Polypropylene composition suitable for automotive applications

Abstract

A composition suitable for automotive applications, said composition being obtained by blending at least the following components (A), (B), (C), (D), (E) and (F): (A) 5.0 to 40.0 wt.%, preferably 7.0 to 37.5 wt.%, more preferably 8.0 to 35.0 wt.% of a first heterophasic propylene copolymer; (B) from 10.0 to 20.0 wt.%, preferably from 12.5 to 19.0 wt.%, more preferably from 14.0 to 18.0 wt.%, of a second heterophasic propylene copolymer; (C) from 15.0 to 45.0 wt.%, preferably from 17.5 to 42.5 wt.%, more preferably from 20.0 to 40.0 wt.%, of a mixed plastic polypropylene blend; (D) from 2.5 to 15.0 wt.%, preferably from 3.5 to 12.5 wt.%, more preferably from 4.0 to 11.0 wt.%, of a mixed plastic polyethylene blend; (E) from 2.5 to 15.0 wt.%, preferably from 3.5 to 12.5 wt.%, more preferably from 4.0 to 11.0 wt.%, of an ethylene-based plastomer; (F) from 2.5 to 25.0 wt.%, preferably from 3.5 to 22.0 wt.%, more preferably from 4.0 to 20.0 wt.% of an inorganic filler. The invention relates to a composition comprising 90 to 100 wt.% of the above-described or below composition, and to the use of the above-described or below composition for injection molded articles, preferably automotive articles, more preferably automotive interior articles.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a polypropylene composition particularly suitable for automotive applications, the polypropylene composition comprising a mixed plastic polypropylene-based blend and a mixed plastic polyethylene-based blend. Background Art

[0002] Compositions suitable for use in the automotive industry typically comprise one or more heterophasic polypropylene copolymers and / or random heterophasic copolymers, and usually some inorganic filler.

[0003] One of the fundamental problems of the polymer industry is recycling. Currently, the market for recycled materials, especially recycled materials derived from household waste (commonly known as PCR, i.e. "post-consumer recycled material"), is subject to some limitations. Starting from household waste, existing sorting and separation processes cannot produce pure polymers, that is, there will always be some contaminants, or these processes may even produce a mixture of different polymers. For polyolefins, which make up the vast majority of the polymer component in collected household waste, it is almost impossible to perfectly separate polypropylene and polyethylene. Recycled polyolefin materials, especially post-consumer recycled materials, are often cross-contaminated with non-polyolefin materials (such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, polystyrene) or non-polymer substances (such as wood, paper, glass or aluminum). To make matters worse, although such post-consumer recycled polyolefin materials are easily available (in multi-ton quantities), unfortunately, their mechanical properties are limited and they generally have serious odor and / or emission problems.

[0004] Interior applications in the automotive industry require materials with an excellent stiffness / toughness balance, uniform surface appearance, low scratch visibility, and last but not least, low emissions. In recent years, market demand has been growing for blending recycled polyolefins with virgin polymers to meet the specific requirements of the final part.

[0005] European patent application EP4194504A1 relates to a polypropylene composition for automotive applications comprising a mixed plastic polypropylene-based blend derived from post-consumer recycled polyolefin streams, an ethylene-based plastomer, and an inorganic filler (e.g., talc). These compositions exhibit beneficial emission characteristics, uniform surface appearance, scratch visibility, and impact resistance, thereby enabling the replacement of fine virgin heterophasic polypropylene copolymers based on fossil fuels in automotive interior applications. However, in the compositions of the examples, the amount of recycled material contained in these compositions is quite low, being no more than 30 wt.%.

[0006] The present invention is based on the surprising discovery that by carefully selecting the amounts of heterophasic propylene copolymer based virgin components HECO1 and HECO2 with different melt flow rates in a polypropylene based composition comprising a mixed plastic polypropylene based blend (preferably derived from a post-consumer recycled polyolefin stream), an ethylene based plastomer and an inorganic filler (e.g. talc), the addition of a mixed plastic polyethylene based blend (preferably derived from a post-consumer recycled polyolefin stream) not only does not sacrifice any beneficial properties represented by emissions, uniform surface appearance, scratch visibility, stiffness and impact performance, but on the contrary an excellent balance of properties is observed, in particular with regard to uniform surface appearance, stiffness and impact strength. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention relates to a composition suitable for automotive applications, said composition being obtained by blending at least the following components (A), (B), (C), (D), (E) and (F):

[0008] (A) 5.0 to 40.0 wt.%, preferably 7.0 to 37.5 wt.%, more preferably 8.0 to 35.0 wt.% of the first heterophasic propylene copolymer;

[0009] (B) 10.0 to 20.0 wt.%, preferably 12.5 to 19.0 wt.%, more preferably 14.0 to 18.0 wt.% of a second heterophasic propylene copolymer;

[0010] (C) 15.0 to 45.0 wt.%, preferably 17.5 to 42.5 wt.%, more preferably 20.0 to 40.0 wt.% of a mixed plastic polypropylene blend;

[0011] (D) 2.5 to 15.0 wt.%, preferably 3.5 to 12.5 wt.%, more preferably 4.0 to 11.0 wt.% of a mixed plastic polyethylene blend;

[0012] (E) 2.5 to 15.0 wt.%, preferably 3.5 to 12.5 wt.%, more preferably 4.0 to 11.0 wt.% of an ethylene-based plastomer; and

[0013] (F) 2.5 to 25.0 wt.%, preferably 3.5 to 22.0 wt.%, more preferably 4.0 to 20.0 wt.% of an inorganic filler;

[0014] wherein all percentages are based on the total weight of the composition;

[0015] The first heterophasic propylene copolymer (A) comprises a matrix phase and an elastomeric phase dispersed therein, the first heterophasic propylene copolymer (A) having:

[0016] - a melt flow rate (MFR2) of 90 to 250 g / 10 min, measured at 230°C and 2.16 kg according to ISO 1133; and

[0017] - an intrinsic viscosity of the soluble fraction (iV(SF)) determined by CRYSTEX QC analysis according to DIN ISO 1628 / 1 of 2.00 to 4.00 dl / g;

[0018] The second heterophasic propylene copolymer (B) comprises a matrix phase and an elastomeric phase dispersed therein, the second heterophasic propylene copolymer (B) having:

[0019] - a melt flow rate (MFR2) of 3.0 to 30 g / 10 min, measured at 230°C and 2.16 kg according to ISO 1133; and

[0020] - an intrinsic viscosity of the soluble fraction (iV(SF)) determined by CRYSTEX QC analysis according to DIN ISO 1628 / 1 of 4.10 to 10.00 dl / g;

[0021] The mixed plastic polypropylene blend (C) has:

[0022] - a content of the crystallizate fraction (CF) determined according to CRYSTEX QC analysis of 85.0 to 96.0 wt.%, preferably 86.5 to 95.5 wt.%, and

[0023] - a soluble fraction (SF) content determined according to CRYSTEX QC analysis of 4.0 to 15.0 wt.%, preferably 4.5 to 13.5 wt.%, wherein

[0024] - The crystallized fraction (CF) is obtained by quantitative 13 an ethylene content (C2(CF)) of 1.0 to 10.0 wt.%, preferably 1.5 to 9.5 wt.%, as determined by FT-IR spectroscopy calibrated with C-NMR spectroscopy; and

[0025] - the intrinsic viscosity (iV(SF)) of the soluble fraction (SF) is from 0.9 to 2.1 dl / g, preferably from 1.0 to 2.0 dl / g, more preferably from 1.1 to 1.9 dl / g;

[0026] The mixed plastic polyethylene blend (D) has:

[0027] - a melt flow rate MFR2 measured at 190°C and 2.16 kg according to ISO 1133 of 0.1 to 5.0 g / 10 min, preferably 0.2 to 2.5 g / 10 min; and

[0028] - Density measured according to ISO 1183 is 970 to 990 kg / m 3 , preferably 975 to 985 kg / m 3 ;

[0029] The ethylene-based plastomer (E) is a copolymer of ethylene and a comonomer unit, wherein the comonomer unit is selected from α-olefins having 3 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably α-olefins having 4 to 10 carbon atoms, and most preferably 1-octene; the ethylene-based plastomer (E) has:

[0030] - a melt flow rate MFR2 measured at 190°C and 2.16 kg according to ISO 1133 of 0.2 to 2.5 g / 10 min, preferably 0.3 to 2.0 g / 10 min; and

[0031] - Density measured according to ISO 1183 is 850 to 870 kg / m 3 , preferably 855 to 865 kg / m 3 ;as well as

[0032] The composition has a melt flow rate MFR2 measured according to ISO 1133 at 230° C. and 2.16 kg of 5.0 to less than 20.0 g / 10 min, preferably 6.5 to 19.0 g / 10 min, more preferably 7.5 to 17.5 g / 10 min.

[0033] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a preparation comprising 90 to 100 wt.% of the above or below composition.

[0034] Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of the above or below-mentioned composition for injection-molded articles, preferably automotive articles, more preferably automotive interior articles. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] definition

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those generally understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used to practice and test the present invention, only preferred methods and materials are described herein. When describing and claiming the present invention, the following terms will be used according to the definitions described below. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the use of words such as "a", "an", etc. means more than one.

[0037] Mixed plastics are defined as containing small amounts of compounds not normally present in virgin polypropylene blends, such as polystyrene, polyamide, polyester, wood, paper, limonene, aldehydes, ketones, fatty acids, metals and / or long-term degradation products of stabilizers. Virgin polypropylene blends are defined as blends originating directly from the production process without intermediate use.

[0038] By definition, “mixed plastics” can be equated to detectable amounts of polystyrene and / or polyamide-6 and / or limonene and / or fatty acids.

[0039] Therefore, in contrast to virgin polymers, mixed plastics can be sourced from both post-consumer waste and industrial waste. Post-consumer waste refers to items that have completed at least their first use cycle (or life cycle), meaning they have fulfilled their first purpose. In contrast, industrial waste refers to manufacturing waste, or conversion waste, that typically does not reach consumers.

[0040] The term "virgin" refers to newly manufactured materials and / or items that have not been recycled and are prior to their first use.

[0041] The term "recycled material" as used herein refers to material that is reprocessed from "recycled scrap."

[0042] Polymer blends are mixtures of two or more polymer components. Typically, blends can be prepared by mixing two or more polymer components. Suitable mixing processes known in the art are post-polymerization blending. Post-polymerization blending can be dry blending of the polymer components (e.g., polymer powders and / or composite polymer particles) or melt blending by melt mixing the polymer components.

[0043] A mixed plastic polypropylene blend means that the blend consists primarily of polypropylene but also contains smaller amounts of other plastics.

[0044] A mixed plastic polyethylene blend means that the blend consists primarily of polyethylene but also contains smaller amounts of other plastics.

[0045] Recycled material blends, especially post-consumer recycled material blends, are almost always mixed plastic blends, reflecting the efficiency of sorting in existing state-of-the-art recycling processes.

[0046] Polypropylene refers to a polymer consisting of more than 50 mol % of units derived from propylene.

[0047] Polyethylene refers to a polymer consisting of more than 50 mol % of units derived from ethylene.

[0048] Propylene homopolymer is a polymer consisting mainly of propylene monomer units. Due to impurities, especially impurities in commercial polymerization processes, polypropylene homopolymer may contain up to 0.1 mol% of comonomer units, preferably up to 0.05 mol% of comonomer units, most preferably up to 0.01 mol% of comonomer units.

[0049] The term "elastomer" refers to a natural or synthetic polymer that exhibits elasticity. The term "plastomer" refers to a natural or synthetic polymer that combines the properties of an elastomer with those of a plastic (e.g., rubber-like properties with the processability of a plastic). An ethylene-based plastomer is a plastomer composed of more than 50 mol% units derived from ethylene.

[0050] The presence of a multiphase nature can be readily determined by the number of glass transition points, for example in dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and / or high-resolution microscopy, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) or atomic force microscopy (AFM).

[0051] The term "XCS" refers to the xylene cold soluble matter (XCS wt. %) measured at 25°C according to ISO 16152. The term "XCI" refers to the xylene cold insoluble matter (XCI wt. %) measured at 25°C according to ISO 16152.

[0052] Reactor blends are blends produced in two or more reactors connected in series or in a reactor with two or more reaction chambers. Reactor blends can also be made by solution blending. Reactor blends are in contrast to compounds produced by melt extrusion.

[0053] Unless otherwise specified, "%" refers to weight % (wt.%).

[0054] Composition

[0055] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a composition suitable for automotive applications obtained by blending at least the following components (A), (B), (C), (D), (E) and (F):

[0056] (A) 5.0 to 40.0 wt.%, preferably 7.0 to 37.5 wt.%, more preferably 8.0 to 35.0 wt.% of the first heterophasic propylene copolymer;

[0057] (B) 10.0 to 20.0 wt.%, preferably 12.5 to 19.0 wt.%, more preferably 14.0 to 18.0 wt.% of a second heterophasic propylene copolymer;

[0058] (C) 15.0 to 45.0 wt.%, preferably 17.5 to 42.5 wt.%, more preferably 20.0 to 40.0 wt.% of a mixed plastic polypropylene blend;

[0059] (D) 2.5 to 15.0 wt.%, preferably 3.5 to 12.5 wt.%, more preferably 4.0 to 11.0 wt.% of a mixed plastic polyethylene blend;

[0060] (E) 2.5 to 15.0 wt.%, preferably 3.5 to 12.5 wt.%, more preferably 4.0 to 11.0 wt.% of an ethylene-based plastomer; and

[0061] (F) 2.5 to 25.0 wt.%, preferably 3.5 to 22.0 wt.%, more preferably 4.0 to 20.0 wt.% of an inorganic filler;

[0062] wherein all percentages are based on the total weight of the composition;

[0063] The first heterophasic propylene copolymer (A) comprises a matrix phase and an elastomeric phase dispersed therein, the first heterophasic propylene copolymer (A) having:

[0064] - a melt flow rate (MFR2) of 90 to 250 g / 10 min, measured at 230°C and 2.16 kg according to ISO 1133; and

[0065] - an intrinsic viscosity of the soluble fraction (iV(SF)) determined by CRYSTEX QC analysis according to DIN ISO 1628 / 1 of 2.00 to 4.00 dl / g;

[0066] The second heterophasic propylene copolymer (B) comprises a matrix phase and an elastomeric phase dispersed therein, the second heterophasic propylene copolymer (B) having:

[0067] - a melt flow rate (MFR2) of 3.0 to 30 g / 10 min, measured at 230°C and 2.16 kg according to ISO 1133; and

[0068] - an intrinsic viscosity of the soluble fraction (iV(SF)) determined by CRYSTEX QC analysis according to DIN ISO 1628 / 1 of 4.10 to 10.00 dl / g;

[0069] The mixed plastic polypropylene blend (C) has:

[0070] - a content of the crystallizate fraction (CF) determined according to CRYSTEX QC analysis of 85.0 to 96.0 wt.%, preferably 86.5 to 95.5 wt.%, and

[0071] - a soluble fraction (SF) content determined according to CRYSTEX QC analysis of 4.0 to 15.0 wt.%, preferably 4.5 to 13.5 wt.%, wherein

[0072] - The crystallized fraction (CF) is obtained by quantitative 13 an ethylene content (C2(CF)) of 1.0 to 10.0 wt.%, preferably 1.5 to 9.5 wt.%, as determined by FT-IR spectroscopy calibrated with C-NMR spectroscopy; and

[0073] - the intrinsic viscosity (iV(SF)) of the soluble fraction (SF) is from 0.9 to 2.1 dl / g, preferably from 1.0 to 2.0 dl / g, more preferably from 1.1 to 1.9 dl / g;

[0074] The mixed plastic polyethylene blend (D) has:

[0075] - a melt flow rate MFR2 measured at 190°C and 2.16 kg according to ISO 1133 of 0.1 to 5.0 g / 10 min, preferably 0.2 to 2.5 g / 10 min; and

[0076] - Density measured according to ISO 1183 is 970 to 990 kg / m 3 , preferably 975 to 985 kg / m 3 ;

[0077] The ethylene-based plastomer (E) is a copolymer of ethylene and a comonomer unit, wherein the comonomer unit is selected from α-olefins having 3 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably α-olefins having 4 to 10 carbon atoms, and most preferably 1-octene; the ethylene-based plastomer (E) has

[0078] - a melt flow rate MFR2 measured at 190°C and 2.16 kg according to ISO 1133 of 0.2 to 2.5 g / 10 min, preferably 0.3 to 2.0 g / 10 min; and

[0079] - Density measured according to ISO 1183 is 850 to 870 kg / m 3 , preferably 855 to 865 kg / m 3 ;as well as

[0080] The composition has a melt flow rate MFR2 measured according to ISO 1133 at 230° C. and 2.16 kg of 5.0 to less than 20.0 g / 10 min, preferably 6.5 to 19.0 g / 10 min, more preferably 7.5 to 17.5 g / 10 min.

[0081] The compositions of the present invention suitable for automotive applications are particularly useful for injection molding articles for use in vehicle interiors.

[0082] In a preferred embodiment, a composition suitable for automotive applications is obtained by blending at least the following components (A), (B), (C), (D), (E) and (F):

[0083] (A) 5.0 to 40.0 wt.%, preferably 7.0 to 37.5 wt.%, more preferably 8.0 to 35.0 wt.% of the first heterophasic propylene copolymer;

[0084] (B) 10.0 to 20.0 wt.%, preferably 12.5 to 19.0 wt.%, more preferably 14.0 to 18.0 wt.% of a second heterophasic propylene copolymer;

[0085] (C) 15.0 to 45.0 wt.%, preferably 17.5 to 42.5 wt.%, more preferably 20.0 to 40.0 wt.% of a mixed plastic polypropylene blend;

[0086] (D) 2.5 to 15.0 wt.%, preferably 3.5 to 12.5 wt.%, more preferably 4.0 to 11.0 wt.% of a mixed plastic polyethylene blend;

[0087] (E) 2.5 to 15.0 wt.%, preferably 3.5 to 12.5 wt.%, more preferably 4.0 to 11.0 wt.% of an ethylene-based plastomer; and

[0088] (F) 2.5 to less than 12.5 wt.%, preferably 3.5 to 12.0 wt.%, more preferably 4.0 to 11.0 wt.% of an inorganic filler.

[0089] The composition preferably comprises a total amount of 25.0 to 60.0 wt.%, more preferably 30.0 to 55.0 wt.%, and even more preferably 32.5 to 50.0 wt.% of a recycled material blend (preferably a mixed plastic polypropylene blend (C) and a mixed plastic polyethylene blend (D)), based on the total weight of the composition.

[0090] The compositions of the present invention suitable for automotive applications have one or more of the following characteristics:

[0091] The composition has a melt flow rate MFR2 (230° C., 2.16 kg, ISO 1133) of 5.0 to less than 20.0 g / 10 min, preferably 6.5 to 19.0 g / 10 min, more preferably 7.5 to 17.5 g / 10 min.

[0092] The composition can be characterized by means of CRYSTEX QC analysis. In the CRYSTEX QC analysis, a crystallite fraction (CF) and a soluble fraction (SF) are obtained and quantified and analyzed with respect to monomer and comonomer content and intrinsic viscosity (IV).

[0093] The composition preferably exhibits one or all of the following properties in the CRYSTEX QC analysis:

[0094] - a content of the crystallizate fraction (CF) determined according to CRYSTEX QC analysis of 65.0 to 85.0 wt.%, preferably 70.0 to 80.0 wt.%; and

[0095] - the content of soluble fraction (SF) determined according to CRYSTEX QC analysis is between 15.0 and 35.0 wt.%, preferably between 20.0 and 30.0 wt.%.

[0096] Typically, the crystallizate fraction (CF) content and the soluble fraction (SF) content of a composition relate only to its polymer components, i.e. do not comprise other components which are insoluble and therefore do not participate in the dissolution-crystallization cycle described in the determination method below, such as inorganic fillers (F).

[0097] Therefore, the crystallizate fraction (CF) content and the soluble fraction (SF) content are calculated based on the weight of the polymer component in the composition.

[0098] The crystallized fraction (CF) preferably has one or more, preferably all, of the following properties:

[0099] - By quantitative 13 an ethylene content (C2(CF)) of 7.5 to 25.0 wt.%, more preferably 9.0 to 22.5 wt.%, as determined by FT-IR spectroscopy calibrated with C-NMR spectroscopy; and / or

[0100] - an intrinsic viscosity (iV(CF)) determined in decalin at 135° C. according to DIN ISO 1628 / 1 of less than 2.0 dl / g, more preferably of 1.2 to 1.9 dl / g.

[0101] The soluble fraction (SF) preferably has one or more of the following characteristics, preferably all of the following characteristics:

[0102] - By quantitative 13 an ethylene content (C2(SF)) of 45 to 65 wt.%, more preferably 50 to 60 wt.%, as determined by FT-IR spectroscopy calibrated with C-NMR spectroscopy; and / or

[0103] - an intrinsic viscosity (iV(SF)) determined in decalin at 135° C. according to DIN ISO 1628 / 1 of more than 2.1 dl / g, more preferably of 2.2 to 3.5 dl / g.

[0104] The composition preferably comprises 17.5 to 30.0 wt.%, more preferably 19.0 to 25.0 wt.% of units derived from ethylene.

[0105] Furthermore, the intrinsic viscosity iV of the composition is preferably from 1.40 to 2.40 dl / g, more preferably from 1.60 to 2.20 dl / g.

[0106] Furthermore, the ratio of the intrinsic viscosity of the soluble fraction to the crystallizate fraction (iV(SF) / iV(CF)) of the composition is preferably greater than 1.0, more preferably from 1.10 to 2.00, still more preferably from 1.25 to 1.75.

[0107] Furthermore, the ratio of the ethylene content of the soluble fraction to the crystallizate fraction (C2(SF) / C2(CF)) of the composition is preferably not more than 7.5, preferably from 1.5 to 6.5, more preferably from 2.5 to 6.0.

[0108] The compositions of the present invention preferably exhibit an excellent balance of properties with respect to flow (as can be seen from the melt flow rates mentioned above), impact properties, stiffness (e.g. in terms of tensile and flexural properties) and especially emissions (e.g. in terms of LBS and HBS volatiles and fogging).

[0109] The flexural modulus of the composition is preferably from 1400 MPa to 2200 MPa, more preferably from 1500 MPa to 2000 MPa.

[0110] Furthermore, the tensile modulus of the composition is preferably 1200 MPa to 2200 MPa, more preferably 1300 MPa to 2000 MPa.

[0111] Furthermore, the composition preferably has a yield tensile stress of 15 MPa to 35 MPa, more preferably 18 MPa to 30 MPa.

[0112] Furthermore, the elongation at break of the composition is preferably 350 to 500%, more preferably 375 to 475%.

[0113] Furthermore, the composition preferably has a Charpy notched impact strength at 23°C (CNIS, 23°C) of 30.0 to 75.0 kJ / m 2 , more preferably 40.0 to 70.0 kJ / m 2 .

[0114] Furthermore, the composition preferably has a Charpy notched impact strength at -20°C (CNIS, -20°C) of 2.5 to 10.0 kJ / m 2 , more preferably 3.5 to 7.5 kJ / m 2 .

[0115] In addition, the stiffness-impact coefficient (tensile modulus*Charpy notched impact strength (+23°C)) of the composition is preferably greater than 40,000 MPa*kJ / m 2 , more preferably 50000 to 150000 MPa*kJ / m 2 , still more preferably 67500 to 135000 MPa*kJ / m 2 , still more preferably 75000 to 125000 MPa*kJ / m 2 .

[0116] Furthermore, the composition preferably has a low boiling point substance (LBS) content of 5 to 100 μg / g, more preferably 10 to 75 μg / g, as determined by screening organic emissions through thermal desorption analysis.

[0117] Furthermore, the composition preferably has a high boiling point substance (HBS) content of 50 to 300 μg / g, more preferably 100 to 250 μg / g, as determined by screening organic emissions through thermal desorption analysis.

[0118] Furthermore, the atomized amount of the composition measured according to the gravimetric method DI75201:2011-11 method B is preferably 0.05 to 0.75 mg, more preferably 0.15 to 0.50 mg.

[0119] The composition of the present invention should contain the above-mentioned or below-mentioned components (A), (B), (C), (D), (E) and (F) in the amounts specified.

[0120] Components (A), (B), (C), (D), (E) and (F) preferably comprise 85.0 to 100 wt.%, more preferably 90.0 to 99.9 wt.% of the composition.

[0121] The composition preferably further comprises 0.5 to 10.0 wt.%, more preferably 2.0 to 10.0 wt.%, most preferably 4.0 to 10.0 wt.% of a pigment masterbatch, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0122] The composition preferably further comprises up to 3.0 wt%, more preferably 0.1 to 3.0 wt%, still more preferably 0.5 to 2.5 wt% of additives, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0123] Typical additives include antioxidants, slip agents, nucleating agents, anti-scratch agents, scorch retardants, metal deactivators, UV stabilizers, acid scavengers, lubricants, antistatic agents, and combinations thereof. These additives are well known in the polymer industry, and their applications are well known to those skilled in the art. Any additives present can be added as a separate raw material or mixed with a carrier polymer to form a masterbatch.

[0124] In a preferred embodiment, the composition consists of components (A), (B), (C), (D), (E) and (F), optional pigment masterbatch and optional additives, all of which are as described above or below.

[0125] The composition of the present invention is generally prepared by melt blending components (A), (B), (C), (D), (E) and (F), optional pigment masterbatch and optional additives. Melt blending equipment and conditions are conventional in the art.

[0126] It is particularly preferred to use conventional compounding or blending equipment, such as a Banbury mixer, a two-roll rubber mill, a Buss blender or a twin-screw extruder. More preferably, the mixing is accomplished in a co-rotating twin-screw extruder.

[0127] The polymeric material (eg, the composition of the present invention) recovered from the extruder is typically in the form of pellets.

[0128] First heterophasic propylene copolymer (A)

[0129] The first heterophasic propylene copolymer (A) comprises a matrix phase and an elastomeric phase dispersed therein.

[0130] The first heterophasic propylene copolymer (A) has a melt flow rate (MFR2) (230°C, 2.16 kg, ISO 1133) of 90 to 250 g / 10 min, preferably of 95 to 200 g / 10 min, more preferably of 97 to 175 g / 10 min.

[0131] The first heterophasic propylene copolymer (A) can be characterised by CRYSTEX QC analysis. In the CRYSTEX QC analysis a crystallisate fraction (CF) and a soluble fraction (SF) are obtained which can be quantified and analysed with regard to monomer and comonomer content and intrinsic viscosity (iV).

[0132] The first heterophasic propylene copolymer (A) preferably shows one or all of the following properties in CRYSTEX QC analysis:

[0133] - a content of the crystallizate fraction (CF) determined according to CRYSTEX QC analysis of 80.5 to 92.0 wt.%, preferably 82.0 to 90.0 wt.%, more preferably 83.0 to 86.0 wt.%; and

[0134] - the content of soluble fraction (SF) determined according to CRYSTEX QC analysis is from 8.0 to 19.5 wt.%, preferably from 10.0 to 18.0 wt.%, more preferably from 13.0 to 17.0 wt.%.

[0135] The crystallized fraction (CF) preferably has one or more, preferably all, of the following properties:

[0136] - By quantitative 13 an ethylene content (C2(CF)) of 0.1 to 5.0 wt.%, preferably 0.2 to 4.0 wt.%, more preferably 0.5 to 3.0 wt.%, as determined by FT-IR spectroscopy calibrated with C-NMR spectroscopy; and / or

[0137] The intrinsic viscosity (iV(CF)) determined in decalin at 135° C. according to DIN ISO 1628 / 1 is less than 1.8 dl / g, preferably from 0.8 to 1.6 dl / g, more preferably from 0.9 to 1.3 dl / g.

[0138] The soluble fraction (SF) preferably has one or more of the following characteristics, preferably all of the following characteristics:

[0139] - By quantitative 13 an ethylene content (C2(SF)) of 25.0 to 45.0 wt.%, preferably 27.5 to 43.0 wt.%, more preferably 30.0 to 42.0 wt.%, as determined by FT-IR spectroscopy calibrated with C-NMR spectroscopy; and / or

[0140] The intrinsic viscosity (iV(SF)) determined in decalin at 135° C. according to DIN ISO 1628 / 1 is from 1.50 to 4.00 dl / g, preferably from 1.60 to 3.00 dl / g, more preferably from 1.70 to 2.50 dl / g.

[0141] In one embodiment the first heterophasic propylene copolymer (A) preferably has an intrinsic viscosity (iV(SF)) determined according to DIN ISO 1628 / 1 in decalin at 135 °C of 2.00 to 4.00 dl / g, preferably 2.30 to 3.70 dl / g, more preferably 2.50 to 3.30 dl / g.

[0142] The first heterophasic propylene copolymer (A) preferably comprises 2.5 to 12.5 wt.%, more preferably 4.0 to 10.0 wt.%, still more preferably 5.0 to 7.5 wt.% of units derived from ethylene.

[0143] The ratio of the intrinsic viscosity of the soluble fraction to the intrinsic viscosity of the crystallisate fraction (iV(SF) / iV(CF)) is preferably greater than 1.0, more preferably from 1.3 to 2.5, still more preferably from 1.4 to 2.0.

[0144] The ratio of the ethylene content of the soluble fraction to the ethylene content of the crystallize fraction (C2(SF) / C2(CF)) is preferably 7.5 to 22.5, more preferably 10.0 to 20.0, still more preferably 15.0 to 17.5.

[0145] The first heterophasic propylene copolymer (A) further preferably has one or more, preferably all, of the following properties:

[0146] - a melting temperature Tm of 155 to 175°C, more preferably 157 to 172°C, still more preferably 160 to 170°C; and / or

[0147] - a crystallization temperature Tc of 115 to 135°C, more preferably 117 to 132°C, still more preferably 119 to 130°C;

[0148] The above temperatures are all measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).

[0149] The first heterophasic propylene copolymer (A) preferably shows a good balance of properties in terms of mechanical properties, impact properties and thermal stability:

[0150] The tensile modulus of the first heterophasic propylene copolymer (A) is preferably from 1200 MPa to 1600 MPa, more preferably from 1250 MPa to 1550 MPa, still more preferably from 1300 MPa to 1500 MPa.

[0151] Furthermore, the first heterophasic propylene copolymer (A) preferably has a Charpy notched impact strength at 23°C (CNIS, 23°C) of 1.0 to 7.5 kJ / m 2 , more preferably 2.0 to 5.0 kJ / m 2 .

[0152] The first heterophasic propylene copolymer (A) preferably consists of propylene units and ethylene units only.

[0153] Although not measured, the sum of the content of units derived from propylene in the soluble fraction (SF) (C3) and the content of units derived from ethylene in the soluble fraction (SF) (C2) is preferably 100 wt.%.

[0154] The content of units derived from propylene (C3) in the soluble fraction (SF) is preferably from 55.0 to 75.0 wt.%, more preferably from 57.0 to 72.5 wt.%, still more preferably from 58.0 to 70.0 wt.%.

[0155] Although not measured, the sum of the content of units derived from propylene (C3) in the crystallize fraction (CF) and the content of units derived from ethylene (C2) in the crystallize fraction (CF) is preferably 100 wt.%.

[0156] The content of units derived from propylene (C3) in the crystallizate fraction (CF) is preferably from 95.0 to 99.9 wt.%, more preferably from 96.0 to 99.8 wt.%, still more preferably from 97.0 to 99.5 wt.%.

[0157] The total content of propylene-derived units (C3) in the first heterophasic propylene copolymer (A) is preferably from 87.5 to 97.5 wt.%, more preferably from 90.0 to 96.0 wt.%, yet more preferably from 92.5 to 95.0 wt.%.

[0158] The first heterophasic propylene copolymer (A) is preferably a virgin polymer.

[0159] Heterophasic propylene copolymers suitable as first heterophasic propylene copolymer (A) are commercially available.

[0160] Before being blended with the other components for preparing the composition of the present invention the first heterophasic propylene copolymer (A) may be vented (e.g. as described in EP 3 786 190 A1 ) to remove volatile components.

[0161] Second heterophasic propylene copolymer (B)

[0162] The second heterophasic propylene copolymer (B) comprises a matrix phase and an elastomeric phase dispersed therein.

[0163] The second heterophasic propylene copolymer (B) has a melt flow rate (MFR2) (230°C, 2.16 kg, ISO 1133) of 3.0 to 30 g / 10 min, preferably of 4.0 to 20.0 g / 10 min, more preferably of 4.5 to 10.0 g / 10 min.

[0164] The second heterophasic propylene copolymer (B) can be characterised by CRYSTEX QC analysis. In the CRYSTEX QC analysis a crystallisate fraction (CF) and a soluble fraction (SF) are obtained which can be quantified and analysed with regard to monomer and comonomer content and intrinsic viscosity (iV).

[0165] The second heterophasic propylene copolymer (B) preferably shows one or all of the following properties in CRYSTEX QC analysis:

[0166] - a content of the crystallizate fraction (CF) determined according to CRYSTEX QC analysis of 65.0 to 85.0 wt.%, preferably 70.0 to 82.5 wt.%, more preferably 74.0 to 80.0 wt.%; and

[0167] - the content of soluble fraction (SF) determined according to CRYSTEX QC analysis is from 15.0 to 35.0 wt.%, preferably from 17.5 to 30.0 wt.%, more preferably from 20.0 to 26.0 wt.%.

[0168] The crystallized fraction (CF) preferably has one or more, preferably all, of the following properties:

[0169] - By quantitative 13 an ethylene content (C2(CF)) of 0.1 to 5.0 wt.%, preferably 0.2 to 4.0 wt.%, more preferably 0.5 to 3.0 wt.%, as determined by FT-IR spectroscopy calibrated with C-NMR spectroscopy; and / or

[0170] The intrinsic viscosity (iV(CF)) determined in decalin at 135° C. according to DIN ISO 1628 / 1 is less than 2.5 dl / g, preferably from 1.2 to 2.4 dl / g, more preferably from 1.6 to 2.2 dl / g.

[0171] The soluble fraction (SF) preferably has one or more of the following characteristics, preferably all of the following characteristics:

[0172] - By quantitative 13 an ethylene content (C2(SF)) of 18.0 to 30.0 wt.%, preferably 19.0 to 28.0 wt.%, more preferably 20.0 to 26.0 wt.%, as determined by FT-IR spectroscopy calibrated with C-NMR spectroscopy; and / or

[0173] The intrinsic viscosity (iV(SF)) determined in decalin at 135° C. according to DIN ISO 1628 / 1 is from 4.10 to 10.00 dl / g, preferably from 4.50 to 8.00 dl / g, more preferably from 5.00 to 6.00 dl / g.

[0174] The second heterophasic propylene copolymer (B) preferably comprises 2.5 to 12.5 wt.%, more preferably 4.0 to 10.0 wt.%, still more preferably 5.0 to 7.5 wt.% of units derived from ethylene.

[0175] The ratio of the intrinsic viscosity of the soluble fraction to the intrinsic viscosity of the crystallisate fraction (iV(SF) / iV(CF)) is preferably greater than 2.0, more preferably from 2.2 to 3.5, still more preferably from 2.5 to 3.2.

[0176] The ratio of the ethylene content of the soluble fraction to the ethylene content of the crystallizate fraction (C2(SF) / C2(CF)) is preferably from 5.0 to 17.5, more preferably from 7.5 to 15.0, still more preferably from 10.0 to 12.5.

[0177] The second heterophasic propylene copolymer (B) further preferably has one or more, preferably all, of the following properties:

[0178] - a melting temperature Tm of 155 to 175°C, more preferably 157 to 172°C, still more preferably 160 to 170°C; and / or

[0179] - a crystallization temperature Tc of 110 to 130° C., more preferably 112 to 127° C., still more preferably 114 to 124° C.;

[0180] The above temperatures are all measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).

[0181] The second heterophasic propylene copolymer (B) preferably shows a good balance of properties in terms of mechanical properties, impact properties and thermal stability:

[0182] The tensile modulus of the second heterophasic propylene copolymer (B) is preferably from 850 MPa to 1300 MPa, more preferably from 900 MPa to 1200 MPa, still more preferably from 1000 MPa to 1150 MPa.

[0183] Furthermore, the second heterophasic propylene copolymer (B) preferably has a Charpy notched impact strength at 23°C (CNIS, 23°C) of 30 to 75 kJ / m 2 , more preferably 40 to 60 kJ / m 2 .

[0184] The second heterophasic propylene copolymer (B) preferably consists of propylene units and ethylene units only.

[0185] Although not measured, the sum of the content of units derived from propylene in the soluble fraction (SF) (C3) and the content of units derived from ethylene in the soluble fraction (SF) (C2) is preferably 100 wt.%.

[0186] The content of units derived from propylene (C3) in the soluble fraction (SF) is preferably from 70.0 to 82.0 wt.%, more preferably from 72.0 to 81.0 wt.%, still more preferably from 74.0 to 80.0 wt.%.

[0187] Although not measured, the sum of the content of units derived from propylene (C3) in the crystallize fraction (CF) and the content of units derived from ethylene (C2) in the crystallize fraction (CF) is preferably 100 wt.%.

[0188] The content of units derived from propylene (C3) in the crystallizate fraction (CF) is preferably from 95.0 to 99.9 wt.%, more preferably from 96.0 to 99.8 wt.%, still more preferably from 97.0 to 99.5 wt.%.

[0189] The total content of propylene-derived units (C3) in the second heterophasic propylene copolymer (B) is preferably from 87.5 to 97.5 wt.%, more preferably from 90.0 to 96.0 wt.%, yet more preferably from 92.5 to 95.0 wt.%.

[0190] The second heterophasic propylene copolymer (B) is preferably a virgin polymer.

[0191] Heterophasic propylene copolymers suitable as second heterophasic propylene copolymer (B) are commercially available.

[0192] Before being blended with the other components for preparing the composition of the present invention the second heterophasic propylene copolymer (B) may be vented (e.g. as described in EP 3 786 190 A1 ) to remove volatile components.

[0193] Mixed plastic polypropylene blend (C)

[0194] The mixed plastic polypropylene blend (C) is a polypropylene-rich regrind, meaning that its polypropylene content is significantly higher than that of polyethylene. Polypropylene-rich regrind waste streams are available, for example, from the automotive industry, especially since some automotive parts (e.g., bumpers) are a source of fairly pure polypropylene material in the regrind stream.

[0195] Preferably, the polypropylene-rich regrind is obtained from recycled waste by a plastic recycling process known in the art. Such regrind is commercially available, for example, from Corepla (Italian Federation for the Collection, Recycling and Reuse of Packaging Plastic Waste), Resource Plastics Corp. (Brampton, Ontario), Kruschitz GmbH, Plastics and Recycling (Austria), Vogt Plastik GmbH (Germany), Mtm ​​Plastics GmbH (Germany), etc. Non-exhaustive examples of polypropylene-rich regrind include: PP (Mtm Plastics GmbH), Recycled polypropylene granules (Axion Ltd) and polypropylene copolymer (BSP Compounds).

[0196] During recycling, any reasonable measures (where the end application or use indicates such measures) are typically taken to reduce / remove any components other than polyethylene and polypropylene; however, other components are often present in small amounts.

[0197] Other such components include polystyrene (PS), polyamide (PA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the content of which is as low as possible, preferably below the detection limit.

[0198] The melt flow rate (MFR2) of the mixed plastic polypropylene blend (C), measured according to ISO 1133 at 230°C and 2.16 kg, is preferably from 10.0 to 40.0 g / 10 min, more preferably from 12.0 to 35.0 g / 10 min, most preferably from 13.0 to 30.0 g / 10 min.

[0199] The mixed plastic polypropylene blend (C) can be characterized by CRYSTEX QC analysis. In the CRYSTEX QC analysis, a crystallite fraction (CF) and a soluble fraction (SF) are obtained, which can be quantified and analyzed with respect to monomer and comonomer content and intrinsic viscosity (iV).

[0200] The mixed plastic polypropylene blend (C) preferably exhibits one or all of the following properties in a CRYSTEX QC analysis:

[0201] - a content of the crystallizate fraction (CF) determined according to CRYSTEX QC analysis of 85.0 to 96.0 wt.%, preferably 86.5 to 95.5 wt.%, more preferably 89.0 to 95.0 wt.%; and

[0202] - the content of soluble fraction (SF) determined according to CRYSTEX QC analysis is from 4.0 to 15.0 wt.%, preferably from 4.5 to 13.5 wt.%, more preferably from 5.0 to 11.0 wt.%.

[0203] The crystallized fraction (CF) preferably has one or more, preferably all, of the following properties:

[0204] - By quantitative 13 an ethylene content (C2(CF)) of 1.0 to 10.0 wt.%, preferably 1.5 to 9.5 wt.%, more preferably 2.0 to 7.5 wt.%, as determined by FT-IR spectroscopy calibrated with C-NMR spectroscopy; and / or

[0205] The intrinsic viscosity (iV(CF)) determined in decalin at 135° C. according to DIN ISO 1628 / 1 is less than 2.5 dl / g, preferably from 1.1 to 2.3 dl / g, more preferably from 1.4 to 2.0 dl / g.

[0206] The soluble fraction (SF) preferably has one or more of the following characteristics, preferably all of the following characteristics:

[0207] - By quantitative 13 an ethylene content (C2(SF)) of 20.0 to 55.0 wt.%, preferably 22.0 to 50.0 wt.%, more preferably 24.0 to 48.0 wt.%, as determined by FT-IR spectroscopy calibrated with C-NMR spectroscopy; and / or

[0208] The intrinsic viscosity (iV(SF)) determined in decalin at 135° C. according to DIN ISO 1628 / 1 is from 0.9 to 2.1 dl / g, preferably from 1.0 to 2.0 dl / g, more preferably from 1.1 to 1.9 dl / g.

[0209] The mixed plastic polypropylene blend (C) preferably comprises 2.5 to 10.0 wt.%, more preferably 3.0 to 9.0 wt.%, still more preferably 3.5 to 8.0 wt.% of units derived from ethylene.

[0210] The mixed plastic polypropylene blend (C) preferably has an inorganic residue content of 0.05 to 3.0 wt.%, more preferably 0.5 to 2.5 wt.%, most preferably 1.0 to 2.5 wt.%, determined by calcination analysis according to DIN ISO 1172:1996.

[0211] The mixed plastic polypropylene blend (C) is preferably derived from post-industrial waste or post-consumer waste, most preferably from post-consumer waste.

[0212] The mixed plastic polypropylene blend (C) preferably has a limonene content of 1 to 250 mg / m2 as determined by solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME-GC-MS). 3 .

[0213] The presence of limonene indicates that the mixed plastic polypropylene blend (C) is derived from post-consumer waste.

[0214] Other indicators of the recycling properties of the mixed plastic polypropylene blend (C) include the presence of other polymers (such as polystyrene and polyamide-6), and the presence of fatty acids.

[0215] Therefore, it is further preferred that the mixed plastic polypropylene blend (C) comprises one or more of polystyrene, polyamide-6 and fatty acid, preferably comprises each of polystyrene, polyamide-6 and fatty acid.

[0216] The CIELAB color space (L*a*b) of the mixed plastic polypropylene blend (C) is preferably:

[0217] i) L* is from 50.0 to 97.0, more preferably from 80.0 to 97.0;

[0218] ii) a* is from -5.0 to 0.0;

[0219] iii) b* is from 0.0 to 22.0 (but not including 22.0).

[0220] In order to produce a light-colored (eg light grey) polypropylene composition, an L* value of 80.0 to 97.0 is especially preferred.

[0221] The tensile modulus of the mixed plastic polypropylene blend (C) is preferably from 1200 MPa to 1600 MPa, more preferably from 1250 MPa to 1550 MPa, still more preferably from 1300 MPa to 1500 MPa.

[0222] Furthermore, the Charpy notched impact strength (CNIS, 23°C) of the mixed plastic polypropylene blend (C) is preferably 1.0 to 7.5 kJ / m 2 , more preferably 2.5 to 6.0 kJ / m 2 .

[0223] Before being blended with other components to prepare the composition of the present invention, the mixed plastic polypropylene blend (C) may be vented (eg as described in EP 3 786 190 A1 ) to remove volatile components.

[0224] Mixed plastic polyethylene blend (D)

[0225] The mixed plastic polyethylene blend (D) is a polyethylene-rich regrind, which means that its polyethylene content is significantly higher than that of polypropylene. Polyethylene-rich regrind waste streams can be obtained, for example, from post-consumer waste and / or post-industrial waste.

[0226] The mixed plastic polyethylene blend is preferably obtained by a sorting process for sorting post-consumer waste and / or post-industrial waste.

[0227] Suitable sorting processes for providing a mixed plastic polyethylene blend (D) are known in the art. Exemplary sorting processes are described, for example, in: Dr. Frank Welle, Develop a food grade HDPE recycling process, The Waste & Resources Action Programme, June 4, 2005 (source: https: / / www.researchgate.net / profile / Frank-Welle-2 / publication / 284158562_Develop_a_food_grade_HDPE_recycling_process / links / 564ca7df08ae7ac727e20707 / Develop-a-food-grade-HDPE-recycling-process.pdf?origin=publication_detail) or PCT / EP2022 / 064702.

[0228] The mixed plastic polyethylene blend (D) preferably consists of a natural blend or a white blend, or a mixture of a natural blend and a white blend. A natural blend refers to a mixed plastic polyethylene blend that does not contain fillers or pigments, while a white blend refers to a mixed plastic polyethylene blend that contains white fillers or pigments. White fillers or pigments are typically derived from titanium dioxide.

[0229] The mixed plastic polyethylene blend (D) preferably does not comprise colored or black mixed plastic polyethylene blends.

[0230] During recycling, any reasonable measures (where the end application or use indicates such measures) are typically taken to reduce / remove any components other than polyethylene and polypropylene; however, other components are often present in small amounts.

[0231] Other such components include polystyrene (PS), polyamide (PA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the content of which is as low as possible, preferably below the detection limit.

[0232] The mixed plastic polyethylene blend (D) preferably has a melt flow rate (MFR2) measured according to ISO 1133 at 190° C. and 2.16 kg of 0.1 to 5.0 g / 10 min, more preferably 0.2 to 2.5 g / 10 min.

[0233] Furthermore, the density of the mixed plastic polyethylene blend (D) is preferably from 970 to 990 kg / m 3, preferably 975 to 985 kg / m 3 .

[0234] White blends tend to have higher densities than natural blends due to the presence of white pigments such as titanium dioxide.

[0235] The high density of the mixed plastic polyethylene blend (D) indicates that the mixed plastic polyethylene blend (D) generally contains a large amount of high density polyethylene (HDPE).

[0236] The mixed plastic polyethylene blend (D) preferably comprises 90.0 to 99.9 wt.%, more preferably 92.5 to 99.9 wt.%, still more preferably 95.0 to 99.9 wt.% of units derived from ethylene, based on the total weight of the mixed plastic polyethylene blend (D).

[0237] Furthermore, the mixed plastic polyethylene blend (D) preferably comprises 0.01 to 5.0 wt.%, more preferably 0.05 to 2.5 wt.%, still more preferably 0.1 to 1.0 wt.% of propylene-derived units, based on the total weight of the mixed plastic polyethylene blend (D).

[0238] The mixed plastic polyethylene blend (D) preferably has an inorganic residue content of 0.1 to 5.0 wt.%, more preferably 0.2 to 4.0 wt.%, most preferably 0.5 to 3.0 wt.%, determined by calcination analysis according to DIN ISO 1172:1996.

[0239] The mixed plastic polyethylene blend (D) preferably has a limonene content of 1 to 50 mg / m2 as determined by solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME-GC-MS). 3 .

[0240] The presence of limonene indicates that the mixed plastic polyethylene blend (D) is derived from post-consumer waste.

[0241] The CIELAB color space (L*a*b) of the mixed plastic polyethylene blend (D) is preferably:

[0242] i) L* is from 35.0 to 80.0, more preferably from 40.0 to 80.0;

[0243] ii) a* is from -5.0 to 0.0;

[0244] iii) b* is from -5.0 to 0.0.

[0245] The tensile modulus of the mixed plastic polyethylene blend (D) is preferably from 750 MPa to 1200 MPa, more preferably from 850 MPa to 1100 MPa, still more preferably from 900 MPa to 1000 MPa.

[0246] Furthermore, the Charpy notched impact strength (CNIS, 23°C) of the mixed plastic polyethylene blend (D) is preferably from 10 to 35 kJ / m 2 , more preferably 15 to 30 kJ / m 2 .

[0247] The mixed plastic polyethylene blend (D) may be vented (eg as described in EP 3 786 190 A1 ) to remove volatile components before being blended with other components to prepare the composition of the invention.

[0248] Ethylene-based plastomers (D)

[0249] The ethylene-based plastomer (D) is preferably a copolymer of ethylene and a comonomer unit, wherein the comonomer unit is selected from α-olefins having 3 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably α-olefins having 4 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably 1-butene or 1-octene, most preferably 1-octene.

[0250] Ethylene-based plastomers are often added to further improve the impact properties of the composition.

[0251] The ethylene-based plastomer (D) preferably has one or more, preferably all, of the following properties:

[0252] - a melt flow rate (MFR2) (190°C, 2.16 kg, ISO 1133) of 0.2 to 2.5 g / 10 min, preferably 0.3 to 2.0 g / 10 min; and

[0253] - Density 850 to 870 kg / m 3 , preferably 855 to 865 kg / m 3 .

[0254] The ethylene-based plastomer (D) is preferably a virgin polymer.

[0255] Such ethylene-based plastomers are commercially available under the trade names Engage, Exact, Queo, Tafmer, or others.

[0256] Inorganic filler (E)

[0257] The inorganic filler (E) is preferably selected from talc, calcium carbonate, barium sulfate, mica and mixtures thereof.

[0258] Most preferably, the inorganic filler (E) is talc.

[0259] The median particle size d of the inorganic filler (E) (preferably talc) before compounding 50 It is preferably 0.3 to 30.0 μm, more preferably 0.5 to 15.0 μm.

[0260] In addition, the top-cut particle size d of the inorganic filler (E) (preferably talc) before compounding is 95 It is preferably 1.0 to 50.0 μm, more preferably 1.5 to 35.0 μm.

[0261] Particle size is typically measured using the Sedigraph method and is stated on the technical data sheets of commercial grade products.

[0262] Such inorganic fillers are commercially available.

[0263] Pigment Masterbatch

[0264] The composition of the present invention is preferably a colored composition.

[0265] Therefore, the content of the pigment masterbatch is 0.5 to 10.0 wt.%, more preferably 2.0 to 10.0 wt.%, and most preferably 4.0 to 10.0 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0266] The total pigment content of the masterbatch is preferably 40.0 to 80.0 wt.% based on the total weight of the masterbatch. The masterbatch may contain one pigment or multiple pigments. When the masterbatch contains multiple pigments, the masterbatch may be provided in the form of multiple masterbatch, each masterbatch containing one pigment, wherein the sum of the contents of the various masterbatch is equal to the total weight of the masterbatch of the present invention.

[0267] The choice of pigment depends on the target color of the composition. Apart from this, there is no limitation on the choice of suitable pigments. Those skilled in the art will be able to select suitable pigments to achieve a specific final color of the composition.

[0268] additive

[0269] The content of other additives is preferably up to 3.0 wt.%, more preferably 0.1 to 3.0 wt.%, and even more preferably 0.5 to 2.5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition. A skilled person can select suitable additives known in the art.

[0270] The additives are preferably selected from antioxidants, UV stabilizers, anti-scratch agents, mold release agents, acid scavengers, lubricants, antistatic agents, and mixtures thereof.

[0271] It will be understood that the amount of additives (relative to the total weight of the composition) includes any carrier polymer used to introduce the additives into the composition, ie, a masterbatch carrier polymer. An example of such a carrier polymer is powdered polypropylene homopolymer.

[0272] Products

[0273] On the other hand, the present invention relates to a product comprising the above or following composition, wherein the content of the composition is 90 to 100 wt.%, preferably 95 to 100 wt.%, more preferably 98 to 100 wt.%, and even more preferably 99 to 100 wt.%.

[0274] The article is preferably a molded article, more preferably a molded automotive article.

[0275] The article is preferably used in vehicle interiors, such as instrument panels, step assists, interior trims, ashtrays, body trim panels, and gear levers.

[0276] In addition to the excellent balance of composition properties described above, articles prepared from the compositions of the present invention also exhibit good scratch resistance (measured by scratch resistance and MAR resistance) and shrinkage performance (measured by isotropic shrinkage, flow shrinkage, and transverse flow shrinkage).

[0277] Preferably, the article has a scratch resistance at 10 N of 0.00 to 1.40, more preferably 0.10 to 1.25.

[0278] Furthermore, preferably, the product has a unidirectional MAR resistance at 9N of 0.00 to 1.40, more preferably 0.25 to 1.25.

[0279] Furthermore, the isotropic area shrinkage of the article is preferably 0.25 to 1.25%, more preferably 0.50 to 1.10%.

[0280] Furthermore, preferably, the product has a flow shrinkage of 0.25 to 1.15%, more preferably 0.50 to 1.00%.

[0281] Furthermore, preferably, the transverse flow shrinkage of the article is 0.35 to 1.35%, more preferably 0.60 to 1.20%.

[0282] use

[0283] Another aspect of the present invention relates to the use of the above or below-mentioned composition for injection-molded articles, preferably automotive articles, more preferably automotive interior articles.

[0284] Experimental part

[0285] The following examples are intended to illustrate specific aspects and embodiments of the present invention as described in the claims. However, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the following description is illustrative only and should not be considered in any way as limiting the present invention.

[0286] Test Method

[0287] a) CRYSTEX

[0288] Determination of the crystals fraction and the soluble fraction and their respective characteristics (IV and ethylene content)

[0289] The crystallite fraction (CF) and soluble fraction (SF) of a polypropylene (PP) composition were analyzed using a CRYSTEX instrument from PolymerChar (Valencia, Spain), along with the comonomer content and intrinsic viscosity of each fraction. Details of this technique and method can be found in the literature (Ljiljana Jeremic, Andreas Albrecht, Martina Sandholzer, and Markus Gahleitner (2020) Rapid characterization of high-impact ethylene–propylene copolymer composition by crystallization extraction separation: comparability to standard separation methods, International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization, 25:8, pp. 581–596).

[0290] The crystallized fraction was separated from the non-crystallized fraction by a temperature cycle of dissolution at 160°C, crystallization at 40°C, and redissolution in 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene at 160°C. SF and CF were quantified and the ethylene content (C2) was determined using an integrated infrared detector (IR4), while the intrinsic viscosity (IV) was determined using an online 2-capillary viscometer.

[0291] The IR4 detector is a multi-wavelength detector that measures two different bands (CH3 stretching vibration (centered at about 2960 cm -1 ) and CH stretching vibration (2700-3000cm -1 )) infrared absorbance is used to determine the concentration and ethylene content of ethylene-propylene copolymers. The IR4 detector is used with a series of 8 samples with known ethylene contents ranging from 2 to 69 wt% (by 13 C-NMR analysis) were performed using EP copolymers with different concentrations ranging from 2 to 13 mg / ml. In order to simultaneously meet the two characteristics of the expected multiple polymer concentrations during Crystex analysis (i.e., concentration and ethylene content), the following calibration equation was applied:

[0292] Concentration = a + b * absorbance (CH) + c * (absorbance (CH))2 +d*absorbance(CH3)+e*(absorbance(CH3) 2 +f*absorbance(CH)*absorbance(CH3) (Formula 1)

[0293] CH3 / 1000C=a+b*absorbance(CH3)+c*absorbance(CH3)+d*(absorbance(CH3) / absorbance(CH3))+e*(absorbance(CH3) / absorbance(CH3)) 2 (Formula 2)

[0294] Constants a to e in Formula 1 and constants a to f in Formula 2 are determined by least squares regression analysis.

[0295] The CH3 / 1000C is converted to ethylene content (wt.%) using the following relationship:

[0296] wt.% (ethylene in EP copolymer) = 100 - CH3 / 1000TC*0.3 (Formula 3)

[0297] The amounts of the soluble fraction (SF) and the crystallized fraction (CF) were correlated via XS calibration to the amounts of the "xylene cold soluble fraction" (XCS) and the "xylene cold insoluble fraction" (XCI), respectively, determined gravimetrically according to ISO 16152. The XS calibration was performed by testing various EP copolymers with XS contents ranging from 2 to 31 wt.%. The XS calibration was determined to be linear:

[0298] wt.% XS=1.01*wt% SF (Formula 4)

[0299] The intrinsic viscosity (iV) of the parent EP copolymer and its soluble and crystalline fractions was determined using an online 2-capillary viscometer and correlated with the corresponding iV determined in decalin by the standard method according to ISO 1628-3. Calibration was performed using various EP PP copolymers with iV = 2-4 dL / g. The calibration curve was determined to be linear:

[0300] iV(dL / g)=a*Vsp / c (Equation 5)

[0301] The samples to be analyzed were weighed at a concentration of 10 mg / ml to 20 mg / ml. To avoid possible injection of gels and / or polymers (such as PET and PA) that are insoluble in TCB at 160°C, the weighed samples were placed on a stainless steel mesh (MW 0.077 / D 0.05 mm).

[0302] After automatically filling the sample bottle with 1,2,4-TCB containing 250 mg / l 2,6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol (BHT) (as an antioxidant), the sample was dissolved at 160°C until completely dissolved, usually for 60 minutes, with continuous stirring at 400 rpm. To avoid sample degradation, the polymer solution was covered with a nitrogen atmosphere during the dissolution process.

[0303] A specific volume of sample solution is injected into a column filled with an inert support, where the sample crystallizes and the soluble fraction is separated from the crystalline portion. This process is repeated twice. During the first injection, the entire sample is measured at high temperature to determine the IV (dl / g) and C2 (wt.%) of the PP composition. During the second injection, the soluble fraction (low temperature) and the crystallized fraction (high temperature) (wt.% SF, wt.% C2, IV) are measured over the crystallization cycle.

[0304] b) Xylene cold soluble fraction (XCS, wt%)

[0305] The xylene cold soluble fraction (XCS) is determined according to ISO 16152 (first edition of July 1, 2005) at 25° C. The remaining insoluble part is the xylene cold insoluble (XCI) fraction.

[0306] c) Intrinsic viscosity

[0307] The intrinsic viscosity is determined in decalin at 135° C. in accordance with DIN ISO 1628 / 1 (October 1999).

[0308] d) Charpy notched impact strength

[0309] Injection molded test specimens (80×10×4 mm2) prepared according to EN ISO 1873-2 were tested at +23°C and -20°C according to ISO 179-1eA. 3 The measurement was performed after the sample had been conditioned at 23°C for 96 hours.

[0310] e) Tensile modulus, tensile stress at yield and elongation at break

[0311] The test was carried out according to ISO 527-2 (crosshead speed = 1 mm / min; test speed 50 mm / min, 23°C) on injection-molded test specimens 1B (dog bone shape, 4 mm thickness) prepared as described in EN ISO 1873-2. The test was carried out after the test specimens had been conditioned for 96 hours at 23°C.

[0312] f) Flexural modulus

[0313] The flexural modulus was determined according to ISO 178 with a test speed of 2 mm / min, a force of 100 N, a span of 64 mm between supports, and a specimen size of 80 × 10 × 4 mm. 3 (length × width × thickness) and were produced by injection molding according to EN ISO 1873-2.

[0314] g) Comonomer content

[0315] Poly(propylene-co-ethylene)-ethylene content-IR spectroscopy

[0316] The ethylene content of (ethylene-co-propylene) copolymers was quantified using quantitative infrared (IR) spectroscopy by calibration to the primary method. Calibration was conveniently performed using a set of in-house non-commercial calibration standards with known ethylene content, which was quantitatively 13 C was determined by solution-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Calibration procedures were performed using conventional methods well documented in the literature. The calibration set contained 38 calibration standards with ethylene contents ranging from 0.2 to 75.0 wt.%, prepared under various conditions at pilot or full scale. The calibration set was selected to reflect the typical copolymer species encountered in the final quantitative IR spectroscopy method.

[0317] Solid-state quantitative IR spectra were recorded using a Bruker Vertex 70 FTIR spectrometer. Spectra were recorded on 25 × 25 mm square films, 300 μm thick, prepared by compression molding at 180–210°C and a pressure of 4–6 MPa. For samples with very high ethylene content (>50 mol%), films with a thickness of 100 μm were used. Standard transmission FTIR spectroscopy was performed in the spectral range of 5000–500 cm -1 , aperture is 6mm, spectral resolution is 2cm -1 , 16 background scans, 16 spectral scans, an interferogram zero filling factor of 64, and a Blackmann-Harris three-term apodization method. The wavelengths 730 and 720 cm corresponding to the (CH2)>2 structural unit were used. -1 The total area of ​​CH2 rocking deformation at Q )(Integration method G, limits 762 and 694 cm -1 ) for quantitative analysis. The quantitative band was normalized to 4323 cm corresponding to the CH structural unit. -1 The CH band area (A R )(Integral method G, limits 4650, 4007 cm -1 Then, using the secondary calibration curve, the normalized absorbance (A Q / A R) predicts the ethylene content (in weight percent). This calibration curve has been previously constructed by ordinary least squares (OLS) regression of the normalized absorbance measured on the calibration set and the main comonomer content.

[0318] Poly(propylene-co-ethylene)-ethylene content- 13 C NMR spectroscopy

[0319] Quantitative analysis was performed in solution using a Bruker Avance III 400 NMR spectrometer. 13 C{ 1 H}NMR spectroscopy, spectrometer for 1 H and 13 C runs at 400.15 and 100.62 MHz respectively. 13 All spectra were recorded at 125°C using a C-optimized 10 mm extended temperature probe head and nitrogen atmosphere. Approximately 200 mg of the material and chromium(III) acetylacetonate (Cr(acac)3) were dissolved in approximately 3 ml of 1,2-tetrachloroethane-d2 (TCE-d2) to form a 65 mM relaxation agent solution in the solvent (Singh, G., Kothari, A., Gupta, V., Polymer Testing 28 5 (2009), 475).

[0320] To ensure that the solution is homogeneous, the NMR tube is further heated in a rotary furnace for at least 1 hour after preliminary sample preparation in a heating block. After the tube is inserted into the magnet, it is rotated at a speed of 10 Hz. This setting was chosen mainly for the quantitative requirements of high resolution and accurate quantification of ethylene content. A standard single pulse excitation without NOE was used, with an optimized top cone angle, a 1 second recycle delay and a two-stage WALTZ16 decoupling scheme (Zhou, Z. et al., J. Mag. Reson. 187 (2007) 225, and Busico, V. et al., Macromol. Rapid Commun. 2007, 28, 1128). A total of 6144 (6k) transient values ​​were obtained for each spectrum. For quantitative 13 C{ 1The H} NMR spectrum is processed and integrated, and the relevant quantitative properties are determined based on the integration. All chemical shifts are indirectly referenced to the central methylene group of the ethylene segment (EEE) at 30.00 ppm using the chemical shift of the solvent. This method allows for comparable references even if the structural unit is not present. Characteristic signals corresponding to the addition of ethylene are observed (Cheng, HN, Macromolecules 17 (1984), 1950), and the comonomer fraction is calculated as the fraction of ethylene in the polymer relative to all monomers in the polymer: fE = (E / (P+E). Using the method of Wang et al. (Wang, WJ., Zhu, S., Macromolecules 33 (2000), 1157), by 13 C{ 1 The comonomer fraction is quantified by integrating multiple signals across the entire spectral region in the H} spectrum. This approach was chosen for its robustness and ability to account for the presence of regional defects when required. Minor adjustments to the integration region were made to improve applicability over the entire range of comonomer contents encountered. For systems with very low ethylene content, where only isolated ethylene is observed in the PPEPP sequence, the method of Wang et al. was modified to reduce the influence of the integration of sites that are no longer present. This approach reduces the overestimation of ethylene content in such systems and is achieved by reducing the number of sites used to determine the absolute ethylene content to E = 0.5(Sββ + Sβγ + Sβδ + 0.5(Sαβ + Sαγ)). By using this set of sites, the corresponding integration equation becomes E = 0.5(I H +I G +0.5(I C +I D ), using the same symbols as used in Wang et al. (Wang, WJ., Zhu, S., Macromolecules 33 (2000), 1157). The formula for the absolute propylene content is unchanged. The mole percent of comonomer added is calculated from the mole fraction: E [mol%] = 100 * fE. The weight percent of comonomer added is calculated from the mole fraction: E [wt.%] = 100 * (fE * 28.06) / ((fE * 28.06) + ((1 - fE) * 42.08)).

[0321] h) Comonomer content

[0322] The comonomer content was determined by the film thickness method using the quantitative band intensity I(q) and the pressed film thickness T and the following relationship: [I(q) / T]m+c=C, where m and c are coefficients determined by a calibration curve using the 13 The comonomer contents were obtained by C-NMR spectroscopy.

[0323] The comonomer content is based on 13 C-NMR calibrated Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was measured using a Nicolet Magna 550 IR spectrometer and Nicolet Omnic FTIR software. The samples were compression molded into films with a thickness of approximately 250 μm. Similar films were made from calibration samples with known comonomer content. Comonomer content was determined from 1430 to 1100 cm -1 Spectroscopic determination in a range of wavenumbers. The absorbance is measured as peak height by selecting a so-called short baseline or a long baseline or both. The short baseline is at about 1410-1320 cm -1 The long baseline is drawn at about 1410 to 1220 cm (through the lowest point). -1 Each baseline type requires a unique calibration. In addition, the comonomer content of the unknown samples falls within the comonomer content range of the calibration samples.

[0324] i)MFR

[0325] Melt flow rate (MFR2) is measured at 230°C (polypropylene-based materials) or 190°C (polyethylene-based materials) with a 2.16 kg load. Melt flow rate refers to the amount of polymer (g) that can be extruded in 10 minutes at 230°C (or 190°C) under a 2.16 kg load using a test apparatus according to ISO 1133.

[0326] j) Density

[0327] Density was determined according to ISO 1183-187. Sample preparation was performed by compression molding according to ISO 1872-2:2007.

[0328] k)DSC analysis, melting temperature (T m ) and heat of fusion (H f ), crystallization temperature (T c ) and heat of crystallization (H c )

[0329] DSC analysis, melting temperature (T m ) and heat of fusion (H f ), crystallization temperature (T c ) and heat of crystallization (H c ) was measured on 5 to 7 mg samples using a TA Instrument Q200 differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The DSC was run according to ISO 11357 / Part 3 / Method C2 with a heating / cooling / heating cycle at a scan rate of 10°C / min over a temperature range of -30 to +225°C. The crystallization temperature (T c ) and heat of crystallization (Hc ) is determined by the cooling step, while the melting temperature (T m ) and heat of fusion (H m ) is determined by the second heating step.

[0330] l) Scratch resistance

[0331] The visibility of the scratches is determined using a Cross Hatch Cutter model 420P manufactured by Erichsen. During the test, a plate with dimensions of 70×70×4 mm is cut from a molded particle board with dimensions of 140×200×4 mm (particle parameters: average particle size = 1 mm, particle depth = 0.12 mm, taper = 6°). The interval between injection molding of the specimen and the scratch test is 7 days. For the test, the specimen must be clamped in the appropriate device mentioned above. A cylindrical metal pen with a spherical end (radius = 0.5 mm ± 0.01 mm) is used to apply the scratch with a force of 10 N. The cutting speed is 1000 mm / min. Under a load of 10 N, at least 20 parallel scratches are scratched at a distance of 2 mm. The scratches are repeated perpendicular to each other to form a scratch network. The scratching direction should be unidirectional.

[0332] Scratch visibility is expressed as the difference in brightness, ΔL, between the unscratched and scratched areas. ΔL values ​​are measured using a spectrophotometer that complies with DIN 5033. For a detailed description of this test method (Erichsen cross hatch cutter method), see Thomas Koch and Doris Machl, "Evaluation of scratch resistance in multiphase PP blends," Polymer Testing, 26 (2007), pp. 927-936.

[0333] m) MAR resistance

[0334] MAR resistance refers to the resistance of an untreated granular component surface to mechanical action applied by a disc with a rounded edge. A mechanically guided metal disc uses the rounded edge of a reference disc to create parallel lines 0.5 mm apart on the untreated granular plastic surface. The reference disc is clamped at right angles to the push / pull direction perpendicular to the specimen. The MAR assessment results in the change in gloss between the stressed and unstressed surfaces. The test is performed on a 70 × 70 × 3 mm plaque cut from a 148 × 210 × 3 mm injection-molded plaque, using a unidirectional load of 9 N. The load is applied using an RPG2 device. Gloss is measured using a Datacolour measuring instrument.

[0335] n) Isotropic area shrinkage

[0336] The area shrinkage was calculated from the shrinkage data measured on a circular sector plate with a radius of 320 mm, an opening angle of 20°, and a thickness of 2.8 mm, which was prepared by injection molding using an Engel ES1350 / 350 injection molding machine and a sector bottom of 7.6 × 2.8 mm. 3 The rectangular gate is filled with a melt temperature of 240°C, a mold temperature of 25°C, a filling time of 3.5 seconds, and then a holding pressure of 400 bar for 20 seconds.

[0337] The external dimensions of the board are not measured, but a dot pattern is generated on the board by etching points with a diameter of 1 mm and a distance of 5 to 10 mm. The original pattern is recorded by the OGPSmartscope Flash 400 optical measurement system immediately after demoulding and used as a dimensional reference. After 96 hours at 23°C, the shrunken molded pattern is measured and the deviations in the distance between all points are recorded. To calculate the isotropic area shrinkage, the multiple measurement points are connected by vectors and the resulting area is determined, where A is the area after 96 hours and A0 is the area before the 96-hour period. Isotropic area shrinkage S iSO It is then calculated as:

[0338]

[0339] o) Flow shrinkage and transverse flow shrinkage

[0340] Flow shrinkage and transverse shrinkage were measured on film-gated injection-molded parts. One was a sector (radius 300 mm, opening angle 20°) and the other was a strip (340 mm x 65 mm). 2.8 mm thick specimens were injection-molded simultaneously under a back pressure of 400 bar. The melt temperature was 240°C and the mold temperature was 25°C. The average flow front velocity was 3.5 ± 0.2 mm / s. After the injection molding process, the shrinkage of the specimens was measured at 23°C and 50% humidity. The measurements were performed 96 hours after injection molding.

[0341] p) Atomization volume

[0342] Fogging is measured according to ISO 75201:2011-11, Method B (gravimetric method) on compression-molded specimens (80 mm + / - 1 mm diameter, 2 mm thickness) cut from injection-molded plaques. This method determines the mass (in mg) of fogging condensate on the aluminum foil by weighing the foil before and after the fogging test. The term "fogging" refers to the portion of volatile substances that condenses on a glass component, such as a vehicle windshield.

[0343] q) Screening of organic emissions by thermal desorption analysis

[0344] This method describes the semi-quantitative determination of organic compounds emitted from polyolefins. The method is similar to VDA 278 (October 2011), but includes specific adjustments.

[0345] Samples (injection-molded plaques, DIN-A5) were sealed in aluminized polyethylene bags directly after production and delivered to the laboratory within 14 days. In the laboratory, the samples were stored in the open air at temperatures below 25°C for 7 days. Thereafter, 60 ± 5 mg aliquots were prepared from the stored samples. The aliquots were trimmed to maximize the coherent area, rather than aiming to maximize the surface area by cutting the aliquot into small pieces. The diameter of the sample injection tube should be used as a primary consideration. The length and thickness should be selected based on the desired aliquot weight. The aliquots were directly desorbed using heat and a helium flow. Volatile and semivolatile organic compounds were extracted into the gas stream and cryofocused prior to injection into a gas chromatography (GC) system for analysis. The method involves two extraction stages: For the low boiling point substance (LBS) analysis, the aliquot was desorbed at 90°C for 30 minutes to determine VOCs with a boiling point / elution range up to n-C25 (n-pentacosane). When analyzing high boiling point substances (HBS), a further desorption step of the same aliquot at 120°C for 60 minutes was included to determine the semivolatile compounds with a boiling point / elution range between n-C14 (n-tetradecane) and n-C32 (n-dotriacontane).

[0346] Similar to the VOC and FOG values ​​in VDA 278, LBS is calculated as toluene equivalents (TE) and HBS as hexadecane equivalents (HE), using semi-quantification and corresponding calibration. The results are expressed in μg / g.

[0347] Integration parameters for LBS and HBS evaluation were selected as follows: the "minimum peak area reject" corresponds to an area of ​​1 μg / g (TE and HE, respectively). Therefore, smaller peaks are not included in the semiquantitative results. The GC oven program remained the same, regardless of whether a calibration run, LBS run, or HBS run was performed. The starting temperature was 50°C (hold for 1 minute), followed by a temperature increase of 10°C / min, and an end temperature of 320°C (hold for 10 minutes). An Agilent DB5 50 m × 250 μm × 0.25 μm GC column (or similar) was used. This method requires a thermal desorption system (TDS 3) and a cooled injection system (CIS 4) (Gerstel), along with a GC system equipped with a flame ionization detector (FID), but not a mass spectrometer. The CIS end temperature was always set to 380°C, not 280°C.

[0348] r) CIELAB color space (L*a*b*)

[0349] In the CIEL*a*b* uniform color space, color coordinates are: L*—lightness; a*—red / green coordinate, with +a* representing red and -a* representing green; and b*—yellow / blue coordinate, with +b* representing yellow and -b* representing blue. The L*, a*, and b* axes define the three-dimensional CIE color space. The standard Konica / Minolta colorimeter CM-3700A was used.

[0350] s) Inorganic residues

[0351] Inorganic residues were quantified using a Perkin Elmer TGA 8000 according to DIN ISO 1172:1996. Approximately 10-20 mg of material was placed in a platinum pan. The temperature was equilibrated at 50°C for 10 minutes and then increased to 950°C under nitrogen at a heating rate of 20°C / min. Ash content was estimated as weight percent at 850°C.

[0352] t) Limonene detection

[0353] Limonene estimation

[0354] The determination of benzene and limonene is based on a static headspace (HS) method. The analysis uses a HS injector, gas chromatography (GC) and mass spectrometry (MS) for screening.

[0355] Samples were delivered to the laboratory sealed in aluminized polyethylene (PE) bags. Prior to analysis, samples were freeze-ground, and 2.000 ± 0.100 g portions were weighed and placed in 20 ml HS vials, which were then sealed. Each sample was assayed in duplicate.

[0356] HS / GC / MS parameters

[0357] HS parameters (Agilent G1888 headspace sampler)

[0358] Sample bottle equilibration time: 120 minutes (sample), 5 minutes (standard)

[0359] Heating box temperature: 100°C (sample), 200°C (standard)

[0360] Quantitative loop temperature: 110°C (sample), 205°C (standard)

[0361] Transfer line temperature: 120°C (sample), 210°C (standard)

[0362] Low oscillation

[0363] GC parameters (Agilent 7890A GC system)

[0364] Chromatographic column: ZB-WAX 7HG-G007-22 (30m×250μm×1μm)

[0365] Carrier gas: Helium 5.0

[0366] Flow rate: 2ml / min

[0367] Split: 5:1

[0368] GC heating program: 35℃ for 0.1min

[0369] Heat up to 250℃ at 10℃ / min

[0370] 250℃ for 1min

[0371] MS parameters (Agilent 5975C inert XL MSD)

[0372] Acquisition mode: Scan

[0373] Scan parameters:

[0374] Low mass: 20

[0375] High quality number: 200

[0376] Threshold: 10

[0377] Software / data evaluation

[0378] MSD ChemStation E.02.02.1431

[0379] MassHunter GC / MS Acquisition Software B.07.05.2479

[0380] AMDIS GC / MS Analysis Software Version 2.71

[0381] NIST / EPA / NIH Mass Spectral Library (2011 Edition)

[0382] NIST Mass Spectral Search Program Version 2.0

[0383] AMDIS deconvolution parameters

[0384] Minimum matching factor: 80

[0385] Threshold: Low

[0386] Scan direction: from high to low

[0387] Data file format: Agilent file

[0388] Instrument Type: Quadrupole

[0389] Component width: 20

[0390] Adjacent peak subtraction: 2

[0391] Resolution: High

[0392] Sensitivity: Extremely high

[0393] Peak shape requirement: Medium

[0394] Solvent tailing: 91 m / z

[0395] Column bleed: 207 m / z

[0396] Minimum model peak: 2

[0397] Minimum S / N: 10

[0398] Minimum specific peak: 0.5

[0399] ·MSD ChemStation integration parameters

[0400] Integrator: ChemStation

[0401] Initial minimum peak area: 0

[0402] Initial peak width: 0.005

[0403] Shoulder peak detection: Off

[0404] Initial threshold: 10.5

[0405] In this study, the expression "below the detection limit (<LOD)" refers to the case where the matching factor is below 80 (AMDIS) or the signal-to-noise ratio of the peak in the sample run (Pk-pk S / N = corrected signal / Pk-pk noise, MSD ChemStation signal-to-noise ratio report) is below 3. The results are only related to the measured sample, measurement time, and applied parameters.

[0406] Standard solution

[0407] For accurate identification and comparison with the (lowest) odor detection threshold (ODT), limonene standard was used.

[0408] In HS / GC / MS analysis, 5 μl of the corresponding standard was injected into a 20 ml HS sample vial, sealed, and then detected.

[0409] Assuming complete vaporization of the standard substance, the concentration c of limonene in HS G is estimated as shown in the following table.

[0410] Table: Calibration standards and ODT

[0411]

[0412] Data evaluation

[0413] The concentration of analyte in HS c G By considering the amount of substance m G and available HS volume V G To calculate (Formula 1).

[0414]

[0415] To estimate the concentration of the analyte in the HS above the polymer sample, the response factor (Rf) from the single-point calibration is required (Equation 2). The peak area of ​​the analyte is obtained by integrating the extracted ion chromatogram (EIC). The corresponding target ions are listed in the table above.

[0416]

[0417] Concentration of analyte in the HS above the polymer sample It is calculated by multiplying the response factor by the EIC peak area of ​​the sample (Equation 3).

[0418]

[0419] In addition, the odor relevance of the analyte in the HS above the polymer sample was estimated by the odor activity value (OAV). Comparison was made with the (lowest) odor detection threshold (ODT) found in the literature (Equation 4) [1]. Values ​​greater than 1 indicate that there is a correlation between the analyte and the odor at a given HS temperature.

[0420]

[0421] Considerations and limitations

[0422] It must be considered that the ODT of some substances is below the limit of detection (LOD) of the method. Therefore, components below the LOD may be missed, although they are still relevant to the overall odor.

[0423] OAV is based on the assumption that HS parameters are somewhat correlated with the measurement conditions used in the ODT assay. While this isn't always true, as such experiments don't necessarily use a temperature setting of 100°C, its practical value is limited. Nevertheless, this method can at least demonstrate the correlation between a defined marker substance and odor.

[0424] In view of all the mentioned assumptions and limitations, the concentration and odor activity values ​​measured in the HS above the samples can only be regarded as rough estimates.

[0425] References

[0426] [1]Van Gemert LJ, Odour Thresholds: Compilations of odour threshold values ​​in air, water and other media, Utrecht, Oliemans Punter & Partners BV, 2011.

[0427] experiment

[0428] a) Heterophasic propylene copolymers HECO1 and HECO2

[0429] Catalyst system:

[0430] The polymerization process of HECO2 uses a conventional transesterification high-yield MgCl2-loaded Ziegler-Natta polypropylene catalyst component (containing diethyl phthalate as an internal donor). This catalyst component and its preparation principle have been summarized in patent publications such as EP491566, EP591224 and EP586390.

[0431] Accordingly, the catalyst component is prepared as follows: First, in an atmospheric pressure reactor, 0.1 mol MgCl2×3 EtOH is suspended in 250 ml decane under inert conditions. The solution is cooled to -15°C and 300 ml of cold TiCl4 is added while maintaining this temperature. The temperature of the slurry is then slowly raised to 20°C. At this temperature, 0.02 mol of dioctyl phthalate (DOP) is added to the slurry. After the addition of the phthalate, the temperature is raised to 135°C within 90 minutes and the slurry is allowed to stand for 60 minutes. Then, 300 ml of TiCl4 is added again and the temperature is maintained at 135°C for 120 minutes. Afterwards, the catalyst is filtered out of the liquid and washed six times with 300 ml of heptane at 80°C. The solid catalyst component is then filtered and dried.

[0432] The catalyst was further modified (VCH modification of the catalyst). Under inert conditions at room temperature, 35 ml of mineral oil (Paraffinum Liquidum PL68) was added to a 125 ml stainless steel reactor, followed by 0.82 g of triethylaluminum (TEAL) and 0.33 g of dicyclopentyldimethoxysilane (donor D). After 10 minutes, 5.0 g of the catalyst prepared above (titanium content 1.4 wt.%) was added, followed by 5.0 g of vinyl cyclohexane (VCH) 20 minutes later. The temperature was raised to 60°C over 20 minutes and maintained for 20 hours. Finally, the temperature was lowered to 20°C, and the unreacted VCH concentration in the oil / catalyst mixture was analyzed, resulting in a value of 200 ppm (weight percent).

[0433] The catalyst used for the production of HECO1 was a Ziegler-Natta catalyst commercially available from Lyondell Basell (IT) under the trade name ZN180M.

[0434] HECO1 was prepared using a prepolymerization / loop reactor / gas phase reactor 1 / gas phase reactor 2 configuration followed by a pelletizing step.

[0435] HECO2 was prepared using a prepolymerization / loop reactor / gas phase reactor 1 / gas phase reactor 2 / gas phase reactor 3 configuration followed by a pelletizing step.

[0436] For HECO1 and HECO2, the catalyst system defined above was used in combination with triethylaluminium (TEAL) as cocatalyst and dicyclopentadienyldimethoxysilane (donor D) as external donor.

[0437] The polymerization conditions are shown in Table 1.

[0438] Table 1: HECO polymerization conditions

[0439]

[0440]

[0441]

[0442] The heterophasic copolymers HECO1 and HECO2 were compounded at 220° C. in a co-rotating twin-screw extruder Coperion ZSK 47 with the addition of 0.15 wt.% of an antioxidant (Irganox B215FF from BASF AG, Germany; a 1:2 mixture of pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-(3′,5′-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate (CAS No. 6683-19-8) and tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite (CAS No. 31570-04-4)), 0.05 wt.% of calcium stearate (CAS No. 1592-23-0, commercially available from Faci, Italy).

[0443] The pellets of the heterophasic copolymers HECO1 and HECO2 were aerated before use to remove volatile components, as described in EP 3 786 190 A1.

[0444] b) Mixed plastic polypropylene blend

[0445] The properties of the mixed plastic polypropylene blend (PP blend) and the mixed plastic polyethylene blend (PE blend) are shown in Table 2.

[0446] Table 2: Properties of mixed plastics polypropylene and polyethylene blends

[0447]

[0448]

[0449] nm = not measured Pellets of mixed plastic polypropylene blend (PP blend) and mixed plastic polyethylene blend (PE blend) were aerated before use to remove volatile components as described in EP 3 786 190 A1.

[0450] c) Compounding of Inventive and Comparative Compositions

[0451] According to the formulations shown in Table 3, the inventive compositions and comparative compositions were prepared by compounding in a co-rotating twin-screw extruder Coperion ZSK 40 at 220°C.

[0452] In addition to the HECO and mixed plastic polypropylene blends described above, the following commercially available components were used:

[0453] HDPE high-density polyethylene, trade name BorPure MB5568, purchased from Borealis AG, with a melt flow rate of 0.8 g / 10 min and a density of 956 kg / m 3 , the tensile modulus is 1000MPa.

[0454] Plastomeric elastomeric ethylene-octene copolymer, trade name Engage 8180, available from Dow Chemicals (USA), MFR2 (190°C) is 0.5 g / 10 min, density is 863 kg / m 3 .

[0455] Filler talc, trade name Jetfine3CA, purchased from Imerys (France), median particle size d 50 It is 1.3μm.

[0456] Black MB polyethylene masterbatch CBMBLD-09A02, from Borealis AG (Norway), has a pigment content of 40 wt.%.

[0457] Additive MB additive masterbatch, composed of the following components: 1.80 wt.% carrier propylene homopolymer, trade name HC001A, purchased from Borealis AG (Austria); 0.10 wt.% antioxidant, trade name Irgafos 168 (CAS No. 31570-04-4), purchased from BASF AG (Germany); 0.25 wt.% antioxidant, trade name Irganox 1076 (CAS No. 2082-79-3), purchased from BASF AG (Germany); 0.50 wt.% bisphenol A epoxy resin, trade name Araldite GT7072ES (CAS No. 25036-25-3), purchased from Huntsman Corporation (USA); 2.00 wt.% silicone masterbatch (i.e., dimethylsiloxane: polypropylene = 50:50), purchased from Dow Corning; and 0.20 wt.% of UV stabilizer masterbatch, trade name Cyasorb UV-3808PP5, purchased from Cytec Industries, Inc. (USA).

[0458] The formulations of the inventive composition and the comparative composition are listed in Table 3.

[0459] The properties of the inventive and comparative compositions are listed in Table 4.

[0460] Table 3: Formulations of Inventive Examples and Comparative Examples

[0461] CE1 CE2 IE1 IE2 IE3 HECO1 [wt.%] 21.45 15.45 15.45 19.45 10.45 HECO2 [wt.%] 17.0 17.0 17.0 15.0 17.0 PP blends [wt.%] 30.0 30.0 30.0 30.0 30.0 PE blends [wt.%] --- --- 5.0 5.0 10.0 HDPE [wt.%] --- 5.0 --- --- --- Plastic body [wt.%] 10.0 10.0 10.0 8.0 10.0 filler [wt.%] 15.0 16.0 16.0 16.0 16.0 Additive MB [wt.%] 5.05 5.05 5.05 5.05 5.05 Black MB [wt.%] 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5

[0462] Table 4: Properties of Inventive and Comparative Compositions

[0463]

[0464]

[0465] nm = not measured

[0466] Compared to the comparative example, the inventive composition exhibits a better balance of stiffness and impact properties as evidenced by the stiffness-impact coefficient (tensile modulus*Charpy notched impact strength (+23° C.)).

[0467] The inventive examples also exhibit good processability (melt flow rate), scratch resistance, shrinkage, and low emissions (LBS, HBS, fogging), and therefore are useful as injection molding compositions for automotive interior applications.

[0468] The inventive examples show that comparable or even superior materials can be obtained by incorporating 5 to 10 wt.% of HDPE-based recycled materials, thus reaching high recycled content of 35 to 40 wt.%.

Claims

1. A composition suitable for automotive applications, said composition being obtained by blending at least the following components (A), (B), (C), (D), (E) and (F): (A) 5.0 to 40.0 wt.%, preferably 7.0 to 37.5 wt.%, more preferably 8.0 to 35.0 wt.% of the first heterophasic propylene copolymer; (B) 10.0 to 20.0 wt.%, preferably 12.5 to 19.0 wt.%, more preferably 14.0 to 18.0 wt.% of a second heterophasic propylene copolymer; (C) 15.0 to 45.0 wt.%, preferably 17.5 to 42.5 wt.%, more preferably 20.0 to 40.0 wt.% of a mixed plastic polypropylene blend; (D) 2.5 to 15.0 wt.%, preferably 3.5 to 12.5 wt.%, more preferably 4.0 to 11.0 wt.% of a mixed plastic polyethylene blend; (E) 2.5 to 15.0 wt.%, preferably 3.5 to 12.5 wt.%, more preferably 4.0 to 11.0 wt.% of an ethylene-based plastomer; and (F) 2.5 to 25.0 wt.%, preferably 3.5 to 22.0 wt.%, more preferably 4.0 to 20.0 wt.% of an inorganic filler; in, All percentages are based on the total weight of the composition; The first heterophasic propylene copolymer (A) comprises a matrix phase and an elastomeric phase dispersed therein, the first heterophasic propylene copolymer (A) having: - a melt flow rate (MFR2) of 90 to 250 g / 10 min, measured at 230°C and 2.16 kg according to ISO 1133; and - an intrinsic viscosity of the soluble fraction (iV(SF)) determined by CRYSTEX QC analysis according to DIN ISO 1628 / 1 of 2.00 to 4.00 dl / g; The second heterophasic propylene copolymer (B) comprises a matrix phase and an elastomeric phase dispersed therein, the second heterophasic propylene copolymer (B) having: - a melt flow rate MFR2, measured at 230°C and 2.16 kg according to ISO 1133, of 3.0 to 30 g / 10 min; and - an intrinsic viscosity of the soluble fraction (iV(SF)) determined by CRYSTEX QC analysis according to DIN ISO 1628 / 1 of 4.10 to 10.00 dl / g; The mixed plastic polypropylene blend (C) has: - a content of the crystallizate fraction (CF) determined according to CRYSTEX QC analysis of 85.0 to 96.0 wt.%, preferably 86.5 to 95.5 wt.%, and - a soluble fraction (SF) content determined according to CRYSTEX QC analysis of 4.0 to 15.0 wt.%, preferably 4.5 to 13.5 wt.%, wherein - The crystallized fraction (CF) is obtained by quantitative 13 an ethylene content (C2(CF)) of 1.0 to 10.0 wt.%, preferably 1.5 to 9.5 wt.%, as determined by FT-IR spectroscopy calibrated with C-NMR spectroscopy; and - the intrinsic viscosity (iV(SF)) of the soluble fraction (SF) is from 0.9 to 2.1 dl / g, preferably from 1.0 to 2.0 dl / g, more preferably from 1.1 to 1.9 dl / g; The mixed plastic polyethylene blend (D) has: - a melt flow rate MFR2 measured at 190°C and 2.16 kg according to ISO 1133 of 0.1 to 5.0 g / 10 min, preferably 0.2 to 2.5 g / 10 min; and - Density measured according to ISO 1183 is 970 to 990 kg / m 3 , preferably 975 to 985 kg / m 3 ; The ethylene-based plastomer (E) is a copolymer of ethylene and a comonomer unit, wherein the comonomer unit is selected from α-olefins having 3 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably α-olefins having 4 to 10 carbon atoms, and most preferably 1-octene; the ethylene-based plastomer (E) has: - a melt flow rate MFR2 measured at 190°C and 2.16 kg according to ISO 1133 of 0.2 to 2.5 g / 10 min, preferably 0.3 to 2.0 g / 10 min; and - Density measured according to ISO 1183 is 850 to 870 kg / m 3 , preferably 855 to 865 kg / m 3 ; as well as The composition has a melt flow rate MFR2 measured according to ISO 1133 at 230° C. and 2.16 kg of 5.0 to less than 20.0 g / 10 min, preferably 6.5 to 19.0 g / 10 min, more preferably 7.5 to 17.5 g / 10 min.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein The inorganic filler (E) is talc, and the talc has: -Median particle size d before compounding 50 0.3 to 30.0 μm, preferably 1.5 to 15.0 μm; and / or -Top cut particle size d before compounding 95 It is 1.0 to 50.0 μm, preferably 5.0 to 35.0 μm.

3. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The composition has a crystallite fraction (CF) and a soluble fraction (SF) in a CRYSTEX QC analysis, wherein - a content of the crystallizate fraction (CF) determined according to CRYSTEX QC analysis of 65.0 to 85.0 wt.%, preferably 70.0 to 80.0 wt.%, and - a content of soluble fraction (SF) determined according to CRYSTEX QC analysis of 15.0 to 35.0 wt.%, preferably 20.0 to 30.0 wt.%, wherein - The crystallized fraction (CF) is obtained by quantitative 13 an ethylene content (C2(CF)) of 7.5 to 25.0 wt.%, preferably 9.0 to 22.5 wt.%, as determined by FT-IR spectroscopy calibrated with C-NMR spectroscopy; and / or - the intrinsic viscosity (iV(CF)) of the crystallizate fraction (CF), determined according to DIN ISO 1628 / 1, is less than 2.0 dl / g, preferably from 1.2 to 1.9 dl / g; and / or - The soluble fraction (SF) is quantitatively 13 an ethylene content (C2(SF)) of 45 to 65 wt.%, preferably 50 to 60 wt.%, as determined by FT-IR spectroscopy calibrated with C-NMR spectroscopy; and / or - the intrinsic viscosity (iV(SF)) of the soluble fraction (SF), determined according to DIN ISO 1628 / 1, is greater than 2.1 dl / g, preferably from 2.2 to 3.5 dl / g; and / or - the ratio of the intrinsic viscosity of the soluble fraction to the intrinsic viscosity of the crystallisate fraction of the composition (iV(SF) / iV(CF)) is greater than 1.0, preferably from 1.10 to 2.00, more preferably from 1.25 to 1.75; and / or - the ratio of the ethylene content of the soluble fraction to the ethylene content of the crystallisate fraction of the composition (C2(SF) / C2(CF)) is not more than 7.5, preferably from 1.5 to 6.5, more preferably from 2.5 to 6.

0.

4. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The composition has a total intrinsic viscosity iV, determined according to DIN ISO 1628 / 1, of 1.40 to 2.40 dl / g, preferably 1.60 to 2.20 dl / g.

5. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The composition is quantitatively 13 The total ethylene content, determined by FT-IR spectroscopy calibrated with C-NMR spectroscopy, is from 17.5 to 30.0 wt.%, preferably from 19.0 to 25.0 wt.%.

6. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The composition has a flexural modulus, measured according to ISO 178, of 1400 MPa to 2200 MPa, preferably 1500 MPa to 2000 MPa.

7. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein The composition has a tensile modulus of 1200 MPa to 2200 MPa, preferably 1300 MPa to 2000 MPa, and / or a tensile stress at yield of 15 MPa to 35 MPa, preferably 18 MPa to 30 MPa, and / or an elongation at break of 350 to 500%, preferably 375 to 475%, all measured according to ISO 527-2.

8. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein The composition has the following Charpy notched impact strength measured at +23°C or -20°C according to ISO 1791eA: Charpy notched impact strength at 23°C is 30.0 to 75.0 kJ / m 2 , preferably 40.0 to 70.0 kJ / m 2 , and / or a Charpy notched impact strength at -20°C of 2.5 to 10.0 kJ / m 2 , preferably 3.5 to 7.5 kJ / m 2 .

9. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein The stiffness-impact coefficient (tensile modulus*Charpy notched impact strength (+23°C)) of the composition is greater than 40,000 MPa*kJ / m 2 , preferably 50000 to 150000 MPa*kJ / m 2 , more preferably 67500 to 135000 MPa*kJ / m 2 , still more preferably 75000 to 125000 MPa*kJ / m 2 .

10. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein The composition has one or more of the following characteristics, preferably all of the following characteristics: - a volatile organic compound (LBS) content determined by screening organic emissions by thermal desorption analysis of 5 to 100 μg / g, preferably 10 to 75 μg / g; - an HBS content of 50 to 300 μg / g, preferably 100 to 250 μg / g, as determined by screening the organic emissions through thermal desorption analysis; as well as - The atomized amount, determined according to the gravimetric method DI75201:2011-11, method B, is 0.05 to 0.75 mg, preferably 0.15 to 0.50 mg.

11. An article comprising the composition of any one of claims 1 to 10 in an amount of 90 to 100 wt.%.

12. The article of claim 11, wherein The article is a molded article, preferably a molded automotive article.

13. The product according to claim 11 or 12, wherein The article has a scratch resistance at 10 N of 0.00 to 1.40, preferably 0.10 to 1.25, and / or a unidirectional MAR resistance at 9 N of 0.00 to 1.40, preferably 0.25 to 1.

25.

14. The article according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein The article has an isotropic area shrinkage of 0.25 to 1.25%, preferably 0.50 to 1.10%, and / or a flow shrinkage of 0.25 to 1.15%, preferably 0.50 to 1.00%, and / or a transverse flow shrinkage of 0.35 to 1.35%, preferably 0.60 to 1.20%.

15. Use of the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10 for injection-molded articles, preferably automotive articles, more preferably automotive interior articles.

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