Polyolefin compositions and methods for making same

Abstract

A polyolefin composition is presented and described herein. The polyolefin composition is a composition that includes a polyolefin resin and a filler, where the filler is treated with an acrylic functional silane. The use of the acrylic functional silane treated filler may allow the elimination of some common polyolefin toughening additives, such as modified or grafted polyolefins. The composition can be used to make molded articles.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to reinforced polyolefin compositions. In particular, the present invention relates to polyolefin resin compositions reinforced with fillers treated with acrylic functional silanes. The present invention also relates to methods for making such compositions and methods for making molded articles from such compositions. [Background technology]

[0002] Polyolefin materials, such as polypropylene, are widely used to manufacture molded articles due to their excellent physical properties, moldability, and recyclability. Polyolefin materials are generally low polarity materials, which can be useful in a variety of applications. While possessing these properties, polyolefins also tend to exhibit high plasticity. Therefore, polyolefins must usually be reinforced to produce materials with adequate or desired structural strength during molding or for the final product to be manufactured. Polyolefins are also often reinforced with fillers such as glass fiber, silica, talc, and the like to provide the desired structural properties. Polyolefins are also generally chemically inert, which makes them difficult to functionalize and crosslink.

[0003] To address these various problems with polyolefins, the conventional practice in the industry has been to reinforce polyolefins with aminosilane-treated or functionalized fillers. Polyolefins, especially those with high molecular weight, tend to degrade into lower molecular weight chains during processing. The inherent non-polar and non-reactive nature of polyolefins makes it difficult for aminosilane-treated fillers to bond with polyolefins, and free radical species are generated during polyolefin degradation. To overcome this problem, anhydride-grafted polypropylene is used as an additive in the processing of polyolefins to promote the development of interfacial bonding. The use of anhydride-grafted polypropylene increases the costs associated with the production of reinforced polyolefins and requires more complex processing to produce the material. Other grafted polyolefins have also been used to reinforce polyolefin materials. Compositions using grafted polyolefins often involve complex formulations and may require co-additives or other materials to prevent polymer degradation. Thus, there exists a need for improved reinforced polyolefins which overcome the shortcomings of conventional reinforced polyolefins, particularly those prepared with aminosilane-functionalized fillers and anhydride-grafted polyolefins. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following is a summary of the present disclosure to provide a basic understanding of some embodiments. This summary is not intended to identify key or critical elements or to define any limitations to the embodiments or claims. Moreover, this summary may provide a simplified overview of some embodiments, which may be described in more detail elsewhere in the present disclosure.

[0005] The present invention relates to polyolefin compositions reinforced with fillers treated with acrylic functional silanes. The compositions made with the acrylic functional silane treated fillers exhibit improved mechanical properties, such as improved tensile strength and impact strength, compared to conventional reinforced polyolefins prepared with aminosilane functionalized fillers and grafted polyolefins (e.g., polyolefins grafted with anhydrides, silanes, and the like) and other additives. In addition, the present invention provides easy processing of the compositions and provides compositions with low odor (compared to amino functionalized fillers) and improved color resistance compared to polyolefin composites made with conventional aminosilane treated fillers.

[0006] In a first embodiment, provided is a polyolefin composition comprising (i) a polyolefin resin, and (ii) a filler treated with an acryl-functional silane.

[0007] In a second embodiment, the acryl-functional silane comprises at least one of an acryloxy-functional silane, an acrylamide-functional silane, or a combination thereof.

[0008] In a third embodiment, provided is a polyolefin composition comprising: (i) a polyolefin resin; and (ii) a filler treated with an acryl-functional silane, wherein the acryl-functional silane has the formula: CH2=CH-C(O)-XR 1 -Si-R 2 (R 3 ) 3-b having the formula: X is O or N(R 4 ); R 1 is independently a divalent radical selected from a linear alkyl group containing 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a branched alkyl group containing 3 to 20 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group containing 5 to 20 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group containing 2 to 20 carbon atoms, an aryl group containing 6 to 20 carbon atoms, or an aralkyl group containing 7 to 20 carbon atoms; R 2 (OR 5 ) b where R 5 is a linear alkyl group containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms, a branched alkyl group containing 3 to 12 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group containing 2 to 12 carbon atoms, an aryl group containing 6 carbon atoms, or an aralkyl group containing 7 to 12 carbon atoms, a linear alkyl group containing 2 to 12 carbon atoms and a hydroxyl group or a branched alkyl group containing 3 to 6 carbon atoms and a hydroxyl group, a group having at least one oxygen atom and the structure -R 6 -(OCH2CH2) m (OCH2CH(CH3)) n OR 7 or two R 5 A divalent group formed by bonding together two R 5 When the groups are linked together, then b is 2 or 3, and (ii) the sum of m+n is 1 to 20; b is 1, 2, or 3; R 3 each is independently a monovalent group selected from a straight chain alkyl group containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms, a branched chain alkyl group containing 3 to 12 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group containing 2 to 12 carbon atoms, an aryl group containing 6 carbon atoms, or an aralkyl group containing 7 to 12 carbon atoms; R 4 are monovalent groups independently selected from H, a straight chain alkyl group containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms, a branched chain alkyl group containing 3 to 12 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group containing 2 to 12 carbon atoms, an aryl group containing 6 carbon atoms, or an aralkyl group containing 7 to 12 carbon atoms; R 6 is a divalent radical selected from linear alkyl containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, branched alkyl containing 3 to 10 carbon atoms, and cycloalkyl containing 5 to 10 carbon atoms; R 7is a monovalent radical selected from a straight chain alkyl containing 1 to 18 carbon atoms, a branched chain alkyl containing 3 to 18 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl containing 5 to 18 carbon atoms, an alkenyl containing 2 to 18 carbon atoms, an aryl group containing 6 to 18 carbon atoms, an aralkyl containing 7 to 18 carbon atoms or hydrogen, or a divalent radical selected from an alkyl containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl containing 5 to 10 carbon atoms or phenyl; The compositions herein do not include a polyolefin additive having a functional group attached to the polyolefin.

[0009] In a fourth embodiment according to the third embodiment, the filler treated with an acryl-functional silane comprises the acryl-functional silane in an amount of about 0.01% to about 20% by weight based on the total weight of the filler.

[0010] In a fifth embodiment according to the third or fourth embodiment, the filler treated with an acryl-functional silane comprises the acryl-functional silane in an amount of about 1% to about 7.5% by weight based on the total weight of the filler.

[0011] In a sixth embodiment according to any of the third through fifth embodiments, the filler treated with an acryl-functional silane comprises the acryl-functional silane in an amount of about 2% to about 5% by weight based on the total weight of the filler.

[0012] In a seventh embodiment according to any of the third to sixth embodiments, the filler is selected from the group consisting of titanium dioxide, aluminum trihydroxide, magnesium dihydroxide, mica, kaolin, calcium carbonate, non-hydrated, partially hydrated, or hydrated fluorides, chlorides, bromides, iodides, chromates, carbonates, hydroxides, phosphates, hydrogen phosphates, nitrates, oxides, and sulfates of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and barium; zinc oxide, aluminum oxide, antimony pentoxide, antimony trioxide, benzyl oxide, butyl ... Lithium, chromium oxide, iron oxide, lithopone, boric acid or borates such as zinc borate, barium metaborate, or aluminum borate, aluminosilicates, mixed metal oxides such as silica including vermiculite, fumed silica, fused silica, precipitated silica, quartz, sand, and silica gel; rice husk ash, ceramic and glass beads, zeolites, aluminum flakes or powder, bronze powder, copper, gold, molybdenum, nickel, silver powder or flake, stainless steel powder, tungsten, etc. Metals, hydrous calcium silicate, barium titanate, silica-carbon black composites, functionalized carbon nanotubes, cement, fly ash, slate flour, bentonite, clay, talc, anthracite, apatite, attapulgite, boron nitride, cristobalite, diatomaceous earth, dolomite, ferrite, feldspar, graphite, graphene, carbon fibre, calcined kaolin, molybdenum disulfide, perlite, pumice, chlorophyll, sepiolite, zinc stannate, zinc sulfide or wollastonite, wood flour, wood fibre, cotton fibre, wheat straw, hemp , flax, kenaf, kapok, jute, ramie, sisal, henequen, corn fiber or coir, or nut shells or rice husks, polyester fibers, aramid fibers, nylon fibers, glass fibers, lignin, starch, cellulose or cellulose containing products, polytetrafluoroethylene or polyethylene plastic microspheres, azo dyes, indigoid dyes, triphenylmethane dyes, anthraquinone dyes, hydroquinone dyes, or xanthine dyes.

[0013] In an eighth embodiment according to any of the third to seventh embodiments, the filler is selected from calcium hydroxide, barium sulfate, mica, calcium silicate, clay, kaolin, silica, alumina, wollastonite, magnesium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, zinc sulfate, or a combination of two or more thereof.

[0014] In a ninth embodiment according to any of the third to eighth embodiments, the filler is selected from silica.

[0015] In a tenth embodiment according to any of the third through ninth embodiments, the acryl-functional silane treated filler is present in an amount of about 0.01 wt % to about 99 wt %, based on the total weight of the polyolefin composition.

[0016] In an eleventh embodiment according to any of the third through tenth embodiments, the acryl-functional silane-treated filler is present in an amount of about 20% to about 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the polyolefin composition.

[0017] In a twelfth embodiment according to any of the third to eleventh embodiments, the polyolefin is selected from polymers of olefins having from 2 to 18 carbon atoms.

[0018] In a thirteenth embodiment according to any of the third to twelfth embodiments, the polyolefin is selected from polypropylene, polyethylene, polybutylene, or a mixture of two or more thereof.

[0019] In a fourteenth embodiment according to any of the third through thirteenth embodiments, the polyolefin is present in an amount of about 10 wt % to about 99.9 wt %, based on the total weight of the polyolefin composition.

[0020] In a fifteenth embodiment according to any of the third to fourteenth embodiments, the composition further comprises (iii) a silane additive.

[0021] In a sixteenth embodiment according to any of the third to fifteenth embodiments, the silane additive is selected from an acryl-functional silane selected from an acryloxy-functional silane, an acrylamide-functional silane, or a combination thereof.

[0022] In a seventeenth embodiment according to either the fifteenth or sixteenth embodiments, the silane additive (iii) has the formula: CH2=CH-C(O)-X'-R 1' -Si-R 2' (R 3' ) 3-b' having the formula: X' is O or N(R 4' ); R 1' is a divalent radical independently selected from linear alkyl containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, branched alkyl containing 3 to 10 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl containing 5 to 10 carbon atoms, alkenyl containing 2 to 10 carbon atoms, aryl containing 6 to 10 carbon atoms, or aralkyl containing 7 to 10 carbon atoms; R 2' (OR 5' ) b' where R 5' is a linear alkyl containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms, a branched alkyl containing 3 to 12 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms, an alkenyl containing 2 to 12 carbon atoms, an aryl containing 6 carbon atoms, an aralkyl containing 7 to 12 carbon atoms, a linear alkyl containing 2 to 12 carbon atoms and a hydroxyl or a branched alkyl containing 3 to 6 carbon atoms and a hydroxyl, or a cyclic alkyl containing at least one oxygen atom and having the structure -R 6' -(OCH2CH2) m' (OCH2CH(CH3)) n' OR 7' or two R 5' A divalent group formed by bonding together two R 5'When the groups are linked together, then b is 2 or 3, and (ii) the sum of m'+n' is 1 to 20; b' is 1, 2, or 3; R 3' each is independently a monovalent radical selected from linear alkyl containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms, branched alkyl containing 3 to 12 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms, alkenyl containing 2 to 12 carbon atoms, aryl containing 6 carbon atoms, or aralkyl containing 7 to 12 carbon atoms; R 4' are monovalent radicals independently selected from H, linear alkyl containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms, branched alkyl containing 3 to 12 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms, alkenyl containing 2 to 12 carbon atoms, aryl containing 6 carbon atoms, or aralkyl containing 7 to 12 carbon atoms; R 6' is a divalent radical selected from linear alkyl containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, branched alkyl containing 3 to 10 carbon atoms, and cycloalkyl containing 5 to 10 carbon atoms; R 7' is a monovalent radical selected from linear alkyl containing 1 to 18 carbon atoms, branched alkyl containing 3 to 18 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl containing 5 to 18 carbon atoms, alkenyl containing 2 to 18 carbon atoms, aryl containing 6 to 18 carbon atoms, aralkyl containing 7 to 18 carbon atoms or hydrogen, or a divalent radical selected from alkyl containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl containing 5 to 10 carbon atoms or phenyl.

[0023] In an eighteenth embodiment according to any of the third to seventeenth embodiments, the composition is in the form of pellets or particles.

[0024] In a nineteenth embodiment according to any of the third to eighteenth embodiments, the composition consists essentially of the polyolefin resin (i), the acryl-functional silane-treated filler (ii), and optionally the silane additive (iii).

[0025] In a twentieth embodiment according to any of the third to nineteenth embodiments, the composition further comprises at least one additive selected from a peroxide, an antioxidant, a lubricant, a pigment, or a combination of two or more thereof.

[0026] In a twenty-first embodiment, provided is a molded article formed from a polyolefin composition according to any of the third to twentieth embodiments.

[0027] In a twenty-second embodiment, provided is a method of making a molded article comprising extruding a polyolefin composition according to any of the third to twentieth embodiments.

[0028] In a twenty-third embodiment, provided is a method of making a polyolefin composition according to any of the third to twentieth embodiments, comprising compounding a polyolefin with a filler treated with an acryl-functional silane.

[0029] The following description and drawings disclose various exemplary embodiments, some of the improvements and novel aspects of which are explicitly identified, while others may be apparent from what has been described and illustrated. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] The accompanying drawings illustrate various systems, apparatus, devices and related methods, and like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. In the accompanying drawings:

[0031] FIG. 1 is a graph showing the tensile strength and strain of polyolefin composites according to embodiments of the present invention compared to conventional polyolefin formulations;

[0032] FIG. 2 is a graph showing the impact strength of polyolefin composites according to embodiments of the present invention compared to conventional polyolefin formulations; and

[0033] FIG. 3 is a graph showing the impact strength of polyolefin composites according to embodiments of the present invention compared to conventional polyolefin formulations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] Reference will be made below to exemplary embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. As will be understood, other embodiments may be used, and structural and functional changes may be made. Furthermore, features of the various embodiments may be combined or modified. Thus, the following description is provided by way of example only, and is not intended to limit in any way the various changes and modifications that may be made to the described embodiments. In this disclosure, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the subject matter of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in other embodiments, without necessarily including all of the embodiments described herein.

[0035] As used herein, the term "example" or "exemplary" means an example or instance. The term "example" or "exemplary" does not indicate a primary or preferred embodiment or implementation. The term "or" is intended to be inclusive rather than exclusive, unless the context indicates otherwise. For example, the phrase "A uses B or C" includes all inclusive permutations (e.g., A uses B; A uses C; or A uses both B and C). As another matter, the articles "a" and "an" are generally intended to mean "one or more" unless the context indicates otherwise.

[0036] When a range is given or described with respect to a particular component, it will be understood that that range includes new, unspecified ranges based on the endpoints of the stated range.

[0037] Provided is a polyolefin composition. The polyolefin composition includes a filler treated with an acrylic functional silane. The polyolefin composition can be used to form a polyolefin composite. The polyolefin composition can be used to form a molded article. The polyolefin composition may also be referred to herein as a composite composition, a polyolefin composite, or a polyolefin composite composition. A composite includes at least one polymer matrix or material in combination with at least one particulate filler material.

[0038] Polyolefin

[0039] The polyolefin is not particularly limited and may be selected as desired for a particular purpose or intended use. In an embodiment, the polyolefin may be a polymer of an olefin having 2 to 18 carbon atoms, such as an alpha olefin of the formula CH2=CHQ, where Q is H or a straight or branched chain alkyl group having 1 to 16, more preferably 1 to 8, carbon atoms. The polyolefin may be, for example, a polymer of ethene (ethylene), propene (propylene), 1-butene, 1-hexene, 1-octene, 4-methyl-pentene-1, or 2-methyl-propene-1 (isobutylene), and the like. The form of the polyolefin is not particularly limited. In an embodiment, the polyolefin may be an isotactic, syndiotactic, or atactic polyolefin. In addition, the polyolefin may be a homopolymer, a copolymer of two or more polyolefins, a terpolymer, and the like.

[0040] In one embodiment, the polyolefin is polypropylene. Polypropylene is a well-known polymer that has low density, is easily processed, and is versatile. Most commercially available polypropylene is isotactic polypropylene, but atactic and syndiotactic polypropylene can also be used. Isotactic is prepared, for example, by polymerizing propene using Ziegler-Natta or metallocene catalysts.

[0041] The polyolefin may alternatively be a polymer of a diene having 4 to 18 carbon atoms and at least one terminal double bond, such as butadiene or isoprene. The polyolefin may be a copolymer or terpolymer, in particular a copolymer or terpolymer containing at least 50% by weight of olefin units having 3 to 18 carbon atoms, such as a copolymer of at least 50% by weight of propylene with ethylene or an alpha-olefin having 4 to 18 carbon atoms, or a copolymer of acrylic monomers such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, or a copolymer of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid with an ester of alkyl or substituted alkyl groups having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, such as ethyl acrylate, methyl acrylate, or butyl acrylate, or a copolymer of vinyl acetate. The polyolefin may be a terpolymer, such as a propylene ethylene diene terpolymer. Alternatively, the polyolefin may be a diene polymer such as polybutadiene, polyisoprene, or a copolymer of butadiene and styrene, or a terpolymer of butadiene with ethylene and styrene or terpolymer of acrylonitrile and styrene. The polyolefin may be heterophasic, for example a block copolymer of propylene and ethylene.

[0042] The polyolefin is present in the composition in any desired amount for a particular purpose or intended use. In one embodiment, the polyolefin is present in an amount of about 10% to about 99.9% by weight, about 15% to about 95% by weight, about 20% to about 90% by weight, about 25% to about 80% by weight, about 30% to about 75% by weight, or about 40% to about 60% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

[0043] Filler

[0044] The filler includes a filler material treated with an acryl-functional silane. The filler material is not particularly limited and can be selected from any filler material suitable for use in reinforcing polyolefins. The filler material can be selected from inorganic or organic filler materials. The filler can include mineral fillers, pigments, fibers, and the like.

[0045] Examples of mineral fillers or pigments include, but are not limited to, titanium dioxide, aluminum trihydroxide, magnesium dihydroxide, mica, kaolin, calcium carbonate, non-hydrated, partially hydrated, or hydrated fluorides, chlorides, bromides, iodides, chromates, carbonates, hydroxides, phosphates, hydrogen phosphates, nitrates, oxides, and sulfates of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and barium; zinc oxide, aluminum oxide, antimony pentoxide, antimony trioxide, beryllium oxide, chromium oxide, iron oxide, lithopone, boric acid, or borates such as zinc borate, barium metaborate, or aluminum borate, aluminosilicates, vermiculite, fumed silica, fused silica, precipitated silica, quartz, sand, and mixed metal oxides such as silica including silica gel; rice husk ash, ceramic and glass beads, zeolites, aluminum flakes or powder, bronze powder, copper, gold, molybdenum, nickel, silver powder or flakes, stainless steel powder, metals such as tungsten, hydrous calcium silicate, barium titanate, silica-carbon black composites, functionalized carbon nanotubes, cement, fly ash, slate powder, bentonite, clay, talc, anthracite, apatite, attapulgite, boron nitride, cristobalite, diatomaceous earth, dolomite, ferrite, feldspar, graphite, graphene, carbon fiber, calcined kaolin, molybdenum disulfide, perlite, pumice, chlorophyll, sepiolite, zinc stannate, zinc sulfide or wollastonite.

[0046] Examples of fibers include, but are not limited to, natural fibers such as wood flour, wood fibers, cotton fibers, cellulose fibers, or agricultural fibers such as wheat straw, hemp, flax, kenaf, kapok, jute, ramie, sisal, henequen, corn fibers or coir, or nut shells or rice husks, or synthetic fibers such as polyester fibers, aramid fibers, nylon fibers, or glass fibers.

[0047] Examples of organic fillers include, but are not limited to, lignin, starch or cellulose and cellulose-containing products, or polytetrafluoroethylene or polyethylene plastic microspheres. The filler can be a solid organic pigment, such as those incorporating azo, indigoid, triphenylmethane, anthraquinone, hydroquinone, or xanthine dyes.

[0048] In one embodiment, the filler comprises at least one filler material selected from glass fiber, talc, calcium carbonate, calcium hydroxide, barium sulfate, mica, calcium silicate, clay, kaolin, silica, alumina, wollastonite, magnesium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, zinc sulfate, wheat straw, flax, hemp, kenaf, nut shells, rice husk, cotton fiber, wood pulp, stem or vegetable fiber, wood flour, starch, waste paper, carton, cellulose cloth, or a combination of two or more thereof.

[0049] The filler material is treated with an acryl-functional silane. The acryl-functional silane comprises an acryl-functional group CH2=CH-C(O)-. In one embodiment, the acryl-functional group is an acryloxy group. In one embodiment, the acryl-functional group is an acrylamide functional group.

[0050] In one embodiment, the acryl-functional silane has the formula: CH2=CH-C(O)-XR 1 -Si-R 2 (R 3 ) 3-b is a compound of the formula: X is O or N(R 4 ); R 1 is independently a divalent radical selected from a linear alkyl group containing 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a branched alkyl group containing 3 to 20 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group containing 5 to 20 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group containing 2 to 20 carbon atoms, an aryl group containing 6 to 20 carbon atoms, or an aralkyl group containing 7 to 20 carbon atoms; R 2 (OR 5 ) b where R 5 is a linear alkyl group containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms, a branched alkyl group containing 3 to 12 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group containing 2 to 12 carbon atoms, an aryl group containing 6 carbon atoms, or an aralkyl group containing 7 to 12 carbon atoms, a linear alkyl group containing 2 to 12 carbon atoms and a hydroxyl group or a branched alkyl group containing 3 to 6 carbon atoms and a hydroxyl group, a group having at least one oxygen atom and the structure -R 6 -(OCH2CH2) m (OCH2CH(CH3)) n OR 7 or two R 5 A divalent group formed by bonding together two R 5 When the groups are linked together, then b is 2 or 3, and (ii) the sum of m+n is 1 to 20; b is 1, 2, or 3; R 3 each is independently a monovalent group selected from a straight chain alkyl group containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms, a branched chain alkyl group containing 3 to 12 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group containing 2 to 12 carbon atoms, an aryl group containing 6 carbon atoms, or an aralkyl group containing 7 to 12 carbon atoms; R 4 are monovalent groups independently selected from H, a straight chain alkyl group containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms, a branched chain alkyl group containing 3 to 12 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group containing 2 to 12 carbon atoms, an aryl group containing 6 carbon atoms, or an aralkyl group containing 7 to 12 carbon atoms; R 6 is a divalent radical selected from linear alkyl containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, branched alkyl containing 3 to 10 carbon atoms, and cycloalkyl containing 5 to 10 carbon atoms; R 7is a monovalent radical selected from a straight chain alkyl containing 1 to 18 carbon atoms, a branched chain alkyl containing 3 to 18 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl containing 5 to 18 carbon atoms, an alkenyl containing 2 to 18 carbon atoms, an aryl group containing 6 to 18 carbon atoms, an aralkyl containing 7 to 18 carbon atoms, or hydrogen, or a divalent radical selected from an alkyl containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl containing 5 to 10 carbon atoms, or phenyl.

[0051] The Two R's 3 In embodiments where the groups are linked together, two R 3 Examples of suitable divalent groups formed by combining groups include, but are not limited to, divalent groups having from 2 to 12 carbon atoms. 3 In one embodiment where the groups are linked together, the groups may be selected from -CH2CH2-, -CH2CH2CH2-, -CH2CH(CH3)CH2-, -CH2CH2CH(CH3)-, and the like.

[0052] In one embodiment, X is O and R 1 is a C1-C10 linear alkyl or a C3-C10 branched alkyl, and b is 1, 2, or 3. In one embodiment, b is 3 and the acryl-functional silane is a trialkoxysilane. In one embodiment, R 4 is a C1 to C12 straight chain alkyl or a C3 to C12 branched chain alkyl. 4 is a C1-C4 linear alkyl. In one embodiment, R 4 is a methyl group.

[0053] Non-limiting examples of acryl-functional silanes for treating fillers include, for example, 3-acryloxypropyltriethoxysilane, 3-acryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, 3-acryloxypropylmethyldimethoxysilane, 3-acryloxypropylmethyldiethoxysilane, 3-acryloxypropyldiethylmethoxysilane, 3-acryloxypropyldimethylethoxysilane, 3-acryloxymethyltriethoxysilane, 3-acryloxymethyltrimethoxysilane, and the like.

[0054] The acryl-functional silane may be present in the treated filler in an amount of about 0.01% to about 20% by weight, about 0.05% to about 15% by weight, about 0.1% to about 10% by weight, about 1% to about 7.5% by weight, or about 2% to about 5% by weight based on the total weight of the treated filler.

[0055] The treated filler can be prepared by any suitable method. In one embodiment, the treated filler is prepared by treating the filler with a selected acrylic-functional silane, such as by mixing the filler material with the acrylic-functional silane and then drying the filler material at an elevated temperature for a sufficient length of time to provide the treated filler. In one embodiment, the mixture of the filler material and the acrylic-functional silane can be dried in a convection oven at a temperature of about 75° C. to about 100° C. for a length of 10 to 24 hours.

[0056] In another embodiment, the treated filler is formed in situ during compounding of the filler with the polyolefin, in which the filler and the acryl-functional silane are compounded separately with the polyolefin resin.

[0057] The treated filler is present in the composition in an amount of about 0.1% to about 99% by weight, about 0.5% to about 95% by weight, about 1% to about 90% by weight, about 5% to about 80% by weight, about 10% to about 75% by weight, about 15% to about 60% by weight, about 20% to about 50% by weight, or about 25% to about 40% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

[0058] As will be appreciated, in addition to the treated filler, the composition may also include an untreated filler. The untreated filler can be any suitable filler. The untreated filler can be selected from the filler materials described in connection with the production of the treated filler. For the sake of brevity, specific examples of suitable fillers will not be repeated. In one embodiment, the untreated filler material comprises at least one filler material selected from glass fiber, talc, calcium carbonate, calcium hydroxide, barium sulfate, mica, calcium silicate, clay, kaolin, silica, alumina, wollastonite, magnesium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, zinc sulfate, wheat straw, flax, hemp, kenaf, nut shells, rice husks, cotton fiber, wood pulp, stem or vegetable fiber, wood flour, starch, waste paper, carton, cellulose cloth, or a combination of two or more thereof.

[0059] In one embodiment, the composite composition includes a silane additive. In one embodiment, the silane additive has the formula: CH2=CH-C(O)-X'-R 1' -Si-R 2' (R 3' ) 3-b' The silane is selected from acryloxy / acrylamide silanes having the formula: X' is O or N(R 4' ); R 1'are independently a divalent radical selected from a linear alkyl group containing from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a branched alkyl group containing from 3 to 10 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group containing from 5 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group containing from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, an aryl group containing from 6 to 10 carbon atoms, and an aralkyl group containing from 7 to 10 carbon atoms; R 2' (OR 5' ) b' where R 5' is a straight chain alkyl group containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms, a branched chain alkyl group containing 3 to 12 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group containing 2 to 12 carbon atoms, an aryl group containing 6 carbon atoms, an aralkyl group containing 7 to 12 carbon atoms, a straight chain alkyl group containing 2 to 12 carbon atoms and a hydroxyl or a branched chain alkyl group containing 3 to 6 carbon atoms and a hydroxyl, or a group having at least one oxygen atom and the structure -R 6' -(OCH2CH2) m' (OCH2CH(CH3)) n' OR 7' or two R 5' A divalent group formed by bonding together two R 5' When the groups are linked together, then b is 2 or 3, and (ii) the sum of m'+n' is 1 to 20; b' is 1, 2, or 3; R 3' each is independently a monovalent group selected from a straight chain alkyl group containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms, a branched chain alkyl group containing 3 to 12 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group containing 2 to 12 carbon atoms, an aryl group containing 6 carbon atoms, or an aralkyl group containing 7 to 12 carbon atoms; R 4'are monovalent groups independently selected from H, a straight chain alkyl group containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms, a branched chain alkyl group containing 3 to 12 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group containing 2 to 12 carbon atoms, an aryl group containing 6 carbon atoms, or an aralkyl group containing 7 to 12 carbon atoms; R 6' is a divalent radical selected from linear alkyl containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, branched alkyl containing 3 to 10 carbon atoms, and cycloalkyl containing 5 to 10 carbon atoms; R 7' is a monovalent radical selected from a straight chain alkyl containing 1 to 18 carbon atoms, a branched chain alkyl containing 3 to 18 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl containing 5 to 18 carbon atoms, an alkenyl containing 2 to 18 carbon atoms, an aryl group containing 6 to 18 carbon atoms, an aralkyl containing 7 to 18 carbon atoms, or hydrogen, or a divalent radical selected from an alkyl containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl containing 5 to 10 carbon atoms, or phenyl.

[0060] Non-limiting examples of acryl-functional silanes as silane additives include, for example, 3-acryloxypropyltriethoxysilane, 3-acryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, 3-acryloxypropylmethyldimethoxysilane, 3-acryloxypropylmethyldiethoxysilane, 3-acryloxypropyldiethylmethoxysilane, 3-acryloxypropyldimethylethoxysilane, 3-acryloxymethyltriethoxysilane, 3-acryloxymethyltrimethoxysilane, and the like.

[0061] The silane additive can be present in the composition in an amount of about 0.01% to about 20% by weight, about 0.5% to about 15% by weight, about 1% to about 10% by weight, or about 2% to about 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0062] In one embodiment, the polyolefin composition consists essentially of a polyolefin resin and a filler treated with an acrylic functional silane. In one embodiment, the polyolefin composition consists essentially of a polyolefin, a filler treated with an acrylic functional silane, and a silane additive, such as an acrylic functional silane. In an embodiment in which the polyolefin consists essentially of a polyolefin resin, a filler treated with an acrylic functional silane, and optionally a silane additive, each component can be selected from any of the materials described above for these components and can be present in the amounts described above for these components.

[0063] The composition may include any other additives that may be suitable for polyolefin composites. Suitable other additives include, but are not limited to, peroxides, antioxidants, lubricants, pigments, and the like. These other additives may be added to the composition in an amount of about 0% to about 25%; about 0.01% to about 25%; about 0.1% to about 20%; about 0.5% to about 15%; about 1% to about 10%; about 2.5% to about 7.5%; or about 3% to about 5% based on the total weight of the composition. Such additives are optional and are not required to be present in the composition.

[0064] Examples of suitable peroxides include, but are not limited to, hydroperoxides, peroxycarboxylic acid esters, peroxyketals, dialkyl and diacyl peroxides, ketone peroxides, diaryl peroxides, aryl-alkyl peroxides, peroxydicarbonates, peroxyacids, acylalkylsulfonyl peroxides, and monoperoxydicarbonates. Examples of preferred peroxides include dicumyl peroxide, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di-(tert-butylperoxy)hexane, di-tert-butyl peroxide, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di-(tert-butylperoxy)hexyne-3, 3,6,9-triethyl-3,6,9-trimethyl-1,4,7-triperoxanane, benzoyl peroxide, 2,4-dichlorobenzoyl peroxide, tert-butyl peroxyacetate, tert-butyl peroxybenzoate, tert-amyl peroxy-2-ethylhexyl carbonate, tert-butyl peroxy-3,5,5-trimethylhexanoate, 2,2-di(tert-butylperoxy)butane, tert-butylperoxyisopropyl carbonate, tert-butylperoxy-2-ethylhexyl carbonate, Examples of azo compounds include butyl 4,4-di(tert-butylperoxy)valerate, di-tert-amyl peroxide, tert-butyl peroxypivalate, tert-butyl-peroxy-2-ethylhexanoate, di(tert-butylperoxy)cyclohexane, tert-butylperoxy-3,5,5-trimethylhexanoate, di(tert-butylperoxyisopropyl)benzene, cumene hydroperoxide, tert-butyl peroctoate, methyl ethyl ketone peroxide, tert-butyl α-cumyl peroxide, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(peroxybenzoate)hexyne-3, 1,3- or 1,4-bis(t-butylperoxyisopropyl)benzene, lauroyl peroxide, tert-butyl peracetate, and tert-butyl perbenzoate. Examples of azo compounds are azobisisobutyronitrile and dimethyl azodiisobutyrate.The above radical initiators can be used alone or in combination of at least two of them.

[0065] The antioxidant is not particularly limited and may be selected as desired for a particular purpose or intended use. Examples of suitable antioxidants include, but are not limited to, those available under the trade names Ciba Irgafos 登録商標 Tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphite, commercially available under the trade name Ciba Irganox 168 登録商標 1010, and the processing stabilizer tetrakis[methylene-3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl-propionate)]methane, available under the trade name Ciba Irganox 登録商標 Examples of light stabilizers that can be used include 1,3,5-trimethyl-2,4,6-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)benzene, commercially available under the tradename 1330. It may also be desirable for the crosslinked polymer to contain a stabilizer against ultraviolet and photoradiation, for example a hindered amine light stabilizer such as 4-substituted-1,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidine, for example the light stabilizers sold under the tradenames Tinuvin 770, Tinuvin 622, Uvasil 299, Chimassorb 944 and Chimassorb 119.

[0066] In one embodiment, the polyolefin composition does not contain an antioxidant. The applicant has found that the use of fillers treated with acrylic functional silane in the polyolefin composition allows the polyolefin composition to be greatly simplified, and materials such as antioxidants are not required. In compositions using grafted polyolefin additives (e.g., anhydride-grafted polyolefins or silane-grafted polyolefins), antioxidants may be required to stabilize the composition and prevent polymer degradation. They are not required in the compositions of the present invention.

[0067] The polyolefin composition is produced by compounding the polyolefin and the treated filler to form a composite composition. The polyolefin and filler components, along with any other desired additives, can be compounded to provide a composite composition by mixing and kneading at a temperature of about 150°C to about 250°C, about 180°C to about 240°C, or about 200°C to about 230°C for a time sufficient to form a composite. This compounding step can be from about 0.5 to about 60 minutes, about 1 minute to about 45 minutes, or about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes, in embodiments. Compounding can be accomplished in any suitable manner, such as by kneading carried out in any conventional equipment, such as a blender, kneader, roll mixer, Banbury mixer, or single or twin screw extruder. The composite composition is ready for use after production and can be fed directly to an extruder for extrusion into any desired extrusion product. Alternatively, the compounded composition can be formed into pellets or particles for storage purposes and later used in the extrusion process.

[0068] The polyolefin composition of the present invention provides simplified formulation and simplified processing compared to current conventional processes. Applicant has found that a composition containing only polyolefin and processing filler can be sufficient to provide a molded polyolefin material exhibiting improved strength properties (e.g., tensile strength, impact strength, and the like) without the addition of other additives such as lubricants, antioxidants, etc. These additives can be added if desired, but are not required. The composition of the present invention also does not require the use of materials such as grafted polypropylene to develop interfacial bonding. In embodiments, the composition does not include a grafted polyolefin, such as a polyolefin grafted with a functional group such as an anhydride, silane, or other functional chemical group. Without being bound to any particular theory, it is believed that the composition of the present invention utilizes the inherent instability of polyolefins during compounding, and that the acrylic functionality efficiently scavenges free radicals generated during beta-cleavage, with covalent bonds simultaneously formed during compounding in the formation of the composite.

[0069] The polyolefin composition according to the present invention may be used to manufacture any extruded article. The polyolefin composition according to the present invention may be processed using any suitable extrusion method, process, or equipment. Extrusion may be carried out using a single or twin screw extruder. As mentioned above, the polyolefin composition according to the present invention may be used directly following the manufacture of the composition, or may be formed into pellets or particles for later use. Examples of articles that may be made using the polyolefin composition according to the present invention include, but are not limited to, electrical insulation materials, household appliances, industrial parts, automotive interior and exterior parts, household parts, construction and housing materials. Examples of molded articles include, but are not limited to, console boxes, door trims, armrests, grip knobs, ceiling parts, housings, pillars, mudguards, bumpers, fenders, back doors, fan shrouds, baseboards, surface decoration boards, door materials, exterior wall materials, interior wall materials, counter materials, window frames, handrails, knobs, pillars, floor materials, earthquake-resistant materials, ceiling materials, concrete panels, lining materials, scaffolding materials, insulation materials, soundproofing materials, furniture materials, shelves, cooking materials, waterproof materials, and waterproof boards.

[0070] The present invention may be further understood with reference to the following examples, which are intended to illustrate aspects and embodiments of the present invention and are not necessarily intended to limit the invention.

[0071] Working Example

[0072] Polyolefin compositions were prepared by compounding each of the components listed in Table 1. The treated silica in the examples was prepared by treating the silica with 2% A-1100 (Comparative Example 1) or 2% acryloxysilane (Examples 1 and 2) available from Momentive Performance Materials, Inc. and drying the material overnight in a convection oven at 80°C. Each composition listed in Table 1 was compounded at 220°C using a Coperion 18mm twin screw extruder and then formed into pellets. The pellets were dried overnight in a convection oven at 80°C. Test specimens were prepared by injection molding the composite polypropylene pellets.

[0073] Molded specimens were evaluated for tensile strength and notched impact strength. Tensile strength was tested according to ASTM D638 "Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics". Notched impact strength was determined using methods recognized in the polymer science field, such as those described in ISO 180 / 1A "Plastics - Determination of Izod Impact Strength".

[0074] The formulations of each composition are shown in Table 1. [Table 1]

[0075] Figures 1 and 2 show the results of tensile properties and impact tests on molded specimens. Figure 1 shows that Examples 1 and 2, which use acryloxysilane-treated fillers, have improved strength at higher strain levels compared to Comparative Example 1, a conventional formulation using aminosilane-treated fillers. Figure 2 shows that improved impact strength is also provided by using fillers treated by the technology of the present invention, with Examples 1 and 2 showing 32% and 70% increases in impact strength, respectively, compared to Comparative Example 1. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, an improvement of more than 15% is significant. In addition, Figures 1 and 2 show that the addition of acryloxy / acrylamide silane additives separately in addition to the treated fillers treated with acryloxy / acrylamide functional silanes can further improve the properties of the composite.

[0076] Example 3

[0077] Polyolefin compositions were prepared by compounding each of the components listed in Table 2. The treated silicas in the examples were prepared by treating the silica with 2% A-1100 available from Momentive Performance Materials (Comparative Example 2), 2% A-174 available from Momentive Performance Materials (Comparative Example 3), or 2% acryloxysilane (Examples 3 and 4) and drying the material overnight in a convection oven at 80° C. Each composition listed in Table 2 was compounded at 220° C. using an Explore micro extruder and injection molded into tensile bars using an Explore micro injection molding machine.

[0078] The molded specimens were evaluated for tensile strength. The tensile strength was tested according to ASTM D638 "Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics". The formulations for each composition are shown in Table 2.

[0079] [Table 2]

[0080] The above description includes examples according to the present specification. Of course, it is not possible to describe all possible combinations of components or methods for the purpose of describing the present specification, but one skilled in the art may recognize that many other combinations and permutations are possible herein. Therefore, the present specification is intended to embrace all such changes, modifications, and variations that are included within the spirit and scope of the claims. Furthermore, when the term "comprises" is used in the detailed description of the invention or the claims, the term "comprises" is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the way that the term "comprises" is interpreted when "comprises" is used as a transitional term in the claims.

[0081] The above description identifies various non-limiting embodiments of the composite polyolefin composition. Modifications may occur to those skilled in the art and those making and using the invention. The disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention or the specifics described in the claims.

Claims

1. 1. A polyolefin composition comprising: (i) a polyolefin resin; and (ii) a filler treated with an acryl-functional silane, wherein the acryl-functional silane has the formula: CH ２ =CH-C(O)-X-R １ -Si-R ２ (R ３ ) ３－ｂ wherein: X is O or N(R ４ ). R １ is a divalent radical independently selected from a linear alkyl group containing 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a branched alkyl group containing 3 to 20 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group containing 5 to 20 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group containing 2 to 20 carbon atoms, an aryl group containing 6 to 20 carbon atoms, or an aralkyl group containing 7 to 20 carbon atoms; R ２ (OR ５ ) ｂ where R ５ is a linear alkyl group containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms, a branched alkyl group containing 3 to 12 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group containing 2 to 12 carbon atoms, an aryl group containing 6 carbon atoms, or an aralkyl group containing 7 to 12 carbon atoms, a linear alkyl group containing 2 to 12 carbon atoms and a hydroxyl or a branched alkyl group containing 3 to 6 carbon atoms and a hydroxyl, a group having at least one oxygen atom and the structure -R ６ - (OCH ２ CH ２ ) ｍ (O.C.H. ２ CH (CH ３ )) ｎ OR ７ or two R ５ groups are bonded together through a covalent bond, with the proviso that (i) two R ５ When the groups are linked together, then b is 2 or 3, and (ii) the sum of m+n is 1 to 20; b is 1, 2, or 3; R ３ each is independently a monovalent group selected from a straight chain alkyl group containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms, a branched chain alkyl group containing 3 to 12 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group containing 2 to 12 carbon atoms, an aryl group containing 6 carbon atoms, or an aralkyl group containing 7 to 12 carbon atoms; R ４ are monovalent groups independently selected from H, a straight chain alkyl group containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms, a branched chain alkyl group containing 3 to 12 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group containing 2 to 12 carbon atoms, an aryl group containing 6 carbon atoms, or an aralkyl group containing 7 to 12 carbon atoms; R ６ is a divalent radical selected from linear alkyl containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, branched alkyl containing 3 to 10 carbon atoms, and cycloalkyl containing 5 to 10 carbon atoms; R ７ is a monovalent radical selected from a linear alkyl containing 1 to 18 carbon atoms, a branched alkyl containing 3 to 18 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl containing 5 to 18 carbon atoms, an alkenyl containing 2 to 18 carbon atoms, an aryl group containing 6 to 18 carbon atoms, an aralkyl containing 7 to 18 carbon atoms, or hydrogen, or a divalent radical selected from an alkyl containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl containing 5 to 10 carbon atoms, or phenyl; A polyolefin composition, wherein the composition does not contain a polyolefin additive having a functional group attached to the polyolefin.

2. 10. The polyolefin composition of claim 1, wherein the acryl-functional silane treated filler comprises the acryl-functional silane in an amount of about 0.01% to about 20% by weight based on the total weight of the filler.

3. 2. The polyolefin composition of claim 1, wherein the acryl-functional silane treated filler comprises the acryl-functional silane in an amount of from about 1% to about 7.5% by weight based on the total weight of the filler.

4. 10. The polyolefin composition of claim 1, wherein the acryl-functional silane treated filler comprises the acryl-functional silane in an amount of about 2% to about 5% by weight based on the total weight of the filler.

5. Fillers may be selected from the group consisting of titanium dioxide, aluminum trihydroxide, magnesium dihydroxide, mica, kaolin, calcium carbonate, non-hydrated, partially hydrated, or hydrated fluorides, chlorides, bromides, iodides, chromates, carbonates, hydroxides, phosphates, hydrogen phosphates, nitrates, oxides, and sulfates of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and barium; zinc oxide, aluminum oxide, antimony pentoxide, antimony trioxide, beryllium oxide, chromium oxide, iron oxide, lithopone, boric acid, or Borates such as zinc borate, barium metaborate, or aluminum borate, aluminosilicates, mixed metal oxides such as vermiculite, fumed silica, fused silica, precipitated silica, silica including quartz, sand, and silica gel; rice husk ash, ceramic and glass beads, zeolites, aluminum flakes or powder, bronze powder, copper, gold, molybdenum, nickel, silver powder or flake, stainless steel powder, metals such as tungsten, hydrous calcium silicate, barium titanate, Silica-carbon black composites, functionalized carbon nanotubes, cement, fly ash, slate powder, bentonite, clay, talc, anthracite, apatite, attapulgite, boron nitride, cristobalite, diatomaceous earth, dolomite, ferrite, feldspar, graphite, graphene, carbon fibers, calcined kaolin, molybdenum disulfide, perlite, pumice, chlorophyll, sepiolite, zinc stannate, zinc sulfide or wollastonite, wood flour, wood fibers, cotton fibers, wheat straw, hemp, flax, kenaf, kapok, jute, la 10. The polyolefin composition of claim 1, wherein the dye is selected from at least one of the following: mee, sisal, henequen, corn fiber or coir, or nut shells or rice hulls, polyester fiber, aramid fiber, nylon fiber, glass fiber, lignin, starch, cellulose or cellulose containing products, polytetrafluoroethylene or polyethylene plastic microspheres, azo dyes, indigoid dyes, triphenylmethane dyes, anthraquinone dyes, hydroquinone dyes, or xanthine dyes.

6. 2. The polyolefin composition of claim 1, wherein the filler is selected from calcium hydroxide, barium sulfate, mica, calcium silicate, clay, kaolin, silica, alumina, wollastonite, magnesium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, zinc sulfate, or a combination of two or more thereof.

7. 2. The polyolefin composition of claim 1, wherein the filler is selected from silica.

8. 10. The polyolefin composition of claim 1, wherein the acryl-functional silane treated filler is present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 99% by weight based on the total weight of the polyolefin composition.

9. 10. The polyolefin composition of claim 1, wherein the acryl-functional silane treated filler is present in an amount of about 20% to about 50% by weight based on the total weight of the polyolefin composition.

10. 2. The polyolefin composition of claim 1, wherein the polyolefin is selected from polymers of olefins having from 2 to 18 carbon atoms.

11. 2. The polyolefin composition of claim 1, wherein the polyolefin is selected from polypropylene, polyethylene, polybutylene, or a mixture of two or more thereof.

12. 10. The polyolefin composition of claim 1, wherein the polyolefin is present in an amount of from about 10% by weight to about 99.9% by weight, based on the total weight of the polyolefin composition.

13. 10. The polyolefin composition of claim 1, further comprising (iii) a silane additive.

14. The polyolefin composition of claim 13, wherein (iii) the silane additive is selected from an acryl-functional silane selected from an acryloxy-functional silane, an acrylamide-functional silane, or a combination thereof.

15. The silane additive (iii) has the formula: CH ２ =CH-C(O)-X’-R １’ -Si-R ２’ (R ３’ ) ３－ｂ’ wherein: X' is O or N(R ４’ ). R １’ is a divalent radical independently selected from linear alkyl containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, branched alkyl containing 3 to 10 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl containing 5 to 10 carbon atoms, alkenyl containing 2 to 10 carbon atoms, aryl containing 6 to 10 carbon atoms, or aralkyl containing 7 to 10 carbon atoms; R ２’ (OR ５’ ) ｂ’ where R ５’ are independently selected from a linear alkyl containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms, a branched alkyl containing 3 to 12 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms, an alkenyl containing 2 to 12 carbon atoms, an aryl containing 6 carbon atoms, an aralkyl containing 7 to 12 carbon atoms, a linear alkyl containing 2 to 12 carbon atoms and hydroxyl, or a branched alkyl containing 3 to 6 carbon atoms and hydroxyl, or a monovalent radical containing at least one oxygen atom and having the structure -R ６’ - (OCH ２ CH ２ ) ｍ’ (O.C.H. ２ CH (CH ３ )) ｎ’ OR ７’ or two R ５’ groups are bonded together through a covalent bond, with the proviso that (i) two R ５’ When the groups are linked together, then b is 2 or 3, and (ii) the sum of m'+n' is 1 to 20; b' is 1, 2, or 3; R ３’ each is independently a monovalent radical selected from a linear alkyl containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms, a branched alkyl containing 3 to 12 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms, an alkenyl containing 2 to 12 carbon atoms, an aryl containing 6 carbon atoms, or an aralkyl containing 7 to 12 carbon atoms; R ４’ are monovalent radicals independently selected from H, linear alkyl containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms, branched alkyl containing 3 to 12 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms, alkenyl containing 2 to 12 carbon atoms, aryl containing 6 carbon atoms, or aralkyl containing 7 to 12 carbon atoms; R ６’ is a divalent radical selected from linear alkyl containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, branched alkyl containing 3 to 10 carbon atoms, and cycloalkyl containing 5 to 10 carbon atoms; R ７’ 14. The polyolefin composition of claim 13, wherein is a monovalent radical selected from linear alkyl containing 1 to 18 carbon atoms, branched alkyl containing 3 to 18 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl containing 5 to 18 carbon atoms, alkenyl containing 2 to 18 carbon atoms, aryl containing 6 to 18 carbon atoms, aralkyl containing 7 to 18 carbon atoms or hydrogen, or a divalent radical selected from alkyl containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl containing 5 to 10 carbon atoms or phenyl.

16. 10. The polyolefin composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is in the form of pellets or particles.

17. 2. The polyolefin composition of claim 1 consisting essentially of the polyolefin resin (i), the acryl-functional silane-treated filler (ii), and optionally the silane additive (iii).

18. 10. The polyolefin composition of claim 1, further comprising at least one additive selected from a peroxide, an antioxidant, a lubricant, a pigment, or a combination of two or more thereof.

19. 19. A molded article formed from the polyolefin composition of any of claims 1 to 18.

20. 20. A method of making a molded article comprising extruding the polyolefin composition of any of claims 1 to 18 into a molded article.

21. 20. A method of making the polyolefin composition of any of claims 1 to 18, comprising compounding a polyolefin with a filler that has been treated with an acryl-functional silane.

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