Method for preparing a homogeneous mixture of polyvinyl chloride solids and additives

Abstract

A method for producing a homogeneous mixture of polyvinyl chloride solids and at least one liquid additive and / or particulate solid additive without mechanically agitating or melting the polyvinyl chloride solids during production, comprising applying acoustic energy at a frequency of 20 to 100 hertz to a heterogeneous mixture comprising polyvinyl chloride solids and the liquid additive and / or particulate solid additive while maintaining the temperature of the heterogeneous mixture above the freezing point of the liquid additive, below the melting point of the particulate solid additive, and below the melting temperature of the polyvinyl chloride solid for a time sufficient to substantially mix the polyvinyl chloride solids with the liquid additive and / or particulate solid additive, thereby producing a homogeneous mixture without mechanically agitating or melting the polyvinyl chloride solids.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] It concerns a mixture of polyvinyl chloride solids and additives.

[0002] Introduction Patents and published patent applications in this field and related thereto include U.S. Pat. No. 7,188,993 B1, U.S. Pat. No. 7,420,118 B2, U.S. Pat. No. 7,695,817 B2, U.S. Pat. No. 8,124,309 B2, U.S. Pat. No. 8,435,714 B2, U.S. Pat. No. 8,680,177 B2, U.S. Pat. No. 8,889,331 B2, U.S. Pat. No. 9,223,236 B2, U.S. Pat. No. 9,593,919 B2, U.S. Pat. No. 9,926,427 B2, and U.S. Pat. No. 9,957,360 B2. Non-patent publications in this field and related to this invention include G. Sanchez-Olivares, et al. AIMS Materials Science, 2016; vol. 3, no. 2, pages 620 to 633, and “ENHANCED DISPERSION OF PARTICLE ADDITIVE INTO POLYMERS USING TWIN SCREW EXTRUSION WITH ULTRASOUND ASSISTANCE” (K. Tarverdi, et al., SPE ANTEC Anaheim 2017, pages 1058 to 1062). Also, Bharat Indu Chaudhary, et al., “Dialkyl furan-2,5-dicarboxylates, epoxidized fatty acid esters and their mixtures as bio-based plasticizers for poly(vinylchloride)[sic]” (J.Applied Polymer Sci., 2015, DOI:10..1002 / APP:42382(pages 1 to 6 of 6)) (``Chaudhary et al.'').

[0003] Polyvinyl chloride ("PVC") solids without additives tend to have a rigid structure at ambient temperatures. They tend to deteriorate or decompose over time at elevated temperatures below the melting temperature of the PVC solids. Liquid or solid additives, such as liquid or solid heat stabilizers, plasticizers or antioxidants, or solid fillers (e.g., calcined kaolin clay or antimony trioxide) may be added to the PVC solids to prevent deterioration or decomposition of the PVC solids at elevated temperatures or to improve its properties, such as increasing electrical insulation resistance or flame retardancy. Liquid plasticizers or solid softeners are added to the PVC solids to increase flexibility, workability, and / or extensibility, and / or to change the properties of the PVC solids during melt processing (e.g., extrusion). When suspension grade PVC solids are used, the liquid additives present are already absorbed into the pores of the PVC solids, and a PVC solid / absorbed liquid additive combination is formed prior to melt processing of the combination.

[0004] Traditional methods of adding liquid or solid additives to PVC solids rely on mechanical agitation, where the PVC solids and liquid or solid additives are dry mixed together to produce a PVC solid / additive composite (PVC solid / additive composite). In mechanical agitation dry mixing methods, a physical object (e.g., blades, paddles, or rotors in a stirred tank or mixer apparatus, collectively "mechanical agitation equipment") is used to physically drive the preheated PVC solids and preheated liquid or solid additives to create a homogenous mixture, whereby all the liquid or solid additives are mechanically blended and (in the case of liquids) absorbed into the PVC solids. This is seen when the surface of the PVC solid / additive composite is in a dry state (see Chaudhary et al., Preparation of Flexible PVC Compounds). Depending on the composition of the liquid additive and the amount of liquid additive relative to the amount of PVC solids, and the temperature setting of the mechanical agitation equipment (usually 80°-110°C), the mechanically agitated dry mix process may require 4-18 minutes to reach a dry-looking composite (Figure 2 in Chaudhary et al.). The resulting PVC solids / additive composite is desirably a free-flowing powder.

[0005] The PVC solids / additive composite is then melted and mixed in an extrusion apparatus, typically at a temperature of 150°-200°C, and the resulting blend is extruded to obtain a molded PVC product. An example of a molded PVC product is the PVC-based insulation layer of a power cable, which comprises a conductive core at least partially coated by a PVC-based insulation layer. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The inventors have discovered a mechanically agitated method of making a homogeneous mixture of polyvinyl chloride solids and at least one liquid additive and / or particulate solid additive without mechanically agitating or melting the polyvinyl chloride solids during the preparation. The method includes applying acoustic energy at a frequency of 20-100 Hertz to a heterogeneous mixture comprising polyvinyl chloride solids and at least one liquid additive and / or particulate solid additive, while maintaining the temperature of the heterogeneous mixture above the freezing point of the liquid additive, below the melting point of the particulate solid additive, and below the melting temperature of the polyvinyl chloride solids (and optionally while maintaining the temperature of the homogeneous mixture made therefrom) for a time sufficient to substantially mix the polyvinyl chloride solids, thereby making the homogeneous mixture without mechanically agitating or melting the polyvinyl chloride solids. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] A mechanically agitated method of making a homogeneous mixture of polyvinyl chloride solids (particulate PVC resin) and at least one liquid additive and / or particulate solid additive without mechanically agitating or melting the polyvinyl chloride solids during the preparation. The method includes applying acoustic energy at a frequency of 20-100 Hertz to a heterogeneous mixture comprising polyvinyl chloride solids and at least one liquid additive and / or particulate solid additive, while maintaining the temperature of the heterogeneous mixture above the freezing point of the liquid additive, below the melting point of the particulate solid additive, and below the melting temperature of the polyvinyl chloride solid (and optionally while maintaining the temperature of the homogeneous mixture made therefrom) for a time sufficient to substantially mix the polyvinyl chloride solids and the at least one liquid additive and / or particulate solid additive, thereby making the homogeneous mixture without mechanically agitating or melting the polyvinyl chloride solids. The particulate solid additive is different from the polyvinyl chloride solids. The method may further include the limitation that the heterogeneous mixture is not mechanically agitated (mixed by mechanical means) during the step of applying acoustic energy.

[0008] Mixing the polyvinyl chloride solid with liquid additives and / or particulate solid additives means distributing the liquid additives and / or particulate solid additives with, within, and generally uniformly through the force of acoustic energy. Each additive present in the heterogeneous mixture is mixed into the PVC solid, as may be the embodiment. For example, if there is no particulate solid additive, each of one or more liquid additives is mixed into the PVC solid, or if there is no liquid additive, each of one or more particulate solid additives is mixed into the PVC solid, or if both liquid additives and particulate solid additives are present, at least one of the liquid additives and at least one of the particulate solid additives are mixed into the PVC solid.

[0009] For a given liquid additive and / or particulate solid additive composition and amount relative to the amount of PVC solids, surprisingly, the method without mechanical agitation can produce a homogeneous mixture significantly faster (e.g., 90% to 10% in time) than conventional mechanically agitated dry mixing methods. In some embodiments, the method produces a homogeneous mixture in 0.5 to 5 minutes, alternatively, 1 to 3.4 minutes, alternatively, 1.5 to 3.1 minutes. The liquid additive can be at least one of a liquid heat stabilizer, a liquid plasticizer, a liquid antioxidant, and a liquid flame retardant, or alternatively, at least one of a liquid heat stabilizer and a liquid plasticizer. The particulate solid additive can be a solid silanol condensation catalyst, a solid antioxidant, a solid heat stabilizer, a solid colorant, a solid anti-stick agent, a solid stabilizer for stabilizing the homogeneous mixture against the effects of ultraviolet light (UV stabilizer), a solid processing aid, a solid flame retardant, a solid polymer that is not a PVC resin, a solid organic peroxide, a solid crosslinking aid, or a solid moisture generator. The particulate solid additive may be in any discrete form, such as in the form of a powder, flakes, granules, pellets, or a combination of any two or more thereof.

[0010] Additional inventive aspects follow, some of which are numbered below for ease of reference.

[0011] Aspect 1. A method of making a homogeneous mixture of polyvinyl chloride solids and liquid and / or particulate solid additives without melting the polyvinyl chloride solids during the preparation, comprising applying acoustic energy at a frequency of 20-100 Hertz (Hz) to a first heterogeneous mixture including polyvinyl chloride solids and liquid and / or particulate solid additives, while maintaining a temperature of the first heterogeneous mixture above the freezing point of the liquid additive, below the melting point of the particulate solid additive, and below the melting temperature of the polyvinyl chloride solids (and optionally while maintaining a temperature of the homogeneous mixture made therefrom) for a time effective to substantially mix the polyvinyl chloride solids and the liquid and / or particulate solid additives, thereby making a first homogeneous mixture including polyvinyl chloride solids and liquid and / or particulate solid additives without mechanically stirring or melting the polyvinyl chloride solids. The acoustic energy is of sufficient acoustic intensity to move the materials (PVC solids and liquid additives) with sufficient amplitude effective to mix.

[0012] Aspect 2. The method of aspect 1, wherein the liquid additive is a liquid heat stabilizer, a liquid plasticizer, a liquid antioxidant, a liquid flame retardant, or a combination of any two or more thereof.

[0013] Aspect 3. The method of aspect 1 or 2, characterized in that the applying step is any one of features (i) to (v): (i) the frequency is 50-70 Hz, alternatively 55-65 Hz, alternatively 58-62 Hz, alternatively 59-61 Hz; (ii) the time is 0.5 minutes to 4 hours, alternatively 0.5 minutes to 2 hours, alternatively 1 minute to 60 minutes; (iii) both (i) and (ii); (iv) adjusting the temperature of the first heterogeneous mixture to a polyisoprene temperature. maintaining below the melting temperature of the vinyl chloride solid includes maintaining the temperature of the first heterogeneous mixture between 10° and 119° C., alternatively between 15° and 114° C., alternatively between 20.0° and 110° C., alternatively between 40.0° and 100.0° C., alternatively between 60.0° and 90.0° C., alternatively between 80.0° and 110° C., alternatively between 20.0° and 29.9° C. (e.g., 25° C.±3° C.); and any one of (v), (iv) and (i)-(iii). The frequency is set by an acoustic mixer.

[0014] Aspect 4. The method of any one of aspects 1-3, wherein the polyvinyl chloride solids of the first heterogeneous mixture are characterized by being in a physical form (i.e., solid particulate form) that is a powder, flake, granule, pellet, or a combination of any two or more, and by being in a melting temperature of 100°-260°C, alternatively 120°-240°C, alternatively 130°-230°C, and the liquid additive is characterized by being in a freezing point below 20°C, or a melting point of 20°-99°C, and wherein the first heterogeneous mixture is maintained at a temperature above the freezing or melting point of the liquid additive and below 119°C during the applying step.

[0015] Aspect 5. The method of any one of aspects 1-4, wherein the polyvinyl chloride composition of the polyvinyl chloride solid (i.e., polyvinyl chloride polymer in particulate form) comprises polyvinyl chloride homopolymer (hPVC), chlorinated poly(vinyl chloride) polymer (CPVC), or a blend of 51-99.99 wt.% hPVC and 0.01-49 wt.% polymer selected from CPVC and polyolefin, where polyolefin is a halogen-free polymer made from hydrocarbon olefin monomers. In some embodiments, the polyolefin may be chlorinated, such as chlorinated polyethylene. Chlorinated polyethylene has different composition and properties than polyvinyl chloride solid.

[0016] Aspect 6. The method of any one of aspects 1-5, having any one of limitations (i)-(iv): (i) the liquid additive is a liquid heat stabilizer that is a calcium zinc mixed metal fatty acid carboxylate or metal mercaptide, (ii) the liquid additive is a liquid plasticizer that is a liquid carboxylic acid ester that does not contain a sulfur atom and a phenolic hydroxyl group, (iii) the liquid additive is a liquid plasticizer that is a liquid epoxidized fatty acid ester, and (iv) a combination of any two or three of (i)-(iii). The liquid carboxylic acid ester can be a liquid monocarboxylic acid monoester, a liquid dicarboxylic acid diester, or a liquid tricarboxylic acid trimester.

[0017] Aspect 7. The method of any one of aspects 1-6, wherein the liquid additive is a liquid plasticizer, and the liquid plasticizer is selected from liquid epoxidized fatty acid esters, liquid acetyl trialkyl citrates, liquid alkyl benzoates, liquid dialkyl adipates, liquid dialkyl azelates, liquid dialkyl cyclohexane-dicarboxylates, liquid dialkyl maleates, liquid dialkyl phthalates, liquid dialkyl sebacates, liquid dialkyl succinates, liquid dialkyl terephthalates, liquid dialkyl tetrahydrofuran-dicarboxylates, liquid trialkyl citrates, liquid trialkyl trimellitates, and combinations of any two or more thereof.

[0018] Aspect 8. The particulate solid additive is a solid heat stabilizer (e.g., a mixture of epoxidized materials or metal salts), a solid silanol condensation catalyst (e.g., decane sulfonic acid or toluene sulfonic acid), a solid antioxidant (e.g., 2,2'-thiobis(6-t-butyl-4-methylphenol), a solid colorant (e.g., carbon black or TiO2), a solid scorch inhibitor (e.g., hydroquinone); a solid stabilizer (UV stabilizer) for stabilizing a homogeneous mixture against the effects of ultraviolet light, such as a solid hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS) (e.g., poly[[6-[(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)amino)]-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diyl][(2,2,6, The method of any one of aspects 1-7, wherein the additive is selected from a solid polymer that is not a PVC resin (e.g., a polyethylene homopolymer or an ethylene / propylene copolymer), a solid processing aid (e.g., N,N'-ethylene bis(stearamide)), a solid flame retardant (e.g., a metal hydrate), a solid polymer that is not a PVC resin (e.g., a polyethylene homopolymer or an ethylene / propylene copolymer), a solid organic peroxide (e.g., dicumyl peroxide), a solid crosslinking aid (e.g., triallyl isocyanurate), and a solid moisture generator (e.g., alumina trihydrate (Al2O3.3H2O) or calcium oxalate monohydrate). In some embodiments, the first heterogeneous mixture comprises at least one liquid additive and at least one particulate solid additive. In some embodiments, the liquid additive is not a liquid heat stabilizer or a liquid plasticizer. The liquid additive can be a liquid antioxidant or a liquid flame retardant.

[0019] Aspect 9. The method of any one of aspects 1-8, wherein the liquid additive is liquid at 23°±1°C and the particulate solid additive is solid at 23°±1°C.

[0020] Embodiment 10. The method of any one of embodiments 1-8, wherein the liquid additive is a low melting point solid additive having a melting point of 25° to 110° C., and the method comprises, prior to the applying step, contacting a polyvinyl chloride solid with the low melting point solid additive to create a heterogeneous solid pre-mixture to create a first heterogeneous mixture, and melting the low melting point solid additive without melting the polyvinyl chloride solid to create the first heterogeneous mixture. The low melting point solid additive can have a melting point of 30.0° to 109° C., alternatively 40.0° to 79.9° C., alternatively 30.0° to 49.9° C. Prior to the contacting step (i) or (ii), the polyvinyl chloride solid used in contacting step (i) can be free of at least one of a liquid heat stabilizer and / or a liquid plasticizer.

[0021] Aspect 11 The method of any one of aspects 1-10, comprising contacting the first homogeneous mixture with at least one particulate solid additive different from polyvinyl chloride solids to produce a second heterogeneous mixture comprising the first homogeneous mixture and the at least one particulate solid additive, and then applying acoustic energy at a frequency between 20 and 100 Hz effective to substantially mix the second heterogeneous mixture while maintaining a temperature thereof above the melting point of the liquid additive and below the melting temperature of the polyvinyl chloride solids, thereby producing a second homogeneous mixture comprising polyvinyl chloride solids, the liquid additive, and the at least one particulate solid additive, without mechanically agitating or melting the polyvinyl chloride polymer solids during the producing step. When the liquid additive is a low melting point solid, the method may further include the feature of not solidifying the liquid additive.

[0022] EMBODIMENT 12 The method of any one of embodiments 1-11, further comprising the subsequent steps of melting the polyvinyl chloride solid of the homogeneous mixture to form a molten mixture, shaping the molten mixture to obtain a shaped molten mixture, and cooling the shaped molten mixture to obtain a shaped solid. The molten mixture can be at a temperature of 150°-200° C. The shaped solid can be useful as an article of manufacture. Shaping can include coating, extrusion, or molding. The homogeneous mixture can be the first or second made homogeneous mixture as can be in the numbered embodiments. The shaping step can include extruding the molten mixture as a coating onto a conductive core (e.g., a wire, optical fiber, or both) and solidifying the coating to form a coated conductor comprising a conductive core and a coated shaped solid at least partially covering the conductive core. The method can further include curing (crosslinking) the coated shaped solid to provide a coated conductor comprising a conductive core and a coated shaped solid at least partially covering the conductive core. An additional embodiment includes a shaped product prepared by the method of aspect 12.

[0023] Application of acoustic energy to the polyvinyl chloride solid and liquid additives may increase the temperature of the polyvinyl chloride solid and liquid additives (eg, due to friction and / or heat from mixing).

[0024] In the method, immediately prior to commencing the step of applying acoustic energy, at least one of the polyvinyl chloride solid and liquid additives is at or above ambient temperature (at least one of the polyvinyl chloride solid and liquid additives is preheated). Immediately prior to commencing the step of applying acoustic energy, at least one of the polyvinyl chloride solid and liquid additives may be at a temperature of 19°-120°C, alternatively 19°-50°C, alternatively 19°-27°C, alternatively 22°-24°C, alternatively 40.0°-100.0°C, alternatively 50°-120°C, alternatively 55°-114°C, alternatively 60°-90°C, alternatively 80°-110°C. (e.g., 60°, 90°, or 110°C).

[0025] The method may further include the step of preheating at least one of the polyvinyl chloride solids and liquid additives, prior to applying the acoustic energy step, to bring the preheated PVC solids and at least one of the preheated liquid additives, respectively, to a temperature of 40°-120° C., alternatively 50°-120° C., alternatively 40°-110° C., alternatively 55°-114° C., alternatively 60°-90° C., alternatively 80°-110° C. (e.g., 60°, 90°, or 110° C.). The preheating step may include preheating the PVC solids but not the liquid additives, or preheating at least one liquid additive (e.g., a liquid heat stabilizer, a liquid plasticizer, a liquid antioxidant, a liquid flame retardant, or a combination of any two or more thereof) but not the PVC solids, or preheating both the PVC solids and the at least one liquid additive (e.g., a liquid heat stabilizer, a liquid plasticizer, or both). The at least one pre-heated PVC solid and the pre-heated liquid additive may then be subjected to a step of applying sonic energy in accordance with the present method.

[0026] The method can include applying acoustic energy to a preheated heterogeneous mixture of the liquid plasticizer and a preheated homogeneous mixture of the PVC solids and the liquid heat stabilizer, where at the start of the step of applying acoustic energy, the preheated heterogeneous mixture is at a temperature of 50° to 120° C., alternatively 55° to 114° C. (e.g., 60°, 90°, or 110° C.). The method may further comprise a preliminary step of creating a pre-heated homogenous mixture of liquid heat stabilizer and liquid plasticizer comprising applying acoustic energy to a liquid plasticizer-free heterogeneous mixture of cold PVC solids and liquid heat stabilizer (devoid of liquid plasticizer) to obtain a liquid plasticizer-free homogenous mixture of cold PVC solids and liquid heat stabilizer at a temperature of 19°-50°C, alternatively 19°-27°C, alternatively 22°-24°C, wherein at the start of the preliminary step the liquid plasticizer-free heterogeneous mixture of cold PVC solids and liquid heat stabilizer is at a temperature of 19°-50°C, alternatively 19°-27°C, alternatively 22°-24°C, and the method may further comprise heating the cold liquid plasticizer-free homogenous mixture to obtain the pre-heated homogenous mixture.

[0027] The method may further include the feature of not mechanically moving the polyvinyl chloride solids or the heterogeneous mixture during the applying step. The method may further include the feature of not passively absorbing, soaking, or incorporating the liquid additive into the polyvinyl chloride solids. The method may further include the feature of not solidifying the liquid additive(s) incorporated into the PVC solids after the applying step.

[0028] The polyvinyl chloride solids may have a melting temperature where melting begins or commences at 100° C. or above, alternatively greater than 110° C., alternatively greater than 120° C. The polyvinyl chloride solids may have a melting temperature where melting ends or is complete at 260° C. or below, alternatively less than 230° C., alternatively less than 200° C. The liquid additives may have a freezing point less than 30.0° C., alternatively less than 20.0° C., alternatively less than 15° C., alternatively less than 5° C. The freezing point of the liquid additives may be at least −80° C., alternatively at least −50° C., alternatively at least −10° C.

[0029] Methods without mechanical agitation may further include the feature of not mechanically moving the polyvinyl chloride solids or heterogeneous mixture during the application step. Mixing includes mechanical actuation means that initiate action by applying a direct contact force, either manually or via a machine, that brings a physical object (e.g., a stirrer paddle, a screw, a plunger, or a blender) into contact and thereby moves the material. Examples of mechanical actuation include stirring, rotor mixing, screw mixing, plunger mixing, blender mixing, and other direct physical contact. Contact forces do not include electromagnetic, gravitational, acoustic, or convective forces.

[0030] The method without mechanical agitation may further include the feature that it does not substantially or completely involve passive absorption, soaking, or attraction of the liquid additive into the polyvinyl chloride solid during the application step. Soaking requires miscibility of the liquid additive with the polyvinyl chloride solid and effective soaking conditions. Such soaking conditions include sufficient time (e.g., 8-16 hours) and sufficient temperature from ambient temperature (e.g., 20° C.) to elevated temperature (e.g., 60°-120° C.) to transfer the liquid additive into the polyvinyl chloride solid.

[0031] The mechanically agitated method creates a homogenous mixture in an acoustic mixer device, but without any components that may interfere with or attenuate the acoustic energy of the application process, and without any mechanical agitation during acoustic mixing. Commercially available acoustic mixer devices are available for use at a variety of scales, from laboratory scale to industrial manufacturing scale, such as the resonant acoustic mixer from Resodyn Acoustic Mixers (Butte, Montana, USA).

[0032] The method without mechanical agitation creates a homogenous mixture without melting the polyvinyl chloride solids.

[0033] In practical terms, whether or not homogeneity of the homogeneous mixture produced by the present method has been achieved can be recognized by visual inspection or by sampling the mixture as it transitions from a heterogeneous state to a homogeneous state and measuring the properties of the sample. For example, homogeneity is achieved when the sampling error of the measurement is negligible or identical compared to the total error of the measurement. All other conditions being equal, (i) the greater the acoustic energy, the shorter the time required to achieve homogeneity and vice versa, and (ii) the closer to the resonant frequency of the polymer solid, the shorter the time required to achieve homogeneity and vice versa.

[0034] Methods without mechanical agitation may include applying acoustic energy until the liquid additive is completely dispersed and substantially uniformly incorporated about the polyvinyl chloride solid or appears to the naked eye "dry" or free of liquid additive on the surface of the polyvinyl chloride solid. Substantially all accessible surfaces of the polyvinyl chloride polymer solid may have at least some liquid additive incorporated (adsorbed) thereon, although the amount of liquid additive adsorbed may vary across the surface. Acoustic mixing may accelerate this entrapment and incorporation.

[0035] The mechanically agitated method allows for the creation of a homogenous mixture containing polyvinyl chloride solids and liquid additives without the use of mechanical agitation or melt extrusion or melt compounding, which require the polyvinyl chloride solids to be mechanically moved and melted. Thus, the thermal history of a homogenous mixture created by the method is less damaging (e.g., less oxidative degradation) than the thermal history of a comparable homogenous mixture created by melt extrusion or melt compounding. For example, a homogenous mixture created by the method may have improved mechanical properties (e.g., higher tensile strength, higher elongation at break) before and / or after its thermal aging.

[0036] Without being bound by theory, it is believed that application of acoustic energy at frequencies between 20 and 100 Hz generates sound waves that rapidly vibrate the polyvinyl chloride solids. The sound waves cause the PVC solids to undergo a relatively large physical displacement without being mechanically agitated. The degree of physical displacement may be characterized by the magnitude of their motion and the frequency of the vibration. This vibration of the polyvinyl chloride solids results in their rapid mixing with the liquid additives to form a first homogenous mixture. That is, the first homogenous mixture is created without solidifying the liquid additives and, optionally, without mechanically mixing the polyvinyl chloride solids with the liquid additives, without solidifying the liquid additives or without mechanically stirring or melting the polyvinyl chloride solids. The mechanically agitated method differs from conventional mixing methods that rely on mechanical mixing of the polyvinyl chloride solids (e.g., stirred tank apparatus) or melt (e.g., twin screw extrusion apparatus) with the liquid plasticizer.

[0037] Sound with a frequency below 20 Hertz (Hz) is referred to as "infrasound", 20 Hz to 20 kilohertz (KHz) is referred to as "acoustic", and above 20 KHz (up to 200 megahertz (MHz)) is referred to as "ultrasound". Without being bound by theory, it is believed that infrasound, ultrasound, and acoustic above 100 Hz are not, by themselves, capable of causing polyvinyl chloride solids in a heterogeneous mixture to vibrate rapidly in a manner that produces relatively large physical displacements, thereby producing a homogeneous mixture. In the present invention, the application of acoustic energy at frequencies between 20 and 100 Hz is referred to as "acoustic mixing".

[0038] The term "heterogeneous mixture" may refer to the first or second heterogeneous mixture in a numbered embodiment or claim, as the case may be, or to the heterogeneous mixture in a non-numbered embodiment. The total weight of all components in the heterogeneous mixture is 100.00% by weight.

[0039] A heterogeneous mixture, which may be made by contacting a neat polyvinyl chloride solid, free of liquid additives, with a liquid additive without homogenization. Alternatively, a second heterogeneous mixture may be made by contacting a homogeneous mixture made by acoustic mixing or comparative melt mixing of the present invention with a second liquid additive (e.g., a second liquid additive that is not a heat stabilizer or plasticizer) and / or a second particulate solid additive (e.g., a second particulate additive that is not a heat stabilizer or plasticizer) without homogenization. Alternatively, a homogeneous mixture of polyvinyl chloride solids and liquid additives may be made by heterogenization, such as by standing at 25° C. for a time sufficient to cause a portion of the liquid additive in the polyvinyl chloride solids to coalesce or migrate to the surface of the liquid additive. Alternatively, it can be made by heating a heterogeneous mixture of polyvinyl chloride solids and a low melting point solid additive having a melting temperature lower than that of the polyvinyl chloride solids, where the heating is performed at a temperature above that of the low melting point solid additive but below the melting temperature of the polyvinyl chloride solids for a time sufficient to melt at least a portion, or possibly all, of the low melting point solid additive.

[0040] A heterogeneous mixture may have never been homogenized before or may have been dehomogenized as described above. In either case, a heterogeneous mixture is a heterogeneous physical combination of substances, e.g., consisting of unmixed or partially (incompletely) mixed components. Homogenization of a dehomogenized mixture can reconstitute the homogenous mixture of its predecessor without remelting the polyvinyl chloride.

[0041] The liquid additive may impart to the homogenous mixture and / or to the polyvinyl chloride solids at least one functional property as described herein.

[0042] The heterogeneous mixtures, and homogeneous mixtures made therefrom by methods without mechanical agitation, may be free of (i.e., devoid of) particulate solid additives. In these embodiments, the heterogeneous mixtures, and homogeneous mixtures made therefrom by the methods, may consist essentially of, or consist of, polyvinyl chloride solid and liquid additives.

[0043] Alternatively, the heterogeneous mixture, and the homogeneous mixtures produced therefrom by the method without mechanical agitation, may further comprise a particulate solid additive different from the polyvinyl chloride solids. In these embodiments, the heterogeneous mixtures and the homogeneous mixtures produced therefrom by the method may consist essentially of the polyvinyl chloride solids, the liquid additive, and at least one such particulate solid additive.

[0044] The first heterogeneous mixture used in the step of applying acoustic energy may be freshly prepared. By "freshly prepared" it is meant that the temperature of the components of the first heterogeneous mixture is sufficiently low (less than 120°C) and / or the time between the contacting step (i) or (ii) and the start of the application of acoustic energy is sufficiently short so that the liquid additive is not passively absorbed, soaked, or drawn into the polyvinyl chloride solid to any significant or partial extent (e.g., less than 5% of the total amount of liquid additive), if possible. A sufficiently short time between the contacting step and the start of the step of applying acoustic energy may be less than 30 minutes, alternatively less than 15 minutes, alternatively less than 10 minutes, or alternatively less than 5 minutes. Alternatively, the first heterogeneous mixture used in the step of applying acoustic energy may be previously aged. "Pre-aging" may mean that the temperature is low enough and / or the time between contacting step (i) or (ii) and the start of the applied acoustic energy step is not long enough, if possible, for some, if not all, of the liquid additive to be passively absorbed, soaked, or imbibed to any significant or measurable extent into the polyvinyl chloride solid. The sufficiently long time between the contacting step and the start of the applied acoustic energy step may be at least 30 minutes, alternatively greater than 60 minutes, alternatively greater than 120 minutes.

[0045] The first heterogeneous mixture and the first homogeneous mixture may include polyvinyl chloride solids and one liquid additive. Alternatively, the first heterogeneous mixture and the first homogeneous mixture may include polyvinyl chloride solids and two or more liquid additives. When the first heterogeneous mixture and the first homogeneous mixture include the constituent PVC solids and one liquid additive but not two liquid additives, the method without mechanical agitation may further include adding a second liquid additive and / or a second particulate solid additive to the first homogeneous mixture to obtain a second heterogeneous mixture and applying acoustic energy to the second heterogeneous mixture to obtain a second homogeneous mixture of PVC solids and two liquid additives.

[0046] In a homogeneous mixture, the total weight of the PVC solid and liquid additives is equal to the weight of a heterogeneous mixture made therefrom. The total weight of all components in a homogeneous mixture is 100.00% by weight. In general, the weight percent of each component in a homogeneous mixture is equal to the weight percent of the same component in a heterogeneous mixture made therefrom by a process without mechanical agitation.

[0047] Polyvinyl chloride solids. It is a form of divided solid material (i.e., solid particles) of polymeric macromolecules containing at least 5 or 10 to 200,000 independent building blocks derived from the polymerization of vinyl chloride.

[0048] The polyvinyl chloride solids can be porous or non-porous. The polyvinyl chloride solids can include powders, flakes, granules, pellets, or any two or more combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the particulate solid additive is in the form of a powder, flakes, and granules, or is in the form of a powder, flakes, and pellets, or is in the form of a powder, granules, and pellets, or is in the form of a flake, granules, and pellets. In some embodiments, the particulate solid additive is in the form of a powder, or flakes, or granules, or pellets, or is in the form of a combination of a powder and a flake, granules, and pellets.

[0049] Polyvinyl chloride ("PVC") solids. PVC solids require liquid and / or particulate solid additives. For example, PVC solids may require liquid heat stabilizers and / or liquid plasticizers. Alternatively, PVC solids may require particulate solid heat stabilizers and / or particulate solid plasticizers or softeners. In the absence of heat stabilizers, PVC solids tend to deteriorate or decompose (e.g., inhibit oxidation of PVC solids and / or reduce emission of chlorine-containing compounds) when heated to high temperatures, such as when heated to the operating temperatures of a melt extrusion process, for example, when a heat-aged coated conductor including a layer composed of PVC is heated at high temperatures. In the absence of plasticizers or softeners, PVC solids tend to have a rigid structure. The deterioration or decomposition of PVC solids may be inhibited by using liquid or particulate solid heat stabilizers. Liquid or particulate solid plasticizers may be used to increase the flexibility, workability, and / or extensibility of PVC solids and / or to change the properties of the melt of PVC solids. Liquid or particulate solid plasticizers can reduce the melt viscosity, reduce the temperature of the second-order transition in differential scanning calorimetry, and / or reduce the modulus of the PVC solid composition. Liquid or particulate solid heat stabilizers, or other liquid or particulate solid additives that are not liquid or particulate solid plasticizers (e.g., liquid antioxidants or particulate solids or liquid or particulate solid flame retardants), can provide different benefits (e.g., antioxidant or flame retardant benefits). Particulate solid heat stabilizers or particulate solid antioxidants can be used instead of or in addition to liquid heat stabilizers or liquid antioxidants, respectively.

[0050] The term "polyvinyl chloride," also known as "poly(vinyl chloride)" or "PVC," refers to a polymer or collection of polymers containing building blocks derived from the polymerization of the monomer vinyl chloride. The structural formula of vinyl chloride is H2C=C(H)Cl.

[0051] The composition of PVC solids can be homopolymer or copolymer. In polyvinyl chloride homopolymer, all of the constitutional units are derived from the polymerization of vinyl chloride. In polyvinyl chloride copolymer, the majority of the constitutional units are derived from the polymerization of vinyl chloride, and a minority of the constitutional units are derived from monomers of olefins (i.e., 1-alkenes having 4 to 20 carbon atoms), such as ethylene, propylene, or (C4-C20) α-olefins.

[0052] The composition of PVC solids may be unsubstituted or substituted with substituents. Unsubstituted PVC is composed of carbon, hydrogen, and chlorine atoms, with all chlorine atoms coming from the polymerization of vinyl chloride. Substituted PVC is made by reacting unsubstituted PVC with a chemical modifying agent to produce a chemically modified PVC, the substituted PVC, or by grafting a functional group or a different polymer onto the unsubstituted PVC to produce a grafted PVC, the substituted PVC. An example of a chemical modifying agent is a chlorinating agent, and the resulting chemically modified PVC is chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC). An example of a functional group is a trialkoxysilyl group, and the grafted PVC is a trialkoxysilyl-functional PVC.

[0053] The polyvinyl chloride of PVC solids is any polymer, or mixture of such polymers, that contains constitutional units derived from the polymerization of an olefin-functional monomer or the copolymerization of at least two olefin-functional monomers. Polyvinyl chloride can be amorphous (i.e., it has a glass transition temperature in differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) but no melting point) or semi-crystalline (i.e., it has a glass transition temperature and a melting point in DSC).

[0054] Examples of suitable polyvinyl chloride of PVC solids are poly(vinyl chloride) polymer (PVC), chlorinated poly(vinyl chloride) polymer (CPVC), and copolymers of vinyl chloride with copolymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomers. Examples of copolymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomers are vinyl acetate, vinyl butyrate, vinyl benzoate, vinylidene chloride, alkyl fumarate, alkyl maleate, vinyl propionate, alkyl acrylate, alkyl methacrylate, methyl α-chloroacrylate, styrene, trichloroethylene, vinyl ether, vinyl ketone, 1-fluoro-2-chloroethylene, acrylonitrile, chloroacrylonitrile, arylidene diacetate, and chloroarylidene diacetate, and mixtures of any two or more thereof. For details, see U.S. Pat. No. 10,119,015 B2. Polyvinyl chloride can be a thermoplastic elastomer or a compatibilizer as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,697,787 B2. Polyvinyl chloride that is a copolymer can be a block copolymer or a random copolymer.

[0055] A monomer-based polymer, such as an "ethylene-based polymer" or a "propylene-based polymer," means a polymer that contains 51-100% by weight of constitutional units derived from a monomer (e.g., ethylene or propylene) and 0-49% by weight of constitutional units derived from one or more comonomers different from the monomer.

[0056] The polyvinyl chloride composition may be hPVC or CPVC, or hPVC or blends, or CPVC or blends, or hPVC, or CPVC, or blends. When the polyvinyl chloride solids are hPVC solids, the hPVC solids may be free of CPVC, polyolefins, or both CPVC and polyolefins. The polyolefin of the blend may be a polyethylene homopolymer, a polypropylene homopolymer, an ethylene / propylene copolymer, an ethylene / propylene / diene monomer (EPDM) terpolymer, or a poly(ethylene-co-1-alkene) copolymer in which the 1-alkene is 1-butene, 1-hexene, or 1-octene. In some embodiments, the PVC solids are comprised of PVC homopolymer ("hPVC").

[0057] The polyvinyl chloride solids of the first heterogeneous mixture (i.e., before the application of the acoustic energy step) may be characterized by an average particle size, as measured by count, of 10 to 500 particles per gram (ppg), alternatively 11 to 80 ppg, alternatively 20 to 40 ppg.

[0058] The heterogeneous and / or homogeneous mixtures may contain from 100 to 10% by weight PVC solids, alternatively from 90 to 20% by weight, alternatively from 85 to 30% by weight, alternatively from 80 to 40% by weight PVC solids, based on the total weight of the homogeneous mixture.

[0059] The liquid additive may be a liquid heat stabilizer, a liquid plasticizer, a liquid antioxidant, or a liquid flame retardant. Alternatively, the antioxidant may be a solid antioxidant, or a combination of a liquid antioxidant and a solid antioxidant, or a combination of a liquid heat stabilizer and a solid antioxidant.

[0060] Liquid or particulate solid heat stabilizers. As used herein, a "heat stabilizer" is a compound, substance or material that, when incorporated into (dispersed within) a PVC solid in need thereof, functions to enhance the resistance of the PVC solid to the degradative and / or decomposing effects of elevated temperatures (e.g., inhibit oxidation of the PVC solid and / or reduce the release of chlorine-containing compounds). Liquid or particulate solid heat stabilizers are used to stabilize homogeneous mixtures against the deleterious effects of heat. Liquid or particulate solid heat stabilizers may include calcium zinc mixed metal fatty acid carboxylates or metal mercaptides. Liquid or particulate solid heat stabilizers may include a liquid combination of components (i)-(iii): (i) a first metal salt, (ii) a second metal salt, and (iii) a liquid or particulate solid diketone. The combination of components (i)-(iii) may be in the form of a solution of solid (i) and solid (ii) dissolved in the liquid diketone. The metal of each metal salt may be independently lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, zinc, aluminum, or tin. The tin may be an alkyl-containing tin. Examples of suitable metal salts are metal stearates, metal laurates, metal oleates, metal maleates, metal carboxylates such as metal benzoates, metal phosphates such as stearyl phosphate, distearyl phosphate, phenyl phosphate, and diphenyl phosphate, as well as their base salts, carbonates, and sulfates, and their metal oxides and hydroxides. The metal salt may be calcium stearate, zinc stearate, barium stearate, cadmium stearate, an organotin compound (such as dibutyltin dilaurate or dibutyltin dimaleate), or a combination of any two thereof. The metal of the first metal salt may be zinc, and the metal of the second metal salt may be calcium or barium. The first metal salt can be zinc stearate and the second metal salt can be calcium stearate or barium stearate. The particulate solid heat stabilizer can be an epoxidized material, such as an epoxidized fatty acid ester, such as an epoxidized triglyceride or an epoxidized fatty acid alkyl ester.

[0061] The (iii) liquid or particulate solid diketone may be a liquid or particulate solid β-diketone. Examples of suitable liquid or particulate solid diketones are acetylacetone, triacetylmethane, 2,4,6-heptatrione, butanoylacetylmethane, lauroylacetylmethane, palmitoylacetylmethane, stearoylacetylmethane, phenylacetylacetylmethane, dicyclohexylcarbonylmethane, benzoylformylmethane, benzoylacetylmethane, dibenzoylmethane (Rhodiastab® 83), palmitoylbenzoylmethane, octylbenzoylmethane. , bis(4-octylbenzoyl)methane, benzoyldiacetylmethane, 4-methoxybenzoylbenzoylmethane, bis(4-carboxymethylbenzoyl)methane, 2-carboxymethylbenzoylacetyloctylmethane, dehydroacetic acid, cyclohexane-1,3-dione, 3,6-dimethyl-2,4-dioxycyclohexane-1-carboxylic acid methyl ester, 2-acetylcyclohexanone, dimedone, 2-benzoylcyclohexane, and any combination of two or more thereof. An example of a suitable combination is palmitoylbenzoylmethane and stearoylbenzoylmethane (Rhodiastab 50).

[0062] The liquid or particulate solid heat stabilizer may be lead-free (ie, does not contain Pb atoms).

[0063] The heterogeneous and / or homogeneous mixture may include a liquid or particulate solid heat stabilizer and may be free of a liquid or particulate solid plasticizer. The heterogeneous and / or homogeneous mixture may include a liquid or particulate solid heat stabilizer and a liquid or particulate solid plasticizer. When present, the liquid or particulate solid heat stabilizer may be present in the homogeneous mixture at 0.1 to 10 wt. %, alternatively 0.2 to 7.0 wt. %, alternatively 0.4 to 5.0 wt. %, based on the total weight of the homogeneous mixture.

[0064] Liquid or particulate solid plasticizers. Particulate solid plasticizers are sometimes called particulate solid softeners. Liquid or particulate solid plasticizers (also called softeners) are compounds, substances, or materials that, when incorporated (dispersed) into PVC solids that require them, function to increase the flexibility, workability, and / or extensibility of the PVC solids. Flexibility is the ability to bend without breaking. Workability is the ability to be shaped (cast, molded, extruded, etc.) without undoing, tearing, or bursting. Extensibility is the ability to expand due to internal pressure.

[0065] The liquid or particulate solid plasticizer may be a liquid or particulate solid carboxylic acid ester. The liquid or particulate solid plasticizer may be an epoxidized fatty acid ester. The epoxidized fatty acid ester may be selected from liquid epoxidized soybean oil, liquid epoxidized linseed oil, and epoxides of fatty acid alkyl esters (such as those derived from soybean oil).

[0066] The liquid or particulate solid plasticizer may be a liquid or particulate solid carboxylic acid ester selected from acetyl trialkyl citrate, alkyl benzoate, dialkyl adipate, dialkyl azelate, dialkyl cyclohexanedicarboxylate, dialkyl maleate, dialkyl phthalate, dialkyl sebacate, dialkyl succinate, dialkyl terephthalate, dialkyl tetrahydrofuran-dicarboxylate, trialkyl citrate, trialkyl trimellitate, and combinations of any two or more thereof. Each alkyl group may independently be a straight or branched chain unsubstituted alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted with one to three halogen atoms. Each halogen atom may independently be F, Cl, Br, or I, or F, Cl or Br, or Cl or Br, or Br, or Cl. Each alkyl group can be independently an unsubstituted (C1-C20) alkyl group, alternatively an unsubstituted (C4-C20) alkyl group, alternatively an unsubstituted (C4-C10) alkyl group, alternatively an unsubstituted (C11-C20) alkyl group. The acetyl trialkyl citrate can be acetyl tributyl citrate or acetyl trihexyl citrate. The alkyl benzoate can be acetyl (C10-C20) alkyl benzoate. The dialkyl adipate can be dimethyl adipate, di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate, or dioctyl adipate. The dialkyl azelaic acid can be di((C10-C20) alkyl) azelaic acid. The dialkyl cyclohexane-dicarboxylate can be di(7-methyloctyl)cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate. The dialkyl maleate can be dibutyl maleate or di(2-methylpropyl) maleate. The dialkyl phthalate can be di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, di(2-propylheptyl) phthalate, di(7-methyloctyl) phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, butyl benzyl phthalate, di(8-methylnonyl) phthalate, dioctyl phthalate, di(6-methylheptyl) phthalate, diethyl phthalate, di(2-methylpropyl) phthalate, or dihexyl phthalate. The dialkyl sebacate can be dibutyl sebacate.The dialkyl succinate can be di((C10-C20) alkyl) succinate. The dialkyl terephthalate can be dioctyl terephthalate. The dialkyl tetrahydrofuran-dicarboxylate can be di((C10-C20) alkyl) tetrahydrofuran-2,6-dicarboxylate. The trialkyl citrate can be trihexyl citrate or trimethyl citrate. The trialkyl trimellitate can be trimethyl trimellitate, tri(2-ethylhexyl) trimellitate, a mixture of tri(octyl) and tri(decyl) trimellitate, or a mixture of tri(heptyl) and trinonyl trimellitate. In some embodiments, the liquid or particulate solid plasticizer is a dialkyl phthalate, alternatively (C6-C14) alkyl, alternatively (C8-C12) alkyl, alternatively (C9-C11) alkyl, alternatively (C10) alkyl, alternatively di(8-methylnonyl) phthalate, which is also known as diisodecyl phthalate or "DIDP."

[0067] The heterogeneous and / or homogeneous mixture may include a liquid or particulate solid plasticizer and no liquid or particulate solid heat stabilizer. Alternatively, the heterogeneous and / or homogeneous mixture may include both. When present, the liquid or particulate solid plasticizer may be present in the homogeneous mixture at 10-90% by weight, alternatively 10-80% by weight, alternatively 15-70% by weight, alternatively 20-60% by weight, based on the total weight of the homogeneous mixture.

[0068] The heterogeneous mixtures produced by the process without mechanical agitation and the homogeneous mixtures produced therefrom may include at least one additional additive different from the PVC solid, the liquid or particulate solid heat stabilizer, and the liquid or particulate solid plasticizer. Each of the optional at least one additional additive may independently be a different liquid additive or particulate solid additive.

[0069] The at least one additional liquid or particulate solid additive may be any one of the following additives: a filler (e.g., clay, e.g., calcined clay, e.g., calcined kaolin clay), an antioxidant (e.g., octadecyl 3-(3,5-ditert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate), a flame retardant synergist (e.g., antimony trioxide), a flame retardant (e.g., metal hydrate), a solid processing aid (e.g., solid N,N'-ethylenebis(stearamide) such as Kemamido W-40), a colorant (e.g., carbon black or TiO2), a solid polymer that is not a PVC polymer (e.g., may be a polyethylene polymer, a polypropylene homopolymer, or a propylene / ethylene copolymer). Each of the particulate solid additives may have a melting temperature at which melting begins or begins to occur that is greater than 20.0°C, greater than 100°C, or greater than 200°C. The at least one particulate solid additive may have a melting temperature at most 4,000°C, alternatively at most 2000°C, alternatively at most 1,000°C, alternatively at most 500°C, alternatively at most 300°C, where melting is terminated or completed.

[0070] Particulate solid additive. It is a material that is not or does not contain polyvinyl chloride polymer, i.e., it is not a polymer of any kind or whose constituent units are not derived from monomers. The particulate solid additive may be characterized by a glass transition temperature, if present, and / or a melting temperature higher than the melting temperature of polyvinyl chloride solid, for example, a melting temperature of more than 140°C, or even more than 180°C. The actual glass transition temperature of the particulate solid additive and the melting temperature of the particulate solid additive are not important, as long as they are high enough that the particulate solid additive does not glass transition or flow or melt during the step of applying sonic energy. Heterogeneous and homogeneous mixtures may contain no particulate solid additive, or one particulate solid additive, or a combination of two or more different particulate solid additives. The particulate solid additive may be inorganic or organic. Examples are carbon black, carbon nanotubes, diamond powder, graphite, graphene, powdered metals, powdered metal oxides, solid flame retardants, silica, alumina, and silicate glass beads. In some embodiments, the heterogeneous mixture, the method of preparation without mechanical agitation, and the homogeneous mixture produced thereby, are free of particulate solid additives.

[0071] The particulate solid additive may be a particulate solid heat stabilizer or a particulate solid plasticizer. The additional additive may be a hydrotalcite, a zeolite, a lubricant, a perchlorate, or a combination of any two or more thereof.

[0072] The term "solid" refers to a material that has a melting point or melting temperature or glass transition temperature that is higher than the operating temperature of the heterogeneous mixture during the step of applying acoustic energy, such that the particulate solid additive remains in solid form during the step of applying acoustic energy. When the heterogeneous mixtures produced by the method without mechanical agitation and the homogeneous mixtures produced therefrom contain both a liquid heat stabilizer and a particulate solid heat stabilizer, the latter functions therein as a supplementary heat stabilizer. When the heterogeneous mixtures and homogeneous mixtures produced by the present method contain both a liquid plasticizer and a particulate solid plasticizer, the latter functions therein as a supplementary plasticizer.

[0073] The term "stabilizer" refers to a compound or material that inhibits or delays the onset of the degrading effect on a host material (e.g., a resin) by the energy source to which it is modified. For example, a "light stabilizer" refers to a compound or material that inhibits or delays the onset of the degrading effect of light, especially ultraviolet light, on a PVC solid. A "heat stabilizer" refers to a compound or material that inhibits or delays the onset of the degrading effect of high temperature on a PVC solid. The effect of a light stabilizer or heat stabilizer on a host material (e.g., a PVC solid) may be one that does not include an antioxidant effect (i.e., in some embodiments, the stabilizer is not an antioxidant) or may further include an antioxidant effect (i.e., in some embodiments, the stabilizer is also an antioxidant).

[0074] Fillers as additives. The fillers may be solids. Examples are fumed silica (e.g. hydrophobically treated fumed silica) and clays, e.g. calcined clays, e.g. calcined kaolin clay. Calcined kaolin clay may be dispersed as a filler in the insulation layer of a power cable, the insulation layer comprising a composite of PVC and clay. The heterogeneous and / or homogeneous mixture may be free of fillers. If present, the fillers may be 0.1-50 wt. %, alternatively 0.1-25 wt. %, alternatively 0.3-25 wt. %, alternatively 1-20 wt. % of the total weight of the heterogeneous and / or homogeneous mixture.

[0075] Antioxidant as an additive: An organic molecule, or collection of such molecules, that inhibits oxidation. Antioxidants can be solid or liquid compounds. Antioxidants function to provide antioxidant properties to heterogeneous or homogeneous mixtures and / or cured polymer products made by curing homogeneous mixtures. Suitable examples are bis(4-(1-methyl-1-phenylethyl)phenyl)amine (e.g. NAUGARD 445), 2,2'-methylene-bis(4-methyl-6-t-butylphenol) (e.g. VANOX MBPC), 2,2'-thiobis(2-t-butyl-5-methylphenol) (CAS number 90-66-4, 4,4'-thiobis(2-t-butyl-5-methylphenol) (also known as 4,4'-thiobis(6-tert-butyl-m-cresol), CAS number 96-69-5, commercially available LOWINOX TBM-6), 2,2'-thiobis(6-t-butyl-4-methylphenol) (CAS number 90-66-4, commercially available LOWINOX TBP-6), tris[(4-tert-butyl-3-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylphenyl)methyl]-1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-trione (e.g. CYANOX 1790), pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-(3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate) (e.g. IRGANOX 1010, CAS number 6683-19-8), 3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxybenzenepropanoic acid 2,2'-thiodiethanediyl ester (e.g. IRGANOX 1035, CAS number 41484-35-9), distearyl thiodipropionate ("DSTDP"), dilauryl thiodipropionate (e.g. IRGANOX PS800), stearyl 3-(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate (e.g. IRGANOX 1076), 2,4-bis(dodecylthiomethyl)-6-methylphenyl (IRGANOX 1726), 4,6-bis(octylthiomethyl)-o-cresol (e.g., IRGANOX 1520), and 2',3-bis[[3-[3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl]propionyl]]propionohydrazide (IRGANOX 1024).The antioxidant may be 4,4'-thiobis(2-t-butyl-5-methylphenol) (also known as 4,4'-thiobis(6-tert-butyl-m-cresol)), 2,2'-thiobis(6-t-butyl-4-methylphenol, tris[(4-tert-butyl-3-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylphenyl)methyl]-1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-trione, distearyl thiodipropionate, or dilauryl thiodipropionate, or any combination thereof. The combination may be tris[(4-tert-butyl-3-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylphenyl)methyl]-1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-trione and distearyl thiodipropionate. The heterogeneous and / or homogeneous mixture may be free of antioxidants. When present, the antioxidant may be present in an amount of 0.01 to 1.5 wt. %, alternatively 0.1 to 1.0 wt. %, of the total weight of the heterogeneous and / or homogeneous mixture.

[0076] Flame retardant synergists (e.g., antimony trioxide) as additives. The heterogeneous and / or homogeneous mixtures may be free of flame retardant synergists. When present, the flame retardant synergist may be 0.001 to 30.0 wt. %, alternatively 0.01 to 20.0 wt. %, alternatively 0.10 to 10.0 wt. %, alternatively 0.15 to 5.0 wt. %, alternatively 0.20 to 3.0 wt. %, alternatively 0.30 to 1.0 wt. % of the heterogeneous and / or homogeneous mixture.

[0077] Flame retardants as additives. Flame retardants are compounds that inhibit or slow the spread of fire by inhibiting chemical reactions in the flame. Flame retardants can be (1) minerals, (2) organohalogen compounds, (3) (organo)phosphorus compounds, (4) halogenated silicones, (5) a combination of any two or more of (1)-(4), or (6) a combination of any one of (1)-(4) with a flame retardant synergist (e.g., antimony trioxide). The heterogeneous and / or homogeneous mixture can be flame retardant-free. When present, the flame retardant can be 0.1-80.0 wt. % of the heterogeneous and / or homogeneous mixture, alternatively 1-50.0 wt. %, alternatively 5-30.0 wt. %.

[0078] Solid processing aids as additives (e.g., solid N,N'-ethylenebis(stearamide) such as Kemamide W-40); the heterogeneous and / or homogeneous mixtures may be free of solid processing aids. If present, the solid processing aids may be 0.05-5 wt. % of the heterogeneous and / or homogeneous mixtures.

[0079] A colorant as an additive. For example, a pigment or dye. For example, carbon black or titanium dioxide. Carbon black may be provided as a carbon black masterbatch, which is a blend of poly(1-butene-co-ethylene) copolymer (≧95% by weight to less than 100% by weight of the total weight of the masterbatch) and carbon black (≧0% by weight to ≦5% by weight of the total weight of the masterbatch). Carbon black is a microcrystallized form of quasicrystalline carbon with a high surface area to volume ratio, but lower than that of activated carbon. Examples of carbon black are furnace carbon black, acetylene carbon black, conductive carbon (e.g., carbon fiber, carbon nanotubes, graphene, graphite, and expanded graphite platelets). The heterogeneous and / or homogeneous mixture may be free of colorant. If present, the colorant may be 0.1 to 35% by weight of the heterogeneous and / or homogeneous mixture, alternatively 1 to 10% by weight.

[0080] The heterogeneous and / or homogeneous mixture may further comprise a polymer that is not a PVC polymer or is not a PVC polymer or a styrene-based polymer (not a PVC solid). The polymer that is not a PVC polymer may be an ethylene-based polymer. Examples of suitable ethylene-based polymers are polyethylene homopolymers, ethylene / (C4-C20) α-olefin copolymers, ethylene / propylene copolymers, ethylene / propylene / diene monomer (EPDM) copolymers such as ethylene / propylene / 1,3-butadiene terpolymers, and ethylene / 1-butene / styrene copolymers. Examples of suitable ethylene / (C4-C20) α-olefin copolymers are ethylene / 1-butene copolymers, ethylene / 1-hexene copolymers, and ethylene / 1-octene copolymers. The ethylene-based polymer may be an ultra-low density polyethylene (ULDPE), a very low density polyethylene (VLDPE), a linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), a low density polyethylene (LDPE), a medium density polyethylene (MDPE), a high density polyethylene (HDPE), or an ultra high density polyethylene (UHDPE). The ethylene-based polymer may be chlorinated, such as (but not limited to) a chlorinated polyethylene. Many of the ethylene-based polymers are commercially available from The Dow Chemical Company under trade names such as AFFINITY, ATTANE, DOWLEX, ENGAGE, FLEXOMER, INFUSE, and VERSIFY. Other ethylene-based polymers are commercially available from other suppliers under trade names such as TAFMER, EXCEED, and EXACT. The polymer may be a styrenic polymer, a rubber, a polyorganosiloxane such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), or a blend of any two or more thereof. The heterogeneous and / or homogeneous mixture may be one that does not include a polymer that is not a PVC polymer. When present, the non-PVC polymer may be from 0.1 to 25 wt. %, alternatively from 1 to 20 wt. %, of the total weight of the heterogeneous and / or homogeneous mixture.

[0081] Articles of Manufacture. Articles of manufacture made from the homogenous mixture may include shaped forms thereof. Examples include coatings on substrates, tapes, films, layers of laminates, foams, and pipes.

[0082] Coated conductor. The article of manufacture may be a coated conductor including a conductive core and a polymer layer at least partially surrounding the conductive core, where at least a portion of the polymer layer includes a homogeneous mixture or a cured or crosslinked polymer product that has been cured. The entire polymer layer may include a homogeneous mixture or a cured or crosslinked polymer product. The conductive core may be a linear shape (e.g., wire-like) having a length and proximal and distal ends spaced apart from each other by the length of the linear shape, and the polymer layer may surround the conductive core except for the proximal and distal ends. The coated conductor may further include one or more additional polymer layers, which may or may not independently include a cured polymer product, and / or an outer shield layer (e.g., a metal sheath or sleeve). The coated conductor may include one or two insulating layers, at least one of which includes a cured polymer product, and alternatively or additionally, one or two semiconducting layers, at least one of which includes a cured or crosslinked polymer product including carbon black, and alternatively or additionally, an outer shield layer, which includes a cured polymer product.

[0083] Liquid refers to an amorphous state of matter intermediate between gas and solid, with a stable volume but no defined shape. Liquid refers to a state of matter that is free to flow but has a definite volume, such as water or oil. Other states of matter include solid and gas.

[0084] A solid refers to a substance in a state of having a stable volume and definite shape. It may be in an amorphous, crystalline, or semi-crystalline state.

[0085] The terms liquid, solid, and gas are used to characterize the state of matter at room temperature, e.g., 19°-26° C. Conventionally, a substance is called a "liquid" if it is free-flowing, but has a definite volume at room temperature.

[0086] For purposes of characterization and comparison, room temperature is defined in the present invention as 23°±1° C., or alternatively, 23° C.

[0087] The use of the term "liquid" in the expressions "liquid additive", "liquid heat stabilizer", and "liquid plasticizer" in the present disclosure differs somewhat from the conventional use described in the previous paragraph. In the present disclosure, the term "liquid" in the expressions "liquid additive", "liquid heat stabilizer", and "liquid plasticizer" is used to describe the operating state of matter at the operating temperature of the heterogeneous mixture of additive, heat stabilizer, or plasticizer, respectively, during the step of applying acoustic energy. Such operating temperature may be below room temperature (e.g., below 22°C), at room temperature (23°±1°C), or above room temperature (e.g., above 24°C). The disclosure includes the use of liquid heat stabilizers and / or liquid plasticizers as liquid additives, either in the form of a liquid or solid additive in a solution in a liquid or solvent, or in anhydrous form (95-100% by weight purity, alternatively 98-100% by weight purity, alternatively 99.0-100.0% by weight purity), which in anhydrous form are independently liquid at 23°±1° C. or low melting point solids (including waxes), provided that when the operating temperature of the heterogeneous mixture during the applying step is greater than room temperature (e.g., greater than 24° C.), the melting temperature of the low melting point solid is less than the operating temperature of the heterogeneous mixture during the applying step of acoustic energy. In some embodiments, the liquid additives, including liquid heat stabilizers and / or liquid plasticizers, are liquid at 23°±1° C. In other embodiments, the liquid additives, including liquid heat stabilizers and / or liquid plasticizers, are low melting point solids at 23°±1° C., and the operating temperature of the heterogeneous mixture during the applying step of acoustic energy is greater than 24° C.

[0088] Melting refers to the change of a substance from a solid state to a liquid state. Typically, melting refers to the completeness of the change such that the liquid state contains no unmelted material. When a material is characterized as a solid or liquid, the temperature of the material is 20°C.

[0089] Solidification refers to the change of a substance from a liquid state to a solid state. Typically, solidification refers to the complete change of the substance such that the solid state contains no unsolidified material.

[0090] In some aspects, any of the materials (compounds, compositions, formulations, mixtures, or products) of the invention may be free of any one of the chemical elements selected from the group consisting of H, Li, Be, B, C, N, O, F, Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Tc, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, In, Sn, Sb, Te, I, Cs, Ba, Hf, Ta, W, Re, Os, Ir, Pt, Au, Hg, Tl, Pb, Bi, lanthanides, and actinides, except that chemical elements required for the material (e.g., C and H required for polyolefins, or Hf required by M=Hf) are not excluded. In some embodiments having excluded chemical elements, the excluded chemical element includes Pb.

[0091] or precedes a different embodiment. ASTM means ASTM International, a standardization organization, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, USA. Any comparative examples are used for illustrative purposes only and are not prior art. Not containing or lacking means completely absent or undetectable. ISO means International Organization for Standardization, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401-1214 Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland. IUPAC means International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, IUPAC Secretariat, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA. May is not required, but gives the allowance of choice. Operative means functionally capable or effective. Optional(ly) means absent (or excluded) or present (or included). PAS are published specifications (Deutsches Institut fur Normunng eV (DIN, German Institute for Standardization)). The property may be measured using standard test methods and conditions. Ranges include endpoints, subranges, and integer and / or fractional values ​​subsumed therein, but integer ranges do not include fractional values. Room temperature: 23°C. ±1°C.

[0092] Terms used herein have their IUPAC meaning unless otherwise defined. See Compendium of Chemical Terminology (Gold Book, Edition 2.3.3, Feb. 24, 2014). EXAMPLES

[0093] Polyvinyl chloride solids (A)-1: PVC powder with a K value of 65. Available as Formolon 622S suspension grade PVC homopolymer (Formosa Plastics, USA).

[0094] Polyvinyl chloride solids (A)-2: PVC powder with a K value of 70. Available as OxyVinyls 240F suspension grade PVC homopolymer (OxyVinyls LP, USA).

[0095] (B)-1: A liquid additive which is a liquid heat stabilizer comprising a composition of about 80% by weight of dimethyltin bis(2-ethylhexyl mercaptoacetate) and about 20% by weight of monomethyltin tris(2-ethylhexyl mercaptoacetate) as described in U.S. Patent No. 3,887,519. Available as ADVASTAB TM181-FS Metal Mercaptide (PMC Group, USA).

[0096] (B)-2: A solid additive which is a solid heat stabilizer comprising the composition described in US Pat. No. 8,859,654 B2 as Baeropan MC 90249 KA calcium-zinc mixed metal soap (Baerlocker, USA).

[0097] (C)-1: A liquid additive which is a liquid plasticizer, diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP).

[0098] (D)-1: A solid filler which is calcined kaolin clay (Satintone SP-33).

[0099] (E)-1: A liquid additive which is a low melting point solid antioxidant, stearyl 3-(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate, having a melting range of 50° to 55°C. (IRGANOX 1076).

[0100] K-value: an empirical parameter related to the intrinsic viscosity and related to the molecular weight of the material, especially PVC solids. The K-value of the present invention is measured according to the test method of ISO 1628, Part 2:1998 Plastics - Determination of the viscosity of polymers in dilute solution using a capillary viscometer - Part 2: Poly(vinyl chloride) resins.

[0101] Shore D Hardness: Measured in accordance with ASTM D2240 at 23°C using a test piece 6.4 mm (mm) thick and 51 mm in diameter.

[0102] Tensile Strength: Measured in accordance with ASTM D638 and UL 1581 / 2556 using a Type IV dog-bone specimen approximately 0.9 mm thick at a displacement rate of 51 millimeters per minute (mm / min).

[0103] Inventive Example 1 (IE1): (Illustrative) Using the dry mixing process of the present invention, a homogeneous mixture 1 of the present invention is prepared: Using a Resodyn™ acoustic mixer (Lab RAM mixer), acoustic energy is applied to a heterogeneous mixture of component resin (A)-1, PVC solids (Formolon 622S suspension grade PVC homopolymer, at room temperature, i.e., no preheating) and liquid heat stabilizer (B)-1, ADVASTAB TM181-FS metal mercaptide, at room temperature, i.e., no preheating), until complete absorption of (B)-1 into the (A)-1 PVC solids is observed by the naked eye (i.e., until liquid (B)-1 is no longer visible from the surface of (A)-1, which occurs within 2 minutes), to obtain a homogeneous mixture 1 of the present invention comprising 100.0 parts by weight of (A)-1 PVC solid resin and 1.5 parts per 100 parts of resin (phr) of liquid heat stabilizer (B)-1.

[0104] Inventive Example 2 (IE2): (Illustrative) Inventive homogenous mixture 2 is made using the inventive dry blending process: Inventive homogenous mixture 1, IE1, and (C)-1, liquid plasticizer (DIDP), are preheated separately in a convection oven at 110° C. Add the preheated inventive homogenous mixture 1, 43.7 phr of preheated (C)-1, and 0.44 phr of (E)-1, antioxidant, to a glass bottle. Using a Resodyn™ acoustic mixer (Lab RAM Mixer), acoustic energy is applied to the contents of the bottle at room temperature until complete absorption of (C)-1 into the homogeneous mixture 1 of the present invention is observed by the naked eye (i.e., until liquid (C)-1 disappears from the surface of the homogeneous mixture 1 of the present invention within 2-3 minutes) to obtain a homogeneous mixture 2 of the present invention containing 100.0 parts by weight of resin (A)-1, 1.5 phr of liquid heat stabilizer (B)-1, 43.7 phr of liquid plasticizer (C)-1, and 0.44 phr of liquid antioxidant (E)-1. The composition of homogeneous mixture 2 is 68.7 wt. % PVC solids (A)-1, 30.0 wt. % of liquid plasticizer (C)-1 (DIDP), 1.0 wt. % of liquid heat stabilizer (B)-1, and 0.3 wt. % of antioxidant (E)-1. The homogeneous mixture 2 of the present invention is compression molded into a thin sheet or test specimen. The cooled sheets are die cut to shape for tensile strength and tensile elongation measurements. Uncut compression molded specimens are tested for hardness measurements.

[0105] [Table 1]

[0106] In Table 1, N / m means not measured. As shown in IE1, the method without mechanical agitation resulted in a homogeneous mixture (also called dry blend) of PVC solids and liquid heat stabilizer. The method is 1.3-9 times faster than mechanical agitation as reported by Chaudhary et al., i.e., the method allows complete mixing in 75%-11% of the time required for mechanical agitation by Chaudhary et al. The acoustic mixing process of IE1 and IE2 of the present invention allowed the liquid plasticizer to be completely infused into the PVC solids without melting the PVC solids. Furthermore, after compression molding of test specimens, the homogeneous mixture of IE2 of the present invention has useful tensile strength and tensile elongation, as well as hardness.

[0107] Inventive Example 3 (hypothetical example). Using the dry mixing process of the present invention, prepare the inventive homogeneous mixture 3: Preheat the inventive homogeneous mixture 2 of IE2 and 5 phr particulate solid additive (D)-1 (calcined kaolin clay) at 90°C in a convection oven. Place the preheated material in a glass bottle. Using a Resodyn™ acoustic mixer (Lab RAM Mixer), apply acoustic energy to the contents of the bottle at room temperature until the absorption of (D)-1 into the (A)-1 PVC solid is completely observed by the naked eye, obtaining the inventive homogeneous mixture 3 containing (A)-1, (B)-1, (C)-1, and (D)-1. The inventive homogeneous mixture 3 can be compression molded into thin sheets or test specimens and tested for tensile strength, tensile elongation, and Shore D hardness.

[0108] Inventive Examples 4-5 (hypothetical examples): Except for using (A)-1 PVC solid instead of inventive homogeneous mixture 1 (i.e., omitting the (B)-1 liquid heat stabilizer step), the procedures of IE2-IE3 are reproduced, respectively, to obtain inventive homogeneous mixtures 4 and 5, which do not contain a liquid heat stabilizer.

[0109] Inventive Examples 6-8 (hypothetical examples): The procedures of IE1-IE3, respectively, are reproduced, except that (A)-2 PVC solid is used instead of (A)-1 PVC solid to obtain inventive homogenous mixtures 6-8, respectively.

[0110] Inventive Examples 9-11 (hypothetical examples): The procedures of IE1-IE3, respectively, are reproduced, except that the (B)-1 liquid heat stabilizer is replaced by (B)-2 liquid heat stabilizer to obtain inventive homogenous mixtures 9-11, respectively.

[0111] The following claims are incorporated herein by reference. Examples of the invention of this application include the following: [1] A method without mechanical agitation for producing a homogeneous mixture of polyvinyl chloride solids and liquid and / or particulate solid additives without melting the polyvinyl chloride solids during production, comprising: applying acoustic energy at a frequency of 20 to 100 Hertz (Hz) to a first heterogeneous mixture comprising the polyvinyl chloride solids and the liquid and / or particulate solid additives, while maintaining a temperature of the first heterogeneous mixture above the freezing point of the liquid additives, below the melting point of the particulate solid additives, and below the melting temperature of the polyvinyl chloride solids, for a time effective to substantially mix the polyvinyl chloride solids and the liquid and / or particulate solid additives, while maintaining a temperature of the first heterogeneous mixture above the freezing point of the liquid additives, below the melting point of the particulate solid additives, and below the melting temperature of the polyvinyl chloride solids, thereby producing a first homogeneous mixture comprising the polyvinyl chloride solids and the liquid and / or particulate solid additives without mechanically agitating or melting the polyvinyl chloride solids. [2] The method according to [1] above, wherein the liquid additive is a liquid heat stabilizer, a liquid plasticizer, a liquid antioxidant, a liquid flame retardant, or a combination of any two or more thereof. [3] The method of [1] or [2] above, wherein the applying step is characterized by any one of features (i) to (v): (i) the frequency is 50 to 70 Hz; (ii) the time is 0.5 minutes to 4 hours; (iii) both (i) and (ii); (iv) maintaining the temperature of the first heterogeneous mixture below the melting temperature of the polyvinyl chloride solid comprises maintaining the temperature of the first heterogeneous mixture at 10° to 119° C.; and (v) both (iv) and any one of (i) to (iii). [4] The method according to any one of [1] to [3] above, wherein the polyvinyl chloride solids of the first heterogeneous mixture are characterized by a physical form that is a powder, a flake, a granule, a pellet, or a combination of any two or more thereof, and a melting temperature of 100° to 260°C, and the liquid additive is characterized by a freezing point of less than 20°C or a melting point of 20° to 99°C, and the first heterogeneous mixture is maintained at a temperature higher than the freezing point or melting point of the liquid additive and lower than 119°C during the applying step. [5] The method according to any one of the above [1] to [4], wherein the polyvinyl chloride composition of the polyvinyl chloride solid comprises polyvinyl chloride homopolymer (hPVC), chlorinated poly(vinyl chloride) polymer (CPVC), or a blend of 51 to 99.99 wt. % hPVC and 0.01 to 49 wt. % of a polymer selected from CPVC and a polyolefin. [6] The method of any one of aspects [1] to [5], having any one of limitations (i) to (iv): (i) the liquid additive is a liquid heat stabilizer that is a calcium zinc mixed metal fatty acid carboxylate or metal mercaptide, (ii) the liquid additive is a liquid plasticizer that is a liquid carboxylic acid ester that does not contain a sulfur atom and a phenolic hydroxyl group, (iii) the liquid additive is a liquid plasticizer that is a liquid epoxidized fatty acid ester, and (iv) a combination of any two or three of (i) to (iii). [7] The method according to any one of the above [1] to [6], wherein the liquid additive is a liquid plasticizer, and the liquid plasticizer is selected from liquid acetyl trialkyl citrates, liquid alkyl benzoates, liquid dialkyl adipates, liquid dialkyl azelates, liquid dialkyl cyclohexane-dicarboxylates, liquid dialkyl maleates, liquid dialkyl phthalates, liquid dialkyl sebacates, liquid dialkyl terephthalates, liquid trialkyl citrates, liquid trialkyl trimellitates, and any combination of two or more thereof. [8] The method according to any one of the above [1] to [7], wherein the particulate solid additive is selected from a solid heat stabilizer, a solid silanol condensation catalyst, a solid antioxidant, a solid colorant, a solid anti-stick agent, a solid stabilizer for stabilizing the homogeneous mixture against the effects of ultraviolet light (UV stabilizer), a solid processing aid, a solid flame retardant, a solid polymer which is not a PVC resin, a solid organic peroxide, a solid crosslinking aid, and a solid moisture generator. [9] The method according to any one of the above [1] to [8], wherein the liquid additive is liquid at 23°±1°C and the particulate solid additive is solid at 23°±1°C.

[10] The method according to any one of [1] to [8] above, wherein the liquid additive is a low melting point solid additive having a melting point of 25° to 110° C., and the method further comprises, prior to the applying step, contacting the polyvinyl chloride solid with the low melting point solid additive to form a heterogeneous solid pre-mixture, thereby forming the first heterogeneous mixture, and melting the low melting point solid additive without melting the polyvinyl chloride solid to form the first heterogeneous mixture.

[11] The method according to any one of the above [1] to

[10] , comprising the steps of contacting the first homogeneous mixture with a particulate solid additive different from the polyvinyl chloride solid to produce a second heterogeneous mixture comprising the first homogeneous mixture and at least one of the particulate solid additives, and then applying acoustic energy at a frequency between 20 and 100 Hz effective to substantially mix the second heterogeneous mixture while maintaining a temperature of the second heterogeneous mixture above the melting point of the liquid additive, below the melting point of the particulate solid additive, and below the melting temperature of the polyvinyl chloride solid, thereby producing a second homogeneous mixture comprising the polyvinyl chloride solid and the liquid additive and / or the at least one particulate solid additive, without mechanically agitating or melting the polyvinyl chloride polymer solid during the producing step.

[12] The method according to any one of the above [1] to

[11] , further comprising the subsequent steps of melting the polyvinyl chloride solid of the homogeneous mixture to prepare a molten mixture, shaping the molten mixture to obtain a shaped molten mixture, and cooling the shaped molten mixture to obtain a shaped solid.

Claims

1. 1. A method without mechanical agitation for producing a homogeneous mixture of polyvinyl chloride solids and liquid and / or particulate solid additives without melting the polyvinyl chloride solids during production, comprising the steps of: applying acoustic energy at a frequency of 20 to 100 Hertz (Hz) to a first heterogeneous mixture comprising the polyvinyl chloride solids and the liquid and / or particulate solid additives while maintaining a temperature of the first heterogeneous mixture above the freezing point of the liquid additives, below the melting point of the particulate solid additives, and below the melting temperature of the polyvinyl chloride solids, thereby producing a first homogeneous mixture comprising the polyvinyl chloride solids and the liquid and / or particulate solid additives without mechanically agitating or melting the polyvinyl chloride solids.

2. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the liquid additive is a liquid heat stabilizer, a liquid plasticizer, a liquid antioxidant, a liquid flame retardant, or a combination of any two or more thereof.

3. The applying step comprises the steps of: (i) the frequency is 50 to 70 Hz; (ii) the time period is between 0.5 minutes and 4 hours; (iii) both (i) and (ii); (iv) maintaining the temperature of the first heterogeneous mixture below the melting temperature of the polyvinyl chloride solids comprises maintaining the temperature of the first heterogeneous mixture between 10° C. and 119° C.; and (v) any one of features (i)-(iii) in combination with feature (iv); 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that:

4. 4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the polyvinyl chloride solids of the first heterogeneous mixture are characterized by a physical form that is a powder, flake, granule, pellet, or a combination of any two or more thereof, and a melting temperature of 100°C to 260°C, and the liquid additive is characterized by a freezing point of less than 20°C, and the first heterogeneous mixture is maintained at a temperature above the freezing point of the liquid additive and less than 119°C during the applying step.

5. 5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the polyvinyl chloride composition of the polyvinyl chloride solids comprises polyvinyl chloride homopolymer (hPVC), chlorinated poly(vinyl chloride) polymer (CPVC), or a blend of 51 to 99.99 wt.% hPVC and 0.01 to 49 wt.% of a polymer selected from CPVC and a polyolefin.

6. Features (i) to (iv): (i) the liquid additive is a liquid heat stabilizer which is a calcium zinc mixed metal fatty acid carboxylate or a metal mercaptide; (ii) the liquid additive is a liquid plasticizer which is a liquid carboxylic acid ester that does not contain a sulfur atom and a phenolic hydroxyl group; (iii) the liquid additive is a liquid plasticizer that is a liquid epoxidized fatty acid ester; and (iv) any two or three combinations of features (i) to (iii); The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising any one of the following:

7. 7. The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the liquid additive is a liquid plasticizer, and the liquid plasticizer is selected from liquid acetyl trialkyl citrates, liquid alkyl benzoates, liquid dialkyl adipates, liquid dialkyl azelates, liquid dialkyl cyclohexane-dicarboxylates, liquid dialkyl maleates, liquid dialkyl phthalates, liquid dialkyl sebacates, liquid dialkyl terephthalates, liquid trialkyl citrates, liquid trialkyl trimellitates, and any combination of two or more thereof.

8. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the particulate solid additive is selected from a solid heat stabilizer, a solid silanol condensation catalyst, a solid antioxidant, a solid colorant, a solid anti-stick agent, a solid stabilizer for stabilizing the homogeneous mixture against the effects of ultraviolet light (UV stabilizer), a solid processing aid, a solid flame retardant, a solid polymer which is not a PVC resin, a solid organic peroxide, a solid crosslinking aid, and a solid moisture generator.

9. 9. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the liquid additive is liquid at 23°C±1°C and the particulate solid additive is solid at 23°C±1°C.

10. 10. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising the steps of contacting said first homogeneous mixture with a particulate solid additive different from said polyvinyl chloride solids to produce a second heterogeneous mixture comprising said first homogeneous mixture and at least one said particulate solid additive, and then applying acoustic energy to said second heterogeneous mixture at a frequency of 20-100 Hz while maintaining the temperature of said second heterogeneous mixture above the melting point of said liquid additive, below the melting point of said particulate solid additive, and below the melting temperature of said polyvinyl chloride solids, thereby producing a second homogeneous mixture comprising said polyvinyl chloride solids and said liquid additive and / or said at least one particulate solid additive, without mechanically agitating or melting said polyvinyl chloride polymer solids during the producing step.

11. 11. The method of any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising the subsequent steps of melting the polyvinyl chloride solids of the homogenous mixture to form a molten mixture, shaping the molten mixture to obtain a shaped molten mixture, and cooling the shaped molten mixture to obtain a shaped solid.

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