Container closure having sealing element, container having container closure, and method for producing closed container

Abstract

The invention relates to a container closure with a sealing element. The sealing element comprises a polymer composition. The polymer composition comprises a propylene copolymer. The melting temperature of the propylene copolymer as determined by a second heating curve measured by DSC at a heating rate of 10 DEG C / min is in the range of 30 DEG C to 110 DEG C.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a container closure having a sealing element, a container having said container closure, and a method for manufacturing a closed container.

[0002] Container closures with sealing elements are known from the prior art. In particular, polymer compositions for sealing elements that do not contain PVC or contain other polymer components besides PVC are relatively expensive and relatively difficult to process.

[0003] If oxygen reaches a relatively large extent in a sealed and filled container, this is generally detrimental, especially if the filler material is food-grade. Sealing elements made of PVC provide good protection against oxygen penetration into the container. Low-PVC sealing elements typically achieve this only adequately. Therefore, oxygen scavengers are often used in low-PVC polymer compositions of sealing elements. One example of an oxygen scavenger is sodium sulfite. However, sodium sulfite is generally undesirable in compositions used for sealing elements in container closures because this sulfite can enter the filler material and may cause allergic-like reactions in consumers.

[0004] One object of the present invention is to provide a container closure having a sealing element, wherein the sealing element can be manufactured at an acceptable cost and has a low or very low oxygen permeability value.

[0005] Another objective is to provide container closures with sealing elements that can be pasteurized or sterilized when the container closure seals the container.

[0006] Another objective is to provide container closures with sealing elements that have low total migration.

[0007] At least one of the stated objectives is achieved through the subject matter of the independent claim.

[0008] A container closure with a sealing element is disclosed. The sealing element comprises a polymer composition. The polymer composition comprises a propylene copolymer. The melting temperature of the propylene copolymer, determined by a second heating profile measured by DSC at a heating rate of 10°C / min, is in the range of 30°C to 110°C.

[0009] The term DSC stands for Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC).

[0010] The sealing element can be substantially disc-shaped or substantially annular.

[0011] The thickness of the sealing element (in the axial direction of the container closure and / or in the axial direction of the container) can be at least 0.5 mm, preferably at least 1.0 mm, more preferably at least 1.5 mm, and even more preferably at least 2.0 mm.

[0012] The diameter of the sealing element (perpendicular to the axial direction of the container closure and / or perpendicular to the axial direction of the container) can be up to 300 mm, preferably up to 250 mm, more preferably up to 200 mm, more preferably up to 150 mm, and even more preferably up to 120 mm. The diameter of the sealing element can be at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10 mm, more preferably at least 15 mm, and even more preferably at least 20 mm. Particularly preferably, the diameter of the sealing element is from 10 mm to 200 mm, particularly from 15 mm to 130 mm.

[0013] The polymer composition can constitute the majority of the sealing element. In addition to the polymer composition, the sealing element may also contain other components. These other components can be polymeric or non-polymeric. For example, the sealing element may include one or more membranes. The membranes can be polymeric or non-polymeric membranes, and preferably, the membranes are metallic membranes. In particular, the sealing element is composed of a polymer composition.

[0014] Preferably, the melting temperature of the propylene copolymer, determined by a second heating curve measured by DSC at a heating rate of 10°C / min, is in the range of 35°C to 110°C, more preferably in the range of 40°C to 110°C, more preferably in the range of 50°C to 100°C, even more preferably in the range of 50°C to 90°C, even more preferably in the range of 60°C to 90°C, and even more preferably in the range of 70°C to 90°C. Particularly preferably, the melting temperature of the propylene copolymer, determined by a second heating curve measured by DSC at a heating rate of 10°C / min, is in the range of 70°C to 80°C or in the range of 78°C to 88°C.

[0015] The Shore D hardness of the propylene copolymer, determined according to DIN ISO 7619 at a temperature of 23°C and a holding time of 15 seconds, can be in the range of 20 to 75. Preferably, the Shore D hardness of the propylene copolymer, determined according to DIN ISO 7619 at a temperature of 23°C and a holding time of 15 seconds, is in the range of 30 to 70, more preferably in the range of 40 to 60. Particularly preferably, the Shore D hardness of the propylene copolymer, determined according to DIN ISO 7619 (especially DIN ISO 7619-1) at a temperature of 23°C and a holding time of 15 seconds, is in the range of 47 to 57 or in the range of 50 to 60.

[0016] Alternatively, the Shore hardness (particularly Shore A hardness and / or Shore D hardness) can be determined in this disclosure according to ASTM D2240 or DIN EN ISO 868, in each case at a temperature of 23°C and a holding time of 15 seconds.

[0017] The melt flow rate (MFR) of the propylene copolymer, as determined by ASTM D1238 at 230°C and 2.16 kg, can be in the range of 0.1 g / 10 min to 100 g / 10 min, preferably in the range of 1 g / 10 min to 80 g / 10 min, more preferably in the range of 1 g / 10 min to 40 g / 10 min, more preferably in the range of 2 g / 10 min to 20 g / 10 min, and even more preferably in the range of 4 g / 10 min to 10 g / 10 min.

[0018] The melt flow rate (MFR) of the propylene copolymer, as determined by ASTM D1238 at 190°C and 2.16 kg, can be in the range of 0.1 g / 10 min to 100 g / 10 min, preferably in the range of 0.1 g / 10 min to 60 g / 10 min, more preferably in the range of 1 g / 10 min to 40 g / 10 min, even more preferably in the range of 1 g / 10 min to 20 g / 10 min, and even more preferably in the range of 1 g / 10 min to 5 g / 10 min.

[0019] The propylene comonomer content in the propylene copolymer can be at least 30 mol%. Preferably, the propylene comonomer content in the propylene copolymer is at least 35 mol%, more preferably at least 40 mol%, more preferably at least 45 mol%, more preferably at least 50 mol%, more preferably at least 55 mol%, more preferably at least 60 mol%, more preferably at least 65 mol%, more preferably at least 70 mol%, more preferably at least 75 mol%, and more preferably at least 80 mol%.

[0020] The propylene comonomer content in the propylene copolymer can be up to 95 mol%. Preferably, the propylene comonomer content in the propylene copolymer is up to 92 mol%, more preferably up to 90 mol%, more preferably up to 87 mol%, and even more preferably up to 85 mol%.

[0021] The content of propylene comonomer in the propylene copolymer can be in the range of 30 mol% to 95 mol%, preferably in the range of 40 mol% to 95 mol%, more preferably in the range of 50 mol% to 95 mol%, more preferably in the range of 60 mol% to 95 mol%, more preferably in the range of 70 mol% to 95 mol%, more preferably in the range of 70 mol% to 90 mol%, and more preferably in the range of 75 mol% to 90 mol%.

[0022] The propylene copolymer may contain a second comonomer. The second comonomer may be a C2 or C4 to C16 (α-) olefin, preferably a C2 or C4 to C12 (α-) olefin, more preferably a C2 or C4 to C8 (α-) olefin, and even more preferably 1-butene.

[0023] The comonomer content of the second comonomer in the propylene copolymer can be up to 40 mol%, preferably up to 30 mol%, more preferably up to 25 mol%, and even more preferably up to 20 mol.

[0024] The comonomer content of the second comonomer in the propylene copolymer can be at least 1 mol%, preferably at least 5 mol%, more preferably at least 10 mol%, and even more preferably at least 15 mol%.

[0025] The comonomer content of the second comonomer in the propylene copolymer can be in the range of 1 mol% to 40 mol%, preferably in the range of 5 mol% to 30 mol%, and more preferably in the range of 10 mol% to 20 mol%.

[0026] The content of propylene comonomer in a propylene copolymer can be higher than the content of the second comonomer.

[0027] Propylene copolymers can be binary copolymers. Propylene copolymers can be propylene-1-butene copolymers.

[0028] The propylene copolymer can have isotactic polypropylene segments. The chain length of the polypropylene segments can be at least 5, preferably at least 8, more preferably at least 10, and even more preferably at least 15. That is, in the polypropylene segments, propylene can exist directly and continuously in the polymer backbone or copolymerize at least 5 times. The polypropylene segments can be completely isotactic.

[0029] Propylene copolymers can be random copolymers.

[0030] The propylene copolymer may be present in the polymer composition at a level of at least 5% by weight, preferably at least 10% by weight, more preferably at least 15% by weight, more preferably at least 20% by weight, more preferably at least 25% by weight, more preferably at least 30% by weight, more preferably at least 35% by weight, more preferably at least 40% by weight, more preferably at least 45% by weight, more preferably at least 50% by weight, more preferably at least 55% by weight, more preferably at least 60% by weight, more preferably at least 65% by weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight, more preferably at least 75% by weight, more preferably at least 80% by weight, more preferably at least 85% by weight, and more preferably at least 90% by weight.

[0031] Typically, weight % data refers to the total weight of all components in a mixture or composition. For example, weight % data for the components of a polymer composition refers to all components of the polymer composition.

[0032] The propylene copolymer may be present in the polymer composition up to 99% by weight, preferably up to 97% by weight, more preferably up to 90% by weight, more preferably up to 85% by weight, more preferably up to 80% by weight, more preferably up to 75% by weight, more preferably up to 70% by weight, more preferably up to 65% by weight, more preferably up to 60% by weight, more preferably up to 55% by weight, more preferably up to 50% by weight, more preferably up to 45% by weight, more preferably up to 40% by weight, more preferably up to 35% by weight, more preferably up to 30% by weight, more preferably up to 25% by weight, more preferably up to 20% by weight, more preferably up to 15% by weight, and more preferably up to 10% by weight.

[0033] The propylene copolymer may be present in the polymer composition in the range of 5% to 99% by weight.

[0034] The propylene copolymer may be present in the polymer composition in the range of 5% to 60% by weight, preferably in the range of 10% to 50% by weight, more preferably in the range of 10% to 40% by weight, more preferably in the range of 15% to 35% by weight, and even more preferably in the range of 20% to 30% by weight.

[0035] The polymer composition may contain at least one additional polymer. The polymer composition may contain at most one additional polymer. The additional polymer may be a polyolefin.

[0036] Other polymers, when tested according to DIN ISO 7619 at a temperature of 23°C and a holding time of 15 seconds, may have a Shore A hardness of at least 40. Specifically, other polymers, when tested according to DIN ISO 7619 at a temperature of 23°C and a holding time of 15 seconds, may have a Shore A hardness in the range of 40 to 95.

[0037] The Shore A hardness of other polymers, as determined according to DIN ISO 7619 at a temperature of 23°C and a holding time of 15 seconds, can range from 30 to 95.

[0038] The melting temperature of other polymers, determined by a second heating profile measured by DSC at a heating rate of 10 °C / min, can be in the range of 110 °C to 200 °C.

[0039] The Shore D hardness of other polymers, determined according to DIN ISO 7619 at a temperature of 23°C and a holding time of 15 seconds, can be at least 30. Specifically, the Shore D hardness of other polymers, determined according to DIN ISO 7619 at a temperature of 23°C and a holding time of 15 seconds, is in the range of 30 to 80.

[0040] The additional polymer may be present in the polymer composition at a level of at least 5% by weight, preferably at least 10% by weight, more preferably at least 15% by weight, more preferably at least 20% by weight, more preferably at least 25% by weight, more preferably at least 30% by weight, more preferably at least 35% by weight, more preferably at least 40% by weight, more preferably at least 45% by weight, more preferably at least 50% by weight, more preferably at least 55% by weight, more preferably at least 60% by weight, more preferably at least 65% by weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight, more preferably at least 75% by weight, more preferably at least 80% by weight, more preferably at least 85% by weight, and more preferably at least 90% by weight.

[0041] The additional polymer may be present in the polymer composition up to 99% by weight, preferably up to 97% by weight, more preferably up to 90% by weight, more preferably up to 85% by weight, more preferably up to 80% by weight, more preferably up to 75% by weight, more preferably up to 70% by weight, more preferably up to 65% by weight, more preferably up to 60% by weight, more preferably up to 55% by weight, more preferably up to 50% by weight, more preferably up to 45% by weight, more preferably up to 40% by weight, more preferably up to 35% by weight, more preferably up to 30% by weight, more preferably up to 25% by weight, more preferably up to 20% by weight, more preferably up to 15% by weight, and more preferably up to 10% by weight.

[0042] The other polymer may be present in the polymer composition in the range of 30% to 95% by weight, preferably in the range of 40% to 90% by weight, more preferably in the range of 50% to 85% by weight, more preferably in the range of 60% to 80% by weight, and even more preferably in the range of 67% to 77% by weight.

[0043] The other polymer may be present in the polymer composition in the range of 1% to 50% by weight, preferably in the range of 5% to 40% by weight, more preferably in the range of 10% to 35% by weight, more preferably in the range of 15% to 35% by weight, and even more preferably in the range of 19% to 29% by weight.

[0044] The other polymer may be present in the polymer composition in the range of 5% to 90% by weight, preferably in the range of 20% to 80% by weight, more preferably in the range of 30% to 70% by weight, more preferably in the range of 40% to 60% by weight, and even more preferably in the range of 43% to 53% by weight.

[0045] Other polymers can be homopolymers or copolymers, especially binary copolymers or terpolymers.

[0046] The polymer composition may contain additional propylene copolymers. These additional propylene copolymers are different from the propylene copolymers described above. The additional propylene copolymers may be other polymers.

[0047] The Shore A hardness of other propylene copolymers, as determined according to DIN ISO 7619 at a temperature of 23°C and a holding time of 15 seconds, can range from 30 to 95.

[0048] The Shore A hardness of the additional propylene copolymer, determined according to DIN ISO 7619 at a temperature of 23°C and a holding time of 15 seconds, can be in the range of 40 to 95 or 50 to 95. Preferably, the Shore A hardness of the additional propylene copolymer, determined according to DIN ISO 7619 at a temperature of 23°C and a holding time of 15 seconds, is in the range of 60 to 90, more preferably in the range of 65 to 90. In particular, the Shore A hardness of the additional propylene copolymer, determined according to DIN ISO 7619 at a temperature of 23°C and a holding time of 15 seconds, is in the range of 67 to 77, 70 to 80, 79 to 89, or 81 to 91.

[0049] The melting temperature of the additional propylene copolymer, determined by a second heating curve measured by DSC at a heating rate of 10 °C / min, can be in the range of 110 °C to 200 °C.

[0050] Preferably, the melting temperature of the additional propylene copolymer, determined by a second heating curve measured by DSC at a heating rate of 10°C / min, is in the range of 130°C to 200°C, more preferably in the range of 130°C to 165°C, and even more preferably in the range of 130°C to 180°C. More preferably, the melting temperature of the additional propylene copolymer, determined by a second heating curve measured by DSC at a heating rate of 10°C / min, is in the range of 130°C to 150°C or in the range of 150°C to 170°C.

[0051] The melt flow rate (MFR) of the additional propylene copolymer, as determined according to ASTM D1238 at 230°C and 2.16 kg, can be in the range of 0.1 g / 10 min to 100 g / 10 min, preferably in the range of 1 g / 10 min to 80 g / 10 min, more preferably in the range of 1 g / 10 min to 60 g / 10 min, more preferably in the range of 2 g / 10 min to 50 g / 10 min, and even more preferably in the range of 4 g / 10 min to 40 g / 10 min.

[0052] The propylene comonomer content in the additional propylene copolymer may be at least 30 mol%. Preferably, the propylene comonomer content in the additional propylene copolymer is at least 35 mol%, more preferably at least 40 mol%, more preferably at least 45 mol%, more preferably at least 50 mol%, more preferably at least 55 mol%, more preferably at least 60 mol%, more preferably at least 65 mol%, more preferably at least 70 mol%, more preferably at least 75 mol%, more preferably at least 80 mol%.

[0053] The propylene comonomer content in the additional propylene copolymer can be up to 95 mol%. Preferably, the propylene comonomer content in the additional propylene copolymer is up to 92 mol%, more preferably up to 90 mol%, more preferably up to 87 mol%, and even more preferably up to 85 mol%.

[0054] The propylene comonomer content in the other propylene copolymer can be in the range of 30 mol% to 95 mol%, preferably in the range of 40 mol% to 95 mol%, more preferably in the range of 50 mol% to 95 mol%, more preferably in the range of 60 mol% to 95 mol%, more preferably in the range of 70 mol% to 95 mol%, more preferably in the range of 70 mol% to 90 mol%, and more preferably in the range of 75 mol% to 90 mol%.

[0055] The additional propylene copolymer may contain at least one second comonomer. The second comonomer may be a C4 to C16 (α-) olefin, preferably a C4 to C12 (α-) olefin, more preferably a C4 to C8 (α-) olefin, and even more preferably 1-butene.

[0056] The comonomer content of the second comonomer in the additional propylene copolymer can be up to 20 mol, preferably up to 15 mol, more preferably up to 10 mol, and even more preferably up to 7 mol.

[0057] The comonomer content of the second comonomer in the additional propylene copolymer can be at least 1 mol%, preferably at least 2 mol%, more preferably at least 3 mol%, and even more preferably at least 4 mol.

[0058] The comonomer content of the second comonomer in the additional propylene copolymer can be in the range of 1 mol% to 15 mol%, preferably in the range of 1 mol% to 10 mol%, more preferably in the range of 2 mol% to 10 mol%, and even more preferably in the range of 2 mol% to 8 mol%.

[0059] The additional propylene copolymer may contain a third comonomer. The third comonomer may be ethylene.

[0060] Other propylene copolymers can be propylene-ethylene-1-butene copolymers. Other propylene copolymers can be terpolymers.

[0061] The comonomer content of the third comonomer in the additional propylene copolymer can be up to 40 mol, preferably up to 30 mol, more preferably up to 20 mol, and even more preferably up to 15 mol.

[0062] The comonomer content of the third comonomer in the additional propylene copolymer can be at least 1 mol%, preferably at least 5 mol%, and more preferably at least 10 mol.

[0063] The content of the third comonomer in the additional propylene copolymer can be in the range of 1 mol% to 15 mol%, preferably in the range of 1 mol% to 10 mol%, more preferably in the range of 2 mol% to 10 mol%, and even more preferably in the range of 2 mol% to 8 mol%.

[0064] The terms "second" and "third" comonomers are used for distinction. A third comonomer may be included in an independent claim without necessarily having a second comonomer present. However, preferably, both the second and third comonomers are present in the additional propylene copolymer.

[0065] The additional propylene copolymer may contain a second comonomer and a third comonomer. The second comonomer and the third comonomer may be different monomers. The second comonomer and the third comonomer may be selected from C2 or C4 to C16 (α-) olefins, preferably C2 or C4 to C12 (α-) olefins, more preferably C2 or C4 to C8 (α-) olefins, more preferably C2 or C4 to C6 (α-) olefins, and more preferably, the second comonomer is 1-butene and the third comonomer is ethylene.

[0066] The propylene comonomer content in the additional propylene copolymer may be higher than that in the second comonomer. The propylene comonomer content in the additional propylene copolymer may be higher than that in the third comonomer. The propylene comonomer content in the additional propylene copolymer may be higher than that in the second comonomer. The propylene comonomer content in the additional propylene copolymer may be higher than that in the third comonomer, and the comonomer content in the third comonomer may be higher than that in the second comonomer.

[0067] The additional propylene copolymer may have isotactic polypropylene segments. The chain length of the polypropylene segments may be at least 5, preferably at least 8, more preferably at least 10, and even more preferably at least 15. That is, in the polypropylene segments, propylene may exist directly and continuously in the polymer backbone or copolymerize at least 5 times. The polypropylene segments may be completely isotactic.

[0068] Other propylene copolymers can be random copolymers.

[0069] The additional propylene copolymer may be present in the polymer composition at a level of at least 5% by weight, preferably at least 10% by weight, more preferably at least 15% by weight, more preferably at least 20% by weight, more preferably at least 25% by weight, more preferably at least 30% by weight, more preferably at least 35% by weight, more preferably at least 40% by weight, more preferably at least 45% by weight, more preferably at least 50% by weight, more preferably at least 55% by weight, more preferably at least 60% by weight, more preferably at least 65% by weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight, more preferably at least 75% by weight, more preferably at least 80% by weight, more preferably at least 85% by weight, and more preferably at least 90% by weight.

[0070] The additional propylene copolymer may be present in the polymer composition up to 99% by weight, preferably up to 97% by weight, more preferably up to 90% by weight, more preferably up to 85% by weight, more preferably up to 80% by weight, more preferably up to 75% by weight, more preferably up to 70% by weight, more preferably up to 65% by weight, more preferably up to 60% by weight, more preferably up to 55% by weight, more preferably up to 50% by weight, more preferably up to 45% by weight, more preferably up to 40% by weight, more preferably up to 35% by weight, more preferably up to 30% by weight, more preferably up to 25% by weight, more preferably up to 20% by weight, more preferably up to 15% by weight, and more preferably up to 10% by weight.

[0071] Other propylene copolymers may be present in the polymer composition in the range of 5% to 99% by weight.

[0072] The additional propylene copolymer may be present in the polymer composition in the range of 50% to 99% by weight, preferably in the range of 60% to 99% by weight, more preferably in the range of 70% to 99% by weight, more preferably in the range of 80% to 99% by weight, and even more preferably in the range of 90% to 99% by weight.

[0073] The additional propylene copolymer may be present in the polymer composition in the range of 5% to 90% by weight, preferably in the range of 10% to 80% by weight, more preferably in the range of 20% to 80% by weight, more preferably in the range of 30% to 70% by weight, more preferably in the range of 40% to 60% by weight, and more preferably in the range of 45% to 55% by weight.

[0074] The additional propylene copolymer may be present in the polymer composition in the range of 5% to 60% by weight, preferably in the range of 10% to 50% by weight, more preferably in the range of 10% to 40% by weight, more preferably in the range of 15% to 35% by weight, and even more preferably in the range of 20% to 30% by weight.

[0075] The additional propylene copolymer may be present in the polymer composition in the range of 40% to 95% by weight, preferably in the range of 50% to 95% by weight, more preferably in the range of 60% to 95% by weight, more preferably in the range of 70% to 95% by weight, and even more preferably in the range of 78% to 89% by weight.

[0076] The polymer composition may contain a cyclic olefin polymer. The cyclic olefin polymer may be another polymer.

[0077] Cyclic olefin polymers are polymers prepared from at least one cyclic (olefin) monomer. The at least one cyclic monomer can be copolymerized with other monomers, particularly with acyclic monomers. The other monomers can be olefins, particularly α-olefins. Cyclic olefin polymers can also be prepared by ring-opening polymerization of at least one cyclic (olefin) monomer. After polymerization of the at least one cyclic (olefin) monomer, the polymer can be hydrogenated.

[0078] Cyclic olefin polymers may not have segments obtained from styrene. For the polymerization of cyclic olefin polymers, styrene may not be used as a (comonomer).

[0079] Cycloolefin polymers may not contain aromatic groups. Cycloolefin polymers may not contain one or more aromatic groups.

[0080] Cycloolefin polymers can be uncrosslinked. Cycloolefin polymers may not have chemical crosslinking.

[0081] Cycloolefin polymers may not contain propylene as a comonomer. In the production of cycloolefin polymers, propylene may not be used as a comonomer. Cycloolefin polymers may not contain units obtained from propylene.

[0082] Cyclic olefin polymers may not be EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) containing cyclic comonomers. Specifically, ethylene-norbornene is not a comonomer of cyclic olefin polymers.

[0083] The polymer composition may contain up to 20% by weight of EPDM, preferably up to 15% by weight of EPDM, more preferably up to 10% by weight of EPDM, more preferably up to 5% by weight of EPDM, and more preferably up to 1% by weight of EPDM. The polymer composition preferably does not contain EPDM. The polymer composition may be EPDM-free.

[0084] In cycloolefin polymers, at least one ring can be integrated into or contained within the polymer backbone or structure. The ring can be covalently bonded to the backbone or structure. The backbone or structure can be the longest sequence of covalently bonded atoms. The backbone or structure can form a continuous chain of the polymer.

[0085] For the production of cyclic olefin polymers, exactly one monomer or at most one monomer can be used.

[0086] Cyclic olefin polymers preferably contain monocyclic units. Cyclic olefin polymers may contain monocyclic C5 units. Monocyclic C5 units may be rings having five carbon atoms.

[0087] The transmittance of the cyclic olefin polymer, as determined according to ISO 13468-2, may be at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 75%, more preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 82%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 87%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 92%, and more preferably at least 95%.

[0088] The water absorption rate of the cyclic olefin polymer, as determined according to ISO 62, can be up to 10%, preferably up to 9%, more preferably up to 8%, more preferably up to 7%, more preferably up to 6%, more preferably up to 5%, more preferably up to 4%, more preferably up to 3%, more preferably up to 2%, more preferably up to 1%, more preferably up to 0.5%, more preferably up to 0.2%, more preferably up to 0.1%, and more preferably up to 0.05%.

[0089] The Shore A hardness of the cyclic olefin polymer (determined according to DIN ISO 7619 at a temperature of 23°C and a holding time of 15 seconds) can be at least 40. Preferably, the Shore A hardness of the cyclic olefin polymer is at least 50, more preferably at least 60, more preferably at least 70, more preferably at least 80, and more preferably at least 90.

[0090] The Shore D hardness of the cyclic olefin polymer (determined according to DIN ISO 7619 at a temperature of 23°C and a holding time of 15 seconds) can be at least 20. Preferably, the Shore D hardness of the cyclic olefin polymer is at least 30, more preferably at least 40, more preferably at least 50, more preferably at least 60, more preferably at least 70, and even more preferably at least 75.

[0091] The Shore D hardness of the cyclic olefin polymer can be up to 90, preferably up to 80, more preferably up to 70, more preferably up to 60, and even more preferably up to 50. In particular, the Shore D hardness of the cyclic olefin polymer is 70 to 85 or 72 to 87.

[0092] The density of the cyclic olefin copolymer (as determined according to ISO 1183) can be at least 0.850 g cm³. -3 Preferably, the density of the cyclic olefin polymer is at least 0.870 g / cm³. -3 More preferably at least 0.890 g cm -3 More preferably at least 0.910 gcm -3 More preferably at least 0.930 g cm -3 More preferably at least 0.950 g cm -3 More preferably at least 0.970 g cm -3 More preferably at least 0.990 g cm -3 More preferably at least 1,000 g cm -3 More preferably at least 1.010 g cm -3 More preferably 0.920 g cm -3 Up to 1.050 g cm -3 .

[0093] The density of the cyclic olefin polymer is preferably 0.900 g / cm³. -3 Up to 1.100 g cm -3 More preferably 0.920 g cm -3 Up to 1.050 g cm -3 More preferably 0.930 g cm -3 Up to 1.030 g cm -3 More preferably, the density of the cyclic olefin polymer is 0.930 g cm⁻¹. -3 Up to 0.950 g cm -3 or 0.970 g cm -3 Up to 0.990 g cm -3 or 1.000 g cm -3 Up to 1.020 gcm -3or 1.010 g cm -3 Up to 1.030 g cm -3 .

[0094] The glass transition temperature of the cyclic olefin copolymer (determined according to ISO 11357-1, -2, -3, 10°C / min) can be at least -20°C. Preferably, the glass transition temperature of the cyclic olefin copolymer is at least 0°C, more preferably at least 3°C, more preferably at least 40°C, more preferably at least 60°C, more preferably at least 70°C, more preferably at least 90°C, more preferably at least 110°C, more preferably at least 125°C, more preferably at least 130°C, more preferably at least 150°C, and more preferably at least 170°C.

[0095] The glass transition temperature of the cyclic olefin copolymer can be up to 200°C, preferably up to 190°C, more preferably up to 180°C, more preferably up to 170°C, more preferably up to 160°C, more preferably up to 150°C, more preferably up to 140°C, more preferably up to 120°C, more preferably up to 100°C, more preferably up to 80°C, more preferably up to 70°C, more preferably up to 50°C, more preferably up to 30°C, and more preferably up to 10°C.

[0096] The glass transition temperature of cyclic olefin copolymers can be 1°C to 11°C, or 60°C to 70°C, or 73°C to 83°C, or 74°C to 84°C, or 130°C to 140°C, or 129°C to 139°C, or 133°C to 143°C, or 153°C to 163°C, or 173°C to 183°C.

[0097] The monomers or comonomers of cyclic olefin polymers can be monocyclic or polycyclic olefins. After polymerization, the cyclic olefin polymer may contain at least one monocyclic or polycyclic unit. The monocyclic or polycyclic unit can be formed from monocyclic or polycyclic monomers or comonomers.

[0098] The monomers or comonomers of the cyclic olefin polymer are preferably monocyclic or polycyclic C3 to C20 olefins. More preferably, the monomers or comonomers of the cyclic olefin polymer are monocyclic or polycyclic C5 to C20 olefins. More preferably, the monomers or comonomers of the cyclic olefin polymer are monocyclic or polycyclic C7 to C17 olefins, and even more preferably, monocyclic or polycyclic C7 to C12 olefins. More preferably, the monomers or comonomers of the cyclic olefin polymer are monocyclic or polycyclic C7 olefins. For example, the monomers or comonomers of the cyclic olefin polymer are norbornene (bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene).

[0099] The monomers or comonomers of cyclic olefin polymers can be monocyclic or polycyclic olefins. The monomers or comonomers of cyclic olefin polymers can be monocyclic C3 to C8 olefins (monocyclic propylene to monocyclic octene).

[0100] The monomers or comonomers of cyclic olefin polymers may contain at least two rings. Preferably, the monomers or comonomers of cyclic olefin polymers contain two to twenty rings, more preferably two to fifteen, more preferably two to ten, and even more preferably two to eight rings. The monomers or comonomers of cyclic olefin polymers may be bicyclic olefins to octacyclic olefins. Suitable monomers or comonomers for cyclic olefin polymers are described on pages 4 to 17 of EP 0 283 164 A2 (the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference), particularly on pages 6 and 7 and / or Tables 1 and 2.

[0101] The monomers or comonomers of cyclic olefin polymers can be allotropic rings. Preferably, the monomers or comonomers of cyclic olefin polymers are carbon allotropic rings.

[0102] The monomers or comonomers of cyclic olefin polymers can be heterocyclic. The heterocyclic ring may contain one or more heteroatoms. The heterocyclic ring preferably contains nitrogen, oxygen and / or sulfur.

[0103] The monomers or comonomers of cyclic olefin polymers can be unsubstituted or substituted. The monomers or comonomers of cyclic olefin polymers preferably contain at least one of the following substituents: alkenyl, alkyl, hydroxyl, carboxyl, carboxyalkyl, and halogen.

[0104] Cycloolefin polymers can be unsubstituted or substituted. Cycloolefin polymers preferably contain at least one of the following substituents: alkenyl, alkyl, hydroxyl, carboxyl, carboxyalkyl, and halogen.

[0105] Typically, some molecules (monomers or comonomers) are represented in this document by their number of carbon atoms. For example, C5 olefins are olefins with 5 carbon atoms, and C20 olefins are olefins with 20 carbon atoms.

[0106] Cyclic olefin polymers can be prepared by ring-maintaining polymerization or by ring-opening polymerization. Ring-opening polymerization can be classified as ring-opening metathesis polymerization.

[0107] In ring-maintained polymerization, one or more rings of the monomer can remain in the polymer after polymerization. In other words, one or more rings of the monomer cannot be broken up by polymerization.

[0108] In ring-opening polymerization, one or more rings of the monomer cannot exist in the polymer after polymerization. In other words, one or more rings of the monomer can be opened through polymerization.

[0109] Following ring-opening polymerization, one or more rings preferably exist in the polymer. The monomer used for polymerization may contain at least two rings. In particular, the monomer used for polymerization contains exactly two rings or at most two rings. One of the rings can be opened by polymerization. The other ring may exist in the (polymerized) polymer. That is, at least one ring can be opened during polymerization, while the other ring may be incorporated into the polymer or exist in the polymer.

[0110] The proportion of monocyclic or polycyclic olefins in the cyclic olefin polymer can be at least 2 mol%. The proportion of monocyclic or polycyclic olefins in the cyclic olefin polymer is preferably at least 5 mol%, more preferably at least 10 mol%, more preferably at least 20 mol%, more preferably at least 40 mol%, more preferably at least 60 mol%, and more preferably at least 65 mol%.

[0111] The proportion of monocyclic or polycyclic olefins in the cyclic olefin polymer can be up to 90 mol%. The proportion of monocyclic or polycyclic olefin comonomers in the cyclic olefin polymer is up to 75 mol%, more preferably up to 60 mol%, more preferably up to 50 mol%, and more preferably up to 40 mol%.

[0112] The proportion of monocyclic or polycyclic olefins in cyclic olefin polymers can be 25 mol% to 35 mol%, or 45 mol% to 55 mol%, or 60 mol% to 70 mol%, or 60 mol% to 90 mol%, particularly 70 mol% to 80 mol%.

[0113] Specifically, the cyclic olefin polymer is a cyclic olefin copolymer. Cyclic olefin copolymers can be prepared from at least two different monomers. Preferably, the cyclic olefin copolymer is a cyclic olefin binary copolymer. In a cyclic olefin binary copolymer, exactly two different types of monomers are used for polymerization.

[0114] The comonomer of the cyclic olefin copolymer can be a C2 to C10 (α) olefin. The comonomer of the cyclic olefin copolymer is preferably a C2 to C8 (α) olefin, more preferably a C2 to C6 (α) olefin. The comonomer of the cyclic olefin copolymer can be ethylene, 1-butene, or 1-hexene. The most preferred comonomer of the cyclic olefin copolymer is ethylene. The comonomer can be represented as a non-cyclic comonomer.

[0115] The proportion of monocyclic or polycyclic olefin comonomers in the cyclic olefin copolymer can be at least 2 mol. Preferably, the proportion of monocyclic or polycyclic olefin comonomers in the cyclic olefin copolymer is at least 5 mol, more preferably at least 10 mol, more preferably at least 20 mol, more preferably at least 40 mol, more preferably at least 60 mol, and more preferably at least 65 mol.

[0116] The proportion of monocyclic or polycyclic olefins as comonomers in cyclic olefin copolymers can be up to 90 mol. Preferably, the proportion of monocyclic or polycyclic olefins as comonomers in cyclic olefin copolymers is up to 75 mol, more preferably up to 60 mol, more preferably up to 50 mol, and more preferably up to 40 mol.

[0117] The proportion of monocyclic or polycyclic olefin comonomers in the cyclic olefin copolymer can be 25 mol% to 35 mol%, or 45 mol% to 55 mol%, or 60 mol% to 70 mol%, or 60 mol% to 90 mol%, particularly 70 mol% to 80 mol%.

[0118] The proportion of the acyclic comonomer in the cyclic olefin copolymer can be up to 90 mol%, preferably up to 80 mol%, more preferably up to 60 mol%, more preferably up to 40 mol%, and even more preferably up to 35 mol%. The acyclic comonomer can be any acyclic comonomer disclosed herein, and particularly those described in more detail above. For example, the acyclic comonomer is a C2 to C10 (α) olefin, more preferably ethylene.

[0119] The proportion of the acyclic comonomer in the cyclic olefin copolymer can be at least 10 mol%, preferably at least 25 mol%, more preferably at least 40 mol%, more preferably at least 60 mol%, and even more preferably at least 65 mol%. The acyclic comonomer can be any acyclic comonomer disclosed herein, and particularly those described in more detail above. For example, the acyclic comonomer is a C2 to C10 (α) olefin, more preferably ethylene.

[0120] The proportion of the acyclic comonomer in the cyclic olefin copolymer can be 65 mol% to 75 mol%, or 45 mol% to 55 mol%, or 30 mol% to 40 mol%, or 10 mol% to 40 mol%, particularly 20 mol% to 30 mol%. The acyclic comonomer can be any acyclic comonomer disclosed herein, and particularly those described in more detail above. For example, the acyclic comonomer is a C2 to C10 (α) olefin, more preferably ethylene.

[0121] The proportion of monocyclic or polycyclic olefins in the comonomers of the cyclic olefin copolymers can be at least 10% by weight. Preferably, the proportion of monocyclic or polycyclic olefins in the comonomers of the cyclic olefin copolymers is at least 20% by weight, more preferably at least 25% by weight, more preferably at least 40% by weight, more preferably at least 50% by weight, more preferably at least 60% by weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight, and more preferably at least 80% by weight.

[0122] The proportion of monocyclic or polycyclic olefins as comonomers in cyclic olefin copolymers can be up to 95% by weight. Preferably, the proportion of monocyclic or polycyclic olefins as comonomers in cyclic olefin copolymers is up to 90% by weight, more preferably up to 80% by weight, more preferably up to 70% by weight, more preferably up to 60% by weight, more preferably up to 50% by weight, more preferably up to 40% by weight, and more preferably up to 35% by weight.

[0123] The proportion of monocyclic or polycyclic olefins as comonomers in cyclic olefin copolymers can be 25% to 35% by weight, or 45% to 55% by weight, or 60% to 70% by weight, or 70% to 80% by weight, or 72% to 82% by weight, or 78% to 88% by weight, or 81% to 91% by weight.

[0124] The proportion of the acyclic comonomer in the cyclic olefin copolymer can be up to 90% by weight, preferably up to 80% by weight, more preferably up to 70% by weight, more preferably up to 60% by weight, more preferably up to 50% by weight, more preferably up to 40% by weight, more preferably up to 30% by weight, more preferably up to 28% by weight, more preferably up to 22% by weight, and more preferably up to 19% by weight. The acyclic comonomer can be any acyclic comonomer disclosed herein, and particularly those described in more detail above. For example, the acyclic comonomer is a C2 to C10 (α) olefin, more preferably ethylene.

[0125] The proportion of the acyclic comonomer in the cyclic olefin copolymer can be at least 5% by weight, preferably at least 9% by weight, more preferably at least 12% by weight, more preferably at least 18% by weight, more preferably at least 20% by weight, more preferably at least 30% by weight, more preferably at least 40% by weight, more preferably at least 45% by weight, more preferably at least 50% by weight, more preferably at least 60% by weight, and more preferably at least 65% by weight. The acyclic comonomer can be any acyclic comonomer disclosed herein, and particularly those described in more detail above. For example, the acyclic comonomer is a C2 to C10 (α) olefin, more preferably ethylene.

[0126] The proportion of comonomers in the acyclic comonomers of the cyclic olefin copolymers can be from 9% to 19% by weight, or 12% to 22% by weight, or 18% to 28% by weight, or 20% to 30% by weight, or 30% to 40% by weight, or 45% to 55% by weight, or 65% to 75% by weight. The acyclic comonomer can be any acyclic comonomer disclosed herein, and particularly those described in more detail above. For example, the acyclic comonomer is a C2 to C10 (α) olefin, more preferably ethylene.

[0127] For example, cyclic olefin copolymers are ethylene-norbornene copolymers, especially ethylene-norbornene binary copolymers.

[0128] The cyclic olefin polymer may be present in the polymer composition at a level of at least 5% by weight, preferably at least 10% by weight, more preferably at least 15% by weight, more preferably at least 20% by weight, more preferably at least 25% by weight, more preferably at least 30% by weight, more preferably at least 35% by weight, more preferably at least 40% by weight, more preferably at least 45% by weight, more preferably at least 50% by weight, more preferably at least 55% by weight, more preferably at least 60% by weight, more preferably at least 65% by weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight, more preferably at least 75% by weight, more preferably at least 80% by weight, more preferably at least 85% by weight, and more preferably at least 90% by weight.

[0129] The cyclic olefin polymer may be present in the polymer composition up to 99% by weight, preferably up to 97% by weight, more preferably up to 90% by weight, more preferably up to 85% by weight, more preferably up to 80% by weight, more preferably up to 75% by weight, more preferably up to 70% by weight, more preferably up to 65% by weight, more preferably up to 60% by weight, more preferably up to 55% by weight, more preferably up to 50% by weight, more preferably up to 45% by weight, more preferably up to 40% by weight, more preferably up to 35% by weight, more preferably up to 30% by weight, more preferably up to 25% by weight, more preferably up to 20% by weight, more preferably up to 15% by weight, and more preferably up to 10% by weight.

[0130] Cycloolefin polymers can be present in polymer compositions in the range of 5% to 99% by weight.

[0131] The cyclic olefin polymer may be present in the polymer composition in the range of 50% to 99% by weight, preferably in the range of 60% to 99% by weight, more preferably in the range of 70% to 99% by weight, more preferably in the range of 80% to 99% by weight, and even more preferably in the range of 90% to 99% by weight.

[0132] The cyclic olefin polymer may be present in the polymer composition in the range of 30% to 95% by weight, preferably in the range of 40% to 90% by weight, more preferably in the range of 50% to 85% by weight, more preferably in the range of 60% to 80% by weight, and even more preferably in the range of 67% to 77% by weight.

[0133] The cyclic olefin polymer may be present in the polymer composition in the range of 1% to 50% by weight, preferably in the range of 5% to 40% by weight, more preferably in the range of 10% to 35% by weight, more preferably in the range of 15% to 35% by weight, and even more preferably in the range of 19% to 29% by weight.

[0134] The polymer composition may contain random or block copolymers. The random or block copolymers may be other polymers.

[0135] Preferably, ethylene is a comonomer of a random or block copolymer. Alternatively or additionally, at least one C3 to C16 (α-) olefin may be a comonomer of the copolymer.

[0136] Preferably, ethylene is a comonomer of a random or block copolymer, and at least one C3 to C16 (α-) olefin is a comonomer of a random or block copolymer. More preferably, ethylene is a comonomer of a random or block copolymer, and at least one C3 to C8 (α-) olefin is a comonomer of a random or block copolymer. More preferably, ethylene is a comonomer of a random or block copolymer, and at least one of propylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-heptene, and 1-octene is a comonomer of a random or block copolymer. More preferably, ethylene is a comonomer of a random or block copolymer, and 1-butene or 1-octene is a comonomer of a random or block copolymer.

[0137] Random or block copolymers can be binary copolymers.

[0138] If the random or block copolymer contains ethylene as a comonomer, the comonomer content of ethylene in the random or block copolymer can be greater than 30 mol%, preferably greater than 40 mol%, more preferably greater than 50 mol%, more preferably greater than 55 mol%, more preferably greater than 60 mol%, more preferably greater than 70 mol%, more preferably greater than 80 mol%, and more preferably greater than 90 mol%.

[0139] Random or block copolymers can be ethylene-1-octene copolymers, especially ethylene-1-octene block copolymers or random ethylene-1-octene copolymers.

[0140] The content of ethylene comonomer in random or block copolymers can be less than 90 mol%, preferably less than 80 mol%, more preferably less than 70 mol%, more preferably less than 60 mol%, more preferably less than 50 mol%, more preferably less than 40 mol%, more preferably less than 30 mol%, more preferably less than 20 mol%, and more preferably less than 10 mol%.

[0141] Random or block copolymers can be 1-butene-ethylene copolymers (especially random 1-butene-ethylene copolymers) or propylene-ethylene copolymers (especially random propylene-ethylene copolymers).

[0142] Random or block copolymers may be included in the polymer composition up to 5% by weight, preferably up to at least 10% by weight, more preferably up to at least 15% by weight, more preferably up to at least 20% by weight, more preferably up to at least 25% by weight, more preferably up to at least 30% by weight, more preferably up to at least 35% by weight, more preferably up to at least 40% by weight, more preferably up to at least 45% by weight, more preferably up to at least 50% by weight, more preferably up to at least 55% by weight, more preferably up to at least 60% by weight, more preferably up to at least 65% by weight, more preferably up to at least 70% by weight, more preferably up to at least 75% by weight, more preferably up to at least 80% by weight, more preferably up to at least 85% by weight, more preferably up to at least 90% by weight.

[0143] Random or block copolymers may be included in the polymer composition up to 99% by weight, preferably up to 97% by weight, more preferably up to 90% by weight, more preferably up to 85% by weight, more preferably up to 80% by weight, more preferably up to 75% by weight, more preferably up to 70% by weight, more preferably up to 65% by weight, more preferably up to 60% by weight, more preferably up to 55% by weight, more preferably up to 50% by weight, more preferably up to 45% by weight, more preferably up to 40% by weight, more preferably up to 35% by weight, more preferably up to 30% by weight, more preferably up to 25% by weight, more preferably up to 20% by weight, more preferably up to 15% by weight, and more preferably up to 10% by weight.

[0144] Random or block copolymers may be included in the polymer composition in the range of 5% to 99% by weight.

[0145] Random or block copolymers may be included in the polymer composition in the range of 1% to 50% by weight, preferably in the range of 5% to 40% by weight, more preferably in the range of 10% to 35% by weight, more preferably in the range of 15% to 35% by weight, and even more preferably in the range of 19% to 29% by weight.

[0146] Random or block copolymers may be included in the polymer composition in the range of 1% to 45% by weight, preferably in the range of 1% to 35% by weight, more preferably in the range of 5% to 25% by weight, and even more preferably in the range of 7% to 17% by weight.

[0147] The additional polymer in the polymer composition may be a homopolymer. The additional polymer may be a C2 to C4 homopolymer. For example, the additional polymer may be homopolymer polyethylene (HDPE or LDPE). Similarly, the additional polymer may be homopolymer polypropylene. The additional polymer may be homopolymer-1-polybutene. The homopolymer may be included in the polymer composition in the same weight proportion as the random or block copolymer.

[0148] The polymer composition may contain less than 10% by weight of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Preferably, the polymer composition contains less than 2% by weight of PVC, and more preferably, the polymer composition is PVC-free (within the analytical accuracy range at the application date).

[0149] The polymer composition may contain at least 1% by weight of PVC. Preferably, the polymer composition contains at least 2% by weight, more preferably at least 5% by weight, more preferably at least 10% by weight, more preferably at least 20% by weight, and more preferably at least 30% by weight of PVC. Other polymers in the polymer composition may be PVC.

[0150] The polymer composition may be free of oxygen scavengers. Specifically, the polymer composition may be free of sodium sulfite.

[0151] The polymer composition may not contain SEBS (styrene-ethylene-butene-styrene). Specifically, the polymer composition may not contain styrene-containing components or may not contain any styrene-containing components.

[0152] The polymer composition may contain at least 1% by weight of a component that is liquid at 20°C and 1 bar. Preferably, the polymer composition contains at least 5% by weight, more preferably at least 10% by weight, more preferably at least 15% by weight, and even more preferably at least 20% by weight of a component that is liquid at 20°C and 1 bar.

[0153] The polymer composition may be included in the component that is liquid at 20°C and 1 bar at 1 wt% to 60 wt%, preferably 1 wt% to 45 wt%, more preferably 1 wt% to 30 wt%, more preferably 5 wt% to 30 wt%, more preferably 5 wt% to 15 wt% or 15 wt% to 25 wt%.

[0154] The liquid component may be another polymer in the polymer composition. Alternatively, the polymer composition may contain a liquid component in addition to another polymer.

[0155] Generally, the polymers disclosed herein can be solid or liquid (aggregated solid or liquid state) at 23°C and 1 bar, and in particular, the polymers disclosed herein are solid at 23°C and 1 bar.

[0156] The liquid component may be a polyalphaolefin. The kinematic viscosity of the liquid component at 100°C, as determined according to ASTM D445 / ISO 3104, may be at least 4 cSt. Alternatively or additionally, the dropping point of the liquid component, as determined according to ASTM 5950, may be at most -10°C.

[0157] The kinematic viscosity of the liquid component at 100°C, as determined according to ASTM D445 / ISO 3104, can be from 4 cSt to 1500 cSt, preferably from 50 cSt to 1000 cSt, more preferably from 120 cSt to 1000 cSt, and even more preferably from 250 cSt to 1000 cSt.

[0158] The kinematic viscosity of the liquid component at 100°C can also be 2 cSt to 10 cSt, 55 cSt to 75 cSt, 140 cSt to 160 cSt, 280 cSt to 320 cSt, or 900 cSt to 1100 cSt.

[0159] The dropping point of the liquid component can be at most -20°C or at most 30°C.

[0160] The density of the liquid component, as determined according to ASTM D4052, can be up to 0.860 g / cm³. -3 Especially for 0.825g cm -3 Up to 0.855 g cm -3 The density of the liquid component can also be 0.840 g cm⁻¹. -3 Up to 0.855 g cm -3 .

[0161] The average molecular weight Mw of the liquid component, as determined according to DIN 55672-1, can be at least 440 Da, preferably from 440 Da to 12000 Da, particularly preferably from 1000 Da to 10000 Da, and even more preferably from 3000 Da to 10000 Da.

[0162] The liquid component can be a metallocene component. The liquid component can be prepared using a metallocene catalyst.

[0163] The liquid component can be a Ziegler-Natta component. The liquid component can be prepared using a Ziegler-Natta catalyst.

[0164] The liquid component can be a homopolymer or a copolymer.

[0165] The liquid component can be a homopolymer of C3 to C22 α-olefins. To produce the liquid component as a homopolymer, α-olefins with a length of C3 to C22 are used as monomers. Preferably, C6 to C14 α-olefins or C8 to C10 α-olefins are used as monomers for the liquid component of the homopolymer.

[0166] The liquid component can be 1-octene homopolymer or 1-decene homopolymer, preferably 1-decene homopolymer.

[0167] As a copolymer, the liquid component is constructed from at least two different α-olefins with lengths from C3 to C22 as comonomers. Specifically, two different α-olefins with lengths from C6 to C14 or C8 to C10 are used as comonomers.

[0168] The liquid component can be a binary copolymer.

[0169] The liquid component can be a synthetic fluid (at 23°C and 1 bar), and in particular, the liquid component is a fully synthetic fluid (at 23°C and 1 bar).

[0170] The liquid component can be hydrogenated, and in particular, the liquid component can be fully hydrogenated.

[0171] The liquid component can be a mixture of different liquid components. For example, a liquid component can be a mixture of at least two liquid components with different kinematic viscosities and / or different (copolymer) monomers. For this purpose, at least two of the liquid components disclosed herein can exist as a mixture.

[0172] The liquid component can be a polyalphaolefin or contain polyalphaolefins. The liquid component can be a mixture of different polyalphaolefins.

[0173] A polymer composition may contain at most one polymer component or exactly one polymer component. A polymer composition may contain at most two polymer components or exactly two polymer components. A polymer composition may contain at most three polymer components or exactly three polymer components.

[0174] The polymer composition may contain less than 10% by weight of a component that is liquid at 20°C and 1 bar. In particular, the polymer composition contains less than 5% by weight, more preferably less than 2% by weight of a component that is liquid at 20°C and 1 bar. Most preferably, the polymer composition does not contain any component that is liquid at 20°C and 1 bar (within the analytical precision range at the date of application).

[0175] The polymer composition may contain less than 10% by weight of white oil. In particular, the polymer composition contains less than 5% by weight, more preferably less than 2% by weight of white oil. Most preferably, the polymer composition does not contain white oil (within the analytical precision range at the filing date).

[0176] The polymer composition may contain a liquid component such as polyalphaolefin (as described above), and / or may contain little or no white oil.

[0177] The polymer composition may contain up to 15% by weight, preferably up to 8% by weight, more preferably up to 6% by weight, and most preferably up to 5% by weight of additives.

[0178] The additives in the polymer composition may be selected from: pigments, nucleating agents, whitening agents, stabilizers, surfactants, lubricants, antioxidants, and combinations thereof.

[0179] The Shore A hardness of the polymer composition, as determined according to DIN ISO 7619 at a temperature of 23°C and a holding time of 15 seconds, can be at least 40. Preferably, the Shore A hardness of the polymer composition is at least 50, more preferably at least 60, even more preferably at least 70, and even more preferably at least 80.

[0180] The Shore A hardness of the polymer composition can be 40 to 100, preferably 40 to 95, more preferably 50 to 95, more preferably 60 to 95, and even more preferably 65 to 95.

[0181] The Shore D hardness of the polymer composition, as determined according to DIN ISO 7619 at a temperature of 23°C and a holding time of 15 seconds, can be less than 80. In particular, the Shore D hardness of the polymer composition is less than 70, more preferably less than 60, and even more preferably less than 50.

[0182] The compression set (CS) of the polymer composition, as determined according to ASTM D 395 (ASTM D395B), at 70°C, for 22 or 24 hours, may be at least 50%. In particular, the compression set of the polymer composition may be at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 100%, and more preferably at least 110%.

[0183] The compression set (ASTM D395 or ASTM D395B, 70°C, 22 or 24 hours) of the polymer composition can be up to 150%, preferably up to 140%, more preferably up to 130%, more preferably up to 120%, and more preferably up to 110%.

[0184] The compression set (ASTM D395 or ASTM D395B, 70°C, 22 or 24 hours) of the polymer composition can be from 50% to 150%, preferably from 60% to 140%, more preferably from 70% to 130%, more preferably from 80% to 130%, more preferably from 90% to 130%, and even more preferably from 90% to 120%. Preferably, the compression set (ASTM D395 or ASTM D395B, 70°C, 22 or 24 hours) is from 60% to 100%, more preferably from 70% to 90%.

[0185] The compression set (ASTM D395 or ASTM D395B, 70°C, 22 or 24 hours) of the polymer composition may be up to 50%, preferably up to 40%, more preferably up to 30%, and even more preferably up to 25%.

[0186] The compression set (ASTM D395 or ASTM D395B, 70°C, 22 or 24 hours) of the polymer composition can be 5% to 50%, preferably 5% to 40%, more preferably 10% to 40%, more preferably 10% to 30%, and more preferably 15% to 25%.

[0187] The compression set of the polymer composition, as determined according to ISO 815-1, at 70°C, for 22 or 24 hours, may be at least 30%. In particular, the compression set of the polymer composition may be at least 40%, more preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 65%, and more preferably at least 70%.

[0188] The compression set (ISO 815-1, 70°C, 22 or 24 hours) of the polymer composition can be up to 130%, preferably up to 120%, more preferably up to 110%, more preferably up to 100%, and more preferably up to 90%.

[0189] The compression set (ISO 815-1, 70°C, 22 or 24 hours) of the polymer composition can be 30% to 130%, preferably 40% to 120%, more preferably 50% to 110%, more preferably 60% to 100%, more preferably 60% to 90%, and more preferably 70% to 90%.

[0190] The melt volumetric flow rate (MVR) of the polymer composition, as determined according to ISO 1133-1 at 190°C and 2.16 kg, can be as low as 0.1 cm⁻¹. 3 / 10 minutes to 100 cm 3 Within a 10-minute range, preferably within 0.1 cm. 3 / 10 minutes to 80cm3 Within a 10-minute range, more preferably within 0.1 cm. 3 / 10 minutes to 40 cm 3 Within a 10-minute range, more preferably within 1cm 3 / 10 minutes to 20 cm 3 Within a 10-minute range, more preferably within 1 cm 3 / 10 minutes to 10 cm 3 Within a 10-minute range, more preferably within 1 cm 3 / 10 minutes to 5 cm 3 Within a 10-minute range.

[0191] The polymer composition is in accordance with ISO 8295 (2 kg, 500 mm / min). -1 The static friction coefficient can be determined to be 0.05 to 0.50, preferably 0.05 to 0.40, more preferably 0.05 to 0.35, more preferably 0.10 to 0.30, and even more preferably 0.15 to 0.25.

[0192] The polymer composition is in accordance with ISO 8295 (2 kg, 500 mm / min). -1 The determined coefficient of kinetic friction can be from 0.01 to 0.50, preferably from 0.01 to 0.40, more preferably from 0.01 to 0.30, more preferably from 0.05 to 0.20, and even more preferably from 0.10 to 0.17.

[0193] The total migration of the polymer composition, as determined according to DIN-EN 1186-14, particularly by impregnation, for example in isooctane or ethanol, can be up to 5.5 mg·cm⁻¹. -2 Preferably, the total migration is at most 3.5 mg·cm⁻¹. -2 More preferably up to 2.5 mg·cm -2 More preferably up to 2.0 mg·cm -2 More preferably, at most 1.5 mg·cm -2 More preferably, at most 1.0 mg·cm -2 More preferably, at most 0.7 mg·cm -2 More preferably at most 0.5 mg·cm -2 .

[0194] The oxygen permeability of the polymer composition, specifically as determined according to DIN 53380-5, can be less than 3000 cm⁻¹. 3 m -2 sky -1 -bar -1 Preferably less than 2700 cm 3m -2 sky -1 -bar -1 More preferably less than 2500 cm 3 m -2 sky -1 -bar -1 More preferably less than 2300 cm 3 m -2 sky -1 -bar -1 More preferably less than 2000 cm 3 m -2 sky -1 -bar -1 More preferably less than 1700 cm 3 m -2 sky -1 -bar -1 More preferably less than 1400 cm 3 m -2 sky- 1 -bar -1 More preferably less than 1100 cm 3 m -2 sky- 1 -bar -1 More preferably less than 800 cm 3 m -2 sky -1 -bar -1 More preferably less than 700 cm 3 m -2 sky -1 -bar -1 More preferably less than 600 cm 3 m -2 sky -1 -bar -1 More preferably less than 500 cm 3 m -2 sky -1 -bar -1 More preferably less than 400 cm 3 m -2 sky -1 -bar -1 More preferably less than 300 cm 3 m -2 sky -1 -bar -1 More preferably less than 200 cm 3 m -2 sky -1 -bar -1 More preferably less than 150 cm 3 m -2sky -1 -bar -1 .

[0195] The container closure may include a carrier and a sealing element. The carrier may include a planar portion and an outer edge portion. In particular, the carrier may comprise metal, plastic, or a combination of metal and plastic. In particular, the main component of the carrier is metal or plastic, especially metal.

[0196] The container closure can be a threaded closure. Preferably, the container closure is a lug closure. The container closure can also be a press-spin closure or a composite closure.

[0197] The disclosed container closure can close a container. The container includes a container mouth and a closable opening at the end of the container mouth. The opening can close one of the disclosed container closures.

[0198] The container can be a glass container, a plastic container, or a metal container. In particular, the container is a glass container.

[0199] A container closure that seals the opening of a container may include a carrier and a sealing element. The carrier may have a lower side and the container opening may have an upper end. The sealing element of the container closure is typically sandwiched between the container opening and the carrier of the container closure, such that the sealing element abuts against both the upper end of the container opening and the lower side of the carrier. In particular, the height of the sealing element between the upper end of the container opening and the lower side of the carrier is at most 1.0 mm. Preferably, this height is at most 0.8 mm, and particularly preferably at most 0.7 mm. This height may be determined in the axial direction of the container.

[0200] Similarly, the height of the sealing element between the upper end of the container opening and the lower side of the carrier can be at least 0.2 mm. Specifically, this height is at least 0.4 mm, and particularly preferably at least 0.5 mm. The height of the sealing element can be measured in the axial direction of the container.

[0201] Particularly preferably, the height of the sealing element between the upper end of the container opening and the lower side of the carrier is 0.3 mm to 0.9 mm.

[0202] If, for example, the height of the sealing element is 1.2 mm before the container closure is applied to the container, then the indentation in the sealing element at the upper end of the container opening (the height of the sealing element between the upper end of the container opening and the lower side of the carrier is at least 0.2 mm) ensures the high sealing performance of the container closed by the container closure, provided that the sealing element is not punctured (the height of the sealing element between the upper end of the container opening and the lower side of the carrier is at most 1.0 mm).

[0203] Vacuum is preferably dominant in the sealed container. The absolute pressure in the sealed container can be up to 200 hPa. In particular, the absolute pressure in the sealed container can be up to 100 hPa.

[0204] The safety dimension of the container enclosed by the container closure can be up to 10 mm; in particular, the safety dimension is up to 8 mm. Preferably, the safety dimension is up to 6 mm. Most preferably, the safety dimension is up to 4 mm.

[0205] To determine the safety dimensions, the container to be sealed with a lug closure was stored at room temperature (23°C) for 30 minutes. The relative position of the container closure with respect to the container was marked by applying marks to the outer edge of the container closure and the container wall such that the circumferential distance between the mark on the outer edge of the container closure and the container wall was zero. The marks were located on a straight line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container. The container closure was then completely removed from the container by loosening it. The container closure was then placed back onto the container and opened until slight resistance was felt. The container closure was then opened with the fingers holding it in place. The circumferential distance between the mark on the outer edge of the container closure and the mark on the container wall was then measured. The measured distance corresponds to the safety dimensions, expressed in mm.

[0206] As a result of the steep pitch of at least part of the thread in the container and lug closure, the measurement accuracy of safety dimensions is high because the point at which slight resistance can be felt during opening the container closure (by fingering) can be precisely determined. Typically, the measurement accuracy of safety dimensions on a closed container closed by different personnel under the same conditions is approximately ±1 mm.

[0207] Appropriate safety dimensions ensure that when the container is closed with a container closure, the sealing element applies an elastic force to at least the upper end of the container opening. This achieves a high degree of sealing inside the closed container.

[0208] The diameter of the container opening can be at least 20 mm. In particular, the diameter of the container opening can be at most 120 mm.

[0209] The container can be a glass container, a plastic container, or a metal container.

[0210] Before sealing the container opening with the container closure, the container closure may be treated at a temperature of at least 90°C. Such treatment may be carried out, for example, with steam.

[0211] After the container has been filled with food, a headspace can be formed within it. After filling, the headspace is the portion of the container's contents that does not contain food. Steam can be supplied to the headspace and thus seal the container's opening before the container closure is applied. Specifically, the steam can be water vapor.

[0212] The absolute pressure in a closed and filled container can be up to 200 hPa. In particular, the pressure in a closed and filled container can be up to 100 hPa.

[0213] In order to form an indentation in the sealing element at the container opening, the sealing element may deform in the axial direction of the container by at least 0.2 mm during the sealing of the container opening with the container closure and / or during heat treatment of the sealed and filled container. Preferably, this deformation of the sealing element is at least 0.4 mm. In particular, the deformation is at least 0.5 mm.

[0214] Similarly, during the sealing of the container opening with a container closure and / or during heat treatment of the sealed and filled container, the sealing element may deform by up to 1.0 mm to form an indentation of the container opening in the sealing element. Specifically, the deformation is up to 0.8 mm. More preferably, the deformation is up to 0.7 mm. This is in each case in the axial direction of the container.

[0215] Particularly preferably, the deformation of the sealing element is 0.3 mm to 0.9 mm.

[0216] Food can be aseptically introduced into the container.

[0217] Food can also be introduced into containers at a temperature of up to 10°C.

[0218] Food can also be introduced into containers at temperatures between 10°C and 70°C.

[0219] Similarly, food can be introduced into containers at temperatures between 70°C and 98°C.

[0220] In this method, the sealed and filled container can be heat-treated. In this case, the temperature of the heat treatment is therefore higher than the temperature of the (solid and / or liquid) food during the container filling process.

[0221] Heat treatment can be performed at a temperature of at least 60°C.

[0222] Heat treatment can also be carried out at a temperature of up to 135°C (from 60°C to 135°C). In particular, heat treatment is carried out at a temperature of up to 135°C (from 60°C to 135°C) and an absolute ambient pressure of up to 4.0 bar, preferably at an absolute ambient pressure of 1.0 bar to 4.0 bar.

[0223] Preferably, the pressure inside the sealed container is lower than the pressure outside the sealed container during heat treatment.

[0224] Embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated by way of example, but not in a manner that transfers or reads limitations from the accompanying drawings into the patent claims. The same reference numerals denote the same elements in the drawings.

[0225] Figure 1 A side view of the lug-type closure 1 with an annular sealing element 3 is shown, partially as a cross-section;

[0226] Figure 2 A side view of the lug-type closure 1 with sealing element 3 on container 5 is shown, partially as a cross section;

[0227] Figure 3 The lug-type closure 1 with sealing element 3 is shown in the bottom view;

[0228] Figure 4 An isometric view of the composite closure 61 (combined rotary type) is shown;

[0229] Figure 5 Partially showing from Figure 4 The axial section of the composite closure 61 (combined rotary type);

[0230] Figure 6 A side view of a pressure-swivel closure 21 (PT closure) with sealing element 23 is shown, partly as a cross section;

[0231] Figure 7 A side view of the PT closure 21 with sealing element 23 on container 25 is shown, partly as a cross section;

[0232] Figure 8 A top view of the PT closure 21 is shown;

[0233] Figure 9 A side view of a composite closure 41 (band-shaped protective type) with sealing element 43 is shown, partly as a cross section;

[0234] Figure 10 A side view, partially as a cross section, is shown of a composite closure 41 (band-shaped protective type) with sealing element 43 on container 45;

[0235] Figure 11 A top view of the composite closure 41 (strip protection type) is shown;

[0236] Figure 12 Showing from Figure 2 Enlarged details of the lug-type closure.

[0237] Figure 1 and Figure 3A lug-type closure 1 is shown. The lug-type closure 1 may include a metal carrier 11 and may include a sealing element 3. Figure 2 In the illustration, a lug-type closure 1 is applied to a container 5. A rolled edge 9 can be formed at the lower end of the lug-type closure 1. A plurality of lugs 7 can be formed circumferentially from the edge side of the rolled edge 9. The lugs 7 can be formed by axial deformation of the rolled edge 9 and can extend further radially than the rolled edge 9 to the center of the lug-type closure 1. Figures 1 to 3 The lug-type closure 1 shown includes four lugs 7 that can be formed in a circumferentially uniform distribution. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The section shown in the middle part corresponds to Figure 3 Section III-III in the middle.

[0238] Typically, a container closure may have at least three lugs, preferably at least four lugs, and more preferably at least six lugs. A container closure may have three to six lugs.

[0239] A channel 2 can be formed in the upper part 10 of the carrier 11 near the radially outer end portion of the lug closure 1. The sealing element 3 can be arranged at least partially in the channel 2. In this embodiment, the sealing element 3 is annular; in other embodiments, the sealing element 3 can be disc-shaped, especially if the diameter of the lug closure is small (e.g., at most 30 mm).

[0240] To ensure adhesion between the metal carrier 11 and the sealing element 3, an adhesive varnish can be applied to the side of the metal carrier 11 that contacts the sealing element 3.

[0241] exist Figure 2 In this container, a lug-type closure 1 is applied to the container 5. The container 5 may include a container opening 5a as the upper part of the container 5. The container opening may include a thread 6 and may include an upper end 4 of the container opening 5a. The thread 6 may be circumferentially formed in the region of the container opening 5a and may extend circumferentially upward or downward (depending on the viewing angle).

[0242] To apply the lug closure 1 to the container 5, the lug 7 can be partially in contact with the thread 6, and the lug closure 1 can rotate clockwise relative to the container 5. Due to the construction of the thread 6 and the interaction between the lug 7 and the thread 6, during the rotational movement of the lug closure 1 relative to the container 5, the upper end 4 of the container opening 5a can move in the direction of the sealing element 3. Due to the further rotational movement of the lug closure 1, the upper end 4 of the container opening 5a can be pressed into the sealing element 3 and the sealing element 3 can be deformed, resulting in the upper end 4 of the container opening 5a being covered by the sealing element 3, and as a result, the container 5 can be sealed. The sealing of the container 5 is necessary, especially to withstand the increased pressure during heat treatment of the sealed container 5 at temperatures above 70°C, 90°C, or even above 120°C.

[0243] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the lug-type closure 1 may include a safety element, preferably a (planar) safety button 10b, which is formed in the upper portion 10 of the carrier 11. Button 10b is optional. Due to the slope 10a in the upper portion 10 of the carrier 11, button 10b can fold in the direction of the container's center if a sufficiently large negative pressure exists in the container. Such a vacuum can be generated by introducing steam into the container before sealing it with the closure.

[0244] If the consumer opens the container by removing the container closure, the pressure inside the container rises to ambient pressure and button 10b folds away from the center of the container. The folding of button 10b is accompanied by a characteristic noise, which allows the consumer to identify that a vacuum already existed in the container before it was opened.

[0245] Figure 4 and Figure 5 A composite closure 61 (combined rotary type) is shown, which is similar to the described lug-type closure 1, and can be applied to and removed from the container by rotational movement.

[0246] The composite closure 61 may include a carrier having an upper metal portion 71 and may include a plastic portion 72 formed in an L-shape. A channel 78 may be formed near the radial end of the metal portion 71 of the carrier, and a rolled edge 77 may be formed at the radial end of the metal portion 71. A sealing element may be arranged at least partially in the channel 78.

[0247] A plurality of threaded elements 74a, 74b formed on the inner side of the plastic portion 72 can contact or engage with mating threads in the area of ​​the opening of the container (not shown) to which the composite closure 61 will be applied. The plastic portion 72 of the composite closure 61 may include an tamper-evident device 73, which is connected to... Figures 9 to 11The tamper-evident seal is constructed similarly and will be related to... Figures 9 to 11 To describe in more detail.

[0248] If the composite closure 61 is screwed onto the container by rotational movement, a similar interaction is generated between the container opening and the sealing element of the composite closure 61, as described based on the lug closure 1.

[0249] exist Figures 6 to 8 The diagram shows a pressure-swivel closure 21 (PT closure). The PT closure 21 may include a metal carrier 31, wherein a rolled edge 29 is provided at the lower end of the carrier 31. The PT closure 21 may include a button 30a in the upper portion 30 of the carrier 31. The button 30a is optional.

[0250] The sealing element 23 can be formed both in the upper region 30 of the carrier 31 and, to a considerable extent (at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% of the total volume of the sealing element), on the outer edge of the carrier extending downward from the upper region 30. In contrast to the lug-type closure 1 and the composite closure 61, the PT closure 21 can be pressed onto the container opening 25a during application to the container 25. During pressing onto the container opening 25a, the sealing element 23 can sufficiently softly and elastically close the threaded element 26 of the container opening 25a. Typically, for this purpose, the sealing element 23 is steam-treated before applying the PT closure 21 to the container 5 to induce the necessary softness in the sealing element 23. After the sealing element 23 cools, a mating thread in the form of a negative thread for the threaded element 26 of the container opening can be formed in the sealing element 23.

[0251] The upper end 24 of the container opening 25a can contact the sealing element 23.

[0252] To open container 25, the PT closure 21 can be removed from container 25 by rotating and moving it.

[0253] Figures 9 to 11 A composite closure 41 (strip protection type) is shown that is functionally similar to the described PT closure 21.

[0254] The composite closure 41 may include a carrier having a metal portion 51 and a plastic portion 52. The composite closure 41 may include an tamper-evident device 53. The composite closure 41 may include an optional button 50a. The tamper-evident device 53 may be configured such that it can be removed from the remainder of the composite closure 41 when it is removed from the container 45 and can be used to allow a consumer to check whether the composite closure 41 has been removed from the container 45. The button 50a may be configured and functionally similar to the button 10b of the lug-type closure 1.

[0255] The plastic portion of the composite closure 41 may include a plurality of axially extending recesses 56 to increase the stability of the closure.

[0256] The sealing element 43 can be arranged in the composite closure 41 such that it contacts both the metal portion 51 and the plastic portion 52. In order to seal the container 45, the composite closure 41 can be pressed against the container opening 45a of the container 45, resulting in at least the upper end 44 of the container opening 45a being in contact with the sealing element 43.

[0257] The plastic portion 52 of the carrier may include a plurality of biased protrusions 54 that can interact with the threaded element 46 of the container opening 45a. To open the container 45 closed by the composite closure 41, the composite closure 41 can rotate relative to the container 45.

[0258] The distance h3 between the upper end 4 of the container opening 5a of container 5 and the lower side of the carrier 11 of the closure 1 and the sealing element 3 is... Figure 12 The lug-type closure 1 is shown in the diagram and described herein. Similarly, for other closure types, the distance (height) h3 can be determined.

[0259] The sealing element 3, sandwiched between the container opening 5 and the carrier 11 of the container closure 1, may have a height h3, which is given when the container 5 is closed by the closure 1. If the height h3 is too low, puncture of the sealing element 3 may be threatened or occur as a result of potential damage to the seal of the closed container 5. If the height h3 is too large, the seal of the closed container may be compromised because the contact area between the upper end 4 of the container opening 5a and the sealing element 3 is not large enough. The composition of the sealing element 3 is crucial for achieving a proper indentation of the upper end 4 of the container opening 5a within the sealing element.

[0260] First Embodiment

[0261] Examples of polymer compositions for use as sealing elements in container closures are shown in the table below.

[0262] Table 1

[0263]

[0264] C3C2C4 is a propylene-ethylene-1-butene copolymer (terpolymer) with a Shore A hardness of approximately 84 and a melting temperature of approximately 160°C. This propylene-ethylene-1-butene copolymer is available from Mitsui Chemicals, for example, from the Tafmer series.

[0265] C2C7 is a cyclic olefin copolymer of monomer ethylene and norbornene (bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene). Its Shore A hardness is approximately 89. Its glass transition temperature (Tg) is approximately 6°C (determined by ISO 11357-1, -2, -3, 10°C / min). Its density is approximately 0.940 g / cm³. -3 This cyclic olefin copolymer is available from TOPAS Advanced Polymers.

[0266] C3C4 I is a propylene-1-butene copolymer (binary copolymer) with a Shore D hardness of approximately 52 and a melting temperature of approximately 75°C. This propylene-1-butene copolymer is available from Mitsui Chemicals, for example, from the Tafmer series.

[0267] C3C4 II is a propylene-1-butene copolymer (binary copolymer) with a Shore D hardness of approximately 55 and a melting temperature of approximately 83°C. This propylene-1-butene copolymer is available from Mitsui Chemicals, for example, from the Tafmer series.

[0268] PAO is a metallocene polyalphaolefin (1-decene homopolymer) with a kinematic viscosity of approximately 65 cSt at 100°C. This polyalphaolefin is available from ExxonMobil Chemical.

[0269] Liquid components (PAO, polyalphaolefin) can be added to the compositions presented in Table 1. For example, a composition may contain up to 20% by weight (e.g., 5% by weight, 10% by weight, 15% by weight, or 20% by weight) of liquid components. The proportions of other (polymeric) components in the composition may be reduced accordingly, for example, so that the weight ratios of the other (polymeric) components to each other remain constant.

[0270] The propylene-ethylene-1-butene copolymers presented in Table 1 can be replaced by C3C2C4 II or C3C2C4 III.

[0271] C3C2C4 II is a propylene-ethylene-1-butene copolymer (terpolymer) with a Shore A hardness of approximately 72 and a melting temperature of approximately 160°C. This propylene-ethylene-1-butene copolymer is available from Mitsui Chemicals, for example, from the Tafmer series.

[0272] C3C2C4 III is a propylene-ethylene-1-butene copolymer (terpolymer) with a Shore A hardness of approximately 75 and a melting temperature of approximately 140°C. This propylene-ethylene-1-butene copolymer is available from Mitsui Chemicals, for example, from the Tafmer series.

[0273] One of the following components (or a mixture thereof) may be used in place of C3C2C4 or C2C7 in Table 1: C4C2, C2C8, C2C7 II, and C3C2. In this case, C3C2C4 or C2C7 in the composition is replaced. A liquid component may then be added such that the Shore A hardness of the composition (determined according to DIN ISO 7619 at a temperature of 23°C and a holding time of 15 seconds) is in the range of 30 to 95 or in the range of 40 to 85.

[0274] C4C2 is a 1-butene-ethylene copolymer with a 1-butene content greater than 80%. Its density is approximately 0.870 g / cm³. -3 The Shore A hardness is approximately 60. This 1-butene-ethylene copolymer is available from LyondellBasell. In particular, this 1-butene-ethylene copolymer belongs to the Koattro series.

[0275] C2C8 has a Shore A hardness of approximately 54 and a g / cm³ of approximately 0.857 g / cm³. -3 An ethylene-1-octene copolymer of a certain density. This ethylene-1-octene copolymer is available from Dow Chemical.

[0276] C2C7 II is a cyclic olefin copolymer of monomer ethylene and norbornene (bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene). Its Shore D hardness is approximately 77. Its glass transition temperature (Tg) is approximately 65°C (determined by ISO 11357-1, -2, -3, 10°C / min). Its density is approximately 0.980 g / cm³. -3 This cyclic olefin copolymer is available from TOPAS Advanced Polymers.

[0277] C3C2 has a density of approximately 0.900 g / cm³. -3 A propylene-ethylene copolymer. This propylene-ethylene copolymer is available from LyondellBasell.

[0278] Melting temperature T m It can be done at 10°C for minutes -1 The second heating curve, determined by DSC measurement at the heating rate, is used to determine the heating rate.

[0279] The second heating curve is performed shortly after the first heating curve (e.g., within one day, 8 hours, or 2 hours after the first heating curve). The thermal history (“thermal history”) is removed by the first heating curve. Therefore, the second heating curve is performed so that the sample has no significant thermal history. For measurement, the sample is weighed (5 mg to 10 mg) and sealed in an aluminum dish. The sample is heated to 200 °C at a heating rate of 10 °C / min. The sample is held at 200 °C for 5 minutes to allow all crystals to completely melt, thus removing the thermal history of the sample. After cooling to -20 °C at a heating rate of 10 °C / min, the peak temperature can be measured as the crystallization temperature. After storing the sample at -20 °C for 5 minutes, it is heated a second time to 200 °C at a heating rate of 10 °C / min. In the case of this second heating curve, the peak temperature (if present) is determined as the melting temperature T. m .

[0280] Alternatively or otherwise, regarding the above specifications (at 10°C for minutes) -1 The second heating curve measured by DSC at the heating rate), melting temperature T m It can be determined according to DIN EN ISO 11357-3.

[0281] Typically, a specific component is not necessarily present in a polymer composition. In particular, the addition of a component in the examples does not imply that the component must be present in the polymer composition. Rather, a component from the compositions of the examples may be omitted or substituted with other components. Similarly, components may be added.

[0282] The weight proportions of the components and the properties of the compositions in the embodiments are exemplary. This disclosure is not limited to the weight proportions and / or properties of the components in the embodiments.

[0283] The standards for measuring (physical) properties mentioned in this application may refer to the version that is in effect in each case on the priority date or filing date of this application. The standards for measuring (physical) properties described in one location herein also apply to (physical) properties described in another location without explicit mention of a standard, criterion, or method.

[0284] Other embodiments

[0285] The following examples illustrate implementation schemes, where the preceding numbers indicate the number of the example.

[0286] 1. A container closure (1, 21, 41, 61) having sealing elements (3, 23, 43, 63), wherein the sealing elements (3, 23, 43, 63) comprise a polymer composition, wherein:

[0287] (a) The polymer composition comprises a propylene copolymer; and

[0288] (b1) The Shore D hardness of the propylene copolymer, as determined according to DIN ISO 7619 at a temperature of 23°C and a holding time of 15 seconds, is in the range of 20 to 75, and / or

[0289] (b2) The melting temperature of the propylene copolymer, determined by a second heating curve measured by DSC at a heating rate of 10 °C / min, is in the range of 30 °C to 110 °C.

[0290] 2. The container closure according to Example 1, wherein the Shore D hardness of the propylene copolymer, as determined according to DIN ISO 7619 at a temperature of 23°C and a holding time of 15 seconds, is in the range of 30 to 70, preferably in the range of 40 to 60.

[0291] 3. The container closure according to Example 1 or 2, wherein the melting temperature of the propylene copolymer, determined by a second heating curve measured by DSC at a heating rate of 10°C / min, is in the range of 40°C to 110°C, preferably in the range of 50°C to 100°C, more preferably in the range of 50°C to 90°C, more preferably in the range of 60°C to 90°C, and even more preferably in the range of 70°C to 90°C.

[0292] 4. The container closure according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the melt flow rate (MFR) of the propylene copolymer, as determined according to ASTM D1238 at 230°C and 2.16 kg, is in the range of 0.1 g / 10 min to 100 g / 10 min, preferably in the range of 1 g / 10 min to 80 g / 10 min, more preferably in the range of 1 g / 10 min to 40 g / 10 min, more preferably in the range of 2 g / 10 min to 20 g / 10 min, and even more preferably in the range of 4 g / 10 min to 10 g / 10 min.

[0293] 5. The container closure according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the melt flow rate (MFR) of the propylene copolymer, as determined according to ASTM D1238 at 190°C and 2.16 kg, is in the range of 0.1 g / 10 min to 100 g / 10 min, preferably in the range of 0.1 g / 10 min to 60 g / 10 min, more preferably in the range of 1 g / 10 min to 40 g / 10 min, more preferably in the range of 1 g / 10 min to 20 g / 10 min, and even more preferably in the range of 1 g / 10 min to 5 g / 10 min.

[0294] 6. The container closure according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the propylene copolymer contains at least 40 mol% propylene comonomer, preferably at least 50 mol%, more preferably at least 60 mol%, more preferably at least 70 mol%, and more preferably at least 80 mol%.

[0295] 7. The container closure according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the propylene copolymer comprises a second comonomer, wherein the second comonomer is a C2 or C4 to C16 (α-) olefin, preferably a C2 or C4 to C12 (α-) olefin, more preferably a C2 or C4 to C8 (α-) olefin, and more preferably 1-butene.

[0296] 8. The container closure according to Example 7, wherein the comonomer content of the second comonomer in the propylene copolymer is at most 40 mol%, preferably at most 30 mol%, more preferably at most 25 mol%, and even more preferably at most 20 mol%.

[0297] 9. The container closure according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the propylene copolymer is a binary copolymer.

[0298] 10. The container closure according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the propylene copolymer has an isotactic polypropylene portion.

[0299] 11. The container closure according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the propylene copolymer is a random copolymer.

[0300] 12. The container closure according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the polymer composition contains at least 5% by weight, preferably at least 10% by weight, more preferably at least 15% by weight, and even more preferably at least 20% by weight of the propylene copolymer.

[0301] 13. The container closure according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the polymer composition contains up to 50% by weight, preferably up to 40% by weight, more preferably up to 30% by weight of the propylene copolymer.

[0302] 14. The container closure according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the polymer composition comprises at least one additional polymer, or wherein the polymer composition comprises at most one additional polymer, particularly wherein the additional polymer is a polyolefin.

[0303] 15. The container closure according to Example 14, wherein the additional polymer is a homopolymer or copolymer, particularly a binary copolymer or a terpolymer.

[0304] 16. The container closure according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the polymer composition comprises an additional propylene copolymer, and particularly...

[0305] The Shore A hardness of the additional propylene copolymer, determined according to DIN ISO 7619 at a temperature of 23°C and a holding time of 15 seconds, is in the range of 30 to 95, and / or

[0306] The melting temperature of the additional propylene copolymer, determined by a second heating curve measured by DSC at a heating rate of 10°C / min, is in the range of 110°C to 200°C.

[0307] 17. The container closure according to Example 16, wherein the Shore A hardness of the additional propylene copolymer, as determined according to DIN ISO 7619 at a temperature of 23°C and a holding time of 15 seconds, is in the range of 50 to 95, preferably in the range of 60 to 90.

[0308] 18. The container closure according to any one of Examples 16 or 17, wherein the melting temperature of the additional propylene copolymer, determined by a second heating curve measured by DSC at a heating rate of 10°C / min, is in the range of 130°C to 200°C, preferably in the range of 130°C to 165°C, and more preferably in the range of 130°C to 180°C.

[0309] 19. The container closure according to any one of Examples 16 to 18, wherein the melt flow rate (MFR) of the additional propylene copolymer, as determined according to ASTM D1238 at 230°C and 2.16 kg, is in the range of 0.1 g / 10 min to 100 g / 10 min, preferably in the range of 1 g / 10 min to 80 g / 10 min, more preferably in the range of 1 g / 10 min to 60 g / 10 min, more preferably in the range of 2 g / 10 min to 50 g / 10 min, and even more preferably in the range of 4 g / 10 min to 40 g / 10 min.

[0310] 20. The container closure according to any one of Examples 16 to 19, wherein the propylene comonomer content in the additional propylene copolymer is at least 40 mol%, preferably at least 50 mol%, more preferably at least 60 mol%, more preferably at least 70 mol%, and more preferably at least 80 mol%.

[0311] 21. The container closure according to any one of Examples 16 to 20, wherein the propylene copolymer comprises at least one second comonomer, wherein the second comonomer is a C4 to C16 (α-) olefin, preferably a C4 to C12 (α-) olefin, more preferably a C4 to C8 (α-) olefin, and more preferably 1-butene.

[0312] 22. The container closure according to Example 21, wherein the comonomer content of the second comonomer in the additional propylene copolymer is at most 20 mol%, preferably at most 15 mol%, more preferably at most 10 mol%, and even more preferably at most 7 mol%.

[0313] 23. The container closure according to any one of Examples 16 to 22, wherein the additional propylene copolymer comprises a third comonomer, wherein the third comonomer is ethylene.

[0314] 24. The container closure according to Example 23, wherein the comonomer content of the third comonomer in the additional propylene copolymer is at most 40 mol%, preferably at most 30 mol%, more preferably at most 20 mol%, and even more preferably at most 15 mol%.

[0315] 25. The container closure according to any one of Examples 16 to 24, wherein the additional propylene copolymer comprises at least one second comonomer and at least one third comonomer, wherein the second comonomer and the third comonomer are selected from C2, or C4 to C16 (α-) olefins, preferably selected from C2, or C4 to C12 (α-) olefins, more preferably selected from C2, or C4 to C8 (α-) olefins, more preferably selected from different monomers of C2, or C4 to C6 (α-) olefins, and more preferably the second comonomer is 1-butene and the third comonomer is ethylene.

[0316] 26. The container closure according to any one of Examples 16 to 25, wherein the additional propylene copolymer is a terpolymer.

[0317] 27. The container closure according to any one of Examples 16 to 26, wherein the additional propylene copolymer has an isotactic polypropylene portion.

[0318] 28. The container closure according to any one of Examples 16 to 27, wherein the additional propylene copolymer is a random copolymer.

[0319] 29. The container closure according to any one of Examples 16 to 28, wherein the polymer composition contains at least 5% by weight, preferably at least 10% by weight, preferably at least 20% by weight, more preferably at least 30% by weight, more preferably at least 40% by weight, more preferably at least 50% by weight, more preferably at least 60% by weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight, more preferably at least 80% by weight, more preferably at least 90% by weight of the additional propylene copolymer.

[0320] 30. The container closure according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the polymer composition comprises a cyclic olefin polymer.

[0321] 31. The container closure according to Example 30, wherein the Shore A hardness of the cyclic olefin polymer, as determined according to DIN ISO 7619 at a temperature of 23°C and a holding time of 15 seconds, is at least 40, preferably at least 50, more preferably at least 60, and even more preferably at least 70.

[0322] 32. The container closure according to any one of Examples 30 or 31, wherein the Shore D hardness of the cyclic olefin polymer, as determined according to DIN ISO 7619 at a temperature of 23°C and a holding time of 15 seconds, is at least 20, preferably at least 30, more preferably at least 40, more preferably at least 50, more preferably at least 60, and most preferably at least 70.

[0323] 33. The container closure according to any one of Examples 30 to 32, wherein the density of the cyclic olefin polymer, as determined according to ISO 1183, is at least 0.850 g / cm³. -3 Preferably at least 0.870 g cm -3 More preferably at least 0.890 gcm -3 More preferably at least 0.910 g cm -3 More preferably at least 0.930 g cm -3 More preferably at least 0.950 g cm -3 More preferably at least 0.970 g cm -3 More preferably at least 0.990g cm -3 More preferably at least 1.010 g cm -3 The optimal value is 0.920 g cm. -3 Up to 1.050g cm -3 .

[0324] 34. The container closure according to any one of Examples 30 to 33, wherein the glass transition temperature of the cyclic olefin polymer, as determined according to ISO 11357-1, -2, -3, 10°C / min, is at least -20°C, preferably at least 0°C, more preferably at least 3°C, more preferably at least 40°C, and even more preferably at least 60°C.

[0325] 35. The container closure according to any one of Examples 30 to 34, wherein the (copolymer) monomer of the cyclic olefin polymer is a monocyclic or polycyclic olefin, preferably a monocyclic or polycyclic C3 to C20 olefin, more preferably a monocyclic or polycyclic C5 to C20 olefin, more preferably a monocyclic or polycyclic C7 to C17 olefin, more preferably a monocyclic or polycyclic C7 to C12 olefin, more preferably a monocyclic or polycyclic C7 olefin, and most preferably norbornene.

[0326] 36. The container closure according to any one of Examples 30 to 35, wherein the cyclic olefin polymer is prepared by ring-retaining polymerization or by ring-opening polymerization.

[0327] 37. The container closure according to any one of Examples 30 to 36, wherein the cyclic olefin polymer is a cyclic olefin copolymer.

[0328] 38. The container closure according to Example 37, wherein the (copolymer) monomer of the cyclic olefin copolymer is a C2 to C10 (α) olefin, preferably a C2 to C8 (α) olefin, more preferably a C2 to C6 (α) olefin, and most preferably ethylene.

[0329] 39. The container closure according to Example 37 or 38, wherein the proportion of the monocyclic or polycyclic olefin comonomer as the comonomer of the cyclic olefin copolymer is at least 10 mol%, preferably at least 20 mol%, more preferably at least 40 mol%, more preferably at least 60 mol%, and more preferably at least 65 mol%.

[0330] 40. The container closure according to any one of Examples 37 to 39, wherein the proportion of ethylene as a comonomer of the cyclic olefin copolymer is at most 90 mol%, preferably at most 80 mol%, more preferably at most 60 mol%, more preferably at most 40 mol%, and more preferably at most 35 mol%.

[0331] 41. The container closure according to any one of Examples 30 to 40, wherein the cyclic olefin polymer is an ethylene-norbornene copolymer.

[0332] 42. The container closure according to any one of Examples 30 to 41, wherein the cyclic olefin polymer is present in the polymer composition in an amount of 5% to 95% by weight, preferably 20% to 95% by weight, more preferably 30% to 95% by weight, more preferably 40% to 95% by weight, more preferably 50% to 95% by weight, and more preferably 60% to 80% by weight.

[0333] 43. The container closure according to any one of Examples 30 to 42, wherein the proportion of monocyclic or polycyclic olefins in the cyclic olefin polymer is at least 2 mol%, preferably at least 5 mol%, more preferably at least 10 mol%, more preferably at least 20 mol%, more preferably at least 40 mol%, more preferably at least 60 mol%, and more preferably at least 65 mol%.

[0334] 44. The container closure according to any one of Examples 30 to 43, wherein exactly one monomer or at most one monomer is used for the production of the cyclic olefin polymer.

[0335] 45. The container closure according to any one of Examples 30 to 44, wherein the cyclic olefin polymer comprises a monocyclic C5 unit.

[0336] 46. ​​The container closure according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the polymer composition comprises a random or block copolymer.

[0337] 47. The container closure according to Example 46, wherein ethylene and at least one C3 to C16 (α-) olefin are comonomers of the random or block copolymer, more preferably wherein ethylene and at least one C3 to C8 (α-) olefin are comonomers of the random or block copolymer.

[0338] 48. The container closure according to Example 47, wherein the content of ethylene as a comonomer of the random or block copolymer is greater than 50 mol, preferably greater than 60 mol, more preferably greater than 70 mol.

[0339] 49. The container closure according to any one of Examples 47 or 48, wherein ethylene and C3 to C16 (α-) olefins, preferably ethylene and C3 to C8 (α-) olefins, are comonomers of the random or block copolymer, and most preferably the copolymer is an ethylene-1-octene block copolymer or a random ethylene-1-octene copolymer.

[0340] 50. The container closure according to Example 46, wherein the content of ethylene as a comonomer of the random or block copolymer is less than 50 mol%, preferably less than 40 mol%, more preferably less than 30 mol%, and even more preferably less than 20 mol%.

[0341] 51. The container closure according to Example 50, wherein C3 to C16 (α-) olefins and ethylene, preferably C3 to C8 (α-) olefins and ethylene, are comonomers of the random or block copolymers, and most preferably the additional polymer is a (random) 1-butene-ethylene copolymer or a (random) propylene-ethylene copolymer.

[0342] 52. The container closure according to any one of Examples 46 to 51, wherein the random or block copolymer is contained in the polymer composition at least 5% by weight, preferably at least 10% by weight, more preferably at least 15% by weight, and even more preferably at least 20% by weight.

[0343] 53. The container closure according to any one of Examples 46 to 52, wherein the random or block copolymer is contained in the polymer composition up to 70% by weight, preferably up to 60% by weight, more preferably up to 50% by weight, more preferably up to 40% by weight, more preferably up to 30% by weight, and more preferably up to 20% by weight.

[0344] 54. The container closure according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the polymer composition comprises up to 60% by weight, preferably up to 45% by weight, more preferably up to 30% by weight, more preferably up to 20% by weight of a component that is liquid at 20°C and 1 bar, and particularly wherein the liquid component is contained in the polymer composition at at least 1% by weight or at least 5% by weight.

[0345] 55. The container closure according to Example 54, wherein the liquid component comprises or is a polyalphaolefin having a kinematic viscosity of at least 4 cSt at 100°C as determined by ASTM D445 / ISO 3104 and / or a dropping point of at most -10°C as determined by ASTM 5950.

[0346] 56. The container closure according to Example 55, wherein the polyalphaolefin has a kinematic viscosity of 4 cSt to 1500 cSt at 100°C as determined according to ASTM D445 / ISO3104, preferably 50 cSt to 1000 cSt, more preferably 120 cSt to 1000 cSt, and even more preferably 250 cSt to 1000 cSt.

[0347] 57. The container closure according to any one of Examples 55 and 56, wherein the polyalphaolefin has a dropping point of at most -20°C, preferably at most -30°C, as determined according to ASTM 5950.

[0348] 58. A container closure according to any one of Examples 55 to 57, wherein the polyalphaolefin has a density determined according to ASTM D4052 of up to 0.860 g / cm³. -3 Specifically, 0.825 g cm -3 Up to 0.855 g cm -3 .

[0349] 59. The container closure according to any one of Examples 55 to 58, wherein the average molecular weight Mw of the polyalphaolefin, as determined according to DIN 55672-1, is at least 440 Da, preferably 440 Da to 12000 Da, particularly preferably 1000 Da to 10000 Da, and even more preferably 3000 Da to 10000 Da.

[0350] 60. The container closure according to any one of Examples 55 to 59, wherein the polyalphaolefin is a metallocene polyalphaolefin, and particularly the polyalphaolefin is prepared using a metallocene catalyst.

[0351] 61. The container closure according to any one of Examples 55 to 60, wherein the polyalphaolefin is a homopolymer or copolymer, and particularly the polyalphaolefin comprises C3 to C22 α-olefins as (copolymer) monomers.

[0352] 62. The container closure according to any one of Examples 55 to 61, wherein the polyalphaolefin comprises C6 to C14 alpha-olefins, preferably C8 to C10 alpha-olefins, as (copolymer) monomers.

[0353] 63. The container closure according to any one of Examples 55 to 62, wherein the polyalphaolefin is a decene homopolymer, particularly a 1-decene homopolymer.

[0354] 64. The container closure according to any one of Examples 1 to 54, wherein the polymer composition contains less than 10% by weight, preferably less than 5% by weight, more preferably less than 2% by weight of a component that is liquid at 20°C and 1 bar, and most preferably the polymer composition does not contain a component that is liquid at 20°C and 1 bar.

[0355] 65. The container closure according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the polymer composition comprises up to 15% by weight, preferably up to 8% by weight, more preferably up to 6% by weight, and most preferably up to 5% by weight of additives.

[0356] 66. The container closure according to the previous embodiment, wherein the additive is selected from: pigments, nucleating agents, whitening agents, stabilizers, surfactants, lubricants, antioxidants, and combinations thereof.

[0357] 67. The container closure according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the polymer composition has a Shore A hardness of at least 40, preferably at least 50, more preferably at least 60, more preferably at least 70, and more preferably at least 80, as determined according to DIN ISO 7619 at a temperature of 23°C and a holding time of 15 seconds.

[0358] 68. The container closure according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the compression set of the polymer composition, as determined according to ASTM D 395, 70°C, 22 hours or 24 hours, is at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 80%, and more preferably at least 90%.

[0359] 69. The container closure according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the total migration of the polymer composition as determined according to DIN-EN 1186-14 is at most 5.5 mg cm⁻¹. -2 Preferred dosage up to 3.5 mg cm -2 More preferably up to 2.5 mg cm -2 More preferably up to 1.5 mg cm -2 More preferably up to 1.0 mg cm -2 More preferably up to 0.7 mg cm -2 .

[0360] 70. The container closure according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the oxygen permeability of the polymer composition is less than 3000 cm⁻¹. 3 m -2 sky -1 -bar -1 Preferably less than 2500 cm 3 m -2 sky -1 -bar -1 More preferably less than 2000 cm 3 m -2 sky -1 -bar -1 More preferably less than 1700 cm 3 m -2 sky -1 -bar -1 More preferably less than 1400 cm 3 m -2 sky-1 -bar -1 More preferably less than 1100 cm 3 m -2 sky -1 -bar -1 More preferably less than 800 cm 3 m -2 sky -1 -bar -1 More preferably less than 700 cm 3 m -2 sky -1 -bar -1 More preferably less than 600 cm 3 m -2 sky -1 -bar -1 More preferably less than 500 cm 3 m -2 sky -1 -bar -1 More preferably less than 400 cm 3 m -2 sky -1 -bar -1 More preferably less than 300 cm 3 m -2 sky -1 -bar -1 .

[0361] 71. The container closure according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the polymer composition does not contain homopolymer polypropylene.

[0362] 72. The container closure according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the polymer composition does not contain SEBS.

[0363] 73. The container closure according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the container closure comprises a carrier (11, 31, 51, 71) and the sealing element (3, 23, 43, 63), wherein the carrier (11, 31, 51, 71) comprises metal and / or plastic, particularly comprising metal or plastic as the main component.

[0364] 74. The container closure according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the container closure (1, 21, 41, 61) is a threaded closure, particularly a lug closure (1), a press-wrap closure (21) or a composite closure (41, 61).

[0365] 75. A container (5, 25, 45) having a container opening (5a, 25a, 45a) and a closable opening at the end of the container opening, wherein the opening is closed by a container closure (1, 21, 41, 61) according to any one of the preceding embodiments.

[0366] 76. The container according to embodiment 75, wherein the container closure comprises a carrier (11, 31, 51, 71) and the sealing element (3, 23, 43, 63), and wherein the height (h3) of the sealing element between the upper end (4, 24, 44) of the container opening and the lower side of the carrier (11, 31, 51, 71) in the axial direction of the container is at most 1.0 mm, preferably at most 0.8 mm, and particularly preferably at most 0.7 mm.

[0367] 77. The container according to embodiment 75 or 76, wherein the container closure comprises a carrier (11, 31, 51, 71) and the sealing element (3, 23, 43, 63), and wherein the height (h3) of the sealing element between the upper end (4, 24, 44) of the container opening and the lower side of the carrier (11, 31, 51, 71) in the axial direction of the container is at least 0.2 mm, preferably at least 0.4 mm, and particularly preferably at least 0.5 mm.

[0368] 78. The container according to any one of embodiments 75 to 77, wherein the safe size of the container is at most 10 mm, preferably at most 8 mm, particularly preferably at most 6 mm, and most preferably at most 4 mm.

[0369] 79. A method for producing a closed and filled container, comprising the following steps:

[0370] (a) Provide a container (1, 21, 41, 61) having a container opening (5a, 25a, 45a) and a closable opening at the end of the container opening.

[0371] (b) The container is filled with food through the opening of the container;

[0372] (c) The opening of the container is closed with a container closure according to any one of the foregoing embodiments.

[0373] 80. The method according to Example 79, wherein the container closure is treated at a temperature of at least 90°C before the opening of the container is closed with the container closure.

[0374] 81. The method according to any one of Examples 79 and 80, wherein the absolute pressure in the closed and filled container is at most 200 hPa, preferably at most 100 hPa.

[0375] 82. The method according to any one of embodiments 79 to 81, wherein during the closure of the opening of the container with the container closure and / or the heat treatment of the closed and filled container, the sealing element of the container closure is deformed in the axial direction of the container by at least 0.2 mm, preferably at least 0.4 mm, particularly preferably at least 0.5 mm, to form an indentation of the container opening in the sealing element.

[0376] 83. The method according to any one of embodiments 79 to 82, wherein during the closure of the opening of the container with the container closure and / or the heat treatment of the closed and filled container, the sealing element of the container closure is deformed in the axial direction of the container by up to 1.0 mm, preferably up to 0.8 mm, particularly preferably up to 0.7 mm, to form an indentation of the container opening in the sealing element.

Claims

1. A container closure (1, 21, 41, 61) having sealing elements (3, 23, 43, 63), wherein the sealing elements (3, 23, 43, 63) comprise a polymer composition, wherein: (a) The polymer composition comprises a propylene copolymer; and (b) The melting temperature of the propylene copolymer, determined by a second heating curve measured by DSC at a heating rate of 10 °C / min, is in the range of 30 °C to 110 °C.

2. The container closure according to claim 1, wherein the Shore D hardness of the propylene copolymer, as determined according to DIN ISO 7619 at a temperature of 23°C and a holding time of 15 seconds, is in the range of 20 to 75.

3. The container closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the propylene copolymer comprises a second comonomer, wherein the second comonomer is a C2 or C4 to C16 (α-) olefin, preferably a C2 or C4 to C12 (α-) olefin, more preferably a C2 or C4 to C8 (α-) olefin, and more preferably 1-butene.

4. The container closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the propylene copolymer contains at least 40 mol% propylene, preferably at least 50 mol% propylene, more preferably at least 60 mol% propylene, more preferably at least 70 mol% propylene, and more preferably at least 80 mol%.

5. The container closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least 5% by weight, preferably at least 10% by weight, more preferably at least 15% by weight, and even more preferably at least 20% by weight, of the propylene copolymer is contained in the polymer composition.

6. The container closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the polymer composition comprises an additional propylene copolymer; and particularly The Shore A hardness of the additional propylene copolymer, determined according to DIN ISO 7619 at a temperature of 23°C and a holding time of 15 seconds, is in the range of 30 to 95, and / or The melting temperature of the additional propylene copolymer, determined by a second heating curve measured by DSC at a heating rate of 10°C / min, is in the range of 110°C to 200°C.

7. The container closure according to claim 6, wherein at least 5% by weight, preferably at least 10% by weight, more preferably at least 20% by weight, more preferably at least 30% by weight, more preferably at least 40% by weight, more preferably at least 50% by weight, more preferably at least 60% by weight, and more preferably at least 70% by weight of the additional propylene copolymer is contained in the polymer composition.

8. The container closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the polymer composition comprises a cyclic olefin polymer.

9. The container closure according to claim 8, wherein the cyclic olefin polymer is present in the polymer composition in an amount of 5% to 95% by weight, preferably 20% to 95% by weight, more preferably 30% to 95% by weight, more preferably 40% to 95% by weight, more preferably 50% to 95% by weight, and more preferably 60% to 80% by weight.

10. The container closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the polymer composition comprises a random or block copolymer, particularly wherein ethylene and C3 to C16 (α-) olefins, preferably ethylene and C3 to C8 (α-) olefins, are comonomers of the random or block copolymer, and most preferably the copolymer is an ethylene-1-octene block copolymer, a random ethylene-1-octene copolymer, a (random) 1-butene-ethylene copolymer, or a (random) propylene-ethylene copolymer.

11. The container closure according to claim 10, wherein up to 70% by weight, preferably up to 60% by weight, more preferably up to 50% by weight, more preferably up to 40% by weight, more preferably up to 30% by weight, and more preferably up to 20% by weight of the random or block copolymer is contained in the polymer composition.

12. The container closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the polymer composition comprises up to 60% by weight, preferably up to 45% by weight, more preferably up to 30% by weight, and even more preferably up to 20% by weight of a component that is liquid at 20°C and 1 bar, particularly wherein the liquid component comprises up to 1% by weight or up to 5% by weight in the polymer composition.

13. The container closure of claim 12, wherein the liquid component comprises or is a polyalphaolefin having a kinematic viscosity of at least 4 cSt at 100°C as determined by ASTM D445 / ISO 3104 and / or a dropping point of at most -10°C as determined by ASTM 5950.

14. A container (5, 25, 45) having a container mouth (5a, 25a, 45a) and a closable opening at the end of the container mouth, wherein the opening is closed by a container closure (1, 21, 41, 61) according to any one of the preceding claims. Specifically, the container closure includes a carrier (11, 31, 51, 71) and a sealing element (3, 23, 43, 63). The height (h3) of the sealing element between the upper end (4, 24, 44) of the container opening and the lower side of the carrier (11, 31, 51, 71) in the axial direction of the container is at most 1.0 mm, preferably at most 0.8 mm, and particularly preferably at most 0.7 mm.

15. A method for manufacturing a closed and filled container, comprising the following steps: (a) Provide a container (1, 21, 41, 61) having a container opening (5a, 25a, 45a) and a closable opening at the end of the container opening; (b) The container is filled with a filling material, particularly food, through the opening of the container; (c) The opening of the container is closed using a container closure according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

Images