Hydrogenated styrene farnesene block copolymer as a modifier for polypropylene compositions

Abstract

A heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) comprising: a) from 70.0 to 99.0 wt.-% of a HECO, having an MFR2 of 1.0 to 100 g / 10 min, b) from 1.0 to 30.0 wt.-%, of a hydrogenated styrene farnesene block copolymer (HSFC); c) optionally, from 0.0001 to 1.0 wt.-%, of one or more nucleating agents (NU); and d) optionally, from 0.01 to 5.0 wt.-%, of one or more further additives (A) different to the one or more nucleating agents (NU).

Description

Hydrogenated styrene farnesene block copolymer as a modifier for polypropylene compositionsField of the InventionThe present invention is directed to a heterophasic polypropylene composition comprising a heterophasic propylene -ethylene copolymer and a hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer, articles containing said heterophasic polypropylene composition and the use of a hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer as a modifier for polypropylenes in order to improve haze, Charpy notched impact strength and / or dart drop impact strength.Background to the InventionPolypropylenes are widely used in various applications such as for packaging and for films. Whilst one strategy for minimizing the impact of polypropylene waste is to use polypropylene compositions suitable for recycling, other strategies involve reducing the amount of polypropylene used to begin with and / or ensuring that the polypropylene articles can be reused, both of which strategies rely far less on complicated recycling infrastmcture. In order to ensure that the ‘reduce’ and ‘reuse’ principles may be applied, it is important to develop compositions having improved properties, in particular mechanical and optical properties, allowing for thinner fdms / moulded articles (helping to reduce the amount of polypropylene used) and helping the resultant articles to maintain their shape / properties in subsequent uses.Furthermore, the use of bio-based polymers, such as those derived from plant materials, is attractive as it avoids depleting oil reserves and is a renewable feedstock not contributing to the net release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.It is well-known that styrene-based elastomers like styrene-ethylene-butylene block copolymers (SEBS) may be used as modifiers to improve the properties of polypropylene compositions, with such compositions described in WO 2013 / 144060 Al, WO 2020 / 221706 Al, and WO 2020 / 245251 A2.Despite these promising developments, further improvements are always necessary to deliver the best possible performance, whilst alternative modifiers obtainable from bio-based feedstock are particularly attractive.Summary of the InventionThe present invention is thus based on the finding that hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymers may be used as modifiers for polypropylenes, thus improving various polymer properties whilst also reducing the olefin-derived (and thus crude oil-derived) content of the resultant compositions.In a first aspect, the present invention is directed to a heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) comprising: a) from 70.0 to 99.0 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), of a heterophasic propylene -ethylene copolymer (HECO), having a melt flow rate (MFR2), determined according to ISO 1133 at 230 °C and 2.16 kg, in the range from 1.0 to 100 g / 10 min, comprising: i) a crystalline matrix (M) being a propylene homo- or copolymer; and ii) an amorphous propylene-ethylene elastomer (E); and b) from 1.0 to 30.0 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), of a hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC); c) optionally, from 0.0001 to 1.0 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), of one or more nucleating agents (NU); and d) optionally, from 0.01 to 5.0 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), of one or more further additives (A) different to the one or more nucleating agents (NU).In a second aspect, the present invention is directed to articles, more preferably films or moulded articles, comprising at least 90 wt.-%, more preferably at least 95 wt.-%, most preferably at least 98 wt.-% of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) of the first aspect.In a third aspect, the present invention is directed to a use of a hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC) for improving the Charpy notched impact strength (NIS(23)), determined according to ISO 179-1 eA at 23 °C on 80* 10x4 mm3injection- moulded specimens prepared according to ISO 19069-2, of a polypropylene composition obtained by blending a polypropylene, more preferably the heterophasic propylene-ethylene copolymer (HECO) according to the first aspect, with 1.0 to 30.0 wt.-% of the hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC).In a fourth aspect, the present invention is directed to a use of a hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC) for improving the haze of a polypropylene composition obtained by blending a polypropylene, more preferably the heterophasic propylene-ethylene copolymer (HECO) according to the first aspect, with 1.0 to 30.0 wt.-% of the hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC).In a fifth aspect, the present invention is directed to a use of a hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC) for improving the dart drop impact strength (DDI), determined according to ISO 7765-1 on a 50 pm blown film sample, of a polypropylene composition obtained by blending a polypropylene, more preferably the heterophasic propylene-ethylene copolymer (HECO) according to the first aspect, with 1.0 to 30.0 wt.-% of the hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC).DefinitionsUnless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although, any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in practice for testing of the present invention, the preferred materials and methods are described herein. In describing and claiming the present invention, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set out below.Unless clearly indicated otherwise, use of the terms “a”, “an”, and the like refers to one or more.In the following amounts are given in % by weight (wt.-%) unless it is stated otherwise.A propylene homopolymer is a polymer that essentially consists of propylene monomer units. Due to impurities especially during commercial polymerization processes, a propylene homopolymer can comprise up to 0. 1 mol-% comonomer units, preferably up to 0.05 mol-% comonomer units and most preferably up to 0.01 mol-% comonomer units.A propylene random copolymer is a copolymer of propylene monomer units and comonomer units, preferably selected from ethylene and C4-C8 alpha-olefins, in which the comonomer units are distributed randomly over the polymeric chain. The propylene random copolymer can comprise comonomer units from one or more comonomers different in their amounts of carbon atoms.Heterophasic propylene copolymers typically comprise: a) a crystalline propylene homopolymer or copolymer matrix (M); and b) an elastomeric rubber, preferably a propylene-ethylene copolymer (E).In case of a random heterophasic propylene copolymer, said crystalline matrix phase is a random copolymer of propylene and at least one alpha-olefin comonomer.The elastomeric phase can be a propylene copolymer with a high amount of comonomer that is not randomly distributed in the polymer chain but is distributed in a comonomer-rich block structure and a propylene -rich block structure. A heterophasic polypropylene usually differentiates from a monophasic propylene copolymer in that it shows two distinct glass transition temperatures Tg which are attributed to the matrix phase and the elastomeric phase.The present invention will now be described in more detail.Detailed DescriptionIn a first aspect, the present invention is directed to a heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) comprising: a) a heterophasic propyl ene-ethylene copolymer (HECO); b) a hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC); c) optionally one or more nucleating agents (NU); and d) optionally, one or more further additives (A) different to the one or more nucleating agents (NU).Heterophasic propylene-ethylene copolymer (HECO)One essential component of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) is the heterophasic propylene-ethylene copolymer (HECO).The heterophasic propylene-ethylene copolymer (HECO) is provided in an amount in the range from 70.0 to 99.0 wt.-%, more preferably in the range from 80.0 to 97.0 wt.-%, most preferably in the range from 85.0 to 95.0 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC).The heterophasic propylene-ethylene copolymer (HECO) has a melt flow rate (MFR2), determined according to ISO 1133 at 230 °C and 2.16 kg, in the range from 1.0 to 100 g / 10 min, more preferably in the range from 1.3 to 20 g / 10 min, most preferably in the range from 1.5 to 5.0 g / 10 min.The heterophasic propylene-ethylene copolymer (HECO) may be characterized according to the CRYSTEX QC method using trichlorobenzene (TCB) as a solvent. This method is described below in the determination methods section. The crystalline fraction (CF) contains for the most part the matrix phase and only a small part of the elastomeric phase and the soluble fraction (SF) contains for the most part the elastomeric phase and only a small part of the matrix phase. In some cases, this method results in more useful data (than for example xylene cold soluble -based methods), since the crystalline fraction (CF) and the solublefraction (SF) more accurately correspond to the matrix and elastomeric phases respectively. Due to the differences in the separation methods of xylene extraction and CRYSTEX QC method the properties of XCS / XCI fractions on the one hand and crystalline / soluble (CF / SF) fractions on the other hand are not exactly the same, meaning that the amounts of matrix phase and elastomeric phase can differ as well as the properties.The heterophasic propylene -ethylene copolymer (HECO) preferably has an ethylene content (C2(total)), determined by FT-IR spectroscopy calibrated by quantitative13C-NMR spectroscopy, in the range from 0.3 to 8.0 wt.-%, more preferably in the range from 0.5 to 5.0 wt.-%, most preferably in the range from 1.0 to 2.5 wt.-%.The heterophasic propylene -ethylene copolymer (HECO) preferably has a soluble fraction (SF) content, determined according to CRYSTEX QC analysis, in the range from 5.0 to 40.0 wt.-%, more preferably in the range from 6.0 to 20.0 wt.-%, most preferably in the range from 7.0 to 10.0 wt.-%.The heterophasic propylene -ethylene copolymer (HECO) preferably has an ethylene content of the soluble fraction (C2(SF)), according to CRYSTEX QC analysis, determined by FT-IR spectroscopy calibrated by quantitative13C-NMR spectroscopy, in the range from 10.0 to 90.0 wt.-%, more preferably in the range from 15.0 to 50.0 wt.-%, most preferably in the range from 20.0 to 30.0 wt.-%.The heterophasic propylene -ethylene copolymer (HECO) preferably has an intrinsic viscosity of the soluble fraction (iV(SF)), determined according to CRYSTEX QC analysis, in the range from 1.20 to 5.00 dL / g, more preferably in the range from 1.50 to 3.50 dL / g, most preferably in the range from 2.00 to 3.00 dL / g.The heterophasic propylene -ethylene copolymer (HECO) preferably has a crystalline fraction (CF) content, determined according to CRYSTEX QC analysis, in the range from 60.0 to 95.0 wt.-%, more preferably in the range from 80.0 to 94.0 wt.-%, most preferably in the range from 90.0 to 93.0 wt.-%.The heterophasic propylene -ethylene copolymer (HECO) preferably has an ethylene content of the crystalline fraction (C2(CF)), according to CRYSTEX QC analysis, determined by FT-IR spectroscopy calibrated by quantitative13C-NMR spectroscopy, in the range from 0.0 to 5.0 wt.-%, more preferably in the range from 0.0 to 3.0 wt.-%, most preferably in the range from 0.0 to 1.0 wt.-%.The heterophasic propylene -ethylene copolymer (HECO) preferably has an intrinsic viscosity of the crystalline fraction (iV(CF)), determined according to CRYSTEX QC analysis, in the range from 1.50 to 5.00 dL / g, more preferably in the range from 2.00 to 3.50 dL / g, most preferably in the range from 2.30 to 2.80 dL / g.The heterophasic propylene -ethylene copolymer (HECO) preferably has an intrinsic viscosity (iV), determined according to CRYSTEX QC analysis, in the range from 1.50 to 5.00 dL / g, more preferably in the range from 2.00 to 3.50 dL / g, most preferably in the range from 2.30 to 2.80 dL / g.The heterophasic propylene -ethylene copolymer (HECO) preferably has a melting temperature (Tm), determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), in the range from 149 to 160 °C, more preferably in the range from 151 to 159 °C, most preferably in the range from 153 to 158 °C.The heterophasic propylene -ethylene copolymer (HECO) preferably has an associated melting enthalpy (Hm), determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), in the range from 50 to 120 J / g, more preferably in the range from 70 to 110 J / g, most preferably in the range from 90 to 100 J / g.The heterophasic propylene -ethylene copolymer (HECO) preferably has a crystallization temperature (Tc), determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), in the range from 110 to 130 °C, more preferably in the range from 117 to 129 °C, most preferably in the range from 124 to 128 °C.The heterophasic propylene -ethylene copolymer (HECO) preferably has a first glass transition temperature (Tgi), determined according to ISO 6721-7, in the range from -60 to - 35 °C, more preferably in the range from -50 to -37 °C, most preferably in the range from - 45 to -40 °C.The heterophasic propylene -ethylene copolymer (HECO) preferably has a second glass transition temperature (Tg2), determined according to ISO 6721-7, in the range from -5 to +5 °C, more preferably in the range from -2 to +3 °C, most preferably in the range from 0 to +2 °C.The heterophasic propylene -ethylene copolymer (HECO) comprises: i) a crystalline matrix (M) being a propylene homo- or copolymer; and ii) an amorphous propylene-ethylene elastomer (E);The crystalline matrix is preferably a homopolymer.The crystalline matrix component (M) preferably has a melt flow rate (MFRM), determined according to ISO 1133 at 230 °C and 2.16 kg, in the range from 1.0 to 100 g / 10 min, more preferably in the range from 1.3 to 20 g / 10 min, most preferably in the range from 1.5 to 5.0 g / 10 min.The crystalline matrix component (M) preferably has a content of 2,1 -regiodefects as determined by quantitative13C-NMR spectroscopy in the range from 0.05 to 1.20 mol-%, more preferably in the range from 0.20 to 1.00 mol-%, most preferably in the range from 0.40 to 0.80 mol-%. These ranges are typical for polypropylenes polymerized using metallocene catalysts.Preferably, the heterophasic propylene-ethylene copolymer (HECO) has been polymerized in the presence of a single site catalyst, more preferably a metallocene catalyst.Hydrogenated styrene farnesene block copolymer (HSFC)A further essential component of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) is the hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC).The hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC) is provided in an amount in the range from 1.0 to 30.0 wt.-%, more preferably in the range from 3.0 to 20.0 wt.-%, most preferably in the range from 5.0 to 15.0 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC).The hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC) preferably has a melt flow rate (MFRio), determined according to ISO 1133 at 230 °C and 10 kg, in the range from 1.0 to 1000 g / 10 min, more preferably in the range from 1.0 to 100 g / 10 min, most preferably in the range from 20 to 100 g / 10 min.The hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC) preferably has a Shore A hardness, determined according to ISO 868, in the range from 3 to 30, more preferably in the range from 5 to 23, most preferably in the range from 7 to 15.The hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC) preferably has a styrene content, determined according to quantitative FT-IR spectroscopy, in the range from 1.0 to 35.0 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC), more preferably in the range from 10.0 to 27.0 wt.-%, most preferably in the range from 15.0 to 20.0 wt.-%.One or more nucleating agents (NU)An optional component of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) is one or more nucleating agents (NU).If present, the one or more nucleating agents (NU) are provided in an amount in the range from 0.0001 to 1.0 wt.-%, more preferably in the range from 0.001 to 0.50 wt.-%, mostpreferably in the range from 0.01 to 0.30 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC).In the broadest sense, each nucleating agent can be any nucleating agent suitable for the nucleation of polypropylene. It is further preferred that one or more nucleating agents (NU) are alpha-nucleating agents.More preferably, at least one of the one or more alpha nucleating agents (NU) is a particulate alpha nucleating agent, more preferably a particulate alpha nucleating agent that comprises a compound having a phosphate moiety.Preferably, at least one of the one or more alpha nucleating agents (NU) is a particulate alpha nucleating agent that comprises a compound having the structure [(Ar1O)(Ar2O)(O=)P-O]nX, whereinAr1and Ar2are each independently selected from phenyl groups substituted by one or more Ci to Ce linear or branched alkyl groups, wherein Ar1and Ar2may also be linked by a direct single bond, an O, or a Ci to Ce alkylene group; n is either 1 or 2, wherein if n = 1, then X is selected from the group consisting of Ui, Na, K, and A1(OH)2, and if n = 2, then X is selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, and Al(OH).More preferably, at least one of the one or more alpha nucleating agents (NU) is a particulate alpha nucleating agent that comprises a compound selected from the group consisting of sodium di(4-tert-butylphenyl)phosphate, sodium 2,2’-methylene-bis-(4,6-di-tert.butylphenyl) phosphate, lithium 2,2’-methylene-bis-(4,6-di-tert.butylphenyl) phosphate, and aluminium hydroxybis[2,2’methylene-bis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphate].Most preferably, at least one of the one or more alpha nucleating agents (NU) comprises lithium 2,2’-methylene-bis-(4,6-di-tert.butylphenyl) phosphate.As would be understood by the person skilled in the art, such particulate alpha nucleating agents may be present either as a single compound or as a particulate blend. One suchparticulate blend that contains lithium 2,2’-methylene-bis-(4,6-di-tert.butylphenyl) phosphate as the major component is ADK STAB NA-71, commercially available from Adeka Corp.One or more further additives (A)Another optional component of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) is one or more further additives (A) different to the one or more nucleating agents (NU).If present, the one or more further additives (A) are provided in a total amount in the range from 0.01 to 5.0 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC).The selection of suitable additives for the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) is within the general knowledge of the person skilled in the art.For example, the one or more further additives (A) may be selected from the group consisting of antioxidants, stabilizers, fillers, colorants, and antistatic agents.Such additives are generally commercially available and are described, for example, in "Plastic Additives Handbook", pages 871 to 873, 5th edition, 2001 of Hans Zweifel.It is understood that the content of additives (A), given with respect to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), includes any carrier polymers used to introduce the additives to said heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), i.e. masterbatch carrier polymers. An example of such a carrier polymer would be a polypropylene homopolymer in the form of powder.Heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC)The heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) comprises, more preferably consists of: a) from 70.0 to 99.0 wt.-%, more preferably from 80.0 to 97.0 wt.-%, most preferably from 85.0 to 95.0 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), of the heterophasic propylene-ethylene copolymer (HECO); b) from 1.0 to 30.0 wt.-%, more preferably from 3.0 to 20.0 wt.-%, most preferably from 5.0 to 15.0 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), of the hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC); c) optionally, from 0.0001 to 1.0 wt.-%, more preferably in the range from 0.001 to 0.50 wt.-%, most preferably in the range from 0.01 to 0.30 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), of one or more nucleating agents (NU); and d) optionally, from 0.01 to 5.0 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), of one or more further additives (A) different to the one or more nucleating agents (NU).In the broadest sense, the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) comprises: a) from 70.0 to 99.0 wt.-%, more preferably from 80.0 to 97.0 wt.-%, most preferably from 85.0 to 95.0 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), of the heterophasic propylene-ethylene copolymer (HECO); b) from 1.0 to 30.0 wt.-%, more preferably from 3.0 to 20.0 wt.-%, most preferably from 5.0 to 15.0 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), of the hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC); c) optionally, from 0.0001 to 1.0 wt.-%, more preferably in the range from 0.001 to 0.50 wt.-%, most preferably in the range from 0.01 to 0.30 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), of one or more nucleating agents (NU); and d) optionally, from 0.01 to 5.0 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), of one or more further additives (A) different to the one or more nucleating agents (NU).In a preferred embodiment, the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) comprises, more preferably consists of: a) from 80.0 to 97.0 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), of the heterophasic propylene-ethylene copolymer (HECO); b) from 3.0 to 20.0 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), of the hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC); c) optionally, from 0.001 to 0.50 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), of one or more nucleating agents (NU); and d) optionally, from 0.01 to 5.0 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), of one or more further additives (A) different to the one or more nucleating agents (NU).In a further preferred embodiment, the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) comprises, more preferably consists of: a) from 85.0 to 95.0 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), of the heterophasic propylene-ethylene copolymer (HECO); b) from 5.0 to 15.0 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), of the hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC); c) optionally, from 0.01 to 0.30 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), of one or more nucleating agents (NU); and d) optionally, from 0.01 to 5.0 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), of one or more further additives (A) different to the one or more nucleating agents (NU).In one embodiment, the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) comprises, more preferably consists of: a) from 70.0 to 99.0 wt.-%, more preferably from 80.0 to 97.0 wt.-%, most preferably from 85.0 to 95.0 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), of the heterophasic propylene-ethylene copolymer (HECO); and b) from 1.0 to 30.0 wt.-%, more preferably from 3.0 to 20.0 wt.-%, most preferably from 5.0 to 15.0 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), of the hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC).In another embodiment, the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) comprises, more preferably consists of: a) from 70.0 to 98.9999 wt.-%, more preferably from 80.0 to 96.999 wt.-%, most preferably from 85.0 to 94.99 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), of the heterophasic propylene -ethylene copolymer (HECO); b) from 1.0 to 29.9999 wt.-%, more preferably from 3.0 to 19.999 wt.-%, most preferably from 5.0 to 14.99 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), of the hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC); and c) from 0.0001 to 1.0 wt.-%, more preferably in the range from 0.001 to 0.50 wt.-%, most preferably in the range from 0.01 to 0.30 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), of one or more nucleating agents (NU).In yet another embodiment, the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) comprises, more preferably consists of: a) from 70.0 to 98.99 wt.-%, more preferably from 80.0 to 96.99 wt.-%, most preferably from 85.0 to 94.99 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), of the heterophasic propylene-ethylene copolymer (HECO); b) from 1.0 to 29.9 wt.-%, more preferably from 3.0 to 19.9 wt.-%, most preferably from 5.0 to 14.9 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), of the hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC); and c) from 0.01 to 5.0 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), of one or more further additives (A) different to the one or more nucleating agents (NU).In a final embodiment, the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) comprises, more preferably consists of: a) from 70.0 to 98.9899 wt.-%, more preferably from 80.0 to 96.989 wt.-%, most preferably from 85.0 to 94.98 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), of the heterophasic propylene-ethylene copolymer (HECO);b) from 1.0 to 29.9899 wt.-%, more preferably from 3.0 to 19.989 wt.-%, most preferably from 5.0 to 14.89 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), of the hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC); c) from 0.0001 to 1.0 wt.-%, more preferably in the range from 0.001 to 0.50 wt.-%, most preferably in the range from 0.01 to 0.30 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), of one or more nucleating agents (NU); and d) from 0.01 to 5.0 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), of one or more further additives (A) different to the one or more nucleating agents (NU).In all of the above embodiments, the sum of the individual contents of the heterophasic propylene -ethylene copolymer (HECO), the hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC), the optional one or more nucleating agents (NU), and the optional further additive different to the one or more nucleating agents (NU) preferably add up to at least 90 wt.-%, more preferably at least 95 wt.-%, yet more preferably at least 98 wt.-%. Most preferably, the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) consists of the heterophasic propylene -ethylene copolymer (HECO), the hydrogenated styrene fame sene block copolymer (HSFC), the optional one or more nucleating agents (NU), and the optional one or more further additives different to the one or more nucleating agents (NU).The heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) preferably has a melt flow rate (MFR2), determined according to ISO 1133 at 230 °C and 2.16 kg, in the range from 1.0 to 100 g / 10 min, more preferably in the range from 1.3 to 20 g / 10 min, most preferably in the range from 1.5 to 5.0 g / 10 min.The heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) preferably has a melting temperature (Tm), determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), in the range from 149 to 160 °C, more preferably in the range from 151 to 159 °C, most preferably in the range from 153 to 158 °C.The heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) preferably has an associated melting enthalpy (Hm), determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), in the range from 50 to 120 J / g, more preferably in the range from 70 to 105 J / g, most preferably in the range from 85 to 95 J / g.The heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) preferably has a crystallization temperature (Tc), determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), in the range from 110 to 130 °C, more preferably in the range from 117 to 129 °C, most preferably in the range from 124 to 128 °C.The heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) preferably has a first glass transition temperature (Tgi), determined according to ISO 6721 -7, in the range from -70 to -55 °C, more preferably in the range from -67 to -58 °C, most preferably in the range from -64 to -61 °C.The heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) preferably has a second glass transition temperature (Tg2), determined according to ISO 6721 -7, in the range from -50 to -34 °C, more preferably in the range from -46 to -36 °C, most preferably in the range from -43 to -38 °C.The heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) preferably has a third glass transition temperature (Tgs), determined according to ISO 6721 -7, in the range from -5 to +5 °C, more preferably in the range from -2 to +3 °C, most preferably in the range from 0 to +3 °C.The terms “first glass transition temperature (Tgi)”, “second glass transition temperature (Tg2)”, and “third glass transition temperature (Tgs)” merely mean that the heterophasic polypropylene composition has to have a glass transition temperature in the given range, not that the glass transition temperature in that range has to be the first / second / third highest or first / second / third lowest glass transition temperature of the composition. Thus, if a composition had a single glass transition temperature of 1 °C, then this would fulfil the feature “third glass transition temperature (Tgs), despite the absence of the a first and secondglass transition temperature in the ranges stated above. (Said composition would of course not fulfil the requirements for first and second glass transition temperature.)The heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) preferably has a shear storage modulus (G’), determined according to ISO 6721, in the range from 400 to 1000 MPa, more preferably in the range from 450 to 800 MPa, most preferably in the range from 500 to700 MPa.The heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) preferably has a flexural modulus, determined according to ISO 178 on 80x 10x4 mm3injection-moulded specimens prepared according to ISO 19069-2, in the range from 800 to 2000 MPa, more preferably in the range from 900 to 1700 MPa, most preferably in the range from 1000 to 1500 MPa.The heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) preferably has a Charpy Notched Impact Strength (NIS(23)) measured according to ISO 179-1 eA at 23 °C on 80x 10x4 mm3injection-moulded specimens prepared according to ISO 19069-2, in the range from 20 to 100 kJ / m2, more preferably in the range from 30 to 90 kJ / m2, most preferably in the range from 50 to 80 kJ / m2.The heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) preferably has a haze value, determined according to ASTM D 1003 on a plaque with a thickness of 1 mm, in the range from 5 to 30%, more preferably in the range from 10 to 26%, most preferably in the range from 15 to 23%.The heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) preferably has a haze value, determined according to ASTM D 1003 on a 50 pm blown film sample, in the range from 0.1 to 6.0%, more preferably in the range from 1.0 to 5.0%, most preferably in the range from 2.0 to 4.8%.The heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) preferably has a dart drop impact strength (DDI), measured according to ISO 7765-1 on a 50 pm blown film sample, in the range from200 to 700 g, more preferably in the range from 250 to 600 g, most preferably in the range from 300 to 500 g.The heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) preferably has a sealing initiation temperature (SIT), determined according to the method as described in the determination methods, in the range from 128 to 138 °C, more preferably in the range from 130 to 137 °C, most preferably in the range from 132 to 136 °C.The heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) preferably has a tensile modulus in the machine direction (TM-MD), determined according to ISO 527-3on a 50 pm blown fdm sample, in the range in the range from 1000 to 2000 MPa, more preferably in the range from 1200 to 1800 MPa, most preferably in the range from 1300 to 1500 MPa.The heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) preferably has a tensile modulus in the transverse direction (TM-TD), determined according to ISO 527-3on a 50 pm blown fdm sample, in the range in the range from 800 to 2000 MPa, more preferably in the range from 1000 to 1700 MPa, most preferably in the range from 1100 to 1400 MPa.ArticlesIn a second aspect, the present invention is directed to articles, more preferably films or moulded articles, comprising at least 90 wt.-%, more preferably at least 95 wt.-%, most preferably at least 98 wt.-% of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) of the first aspect.In one embodiment, the article of the second aspect is a moulded article.In another embodiment, the article of the second aspect is a film, more preferably a blown film.The film of this embodiment preferably has a haze value, determined according to ASTM D 1003, in the range from 0.1 to 6.0%, more preferably in the range from 1.0 to 5.0%, most preferably in the range from 2.0 to 4.8%.The film of this embodiment preferably has a dart drop impact strength (DDI), measured according to ISO 7765-1, in the range from 200 to 700 g, more preferably in the range from 250 to 600 g, most preferably in the range from 300 to 500 g.The film of this embodiment preferably has a sealing initiation temperature (SIT), determined according to the method as described in the determination methods, in the range from 128 to 138 °C, more preferably in the range from 130 to 137 °C, most preferably in the range from 132 to 136 °C.The film of this embodiment preferably has a tensile modulus in the machine direction (TM- MD), determined according to ISO 527-3, in the range in the range from 1000 to 2000 MPa, more preferably in the range from 1200 to 1800 MPa, most preferably in the range from 1300 to 1500 MPa.The film of this embodiment preferably has a tensile modulus in the transverse direction (TM-TD), determined according to ISO 527-3, in the range in the range from 800 to 2000 MPa, more preferably in the range from 1000 to 1700 MPa, most preferably in the range from 1100 to 1400 MPa.All fallback positions provided above for the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) in the first aspect are applicable mutatis mutandis to the articles according to the present aspect.UsesIn a third aspect, the present invention is directed to a use of a hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC) for improving the Charpy notched impact strength (NIS(23)), determined according to ISO 179-1 eA at 23 °C on 80* 10x4 mm3injection-moulded specimens prepared according to ISO 19069-2, of a polypropylene composition obtained by blending a polypropylene with 1.0 to 30.0 wt.-% of the hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC).It is particularly preferred that the Charpy notched impact strength (NIS(23)) of the polypropylene composition comprising 1.0 to 30.0 wt.-% of the hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC) is at least 100% higher, more preferably at least 200% higher, most preferably at least 300% higher than an analogous polypropylene composition without the hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC).In a fourth aspect, the present invention is directed to a use of a hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC) for improving the haze of a polypropylene composition obtained by blending a polypropylene with 1.0 to 30.0 wt.-% of the hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC).In one embodiment, the use of the fourth aspect improves the haze of the polypropylene composition, as determined according to ASTM D 1003 on a plaque with a thickness of 1 mm.In this embodiment, it is particularly preferred that the haze value of the polypropylene composition comprising 1.0 to 30.0 wt.-% of the hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC) is at least 20% lower, more preferably at least 30% lower, most preferably at least 40% lower than an analogous polypropylene composition without the hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC).In another embodiment, the use of the fourth aspect improved the haze of the polypropylene composition, as determined according to ASTM D 1003 on a 50 pm blown film sample.In this embodiment, it is particularly preferred that the haze value of the polypropylene composition comprising 1.0 to 30.0 wt.-% of the hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC) is at least 10% lower, more preferably at least 20% lower, mostpreferably at least 30% lower than an analogous polypropylene composition without the hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC).In a fifth aspect, the present invention is directed to a use of a hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC) for improving the dart drop impact strength (DDI), determined according to ISO 7765-1 on a 50 pm blown film sample, of a polypropylene composition obtained by blending a polypropylene with 1.0 to 30.0 wt.-% of the hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC).It is particularly preferred that the dart drop impact strength (DDI) of the polypropylene composition comprising 1.0 to 30.0 wt.-% of the hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC) is at least 200% higher, more preferably at least 350% higher, most preferably at least 500% higher than an analogous polypropylene composition without the hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC).In the uses of each of the third, fourth and fifth aspects, the polypropylene is preferably a heterophasic propylene -ethylene copolymer, more preferably the heterophasic propyleneethylene copolymer (HECO) of the first aspect.Likewise, in the uses of each of the third, fourth and fifth aspects, the hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC) is preferably the hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC) of the first aspect.The resultant polypropylene composition of each of the third, fourth and fifth aspects is preferably the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) of the first aspect.All fallback positions provided above for the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), the heterophasic propylene -ethylene copolymer (HECO), and the hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC) in the first aspect are applicable mutatis mutandis to the uses of the third, fourth and fifth aspects.E X A M P L E SA. Measuring methodsThe following definitions of terms and determination methods apply for the above general description of the invention including the claims as well as to the below examples unless otherwise defined.Quantification of microstructure by NMR spectroscopyQuantitative nuclear-magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to quantify the comonomer and regiodefect content of the polymers.Quantitative13C{’H} NMR spectra were recorded in the solution-state using a Broker A vance III 400 NMR spectrometer operating at 400.15 and 100.62 MHz for 'H and13C respectively. All spectra were recorded using a13C optimised 10 mm extended temperature probehead at 125°C using nitrogen gas for all pneumatics. Approximately 200 mg of material was dissolved in approximately 3 ml of / ^-tctrachlorocthanc-d? (TCE ) along with chromium-(III)-acetylacetonate (Cr(acac)s) resulting in a 65 mM solution of relaxation agent in solvent {singh09}. To ensure a homogenous solution, after initial sample preparation in a heat block, the NMR tube was further heated in a rotatary oven for at least 1 hour. Upon insertion into the magnet the tube was spun at 10 Hz. This setup was chosen primarily for the high resolution and quantitatively needed for accurate ethylene content quantification. Standard single-pulse excitation was employed without NOE, using an optimised tip angle, 1 s recycle delay and a bi-level WALTZ 16 decoupling scheme {zhou07,busico07}. A total of 6144 (6k) transients were acquired per spectra.Quantitative13C{’H} NMR spectra were processed, integrated and relevant quantitative properties determined from the integrals using proprietary computer programs. All chemical shifts were indirectly referenced to the central methylene group of the ethylene block (EEE) at 30.00 ppm using the chemical shift of the solvent. This approach allowed comparable referencing even when this structural unit was not present.Characteristic signals corresponding to the incorporation of ethylene were observed {wangOO, cheng84, randall89}.The comonomer fraction was quantified using the method of Wang et. al. {wangOO} through integration of multiple signals across the whole spectral region in the3C { ' H } spectra. This method was chosen for its robust nature and ability to account for the presence of regiodefects when needed. Integral regions were slightly adjusted to increase applicability across the whole range of encountered comonomer contents.For systems where only isolated ethylene in PPEPP sequences was observed the method of Wang et. al. was modified to reduce the influence of non-zero integrals of sites that are known to be not present. This approach reduced the overestimation of ethylene content for such systems and was achieved by reduction of the number of sites used to determine the absolute ethylene content. Through the use of this set of sites the corresponding integral equation becomes ps = IA + (0.5 * IB)PT = ID + IF + ID p = (ps + pr) / 2 e = 0.5 * (IH+ (0.5 * IB)) fE = e / (e + p) using the same notation used in the article of Wang et. al. {wangOO}.The mole percent comonomer incorporation was calculated from the mole fraction:E [mol-%] = 100 * fEThe weight percent comonomer incorporation was calculated from the mole fraction:E [wt.-%] = 100 * ( fE * 28.06 ) / ( (fE * 28.06) + (( 1-fE) * 42.08) )Characteristic signals corresponding to regiodefects were observed {resconiOO, wangOO}. The presence of isolated 2,1-erythro regiodefects was indicated by the presence of the two methyl sites at 17.7 and 17.2 ppm and confirmed by other characteristic sites. The presence of 2,1 regiodefect adjacent an ethylene unit was indicated by the two inequivalent Sa signals at 34.9 ppm and 34.7 ppm respectively and the Tyy at 34.1 ppm.The amount of isolated 2,1-erythro regiodefectswas quantified using the average integral of the two characteristic methyl sites at 17.7 (Ies) and 17.4 (Iee) ppm respectively:The amount of 2, 1 regiodefect adjacent to ethylene (PE2I) was quantified using the methine site at 34.1 ppm (ITyy):PE21 = IT-HThe total amount of propene (Ptotai) was quantified based on the methyl region (ICHS) between 23.0 and 19.9 ppm with correction undertaken for sites included in this region not related to propene insertion. The methyl group P„ resulting from 2,1 regiodefect adjacent to ethylene was already present in ICHS: Ptotai IcH3 + 2 * ?21e isolatedThe isolated 2, 1-erythro regiodefects (P2ie isolated) was multiplied by 2 to take into account the two (2) propene units in the 2, 1-erythro regiodefects.The mole percent of isolated 2, 1-erythro regiodefects was quantified with respect to all propene:[21e] mol-% = 100 * ?21e isolated / PtotaiThe mole percent of 2,1 regiodefects adjacent to ethylene was quantified with respect to all propene:[E21] mol-% = 100 * PE2i / PtotaiThe total amount of 2,1 defects was quantified as following:

[0021] mol-% = [21 e] + [E21]Characteristic signals corresponding to other types of regiodefects (2,1-threo, 3,1 insertion) were not observed {resconiOO}. zhou07 Zhou, Z., Kuemmerle, R., Qiu, X., Redwine, D., Cong, R., Taha, A., Baugh, D. Winniford, B„ J. Mag. Reson. 187 (2007) 225 busico07 Busico, V., Carbonniere, P., Cipullo, R., Pellecchia, R., Severn, J., Talarico, G., Macromol. Rapid Commun. 2007, 28, 1128 resconiOO Resconi, L., Cavallo, L., Fait, A., Piemontesi, F., Chem. Rev. 2000, 100, 1253 wangOO Wang, W-J., Zhu, S., Macromolecules 33 (2000), 1157 cheng84 Cheng, H. N., Macromolecules 17 (1984), 1950 singh09 Singh, G., Kothari, A., Gupta, V., Polymer Testing 28 5 (2009), 475 randall89 Randall, J. Macromol. Sci., Rev. Macromol. Chem. Phys. 1989, C29, 201.CRYSTEX QC analysisCrystalline and soluble fractions methodThe crystalline (CF) and soluble fractions (SF) of the polypropylene (PP) compositions as well as the comonomer content and intrinsic viscosities of the respective fractions were analyzed by use of the CRYSTEX instrument, Polymer Char (Valencia, Spain). Details of the technique and the method can be found in literature (Ljiljana Jeremie, Andreas Albrecht, Martina Sandholzer & Markus Gahleitner (2020) Rapid characterization of high-impact ethylenepropylene copolymer composition by crystallization extraction separation: comparability to standard separation methods, International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization, 25:8, 581-596)The crystalline and amorphous fractions were separated through temperature cycles of dissolution at 160 °C, crystallization at 40 °C and re-dissolution in 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene at 160 °C. Quantification of SF and CF and determination of ethylene content (C2) were achieved by means of an integrated infrared detector (IR4) and for the determination of the intrinsic viscosity (IV) an online 2-capillary viscometer was used.The IR4 detector was a multiple wavelength detector measuring IR absorbance at two different bands (CH3stretching vibration (centred at app. 2960 cm1) and the CH stretching vibration (2700-3000 cm1) that serve for the determination of the concentration and the Ethylene content in Ethylene -Propylene copolymers. The IR4 detector was calibrated with series of 8 EP copolymers with known Ethylene content in the range of 2 wt.-% to 69 wt.-% (determined by13C-NMR) and each at various concentrations, in the range of 2 and 13mg / ml. To encounter for both features, concentration and ethylene content at the same time for various polymer concentrations expected during Crystex analyses the following calibration equations were applied:Cone = a + b*Abs(CH) + c*(Abs(CH))2+ d*Abs(CH3) + e*(Abs(CH3)2+ f*Abs(CH)*Abs(CH3) (Equation 1)CH3 / 1000C = a + b*Abs(CH) + c* Abs(CH3) + d * (Abs(CH3) / Abs(CH)) + e * (Abs(CH3) / Abs(CH))2(Equation 2)The constants a to e for equation 1 and a to f for equation 2 were determined by using least square regression analysis.The CHs / lOOOC was converted to the ethylene content in wt.-% using following relationship:Wt.-% (Ethylene in EP Copolymers) = 100 - CH3 / IOOOTC * 0.3 (Equation 3)Amounts of Soluble Fraction (SF) and Crystalline Fraction (CF) were correlated through the XS calibration to the “Xylene Cold Soluble” (XCS) quantity and respectively Xylene Cold Insoluble (XCI) fractions, determined according to standard gravimetric method as per ISO16152. XS calibration was achieved by testing various EP copolymers with XS content in the range 2-31 wt.-%. The determined XS calibration was linear:Wt.-% XS = 1,01* Wt.-% SF (Equation 4)Intrinsic viscosity (IV) of the parent EP copolymer and its soluble and crystalline fractions were determined with a use of an online 2-capillary viscometer and were correlated to corresponding TV’s determined by standard method in decalin according to ISO 1628-3. Calibration was achieved with various EP PP copolymers with IV = 2-4 dL / g. The determined calibration curve was linear:IV (dL / g) = a* Vsp / c (equation 5)The samples to be analyzed were weighed out in concentrations of lOmg / ml to 20mg / ml. To avoid injecting possible gels and / or polymers which do not dissolve in TCB at 160 °C, like PET and PA, the weighed out sample was packed into a stainless steel mesh MW 0, 077 / D 0,05mmm.After automated filling of the vial with 1,2,4-TCB containing 250 mg / 1 2,6-tert-butyl-4- methylphenol (BHT) as antioxidant, the sample was dissolved at 160 °C until complete dissolution was achieved, usually for 60 min, with constant stirring of 400rpm. To avoid sample degradation, the polymer solution was blanketed with the N2 atmosphere during dissolution.A defined volume of the sample solution was injected into the column filled with inert support where the crystallization of the sample and separation of the soluble fraction from the crystalline part was taking place. This process was repeated two times. During the first injection the whole sample as measured at high temperature, determining the IV[dl / g] and the C2[wt.-%] of the PP composition. During the second injection the soluble fraction (at low temperature) and the crystalline fraction (at high temperature) with the crystallization cycle were measured (wt.-% SF, wt.-% C2, IV).Melt Flow RateThe melt flow rate (MFR) was determined according to ISO 1133 and was indicated in g / 10 min. The MFR is an indication of the flowability, and hence the processability, of the polymer. The higher the melt flow rate, the lower the viscosity of the polymer. The MFR2 of polypropylene was determined at a temperature of 230 °C and a load of 2.16 kg. The MFR10 of the hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer was determined at a temperature of 230 °C and a load of 10 kg.The xylene soluble fraction at room temperature (XCS, wt.-%): The amount of the polymer soluble in xylene was determined at 25 °C according to ISO 16152; 5thedition; 2005-07-01.Styrene contentThe styrene content was measured by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). A thin film of 300 pm thickness was prepared from pelletized material by hot-pressing (190 °C, 100 bar, 1 minute). Per sample, two films were prepared. The so prepared film-samples were measured by a Perkin Elmer IR-Spectrophotometer System 2000FTIR. The peak at 1602 cm'1(Phenyl-Absorption) was integrated and evaluated by using an internally established calibration curve. The arithmetic mean of two measurements was given as result.Calibration: Various polypropylene -compounds consisting of PP and a styrene-containing elastomer (of known styrene-content) were prepared and measured according to the method described above.Shore hardness (either A or D) was determined according to ISO 868.DSC analysis, melting temperature (Tm) and heat of fusion (Hf), crystallization temperature (Tc) and heat of crystallization (Hc): measured with a TA Instrument Q200 differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) on 5 to 7 mg samples. DSC was run according to ISO 11357 / part 3 / method C2 in a heat / cool / heat cycle with a scan rate of 10 °C / min in the temperature range of -30 to +225 °C. Crystallization temperature (Tc) and crystallization enthalpy (Hc) were determined from the cooling step, while melting temperature (Tm) and melting enthalpy (Hm) were determined from the second heating step.The glass transition temperature Tg and storage modulus G’ at 23 °C were determined by dynamic mechanical analysis according to ISO 6721-7. The measurements were done in torsion mode on compression moulded samples (40x10x1 mm3) between -100 °C and +150 °C with a heating rate of 2 °C / min and frequency of 1 Hz.The Flexural Modulus was determined according to ISO 178 method A (3-point bending test) on 80 mm x 10 mm x 4 mm specimens. Following the standard, a test speed of 2 mm / min and a span length of 16 times the thickness was used. The testing temperature was 23+2 ° C. Injection moulding was carried out according to ISO 19069-2 using a melt temperature of 230 °C for all materials irrespective of material melt flow rate.Notched impact strength (NIS)The Charpy notched impact strength (NIS) was measured according to ISO 179 leA at +23 °C or -20 °C, using injection moulded bar test specimens of 80x 10x4 mm3prepared in accordance with ISO 19069-2 using a melt temperature of 230 °C for all materials irrespective of material melt flow rate.Tensile modulus in machine and transverse direction were determined according to ISO 527-3 at 23°C on monolayer blown films with a thickness of 50 qm produced as indicated below. Testing was performed at a cross head speed of 1 mm / min.Haze was determined according to ASTM D 1003 on blown films with a thickness of 50 gm produced as indicated below (haze(film)) or on plaques with dimensions 60 x 60 x 1 mm3produced by injection moulding in line with ISO 19069-2 (haze(plaque)).Dart Drop Impact Strength (DDI)ISO 7765-1: 1988 / Method AThis test method covers the determination of the energy that causes films to fail under specified conditions of impact of a free-falling dart from a specified height that would result in failure of 50 % of the specimens tested (Staircase method A). A uniform missile mass increment was employed during the test and the missile weight was decreased or increased by the uniform increment after test of each specimen, depending upon the result (failure or no failure) observed for the specimen.Standard conditions:Conditioning time: > 96 hTest temperature: 23 °CDart head material: phenolicDart diameter: 38 mmDrop height: 660 mmResults:• Impact failure mass [g]• Minimum thickness [mm]• Maximum thickness [mm]Testing according to ISO7765-1: 1988 / Method A was carried out on films with a thickness as indicated and produced as described below under “Examples” and reported in gram (g).DDI per unit thickness (in g / micron) was calculated by dividing DDI (in gram) to the thickness of film (in micron)Sealing range experiments (SIT)This method was used to determine the sealing window (sealing temperature range) of films. The procedure is similar to Hot-Tack test and was conducted in the same machine. In contrast to Hot-Tack, the sealing range determined corresponds to the strength of the seal after it had cooled down (a delay time of 30 s). The conditions used were as follows:• Sealing time (I s)• Sealing pressure (0.4 N / mm2)• Delay time (30 s)• Clamp separation rate (42 mm / s)Sealing range = (Seal initiation temperature until seal end temperature)The determined results provide a quantitatively useful indication of the sealing strength of the fdms and indicate the temperature range for optimal sealing.The lower limit (Sealing Initiation Temperature - SIT) is the sealing temperature at which a sealing average force of 5 N is measured. The upper limit (Sealing End Temperature - SET) is identified as the first sealing temperature where at least two specimens showed a bum- through failure mode. The maximum sealing force corresponds to the highest measured sealing force.The temperature interval was set by default to 5 °C, but can be reduced to 1 °C when the curve shows a sharp increase or decrease in the force values between two temperature steps. This was done in order to represent a better curve profile.Deviating from ASTM F1921 - 12, the test parameters sealing time, sealing pressure, delay time and clamp separation rate were modified. The determination of the force / temperature curve was continued until thermal failure of the film. In addition to failure mode evaluations described in the standard, additional failure modes were used.2. ExamplesThe catalyst system used for polymerization of the heterophasic propylene-ethylene copolymer (HECO) corresponds to ICS4 of WO 2020 / 239598 Al, which contains the metallocene compound rac-anti-dimethylsilanediyl[2-methyl-4,8-bis(3’,5’-dimethyl phenyl)- 1 ,5,6,7-tetrahydro-s-indacen-l-yl][2-methyl-4-(3’,5’-dimethylphenyl)-5-methoxy-6-tert- butylinden- 1 -yl] zirconium dichloride .Table 1: Polymerization conditions of the heterophasic propylene -ethylene copolymer(HECO)HECOThe crystalline matrix of the HECO has a content of 2,1 -regiodefects of 0.69 mol-%. HECO was compounded in a co-rotating twin-screw extruder Coperion ZSK 47 at 220 °C with 0.05 wt.-% of pentaerythrityl-tetrakis(3-(3’,5’-di-tert. butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionate (available as Irganox 1010 from BASF AG, Germany; CAS-no. 6683-19-8); 0.05 wt.-% oftris(2,4-di-t-butylphenyl) phosphite (available as Irgafos 168 from BASF AG, Germany; CAS- no. 31570-04-4); 0.03 wt.-% of synthetic hydrotalcite (available as Hycite 713 from BASF AG, Germany; CAS-no. 11097-59-9); and 0.10 wt.-% of a nucleating agent (available as ADK Stab NA-71 from Adeka Corporation, Germany; CAS-no (of main component) 85209-93-4).In addition to the HECO described above, the following commercially available components were also employed:HSFC a hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer, commercially available under the tradename SEPTON SF902 from Kuraray Europe (DE), having an MFRio (230 °C, 10 kg) of 55 g / 10 min, a styrene content of 18 wt.-% and a Shore A hardness of 8.SEBS a styrene-ethylene-butylene triblock copolymer, commercially available under the tradename G1645MO from Kraton (USA), having an MFR2(230 °C, 2.16 kg) in the range from 2.0 to 4.5 g / 10 min, a styrene content in the range from 11.5 to 13.5 wt.- % and a Shore A hardness of 35.The inventive and comparative compositions were prepared according to the recipes indicated in Table 2 by compounding in a co-rotating twin-screw extruder Coperion ZSK 18 at 210 °C at a rate of 7 kg / h.The properties, as given in Table 2, of the resulting compositions were either measured directly on specimens prepared from the composition (as appropriate for the given determination method provided above) or on a 50 pm blown film prepared on a Collin blown film lab line, with a film thickness of 50 pm, a blow up ratio of 1:2.5, and a take off speed of 6.1 m / min.Table 2 Recipes and properties of inventive and comparative compositionsAs can be seen from Table 2, the addition of HSFC to a polypropylene, i.e. the HECO, results in the reduction of haze (both plaque and film) and improvements in Charpy NIS (+23 °C) and dart drop impact strength, relative to the polypropylene alone. Although the use of a SEBS modifier achieves similar effects, the HSFC modifier has a far greater effect than the SEBS modifier in most cases, with the haze(plaque) values of IE2 considerably lower than those of CE2, despite the lower amount of modifier used. Furthermore, although both the SEBS and the HSFC lower the Flexural Modulus (of the composition) and the Tensile Modulus (of the films both in MD and TD), the reduction is less severe for the HSFCmodifier, relative to the SEBS modifier, meaning that both the stiffness and the impact strength is better for IE1 than CE2, which is a particularly notable effect, given that an improvement in stiffness is usually accompanied by a drop in impact strength (and vice versa). Furthermore, it is notable that the HSFC-modified compositions are suitable both for producing films and moulded articles.These effects allow for thinner packaging to be produced, helping to reduce the amount of plastic waste created. Furthermore, since HSFC has high levels of bio-based content, the overall olefin -derived content of the resultant compositions and packaging materials is lower, which is a further environmental benefit.

Claims

C L A I M S1. A heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) comprising: a) from 70.0 to 99.0 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), of a heterophasic propylene-ethylene copolymer (HECO), having a melt flow rate (MFR2), determined according to ISO 1133 at 230 °C and 2.16 kg, in the range from 1.0 to 100 g / 10 min, comprising: i) a crystalline matrix (M) being a propylene homo- or copolymer; and ii) an amorphous propylene-ethylene elastomer (E); and b) from 1.0 to 30.0 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), of a hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC); c) optionally, from 0.0001 to 1.0 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), of one or more nucleating agents (NU); and d) optionally, from 0.01 to 5.0 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), of one or more further additives (A) different to the one or more nucleating agents (NU).

2. The heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) according to claim 1, wherein the hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC) has one or more, preferably all, of the following properties: i) a melt flow rate (MFR10), determined according to ISO 1133 at 230 °C and 10 kg, in the range from 1.0 to 1000 g / 10 min; ii) a Shore A hardness, determined according to ISO 868, in the range from 3 to 30; and iii) a styrene content, determined according to quantitative FT-IR spectroscopy, in the range from 1.0 to 35.0 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC).

3. The heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the crystalline matrix (M) of the heterophasic propyleneethylene copolymer (HECO) is a propylene homopolymer and / or has a content of 2,1 -regiodefects as determined by quantitative13C-NMR spectroscopy in the range from 0.05 to 1.20 mol-%.

4. The heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heterophasic propylene-ethylene copolymer (HECO) has one or more, preferably all, of the following features: i) a soluble fraction (SF) content, determined by CRYSTEX QC analysis, in the range from 5.0 to 40.0 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the heterophasic propylene-ethylene copolymer (HECO), and a crystalline fraction (CF) content, determined by CRYSTEX QC analysis, in the range from 60.0 to 99.0 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the heterophasic propylene-ethylene copolymer (HECO); ii) an ethylene content (C2(total)), determined according to quantitative FT-IR spectroscopy, calibrated by quantitative13C-NMR spectroscopy, in the range from 0.3 to 8.0 wt.-%; iii) an ethylene content of the CRYSTEX QC soluble fraction (C2(SF)), determined according to quantitative FT-IR spectroscopy, calibrated by quantitative13C-NMR spectroscopy, in the range from 10.0 to 90.0 wt.-%; iv) an ethylene content of the CRY STEX QC crystalline fraction (C2(CF)), determined according to quantitative FT-IR spectroscopy, calibrated by quantitative13C-NMR spectroscopy, in the range from 0.0 to 5.0 wt.-%; v) an intrinsic viscosity of the CRYSTEX QC soluble fraction (iV(SF)), determined according to CRYSTEX QC analysis, in the range from 1.20 to 5.00 dL / g; and vi) an intrinsic viscosity of the CRYSTEX QC crystalline fraction (iV(CF)), determined according to CRYSTEX QC analysis, in the range from 1.50 to 5.00 dL / g.

5. The heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heterophasic propylene-ethylene copolymer (HECO) has one or more, preferably all, of the following features: i) a melting temperature (Tm), determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), in the range from 149 to 160 °C; and ii) a crystallization temperature (Tc), determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), in the range from 110 to 130 °C.

6. The heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising, more preferably consisting of: a) from 80.0 to 97.0 wt.-%, more preferably from 85.0 to 95.0 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), of the heterophasic propylene-ethylene copolymer (HECO); b) from 3.0 to 20.0 wt.-%, more preferably from 5.0 to 15.0 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), of the hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC); c) optionally, from 0.0001 to 1.0 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), of one or more nucleating agents (NU); and d) optionally, from 0.01 to 5.0 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC), of one or more further additives (A) different to the one or more nucleating agents (NU).

7. The heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) according to any one of the preceding claims, having a melt flow rate (MFR2), determined according to ISO 1133 at 230 °C and 2.16 kg, in the range from 1.0 to 100 g / 10 min.

8. The heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) according to any one of the preceding claims, having a first glass transition temperature (Tgi), determined according to ISO 6721-7, in the range from -70 to -55 °C.

9. The heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) according to any one of the preceding claims, having one or more, preferably all, of the following features: i) a melting temperature (Tm), determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), in the range from 149 to 160 °C; ii) a crystallization temperature (Tc), determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), in the range from 110 to 130 °C; iii) a second glass transition temperature (Tg2), determined according to ISO 6721-7, in the range from -50 to -34 °C; and iv) a third glass transition temperature (Tgs), determined according to ISO 6721- 7, in the range from -5 to +5 °C.

10. The heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) according to any one of the preceding claims, having one or more, preferably all, of the following features: i) a haze value, determined according to ASTM D 1003 on a plaque with a thickness of 1 mm, in the range from 5 to 30%; ii) a flexural modulus, determined according to ISO 178 on 80* 10x4 mm3injection-moulded specimens prepared according to ISO 19069-2, in the range from 800 to 2000 MPa; and iii) a Charpy Notched Impact Strength (NIS(23)) determined according to ISO 179-1 eA at 23 °C on 80x 10x4 mm3injection-moulded specimens prepared according to ISO 19069-2, in the range from 20 to 100 kJ / m2.

11. The heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) according to any one of the preceding claims, having one or more, preferably all, of the following features: i) a haze value, determined according to ASTM D 1003 on a 50 pm blown film sample, in the range from 0. 1 to 6.0%; ii) a dart drop impact strength (DDI), determined according to ISO 7765-1 on a 50 pm blown film sample, in the range from 200 to 700 g; and iii) a sealing initiation temperature (SIT), determined according to determined according to the method as described in the determination methods, in the range from 128 to 138 °C.

12. An article, more preferably a film or a moulded article, comprising at least 90 wt.-%, more preferably at least 95 wt.-%, most preferably at least 98 wt.-% of the heterophasic polypropylene composition (PC) according to any one of the preceding claims.

13. Use of a hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC) for improving the Charpy notched impact strength (NIS(23)), determined according to ISO 179-1 eA at 23 °C on 80x 10x4 mm3injection-moulded specimens prepared according to ISO 19069-2, of a polypropylene composition obtained by blending a polypropylene, more preferably the heterophasic propylene -ethylene copolymer (HECO) according to any one of claims 1 or 3 to 5, with 1.0 to 30.0 wt.-% of the hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC).

14. Use of a hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC) for improving the haze of a polypropylene composition obtained by blending a polypropylene, more preferably the heterophasic propylene-ethylene copolymer (HECO) according to any one of claims 1 or 3 to 5, with 1.0 to 30.0 wt.-% of the hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC).

15. Use of a hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC) for improving the dart drop impact strength (DDI), determined according to ISO 7765-1 on a 50 pm blown film sample, of a polypropylene composition obtained by blending a polypropylene, more preferably the heterophasic propylene-ethylene copolymer (HECO) according to any one of claims 1 or 3 to 5, with 1.0 to 30.0 wt.-% of the hydrogenated styrene famesene block copolymer (HSFC).

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