Ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block interpolymer compositions having excellent valley flex resistance

Abstract

A composition comprising a first composition, wherein the first composition comprises the following components a and b: a) at least one ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block interpolymer having a density of 0.880 g / cc or less and a soft segment melting temperature (SS-Tm) of 2.0°C or less; and b) at least one propylene-based polymer, wherein component a is present in an amount of 88 wt% or more, based on the total weight of components a and b.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Polyolefin elastomer (POE) artificial leather is considered an environmentally friendly and sustainable leather product. Compared to current PVC (polyvinyl chloride) leather, POE leather does not contain halogens or "phthalate-like" plasticizers. Compared to existing alternative PU (polyurethane) leather, harmful solvents (e.g., DMF) are not required during the POE leather manufacturing process. Therefore, POE leather production is more environmentally friendly and minimizes water, air, and soil pollution. While PUD (aqueous polyurethane dispersion) and solvent-free PU are becoming more widely used, POE leather still has the advantage of easy recyclability due to its thermoplastic nature. From a performance perspective, POE has excellent weather resistance and low-temperature flexibility, with little or no hydrolysis or yellowing issues. In addition, POE leather can more easily meet the lightweight trend in luggage / bags, shoes, and automotive applications because POE density is much lower than that of PVC (approximately 40%) and PU (approximately 25%). Therefore, POE leather may be a promising alternative to PVC and PU leather in some applications.

[0002] Bury flex resistance, a characteristic of durability and mechanical fatigue during repeated bending stress, is an important performance characteristic of leather products in most applications. Benchmark tests have found that POE is typically not as good as PU and PVC in terms of Bury flex resistance at room temperature. In particular, the typical Bury flex resistance of INFUSE olefin block copolymers (e.g., ethylene / octene multiblock copolymers) is low. However, such polymers are necessary enablers / components for POE artificial leather because they provide high heat resistance and flexibility (handle), both of which are important properties for artificial leather. Note that such polymers can simultaneously provide high heat resistance and flexibility because the melting point can be decoupled from the modulus. Therefore, it is desirable to improve the Bury flex resistance of ethylene / alpha-olefin multiblock interpolymers, and there is a need for compositions containing them that have improved Bury flex resistance.

[0003] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012 / 0108134 discloses an artificial leather comprising a multilayer structure including: A) a skin layer comprising a propylene / alpha-olefin copolymer and at least one of the following: (i) a styrene block copolymer, (ii) a homogeneously branched ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymer, (iii) an olefin block copolymer, and (iv) a random polypropylene copolymer; B) an intermediate foam layer comprising a propylene / alpha-olefin copolymer and at least one of the following: (i) a styrene block copolymer, (ii) a homogeneously branched ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymer, (iii) an olefin block copolymer, and (iv) a random polypropylene copolymer; and C) a bottom fabric layer comprising a nonwoven polymer spunbond material (see, for example, the Abstract and Claim 1). Olefin block copolymers are described, for example, in paragraphs

[0070] and

[0071] .

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 8,921,491 discloses impact-modified compositions containing ethylene-alpha-olefin (block) interpolymers characterized by an average block index (ABI) greater than 0 to about 1.0 and a molecular weight distribution (MWD) greater than about 1.3. Additionally or alternatively, the block ethylene / alpha-olefin interpolymers are characterized by having at least one fraction obtained by temperature-rising elution fractionation (TREF), the fraction having a block index greater than about 0.3 to about 1.0, and the ethylene / alpha-olefin interpolymers having a molecular weight distribution (MWD) greater than about 1.4 (see Abstract). The "Soft Segment Tm (°C) from Weighted DSC" of some polymers is listed in Table 16 (see column 72, lines 6-29). For example, for compositions containing propylene-based polymers, see Table 27 (column 81), Table 32 (column 85), and Table 38 (column 86).

[0005] U.S. Patent No. 7,893,166 discloses a class of ethylene / alpha-olefin block interpolymers characterized by an average block index ABI greater than 0 to about 1.0 and a molecular weight distribution MWD greater than about 1.3. Preferably, the block index is about 0.2 to about 1. Additionally or alternatively, the block ethylene / alpha-olefin interpolymers are characterized by having at least one fraction obtained by temperature rising elution fractionation (TREF), the fraction having a block index greater than about 0.3 to about 1.0, and the ethylene / alpha-olefin interpolymer having a molecular weight distribution, MWD, greater than about 1.3 (see Abstract). The "Soft Segment Tm (°C) from Weighted DSC" of several polymers is listed in Table 16 (see column 60, lines 11-35). This patent discloses blending polymers containing polypropylene (see, for example, column 25, lines 11-33). See also U.S. Patent No. 7,608,668.

[0006] Further compositions containing olefin multi-block copolymers are disclosed in the following references: U.S. Pat. No. 7,592,397 (see, for example, the compositions in Tables 12 and 13 (columns 73-76)), and WO 2014 / 036292 (see, for example, the compositions in Table 3, paragraph

[0103] ).

[0007] However, as noted above, there remains a need for ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block interpolymer compositions with improved Valley flex resistance. This need is met by the following invention. Summary of the Invention

[0008] A composition comprising a first composition, the first composition comprising the following components a and b: a) at least one ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block interpolymer comprising a density of 0.880 g / cc or less and a soft segment melting temperature (SS-Tm) of 2.0°C or less; b) at least one propylene-based polymer; A composition wherein component a is present in an amount of 88% by weight or more, based on the combined weight of components a and b. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 shows the "Enthalpy of Melt (J / g) vs. Temperature (° C.)" for the linear copolymers described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A composition has been discovered that has excellent bally flex resistance and good flexibility and is well suited for synthetic rubber. As discussed above, the composition comprises the following components a and b: a) at least one ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block interpolymer comprising a density of 0.880 g / cc or less and a soft segment melting temperature (SS-Tm) of 2.0°C or less; b) at least one propylene-based polymer; and Component a is present in an amount of 88% by weight or more, based on the total weight of components a and b.

[0011] The composition may comprise a combination of two or more embodiments as described herein. Each component of the composition may comprise a combination of two or more embodiments as described herein.

[0012] In one embodiment, or a combination of two or more embodiments, each described herein, the ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block interpolymer (of component a) has a density of 0.855 g / cc or more, or 0.858 g / cc or more, or 0.860 g / cc or more, or 0.862 g / cc or more, or 0.864 g / cc or more, or 0.866 g / cc or more, or 0.868 g / cc or more, or 0.869 g / cc or more. In one embodiment, or a combination of two or more embodiments, each described herein, the ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block interpolymer (of component a) has a density of 0.880 g / cc or less, or 0.878 g / cc or less, or 0.876 g / cc or less, or 0.874 g / cc or less, or 0.872 g / cc or less, or 0.871 g / cc or less, or 0.870 g / cc or less.

[0013] In one embodiment, or a combination of two or more embodiments, each described herein, the ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block interpolymer of component a has an SS-Tm of 2.0 ° C or less, or 1.5 ° C or less, or 1.0 ° C or less, or 0.8 ° C or less, or 0.6 ° C or less, or 0.4 ° C or less, or 0.2 ° C or less, or 0.1 ° C or less, or 0.0 ° C or less, or -0.5 ° C or less, or -1.0 ° C or less, or -2.0 ° C or less, or -5.0 ° C or less, or -8.0 ° C or less. In one embodiment, or a combination of two or more embodiments, each described herein, the ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block interpolymer (of component a) has an SS-Tm of -40 ° C or more, or -35 ° C or more, or -30 ° C or more, or -28 ° C or more, or -25 ° C or more, or -22 ° C or more, or -20 ° C or more, or -18 ° C or more, or -17 ° C or more.

[0014] In one embodiment, or a combination of two or more embodiments, each described herein, the ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block interpolymer (of component a) is an ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block copolymer.

[0015] In one embodiment, or a combination of two or more embodiments, each described herein, the ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block interpolymer (of component a) has a melt index (I2) of 0.2 / 10 min or more, or 0.3 / 10 min or more, or 0.4 / 10 min or more, or 0.5 g / 10 min or more and / or 10 / 10 min or less, or 5.0 / 10 min or less, or 2.0 / 10 min or less, or 1.0 / 10 min or less, or 0.8 g / 10 min or less.

[0016] In one embodiment, or a combination of two or more embodiments, each described herein, the ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block interpolymer (of component a) has a molecular weight distribution (MWD) of 1.5 or more, or 1.6 or more, or 1.7 or more, or 1.8 or more, or 1.9 or more, or 2.0 or more, and / or 4.0 or less, or 3.5 or less, or 3.0 or less, or 2.8 or less, or 2.6 or less, or 2.4 or less.

[0017] In one embodiment, or a combination of two or more embodiments, each described herein, the propylene-based polymer (of component b) has a viscosity of 1.0 / 10 min or greater, or 2.0 / 10 min or greater, or 3.0 / 10 min or greater, or 3.5 / 10 min or greater, or 4.0 / 10 min or greater, or 4.5 / 10 min or greater, or 5.0 / 10 min or greater, or 5.5 / 10 min or greater, or 6.0 g / 10 min or greater, and / or 30 / 10 min or less; or 28 / 10 min or less, or 25 / 10 min or less, or 22 / 10 min or less, or 20 / 10 min or less, or 18 / 10 min or less, or 15 / 10 min or less, or 12 / 10 min or less, or 10 / 10 min or less, or 9.5 / 10 min or less, or 9.0 / 10 min or less, or 8.5 / 10 min or less, or 8.0 / 10 min or less, or 7.5 g / 10 min or less.

[0018] In one embodiment, or a combination of two or more embodiments, each described herein, the propylene-based polymer (of component b) has a density of 0.860 g / cc or more, or 0.865 g / cc or more, or 0.870 g / cc or more, or 0.875 g / cc or more, or 0.880 g / cc or more, or 0.885 g / cc or more, and / or 0.930 g / cc or less, or 0.925 g / cc or less, or 0.920 g / cc or less, or 0.915 g / cc or less, or 0.910 g / cc or less, or 0.905 g / cc or less, or 0.900 g / cc or less.

[0019] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments, each described herein, the propylene-based polymer (of component b) is selected from a polypropylene homopolymer, a propylene / ethylene interpolymer, or a propylene / alpha-olefin interpolymer, further selected from a polypropylene homopolymer, a propylene / ethylene copolymer, or a propylene / alpha-olefin copolymer, further selected from a polypropylene homopolymer or a propylene / ethylene copolymer.

[0020] In one embodiment, or a combination of two or more embodiments, each described herein, the weight ratio of component a to component b is 5.0 or more, or 5.5 or more, or 6.0 or more, or 6.5 or more, or 7.0 or more, and / or 40 or less, or 38 or less, or 36 or less, or 35 or less, or 34 or less, or 33 or less.

[0021] In one embodiment, or a combination of two or more embodiments, each described herein, the ratio of MFR of component b to I2 of component a is 4.0 or more, or 6.0 or more, or 8.0 or more, or 10 or more, or 12 or more, and / or 25 or less, or 22 or less, or 20 or less, or 18 or less, or 16 or less, or 15 or less.

[0022] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments, each described herein, the first composition comprises 88 wt % or more, or 89 wt % or more, or 90 wt % or more of component a, based on the combined weight of component a and component b, and / or 97 wt % or less, or 96 wt % or less, or 95 wt % or less of component a, based on the combined weight of component a and component b.

[0023] In one embodiment, or a combination of two or more embodiments, each described herein, the first composition comprises 3.0 wt. % or more, or 4.0 wt. % or more, or 5.0 wt. % or more of component b, based on the combined weight of component a and component b, and / or 12 wt. % or less, or 11 wt. % or less, or 10 wt. % or less of component b, based on the combined weight of component a and component b.

[0024] In one embodiment, or a combination of two or more embodiments, each described herein, the first composition comprises 60% or more, 70% or more, 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 92% or more, 94% or more, 96% or more, or 98% or more by weight of the sum of component a and component b, based on the weight of the first composition. In one embodiment, or a combination of two or more embodiments, each described herein, the first composition comprises 100% or less, or 99% or less by weight of the sum of component a and component b, based on the weight of the first composition.

[0025] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments, each described herein, the composition further comprises at least one additive, hi further embodiments, the at least one additive is selected from fillers (e.g., carbon black and talc), blowing agents (e.g., AC and OBSH), antioxidants, colorants, processing aids (e.g., zinc stearate), oils, or any combination thereof.

[0026] In one embodiment, or a combination of two or more embodiments, each described herein, the composition has a "Barry Flex Cycles to Failure" of 70k or greater, or 75k or greater, or 80k or greater, or 85k or greater, or 90k or greater, or 95k or greater, or 100k or greater, or greater than 100k.

[0027] In one embodiment, or a combination of two or more embodiments, each described herein, the composition has a Shore A hardness of 20 or more, or 30 or more, or 40 or more, or 50 or more, and / or 70 or less, or 69 or less, or 68 or less, or 67 or less, or 66 or less, or 65 or less.

[0028] Also provided is an article comprising at least one component formed from a composition of any embodiment, or a combination of two or more embodiments, described herein. In a further embodiment, the article is artificial leather.

[0029] Also provided is a method of forming artificial leather, the method comprising mixing a composition of any embodiment or combination of two or more embodiments described herein.

[0030] Ethylene / Alpha-Olefin Multi-Block Interpolymer Ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block interpolymers and copolymers. Such interpolymers and copolymers comprise, in polymerized form, ethylene and an alpha-olefin. The alpha-olefins include, but are not limited to, C3 to C20 alpha-olefins, further C3 to C10 alpha-olefins, and further C3 to C8 alpha-olefins, such as propylene, 1-butene, 1-hexene, and 1-octene.

[0031] Ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block interpolymers are characterized by multiple blocks or segments of two or more polymerized monomer units with different chemical or physical properties. In some embodiments, multi-block copolymers can be represented by the following formula: (AB)n, where n is at least 1, preferably an integer greater than 1, such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, or more. "A" represents a hard block or segment, and "B" represents a soft block or segment. Preferably, the A and B segments are linked (or covalently bonded) in a substantially linear fashion, as opposed to a substantially branched or substantially star-shaped fashion. In other embodiments, the A and B segments are randomly distributed along the polymer chain. In other words, for example, block copolymers do not typically have the following structure: AAA-AA-BBB-BB. In still other embodiments, block copolymers do not typically have a third type of block or segment containing a different comonomer. In still other embodiments, each of block A and block B has monomers or comonomers substantially randomly distributed within the block, in other words, neither block A nor block B includes two or more subsegments (or subblocks) of distinct composition, such as tip segments having a substantially different composition than the remainder of the block.

[0032] As used herein, the term "hard segment (HS)" refers to a block of polymerized monomer units in which ethylene is present in an amount of 90 mol% or more, 92 mol% or more, 95 mol% or more, 98 mol% or more, or 99 mol% or more, based on the total moles of polymerized monomers in the block. In one embodiment, ethylene is present in an amount of 99.8 mol% or less, or 99.6 mol% or less, or 99.4 mol% or less, or 99.3 mol% or less, based on the total moles of polymerized monomers in the block.

[0033] As used herein, the term "soft segment (SS)" refers to a block of polymerized monomer units in which ethylene is present in an amount of 90 mol% or less, or 88 mol% or less, or 86 mol% or less, or 84 mol% or less, or 82 mol% or less, based on the total moles of polymerized monomers in the block. In one embodiment, ethylene is present in an amount of 60 mol% or more, or 65 mol% or more, or 70 mol% or more, or 75 mol% or more, or 80 mol% or more, based on the total moles of polymerized monomers in the block.

[0034] The soft segments in the ethylene / octene multiblock copolymer may be present at 1 wt%, 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15 wt%, 20 wt%, 25 wt%, 30 wt%, 35 wt%, 40 wt%, 45 wt%, 55 wt%, 60 wt%, 65 wt%, 70 wt%, 75 wt%, 80 wt%, 85 wt%, 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 99 wt% of the total weight of the ethylene / octene multiblock copolymer. Conversely, the hard segments may be present in a similar range. The weight percentage of the soft segments and the weight percentage of the hard segments may be calculated based on data obtained from DSC or NMR. Such methods and calculations are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,608,668, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. For example, the weight percentages of hard and soft segments, among others, may be determined as described in US Pat. No. 7,608,668, columns 57-63, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0035] Typically, ethylene comprises 50 or the majority of the mole percent of the total multi-block copolymer. That is, ethylene comprises at least 50 mole percent of the whole polymer. More preferably, ethylene comprises at least 60 mole percent, at least 70 mole percent, at least 80 mole percent, or at least 90 mole percent, with the substantial remainder of the whole polymer comprising at least one other comonomer, which is preferably an alpha-olefin having three or more carbon atoms.

[0036] As discussed above, ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block interpolymers preferably comprise two or more chemically distinct regions or segments (referred to as "blocks") linked linearly. In embodiments, the blocks differ in the amount or type of incorporated comonomer, density, amount of crystallinity, crystallite size attributable to polymers of such compositions, type or degree of stereoregularity (isotactic or syndiotactic), regioregularity or site-irregularity, amount of branching (including long-chain branching or hyperbranching), uniformity, or any other chemical or physical property. Compared to prior art block interpolymers, including interpolymers produced by continuous monomer addition, flow catalyst, or anionic polymerization techniques, the ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block interpolymers of the present invention, in one embodiment, are characterized by a unique distribution of both polymer polydispersity (PDI or Mw / Mn or MWD), polydisperse block length distribution, and / or polydisperse block number distribution due to the effect of shuttle agents in combination with the multiple catalysts used in their preparation.

[0037] Ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block interpolymers, and further copolymers, are generally produced via a chain shuttling process, such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,858,706, which is incorporated herein by reference. Some chain shuttling agents and related information are listed in column 16, line 39 to column 19, line 44. Some catalysts are listed in column 19, line 45 to column 46, line 19, and some cocatalysts are listed in column 46, line 20 to column 51, line 28. Some process features are listed in column 51, line 29 to column 54, line 56. See also: U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,608,668, 7,893,166, 7,947,793, and 8,476,393. See also U.S. Pat. No. 9,243,173.

[0038] In one embodiment, the ethylene / alphaolefin multiblock copolymers (e.g., ethylene / octene multiblock copolymers) are produced in a continuous process and have a polydispersity index (Mw / Mn) of 1.7 to 3.5, or 1.8 to 3, or 1.8 to 2.5, or 1.8 to 2.2. When produced in a batch or semi-batch process, the ethylene / alphaolefin multiblock copolymers (e.g., ethylene / octene multiblock copolymers) typically have a Mw / Mn of 1.0 to 3.5, or 1.3 to 3, or 1.4 to 2.5, or 1.4 to 2.0.

[0039] Furthermore, ethylene / alpha-olefin multiblock copolymers (e.g., ethylene / octene multiblock copolymers) typically have a PDI (or Mw / Mn) that conforms to a Schultz-Flory distribution rather than a Poisson distribution. In one embodiment, the ethylene / alpha-olefin multiblock copolymer (e.g., ethylene / octene multiblock copolymer) has both a polydisperse block distribution and a polydisperse distribution of block sizes. This results in the formation of polymer products with improved, identifiable physical properties. The theoretical advantages of a polydisperse block distribution have been previously modeled and discussed in Potemkin, Physical Review E (1998) 57(6), pp. 6902-6912, and Dobrynin, J. Chem. Phys. (1997) 107(21), pp. 9234-9238. In an embodiment, the ethylene / alpha-olefin multiblock copolymer (e.g., ethylene / octene multiblock copolymer) has a most probable distribution of block lengths.

[0040] Propylene-based polymers Propylene-based interpolymers include polypropylene homopolymers, propylene / ethylene interpolymers and copolymers, and propylene / alpha-olefin interpolymers and copolymers. Alpha-olefins include, but are not limited to, C4 to C20 alpha-olefins, further C4 to C10 alpha-olefins, further C4 to C8 alpha-olefins, such as 1-butene, 1-hexene, and 1-octene.

[0041] additives The compositions of the present invention may contain one or more additives. Additives include, but are not limited to, fillers (e.g., carbon black and talc), blowing agents (e.g., AC and OBSH), antioxidants, colorants, and processing aids (e.g., zinc stearate). In embodiments, the compositions contain at least one antioxidant. The antioxidant protects the composition from degradation caused by reactions with oxygen induced by heat, light, or residual catalysts present in commercially available materials. Suitable antioxidants include those commercially available from BASF, such as IRGANOX 1010, IRGANOX B225, IRGANOX 1076, and IRGANOX 1726. These antioxidants, which act as radical scavengers, can be used alone or in combination with other antioxidants, such as phosphite antioxidants like IRGAFOS 168, also available from BASF. In embodiments, the composition comprises 0.01%, or 0.02%, or 0.04%, or 0.06%, or 0.08%, or 0.10%, or 0.20% to 0.30%, or 0.40%, or 0.50%, or 0.60%, or 0.80%, or 1.00% by weight of at least one antioxidant. Weight percentages are based on the total weight of the composition.

[0042] definition Unless stated to the contrary, implicit from context, or customary in the art, all parts and percentages are by weight and all test methods are current as of the filing date of this disclosure.

[0043] As used herein, the term "composition" includes a mixture of materials, including the composition and reaction and decomposition products formed from the materials of the composition. Any reaction or decomposition products are typically present in trace or residual amounts.

[0044] As used herein, the term "polymer" refers to a polymeric compound prepared by polymerizing monomers of the same or different types. Thus, the generic term polymer includes the term homopolymer (used to refer to a polymer prepared from only one type of monomer, with the understanding that trace amounts of impurities may be incorporated into the polymer structure) and the term interpolymer, as defined herein below. Trace amounts of impurities, such as catalyst residues, may be incorporated into and / or within the polymer. Typically, polymers are stabilized with very small amounts ("ppm" amounts) of one or more stabilizers, such as one or more antioxidants.

[0045] As used herein, the term "interpolymer" refers to a polymer prepared by the polymerization of at least two different types of monomers. Thus, the term interpolymer includes the term copolymer (used to refer to a polymer prepared from two different types of monomers) and polymers prepared from two or more different types of monomers.

[0046] As used herein, the term "olefin-based polymer" refers to a polymer that, in polymerized form, comprises 50 weight percent or a majority weight percent (based on the weight of the polymer) of an olefin, such as ethylene or propylene, and may optionally contain one or more comonomers.

[0047] As used herein, the term "propylene-based polymer" refers to a polymer that, in polymerized form, comprises a majority weight percent propylene (based on the weight of the polymer) and may optionally include one or more comonomers.

[0048] As used herein, the term "ethylene-based polymer" refers to a polymer that, in polymerized form, contains at least 50 weight percent or majority weight percent ethylene (based on the weight of the polymer), and may optionally contain one or more comonomers.

[0049] As used herein, the term "ethylene / alpha-olefin interpolymer" refers to an interpolymer comprising, in polymerized form, 50% or a majority weight percent ethylene (based on the weight of the interpolymer) and an alpha-olefin. The alpha-olefin is randomly distributed within the interpolymer. As used herein, the term "ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymer" refers to a copolymer comprising, in polymerized form, 50% or a majority weight percent ethylene monomer (based on the weight of the copolymer) and an alpha-olefin as the only two monomer types. The alpha-olefin is randomly distributed within the copolymer.

[0050] As used herein, the term "ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block interpolymer" refers to a multi-block interpolymer comprising, in polymerized form, 45 wt%, further 50 wt%, or a majority weight percent of ethylene (based on the weight of the interpolymer) and an alpha-olefin. As used herein, the term "ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block copolymer" refers to a multi-block copolymer comprising, in polymerized form, 45 wt%, further 50 wt%, or a majority weight percent of ethylene (based on the weight of the copolymer) and an alpha-olefin as the only two monomer types. See also the discussion above.

[0051] As used herein, the term "propylene / alpha-olefin interpolymer" refers to a random interpolymer comprising, in polymerized form, a majority weight percent of propylene (based on the weight of the interpolymer) and an alpha-olefin. The alpha-olefin is randomly distributed within the interpolymer. As used herein, the term "propylene / alpha-olefin copolymer" refers to a copolymer comprising, in polymerized form, a majority amount of propylene monomer (based on the weight of the copolymer) and an alpha-olefin as the only two monomer types. The alpha-olefin is randomly distributed within the copolymer.

[0052] As used herein, the term "propylene / ethylene interpolymer" refers to a random interpolymer that, in polymerized form, comprises a majority weight percent of propylene and ethylene (based on the weight of the interpolymer). The ethylene is randomly distributed within the interpolymer. As used herein, the term "propylene / ethylene copolymer" refers to a copolymer that, in polymerized form, comprises a majority amount of propylene monomer and ethylene (based on the weight of the copolymer) as the only two monomer types. The ethylene is randomly distributed within the copolymer.

[0053] As used herein with respect to a polymer (or interpolymer or copolymer), the phrase "major weight percent" refers to the amount of monomer that is present in the greatest amount in the polymer.

[0054] The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and their derivatives are not intended to exclude the presence of any additional component, step, or procedure, whether specifically disclosed or not. For the avoidance of doubt, all compositions claimed through the use of the term "comprising" may include any additional additive, adjuvant, or compound, whether polymeric or otherwise, unless otherwise stated to the contrary. In contrast, the term "consisting essentially of" excludes from the scope of any succeeding description any other component, step, or procedure, except those that are not essential to operability. The term "consisting of" excludes any component, step, or procedure not specifically delineated or listed.

[0055] Listing of some compositional features A] A composition comprising a first composition, wherein the first composition comprises the following component a and component b: a) at least one ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block interpolymer comprising a density of 0.880 g / cc or less and a soft segment melting temperature (SS-Tm) of 2.0°C or less, further 1.0°C or less, further 0°C or less, or even less than 0°C; b) at least one propylene-based polymer; A composition wherein component a is present in an amount of 88% by weight or more, based on the combined weight of components a and b. B] The composition described in A] above, wherein the ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block interpolymer (component a) has a density of 0.855 g / cc or more, 0.858 g / cc or more, or 0.860 g / cc or more, or 0.862 g / cc or more, or 0.864 g / cc or more, or 0.866 g / cc or more, or 0.868 g / cc or more, or 0.869 g / cc or more. C] The composition described in A] or B] above, wherein the ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block interpolymer (component a) has a density of 0.880 g / cc or less, 0.878 g / cc or less, or 0.876 g / cc or less, or 0.874 g / cc or less, or 0.872 g / cc or less, or 0.871 g / cc or less, or 0.870 g / cc or less. D] The ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block interpolymer (of component a) has an SS-Tm of 2.0°C or less, or 1.5°C or less, or 1.0°C or less, or 0.8°C or less, or 0.6°C or less, or 0.4°C or less, or 0.2°C or less, or 0.1°C or less, or 0.0°C or less, or -0.5°C or less, or -1.0°C or less, or -2.0°C or less, or -5.0°C or less, or -8.0°C or less. A composition described in any one of A]-C] (A] to C]). E] The ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block interpolymer (component a) has an SS-Tm of -40°C or higher, or -35°C or higher, or -30°C or higher, or 28°C or higher, or -25°C or higher, or -22°C or higher, or -20°C or higher, or -18°C or higher, or -17°C or higher. A composition described in any one of A] to D] above. F] A composition described in any one of A] to E] above, wherein component a has a density of 0.855 g / cc or more, 0.858 g / cc or more, or 0.860 g / cc or more, or 0.862 g / cc or more, or 0.864 g / cc or more, or 0.866 g / cc or more, or 0.868 g / cc or more, or 0.869 g / cc or more. G] A composition described in any one of A] to F] above, wherein component a has a density of 0.878 g / cc or less, or 0.876 g / cc or less, or 0.874 g / cc or less, or 0.872 g / cc or less, or 0.871 g / cc or less, or 0.870 g / cc or less. H] Any one of the compositions A] to G] above, wherein component a has an SS-Tm of 2.0°C or less, or 1.5°C or less, or 1.0°C or less, or 0.8°C or less, or 0.6°C or less, or 0.4°C or less, or 0.2°C or less, or 0.1°C or less, or 0.0°C or less, or -0.5°C or less, or -1.0°C or less, or -2.0°C or less, or -5.0°C or less, or -8.0°C or less. I] The composition according to any one of A] to H] above, wherein component a has an SS-Tm of -40°C or higher, or -35°C or higher, or -30°C or higher, or -28°C or higher, or -25°C or higher, or -22°C or higher, or -20°C or higher, or -18°C or higher, or -17°C or higher. J] The composition according to any one of A] to I] above, wherein the ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block interpolymer (of component a) is an ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block copolymer. K] The composition of any one of [A] to [J] above, wherein the alpha-olefin of the ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block interpolymer, and further the copolymer, is a C3 to C20 alpha-olefin, further a C3 to C10 alpha-olefin, and further a C3 to C8 alpha-olefin. L] The alpha-olefin of the ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block interpolymer, and the further copolymer, are selected from propylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene or 1-octene, and further propylene, 1-butene or 1-octene, and further propylene or 1-octene, and further 1-octene. Compositions described in any one of A] to K] above. M] (Component a) ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block interpolymer has a melt index (I2) of 0.2 or more, or 0.3 or more, or 0.4 or more, or 0.5 g / 10 minutes or more, and / or 10 or less, or 5.0 or less, or 2.0 or less, or 1.0 or less, or 0.8 g / 10 minutes or less. Compositions described in any one of A] to W] above. N] The ethylene / alpha olefin multi-block interpolymer (component a) has a molecular weight distribution (MWD = Mw / Mn) of 1.5 or more, or 1.6 or more, or 1.7 or more, or 1.8 or more, or 1.9 or more, or 2.0 or more, and / or 4.0 or less, or 3.5 or less, or 3.0 or less, or 2.8 or less, or 2.6 or less, or 2.4 or less. Compositions described in any one of A] to M] above. O] The composition described in any one of A] to N] above, wherein the ethylene / alpha olefin multi-block interpolymer (component a) has a number average molecular weight (Mn) of 10,000 g / mol or more, or 15,000 g / mol or more, or 20,000 g / mol or more, or 25,000 g / mol or more, or 30,000 g / mol or more, or 32,000 g / mol or more, or 35,000 g / mol or more, and / or 100,000 g / mol or less, or 90,000 g / mol or less, or 80,000 g / mol or less, or 75,000 g / mol or less, or 70,000 g / mol or less, or 65,000 g / mol or less, or 60,000 g / mol or less. P] The ethylene / alpha olefin multi-block interpolymer (of component a) has a melting temperature (T m The composition according to any one of A] to O] above, Q] The composition described in any one of A] to P] above, wherein the ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block interpolymer (component a) has a glass transition temperature (Tg) measured by DSC of -75.0°C or higher, or -72.0°C or higher, or -70.0°C or higher, or -68.0°C or higher, or -66.0°C or higher, or -65.0°C or higher, and / or -50.0°C or lower, or -55.0°C or lower, or -60.0°C or lower, measured by DSC. R] The composition according to any one of A] to Q] above, wherein component a comprises only one ethylene / alphaolefin multi-block interpolymer and further one ethylene / alphaolefin multi-block copolymer. S] The propylene-based polymer (component b) has a viscosity of 1.0 g / 10 min or more, or 2.0 g / 10 min or more, or 3.0 g / 10 min or more, or 3.5 g / 10 min or more, or 4.0 g / 10 min or more, or 4.5 g / 10 min or more, or 5.0 g / 10 min or more, or 5.5 g / 10 min or more, or 6.0 g / 10 min or more, and / or 30 g / 10 min or less, or 28 g / 10 min or less, or 25 g / 10 min or less, or The composition according to any one of A] to R] above, having a melt flow rate (MFR) of 22 g / 10 min or less, or 20 g / 10 min or less, or 18 g / 10 min or less, or 15 g / 10 min or less, or 12 g / 10 min or less, or 10 g / 10 min or less, or 9.5 g / 10 min or less, or 9.0 g / 10 min or less, or 8.5 g / 10 min or less, or 8.0 g / 10 min or less, or 7.5 g / 10 min or less. T] The composition described in any one of A] to S] above, wherein the propylene-based interpolymer (component b) has a density of 0.860 g / cc or more, or 0.865 g / cc or more, or 0.870 g / cc or more, or 0.875 g / cc or more, or 0.880 g / cc or more, or 0.885 g / cc or more, and / or 0.930 g / cc or less, or 0.925 g / cc or less, or 0.920 g / cc or less, or 0.915 g / cc or less, or 0.910 g / cc or less, or 0.905 g / cc or less, or 0.900 g / cc or less. U] Component b is 1.0 / 10 min or more, or 2.0 / 10 min or more, or 3.0 / 10 min or more, or 3.5 / 10 min or more, or 4.0 / 10 min or more, or 4.5 / 10 min or more, or 5.0 / 10 min or more, or 5.5 or more, or 6.0 g / 10 min or more, and / or 30 / 10 min or less, or 28 / 10 min or less, or 25 / 10 min or less, or 22 / 10 min or less or 20 / 10 min or less, or 18 / 10 min or less, or 15 / 10 min or less, or 12 / 10 min or less, or 10 / 10 min or less, or 9.5 / 10 min or less, or 9.0 / 10 min or less, or 8.5 / 10 min or less, or 8.0 / 10 min or less, or 7.5 g / 10 min or less. V] A composition described in any one of A] to U] above, wherein component b has a density of 0.860 g / cc or more, or 0.865 g / cc or more, or 0.870 g / cc or more, or 0.875 g / cc or more, or 0.880 g / cc or more, or 0.885 g / cc or more, and / or 0.930 g / cc or less, or 0.925 g / cc or less, or 0.920 g / cc or less, or 0.915 g / cc or less, or 0.910 g / cc or less, or 0.905 g / cc or less, or 0.900 g / cc or less. W] Any one of the compositions A] to V] above, wherein the propylene-based polymer (of component b) is selected from polypropylene homopolymer, propylene / ethylene interpolymer, or propylene / alpha-olefin interpolymer, further selected from polypropylene homopolymer, propylene / ethylene copolymer, or propylene / alpha-olefin copolymer, further selected from polypropylene homopolymer or propylene / ethylene copolymer. X] The composition described in W] above, wherein the alpha olefin of the propylene / alpha olefin interpolymer, and the further copolymer, is a C4 to C20 alpha olefin, further a C4-C10 alpha olefin, and further a C4 to C8 alpha olefin. Y] The alpha olefin of the propylene / alpha olefin interpolymer, and the further copolymer, are selected from 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene or 1-octene, and further 1-butene or 1-octene, and further 1-octene, A composition described in W] or X] above. Any one of the above compositions A] to Y], wherein component b is selected from only one propylene-based polymer, polypropylene homopolymer, propylene / ethylene interpolymer, or propylene / alpha-olefin interpolymer, further selected from polypropylene homopolymer, propylene / ethylene copolymer, or propylene / alpha-olefin copolymer, and further comprising one more propylene-based polymer selected from polypropylene homopolymer or propylene / ethylene copolymer. A2] The composition according to any one of A] to Z] above, wherein the weight ratio of component a to component b is 5.0 or more, or 5.5 or more, or 6.0 or less, or 6.5 or more, or 7.0 or more, and / or 40 or less, or 38 or less, or 36 or less, or 35 or less, or 34 or less, or 33 or less. B2] The composition according to any one of A] to A2] above, wherein the ratio of MFR of component b to I2 of component a is 4.0 or more, or 6.0 or more, or 8.0 or more, or 10 or more, or 12 or more, and / or 25 or less, or 22 or less, or 20 or less, or 18 or less, or 16 or less, or 15 or less. C2] The composition according to any one of A] to B2] above, wherein the ratio of the density of component b to component a is 0.800 or more, or 0.850 or more, or 0.900 or more, or 0.950 or more, or 1.00 or more, and / or 1.30 or less, or 1.25 or less, or 1.20 or less, or 1.15 or less, or 1.10 or less, or 1.05 or less. D2] The composition according to any one of A] to C2] above, wherein the first composition contains 88% by weight or more, or 89% by weight or more, or 90% by weight or more of component a, and / or 97% by weight or less, or 96% by weight or less, or 95% by weight or less of component a, based on the total weight of component a and component b. E2] The composition according to any one of A] to D2] above, wherein the first composition contains 3.0 wt % or more, or 4.0 wt % or more, or 5.0 wt % or more of component b, and / or 12 wt % or less, or 11 wt % or less, or 10 wt % or less of component b, based on the total weight of component a and component b. F2] The composition according to any one of A] to E2] above, wherein the first composition comprises, based on the weight of the first composition, 60% by weight or more, 70% by weight or more, 80% by weight or more, 85% by weight or more, 90% by weight or more, 92% by weight or more, 94% by weight or more, 96% by weight or more, or 98% by weight or more of the sum of components a and b. G2] The composition according to any one of A] to F2] above, wherein the first composition contains 100% by weight or less, or 99% by weight or less of the total of component a and component b, based on the weight of the first composition. H2] The composition according to any one of A] to G2] above, wherein the first composition comprises component a and component b as the only polymer components of the first composition. I2] The composition according to any one of A] to H2] above, which comprises, based on the weight of the composition, 89 wt % or more, or 90 wt % or more of component a, and / or 97 wt % or less, or 96 wt % or less, or 95 wt % or less of component a, based on the weight of the composition. J2] The composition according to any one of A] to I2] above, which contains, based on the weight of the composition, 3.0 wt % or more, or 4.0 wt % or more, or 5.0 wt % or more of component b, and / or 12 wt % or less, or 11 wt % or less, or 10 wt % or less of component b, based on the weight of the composition. K2] The composition according to any one of A] to J2] above, which comprises, based on the weight of the composition, 50% by weight or more, or 60% by weight or more, or 70% by weight or more, or 80% by weight or more, or 85% by weight or more, or 90% by weight or more, or 92% by weight or more, or 94% by weight or more, or 96% by weight or more of the total of components a and b, and / or 100% by weight or less, or 99% by weight or less, 98% by weight or less, or 97% by weight or less of the total of components a and b, based on the weight of the composition. L2] The composition according to any one of A] to K2] above, wherein the composition comprises, based on the weight of the composition, 50% by weight or more, or 60% by weight or more, or 70% by weight or more, or 80% by weight or more, or 85% by weight or more, or 90% by weight or more, or 95% by weight or more, or 96% by weight or more, or 97% by weight or more of the first composition, and / or 100% by weight or less, or 99% by weight or less, or 98% by weight or less of the first composition, based on the weight of the composition. M2] The composition according to any one of A] to L2] above, further comprising at least one additive. N2] The composition described in M2] above, wherein the at least one additive is selected from fillers (e.g., carbon black and talc), foaming agents (e.g., AC and OBSH), antioxidants, colorants, processing aids (e.g., zinc stearate), oils, or any combination thereof. O2] The composition described in M2] or N2] above, wherein the composition further comprises at least one filler. P2] The composition described in O2] above, wherein the composition comprises, based on the weight of the composition, 0.5 wt.% or more, or 1.0 wt.% or more, or 2.0 wt.% or more, or 5.0 wt.% or more, or 10 wt.% or more of at least one filler, and / or 40 wt.% or less, or 35 wt.% or less, or 30 wt.% or less, or 25 wt.% or less, or 20 wt.% or less of at least one filler. Q2] The composition described in M2] or N2] above, wherein the at least one additive is present in an amount of 0.01 wt. % or more, or 0.02 wt. % or more, or 0.05 wt. % or more, or 0.10 wt. % or more, or 0.20 wt. % or more, or 0.50 wt. % or more, and / or 10 wt. % or less, or 5.0 wt. % or less, or 2.0 wt. % or less, or 1.0 wt. % or less, based on the weight of the composition. R2] The composition described in any one of A] to Q2] above, further comprising a polymer that differs independently from each of components a and b in one or more characteristics such as type of monomer, distribution of monomer, amount of monomer, density, melt index (I2) or melt flow rate (MFR), Mn, MWD, or any combination thereof, and further comprising a polymer that differs in one or more characteristics such as type of monomer, distribution of monomer, amount of monomer, density, melt index (I2) or melt flow rate (MFR), or any combination thereof. S2] The composition according to any one of A] to R2] above, wherein the composition comprises, based on the weight of the composition, 5.0 wt % or less, or 2.0 wt % or less, or 1.0 wt % or less, or 0.5 wt % or less, or 0.2 wt % or less, or 0.1 wt % or less, or 0.05 wt % or less of an amide compound (e.g., an aliphatic amide), and further, the composition is free of an amide compound. T2] The composition according to any one of A] to S2] above, wherein the composition comprises, based on the weight of the composition, 5.0 wt % or less, or 2.0 wt % or less, or 1.0 wt % or less, or 0.5 wt % or less, or 0.2 wt % or less, or 0.1 wt % or less, or 0.05 wt % or less of polyamide, and further wherein the composition is free of polyamide. U2] The composition described in any one of A] to T2] above, wherein the composition comprises 5.0 wt. % or less, or 2.0 wt. % or less, or 1.0 wt. % or less, or 0.5 wt. % or less, or 0.2 wt. % or less, or 0.1 wt. % or less, or 0.05 wt. % or less of an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) polymer, based on the weight of the composition, and further, the composition is free of an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) polymer. V2] The composition of any one of A] to U2] above, wherein the composition comprises, based on the weight of the composition, 5.0 wt. % or less, or 2.0 wt. % or less, or 1.0 wt. % or less, or 0.5 wt. % or less, or 0.2 wt. % or less, or 0.1 wt. % or less, or 0.05 wt. % or less of a metal hydroxide (e.g., magnesium hydroxide), and further wherein the composition is metal hydroxide-free. W2] The composition according to any one of A] to V2] above, wherein the composition comprises, based on the weight of the composition, 5.0% by weight or less, or 2.0% by weight or less, or 1.0% by weight or less, or 0.5% by weight or less, or 0.2% by weight or less, or 0.1% by weight or less, or 0.05% by weight or less of a wax, and further wherein the composition is free of wax. X2] The composition according to any one of A] to W2] above, wherein the composition comprises 5.0 wt % or less, or 2.0 wt % or less, or 1.0 wt % or less, or 0.5 wt % or less, or 0.2 wt % or less, or 0.1 wt % or less, or 0.05 wt % or less of a tackifier, based on the weight of the composition, and further wherein the composition is free of a tackifier. Y2] The composition of any one of A]-X2] above, wherein the composition has a "Barry Flex cycles to failure" of 70k or greater, or 75k or greater, or 80k or greater, or 85k or greater, or 90k or greater, or 95k or greater, or 100k or greater, where Barry Flex is determined as described herein. Z2] The process of any one of A] through Y2] above, wherein the composition has a Shore A hardness of 20 or more, or 30 or more, or 40 or more, or 50 or more, and / or 70 or less, or 69 or less, or 68 or less, or 67 or less, or 66 or less, or 65 or less. The Shore A hardness is determined as described herein. A3] An article comprising at least one component formed from the composition described in any one of A] to Z2] above. B3] The article according to A3] above, wherein the article is artificial leather. C3] A method for forming artificial leather, the method comprising mixing the composition described in any one of A] to Z2] above. D3] The method according to C3] above, wherein the method further comprises heat treating the composition. E3] The method according to D3] above, wherein the composition is heat treated at a temperature of 80°C or more, or 90°C or more, or 100°C or more, or 110°C or more, or 120°C or more, or 130°C, or 140°C, and / or 200°C or less, or 190°C or less, or 180°C or less, or 170°C or less, or 165°C or less, or 160°C.

[0056] Test Method Polymer Melt Index or Melt Flow Rate The melt index MI (or I2) of the ethylene-based polymers was measured according to ASTM D-1238, condition 190°C / 2.16 kg. The melt flow rate MFR of the propylene-based polymers was measured according to ASTM D-1238, condition 230°C / 2.16 kg.

[0057] density The density of the polymer is measured according to ASTM D792, Method B. The results are reported in grams per cubic centimeter (g / cc or g / cm 3 ) to record.

[0058] Barry flexion test The Bally Flex test was used to evaluate the crack resistance of thin (1.1 mm) plaques prepared from the compositions of the present invention and comparative compositions. The Bally Flex test determines the durability of synthetic leather and fabrics by repeatedly bending the specimens. Each plaque was repeatedly flexed. The test was conducted at room temperature (23°C) in accordance with ASTM D6182-00. The Bally Flexometer was operated in accordance with DIN 53351 at a rate of 100 cycles per minute. The end of the test was determined by the number of cycles at which cracks were observed on the front surface of the plaque and reported as the Bally Flex result. Results are reported in cycles. Two specimens were tested for each composition, and the average value was reported. If no cracks / damage were found after 100,000 cycles for two specimens, the result was reported as "greater than 100,000" or ">100k."

[0059] Shore A hardness Shore A hardness was measured according to ASTM D2240. The load was 0.5 kg and the duration was 5 seconds. Two "3 mm thick" plates were stacked together for testing. Five test specimens per composition were tested and the average was reported.

[0060] Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and SS-Tm Determination of Ethylene / Alpha-Olefin Multiblock Interpolymers Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) can be used to measure the melting, crystallization, and glass transition behavior of polymers over a wide temperature range. For example, a TA Instruments Discovery DSC equipped with a refrigerated cooling system (RCS) and an autosampler is used to perform this analysis. A nitrogen purge gas flow rate of 50 mL / min is used during testing. Each sample is melt-pressed into a thin film at approximately 190°C (preheated for 2 minutes and pressed at 10 MPa pressure for 2 minutes). The molten sample is then air-cooled to room temperature (approximately 25°C). A 3-10 mg, 6 mm diameter specimen is extracted from the cooled polymer, weighed, placed in a lightweight aluminum pan (approximately 50 mg), and crimped shut. Analysis is then performed to determine its thermal properties.

[0061] The thermal behavior of the sample is determined by increasing and decreasing the sample temperature to create a "heat flow versus temperature" profile. First, the sample is rapidly heated to 180°C to remove its thermal history and held isothermally for 5 minutes. Next, the sample is cooled to -90°C at a cooling rate of 10°C / min and held isothermally at -90°C for 5 minutes. Next, the sample is heated to 150°C at a heating rate of 10°C / min (this is the "second heating" gradient). The cooling curve and the second heating curve are recorded.

[0062] The soft segment melting temperature "SS-Tm" is determined from the second heating curve of the DSC. For example, ethylene / octene multiblock copolymers typically have two melting peaks, one associated with the soft segment and one associated with the hard segment. SS-Tm is associated with the low-temperature peak of the soft segment. In some block copolymers, the peak associated with the melting of the soft segment is a small hump on the baseline, making it difficult to assign the peak maximum. This difficulty can be overcome by converting the normal DSC profile into a weighted DSC profile using the following method.

[0063] In DSC, heat flow depends on the amount of material melting at a particular temperature and the specific heat capacity, which is dependent on temperature. The temperature dependence of the specific heat capacity in the melting regime of linear low-density polyethylene results in an increase in the heat of fusion, decreasing the comonomer content. That is, the value of the heat of fusion becomes progressively lower as the crystallinity decreases with increasing comonomer content. See Wild, L., Chang, S., Shankernarayanan, M. J., Improved Method for Compositional Analysis of Polyolefins by DSC, Polym. Prep 1990;31:270-1, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. For a given point on the DSC curve (defined by heat flow in watts per gram (W / g) and temperature in degrees Celsius) by taking the ratio of the "expected heat of fusion for a linear copolymer" to the "temperature-dependent heat of fusion (ΔH(T))," the DSC curve can be converted to a weight-dependent distribution curve, as described below.

[0064] For DSC analysis of the composition, the second heating curve is baseline corrected, for example, by drawing a straight baseline between the heat flows at -50°C and 135°C. A temperature-dependent heat of fusion curve (or "enthalpy (J / g) vs. temperature (°C)") can then be generated from the sum of the integrated heat flows between two consecutive data points (from the "heat flow (W / g) vs. time (min)" profile). This sum is generally represented by the cumulative enthalpy curve ("enthalpy (J / g) vs. temperature (°C)" profile). Joules (J) = Watts (W) * Note that the time is in seconds and each temperature is determined from the respective time point and temperature gradient.

[0065] The expected relationship between the heat of fusion for linear ethylene / octene copolymers at a given temperature is shown by the heat of fusion versus melting temperature curve. Using random ethylene / octene copolymers, the expected heat of fusion for the linear copolymer, ΔH 直鎖状コポリマー The following relationship (calibration formula) can be obtained for ΔH and the melting temperature Tm (unit: °C): 線上コポリマー(J / g)=0.0072 * T m 2 +0.3138 * T m +8.9767. See also Figure 1 ("Enthalpy of Melting (J / g) vs. Temperature (°C)" for linear copolymers).

[0066] For each integrated data point from the cumulative enthalpy curve (the "enthalpy (J / g)" profile versus temperature (°C)) at a given temperature (T), the ratio of the "enthalpy from the cumulative enthalpy curve" to the predicted heat of fusion for a linear copolymer at that temperature yields a fractional weight that can be assigned to each data point. Thus, DSC weight fraction = [cumulative enthalpy (at T) from the calibration equation / enthalpy of fusion (at T)]. This ratio can be used to generate the DSC weight fraction versus temperature (°C), and the area under this curve (or A 合計 ) can be calculated.

[0067] The normalized DSC weight fraction at each T is calculated by multiplying the DSC weight fraction value by A 合計 (or DSC weight fraction / A 合計 ) can be calculated. Thus, a normalized DSC weight fraction curve versus temperature (°C) can be constructed. The soft segment Tm (SS-Tm) is assigned as the temperature of the maximum of the normalized DSC weight fraction curve versus temperature (°C). This method is applicable to ethylene / octene copolymers, but can be adapted to other polymers.

[0068] The glass transition temperature, Tg, is determined from the second heating curve of the DSC where half of the sample has acquired a liquid heat capacity, as described in Bernhard Wunderlich, The Basis of Thermal Analysis, in Thermal Characterization of Polymeric Materials 92, 278-279 (Edith A. Turi ed., 2d ed. 1997). Baselines are drawn below and above the glass transition region and extrapolated through the Tg region. The temperature at which the heat capacity of the sample is midway between these baselines is the Tg. The melting point, Tm, of the polymer is determined as the temperature corresponding to the maximum heat flow in the DSC heating curve.

[0069] Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) - Ethylene-Based Polymers The chromatography system consisted of a PolymerChar GPC-IR (Valencia, Spain) high-temperature GPC chromatograph equipped with a built-in IR5 infrared detector (IR5). The autosampler oven compartment was set to 160°C, and the column compartment was set to 150°C. The columns were four Agilent "MixedA" 30 cm, 20 micron linear mixed-bed columns. The chromatographic solvent was 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene containing 200 ppm butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The solvent source was nitrogen sparged. The injection volume was 200 microliters, and the flow rate was 1.0 milliliters / minute.

[0070] Calibration of the GPC column set is performed using 21 narrow molecular weight distribution polystyrene standards ranging from 580 to 8,400,000 molecular weights, arranged in six "cocktail" mixtures with at least a 10-fold interval between each molecular weight. The standards are purchased from Agilent Technologies. The polystyrene standards are prepared in 0.025 grams in 50 milliliters of solvent for molecular weights equal to or greater than 1,000,000 and 0.05 grams in 50 milliliters for molecular weights less than 1,000,000. The polystyrene standards are dissolved at 80 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes with gentle agitation. The peak molecular weights of the polystyrene standards are converted to polyethylene molecular weights using Equation 1 (as described in Williams and Ward, J. Polym. Sci., Polym. Let., 6, 621 (1968)): M ポリエチレン =A×(M ポリスチレン ) B (Equation 1), where M is the molecular weight, A has a value of 0.4315, and B is equal to 1.0.

[0071] A fifth-order polynomial is used to fit each polyethylene-equivalent calibration point. A small adjustment (approximately 0.375 to 0.445) is made to A to correct for column resolution and band broadening effects, such that the linear homopolymer polyethylene standard is obtained at 120,000 MW.

[0072] A total plate count for the GPC column set was performed using decane (prepared in 0.04 g in 50 milliliters of TCB and dissolved for 20 minutes with gentle agitation). Plate count (Equation 2) and symmetry (Equation 3) were calculated using the following equations for a 200 microliter injection:

[0073]

number

[0074]

number

[0075] Samples are prepared semi-automatically using PolymerChar "Instrument Control" software, where a target sample weight of 2 mg / mL is used to add the solvent (containing 200 ppm BHT) to a septa-capped vial pre-sparged with nitrogen via a PolymerChar high-temperature autosampler. Samples are dissolved at 160°C for 2 hours under "slow" shaking.

[0076] Calculations of Mn(GPC), Mw(GPC), and Mz(GPC) were based on GPC results using a PolymerChar GPC-IR chromatograph, PolymerChar GPCOne™ software, a baseline-subtracted IR chromatogram at each equally spaced data collection point (i), and an internal IR5 detector (measurement channel) for polyethylene equivalent molecular weight obtained from a narrow standard calibration curve at point (i) from Equation 1 according to Equations 4-6. Equations 4-6 are as follows:

[0077]

number

[0078] To monitor deviations over time, a flow rate marker (decane) is introduced into each sample via a micropump controlled by the PolymerChar GPC-IR system. This flow rate marker (FM) is used to linearly correct the pump flow rate (Flow (Apparent)) for each sample by aligning the RV of each decane peak in the sample (RV (FM Sample)) with the RV of the decane peak within a narrow standard calibration (RV (FM Calibrated)). Any change in the time of the decane marker peak is then assumed to be related to a linear shift in flow rate (Flow (Effective)) throughout the run. To facilitate the highest accuracy in the RV measurement of the flow rate marker peak, a least-squares fitting routine is used to fit the peaks in the flow rate marker concentration chromatogram to a quadratic equation. The first derivative of the quadratic equation is then used to solve for the true peak position. After calibrating the system based on the flow marker peaks, the effective flow rate (for narrow standard calibration) is calculated from Equation 7: Flow Rate (Effective) = Flow Rate (Apparent) x (RV (FM Calibrated) / RV (FM Sample)) (Equation 7). Processing of the flow marker peaks is performed via PolymerChar GPCOne™ software. For acceptable flow rate correction, the effective flow rate should be within ±0.7% of the apparent flow rate.

[0079] experiment The polymers are shown in Table 1 and the compositions are shown in Table 2.

[0080] [Table 1] NA = not applicable. Note the following SS-Tm values: INFUSE 9000 = 9°C. INFUSE 9100 = 3°C. INFUSE 9500 = 4°C. INFUSE 9507 = 7°C. INFUSE 9530 = 6°C. INFUSE 9010 = 28°C.

[0081] Brabender Mixing and Compression Molding For each composition shown in Table 2, the indicated polymer (approximately 260 g pellets) was added to the "350 mL chamber" of a Brabender mixer at a set temperature of 180°C and a rotor speed of 30 rpm. After approximately 2 minutes, the rotor speed was increased to 50 rpm. Mixing continued at 50 rpm for an additional 6 minutes. The compound (gum) was collected and pressed into a flat pie shape for further use.

[0082] The composition (pie-shaped gum) from the Brabender mixer was compression molded into a 1.0 mm thick mold into a plate. The compound (approximately 11 g) was preheated at 180°C for 5 minutes, then degassed (compression and release at 10 MPa repeated six times), followed by another 2 minutes of degassing at 10 MPa and 180°C. After the temperature was lowered to room temperature, a plate (dimensions: 15 cm x 7 cm x 1.1 mm) was removed from the mold. The resulting plate was further die-cut into the required shape and size of 38 mm x 63 mm x 1.1 mm for the Barry flex test. The results of the Barry flex test are shown in Table 2.

[0083] For the Shore A hardness test, approximately 30 grams of each composition (pie-shaped gum) was compression molded into a 3.0 mm thick plate (molding conditions: 180°C, 10 MPa, 3 minutes) to obtain a plate with dimensions of 100 mm x 100 mm x 3.0 mm. The Shore A hardness results are shown in Table 2.

[0084] result As seen in Table 2, the compositions of the present invention (IE1, IE2, IE3) were each found to provide high Burry flex resistance, as evidenced by high Burry flex cycles to failure, and good flexibility, as evidenced by relatively low Shore A numbers. These properties are necessary for artificial leather.

[0085] The compositions of the present invention in Table 2 demonstrate that small amounts (5%, 10%) of propylene-based polymers (RCP, h-PP) can significantly increase the Barry flex resistance, from 20k (see CS1) to over 100k (see IE1-IE3). The Barry flex failure cycle values ​​of the compositions of the present invention are much better than those of comparative compositions containing OBC grades with similar hardness (e.g., INFUSE 9107, 61A (CS9), Barry flex failure cycle 20k; INFUSE 9007, 64A (CS10), Barry flex failure cycle 61k). This comparison demonstrates the usefulness of the compositions of the present invention, each modified with a small amount of propylene-based polymer. Furthermore, because the melting point of propylene-based polymers is typically higher than that of ethylene / alpha-olefin multiblock interpolymers, the addition of propylene-based polymers does not adversely affect the heat resistance of the compositions.

[0086] As shown in composition CS2, the addition of 15 wt. % propylene-based polymer did not improve the valley flex resistance indicating that the amount of propylene-based polymer added is an important characteristic for good valley flex resistance.

[0087] The added propylene-based polymer is a key feature for good valley flex resistance. See also IE4' where 2 wt% propylene-based polymer did not improve valley flex resistance.

[0088] For comparative compositions CS3-CS6, the same amount (10 wt%) of propylene-based polymer was added to each composition, but there was no improvement in the Barry flex resistance (compare each of CS3-CS6 with the respective CS7-CS10 compositions). In fact, each Barry flex number was worse (lower) compared to the respective neat resin.

[0089] [Table 2] Please note that each amount is a weight percent based on the weight of the composition.

Claims

1. A composition comprising a first composition, wherein the first composition comprises the following components a and b: a) at least one ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block interpolymer comprising a density of 0.880 g / cc or less and a soft segment melting temperature (SS-Tm) of 2.0°C or less; b) at least one propylene-based polymer; A composition wherein component a is present in an amount of 88% by weight or greater, based on the combined weight of components a and b.

2. 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block interpolymer (of component a) has a density from 0.855 g / cc to 0.880 g / cc.

3. 3. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block interpolymer (of component a) has a SS-Tm of -40°C to 2.0°C.

4. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block interpolymer (of component a) is an ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block copolymer.

5. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block interpolymer (of component a) has a melt index (I2) of 0.2 g / 10 min to 10 g / 10 min.

6. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block interpolymer (of component a) has a molecular weight distribution (MWD = Mw / Mn) of 1.5 to 4.

0.

7. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the propylene-based polymer (of component b) has a melt flow rate (MFR) of 1.0 g / 10 min to 30 g / 10 min.

8. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the propylene-based polymer (of component b) has a density of 0.860 g / cc to 0.930 g / cc.

9. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the propylene-based polymer (of component b) is selected from a polypropylene homopolymer, a propylene / ethylene interpolymer, or a propylene / alpha-olefin interpolymer.

10. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the propylene-based polymer (of component b) is selected from a polypropylene homopolymer or a propylene / ethylene copolymer.

11. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the weight ratio of component a to component b is from 5.0 to 40.

12. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the ratio of the MFR of component b to the I2 of component a is 6.0 to 25.

13. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first composition comprises 97 wt% or less of component a, based on the total weight of components a and b.

14. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first composition comprises 3.0 wt% to about 12 wt% of component b, based on the total weight of components a and b.

15. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the first composition comprises 60% to about 100% by weight of the sum of component a and component b, based on the weight of the first composition.

16. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the composition further comprises at least one additive.

17. 17. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the composition has a "Barry Flex Cycles to Failure" of 70k or greater.

18. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the composition has a Shore A hardness of 20 to 70.

19. An article comprising at least one component formed from the composition of any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. 19. A method of forming artificial leather, said method comprising mixing a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

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