Polypropylene composition with improved transparency

Abstract

A polymer composition is disclosed. The composition may include (a) at least 95 wt. % polypropylene, (b) a clarifying agent, and (c) a nucleating agent, wherein the presence of the clarifying agent and the nucleating agent in the polymer composition reduces the haze value of the polymer composition when compared to the haze value of the polymer composition with the clarifying agent but without the nucleating agent, as determined by ASTM D1003 at a thickness of 40 to 80 mils.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 395,035, filed August 4, 2022. The contents of the referenced application are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] A. Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to a polypropylene composition containing an additive. In some embodiments, the polypropylene composition may include a combination of a clarifying agent (e.g., a nonitol-based clarifying agent or a trisamide-based clarifying agent) and a nucleating agent (e.g., a phosphate ester-based nucleating agent) that can improve the clarity and / or stiffness of the composition.

[0003] B. Description of Related Technical Fields Polypropylene belongs to a family of polymers known as polyolefins and is one of the most widely used polymers today. Polypropylene is typically considered a commodity chemical and is produced in large quantities for the automotive, consumer goods, and furniture industries. As polypropylene technology improves, its applications have expanded into specialized areas such as medical devices and aircraft parts.

[0004] Polypropylene is made from the polymerization of propene monomers (C3H6), typically with one of two catalyst types: Ziegler-Natta or metallocene. Each propene monomer contains a polymerizable element consisting of two carbon atoms with a double bond between them, with a pendant methyl group attached to one of these two carbon atoms. The monomeric polymerizable elements chemically react with each other to produce long hydrocarbon chains with one pendant methyl group present for every two carbon atoms in the chain.

[0005] Each propene monomer can be oriented in one of two ways during its polymerization. Consequently, the pendant methyl groups attached to each propene monomer are fixed in one of two orientations. The collective orientation pattern of the pendant methyl groups along the polymer chain results in different basic chain structures. Isotactic polypropylene (iPP) has a uniform, repeating methyl group sequence, with the methyl groups oriented on one side of the polymer chain. Syndiotactic polypropylene (sPP) has a uniform, alternating methyl group sequence, with the methyl groups oriented on alternate sides of the polymer chain. Atactic propylene (aPP) has an irregular pendant methyl group sequence with no orientation pattern. The overall orientation pattern of the pendant methyl groups affects the degree to which the polymer chains can align with each other, a property known as crystallinity.

[0006] Polypropylene is a semi-crystalline polymer containing ordered regions with aligned polymer chains and amorphous regions lacking a clearly defined shape or morphology. The ordered or crystalline areas are called spherulites and can vary in shape and size from the amorphous areas that exist between the crystalline areas. The degree of crystallinity can affect polymer characteristics such as stiffness, as well as the material's chemical and heat resistance.

[0007] As polypropylene cools from the molten state to the solid state, spherulite nucleation begins around microscopic sites naturally present in the material. The spherulites continue to grow around the nucleation sites, eventually growing larger than the wavelength of visible light. Large spherulites scatter light, resulting in a material with a hazy appearance. A hazy appearance can be undesirable in applications such as packaging, where visual appeal is a high priority. The haze of polypropylene can be a limiting factor for its inclusion in end products where clarity is desired. This haze can be more prevalent when polypropylene is molded (e.g., by injection molding) into manufactured articles of increased thickness compared to thin films. Summary of the Invention

[0008] It has been discovered that polypropylene compositions with improved clarity and / or stiffness can be obtained. In one aspect of the present invention, it has been discovered that a polypropylene composition comprising a clarifying agent, such as a nonitol-based or trisamide-based clarifying agent, and a nucleating agent, such as a phosphate ester-based nucleating agent, can improve the haze value of the polypropylene composition. As illustrated in a non-limiting manner in the examples, such a combination of a clarifying agent and a nucleating agent surprisingly reduces the haze value when compared to (1) a polypropylene composition comprising a nucleating agent but not a clarity enhancing agent, and (2) a polypropylene composition comprising a clarity enhancing agent but not a nucleating agent. Specifically, it has been discovered that polypropylene compositions comprising a nucleating agent have a high haze value, polypropylene compositions comprising a clarity enhancing agent have a lower haze value, and polypropylene compositions comprising a nucleating agent and a clarity enhancing agent have the lowest haze value. It was unexpected that the presence of a nucleating agent together with a clarity enhancing agent improves the haze value when compared to the same composition comprising a clarity enhancing agent but not a nucleating agent. In some embodiments, the clarifying agent can be 1,2,3-trideoxy-4,5:5,7-bis-O-[(4-propylphenyl)methylene]-nonitol or a 1,3,5-benzenetrisamidoamide derivative (e.g., 1,3,5-tris(2,2-dimethylpropanamido)benzene), and the nucleating agent can be 2,2'-methylenebis(4,6,-di-tertbutylphenyl)phosphate. This improvement in clarity can be particularly advantageous in applications where polypropylene polymers are molded (e.g., by injection molding) into manufactured articles having thicknesses of at least 2 mils, preferably at least 5 mils, more preferably at least 10 mils, or even more preferably, between 20 mils and 300 mils, or even more preferably, between 20 mils and 100 mils. For example, increasing the thickness while improving the clarity of the polypropylene composition can enable expanded applications of the polypropylene composition where clarity is desired. Furthermore, it has been discovered that polypropylene compositions comprising a clarifying agent and a nucleating agent can improve the tensile modulus of the polypropylene composition.As illustrated in a non-limiting manner in the examples, such a combination of a clarifying agent and a nucleating agent surprisingly resulted in an increase in tensile modulus when compared to a polypropylene composition containing a clarity enhancing agent but not a nucleating agent, which opens up a wide range of applications and / or uses for the polypropylene composition of the present invention.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, a polymer composition is disclosed that includes at least 95, 96, 97, 98, or 99 wt. % polypropylene, a clarifying agent, and a nucleating agent. In some embodiments, the presence of the clarifying agent and nucleating agent in the polymer composition reduces the haze value, as determined by ASTM D1003. In some embodiments, the haze value is measured on a polypropylene molded plaque thickness of 20 to 80 mils, preferably 40 to 80 mils, or more preferably 60 to 80 mils, where 1 mil is a dimension equal to one-thousandth of an inch (0.001 inch). In some embodiments, the haze value is measured on a polypropylene molded plaque thickness of 20, 40, 50, 60, 70, or 80 mils, or preferably 20, 40, 60, or 80 mils, or more preferably 40, 60, or 80 mils. In some embodiments, the reduction in haze is relative to the haze of a polymer composition containing a clarifying agent but not a nucleating agent, or a polymer composition containing a nucleating agent but not a clarifying agent. In some embodiments, a polypropylene composition containing a clarifying agent and a nucleating agent exhibits a haze reduction of at least 1%, preferably at least 2%, more preferably 1% to 5%, or even more preferably 2% to 5%, compared to the haze of a polymer composition containing a clarifying agent but not a nucleating agent, or a polymer composition containing a nucleating agent but not a clarifying agent. In some embodiments, the haze of a polymer composition containing a clarifying agent and a nucleating agent is 20% or less, or 15% to 20%, as determined by ASTM D1003. In contrast, the haze of a polymer composition containing a clarifying agent but not a nucleating agent is greater than 20%, or greater than 20% to 25%.

[0010] In one embodiment, the composition comprises 0.01-0.5 wt.%, alternatively 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, or 0.5 wt.%, or any range contained therein, of a clarifying agent. The composition may also comprise 0.01-0.5 wt.%, alternatively 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, or 0.5 wt.%, or any range contained therein, of a nucleating agent. In one embodiment, the composition comprises 0.1-0.3 wt.% clarifying agent and 0.05-0.2 wt.% nucleating agent. In another embodiment, the composition comprises a clarifying agent and a nucleating agent in a wt.% ratio of 0.01 / 5 to 0.5 / 0.01.

[0011] In some embodiments, the clarifying agent is a nonitol-based clarifying agent or a trisamide-based clarifying agent, and the nucleating agent is a phosphate ester-based nucleating agent. In some embodiments, the clarifying agent is a nonitol-based clarifying agent or a trisamide-based clarifying agent. In certain embodiments, the nonitol-based clarifying agent is 1,2,3-trideoxy-4,5:5,7-bis-O-[(4-propylphenyl)methylene]-nonitol, or the trisamide-based clarifying agent is a 1,3,5-benzenetrisamide amide derivative, preferably 1,3,5-tris(2,2-dimethylpropanamido)benzene. In some embodiments, the clarifying agent is 1,2,3,4-dibenzylidene sorbitol, 1,2,3,4-di-para-methylbenzylidene sorbitol, or 1,2,3,4-di-meta,para-methylbenzylidene sorbitol.

[0012] In some embodiments, the nucleating agent is a phosphate ester-based nucleating agent. In some embodiments, the phosphate ester-based nucleating agent is 2,2'-methylenebis(4,6,-di-tertbutylphenyl)phosphate. In some embodiments, the phosphate ester-based nucleating agent further comprises a dispersing agent.

[0013] In some embodiments, the polypropylene is a homopolymer, a random copolymer, or a blend thereof. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the monomers in the polypropylene random copolymer are ethylene monomers and / or butylene monomers. In some embodiments, the polypropylene is a Ziegler-Natta catalyzed polypropylene or a metallocene catalyzed polypropylene. In some embodiments, the polymer composition has a melt flow index of 0.2 to 150 g / 10 min as measured by ASTM D1238 (230°C / 2.16 kg). In some particular embodiments, the polypropylene composition comprises at least 95 wt.% random copolymer metallocene-catalyzed polypropylene having any one, any combination, or all of the following characteristics: (1) a melt flow of 9 g / 10 min as determined by ASTM D-1238; (2) a tensile strength at break of 4,800 (35) psi (MPa) as determined by D-882; (3) an elongation at break of 700% as determined by ASTM D-882; (4) a 1% secant modulus of 100,000 (689) psi (MPa) as determined by ASTM D-882; (5) a gloss at 45° of 80 as determined by ASTM D-2457; (6) a melting point of 289 (143)°F (°C) as determined by ASTM D-3417 (melting point determined using a DSC-2 Differential Scanning Calorimeter); and / or (7) an ASTM Density 0.9 g / cc as determined by D-1505. Data in (2) through (5) are based on unstretched film - 2 mil (50 microns).

[0014] In some embodiments, the polymer composition further comprises an additive, which is an antioxidant, an acid neutralizer, an antistatic agent, an antiblocking agent, an antifog agent, an anticorrosion agent, a UV absorber, a lubricant, a plasticizer, mineral oil, wax, clay, talc, calcium carbonate, diatomaceous earth, carbon black, mica, glass fiber, a filler, a slip agent, a pigment, a UV stabilizer, a flame retardant, a mold release agent, a dye, a blowing agent, a fluorescent agent, a surfactant, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the polymer composition has a tensile modulus of 200,000 to 230,000 psi as measured by ASTM D638, a tensile strength at yield of 4,400 to 4,800 psi as measured by ASTM D638, a flexural modulus of 180,000 to 220,000 psi as measured by ASTM D790, and a notched Izod impact strength of 0.5 to 1.5 ft-lb / in as measured by ASTM D256.

[0015] Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to articles of manufacture comprising any of the polymer compositions disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a method for making an article of manufacture comprises obtaining a polypropylene composition disclosed herein and producing the article of manufacture by injection molding, blow molding, compression molding, stretch molding, rotational molding, transfer molding, sheet extrusion thermoforming, shallow draw thermoforming, deep draw thermoforming, or profile extrusion. In some embodiments, a method for producing a polypropylene composition comprises obtaining a composition comprising at least 95, 96, 97, 98, or 99 wt.% polypropylene and extruding the composition in the presence of a clarifying agent and a nucleating agent to obtain a polypropylene composition of the present invention. In some embodiments, the method comprises extruding at a melt temperature of 200°C to 260°C.

[0016] In some aspects of the invention, the polypropylene composition and / or articles of manufacture formed from or including the polypropylene composition have a viscosity of at least 2 mils, 3 mils, 4 mils, 5 mils, 6 mils, 7 mils, 8 mils, 9 mils, 10 mils, 15 mils, 20 mils, 25 mils, 30 mils, 35 mils, 40 mils, 45 mils, 50 mils, 55 mils, 60 mils, 65 mils, 70 mils, 75 mils, 80 mils, 85 mils, 90 mils, 95 mils, 100 mils, 110 mils, 120 mils, 130 mils, 140 mils, 150 mils, 160 mils, 170 mils, 180 mils, 190 mils, 210 mils, 220 mils, 230 mils, 240 mils, 250 mils, 260 mils, 270 mils, 280 mils, 290 mils, 300 mils, 310 mils, 320 mils, 330 mils, 340 mils, 350 mils, 360 mils, 370 mils, 380 mils, 390 mils, 400 mils, 410 mils, 420 mils, 430 mils, 440 mils, 450 mils, 460 mils, 470 mils, 480 mils, 4 The polypropylene composition or article of manufacture may have a thickness of 150 mils, 160 mils, 170 mils, 180 mils, 190 mils, 200 mils, 210 mils, 220 mils, 230 mils, 240 mils, 250 mils, 260 mils, 270 mils, 280 mils, 290 mils, 300 mils, 350 mils, 400 mils, or 500 mils, or greater, or any range or number therein (e.g., a thickness of at least 5 mils, at least 10 mils, 20 mils to 300 mils, 20 mils to 100 mils, 40 mils to 100 mils, 40 mils to 80 mils, etc.). In some preferred embodiments, the thickness of the polypropylene composition or article of manufacture of the present invention may be from 20 mils to 100 mils.

[0017] Other aspects or embodiments of the invention are discussed throughout this application. Any aspect or embodiment discussed with respect to one aspect of the invention also applies to other aspects or embodiments of the invention, and vice versa. Each aspect or embodiment described herein should be understood to be an aspect or embodiment of the invention that is also applicable to other aspects of the invention. It is contemplated that any aspect or embodiment discussed herein can be combined with other aspects or embodiments discussed herein and / or implemented with respect to any method or composition of the invention, and vice versa. Furthermore, the compositions and systems of the invention can be used to achieve the methods of the invention.

[0018]

[0023] Aspects 1 to 23 are also disclosed within the context of the present invention. Aspect 1 includes a polymer composition comprising (a) at least 95 wt. % polypropylene, (b) a clarifying agent, and (c) a nucleating agent, wherein the presence of the clarifying agent and the nucleating agent in the polymer composition reduces the haze value of the polymer composition, as determined by ASTM D1003 at a thickness of 40 to 80 mils, compared to the haze value of the polymer composition with the clarifying agent but without the nucleating agent. Aspect 2 is the polymer composition according to Aspect 1, wherein the composition comprises 0.01 to 0.5 wt. % of the clarifying agent and 0.01 to 0.5 wt. % of the nucleating agent. Aspect 3 is the polymer composition of Aspect 2, wherein the composition comprises 0.1 to 0.3 wt. % of the clarifying agent and 0.05 to 0.2 wt. % of the nucleating agent, or the composition comprises the clarifying agent and the nucleating agent in a wt. % ratio of 0.01 / 5 to 0.5 / 0.01. Aspect 4 is the polymer composition of any one of Aspects 1 to 3, wherein the clarifying agent is a nonitol-based clarifying agent or a trisamide-based clarifying agent, and the nucleating agent is a phosphate ester-based nucleating agent. Example 5 is the polymer composition of Example 4, wherein the nonitol-based clarifying agent is 1,2,3-trideoxy-4,5:5,7-bis-O-[(4-propylphenyl)methylene]nonitol or the trisamide-based clarifying agent is a 1,3,5-benzenetrisamidoamide derivative, preferably 1,3,5-tris(2,2-dimethylpropanamido)benzene. Example 6 is the polymer composition of any one of Examples 4-5, wherein the phosphate ester-based nucleating agent is 2,2'-methylenebis(4,6,-di-tertbutylphenyl)phosphate. Example 7 is the polymer composition of example 4, wherein the clarifying agent is 1,2,3-trideoxy-4,5:5,7-bis-O-[(4-propylphenyl)methylene]-nonitol and the nucleating agent is 2,2'-methylenebis(4,6,-di-tertbutylphenyl)phosphate.Aspect 8 is the polymer composition of any one of Aspects 1-7, wherein the presence of the clarifying agent and the nucleating agent in the polymer composition increases the tensile modulus of the polymer composition, as determined by ASTM D638, compared to the tensile modulus of the polymer composition with the clarifying agent but without the nucleating agent. Aspect 9 is the polymer composition of any one of Aspects 1-8, wherein the haze is reduced by at least 1%, preferably at least 2%, more preferably 1% to 5%, or even more preferably 2% to 5%. Aspect 10 is the polymer composition of any one of Aspects 1-9, wherein the haze of the polymer composition including the clarifying agent and the nucleating agent is 20% or less, or 15% to 20%, and the haze of the polymer composition including the clarifying agent but without the nucleating agent is greater than 20%, or greater than 20% to 25%. Aspect 11 is the polymer composition of any one of aspects 1-10, wherein the polypropylene is a homopolymer or a random copolymer, or a blend thereof. Aspect 12 is the polymer composition of any one of aspects 1-11, wherein the polypropylene is a Ziegler-Natta-catalyzed polypropylene or a metallocene-catalyzed polypropylene. Aspect 13 is the polymer composition of any one of aspects 1-12, wherein the polymer composition has a melt flow index of 0.2 to 150 g / 10 min, as measured by ASTM D1238 (230°C / 2.16 kg). Aspect 14 is the polymer composition of any one of aspects 1-13, wherein the polymer composition further comprises an additive. Example 15 is the polymer composition of Example 14, wherein the additive is an antioxidant, an acid neutralizer, an antistatic agent, an antiblocking agent, an antifog agent, an anticorrosion agent, an ultraviolet absorber, a lubricant, a plasticizer, mineral oil, a wax, a clay, talc, calcium carbonate, diatomaceous earth, carbon black, mica, glass fiber, a filler, a slip agent, a pigment, an ultraviolet stabilizer, a flame retardant, a mold release agent, a dye, a blowing agent, a fluorescent agent, a surfactant, or any combination thereof.Example 16 is the polymer composition of any one of Examples 1-15, wherein the polymer composition has at least one of the following properties: a tensile modulus of 200,000 to 230,000 psi as measured by ASTM D638, a tensile strength at yield of 4,400 to 4,800 psi as measured by ASTM D638, a flexural modulus of 180,000 to 220,000 psi as measured by ASTM D790, and / or a notched Izod impact strength of 0.5 to 1.5 ft-lb / in as measured by ASTM D256. Example 17 is the polymer composition of any one of Examples 1-16, wherein the polymer composition has a thickness of at least 2 mils, preferably at least 5 mils, more preferably at least 10 mils, or even more preferably, from 20 mils to 300 mils, or still even more preferably, from 20 mils to 100 mils. Example 18 is the polymer composition of any one of Examples 1-17, wherein the polymer composition is an injection molded polymer composition.

[0019] Example 19 is an article of manufacture comprising the polymer composition of any one of Examples 1-18.

[0020] Example 20 is a method of making the article of manufacture of example 19, the method comprising obtaining the polymer composition of any one of examples 1-18 and making the article of manufacture by injection molding, blow molding, compression molding, stretch molding, rotational molding, transfer molding, sheet extrusion thermoforming, shallow draw thermoforming, deep draw thermoforming, or profile extrusion. Example 21 is the article of manufacture of example 20, wherein the article of manufacture is an injection molded article of manufacture, preferably an injection molded article of manufacture having a thickness of 20 mils to 100 mils.

[0021] Example 22 is a method for producing the polypropylene composition of any one of Examples 1 to 18, the method comprising: (a) obtaining a composition comprising at least 95 wt.% of the polypropylene, a clarifier, and a nucleating agent; and (b) extruding the composition to obtain the polypropylene composition of any one of Examples 1 to 17. Example 23 is the method of Example 22, wherein the extrusion conditions comprise a melt temperature of 200 to 260°C.

[0022] The following contains definitions of various terms and phrases used throughout this specification.

[0023] Polypropylene random copolymers are copolymers produced by polymerization of propylene with greater than 0% up to 10% by total weight of ethylene and / or butylene.

[0024] The terms "about" or "approximately" are defined as close as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In one non-limiting embodiment, the term is defined as within 10%, alternatively, within 5%, alternatively, within 1%, or alternatively, within 0.5%.

[0025] The terms "wt.%," "vol.%," or "mol.%" refer to the weight percent, volume percent, or mole percent of a component, respectively, based on the total weight, volume, or moles of a material including the component. In a non-limiting example, 10 grams of a component in 100 grams of a material is 10 wt.% of the component. The term "ppm" refers to parts per million by weight of a component, based on the total weight including the component.

[0026] The term "substantially" and variations thereof are defined to include ranges of within 10%, within 5%, within 1%, or within 0.5%.

[0027] The terms "inhibiting" or "reducing" or "preventing" or "avoiding" or any variation of these terms, as used in the claims and / or this specification, include any measurable decrease or complete inhibition to achieve a desired result.

[0028] The term "effective," as that term is used in the specification and / or claims, means adequate to accomplish a desired, expected, or intended result.

[0029] The use of the words "a" or "an," when used in conjunction with any of the terms "comprising," "including," "contain," or "having" in the claims or this specification, may mean "one," but is also consistent with the meanings of "one or more," "at least one," and "one or more than one."

[0030] The term "and / or" can include "and" or "or." Illustratively, X, Y, and / or Z can include X alone, Y alone, Z alone, a combination of X and Y, a combination of X and Z, a combination of Y and Z, or a combination of X, Y, and Z.

[0031] The word "comprising" (and any form of comprising, such as "comprise" and "comprises")), "having" (and any form of having, such as "have" and "has")), "including" (and any form of including, such as "includes" and "include"), or "containing" (and any form of containing, such as "contains" and "contain") is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

[0032] The processes and systems of the present invention can "comprise," "consist essentially of," or "consist of" the specific ingredients, components, compositions, steps, etc. disclosed throughout this specification. With respect to the transitional phrase "consisting essentially of," in one non-limiting aspect, a basic and novel feature of the compositions and processes of the present invention includes polypropylene compositions that include a clarifying agent and a nucleating agent and that exhibit reduced haze.

[0033] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following figures, detailed description, and examples. However, it should be understood that the figures, detailed description, and examples, while indicating specific embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration only and are not intended to be limiting. Furthermore, it is contemplated that changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. In alternative embodiments, features from a particular embodiment may be combined with features from other embodiments. For example, features from one embodiment may be combined with features from any of the other embodiments. In alternative embodiments, additional features may be added to the specific embodiments described herein.

[0034] Advantages of the present invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the accompanying drawings in conjunction with the benefit of the following detailed description. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] 1 is a graph depicting the tensile modulus of polypropylene compositions containing one or more additives. [Figure 2] 1 is a graph depicting tensile strength at yield of polypropylene compositions containing one or more additives. [Figure 3] 1 is a graph depicting the flexural modulus of polypropylene compositions containing one or more additives. [Figure 4] 1 is a graph depicting haze as a function of thickness for polypropylene molded plaques containing one or more additives. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] One aspect of the present invention is based on the discovery that polypropylene compositions containing both a clarifying agent and a nucleating agent exhibit reduced haze when compared to the same composition without the nucleating agent and / or when compared to the same composition without the clarifying agent. This improved clarity can be particularly advantageous in applications where the polypropylene polymer is molded (e.g., by injection molding) into manufactured articles having thicknesses of greater than 2 mils, preferably at least 5 mils, more preferably at least 10 mils, or even more preferably, 20 mils to 300 mils, or even more preferably, 20 mils to 100 mils. As also illustrated in the examples, the polypropylene compositions of the present invention can have improved mechanical properties when compared to formulations containing a clarifying agent but no nucleating agent. Examples of improved mechanical properties include tensile modulus, tensile strength, flexural modulus, and / or notched Izod impact strength. These properties open up a wide range of applications and / or uses for the polypropylene compositions of the present invention.

[0037] These and other non-limiting aspects of the present invention are discussed in further detail in the following sections.

[0038] A. Polypropylene Polymers of the present invention can include polypropylene homopolymers (e.g., isotactic polypropylene, syndiotactic polypropylene, atactic polypropylene), random copolymers of propylene, and blends thereof. In some embodiments, controlled rheology grade polypropylene (CRPP) can be used. CRPP is polypropylene that has been further processed (e.g., via a degradation process) to produce a polypropylene polymer having a targeted high melt flow index (MFI), a lower molecular weight and / or a narrower molecular weight distribution than the starting polypropylene.

[0039] Polypropylene can be prepared by any of the commercially available polymerization processes (e.g., "high pressure," slurry, solution, and / or gas-phase processes) in conjunction with any of the known catalysts (e.g., Ziegler-Natta catalysts, chromium or Phillips catalysts, single-site catalysts, metallocene catalysts, and the like). Polypropylene can be prepared using methods described in U.S. Patent Nos. 8,957,159, 8,088,867, 8,071,687, 7,056,991, and 6,653,254. Polypropylene can also be purchased through commercial sources, such as those supplied by TotalEnergies (USA), Total SA, Lyondell Bassel Industries, Reliance Industries Ltd, Sinopec, and ExxonMobil Chemical Co. Polypropylene can be pre-extruded and / or in solid form (e.g., pellets).

[0040] The polypropylene composition of the present invention may contain at least 90 wt.% polypropylene (e.g., 90 wt.% to 100 wt.%, or equal to, at least, up to, or between any two of 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 99.1, 99.2, 99.3, 99.4, 99.5, 99.6, 99.7, 99.8, and 99.9, 99.95, and 100 wt.%), based on the total weight of the polypropylene. In some embodiments, the polypropylene may be a polypropylene homopolymer or a random copolymer polypropylene. In certain embodiments, the polypropylene may have any one, any combination, or all of the following characteristics: (1) a modulus of elasticity of 0.5 g / 10 min to 150 g / 10 min, or 0.5 g / 10 min, as measured according to ASTM D1238 (230°C / 2.16 kg).(1) a melt flow equal to, at least equal to, at most equal to, or between any two of 5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150 g / 10 min (a preferred melt flow is 5-15 g / 10 min); (2) a tensile strength at break of 2000-7000, preferably about 4,500-5,500 psi (MPa), as determined by ASTM D-882; (4) an elongation at break of 300% to 1000%, preferably 600% to 800%, as determined by ASTM D-882; (5) a 1% secant modulus of 50,000 to 150,000, or preferably 75,000 to 125,000 psi, as determined by ASTM D-882; (6) a gloss at 45° of 50 to 100, preferably 70 to 90, as determined by ASTM D-2457; 100°C to 300°C, preferably 125°C to 190°C, or even more preferably 140°C to 180°C, as determined by D-3417, or and / or (7) a melting point equal to, at least equal to, at most equal to, or between any two of 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, and 180° C. (melting point determined using a DSC-2 differential scanning calorimeter); and / or (8) a viscosity index (SAR) of 0.1 to 2 g / cc, preferably 0.7 to 1.1 g / cc, or even more preferably 0.85 g / cc to 0.95 g / cc, or 0.85, 0.86, 0.87, 0.88, 0.89, 0.9, 0.91, 0.92, 0.93, 0.94, and 0.95 g / cc, as determined by ASTM D-1505.95 g / cc. The data in (2) through (5) are based on unstretched film - 2 mil (50 microns). In some embodiments, the polypropylene is commercially available (e.g., Lumicene® M6571 supplied by TotalEnergies (Houston, Texas) can be used in the context of the present invention).

[0041] B. Clarifying agent The polypropylene composition of the present invention may include a clarifying agent or a combination of clarifying agents. The clarifying agent may include a trisamide-based clarifying agent, a nonitol-based clarifying agent, and / or a sorbitol-based clarifying agent, or any combination thereof. Trisamide clarifying agents include, but are not limited to, amide derivatives of benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid, amide derivatives of 1,3,5-benzenetriamine, derivatives of N-(3,5-bis-formylamino-phenyl)-formamide, derivatives of 2-carbamoyl-malonamide, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the trisamide clarifying agent is N,N',N"-benzene-1,3,5-triyltris(2,2-dimethylpropanamide). Nonitol-based clarifying agents include, but are not limited to, derivatives of nonitol, such as 1,2,3-trideoxy-4,5:5,7-bis-O-[(4-propylphenyl)methylene]-nonitol (NX8000, CAS Registry Number 882073-43-0, Milliken Chemical, Spartanburg, SC). Sorbitol clarifying agents include, but are not limited to, 1,2,3,4-dibenzylidene sorbitol (Millad 3905, CAS Number: 32647-67-9, Milliken Chemical, Spartanburg, SC), 1,2,3,4-di-para-methylbenzylidene sorbitol (Millad 3940), and 1,2,3,4-di-para-methylbenzylidene sorbitol (Millad 3940). CAS No. 54686-97-4, Milliken Chemical, Spartanburg, SC), and 1,2,3,4-di-meta,para-methylbenzylidene sorbitol (Millad 3998, CAS No. 135861-56-2, Milliken Chemical, Spartanburg, SC). Another clarity enhancer that may be used in the context of the present invention includes NA-71 (ADK STAB NA-71) (Adeka Corporation, Tokyo, Japan).In some preferred embodiments, the clarity enhancer is 1,2,3-trideoxy-4,5:5,7-bis-O-[(4-propylphenyl)methylene]-nonitol (NX8000, CAS Registry Number 882073-43-0, Milliken Chemical, Spartanburg, SC). In other preferred embodiments, the clarity enhancer is a 1,3,5-benzenetrisamidoamide derivative, preferably 1,3,5-tris(2,2-dimethylpropanamido)benzene (Irgacelar XT 386, BASF, Ludwigshafen, Germany).

[0042] Amounts of clarifying agent that may be included in the polypropylene composition of the present invention include 0.01 wt.% to 5 wt.%, or any amount or range therein (e.g., 0.01 wt.%, 0.05 wt.%, 0.1 wt.%, 0.2 wt.%, 0.3 wt.%, 0.4 wt.%, 0.5 wt.%, 0.6 wt.%, 0.7 wt.%, 0.8 wt.%, 0.9 wt.%, 1 wt.%, 1.5 wt.%, 2 wt.%, 2.5 wt.%, 3 wt.%, 3.5 wt.%, 4 wt.%, 4.5 wt.%, 5 wt.%). In some preferred embodiments, the polypropylene composition of the present invention may comprise 0.01 wt.% to 0.5 wt.%, or any amount or range therein (e.g., 0.01 wt.%, 0.02 wt.%, 0.03 wt.%, 0.04 wt.%, 0.05 wt.%, 0.06 wt.%, 0.07 wt.%, 0.08 wt.%, 0.09 wt.%, 0.1 wt.%, 0.2 wt.%, 0.3 wt.%, 0.4 wt.%, or 0.5 wt.%) of clarifying agent(s).

[0043] C. Nucleating Agents The polypropylene composition of the present invention may contain a nucleating agent or a combination of nucleating agents. The nucleating agent may include a phosphate ester-based nucleating agent. Non-limiting examples of phosphate ester-based nucleating agents include 2,2'-methylenebis(4,6-di-tertbutylphenyl)phosphate or Hyperform HPN 715 (Milliken Chemical, Spartanburg, SC). 2,2'-methylenebis(4,6-di-tertbutylphenyl)phosphate is commercially available from Adeka (Tokyo, Japan) under the trade names ADK STAB NA-11 or ADK STAB NA-27. NA-27 is NA-11 combined with a dispersant.

[0044] Amounts of nucleating agent that may be included in the polypropylene composition of the present invention include 0.01 wt.% to 5 wt.%, or any amount or range therein (e.g., 0.01 wt.%, 0.05 wt.%, 0.1 wt.%, 0.2 wt.%, 0.3 wt.%, 0.4 wt.%, 0.5 wt.%, 0.6 wt.%, 0.7 wt.%, 0.8 wt.%, 0.9 wt.%, 1 wt.%, 1.5 wt.%, 2 wt.%, 2.5 wt.%, 3 wt.%, 3.5 wt.%, 4 wt.%, 4.5 wt.%, 5 wt.%). In some preferred embodiments, the polypropylene composition of the present invention may comprise 0.01 wt.% to 0.5 wt.% of a nucleating agent, or any amount or range therein (e.g., 0.01 wt.%, 0.02 wt.%, 0.03 wt.%, 0.04 wt.%, 0.05 wt.%, 0.06 wt.%, 0.07 wt.%, 0.08 wt.%, 0.09 wt.%, 0.1 wt.%, 0.2 wt.%, 0.3 wt.%, 0.4 wt.%, or 0.5 wt.%).

[0045] In certain embodiments, the polypropylene composition of the present invention has a wt.% ratio of 0.01 / 5 to 0.5 / 0.01, or any ratio therein (e.g., 0.0002:1, 0.001:1, 0.01:1, 0.02:1, 0.03:1, 0.04:1, 0.05:1, 0.06:1, 0.07:1, 0.08:1, 0.09:1, 0. The composition may contain a clarifying agent and a nucleating agent in a ratio of 1:1, 0.2:1, 0.3:1, 0.4:1, 0.5:1, 0.6:1, 0.7:1, 0.8:1, 0.9:1, 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, 6:1, 7:1, 8:1, 9:1, 10:1, 15:1, 20:1, 25:1, 30:1, 35:1, 40:1, 45:1, 50:1).

[0046] D. Additives The polypropylene composition of the present invention may contain various additives. Non-limiting examples of additives include antiblocking agents, antistatic agents, antioxidants, neutralizing agents, blowing agents, crystallization aids, dyes, flame retardants, fillers, impact modifiers, mold release agents, oils, other polymers, pigments, processing agents, reinforcing agents, slip agents, flow improvers, stabilizers, UV resistance agents, and combinations thereof. Additives are available from various commercial suppliers. Non-limiting examples of commercial additive suppliers include BASF (Germany), Dover Chemical Corporation (USA), AkzoNobel (The Netherlands), Sigma-Aldrich® (USA), Atofina Chemicals, Inc., and the like. The amount of optional additives can range from 0.01 wt.% to 5 wt.% (e.g., 0.01 wt.%, 0.05 wt.%, 0.1 wt.%, 0.2 wt.%, 0.3 wt.%, 0.4 wt.%, 0.5 wt.%, 0.6 wt.%, 0.7 wt.%, 0.8 wt.%, 0.9 wt.%, 1 wt.%, 1.5 wt.%, 2 wt.%, 2.5 wt.%, 3 wt.%, 3.5 wt.%, 4 wt.%, 4.5 wt.%, 5 wt.%, or any value or range therebetween) in the polypropylene composition.

[0047] E. Methods for Making Polymer Compositions The polymer composition of the present invention can be made by blending polypropylene with a clarifying agent and a nucleating agent, and optionally with other additives. In some embodiments, the polypropylene can be in a solid form (e.g., pellets) and can be melted and mixed with the clarifying agent and nucleating agent and optional other additives. Suitable blenders are known to those skilled in the art. Non-limiting examples include mixers, kneaders, and extruders. In certain embodiments, the process can be carried out using an extruder by introducing the polypropylene, the clarifying agent and nucleating agent, and other additives into the extruder hopper. Non-limiting examples of extruders include single-screw extruders, counter-rotating and co-rotating twin-screw extruders, planetary gear extruders, ring extruders, or co-kneaders. Melt blending can be carried out at a melt temperature between 200°C and 260°C or equal to, up to, or between any one of 200°C, 205°C, 210°C, 215°C, 220°C, 225°C, 230°C, 235°C, 240°C, 245°C, 250°C, 255°C, and 260°C. The polypropylene and clarifying and nucleating agents and other additives can be subjected to elevated temperatures for a sufficient time during blending. The blending temperature can be above the softening point of the polypropylene.

[0048] The clarifying agent, nucleating agent, and other additives can be premixed or added separately to the polypropylene. For example, the clarifying agent, nucleating agent, and other additives can be premixed so that they can be added to the polypropylene. Incorporation of the clarifying agent, nucleating agent, and other additives into the polypropylene can be carried out, for example, by mixing the above-mentioned components using methods conventional in process technology. The blending temperature can be above the softening point of the polypropylene. In certain embodiments, the process can be carried out at a temperature of about 160°C to 250°C. Such "melt mixing" or "melt compounding" results in a uniform dispersion of the additives present in the polypropylene.

[0049] F. Articles Containing Polymer Compositions The polymer compositions of the present invention can be incorporated into articles of manufacture. In some embodiments, the articles of manufacture can be extruded, blow molded, rotationally molded, injection molded, and / or thermoformed articles. In some embodiments, the articles of manufacture can be transparent. Non-limiting examples of articles of manufacture include films, sheets, fibers, yarns, packaging fillers, molded films, protective packaging, shrink sleeves and / or labels, shrink films, twist wraps, sealant films, caps, crates, bottles, jars, funnels, pipette tips, well plates, microtiter plates, syringes, sutures, face masks, personal protective equipment, medical instruments, medical trays, sample vials, cuvettes, reaction vials, contact lens molds, cigarette filters, technical filters, knitted socks, cold and warm weather filters, and the like. Examples of resin applications include sports apparel, underwear, shoes, rope, twine, bale warp, tape, construction / industrial fabrics, piping, non-electrical fuses for initiating explosions, absorbent products (e.g., diapers), expandable foams, carpets, mats, rugs, furniture, toys, luggage, tote bags, duffel bags, sports bags, backpacks, textiles, food containers and lids, prepared food containers and lids, dairy containers and lids, vehicle parts, dashboards, bumpers, coverings, exteriors, film cushioning, film skins, covers, and interior vehicle components. In these and other uses, the resins may be combined with other materials, such as particulate materials including talc, calcium carbonate, wood, and fibers (such as glass or graphite fibers), to form composites. Examples of such composites include components for furniture, automotive parts, and building materials, particularly those used as lumber substitutes. [Example]

[0050] The present invention will be described in more detail by way of specific examples. The following examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize a variety of non-critical parameters that can be changed or modified to achieve essentially the same results.

[0051] Example 1 (Preparation of Polypropylene Composition) A polypropylene composition (Example 1) was prepared by blending a phenolic antioxidant (Irganox 1010, 0.06 wt.%), a secondary antioxidant (Irgafos 168, 0.06 wt.%), a neutralizing agent (calcium stearate, 0.03 wt.%), a nucleating agent (NA27, 0.1 wt.%), and a metallocene polypropylene random copolymer base resin (M6571 in fluff form, balance) and extruding the mixture at a melt mass flow rate (MFR) of 9 dg / min. The phenolic antioxidant, secondary antioxidant, and neutralizing agent are not believed to contribute to the haze value of the polypropylene composition. The compound was prepared in a 1 1 / 4" single-screw extruder using three temperature zones (350°F-410°F-420°F, with 420°F for the die).

[0052] Example 2 (Preparation of Polypropylene Composition) A polypropylene composition (Example 2) was prepared by blending a phenolic antioxidant (Irganox 1010, 0.06 wt.%), a secondary antioxidant (Irgafos 168, 0.06 wt.%), a neutralizing agent (calcium stearate, 0.03 wt.%), a nucleating agent (HPN715, 0.1 wt.%), and a metallocene polypropylene random copolymer base resin (remainder: M6571 in fluff form), and the blend was extruded at a melt mass flow rate (MFR) of 9 dg / min. The phenolic antioxidant, secondary antioxidant, and neutralizing agent are not believed to contribute to the haze value of the polypropylene composition.

[0053] Example 3 (Preparation of Polypropylene Composition) A polypropylene composition (Example 3) was prepared by blending a phenolic antioxidant (Irganox 1010, 0.06 wt.%), a secondary antioxidant (Irgafos 168, 0.06 wt.%), a neutralizing agent (calcium stearate, 0.03 wt.%), a clarity enhancer (Millad NX8000, 0.2 wt.%), and a metallocene polypropylene random copolymer base resin (remainder: M6571 in fluff form), and the blend was extruded at a melt mass flow rate (MFR) of 9 dg / min. The phenolic antioxidant, secondary antioxidant, and neutralizing agent are not believed to contribute to the haze value of the polypropylene composition.

[0054] Example 4 (Preparation of Polypropylene Composition) A polypropylene composition (Example 4) was prepared by blending a phenolic antioxidant (Irganox 1010, 0.06 wt.%), a secondary antioxidant (Irgafos 168, 0.06 wt.%), a neutralizing agent (calcium stearate, 0.03 wt.%), a nucleating agent (NA27, 0.1 wt.%), a clarity enhancer (Millad NX8000, 0.2 wt.%), and a metallocene polypropylene random copolymer base resin (M6571 in fluff form, remainder) and extruding the mixture at a melt mass flow rate (MFR) of 9 dg / min. The phenolic antioxidant, secondary antioxidant, and neutralizing agent are not believed to contribute to the haze value of the polypropylene composition.

[0055] Example 5 (Preparation of Polypropylene Composition) A polypropylene composition (Example 5) was prepared by blending a phenolic antioxidant (Irganox 1010, 0.06 wt.%), a secondary antioxidant (Irgafos 168, 0.06 wt.%), a neutralizing agent (calcium stearate, 0.03 wt.%), a nucleating agent (HPN715, 0.1 wt.%), a clarity enhancer (Millad NX8000, 0.2 wt.%), and a metallocene polypropylene random copolymer base resin (remainder: fluffed M6571) and extruding the mixture at a melt mass flow rate (MFR) of 9 dg / min. The phenolic antioxidant, secondary antioxidant, and neutralizing agent are not believed to contribute to the haze value of the polypropylene composition.

[0056] Table 1 below shows the prepared polypropylene compositions from Examples 1-5. [Table 1] * M6571 is a random copolymer metallocene polypropylene (Total Energies, Houston, Texas) with a melt flow index of 9 g / 10 min (2.16 Kg-230°C). * Irganox 1010 is pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate) (BASF, Ludwigshafen, Germany). * Irgafos168 is tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphite (BASF, Ludwigshafen, Germany). * Calcium stearate is C 36 H 70 CaO4 (Baerlocher, Germany). NA27 is 2,2'-methylenebis(4,6-di-tertbutylphenyl)phosphate containing dispersant (ADK STAB NA-27 Adeka, Tokyo, Japan). * HPN715 is Hyperform HPN 715 (Milliken Chemical, Spartanburg, SC). * Millad NX8000 is 1,2,3-trideoxy-4,5:5,7-bis-O-[(4-propylphenyl)methylene]-nonitol (Milliken Chemical, Spartanburg, SC).

[0057] Example 6 (Results) Polypropylene Composition Example 1 contained a nucleating agent (NA27) but no clarity enhancer. This composition exhibited high tensile modulus (Figure 1) and high flexural modulus (Figure 2), but relatively poor transparency (high haze, Figure 3). Similarly, Polypropylene Composition Example 2 contained a nucleating agent (HPN-715) but no clarity enhancer and exhibited comparable properties.

[0058] Polypropylene composition Example 3, which contained a clarity enhancer (NX8000) but no nucleating agent, exhibited desirable low haze (Figure 3), while exhibiting low tensile modulus (Figure 1) and low flexural modulus (Figure 2).

[0059] Polypropylene compositions (Examples 4 and 5) containing a nucleating agent (NA27 or HPN715, respectively) and a clarity enhancer (NX8000) exhibited high tensile modulus (Figure 1), high flexural modulus (Figure 2), and high transparency (low haze, Figure 3). The reduction in haze became more pronounced in thicker molded plaques, with a greater degree of haze difference over the single additive compositions described above (see Figure 4, 80 mil plaque thickness). The inclusion of both a nucleating agent and a clarity enhancer in the polypropylene composition resulted in a high stiffness polypropylene composition that retained high transparency in thicker product applications. These results can be attributed to the synergistic effect achieved by the combination of a nucleating agent and a clarity enhancer in the polypropylene composition.

[0060] Table 2 below presents the results of notched Izod impact testing for the various polypropylene compositions described above. [Table 2]

[0061] Although the embodiments and advantages of the present application have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, it is not intended that the scope of the present application be limited to the particular embodiments of the processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, and steps described herein. As will be readily apparent from the foregoing disclosure, one skilled in the art can utilize existing or later-developed processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same results as the corresponding embodiments described herein. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.

Claims

1. (a) at least 95 wt.% polypropylene, (b) Clearing agent, and (c) Nucleating agent A polymer composition comprising, The polymer composition wherein, when the presence of the clearing agent and the nucleating agent in the polymer composition is determined by ASTM D1003 at a thickness of 40 to 80 mils, the haze value of the polymer composition is reduced when compared with the haze value of a polymer composition having the clearing agent but not the nucleating agent.

2. The polymer composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises 0.01 to 0.5 wt.% of the clearing agent and 0.01 to 0.5 wt.% of the nucleating agent.

3. The polymer composition according to claim 2, wherein the composition comprises 0.1 to 0.3 wt.% of the clearing agent and 0.05 to 0.2 wt.% of the nucleating agent, or wherein the composition comprises the clearing agent and the nucleating agent in a wt.% ratio of 0.01 / 5 to 0.5 / 0.

01.

4. The polymer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the clearing agent is a nonitol-based clearing agent or a trisamide-based clearing agent, and the nucleating agent is a phosphate ester-based nucleating agent.

5. The polymer composition according to claim 4, wherein the nonitol-based clearing agent is 1,2,3-trideoxy-4,5:5,7-bis-O-[(4-propylphenyl)methylene]-nonitol, or the trisamide-based clearing agent is a 1,3,5-benzenetrisamidoamide derivative, preferably 1,3,5-tris(2,2-dimethylpropanamide)benzene.

6. The polymer composition according to any one of claims 4, wherein the phosphate ester-based nucleating agent is 2,2'-methylenebis(4,6,-di-tertbutylphenyl) phosphate.

7. The polymer composition according to claim 4, wherein the clearing agent is 1,2,3-trideoxy-4,5:5,7-bis-O-[(4-propylphenyl)methylene]nonitol, and the nucleating agent is 2,2'-methylenebis(4,6,-di-tertbutylphenyl)phosphate.

8. The polymer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, when the presence of the clearing agent and the nucleating agent in the polymer composition is determined by ASTM D638, the tensile modulus of the polymer composition increases when compared with the tensile modulus of the polymer composition having the clearing agent but not the nucleating agent.

9. The polymer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the haze value is reduced by at least 1%, preferably at least 2%, more preferably 1% to 5%, or even more preferably 2% to 5%.

10. The polymer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the haze value of the polymer composition containing the clearing agent and the nucleating agent is 20% or less or 15% to 20%, and the haze value of the polymer composition containing the clearing agent but not containing the nucleating agent is greater than 20% or greater than 20% to 25%.

11. The polymer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the polypropylene is a homopolymer, a random copolymer, or a blend thereof.

12. The polymer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the polypropylene is Ziegler-Natta catalyst polypropylene or metallocene catalyst polypropylene.

13. The polymer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the polymer composition has a melt flow index of 0.2 to 150 g / 10 min when measured by ASTM D1238 (230°C / 2.16 kg).

14. The polymer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the polymer composition further comprises an additive.

15. The polymer composition according to claim 14, wherein the additive is an antioxidant, acid neutralizer, antistatic agent, antiblocking agent, antifogging agent, corrosion inhibitor, ultraviolet absorber, lubricant, plasticizer, mineral oil, wax, clay, talc, calcium carbonate, diatomaceous earth, carbon black, mica, glass fiber, filler, slip agent, pigment, ultraviolet stabilizer, flame retardant, mold release agent, dye, foaming agent, fluorescent agent, surfactant, or any combination thereof.

16. The aforementioned polymer composition has the following properties: When measured by ASTM D638, the tensile modulus is 200,000 to 230,000 psi. Tensile strength at the yield point of 4,400–4,800 psi when measured by ASTM D638, Flexural modulus of 180,000 psi to 220,000 psi, and / or as measured by ASTM D790. Notched Izod impact strength of 0.5 to 1.5 ft-lb / in when measured by ASTM D256, A polymer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, having at least one of the following.

17. The polymer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the polymer composition has a thickness of at least 2 mils, preferably at least 5 mils, more preferably at least 10 mils, or even more preferably 20 mils to 300 mils, or still even more preferably 20 mils to 100 mils.

18. The polymer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the polymer composition is an injection-molded polymer composition.

19. A manufactured article comprising the polymer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

20. A method for producing the manufactured article described in claim 19, wherein the method comprises obtaining the polymer composition described in any one of claims 1 to 3, and producing the manufactured article by injection molding, blow molding, compression molding, stretch molding, rotational molding, transfer molding, sheet extrusion thermoforming, shallow drawing thermoforming, deep drawing thermoforming, or shape extrusion.

21. The manufactured article according to claim 20, wherein the manufactured article is an injection-molded article, preferably an injection-molded article having a thickness of 20 mils to 100 mils.

22. A method for producing the polypropylene composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the method is (a) at least 95 wt.% of the polypropylene, Clearing agent, and Nucleating agent To obtain a composition containing, (b) Extruding the composition to obtain the polypropylene composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The method, including the method described above.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the extrusion conditions include a melting temperature of 200 to 260°C.

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