0.855 g / cc to 0.900 g / cc, ii) [V0.1(190 °C) / V100(190 °C)] ≥ 5.0,

[0114] b) at least one peroxide,

[0115] c) at least one Tempo compound of Structure I selected from Structure IA, Structure IB, or Structure IC, each structure being as follows:

[0116] Structure IA is

[0117] where n is an integer ≥ 1;

[0118] R1, R2, R3, and R4 are each independently selected from H or C1-C18 alkyl;

[0119] X is selected from CH2, ether (-O-), thioether (-S m -, where m ≥ 1), carbonyl (-C(O)-), ester (-O-C(O)- or -C(O)-O-), amine (-N(R)-), amide (-N(R)-C(O)- or -C(O)-N(R)-), polyurethane (-O-C(O)-NH- or -NH-

[0120] C(O)-O-), carbonyldiamine (-NH-C(O)-NH-), or imide (-C(O)-N(R)-

[0121] C(O)-);

[0122] R' is selected from C1-C30 alkylene;

[0123] R” may or may not be present, and if present, R” is selected from C1-C30

[0124] alkylene;

[0125] Y is selected from CR 4-n (where n = 1 to 4), OR 2-n (where n = 1 to 2), NR 3-n (where n = 1 to 3), SR 2-n (where n = 1 to 2), PR 3-n (where n = 1 to 3), PR 5-n (where n = 1 to 5), SiR 4-n (where n = 1 to 4), a bifunctional C-C nucleus, a phenyl nucleus, a phenyl nucleus substituted with an ester, a phenyl nucleus substituted with an amide, a triisocyanurate nucleus, or a melamine nucleus; and where the bifunctional C-C nucleus is selected from the following structures, where each R' represents the divalent R' group in Structure IA above:

[0126]

[0127] wherein the phenyl nucleus is selected from the following structures, wherein each R'

[0128] represents the divalent R' group in Structure IA above:

[0129]

[0130] The phenyl nucleus substituted with an ester is selected from the following structures, wherein each R' represents the divalent R' group in Structure IA above:

[0131]

[0132] The phenyl nucleus substituted with an amide is selected from the following structures, wherein each R' represents the divalent R' group in Structure IA above:

[0133]

[0134] The triisocyanurate nucleus is as follows, wherein each R' represents the divalent R' group in Structure IA above;

[0135]

[0136] The melamine nucleus is as follows, wherein each R' represents the divalent R' group in Structure IA above;

[0137] and

[0138] wherein each R group in Structure IA is independently selected from H, an unsubstituted hydrocarbon group, a substituted hydrocarbon group, an unsubstituted heterohydrocarbon group, or a substituted heterohydrocarbon group;

[0139] Structure IB includes the following sub-structure IB):

[0140] (Sub-structure IB),

[0141] wherein n is an integer ≥ 1;

[0142] R1, R2, R3, and R4 are each independently selected from H or C1-C18 alkyl;

[0143] X is selected from CH2, ether (-O-), thioether (-S m-, where m ≥ 1), carbonyl (-C(O)-), ester (-O-C(O)- or -C(O)-O-), amine (-N(R)-), amide (-N(R)-C(O)- or -C(O)-N(R)-), polyurethane (-O-C(O)-NH- or -NH-C(O)-O-), carbonyldiamine (-NH-C(O)-NH-) or imide (-C(O)-N(R)-C(O)-;

[0144] R' is selected from C1-C30 alkylene;

[0145] R” may or may not be present, and if present, R” is selected from C1-C30 alkylene;

[0146] Each R group in substructure IB is independently selected from H, unsubstituted hydrocarbon group, substituted hydrocarbon group, unsubstituted heterohydrocarbon group or substituted heterohydrocarbon group;

[0147] Each * (asterisk) in substructure IB represents the corresponding chemical end of structure IB;

[0148] Structure IC includes the following substructure IC):

[0149] (Substructure IC),

[0150] where n is an integer ≥ 1;

[0151] R1, R2, R3 and R4 are each independently selected from H or C1-C18;

[0152] X is selected from CH2, ether (-O-), thioether (-S m -, where m ≥ 1), carbonyl (-C(O)-), ester (-O-C(O)- or -C(O)-O-), amine (-N(R)-), amide (-N(R)-C(O)- or -C(O)-N()-), polyurethane

[0153] (-O-C(O)-NH- or -NH-C(O)-O-), carbonyldiamine (-NH-C(O)-

[0154] NH-) or imide (-C(O)-N(R)-C(O)-;

[0155] R' is selected from C1-C30 alkylene;

[0156] R” may or may not be present, and if present, R” is selected from C1-C30 alkylene;

[0157] Each R”' group in substructure IC is independently selected from unsubstituted hydrocarbon group, substituted hydrocarbon group, unsubstituted heterohydrocarbon group or substituted heterohydrocarbon group;

[0158] Each R group in the substructure IC is independently selected from H, an unsubstituted hydrocarbon group, a substituted hydrocarbon group, an unsubstituted heterohydrocarbon group, or a substituted heterohydrocarbon group;

[0159] Each * (asterisk) in the substructure IC represents the corresponding chemical end of the structure IC; and if n ≥ 3, each end may or may not form a cyclic structure with another end.

[0160] J] The composition according to I] above, wherein the first composition has a melt index (I2, g / 10 min) of ≤ 5.0, or ≤ 4.8, or ≤ 4.6 and / or ≥ 0.1, or ≥ 0.2, or ≥ 0.4, or ≥ 0.6, or ≥ 0.8, or ≥

[0161] 1.0.

[0162] K] The composition according to I] or J] above, wherein the first composition has a V0.1 / V100 value of ≥ 5.5, or ≥

[0163] 6.0, or ≥ 6.5, or ≥ 7.0, or ≥ 7.5, or ≥ 8.0 and / or ≤ 50, or ≤ 40, or ≤ 35, or ≤ 30, or ≤ 25.

[0164] L] The composition according to any one of I] - K] above, wherein the molar ratio of NO· from at least one

[0165] Tempo compound (component c) to the peroxy (O - O) bond of at least one peroxide (component b) is 0.30 to 0.90.

[0166] M] The composition according to any one of I] - L] above, wherein based on 100 parts of component a, component c is present in an amount of 0.20 phr to 0.90 phr.

[0167] N] The composition according to any one of A] - M] above, wherein the multimodal ethylene / α - olefin

[0168] interpolymer is selected from multimodal ethylene / α - olefin copolymers.

[0169] O] The composition according to any one of A] - N] above, wherein the multimodal ethylene / α - interpolymer

[0170] is an in - situ blend or a physical blend.

[0171] P] The composition according to any one of A] - O] above, wherein the multimodal ethylene / α - olefin inter

[0172] The polymer is a blend in situ of two or more, and further two multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymers; with two or more, and further two multimodal ethylene / α-olefin copolymers.

[0173] Q] The composition according to any one of A] - P] above, wherein the α-olefin of the multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer

[0174] is a C3-C 20 α-olefin, further a C3-C 10 α-olefin, and

[0175] further is propylene, 1-butene, 1-hexene or 1-octene, further is propylene, 1-butene or 1-octene, further is 1-butene or 1-octene, further is 1-octene.

[0176] R] The composition according to any one of A] - Q] above, wherein the multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer

[0177] does not contain ENB in polymerized form, and further a diene monomer, and further a polyene monomer.

[0178] S] The composition according to any one of A] - R] above, wherein the multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer

[0179] has a density of ≥0.856 g / cc, or ≥0.860 g / cc, or ≥0.862 g / cc, or ≥

[0180] 0.864 g / cc, or ≥0.866 g / cc, or ≥0.868 g / cc and / or ≤0.898 g / cc, or ≤

[0181] 0.896 g / cc, or ≤0.894 g / cc, or ≤0.892 g / cc, or ≤0.890 g / cc, or ≤

[0182] 0.888 g / cc, or ≤0.886 g / cc, or ≤0.884 g / cc, or ≤0.882 g / cc, or ≤

[0183] 0.880 g / cc, or ≤0.878 g / cc, or ≤0.876 g / cc, or ≤0.874 g / cc, or ≤

[0184] 0.872 g / cc.

[0185] T] The composition according to any one of A] - S] above, wherein the multimodal (of component a)

[0186] The ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer has a total unsaturation of ≥0.20 / 1000C, or ≥0.25 / 1000C, or ≥

[0187] 0.30 / 1000C, or ≥0.35 / 1000C, or ≥0.40 / 1000C, or ≥0.45 / 1000C, or ≥0.50 / 1000C, or ≥0.51 / 1000C, or ≥0.52 / 1000C, or ≥

[0188] 0.53 / 1000C and / or ≤15.0 / 1000C, or ≤10.0 / 1000C, or ≤

[0189] 5.00 / 1000C, or ≤2.00 / 1000C, ≤1.50 / 1000C, ≤1.20 / 1000C, or

[0190] ≤1.00 / 1000C.

[0191] A2] A method of forming a crosslinked composition, the method comprising thermally

[0192] treating a composition comprising components a) and b) below:

[0193] a) A first composition comprising a multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer, and wherein the first composition includes the following properties: i) a density of 0.855 g / cc to 0.900 g / cc, ii) V100(190 °C) ≤ 1000 Pa·s, iii) [V0.1

[0194] (190 °C) / V100(190 °C)] ≥ 8.0,

[0195] b) At least one peroxide.

[0196] B2] The method according to A2] above, wherein the first composition has a V0.1(190 °C) of ≥ 3,000 Pa·s, or ≥ 3,200 Pa·s, or ≥ 3,400 Pa·s, or ≥ 3,600 Pa·s, or ≥

[0197] 4,000 Pa·s, or ≥ 4,500 Pa·s, or ≥ 5,000 Pa·s and / or ≤

[0198] 30,000 Pa·s, or ≤ 25,000 Pa·s, or ≤ 20,000 Pa·s, or ≤

[0199] 18,000 Pa·s.

[0200] C2] According to the method described in A2] or B2] above, wherein the first composition has ≤950, or ≤900 and / or ≥300, or ≥350, or ≥400, or ≥450, or ≥500, or ≥550, or ≥600 of [V100(190℃), Pa·s].

[0201] D2] According to the method described in any one of A2]-C2] above, wherein the first composition has ≥

[0202] 9.0, or ≥10, or ≥11, or ≥12, or ≥13 and / or ≤50, or ≤40, or

[0203] ≤35, or ≤30, or ≤25 of the V0.1 / V100 value.

[0204] E2] According to the method described in any one of A2]-D2] above, wherein the composition further comprises at least

[0205] A Tempo compound of structure I) as described herein (see I] above) as component c.

[0206] F2] According to the method described in E2] above, wherein the molar ratio of NO· from at least one Tempo compound (component c) to the peroxy (O-O) bond of at least one peroxide (component b) is 0.30 to 0.90.

[0207] G2] According to the method described in E2] or F2] above, wherein based on 100 parts of component a,

[0208] Component c is present in an amount of 0.20 phr to 0.90 phr.

[0209] H2] According to the method described in any one of A2]-G2] above, wherein the first composition has ≥

[0210] 0.1, or ≥0.2, or ≥0.4, or ≥0.6, or ≥0.8, or ≥1.0 and / or ≤

[0211] 2000, or ≤1000, or ≤500, or ≤200, or ≤100, or ≤50, or ≤

[0212] 20, or ≤10, or ≤5.0 of the melt index (I2, g / 10min).

[0213] I2] A method for forming a crosslinked composition, the method comprising heat-treating a composition comprising the following components a)

[0214] to c):

[0215] a) A first composition, the first composition comprising a multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer, and wherein the first composition includes the following properties:

[0216] i) having a density of 0.855 g / cc to 0.900 g / cc, ii) [V0.1(190 °C) / V100

[0217] (190 °C)] ≥ 5.0,

[0218] b) at least one peroxide,

[0219] c) at least one Tempo compound selected from Structure IA, Structure IB

[0220] or Structure IC of Structure I), each structure as described herein (see above I]).

[0221] J2] The method according to I2] above, wherein the first composition has ≤ 5.0, or ≤ 4.8, or ≤ 4.6 and / or ≥ 0.1, or ≥ 0.2, or ≥ 0.4, or ≥ 0.6, or ≥ 0.8, or

[0222] ≥ 1.0 melt index (I2, g / 10 min).

[0223] K2] The method according to I2] or J2] above, wherein the first composition has ≥ 5.5, or

[0224] ≥ 6.0, or ≥ 6.5, or ≥ 7.0, or ≥ 7.5, or ≥ 8.0 and / or ≤ 50, or ≤ 40, or ≤ 35, or ≤ 30, or ≤ 25 V0.1 / V100 value.

[0225] L2 According to the method according to any one of I2]-K2] above, wherein the molar ratio of NO· from at least one Tempo compound (component c) to the peroxy (O - O) bond from at least one peroxide (component b) is 0.30 to 0.90.

[0226] M2] The method according to any one of I2]-L2] above, wherein based on 100 parts of component a

[0227] calculated, component c is present in an amount of 0.20 phr to 0.90 phr.

[0228] N2] The method according to any one of A2]-M2] above, wherein the heat treatment is in air;

[0229] and is further carried out at a temperature of 150 °C to 240 °C.

[0230] O2]According to the method described in any one of A2]-N2] above, wherein the method at least includes

[0231] the following steps A and B:

[0232] A) Extruding the composition to form a pre-crosslinked composition, and

[0233] B) Heat-treating the pre-crosslinked composition in air at a temperature of ≥150 °C to form a crosslinked composition.

[0234] P2]According to the method described in O2] above, wherein for step A, at ≥50 °C, or ≥

[0235] 55 °C, or ≥60 °C, or ≥65 °C, or ≥70 °C, or ≥75 °C, or ≥80 °C, or ≥85 °C, or ≥90 °C, or ≥95 °C, or ≥100 °C, or ≥105 °C, or

[0236] ≥110 °C and / or ≤140 °C, or ≤135 °C, or ≤130 °C, or ≤125 °C, or

[0237] extruding the composition at an average barrel temperature of ≤120 °C, or ≤115 °C.

[0238] Q2]According to the method described in O2] or P2] above, wherein for step B, at ≥150 °C, or ≥155 °C, or ≥160 °C, or ≥165 °C, or ≥170 °C, or ≥175 °C, or ≥180 °C, or ≥185 °C, or ≥190 °C, or ≥195 °C and / or heat-treating the pre-crosslinked composition at a temperature of ≤240 °C, or ≤235 °C, or ≤230 °C, or ≤225 °C, or ≤220 °C, or ≤215 °C, or ≤210 °C, or ≤205 °C, or ≤200 °C.

[0239] R2]According to the method described in any one of O2]-Q2] above, wherein for step B, heat-treating the pre-crosslinked composition in a continuous heat oven or a CV tunnel.

[0240]

[0241] S2]According to the method described in any one of O2]-R2] above, wherein for step A, extruding the composition in an extruder configuration where the end of the last extruder in the extruder configuration includes a Garvey die.

[0242]

[0243] T2]According to the method described in any one of A2]-S2] above, wherein the multimodal ethylene / α-olefin

[0244] interpolymer is selected from multimodal ethylene / α-olefin copolymers.

[0245] U2]According to the method described in any one of A2]-T2] above, wherein the multimodal ethylene / α-olefin

[0246] interpolymer is an in-situ blend or a physical blend.

[0247] V2]According to the method described in any one of A2]-U2] above, wherein the multimodal ethylene / α-olefin

[0248] interpolymer is two or more, and further two multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymers; an in-situ blend with two or more, and further two multimodal ethylene / α-olefin copolymers.

[0249] W2]According to the method described in any one of A2]-V2] above, wherein the multimodal

[0250] α-olefin of the ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer is C3-C 20 α-olefin, further C3-

[0251] C 10 α-olefin, and further propylene, 1-butene, 1-hexene or 1-octene, further propylene, 1-butene or 1-octene, further 1-butene or 1-octene, further 1-octene.

[0252] X2]According to the method described in any one of A2]-W2] above, wherein the multimodal ethylene / α-olefin

[0253] interpolymer does not contain ENB in polymerized form, and further a diene monomer, and further a polyene monomer.

[0254] Y2]According to the method described in any one of A2]-X2] above, wherein the multimodal ethylene / α-olefin

[0255] interpolymer has ≥0.856 g / cc, or ≥0.860 g / cc, or ≥0.862 g / cc, or ≥

[0256] 0.864 g / cc, or ≥0.866 g / cc, or ≥0.868 g / cc and / or ≤0.898 g / cc, or

[0257] ≤0.896 g / cc, or ≤0.894 g / cc, or ≤0.892 g / cc, or ≤0.890 g / cc, or

[0258] ≤0.888 g / cc, or ≤0.886 g / cc, or ≤0.884 g / cc, or ≤0.882 g / cc, or

[0259] ≤0.880 g / cc, or ≤0.878 g / cc, or ≤0.876 g / cc, or ≤0.874 g / cc, or

[0260] a density of ≤0.872 g / cc.

[0261] Z2] According to the method described in any one of A2]-Y2] above, wherein the multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer (of component a) has ≥0.20 / 1000C, or ≥0.25 / 1000C, or ≥

[0262] 0.30 / 1000C, or ≥0.35 / 1000C, or ≥0.40 / 1000C, or ≥0.45 / 1000C, or ≥0.50 / 1000C, or ≥0.51 / 1000C, or ≥0.52 / 1000C, or ≥

[0263] 0.53 / 1000C and / or ≤15.0 / 1000C, or ≤10.0 / 1000C, or ≤

[0264] 5.00 / 1000C, or ≤2.00 / 1000C, ≤1.50 / 1000C, ≤1.20 / 1000C, or

[0265] a total unsaturation of ≤1.00 / 1000C.

[0266] A4] According to the composition described in any one of A]-T] above or according to any one of A2]-Z2] above

[0267] wherein the multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer of component a has ≥

[0268] 6,000 g / mol, or ≥8,000 g / mol, or ≥10,000 g / mol, or ≥

[0269] 12,000 g / mol, or ≥14,000 g / mol, or ≥16,000 g / mol, or ≥

[0270] 18,000 g / mol, or ≥20,000 g / mol and / or ≤120,000 g / mol, or ≤

[0271] 100,000 g / mol, or ≤80,000 g / mol, or ≤70,000 g / mol, or ≤

[0272] 60,000 g / mol, or ≤50,000 g / mol, or ≤45,000 g / mol, or ≤

[0273] a number average molecular weight Mn of 40,000 g / mol, or ≤ 35,000 g / mol.

[0274] B4] The composition according to any one of the above A]-T] or A4], or the method according to any one of the above A2]-Z2]

[0275] or A4], wherein the multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer of component a has a weight average molecular weight Mw of ≥ 20,000 g / mol, or ≥ 30,000 g / mol, or ≥ 40,000 g / mol, or ≥ 50,000 g / mol, or ≥ 60,000 g / mol, or ≥ 70,000 g / mol and / or ≤

[0276] 150,000 g / mol, or ≤ 145,000 g / mol, or ≤ 140,000 g / mol, or ≤ 135,000 g / mol, or ≤ 130,000 g / mol, or ≤ 125,000 g / mol, or ≤ 120,000 g / mol, or ≤ 115,000 g / mol.

[0277] C4] The composition according to any one of the above A]-T], A4] or B4], or the method according to any one of the above A2]-Z2], A4] or B4], wherein the multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer of component a has ≥ 2.80, or ≥ 2.90, or ≥ 3.00 and / or ≤ 5.00, or ≤ 4.50, or ≤ 4.00 or ≤ 3.80, or ≤ 3.70, or ≤ 3.60, or ≤ 3.50 for the molecular weight distribution MWD (= Mw / Mn).

[0278] D4] The composition according to any one of the above A]-T] or A4]-C4], or the method according to any one of the above A2]-Z2] or A4]-C4], wherein component a further comprises a second multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer having a density of 0.855 g / cc to 0.900 g / cc and a total unsaturation ≥ 0.20 / 1000C, and the second interpolymer is different from the multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer and further different in one or more characteristics selected from density, total unsaturation, melt index (I2) or any combination thereof.

[0279] E4] The composition according to the above D4] or the method according to the above D4], wherein the second multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer has ≥ 0.856 g / cc, or ≥ 0.860 g / cc, or ≥ 0.862 g / cc, or ≥ 0.864 g / cc, or ≥ 0.866 g / cc, or ≥ 0.868 g / cc and / ora density of ≤ 0.898 g / cc, or ≤ 0.896 g / cc, or ≤ 0.894 g / cc, or ≤ 0.892 g / cc, or ≤ 0.890 g / cc, or ≤ 0.888 g / cc, or ≤ 0.886 g / cc, or ≤ 0.884 g / cc, or ≤ 0.882 g / cc, or ≤ 0.880 g / cc, or ≤ 0.878 g / cc, or ≤ 0.876 g / cc, or ≤ 0.874 g / cc, or ≤ 0.872 g / cc, or ≤ 0.870 g / cc.

[0280] F4] The composition according to D4] or E4] above or the method according to D4] or E4] above, wherein the second multimodal copolymer has ≥ 0.20 / 1000C, or ≥ 0.25 / 1000C, or ≥ 0.30 / 1000C, or ≥ 0.35 / 1000C, or ≥ 0.40 / 1000C, or ≥ 0.45 / 1000C, or ≥ 0.50 / 1000C, or ≥ 0.51 / 1000C, or ≥ 0.52 / 1000C, or ≥ 0.53 / 1000C and / or a total unsaturation of ≤ 15.0 / 1000C, or ≤ 10.0 / 1000C, or ≤ 5.00 / 1000C, or ≤ 2.00 / 1000C, ≤ 1.50 / 1000C, ≤ 1.20 / 1000C, or ≤ 1.00 / 1000C.

[0281] G4] The composition according to any one of D4]-F4] above or the method according to any one of D4]-F4] above, wherein the second multimodal ethylene / α-olefin copolymer has ≥ 0.1, or ≥ 0.2, or ≥ 0.5, or ≥ 0.8, or ≥ 1.0 and / or ≤ 2000, or ≤ 1000, or ≤ 500, or ≤ 200, or ≤ 100, or ≤ 50, or ≤ 20, or ≤ 10, or ≤

[0282] 5.0, or ≤ 2.0 melt index (I2, g / 10 min or dg / min).

[0283] H4] The composition according to any one of D4]-G4] above or the method according to any one of D4]-G4]

[0284] above, wherein the second multimodal ethylene / α-olefin copolymer is a multimodal ethylene / α-olefin copolymer.

[0285] I4] The composition according to any one of D4]-H4] above or the method according to any one of D4]-H4]

[0286] above, wherein the second multimodal ethylene / α-olefin copolymer is an in-situ blend or a physical blend.

[0287] J4] The composition according to any one of D4 - I4] above or the method according to any one of D4 - I4] above

[0288] wherein the second multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer is two or more, and further two multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymers; and an in-situ blend with another two or

[0289] more, and further two multimodal ethylene / α-olefin copolymers. K4] The composition according to any one of D4 - J4] above or the method according to any one of D4 - J4] above

[0290] wherein the α-olefin of the second multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer is C3 - C 20 α-olefin, further C3 - C 10 α-olefin, and further propylene,

[0291] 1-butene, 1-hexene or 1-octene, further propylene, 1-butene or 1-octene, further 1-butene or 1-octene, further 1-octene.

[0292] L4] The composition according to any one of D4 - K4] above or the method according to any one of D4 - K4] above

[0293] wherein the second multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer does not contain ENB in polymeric form, and further a diene monomer, and further a polyene monomer. M4] The composition according to any one of D4 - L4] above or the method according to any one of D4 - L4] above

[0294] wherein the ratio of the density of the multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer to the density of the second multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer is ≥0.80, or ≥0.85, or ≥0.90, or ≥

[0295] 0.92, or ≥0.94, or ≥0.96, or ≥0.98, or ≥1.00 and / or ≤1.25, or ≤1.20, or ≤1.18, or ≤1.16, or ≤1.14, or ≤1.12, or ≤1.11. N4] The composition according to any one of D4 - M4] above or the method according to any one of D4 - M4] above

[0296] wherein the ratio of the total unsaturation of the multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer to the total unsaturation of the second multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer is ≥0.8, or

[0297] ≥0.9, or ≥1.0, or ≥1.1 and / or≤5.0, or ≤4.5, or ≤4.0, or ≤

[0298] 3.5, or ≤3.0, or ≤2.5, or ≤2.0, or ≤1.5.

[0299] O4] A composition according to any one of D4]-N4] above or a composition according to any one of D4]-N4] above

[0300] The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio of the melt index (I2) of the multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer to the melt index (I2) of the second multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer is ≥ 0.8, or ≥ 1.0, or ≥ 2.0, or ≥ 2.5, or ≥ 3.0, or ≥ 3.5, or ≥

[0301] 4.0 and / or Or ≤20, or ≤10, or ≤8.0, or ≤6.0, or ≤5.0.

[0302] P4] A composition according to any one of D4] to O4] above or a composition according to any one of D4] to O4] above

[0303] The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the weight ratio of the ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer to the second ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer is ≥0.50, or ≥0.60, or ≥0.70, or ≥0.80, or ≥0.90, or ≥1.0 and / or ≤20, or ≤10, or ≤8.0, or ≤6.0, or

[0304] ≤4.0, or ≤2.0, or ≤1.5, or ≤1.2.

[0305] Q4] A composition according to any one of D4] to P4] above or a composition according to any one of D4] to P4] above

[0306] The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein based on the weight of component a, component a comprises ≥

[0307] 80.0 wt%, or ≥85.0 wt%, or ≥90.0 wt%, or ≥95.0 wt%, or ≥98.0 wt%, or ≥99.0 wt%, or ≥99.5 wt% and / or

[0308] ≤100.0 wt%, or ≤99.9 wt%, or ≤99.8 wt% of multimodal ethylene /

[0309] The sum of the α-olefin interpolymer and the second multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer.

[0310] R4] The composition according to any one of A]-T] or A4]-C4] above or the method according to any one of A2]-Z2] or A4]-C4] above, wherein based on the weight of component a, component a comprises ≥80.0% by weight, or ≥85.0% by weight, or ≥90.0% by weight, or ≥95.0% by weight, or ≥98.0% by weight, or ≥99.0% by weight, or

[0311] ≥99.5% by weight and / or ≤100.0% by weight, or ≤99.9% by weight, or ≤99.8% by weight of a multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer.

[0312] S4] The composition according to any one of A]-T] or A4]-R4] above or the method according to any one of A2]-Z2] or A4]-R4] above, wherein for Structure I of component c, each of R1, R2, R3 and R4 is the same.

[0313] T4] The composition according to any one of A]-T] or A4]-R4] above or the method according to any one of A2]-Z2] or A4]-R4] above, wherein for Structure I of component c, at least one of R1, R2, R3 and R4 is different from the others of R1, R2, R3 and R4.

[0314] U4] The composition according to any one of A]-T] or A4]-R4] above or the method according to any one of A2]-Z2] or A4]-R4] above, wherein for Structure I of component c, each of R1, R2, R3 and R4 is independently selected from H or C1-C5 alkyl, further H or C1-C4 alkyl, further H or C1-C3 alkyl, further H or C1-C2 alkyl, further H or methyl.

[0315] V4] The composition according to any one of A]-T] or A4]-R4] above or the method according to any one of A2]-Z2] or A4]-R4] above, wherein for Structure I of component c, each of R1, R2, R3 and R4 is independently selected from C1-C6 alkyl,

[0316] further C1-C5 alkyl, further C1-C4 alkyl, further C1-C3 alkyl,

[0317] further C1-C2 alkyl, further methyl.

[0318] W4] The composition according to any one of A]-T] or A4]-V4] above, or the method according to any one of A2]-Z2] or A4]-V4] above, wherein, for structure I of component c, X is selected from CH2, ether (-O-), carbonyl (-C(O)-), ester (-O-C(O)- or -C(O)-O-), amine (-N(R)-) or amide

[0319] (-N(R)-C(O)- or -C(O)-N(R)-), and further CH2, ether (-O-) or ester (-O-C(O)- or -C(O)-O-), and further ester (-O-C(O)- or -C(O)-

[0320] O-).

[0321] X4] The composition according to any one of A]-T] or A4]-W4] above, or the method according to any one of A2]-Z2] or A4]-W4] above, wherein, for structure I of component c, R' is selected from C1-C6 alkylene, further C1-C5 alkylene, further C1-C4 alkylene, further C1-C3 alkylene, further C1-C2 alkylene. Y4] The composition according to any one of A]-T] or A4]-X4] above, or the method according to any one of A2]-Z2] or A4]-X4] above, wherein, for structure I of component c, R” is selected from C1-C6 alkylene, further C1-C5 alkylene, further C1-

[0322] C4 alkylene, further C1-C3 alkylene, further C1-C2 alkylene, and

[0323] further methylene.

[0324] Z4] The composition according to any one of A]-T] or A4]-X4] above, or the method according to any one of A2]-Z2] or A4]-X4] above, wherein, for structure I of component c, R” does not exist.

[0325] A5] The composition according to any one of A]-T] or A4]-Z4] above, or the method according to any one of A2]-Z2] or A4]-Z4] above, wherein, for structure I of component c, n≥2.

[0326] B5] The composition according to any one of A]-T] or A4]-A5] above, or the method according to any one of A2]-Z2] or A4]-A5] above, wherein structure I (component c)

[0327] is selected from structure IA.

[0328] C5] A composition according to any one of B5] above or a composition according to any one of P2] above

[0329] The method described above, wherein, for Structure IA, n is 2 to 4, further is 2 or 3, further is 2.

[0330] D5] A composition according to B5] or C5] above or a method according to B5] or C5] above, wherein, for structure IA, Y is selected from CR 4-n (where n=1 to 4),

[0331] OR 2-n (where n = 1 to 2), NR 3-n (wherein n=1 to 3), a bifunctional CC core as described herein, a phenyl core as described herein, an ester-substituted phenyl core as described herein, an amide-substituted phenyl core as described herein, and further selected from CR 4-n (where n = 1 to 4), OR 2-n (where n = 1 to 2), NR 3-n

[0332] (wherein n=1 to 3), a bifunctional CC core as described herein, or a phenyl core as described herein, and further selected from CR 4-n (where n = 1 to 4), OR 2-n (wherein n=1 to 2) or a bifunctional CC core as described herein, and further selected from CR 4-n (wherein n=1 to 4) or a bifunctional CC core as described herein, and further selected from a bifunctional CC core as described herein.

[0333] E5] The composition according to D5] above or the method according to D5] above, wherein the double

[0334] The functional CC core is selected from wherein each R′ represents a divalent R′ group as in Structure IA above, and further each R of the CC core is H.

[0335] F5] A composition according to any one of B5] to E5] above or a composition according to any one of B5] to E5] above

[0336] The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein, for structure IA, each R is independently selected from H, unsubstituted hydrocarbon or substituted hydrocarbon, and further H or unsubstituted hydrocarbon, and further H or alkyl, and further H or C1-C5 alkyl.

[0337] G5] A composition according to any one of B5] to F5] above or a composition according to any one of B5] to F5] above

[0338] The method according to item 1, wherein Structure IA is the following Structure IA1:

[0339]

[0340] H5] The composition according to any one of A]-T] or A4]-A5] above or the method according to any one of A2]-Z2] or A4]-A5] above, wherein Structure I (component c)

[0341] is selected from Structure IB including sub-structure IB.

[0342] I5] The composition according to H5] above or the method according to H5] above, wherein for

[0343] sub-structure IB, n≥10, or n≥20, or n≥50, or n≥100.

[0344] J5] The composition according to H5] or I5] above or the method according to H5] or I5] above

[0345] method, wherein for sub-structure IB, each R group is independently selected from H, unsubstituted hydrocarbon group or substituted hydrocarbon group, and further H or unsubstituted hydrocarbon group, and further H or alkyl group, and further H or C1-C5 alkyl group.

[0346] K5] The composition according to any one of A]-T] or A4]-A5] above or the method according to any one of A2]-Z2] or A4]-A5] above, wherein Structure I (component c)

[0347] is selected from Structure IC including sub-structure IC.

[0348] L5] The composition according to K5] above or the method according to K5] above, wherein,

[0349] for

[0350] sub-structure IC, n≥10, or n≥20, or n≥50, or n≥100.

[0351] M5] The composition according to K5] or L5] above or the method according to K5] or L5] above, wherein for sub-structure IC, each R group is independently selected from H, unsubstituted hydrocarbon group or substituted hydrocarbon group, and further H or unsubstituted hydrocarbon group, and

[0352] further H or alkyl group, and further H or C1-C5 alkyl group.

[0353] N5] The composition according to any one of K5]-M5] above or according to K5]-M5] above

[0354] The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein for the substructure IC, each R''' group is independently selected from an unsubstituted hydrocarbon group or a substituted hydrocarbon group, and further an unsubstituted hydrocarbon group, and further an alkyl group, and further a C1-C5 alkyl group.

[0355] The composition according to any one of the preceding [K5]-[N5] or the method according to any one of the preceding [K5]-[N5],

[0356] The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein for the substructure IC, n≥3 and each terminal *

[0357] (asterisk) forms a cyclic structure with another terminal.

[0358] The composition according to any one of the preceding [E]-[T] or [A4]-[O5] or the method according to any one of the preceding [E2]-[Z2] or [A4]-[O5], wherein the molar ratio of NO· from the Tempo compound to the peroxy (O-O) bond is ≥0.31, or ≥0.33, or

[0359] ≥0.34 and / or ≤0.88, or ≤0.85, or ≤0.82, or ≤0.80, or ≤0.78, or ≤0.75, or ≤0.72, or ≤0.70, or ≤0.68, or ≤0.65, or ≤0.62, or ≤0.60, or ≤0.58.

[0360] The composition according to any one of the preceding [E]-[T] or [A4]-[P5] or the method according to the preceding

[0361] The method according to any one of the preceding [E2]-[Z2] or [A4]-[P5], wherein based on 100 parts of component a, component c is present in an amount of ≥0.22 phr, or ≥0.25 phr, ≥0.28 phr, or ≥0.30 phr, or ≥0.32 phr, or ≥0.35 phr, ≥0.38 phr, or ≥0.40 phr, or ≥

[0362] 0.42 phr or ≥0.45 phr and / or ≤0.88 phr, or ≤0.85 phr, or ≤0.82 phr, or ≤0.80 phr, or ≤0.78 phr, or ≤0.75 phr.

[0363] The composition according to any one of the preceding [A]-[T] or [A4]-[Q5] or the method according to any one of the preceding [A2]-[Z2] or [A4]-[Q5], wherein based on 100 parts of Component a calculated, component b is present in an amount of ≥0.20 phr, or ≥0.40 phr, or ≥0.60 phr, or ≥

[0364] An amount of 0.80 phr and / or ≤ 2.0 phr, or ≤ 1.8 phr, or ≤ 1.6 phr is present.

[0365] S5] The composition according to any one of A]-T] or A4]-R5] above or the method according to any one of A2]-Z2] or A4]-R5] above, wherein, based on the weight of the composition, the composition comprises ≥ 90.0 wt%, or ≥ 91.0 wt%, or ≥ 92.0 wt%, or ≥ 93.0 wt%, or ≥ 94.0 wt%, or ≥ 95.0 wt% and / or

[0366] ≤ 100.0 wt%, or ≤ 99.5 wt%, or ≤ 99.0 wt%, or ≤ 98.7 wt% of component a.

[0367] T5] The composition according to any one of A]-T] or A4]-S5] above or the method according to any one of A2]-Z2] or A4]-S5] above, wherein the composition further comprises a crosslinking aid (component d).

[0368] U5] The composition according to T5] above or the method according to T5] above, wherein based

[0369] on 100 parts of component a, component d

[0370] is present in an amount of ≥ 0.05 phr, or ≥ 0.10 phr, or ≥ 0.15 phr, or ≥ 0.20 phr, or ≥

[0371] 0.22 phr, or ≥ 0.25 phr, or ≥ 0.30 phr, or ≥ 0.35 phr, or ≥ 0.38 phr

[0372] or ≥ 0.40 phr and / or ≤ 1.0 phr, or ≤ 0.80 phr, or ≤ 0.75 phr, or ≤

[0373] 0.70 phr, or ≤ 0.65 phr, or ≤ 0.60 phr, or ≤ 0.55 phr, or ≤ 0.50 phr, or ≤ 0.48 phr, or ≤ 0.45 phr.

[0374] V5] The composition according to any one of E]-T] or A4]-U5] above or the method according to any one of E2]-Z2] or A4]-U5] above, wherein the weight ratio of component c to component b is ≥ 0.20, or ≥ 0.25, or ≥ 0.30, or ≥ 0.35, or ≥ 0.40, or

[0375] ≥0.45, or ≥0.50, or ≥0.55, or ≥0.57 and / or ≤5.0, or ≤4.0, or ≤3.0, or ≤2.0, or ≤1.5, or ≤1.0, or ≤0.80, or ≤0.70, or

[0376] ≤0.65.

[0377] W5] The composition according to any one of A]-T] or A4]-V5] above or the method according to any one of A2]-Z2] or A4]-V5] above, wherein, based on the weight of the composition, the composition comprises ≤10% by weight, or ≤5.0% by weight, or ≤2.0% by weight, or ≤1.0% by weight, or ≤0.5% by weight, or ≤0.1% by weight of filler. And further the composition does not contain filler.

[0378] X5] The composition according to any one of A]-T] or A4]-W5] above or the method according to any one of A2]-Z2] or A4]-W5] above, wherein, based on the weight of the composition, the composition comprises ≥94.0% by weight, or ≥94.5% by weight, or ≥95.0% by weight, or ≥95.5% by weight, or ≥96.0% by weight, or ≥96.5% by weight and / or

[0379] ≤100.0% by weight, or ≤99.5% by weight, or ≤99.0% by weight, or ≤98.5% by weight of the total of components a and b.

[0380] Y5] The composition according to any one of E]-T] or A4]-X5] above or the method according to any one of E2]-Z2] or A4]-X5] above, wherein, based on the weight of the composition, the composition comprises ≥95.0% by weight, or ≥95.5% by weight, or ≥96.0% by weight, or ≥96.5% by weight, or ≥97.0% by weight and / or ≤100.0% by weight, or ≤99.5% by weight, or ≤99.0% by weight of the total of components a, b and c. Z5] The composition according to any one of E]-T] or A4]-Y5] above or the method according to any one of E2]-Z2] or A4]-Y5] above, wherein the composition comprises a Tempo compound as component c.

[0381] A6] The composition according to any one of A]-T] or A4]-Z5] above or the method according to any one of A2]-Z2] or A4]-Z5] above, wherein the composition comprises a peroxide as component b.

[0382] B6] The composition according to any one of A]-T] or A4]-A6] above, or the method according to any one of A2]-Z2] or A4]-A6] above, wherein the composition further comprises a polymer that is different from the multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer of component a in one or more of the following characteristics:

[0383] comonomer type, comonomer content, density, melt index (I2), total unsaturation, Mn, Mw, MWD, or any combination thereof, and further comonomer type, comonomer content, density, melt index (I2), total unsaturation, or any combination thereof.

[0384] C6] The composition according to any one of A]-T] or A4]-B6] above, or the method according to any one of A2]-Z2] or A4]-B6] above, wherein the composition has ≥

[0385] 6.0 dNm, or ≥ 6.2 dNm, or ≥ 6.4 dNm and / or ≤ 10 dNm, or ≤

[0386] 9.0 dNm, or ≤ 8.0 dNm of the (MH - ML) value MH, where the MH value and the ML value

[0387] are determined according to

[0388] the MDR test described herein.

[0389] D6] The composition according to any one of A]-T] or A4]-C6] above, or the method according to any one of A2]-Z2] or A4]-C6] above, wherein the composition has ≥

[0390] 4.0 min, or ≥ 4.2 min, or ≥ 4.5 min and / or ≤ 6.0 min, or ≤ 5.5 min of the T90 value, as determined by the MDR test described herein.

[0391] E6] The composition according to any one of A]-T] or A4]-D6] above, or the method according to any one of A2]-Z2] or A4]-D6] above, wherein the multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer is a random interpolymer, and further a random copolymer.

[0392] F6] The composition according to any one of D4]-E6] above, or the method according to any one of D4]-E6]

[0393] above, wherein the second multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer is a random interpolymer, and further a random copolymer.

[0394] G6] A crosslinked composition, which is formed from the composition according to any one of the above-mentioned [A]-[T] or [D4]-[F6], and is further formed by heat-treating these compositions; or the crosslinked composition is formed by the method according to any one of the above-mentioned [A2]-[Z2] or [A4]-[F6].

[0395] Or the crosslinked composition is formed by the method according to any one of the above-mentioned [A2]-[Z2] or [A4]-[F6].

[0396] H6] An extrudate, which is formed from the composition according to any one of the above-mentioned [A]-[T] or [A4]-[F6], or is formed by the method according to any one of the above-mentioned [A2]-[Z2] or [A4]-[F6].

[0397] Or is formed by the method according to any one of the above-mentioned [A2]-[Z2] or [A4]-[F6].

[0398] I6] The extrudate according to the above-mentioned H6], wherein the extrudate has a smooth surface.

[0399] J6] An article, which includes at least one component formed from the composition according to any one of the above-mentioned [A]-[T] or [A4]-[F6], or formed by the method according to any one of [A2]-[Z2] or [A4]-[F6].

[0400] Or formed by the method according to any one of [A2]-[Z2] or [A4]-[F6].

[0401] K6] An article, which includes at least one component formed from the crosslinked composition according to the above-mentioned G6].

[0402] At least one component.

[0403] L6] The article according to the above-mentioned J6] or K6], wherein the article is an automotive part or building material, footwear component or PV film, and further is an automotive part.

[0404] M6] The article according to the above-mentioned J6] or K6], wherein the article is a profile.

[0405] Test method

[0406] Dynamic mechanical spectroscopy (DMS)

[0407] Measure the viscosity of the first composition (polymer or blend) using dynamic mechanical spectroscopy (DMS) analysis. Perform DMS using an Advanced Rheology Expansion System (ARES) for melt state testing. The test uses "25 mm" parallel plates at 5% strain. The angular frequency at 190 °C is from 0.1 rad / s to 100 rad / s, and 5 data points are recorded in each decade frequency range. Test one sample for each composition. Record the V0.1, V100, and V0.1 / V100 values.

[0408] Melt strength

[0409] Melt strength of the first composition (polymer or blend; about 15 g)

[0410] Measured using the conditions in Table A below.

[0411] Table A: MS conditions

[0412] Round Standard Gap 0.4 Acceleration a*t <![CDATA[a = 2.4 [mm / s 2 > Temperature 190.0[℃] Piston diameter 12 [mm] Piston speed 0.265 [mm / s] Die geometry 30 / 2 [mm] Shear rate 38.2[1 / s] Strand length 100.0 [mm] V0 9.5 [mm / s]

[0413] Moving die rheometer (MDR) analysis

[0414] The MDR cure characteristics of each composition were measured using an Alpha Technologies MDR 2000 according to ASTM D - 5289. A "4.5 g sample" of the composition was cut from a "4 mm thick" sheet prepared by a two - roll mill (see Experimental Section) and placed in the MDR sample holder. The MDR test was carried out at 180 °C for a period of 15 minutes at an oscillation frequency of 100 CPM (1.67 Hz) and an oscillation angle of 0.5 degrees (7% strain). During the test interval, the minimum torque (ML) and the maximum torque (MH) applied by the MDR were reported in dNm. The difference between MH and ML or MH - ML represents the degree of crosslinking, where the greater the difference, the greater the degree of crosslinking. The time taken for the torque to reach X% (e.g., 90%) of the MH value or the TX value (e.g., T90) was reported in minutes. One sample was tested for each composition.

[0415] Melt index

[0416] The melt index I2 (or MI) of ethylene - based polymers or blends (as used herein) was measured according to ASTM D - 1238 at 190 °C / 2.16 kg. The melt flow rate MFR of propylene - based polymers was measured according to ASTM D - 1238 at 230 °C / 2.16 kg.

[0417] Polymer density

[0418] ASTM D4703 was used to prepare polymer plaques for density analysis. The density of each polymer was measured using ASTM D792, Method B.

[0419] 1 1H NMR method

[0420] Sample Preparation: Each sample was prepared by adding approximately 130 mg of the sample to 3.25 g of “50 / 50 (by weight) tetrachloroethane-d2 / perchloroethylene (TCE-d2 / PCE) with 0.001 M Cr(AcAc)3” in a NORELL 1001-7, 10 mm NMR tube. The sample was purged by bubbling N2 through the solvent for approximately five minutes via a pipette inserted into the tube to prevent oxidation. The tube was capped and sealed with TEFLON tape and then heated and vortexed at 115 °C to obtain a homogeneous solution.

[0421] Data Acquisition Parameters and Data Analysis: 1H NMR was performed on a Bruker AVANCE 600 MHz spectrometer equipped with a Bruker high-temperature CryoProbe and a sample temperature of 120 °C. 1 Two experiments were carried out to obtain spectra, a control spectrum for quantifying the total polymeric protons, and a double presaturation experiment that suppresses the strong peaks associated with the polymer backbone and enables high sensitivity of the spectrum for quantifying end groups. The control was run with a ZG pulse, 16 scans, AQ 1.82 s, D1 (relaxation delay) 14 s. The double presaturation experiment was carried out with a modified pulse sequence, lc1prf2.zz, 64 scans, AQ 1.82 s, D1 (presaturation time) 2 s, D 13 (relaxation delay) 12 s. The measurement of unsaturation was carried out according to the following method. The area under the resonance of the polymer chains (i.e., CH, CH2, and CH3 in the polymer) was measured from the spectrum obtained during the first experiment (control spectrum), as described above.

[0422] The unsaturation was analyzed using the method in reference 3 mentioned below. Reference 1: Z. Zhou, R. Kuemmerle, J. C. Stevens, D. Redwine, Y. He, X. Qiu, R. Cong, J. Klosin, N. G. Roof, Journal of Magnetic Resonance, 2009, Vol. 200: p. 328. Reference 2: Z. Zhou, R. Kümmerle, X. Qiu, D. Redwine, R. Cong, A. Taha, D. Baugh, B. Winniford, Journal of Magnetic Resonance: Vol. 187 (2007): p. 225. Reference 3: Z. Zhou, R. Cong, Y. He, M. Paradkar, M. Demirors, M. Cheatham, W. de Groot, Macromolecular Symposia, 2012, Vol. 312: p. 88.

[0423] The peak areas of each type of observed unsaturated group (i.e., vinyl, vinylene, vinylene, and trisubstituted) are measured from the spectra obtained during the second (pre-saturation) experiment. The two spectra are normalized to the solvent peak area. The molar amount of each unsaturation is calculated by dividing the area under the unsaturated resonance by the number of protons contributing to that resonance. The molar amount of carbon in the polymer is calculated by dividing the area under the peaks of the polymer chains (i.e., CH, CH2, and CH3 in the polymer) by two. The amount of total unsaturation (the sum of the above unsaturations) is then expressed as the relative ratio of the molar amount of total unsaturation in the polymer to the molar amount of carbon, expressed as the number of degrees of unsaturation per 1000 carbons (per 1000 C). - The results are the same within relative <5%.

[0424] Gel permeation chromatography - ethylene-based polymers

[0425] The chromatographic system consists of a PolymerChar GPC-IR (Valencia, Spain) high-temperature GPC chromatograph equipped with an internal infrared detector (IR5). The autosampler oven is set to 160 °C, and the column oven is set to 150 °C. The columns are four Agilent "Mixed A" 30 cm 20 micron linear mixed-bed columns. The chromatographic solvent is 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, which contains 200 ppm of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The solvent source is bubbled with nitrogen. The injection volume is 200 microliters, and the flow rate is 1.0 ml / min.

[0426] The calibration of the GPC column set was performed with 21 narrow molecular weight distribution polystyrene standards having molecular weights in the range of 580 g / mol to 8,400,000 g / mol and arranged in six “cocktail” mixtures with at least a ten-fold separation between individual molecular weights. These standards were purchased from Agilent Technologies. For molecular weights equal to or greater than 1,000,000, “prepare 0.025 g” of polystyrene standard in 50 mL of solvent, and for molecular weights less than 1,000,000, “prepare 0.05 g” of polystyrene standard in 50 mL of solvent. The polystyrene standards were dissolved at 80 °C for 30 minutes with gentle stirring. The polystyrene standard peak molecular weights were converted to polyethylene molecular weights using Equation 1 (as described in Williams and Ward, J. Polym. Sci., Polym. Let., 6, 621 (1968)):

[0427] M 聚乙烯 = A × (M 聚苯乙烯 ) B (Equation 1), where M is the molecular weight, A has a value of 0.4315 and B equals 1.0.

[0428] A fifth-order polynomial was used to fit the calibration points for the corresponding polyethylene equivalents. A small adjustment (approx. 0.375 to 0.445) was made to A to correct for column resolution and band broadening effects such that a linear homopolymer polyethylene standard was obtained at 120,000 Mw. The total plate count of the GPC column set was performed with decane (“prepare as 0.04 g in 50 mL of TCB” and dissolved for 20 minutes with slow stirring). The plate count (Equation 2) and symmetry (Equation 3) were measured with a 200 μL injection according to the following equations:

[0429] Plate count: 5.54 * [(RV 峰值最大值 ) / (peak width at 1 / 2 height)] 2 (Equation 2), where RV is

[0430] the retention volume in mL, the peak width is in mL, the peak maximum

[0431] is the maximum height of the peak, and 1 / 2 height is 1 / 2 the height of the peak maximum; and

[0432] Wherein RV is the retention volume in milliliters, and the peak width is in milliliters, the peak maximum is the position of the maximum peak, the one-tenth height is 1 / 10 of the height of the peak maximum, and wherein the trailing peak refers to the peak tail at a later retention volume compared to the peak maximum, and wherein the leading peak refers to the peak front at an earlier retention volume compared to the peak maximum. The plate count of the chromatographic system should be greater than 18,000, and the symmetry should be between 0.98 and 1.22.

[0433] The sample was prepared semi-automatically using PolymerChar "Instrument Control" software, where the target weight of the sample was set at "2 mg / ml", and the solvent (containing 200 ppm BHT) was added to a septum-capped vial pre-bubbled with nitrogen via a PolymerChar high-temperature autosampler. The sample was dissolved at 160 °C for two hours with "low-speed" shaking.

[0434] Based on the GPC results, using the internal IR5 detector (measurement channel) of the PolymerChar GPC-IR chromatograph, according to Equations 4 - 6, using PolymerChar GPCOne TM software, the baseline-subtracted IR chromatogram at each equidistant data collection point (i) and the polyethylene equivalent molecular weight obtained from the calibration curve of the narrow standard at point (i) according to Equation 1 were used to calculate Mn (GPC) 、Mw (GPC) and Mz (GPC) The calculations of are as follows: The equations 4 - 6 are as follows:

[0435]

[0436] To monitor the deviation over time, a flow rate marker (decane) was introduced into each sample via a micropump controlled by a PolymerChar GPC-IR system. This flow rate marker (FM) was used to linearly correct the pump flow rate (flow rate (nominal)) of each sample by comparing the RV of the corresponding decane peak within the sample (RV(FM sample)) with the RV of the alkane peak within the narrow standard calibration (RV(calibrated with FM)). Then, any change in the decane marker peak time was assumed to be related to a linear change in the flow rate (flow rate (effective)) throughout the run. To facilitate the highest accuracy in the RV measurement of the flow marker peak, a least-squares fitting program was used to fit the peak of the flow marker concentration chromatogram to a quadratic equation. Then, the first derivative of the quadratic equation was used to solve for the true peak position. After calibrating the system based on the flow marker peak, the effective flow rate (relative to the narrow standard calibration) was calculated according to Equation 7: flow rate (effective) = flow rate (nominal) * (RV(calibrated with FM) / RV(FM sample)) (Equation 7). The processing of the flow marker peak was completed via PolymerChar GPCOne TM software. Acceptable flow rate correction results in the effective flow rate being within + / - 0.7% of the nominal flow rate.

[0437] Experiment

[0438] Commercially available polymers, experimental polymers, and additives are listed in Table 1.

[0439] Table 1: Commercially available polymers and experimental polymers and additives

[0440]

[0441]

[0442] The 1 1H NMR, GPC, and rheological characterization results of commercially available polymers and experimental polymers are listed in Tables 2A, 2B, and 2C below, respectively.

[0443] Table 2A: 1 1H NMR results

[0444]

[0445] Note that % of specific unsaturation (pu%) = [(environmental specific unsaturation / 1000C) / (environmental total unsaturation / 1000C)] × 100; where pu% = vinyl%, vinylidene%, vinylene%, or trisubstituted%.

[0446] *EO = ethylene / octene copolymer. *CTA = TEA (triethylaluminum).

[0447] Table 2B: GPC results

[0448] Mn (kg / mol) Mw (kg / mol) MWD (Mw / Mn) ENGAGE 8100 50 110 2.20 ENGAGE 8200 33 72 2.18 EO 3 28.4 86.0 3.03 EO 10 33.3 115.5 3.46 EO Mono 3 21.3 49.3 2.31 EO Mono 5 53.7 115.0 2.14

[0449] Table 2C: Rheology of the first composition (polymer or blend)

[0450]

[0451]

[0452] It should be noted that the density equation for a blend (e.g., an 85 / 15 blend) is as follows, where w a and w b are the respective weight fractions of the blend components, and p a and p b are the respective densities of the blend components:

[0453]

[0454] It should be noted that the equation for determining the "total unsaturation / 1000C" of a blend (e.g., an 85 / 15 blend) is as follows, where w a and w b are the respective weight fractions of the blend components, and the unsaturation a and the unsaturation b are the respective "total unsaturation / 1000C" of the blend components: Unsaturation = w a Unsaturation a + w b Unsaturation b

[0455] Polymer synthesis of EO 3 and EO 10

[0456] EO 3 and EO 10 are each prepared in a one-gallon polymerization reactor that is filled with liquid and operated under steady-state conditions. The catalyst and cocatalyst are listed in Table 3A. The solvent, hydrogen, catalyst, and cocatalyst are fed into the reactor according to the method conditions outlined in Tables 3B - 3D. The solvent is ISOPAR E provided by ExxonMobil Chemical Company. The reactor temperature is measured at

[0457] the outlet of the reactor or near the outlet of the reactor. The copolymer is separated and pelletized.

[0458] Table 3A: Catalysts and cocatalysts

[0459]

[0460] Table 3B: Reactor conditions

[0461]

[0462] Table 3C: Catalyst feed flow rate and efficiency

[0463]

[0464] * The "ppm" amount is based on the weight of the corresponding catalyst feed solution.

[0465] Table 3D: Cocatalyst feed flow rate

[0466]

[0467] * The "ppm" amount is based on the weight of the cocatalyst feed solution. ** The "ppm" amount of Al is based on the weight of the cocatalyst feed solution.

[0468] Polymer synthesis - EO Mono 3 and EO Mono 5

[0469] Catalyst

[0470] CAT 2 can be prepared according to the teachings of WO 2011 / 102989 A1 and has the following structure:

[0471]

[0472] Polymerization of EO Mono 3 and EO Mono 5

[0473] EO Mono 3(A 1 L 1 ) and the continuous solution polymerization of EO Mono 5(A 1 L 1 )

[0474] Each was carried out in a computer-controlled autoclave reactor equipped with an internal agitator. A purified mixed alkane solvent (ISOPAR E available from ExxonMobil), monomers, and a molecular weight regulator (hydrogen or a chain transfer agent) were supplied to a "3.8 L" reactor equipped with a jacket for temperature control. The solvent fed to the reactor was measured by a mass flow controller. A variable-speed diaphragm pump controlled the solvent flow rate and pressure to the reactor. At the discharge of the pump, a side stream was used to provide a flush stream for the main catalyst, activator, and chain transfer agent (CTA) (catalyst component solution) injection line. These flows were measured by mass flow meters and controlled by control valves. The remaining solvent was combined with the monomers and hydrogen and fed into the reactor. The temperature of the solvent / monomer solution was controlled by using a heat exchanger before entering the reactor. This liquid stream entered the bottom of the reactor. The catalyst component solution was metered using a pump and a mass flow meter, combined with a catalyst flush solvent, and introduced into the bottom of the reactor. Under vigorous stirring, the reactor was filled with liquid at "500 psig". The polymer was removed through an outlet line at the top of the reactor. All outlet lines from the reactor were steam traced and insulated. Then the product stream was heated at 230 °C by passing through a post-reactor heater (PRH), in which β-H elimination of the polymer-based -Al occurred. Before the PRH and before devolatilization, a small amount of isopropanol and any stabilizer or other additives were added. The polymer product was recovered by extrusion using a devolatilization extruder. The polymerization process conditions and results before the post-reactor heating (PRH) are listed in Tables 4A and 4B.

[0475] The abbreviations in the table are explained as follows: "Co." represents comonomer; "sccm" represents standard cubic centimeters per minute; "T" refers to temperature; "Cat" represents the main catalyst; "CAT 2" represents the main catalyst (CAT 2) as shown above; "CoCAT-1" refers to the cocatalyst defined in Table 4B (footnote); "CTA" represents the chain transfer agent; "Polymerization rate" represents the polymer production rate; "Conv" represents the percentage of ethylene conversion in the reactor; "Eff." represents efficiency, kg polymer / mg catalyst metal; "TEA" represents triethylaluminum, and "C2" represents ethylene.

[0476] Table 4A: Polymerization conditions

[0477]

[0478] * The "ppm" amounts are based on the weight of the corresponding feed solution.

[0479] Table 4B: Polymerization conditions

[0480] CTA* concentration CTA flow rate CoCAT** CoCAT concentration CoCAT flow rate Polymer rate Conversion rate Solid Eff. ppm*** Pounds per hour ppm*** Pounds per hour Pounds per hour ％ ％ EO Mono 3 9820 0.580 CoCAT-1 120 0.082 3.95 85 10.1 0.325 EO Mono 5 4459 0.149 CoCAT-1 1230 0.109 4.10 85 10.5 0.247

[0481] *The CTA of EO Mono 3 and EO Mono 5 is TEA.

[0482] **CoCAT 1 is a mixture of methyl bis(C 14-18 alkyl)ammonium salts of tetra(pentafluorophenyl)borate, prepared by reacting a long-chain trialkylamine (ARMEEN M2HT, available from Akzo Nobel) with HCl and Li[B(C6F5)4], substantially as disclosed in Example 2 of USP 5,919,983 (without further purification) (Boulder Scientific).

[0483] ***The "ppm" amounts are based on the weight of the respective feed solutions.

[0484] Composition

[0485] The rheological properties of the inventive compositions, comparative compositions, and the first composition are shown in Table 5 below.

[0486] Table 5: Compositions of the present invention and comparative compositions (amounts in phr, based on 100 parts of polymer)

[0487] phr CS1 CS2 CS3 IE1 IE2 IE3 CS4 IE4 IE5 EO Mono 3 85 85 EO Mono 5 15 15 ENGAGE 8200 100 ENGAGE 8100 100 EO 3 100 50 100 EO 10 100 50 100 LUPEROX 101 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 0.90 0.90 0.90 TAIC 0.45 0.45 0.45 Tempo compound 0.54 0.54 0.54 Carbon black 2.6 2.6 2.6 V100(190℃)* 276 683 1546 458 774 624 V0.1 / V100* 1.8 2.2 5.1 8.1 22.0 13.7 I2* (dg / min) 19.7 5 1 4.3 1 1.74 Melt strength* (cN) 0.8 3.9 1.8 6.5 3.5

[0488] *Measurements were made on the first composition.

[0489] It should be noted that the EO Mono 3 / EO Mono 5 = 85 / 15 (weight / weight) blend has a melt index I2 (MI) of 19.7 g / 10 min.

[0490] Preparation of compositions IE1 - IE3 and CS1 - CS3 (without Tempo compound)

[0491] Soak

[0492] For each composition, the polymer or polymer blend (300 g of pellets) was first soaked with a curing agent (peroxide) in a 1000 mL fluorinated HDPE bottle (from Shanghai Heqi Glassware Co., Ltd.) on a roller (model: 88881004, DESC: bottle / tube roller from Thermo Scientific) at 40 °C for 24 hours (the bottle containing the pellets and the curing agent was rotated 360 degrees along the horizontal axis of the bottle, 70 rpm). The soaked pellets were used for the following single-screw extrusion and capillary extrusion tests with a Garvey die.

[0493] Single-screw extrusion with a Garvey die at the end of the extruder: IE1 - IE3 and CS1 - CS3 and capillary extrusion tests: IE1 - IE3 and CS1 - CS3

[0494] Use a Brabender single screw equipped with an ASTM extrusion Garvey die

[0495] The extruder evaluates the extrudability of each composition and checks the appearance and profile of the extrudate. The extrusion is carried out under the following conditions: the barrel temperature is 110 °C (the temperature of the three barrels: 110 °C, the temperature of the Garvey die: 110 °C), and the speed is 50 rpm. Soaked pellets (about 250 g) are added to the extruder and extruded in the form of a continuous profile (Garvey profile). The extrudate (pre-crosslinked, gel content < 5 wt%) is cut into profiles about "10 cm long" and placed in a hot air oven to form crosslinked profiles. The shape retention (cross-section, cut with a knife) of the profiles after heat treatment in the oven is evaluated. See Table 6.

[0496] Table 6: Shape retention after heat treatment (shape extruded from Garvey die)

[0497] Heat treatment CS1 CS2 CS3 IE1 IE2 IE3 150°C / 5 min General General - Good - - 180°C / 5 min - General Good Good Good

[0498] Each composition is extruded under the following conditions. Instrument: Gottfert Rheograph 25; length / diameter = 30 / 2; barrel temperature 130 °C. The shear rate is increased from 100 / s to 500 / s. Soaked pellets (about 20 g) are extruded into continuous strands (diameter about 2 mm - 3 mm). At each shear rate of 100 / s, 200 / s, 300 / s, 400 / s, and 500 / s, short strands are cut for surface quality inspection. Capillary extrusion is carried out at relatively high shear rates of 300 / s and 500 / s (close to actual extrusion production) to test the surface quality of various compositions. The results (pre-crosslinked) of the shear rates at 300 / s and 500 / s are shown in Table 7.

[0499] Table 7: Surface quality of extrudate (capillary extrusion at 130°C)

[0500]

[0501] Slightly rough = fine regular corrugated pattern (peaks and valleys).

[0502] Rough = coarse irregular corrugated pattern (peaks and valleys).

[0503] As can be seen in Table 7, the comparative compositions CS2 and CS3 (containing ENGAGE 8200 and ENGAGE 8100, respectively) could not obtain a smooth surface (even at 300 / s) at 130 °C, which is close to the upper limit temperature for the extrusion of compositions with typical peroxides. The comparative composition CS1 had a smooth surface at 500 / s. However, the comparative compositions CS1 and CS2 could not maintain the Garvey die shape even at a relatively low CV temperature of 150 °C, as can be seen in Table 6. At this temperature (150 °C), the sharp corners of the profile became rounded. The comparative composition CS3 maintained the profile shape well even at 180 °C (see Table 6), but the surface quality of the extruded brackets was very poor (see Table 7). These results indicate that the comparative compositions could not achieve good surface quality and shape retention during extrusion and vulcanization.

[0504] The compositions of the present invention (IE1, IE2, and IE3) each obtained a smooth surface at a high shear rate of 500 / s (see Table 7). At vulcanization temperatures of 150 °C and 180 °C, the profiles extruded from the Garvey die of the compositions of the present invention (IE1 - IE3) each maintained their shape better than the comparative compositions (see Table 6).

[0505] Preparation of Compositions IE4, IE5, CS4 and IE6'-IE9' (Containing Tempo Compounds)

[0506] Soaking and Blending

[0507] For each composition, first, each polymer or polymer blend (300 g of pellets)

[0508] was soaked with a curing agent (peroxide + additive) in a 1000 mL fluorinated HDPE bottle (see above) on a roller (see above) at 40 °C for 24 hours.

[0509] At a set temperature of 95 °C, the soaked pellets (1000 g) were loaded into a Banbury mixer with a 1.5 L cavity, where the rotor speed was 40 rpm. The pellets were uniformly heated and melted for about two minutes. Then, 5.4 g of the Tempo compound and 26 g of carbon black were weighed and gradually added to the mixing chamber. Then, mixing was continued for an additional six minutes. The mixed composition (pre-crosslinked composition - gel form) was rolled into sheets (about 4 mm thick) on a two-roll mill at 85 °C. The sheets were cut into strips (about 1.5 cm wide) for MDR analysis (see Table 8) and Garvey die extrusion, followed by continuous vulcanization.

[0510] Profile Extrusion Followed by CV (Continuous Vulcanization) - IE4, IE5 and CS4

[0511] Using a Krauss Maffie Labstar production line consisting of an extruder, a cooling tunnel, and a hot air tunnel for vulcanization, each composition was extruded continuously and then vulcanized. A Garvey die was added to the outlet of the extruder. The extrusion conditions were as follows: barrel temperature 95 °C (one barrel, temperature of the Garvey die: 95 °C), screw speed 15 rpm. The CV tunnel conditions were as follows: hot air tunnel temperature 200 °C, speed 0.6 m / min, tunnel length 4.5 meters. Approximately 800 grams of cut strips, i.e., "pre-crosslinked" composition (cut strips - approximately 4 mm thick), were added to the extruder and extruded in the form of continuous Garvey profiles (pre-crosslinked, gel content < 5 wt%). The Garvey profiles were vulcanized in the hot air tunnel by heat treatment. The cooled profiles were cut (approximately 1 cm long) to expose the cross-section for observation. The results are shown in Table 8.

[0512] Table 8: MDR and Shape Retention Results

[0513] CS4 IE4 IE5*** Shape Retention of Garvey Die Extrudate after 200 °C Poor Good Good MH (dNm) 5.42 6.57 6.85 ML (dNm) 0.02 0.11 0.25 (MH - ML) (dNm) 5.40 6.46 6.60 T90 5.69 4.52 5.34 V0.1 / V100 (Resin)* 1.8 8.1 22.0 Molar Amount of NO·** 0.00211 0.00211 0.00211 Molar Amount of (O - O) from LUPEROX 101** 0.006198 0.006198 0.006198 Molar Ratio [NO· / (O - O)] 0.34 0.34 0.34

[0514] * Measurements were made on the first composition.

[0515] ** Moles of NO· from the Tempo compound = {[weight of bis-Tempo compound / (MW = 510.7)] * 2}; * from LUPEROX

[0516] Moles of peroxy bonds of LUPEROX 101 = {[weight of LUPEROX 101 / (MW = 290.4)] * 2}.

[0517] *** The surface of IE5 was tack-free after vulcanization (finger test) - see Table 9 (footnote).

[0518] Additional Study - Molar Ratio of [NO· / (O - O)] - IE6'-IE9'

[0519] Additional comparative compositions (IE6'-IE9') were prepared and cured as described above and are listed in Table 9. These compositions were compared with IE5 (Table 8). As can be seen in the table, relative to IE5, IE6', IE8', and IE9' have lower MH, lower "MH - ML", and higher T90 values (i.e., reduced curing performance). IE7' maintained the curing performance, but the surface was tacky after curing (however, the cured surface of IE5 was tack-free). For IE6' and IE8', some blooming was found on their surfaces, which may be caused by a lower curing level and / or a relatively high Tempo compound loading. This blooming contributed to the tacky surface to some extent in each example.

[0520] Table 9: MDR, Shape Retention and Surface Quality Results

[0521]

[0522]

[0523] *Measure the first composition.

[0524] **Finger test: Use the finger test to test the surface tack of the hot air crosslinked composition. The finger test is a laboratory qualitative test method. Laboratory personnel use their fingers to touch the top surface of the crosslinked sample and provide feedback on the surface tack of the sample.

[0525] Overview

[0526] It has been found that the inventive composition, which is partly formed from a first composition having unique rheological characteristics (i.e., high melt strength, low viscosity at high shear rates and very high viscosity at low shear rates), achieves good surface quality and shape retention. Surface quality and shape retention are crucial for profile production via extrusion and continuous vulcanization (CV). The surface smoothness of the extruded sample generally requires low viscosity. High melt strength and high viscosity at low shear rates are responsible for shape retention during CV. The melt strength and DMS values using a wide shear rate range are shown in Table 5.

Claims

1. A composition, the composition comprising the following components a) and b): a) A first composition, the first composition comprising a multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer, and wherein the first composition comprises the following properties: i) A density of 0.855 g / cc to 0.900 g / cc, ii) [V100(190 °C)] ≤ 1000 Pa·s, iii) [V0.1(190 °C) / V100(190 °C)] ≥ 8.0, b) At least one peroxide.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the first composition has a V0.1 of ≥ 3,000 Pa·s.

3. A composition, the composition comprising the following components a) to c): a) A first composition, the first composition comprising a multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer, and wherein the first composition comprises the following properties: i) A density of 0.855 g / cc to 0.900 g / cc, ii) [V0.1(190 °C) / V100(190 °C)] ≥ 5.0, b) At least one peroxide, c) At least one Tempo compound selected from Structure I) of Structure IA, Structure IB or Structure IC, each structure being as follows: Structure IA is wherein n is an integer ≥ 1; R1, R2, R3 and R4 are each independently selected from H or C1-C18 alkyl; X is selected from CH2, ether (-O-), thioether (-S m -, where m≥1), carbonyl (-C(O)-), ester (-O-C(O)- or -C(O)-O-), amine (-N(R)-), amide (-N(R)-C(O)- or -C(O)-N(R)-), polyurethane (-O-C(O)-NH- or -NH-C(O)-O-), carbonyldiamine (-NH-C(O)-NH-) or imide (-C(O)-N(R)-C(O)-); R' is selected from C1-C30 alkylene; R” may or may not be present, and if present, R” is selected from C1-C30 alkylene; Y is selected from CR 4-n (where n = 1 to 4), OR 2-n (where n = 1 to 2), NR 3-n (where n = 1 to 3), SR 2-n (where n = 1 to 2), PR 3-n (where n = 1 to 3), PR 5-n (where n = 1 to 5), SiR 4-n (where n = 1 to 4), a bifunctional C-C nucleus, a phenyl nucleus, a phenyl nucleus substituted with an ester, a phenyl nucleus substituted with an amide, a triisocyanurate nucleus or a melamine nucleus; and wherein the difunctional C-C nucleus is selected from the following structures, wherein each R' represents the divalent R' group in Structure IA above: wherein the phenyl nucleus is selected from the following structures, wherein each R' represents the divalent R' group in Structure IA above: The phenyl nucleus substituted with an ester is selected from the following structures, wherein each R' represents the divalent R' group in Structure IA above: The phenyl nucleus substituted with an amide is selected from the following structures, wherein each R' represents the divalent R' group in Structure IA above: The triisocyanurate nucleus is as follows, wherein each R' represents the divalent R' group in Structure IA above; The melamine nucleus is as follows, wherein each R' represents the divalent R' group in Structure IA above; And wherein each R group in Structure IA is independently selected from H, unsubstituted hydrocarbon group, substituted hydrocarbon group, unsubstituted heterohydrocarbon group or substituted heterohydrocarbon group; Structure IB includes the following sub-structure IB): wherein n is an integer ≥ 1; R1, R2, R3 and R4 are each independently selected from H or C1-C18 alkyl; X is selected from CH2, ether (-O-), thioether (-S m -, where m≥1), carbonyl (-C(O)-), ester (-O-C(O)- or -C(O)-O-), amine (-N(R)-), amide (-N(R)-C(O)- or -C(O)-N(R)-), polyurethane (-O-C(O)-NH- or -NH-C(O)-O-), carbonyldiamine (-NH-C(O)-NH-) or imide (-C(O)-N(R)-C(O)-; R' is selected from C1-C30 alkylene; R” may or may not be present, and if present, R” is selected from C1-C30 alkylene; Each R group in sub-structure IB is independently selected from H, unsubstituted hydrocarbon group, substituted hydrocarbon group, unsubstituted heterohydrocarbon group or substituted heterohydrocarbon group; Each *(asterisk) in sub-structure IB represents the corresponding chemical end of Structure IB; Structure IC includes the following sub-structure IC): wherein n is an integer ≥ 1; R1, R2, R3 and R4 are each independently selected from H or C1-C18; X is selected from CH2, ether (-O-), thioether (-S m -, where m ≥ 1), carbonyl (-C(O)-), ester (-O-C(O)- or -C(O)-O-), amine (-N(R)-), amide (-N(R)-C(O)- or -C(O)-N()-), polyurethane (-O-C(O)-NH- or -NH-C(O)-O-), carbonyldiamine (-NH-C(O)-NH-) or imide (-C(O)-N(R)-C(O)-; R' is selected from C1-C30 alkylene; R” may or may not be present, and if present, R” is selected from C1-C30 alkylene; Each R”' group in substructure IC is independently selected from unsubstituted hydrocarbon group, substituted hydrocarbon group, unsubstituted heterohydrocarbon group or substituted heterohydrocarbon group; Each R group in substructure IC is independently selected from H, unsubstituted hydrocarbon group, substituted hydrocarbon group, unsubstituted heterohydrocarbon group or substituted heterohydrocarbon group; Each *(asterisk) in substructure IC represents the corresponding chemical end of structure IC; and if n≥3, each end may or may not form a cyclic structure with another end.

4. The composition according to claim 3, wherein the first composition has a melt index of ≤5.0 g / 10 min.

5. The composition according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the molar ratio of NO· from the at least one Tempo compound (component c) to the peroxy (O-O) bond from the at least one peroxide (component b) is 0.30 to 0.

90.

6. The composition according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein component c is present in an amount of 0.20 phr to 0.90 phr based on 100 parts of component a.

7. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer is selected from multimodal ethylene / α-olefin copolymers.

8. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first composition has a total unsaturation of ≥0.20 / 1000C.

9. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein component a further comprises a second multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer having a density of 0.855 g / cc to 0.900 g / cc and a total unsaturation of ≥0.20 / 1000C, and this second interpolymer is different from the multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer.

10. The composition according to claim 9, wherein the second multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer is a multimodal ethylene / α-olefin copolymer.

11. The composition according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the ratio of the density of the multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer to the density of the second multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer is 0.80 to 1.

25.

12. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the composition comprises ≤10 wt% filler based on the weight of the composition.

13. A method for forming a crosslinked composition, the method comprising heat-treating a composition comprising the following components a) and b): a) A first composition, the first composition comprising a multimodal ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer, And wherein said first composition comprises the following properties: i) a density of 0.855 g / cc to 0.900 g / cc, ii) V100(190 °C) ≤ 1000 Pa·s, iii) [V0.1(190 °C) / V100(190 °C)] ≥ 8.0; b) at least one peroxide.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the first composition has a V0.1(190 °C) of ≥ 3000 Pa·s.

15. A method of forming a crosslinked composition, the method comprising heat-treating the composition according to any one of claims 3 to 12.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the first composition has a melt index (I2) of ≤ 5.0 g / 10 min.

17. The method according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the molar ratio of the NO· from the at least one Tempo compound (component c) to the peroxy (O—O) bond from the at least one peroxide (component b) is 0.30 to 0.

90.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein based on 100 parts of component a, component c is present in an amount of 0.20 phr to 0.90 phr.

19. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the heat treatment is carried out in air.

20. An article, the article comprising at least one component formed from the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 12 or the method according to any one of claims 13 to 19.

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