Maleic anhydride grafted high-melting-index LLPDE

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention generally relates to linear low-density polyethylenes (LLDPEs) grafted with maleic anhydride, their uses, and processes for making them.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] US 5,194,509 discloses peroxide-free grafting of homopolymers and copolymers of ethylene having densities equal to or greater than 0.930 g / cm 3< . While exhibiting improved adhesion, the grafted polymers have a low melt index (< 4 g / 10 min).

[0003] US 6,433,133 B1 discloses a process for reducing the weight average molecular weight and melt index ratio of polyethylenes. The polyethylenes may be grafted. The grafted polyethylenes have a melt index only as high as 37 g / 10 min.

[0004] US 4,950,541 refers to linear ethylene polymers and copolymers having succinic acid or succinic anhydride groups grafted thereon and which are blended with other polymers or resins to produce blends having adhesives and cohesive properties. The grafted linear ethylene polymers are produced with the aid of a free radical initiator.

[0005] WO 2009 / 033465 relates to compositions containing functionalized polyolefin polymers, in particular, functionalized ethylene interpolymers having a melt viscosity of less than 50,000 cP at 177 °C, which are also produced with the aid of a free radical initiator.

[0006] US 2005 / 043482 discloses a method of dispersing cyclodextrins into a base polymer, wherein a grafted microfine polymer powder reacts with cyclodextrin to form a cyclodextrin-attached grafted polymer. The grafted microfine polymer powder may be obtained by using a free radical initiator.

[0007] US 5,194,509 refers to a process for the peroxide-free grafting of ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids, carboxylic anhydrides and / or their derivatives to a homopolymer or copolymer of ethylene having a density equal to or greater than 0.930 g / cm 3< , i.e., the homopolymer or copolymer of ethylene is a high or medium density polyethylene.

[0008] US 2004 / 097637 refers to adhesive compositions, which are blends of one or more polyolefin base resins and graft-modified polyolefin to which a low level of adhesion promoter is added. The grafted polyolefin is obtained by using a free radical initiator.

[0009] WO 2013 / 187968 relates to a method for producing carboxylated ethylene polymer blends, obtained by using a free radical initiator.

[0010] WO 2007 / 146875 refers to adhesive compositions containing modified ethylene-based polymers.

[0011] There is a need in the art for maleic anhydride grafted LLDPEs that have improved properties, such as greater adhesion over a wide temperature window.

[0012] The present invention addresses this need as well as others, which will become apparent from the following description and the appended claims.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The invention is as set forth in the appended claims.

[0014] Briefly, in one aspect, the present invention provides a linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) grafted with maleic anhydride (MAH-g-PE) in the absence of an added free radical initiator. The MAH-g-LLDPE has a melt index (MI) of 250 to 800 g / 10 minutes and comprises 0.01 to 3 weight percent of maleic anhydride, based on the weight of the MAH-g-LLDPE.

[0015] The MAH-g-LLDPE is particularly useful in adhesive compositions, including hot melt adhesives.

[0016] Thus, in a second aspect, the present invention provides a hot melt adhesive (HMA). The HMA comprises the MAH-g-LLDPE according to the invention, a tackifier resin, and a wax.

[0017] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a process for preparing the MAH-g-LLDPE. The process comprises: (a) melting a LLDPE having a melt index (MI) of 0.1 to 10 g / 10 minutes in an extruder to form a molten LLDPE; (b) introducing maleic anhydride into the extruder; and (c) contacting the molten LLDPE with the maleic anhydride in the extruder at conditions effective to increase the melt index (MI) of the LLDPE and to form the MAH-g-LLDPE, wherein the MAH-g-LLDPE has a MI of 250 to 800 g / 10 minutes and comprises 0.01 to 3 weight percent of maleic anhydride, based on the weight of the MAH-g-LLDPE, and wherein step (c) is carried out in the absence of an added free radical initiator. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] A maleic anhydride grafted linear low-density polyethylene (MAH-g-LLDPE) with a unique combination of useful properties has been surprisingly discovered. These useful properties include a low density, a high melt index, and greater adhesion over a wide temperature range. The MAH-g-LLDPE, as an additive, can also enhance the properties of existing hot melt adhesive formulations.

[0019] Thus, in one aspect, the present invention provides a linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) grafted with maleic anhydride in the absence of an added free radical initiator. The MAH-g-LLDPE has a melt index (MI) of 250 to 800 g / 10 minutes and comprises 0.01 to 3 weight percent of maleic anhydride, based on the weight of the MAH-g-LLDPE.

[0020] Prior to grafting, the LLDPE generally has a density in the range of 0.880 to 0.930 g / cm 3< . Preferably, the LLDPE has a density of 0.880 to 0.928 g / cm 3< , 0.880 to 0.925 g / cm 3< , 0.880 to 0.923 g / cm 3< , 0.880 to 0.920 g / cm 3< , 0.880 to 0.918 g / cm 3< , 0.890 to 0.930 g / cm 3< , 0.890 to 0.928 g / cm 3< , 0.890 to 0.925 g / cm 3< , 0.890 to 0.923 g / cm 3< , 0.890 to 0.920 g / cm 3< , 0.890 to 0.918 g / cm 3< , 0.900 to 0.930 g / cm 3< , 0.900 to 0.928 g / cm 3< , 0.900 to 0.925 g / cm 3< , 0.900 to 0.923 g / cm 3< , 0.900 to 0.920 g / cm 3< , or 0.900 to 0.918 g / cm 3< . After grafting, the density of the MAH-g-LLDPE may increase slightly from the initial density of the LLDPE (e.g., +0.001 to 0.010 g / cm 3< ).

[0021] LLDPEs are generally copolymers of ethylene and one or more α-olefins having 3 to 10 carbon atoms. Examples of such olefins include propylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-heptene, 1-octene, 4-methyl-1-pentene and 1-decene. Preferred LLDPEs include copolymers of ethylene and one or more α-olefins selected from 1-butene, 1-hexene, and 1-octene. The copolymers generally have an ethylene content ranging from 50 to 99.5 wt%, 70 to 99.5 wt%, or 80 to 99.5 wt%.

[0022] Before grafting, the LLDPEs used in the present invention have a melt index in the range of 0.1 to 10 g / 10 min., preferably in the range of 0.5 to 10 g / 10 min., 0.5 to 5 g / 10 min., or 0.5 to 1 g / 10 min.

[0023] LLDPEs having these characteristics are available commercially from manufacturers such as Westlake Chemical Corporation and Dow Chemical Company. Alternatively, they may be made according to methods known in the art such as that described in US 7,652,113 B2.

[0024] Preferably, the MAH-g-LLDPE has a maleic anhydride content of 0.1 to 2 wt% or 0.5 to 1.5 wt%. The amount of MAH grafting is sometimes referred to as the acid number, where 1 wt% of MAH grafting is equivalent to an acid number of approximately 5.67.

[0025] Preferably, the MAH-g-LLDPE according to the invention has an MI in the range of 300 to 800 g / 10 min., 350 to 800 g / 10 min., 400 to 800 g / 10 min., 450 to 800 g / 10 min., 500 to 800 g / 10 min., 300 to 750 g / 10 min., 350 to 750 g / 10 min., 400 to 750 g / 10 min., 450 to 750 g / 10 min., 500 to 750 g / 10 min., 300 to 700 g / 10 min., 350 to 700 g / 10 min., 400 to 700 g / 10 min., 450 to 700 g / 10 min., 500 to 700 g / 10 min., 300 to 600 g / 10 min., 325 to 600 g / 10 min., 350 to 600 g / 10 min., 375 to 600 g / 10 min., 400 to 600 g / 10 min., 300 to 550 g / 10 min., 325 to 550 g / 10 min., 350 to 550 g / 10 min., 375 to 550 g / 10 min., 400 to 550 g / 10 min., 425 to 550 g / 10 min., or 450 to 550 g / 10 min.

[0026] The MAH-g-LLDPE according to the invention may be prepared by the process according to the invention, which comprises the steps of: (a) melting a LLDPE having an MI of 0.1 to 10 g / 10 minutes in an extruder to form a molten LLDPE, (b) introducing maleic anhydride into the extruder; and (c) contacting the molten LLDPE with the maleic anhydride in the extruder at conditions effective to increase the melt index (MI) of the LLDPE and to form the MAH-g-LLDPE, wherein step (c) is carried out in the absence of an added free radical initiator.

[0027] The LLDPE used in step (a), may include a LLDPE having a density of 0.880 to 0.930 g / cm 3< , 0.880 to 0.925 g / cm 3< , 0.880 to 0.920 g / cm 3< , 0.900 to 0.920 g / cm 3< , or 0.900 to 0.918 g / cm 3< .

[0028] The process according to the invention may be conducted in a continuous or batch mode, with continuous being preferred. The process may be carried out in any extruder typically used to process polyethylenes, such as single or multi-screw extruders. Multi-screw extruders are generally preferred, with a twin-screw extruder being most preferred. In general, the twin-screw extruder has two shafts that are preferably intermeshing, and that may be either co-rotating or counter-rotating. As used herein, the term "intermeshing" describes shafts that fit together such that the shafts rotate in coordination with each other in close proximity without mechanical interference. The term "co-rotating" describes shafts rotating in the same direction. And the term "counter-rotating" describes shafts rotating in opposite directions.

[0029] The extruder typically contains multiple barrels and zones having varying temperatures. Each zone may have one or more barrels. Some zones are operated primarily to melt the polyethylene, while other subsequent zones are operated primarily to lower the viscosity (vis-break) of the polyethylene and / or to facilitate grafting of the maleic anhydride onto the polyethylene. These latter zones are sometimes referred to as reaction zones. The maleic anhydride (MAH) may be introduced either in liquid or solid form into any of the melting zones or reaction zones, or any combination of melting zones and reaction zones. Preferably, the MAH is introduced as a liquid into a barrel of the extruder where the polyethylene is predominately, mostly, or entirely in molten form. For this purpose, the MAH may be melted before being fed into the extruder.

[0030] The LLDPE fed into the extruder may be in the form of pellets or reactor powder / fluff / granules.

[0031] Typically, sufficient MAH is added to the extruder to yield the desired grafting level. For purposes of the present invention, the desired grafting level includes 0.01 to 3 weight percent, 0.1 to 2 weight percent, and 0.5 to 1.5 weight percent of maleic anhydride, based on the weight of the grafted polymer.

[0032] To increase the MI of the LLDPE and to form the MAH-g-LLDPE of the present invention, the extruder is usually operated with a temperature profile ranging from 80 to 600°C or more typically from 80 to 450°C. The extruder normally has a screw speed of 300 to 600 revolutions per minute (rpm). And the LLDPE typically has an average residence time in the extruder of 1 to 5 minutes or more typically 2 to 4 minutes.

[0033] The MI of the product can be controlled by the screw speed, the feed rate of the LLDPE, and / or the degree of shear mixing imparted to the polymer.

[0034] The grafting reaction in step (c) is carried out in the absence of an added free radical initiator, even though it is commonly used in other grafting processes.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the process of the invention includes venting volatiles near the outlet of the extruder. It is preferred that the venting be conducted at a pressure less than atmospheric, such as under vacuum.

[0036] The grafted polymer product may be recovered by means known in the art, such as by passing the molten product to an underwater pelletizer or by extruding it through a die into strands, which are cooled in a water bath and subsequently pelletized.

[0037] The MAH-g-LLDPE according to the invention has good adhesion to a number of surfaces including nylon, polyvinyl alcohol, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyolefins (e.g., polypropylene), epoxy resins, and metals (e.g., aluminum and iron). It also has good adhesion to ground tire rubber, glass and other silicon dioxide substrates, and metal oxide substrates as a functional binder. In addition, the inventive material has excellent adhesion to typical substrates commonly used in the packaging industry, such as paper, paperboard, cardboard, and kraft paper. As such, the MAH-g-LLDPE is particularly useful as an adhesive by itself or may be blended with traditional additives to make adhesive compositions, such as hot melt adhesive compositions. In addition to being particularly suited as a base polymer for a hot melt adhesive, the MAH-g-LLDPE according to the invention has a wide range of uses, such as a carpet backing, a compatibilizer in polymer mixtures, and as a tie layer in a multilayer structure. The multilayer structures may include one or more layers of chipboard, aluminum foil, polyethylene, mylar, polypropylene, polyvinylidene chloride, ethylene-vinyl acetate, and kraft paper.

[0038] Moreover, the MAH-g-LLDPE can be used as an asphalt modifier to improve interfacial adhesion in asphalt emulsions and asphalt blends as well as can form inner penetrating networks with propylene polymers and copolymers.

[0039] The MAH-g-LLDPE of the invention may be blended with one or more conventional additives in typical amounts to prepare useful compositions. Examples of the additives include nucleating agents, heat stabilizers, antioxidants, lubricants, antistatic agents, dispersants, neutralizing agents, foaming agents, plasticizers, anti-foaming agents, flame retardants, crosslinking agents, viscosity enhancers, ultraviolet light absorbers, light stabilizers, slip agents, anti-blocking agents, dyes, pigments, natural oils, synthetic oils, waxes, fillers, and rubbers.

[0040] The MAH-g-LLDPE according to the invention is suitable for use in a number of articles of manufacture, such as containers, films, laminates, and coatings. In one embodiment, the article of manufacture is a package. The package may comprise two surfaces of a packaging material, such as cardboard or paperboard, bonded to each other by an adhesive composition according to the invention. The packaging article may be a carton, case, or tray.

[0041] As noted, the MAH-g-LLDPE according to the invention is particularly useful in hot melt adhesives (HMAs).

[0042] Thus, in another aspect, the invention provides a HMA comprising the MAH-g-LLDPE, a tackifier resin, and a wax.

[0043] HMAs typically contain a base polymer, a tackifier resin, and a wax. The MAH-g-LLDPE according to the invention may be used as all or part of the base polymer. Alternatively, the MAH-g-LLDPE may be used as an additive for HMAs. Whether used as a part or all of the base polymer or as an additive, the MAH-g-LLDPE can improve the cohesive strength and / or the bonding strength of the HMA over a wide temperature window.

[0044] The HMA according to the invention may contain from 0.5 to 90% by weight of the inventive MAH-g-LLDPE. As the base polymer or a component of the base polymer, the MAH-g-LLDPE may be used in amounts ranging from 30 to 90% by weight, or preferably from 30 to 60% by weight. As a performance enhancer, the MAH-g-LLDPE may be used in amounts ranging from 0.5 to 30% by weight, or preferably from 5 to 15% by weight. All percentages are based on the total weight of the HMA.

[0045] In addition to the MAH-g-LLDPE, the HMA may contain one or more conventional base polymers. Examples of conventional base polymers include polyolefins, such as polyethylenes (e.g., LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, and metallocene-catalyzed polyethylenes (mPEs)), atactic polypropylene, and polybutene; ethylene copolymers, such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA) and ethylene-unsaturated carboxylic acid or ester copolymers (e.g., ethylene n-butyl acrylate copolymers); polyamides; polyesters; natural or synthetic rubbers, including styrene block copolymers; polyvinyl acetate and vinyl acetate-unsaturated carboxylic acid or ester copolymers; and polyurethanes.

[0046] The HMA according to the invention may contain from 30 to 90% by weight of the base polymer, or preferably from 30 to 60% by weight. All percentages are based on the total weight of the HMA.

[0047] In one embodiment, the base polymer comprises a mPE. The mPE is typically a copolymer of ethylene and a C 4 to C 8 α-olefin comonomer, and more typically a copolymer of ethylene and butene-1 or octene-1. The mPE typically has an MI of at least 100 g / 10 minutes, more typically of at least 200 g / 10 minutes, and most typically of 500 to 2000 g / 10 minutes. The mPE may be present in the HMA in an amount ranging from 30% to 60% by weight, based on the weight of the HMA.

[0048] Examples of commercially available mPEs include Affinity ®< and Engage ®< polymers from Dow Chemical Company. Polymers and adhesives of this type are described in US 6,107,430 and US 6,319,979.

[0049] The tackifier resins or tackifiers suitable for use in the HMAs of the present invention. Examples of tackifiers include (a) aliphatic and cycloaliphatic petroleum hydrocarbon resins and the hydrogenated derivatives thereof; (b) aromatic petroleum hydrocarbon resins and the hydrogenated derivatives thereof; (c) aliphatic / aromatic petroleum derived hydrocarbon resins and the hydrogenated derivatives thereof; (d) aromatic modified cycloaliphatic resins and the hydrogenated derivatives thereof; (e) polyterpene resins and hydrogenated polyterpene resins; and (f) copolymers and terpolymers of natural terpenes, styrene / terpene, α-methyl styrene / terpene, and vinyl toluene / terpene. Mixtures of two or more tackifiers may be used.

[0050] The Ring & Ball Softening Point, as determined by ASTM E-28, of the tackifier may be in the range of 70 to 140°C, 80 to 140°C, or 90 to 140°C.

[0051] The HMA according to the invention may contain from 15 to 40% by weight of the tackifier, or preferably from 25 to 35% by weight. All percentages are based on the total weight of the HMA.

[0052] The wax suitable for use in the HMAs of the present invention. Examples of useful waxes include (1) low molecular weight (100-6000 g / mol) polyethylenes; (2) petroleum waxes, such as paraffin wax having a softening point from 130 to 170°F and microcrystalline wax having a softening point from 135 to 200°F; (3) metallocene-catalyzed propylene-based waxes; (4) metallocene-catalyzed or single-site catalyzed waxes (e.g., those described in US 4,914,253; US 6,319,979; WO 97 / 33921; and WO 98 / 03603); (5) synthetic waxes made by polymerizing carbon monoxide and hydrogen, such as Fischer-Tropsch wax; and (6) polyolefin waxes. Other materials that can be used as the wax include hydrogenated animal, fish, and vegetable fats and oils, such as hydrogenated tallow, lard, soy oil, palm oil, cottonseed oil, castor oil, etc. These hydrogenated materials are often referred to as "animal or vegetable waxes." Mixtures of two or more waxes may be used.

[0053] The HMA according to the invention may contain from 5 to 30% by weight of the wax, or preferably from 10 to 20% by weight. All percentages are based on the total weight of the HMA.

[0054] The HMA may also include one or more stabilizers or antioxidants. The stabilizers are typically used to help protect the polymer components from thermal and / or oxidative degradation, which can occur during the manufacture or application of the HMA as well as during normal exposure to ambient conditions. A typical stabilizer includes pentaerythritol tetrakis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamate) (CAS# 6683-19-8), which is commercially available as Irganox ®< 1010 or BNX ®< 1010.

[0055] The stabilizers may present in the HMA in typical amounts, such as from 0.1 to 1% by weight, based on the total weight of the HMA.

[0056] The HMA may also include other traditional additives in typical amounts, such as nucleating agents, heat stabilizers, lubricants, antistatic agents, dispersants, neutralizing agents, foaming agents, plasticizers, anti-foaming agents, flame retardants, crosslinking agents, viscosity enhancers, ultraviolet light absorbers, light stabilizers, slip agents, anti-blocking agents, dyes, pigments, natural oils, synthetic oils, fillers, and rubbers.

[0057] The adhesive compositions of the invention, including the HMAs, may be prepared by techniques known in the art. For example, the ingredients may be placed in a jacketed vessel equipped with a stirrer and heated to an elevated temperature, for example, in the range of 120 to 200°C. Once the solid ingredients are melted, stirring may be initiated for a sufficient time to form a homogeneous mixture, and then the mixture allowed to cool. The precise temperature used would depend on the melting point of the particular ingredients and the viscosity of the finished adhesive composition. The mixing may be performed under an inert gas atmosphere (such as nitrogen) or under a mild vacuum.

[0058] The adhesive compositions of the invention can be applied to substrates by techniques known in the art, such as extrusion, slot coating, spiral spray, melt-blown, spray-splatter, screen-printing, or roll-coating by delivery from bulk reservoirs capable of controlling the temperature within a range of, for example, 120 to 200°C.

[0059] As used herein, the indefinite articles "a" and "an" mean one or more, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. Similarly, the singular form of nouns includes their plural form, and vice versa, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise.

[0060] This invention can be further illustrated by the following examples of preferred embodiments thereof.EXAMPLESAnalytical Measurements

[0061] In the following examples, the test procedures listed below were used to evaluate the properties of the LLDPE and the MAH-g-LLDPE product.

[0062] Density was determined in accordance with ASTM D2839-93 except for the following: a) The conditioning procedure as described in paragraphs 7.2 and 7.3 was omitted. b) The strand was conditioned for 30 minutes at 23°C. c) The density was determined in accordance with ASTM D1505 immediately following paragraph 7.4. d) The density was determined by averaging the density values of at least three test specimens. The maximum difference allowed between the lowest density test specimen and the highest density test specimen was 0.0005 g / cm 3< . If this difference was >0.0005 g / cm 3< , then the test was repeated starting with paragraph 7.1.

[0063] Melt Index (MI), I 2 , was determined in accord with ASTM D1238, Condition 190 / 2.16 and reported as "g / 10 min."

[0064] Viscosity was measured according to ASTM D3237.

[0065] Gardner Color was determined according to ASTM D1544.

[0066] Peel Adhesion Failure Test (PAFT) was performed using ASTM D4498.

[0067] Shear Adhesion Failure Test (SAFT) was performed using ASTM D4498.

[0068] The Corrugated Bonds Test involved making glue-ups (0.5-inch wide strips of the hot melt adhesive) and heat sealing the samples at 350°F using a typical 45-lb corrugated board stock from Inland Container. The samples were aged at refrigerator (approx. 37°F) and freezer temperatures (approx. 10°F) for 24 hours and pulled by hand. The values reported are the average percent fiber tear of the bonds.Examples 1-7Preparation of Maleic Anhydride Grafted Polyethylene

[0069] Pellets of a linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) produced by Westlake Chemical Corporation, Houston, Texas, were fed with a volumetric pellet feeder into the inlet hopper of a 25-mm twin-screw extruder having 12 barrels (grouped into three zones) and a die. The extruder had 12 kneading / mixing elements in each of the three zones. The LLDPE was composed ethylene and 1-hexene, and was characterized by having an MI of 0.5 g / 10 min and a density of 0.906 g / cm 3< . The LLDPE was fed into the extruder at barrel 1 and melted. The molten LLDPE was thereafter passed from one barrel to the next until it reached the die. Molten maleic anhydride (MAH) was pumped into the extruder at barrel 4. A second liquid injection port fed an anti-oxidant into the molten mixture at barrel 12. Vacuum venting was also conducted at barrel 12. The resultant LLDPE was recovered by extruding the molten product into a standard cold water stranding bath. The average residence time of the LLDPE in the extruder was 2.5 to 3.2 minutes. The melt index of the product was controlled by the screw speed and the feed rate of the LLDPE. The cooled strands were subsequently chopped into pellets. The resultant grafted LLDPE product (MAH-g-LLDPE) was analyzed.

[0070] The process conditions used and the properties of the MAH-g-LLDPE are reported in Table 1. Table 1Extruder Barrel No.Example Number 1 2 (reference example 3 4 5 6 (reference example) 7 Temp. (°C)Temp. (°C)Temp. (°C)Temp. (°C)Temp. (°C)Temp. (°C)Temp. (°C)18080808080808022502502552552552552553240230240240240240240429027024024024024025554204054254254254254256420410425425425425425742041042542542542542584204104254254254154259420410425425425425425102002502002002002002001120020020020020020020012200200200200200200200Die205205200200200200200Screw Speed480450480480480480480(rpm)Vacuum29292929292929(inch Hg)Pellet Feeder Rate7777.57.37.37(lb / hr)Output Rate6.937.066.957.597.47.37.9(lb / hr)MAH Feed Rate0.440.30.30.30.30.3(mL / min)MAH Pump Discharge Pressure60805560707075(psi)MAH-g-LLDPE Melt Index259120422327277209306(g / 10 min)MAH-g-LLDPE5.63not measurednot measurednot measurednot measurednot measuredAcid Number Examples 8-10Preparation of Hot Melt Adhesives

[0071] Hot melt adhesive blends were prepared by placing the desired quantities of each material listed in Table 2 in a beaker. The beaker was placed in a heating mantle connected to a controller capable of maintaining the vessel and contents at 180°C. A Silverstein stirrer with a 3-blade paddle stirrer was lowered into the beaker, and when the contents of the beaker melted, the stirrer was started. The beaker was fitted with a metal lid with a nitrogen inlet, and the entire beaker was kept under nitrogen for the duration. The materials were mixed for 30 minutes after melting and allowed to cool.

[0072] Each composition was then tested for the properties listed in Table 2.

[0073] MAH-g-LLDPE in Table 2 is the material produced from Example 1.

[0074] W40-014 is a vis-broken, unmaleated LLDPE. It was produced from the same LLDPE used as the starting material in Example 1. It was vis-broken using the procedures of Example 1, but without the MAH. The vis-broken LLDPE had a density of 0.909 g / cm 3< and an MI of 330 g / 10 min.

[0075] AFFINITY GA 1950 is a polyolefin plastomer from Dow Chemical Company. The plastomer is reported as having a density of 0.874 g / cm 3< , a Brookfield Viscosity at 350°F (177°C) of 17,000 cP, an MI of 500 g / 10 min., and a DSC melting point of 70°C. Table 2Ingredient Example 8 Example 9 (Comparative) Example 10 (Comparative) Amount (wt%)Amount (wt%)Amount (wt%)MAH-g-LLDPE4000W40-0140400Affinity GA 19500040Sasol H1252525(wax)Escorez 563734.534.534.5(tackifier)Irganox 10100.50.50.5(anti-oxidant)Initial Properties Viscosity at 150°C443043702185(cP)Viscosity at 177°C221522401060(cP)Gardner Color311PAFT676562(°C)SAFT11111394(°C)Corrugated Bonds at -20°C0050(% fiber tear)Corrugated Bonds at 2°C250100(% fiber tear)Properties After 100 hrs at 177°C Viscosity at 177°C238522501070(cP)Gardner Color141513Skin / CharEdge ring30% scumclear

[0076] As seen from Table 2, the hot melt adhesive based on AFFINITY GA 1950 (Ex. 10) had better adhesion than the non-maleated, vis-broken LLDPE (Ex. 9) and the non-optimized MAH-g-PE of Example 1 (Ex. 8), according to the Corrugated Bonds Test at reduced temperatures. However, the high-temperature adhesion (PAFT and SAFT values) of the non-optimized MAH-g-LLDPE (Ex. 8) was good relative to the comparative cases. And the non-optimized MAH-g-LLDPE (Ex. 8) was intermediate in thermal stability testing.Examples 11-13

[0077] Another MAH-g-LLDPE was made following the procedures described in Examples 1-7, except that a different screw was used to impart more kinetic energy / shear into the polymer. The screw had (1) more mixing elements into the first zone of the extruder and a reverse element after 5 mixing elements to slow the polymer flow through the zone, (2) additional kneading blocks in the second zone (in place of conveying elements), and (3) both kneading blocks and a reverse element in the final zone. The MAH-g-LLDPE product had an MI of 500 g / 10 min. and an acid number of 4.5. It is designated as DA-27 in Table 3.

[0078] In each example, DA-27 was blended with the additives listed in Table 3 using the procedure outlined in Examples 8-10 to make an adhesive composition. The composition was then tested for the properties listed in Table 3.Example 14 (Comparative)

[0079] Pellets of Dow's AFFINITY GA 1950 were blended with the additives listed in Table 3 using the procedure outlined in Examples 8-10 to make an adhesive composition. The composition was then tested for the properties listed in Table 3.Example 15 (Compartive)

[0080] Pellets of an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer from Arkema sold under the name EVATANE 28-420 was blended with the additives listed in Table 3 using the procedure outlined in Examples 8-10 to make an adhesive composition.

[0081] The EVA copolymer is reported as having a density of 0.950 g / cm 3< , a vinyl acetate content of 27-29 wt%, an MI of 370-470 g / 10 min., and a melting point of 66°C. The composition was then tested for the properties listed in Table 3. Table 3Ingredient Example Number 11 12 13 14 (Comp.) 15 (Comp.) Amount (wt%)Amount (wt%)Amount (wt%)Amount (wt%)Amount (wt%)DA-27406040--EVATANE 28-420----40Affinity GA 1950---40-EASTOTAC H100W39.529.539.539.539.5(tackifier)Sasol H119.59.5019.510(wax)EPOLENE N21--19.5--(wax)Parafin Wax----9.5Irganox 101011111(antioxidant)Properties Initial Viscosity at 177°C1707586631701210967(cP)PAFT81.0 / 0.489.9 / 7.482.2 / 18.965.1 / 3.647.9 / 1.0(°C)SAFT123.3 / 0.8125.1 / 1.7124.8 / 0.892.2 / 2.775.1 / 1.3(°C)Fiber Tear at 0°F100 (4x)100 (4x)100 (4x)100 (4x)100 (4x)(%)Fiber Tear at 20°F100 (4x)100 (4x)100 (4x)100 (4x)100 (4x)(%)Fiber Tear at 40°F100 (4x)100 (4x)100 (4x)100 (4x)100 (4x)(%)Fiber Tear at Room Temp.100 (4x)100 (4x)100 (4x)100 (4x)100 (3x), 50(%)Fiber Tear at 135°F100 (4x)100 (4x)100 (4x)100 (4x)75 (3x), 25(%)

[0082] As seen from Table 3, the hot melt adhesives (HMAs) containing DA-27 as the base polymer (Exs. 11 - 13) had greater PAFT and SAFT values than the comparative blends (Exs. 14 and 15), indicating improved cohesive strength and better bonding performance. The fiber tear results show that the HMAs containing DA-27 performed as well as or better than the comparative blends over a wide temperature window.Examples 16-18

[0083] Examples 11, 14, and 15 were repeated, but with only 35 wt% of the base polymers DA-27, Affinity GA 1950, and Evatane 28-420, respectively. The results are shown in Table 4 below. Table 4Ingredient Example Number 16 17 (Comparative) 18 (Comparative) Amount (wt%)Amount (wt%)Amount (wt%)DA-2735--EVATANE 28-420--35Affinity GA 1950-35-EASTOTAC H100W44.544.544.5(tackifier)Sasol H119.52010(wax)Parafin Wax0010Irganox 101010.50.5(antioxidant)Properties Initial Viscosity at 177°C1337900780(cP)PAFT77.1 / 10.56548 / 4(°C)SAFT118.5 / 3.69371 / 2(°C)Fiber Tear at 0°F0, 75, 75, 10010050(%)Fiber Tear at 20°F0, 0, 50, 50100100(%)Fiber Tear at 40°F0 (4x)100100(%)Fiber Tear at Room Temp.25 (4x)100100(%)Fiber Tear at 135°F100 (4x)10075(%)

[0084] As seen from Table 4, the PAFT and SAFT values of the HMA containing DA-27 (Ex. 16) were greater than those of the comparative blends.Examples 19-25

[0085] HMAs were prepared using the ingredients and proportions listed in Table 5 following the general procedures outlined in Examples 8-10. The HMAs were then tested for the properties listed in Table 5.

[0086] Dow's AFFINITY GA 1950 was used as the base polymer in all of the HMAs.

[0087] DA-27 (an MAH-g-LLDPE according to the invention) was used as an additive at two concentrations, and compared with two commercially available maleated polyethylene waxes, Honeywell A-C ®< 575 and A-C ®< 573.

[0088] A-C ®< 575 is reported has having a density of 0.92 g / cm 3< , a saponification number of 30-40 mg KOH / g, a Gardner color of 3 max, and a Brookfield viscosity at 140°C of >1000 cps.

[0089] A-C ®< 573 is reported has having a density of 0.92 g / cm 3< , a saponification number of 3-6 mg KOH / g, a Gardner color of 2 max, and a Brookfield viscosity at 140°C of 600 cps max.

[0090] The performance testing involved an Institute of Packaging Professionals (loPP) heat resistance test T-3006 and a bonding performance test at 3 conditioning temperatures. The IoPP T-3006 test is a bond cleavage test where the adhesive was used to bond two pieces of stock corrugated cardboard together. The test was set up according to the loPP testing protocol. The highest temperature at which the bonds passed was recorded. Table 5Ingredient Example Number 19 a< 20 21 b< 22 b< 23 24 b< 25 b< Amount (wt%)Amount (wt%)Amount (wt%)Amount (wt%)Amount (wt%)Amount (wt%)Amount (wt%)Affinity GA 19503533.133.133.133.133.133.1Eastotac H130R39.737.337.337.334.134.134.1Sasol H12524.324.324.322.522.522.5DA-27-5--10--A-C 575--5--10-A-C 573---5--10BNX 10100.30.30.30.30.30.30.3Physical Properties Viscosity at 300°F1735215016801560330018601600(cP)Viscosity at 350°F77510507307201445810790(cP)Gardner Color2343452100 g PAFT148151149147144143140(°F)500 g SAFT190207188197219188203(°F)Performance Properties IoPP Failure Temp.60756570857070(°C)Bonding Performance at -18°C CorrugatedNFTSFTNFTNFTFFTSFTSFTBonding Performance at 2°C CorrugatedSFTSFTSFTPFTFFTPFTPFTBonding Performance at 23°C CorrugatedFFTFFTFFTFFTFFTFFTFFT a< = Control. b< = Comparative. FFT = Full Fiber Tearing bond (85-100% FT). PFT = Partial Fiber Tearing bond (50-84% FT). SFT = Slight Fiber Tearing bond (20-49% FT). NFT = No Fiber Tearing bond (0-19% FT).

[0091] As seen from Table 5, the physical properties of the mixtures reveal that there was an effect, surprisingly, of adding DA-27 to the HMA blends. The 100 g PAFT of the DA-27 blends (Exs. 20 and 23) was slightly raised over the control (Ex. 19) and the other maleated PEs tested (Exs. 21-22 and 24-25). In addition, the 500 g shear value of the DA-27 blends (Exs. 20 and 23) was elevated when compared to the control (Ex. 19) and the other maleated PEs tested (Exs. 21-22 and 24-25). These results indicate that the cohesive strength of the HMAs containing DA-27 as an additive was higher than the other products.

[0092] The bonding results show that adding 10 wt% of DA-27 markedly improved the bonding performance of the HMA throughout the temperature range tested. At 5 wt% loading, the HMA containing DA-27 was not as effective, but it still outperformed the adhesives containing the other maleated PE materials.

[0093] The loPP results show that the trend for higher cohesive strength was followed up to the 10 wt% loading level. There was a marked improvement in the loPP value at both the 5 wt% and the 10 wt% loading levels compared to the other maleated PEs.

[0094] The greater heat resistance and the improved bonding strength at freezer temperatures are good indicators that DA-27 is a beneficial additive in metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene-based HMAs.

Claims

1. A process for preparing a linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) grafted with maleic anhydride (MAH-g-LLDPE), the process comprising: (a) melting a LLDPE having an MI of 0.1 to 10 g / 10 minutes in an extruder to form a molten LLDPE; (b) introducing maleic anhydride into the extruder; and (c) contacting the molten LLDPE with the maleic anhydride in the extruder at conditions effective to increase the melt index (MI) of the LLDPE and to form the MAH-g-LLDPE, wherein the MAH-g-LLDPE has a MI of 250 to 800 g / 10 minutes and comprises 0.01 to 3 weight percent of maleic anhydride, based on the weight of the MAH-g- LLDPE, and wherein step (c) is carried out in the absence of an added free radical initiator.

2. The process according to claim 1, wherein the extruder has a temperature profile ranging from 80 to 600°C, preferably from 80 to 450°C.

3. The process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the polyethylene has an average residence time in the extruder of 1 to 5 minutes, preferably of 2 to 4 minutes.

4. The process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the extruder has a screw speed of 300 to 600 revolutions per minute.

5. The process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the MAH-g-LLDPE comprises 0.1 to 2 weight percent of maleic anhydride, preferably 0.5 to 1.5 weight percent of maleic anhydride.

6. The process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the LLDPE has a density of 0.880 to 0.925 g / cm3, preferably of 0.890 to 0.925 g / cm3.

7. The process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the MAH-g-LLDPE has an MI of 300 to 800 g / 10 minutes, preferably of 350 to 800 g / 10 minutes.

8. A linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) grafted with maleic anhydride (MAH-g-LLDPE) in the absence of an added free radical initiator, wherein the MAH-g-LLDPE has a melt index (MI) of 250 to 800 g / 10 minutes and comprises 0.01 to 3 weight percent of maleic anhydride, based on the total weight of the MAH-g-LLDPE.

9. The MAH-g-LLDPE according to claim 8, which comprises 0.1 to 2 weight percent of maleic anhydride, preferably 0.5 to 1.5 weight percent of maleic anhydride.

10. The MAH-g-LLDPE according to any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein the LLDPE has a density of 0.880 to 0.925 g / cm3, preferably of 0.890 to 0.925 g / cm3.

11. The MAH-g-LLDPE according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the LLDPE has an MI of 0.1 to 10 g / 10 minutes, preferably of 0.5 to 10 g / 10 minutes.

12. The MAH-g-LLDPE according to any one of claims 8 to 11, which has an MI of 300 to 800 g / 10 minutes, preferably of 350 to 800 g / 10 minutes.

13. An adhesive composition which comprises the MAH-g-LLDPE according to any one of claims 8 to 12.

14. A hot melt adhesive comprising: (a) the MAH-g-LLDPE according to any one of claims 8 to 12; (b) a tackifier resin; and (c) a wax.