Composition of thermoplastic polymer, plasticizer and low melting point polymer

Abstract

The composition includes a thermoplastic polymer, a plasticizer, and from about 0.2% to about 19% by weight of a low melting point polymer, based on the total weight of the composition. The low melting point polymer has a melting point of less than about 120 DEG C. The resulting compositions require lower temperatures for full curing while still maintaining long term storage stability.

Description

[0001] Claiming priority

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 526,923, filed July 14, 2023, Agent’s File No. 1202311-US-F, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to compositions, and more specifically to compositions comprising thermoplastic polymers, plasticizers, and low-melting-point polymers. Background Technology

[0004] Plastisol is a suspension of polymer particles in a plasticizer. Due to its ease of processing and ability to solidify into a flexible solid, it can be used in a variety of applications, such as metal, outdoor, automotive, and screen-printed products. However, conventional plastisol typically requires high-temperature treatment to fully cure and obtain sufficient adhesion and durability, which can be energy-intensive and / or increase costs.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a new type of plastisol composition that requires lower temperatures or reduced exposure time for complete curing while still maintaining long-term storage stability. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to compositions comprising a thermoplastic polymer, a plasticizer, and a low-melting-point polymer.

[0007] According to one embodiment, a composition is provided. The composition comprises a thermoplastic polymer; a plasticizer; and, based on the total weight of the composition, about 0.2 wt% to about 19 wt% of a low-melting-point polymer. The low-melting-point polymer has a melting point below about 120°C.

[0008] Other features and advantages of the embodiments described herein will be set forth in the detailed description below, and some of these features and advantages will be readily understood by those skilled in the art from these descriptions, or will be recognized by practicing the embodiments described herein, including the following detailed description and the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an article of manufacture according to one or more embodiments described herein; Figure 2 This is a graph showing the relationship between S′ (y-axis; in dNm) and temperature (x-axis; in °C) for comparative compositions and exemplary compositions according to one or more embodiments described herein; Figure 3This is a graph showing the relationship between S′ (y-axis; in dNm) and temperature (x-axis; in °C) for comparative compositions and exemplary compositions according to one or more embodiments described herein; Figure 4 This is a graph showing the relationship between time (x-axis; in days) and viscosity (y-axis; in cP) for comparing the composition and the exemplary composition according to one or more embodiments described herein; Figure 5 This is a graph showing the relationship between time (x-axis; in days) and viscosity (y-axis; in cP) for comparing the composition and the exemplary composition according to one or more embodiments described herein; Figure 6 This is a graph showing the relationship between time (x-axis; in days) and viscosity (y-axis; in cP) for a comparative composition and an exemplary composition according to one or more embodiments described herein. Detailed Implementation

[0010] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the compositions, particularly compositions comprising: a thermoplastic polymer; a plasticizer; and a low-melting-point polymer, from about 0.2% by weight to about 19% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. The low-melting-point polymer has a melting point below about 120°C.

[0011] This disclosure should not be construed as limiting itself to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the subject matter to those skilled in the art.

[0012] definition

[0013] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0014] Unless otherwise expressly stated, no method disclosed herein should be construed as requiring its steps to be performed in a particular order, nor should any article of art described herein be construed as requiring a particular order or orientation of its individual components.

[0015] Unless otherwise expressly stated, any composition or mixture disclosed herein may contain, consist substantially of, or consist of the disclosed components.

[0016] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form of a term as used herein is intended to include the plural form of the term.

[0017] As used herein, numerical values ​​are not strictly limited to the exact values ​​stated herein. Rather, unless otherwise expressly stated, each numerical value implies both an exact value and an “approximate” value, which includes a range of functional equivalences around that value, and therefore any possibility can be considered as an implementation disclosed herein.

[0018] As used herein, the term “S′” refers to the material torque value measured using a moving die rheometer, and the unit is decinewton-meter (“dNm”). A relatively large S′ corresponds to a relatively large material stiffness. Test samples were prepared by sandwiching approximately 5 grams of material between two layers of polyester film and loading the material onto a lower mold. The upper geometry was then lowered, and the uncured material was pressed between the two molds in a test chamber. A constant strain of 0.5 degrees and an oscillation frequency of 1.67 Hz were applied while the sample was heated from 50°C to 160°C at a rate of 5°C per minute. The liquid-solid transition was plotted in real time as the sample cured with increasing temperature.

[0019] As described in this article, the terms “maximum S′” and “max S′” refer to the peak value S′.

[0020] As used in this article, the terms “fully cured” and “fully cured” refer to the point at which the material reaches max S′ (i.e., the material is 100% cured).

[0021] As used in this article, the term "curing temperature" refers to the temperature at which the maximum S′ occurs.

[0022] As used herein, the term “measured curing time” refers to the time required for a material to reach its maximum S′ when heated at or above the curing temperature.

[0023] The "curing temperature" and "measured curing time" as defined herein depend on the test methods and parameters used to measure S′ as described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that different test methods and / or parameters may result in different measured S′, thus leading to different curing temperatures and curing times.

[0024] As used in this article, the term "10%S" refers to the point at which the material reaches 10% of the maximum S′ (i.e., the material is 10% cured).

[0025] As used in this article, the term "50%S" refers to the point at which the material reaches 50% of its maximum S′ (i.e., the material is 50% cured).

[0026] As used in this article, the term "90%S" refers to the point at which the material reaches 90% of its maximum S′ (i.e., the material is 90% cured).

[0027] As used herein, the term “maintaining storage stability” means that the viscosity change is less than 200% after aging at 35°C for 28 days (i.e., (viscosity on day 28 / viscosity on day 1) x 100 < 200%).

[0028] As used herein, the term “viscosity” refers to the viscosity measured at 2.5 RPM and 25°C according to ASTM D1824.

[0029] As used herein, the term "plastic sol" refers to a composition comprising polymer particles suspended in a liquid plasticizer. A plastisol dispersion is a liquid that solidifies into a flexible, rubbery solid. When heated above the glass transition temperature of the plastic, the plasticizer is absorbed into the polymer matrix, forming a gel, and eventually a molten solid at even higher temperatures.

[0030] As used herein, the term "homogeneous polymer" refers to a polymer having repeating units of a single type of monomer.

[0031] As used herein, the term “copolymer” refers to a polymer having repeating units of two or more types of monomers.

[0032] As used in this article, the term “melting point” is measured according to ASTM D3418.

[0033] As used in this article, the term "particle size" refers to the average diameter of monodisperse resin particles, measured in micrometers.

[0034] As discussed above, plastisols have numerous applications due to their storage stability and desirable adhesion and durability, including but not limited to: coatings, adhesives, binders, sealants, and protective layers, in various applications such as protective coatings for metallic finishes, UV films for outdoor products, automotive products, and textile inks for screen printing. Storage-stable conventional plastisols require high-temperature treatment for complete curing, which can be energy-intensive and / or increase costs.

[0035] Plastisol compositions can be used in a variety of fields, including but not limited to: metallic finish coatings, automotive applications, and screen printing applications. Specifically, screen printing inks are one application in which the composition requires long-term storage stability before use.

[0036] For example, to screen print plastisol ink, heat and / or pressure are applied to cure the plastisol onto the surface of a textile, thus producing the final product. Typically, textile screen printing involves three steps: (1) printing plastisol ink onto the surface of the textile; (2) heating to a lower curing temperature to allow the top surface of the printed plastisol ink to dry sufficiently for printing additional layers; and (3) transferring the lower-temperature-cured plastisol ink through a transfer oven to allow it to fully cure. While step (3) contributes to achieving sufficient adhesion and durability, it can be an energy-intensive, time-intensive, and / or financially costly step. Smaller screen printers that cannot use industrial ovens can cure the printed plastisol ink using only short bursts of intense heat from smaller heating units, such as radiant heaters. However, this may require relatively high temperatures and long times (e.g., 17...). (C lasts for 10 seconds), which may not be scalable in industry.

[0037] This document discloses compositions. Specifically, the compositions disclosed herein comprise: a thermoplastic polymer, a plasticizer, and a low-melting-point polymer. The low-melting-point polymer has a relatively low melting point (e.g., below about 120°C) and advantageously contributes to lowering the curing temperature (e.g., less than or equal to about 115°C) while maintaining storage stability (i.e., viscosity change of less than 200% after aging at 35°C for 28 days). Lowering the curing temperature and curing time allows for reduced energy input, lower costs, and increased yield.

[0038] Therefore, the compositions disclosed herein can be used to form any coating, adhesive, bonding agent, sealant, protective layer, etc., requiring a curing temperature of less than or equal to about 115°C and a measured curing time of less than about 10 seconds. The compositions disclosed herein are particularly suitable for preparing protective coatings for metallic finishes, UV films for outdoor products, automotive products, and textile inks for screen printing.

[0039] The compositions disclosed herein can generally be described as comprising a thermoplastic polymer, a plasticizer, and a low-melting-point polymer.

[0040] thermoplastic polymers

[0041] As described above, the composition comprises a thermoplastic polymer suspended in a plasticizer. The thermoplastic polymer provides the mechanical structure of the cured coating. The choice of thermoplastic polymer can affect the rheology of the plastisol, curing kinetics, and the flexibility and durability of the coating.

[0042] In some embodiments, the thermoplastic polymer may include a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) homopolymer, a PVC-vinyl ester copolymer, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the PVC-vinyl ester copolymer may have less than 5% by weight of vinyl ester. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic polymer may be a combination of a PVC homopolymer and a PVC-vinyl ester copolymer. In this embodiment, the weight ratio of the PVC-vinyl ester copolymer to the PVC homopolymer may be from about 1:1 to about 10:1, based on the total weight of the composition. Theoretically, the PVC-vinyl ester copolymer cures completely at a relatively lower temperature compared to the PVC homopolymer. Therefore, the composition may contain a relatively larger amount of the PVC-vinyl ester copolymer than the PVC homopolymer, thereby helping to achieve a composition that cures completely at a relatively lower temperature (e.g., a maximum S′ temperature less than or equal to 115°C). In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the polyvinyl chloride and vinyl ester copolymer to the polyvinyl chloride homopolymer may be from about 1:1 to about 10:1, from about 1:1 to about 8:1, from about 1:1 to about 6:1, from about 1:1 to about 4:1, from about 2:1 to about 10:1, from about 2:1 to about 8:1, from about 2:1 to about 6:1, or even from about 2:1 to about 4:1, or any and all subranges formed by any of these endpoints, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0043] In some embodiments, the thermoplastic polymer may comprise an acrylic resin. In some embodiments, the acrylic resin may be substantially free of polyhalogenated polyethylene. In some embodiments, the acrylic resin may comprise a methacrylate copolymer as a core / shell copolymer. In some embodiments, the core of the copolymer may be a copolymer of methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer and butyl methacrylate (BMA) monomer, i.e., a PMMA-PBMA copolymer. In some embodiments, the shell of the copolymer may be a homopolymer of MMA, i.e., PMMA.

[0044] The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the methacrylate copolymers, measured by DSC at a heating rate of 10 °C / min, showed two peaks: one corresponding to a PMMA-rich shell, appearing from 110 °C to 125 °C, and the second corresponding to a PMMA-PBMA core, appearing from 85 °C to 105 °C. The core-to-shell volume ratio could be 1:3 to 3:1. The number-average molecular weight (Mn) of the copolymer resins, measured relative to polystyrene using high-performance size exclusion chromatography, could be 160,000 to 350,000, and the polydispersity (Mw / Mn) could be 3.0 to 6.0.

[0045] In some embodiments, the methacrylate copolymer may be in the form of a beaded polymer, granules, pellets, powder, or spray-dried emulsion polymer.

[0046] In some embodiments, the composition may contain a minimum amount of thermoplastic polymer (e.g., greater than or equal to about 20% by weight) to ensure the desired form (e.g., coating, adhesive, binder, sealant, protective layer). In some embodiments, the amount of thermoplastic polymer may be limited (e.g., less than or equal to about 45% by weight) because more thermoplastic polymer may require more plasticizer. As described herein, the amount of plasticizer in the composition may be limited (e.g., less than or equal to about 45% by weight) to ensure a consistent form (e.g., coating, adhesive, binder, sealant, protective layer). Therefore, in some embodiments, the composition may contain from about 20% to about 45% by weight of thermoplastic polymer based on the total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the amount of thermoplastic polymer in the composition may be greater than or equal to about 20% by weight, greater than or equal to about 23% by weight, greater than or equal to about 25% by weight, greater than or equal to about 27% by weight, or even greater than or equal to about 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, based on the total weight of the composition, the amount of thermoplastic polymer in the composition may be less than or equal to about 45% by weight, less than or equal to about 43% by weight, less than or equal to about 40% by weight, less than or equal to about 37% by weight, or even less than or equal to about 35% by weight. In some embodiments, based on the total weight of the composition, the amount of thermoplastic polymer in the composition may be about 20% by weight to about 45% by weight, about 20% by weight to about 43% by weight, about 20% by weight to about 40% by weight, about 20% by weight to about 37% by weight, about 20% by weight to about 35% by weight, about 23% by weight to about 45% by weight, about 23% by weight to about 43% by weight, about 23% by weight to about 40% by weight, about 23% by weight to about 37% by weight, about 23% by weight to about 35% by weight, about 25% by weight to about 45% by weight, about 25% by weight to about 43% by weight, about 2 5% by weight to about 40% by weight, about 25% by weight to about 37% by weight, about 25% by weight to about 35% by weight, about 27% by weight to about 45% by weight, about 27% by weight to about 43% by weight, about 27% by weight to about 40% by weight, about 27% by weight to about 37% by weight, about 27% by weight to about 35% by weight, about 30% by weight to about 45% by weight, about 30% by weight to about 43% by weight, about 30% by weight to about 40% by weight, about 30% by weight to about 37% by weight, or even about 30% by weight to about 35% by weight, or any and all subranges formed by any of these endpoints.

[0047] In some embodiments, the thermoplastic polymer may be emulsion-grade or dispersion-grade. In this embodiment, the particle size of the thermoplastic polymer may be greater than or equal to 0.2 µm, greater than or equal to about 0.5 µm, or even greater than or equal to about 1 µm. In some embodiments, the particle size of the thermoplastic polymer may be less than or equal to about 15 µm, less than or equal to about 10 µm, or even less than or equal to about 5 µm. In some embodiments, the particle size of the thermoplastic polymer may be about 0.2 µm to about 15 µm, about 0.2 µm to about 10 µm, about 0.2 µm to about 5 µm, about 0.5 µm to about 15 µm, about 0.5 µm to about 10 µm, about 0.5 µm to about 5 µm, about 1 µm to about 15 µm, about 1 µm to about 10 µm, or even about 1 µm to about 5 µm, or any and all subranges formed by any of these endpoints.

[0048] Suitable commercially available formulations of thermoplastic polymers include: VICIR E1970P, VESTOLIT G124A, VESTOLIT G121A, VESTOLIT G173, VESTOLIT G186A, FORMOLON KVF, VINNOLIT E69VS, INOVYN P709, VESTOLIT 1353K, INOVYN 370HD, INOVYM 372NF, VINNOLIT P70, FORMOLON10, VESTOLIT G138, VESTOLIT G136, FORMOLON 45, KANEKA PCH-12, VESTOLIT B7090, FORMOLON 40, and DIANAAL RB2948.

[0049] plasticizer

[0050] As described above, the composition contains a plasticizer in which a thermoplastic polymer is suspended. Suitable plasticizers for use in the compositions disclosed herein include those that form a liquid dispersion when combined with a thermoplastic polymer. Upon heating, the plasticizer permeates or migrates into the thermoplastic polymer, causing the thermoplastic polymer to expand and form a gel. Upon cooling, the resulting product is a permanently plasticized solid product.

[0051] Suitable plasticizers used in the compositions described herein can be relatively highly solvable and more likely to penetrate the thermoplastic polymer. The solvation of the polymer can be influenced by the molecular weight and functional groups of the plasticizer. For example, higher molecular weights generally result in higher viscosity, which may lead to relatively lower solvation potential.

[0052] In some embodiments, the plasticizer may include: terephthalate, cyclohexanoate, benzoate, dibenzoate, adipate, citrate, trimellitate, alkyl sulfonate, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, terephthalate may include dibutyl terephthalate, dioctyl terephthalate, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, cyclohexanoate may include: 3-(isobutyryloxy)-2,2,4-trimethylpentylcyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate, butyl benzyl cyclohexanoate; texanol benzyl cyclohexanoate, diisononyl 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylate, 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, 1-(benzyl) ester, and esters of 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol mono(2-methylpropionate), or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the dibenzoate may include 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol dibenzoate.

[0053] In some embodiments, the plasticizer may include dibutyl terephthalate; dioctyl terephthalate; benzyl 3-(isobutyryloxy)-2,2,4-trimethylpentylcyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate; butyl benzyl cyclohexanoate; dodecabenylcyclohexanoate; diisononyl 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylate; 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol, dibenzoate; 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, 1-(benzyl) ester, and esters of 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol mono(2-methylpropionate) or combinations thereof.

[0054] In some embodiments, the plasticizer may include: dioctyl terephthalate; dibutyl terephthalate; and esters of 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, 1-(benzyl) ester, and 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol mono(2-methylpropionate). In some embodiments, based on the total weight of the composition, the weight ratio of dioctyl terephthalate to dibutyl terephthalate to the esters of 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, 1-(benzyl) ester, and 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol mono(2-methylpropionate) may be from about 0.28:0.12:1.00 to about 0.7:0.3:1.0.

[0055] In some embodiments, a minimum amount of plasticizer (e.g., greater than or equal to about 20% by weight) is provided to the composition to ensure that the composition has liquid properties. In some embodiments, the amount of plasticizer in the composition may be limited (e.g., less than or equal to about 45% by weight) to ensure a consistent form (e.g., coating, adhesive, binder, sealant, protective layer). In some embodiments, the composition may contain from about 20% to about 45% by weight of plasticizer based on the total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the amount of plasticizer in the composition may be greater than or equal to about 20% by weight, greater than or equal to about 23% by weight, greater than or equal to about 25% by weight, greater than or equal to about 27% by weight, greater than or equal to about 30% by weight, or even greater than or equal to about 33% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the amount of plasticizer in the composition may be less than or equal to about 45% by weight, less than or equal to about 43% by weight, less than or equal to about 40% by weight, or even less than or equal to about 37% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the amount of plasticizer in the composition may be from about 20% to about 45% by weight, from about 20% to about 43% by weight, from about 20% to about 40% by weight, from about 20% to about 37% by weight, from about 23% to about 45% by weight, from about 23% to about 43% by weight, from about 23% to about 40% by weight, from about 23% to about 37% by weight, from about 25% to about 45% by weight, from about 25% to about 43% by weight, from about 25% to about 40% by weight, from about 25% to about 37% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. The percentage, about 27% to about 45% by weight, about 27% to about 43% by weight, about 27% to about 40% by weight, about 27% to about 37% by weight, about 30% to about 45% by weight, about 30% to about 43% by weight, about 30% to about 40% by weight, about 30% to about 37% by weight, about 33% to about 45% by weight, about 33% to about 43% by weight, about 33% to about 40% by weight, or even about 33% to about 37% by weight, or any and all subranges formed by any of these endpoints.

[0056] Suitable commercially available formulations of plasticizers include: EASTMAN 168 (DOTP), EASTMAN DBT, VERSMAXPLUS (DOTP and DBT), SANTICIZER P1700, SANTICIZER P1400, HEXAMOL DINCH, DEHCH, BENZOFLEX 354, BENZOFLEX 2088, BENZOFLEX 1046, BENZOFLEX 9-88, SYNOPLAST DOA-FM, SYNOPLAST TOTM, VIXOFLEX 7170, CITROFLEX AH2, CITROFLEX A-6, and MESAMOLL.

[0057] Low melting point polymers

[0058] As described above, the composition contains a low-melting-point polymer, which helps to lower the curing temperature (e.g., less than or equal to about 115°C) while maintaining storage stability (i.e., viscosity change of less than 200% after aging at 35°C for 28 days). Not bound by theory, it is assumed that the relatively low-melting-point polymer (e.g., below about 120°C) will melt and help to blend the entire composition together, thereby lowering the temperature at which the composition fully cures.

[0059] In some embodiments, the melting point of the low-melting-point polymer may be below about 120°C, which promotes adhesion and helps the composition to fully cure at relatively low temperatures (e.g., the temperature corresponding to max S′ is less than or equal to about 115°C). In some embodiments, the melting point of the low-melting-point polymer may be below about 120°C, below about 110°C, less than about 100°C, or even below or equal to about 90°C. In some embodiments, the melting point of the low-melting-point polymer may be greater than or equal to about 80°C to ensure the viscosity stability of the composition. Therefore, in some embodiments, the melting point of the low-melting-point polymer may be about 80°C to about 120°C, about 80°C to about 110°C, or about 80°C to about 100°C, or even about 80°C to about 90°C, or any and all subranges formed by any of these endpoints.

[0060] In some embodiments, the low-melting-point polymer may include polyester, copolyester, copolyamide, polyamide, thermoplastic polyurethane, or combinations thereof.

[0061] In some embodiments, the composition may contain a minimum amount of a low-melting-point polymer (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.2 wt%) to lower the curing temperature and shorten the curing time. The greater the amount of the low-melting-point polymer, the closer the curing temperature of the composition is to the melting point of the low-melting-point polymer. Due to its effect on viscosity, the amount of the low-melting-point polymer in the composition may be limited in some applications (e.g., less than or equal to about 19 wt%). For example, in screen printing applications, if the low-melting-point polymer has a large particle size distribution, its printability may be poor; if the amount of the low-melting-point polymer is too high, it may leave residue on the screen. Therefore, based on the total weight of the composition, the composition may contain from about 0.2 wt% to about 19 wt% of a low-melting-point polymer. In some embodiments, based on the total weight of the composition, the amount of the low-melting-point polymer in the composition may be greater than or equal to about 0.2 wt%, greater than or equal to about 0.5 wt%, greater than or equal to about 1 wt%, or even greater than or equal to about 2 wt%. In some embodiments, based on the total weight of the composition, the amount of the low-melting-point polymer in the composition may be less than or equal to about 19% by weight, less than or equal to about 17% by weight, less than or equal to about 15% by weight, less than or equal to about 13% by weight, less than or equal to about 10% by weight, less than or equal to about 7% by weight, or even less than or equal to 5% by weight. In some embodiments, based on the total weight of the composition, the amount of the low-melting-point polymer in the composition may be from about 0.2% by weight to about 19% by weight, from about 0.2% by weight to about 17% by weight, from about 0.2% by weight to about 15% by weight, from about 0.2% by weight to about 13% by weight, from about 0.2% by weight to about 10% by weight, from about 0.2% by weight to about 7% by weight, from about 0.2% by weight to about 5% by weight, from about 0.5% by weight to about 19% by weight, from about 0.5% by weight to about 17% by weight, from about 0.5% by weight to about 15% by weight, from about 0.5% by weight to about 13% by weight, from about 0.5% by weight to about 10% by weight, from about 0.5% by weight to about 13% by weight. 7 wt%, about 0.5 wt% to about 5 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 19 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 17 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 15 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 13 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 10 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 7 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 5 wt%, about 2 wt% to about 19 wt%, about 2 wt% to about 17 wt%, about 2 wt% to about 15 wt%, about 2 wt% to about 13 wt%, about 2 wt% to about 10 wt%, about 2 wt% to about 7 wt%, or even about 2 wt% to about 5 wt%, or any and all subranges formed by any of these endpoints.

[0062] In some embodiments, the low-melting-point polymer may be substantially nonpolar and have a relatively small particle size, thereby forming a stable dispersion in the plasticizer. In some embodiments, the particle size of the low-melting-point polymer may be greater than 0 µm to about 80 µm, greater than 0 µm to about 60 µm, greater than 0 µm to about 40 µm, greater than 0 µm to about 20 µm, about 5 µm to about 80 µm, about 5 µm to about 60 µm, about 5 µm to about 40 µm, about 5 µm to about 20 µm, about 10 µm to about 80 µm, about 10 µm to about 60 µm, about 10 µm to about 40 µm, or even about 10 µm to about 20 µm, or any and all subranges formed by any of these endpoints.

[0063] Suitable commercially available embodiments of low-melting-point polymers include: PES T3, PES 376, PES E20, PES 3320, GRILLTEX 83, PA5005, PA5350, PA5720, GRILLTEX 1A, GRILLTEX 11A, TPU 4046, and TPU 4073.

[0064] Colorants, pigments and dyes

[0065] In some embodiments, the composition may further comprise at least one of a colorant, pigment, and dye to impart color to the composition. In some embodiments, at least one of the colorant, pigment, and dye may include: titanium dioxide (e.g., for white), carbon black (e.g., for black), azo pigments (e.g., for red, orange, and / or yellow), copper phthalocyanine pigments (e.g., for blue and / or green), carbozoles (e.g., for purple), or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the pigment may include titanium dioxide.

[0066] In some embodiments, based on the total weight of the composition, the composition may contain at least one of a colorant, pigment, and dye, greater than about 0% by weight to about 45% by weight. In some embodiments, based on the total weight of the composition, the amount of at least one of a colorant, pigment, and dye in the composition may be greater than or equal to about 0% by weight, greater than or equal to about 5% by weight, greater than or equal to about 10% by weight, greater than or equal to about 15% by weight, greater than or equal to about 20% by weight, or even greater than or equal to about 25% by weight. In some embodiments, the amount of at least one of a colorant, pigment, and dye may be less than or equal to about 45% by weight, less than or equal to about 40% by weight, or even less than or equal to about 35% by weight. In some embodiments, based on the total weight of the composition, the amount of at least one of the colorant, pigment, and dye can be from about 0 wt% to about 45 wt%, from about 0 wt% to about 40 wt%, from about 0 wt% to about 35 wt%, from about 5 wt% to about 45 wt%, from about 5 wt% to about 40 wt%, from about 5 wt% to about 35 wt%, from about 10 wt% to about 45 wt%, from about 10 wt% to about 40 wt%, from about 10 wt% to about 35 wt%, from about 15 wt% to about 45 wt%, from about 15 wt% to about 40 wt%, from about 15 wt% to about 35 wt%, from about 25 wt% to about 45 wt%, from about 25 wt% to about 40 wt%, or even from about 25 wt% to about 35 wt%, or any and all subranges formed by any of these endpoints.

[0067] Suitable commercially available embodiments of at least one of colorants, pigments, and dyes include: TIONA 244, RCL4, TRONOX CR-828, TRONOX CR-880, TONOX CR-826, TI-PURE TS-6300, TIONA 242, TIONA 880, TIONA 595, NUBIX E62 ULTRAMARINE BLUE F 36 ULTRAMARINE BLUE, REGAL 400R, CAP3422C ORANGE / LANSCO ORANGE 34 1334 (50:50), HELIOGEN BLUE K6911D, HEUCO BLUEPB515303, 264-8142 SUNFAST GREEN, BONITHOL RED 4821C, LANSCO 1657 LITHOL RUBINE57:1, JHR-1220L, HOSTAPERM RED E3B (13-7002), 246-0505 SUNFAST VIOLET 23, HEUCOPY101404 YELLOW 14 / YELLOW TCY-01402O, JHY-8307L, HOSTAPERM YELLOW H4G (11-3020), BLACK 7, ORANGE 34, BLUE 15:1, BLUE 15:3, GREEN 7, RED 48:2, RED 57:1, RED122, VIOLET 19, VIOLET 23, YELLOW 14, YELLOW 83, and YELLOW 151.

[0068] additive

[0069] In some embodiments, the composition may further comprise additives. In some embodiments, the additives include: dispersants, fillers, lubricants, optical brighteners, puff matting agents, antioxidants, chemical and physical foaming agents, stabilizers, moisture scavengers, air release agents, oxidants, reducing agents, thickeners, emulsifiers, rheology modifiers, catalysts, or combinations thereof.

[0070] In some embodiments, the composition may contain about 0% by weight to about 10% by weight of additives, based on the total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the amount of additives in the composition may be greater than or equal to 0% by weight, greater than or equal to 0.25% by weight, greater than or equal to 0.5% by weight, greater than or equal to 0.75% by weight, or even greater than or equal to 1% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the amount of additives in the composition may be less than or equal to 10% by weight, less than or equal to 7% by weight, less than or equal to 5% by weight, less than or equal to 3% by weight, or even less than or equal to 2% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, based on the total weight of the composition, the amount of additive in the composition can be from about 0% to about 10% by weight, from about 0% to about 7% by weight, from about 0% to about 5% by weight, from about 0% to about 3% by weight, from about 0% to about 2% by weight, from about 0.25% to about 10% by weight, from about 0.25% to about 7% by weight, from about 0.25% to about 5% by weight, from about 0.25% to about 3% by weight, from about 0.25% to about 2% by weight, from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight, from about 0.5% to about 7% by weight, from about 0%. 5 wt% to about 5 wt%, about 0.5 wt% to about 3 wt%, about 0.5 wt% to about 2 wt%, about 0.75 wt% to about 10 wt%, about 0.75 wt% to about 7 wt%, about 0.75 wt% to about 5 wt%, about 0.75 wt% to about 3 wt%, about 0.75 wt% to about 2 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 10 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 7 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 5 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 3 wt%, or even about 1 wt% to about 2 wt%, or any and all subranges formed by any of these endpoints.

[0071] Suitable commercially available formulations of additives include OMYACARB 3, OMYACARB 5, OMYACARB FT, ULTRAPFLEX H, ATOMITE, NICRON 503, STELLAR 705, SUPERCOAT, DURAMITE, AEROSIL 200, SIPERNAT 28, SIPERNAT 22, ACEMAT TS100, BYK 7410ET, ICROOGEL 900, IRCOGEL 903, DISPERBYK 180, DISPERBYK 2150, DISPERPLAST 1150, SPAN 85, PARAWHITE OB, BENETEX OB, VISCOGEL ED, BENTONE 40, DUALITE U024-145D, MIKROFINE OBSH-M300, ANDISIL SF30,000, BYK 333, and IRGANOX. 1330, BYK-A 515, BYK-A 530, and BYK-A 555.

[0072] composition

[0073] As described herein, the composition comprises a thermoplastic polymer, a plasticizer, and a low-melting-point polymer, and the composition has a relatively low curing temperature (e.g., less than or equal to about 115°C) and maintains storage stability (i.e., viscosity change of less than 200% after aging at 35°C for 28 days).

[0074] In some embodiments, the curing temperature of the composition (i.e., the temperature at which the maximum S' is reached) can be less than or equal to about 115°C. In some embodiments, the curing temperature of the composition can be less than or equal to about 115°C, less than or equal to about 110°C, less than or equal to about 105°C, less than or equal to about 100°C, less than or equal to about 95°C, or even less than or equal to about 90°C. In some embodiments, the curing temperature of the composition can be greater than or equal to about 40°C, greater than or equal to about 50°C, or even greater than or equal to about 60°C. In some embodiments, the curing temperature of the composition can be from about 40°C to about 115°C, from about 40°C to about 110°C, from about 40°C to about 105°C, from about 40°C to about 100°C, from about 40°C to about 95°C, from about 40°C to about 90°C, from about 50°C to about 115°C, from about 50°C to about 110°C, from about 50°C to about 105°C, from about 50°C to about 100°C, from about 50°C to about 95°C, from about 50°C to about 90°C, from about 60°C to about 115°C, from about 60°C to about 110°C, from about 60°C to about 105°C, from about 60°C to about 100°C, from about 60°C to about 95°C, or even from about 60°C to about 90°C, or any and all subranges formed by any of these endpoints.

[0075] In some embodiments, the measured curing time of the composition may be less than or equal to about 500 seconds, less than or equal to about 450 seconds, or even less than or equal to about 400 seconds. In some embodiments, the measured curing time of the composition may be greater than or equal to about 100 seconds, greater than or equal to about 200 seconds, or even greater than or equal to about 300 seconds. In some embodiments, the measured curing time of the composition may be about 100 seconds to about 500 seconds, about 100 seconds to about 450 seconds, about 100 seconds to about 400 seconds, about 200 seconds to about 500 seconds, about 200 seconds to about 450 seconds, about 200 seconds to about 400 seconds, about 300 seconds to about 500 seconds, about 300 seconds to about 450 seconds, or even about 300 seconds to about 400 seconds, or any and all subranges formed by any of these endpoints.

[0076] In some embodiments, the temperature of the composition at 10% S' can be greater than or equal to about 50°C, or even greater than or equal to about 60°C. In some embodiments, the temperature of the composition at 10% S' can be less than or equal to about 85°C, or even less than or equal to about 75°C. Therefore, in some embodiments, the temperature of the composition at 10% S' can be about 50°C to about 85°C, about 50°C to about 75°C, or about 60°C to about 85°C, or even about 60°C to about 75°C, or any and all subranges formed by any of these endpoints.

[0077] In some embodiments, the time of the composition at 10% S' can be greater than or equal to about 100 seconds, or even greater than or equal to about 200 seconds. In some embodiments, the time of the composition at 10% S' can be less than or equal to about 400 seconds, or even less than or equal to about 300 seconds. Therefore, in some embodiments, the time of the composition at 10% S' can be about 100 seconds to about 400 seconds, about 100 seconds to about 300 seconds, or about 200 seconds to about 400 seconds, or about 200 seconds to about 300 seconds, or any and all subranges formed by any of these endpoints.

[0078] In some embodiments, the temperature of the composition at 50% S' can be greater than or equal to about 55°C, or even greater than or equal to about 65°C. In some embodiments, the temperature of the composition at 50% S' can be less than or equal to about 90°C, or even less than or equal to about 80°C. Therefore, in some embodiments, the temperature of the composition at 50% S' can be about 55°C to about 90°C, about 55°C to about 80°C, or about 65°C to about 90°C, or even about 65°C to about 80°C, or any and all subranges formed by any of these endpoints.

[0079] In some embodiments, the time of the composition at 50% S' can be greater than or equal to about 100 seconds, or even greater than or equal to about 200 seconds. In some embodiments, the time of the composition at 50% S' can be less than or equal to about 400 seconds, or even less than or equal to about 300 seconds. Therefore, in some embodiments, the time of the composition at 50% S' can be about 100 seconds to about 400 seconds, about 100 seconds to about 300 seconds, or about 200 seconds to about 400 seconds, or about 200 seconds to about 300 seconds, or any and all subranges formed by any of these endpoints.

[0080] In some embodiments, the temperature of the composition at 90% S' can be greater than or equal to about 60°C, or even greater than or equal to about 70°C. In some embodiments, the temperature of the composition at 90% S' can be less than or equal to about 95°C, or even less than or equal to about 85°C. Therefore, in some embodiments, the temperature of the composition at 90% S' can be about 60°C to about 95°C, about 60°C to about 85°C, or about 70°C to about 95°C, or even about 70°C to about 85°C, or any and all subranges formed by any of these endpoints.

[0081] In some embodiments, the time of the composition at 90% S' can be greater than or equal to about 150 seconds, or even greater than or equal to about 250 seconds. In some embodiments, the time of the composition at 90% S' can be less than or equal to about 450 seconds, or even less than or equal to about 350 seconds. Therefore, in some embodiments, the time of the composition at 90% S' can be about 150 seconds to about 450 seconds, about 150 seconds to about 350 seconds, or about 250 seconds to about 450 seconds, or about 250 seconds to about 350 seconds, or any and all subranges formed by any of these endpoints.

[0082] In some embodiments, after aging at 35°C for 28 days, the viscosity change of the composition can be less than 200%, less than 175%, or even less than 150%.

[0083] In some embodiments, the composition may have a viscosity tailored to the intended application of the composition. For example, in screen printing applications, the viscosity of the composition should be sufficiently high (e.g., greater than or equal to about 5 x 10⁻⁶). 4 cP), so that the composition can be deposited on the fabric without flowing. In screen printing applications, the viscosity of the composition can be limited (e.g., less than or equal to about 1 x 10⁻⁶). 7 (cP), so that when force is applied, the composition penetrates into the wire mesh. Therefore, in some embodiments, the viscosity of the composition can be about 5 x 10. 4 cP to approximately 1 x 10 7 cP. In some embodiments, the viscosity of the composition can be about 5 x 10⁻⁶. 4 cP, greater than or equal to approximately 1 x 10 5 cP, greater than or equal to approximately 1 x 10 6 cP, or even greater than or equal to approximately 2.5 x 10 6 cP. In some embodiments, the viscosity of the composition may be less than or equal to about 1 x 10⁻⁶. 7 cP, less than or equal to approximately 7.5 x 10 6 cP, or even less than or equal to about 5 x 10 6 cP. In some embodiments, the viscosity of the composition can be about 5 x 10⁻⁶. 4 cP to approximately 1 x 10 7 cP, approximately 5 x 10 4 cP to approximately 7.5 x 10 6 cP, approximately 5 x 10 4 cP to approximately 5 x 10 6 cP, approximately 1 x 10 5 cP to approximately 1 x 107 cP, approximately 1 x 10 5 cP to approximately 7.5 x 10 6 cP, approximately 1 x 10 5 cP to approximately 5 x 10 6 cP, approximately 1 x 10 6 cP to approximately 1 x 10 7 cP, approximately 1 x 10 6 cP to approximately 7.5 x 10 6 cP, approximately 1 x 10 6 cP to approximately 5 x 10 6 cP, approximately 2.5 x 10 6 cP to approximately 1 x 10 7 cP, approximately 2.5 x 10 6 cP to approximately 7.5 x 10 6 cP, or even about 2.5 x 10 6 cP to approximately 5 x 10 6 cP, or any and all subranges formed by any of these endpoints.

[0084] In some embodiments, the weight ratio of plasticizer to thermoplastic polymer in the composition can be customized according to the intended application of the composition. For example, in screen printing applications, the composition can be customized to be printable. Specifically, in screen printing embodiments, the weight ratio of plasticizer to thermoplastic polymer based on the total weight of the composition can be from about 0.8:1.0 to about 1.5:1.0, resulting in a fully cured composition that is dry to the touch, non-sticky, washable, and stretchable without cracking. In screen printing embodiments, the weight ratio of plasticizer to thermoplastic polymer based on the total weight of the composition can be greater than about 0.8:1.0 to ensure that the composition flows through and cleans the screen. Relatively low plasticizer content may result in shear thinning and poor printability of the composition. In screen printing embodiments, the weight ratio of plasticizer to thermoplastic polymer based on the total weight of the composition can be less than about 1.5:1.0 to ensure that the printed image has good resolution and fine detail. Relatively high amounts of plasticizer may result in a low-viscosity composition that may continue to flow when pressure is removed, thus reducing image detail.

[0085] Similarly, regarding plastisol coatings, in embodiments, the total amount of inorganic content (e.g., titanium oxide and fillers) in the composition can be limited (i.e., less than about 50% by weight) to ensure the printed composition has sufficient strength. A relatively high inorganic content may cause the printed composition to crack or break.

[0086] Method for preparing the composition

[0087] In some embodiments, a method for preparing a composition as described herein may include: blending a thermoplastic polymer, a plasticizer, and a low-melting-point polymer, mixing them to form a liquid dispersion, and mixing until the liquid dispersion is homogeneous. As described herein, colors, pigments, dyes, and additives may optionally be blended with the thermoplastic polymer, plasticizer, and low-melting-point polymer to form a liquid dispersion.

[0088] Plastisol dispersions can be prepared on an overhead mixer with high-shear dispersion blades. In a typical process, liquid plasticizers and additives are first mixed in a mixing vessel under low shear. Pigments and fillers are then added and dispersed under high shear to break up particulate aggregates. Finally, the polymer resin is added last and dispersed under medium shear, taking care to avoid heat buildup in the vessel. The temperature is maintained below 95°F / 35°C to prevent pregelation of the final plastisol composition.

[0089] Preparation method

[0090] The compositions disclosed herein can be used to form any coating, adhesive, binder, sealant, protective layer, etc., that requires a low curing temperature (i.e., a curing temperature below or equal to about 115°C). The compositions disclosed herein are particularly suitable for preparing protective coatings for metallic finishes, UV films for outdoor products, automotive products, and textile inks for screen printing.

[0091] For example, see now Figure 1 The article is shown as 100. Article 100 includes a substrate 102 having a plastisol coating 104 thereon. The plastisol coating 104 may comprise compositions as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the substrate 102 may include textile products including cotton, acrylic, rayon, polyester, nylon, spandex, polypropylene, and other fabric blends. For example, the substrate 102 may include a shirt, jacket, or bag. In other examples, the substrate 102 may be a paper article, such as a poster or card.

[0092] In some embodiments, the thickness of the plastisol coating 104 may be greater than or equal to about 200 µm, greater than or equal to about 400 µm, or even greater than or equal to about 600 µm. In some embodiments, the thickness of the plastisol coating 104 may be less than or equal to about 2000 µm, less than or equal to about 1500 µm, or even less than or equal to about 1000 µm. In some embodiments, the thickness of the print 104 may be about 200 µm to about 2000 µm, about 200 µm to about 1500 µm, about 200 µm to about 1000 µm, about 400 µm to about 2000 µm, about 400 µm to about 1500 µm, about 400 µm to about 1000 µm, about 600 µm to about 2000 µm, about 600 µm to about 1500 µm, or even about 600 µm to about 1000 µm, or any and all subranges formed by any of these endpoints.

[0093] In some embodiments, a plastisol coating method for coating a substrate with the composition disclosed herein may include: applying the composition to the substrate and exposing the composition to a heat source to allow the composition to fully cure.

[0094] In some embodiments, the heat source in the exposure step may include a gas transfer furnace or an electric transfer furnace (i.e., a dryer), an electric shortwave infrared heater, a heat transfer press, an online hot press, a hot air gun, an iron, or a combination thereof.

[0095] In some embodiments, the composition may be exposed to a heat source at temperatures below about 120°C. In some embodiments, the composition may be exposed to a heat source at temperatures from about 93°C to about 149°C. Those skilled in the art will understand that the composition may be exposed to a heat source at temperatures above the curing temperature if, for example, radiant heat exposure is used instead of direct heat exposure. In some embodiments, the composition may be exposed to a heat source at temperatures greater than or equal to about 9°C. C. Greater than or equal to approximately 10 C or even greater than or equal to 11 The composition is exposed to a heat source at a temperature of C. In some embodiments, the composition may be exposed to a temperature of less than or equal to about 14°C. C. Less than or equal to approximately 14 C. Less than or equal to 13 At temperatures of C, or even below or equal to 12 Exposure to a heat source at a temperature of C. In some embodiments, the composition may be exposed to a heat source at temperatures of: about 93°C to about 149°C, about 93°C to about 140°C, about 93°C to about 130°C, about 93°C to about 120°C, about 100°C to about 149°C, about 100°C to about 140°C, about 100°C to about 130°C, about 100°C to about 120°C, about 110°C to about 149°C, about 110°C to about 140°C, about 110°C to about 130°C, or even about 110°C to about 120°C, or any and all subranges formed by any of these endpoints. Those skilled in the art will further understand that, regardless of the heat source, the compositions disclosed herein can be cured at any suitable time as long as the composition is heated to a curing temperature or above the curing temperature (e.g., less than or equal to about 115°C).

[0096] In some embodiments, the composition may be exposed to a heat source for a period of time that allows the composition to fully cure.

[0097] Example

[0098] Table 1 shows the composition and chemical description of exemplary compositions E1-E7 and comparative compositions C1-C7.

[0099] Table 1

[0100] Tables 2 and 3 show the formulations (in weight %, based on total weight of composition) of exemplary compositions E1-E7 and comparative compositions C1-C3, C6, and C7. Comparative compositions C4 and C5 are compositions containing a thermoplastic polymer and a plasticizer but not a low-melting-point polymer. More specifically, C5 is the composition covered by U.S. Patent No. 1,119,3035.

[0101] Table 2

[0102] Table 2 (continued)

[0103] Table 3

[0104] Table 3 (continued)

[0105] See now Figure 2As shown in Table 4, exemplary compositions E1-E3 are compositions comprising copolyester, thermoplastic polyurethane, and copolyamide (a low-melting-point polymer), with temperatures of 79.49°C, 77.93°C, and 80.45°C, respectively, at maximum S'. Furthermore, the exemplary compositions E1-E3 exhibit lower temperatures and longer durations at maximum S' compared to the comparative composition C1, which does not contain the low-melting-point polymer.

[0106] Table 4

[0107] See now Figure 3 As shown in Table 5, exemplary composition E4 is a composition comprising a copolyester (a low-melting-point polymer) with a maximum S′ corresponding to a temperature of 83.17°C. Furthermore, exemplary composition E4 exhibits a lower temperature at maximum S′ and a lower time at maximum S′ than comparative compositions C1-C5, which do not contain a low-melting-point polymer.

[0108] Table 5

[0109] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in Tables 4 and 5, compositions containing low-melting-point polymers have lower curing temperatures and lower measured curing times compared to compositions without low-melting-point polymers.

[0110] Now refer to Table 6 and Figure 4 and Figure 5 By 25℃ (e.g. Figure 4 (as shown) and 35℃ ( Figure 5 The compositions were aged at the conditions shown in Table 6, and their viscosity was measured at different times to evaluate the storage stability of comparative compositions C2-C5 and exemplary composition E4. Figure 4 As shown, when subjected to heat aging at 25°C, the viscosity changes between comparative compositions C2-C5 (compositions without low-melting-point polymers) and exemplary composition E4 (containing low-melting-point polymers) are similar. Figure 5 As shown in Table 6, the viscosity change of exemplary composition E4 is 135%. Furthermore, the viscosity changes of comparative compositions C3 and C4 are similar to those of exemplary composition E4, but the viscosity changes of comparative compositions C2 and C5 are relatively larger compared to comparative compositions C3 and E4. While not strictly adhering to theory, comparative compositions C2 and C5 begin to gel at low temperatures (i.e., 60°C, relatively low S′), resulting in an increase in viscosity with thermal aging of the material. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in Table 6, compositions containing low-melting-point polymers exhibit maintained storage stability.

[0111] Table 6

[0112] Now refer to Table 7 and Figure 5 The storage stability of comparative compositions C6 and C7, as well as exemplary compositions E5-E7, was evaluated by thermally aging the compositions at 35°C and measuring their viscosity at different times. (See Table 7 and...) Figure 6 As shown, although the exemplary composition E7 (a composition containing 15% by weight of copolyester (a low-melting-point polymer)) has a relatively high viscosity, it still achieves maintained storage stability. Furthermore, the comparative composition C7, containing 20% ​​by weight of copolyester (a low-melting-point polymer), gels (i.e., becomes a semi-solid) after heat aging at 35°C for 14 days. Figure 3 and 4 As shown in Table 6, as described herein, compositions comprising about 0.2% to about 19% by weight of a low-melting-point polymer exhibit maintained storage stability.

[0113] Table 7

[0114] It will be clear that various alterations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. More specifically, while some aspects of this disclosure are regarded herein as preferred or particularly advantageous, it is conceivable that this disclosure is not necessarily limited to these aspects.

[0115] The claims are attached.

Claims

1. A composition comprising: (a) a thermoplastic polymer; (b) a plasticizer; and (c) about 0.2 wt% to about 19 wt% of a low melting point polymer having a melting point of less than about 120°C, based on the total weight of the composition.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein, The thermoplastic polymer comprises a polyvinyl chloride homopolymer, a polyvinyl chloride and vinyl ester copolymer, or a combination thereof.

3. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The plasticizer comprises a terephthalate, a cyclohexanoate, a benzoate, a dibenzoate, an adipate, a citrate, a trimellitate, an alkyl sulfonate, or a combination thereof.

4. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The plasticizer comprises dibutyl terephthalate; dioctyl terephthalate; 3-(isobutyryloxy)-2,2,4-trimethylpentyl benzyl cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate; butyl benzyl cyclohexanoate; alcohol ester dodecyl benzyl cyclohexanoate; diisononyl 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylate; 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol, dibenzoate; and ester of 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid, 1-(benzyl) ester, with 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol mono(2-methylpropanoate), or a combination thereof.

5. The composition of claim 4, wherein, The plasticizer comprises dioctyl terephthalate; dibutyl terephthalate; and ester of 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid, 1-(benzyl) ester, with 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol mono(2-methylpropanoate).

6. The composition of claim 5, wherein, The weight ratio of dioctyl terephthalate to dibutyl terephthalate to ester of 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid, 1-(benzyl) ester, with 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol mono(2-methylpropanoate) is about 0.28:0.12:1.00 to about 0.7:0.3:1.0, based on the total weight of the composition.

7. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The low melting point polymer comprises a polyester, a copolyester, a copolyamide, a polyamide, a thermoplastic polyurethane, or a combination thereof.

8. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The low melting point polymer has a particle size of greater than 0 µm to about 80 µm.

9. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The composition has a viscosity of about 5 x 10 4 cP to about 1 x 10 7 cP.

10. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The thermoplastic polymer is a combination of a polyvinyl chloride homopolymer and a polyvinyl chloride and vinyl ester copolymer.

11. The composition of claim 10, wherein, The weight ratio of the polyvinyl chloride and vinyl ester copolymer to the polyvinyl chloride homopolymer is about 1:1 to about 10:1, based on the total weight of the composition.

12. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The weight ratio of the plasticizer to the thermoplastic polymer is about 0.8:1.0 to about 1.5:1.0, based on the total weight of the composition.

13. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The composition comprises, based on the total weight of the composition: about 20 wt% to about 45 wt% of a thermoplastic polymer; and about 20 wt% to about 45 wt% of a plasticizer.

14. A composition as in any preceding claim, wherein, The composition further comprises, based on the total weight of the composition, greater than about 0 wt% to about 45 wt% of at least one of a colorant, a pigment, and a dye.

15. The composition of claim 14, wherein, The at least one of a colorant, a pigment, and a dye comprises titanium dioxide, carbon black, an azo pigment, a copper phthalocyanine pigment, a carbazole, or a combination thereof.

16. The composition of any of the preceding claims, further comprising greater than about 0 wt% to about 10 wt% of an additive based on the total weight of the composition, the additive comprising a dispersant, a filler, a lubricant, a loft matting agent, an antioxidant, a chemical and physical blowing agent, a stabilizer, a moisture scavenger, an air release agent, an oxidizing agent, a reducing agent, a thickening agent, an emulsifying agent, a rheology modifier, a catalyst, or a combination thereof.

17. An article comprising a substrate having a plastic sol coating thereon, the plastic sol coating comprising the composition of any of the preceding claims.

18. A method of applying the composition of any of claims 1 to 17 as a plastic sol to a substrate, the method comprising: applying the composition to a substrate; and exposing the composition to a heat source, thereby fully curing the composition.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein, exposing the composition to a heat source at a temperature of less than about 120 °C.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein, exposing the composition to a heat source at a temperature of about 83 °C to about 149 °C.

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