System, method, and non-transitory computer-readable medium for predicting compatibility of adhesive or coating compositions with polyolefin polymers

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a system, method, and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing a program for predicting the mechanical recyclability, i.e., compatibility, of an adhesive or coating composition with a polyolefin polymer by calculating the Hansen Solubility Parameter (HSP) of the adhesive or coating composition, the arithmetic distance (Ra), the geometric distance (Rb), and the aliphatic carbon ratio (ACR) of the adhesive or coating composition, comparing at least one of the HSP, the arithmetic distance (Ra), and the geometric distance (Rb) of the adhesive or coating composition with a threshold value, comparing the ACR of the adhesive or coating composition with an ACR threshold value, and predicting the mechanical recyclability, i.e., compatibility, of the adhesive or coating composition and the polyolefin polymer based on the results of the comparison.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 482,099, filed January 30, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media for predicting the mechanical recyclability, or compatibility, of an adhesive or coating composition with a polyolefin polymer. [Background technology]

[0003] Adhesive or coating compositions are useful for a wide variety of purposes. For example, adhesive compositions are used to bond substrates such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyamide, metal, paper, or cellophane together to form composite films, i.e., laminates. Coating compositions are used for aesthetic, functional, and protective purposes. The use of adhesive or coating compositions in various end-use applications is generally known. For example, adhesives can be used in the packaging industry to produce film-to-film, film-to-paper, and film-to-metal foil laminates, particularly those used for food and pharmaceutical packaging. Coatings are applied to plastic films, paper, metal foil, metal parts, and pipes and cables.

[0004] For many reasons, it may be desirable to predict the mechanical recyclability, or in other words, compatibility, of an adhesive or coating composition with a polyolefin polymer. Conventional systems and methods generally determine the mechanical recyclability, or compatibility, of an adhesive or coating composition with a polyolefin polymer by conducting experiments. These systems and methods require a large upfront investment and are time-consuming and expensive. No systems or methods are available that can predict the mechanical recyclability, or compatibility, of an adhesive or coating composition with a polyolefin polymer without using actual equipment and experiments.

[0005] With the advent of computational modeling methods, it has become possible to model or simulate many processes involving mechanical recyclability, i.e., compatibility issues. What is needed is a system, method, and non-transitory computer-readable medium for predicting the compatibility of adhesive or coating compositions with polyolefin polymers without actual experimentation. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be used to determine the Hansen's solubility parameter (HSP) of an adhesive or coating composition, the arithmetic distance (R) to a benchmark material such as a polyolefin composition. a ), the geometric distance to the benchmark material (R b ), and the aliphatic carbon ratio (ACR) of the adhesive or coating composition, and the HSP, arithmetic distance (R a ), and geometric distance (R b) to a threshold, and comparing the ACR of the adhesive or coating composition to the ACR threshold of a benchmark polyolefin polymer, and predicting the compatibility of the adhesive or coating composition with a polyolefin polymer based on the results of the comparison. This provides a means of predicting the compatibility of an adhesive or coating composition with a polyolefin polymer composition without conducting actual recyclability experiments, and reduces the time to predict the compatibility of an adhesive or coating composition with a polyolefin polymer composition with improved accuracy. This can help screen adhesive or coating compositions prior to recyclability experiments, accelerate discovery, save costs, and reveal the laws governing the mechanical recyclability, i.e., compatibility, of adhesive or coating compositions, and guide the design of future adhesive or coating compositions.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, a system for predicting compatibility of an adhesive or coating composition with a polyolefin polymer includes a controller that receives a name of the adhesive or coating composition, a trade name of the adhesive or coating composition, or both, receives a name of the polyolefin polymer, a trade name of the polyolefin polymer, or both, and calculates a Hansen Solubility Parameter (HSP, δ) of the adhesive or coating composition based on the name of the adhesive or coating composition, the trade name of the adhesive or coating composition, or both. t ), polar interaction subcomponent (δ p ), hydrogen bond subcomponent (δ h ), and the dispersion force subcomponent (δ d ) and calculate the HSP (δ) of the polyolefin polymer based on the name of the polyolefin polymer, the trade name of the polyolefin polymer, or both. t0 ), the polar interaction subcomponent of polyolefin polymers (δ p0 ), hydrogen bond subcomponent (δ h0 ), and the dispersion force subcomponent (δ d0) and calculate the arithmetic distance parameter (R a ) and calculate the geometric distance parameter (R b ) and calculate the ACR of the adhesive or coating composition based on the name of the adhesive or coating composition, the trade name of the adhesive or coating composition, or both, and calculate the HSP, arithmetic distance (R a ), and geometric distance (R b ) is compared to a threshold value, the ACR of the adhesive or coating composition is compared to the ACR threshold value, and the HSP of the adhesive or coating composition, the arithmetic distance (R a ), and geometric distance (R b ) with a threshold value, and the ACR of the adhesive or coating composition with the ACR threshold value.

[0008] In another embodiment, a method for predicting compatibility of an adhesive or coating composition with a polyolefin polymer includes receiving a name of the adhesive or coating composition, a trade name of the adhesive or coating composition, or both; receiving a name of the adhesive or coating composition, a trade name of the adhesive or coating composition, or both; receiving a name of the polyolefin polymer, a trade name of the polyolefin polymer, or both; and calculating the HSP (δ) of the adhesive or coating composition based on the name of the adhesive or coating composition, the trade name of the adhesive or coating composition, or both. t ), polar interaction subcomponent (δ p ), hydrogen bond subcomponent (δ h ), and the dispersion force subcomponent (δ d ) and calculating the HSP (δ) of the polyolefin polymer based on the name of the polyolefin polymer, the trade name of the polyolefin polymer, or both. t0), the polar interaction subcomponent of polyolefin polymers (δ p0 ), hydrogen bond subcomponent (δ h0 ), and the dispersion force subcomponent (δ d0 ) and the arithmetic distance parameter (R a ) and the geometric distance parameter (R b ), calculating the ACR of the adhesive or coating composition based on the name of the adhesive or coating composition, the trade name of the adhesive or coating composition, or both, and calculating the HSP, arithmetic distance (R a ), and geometric distance (R b ) to a threshold value; comparing the ACR of the adhesive or coating composition to the ACR threshold value; and comparing the HSP of the adhesive or coating composition, the arithmetic distance (R a ), and geometric distance (R b and predicting the compatibility of the adhesive or coating composition with the polyolefin polymer based on the results of comparing at least one of the ACRs of the adhesive or coating composition with a threshold value and the results of comparing the ACR of the adhesive or coating composition with the ACR threshold value.

[0009] In yet another embodiment, a non-transitory computer readable medium for predicting compatibility of an adhesive or coating composition with a polyolefin polymer, when executed by a controller, causes the controller to receive a name of the adhesive or coating composition, a trade name of the adhesive or coating composition, or both, receive a name of the polyolefin polymer, a trade name of the polyolefin polymer, or both, and calculate an HSP (δ) of the adhesive or coating composition based on the name of the adhesive or coating composition, the trade name of the adhesive or coating composition, or both. t ), polar interaction subcomponent (δ p ), hydrogen bond subcomponent (δ h), and the dispersion force subcomponent (δ d ) and calculate the HSP (δ) of the polyolefin polymer based on the name of the polyolefin polymer, the trade name of the polyolefin polymer, or both. t0 ), the polar interaction subcomponent of polyolefin polymers (δ p0 ), hydrogen bond subcomponent (δ h0 ), and the dispersion force subcomponent (δ d0 ) to calculate the arithmetic distance parameter (R a ) to calculate the geometric distance parameter (R b ) and calculate the ACR of the adhesive or coating composition based on the name of the adhesive or coating composition, the trade name of the adhesive or coating composition, or both, and calculate the HSP of the adhesive or coating composition, the arithmetic distance (R a ), and geometric distance (R b ) is compared to a threshold value, the ACR of the adhesive or coating composition is compared to the ACR threshold value, and the HSP of the adhesive or coating composition, the arithmetic distance (R a ), and geometric distance (R b The compatibility of the adhesive or coating composition with the polyolefin polymer is predicted based on the results of comparing at least one of the ACRs of the adhesive or coating composition with a threshold value and the results of comparing the ACR of the adhesive or coating composition with the ACR threshold value.

[0010] Additional features and advantages of the described embodiments will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description, or may be learned by practice of the described embodiments, including the following detailed description and claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] The following detailed description of certain embodiments of the present disclosure can be best understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, in which like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for predicting compatibility of an adhesive or coating composition with a polyolefin polymer according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating multiple memory modules of the system of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 3] 1 is a flow chart of a method for predicting compatibility of an adhesive or coating composition with a polyolefin polymer according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 4] 4 is a table of increment values ​​in the Hoy system for the molar attraction function according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. The values ​​in FIG. 4 are reproduced from Table 7.12 of the book "Properties of Polymers," 4th Edition, Fully Revised, by DW van Krevelen, available from Elsevier: Amsterdam, 2009, eBook ISBN: 9780080915104.

[0012] Reference will now be made in more detail to various embodiments of the present disclosure, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Unless stated to the contrary, implied from the context, or customary in the art, all parts and percentages are by weight, all temperatures are in degrees Celsius (°C), and all test methods are current as of the filing date of this disclosure.

[0014] The terms "mechanical recyclability," "compatibility," or simply "recyclability," or "mechanical reworkability," or simply "reworkability," as used herein with respect to a first article having an adhesive or coating, refer to mechanically recyclable or recyclability, meaning that the first article having an adhesive or coating can be mechanically reworked to produce a second article having a desired performance range, where the second article has a reduced change in performance of at least 33% or less relative to the performance of a control article that does not have any adhesive or coating and is reworked in the same manner as the second article. Examples of test methods and guidelines for determining the recyclability of plastic articles can be found, but are not limited to, in the Association of Plastic Recycler (APR) publication "Critical Guidance Protocol for PE Film and Flexible Packaging," Document Number FPE-CG-01, Revised August 2, 2022.

[0015] In general, the laminates of the present invention can be used in a wide range of applications, including packaging, for producing various packaging materials and products, before recycling. For example, the laminates can be used in bulk packaging of food grains / legumes, seed packaging, lentil and cereal packaging, fertilizer packaging, oilseed packaging, sugar packaging, salt packaging, pharmaceutical packaging, other food packaging, and personal care products such as bath salts and detergent pods. The films can also be used as packaging for wipes, feminine hygiene products, cereal bars, protein bars, cheese, and confectionery products. When used in heavy-duty packaging of food grains / legumes, the packaged articles show no signs of tunneling / delamination / deformation in the laminate after the adhesive has cured for 24 hours. Other advantageous features and applications of recyclable laminates when used to package articles include, for example, resistance to harsh weather conditions, high tensile strength, robust drop test resistance, excellent optical appearance, and resistance to leakage. The recycled materials of the present invention can also be used to regenerate non-packaging materials.

[0016] One of the advantages of the present invention is that post-consumer virgin articles (first articles) made from laminates of the present invention can be reprocessed, i.e., processed through a recycling process. After recycling, recycled materials from the previous virgin article can be used to make subsequent recycled laminates and thus recycled articles (i.e., second articles) that have properties and performance very close to those of the previous virgin article. One objective of the present invention is to produce a second article that performs similarly to or better than the first article, i.e., the properties of the second article perform 100% as well as or better than those of the first article. At a minimum, the properties of the second article are maintained at a performance level sufficient to provide the second article useful for another application.

[0017] The first article comprises a combination of (a) at least one polyolefin polymer and (b) at least an adhesive or coating composition. Surprisingly, it has been discovered that the recyclability characteristics of an adhesive or coating composition (according to publicly recognized mechanical recycling protocols such as APR FPE-CG-01) can be predicted by several readily observable, calculable, and measurable physicochemical properties of the same composition; thus, in some embodiments, the first article is said to be mechanically recyclable, or polyolefin-compatible, and can be used to make second articles for a variety of other applications.

[0018] The polyolefin polymer, component (a), useful for making the first article of the present invention can comprise one or more polyolefins. The first article can be, for example, a polyolefin film. Generally, the polymer portion of the film can be composed of at least 80% polyolefin polymer, or at least 85% polyolefin polymer, or at least 90% polyolefin polymer. In one embodiment, the polyolefin polymer is at least one PE polymer. For example, the PE polymer can comprise one or more of HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE, and mixtures thereof. The polyolefin film can be a monolayer or multilayer film, or an oriented film oriented by a machine direction orientation (MDO) or biaxial orientation process. In another preferred embodiment, the polyolefin is polypropylene (PP), oriented PP (OPP), biaxially oriented PP (BOPP), and mixtures thereof. The non-polyolefin portion of the film may be composed of a polymer such as poly(vinyl alcohol) (EVOH) or polyamide (e.g., nylon), a functionalized tie layer polymer, and a compatibilizer, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,300,686.

[0019] The thickness of the polyolefin film web used to form the recyclable laminate of the present invention can typically be from 10 microns (μm) to 200 μm. For this model to be valid, the weight percentage of adhesive or coating in the laminated or coated film is less than 15%, preferably less than 10%, more preferably less than 8%, and even more preferably less than 5%.

[0020] Embodiments disclosed herein include a system, method, and non-transitory computer-readable medium for predicting the compatibility of an adhesive or coating composition with a polyolefin polymer. The system, method, and non-transitory computer-readable medium may include a method for predicting the compatibility of an adhesive or coating composition with a polyolefin polymer, using the HSP of the adhesive or coating composition, the arithmetic distance (R a ), geometric distance (R b ), and aliphatic carbon ratio (ACR) are calculated to obtain the HSP, arithmetic distance (R a ), and geometric distance (R b ) is compared with the threshold value of the benchmark polymer, the ACR of the adhesive or coating composition is compared with the ACR threshold value of the benchmark polymer, and the compatibility of the adhesive or coating composition with the polyolefin polymer is predicted based on the results of the comparison, thereby accurately predicting the compatibility of the adhesive or coating composition with the polyolefin polymer without conducting actual experiments.

[0021] The term "polymer" can refer to a polymeric compound prepared by polymerizing monomers, whether the monomers are the same or different. Thus, the generic term polymer encompasses 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 (e.g., catalyst residues) may be incorporated into and / or present within the polymer. The polymer may be a single polymer, a polymer blend, or a polymer mixture, including a mixture of polymers formed in situ during polymerization. As used herein, the term "olefin-based polymer" or "polyolefin" refers to a polymer that contains a majority amount of olefin monomer, e.g., ethylene, propylene, or isoprene, in polymerized form (based on the weight of the polymer), and may optionally contain one or more comonomers.

[0022] The terms "copolymer" or "interpolymer" can refer to polymers prepared by polymerizing at least two different monomers. Thus, the generic term interpolymer includes copolymers and other polymers prepared by polymerizing more than two different monomers, such as terpolymers.

[0023] The terms "adhesive or coating" or "adhesive or coating composition" can refer to a composition that adheres to at least one substrate. An adhesive composition can be used as an adhesive layer between two or more substrates in a multi-layer laminate structure. A coating can be used on one substrate.

[0024] The term "polyurethane" generally refers to a polymer having polyurethane linkages resulting from the chemical reaction between isocyanate groups and polyols. Chemicals having isocyanate groups and polyols can have many different compositions. For example, one or more isocyanate-terminated polymers can be reacted with small molecule polyols such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, neopentyl glycol, 1,6-hexanediol, and combinations thereof to provide a polyurethane polymer. Alternatively, one or more hydroxyl-terminated polymers can be reacted with low molecular weight isocyanates, such as toluene diisocyanate (TDI), 4,4'-methylenebisphenylisocyanate (MDI), hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), 4,4'-methylenedicyclohexyl diisocyanate, 1,5-naphthylene diisocyanate, 1,3-bis(isocyanatomethyl)benzene, dimers and trimers of these isocyanates, and combinations thereof, to produce polyurethane polymers. Furthermore, one or more hydroxyl-terminated polymers can be reacted with one or more isocyanate-terminated polymers to produce polyurethane polymers. Common backbones for hydroxyl- and isocyanate-terminated polymers used in polyurethane synthesis include polyesters, polyethers, polycarbonates, poly(meth)acrylates, polyamides, nylons, and silicones. Polyurethanes can be linear or crosslinked.

[0025] The terms "polyethylene (PE)" or "polyolefin polymer" can refer to polymers containing a majority (greater than 50 mol%) of units derived from ethylene monomers. These include polyethylene homopolymers, ethylene / α-olefin interpolymers, and ethylene / α-olefin copolymers. Common forms of polyethylene known in the art include low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), very low-density polyethylene (ULDPE), very low-density polyethylene (VLDPE), medium-density polyethylene (MDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), reinforced polyethylene, polyethylene elastomers, and polyethylene plastomers. These PE materials are generally known in the art. However, the following description may clarify the differences between some of these different PE resins. The term "LDPE," sometimes also referred to as "high-pressure ethylene polymer" or "highly branched polyethylene," is defined to mean that the polymer is partially or fully homopolymerized or copolymerized in an autoclave or tubular reactor at pressures greater than 14,500 pounds per square inch (psi) (100 megapascals [MPa]) using a free radical initiator such as peroxide (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,916,667, 8,871,887, 8,822,601, 9,228,036, and 9,765,160). LDPE resins typically have a molecular weight of 0.916 grams per cubic centimeter (g / cm). 3 )~0.935g / cm 3 The term "MDPE" refers to a material with a density in the range of 0.926 g / cm 3~0.940g / cm 3 The term "HDPE" refers to polyethylene having a density of 0.940 g / cm 3 Super, 0.970g / cm 3 The term "ULDPE" refers to polyethylene having a density of 0.880 g / cm 3 ~0.912g / cm 3 Polyethylene plastomer / elastomer refers to polyethylene with a density of 0.870 to 0.917 g / cm 3 It has a density of

[0026] The term "composition" may refer to a mixture of materials comprising the composition, as well as reaction products and decomposition products formed from the materials of the composition. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and their derivatives are not intended to exclude the presence of any additional components, steps, or procedures, whether specifically disclosed or not. For the avoidance of doubt, all compositions claimed through the use of the term "comprising" may include any additional additives, adjuvants, or compounds, whether polymeric or otherwise, unless otherwise stated to the contrary. In contrast, the term "consisting essentially of" excludes any other component, step, or procedure from any subsequently recited scope, except those that are not essential to operability. The term "consisting of" excludes any component, step, or procedure not specifically delineated or listed.

[0027] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a system 100 for predicting the compatibility of an adhesive or coating composition with a polyolefin polymer according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. With reference to FIG. 1, system 100 may include one or more processors 102, a communication path 104, one or more memory modules 106, a data storage component 108, and network interface hardware 110. In some embodiments, system 100 may be a remote computing device (e.g., a cloud computing device) or a local computing device.

[0028] Each of the one or more processors 102 may be any device capable of executing machine-readable and executable instructions. Accordingly, each of the one or more processors 102 may be a controller, an integrated circuit, a microchip, a computer, or any other physical or cloud-based computing device. Algorithms, including the trained models, signal preprocessing, and noise reduction methods discussed below, may be executed by the one or more processors 102. The one or more processors 102 are coupled to a communication path 104, which provides signal interconnectivity between various modules of the system 100. Accordingly, the communication path 104 may communicatively couple any number of processors 102 to each other, enabling the modules coupled to the communication path 104 to operate in a distributed computing environment. Specifically, each module may operate as a node that may transmit and / or receive data. As used herein, the term “communicatively coupled” means that the coupled components can exchange data signals with each other, such as, for example, electrical signals through a conductive medium, electromagnetic signals through the air, or optical signals through an optical waveguide.

[0029] As such, communication path 104 may be formed from any medium capable of transmitting a signal, such as, for example, a conductive wire, a conductive trace, an optical waveguide, etc. In some embodiments, communication path 104 may facilitate the transmission of wireless signals, such as WiFi, Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), etc. Furthermore, communication path 104 may be formed from a combination of media capable of transmitting a signal. In one embodiment, communication path 104 includes a combination of conductive traces, conductive wires, connectors, and buses that cooperate to enable the transmission of electrical data signals to components such as processors, memories, sensors, input devices, output devices, and communication devices. Furthermore, it should be noted that the term "signal" refers to a waveform (e.g., electrical, optical, magnetic, mechanical, or electromagnetic), such as DC, AC, sine wave, triangle wave, square wave, vibration, etc., that can propagate through a medium.

[0030] System 100 includes one or more memory modules 106 coupled to communication path 104 and may include non-transitory computer-readable media including RAM, ROM, flash memory, hard drives, or any device capable of storing machine-readable and executable instructions such that the machine-readable and executable instructions can be accessed by one or more processors 102. The machine-readable and executable instructions may include, for example, logic or algorithms written in any programming language of any generation (e.g., 1GL, 2GL, 1GL, 4GL, or 5GL), such as a machine language that may be executed directly by a processor, or assembly language, object-oriented programming (OOP), scripting languages, microcode, etc. that may be compiled or assembled into machine-readable and executable instructions and stored in one or more memory modules 106. Alternatively, the machine-readable and executable instructions may be written in a hardware description language (HDL), such as logic implemented via a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) configuration or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any of their equivalents. Accordingly, the methods described herein may be implemented in any conventional computer programming language, as pre-programmed hardware elements, or as a combination of hardware and software components. Memory module 106 is described in more detail below in connection with FIG. 2.

[0031] 1, system 100 includes a data storage component 108. Data storage component 108 may store data used by various components of system 100. In particular, data storage component 108 may store an HSP threshold, an ACR threshold, an arithmetic distance threshold, a geometric distance threshold, parameters for calculating at least one of the HSP, the ACR, the arithmetic distance, and the geometric distance, or a combination thereof.

[0032] 1 , system 100 includes network interface hardware 110 for communicatively coupling system 100 to other devices. In an embodiment, network interface hardware 110 can send and receive data to and from other computing devices that may be used by various components of system 100. Network interface hardware 110 may be any device that can be communicatively coupled to communication path 104 and that can transmit and / or receive data over a network. Thus, network interface hardware 110 may include a communications transceiver for transmitting and / or receiving any wired or wireless communications. For example, network interface hardware 110 may include an antenna, a modem, a LAN port, a Wi-Fi card, a WiMax card, mobile communications hardware, near-field communications hardware, satellite communications hardware, and / or any wired or wireless hardware for communicating with other networks and / or devices.

[0033] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates multiple memory modules of the system of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 2 , the one or more memory modules 106 may include an adhesive or coating composition data receiving module 202, a first calculation module 204, a first comparison module 206, a polyolefin polymer data receiving module 212, a second calculation module 214, an arithmetic distance calculation module 222, an arithmetic distance comparison module 224, a geometric distance calculation module 232, a geometric distance comparison module 234, an adhesive or coating composition ACR calculation module 242, an ACR comparison module 244, and a prediction module 252.

[0035] The adhesive or coating composition data receiving module 202 may receive data on the name of the adhesive or coating composition, the trade name of the adhesive or coating composition, or both. In some embodiments, a user may provide the name of the adhesive or coating composition, the trade name of the adhesive or coating composition, or both. The data on the name of the adhesive or coating composition, the trade name of the adhesive or coating composition, or both may be transmitted to the adhesive or coating composition data receiving module 202.

[0036] The adhesive or coating composition may include, but is not limited to, polyurethane, acrylic, poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate), polystyrene, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, polyester, polycarbonate, polyolefin, or combinations thereof.

[0037] The adhesive or coating composition may optionally include one or more ingredients such as fillers, dyes and pigments, tackifiers, plasticizers, rheology modifiers, polymers (including, for example, thermoplastic resins other than those described herein), dehydrating agents (including, for example, silanes), benzoyl chloride, other polyols (including, for example, fatty polyols), ultraviolet indicators, solvents, and the like.

[0038] In some embodiments, the adhesive or coating composition may be included in an outer coating layer of a laminate structure. The adhesive or coating layer may improve interlayer adhesion between functional layers and prevent delamination of the layers. In some embodiments, the adhesive or coating composition may be included in an outer layer, e.g., a coating layer, of a laminate structure. The outer layer may provide mechanical support and protection for other layers of the laminate structure. Furthermore, the outer layer film may be particularly suitable for protection, engraving, or printing.

[0039] In some embodiments, in response to receiving the name of the adhesive or coating composition, the trade name of the adhesive or coating composition, or both, the first calculation module 204 may create a list of the ingredients of the adhesive or coating composition. The first calculation module 204 may also remove solvents from the list of ingredients of the adhesive or coating composition. The first calculation module 204 may also remove any ingredient having a concentration of 1 weight percent (wt%) or less based on the total amount of the adhesive or coating composition. Using ADCOTE® 102E / Coreactant CT (where " / " means "with"), a solvent-based polyurethane adhesive system, the HSP of the adhesive or coating composition, the arithmetic distance (R a ), geometric distance (R b), and ACR calculations are described. The values ​​relative to the polyolefin polymer values ​​are used to define boundaries for mechanical recyclability of polyurethane adhesive systems and polyolefin polymers. The boundaries are valid for polyurethane adhesives and coatings. Adhesive or coating compositions based on other chemicals may have different sets of values ​​and boundaries. For example, in response to receiving a trade name for an adhesive or coating composition such as "ADCOTE® 102E / Coreactant CT," the first calculation module 204 may generate a list of the adhesive or coating composition's ingredients excluding solvents and ingredients with concentrations of 1% or less by weight based on the total adhesive or coating composition, such as isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid, azelaic acid, ethylene glycol, and ISONATE® 125m pure MDI.

[0040] The first calculation module 204 can determine the weight, molecular weight, number of moles, and molecular formula of each component on the list of adhesive or coating compositions. For example, in response to creating a list of components for "ADCOTE® 102E / Coreactant CT" in a 100:5.2 mix weight ratio, the first calculation module 204 can determine the weight, molecular weight, number of moles, and molecular formula of each component as shown in Table 1.

[0041] [Table 1]

[0042] The first calculation module 204 can calculate a group contribution value for each component based on the weight, molecular weight, number of moles, and molecular formula of each component. In an embodiment, the group contribution is calculated using a molar attraction function (F t ), polar components (F p ), molar volume (V), Lydersen correction for the solvent (Δ T ), and the Lydersen correction for polymers (Δ T (p) ), or a combination thereof. All values ​​are in FIG. 4.

[0043] For example, in response to creating a list of ingredients for "ADCOTE® 102 E / Coreactant CT," the first calculation module 204 can calculate the group contribution value for isophthalic acid. Isophthalic acid may have 0.028 moles of disubstituted benzene (four aromatic CH and two aromatic carbons) and 0.056 moles of carboxylic acid. The molar attraction function (F) for isophthalic acid is: t ) and polar components (F p ) can be calculated as follows: F t =0.028×(4×241+2×201)+0.056×565=69.89 F p =0.028×(4×62.5+2×65)+0.056×415=33.88

[0044] The first calculation module 204 calculates the molar volume (V) of isophthalic acid, the Lydersen correction (Δ T ), and the Lydersen correction for polymers (Δ T (p) The first calculation module 204 can calculate the molar attraction functions (F t ), polar components (F p ), molar volume (V), Lydersen correction for the solvent (Δ T ), and the Lydersen correction for polymers (Δ T (p) ), or a combination thereof, can be used to calculate a group contribution value.

[0045] The first calculation module 204 calculates the HSP, polar interaction subcomponent (δ) of the adhesive or coating composition based on the name of the adhesive or coating composition or polyolefin, the trade name of the adhesive or coating composition or polyolefin, or both. p ), hydrogen bond subcomponent (δ h ), and the dispersion force subcomponent (δd ) of the adhesive or coating composition or polyolefin. p ), hydrogen bond subcomponent (δ h ), and the dispersion force subcomponent (δ d ) can be calculated. Figure 4 shows the increment values ​​in the Hoy system for the molar attraction function. HSP, polar interaction subcomponent (δ p ), hydrogen bond subcomponent (δ h ), and the dispersion force subcomponent (δ d ) can be calculated using equations 3 to 6 below, respectively. All equations required for the calculations can be taken from Chapter 7 of the book "Properties of Polymers" by DW van Krevelen, 4th Edition, Fully Revised Edition, available from Elsevier: Amsterdam, 2009, eBook ISBN: 9780080915104.

[0046]

number

[0047]

number

[0048] The first comparison module 206 can compare the HSP of the adhesive or coating composition to a threshold HSP. The threshold HSP may be stored in the first comparison module 206 prior to operating the system 100 (shown in FIG. 1 ) for predicting compatibility between an adhesive or coating composition and a polyolefin polymer. In some embodiments, the threshold HSP of a polyurethane adhesive or coating composition may be 22.7. The term “polyurethane adhesive or coating composition” may refer to an adhesive or coating composition that includes polyurethane. In some embodiments, a polyurethane adhesive or coating composition may consist of or consist essentially of polyurethane. For adhesive or coating compositions based on chemicals other than polyurethane, the HSP value may be different from 22.7.

[0049] The polyolefin polymer data receiving module 212 may receive data on the name of the polyolefin polymer, the trade name of the polyolefin polymer, or both. In some embodiments, a user may provide the name of the polyolefin polymer, the trade name of the polyolefin polymer, or both. The data on the name of the polyolefin polymer, the trade name of the polyolefin polymer, or both may be transmitted to the polyolefin polymer data receiving module 212.

[0050] The polyolefin polymer may include polyethylene, polypropylene (PP), oriented PP (OPP), biaxially oriented PP (BOPP), or combinations thereof. The non-polyolefin portion of the film may be composed of a polymer such as poly(vinyl alcohol) (EVOH) or polyamide (e.g., nylon), a functionalized tie layer polymer, and a compatibilizer, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,300,686.

[0051] In some embodiments, in response to receiving the name of the polyolefin polymer composition, the trade name of the polyolefin polymer composition, or both, similar to an adhesive or coating composition, the second computing module 214 may create a list of ingredients of the polyolefin polymer composition. The second computing module 214 may also remove solvents from the list of ingredients of the polyolefin polymer composition. The second computing module 214 may also remove any ingredients having a concentration of 1 wt % or less based on the total amount of the polyolefin polymer composition.

[0052] The second calculation module 214 can determine the weight, molecular weight, number of moles, and molecular formula of each component on the list of polyolefin polymer compositions.

[0053] The second calculation module 214 calculates the molar attraction function (F t ), polar components (F p ), molar volume (V), Lydersen correction for the solvent (Δ T ), and the Lydersen correction for polymers (Δ T (p) ), or a combination thereof, can be calculated. All values ​​are in Figure 4.

[0054] The arithmetic distance calculation module 222 calculates the arithmetic distance (R a In some embodiments, the arithmetic distance calculation module 222 can calculate the arithmetic distance (R ) between the adhesive or coating composition and the polyolefin polymer using Equation 1 below: a The formulas required for the calculation can be taken from Chapter 7 of the book "Properties of Polymers" by DW van Krevelen, 4th Edition, Fully Revised, available from Elsevier: Amsterdam, 2009, eBook ISBN: 9780080915104.

[0055]

number

[0056] The benchmark is "ADCOTE® 102E / Coreactant CT" with a blend weight ratio of 100:5.2 with polyethylene polymer. a The calculation is shown below. For polyethylene consisting of an infinite number of ethylene groups (CH2), when calculated by the model, δ p0 = 0, δ h0 = 10.67, δ d0 For "ADCOTE® 102 E / Coreactant CT" at a mixing weight ratio of 100:5.2, δ p =17.09, δ h =16.70, δ d =14.94. Substituting all the values ​​into Equation 1, R a is 18.14, which is an arithmetic distance parameter that can be used to describe the mechanical recyclability, i.e., compatibility, of an adhesive or coating composition and a polyolefin polymer. The smaller the distance, the greater the chemical similarity of the adhesive or coating composition to a polyolefin polymer, such as PE, and the more likely the adhesive or coating composition will be mechanically recyclable in the polyolefin polymer.

[0057] The arithmetic distance comparison module 224 compares the arithmetic distance (R a ) can be compared to an arithmetic distance threshold. The arithmetic distance comparison module 224 compares the arithmetic distance (R a ) can be compared to a threshold arithmetic distance for a comparison polymer, such as a polyolefin polymer. a ) may be stored in the arithmetic distance comparison module 224 prior to operating the system 100 (shown in FIG. 1) for predicting compatibility of an adhesive or coating composition with a polyolefin polymer. In some embodiments, the geometric distance (R a) threshold may be 12 or less. For adhesive or coating compositions based on chemicals other than polyurethane, R a The value may differ from 12.

[0058] The geometric distance calculation module 232 calculates the geometric distance (R b ) can be calculated. b ) is mathematically the geometric mean, which is the arithmetic distance (R a In some embodiments, the arithmetic distance calculation module 222 calculates the geometric distance (R ) between the adhesive or coating composition and the polyolefin polymer using Equation 2 below: b ) can be calculated.

[0059]

number

[0060] The benchmark is "ADCOTE® 102E / Coreactant CT" with a blend weight ratio of 100:5.2 with polyethylene polymer. b The calculation is shown below. For polyethylene, when calculated by the model, δ p0 = 0, δ h0 = 10.67, δ d0 For "ADCOTE® 102 E / Coreactant CT" at a mixing weight ratio of 100:5.2, δ p =17.09, δ h =16.70, δ d = 14.94. Substituting all the values ​​into Equation 2, we get an R of 10.15. bThe result is a geometric distance parameter that can be used to describe the mechanical recyclability, i.e., compatibility, of an adhesive or coating composition and a polyolefin polymer. The smaller the distance, the greater the chemical similarity of the adhesive or coating composition to a polyolefin polymer, such as PE, and the more likely the adhesive or coating composition is mechanically recyclable in the polyolefin polymer.

[0061] The geometric distance comparison module 234 compares the geometric distance (R b ) can be compared to a geometric distance threshold. The geometric distance comparison module 234 compares the geometric distance (R b ) can be compared to the geometric distance threshold of a comparison polymer, such as a polyolefin polymer. b ) may be stored in the geometric distance comparison module 234 prior to operating the system 100 (shown in FIG. 1) for predicting compatibility between a polyurethane adhesive or coating composition and a polyolefin polymer. In some embodiments, the geometric distance (R b ) threshold may be 6 or less. For adhesive or coating compositions based on chemicals other than polyurethane, R b The value may differ from 6.

[0062] The adhesive or coating composition ACR calculation module 242 can calculate the ACR (ACR) of an adhesive or coating composition based on the name of the adhesive or coating composition, the trade name of the adhesive or coating composition, or both. Aliphatic carbon can refer to carbon atoms in methyl (CH), methylene (CH), methine (CH), quaternary carbon (C), and alkene carbon (C=C). The term "ACR (ACR) of an adhesive or coating composition" can refer to the ratio of moles of aliphatic carbon in the adhesive or coating composition to the moles of all materials in the adhesive or coating composition. The higher the ACR, the more chemically similar the adhesive or coating composition is to hydrocarbons, and the more likely the composition is to be mechanically recyclable in polyolefin polymers. For example, in 0.034 moles of 2-phenylethanol (CHCHCHOH), there are 0.068 moles of aliphatic carbon (two CH functional groups per molecule). Therefore, the ACR of the compound is 0.068 / 0.034 = 2. Applying the same calculation to ADCOTE® 102 E / Coreactant CT at a 100:5.2 weight ratio mixture gives an ACR of 2.48.

[0063] The ACR comparison module 244 can compare the ACR of the adhesive or coating composition to a threshold ACR. The ACR comparison module 244 can compare the ACR of the adhesive or coating composition to a threshold ACR of a comparison polymer, such as a polyolefin polymer. The threshold ACR can be stored in the ACR comparison module 244 prior to operating the system 100 (shown in FIG. 1 ) for predicting compatibility of an adhesive or coating composition with a polyolefin polymer. In some embodiments, the threshold ACR of a polyurethane adhesive or coating composition for recyclability in polyolefin polymers can be 6.9. For adhesive or coating compositions based on chemistries other than polyurethane, the ACR value can be different from 6.9.

[0064] The prediction module 252 calculates the HSP of the adhesive or coating composition, the arithmetic distance (Ra ), and geometric distance (R b ) with a threshold value, and the ACR of the adhesive or coating composition with the ACR threshold value, the compatibility of the adhesive or coating composition with the polyolefin polymer can be predicted.

[0065] An adhesive or coating composition can be experimentally determined to be compatible with, or recyclable by, a polyolefin polymer composition if the laminated or coated structure containing the adhesive or coating composition meets the following requirements: If the adhesive composition is contained in a laminate film, the laminate structure may be PE film A / / adhesive / / PE film B, meaning that the laminate structure consists of PE film A, adhesive, and PE film B, with the adhesive layer disposed between two PE films A and B. Films A and B may be the same or different. This laminate is referred to as Laminate I. In an embodiment, PE films A and B may be granulated together and dried to make pellets C. Laminate I may be granulated and dried to make pellets D. Pellets C and D may be mixed in a 1:1 weight ratio to provide blended pellets E. In an embodiment, pellets C and E may be foamed separately into a 50 micron monolayer film. The resulting films (referred to as Film C and Film E, respectively) can be subjected to the following ASTM tests shown in Table 2, the former being the standard for control and comparison.

[0066] When the coating composition is included in the outer layer, the coated film structure is Coating / / PE Film F, meaning that the coated film structure consists of a coating layer and PE Film F, with the coating layer disposed on PE Film F. This coated film is referred to as Laminate II. In an embodiment, PE Film F can be granulated and dried to form Pellets G. Laminate II can be granulated and dried to form Pellets H. Pellets G and Pellets H can be mixed in a 1:1 weight ratio to provide blended Pellets J. In an embodiment, Pellets G and J can be separately foamed into a 50 micron monolayer film. The resulting films (referred to as Film G and Film J, respectively) can be subjected to the following ASTM tests shown in Table 2, with the former serving as a reference for control and comparison.

[0067] [Table 2]

[0068] In response to a comparison of the test results of Film E and Film C, if all test values ​​of Film E, such as tear strength, tensile strength, elongation at yield point, and dart impact, do not decrease by more than 33% relative to the test values ​​of Film C, the adhesive composition in Laminate I can be defined as being compatible with the polyolefin polymer compositions in PE Films A and B, i.e., recyclable.

[0069] In response to a comparison of the test results of Film G and Film J, if all test values ​​of Film J, such as tear strength, tensile strength, elongation at yield point, and dart impact, do not decrease by more than 33% relative to the test values ​​of Film G, the coating composition in Laminate II can be defined as compatible with the polyolefin polymer composition in PE Film F, i.e., recyclable.

[0070] In embodiments, based on the results of comparing the HSP of the adhesive or coating composition to an HSP threshold and the results of comparing the ACR of the adhesive or coating composition to an ACR threshold, prediction module 252 can predict the compatibility of the adhesive or coating composition with a polyolefin polymer. In some embodiments, if the HSP of the polyurethane adhesive or coating composition is 22.7 or less and the ACR of the polyurethane adhesive or coating composition is 6.9 or more, prediction module 252 can determine that the adhesive or coating composition is likely compatible with the polyolefin polymer. For adhesive or coating compositions based on chemicals other than polyurethane, the HSP and ACR values ​​may be different.

[0071] In an embodiment, the arithmetic distance (R a Based on the results of comparing the arithmetic distance (R) to a threshold value and the results of comparing the ACR of the adhesive or coating composition to a threshold value, the prediction module 252 can predict the compatibility of the adhesive or coating composition with the polyolefin polymer. In some embodiments, the arithmetic distance (R a ) is 12 or less and the ACR of the polyurethane adhesive or coating composition is 6.9 or greater, the prediction module 252 may determine that the polyurethane adhesive or coating composition is likely compatible with the polyolefin polymer. For adhesive or coating compositions based on chemicals other than polyurethane, the ACR value and R a The values ​​may vary.

[0072] In an embodiment, the geometric distance (R b Based on the results of comparing the geometric distance (R ) to a threshold value for geometric distance and the results of comparing the ACR of the adhesive or coating composition to a threshold value for ACR, the prediction module 252 can predict the compatibility of the adhesive or coating composition with the polyolefin polymer. In some embodiments, the geometric distance (R b) is 6 or less and the ACR of the adhesive or coating composition is 6.9 or greater, the prediction module 252 may determine that the adhesive or coating composition is likely compatible with polyolefin polymers. For adhesive or coating compositions based on chemicals other than polyurethane, the ACR value and R b The values ​​may vary.

[0073] FIG. 3 shows a flow chart of a method 300 for predicting the compatibility of an adhesive or coating composition with a polyolefin polymer, which may be performed by the system 100 shown in FIG.

[0074] 1-3, in step S310, a controller such as adhesive or coating composition data receiving module 202 may receive the name of the adhesive or coating composition, the trade name of the adhesive or coating composition, or both. In some embodiments, a user may provide the name of the adhesive or coating composition, the trade name of the adhesive or coating composition, or both.

[0075] In some embodiments, in response to receiving the name of the adhesive or coating composition, the trade name of the adhesive or coating composition, or both, the controller may generate a list of the components of the adhesive or coating composition. The controller may determine the weight, molecular weight, number of moles, and molecular formula of each component on the list. The controller may calculate a group contribution value for each component based on the weight, molecular weight, number of moles, and molecular formula of each component. In embodiments, the group contribution is calculated using the molar attraction function (F), as described in Chapter 7 of the book "Properties of Polymers" by DW van Krevelen, 4th Edition, Fully Revised Edition, available from Elsevier: Amsterdam, 2009, eBook ISBN: 9780080915104. t ), polar components (F p ), molar volume (V), Lydersen correction for the solvent (Δ T ), and the Lydersen correction for polymers (ΔT (p) ), or a combination thereof.

[0076] 1-3, in step S320, a controller such as the polyolefin polymer data receiving module 212 may receive the name of the polyolefin polymer, the trade name of the polyolefin polymer, or both. In some embodiments, a user may provide the name of the polyolefin polymer, the trade name of the polyolefin polymer, or both.

[0077] In some embodiments, in response to receiving a name of a polyolefin polymer composition, a trade name of a polyolefin polymer composition, or both, similar to an adhesive or coating composition, the controller may generate a list of components of the polyolefin polymer composition. The controller may determine the weight, molecular weight, number of moles, and molecular formula of each component on the list. The controller may calculate a molar attraction function (F t ), polar components (F p ), molar volume (V), Lydersen correction for the solvent (Δ T ), and the Lydersen correction for polymers (Δ T (p) ), or a combination thereof, can be used to calculate a group contribution value.

[0078] 1-3, in step S330, a controller such as the first calculation module 204 calculates the HSP, polar interaction subcomponent (δ) of the adhesive or coating composition based on the name of the adhesive or coating composition, the trade name of the adhesive or coating composition, or both. p ), hydrogen bond subcomponent (δ h ), and the dispersion force subcomponent (δ d ) can be calculated.

[0079] 3, in step S340, a controller such as the second calculation module 214 calculates the HSP, polar interaction subcomponent (δ), of the polyolefin polymer based on the name of the polyolefin polymer, the trade name of the polyolefin polymer, or both. p0 ), hydrogen bond subcomponent (δ h0 ), and the dispersion force subcomponent (δ d0 ) can be calculated.

[0080] 1-3, in step S350, a controller, such as an arithmetic distance calculation module 222, calculates the arithmetic distance (R a In some embodiments, a controller such as the arithmetic distance calculation module 222 can calculate the arithmetic distance (R ) between the adhesive or coating composition and the polyolefin polymer using Equation 1 below: a ) can be calculated.

[0081]

number

[0082] 1-3, in step S360, a controller, such as a geometric distance calculation module 232, calculates the geometric distance (R b In some embodiments, a controller such as the geometric distance calculation module 232 can calculate the geometric distance (R ) between the adhesive or coating composition and the polyolefin polymer using Equation 2 below: b ) can be calculated.

[0083]

number

[0084] 1-3, in step S370, a controller such as adhesive or coating composition ACR calculation module 242 can calculate the ACR of the adhesive or coating composition based on the name of the adhesive or coating composition, the trade name of the adhesive or coating composition, or both.

[0085] 1-3, in step S380, the controller calculates the HSP of the adhesive or coating composition, the arithmetic distance (R a ) and geometric distance (R b ) can be compared to a threshold value. The controller can compare at least one of the HSP of the adhesive or coating composition, the arithmetic distance (R a ), and geometric distance (R b ) can be compared to the HSP of polyolefin polymers.

[0086] In embodiments, a controller, such as first comparison module 206, can compare the HSP of the adhesive or coating composition to a threshold HSP. In some embodiments, the threshold HSP for a polyurethane adhesive or coating composition can be 22.7.

[0087] In an embodiment, a controller such as the arithmetic distance comparison module 224 compares the arithmetic distance (R a ) can be compared to a threshold arithmetic distance for a comparison polymer, such as a polyolefin polymer. In some embodiments, the arithmetic distance (R a ) threshold may be 12.

[0088] In an embodiment, a controller such as the geometric distance comparison module 234 compares the geometric distance (R b ) can be compared to the geometric distance threshold of a comparison polymer, such as a polyolefin polymer. In some embodiments, the geometric distance (R b) threshold may be 6.

[0089] 1-3, in step S390, a controller, such as ACR comparison module 244, can compare the ACR of the adhesive or coating composition to a threshold ACR of a comparison polymer, such as a polyolefin polymer. In some embodiments, the threshold ACR for a polyurethane adhesive or coating composition can be 6.9.

[0090] 1-3, in step S400, a controller such as prediction module 252 calculates the HSP of the adhesive or coating composition, the arithmetic distance (R a ), and geometric distance (R b ) with a threshold value, and the ACR of the adhesive or coating composition with the ACR threshold value, the compatibility of the adhesive or coating composition with the polyolefin polymer can be predicted.

[0091] In embodiments, a controller such as prediction module 252 can predict the compatibility of an adhesive or coating composition with a polyolefin polymer based on the results of comparing the HSP of the adhesive or coating composition to an HSP threshold and the results of comparing the ACR of the adhesive or coating composition to an ACR threshold. In some embodiments, if the HSP of the polyurethane adhesive or coating composition is 22.7 or less and the ACR of the polyurethane adhesive or coating composition is 6.9 or more, the controller can determine that the adhesive or coating composition is likely compatible with the polyolefin polymer.

[0092] In an embodiment, a controller such as the prediction module 252 calculates the arithmetic distance (R a Based on the results of comparing the ACR of the adhesive or coating composition with the ACR threshold, the compatibility of the adhesive or coating composition with the polyolefin polymer can be predicted. In some embodiments, the arithmetic distance (R a) is 12 or less and the ACR of the polyurethane adhesive or coating composition is 6.9 or greater, the controller may determine that the polyurethane adhesive or coating composition is likely compatible with the polyolefin polymer.

[0093] In an embodiment, a controller such as the prediction module 252 calculates the geometric distance (R b Based on the results of comparing the geometric distance (R) to a threshold value for geometric distance and the results of comparing the ACR of the adhesive or coating composition to a threshold value for ACR, the compatibility of the adhesive or coating composition with the polyolefin polymer can be predicted. In some embodiments, the geometric distance (R b ) is 6 or less and the ACR of the polyurethane adhesive or coating composition is 6.9 or greater, the controller may determine that the polyurethane adhesive or coating composition is likely compatible with the polyolefin polymer.

[0094] In some embodiments, after predicting the compatibility of the adhesive or coating composition with the polyolefin polymer, the adhesive or coating composition can be mixed with the polyolefin polymer to recycle the adhesive or coating composition. For example, after mixing the adhesive or coating composition with the polyolefin polymer to form a mixture, the mixture can be reused in laminate structures. In embodiments, after mixing the adhesive or coating composition with the polyolefin polymer to form a mixture, the mixture can be reused in coated film structures.

[0095] It should be noted that one or more of the claims below utilize the terms "wherein," "where," or "in which" as transitional phrases. For purposes of defining the present technology, this term is introduced in a claim as an open-ended transitional phrase used to introduce a recitation of a series of structural features and should be interpreted similarly to the more commonly used open-ended preamble term "comprising." For purposes of defining the present technology, the transitional phrase "consisting of" may be introduced in a claim as a closed preamble term limiting the claim to the recited components or steps and any naturally occurring impurities. For purposes of defining the present technology, the transitional phrase "consisting essentially of" may be introduced in a claim to limit one or more claims to the recited elements, components, materials, or method steps, as well as any unrecited elements, components, materials, or method steps that do not materially affect the novel characteristics of the claimed subject matter. The transitional phrases "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" can be interpreted as subsets of open-ended transitional phrases such as "comprising" and "including," such that any use of an open-ended phrase to introduce a recitation of a series of elements, components, materials, or steps should be interpreted as also disclosing the recitation of that series of elements, components, materials, or steps using the closed terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of." For example, a description of a composition "comprising" components A, B, and C should be interpreted as also disclosing compositions "consisting of" components A, B, and C, as well as compositions "consisting essentially of" components A, B, and C. Any quantitative values ​​expressed in this application may be considered to include open-ended embodiments consistent with the transitional phrases "comprising" or "including," as well as closed or partially closed embodiments consistent with the transitional phrases "consisting of" and "essentially consisting of."

[0096] As used in this application and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The verb "comprises" and its conjugations should be construed as a non-exclusive reference to elements, components, or steps. A referenced element, component, or step may be present in, utilized with, or combined with other elements, components, or steps not expressly referenced.

[0097] When an amount, concentration, or other value or parameter is given as either a range, a preferred range, or a list of lower and higher preferred values, this should be understood to specifically disclose all ranges formed from any pairing of any lower range limit or preferred value with any higher range limit or preferred value, regardless of whether the ranges are separately disclosed. When a range of numerical values ​​is recited herein, unless otherwise specified, the range is intended to include its endpoints, and all integers and fractions within the range. The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific values ​​recited when defining a range. When an element is indicated as being present in a range starting from 0, such element is an optional element (i.e., it may or may not be present). If present, the optional element may be at least 0.1 wt. % of the composition or copolymer.

[0098] When materials, methods, or machines are described herein with the terms "known to those skilled in the art," "conventional," or equivalent words or phrases, this term means that materials, methods, and machines that are conventional at the time of the filing of this application are encompassed by this description.

[0099] It should be understood that any two quantitative values ​​assigned to a characteristic may constitute a range for that characteristic, and that all combinations of ranges formed from all stated quantitative values ​​for a given characteristic are contemplated in the present application. The subject matter of the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to specific embodiments. It should be understood that any detailed description of an element or feature of one or more embodiments does not necessarily imply that the element or feature is essential to that particular embodiment or any other embodiment. Furthermore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. 1. A system for predicting compatibility of an adhesive or coating composition with a polyolefin polymer, comprising: a controller, receiving the name of the adhesive or coating composition, the trade name of the adhesive or coating composition, or both; receiving a name of a polyolefin polymer, a trade name of a polyolefin polymer, or both; The Hansen Solubility Parameter (HSP; δ) of the adhesive or coating composition is calculated based on the name of the adhesive or coating composition, the trade name of the adhesive or coating composition, or both. ｔ ), polar interaction subcomponent (δ ｐ ), hydrogen bond subcomponent (δ ｈ ), and the dispersion force subcomponent (δ ｄ ) and The HSP (δ) of the polyolefin polymer is determined based on the name of the polyolefin polymer, the trade name of the polyolefin polymer, or both. ｔ０ ), the polar interaction subcomponent of the polyolefin polymer (δ ｐ０ ), hydrogen bond subcomponent (δ ｈ０ ), and the dispersion force subcomponent (δ ｄ０ ) and The arithmetic distance parameter (R ａ ) and The geometric distance parameter (R ｂ ) and calculating an aliphatic carbon ratio (ACR) of the adhesive or coating composition based on the name of the adhesive or coating composition, the trade name of the adhesive or coating composition, or both; The HSP of the adhesive or coating composition, the arithmetic distance (R ａ ), and the geometric distance (R ｂ ) to a threshold value; comparing the ACR of the adhesive or coating composition to an ACR threshold; The HSP of the adhesive or coating composition, the arithmetic distance (R ａ ), and the geometric distance (R ｂ ) to said threshold value and a comparison of the ACR of the adhesive or coating composition to said threshold value.

2. The controller: creating a list of ingredients of said adhesive or coating composition; Determine the weight, molecular weight, number of moles, and molecular formula of each component; The system of claim 1 , further programmed to calculate a group contribution value for each component based on the weight, the molecular weight, the number of moles, and the molecular formula of each component.

3. The group contributions are calculated by the molar attraction function (Ft), polar component (Fp), molar volume (V), Lydersen correction of the solvent (Δ Ｔ ), and the Lydersen correction for the polymer (Δ Ｔ （ｐ） 3. The system of claim 1, comprising:

4. The controller: Formula 1 below: [Equation 1] to determine the arithmetic distance (R ａ ) and Formula 2 below: [Equation 2] The geometric distance (R ｂ 4. The system of claim 1, further programmed to calculate:

5. the adhesive or coating composition is a polyurethane adhesive or coating composition; The controller: comparing the HSP of the adhesive or coating composition to an HSP threshold; 5. The system of claim 1, further programmed to determine that the polyurethane adhesive or coating composition is likely compatible with the polyolefin polymer if the HSP of the polyurethane adhesive or coating composition is 22.7 or less and the ACR of the polyurethane adhesive or coating composition is 6.9 or more.

6. the adhesive or coating composition is a polyurethane adhesive or coating composition; The controller: The arithmetic distance (R ａ ) with an arithmetic distance threshold, The arithmetic distance (R ａ 6. The system of claim 1, further programmed to determine that the polyurethane adhesive or coating composition is likely compatible with the polyolefin polymer if ACR (ACR) of the polyurethane adhesive or coating composition is 6.9 or greater and ACR (ACR) of the polyurethane adhesive or coating composition is 12 or less.

7. the adhesive or coating composition is a polyurethane adhesive or coating composition; The controller: The geometric distance (R ｂ ) to a geometric distance threshold, The geometric distance (R ｂ 7. The system of claim 1, further programmed to determine that the polyurethane adhesive or coating composition is likely compatible with the polyolefin polymer if ACR (ACR) of the polyurethane adhesive or coating composition is 6.9 or greater and ACR (ACR) of the polyurethane adhesive or coating composition is 6.9 or greater.

8. 8. The system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the adhesive or coating composition comprises polyurethane, acrylic, poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate), polystyrene, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, polyester, polycarbonate, polyolefin, or a combination thereof.

9. The system of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the polyolefin polymer comprises polyethylene, polypropylene (PP), oriented PP (OPP), biaxially oriented PP (BOPP), or a combination thereof.

10. 1. A method for predicting compatibility of an adhesive or coating composition with a polyolefin polymer, comprising: receiving a name of the adhesive or coating composition, a trade name of the adhesive or coating composition, or both; receiving a name of the polyolefin polymer, a trade name of the polyolefin polymer, or both; The Hansen Solubility Parameter (HSP; δ) of the adhesive or coating composition is calculated based on the name of the adhesive or coating composition, the trade name of the adhesive or coating composition, or both. ｔ ), polar interaction subcomponent (δ ｐ ), hydrogen bond subcomponent (δ ｈ ), and the dispersion force subcomponent (δ ｄ ) and The HSP (δ) of the polyolefin polymer is determined based on the name of the polyolefin polymer, the trade name of the polyolefin polymer, or both. ｔ０ ), the polar interaction subcomponent of the polyolefin polymer (δ ｐ０ ), hydrogen bond subcomponent (δ ｈ０ ), and the dispersion force subcomponent (δ ｄ０ ) and The arithmetic distance parameter (R ａ ) and The geometric distance parameter (R ｂ ) and calculating an aliphatic carbon ratio (ACR) of the adhesive or coating composition based on the name of the adhesive or coating composition, the trade name of the adhesive or coating composition, or both; The HSP of the adhesive or coating composition, the arithmetic distance (R ａ ), and the geometric distance (R ｂ ) to a threshold value; and comparing the ACR of the adhesive or coating composition to the ACR threshold; The HSP of the adhesive or coating composition, the arithmetic distance (R ａ ), and the geometric distance (R ｂ and predicting the compatibility of said adhesive or coating composition with said polyolefin polymer based on the results of comparing at least one of the ACRs of said adhesive or coating composition to said threshold value and the results of comparing the ACR of said adhesive or coating composition to said threshold value.

11. creating a list of ingredients of said adhesive or coating composition; determining the weight, molecular weight, number of moles, and molecular formula of each component; 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: calculating a group contribution value for each component based on the weight, the molecular weight, the number of moles, and the molecular formula of each component.

12. The group contributions are calculated by the molar attraction function (Ft), polar component (Fp), molar volume (V), Lydersen correction of the solvent (Δ Ｔ ), and the Lydersen correction for the polymer (Δ Ｔ （ｐ） 12. The method of claim 10 or 11, comprising:

13. Formula 1 below: [Equation 3] to determine the arithmetic distance (R ａ ) and Formula 2 below: [Equation 4] The geometric distance (R ｂ ) and The method of any one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising:

14. the adhesive or coating composition is a polyurethane adhesive or coating composition; comparing the HSP of the adhesive or coating composition to an HSP threshold; and determining that the polyurethane adhesive or coating composition is likely compatible with the polyolefin polymer if the HSP of the polyurethane adhesive or coating composition is 22.7 or less and the ACR of the adhesive or coating composition is 6.9 or greater.

15. the adhesive or coating composition is a polyurethane adhesive or coating composition; The arithmetic distance (R ａ ) compared to a threshold value for the polyolefin polymer; The arithmetic distance (R ａ 15. The method of any one of claims 10-14, further comprising determining that the polyurethane adhesive or coating composition is likely compatible with the polyolefin polymer if the ACR of the polyurethane adhesive or coating composition is 6.9 or greater and the ACR of the polyurethane adhesive or coating composition is 12 or less.

16. the adhesive or coating composition is a polyurethane adhesive or coating composition; The geometric distance (R ａ ) compared to a threshold value for the polyolefin polymer; The geometric distance (R ｂ 16. The method of any one of claims 10-15, further comprising determining that the polyurethane adhesive or coating composition is likely compatible with the polyolefin polymer if ACR (ACR) is 6 or less and the ACR of the polyurethane adhesive or coating composition is 6.9 or greater.

17. 17. The method of any of claims 10-16, wherein the adhesive or coating composition comprises polyurethane, acrylic, poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate), polystyrene, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, polyester, polycarbonate, polyolefin, or a combination thereof.

18. The method of any of claims 10 to 17, wherein the polyolefin polymer comprises polyethylene, polypropylene (PP), oriented PP (OPP), biaxially oriented PP (BOPP), or a combination thereof.

19. 1. A non-transitory computer readable medium for predicting compatibility of an adhesive or coating composition with a polyolefin polymer, the medium, when executed by a controller, causing the controller to: receiving a name of the adhesive or coating composition, a trade name of the adhesive or coating composition, or both; receiving a name of the polyolefin polymer, a trade name of the polyolefin polymer, or both; The Hansen Solubility Parameter (HSP; δ) of the adhesive or coating composition is calculated based on the name of the adhesive or coating composition, the trade name of the adhesive or coating composition, or both. ｔ ), polar interaction subcomponent (δ ｐ ), hydrogen bond subcomponent (δ ｈ ), and the dispersion force subcomponent (δ ｄ ) and The HSP (δ) of the polyolefin polymer is determined based on the name of the polyolefin polymer, the trade name of the polyolefin polymer, or both. ｔ０ ), the polar interaction subcomponent of the polyolefin polymer (δ ｐ０ ), hydrogen bond subcomponent (δ ｈ０ ), and the dispersion force subcomponent (δ ｄ０ ) and The arithmetic distance parameter (R ａ ) and The geometric distance parameter (R ｂ ) and calculating an aliphatic carbon ratio (ACR) of the adhesive or coating composition based on the name of the adhesive or coating composition, the trade name of the adhesive or coating composition, or both; The HSP of the adhesive or coating composition, the arithmetic distance (R ａ ) and the geometric distance (R ｂ ) to a threshold value; comparing the ACR of the adhesive or coating composition to an ACR threshold; The HSP of the adhesive or coating composition, the arithmetic distance (R ａ ), and the geometric distance (R ｂ ) to a threshold value and a comparison of the ACR of the adhesive or coating composition to the threshold value.

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