Elongated complex

Abstract

The present invention relates to an elongated composite (3) comprising high performance polyethylene HPPE filaments (2) having a toughness of at least 0.6 N / tex, and a polymer composition (10) present throughout the elongated composite, the polymer composition comprising a thermoplastic ethylene copolymer, and a polysiloxane, the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer being a copolymer of ethylene, and the polymer composition having a peak melting temperature in the range of 40-140°C.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an elongated composite. The present invention further relates to an elongated body comprising the elongated composite according to the invention. The present invention also relates to a method for producing the elongated composite and a method for producing the elongated body. The present invention also relates to an article comprising the elongated composite and / or the elongated body according to the invention, as well as a method for producing such an article. A crane comprising a sheave and a rope comprising the elongated composite is also part of the present invention. The present invention further relates to a method for lifting and / or placing objects, as well as to the use of the polymer composition.

[0002] In many applications, ropes and belts are repeatedly subjected to friction and deformation when in contact with opposing surfaces. In use, ropes are frequently pulled over fairleads, bollards, drums, flanges, pulleys, sheaves, etc., among others, resulting in wear and flexing of the rope. Exposure to such frequent wear and flexing can result in the rope breaking due to damage to the rope, strands and / or filaments, a fatigue failure often referred to as abrasive wear or flexural fatigue.

[0003] HPPE (High Performance Polyethylene) fiber ropes with improved bending fatigue are described, for example, in WO 2007 / 062803 and WO 2011 / 015485. WO 2007 / 062803 describes ropes composed of high performance polyethylene fibers and polytetrafluoroethylene fibers. These ropes can contain 3-18% by weight of liquid polyorganosiloxane. WO 2011 / 015485 describes ropes comprising HPPE fibers coated with crosslinked silicone rubber. Thus, the prior art suggests using silicone compositions alone or in combination with low friction fibers such as PTFE to reduce the friction behavior of HPPE fibers during bending applications. In particular, WO 2011 / 015485 describes an established technology in the field of high-end bending applications.

[0004] WO 2017 / 060461 relates to elongated bodies comprising high performance polyethylene fibres and polymer resins, and to methods for producing such composite elongated bodies.

[0005] It is noted that US Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 202329 relates to improvements in ropes, and in particular to high tenacity synthetic ropes suitable for use in marine applications.

[0006] It is noted that GB 1405551 relates to size compositions, more particularly to size compositions for application to glass fibres to improve the processing and property characteristics of the glass fibres in woven glass fabrics, in the manufacture of glass fibre reinforced elastomeric products and in the manufacture of glass fibre reinforced plastics.

[0007] It is noted that US Pat. No. 7,858,180 relates to improvements in ropes, and in particular to high tenacity synthetic ropes suitable for use in a variety of applications.

[0008] It is noted that JP 2003261765 concerns a processing agent for improving abrasion resistance. The present invention aims to provide an improved elongated body, such as an improved synthetic rope. In particular, an improved rope comprising HPPE filaments, such as a rope composed of HPPE filaments. The elongated body according to the invention, such as a rope according to the invention, comprises an elongated composite according to the invention.

[0009] The present invention relates to an elongated composite comprising high performance polyethylene (HPPE) filaments having a tenacity of at least 0.6 N / tex and a polymer composition throughout the elongated composite, the polymer composition comprising: a) a thermoplastic ethylene copolymer as described herein, and b) a polysiloxane as described herein and wherein the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer is a copolymer of ethylene, and said polymer composition has a peak melting temperature in the range of 40 to 140°C as measured in accordance with ASTM E794-06.

[0010] Ropes including elongated composites according to the present invention exhibit improved wear performance, as evidenced in one aspect by improved abrasion resistance against static counter surfaces such as fairleads.

[0011] This improved abrasion resistance against the static counter surface may also be referred to as improved external abrasion. External refers to the outer surface of the rope, the part visible to the human eye, or the part in contact with the hand when the rope is held or touched by hand. This improvement is demonstrated herein on the rope itself, without the use of a cover around the outer surface of the rope. The inventors have found that the abrasion properties are combined with other improved mechanical properties. Said improvement may be seen, for example, in improved repeated bending performance. In particular, improved continuous bend over sheave (CBOS) performance. It has been found that the rope according to the invention, comprising the elongated composite according to the invention, exhibits improved repeated bend over sheave performance.

[0012] The elongated composites of the present invention are composite materials. Composite materials are materials made from two or more constituent materials that have significantly different physical and / or chemical properties that, when combined, produce a material with different characteristics than the individual components. The individual components remain separate and distinct within the finished structure.

[0013] In its simplest form, an elongated composite comprises two or more filaments lying side by side with no twisting relative to one another, the filaments being substantially oriented in a single direction, which is the length of the elongated composite.

[0014] By fibre is herein understood an elongated body whose length dimension is much greater than the transverse dimensions of width and thickness. The term fibre in this specification includes filaments, and such filaments may have a regular or irregular cross section.

[0015] Filaments are elongated bodies whose length dimension is much greater than the transverse dimensions of width and thickness. Fibers may have continuous lengths, known in the art as filaments or continuous filaments, or discontinuous lengths, known in the art as staple fibers.

[0016] A yarn for the purposes of the present invention is an elongated body that includes at least two filaments. A yarn typically includes up to 10,000 filaments. In one embodiment, a yarn includes up to 5,000 filaments. The filaments of the yarn may be twisted or untwisted, preferably the filaments of the yarn are untwisted. During coating, it is beneficial to untwist the filaments of the yarn to improve the coating penetration / wetting on the surface of the filaments.

[0017] By elongated, it is understood herein that the length dimension is much greater than the transverse dimensions of width and thickness. Preferably, said length dimension is at least 10 times, more preferably at least 20 times, even more preferably at least 50 times, and most preferably at least 100 times greater than the greater of the width or thickness dimensions. In one embodiment, the length dimension is 20 to 1×10 times greater than the greater of the width or thickness dimensions. 10 Twice as big.

[0018] An elongated body in this specification is understood to be an elongated body whose length dimension is much larger than the transverse dimensions of width and thickness or diameter. Preferably, said length dimension is at least 10 times, more preferably at least 20 times, even more preferably at least 50 times, and most preferably at least 100 times larger than the larger of either the width or thickness dimension. In one embodiment, the length dimension of the elongated body is 20 to 1×10 times larger than either the width or thickness dimension. 10 Twice as big.

[0019] The present invention further provides an elongated composite comprising high performance polyethylene HPPE filaments having a tenacity of at least 0.6 N / tex and a polymer composition throughout said elongated composite, the polymer composition comprising: a) a thermoplastic ethylene copolymer, and b) Lubricants wherein the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer is a copolymer of ethylene, and the polymer composition has a peak melting temperature in the range of 40 to 140° C. as measured in accordance with ASTM E794-06.

[0020] In one embodiment of the elongated composite according to the invention, the lubricant comprises a polysiloxane such as polydimethylsiloxane (reactive or non-reactive); fluorosilicones and other fluoropolymers such as PTFE; waxes including synthetic waxes such as PE and PP waxes, silicone waxes, animal waxes such as beeswax, vegetable waxes such as carnauba wax; synthetic greases or oils; mineral greases and oils; inorganic solids such as graphite or molybdenum disulfide; ceramics such as ceramic lubricants or ceramic coatings; PUR; acrylic; hybrids of PUR and acrylic; or any combination thereof.

[0021] In an embodiment of the elongated composite according to the invention, the lubricant is a polysiloxane. Polysiloxanes, also called silicones, are oligomers or polymers made up of siloxane units. They have the chemical formula [RSiO] nThese materials consist of an inorganic silicon-oxygen backbone (...-Si-O-Si-O-Si-O-...) with organic side groups attached to the silicon atoms. They are typically colorless oil or rubber-like substances. Some common forms include silicone oil, silicone grease, silicone rubber, silicone resin, and silicone caulking. Polysiloxanes are polymeric materials prepared by the condensation of appropriately substituted silanes. In embodiments, the polysiloxanes are not crosslinked. In other embodiments, the polysiloxanes are crosslinked, e.g., resulting from functional groups present in the polysiloxane, such as vinyl, hydroxyl, amine, epoxy, acrylamide, or isocyanate groups, which may react during and / or after application of the polymer composition to the filaments of the elongated body.

[0022] In one embodiment of the elongate composite according to the invention, the polysiloxane is polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS).

[0023] PDMS can be obtained as an aqueous dispersion from different sources. The advantage of using a polysiloxane dispersion or emulsion in the present coating composition is that such a dispersion can be mixed in various ratios with the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer dispersion. Examples of suitable polydimethylsiloxane dispersions include Wacker® Emulsion C800 or E22 (Wacker Chemie AG, Munich, Germany), and Xiameter™ PMX-200 Silicone Fluid (Dow Inc., USA). The polysiloxane can also be a siloxane wax, such as Wacker® E32 Silicone Wax Emulsion, which is a non-ionic aqueous emulsion of silicone wax that is solid at room temperature (melting point 39-45°C) but can be easily incorporated into the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer dispersion by stirring.

[0024] The polysiloxane used in the method may be a non-reactive polysiloxane, but may also be a reactive polysiloxane that contains a functional group capable of reacting with another compound, such as in a crosslinking reaction. Typically, the reactive polysiloxane has at least a reactive pendant or terminal group, which may include vinyl, hydride, silanol, alkoxy, epoxy, carbinol, (meth)acrylate, mercapto, acetoxy / chlorine / dimethylamine, alkoxide, silsesquioxane, polysilane, or polysilazane groups. Preferably, the reactive group includes vinyl, hydroxy, amine, epoxy, (meth)acrylamide, hexenyl, fluor, or isocyanate groups. In one embodiment, the polysiloxane used in the method is a reactive polysiloxane that has a fluor reactive group. Examples of suitable reactive polysiloxane compositions include Dehesive® 430 (crosslinker) and Dehesive® 440 (catalyst) from Wacker Silicones; Silcolease® Emulsion 912 and Silcolease® Catalyst 913 from Bluestar Silicones; and Syl-off® 7950 Emulsion Coating and Syl-off® 7922 Catalyst Emulsion from Dow Corning. In an embodiment, the polysiloxane used in the method is a combination of reactive polysiloxanes, such as Syl-off® 7950 Emulsion Coating and Syl-off® 7922 Catalyst Emulsion (Dow Corning).

[0025] The aqueous coating composition may contain 0 to 50% by mass of polysiloxane based on the total amount of the coating composition.The aqueous coating composition may contain 0 to 80% by mass of polysiloxane based on the total amount of the coating composition.

[0026] In one embodiment, the coating composition herein is an aqueous coating composition. The aqueous coating composition may contain 0.5 to 20 wt. % of the polysiloxane based on the total coating composition. In an embodiment, the polysiloxane is present in a concentration of at least 0.5, at least 1.0, at least 1.5, or at least 2.0 wt. %, and up to 15, up to 12, up to 10, up to 8, up to 6, or up to 4 wt. %. In one aspect, the polysiloxane is present in a weight ratio of up to 1:3 relative to the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer.

[0027] In one embodiment, the weight ratio of the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer to the polysiloxane is at most 1:4, at most 1:5, or at most 1:6.

[0028] In one embodiment, the weight ratio of the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer to the polysiloxane is at least 1:1, at least 2:1, at least 3:1, at least 4:1, or at least 5:1.

[0029] In one embodiment, the weight ratio of copolyethylene:silicone ranges from 1:1 to 20:1. In one embodiment, the weight ratio of copolyethylene:silicone ranges from 1:1 to 10:1. In one embodiment, the weight ratio of copolyethylene:silicone ranges from 2:1 to 5:1.

[0030] Suitable polydimethylsiloxanes include Wacker® Olemulsion C 800 Wacker Chemie AG (Munich, Germany).

[0031] In one embodiment, the polysiloxanes used in the methods of the present invention have a viscosity in the range of 10 Pa.s to 100 Pa.s, determined as described in the Methods section herein. In one embodiment, the polysiloxanes herein have a viscosity in the range of 10 Pa.s to 100 Pa.s, determined as described in the Methods section herein. Examples of emulsions containing such polysiloxanes include Wacker® olemulsion C 800, manufactured by Wacker Chemie AG, Munich, Germany. The viscosity of the non-reactive polydimethylsiloxane of C 800, determined by the method described in the Methods section herein, is 16.5 Pa.s.

[0032] Another example of a polysiloxane having a viscosity in the range of 10 Pa.s to 100 Pa.s, determined as described in the Methods section of this specification, is Wacker E22, manufactured by Wacker Chemie AG, Munich, Germany. An anionic formulation of a finely dispersed highly viscous polydimethylsiloxane in water. Solids content 41-44%, pH value 7.5-8.5.

[0033] Advantages of using polysiloxanes, particularly polydimethylsiloxanes, having a viscosity in the range of 10.0 Pa.s to 100.0 Pa.s, determined as described in the Methods section herein, include improved long term use of ropes (comprising elongated composites according to the invention) used in aqueous environments. Examples of such ropes include ropes for mooring ships and / or offshore platforms. Without wishing to be bound by theory, this advantage may be caused by such siloxane compounds providing additional lubrication of the filaments, yarns, substrands and strands of the rope, thereby reducing frictional wear at the inner and outer portions of the rope.

[0034] In one embodiment, the polysiloxanes used in the methods of the present invention have a viscosity, determined as described in the Methods section herein, in the range of 12 Pa.s to 50 Pa.s, and preferably have a viscosity, determined as described in the Methods section herein, in the range of 15 Pa.s to 30 Pa.s.

[0035] In one embodiment, the polysiloxanes used in the present invention have a viscosity, determined as described in the Methods section herein, of less than 10 Pa.s, for example in the range of 0.01 Pa.s to 9.5 Pa.s. An example of such a polysiloxane emulsion is DOW XIAMETER™ PMX-200 Silicone Fluid, which is a clear, colorless polydimethylsiloxane fluid.

[0036] In one embodiment, the polysiloxanes used in the present invention have a viscosity, determined as described in the Methods section herein, of greater than 100 Pa.s, for example in the range of 101 to 300 Pa.s, preferably in the range of 101 to 200 Pa.s for ease of processability.

[0037] In one embodiment, the polysiloxanes used in the present invention are non-reactive polysiloxanes, which cannot react with other compounds, such as in a crosslinking reaction.

[0038] In one embodiment, the polysiloxane used in the present invention is a reactive polysiloxane.Reactive polysiloxanes contain reactive groups that have the potential to react with another compound, such as in a crosslinking reaction.Typically, reactive polysiloxanes have at least reactive pendant groups or at least reactive end groups.Reactive groups may include vinyl, hydride, silanol, alkoxy / polymeric alkoxide, epoxy, carbinol, methacrylate / acrylate, mercapto, acetoxy / chlorine / dimethylamine, polymeric alkoxide, silsesquioxane, polysilane, polysilazane.

[0039] In one aspect, the reactive group comprises vinyl, hydroxy, amine, epoxy, acrylamide, hexenyl, fluoro, and isocyanate groups. In one aspect, the reactive group comprises butenyl. In one embodiment, the polysiloxane used in the present invention is a reactive polysiloxane, and the reactive group comprises fluoro. Examples of reactive polysiloxane coatings include Dehesive® 430 (crosslinker) and Dehesive® 440 (catalyst) from Wacker Silicones; Silcolease® Emulsion 912 and Silcolease® Catalyst 913 from Bluestar Silicones; and Syl-off® 7950 Emulsion Coating and Syl-off® 7922 Catalyst Emulsion from Dow Corning. In one embodiment, the polysiloxane used in the present invention is a reactive polysiloxane, such as a combination of Syl-off® 7950 Emulsion Coating and Syl-off® 7922 Catalyst Emulsion manufactured by Dow Corning. In one aspect, the polysiloxane used in the present invention is a functionalized polysiloxane. Examples of functionalized polysiloxanes include Wacker W23 silicone wax, which is an example of a wax-functionalized polysiloxane. WACKER® W 23 is a white waxy polymethylsiloxane that is resistant to hydrolysis and exhibits very high affinity for a variety of substrates. Melting point 39-45.0°C. Dynamic viscosity (Brookfield, 50°C) 300 mPa.s. This melting point range can improve lubrication properties and improve performance in use.

[0040] Lubricants such as thermoplastic ethylene copolymers and polysiloxanes can be separated by preparative fractionation.Typically, this can be the separation of components based on molar mass, solubility, for example using size exclusion chromatography, or based on crystallinity, for example using temperature rising elution fractionation.The fractions thus obtained can then be analyzed, for example using IR and / or NMR techniques.

[0041] A first indication of the composition can be obtained using elemental analysis, for example to see if silicon (Si) is present.

[0042] The type of lubricant can be determined, for example, using GC-MS, comparing retention times and molar masses, and comparing the fingerprint to a database.

[0043] Those skilled in the art can select the appropriate sample preparation technique and method depending on the sample to be tested. Those skilled in the art will know that when facing a final product, it is necessary to obtain the polymer composition before performing density measurements. It is part of the skill of the skilled artisan to determine how to obtain and prepare a sample of the polymer composition depending on what the final product looks like, and then to select the appropriate method to measure the density based on what the sample looks like. For example, the polymer composition may be scraped off the elongated composite and analyzed. For example, the polymer composition may be scraped off the elongated body according to the present invention and analyzed.

[0044] The thermoplastic ethylene copolymers herein are semi-crystalline polymers having a peak melting temperature in the range of 40-140°C, measured according to ASTM E794-06, on a dry sample, considering a second heating curve at a heating rate of 10 K / min. In one embodiment, the peak melting temperature of the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer is at least 50 or 60°C, and at most 130 or 120°C. In one embodiment, the peak melting temperature of the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer is at least 50°C, and at most 130°C. In one embodiment, the peak melting temperature of the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer is at least 60°C, and at most 130°C. In one embodiment, the peak melting temperature of the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer is at least 60°C, and at most 120°C. In one embodiment, the peak melting temperature of the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer is in the range of 50-120°C. In one embodiment, the peak melting temperature of the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer is in the range of 50°C to 120°C. Such peak melting temperatures allow for melting and impregnation of the elongated composite with the polymer composition without adversely affecting the mechanical properties of the high performance polyethylene filaments. The thermoplastic ethylene copolymer may have two or more peak melting temperatures. In such cases, at least the highest melting peak of said melting temperature is within the above range. The second peak melting temperature and / or further peak melting temperatures of the copolymer may be within or outside the temperature range, preferably below the temperature range. For example, if the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer is a blend of different polymers, multiple melting peaks may be observed.

[0045] Thermoplastic ethylene copolymers may include various forms of ethylene-propylene copolymers, other ethylene copolymers with comonomers such as 1-butene, isobutylene, as well as heteroatom-containing monomers such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, vinyl acetate, maleic anhydride, ethyl acrylate, methyl acrylate, etc.; α-olefin and cyclic olefin copolymers in general, or blends thereof. Preferably, the thermoplastic ethylene copolymers are copolymers of ethylene that may contain one or more olefins having 2 to 12 C atoms as comonomers, in particular propylene, isobutene, 1-butene, 1-hexene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, 1-octene, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid and vinyl acetate.

[0046] Further, the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer may be a functionalized polyethylene or alternatively the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer may comprise a functionalized polymer. Such functionalized polymers are often referred to as functionalized copolymers or grafted polymers, where grafting refers to the chemical modification of the polymer backbone with ethylenically unsaturated monomers containing primarily heteroatoms, and functional copolymer refers to the copolymerization of ethylene with ethylenically unsaturated monomers. Preferably, the ethylenically unsaturated monomers contain oxygen and / or nitrogen atoms. Most preferably, the ethylenically unsaturated monomers contain carboxylic acid groups or derivatives thereof resulting in acylated polymers, especially in acetylated polyethylenes. Preferably, the carboxylic reactants are selected from the group consisting of acrylic, methacrylic, cinnamic, crotonic, and maleic, fumaric, and itaconic reactants. The functionalized polymers typically contain 1-10% by weight or more of the carboxylic reactant. The presence of such functionalization in the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer may substantially enhance the dispersibility of the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer and / or allow for a reduction in further additives present for that purpose, such as surfactants. In the present specification, a solvent is understood to be a liquid in which the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer is soluble to an amount greater than 1% by weight at room temperature, and a non-solvent is understood to be a liquid in which the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer is soluble to an amount less than 0.1% by weight at room temperature.

[0047] Thermoplastic ethylene copolymers have a strength of 860 to 970 kg / m, measured in accordance with ISO 1183-04. 3 , preferably 870 to 930 kg / m 3 , more preferably 870 to 920 kg / m 3 , and most preferably 875 to 910 kg / m 3 In one embodiment, the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer has a density in the range of 875 to 900 kg / m, as measured according to ISO 1183-04. 3 The inventors have determined that thermoplastic ethylene copolymers having a density within said preferred range provide an improved balance between the mechanical properties of the elongated composite and the processability of the coating composition during the process of the present invention, particularly the dried coating composition.

[0048] The thermoplastic ethylene copolymer is a semi-crystalline polymer having a peak melting temperature in the range of 40° C. to 140° C., measured on a dry sample and taking into account a second heating curve at a heating rate of 10 K / min, according to ASTM E794-06, as well as a heat of fusion of typically at least 5 J / g, measured on a dry sample and taking into account a second heating curve at a heating rate of 10 K / min, according to ASTM E793-85. The thermoplastic ethylene copolymer is a semi-crystalline polyolefin having a peak melting temperature in the range of 40° C. to 140° C., measured on a dry sample and taking into account a second heating curve at a heating rate of 10 K / min, according to ASTM E794-06, as well as a heat of fusion of typically at least 5 J / g, measured on a dry sample and taking into account a second heating curve at a heating rate of 10 K / min, according to ASTM E793-85. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer has a heat of fusion of at least 10 J / g, preferably at least 15 J / g, more preferably at least 20 J / g, even more preferably at least 30 J / g, and most preferably at least 50 J / g. The inventors have surprisingly found that with an increase in the heat of fusion, the elongated composites exhibit improved monofilament-like properties. The heat of fusion of the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer is not particularly limited by an upper limit other than the theoretical maximum heat of fusion of fully crystalline polyethylene or polypropylene of about 300 J / g. The thermoplastic ethylene copolymer is a semi-crystalline product with a peak melting temperature in a certain range. Thus, a reasonable upper limit for the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer is a heat of fusion of at most 200 J / g, preferably at most 150 J / g. In another embodiment, the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer has a peak melting temperature in the range of 50-130°C, preferably in the range of 60-120°C, measured according to ASTM E794-06 on a dry sample, taking into account a second heating curve at a heating rate of 10 K / min. Such a preferred peak melting temperature provides a more robust processing method for producing elongated composites in that less attention is required to the drying conditions of the elongated composites while still producing elongated composites with good properties. The thermoplastic ethylene copolymer may have two or more peak melting temperatures, in which case at least the highest of the melting peaks is within the above ranges.The second peak melting temperature and / or further peak melting temperatures of the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer may be within or outside the temperature range, for example when the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer is a blend of polymers.

[0049] Thermoplastic ethylene copolymers may have a modulus that may vary over a wide range. A low modulus thermoplastic ethylene copolymer, for example having a modulus of about 50 MPa, may provide a very flexible elongated composite with good strength properties. A high modulus thermoplastic ethylene copolymer, for example having a modulus of about 500 MPa, may provide an elongated composite such as a monofilament with improved structural appearance. Each application may have an optimum modulus of thermoplastic ethylene copolymer in relation to the specific requirements during use of the application. The modulus may be determined as described in the methods herein.

[0050] The amount of polymer composition present in the elongated composite (coating percentage) may vary widely depending on the intended use of the elongated composite and may be adjusted by the application method employed. The amount of polymer composition in an elongated composite according to the present invention may be determined as described in the Methods section herein.

[0051] In the elongated composite, the surface of the HPPE filament is substantially (in one embodiment at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 98%) coated (i.e., covered) with the polymer composition. In one embodiment of the elongated composite, the surface of the HPPE filament is 70%-100% coated (i.e., covered) with the polymer composition. Alternatively, the polymer composition in the elongated composite may be said to be present as a sizer on substantially the entire surface of the HPPE filament.

[0052] In one aspect, the elongate complex according to the invention comprises: a) 60 to 95% by mass of high-performance polyethylene filaments; b) 5.0 to 25% by weight of a thermoplastic ethylene copolymer having a peak melting temperature of 40 to 140° C. as measured in accordance with ASTM E794-06; c) 0.1 to 10% by mass of a polysiloxane, and d) 0 to 5.0% by mass of other additives The total of components a) to d) is 100% by mass. a) In one embodiment, the elongated composite according to the invention comprises 75-92% by weight of high performance polyethylene filaments; b) 7.5 to 15% by weight of a thermoplastic ethylene copolymer having a peak melting temperature of 40 to 140° C. as measured in accordance with ASTM E794-06; c) 0.5 to 10% by weight of a polysiloxane, and d) 0 to 5.0% by mass of other additives The total of components a) to d) is 100% by mass. In one aspect, the elongate complex according to the invention comprises: a) 80 to 92 mass % of high-performance polyethylene filaments; b) 8 to 12% by weight of a thermoplastic ethylene copolymer having a peak melting temperature of 40 to 140° C. as measured in accordance with ASTM E794-06; c) 0.75 to 8% by weight of a polysiloxane, and d) 0 to 5.0% by mass of other additives The total of components a) to d) is 100% by mass. In one embodiment, the polymer composition forms a uniform film on the surface of the HPPE filament. This may be observed by visual analysis, for example, by using an SEM on a cross-section of the elongated composite to determine what % of the surface is covered with the coating composition, using an SEM measurement window of at least 3 times the diameter of the filament. Alternatively, an SEM is performed at 10 locations (evenly distributed on the cross-section) to determine what % of the surface is covered with the coating composition.

[0053] In one embodiment, the polymer composition forms a uniform film on the surface of the HPPE filaments, which can be further observed by visual analysis, for example, by using SEM on the exterior surface of the elongated composite, which is shown in FIG.

[0054] The polymer composition has a hardness of 860-970 kg / m, measured according to ISO 1183-04. 3 , preferably 870 to 930 kg / m 3 , more preferably 870 to 920 kg / m 3 , and most preferably 875 to 910 kg / m 3 In one embodiment, the density of the polymer composition is in the range of 875 to 900 kg / m, measured according to ISO 1183-04. 3 The inventors have determined that a polymer composition having a density within said range provides a good balance between the mechanical properties of the elongated composite and the processability of a coating composition comprising a thermoplastic ethylene copolymer and a lubricant during the manufacture of the elongated composite of the present invention.

[0055] In one embodiment of the elongated composite according to the present invention, the lubricant is a polysiloxane as described herein.

[0056] In the context of the present invention, HPPE filaments are understood to be polyethylene filaments with improved mechanical properties such as toughness. In a preferred embodiment, the high performance polyethylene filaments are polyethylene filaments having a toughness of at least 0.6 N / tex, preferably at least 1.0 N / tex, more preferably at least 1.5 N / tex, more preferably at least 1.8 N / tex, even more preferably at least 2.5 N / tex, most preferably at least 3.5 N / tex. Preferred polyethylenes are high molecular weight (HMWPE) or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). Best results have been obtained when the high performance polyethylene filaments comprise ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and have a toughness of at least 2.0 N / tex, more preferably at least 3.0 N / tex. In one aspect, the high performance polyethylene filaments are ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) filaments having a toughness in the range of 2.0 to 5.0 N / tex.

[0057] Preferably, the elongated composites of the present invention comprise HPPE filaments comprising high molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE) or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) or a combination thereof, and preferably the HPPE filaments consist essentially of HMWPE and / or UHMWPE.

[0058] In the context of the present invention, the expression "consisting essentially of" has the meaning "may contain small amounts of further species", where the small amount is up to 5% by weight, preferably up to 2% by weight, of said further species based on the filament, or in other words "more than 95% by weight", preferably "more than 98% by weight" of HMWPE and / or UHMWPE.

[0059] In one embodiment, the elongated composite of the invention comprises high molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE) filaments having a toughness of at least 0.6 N / tex, preferably at least 1.0 N / tex, more preferably at least 1.5 N / tex, more preferably at least 1.8 N / tex, even more preferably at least 2.5 N / tex, and most preferably at least 3.5 N / tex. Best results have been obtained when the high performance polyethylene filaments comprise ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and have a toughness of at least 2.0 N / tex, more preferably at least 3.0 N / tex. In one embodiment, the elongated composite of the invention comprises high molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE) filaments having a toughness in the range of 2.0 to 5.5 N / tex. In one embodiment, the elongated composite of the invention comprises high molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE) filaments having a toughness in the range of 2.0 to 5.0 N / tex.

[0060] In one embodiment, the elongated composite according to the present invention has a toughness in the range of 2.0 to 5.0 N / tex. 9 Contains 1 (UHMWPE) filament.

[0061] In one embodiment, the elongated composite according to the present invention has a toughness in the range of 2.0 to 5.0 N / tex. 7 Contains 1 (UHMWPE) filament.

[0062] In the context of the present invention, the polyethylene (PE) of the filament may be linear or branched, with linear polyethylene being preferred. Linear polyethylene is understood herein to mean polyethylene with less than one side chain per 100 carbon atoms, preferably less than one side chain per 300 carbon atoms, with the side chain or branch generally containing at least 10 carbon atoms. The side chain may be suitably measured by FTIR.

[0063] The PE of the filaments is preferably of high molecular weight with an intrinsic viscosity (IV) of at least 2 dl / g, more preferably at least 4 dl / g, most preferably at least 8 dl / g. Such polyethylenes with an IV above 4 dl / g are also called ultra-high molecular weight polyethylenes (UHMWPE). Intrinsic viscosity is a measure of molecular weight that can be more easily determined than actual molar mass parameters such as number and weight average molecular weights (Mn and Mw). Typically, the IV of the PE of the filaments is at most 50 dl / g.

[0064] The HPPE filaments in the present invention may be obtained by various processes, such as melt spinning, gel spinning or solid powder compaction processes. A preferred method for producing the filaments used in the present invention includes melt spinning, which comprises feeding polyethylene into an extruder, extruding a moulding above its melting point and stretching the extruded filaments below its melting temperature. If necessary, the polymer may be mixed with a suitable liquid compound before feeding it into the extruder to form a gel, as is the case, for example, preferably when using ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. In the method for producing the filaments used in the present invention, the filaments used in the present invention are prepared by a gel spinning process. Suitable gel spinning processes are described, for example, in GB 2042414, GB 2051667, EP 0205960 and WO 01 / 73173. Briefly, the gel spinning process involves preparing a solution of high intrinsic viscosity polyethylene, extruding the solution into solution filaments at a temperature above the dissolution temperature, cooling the solution filaments below a gelation temperature, thereby at least partially gelling the polyethylene of the filaments, and drawing the filaments before, during and / or after at least partial removal of the solvent.

[0065] Creep is a parameter known in the art and typically depends on the tension and temperature applied to the material. Under constant load, HPPE filaments exhibit irreversible deformation (creep) behavior that is strongly dependent on load and temperature. High tension and high temperature values ​​typically promote fast creep behavior. Creep may be (partially) reversible or irreversible upon unloading. The time-dependent deformation rate is called the creep rate and is a measure of the rate at which the filament undergoes said deformation. Although the initial creep rate may be high, the creep deformation may decrease to a final creep rate that is negligible (e.g., close to a zero value) during constant load.

[0066] In one embodiment of the elongated composite according to the invention, the HPPE filaments comprise ultra high molecular weight PE (UHMWPE) having an intrinsic viscosity (IV) of at least 4 dL / g and containing at least 0.3 short chain branches per 1000 total carbon atoms.

[0067] In one embodiment of the elongated composite according to the invention, the HPPE filaments comprise ultra high molecular weight propylene (UHMWPE) having an intrinsic viscosity (IV) in the range of 4 dL / g to 50 dL / g and containing 0.3 to 10 short chain branches per 1000 total carbon atoms.

[0068] In one embodiment, the elongated composite comprises a yarn comprising high performance polyethylene HPPE filaments having a tenacity of at least 0.6 N / tex, the yarn being capable of twisting at a rate of up to 1×10 per second, measured at a tension of 900 MPa and a temperature of 30° C. as described in the Methods section herein. -5 % minimum creep rate.

[0069] In one embodiment of the elongated composite according to the invention, the yarn can be stretched at up to 4×10 per second, measured at a tension of 900 MPa and a temperature of 30° C. as described in the Methods section herein. -6 %, preferably up to 2×10 per second -6 % minimum creep rate.

[0070] In one embodiment of the elongated composite according to the invention, the yarn has a fiber length of at least about 1×10 per second, measured at a tension of 900 MPa and a temperature of 30° C. as described in the Methods section herein. -10 % minimum creep rate.

[0071] The present invention further provides a method of making an elongated composite, comprising the steps of: a) a thermoplastic ethylene copolymer; Water, and Polysiloxane providing a coating composition comprising: b) providing at least two HPPE filaments having a tenacity of at least 0.6 N / tex; c) applying a coating composition to the filament to obtain a coated filament; d) increasing the temperature of the coated filaments to obtain an elongated composite. wherein the heavyweight thermoplastic ethylene copolymer is a copolymer of ethylene, and the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer has a peak melting temperature in the range of 40 to 140°C as measured in accordance with ASTM E794-06.

[0072] The present invention further provides a method of making an elongated composite, comprising the steps of: a) a thermoplastic ethylene copolymer, and Lubricants providing a coating composition comprising: b) providing a yarn comprising at least two HPPE filaments having a tenacity of at least 0.6 N / tex; c) applying a coating composition to the yarn to obtain a coated yarn; d) increasing the temperature of the coated yarn to obtain an elongated composite. wherein the high molecular weight thermoplastic ethylene copolymer is a copolymer of ethylene, and said thermoplastic ethylene copolymer has a peak melting temperature in the range of 40 to 140°C, as measured in accordance with ASTM E794-06.

[0073] In one embodiment of the method of making an elongated composite according to the invention, the lubricant is a polysiloxane as described herein. Thus, the invention further provides a method of making an elongated composite, comprising the steps of: a) a thermoplastic ethylene copolymer, and Polysiloxane providing a coating composition comprising: b) providing a yarn comprising at least two HPPE filaments having a tenacity of at least 0.6 N / tex; c) applying a coating composition to the yarn to obtain a coated yarn; d) increasing the temperature of the coated yarn to obtain an elongated composite. wherein the high molecular weight thermoplastic ethylene copolymer is a copolymer of ethylene, and said thermoplastic ethylene copolymer has a peak melting temperature in the range of 40 to 140°C, as measured in accordance with ASTM E794-06.

[0074] In one embodiment of the method of making an elongated composite according to the invention, the lubricant is a polysiloxane as described herein. Thus, the invention further provides a method of making an elongated composite, comprising the steps of: a) a thermoplastic ethylene copolymer, and Polysiloxane providing a coating composition comprising: b) providing a yarn comprising at least two HPPE filaments having a tenacity of at least 0.6 N / tex; c) applying a coating composition to the yarn to obtain a coated yarn; d) increasing the temperature of the coated yarn to obtain an elongated composite. wherein the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer is a copolymer of ethylene, and said thermoplastic ethylene copolymer has a peak melting temperature in the range of 40 to 140°C, as measured in accordance with ASTM E794-06.

[0075] In one embodiment, the coating composition herein is an aqueous polymer dispersion. By aqueous dispersion, it is understood that the particles of the polymer composition are dispersed in water, with water acting as a non-solvent.

[0076] The thermoplastic ethylene copolymer present in the applied coating composition, e.g., aqueous dispersion, and ultimately present in the resulting elongated composite of the invention is a copolymer of ethylene as described herein.

[0077] The concentration of the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer in the coating composition may vary widely and is limited primarily by the ability to formulate a stable dispersion of the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer in water. A typical concentration range is 2-80 wt% thermoplastic ethylene copolymer in water, the weight percentage being the weight of the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer in the total weight of the aqueous dispersion. A preferred concentration is 4-60 wt%, more preferably 5-50 wt%, and most preferably 6-40 wt%. Another preferred concentration of the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer in the dispersion is at least 15 wt%, preferably at least 18 wt%, and even more preferably at least 20 wt%. In another preferred embodiment, the concentration of the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer in the coating composition is 10-50 wt%, preferably 15-40 wt%, and most preferably 18 wt% to 30 wt%. Such preferred high concentrations of the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer may have the advantage of providing a higher concentration of elongated composites while reducing the time and energy required for water removal. In some applications, a low concentration coating composition having 2-10% by weight of a thermoplastic ethylene copolymer in the dispersion may be suitable, for example, to enhance the wetting and impregnation rate in low viscosity suspensions. In addition to all of the above, the concentration and amount of coating composition should be selected to provide an elongated composite having the requisite amount of polymer composition present in said body.

[0078] The coating composition may further include additives such as ionic or non-ionic surfactants, tackifying resins, stabilizers, antioxidants, colorants, or other additives that modify the properties of the polymer composition or the elongated composite prepared. Such additives are also referred to herein as "other additives" or "further additives."

[0079] Application of the coating composition to yarns comprising HPPE filaments can be by methods known in the art and may depend, among other things, on the nature of the filaments, the concentration and viscosity of the coating composition at the moment the composition is added to the yarn. The coating composition may be applied to the yarn, for example, by spraying, dipping, brushing, transfer rolling, etc., depending in particular on the intended amount of coating polymer composition present in the elongated composite of the invention.

[0080] Once the coating composition has been applied to the yarn comprising at least two HPPE filaments, the coated yarn is exposed to an elevated temperature, such as a hot air oven, hi one embodiment, the coated yarn is at least partially dried at an elevated temperature, such as a hot air oven.

[0081] In one embodiment of the method for producing an elongated composite according to the invention, during step d) the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer is melted.

[0082] In one embodiment of the method for producing an elongated composite according to the invention, the coated yarn in step d) is exposed to an elevated temperature to dry the coating composition and melt the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer.

[0083] In one embodiment of the method for producing an elongated composite according to the present invention, during step d) the coating composition is dried and the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer is melted.

[0084] Drying involves the removal, e.g. evaporation, of at least a portion of the water present in the coated yarn. Preferably, most, more preferably essentially all, of the water is removed during drying, optionally together with other components. Drying, i.e., removal of water, can be carried out by methods known in the art. Typically, evaporation of water involves raising the temperature of the coated yarn to above the boiling point of water. The temperature increase may be assisted or substituted by a reduction in pressure and / or combined with continuous refreshing of the surrounding atmosphere. Typical drying conditions are temperatures between 40 and 130°C, preferably between 50 and 120°C.

[0085] Step d) of exposing the coated yarn to an elevated temperature in the process of the invention may include heating the filaments comprising the coating composition to a temperature ranging from the peak melting temperature of the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer to 153°C. Such heating may be performed before, during and / or after partially drying the coating composition. Typically, heating the filaments comprising the coating composition to a temperature ranging from the peak melting temperature of the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer to 153°C is performed during and / or after at least partial drying of the coating composition. In one embodiment, the heating is performed after at least partial drying of the coating composition. The heating may be performed by holding the coated yarn in an oven set at an elevated temperature for a residence time, by subjecting the impregnated filaments to thermal radiation, or by contacting the body with a heating medium such as a heated fluid, a heated gas stream or a heated surface. In one embodiment, the heating is performed in a hot air oven. Preferably, the elevated temperature is at least 2°C, preferably at least 5°C, and most preferably at least 10°C, higher than the peak melting temperature of the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer. In one embodiment, the elevated temperature is 2°C to 100°C above the peak melting temperature of the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer. At such temperatures, the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer melts and adheres to the filaments, allowing the filaments to fuse into a monofilament-like structure, resulting in an elongated composite. In one embodiment, the elevated temperature is at most 153°C, preferably at most 150°C, more preferably at most 145°C, and most preferably at most 140°C. This upper limit is also referred to herein as the maximum temperature. In one embodiment, the residence time is preferably 2 to 100 seconds, more preferably 3 to 60 seconds, and most preferably 4 to 30 seconds.

[0086] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing an elongated composite, the heating of the coated yarn overlaps, and more preferably is combined with, the drying step of the coating composition. It may prove practical to apply a temperature gradient of step d) to the coated yarn over the period during which the coated yarn undergoes a continuous process from drying of the coating composition to at least partial melting of the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer, thereby increasing the temperature from about room temperature to the maximum temperature of the heating step. In one aspect of this method in step d), the elevated temperature is a temperature gradient having an increasing temperature falling within the range of 20° C. to a temperature at least 2° C., preferably at least 5° C., and most preferably at least 10° C. higher than the peak melting temperature of the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer. In one aspect of this method in step d), the elevated temperature is a temperature gradient having a temperature increasing from a starting temperature in the range of 20° C. to 153° C. to a higher end temperature in the range of 20° C. to 153° C.

[0087] In one aspect of the elongated composite, the elongated composite contains greater than 50% by weight of UHMWPE as described herein. In one aspect of the elongated composite, the elongated composite comprises 55-95% by weight of UHMWPE as described herein. A preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an elongated composite containing greater than 70% by weight of UHMWPE as described herein, preferably 80% by weight of UHMWPE, preferably greater than 90% by weight of UHMWPE, where weight % is expressed as the weight of UHMWPE relative to the total weight of the elongated composite. In a further preferred embodiment, the UHMWPE present in the elongated composite is comprised in HPPE filaments of said elongated composite. In one embodiment of the elongated composite, the elongated composite comprises 55-95% by weight of UHMWPE in the form of HPPE filaments. In one embodiment of the elongated composite according to the invention, the elongated composite comprises at least 80% by weight of UHMWPE present in the form of HPPE filaments. In one embodiment of the elongated composite according to the invention, the elongated composite comprises at least 85% by weight of UHMWPE present in the form of HPPE filaments. In one embodiment of the elongated composite according to the invention, said elongated composite comprises 85% to 95% by weight UHMWPE present in the form of HPPE filaments.

[0088] The present invention also relates to an elongated composite produced by the method of producing an elongated composite according to the invention. Such an elongated composite comprises HPPE filaments as defined herein and a polymer composition comprising a thermoplastic ethylene copolymer as defined herein and a lubricant, the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer being a copolymer of ethylene as defined herein. In one aspect, such an elongated composite comprises HPPE filaments as defined herein and a polymer composition as defined herein comprising a thermoplastic ethylene copolymer as defined herein and a polysiloxane as defined herein. Such an elongated composite is subject to preferred embodiments and potential advantages as described above or below with respect to the method of the invention, although preferred embodiments of the elongated composite may be applied conversely to the method of the invention of producing an elongated composite.

[0089] The present invention further relates to an elongated body comprising an elongated composite according to the invention described herein. The term elongated body includes, but is not limited to, strands, cables, cords, ropes, belts, strips, hoses and tubes. In one embodiment, the elongated body comprises 2 to 100,000 elongated composites according to the invention. In one embodiment, the elongated body comprises 3 to 10,000 elongated composites according to the invention. In one embodiment, the elongated body comprises 5 to 5000 elongated composites according to the invention. An elongated body in this specification is understood to be an elongated body whose length dimension is much larger than the transverse dimensions of width and thickness or diameter. Preferably, said length dimension is at least 10 times, more preferably at least 20 times, even more preferably at least 50 times, and most preferably at least 100 times larger than the larger of the width or thickness dimensions of the elongated body. The cross-sectional shape of the elongated body may be circular or approximately circular, oval or rectangular.

[0090] In its simplest form, the elongated body comprises two or more elongated composites positioned side by side without twisting with respect to each other. Such threads of untwisted elongated composites may be referred to as bundles and may have various cross-sectional shapes, as detailed above. The bundled elongated composites are substantially oriented in a single direction, which is the length of the elongated body. Furthermore, the thread may be composed of two or more twisted elongated composites. The elongated body according to the present invention typically exhibits improved abrasion resistance. The improved abrasion resistance may be demonstrated in a fairlead abrasion test, such as the fairlead test described in the methods section herein. The elongated body according to the present invention typically exhibits improved bending performance. The improved bending performance may be demonstrated in a continuous bend over sheave (CBOS) test, such as the CBOS test described in the methods herein. CBOS is also known to those skilled in the art as repeated bend over sheave.

[0091] The present invention relates to a rope comprising at least three elongated composites according to the invention. In one aspect, the rope comprises 3 to 1,000 elongated composites according to the invention. In one aspect, the rope comprises 3 to 10,000 elongated composites according to the invention. In one aspect, the rope comprises 3 to 15,000 elongated composites according to the invention. In one aspect, the rope comprises 3 to 100,000 elongated composites according to the invention. The rope according to the invention exhibits improved abrasion resistance. The improved abrasion resistance may be demonstrated in a fairlead abrasion test, for example the fairlead test described in the methods section herein. In one aspect, the rope according to the invention exhibits improved abrasion resistance compared to a reference rope, preferably the reference rope is a rope not having a polymer composition as defined herein. In one aspect, the rope according to the invention exhibits improved abrasion resistance compared to a reference rope, the reference rope comprising a thermoplastic ethylene copolymer as defined in any previous embodiment and lacking a lubricant as defined herein, in particular lacking a polysiloxane as defined herein. In one embodiment, the rope according to the invention exhibits improved abrasion resistance when measured under the same conditions compared to a reference rope comprising high performance polyethylene HPPE filaments having a tenacity of at least 0.6 N / tex and a thermoplastic ethylene copolymer as defined herein, and lacking polysiloxane as defined herein.

[0092] Ropes according to the invention typically exhibit improved bending performance. Improved bending performance may be demonstrated in a continuous bend over sheave (CBOS) test, such as the CBOS test described in the methods herein. In one aspect, ropes according to the invention exhibit improved bending performance compared to a reference rope, preferably the reference rope being a rope not having a polymer composition as defined herein. In one aspect, ropes according to the invention exhibit improved bending performance compared to a reference rope, the reference rope being a rope comprising a thermoplastic ethylene copolymer as defined in any preceding embodiment, lacking a lubricant as defined herein, in particular lacking a polysiloxane as defined herein. In one aspect, ropes according to the invention exhibit improved bending performance compared to a reference rope, when measured under the same conditions, the reference rope being a rope comprising a high performance polyethylene HPPE filament having a tenacity of at least 0.6 N / tex, a thermoplastic ethylene copolymer as defined herein, and lacking a polysiloxane as defined herein.

[0093] In one embodiment, the rope according to the invention comprises an amount of the elongated composite according to the invention in the range of 80% by weight to 100% by weight, based on the total weight of the rope. In a preferred embodiment, it is 90% by weight to 100% by weight, based on the total weight of the rope. Here, the total weight of the rope refers to the weight of the rope without a cover, if any. In one embodiment, the rope consists of an assembled elongated composite according to the invention.

[0094] In a preferred embodiment of the rope according to the invention, the rope comprises ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) filaments, more preferably gel-spun UHMWPE filaments. In a further aspect, at least 50% by weight, more preferably at least 80% by weight, even more preferably at least 90% by weight, and most preferably all, of the high performance polyethylene filaments present in the rope are UHMWPE filaments.

[0095] Ropes according to the invention may be of various constructions, including laid ropes, braided ropes, parallel ropes, and ropes constructed like wire ropes. Generally, ropes are constructed of strands, typically laid or braided strands. The number of strands in a rope may also vary widely, but is generally at least three, preferably up to 16, to reach a combination of good performance and ease of manufacture. The number of strands in a braided rope according to the invention is preferably at least three. There is no upper limit to the number of strands, but in practice ropes generally have 32 strands or less. Particularly preferred are ropes of 8 or 12 strand braid construction. Such ropes offer a favorable combination of toughness and resistance to bending fatigue, and may be economically made on relatively simple machines.

[0096] Typically, ropes have a nearly circular or circular cross section, but there are also ropes with an elliptical cross section, meaning that the cross section of the tensioned rope exhibits a flat, elliptical or even (depending on the number of primary strands) a nearly rectangular shape. Such rectangular cross sections preferably have an aspect ratio, i.e. the ratio between the larger and smaller diameters (or width to thickness ratio), in the range of 1.2 to 4.0.

[0097] A preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an elongated body comprising an elongated composite according to the invention and containing more than 70% by weight of UHMWPE as described herein, preferably 80% by weight of UHMWPE, preferably more than 90% by weight of UHMWPE, where the % by weight is expressed as the weight of UHMWPE relative to the total weight of the body. In a further preferred embodiment, the UHMWPE present in the body is comprised in the HPPE filaments of said elongated composite.

[0098] In one embodiment, the elongated body according to the invention is comprised of an elongated composite according to the invention.

[0099] The elongated composites according to the invention can be used, for example, in the manufacture of elongated bodies such as ropes. The elongated composites according to the invention can be used, for example, in the manufacture of articles such as nets, for example fishing nets or aquaculture nets (typically for growing fish); slings, such as circular slings, webbing slings or rope slings; synthetic chain links; synthetic chains or tendons.

[0100] Thus, one aspect of the present invention includes an article according to the present invention comprising an elongated composite according to the present invention, for example a net (e.g. a fishing net or aquaculture net comprising an elongated composite according to the present invention), a sling, a synthetic chain or a tendon comprising an elongated composite according to the present invention. The article according to the present invention typically exhibits improved abrasion resistance and / or improved overall durability. The article according to the present invention may comprise between 2 and 100,000 elongated composites according to the present invention.

[0101] In one embodiment of the invention, an article according to the invention comprises an elongated composite according to the invention and contains more than 70% by weight UHMWPE, preferably 80% by weight UHMWPE, preferably more than 90% by weight UHMWPE, where the % by weight is expressed as the weight of UHMWPE relative to the total weight of the article. In a further preferred embodiment, the UHMWPE present in the article is comprised in the HPPE filaments of said article. In one embodiment, the article is composed of the elongated composite. In one embodiment, a synthetic chain link according to the invention comprises between 2 and 10,000 elongated composites according to the invention.

[0102] A synthetic chain link according to the invention comprises at least one elongated composite body according to the invention.

[0103] A composite chain according to the invention comprises an elongated composite according to the invention. In one embodiment, the composite chain according to the invention comprises at least two interconnected synthetic chain links according to the invention. In one embodiment, the composite chain according to the invention comprises 2 to 10,000 interconnected synthetic chain links according to the invention. In one embodiment, the composite chain according to the invention comprises 2 to 2000 interconnected synthetic chain links according to the invention. In one embodiment, the composite chain according to the invention comprises 2 to 1000 interconnected synthetic chain links according to the invention. In one embodiment, the composite chain according to the invention comprises at least two interconnected synthetic chain links, at least a part of the links comprising an elongated composite according to the invention. In one embodiment, the composite chain according to the invention comprises a plurality of interconnected chain links, at least a part of the links comprising an elongated composite according to the invention. In one embodiment, the composite chain according to the invention comprises a plurality of interconnected chain links, each link comprising an elongated composite according to the invention. Chains according to the invention are typically suitable for mooring or fastening boats, suitable for winding cargo in road, rail, water and air transport, suitable for conveying, lifting, suspension and lifting applications. The synthetic chains according to the present invention may have improved resistance to particle ingress, resistance to abrasion and / or improved overall durability.

[0104] In one aspect, an article according to the invention is a personal protective device (helmet, body panel, etc.) or glove comprising at least one elongated composite as described herein. In one aspect, an article according to the invention is a personal protective device (helmet, body panel, etc.) or glove comprising 1-5,000 elongated composites as described herein. In one aspect, an article according to the invention is a personal protective device (helmet, body panel, etc.) or glove comprising 1-10,000 elongated composites as described herein.

[0105] The present invention further relates to a belt comprising at least three elongated composites according to the present invention. A belt is a loop of flexible material commonly used to mechanically connect two or more rotating shafts, most often in parallel. The belt can be used as a source of motion to efficiently transmit power or to track relative motion. In one aspect, the belt according to the present invention exhibits improved bending performance compared to a reference belt, preferably the reference belt being a belt not having a polymer composition as defined herein. In one aspect, the belt according to the present invention exhibits improved bending performance compared to a reference belt, the reference belt being a belt comprising a thermoplastic ethylene copolymer as defined in any previous embodiment and lacking a lubricant as defined herein, in particular lacking a polysiloxane as defined herein. In one aspect, the belt according to the present invention exhibits improved bending performance compared to a reference belt, when measured under the same conditions, the reference belt being a belt comprising a high performance polyethylene HPPE filament having a tenacity of at least 0.6 N / tex and a thermoplastic ethylene copolymer as defined herein, and lacking a polysiloxane as defined herein.

[0106] The present invention further relates to a net, such as a fishing net or a fish farming net, comprising at least one elongate composite as described herein. The present invention further relates to a net comprising at least three elongate composites according to the present invention. The net may comprise up to 1000 elongate composites according to the present invention. The practical upper limit for the number of elongate composites in a net is 8, preferably 7, 6 or 5. The net herein may comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 elongate composites according to the present invention.

[0107] The advantages of the polydimethylsiloxane in the polymer composition may include improved long-term use of the netting containing the elongated composite when used in an aqueous environment. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, the improved durability may be caused by reduced abrasion between the filaments and the elongated composite in at least one cord, or between the cords of the netting.

[0108] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the net is applied to fish farming and is also called aquaculture net. Such nets are known to those skilled in the art and may have a wide variety of dimensions, masses, structures, and numbers and types of cords. The cords of the net may be joined by techniques such as knotting or clamping, but the joints may also be made as an integral part of the process of making the net from the cords. Typically, the net has a mesh size of at least 8 mm, preferably at least 10 mm, at least 12 mm, at least 14 mm, or at least 16 mm. The maximum mesh size of the net of the present disclosure is not particularly limited and may be, for example, up to 500 mm, preferably up to 400 mm, up to 300 mm, up to 200 mm, up to 100 mm, up to 90 mm, up to 80 mm, up to 70 mm, or up to 60 mm, depending on the type of fish, the conditions of use, etc. The mesh size of a knotted net is generally determined as the knot-to-knot distance of a complete mesh, i.e., the distance from the center to the center of two adjacent knots of the mesh. For example, in the case of a knotless net made using interbraiding, the mesh size is the distance between two junctions measured across the space of the mesh taking the distance between two opposing junctions, as further described in the methods.

[0109] The structure of the cords of the netting of the present invention is not particularly limited and may be, inter alia, single or multiple elongated composite braided, laid or parallel arrangement.

[0110] In one embodiment, the net according to the invention is a knitted, knotless net, often called a raschel net, comprising at least one elongated composite according to the invention. In one embodiment, the net according to the invention is a knitted, knotless net, often called a raschel net, comprising 1 to 1000 elongated composites according to the invention. In such an embodiment, the knotless net is made by a knitting technique, such as warp knitting using a raschel frame. Figure 8a shows by way of example a portion of such a knitted, knotless net, with a hexagonal mesh and joints formed by interwoven cords. In one aspect, the net comprises cords joined by a net mesh, each cord comprising one or more elongated composites according to the invention. In another embodiment, the net according to the invention is a raschel net comprising at least one cord, the cord comprising at least one elongated composite according to the invention, preferably one, two or three elongated composites. In another embodiment, the net according to the invention is a raschel net comprising at least two cords, each cord comprising one, two or three elongated composites, for example at least one cord as warp and at least one cord as weft. In another embodiment, the net is a knitted, knotless net made from three elongated composites. The practical upper limit of the number of elongated composites per cord is three. When a cord in a raschel net comprises more cords than elongated composites, such cords typically comprise parallel elongated composites.

[0111] In an embodiment, the netting is a braided netting, preferably a braided knotless netting, and the cord comprises at least one elongated composite, such as one elongated composite or two or three elongated composites as described herein. In an embodiment, the netting is a braided netting, preferably a braided knotless netting, and the cord comprises four elongated composites, or 8, 12, 16, 20 or 24 elongated composites.

[0112] In one embodiment, the netting structure comprises a cord that is a braid that includes at least three composite elongated members. Braiding and braiding processes are well known. In general, braids are formed by crossing multiple elongated members at an angle, such that each elongated member passes alternately over and under one or more of the other elongated members to form a coherent cord.

[0113] An alternative, but equally useful, netting structure involves a twisted cord instead of a braided cord, where two elongated composite strands are twisted together to form a cord.

[0114] The cords of the net of the present invention can be joined by standard techniques such as knots, shackles or interbraiding. The net of the present invention is preferably a knotless net. The knotless structure of the net typically provides further improvement in the robustness of the net against pressure washing, especially retention of mesh breaking strength, compared to structures in which the cords are joined by other means such as knots or shackles.

[0115] The present invention also relates to a crane. A crane is a kind of machine, generally equipped with ropes or chains and sheaves, which can be used to lift and lower materials and move them horizontally. Cranes are mainly used to lift heavy objects and transport them to other locations. Cranes are commonly employed in the transportation industry for loading and unloading cargo, in the construction industry for moving materials, and in the manufacturing industry for assembling heavy machinery. A crane according to the present invention comprises a sheave and an elongated body according to the present invention, such as a rope according to the present invention. In one embodiment, a crane according to the present invention comprises a sheave and a rope, the rope comprising at least three elongated composites as described herein. In one embodiment, a crane according to the present invention comprises a sheave and a belt according to the present invention. In one embodiment, a crane according to the present invention comprises a sheave and a chain according to the present invention. A crane according to the present invention comprises a winch and an elongated body according to the present invention, such as a rope according to the present invention.

[0116] A fairlead is a device for guiding a line, rope, or cable out of the way around an object or to stop their lateral movement. Typically a fairlead is a ring or hook. A fairlead may be a separate hardware piece or a hole in a structure. An additional use on a boat is to stop the free end of a line from sliding around a deck. Fairleads are most often seen in nautical applications, but can be seen anywhere rigging is used. Off-road, fairleads are used to guide the winch cable and take lateral strain off the winch.

[0117] The present invention also relates to a marine vessel, sailing vessel, boat, ship or offshore platform equipped with the fairlead and rope according to the present invention. The present invention also relates to a vehicle, such as an automobile, truck, airplane, train or tram, equipped with the fairlead and rope according to the present invention. Boats are watercraft of a wide variety and size, but are generally smaller than ships, which are distinguished by their larger size, shape, cargo or passenger capacity, or boat-carrying capacity. Ships are large watercraft that travel the world's oceans and other sufficiently deep waterways, carry goods or passengers, or support specialized missions such as defense, research, and fishing. Offshore platforms herein include, but are not limited to, oil platforms, offshore platforms, and offshore drilling rigs.

[0118] The present invention further provides a method of manufacturing an article comprising the step of fabricating / manufacturing an article from the elongated body and / or elongated composite, preferably the article is a net, a synthetic chain, a personal protective item or a glove.

[0119] The present invention provides the use of a polymer composition as defined herein to improve the bending performance of a rope, synthetic chain or belt comprising such a composition.

[0120] In one aspect, the present invention provides a polymer composition comprising: a) a thermoplastic ethylene copolymer, the polymer composition having a peak melting temperature in the range of 40 to 140° C. as measured according to ASTM E794-06; and b) Polysiloxane for improving the bending performance of a rope, synthetic chain or belt comprising such a polymer composition compared to a rope or belt not having or not comprising such polymer composition, when measured under the same conditions, the rope, synthetic chain or belt comprising high performance polyethylene HPPE filaments having a tenacity of at least 0.6 N / tex.

[0121] In particular, the present invention provides a polymer composition comprising: a) a thermoplastic ethylene copolymer, the polymer composition having a peak melting temperature in the range of 40 to 140° C., as measured according to ASTM E794-06; and b) Polysiloxane The present invention provides a use of a polymer composition comprising: - high performance polyethylene HPPE filaments having a tenacity of at least 0.6 N / tex, and Polymer Composition The present invention relates to a rope, synthetic chain, or belt comprising HPPE filaments and a thermoplastic copolymer, the rope, synthetic chain, or belt being devoid of polysiloxane, when measured under the same conditions.

[0122] The present invention further relates to the use of a coating composition as defined herein for improving the bending performance of an elongated body according to the invention.

[0123] The present invention further relates to the use of a coating composition as defined herein for improving the bending performance of a rope.

[0124] The present invention provides the use of a coating composition as defined herein for improving the bending performance of a rope, synthetic chain or belt, the coating composition being used in a process for obtaining a rope, synthetic chain or belt.

[0125] In one aspect, the present invention provides a coating composition comprising: a) a thermoplastic ethylene copolymer, which is a copolymer of ethylene, said polymer composition having a peak melting temperature in the range of 40 to 140° C., as measured according to ASTM E794-06; b) polysiloxane, c) and water The present invention provides a use of a coating composition comprising: - High performance polyethylene (HPPE) filaments having a tenacity of at least 0.6 N / tex, and -Thermoplastic ethylene copolymers and polysiloxanes The present invention relates to a rope, synthetic chain, or belt comprising HPPE filaments and a thermoplastic copolymer, the rope, synthetic chain, or belt being devoid of polysiloxane, when measured under the same conditions.

[0126] Bendability can be measured as described herein. Suitable methods include the Repeated Bend Over Sheave (CBOS) test, such as the CBOS 5 mm test described herein.

[0127] The present invention relates to the use of a polymer composition as defined herein for reducing wear of a rope, synthetic chain or belt comprising such a composition. In particular, the present invention provides the use of a polymer composition as defined herein for reducing wear of a rope, synthetic chain or belt comprising such a composition, the rope, synthetic chain or belt comprising high performance polyethylene HPPE filaments having a tenacity of at least 0.6 N / tex.

[0128] In one aspect, the present invention provides a polymer composition comprising: a) a thermoplastic ethylene copolymer, the polymer composition having a peak melting temperature in the range of 40 to 140° C. as measured according to ASTM E794-06; and b) Polysiloxane for reducing the wear of a rope or belt comprising such a polymer composition compared to a rope or belt not having or not comprising such polymer composition, when measured under the same conditions, the rope or belt comprising high performance polyethylene HPPE filaments having a tenacity of at least 0.6 N / tex.

[0129] In particular, the present invention provides a polymer composition comprising: a) a thermoplastic ethylene copolymer, the polymer composition having a peak melting temperature in the range of 40 to 140° C., as measured according to ASTM E794-06; and b) Polysiloxane The present invention provides a use of a polymer composition comprising: - High Performance Polyethylene (HPPE) filaments having a tenacity of at least 0.6 N / tex, and Polymer Composition The present invention is intended to reduce wear of a rope or belt comprising HPPE filaments and a thermoplastic copolymer, as compared to a rope or belt lacking polysiloxane, when measured under the same conditions.

[0130] The present invention further relates to the use of a coating composition as defined herein for improving the wear performance, in particular the external wear fatigue, of elongated bodies according to the invention.

[0131] The present invention further relates to the use of a coating composition as defined herein for improving the wear performance, in particular the external abrasion fatigue, of ropes.

[0132] The present invention provides the use of a coating composition as defined herein for reducing wear of a rope, synthetic chain or belt comprising such a composition, the rope, synthetic chain or belt comprising high performance polyethylene HPPE filaments having a tenacity of at least 0.6 N / tex.

[0133] In one aspect, the present invention provides a coating composition comprising: a) a thermoplastic ethylene copolymer, which is a copolymer of ethylene, said polymer composition having a peak melting temperature in the range of 40 to 140° C., as measured according to ASTM E794-06; b) polysiloxane, c) and water The present invention provides a use of a coating composition comprising: - High performance polyethylene (HPPE) filaments having a tenacity of at least 0.6 N / tex, and -Thermoplastic ethylene copolymers and polysiloxanes The present invention is intended to improve the abrasion performance of a rope or belt comprising HPPE filaments and a thermoplastic copolymer, as compared to a rope or belt lacking polysiloxane, when measured under the same conditions.

[0134] Abrasion can be measured as described herein. A typical method is the fairlead abrasion performance test. For example, the 10 mm rope fairlead abrasion performance test. In this specification, the terms "improve abrasion resistance (improved abrasion resistance)", "reduce abrasion (reduced abrasion)", and "improve abrasion performance (improved abrasion performance)" are used interchangeably.

[0135] The present invention further provides a method of lifting and / or placing an object, comprising the steps of: a) providing a rope, chain or belt according to the present invention; b) connecting a rope, chain or belt to the object to be lifted; c) using ropes, chains, or belts to lift and / or place the object; The present invention relates to a method comprising the steps of:

[0136] The lifting and / or placing method according to the invention includes heavy lifting and mooring of objects to the seabed. The lifting and / or placing method according to the invention includes lifting and placing of objects onto a vessel, on or off shore. Other applications include offshore oil and gas exploration, oceanography, seismology and other industrial applications.

[0137] The present invention is further illustrated by the following embodiments and examples and comparative experiments.

[0138] Also presented below are the methods used to determine various parameters useful in defining the present invention.

[0139] The present invention includes, but is not limited to, the following embodiments. Features of any one embodiment may be combined with features of another embodiment. Thus, for example, features of an elongated composite may be combined with any features of an elongated body embodiment, a method embodiment, and / or a use embodiment, and vice versa.

[0140] Embodiment 1. An elongated composite (3) comprising high performance polyethylene (HPPE) filaments (2) having a tenacity of at least 0.6 N / tex and a polymer composition (10) throughout the elongated composite, the polymer composition comprising: i. a thermoplastic ethylene copolymer, and ii. Lubricants and wherein the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer is a copolymer of ethylene, and said polymer composition has, on a dry sample, a peak melting temperature in the range of 40 to 140°C, measured according to ASTM E794-06, considering a second heating curve at a heating rate of 10 K / min (3).

[0141] 2. An elongated complex (3), - a yarn (1) comprising at least two high performance polyethylene (HPPE) filaments (2) having a tenacity of at least 0.6 N / tex; a polymer composition (10) throughout the elongated composite, i. thermoplastic ethylene copolymers and ii. Lubricants a polymer composition (10) comprising: a thermoplastic ethylene copolymer; and a polymer composition (11) having a peak melting temperature in the range of 40 to 140° C. (3)

[0142] 3. The polymer composition has a compressibility of 860 to 970 kg / m, as measured in accordance with ISO 1183-04. 3 3. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, having a density in the range of:

[0143] 4. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the polymer composition has a heat of fusion of at least 5 J / g.

[0144] 5. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the polymer composition has a peak melting temperature in the range of 50 to 120 °C.

[0145] 6. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the peak melting temperature is the melting temperature of the highest melting peak.

[0146] 7. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer comprises an ethylene propylene copolymer.

[0147] 8. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer comprises an ethylene copolymer having a comonomer, such as 1-butene, isobutylene, or the like.

[0148] 9. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer comprises an ethylene copolymer having at least one heteroatom-containing comonomer, such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, vinyl acetate, maleic anhydride, ethyl acrylate, methyl acrylate, and the like.

[0149] 10. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer comprises an α-olefin copolymer or a cyclic olefin copolymer, or a blend thereof.

[0150] 11. The elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer comprises a copolymer of ethylene and containing as comonomer one or more olefins having 2 to 12 C atoms, preferably ethylene, propylene, isobutene, 1-butene, 1-hexene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, 1-octene, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid or vinyl acetate.

[0151] 12. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer is an ethylene propylene copolymer.

[0152] 13. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer is an ethylene copolymer having a comonomer, such as 1-butene, isobutylene, or the like.

[0153] 14. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer is an ethylene copolymer having at least one heteroatom-containing comonomer, such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, vinyl acetate, maleic anhydride, ethyl acrylate, methyl acrylate, and the like.

[0154] 15. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer is an α-olefin copolymer or a cyclic olefin copolymer, or a blend thereof.

[0155] 16. The elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer is a copolymer of ethylene and contains as comonomer one or more olefins having 2 to 12 C atoms, preferably ethylene, propylene, isobutene, 1-butene, 1-hexene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, 1-octene, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid or vinyl acetate.

[0156] 17. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer is made by copolymerization of ethylene and an ethylenically unsaturated monomer.

[0157] 18. The elongated complex of any preceding embodiment, wherein the ethylenically unsaturated monomer comprises oxygen and / or nitrogen atoms.

[0158] 19. The elongated conjugate of any preceding embodiment, wherein the ethylenically unsaturated monomer comprises a carboxylic acid group or a derivative thereof resulting in an acylated polymer.

[0159] 20. The density of the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer, measured in accordance with ISO 1183-04, is 860 to 970 kg / m 3 3. The elongated complex of any preceding embodiment, wherein the elongated complex has a diameter in the range of 100 nm to 150 nm.

[0160] 21. The density of the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer, measured in accordance with ISO 1183-04, is between 870 and 930 kg / m 3 3. The elongated complex of any preceding embodiment, wherein the elongated complex has a diameter in the range of 100 nm to 150 nm.

[0161] 22. The density of the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer, measured in accordance with ISO 1183-04, is between 870 and 920 kg / m 3 3. The elongated complex of any preceding embodiment, wherein the elongated complex has a diameter in the range of 100 nm to 150 nm.

[0162] 23. The density of the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer, measured in accordance with ISO 1183-04, is between 875 and 910 kg / m 3 3. The elongated complex of any preceding embodiment, wherein the elongated complex has a diameter in the range of 100 nm to 150 nm.

[0163] 24. The density of the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer, measured in accordance with ISO 1183-04, is 875 to 900 kg / m 3 3. The elongated complex of any preceding embodiment, wherein the elongated complex has a diameter in the range of 100 nm to 150 nm.

[0164] 25. The density of the polymer composition, measured in accordance with ISO 1183-04, is between 870 and 930 kg / m 3 3. The elongated complex of any preceding embodiment, wherein the elongated complex has a diameter in the range of 100 nm to 150 nm.

[0165] 26. The density of the polymer composition, measured in accordance with ISO 1183-04, is between 870 and 920 kg / m 3 3. The elongated complex of any preceding embodiment, wherein the elongated complex has a diameter in the range of 100 nm to 150 nm.

[0166] 27. The density of the polymer composition, measured in accordance with ISO 1183-04, is between 875 and 910 kg / m 3 3. The elongated complex of any preceding embodiment, wherein the elongated complex has a diameter in the range of 100 nm to 150 nm.

[0167] 28. The density of the polymer composition, measured in accordance with ISO 1183-04, is between 875 and 900 kg / m 3 3. The elongated complex of any preceding embodiment, wherein the elongated complex has a diameter in the range of 100 nm to 150 nm.

[0168] 29. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the lubricant comprises a polysiloxane, such as polydimethylsiloxane (reactive or non-reactive); fluorosilicones and other fluoropolymers, such as PTFE; waxes, including synthetic waxes, such as PE and PP waxes, silicone waxes, animal waxes, such as beeswax, vegetable waxes, such as carnauba wax; synthetic greases or oils; mineral greases and oils; inorganic solids, such as graphite or molybdenum disulfide; ceramics, such as ceramic lubricants or ceramic coatings; PUR; acrylic; hybrids of PUR and acrylic; or any combination thereof.

[0169] 30. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the lubricant comprises a polysiloxane.

[0170] 31. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the lubricant is a polysiloxane, preferably polydimethylsiloxane.

[0171] 32. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the polysiloxane comprises polydimethylsiloxane (reactive or non-reactive), fluorosilicone, silicone wax, or a combination thereof.

[0172] 33. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the lubricant comprises a non-reactive polysiloxane or a reactive polysiloxane, or the lubricant comprises a combination of a non-reactive polysiloxane and a reactive polysiloxane.

[0173] 34. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the polysiloxane is selected from the group consisting of polysilanes, polysiloxanes, preferably polydialkylsiloxanes, more preferably polydimethylsiloxanes.

[0174] 35. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the polysiloxane comprises a siloxane wax.

[0175] 36. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the polysiloxane comprises polydimethylsiloxane.

[0176] 37. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the polydimethylsiloxane is a non-reactive polydimethylsiloxane or a reactive polydimethylsiloxane.

[0177] 38. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the polydimethylsiloxane is a non-reactive polydimethylsiloxane.

[0178] 39. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the polysiloxane comprises a fluorosilicone.

[0179] 40. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the polysiloxane has a viscosity, determined as described in the Methods section herein, in the range of 10 to 100 Pa.s.

[0180] 41. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the polysiloxane has a viscosity, determined as described in the Methods section herein, in the range of 12 Pa.s to 50 Pa.s.

[0181] 42. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the polysiloxane is a polysiloxane comprising reactive groups selected from the group consisting of vinyl, hydride, silanol, alkoxy / polymeric alkoxide, epoxy, carbinol, methacrylate / acrylate, mercapto, acetoxy / chlorine / dimethylamine, polymeric alkoxide, silsesquioxane, polysilane, polysilazane, hydroxy, amine, acrylamide, hexenyl, fluoro, and isocyanate.

[0182] 43. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the polysiloxane is a siloxane wax.

[0183] 44. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the lubricant is a silicon-containing polymer.

[0184] 45. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the silicon-containing polymer is selected from the group consisting of polysilanes, polysiloxanes, preferably polydialkylsiloxanes, more preferably polydimethylsiloxanes.

[0185] 46. ​​The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the polysiloxane is polydimethylsiloxane.

[0186] 47. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the polydimethylsiloxane is a non-reactive polydimethylsiloxane or a reactive polydimethylsiloxane.

[0187] 48. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the polydimethylsiloxane is a non-reactive polydimethylsiloxane.

[0188] 49. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the polysiloxane is a fluorosilicone.

[0189] 50.a) 60 to 95% by mass of high performance polyethylene filaments; b) 5.0 to 25% by weight of a thermoplastic ethylene copolymer having a peak melting temperature of 40 to 140° C. as measured in accordance with ASTM E794-06; c) 0.1 to 10% by mass of a polysiloxane, and d) 0 to 5.0% by mass of other additives and the sum of components a) through d) is 100% by weight.

[0190] 51.a) 75-92% by mass of high performance polyethylene filaments; b) 7.5 to 15% by weight of a thermoplastic ethylene copolymer having a peak melting temperature of 40 to 140° C. as measured in accordance with ASTM E794-06; c) 0.5 to 10% by weight of a polysiloxane, and d) 0 to 5.0% by mass of other additives and the sum of components a) through d) is 100% by weight.

[0191] 52.a) 80-92% by mass of high performance polyethylene filaments; b) 8 to 12% by weight of a thermoplastic ethylene copolymer having a peak melting temperature of 40 to 140° C. as measured in accordance with ASTM E794-06; c) 0.75 to 8% by weight of a polysiloxane, and d) 0 to 5.0% by mass of other additives and the sum of components a) through d) is 100% by weight.

[0192] 53. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, comprising polysiloxane in an amount in the range of 0.5% to 10% by weight, based on the total solids content of the polymer composition, as measured using ICP-EAS.

[0193] 54. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, comprising polysiloxane in an amount in the range of 0.75% to 8% by weight based on the total solids content of the polymer composition, as measured using ICP-EAS, preferably in an amount in the range of 1% to 5% by weight based on the total solids content of the coating composition, as measured using ICP-EAS.

[0194] 55. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the peak melting temperature of the polymer composition is in the range of 50 to 130°C, preferably the peak melting temperature is in the range of 60 to 120°C.

[0195] 56. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the polymer composition has a heat of fusion of at least 10 J / g.

[0196] 57. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the polymer composition has a heat of fusion of at least 15 J / g, and preferably has a heat of fusion of at least 20 J / g.

[0197] 58. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the polymer composition has a heat of fusion of at least 30 J / g, preferably at least 50 J / g.

[0198] 59. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the polymer composition has a heat of fusion of at most 280 J / g, preferably at most 200 J / g.

[0199] 60. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer is a semi-crystalline polyolefin having, on a dry sample, a peak melting temperature in the range of 40 to 140° C., as measured according to ASTM E794-06, and a heat of fusion of at least 5 J / g, as measured according to ASTM E793-85, respectively, considering a second heating curve at a heating rate of 10 K / min.

[0200] 61. An elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer has a molecular weight of 6000 Daltons or more, preferably 8000 Daltons or more, as measured using SEC-MALS.

[0201] 62.a) 75-92% by mass of high performance polyethylene filaments; b) 8 to 25% by weight of a polymer composition, and c) 0 to 5.0% by mass of other additives and the sum of components a) through c) is 100% by weight.

[0202] 63.a) 80-90% by mass of high performance polyethylene filaments; b) 12 to 20% by weight of a polymer composition, and c) 0 to 5.0% by mass of other additives and the sum of components a) through c) is 100% by weight.

[0203] 64. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, comprising a matrix amount of the polymer composition in the range of 5% by weight to 50% by weight based on the total weight of the elongated composite.

[0204] 65. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, comprising an amount of the polymer composition in a range of 8% by weight to 25% by weight based on the total weight of the elongated composite, and preferably comprising an amount of the polymer composition in a range of 12% by weight to 20% by weight based on the total weight of the elongated composite.

[0205] 66. An elongated complex according to any preceding embodiment, comprising at least two filaments.

[0206] 67. An elongated complex according to any preceding embodiment, comprising at least at least 20 filaments.

[0207] 68. An elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, comprising at least 100 filaments, preferably at least 200 filaments.

[0208] 69. An elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, comprising at least 400 filaments, preferably at least 800 filaments.

[0209] 70. An elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, comprising up to 1500 filaments, preferably up to 1200 filaments, more preferably up to 5000 filaments.

[0210] 71. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the yarn comprises at least two HPPE filaments.

[0211] 72. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the yarn comprises at least 20 filaments.

[0212] 73. An elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the yarn comprises at least 100 filaments, preferably the yarn comprises at least 200 filaments.

[0213] 74. An elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the yarn comprises at least 400 filaments, and preferably the elongated composite comprises at least 800 filaments.

[0214] 75. An elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the yarn comprises at most 1500 filaments, preferably at most 1200 filaments, more preferably at most 5000 filaments.

[0215] 76. An elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the tenacity of the HPPE filaments is at least 1.0 N / tex.

[0216] 77. An elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the tenacity of the HPPE filaments is at least 1.5 N / tex, preferably at least 1.8 N / tex.

[0217] 78. An elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the tenacity of the HPPE filaments is at least 2.0 N / tex, preferably at least 3.0 N / tex.

[0218] 79. An elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the tenacity of the HPPE filaments is at least 3.5 N / tex, preferably at least 4.0 N / tex.

[0219] 80. An elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the toughness of the HPPE filaments is at most 7.0 N / tex, preferably at most 6.0 N / tex.

[0220] 81. An elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the tenacity of the HPPE filaments is at least 2.8 N / tex, preferably at least 3.2 N / tex, more preferably at least 3.5 N / tex.

[0221] 82. An elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the toughness of the HPPE filaments is at most 6.0 N / tex, preferably at most 5.5 N / tex, more preferably at most 5.0 N / tex.

[0222] 83. An elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the tenacity of the HPPE filaments is at least 28 cN / dtex, preferably at least 32 cN / dtex, more preferably at least 35 cN / dtex.

[0223] 84. An elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the tenacity of the HPPE filaments is at most 70 cN / dtex, preferably at most 50 cN / dtex.

[0224] 85. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the HPPE filaments comprise ultra-high molecular weight PE (UHMWPE).

[0225] 86. An elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the HPPE filaments are ultra-high molecular weight (UHMWPE) filaments.

[0226] 87. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the UHMWPE has an IV of 4-40 dL / g, preferably 6-30 dL / g, and most preferably 8-25 dL / g.

[0227] 88. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the UHMWPE has an intrinsic viscosity (IV) of at least 4 dL / g and contains at least 0.3 short chain branches (SCB) per 1000 total carbon atoms.

[0228] 89. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the short chain branching (SCB) is derived from a comonomer in the UHMWPE, the comonomer being selected from the group consisting of alpha-olefins having at least 3 carbon atoms, cyclic olefins having 5-20 carbon atoms, and linear, branched or cyclic dienes having 4-20 carbon atoms.

[0229] 90.SCB is C1~C 20 -hydrocarbyl group, preferably C1-C 20 The elongated complex of any preceding embodiment, wherein the hydrocarbyl groups are selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl and cyclohexyl, isomers thereof and mixtures thereof.

[0230] 91. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, comprising at least 70% by weight UHMWPE, based on the total weight of the elongated composite.

[0231] 92. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, comprising at least 75% by weight UHMWPE, based on the total weight of the elongated composite, preferably at least 80% by weight UHMWPE, based on the total weight of the elongated composite.

[0232] 93. The elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, comprising at least 85% by weight UHMWPE, based on the total weight of the elongated composite, preferably at least 90% by weight UHMWPE, based on the total weight of the elongated composite.

[0233] 94. A multifilament HPPE yarn containing a high performance polyethylene HPPE filament of at least 0.6 N / tex, determined as described in the Methods section, has a minimum creep rate of at most 1×10 per second, measured at a tension of 900 MPa and a temperature of 30°C. -5 %.

[0234] 95. The minimum creep rate is a maximum of 4 x 10 per second, measured at a tension of 900 MPa and a temperature of 30°C. -6 %, preferably up to 2×10 per second -6 %.

[0235] 96. The minimum creep rate is at least about 1 × 10 per second, measured at a tension of 900 MPa and a temperature of 30°C. -10 %.

[0236] 97. An elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the polymer composition covers at least 50% of the total surface of the HPPE filaments of the elongated composite, preferably by electron microscopy, such as SEM (scanning electron microscopy), analysis of the surface and / or cross-section of the elongated composite.

[0237] 98. An elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the polymer composition covers at least 70% of the total surface of the HPPE filaments of the elongated composite.

[0238] 99. An elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the polymer composition covers at least 80% of the total surface of the HPPE filaments of the elongated composite, preferably at least 90% of the total surface of the HPPE filaments of the elongated composite.

[0239] 100. An elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the elongated body has a length dimension (Ld) that is much greater than the transverse dimensions of width and thickness (Td).

[0240] 101. An elongated complex according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the length dimension is at least 10 times, more preferably at least 20 times, even more preferably at least 50 times, and most preferably at least 500 times greater than the greater of the width or thickness dimensions of the elongated complex.

[0241] 102. An elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, having a cross-section having a rectangular, elliptical, circular, hexagonal or octagonal shape.

[0242] 103. An elongated body comprising an elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment.

[0243] 104. The elongate body of any preceding embodiment, selected from a strand, a cable, a cord, a rope, a belt, a strip, a hose, and a tube.

[0244] 105. A rope comprising at least three elongated composites according to any preceding embodiment.

[0245] 106. A rope according to any preceding embodiment, exhibiting improved bending performance compared to a reference rope, preferably the reference rope being a rope not having a polymer composition as defined in any preceding embodiment.

[0246] 107. The rope of any preceding embodiment, exhibiting improved bending performance compared to a reference rope, the reference rope being a rope comprising a thermoplastic ethylene copolymer as defined in any preceding embodiment, and lacking a lubricant as defined in any preceding embodiment.

[0247] 108. A belt comprising at least three elongated composites according to any preceding embodiment.

[0248] 109. A belt according to any preceding embodiment, exhibiting improved bending performance compared to a reference belt, preferably the reference belt being a belt not having the polymer composition defined in any preceding embodiment.

[0249] 110. The belt of any preceding embodiment, exhibiting improved bending performance compared to a reference belt, the reference belt being a belt comprising a thermoplastic ethylene copolymer as defined in any preceding embodiment and lacking a lubricant as defined in any preceding embodiment.

[0250] 111. An article comprising at least one elongated body according to any preceding embodiment.

[0251] 112. An article comprising at least one elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment.

[0252] 113. The article of any preceding embodiment, which is a net, such as a fishing net or aquaculture net (typically for growing fish), a sling, a synthetic chain link, a synthetic chain or a tendon.

[0253] 114. The article of any preceding embodiment, which is a personal protective item (such as a helmet or body panel) or a knitted glove comprising at least one elongated composite as described herein.

[0254] 115. A lifting system or crane comprising a sheave and an elongated body as described in any preceding embodiment.

[0255] 116. A lifting system or crane comprising a winch and an elongated body as described in any preceding embodiment.

[0256] 117. A lifting system or crane comprising a sheave and a belt according to any preceding embodiment.

[0257] 118. A lifting system or crane comprising a winch and a belt according to any preceding embodiment.

[0258] 119. A lifting system or crane comprising a sheave and a rope according to any preceding embodiment.

[0259] 120. A lifting system or crane comprising a winch and a rope according to any preceding embodiment.

[0260] 121. A method for producing an elongated composite, comprising: a) i. a thermoplastic ethylene copolymer as defined in any preceding embodiment; and ii. A lubricant as defined in any preceding embodiment. providing a coating composition comprising: b) providing a yarn comprising at least two HPPE filaments as defined in any previous embodiment; c) applying a coating composition to the yarn to obtain a coated yarn; d) subjecting the coated yarn to an elevated temperature to obtain an elongated composite. wherein the high molecular weight thermoplastic ethylene copolymer is a copolymer of ethylene, and said thermoplastic ethylene copolymer has a peak melting temperature in the range of 40 to 140°C.

[0261] 122. A method of making an elongated composite as described in any preceding embodiment, wherein during step d) the coating composition is dried and the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer is melted.

[0262] 123. A method of making an elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the temperature of step d) is within a range of the melting temperature of the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer to 153°C, at least partially melting the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer.

[0263] 124. A method of making an elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein upon completion of steps a), b), c), and d), the polymer composition is present throughout the elongated composite.

[0264] 125. A method of making an elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein upon completion of steps a), b), c), and d), the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer and the lubricant are present throughout the elongated composite.

[0265] 126. A method of producing an elongated composite as described in any preceding embodiment, wherein the process includes the additional step of e) shaping the elongated composite by conveying it through a shaped die at the end of the oven to obtain an elongated composite having a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the shape of the die.

[0266] 127. A method of producing an elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, comprising a drying step prior to step d), wherein the drying conditions in this step comprise a temperature of 40-130°C, preferably 50-120°C.

[0267] 128. A method of making an elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the temperature of step d) is at least 2° C. above the peak melting temperature of the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer.

[0268] 129. A method of making an elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the temperature of step d) is at least 5° C. higher than the peak melting temperature of the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer.

[0269] 130. The method of producing an elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the temperature of step d) is at most 150°C.

[0270] 131. The method of making an elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the temperature of step d) is at least 5°C higher than the peak melting temperature of the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer and up to 145°C.

[0271] 132. The method of making an elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the temperature of step d) is at least 10°C higher than the peak melting temperature of the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer and up to 140°C.

[0272] 133. A method of manufacturing an elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein step d) is combined with a drying step.

[0273] 134. A method of manufacturing an elongated composite as described in any preceding embodiment, wherein in step d), a temperature gradient is applied to the coated yarn, whereby the temperature increases in this step from about room temperature to a maximum temperature.

[0274] 135. A method of producing an elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein in step d), the yarn is held in the oven for 2 to 100 seconds, preferably 3 to 60 seconds, more preferably 4 to 30 seconds.

[0275] 136. A method of making an elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein in step d), the coated yarn undergoes a continuous process from drying of the coating composition to at least partial melting of the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer.

[0276] 137. A method of manufacturing an elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the HPPE filaments are prepared by a melt spinning process or a gel spinning process.

[0277] 138. A method of making an elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the concentration of the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer in the coating composition is 5-50% by weight, the weight percentage being the weight of the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer in the total weight of the coating composition, preferably the concentration of the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer in the coating composition is 6-40% by weight, the weight percentage being the weight of the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer in the total weight of the coating composition.

[0278] 139. A method of making an elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the high performance polyethylene (HPPE) filaments have a tenacity of at least 1.0 N / tex.

[0279] 140. A method of producing an elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the HPPE filaments have a tenacity of 1.5 N / tex, preferably at least 1.8 N / tex, preferably at least 2.5 N / tex, more preferably at least 3.5 N / tex.

[0280] 141. A method of making an elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the amount of thermoplastic ethylene copolymer in the elongated composite is 1-25% by weight, the weight percentage being the weight of thermoplastic ethylene copolymer in the total weight of the elongated composite.

[0281] 142. A method of making an elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the amount of thermoplastic ethylene copolymer in the elongated composite is 2-20% by weight, preferably 4-18% by weight, the weight percentage being the weight of thermoplastic ethylene copolymer in the total weight of the elongated composite.

[0282] 143. Thermoplastic ethylene copolymers with a density of 870-930 kg / m 3 3. The method of producing an elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the elongated composite is in the range of

[0283] 144. Thermoplastic ethylene copolymers with a density of 875-900 kg / m 3 3. The method of producing an elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the elongated composite is in the range of

[0284] 145. A method of making an elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer has a heat of fusion of at least 5 J / g.

[0285] 146. A method of making an elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the peak melting temperature of the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer is in the range of 50-130°C, preferably in the range of 60-120°C.

[0286] 147. A method of making an elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the peak melting temperature is the melting temperature of the highest melting peak.

[0287] 148. A method of making an elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer has a heat of fusion of at least 10 J / g.

[0288] 149. A method of making an elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer has a heat of fusion of at least 15 J / g, and preferably has a heat of fusion of at least 20 J / g.

[0289] 150. A method of making an elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer has a heat of fusion of at most 280 J / g, preferably at most 200 J / g.

[0290] 151. A method of making an elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the lubricant comprises a polysiloxane.

[0291] 152. The method of making an elongated composite of any preceding embodiment, wherein the polysiloxane comprises polydimethylsiloxane (reactive or non-reactive), fluorosilicone, silicone wax, or a combination thereof.

[0292] 153. A method of making an elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the lubricant comprises a non-reactive polysiloxane or a reactive polysiloxane, or the lubricant comprises a combination of a non-reactive polysiloxane and a reactive polysiloxane.

[0293] 154. The method of making an elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the polysiloxane is selected from the group consisting of polysilane, polysiloxane, preferably polydialkylsiloxane, more preferably polydimethylsiloxane.

[0294] 155. A method of making an elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the coating composition is applied to the filaments by spraying, dipping, brushing or roll transfer.

[0295] 156. A method of making an elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the coating composition is an aqueous composition comprising at least 40% water by weight.

[0296] 157. A method of making an elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the coating composition is an aqueous composition comprising at least 50% by weight, preferably at least 60% by weight, of water.

[0297] 158. A method of making an elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the coating composition is an aqueous composition comprising at least 70% by weight, preferably at least 80% by weight, and most preferably at least 90% by weight water.

[0298] 159. A coating composition comprising: a) 40 to 95 mass% water, b) 7.5 to 25% by weight of a thermoplastic ethylene copolymer as defined herein having a peak melting temperature of 40 to 140°C as measured according to ASTM E 794-06; c) 0.5 to 10% by weight of a polysiloxane as defined herein, and d) 0 to 5.0% by mass of other additives wherein the sum of components a)-d) is 100% by weight.

[0299] 160. A coating composition comprising: a) 40 to 95 mass% water, b) 10 to 20% by weight of a thermoplastic ethylene copolymer as defined herein having a peak melting temperature of 40 to 140°C as measured according to ASTM E 794-06; c) 0.5 to 8% by weight of a polysiloxane as defined herein, and d) 0 to 5.0% by mass of other additives wherein the sum of components a)-d) is 100% by weight.

[0300] 161. A method of making an elongated composite according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the coating composition is an aqueous suspension or dispersion.

[0301] 162. An elongated composite obtained by the method according to any of the preceding embodiments, comprising HPPE filaments as defined in any of the preceding embodiments and a polymer composition as defined in any of the preceding embodiments throughout the elongated composite.

[0302] 163. A method of manufacturing an elongated body, comprising assembling at least two elongated composites as described in any preceding embodiment to form the elongated body.

[0303] 164. The method of manufacturing an elongated body according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the elongated body is a strand, cable, cord, rope, belt, strip, hose or tube.

[0304] 165. A method of manufacturing an article, comprising the steps of providing an elongated body according to any preceding embodiment to produce the article.

[0305] 166. A method of manufacturing an article, comprising the steps of providing an elongated composite body according to any preceding embodiment to produce the article.

[0306] 167. A method of manufacturing an article according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the article is a net, such as a fishing net or aquaculture net (typically for growing fish), a circular sling, a synthetic chain link, a synthetic chain or a tendon.

[0307] 168. A method of manufacturing an article according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the article is a personal protective item (such as a helmet or body panel) or a glove.

[0308] 169. A method of lifting and / or placing an object, comprising: a) providing a rope according to any of the previous embodiments; b) connecting the rope to the object to be lifted; c) lifting and / or placing the object using the rope; A method comprising:

[0309] 170. A method of lifting and / or placing an object, comprising: a) providing a sling according to any of the previous embodiments; b) connecting the sling to the object to be lifted; c) using the sling to lift and / or place the object; A method comprising:

[0310] 171. A method of lifting and / or placing an object, comprising: a) providing a chain according to any of the previous embodiments; b) connecting the chain to the object to be lifted; c) lifting and / or placing the object using the chain; A method comprising:

[0311] 172. Use of a coating composition defined in any one of the preceding embodiments for improving the bending performance of a rope or belt.

[0312] 173. Use of a polymer composition as defined in any one of the previous embodiments for improving the bending performance of a rope or belt compared to a rope or belt not having such polymer composition.

[0313] 174. Use of a coating composition defined in any one of the preceding embodiments for improving fairlead wear of a rope or belt.

[0314] 175. Use of a coating composition defined in any one of the preceding embodiments for improving the wear performance of a rope or belt.

[0315] 176. Use of a polymer composition as defined in any one of the previous embodiments for reducing wear of a rope or belt compared to a rope or belt not having such polymer composition. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0316] [Figure 1a] FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-section of a yarn (1) comprising high performance polyethylene HPPE filaments (2) having a tenacity of at least 0.6 N / tex. [Figure 1b] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a yarn (1) comprising high performance polyethylene HPPE filaments (2) having a length dimension (Ld) that is much greater than the transverse dimensions of width and thickness (Td) and having a tenacity of at least 0.6 N / tex. [Figure 1c] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a cross-section of an elongated composite according to the invention, comprising a high performance polyethylene HPPE filament (2) having a tenacity of at least 0.6 N / tex and a polymer composition (10) throughout the elongated composite. The polymer composition (10) is present throughout the elongated composite. The elongated composite comprises said polymer composition, more specifically, the polymer composition is present between the filaments of the elongated composite. The polymer composition is present throughout the cross-section of the elongated composite and is in intimate contact with at least one filament, i.e., each individual filament. In an even more preferred embodiment, the polymer composition impregnates the filaments, in other words, the polymer composition is present throughout the cross-section of the elongated composite. By this it is understood that the polymer composition is present between substantially all filaments of the elongated composite. Preferably, at least 50% of the surface of the filaments of the elongated composite is in contact with the polymer composition, more preferably at least 70% and most preferably at least 90% of the filament surface is in contact with the polymer composition. A way to confirm this may be via a microscopic image of a cross-section of the elongated composite to see what % of the filament surface is in contact with the polymer composition. [Diagram 2] 2A is a schematic diagram of a Repeated Bend Over Sheave (CBOS) test set-up for 5 mm rope. Details are given in the following ways: Figure 2B is a schematic "see-through" view of the inside of the schematic frame (24) of Figure 2A. F represents the direction of tension (MPa). [Diagram 3]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a Repeated Bend Over Sheave (CBOS) test set-up for 21 mm rope, the details of which are shown in the following manner. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a fairlead wear test arrangement, the details of which are shown in the following method. [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-section of an elongated composite (53) according to the present invention comprising high performance polyethylene HPPE filaments (52) having a tenacity of at least 0.6 N / tex and a polymer composition (50) throughout the elongated composite. In one embodiment, the elongated composite may have a cross-section having a rectangular (54), elliptical (52), circular (55), hexagonal (56) or octagonal shape. [Figure 6]1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a chain according to the invention. The chain (60) comprises at least two interconnected chain links (61). The chain links comprise strips (62). The strips are typically narrow webbings comprising at least two elongated composites (details not shown). The strip of material in this embodiment forms a plurality of convolutions of said strip, the strip having a longitudinal axis and each convolution of said strip comprises a twist along the longitudinal axis of said strip, said twist being an odd multiple of 180 degrees. Such a chain link is described in published patent application WO2013186206, which is incorporated herein by reference. By "convolution" of a strip is herein understood its loop, also called winding or coiling, i.e. a length of said strip starting in any plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the strip and ending endlessly in the same plane, thereby defining a loop of said strip. The term "multiple convolutions" may also be understood herein as "coiled in multiple overlapping layers". Said overlapping layers of strip preferably substantially overlap each other, but may exhibit a lateral offset. The convolutions may be in direct contact with each other, but may be separated. The separation between the convolutions may be for example by further strips of material, adhesive layers or coatings. Preferably, a chain link in a chain according to the invention comprises at least two convolutions of a strip of material, preferably at least three, more preferably at least four, most preferably at least eight convolutions. The maximum number of convolutions is not particularly limited. For practical reasons, 1000 convolutions may be considered as an upper limit. Each convolution of a strip of material may comprise a twist of an odd multiple of 180 degrees along its longitudinal axis, preferably the odd multiple being 1. Said twist of an odd multiple of 180 degrees results in a chain link comprising a twist of an odd multiple of 180 degrees along its longitudinal axis. The presence of said twist in each convolution of the strip of material results in a chain link having a single outer surface.Another feature of the structure may be that the sides of the first end of the strip of material are overlapped on both sides by the folded strip of material. It has been observed that the twisting results in a structure in which the convolutions are locked against relative shifting. Preferably, at least two convolutions of the strip of material are connected to each other by at least one fastening means. [Figure 7] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a chain according to the invention, the chain (70) comprising at least two interconnected chain links (71), the chain links comprising at least two elongated composite members (details not shown). [Figure 8a] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a knotless warp knit net (Russell knotless net) (80) including cords (81), each cord including a single elongated composite (81), the cords forming mesh legs (shown as ovals 85) and joints. The joints are formed from interwoven cords (shown within ovals 82 and 83, with two mesh legs formed at the joints). Mesh size (length) is indicated by arrows (84). In another embodiment, the cords include at least two elongated composites, typically two to three elongated composites. [Figure 8b] Schematically shows that the mesh size (84) of the unknotted net is measured as the length between two opposing joints of the stretched mesh. [Figure 9] 1 shows a schematic representation of a rope (90) according to the invention comprising a laid strand (91), the strand comprising at least three elongated composites according to the invention (details not shown). The outer surface of the rope is indicated at 92. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a rope (100) according to the invention comprising twelve braided strands (101), the strands comprising an elongated composite according to the invention (details not shown). The outer surface of the rope is indicated at 102. [Figure 11] 1 is an SEM photograph of the surface of an elongated composite. [Figure 12]FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the tensile properties of HPPE filaments in the method.

[0317] method · Titres are measured by weighing any length of yarn or filament, respectively. The titre of a yarn or filament is calculated by dividing the weight by the length and reported in either tex or dtex, which are grams per 100,000m or 10,000m respectively. The length of yarn or filament measured is typically 50 metres.

[0318] The heat of fusion and peak melting temperature were measured according to standard DSC methods ASTM E793-85 and ASTM E794-06, respectively, at a heating rate of 10 K / min for the second heating curve, performed under nitrogen on dehydrated samples. In such DSC measurements, a fraction of the complete elongated composite (including the HPPE filaments) can be measured. The peaks from the HPPE and the coating are well separated, so that the Tm and heat of fusion of the coating can be determined directly.

[0319] Coating Percentage The amount of polymer composition (coating percentage) of an elongated composite according to the present invention may be determined as follows.

[0320] A 1.0 gram sample of the elongated composite is taken. The polymer composition in the sample is extracted from the elongated composite by warm Soxhlet extraction: refluxing with toluene (150 ml) containing 5% acetic acid for 16 hours. After extraction, the remainder of the sample is dried in vacuum at 80° C. for 2.5 hours. By weighing the sample before and after the extraction process, the coating percentage can be calculated using the following formula: Coating percentage = (1-(M_after extraction / M_before extraction))*100% Here, M_after extraction is the mass of the sample after the above extraction and drying, and M_before extraction is the mass of the sample before the above extraction and drying. Also, *100% means × (multiplication) 100%.

[0321] Density The density of the polymer composition is measured according to ISO 1183-04. The density of the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer is measured according to ISO 1183-04.

[0322] The immersion method (A) and more preferably the density gradient column method (B) are suitable for this product. It should be noted that ISO1183-1:2004 encompasses three methods, and those skilled in the art can select the appropriate sample preparation technique and method according to the sample to be tested.

[0323] Those skilled in the art will know that when faced with a final product, it is necessary to obtain the polymer composition before performing density measurements. It is part of the skill of the skilled artisan to determine how to obtain and prepare a sample of the polymer composition depending on what the final product looks like, and then to select an appropriate method to measure the density based on what the sample looks like. For example, the polymer composition may be scraped off of an elongated composite and measured. Depending on what the scraped product looks like, any of the corresponding methods listed in ISO1183-2004 can be used.

[0324] It should be noted that the density of thermoplastic ethylene copolymers is typically provided by the supplier, who will provide this information, for example, in the product specifications.

[0325] Viscosity: The viscosity of the polysiloxane was determined as follows.

[0326] Sample preparation of polysiloxane emulsions by example of Wacker® olemulsion C 800: An aluminum dish (diameter about 8 cm) was filled with about 15-20 grams of Wacker® olemulsion C 800. Water was allowed to evaporate from the Wacker® olemulsion C 800 sample overnight in a fume hood. The aluminum dish with the sample was transferred to an oven and the remaining water was allowed to evaporate at room temperature in a nitrogen atmosphere of about 200 mbar. The weight loss of the sample was checked periodically. When no weight loss was detected, the process was stopped. The sample consisted of two different phases and to facilitate the process of separating them, the sample was transferred to a glass reaction tube. The upper layer was determined (using FT-IR as described below) to be the "silicon" phase.

[0327] Viscosity measurement (polysiloxane): Viscosity measurements were performed on an Anton Paar Physica MCR501 rheometer equipped with a P-PTD200+H-PTD200 temperature control device and a 50 mm parallel plate measurement system. The measurement gap was set at 0.90 mm. Measurements were performed on sample material from the isolated upper "silicon phase" (a quick check by FT-IR was performed on a sample of the isolated "silicon" phase to verify that the isolated phase used to perform the viscosity measurements was indeed the "silicon" phase (polydimethylsiloxane)), which was indeed correct. The FT-IR results show a match between the "silicon phase" (oil fraction) spectrum and that of polydimethylsiloxane from the data library. There is no clear indication of the presence of water and / or polyglycol ethers in the measured sample ("silicon phase") and water, if present, appears to be present between 3200 and 3500 cm. -1 (shown as a broad peak between Dynamic frequency sweep from 100 to 0.01 rad / s at 20°C and 5% strain. 0.01 to 100s at 20°C -1 Steady shear rate gradient (increase) from 100 to 0.01 s -1 Steady shear rate gradient (downward) to

[0328] · IV: Intrinsic viscosity is determined according to method ASTM D1601 (2004) with a dissolution time of 16 hours in decalin at 135 °C using BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) as antioxidant in an amount of 2 g / l solution by extrapolating the viscosities measured at different concentrations to zero concentration.

[0329] Tensile properties of HPPE filaments: Filament tenacity and filament tensile modulus: The determination of the linear density and mechanical properties of the filaments is carried out on a semi-automatic microprocessor-controlled tensile testing machine (Favimat, tester no. 37074, Textechno Herbert Stein GmbH&Co.KG, Mönchengladbach, Germany) operating according to the constant elongation principle (DIN 51 221, DIN 53 816, ISO 5079) with an integral measuring head for linear density measurement according to the oscillatory testing principle (ASTM D 1577) using constant tensile force and gauge length as well as variable excitation frequency. The Favimat tester is equipped with a 1200cN balance, no. 14408989. Version no. of the Favimat software: 3.2.0.

[0330] Clamp slippage during filament tensile testing, which prevents filament breakage, is eliminated by the adaptation of the Favimat clamps according to FIG.

[0331] The upper clamp 121 is attached to a load cell (not shown). The lower clamp 122 moves downwards (D) at a selected tensile test speed during the tensile test. The filament (125) to be tested is clamped between two jaws 123 (4x4x2 mm) made of Plexiglass® in each of the two clamps and wrapped three times on a ceramic pin 124. Prior to the tensile test, the linear density of the filament length between the ceramic pins is measured with a vibrometer. The determination of the filament linear density is carried out with a filament gauge length (F) of 50 mm (see FIG. 12) and a pretension of 2.50 cN / tex (using the expected filament linear density calculated from the yarn linear density and the filament number). The tensile test is then carried out with a test speed of 25 mm / min and a pretension of 0.50 cN / tex in the lower clamp, and the filament toughness is calculated from the measured force at break and the filament linear density determined by the vibrometer. The elongation strain is determined using the entire filament length between the upper and lower plexiglass jaw faces at a prescribed pretension of 0.50 cN / tex. The beginning of the stress-strain curve generally indicates some slackness, and therefore the elastic modulus is calculated as the chord modulus between two stress levels. For example, the chord modulus between 10 cN / dtex and 15 cN / dtex is given by Equation (1):

[0332]

number

[0333] The measured elongation at break is corrected for slackness as given by equation (2).

[0334]

number

[0335] Tensile properties of HPPE yarns: The tensile strength (or toughness) and tensile modulus (or elasticity) of the yarns are defined and determined as specified in ASTM D885M (1995) for multifilament yarns using a nominal gauge length of the yarn of 500 mm, a crosshead speed of 50% / min and an Instron 2714 clamp, type "Fibre Grip D5618C". Based on the measured stress-strain curve, the elasticity modulus is determined as the slope between 0.3% strain and 1% strain using a pretension of 0.2 cN / tex. For the calculation of the elasticity modulus and strength, the measured tensile force is divided by the force as determined above, and the value in GPa is 0.97 g / cm for HPPE. 3 The calculations are performed assuming a density of

[0336] The tensile strength and tensile modulus at break of thermoplastic ethylene copolymers can be measured according to ISO 527-2.

[0337] Short Chain Branches per 1000 Total Carbons (SCB / 1000TC): It is determined by NMR techniques and calibrated IR techniques. As an example, the amount of short methyl, ethyl or butyl side chains is equal to the amount of methyl side groups per 1000 carbon atoms contained in UHMWPE as determined by proton 1H liquid-NMR (hereafter referred to as NMR for simplicity) as follows:

[0338] - 3-5 mg of UHMWPE is added to an 800 mg solution of 1,1',2,2'-tetrachloroethane-d2 (TCE) containing 0.04 mg of 2,6-di-tert-butyl-para-cresol (DBPC) per gram of TCE. The purity of TCE is >99.5% and the purity of DBPC is >99%.

[0339] The UHMWPE solution is placed in a standard 5 mm NMR tube and then heated in an oven at a temperature of 140° C.-150° C. with stirring until the UHMWPE is dissolved.

[0340] -NMR spectra are recorded at 130 °C using a high-field 400 MHz NMR spectrometer using, for example, a 5 mm inverted probe head, with the following settings: sample spin rate of 10-15 Hz, observed nuclei of -1H, locked nuclei of -2H, pulse angle of 90°, relaxation delay of 30 s, number of scans set to 1000, sweep width of 20 ppm, digital resolution of the NMR spectrum of less than 0.5, total number of points in the acquired spectrum of 64k, line broadening of 0.3 Hz.

[0341] - Recorded signal intensity (arbitrary units) versus chemical shift (ppm), hereafter spectrum 1 is calibrated by setting the peak corresponding to TCE to 5.91 ppm.

[0342] -After calibration, use two peaks (doublets) of approximately equal intensity to determine that the amount of methyl side groups is highest in the ppm range of 0.8-0.9 ppm. The first peak should be located at approximately 0.85 ppm and the second peak at approximately 0.86 ppm.

[0343] -Peak deconvolution is performed using standard ACD software manufactured by ACD / Labs.

[0344] - Area of ​​the deconvoluted peak used to determine the amount of methyl side groups A1 メチル側基 , the exact determination of A1, i.e. A1 = A1 第1のピーク +A1第2のピーク are calculated using the same software.

[0345] - The amount of methyl side groups per 1000 carbon atoms is calculated as follows:

[0346]

number

[0347] The minimum creep rate of a yarn can be determined as described in the published patent application WO2016001158. In particular, it is described in WO2016001158 in the section "Stabilizing creep and minimum creep rate in the fibers". In this section, the minimum creep rate of a yarn was derived from creep measurements applied to multifilament yarns by applying the ASTM D885M (1995) standard method at a temperature of 30°C under a constant load of 900 MPa and then measuring the creep response (i.e. strain elongation %) as a function of time. The minimum creep rate is determined by the first derivative of the creep as a function of time, at which this first derivative has a minimum value (e.g. the creep rate [1 / s] of a yarn is plotted as a function of the strain elongation [%] of the yarn in the so-called known Sherby and Down diagram).

[0348] CBOS 5mm test (test arrangement is shown diagrammatically in Figure 2): 6 bends per machine cycle, rope diameter 5mm, D / d10, tension 510MPa (load: 30% of minimum breaking load), wet environment (water cooling: water at ambient temperature was sprayed in the bending zone area of ​​the top sheave (21) (Figure 2a - item 25)).

[0349] The repeated bend-over-sheave (CBOS) performance was tested. In this test, the rope (20) is bent over three rolling sheaves (21, 22, 23), each with a diameter of 50 mm. The three sheaves were arranged in an upside-down V-shape on a frame (24). The rope was placed over the sheaves so that it had a bending zone in each sheave. The rope was placed under a certain load (30% of the MBL). The frame with the sheaves repeats back and forth movements (indicated by arrows (G)), during which the rope is subjected to successive bend-over-sheaves until the rope reaches failure (= breakage). One machine cycle represents the frame with one sheave back and forth. This means that one machine cycle represents six bends (three bends at a time). The stroke length of the rope (L is the distance from start (S) to end (E), see Fig. 2c) was 45 cm. The cycle duration was 5 seconds per machine cycle.

[0350] One machine cycle contains a straight bend (90°) at A, a reverse bend (180°) at B, followed by a straight bend (90°) at C. The rope is alternately bent in opposite directions so that there are four (90°) straight bends and two (180°) reverse bends, full cycles of four (90°) straight bends and two (180°) reverse bends. One full cycle is two stroke lengths.

[0351] · Repeated Bend Over Sheave (CBOS) 21mm-A test (test arrangement shown diagrammatically in Figure 3): rope diameter 21mm, D / d20. CBOS test: The rope was tested for bending fatigue by bending the rope over the sheaves. This is shown diagrammatically in Figure 3. The test rope (30) consisted of an endless loop construction, meaning that both rope ends were connected using a splice termination. The loop circumference was approximately 6.5m. The splice termination (often also called a tuck splice) had a tuck amount of 9 per rope side. Both splice ends were not tapered. The loop was placed over a large sheave at the top (the traction sheave (31)) and a small bending sheave (32) at the bottom of the machine.

[0352] The rope was placed under load (tension 280 MPa, which is 18% of the MBL) and subjected to repeated back and forth motion on the sheaves at a stroke speed of 210 m / min until the rope reached failure. Each machine cycle produced two straight bend straight bend cycles of the exposed rope section, i.e. a double bend zone. The double bend zone was approximately 14 times the rope diameter. The bending cycle time was 12 seconds per machine cycle (one cycle back and forth) in a dry environment (no water cooling). The pause between each cycle reversal was 1 second. The preload for bending in the rope was 5 x 14.5 metric tons.

[0353] · Repeated Bend Over Sheave (CBOS) 21mm-B test: Same as CBOS 21mm-A, but with a tensile strength of 370MPa.

[0354] Fairlead 10mm Test: Rope diameter 10mm, 2 abrasion cycles per machine cycle, 36 seconds per machine cycle - C2 fairlead (DIN 81915) D / d20, tension 380MPa (load: 25% of MBL), dry environment (no water cooling).

[0355] Fairlead wear performance was tested, which is shown diagrammatically in Figure 4. In this test, the rope (40) is moved under a certain load (1800 kg) on ​​the fairlead (41). One machine cycle represents one pull of the rope back and forth on the surface. The rope was subjected to repeated back and forth motion until failure. The cycle duration was 36 seconds per machine cycle. The rope stroke length was 56 cm.

[0356] · To determine the shrinkage of the nets during the period of use or after processing, the mesh size of the nets is measured according to ISO16663. This standard was used as a guideline, as it is applicable to moving (active) and stationary (passive) fishing nets, and not to directly measure the mesh size of raschel knotless nets. The mesh size was measured at full mesh / mesh inside (FMG - full mesh gauge, maximum inside measured between two opposing joints of the stretched mesh). For knotless nets, the inside distance between two opposing joints in the same mesh is that when fully extended along its longest possible axis, which is indicated by nr84 in figure 8b. The measurement is made by inserting the two jaws into the diagonal of the mesh to be measured, using a digital caliper. The sliding hinged jaws are then gradually pulled away from the fixed jaws by the handles until the mesh is stretched and until there is a slight resistance of the stretched mesh on the handles. While maintaining the gauge in this position, the mesh size is read off the screen. The reported values ​​are the average of five measurements. Because there can be some subjectivity in reproducing tension levels for slight resistance, all tests were performed by the same operator.

[0357] The mesh breaking strength of nets such as knotless raschel nets is determined according to ISO 1806 using a Zwick 1484 tensile testing machine.

[0358] experiment The following examples are given by way of non-limiting reference only.

[0359] material Paramelt™ Aquaseal X2050 (also referred to herein as X2050) is a water-based dispersion formulated with a non-plasticized high molecular weight thermoplastic ethylene copolymer and is completely solvent-free. 44% solids, pH 11, milky white liquid, viscosity (dynamic at 20C) 150mPas.

[0360] This thermoplastic ethylene copolymer has a melting peak at 76.7° C. and a heat of fusion of 21.9 J / g. It was purchased from Paramelt Veendam BV, Veendam, The Netherlands. Paramelt™ Aquaseal X2050 is also referred to herein as Paramelt X2050 or Aqualseal X2050.

[0361] Wacker® olemulsion C 800 (also referred to herein as C800, under the trade name OELEM C 800) is a non-ionic microemulsion of non-reactive polydimethylsiloxane. It is a polydimethylsiloxane emulsion in water. It was purchased from Wacker Chemie AG, Munich, Germany. pH 5-7. Solids content about 80% by weight. The viscosity of the non-reactive polydimethylsiloxane of C800, as determined by the method described in the Methods section herein, is 16.5 Pa.s.

[0362] A combination of Syl-off® 7950 Emulsion Coating and Syl-off® 7922 Catalyst Emulsion from Dow Corning (also referred to as Reactive Polysiloxane in Tables 5 and 6 below).

[0363] A coating composition was prepared from a first emulsion containing reactive silicone polymer pre-formulated with a crosslinker and a second emulsion containing silicone polymer and a metal catalyst. The first emulsion was an emulsion available from Dow Corning containing 30.0-60.0 wt% dimethylvinyl terminated dimethylsiloxane and 1.0-5.0 wt% dimethyl, methylhydrogen siloxane (Syl-off® 7950 Emulsion Coating, 40% active content). The second emulsion was an emulsion available from Dow Corning containing 30.0-60.0 wt% dimethylvinyl terminated dimethylsiloxane and platinum catalyst (Syl-off® 7922 Catalyst Emulsion, 40% active content). The first and second emulsions were mixed in a weight ratio of 8.3:1. The mixture had a solids content of 40%.

[0364] Wacker® W23 (also referred to herein as Wacker W23) is a white waxy polymethylsiloxane that is resistant to hydrolysis and exhibits very high affinity for a variety of substrates. Melting point 39-45.0°C. Dynamic viscosity (Brookfield, 50°C) 300 mPa.s. In the examples where the polysiloxane is Wacker 23, the Wacker W23 was first mixed with water as follows: 20% Wacker W23 (solids) and 80% water by weight were combined and mixed using a shear mixer at 8000 tpm for approximately 1 hour. This mixture was then used to make the coating composition.

[0365] DOW XIAMETER™ PMX-200 Silicone Fluid (also referred to herein as Xiameter 200), is a clear, colorless polydimethylsiloxane fluid.

[0366] Preparation of the Coating Composition Paramelt X 2050 (containing the copolymer) and Wacker® olemulsion C 800 (containing PDMS) were mixed by adding the C800 to the X2050 at room temperature and stirring for 15 minutes.

[0367] Preparation of Comparative Coating Compositions 1C, 2C, and 3C A comparative coating composition was prepared by diluting Aquaseal X2050 in a 1:1 ratio with water (polyolefin dispersion).

[0368] The following polymer compositions were prepared:

[0369] [Table 1]

[0370] Fabrication of elongated complex (CEB) HPPE yarn (Dyneema® 1760 SK78, yarn tenacity 34.5 cN / dtex, filament tenacity 37 cN / dtex, modulus 1190 cN / dtex, from DSM Protective materials BV, The Netherlands) was impregnated by immersion in the coating composition sample x (see Table 1). The wet yarn was first fed through a die and then passed in seven instalments through a 6 meter long hot air oven with an inlet speed of 50 m / min and an outlet speed of 50 m / min. The oven temperature was set at 120° C. The resulting dry monofilament-like product (elongated composite Sx=CEB-Sx) contained about 15% by weight of the polymer composition and 85% by weight of fibrous material (filaments).

[0371] In this manner, all of the elongated composites listed in Table 1 were made using the coating compositions listed in Table 1. All contained 15% by weight of the polymer composition and 85% by weight of the fibrous material (filaments).

[0372] Rope Example 1 (5mm) CEB-S1 was prepared as described above in the preparation of the elongated composite (CEB) using coating composition Sample 1.

[0373] CEB-S1 was used to make a 5 mm rope (5 mm diameter rope example 1) with 48 single yarns each split into 12 strands. The rope contained 12 strands braided (circumferentially) of 6 clockwise and 6 counterclockwise oriented strands, each strand containing an assembly of 4 CEB-S1 monofilament-like products twisted together at 20 turns / meter, with a braid pitch of 7 times the rope diameter.

[0374] Rope comparison example 1C: (5 mm) A 5 mm comparative rope (Comparative Rope Example 1C) was produced using CEB-S1C in the same manner as Rope Example 1 (5 mm) above.

[0375] Rope Example 2 (21mm) CEB-S2 was prepared as described above in the preparation of the elongated composite (CEB) using coating composition Sample 2.

[0376] CEB-S2 was used to make 21 mm ropes (21 mm diameter rope example 2), each rope containing 12 strands braided (circumferentially) with 6 clockwise and 6 counterclockwise oriented strands, each strand containing 7 rope yarns, assembled by stranding (13.3 turns / meter), each rope yarn being an assembly of 15 strands of CEB-S2 monofilament-like product plied together at 15 turns / meter, with a braid pitch of 7 times the rope diameter.

[0377] Rope comparison example 2C: (21 mm) A 21 mm comparative rope (Comparative Rope Example 2C) was produced using CEB-S2C in the same manner as Rope Example 2 (21 mm) above.

[0378] Rope Example 3 (10mm): 3-1, 3-5, 3-10 and 3-25 CEB-S3-1, CEB-S3-5, CEB-S3-10 and CEB-S3-25 were prepared as described above for the preparation of elongated composites (CEB) using coating composition samples 3-1, 3-5, 3-10 and 3-25, respectively.

[0379] Rope Example 3-1 CEB-S3-1 was used to make 10 mm ropes (10 mm diameter). Each rope contained 12 strands braided (circumferentially) with 6 clockwise and 6 counterclockwise oriented strands, each containing an assembly of 20 CEB-S3-x monofilament-like products twisted together at 18 turns / meter, with a braid pitch of 7 times the rope diameter. Thus, Rope Example 3-1 was made.

[0380] Rope Examples 3-5, 3-10 and 3-25 Rope Examples 3-5, 3-10 and 3-25 were made the same as described for Rope Example 3-1 using CEB-S3-5, CEB-S3-10 and CEB-S3-25, respectively.

[0381] Rope comparison example 3C: (10 mm) A 10 mm comparative rope (Comparative Rope Example 3C) was produced using CEB-S3C in the same manner as in Rope Example 3-1.

[0382] CBOS exam Ropes from Rope Example 1 and Rope Comparative Example 1C were subjected to the CBOS 5mm test as described above.

[0383] Ropes from Rope Example 2 and Comparative Rope Example 2C were subjected to the CBOS 21 mm test as described above.

[0384] Table 2 reports the CBOS test results. As can be seen in Table 2, the number of bending cycles for Rope Example 1 is much higher than the number of bending cycles for Rope Comparative Example 1C, indicating that Rope Example 1 has improved bending performance.

[0385] As can be seen in Table 2, the number of bending cycles for Rope Example 2 is much higher than the number of bending cycles for Rope Comparative Example 2C, indicating that Rope Example 2 has improved bending performance.

[0386] [Table 2]

[0387] Fairlead Test Ropes from Rope Examples 3-1, 3-5, 3-10, 3-25 and Comparative Rope Example 3C were subjected to the Fairlead 10 mm Test as described above.

[0388] Table 3 reports the fairlead test results. As can be seen in Table 3, the number of bending cycles for Example 3 is greater than the number of bending cycles for Comparative Example 3C.

[0389] The higher number of bending cycles across the static counter face (ie, fairlead) of Example 3 compared to Comparative Example 3C indicates improved wear performance.

[0390] [Table 3]

[0391] Preparation of further coating compositions The Paramelt X2050 (including the copolymer) and polysiloxane were mixed by adding the polysiloxane to the X2050 at room temperature and stirring for 15 minutes.

[0392] All coating mixtures contained a solids concentration of 20%.

[0393] Within this 20% solids range, the formulation was varied as shown in Table 4.

[0394] A comparative coating composition was prepared by diluting Aquaseal X2050 1:1 with water to obtain 20% solids (polyolefin dispersion).

[0395] Test results with these mixtures are listed in Tables 5 and 6 below.

[0396] [Table 4]

[0397] Rope manufacturing and testing 5mm rope (Table 5) HPPE yarn (Dyneema® 1760 SK78, yarn tenacity 34.5 cN / dtex, filament tenacity 37 cN / dtex, modulus 1190 cN / dtex, from DSM Protective materials BV, The Netherlands) was used to manufacture 5 mm ropes, each rope consisting of 48 single yarns divided into 12 strands. The ropes contained 12 strands braided (circumferentially) with 6 clockwise and 6 counterclockwise oriented strands, each strand containing an assembly of 4 yarns twisted together at 20 turns / meter, with a braid pitch of 7 times the rope diameter.

[0398] The rope was then dipped into the coating composition. The coated rope was dried in an oven at 110° C. for 20 minutes.

[0399] The rope was then subjected to the "CBOS 5mm Test" as described above. The results are listed in Table 5.

[0400] As can be seen in Table 5, the number of flex cycles for the examples containing polysiloxane is greater than the number of flex cycles for the comparative examples, thus demonstrating improved flex performance.

[0401] 10mm rope (Table 6) HPPE yarn (Dyneema® 1760 SK78, yarn tenacity 34.5 cN / dtex, filament tenacity 37 cN / dtex, modulus 1190 cN / dtex, from DSM Protective materials BV, The Netherlands) was used to manufacture 10 mm ropes. Each rope contained 12 strands braided (circumferentially) with 6 clockwise and 6 counterclockwise oriented strands, each strand containing an assembly of 20 yarns twisted together at 18 turns / meter, with a braid pitch of 7 times the rope diameter. The ropes were then immersed in the coating composition. The coated ropes were dried in an oven at 110° C. for 20 minutes.

[0402] The ropes were then subjected to the "Fairlead 10 mm Test" as described above. The results are listed in Table 6. As can be seen in Table 6, the number of bending cycles for the examples containing polysiloxane is higher than the number of bending cycles for the comparative examples, thus demonstrating improved abrasion resistance.

[0403] A higher number of static counterface (ie, fairlead) cycles indicates improved wear performance.

[0404] [Table 5]

[0405] [Table 6]

Claims

1. An elongated composite (3, 53) comprising high performance polyethylene (HPPE) filaments (2) having a tenacity of at least 0.6 N / tex and a polymer composition (10) present throughout said elongated composite, said polymer composition comprising: a) a thermoplastic ethylene copolymer, and b) Polysiloxane and wherein said thermoplastic ethylene copolymer is a copolymer of ethylene, and said polymer composition has a peak melting temperature in the range of 40 to 140°C as measured in accordance with ASTM E794-06.

2. 2. The elongated composite (3, 53) of claim 1, wherein the high performance polyethylene (HPPE) filaments (2) are provided as a yarn (1), the yarn comprising at least two HPPE filaments having a tenacity of at least 0.6 N / tex.

3. The elongated composite (3, 53) of claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer has a density in the range of 860 to 970 kg / m 3 , measured in accordance with ISO 1183-04.

4. The elongated composite of claim 1, wherein the polysiloxane is a non-reactive polysiloxane.

5. 10. The elongated composite of claim 1, wherein the polysiloxane is polydimethylsiloxane.

6. 6. The elongated composite of claim 5, wherein the polydimethylsiloxane is a non-reactive polydimethylsiloxane.

7. a) 60 to 95% by mass of high performance polyethylene filaments; b) 5.0 to 25 wt. % of a thermoplastic ethylene copolymer having a peak melting temperature of 40 to 140°C as measured in accordance with ASTM E794-06; c) 0.1 to 10% by weight of a polysiloxane, and d) 0 to 5.0% by weight of other additives 2. The elongated composite of claim 1, comprising:

8. The elongated composite of claim 1, wherein the HPPE filaments comprise high molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE) or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) or a combination thereof.

9. The elongated composite of claim 1, wherein the HPPE filaments consist essentially of HMWPE and / or UHMWPE.

10. The elongated composite of claim 1, wherein the peak melting temperature is measured in accordance with ASTM E794-06 at a heating rate of 10 K / min for a second heating curve and performed under nitrogen on a dehydrated sample.

11. An elongated body (90, 100) comprising the elongated composite of claim 1.

12. A long body as described in claim 11, comprising 2 to 100,000 elongated complexes as described in claim 1.

13. 12. The elongate body according to claim 11, which is a strand, a cable, a cord, a rope (90, 100), a belt, a strip, a hose or a tube.

14. A long body as described in claim 11, which is a rope (90, 100) comprising at least three elongated composites as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

15. 12. An article (60, 70, 80) comprising at least one elongated composite according to claim 1 and / or at least one elongated body according to claim 11, wherein the article (60, 70, 80) is a synthetic chain link (61, 71), a synthetic chain (60, 70), a sling, a net (80), a tendon, personal protective equipment, or a glove.

16. The article of claim 15, comprising 2 to 100,000 elongated composites of claim 1.

17. A crane comprising a sheave and the elongated body according to claim 14.

18. A method for producing an elongated composite (3, 53), comprising the steps of: a) a thermoplastic ethylene copolymer; water, and Polysiloxane providing a coating composition (10) comprising: b) providing at least two HPPE filaments (2) having a tenacity of at least 0.6 N / tex; c) applying the coating composition to the filaments to obtain coated filaments; d) increasing the temperature of the coated filaments to obtain the elongated composite; wherein said thermoplastic ethylene copolymer is a copolymer of ethylene, and said thermoplastic ethylene copolymer has a peak melting temperature in the range of 40 to 140°C as measured in accordance with ASTM E794-06.

19. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein in step d), the temperature is increased to dry the coating composition and melt the thermoplastic ethylene copolymer.

20. A manufacturing method described in claim 18 or 19, wherein the peak melting temperature is measured according to ASTM E794-06 at a heating rate of 10 K / min for the second heating curve, performed under nitrogen on a dehydrated sample.

21. 11. A method for manufacturing an elongated body (90, 100), comprising assembling at least two elongated composites (3, 53) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 to form said elongated body, wherein said elongated body is a rope (90, 100, 131), a strand (91, 101), a cable, a cord (81), a belt, a strip (62), a hose or a tube.

22. 13. A method for manufacturing an article (60, 70, 80), comprising manufacturing the article from an elongated body (90, 100) according to claim 12 and / or an elongated composite (3, 53) according to claim 1, wherein the article is a net (80), a synthetic chain link (61, 71), a synthetic chain (60, 70), a sling, a tendon, a personal protective equipment, or a glove.

23. 1. A method of lifting and / or placing an object, comprising: a) providing an elongated body, which is a rope (90, 100) comprising at least three elongated composites (3, 53) according to any one of claims 1 to 10; b) connecting said rope to said object to be lifted; c) using said rope to lift and / or place said object; 1. A method of lifting and / or placing an object, comprising:

24. Use of a polymer composition (10) comprising a thermoplastic ethylene copolymer and a polysiloxane for reducing wear in a rope (90, 100, 131), synthetic chain (60, 70) or belt comprising said composition, wherein said thermoplastic ethylene copolymer is a copolymer of ethylene and said polymer composition has a peak melting temperature in the range of 40 to 140°C as measured in accordance with ASTM E794-06.

25. Use of a polymer composition (10) comprising a thermoplastic ethylene copolymer and a polysiloxane to improve the bending performance of a rope, synthetic chain or belt comprising said composition, wherein said thermoplastic ethylene copolymer is a copolymer of ethylene and said polymer composition has a peak melting temperature in the range of 40 to 140°C as measured in accordance with ASTM E794-06.

26. The use of claim 24 or 25, wherein the peak melting temperature is measured according to ASTM E794-06 at a heating rate of 10 K / min for the second heating curve and performed under nitrogen on a dehydrated sample.

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