Polymer compositions with improved mechanical properties

Abstract

The present invention relates to a polymer composition comprising: a) at least one propylene copolymer PCP, b) at least one thermoplastic vulcanizate TPV, c) at least one thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer TPO different from the propylene copolymer PCP, and d) at least one flame retardant FR selected from the group consisting of magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide. The invention also relates to a sealing element comprising a water repellent layer obtained by using said polymer composition.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a polymer composition suitable for providing a sealing element, in particular a membrane, for sealing underground and above ground structures against water penetration. In particular, the present invention relates to a polymer composition having improved mechanical properties despite a high inorganic particle content. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the construction field, polymer sheets, often referred to as membranes or panels, are used to protect underground and above ground constructions, such as basements, tunnels or roofs, against water penetration. For example, waterproofing membranes are applied to prevent water from entering through cracks that are formed in concrete structures due to settlement of the building, load deflection or concrete shrinkage. Roofing membranes are commonly used for waterproofing of flat and low-sloped roof structures.

[0003] The membranes are usually delivered to the construction site in the form of rolls, transferred to the installation site, unrolled and adhered to the substrate to be waterproofed. Waterproofing membranes are also used in the form of tapes for sealing and waterproofing of construction joints in building facades, such as the joints between building structures and window or curtain wall elements.

[0004] Roofing membranes have to be firmly fastened to the roof substrate to provide sufficient mechanical strength to resist the shear forces exerted on them due to high wind loads. Furthermore, adjacent membranes are usually overlapped at the lapped edge along the length of the membrane in order to create a continuous waterproof seal on the substrate surface to be waterproofed. The opposite surfaces of the overlapped portions are then joined to each other by using an adhesive ("adhesive joint") or by heat welding ("welded joint"). The choice between adhesive and welded joints depends on the composition of the membrane.

[0005] Commonly used materials for roofing and waterproofing membranes include plastics, in particular thermoplastics, such as plasticized polyvinyl chloride (p-PVC), thermoplastic polyolefin elastomers (TPO, TPE-O), and elastomers such as ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) rubber. Thermoplastic polyolefin elastomers are heterophasic polymer systems comprising a high crystallinity base polyolefin and a low crystallinity or amorphous polyolefin modifier. Waterproofing membranes based on cross-linked EPDM are very flexible and weather resistant, but the joints formed between the overlapped portions of adjacent membranes cannot be sealed by heat welding due to the chemically cross-linked polymer structure. Membranes comprising TPO materials are heat weldable and less expensive than EPDM membranes, but they are also more rigid, which can be disadvantageous in some applications. Membranes based on plasticized PVC are more flexible than membranes based on TPO materials, but they also contain plasticizers and heavy metal additives, such as flame retardants, which are harmful to the environment, which can limit their use in some applications.

[0006] A common drawback of polymer materials is their inherently low fire resistance. Most polymer materials have a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of less than 25%, making them combustible or flammable. Typically, building products containing polymer materials must meet certain fire resistance requirements, i.e., achieve a specific "fire rating classification."

[0007] Flame retardants are typically added to polymer blends to improve their fire resistance / flame retardant properties, enabling them to be used in various applications. Common flame retardants used for polymer films include metal hydroxides, particularly aluminum trihydrate (ATH), precipitated aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and brominated flame retardants (BRF). Halogenated flame retardants, especially brominated flame retardants, are highly effective in meeting fire classification requirements, but their use is not preferred due to environmental and safety concerns. In fact, the use of brominated flame retardants has been banned in some applications.

[0008] Compared to other types of flame retardants, halogen-free flame retardants have the disadvantage of lower efficiency. Therefore, the amount of flame retardant added to polymer blends to achieve the desired fire rating can be very high, which often has a significant adverse effect on the mechanical properties of the polymer material. For example, TPO-based roofing membranes may contain up to 60% by weight of ATH to meet fire rating requirements. The use of large amounts of inorganic flame retardants particularly reduces the flexibility of the polymer blends, especially at low temperatures, a key characteristic of roofing membranes.

[0009] Therefore, there remains a need for novel halogen-free polymer compositions possessing excellent flame retardancy and mechanical properties, particularly good cold flexibility. Such polymer compositions are especially suitable for the construction industry, for example, for providing sealing elements, particularly for providing thermoplastic roofing membranes. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The object of this invention is to provide polymer compositions suitable for providing sealing elements, which can be used to seal underground and above-ground buildings, particularly roof substrates, to prevent water seepage.

[0011] Surprisingly, it has been found that the stated objective can be achieved by the features of claim 1.

[0012] Specifically, according to the present invention, a polymer composition is provided comprising:

[0013] a) At least one propylene copolymer PCP,

[0014] b) At least one thermoplastic vulcanized rubber TPV,

[0015] c) At least one thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer (TPO) that is different from a propylene copolymer (PCP), and

[0016] d) At least one flame retardant FR, selected from magnesium hydroxide and aluminum trihydrate.

[0017] The results show that, despite the high content of inorganic particles, the proposed polymer composition provides the desired flame retardant properties and excellent mechanical properties, especially high flexibility at low temperatures, without the use of halogenated flame retardants.

[0018] Additional aspects of the invention are set forth in the separate independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention are summarized throughout the specification and dependent claims. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The subject of this invention is a polymer composition comprising:

[0020] a) At least one propylene copolymer PCP,

[0021] b) At least one thermoplastic vulcanized rubber TPV,

[0022] c) At least one thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer (TPO) that is different from a propylene copolymer (PCP), and

[0023] d) At least one flame retardant FR, selected from magnesium hydroxide and aluminum trihydrate.

[0024] Substances whose names begin with "poly" or "poly-" indicate substances that, in form, contain two or more functional groups appearing in their name per molecule. For example, polyols refer to compounds having at least two hydroxyl groups. Polyethers refer to compounds having at least two ether groups.

[0025] The term "polymer" refers to a collection of chemically homogeneous macromolecules produced by a polymerization reaction (polymerization, addition polymerization, condensation polymerization), wherein the macromolecules are different in terms of their degree of polymerization, molecular weight, and chain length. The term also includes derivatives of the collection of said macromolecules formed by polymerization reactions, i.e., compounds obtained by reactions (e.g., addition or substitution) of functional groups in a predetermined macromolecule, and these compounds may be chemically homogeneous or chemically heterogeneous.

[0026] The term "molecular weight" refers to the molar mass (g / mol) of a molecule or a portion of a molecule (also known as a "structural moiety"). The term "average molecular weight" refers to the number-average molecular weight (Maverage) of an oligomer or polymer mixture of molecules or structural moieties. nThe molecular weight can be determined by conventional methods, preferably by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), using polystyrene as a standard, styrene-divinylbenzene gel with porosities of 100 Å, 1000 Å, and 10000 Å as chromatographic columns, and depending on the molecule, using tetrahydrofuran as a solvent at 35 °C or 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene as a solvent at 160 °C.

[0027] The term "melting temperature (T)" m "" refers to the melting point determined as the maximum value of the curve, which is determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) using the measurement method defined in ISO 11357-3:2018, with a heating rate of 2 °C / min. The measurement can be performed using a Mettler Toledo DSC 3+ device, and T m The value can be determined from the measured DSC curve using DSC software. If the measured DSC curve shows several peak temperatures, the first peak temperature from the lower temperature side of the thermogram is taken as the melting temperature (Tm).

[0028] The term "glass transition temperature" (T) g The glass transition temperature (T0) refers to the temperature above which the polymer component becomes soft and flexible, and below which it becomes hard and glassy. g Preferably, it is determined by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) as the peak value of the loss modulus (G”) curve measured using an applied frequency of 1 Hz and a strain level of 0.1%.

[0029] "Comonomer content of the copolymer" refers to the total amount of comonomers in the copolymer, given as a percentage by weight or a percentage by mole. The comonomer content can be determined by IR spectroscopy or by quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurement.

[0030] The term "thermoplastic polymer" in this disclosure refers to a polymer that is meltable and resolidifiable, and whose physical properties have little or no change.

[0031] The term "elastomer" refers to a polymer or polymer blend that is capable of recovering from large deformations and that is, or has been, modified to a state in which it is substantially insoluble (but swellable) in boiling solvents (particularly xylene). A typical elastomer is capable of elongating or deforming to at least 200% of its original size under externally applied forces and will substantially recover its original size after the force is released, maintaining only small permanent deformations (typically no more than about 20%). For the purposes of this document, the term "elastomer" may be used interchangeably with the term "rubber".

[0032] The term "crosslinked" refers to a polymer matrix in which polymer chains are interconnected by a plurality of mechanically and thermally stable covalent bonds. In the context of this disclosure, other possible forms of crosslinked polymers, such as physically crosslinked polymers, are not considered "crosslinked." The terms "cured" and "vulcanized" are used interchangeably with the term "crosslinked."

[0033] The term "degree of crosslinking" refers to the proportion of components that are insoluble in boiling xylene. The percentage of insoluble components can be determined by refluxing the test sample in boiling xylene, weighing the dried residue, and appropriately correcting for other soluble and insoluble components present in the test composition. Preferably, the degree of crosslinking is measured using the method defined in ISO 10147:2011.

[0034] The term "amount or content of at least one component X" in a composition, such as "amount of at least one propylene copolymer PCP," refers to the sum of the individual amounts of all propylene copolymer PCP contained in the composition. Furthermore, if the composition contains 20% by weight of at least one propylene copolymer PCP, the sum of the amounts of all propylene copolymer PCP contained in the composition equals 20% by weight.

[0035] The term "room temperature" refers to a temperature of 23°C.

[0036] The polymer composition contains at least one flame retardant FR, which is selected from magnesium hydroxide and aluminum trihydrate.

[0037] Magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) and aluminum trihydrate (Al(OH)3) are commonly used as flame retardants. They are commercially available in both coated and uncoated forms. Aluminum trihydrate, also known as the mineral gibbsite (gibbsite), is obtained in both ground and precipitated forms. Magnesium hydroxide is primarily obtained through precipitation from brine and seawater or via the hydration of magnesium oxide.

[0038] Specifically, the at least one flame retardant FR is present in the polymer composition in an amount of at least 5% by weight, preferably at least 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the polymer composition.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, the at least one flame retardant FR is present in the polymer composition in an amount of 5-50% by weight, preferably 15-45% by weight, more preferably 25-40% by weight, based on the total weight of the polymer composition. Polymer compositions containing at least one flame retardant FR in amounts falling within the above ranges have been found to be particularly suitable for providing membranes for sealing underground and above-ground structures against water seepage, especially roofing membranes.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, the at least one flame retardant FR is selected from surface-coated magnesium hydroxide and surface-coated aluminum trihydrate.

[0041] Suitable coatings are particularly hydrophobic organic substances, which are applied to the surface of flame retardant particles physically or chemically by appropriate methods. Such coating methods are known to those skilled in the art, and suitable coating types such as magnesium hydroxide and aluminum trihydrate are commercially available.

[0042] The surface coating may be present in an amount of 0.01-5% by weight, preferably 0.1-1% by weight, based on the weight of the flame retardant FR particles.

[0043] Particularly preferred as surface coatings for flame retardant FR are silanes, particularly alkylalkoxysilanes, especially alkyltrialkoxysilanes, which form at least partially hydrophobic alkyl silicate / salt layers on the particle surface through hydrolysis and condensation. Very particularly preferred alkylalkoxysilanes are, for example, vinylalkoxysilanes, such as vinyltrimethoxysilane.

[0044] Fatty acids are also preferred as the surface coating of the flame retardant FR. They form a hydrophobic shell around the particles. A particularly preferred fatty acid is, for example, stearic acid.

[0045] In one or more embodiments, the at least one flame retardant FR comprises a surface coating of silane or fatty acid, preferably silane, particularly alkylsilane or alkylalkoxysilane.

[0046] In one or more preferred embodiments, the at least one flame retardant FR is selected from surface-coated magnesium hydroxide and surface-coated aluminum trihydrate, preferably selected from precipitated surface-coated magnesium hydroxide and precipitated surface-coated aluminum trihydrate, and preferably contains a surface coating of silane or fatty acid, particularly a surface coating of silane, especially alkylsilane or alkylalkoxysilane.

[0047] Suitable surface-coated aluminum trihydrates are commercially available, for example, under the trade names Martinal® and Magnifin® (both from Martinswerk GmbH). For instance, precipitated fatty acid-coated ATH is available under the trade name Martinal® OL 104C, and precipitated vinylsilane-coated ATH is available under the trade name Martinal® OL 104ZO (both from Martinswerk, Germany).

[0048] In one or more other embodiments, the at least one flame retardant FR is surface-coated magnesium hydroxide, preferably precipitated surface-coated magnesium hydroxide, preferably a surface coating of silane or fatty acid, particularly a surface coating of silane, especially alkylsilane or alkylalkoxysilane. In applications where the polymer composition is exposed to high temperatures (e.g., above 200°C) during the processing of the composition, the use of a magnesium hydroxide-based flame retardant may be superior to aluminum trihydrate.

[0049] The polymer composition comprises at least one propylene copolymer PCP as a first polymer component.

[0050] In one or more embodiments, the at least one propylene copolymer PCP is present in the polymer composition in an amount of 10-65% by weight, preferably 15-50% by weight, more preferably 20-45% by weight, and even more preferably 25-45% by weight, based on the total weight of the polymer composition.

[0051] In one or more embodiments, the at least one propylene copolymer PCP has:

[0052] - The flexural modulus, measured at 23°C according to ISO 178:2019, is not greater than 100 MPa, preferably not greater than 75 MPa, more preferably not greater than 65 MPa, and even more preferably not greater than 50 MPa, and / or

[0053] - The xylene cold-soluble content, as determined according to ISO 16152:2005, is at least 70% by weight, preferably at least 80% by weight, more preferably at least 90% by weight, even more preferably at least 95% by weight, still more preferably at least 99% by weight, and / or

[0054] - The softening point, determined by the ring and ball method according to ISO 4625-1:2020, is not greater than 95°C, preferably not greater than 75°C, more preferably not greater than 70°C, and even more preferably not greater than 65°C, and / or

[0055] - The melt flow rate (230°C / 2.16 kg) as measured according to ISO 1133 standard is not greater than 50 g / 10 min, preferably not greater than 40 g / 10 min, more preferably not greater than 35 g / 10 min, and even more preferably not greater than 30 g / 10 min, and / or

[0056] - The density, measured at 23°C according to ASTM D-792 standard, is 0.850-0.900 g / cm³. 3 The preferred concentration is 0.855-0.890 g / cm³. 3 .

[0057] Preferably, the propylene content of the at least one propylene copolymer PCP is at least 60% by weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight, based on the weight of the propylene copolymer.

[0058] In one or more embodiments, the at least one propylene copolymer PCP is a propylene-ethylene copolymer, preferably a random propylene-ethylene copolymer, and preferably has an ethylene content of 5-20% by weight, more preferably 9-18% by weight, and even more preferably 12-18% by weight, based on the weight of the propylene copolymer.

[0059] Suitable propylene-ethylene copolymers are commercially available, for example, under the trade names Versify® (from Dow Chemicals) and Vistamaxx® (from Exxon Mobil).

[0060] In addition to the propylene copolymer PCP, the polymer composition further comprises at least one thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV).

[0061] The term "thermoplastic vulcanizate" in this disclosure refers to a composition comprising at least a portion of a vulcanizate component dispersed in a plastic component matrix.

[0062] Thermoplastic vulcanizates can be prepared by a dynamic vulcanization method, in which the rubber component is selectively vulcanized during mixing of a blend comprising the rubber and plastic components, while minimizing the impact on the plastic component. The vulcanization of the rubber component is typically not initiated before the formation of a well-mixed polymer blend, and mixing continues during the vulcanization step. Commercially available TPVs in the prior art typically comprise a thermoplastic matrix filled with micron-sized partially or fully cross-linked rubber particles. Processing oils are also used to improve the melt processing properties of TPV compositions. Examples of TPVs and methods of their production are disclosed, for example, in US 7294675 B2.

[0063] The term "thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV)" in this disclosure refers to a thermoplastic vulcanizate prepared by the dynamic vulcanization method described above. Suitable thermoplastic vulcanizates are commercially available, for example, under the trade names Milastomer® (from Mitsui Chemicals) and Santoprene® (from Exxon Mobil).

[0064] In one or more embodiments, the at least one thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) is present in the polymer composition in an amount of 0.5-15% by weight, preferably 2.5-12.5% ​​by weight, more preferably 3.5-10% by weight, based on the total weight of the polymer composition.

[0065] Preferably, the at least one thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) comprises a blend of thermoplastic resin and at least a portion of vulcanizate particles dispersed throughout the thermoplastic resin matrix. The term "matrix" herein refers to the continuous phase of the thermoplastic resin.

[0066] Suitable rubbers for use in blends of the at least one thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) include, for example, butyl rubber, halogenated butyl rubber, ethylene-propylene-diene rubber, natural rubber, chloroprene rubber, synthetic 1,4-cis-polyisoprene, polybutadiene, ethylene-propylene rubber, styrene-butadiene copolymer, isoprene-butadiene copolymer, styrene-isoprene-butadiene rubber, methyl methacrylate-butadiene copolymer, methyl methacrylate-isoprene copolymer, acrylonitrile-isoprene copolymer, and acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer.

[0067] According to one or more embodiments, the rubber is selected from butyl rubber, halogenated butyl rubber, ethylene-propylene diene rubber, natural rubber, synthetic 1,4-cis-polyisoprene, polybutadiene, and ethylene-propylene rubber.

[0068] The term "butyl rubber" in this disclosure refers to a polymer derived from a mixture of monomers containing a C4-C7 monoolefin monomer (preferably an isoolefin monomer) as the main component and a minor component, for example, no more than 30% by weight of C4-C7 monoolefin monomers. 14 Polyolefin monomers (preferably conjugated dienes). Preferred C4-C7 monoolefin monomers are preferably selected from isobutene, 2-methyl-1-butene, 3-methyl-1-butene, 2-methyl-2-butene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, and mixtures thereof. The term "ethylene-propylene diene rubber" in this disclosure refers to a terpolymer of ethylene, propylene, and a non-conjugated diene. Non-limiting examples of suitable non-conjugated dienes for use in ethylene-propylene diene rubber include, for example, 5-ethylidene-2-norbornene (ENB); 1,4-hexadiene; 5-methylene-2-norbornene (MNB); 1,6-octadiene; 5-methyl-1,4-hexadiene; 3,7-dimethyl-1,6-octadiene; 1,4-cyclohexadiene; tetrahydroindene; methyltetrahydroindene; dicyclopentadiene; 5-isopropylidene-2-norbornene; and 5-vinyl-norbornene.

[0069] Suitable thermoplastic resins used in blends of the at least one thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) include, for example, polyolefins, such as polyethylene, ethylene copolymers, polypropylene, and propylene copolymers. According to one or more embodiments, the thermoplastic resin comprises a propylene copolymer, preferably a random propylene copolymer, which preferably has a melt temperature not exceeding 135°C, more preferably not exceeding 115°C, and even more preferably not exceeding 105°C, as determined by DSC according to standard 11357-3:2018 using a heating rate of 2°C / min.

[0070] According to one or more embodiments, the blend of the at least one thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) comprises 15-75 parts by weight of the thermoplastic resin and 25-85 parts by weight of the at least partially vulcanizate, based on 100 total parts by weight of the thermoplastic resin and the at least partially vulcanizate.

[0071] According to one or more embodiments, the blend of the at least one thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) further comprises 10-300 parts by weight, preferably 50-250 parts by weight, of additive oil, based on 100 parts by weight of the at least partial vulcanizate.

[0072] Preferred additive oils for the blends include processing oils, such as mineral oils, synthetic oils, vegetable oils, and liquid polyolefin resins, as well as organic esters and synthetic plasticizers.

[0073] The term "mineral oil" in this disclosure refers to a hydrocarbon liquid with a lubricating viscosity (i.e., a kinematic viscosity of 1 cSt or higher at 100°C) derived from crude petroleum and subjected to one or more refining and / or hydrotreating steps, such as fractionation, hydrocracking, dewaxing, isomerization, and hydrorefining, to purify and chemically modify the components to achieve the final set of properties. In other words, the term "mineral" in this disclosure refers to refined mineral oil, which may also be characterized as Group I-III base oils according to the American Petroleum Institute (API) classification.

[0074] Suitable mineral oils for use as the additive oil include alkane mineral oils, naphthenic mineral oils, and aromatic mineral oils. Particularly suitable mineral oils include alkane and naphthenic oils containing a relatively small amount of aromatic structural moiety, for example, not more than 25% by weight, preferably not more than 15% by weight, based on the total weight of the mineral oil.

[0075] The term "synthetic oil" in this disclosure refers to fully synthetic (polyalphaolefin) oil, also known as Group IV base oil according to the American Petroleum Institute (API) classification. Suitable synthetic oils are produced from liquid polyalphaolefins (PAOs) obtained by polymerizing alpha-olefins in the presence of a polymerization catalyst (e.g., Friedel-Crafts catalyst). Typically, liquid PAOs are high-purity hydrocarbons with alkane structures and highly branched side chains. Particularly suitable synthetic oils include those derived from so-called gas-to-liquid processes.

[0076] Suitable liquid polyolefin resins used as the additive oils include liquid polybutene and liquid polyisobutylene (PIB). The term "liquid polybutene" herein refers to a liquid low molecular weight olefin oligomer containing isobutylene and / or 1-butene and / or 2-butene at 25°C. The ratio of C4-olefin isomers may vary depending on the manufacturer and grade. When the C4-olefin is only 1-butene, the material is referred to as "poly-n-butene" or "PNB". The term "liquid polyisobutylene" herein refers to an olefin oligomer of low molecular weight polyolefin and isobutylene. Particularly suitable liquid polybutene and liquid polyisobutylene have a number-average molecular weight (Mi) of... n The concentration is less than 15000 g / mol, preferably less than 5000 g / mol, and more preferably less than 3500 g / mol.

[0077] According to one or more embodiments, the degree of crosslinking of the at least partially vulcanized rubber, as determined by the method defined in ISO 10147:2011, is at least 50% by weight, preferably at least 75% by weight, more preferably at least 80% by weight, and even more preferably at least 90% by weight.

[0078] The polymer composition of the present invention further comprises at least one thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer (TPO). It goes without saying that the at least one thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer (TPO) is different from the at least one propylene copolymer (PCP) and the at least one thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV).

[0079] The term "thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer (TPO, TPE-O)" refers to a specific type of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) provided as a physical blend or reactor blend of olefin components. TPO is a multiphase polymer system comprising a highly crystalline base polyolefin and a low-crystalline or amorphous polyolefin modifier. This multiphase morphology consists of a matrix phase primarily comprising the base polyolefin and a dispersed phase primarily comprising the polyolefin modifier. Commercially available TPO includes reactor blends of the base polyolefin and polyolefin modifier, also known as "in-situ TPO," "reactor TPO," or "impact copolymer (ICP)," as well as physical blends of the aforementioned components. In the case of reactor blends of TPO, the components are typically produced using a sequential polymerization method, wherein the matrix phase component is produced in a first reactor and transferred to a second reactor where the dispersed phase component is produced and incorporated as a domain into the matrix phase. The physical blends of TPO are produced by melt blending the base polyolefin with a polyolefin modifier, each of which is formed separately prior to the blending of the components.

[0080] Reactor blends (TPOs) containing polypropylene homopolymers as the base polymer are generally referred to as "multiphase propylene copolymers (HECOs)," while reactor blends (TPOs) containing propylene random copolymers as the base polymer are generally referred to as "multiphase propylene random copolymers (RAHECOs)." The term "multiphase propylene copolymer" in this disclosure includes both HECO and RAHECO-type multiphase propylene copolymers.

[0081] Depending on the amount of polyolefin modifier, commercially available multiphase propylene copolymers are typically characterized as “impact copolymers” (ICPs) or as “reactor-TPOs” or “soft-TPOs.” The main difference between these types of TPOs is that the amount of polyolefin modifier in ICPs is generally lower than that in reactor-TPOs and soft-TPOs, for example, not exceeding 40% by weight, and particularly not exceeding 35% by weight. Therefore, compared to reactor-TPOs and soft-TPOs, typical ICPs tend to have a lower xylene cold solubles (XCS) content as determined according to ISO 16152:2005 and a higher flexural modulus as determined according to ISO 178:2019.

[0082] In one or more embodiments, the at least one thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer (TPO) is present in the polymer composition in an amount of 5-50% by weight, preferably 10-40% by weight, more preferably 15-35% by weight, based on the total weight of the polymer composition.

[0083] In one or more embodiments, the at least one thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer (TPO) has:

[0084] - The flexural modulus, measured at 23°C according to ISO 178:2019, is at least 400 MPa, preferably at least 500 MPa, more preferably at least 600 MPa, and / or

[0085] - The melting temperature determined by DSC according to ISO 11357-3:2018 using a heating rate of 2°C / min is at least 100°C, preferably at least 110°C, more preferably at least 120°C, even more preferably at least 130°C, still more preferably at least 135°C, and / or

[0086] - The melt flow rate (230°C / 2.16 kg) as determined according to ISO 1133 standard is not greater than 100 g / 10 min, preferably not greater than 75 g / 10 min, more preferably not greater than 50 g / 10 min, and even more preferably not greater than 35 g / 10 min, and / or

[0087] - The xylene cold soluble content, as determined according to ISO 16152:2005, is at least 5% by weight, preferably at least 15% by weight, more preferably at least 25% by weight, even more preferably at least 35% by weight, particularly 5-90% by weight, preferably 15-85% by weight, more preferably 25-80% by weight, even more preferably 35-75% by weight.

[0088] In one or more embodiments, the at least one thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer (TPO) is a multiphase propylene copolymer, preferably comprising:

[0089] -A) At least one melting temperature (T) m The polypropylene is heated to 100°C or higher, preferably a homopolymer of propylene and / or a random copolymer of propylene having a comonomer content of less than 10% by weight, preferably less than 5% by weight, based on the copolymer weight.

[0090] -B) At least one glass transition temperature (T) g The polyolefin is at -20°C or lower, preferably an ethylene copolymer having a comonomer content of at least 5% by weight, preferably at least 10% by weight, based on the weight of the copolymer, and preferably a glass transition temperature (T). g The temperature is -25°C or lower, more preferably -35°C or lower, and preferably ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR).

[0091] The multiphase propylene copolymer comprises a matrix phase mainly comprising A) and a dispersed phase mainly comprising B).

[0092] According to one or more embodiments, the multiphase propylene copolymer is a reactor blend of A) and B), wherein the reactor blend is preferably obtained by using a sequential polymerization method, wherein the component of the matrix phase is produced in a first reactor and transferred to a second reactor, in which the component of the dispersed phase is produced and incorporated as a domain into the matrix phase.

[0093] Particularly suitable multiphase propylene copolymers include, for example, “reactor TPO” and “soft TPO” produced using LyondellBasell’s Catalloy process technology, which are available under the trade names Adflex®, Adsyl®, Clyrell®, Hifax®, Hiflex®, and Softell®, such as Hifax® CA 10A, Hifax® CA 12A, Hifax® CA 60A, and Hifax® CA 212A. Other suitable multiphase propylene copolymers are commercially available under the trade name Borsoft® (from Borealis Polymers), such as Borsoft® SD 233 CF.

[0094] In one or more embodiments, the total amount of at least one propylene copolymer PCP, at least one thermoplastic vulcanizate TPV, and at least one thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer TPO accounts for at least 35% by weight, preferably at least 45% by weight, and more preferably at least 55% by weight of the total weight of the polymer composition.

[0095] The polymer composition may further comprise various additives, such as fillers, UV stabilizers and heat stabilizers, antioxidants, plasticizers, dyes, pigments, matting agents, antistatic agents, impact modifiers, biocides, and processing aids, such as lubricants, slip agents, anti-caking agents, and anti-sticking agents. Based on the total weight of the polymer composition, the total amount of these types of additives is preferably no more than 15% by weight, more preferably no more than 10% by weight.

[0096] According to one or more embodiments, the thermoplastic composition further comprises at least one inorganic filler F.

[0097] Suitable compounds for use as the inorganic filler F include, for example, sand, granite, calcium carbonate, clay, expanded clay, diatomaceous earth, pumice, mica, kaolin, talc, dolomite, calcium silicate, perlite, vermiculite, wollastonite, barite, magnesium carbonate, calcium hydroxide, calcium aluminate, silica, fumed silica, fused silica, aerogel, glass beads, hollow glass spheres, ceramic spheres, bauxite, crushed concrete, and zeolite.

[0098] The at least one inorganic filler F is preferably present in the thermoplastic composition in the form of finely milled particles. The term "finely milled particles" herein refers to its median particle size d. 50 Particles not exceeding 150 μm, preferably 100 μm, and more preferably 50 μm. The term "median particle size d" is used. 50 "In this disclosure, it refers to a particle size such that, below this particle size, 50% by volume of all particles is less than this d." 50 The particle size distribution can be determined by sieve analysis according to the method described in ASTM C 136 / C 136M-2014 (“Standard Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates”).

[0099] In one or more embodiments, the median particle size d of the at least one inorganic filler F 50 The micrometer range is 0.1-50 μm, preferably 0.15-35 μm, more preferably 0.25-25 μm, even more preferably 0.35-15 μm, and still more preferably 0.5-10 μm.

[0100] In one or more embodiments, the at least one inorganic filler F is present in the polymer composition in an amount of 0.5-20% by weight, preferably 1-15% by weight, more preferably 2.5-10% by weight, based on the total weight of the polymer composition.

[0101] Unless otherwise stated, the preferred options given above for at least one flame retardant FR, at least one propylene copolymer PCP, at least one thermoplastic vulcanizate TPV, at least one thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer TPO, and at least one inorganic filler F are equally applicable to all subjects of the present invention.

[0102] Another subject of the present invention is a sealing element comprising a waterproof layer obtained by using the polymer composition of the present invention.

[0103] Specifically, the waterproof layer comprises or is composed of the polymer composition of the present invention.

[0104] The term "layer" in this disclosure generally refers to a sheet-like element having a first main surface and a second main surface (i.e., a top surface and a bottom surface), a width defined between longitudinally extending edges, and a thickness defined between the first main surface and the second main surface.

[0105] In one or more embodiments, the waterproof layer comprises at least 50% by weight, preferably at least 75% by weight, more preferably at least 85% by weight, and even more preferably at least 95% by weight, of the polymer composition of the present invention.

[0106] In one or more embodiments, the waterproof layer is composed of the polymer composition of the present invention.

[0107] Preferably, the thickness of the waterproof layer of the sealing element is no greater than 10 mm, more preferably no greater than 7.5 mm, more preferably no greater than 5 mm, and even more preferably no greater than 3.5 mm. In one or more embodiments, the thickness of the waterproof layer is 0.1-5 mm, preferably 0.1-3.5 mm, more preferably 0.5-3 mm, and even more preferably 0.75-2.5 mm. The thickness of the layer can be determined using the measurement method defined in EN 1849-2:2010-04.

[0108] There are no strict limitations on the width and length of the waterproof layer, and these limitations depend on the intended use of the sealing element. For example, the sealing element can be provided in the form of a narrow strip, wherein the width of the waterproof layer is, for example, 25-500 mm, such as 50-400 mm, and particularly 75-350 mm. The terms "width" and "length" refer to two vertical dimensions measured in the horizontal plane of the first and second main surfaces of the sheet element. Typically, the "width" of the sheet element is the smaller of the horizontal dimensions of the sheet element. Therefore, the "width" of the waterproof layer refers to the smaller dimension measured in the horizontal plane of the waterproof layer in a direction perpendicular to the length of the waterproof layer.

[0109] The sealing device can also be provided in the form of wide sheets, particularly membranes, wherein the width of the waterproof layer is, for example, 0.75-5m, 0.85-3.5m, and particularly 1-3m. Such sealing elements are typically transported to the construction site in rolls, transferred to the installation location, and adhered to the substrate to be waterproofed.

[0110] In one or more embodiments, the sealing element is a membrane, preferably a roofing membrane.

[0111] The sealing element may further include one or more reinforcing layers. The reinforcing layer may be completely embedded in the waterproofing layer, or directly or indirectly adhered to one of the main surfaces of the waterproofing layer. "Completely embedded" is understood to mean that the reinforcing layer is completely covered by the matrix of the waterproofing layer. "Directly adhered" is understood to mean that there is no other layer or material between the layers, and that the opposing surfaces of the layers are directly adhered to each other. In the transition region between the two layers, the materials of the layers may also be mixed with each other. The reinforcing layer and the waterproofing layer may be indirectly adhered to each other, for example, via a connecting layer (e.g., an adhesive layer).

[0112] If used, there are no particular restrictions on the type of reinforcing layer. For example, reinforcing layers commonly used to improve the dimensional stability of roof membranes can be used. Preferred reinforcing layers include nonwoven fabrics, woven fabrics, and laid scrims, and combinations thereof.

[0113] The term "nonwoven fabric" in this disclosure refers to a material comprising fibers bonded together using chemical, mechanical, or thermal bonding methods, and which is neither woven nor knitted. Such nonwoven fabrics can be produced, for example, by using carding or needle-punching processes, in which fibers are mechanically entangled to obtain the nonwoven fabric. In chemical bonding, chemical adhesives, such as adhesive materials, are used to hold the fibers together within the nonwoven fabric.

[0114] The term "laid loose fabric" in this disclosure refers to a web-like nonwoven product comprising at least two sets of parallel yarns (also referred to as weft and warp yarns) that are stacked and chemically bonded together. The yarns of the nonwoven loose fabric are typically arranged toward each other at an angle of 60–120° (e.g., 90 ± 5°) to create gaps, wherein these gaps occupy more than 60% of the total surface area of ​​the laid loose fabric. Typical materials used for laid loose fabrics include metal fibers, inorganic fibers (particularly glass fibers), and synthetic organic fibers (particularly polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET)).

[0115] According to one or more embodiments, the sealing element comprises: a reinforcing layer comprising synthetic organic fibers and / or a reinforcing layer comprising inorganic fibers, wherein the synthetic organic fibers are preferably selected from polyester fibers, polypropylene fibers, polyethylene fibers, nylon fibers and polyamide fibers, and the inorganic fibers are preferably selected from glass fibers, aramid fibers, wollastonite fibers and carbon fibers, more preferably glass fibers.

[0116] In one or more embodiments, the reinforcing layer is thermally laminated to one of the main surfaces of the waterproofing layer in a manner that provides a direct bond between the reinforcing layer and the waterproofing layer. The term "thermal lamination" refers to a method in which layers are bonded together by applying heat. Specifically, the term "thermal lamination" refers to a method that involves partially melting at least one of the layers by applying heat, followed by a cooling step, which results in a physical bond between the layers without the use of an adhesive.

[0117] In one or more other embodiments, the reinforcing layer is completely embedded in the waterproof layer.

[0118] According to one or more embodiments, the sealing element comprises an additional waterproof layer, which is preferably obtained by using the polymer composition of the present invention. Preferably, the additional waterproof layer comprises or is composed of the polymer composition of the present invention.

[0119] Preferably, the thickness of the additional waterproof layer is no more than 10 mm, more preferably no more than 7.5 mm, more preferably no more than 5 mm, and even more preferably no more than 3.5 mm. According to one or more embodiments, the thickness of the additional waterproof layer is 0.1-5 mm, preferably 0.1-3.5 mm, more preferably 0.5-3 mm, and even more preferably 0.75-2.5 mm.

[0120] Another aspect of the present invention is a method for producing a sealing element according to the invention, the method comprising melting-processing a composition comprising the components of the polymer composition as described above, and melting-forming the melt-processed composition into the form of a molded article.

[0121] The term “melt processing” in this disclosure refers to a method in which at least one molten polymer component is closely mixed with at least one other component (which may be another molten polymer component or a solid component, such as a filler) until a melt blend is obtained, i.e., a mixture in which the polymer component and the other components are substantially homogeneously mixed.

[0122] The melt processing of the composition can be carried out in an intermittent manner using any conventional mixer (e.g., Brabender, Banbury, or roller mixer), or in a continuous manner using a continuous mixer (preferably an extruder, such as a single-screw or twin-screw extruder or planetary roller extruder).

[0123] The melt forming step can be performed using various techniques known to those skilled in the art, such as extrusion, co-extrusion, molding, thermoforming, film blow molding, casting, or calendering.

[0124] In one or more embodiments, a method for producing a sealing element includes the following steps:

[0125] i) Melt-processing a composition containing the components of the polymer composition in an extruder to provide a melt blend, and

[0126] ii) Extruding the melt blend through an extruder die.

[0127] Any conventional extruder can be used to perform step i) of the method, such as a plunger extruder, a single-screw extruder, a twin-screw extruder, or a planetary roll extruder.

[0128] Preferably, the extruder is a screw extruder, more preferably a twin-screw extruder comprising a barrel and a screw unit contained within the barrel. The screw unit of a conventional screw extruder is generally considered to comprise a feed, transition, and metering section. In the feed section, the thermoplastic composition enters the passage of the rotating screw and is conveyed toward the transition section, where the composition is compressed and melted. When it leaves the transition section, the composition should be completely melted. The function of the metering section is to homogenize the molten composition and allow it to be metered or pumped out at a constant rate. The extruder die used for step ii) of the method is preferably a flat die, consisting of a manifold, channels, and a lip region.

[0129] The extruder barrel includes a feed inlet and an outlet. The material to be extruded is fed into the extruder through the feed inlet and exits the barrel through the outlet. The outlet is connected to the die head via a gate or adapter piece. A mixing device may be inserted between the barrel and the die head. The feed inlet is typically connected to a hopper into which the material to be extruded is added. Preferably, a filter assembly and a baffle plate are placed at the end of the barrel to prevent nozzle clogging. The extruder further includes heating elements, cooling elements, temperature sensors, and temperature control elements to provide a temperature-controlled zone, also known as a barrel zone, along the barrel. The extruder may include, for example, 3-8 barrel zones, preferably at least 5, which allow for temperature distribution within the barrel.

[0130] The extrusion method can be performed using different temperature distributions, such as an increasing temperature distribution (where the temperature increases downstream of the barrel), a decreasing temperature distribution (where the temperature decreases downstream of the barrel), or a hump temperature distribution (where the temperature increases from the feed inlet toward a set point (e.g., toward the middle of the barrel)).

[0131] During melt processing in the screw section of the extruder, the highest temperature of the composition (i.e., the end temperature of the screw section) is preferably not less than 150°C, more preferably not less than 160°C, and most preferably not less than 170°C. The highest temperature of the composition during melt processing in the screw section of the extruder can be 150-250°C, for example 160-225°C, or for example 180-215°C.

[0132] The components of the thermoplastic composition can be fed into the extruder as a separate stream, as a premix, a dry blend, or as a masterbatch.

[0133] The at least one propylene copolymer (PCP), at least one thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), and at least one thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer (TPO) can be fed into the extruder through the feed port, and at least a portion of the at least one flame retardant (FR) and additives, such as fillers, UV stabilizers, and UV absorbers (if used), can be fed into the extruder through another port located downstream of the feed port. The term "downstream" herein refers to the direction towards the outlet. Alternatively, at least a portion of the flame retardant (FR) and additives can be mixed with the polymer components to obtain a premix, which is then fed into the extruder through the feed port. This premixing can be performed using blending equipment known to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the polymer components can be processed into granules or pellets in a compounding extruder, dry-blended with at least a portion of the additives, and then the resulting dry blend can be fed into the extruder through the feed port.

[0134] Another subject of the present invention is a method for waterproofing a substrate, the method comprising the following steps:

[0135] I) Apply two or more sealing elements of the present invention to the surface of the substrate to be waterproofed.

[0136] II) Overlap adjacent sealing elements along the length and / or width of the sealing element, and

[0137] III) The opposing surfaces of the overlapping parts are joined together by using adhesives or thermal welding.

[0138] In one or more embodiments, the substrate to be waterproofed is a roofing substrate, preferably selected from insulation boards, cover plates, and existing roofing membranes.

[0139] In one or more embodiments, the adjacent sealing elements overlap along the length and / or width of the sealing element (i.e., along the long edge and / or short edge). In particular, the adjacent sealing elements may overlap for at least 25 mm, preferably at least 50 mm, more preferably at least 75 mm, and even more preferably at least 100 mm, along the length and / or width of the sealing element.

[0140] In one or more embodiments, step III) of the method is performed by heating the overlapping portions of the sealing element to a temperature above the melting temperature of the waterproof layer and bonding the opposing surfaces of the overlapping portions together under sufficient pressure to provide acceptable joint strength without the use of adhesives.

[0141] The step of heating the overlapping portions of the sealing elements can be performed manually, for example using a hot air tool, or using an automated welding device, such as an automated hot air welding device, like the Sarnamatic® 661 welding device. The temperature to which the overlapping portions of the adjacent sealing elements are heated depends on the implementation of the sealing elements and also on whether the welding step is performed manually or using an automated welding device. Preferably, the overlapping portions of the adjacent sealing devices are heated to a temperature of 150°C or higher, more preferably 200°C or higher.

[0142] Example

[0143] The materials shown in Table 1 were used to prepare the membrane sheet.

[0144] Table 1

[0145]

[0146] The membrane sheet of the present invention and the reference membrane sheet were prepared according to the following procedure, and their mechanical properties were tested.

[0147] Preparation of film sheet

[0148] The film sheet is produced using a laboratory-scale extrusion-calendering system consisting of a twin-screw extruder (Berstorff GmbH), a flat die, and a water-cooled calendering roll assembly.

[0149] The polymer components (PCP, TPV, TPO) and additives are fed into the extruder hopper. The polymer blend and additives are melt-processed in the first of the four zones of the extruder. At the beginning of the second zone of the extruder, the pigments / fillers and flame retardants (FRs) are added to the partially melt-processed blend. The melt-processed blend is then extruded through a flat die into a single-layer sheet with a thickness of approximately 0.75 mm. The temperature in the extruder varies between 195-200°C, and the melt pressure is 6-7 MPa.

[0150] The membrane of this invention and the reference membrane are multilayer membranes comprising a top and a back waterproof layer and having a total thickness of 1.5 mm. The membrane Ex-2 of this invention is equipped with a nonwoven polyester fabric as a reinforcing layer between the top and bottom layers.

[0151] The top layers of the membranes Ex-1 and Ex-2 of the present invention have the following composition:

[0152] - 34 pbw (parts by weight) of propylene copolymer (PCP),

[0153] - 24 pbw thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer (TPO),

[0154] - 6 pbw thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV),

[0155] - 30 pbw flame retardant (Si-ATH),

[0156] - 5 pbw of TiO2 (pigment), and

[0157] - 1.1 PBW additive package.

[0158] The back layers of the membranes Ex-1 and Ex-2 of the present invention have the following composition:

[0159] - 34 pbw (parts by weight) of propylene copolymer (PCP),

[0160] - 24pbw thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer (TPO)

[0161] - 6pbw thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV)

[0162] - 30pbw flame retardant (Si-ATH),

[0163] - 4.5pbw CaCO3 (filler), and

[0164] - 0.2pbw of additive package.

[0165] The top and bottom layers of membranes Ex-3 and Ex-4 have the same composition as the corresponding layers of membranes Ex-1 and Ex-2, except that the top and bottom layers of Ex-3 contain uncoated MDH as a flame retardant instead of silane-coated ATH, while the top and bottom layers of Ex-4 contain coated MDH as a flame retardant.

[0166] The commercially available membrane Sarnafil® TS 77-15 (from Sika AG) was used as a reference membrane. Sarnafil® TS 77-15 is a multilayer reinforced polyolefin-based roofing membrane with a total thickness of 1.5 mm.

[0167] Flame retardancy

[0168] The flame-retardant properties of the membrane were determined according to EN 11925-2. Based on the test results, the membrane Ex-2 of the present invention has a fire classification of E according to EN 13501-1.

[0169] Tensile stress and elongation at break

[0170] Tensile stress and elongation at break were measured on samples cut from the test membrane in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. The measurements were performed according to GB 27789-2011 standard at a temperature of 23°C using a crosshead speed of 250 ± 50 mm / min. The values ​​of tensile stress and elongation at break obtained using the test membrane are presented in Tables 2 and 3.

[0171] Cold bending

[0172] The cold bending test was performed using the method according to GB 27789 standard.

[0173] Cut test specimens measuring 25 × 100 mm from the test material. Fold the specimens in half and secure them with nails. The folding of the specimens is done in the longitudinal (MD) or transverse (CMD) direction, with the outer surface of the top layer facing outwards and the outer surface of the back layer facing outwards.

[0174] The folded sample was conditioned at -40°C for 1 hour. External pressure was then applied to the sample at the corresponding temperature, and any damage was visually observed. If any damage, such as cracks, was found, the test specimen failed the cold bending test.

[0175] Table 2

[0176]

[0177] MD = Vertical, CMD = Horizontal

[0178] Table 3

[0179]

[0180] MD = Vertical, CMD = Horizontal

[0181] Table 4

[0182]

Claims

1. A polymer composition comprising: a) At least one propylene copolymer PCP, b) At least one thermoplastic vulcanized rubber TPV, c) At least one thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer (TPO) that is different from the propylene copolymer (PCP), and d) At least one flame retardant FR, selected from magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide.

2. The polymer composition according to claim 1, wherein the at least one flame retardant FR is present in the polymer composition in an amount of 5-50% by weight, preferably 15-45% by weight, based on the total weight of the polymer composition.

3. The polymer composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one flame retardant FR is selected from surface-coated magnesium hydroxide and surface-coated aluminum hydroxide, preferably comprising a silane surface coating.

4. The polymer composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one propylene copolymer PCP is present in the polymer composition in an amount of 10-65% by weight, preferably 15-50% by weight, based on the total weight of the polymer composition.

5. The polymer composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one propylene copolymer PCP has a flexural modulus of not more than 100 MPa, preferably not more than 75 MPa, as determined according to ISO 178:2019 at 23°C, and / or a xylene cold-soluble content of at least 70% by weight, more preferably at least 80% by weight, as determined according to ISO 16152:2005, and / or a softening point of not more than 95°C, preferably not more than 75°C, as determined by the ring and ball method according to ISO 4625-1:2020.

6. The polymer composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one propylene copolymer PCP is a propylene-ethylene copolymer, preferably a random propylene-ethylene copolymer.

7. The polymer composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) is present in the polymer composition in an amount of 0.5-15% by weight, preferably 2.5-12.5% ​​by weight, based on the total weight of the polymer composition.

8. The polymer composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one thermoplastic vulcanized rubber TPV comprises a blend of a thermoplastic resin and at least partially vulcanized rubber particles dispersed throughout the thermoplastic resin matrix.

9. The polymer composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer TPO is present in the polymer composition in an amount of 5-50% by weight, preferably 10-40% by weight, based on the total weight of the polymer composition.

10. The polymer composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer TPO has a melt temperature of at least 100°C, preferably at least 110°C, as determined by DSC using a heating rate of 2°C / min according to ISO 11357-3:2018.

11. The polymer composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer (TPO) is a multiphase propylene copolymer.

12. A sealing element comprising a waterproof layer obtained by using a polymer composition according to any one of the preceding claims.

13. The sealing element according to claim 12, wherein the sealing element is a membrane, preferably a roofing membrane.

14. A method for producing a sealing element according to claim 12 or 13, the method comprising melt-processing a composition comprising the components of a polymer composition according to any one of claims 1-11, and melt-forming the melt-processed composition into the form of a molded article.

15. A method for waterproofing a substrate, comprising the following steps: I) Apply two or more sealing elements according to any one of claims 12 or 13 to the surface of the substrate to be waterproofed. II) Overlap adjacent sealing elements along the length and / or width of the sealing element, and III) The opposing surfaces of the overlapping parts are joined together by using adhesives or thermal welding.

Images