Ethylene-based polymer composition containing triorganoaminophosphine

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a composition comprising (i) an ethylene-based polymer, (ii) an organic peroxide, (iii) a triorganoaminophosphine, and (iv) a protonic acid source compound (“PASC”) selected from a protonic acid, a protonic acid generator compound (“PAGC”), and combinations thereof. The present disclosure also provides a coated conductor. The coated conductor comprises a conductor and a coating on the conductor, the coating comprising a composition comprising (i) an ethylene-based polymer, (ii) an organic peroxide, (iii) a triorganoaminophosphine, and (iv) a protonic acid source compound (“PASC”) selected from a protonic acid, a protonic acid generator compound (“PAGC”), and combinations thereof.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to crosslinkable compositions and coated conductors containing same. Summary of the Invention

[0002] Crosslinkable compositions containing ethylene-based polymers and organic peroxides are frequently used to form coatings for wires and cables, particularly insulation or jacket layers. However, protonic acids contained in or generated from additives such as antioxidants in the crosslinkable compositions are known to cause premature decomposition of the organic peroxides through pathways that are unproductive for crosslinking the crosslinkable compositions. That is, when the compositions are stored over time or extruded onto conductors, the organic peroxides decompose through ionic pathways that do not result in the desired free radical crosslinking reaction. If a sufficient amount of organic peroxide is not retained in the composition during storage and extrusion, the composition cannot crosslink in the subsequent continuous vulcanization step performed after extrusion to produce the coated conductor, thereby making the coated conductor unsuitable for wire and cable applications.

[0003] The art has recognized a need for coating compositions comprising an ethylene-based polymer, an organic peroxide, and a protonic acid source compound that are suitable for wire and cable applications. Further, the art has recognized a need for coating compositions comprising an ethylene-based polymer, an organic peroxide, and a protonic acid source compound that prevent or delay ionic decomposition of the organic oxide during storage or at extrusion temperatures of about 140° C. or less, thereby allowing the composition to retain a suitable amount of organic peroxide and subsequently crosslink the coating composition during continuous vulcanization (at temperatures above about 140° C.).

[0004] The present disclosure provides a composition comprising (i) an ethylene-based polymer, (ii) an organic peroxide, (iii) a triorganoaminophosphine, and (iv) a protonic acid source compound ("PASC") selected from a protonic acid, a protonic acid generator compound ("PAGC"), and combinations thereof. The triorganoaminophosphine has the structure (1): [ka] R 1 and R 2 are each independently C1-C 40 Hydrocarbyl groups, C2-C 40 N,N-dialkylamino group, C4-C6N-heterocycloalkyl, C8-C 40 (N,N-dialkyl)arylamino groups, and C8-C 40 (N,N-dialkyl)aminoaryl groups; R 3 is C2-C 40 N,N-dialkylamino group, C4-C6N-heterocycloalkyl, C8-C 40 (N,N-dialkyl)arylamino groups, and C8-C 40 (N,N-dialkyl)aminoaryl groups.

[0005] The present disclosure also provides a coated conductor. The coated conductor includes a conductor and a coating on the conductor, the coating comprising a composition. The composition includes (i) an ethylene-based polymer, (ii) an organic peroxide, (iii) a triorganoaminophosphine, and (iv) a protonic acid source compound ("PASC") selected from a protonic acid, a protonic acid generator compound ("PAGC"), and combinations thereof. The triorganoaminophosphine has the structure (1): [ka] R 1 and R 2 are each independently C1-C 40 Hydrocarbyl groups, C2-C 40N,N-dialkylamino group, C4-C6N-heterocycloalkyl, C8-C 40 (N,N-dialkyl)arylamino groups, and C8-C 40 (N,N-dialkyl)aminoaryl groups; R 3 is C2-C 40 N,N-dialkylamino group, C4-C6N-heterocycloalkyl, C8-C 40 (N,N-dialkyl)arylamino groups, and C8-C 40 (N,N-dialkyl)aminoaryl groups.

[0006] The present disclosure also provides a crosslinked product made by heating the composition to a temperature sufficient to crosslink the composition. The crosslinked product can be a coating on a conductor.

[0007] definition Any references to the Periodic Table of the Elements are to the table as published in 1990-1991 by CRC Press, Inc. References to the groups of elements in this periodic table are to the new notation for group numbering.

[0008] For purposes of United States patent practice, the contents of any referenced patent, patent application, or publication are incorporated by reference in their entirety (or the U.S. equivalent thereof is likewise incorporated by reference), particularly with respect to the disclosure of definitions (to the extent not inconsistent with any definitions specifically provided in this disclosure) and general knowledge in the art.

[0009] Numerical ranges disclosed herein include all values ​​from the lower limit to the upper limit, inclusive. Ranges that include explicit values ​​(e.g., ranges of 1, 2, or 3 to 5, or 6, or 7) include subranges between the two explicit values ​​(e.g., the above range 1 to 7 includes subranges of 1 to 2, 2 to 6, 5 to 7, 3 to 7, 5 to 6, etc.).

[0010] Unless stated to the contrary, implicit from the context, or customary in the art, all parts and percentages are by weight and all test methods are current as of the filing date of this disclosure.

[0011] Any examples disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting.

[0012] "Alkyl" and "alkyl group" refer to a saturated straight-chain, cyclic, or branched hydrocarbon group.

[0013] "Alpha-olefin," "α-olefin," and like terms refer to hydrocarbon or substituted hydrocarbon molecules (i.e., hydrocarbon molecules containing one or more atoms other than hydrogen and carbon, such as, for example, halogens, oxygen, nitrogen, etc.) that contain (i) only ethylenic unsaturation, the unsaturation being located between a first carbon atom and a second carbon atom, and (ii) at least two carbon atoms, preferably 3 to 20 carbon atoms, or 4 to 10 carbon atoms, or 4 to 8 carbon atoms. Examples of α-olefins include ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-octene, 1-dodecene, and mixtures of two or more of these monomers.

[0014] "Antioxidant" refers to a type or class of chemical compounds that can be used to minimize oxidation that may occur during processing of polymers.

[0015] "Blend," "polymer blend," and like terms refer to a composition of two or more polymers. Such blends may or may not be miscible. Such blends may or may not be phase separated. Such blends may or may not contain one or more domain configurations as determined from transmission electron spectroscopy, light scattering, X-ray scattering, and any other method used to measure and / or identify domain configurations.

[0016] A "cable" is at least one conductor, such as a wire, optical fiber, etc., within a protective insulation, jacket, or sheath. A cable is two or more wires or two or more optical fibers bound together within a common protective jacket or sheath. A combination cable may contain both electrical wires and optical fibers. The individual wires or fibers within the jacket or sheath may be bare, covered, or insulated. Typical cable designs are illustrated in USP 5,246,783, USP 6,496,629, and USP 6,714,707. Cables may be designed for low, medium, and / or high voltage applications.

[0017] A "carboxylic acid" is an organic acid containing a carboxyl group (-COOH).

[0018] The term "composition" refers to a mixture of materials that comprise the composition, as well as reaction products and decomposition products formed from the materials of the composition.

[0019] 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 not, unless otherwise stated. In contrast, the term "consisting essentially of" excludes from the scope of any subsequent recitation any other component, step, or procedure, excepting those that are not essential to operability. The term "consisting of" excludes any component, step, or procedure not specifically delineated or listed. The term "or" refers to the listed components individually as well as in any combination, unless otherwise stated. The use of the singular includes the use of the plural, and vice versa.

[0020] A "conductor" is one or more wire(s) or one or more fiber(s) for conducting heat, light, and / or electricity at any voltage (DC, AC, or transient). The conductor may be single wire / fiber or multi-wire / fiber and may be in stranded or tubular form. Non-limiting examples of suitable conductors include various metals such as carbon, silver, gold, copper, and aluminum. The conductor may also be optical fiber made from either glass or plastic. The conductor may or may not be disposed within a protective sheath. The conductor may be a single cable or multiple cables bundled together (i.e., cable core or cores).

[0021] "Crosslinkable" and "curable" indicate that the polymer, before or after being formed into an article, is not cured or crosslinked, and has not been subjected to or exposed to treatments that induced substantial crosslinking, although the polymer may contain additive(s) or functional groups that result in substantial crosslinking when subjected to or exposed to such treatments (e.g., exposure to heat). The crosslinkability of a polymer or composition can be assessed by testing in a moving die rheometer (MDR) at elevated temperatures to measure the change in elastic torque.

[0022] "Crosslinked" and similar terms mean that the polymer composition has 90 weight percent or less xylene or decalin extractables (i.e., 10 weight percent or more gel content) before or after being formed into an article.

[0023] "Cured" and similar terms indicate that a polymer has been subjected to or exposed to a treatment that induces crosslinking, either before or after being formed into an article.

[0024] An "ethylene-based polymer," "ethylene polymer," or "polyethylene" is a polymer that contains 50% or more by weight, or a majority, amount of polymerized ethylene, based on the weight of the polymer, and may optionally contain one or more comonomers. Thus, the general term "ethylene-based polymer" includes ethylene homopolymers and ethylene interpolymers. Suitable comonomers are alpha-olefins. The terms "ethylene-based polymer" and "polyethylene" are used interchangeably. Examples of ethylene-based polymers (polyethylenes) include low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and linear polyethylene. Examples of linear polyethylenes include linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), ultra-low-density polyethylene (ULDPE), very low-density polyethylene (VLDPE), multicomponent ethylene-based copolymers (EPE), ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymers (also known as olefin block copolymers (OBC)), single-site catalyzed linear low-density polyethylene (m-LLDPE), substantially linear or linear plastomers / elastomers, medium-density polyethylene (MDPE), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Generally, polyethylene can be produced in gas-phase fluidized-bed reactors, liquid-phase slurry process reactors, or liquid-phase solution process reactors using heterogeneous catalyst systems such as Ziegler-Natta catalysts, or homogeneous catalyst systems containing Group 4 transition metals and ligand structures such as metallocenes, nonmetallocene metal centers, heteroaryls, heteroatom aryloxy ethers, and phosphinimines. Combinations of heterogeneous and / or homogeneous catalysts can also be used in either single-reactor or dual-reactor configurations. Polyethylene can also be produced in high-pressure reactors without a catalyst.

[0025] An "ethylene / α-olefin polymer" is a polymer that contains a majority amount of polymerized ethylene, based on the weight of the polymer, and one or more α-olefin comonomers.

[0026] "Ethylene multi-block interpolymer," "ethylene multi-block copolymer" (or "OBC"), and similar terms refer to ethylene-based polymers containing two or more chemically distinct regions or segments (referred to as "blocks") preferably linked in a linear fashion, i.e., polymers containing chemically distinct units that are joined end-to-end with respect to polymerized ethylenic functionality, rather than in a pendant or grafted fashion. In preferred embodiments, the blocks differ in the amount or type of incorporated comonomer, density, crystallinity, crystal size resulting from polymers of such composition, type or degree of stereoregularity (isotactic or syndiotactic), regioregularity or regioirregularity, amount of branching (including long-chain branching or hyperbranching), homogeneity, or any other chemical or physical property. Compared to prior art block copolymers, including copolymers produced by continuous monomer addition, flow catalyst, or anionic polymerization techniques, multi-block copolymers, in preferred embodiments, exhibit both polymer polydispersity (PDI or M), due to the effect of the shuttle agent(s) in combination with the multiple catalysts used in their preparation. w / M n or MWD), block length distribution, and / or block number distribution. Exemplary ethylene multi-block interpolymers include those manufactured and sold by Dow Chemical Company under the INFUSE trademark.

[0027] "Ethylene plastomer / elastomer" means a polymer that contains units derived from ethylene and at least one C3-C 10and a substantially linear or linear ethylene / α-olefin copolymer containing a homogeneous short chain branching distribution and comprising units derived from an α-olefin comonomer, or at least one C4-C8 α-olefin comonomer, or at least one C6-C8 α-olefin comonomer. The ethylene plastomer / elastomer has a density of 0.870 g / cc or 0.880 g / cc or 0.890 g / cc to 0.900 g / cc or 0.902 g / cc or 0.904 g / cc or 0.909 g / cc or 0.910 g / cc or 0.917 g / cc. Examples of ethylene plastomers / elastomers include AFFINITY™ plastomers and elastomers (available from Dow Chemical Company), EXACT™ plastomers (available from ExxonMobil Chemical), Tafmer™ (available from Mitsui), Nexlene™ (available from SK Chemicals Co.), and Lucene™ (available from LG Chem Ltd.).

[0028] "Functional group" and similar terms refer to the moiety or group of atoms that are responsible for giving a particular compound its characteristic reaction. Examples of functional groups include heteroatom-containing moieties, oxygen-containing moieties (e.g., hydrolyzable silanes, alcohols, aldehydes, esters, ethers, ketones, and peroxide groups), and nitrogen-containing moieties (e.g., amides, amines, azo groups, imides, imines, nitrates, nitrites, and nitrite groups).

[0029] A "heteroatom" is an atom other than carbon or hydrogen. Heteroatoms can be non-carbon atoms from Groups IV, V, VI, and VII of the periodic table. Examples of heteroatoms include F, N, O, P, B, S, and Si.

[0030] "High density polyethylene" (or "HDPE") is an ethylene homopolymer or a polymer of at least one C4-C 10An ethylene / α-olefin copolymer having an α-olefin comonomer or a C4 α-olefin comonomer and a density of 0.94 g / cc, or 0.945 g / cc, or 0.95 g / cc, or 0.955 g / cc to 0.96 g / cc, or 0.97 g / cc, or greater than 0.98 g / cc. HDPE can be a unimodal or multimodal copolymer. A "unimodal ethylene copolymer" is an ethylene / C4-C copolymer having one distinct peak in gel permeation chromatography (GPC) to indicate the molecular weight distribution. 10 A "multimodal ethylene copolymer" is an α-olefin copolymer having at least two distinct peaks in a GPC showing the molecular weight distribution of an ethylene / C4-C 10 It is an α-olefin copolymer. Multimodal includes copolymers with two peaks (bimodal) as well as copolymers with three or more peaks. Examples of HDPE include DOW™ high density polyethylene (HDPE) resins (available from Dow Chemical Company), ELITE™ reinforced polyethylene resins (available from Dow Chemical Company), CONTINUUM™ bimodal polyethylene resins (available from Dow Chemical Company), LUPOLEN™ (available from Lyondell Basell), and HDPE products from Borealis, Ineos, and ExxonMobil.

[0031] The terms "hydrocarbyl" and "hydrocarbon" refer to substituents containing only hydrogen and carbon atoms, including branched or unbranched, saturated or unsaturated, cyclic, polycyclic, or acyclic species. Examples include alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkadienyl, cycloalkenyl, cycloalkadienyl, aryl, and alkynyl groups. The term "heterohydrocarbyl group" refers to substituents containing hydrogen, carbon, and heteroatoms, including branched or unbranched, saturated or unsaturated, cyclic, polycyclic, or acyclic species.

[0032] A "jacket" is the outermost covering of a conductor.

[0033] "Linear low density polyethylene" (or "LLDPE") is a polymer consisting of units derived from ethylene and at least one C3-C 10 LLDPE is a linear ethylene / α-olefin copolymer containing a heterogeneous short-chain branching distribution, including units derived from an α-olefin comonomer or at least one C4-C8 α-olefin comonomer or at least one C6-C8 α-olefin comonomer. In contrast to conventional LDPE, LLDPE is characterized by little, if any, long-chain branching. LLDPE has a density of 0.916 g / cc to 0.925 g / cc. Examples of LLDPE include TUFLIN™ linear low-density polyethylene resin (available from Dow Chemical Company), DOWLEX™ polyethylene resin (available from Dow Chemical Company), MARLEX™ polyethylene (available from Chevron Phillips), and AXELERON™ GP 6059 CPD (available from Dow Chemical Company).

[0034] "Low density polyethylene" (or "LDPE") is an ethylene homopolymer or at least one C3-C6 copolymer having a density between 0.915 g / cc and 0.925 g / cc and containing broad MWD long chain branches. 10 LDPE is an ethylene / α-olefin copolymer containing an α-olefin or a C3-C4 α-olefin. LDPE is typically produced by high-pressure free-radical polymerization (tubular reactor or autoclave using a free-radical initiator). Examples of LDPE include MarFlex™ (Chevron Phillips), LUPOLEN™ (Lyondell Basell), and LDPE products from Borealis, Ineos, ExxonMobil, and others.

[0035] Medium density polyethylene (or "MDPE") is an ethylene homopolymer or at least one C3-C6 copolymer having a density between 0.926 g / cc and 0.940 g / cc. 10 The MDPE is an ethylene / α-olefin copolymer containing an α-olefin or a C3-C4 α-olefin. Examples of suitable MDPE include AXELERON™ FO 6548 BK CPD, AXELERON™ FO 6549 NT CPD, AXELERON™ FO 8864 NT CPD, and AXELERON™ FO 8864 BK CPD, each available from The Dow Chemical Company.

[0036] "Multicomponent ethylene-based copolymers" (or "EPEs") are copolymers containing units derived from ethylene and at least one C3-C6 copolymer, such as those described in patent references USP 6,111,023, USP 5,677,383, and USP 6,984,695. 10 and units derived from an α-olefin comonomer, or at least one C4-C8 α-olefin comonomer, or at least one C6-C8 α-olefin comonomer. The EPE resin has a density of 0.905 g / cc, 0.908 g / cc, 0.912 g / cc, 0.920 g / cc to 0.926 g / cc, 0.929 g / cc, 0.940 g / cc, or 0.962 g / cc. Examples of EPE resins include ELITE™ reinforced polyethylene (available from The Dow Chemical Company), ELITE AT™ advanced technology resin (available from The Dow Chemical Company), SURPASS™ polyethylene (PE) resin (available from Nova Chemicals), and SMART™ (available from SK Chemicals Co.).

[0037] An "olefin-based polymer" or "polyolefin" is a polymer that contains 50% or more by weight (based on the weight of the polymer) or a majority amount of polymerized olefin monomers, and may optionally contain at least one comonomer. Examples of α-olefin monomers include C2, or C3-C4, or C6, or C8, or C 10 , or C 12 , or C 16 , or C 18 , or C 20 Examples of α-olefins include ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, 1-hexene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, and 1-octene. Examples of olefin-based polymers include ethylene-based polymers and propylene-based polymers.

[0038] A "polymer" is a polymeric compound prepared by polymerizing monomers, whether of the same or different types. Thus, the generic term "polymer" encompasses the terms "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 "interpolymer," which includes copolymers (used to refer to polymers prepared from two different types of monomers), terpolymers (used to refer to polymers prepared from three different types of monomers), and polymers prepared from four or more different types of monomers. For example, trace amounts of impurities, such as catalyst residues, may be incorporated into and / or within the polymer. It also encompasses all forms of copolymers, such as random, block, etc. The terms "ethylene / α-olefin polymer" and "propylene / α-olefin polymer" refer to the copolymers described above prepared from polymerized ethylene or propylene, respectively, and one or more additional polymerizable α-olefin comonomers. Polymers are often referred to as being "made from" one or more particular monomers, "based on" a particular monomer or type of monomer, or "comprising" a particular monomer content, etc., but it should be noted that in this context the term "monomer" does not refer to a non-polymerized species, but rather to the polymerized remnant of a particular monomer. Generally, polymers herein refer to those based on "units" that are the polymerized form of the corresponding monomer.

[0039] "Sheath" is a generic term and when used in reference to a cable includes insulating coverings or layers, protective jackets, and the like.

[0040] "Ultra-low density polyethylene" (or "ULDPE") and "very low density polyethylene" (or "VLDPE") are polyethylenes containing units derived from ethylene and at least one C3-C 10They are linear ethylene / α-olefin copolymers containing a heterogeneous short-chain branching distribution and units derived from an α-olefin comonomer, or at least one C4-C8 α-olefin comonomer, or at least one C6-C8 α-olefin comonomer. ULDPE and VLDPE have densities of 0.885 g / cc and 0.90 g / cc to 0.915 g / cc, respectively. Examples of ULDPE and VLDPE include ATTANE™ ultra-low density polyethylene resin (available from Dow Chemical Company) and FLEXOMER™ very low density polyethylene resin (available from Dow Chemical Company).

[0041] A "wire" is a single strand of conductive metal, such as copper or aluminum, or a single strand of optical fiber.

[0042] Test Method Density is measured according to ASTM D792, Method B. Results are reported in grams per cubic centimeter (g) (g / cc or g / cm 3 ) to record.

[0043] Melting points (Tm) are measured by the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) technique for measuring the melting peak of polyolefins as described in USP 5,783,638. Melting points are reported in degrees Celsius (°C).

[0044] Peroxide retention rate "Percent peroxide retention" is the amount of organic peroxide present in a composition after exposure to 100°C for a period of time (0.5 hours, 1.0 hours, 1.5 hours, or 2.0 hours) compared to the amount of organic peroxide present in the same composition after conditioning at 100°C for a period of 2 minutes (i.e., the initial amount of peroxide before significant decomposition of the organic peroxide occurs).

[0045] A sample solution containing dicumyl peroxide (DCP), dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA), triorganoaminophosphine, and dodecane (to simulate an ethylene-based polymer) is formed in a 6-dram glass vial. The solution is stirred with a magnetic stir bar.

[0046] The glass vial is immersed in a well-stirred (500 rpm) silicone oil bath maintained at a temperature of 100°C on a stirring hot plate. The sample solution is heated to a temperature of 100°C and maintained at 100°C with mixing for periods of 2 minutes, 0.5 hours, 1.0 hours, 1.5 hours, and 2.0 hours. The sample solution is heated in the glass vial without a cap or lid (in other words, the sample solution is exposed to the atmosphere during heating).

[0047] The sample solutions were then analyzed at 100°C for 2 minutes, 0.5 hours, 1.0 hours, 1.5 hours, and 2.0 hours to determine the concentration or amount of DCP. A 600 μl aliquot was removed from each glass vial, placed in a 1.5 mL mini-centrifuge tube, cooled in an ice bath for 7–10 minutes, and centrifuged at 6,000 rpm in a VWR Galaxy Mini Centrifuge, Model C1413. A 350 μl clear fraction was then removed from each aliquot, combined with 700 μl of i-propanol, and analyzed by liquid chromatography to determine the concentration of DCP present in the fraction. The amount of DCP was reported in units of weight % or mol %, and then converted to percent peroxide retention. The amount of DCP in the sample solution measured after 2 minutes at 100°C is referred to as the initial DCP amount.

[0048] The peroxide retention percentage is calculated according to equation (1) below:

number

[0049] The present disclosure provides a composition suitable for wire and cable applications. The composition includes (i) an ethylene-based polymer, (ii) an organic peroxide, (iii) a triorganoaminophosphine, and (iv) a protonic acid source compound ("PASC") selected from a protonic acid, a protonic acid generator compound ("PAGC"), and combinations thereof. The triorganoaminophosphine has the structure (1): [ka] R 1 and R 2 are each independently C1-C 40 Hydrocarbyl groups, C2-C 40 N,N-dialkylamino group, C4-C6N-heterocycloalkyl, C8-C 40 (N,N-dialkyl)arylamino groups, and C8-C 40 (N,N-dialkyl)aminoaryl groups; R 3 is C2-C 40 N,N-dialkylamino group, C4-C6N-heterocycloalkyl, C8-C 40 (N,N-dialkyl)arylamino groups, and C8-C 40 (N,N-dialkyl)aminoaryl groups.

[0050] In one embodiment, the composition comprises (i) an ethylene-based polymer, (ii) an organic peroxide, (iii) a triorganoaminophosphine, (iv) a PASC selected from the group consisting of a protonic acid, a PAGC, and combinations thereof, and (v) optionally an additive. The triorganoaminophosphine has the structure (1): [ka] R 1 and R 2 are each independently C1-C 40 Hydrocarbyl groups, C2-C 40 N,N-dialkylamino group, C4-C6N-heterocycloalkyl, C8-C 40(N,N-dialkyl)arylamino groups, and C8-C 40 (N,N-dialkyl)aminoaryl groups; R 3 is C2-C 40 N,N-dialkylamino group, C4-C6N-heterocycloalkyl, C8-C 40 (N,N-dialkyl)arylamino groups, and C8-C 40 (N,N-dialkyl)aminoaryl groups.

[0051] i. Ethylene-based polymers The composition includes an ethylene-based polymer.

[0052] The ethylene-based polymer can be any ethylene-based polymer disclosed herein.

[0053] The ethylene-based polymer may be an ethylene homopolymer or an ethylene interpolymer. Examples of ethylene-based polymers include LDPE and linear polyethylene. Examples of linear polyethylene include LLDPE, ULDPE, VLDPE, multicomponent ethylene-based copolymers (EPE), ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymers (also known as olefin block copolymers (OBC)), single-site catalyzed linear low-density polyethylene (m-LLDPE), substantially linear or linear plastomers / elastomers, MDPE, and HDPE. In one embodiment, the ethylene-based polymer is selected from LDPE, LLDPE, ULDPE, VLDPE, EPE, OBC, m-LLDPE, substantially linear or linear plastomers / elastomers, MDPE, HDPE, and combinations thereof.

[0054] In one embodiment, the ethylene-based polymer is an ethylene / α-olefin copolymer. In a further embodiment, the ethylene / α-olefin copolymer is an ethylene / C3-C 20 Alpha olefins, or ethylene / C3-C 10 Alpha olefins, or ethylene / C4-C10 Alpha olefins, or ethylene / C4-C8 alpha olefins. Examples of suitable alpha olefins include 1-butene, 1-hexene, and 1-octene.

[0055] In one embodiment, the ethylene-based polymer is free or substantially free of styrene.

[0056] In one embodiment, the ethylene / α-olefin copolymer consists of ethylene and a C4-C8 α-olefin comonomer. In other words, the ethylene / C4-C8 α-olefin copolymer comprises ethylene and a C4-C8 α-olefin comonomer as the only monomer units.

[0057] The ethylene-based polymer may be functionalized or unfunctionalized. A "functionalized ethylene-based polymer" comprises a functional group. In one embodiment, the functional group is pendantly grafted onto the polymer chain. The functional group may also be incorporated through copolymerization of a suitable monomer containing the desired functional group. Examples of suitable functional groups include halo groups, especially chloro and bromo groups, hydroxyl groups, carboxyl groups, carbonyl groups, phosphono groups, acid anhydride groups, amino groups, amine groups, imide groups, epoxy groups, mercapto groups, sulfate groups, sulfonate groups, amide groups, and ester groups. Examples of unsaturated carboxylic acid and acid anhydride compounds that can be grafted onto preformed ethylene-based polymers include maleic acid, fumaric acid, itaconic acid, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, crotonic acid, maleic anhydride, and itaconic anhydride. In one embodiment, the functionalized ethylene-based polymer is a maleic anhydride-functionalized ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer. In a further embodiment, the functionalized ethylene-based polymer is a maleic anhydride-functionalized ethylene / octene interpolymer. The ethylene-based polymer may include one or more of ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer, ethylene-methyl acrylate copolymer, ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymer, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer, ethylene-vinyltrimethoxysilane copolymer, or other copolymers made in a high-pressure reactor and containing from 0.2% to less than 50% or 50% by weight of comonomer.

[0058] In one embodiment, the ethylene-based polymer is not functionalized.

[0059] The ethylene-based polymer comprises 50%, or 55%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70%, or 75% to 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or 100% by weight ethylene, based on the total weight of the ethylene-based polymer.

[0060] In one embodiment, the ethylene-based polymer comprises 55%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70%, or 75% to 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95% by weight ethylene and a reciprocal amount of an α-olefin comonomer, i.e., 5%, or 10%, or 15%, or 20%, or 25%, or 30%, or 35%, or 40%, or 45% by weight of an α-olefin comonomer, based on the total weight of the ethylene-based polymer.

[0061] The ethylene-based polymer may comprise two or more embodiments disclosed herein.

[0062] ii. Organic peroxides The composition includes an organic peroxide. An "organic peroxide" is a compound containing at least one carbon atom and having the following structure (2): R 4 -OOR 5 Structure (2) R 4 and R 5 are each independently C1-C 40 Hydrocarbyl groups, C1-C 40 heterohydrocarbyl groups, hydrogen, and combinations thereof, provided that R 4 and R 5 At least one of C1-C 40 Hydrocarbyl groups or C1-C 40 Provided that it is a heterohydrocarbyl group.

[0063] Examples of suitable organic peroxides include dicumyl peroxide (DCP), lauryl peroxide, benzoyl peroxide, tertiary butyl perbenzoate, di(tertiary butyl) peroxide, cumene hydroperoxide, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(t-butyl-peroxy)hexyne-3, 2,5-di-methyl-2,5-di(t-butyl-peroxy)hexane, tertiary butyl hydroperoxide, isopropyl percarbonate, alpha,alpha'-bis(tertiary butylperoxy)diisopropylbenzene, t-butyl peroxide, Di-2-ethylhexyl-monocarbonate, 1,1-bis(t-butylperoxy)-3,5,5-trimethylcyclohexane, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-dihydroxyperoxide, t-butylcumyl peroxide, alpha,alpha'-bis(t-butylperoxy)-p-diisopropylbenzene, di-(tert-butylperoxyisopropyl)benzene, tert-butylcumyl peroxide, di-tert-butyl peroxide, and combinations thereof.

[0064] Non-limiting examples of suitable commercially available organic peroxides include TRIGONOX™ from AkzoNobel and LUPEROX™ from ARKEMA.

[0065] In one embodiment, the organic peroxide is selected from dicumyl peroxide (DCP), 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(t-butyl-peroxy)hexane, di-(tert-butylperoxyisopropyl)benzene, tert-butylcumyl peroxide, di-tert-butyl peroxide, and combinations thereof.

[0066] In one embodiment, the organic peroxide is dicumyl peroxide (DCP).

[0067] In one embodiment, the peroxide is a dialkyl peroxide. A "dialkyl peroxide" is a compound having the following structure (2A): R 4 -OOR 5 Structure (2A) R 4 and R5 are each an alkyl group.

[0068] In one embodiment, R in structure (2A) 4 and R 5 are C1-C 20 Alkyl group or C1-C 10 It is an alkyl group.

[0069] Organic hydroperoxides containing an -OOH group are excluded from organic peroxides.

[0070] Hydrogen peroxide, which has the formula H2O2, is excluded from organic peroxides because it has no carbon.

[0071] The organic peroxide may comprise two or more embodiments disclosed herein.

[0072] iii. Triorganoaminophosphines The composition comprises a triorganoaminophosphine.

[0073] "Triorganoaminophosphine" is a compound having the following structure (1): [ka] R 1 and R 2 are each independently C1-C 40 Hydrocarbyl groups, C2-C 40 N,N-dialkylamino group, C4-C6N-heterocycloalkyl, C8-C 40 (N,N-dialkyl)arylamino groups, and C8-C 40 (N,N-dialkyl)aminoaryl groups; R 3 is C2-C 40 N,N-dialkylamino group, C4-C6N-heterocycloalkyl, C8-C 40 (N,N-dialkyl)arylamino groups, and C8-C 40 (N,N-dialkyl)aminoaryl groups.

[0074] In one embodiment, a "triorganoaminophosphine" is a compound having the following structure (1'): [ka] R 1’ , R 2’ , and R 3’ are each independently C1-C 40 Hydrocarbyl groups, C2-C 40 N,N-dialkylamino group, C4-C6N-heterocycloalkyl, C8-C 40 (N,N-dialkyl)arylamino group, C8-C 40 (N,N-dialkyl)aminoaryl groups, and combinations thereof, provided that R 1 ', R 2 ', and R 3’ contains at least one nitrogen atom, which is either (i) directly bonded to a phosphorus atom or (ii) bonded to an alkyl or aryl group which is directly bonded to a phosphorus atom.

[0075] Triorganoaminophosphines contain a phosphorus atom bonded to three carbon atoms, or to one, or two to three nitrogen atoms.

[0076] Structure (1), R 1 , R 2 , and R 3 The descriptions provided herein regarding structures (1′), R 1’ , R 2’ , and R 3’ also applies to

[0077] In one embodiment, the triorganoaminophosphine contains a phosphorus atom bonded to three carbon atoms. 1 , R 2 , and R 3 at least one of which contains at least one nitrogen atom directly bonded to a phosphorus atom, the nitrogen atom being C-C20 , or C2-C 10 , or a C4-C8 alkyl group, or a C5-C 20、 or C6-C 10 , or a C4-C8 aryl group.

[0078] In one embodiment, the triorganoaminophosphine contains a phosphorus atom directly bonded to one, two or three nitrogen atoms, and in another embodiment, the triorganoaminophosphine contains a phosphorus atom directly bonded to three nitrogen atoms.

[0079] In one embodiment, the hydrocarbyl group of structure (1) is C-C 20 Hydrocarbyl groups, or C1-C 10 A hydrocarbyl group, or a C2-C8 hydrocarbyl group, or a C6-C8 hydrocarbyl group. 40 Examples of the hydrocarbyl group include a phenyl group, a p-tolyl group, a cyclohexyl group, and an n-octyl group.

[0080] In one embodiment, R 1 and R 2 are C1-C 40 , or C1-C 20 , or C2-C 10 , or a C4-C8, or C6 hydrocarbyl group, and R 3 is C8-C 40、 or C8-C 20、 or C8-C 10 An example of a suitable (N,N-dialkyl)aminoaryl group is a 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)phenyl group.

[0081] In one embodiment, R 1 is C1-C 40 Hydrocarbyl groups, C2-C 40 N,N-dialkylamino group, C4-C6N-heterocycloalkyl, C8-C 40 (N,N-dialkyl)arylamino groups, and C8-C 40(N,N-dialkyl)aminoaryl groups; R 2 and R 3 are each independently, C2-C 40 N,N-dialkylamino group, C4-C6N-heterocycloalkyl, C8-C 40 (N,N-dialkyl)arylamino group, C8-C 40 (N,N-dialkyl)aminoaryl groups, and combinations thereof. The phosphorus atom is directly bonded to two or three nitrogen atoms.

[0082] In structure (1), R 1 , R 2 , and R 3 may be the same or different. In one embodiment, R 1 , R 2 , and R 3 In another embodiment, R 1 , R 2 , and R 3 At least two of or each of the are different.

[0083] In one embodiment, in structure (1), R 1 , R 2 , and R 3 At least two of them are the same.

[0084] In one embodiment, R 1 , R 2 , and R 3 are each independently selected from a phenyl group, an N,N-diethylamino group, a pyrrolidinyl group, a 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)phenyl group, a cyclohexyl group, and combinations thereof, with the proviso that R 1 , R 2 , and R 3 provided that at least one of contains at least one nitrogen atom.

[0085] In one embodiment, R 1 is a phenyl group, and R 2 and R 3are N,N-diethylamino groups. The triorganoaminophosphine is bis(diethylamino)phenylphosphine.

[0086] In one embodiment, R 1 , R 2 , and R 3 are each a pyrrolidinyl group. The triorganoaminophosphine is tris-(1-pyrrolidinyl)phosphine.

[0087] In one embodiment, R 1 and R 2 are each a phenyl group, and R 3 is the 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)phenyl group. The triorganoaminophosphine is (dimethylamino)phenyldiphenylphosphine.

[0088] In one embodiment, R 1 and R 2 are each a cyclohexyl group, and R 3 is the 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)phenyl group. The triorganoaminophosphine is dicyclohexyl-4-(N,N-dimethylamino)phenylphosphine.

[0089] In one embodiment, the triorganoaminophosphine is selected from bis(diethylamino)phenylphosphine, tris-(1-pyrrolidinyl)phosphine, (dimethylamino)phenyldiphenylphosphine, dicyclohexyl-4-(N,N-dimethylamino)phenylphosphine, and combinations thereof.

[0090] In one embodiment, the triorganoaminophosphine is selected from bis(diethylamino)phenylphosphine, tris-(1-pyrrolidinyl)phosphine, and combinations thereof.

[0091] In one embodiment, the triorganoaminophosphine is selected from (dimethylamino)phenyldiphenylphosphine, dicyclohexyl 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)phenylphosphine, and combinations thereof.

[0092] The triorganoaminophosphine may comprise two or more embodiments disclosed herein.

[0093] iv. Protonic acid source compound The composition includes a protonic acid source compound.

[0094] A "protonic acid source compound" (or "PASC") is a protonic acid or protonic acid generator compound ("PAGC").

[0095] A. Protonic Acids "Protonic acid" refers to a compound that forms hydrogen ions (H + ) and can cause ionic decomposition of organic peroxides instead of free radical decomposition. Polyolefin-based radicals are excluded from protonic acids. Protonic acids can function as proton donors and can accept electron pairs to form covalent bonds. Examples of suitable protonic acids include sulfur-based acids, carboxylic acids, phosphorus-based acids, and combinations thereof.

[0096] A "sulfur-based acid" is an organic acid that contains a sulfur atom. Examples of suitable sulfur-based acids include sulfonic acids, sulfenic acids, sulfinic acids, and combinations thereof.

[0097] A "sulfonic acid" is an organic acid containing a group of structure (3) below: [ka]

[0098] An example of a suitable sulfonic acid is dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA).

[0099] A "sulfenic acid" is an organic acid containing a group of structure (4) below. -SOH structure(4)

[0100] An example of a suitable sulfenic acid is methanesulfenic acid.

[0101] A "sulfinic acid" is an organic acid that contains a group of structure (5): [ka]

[0102] An example of a suitable sulfinic acid is phenylsulfinic acid.

[0103] "Phosphorus-based acid" refers to an organic acid that contains a phosphorus atom. Examples of suitable phosphorus-based acids include phosphorous acid, phosphoric acid, and combinations thereof.

[0104] In one embodiment, the protonic acid is selected from sulfonic acids, sulfenic acids, sulfinic acids, carboxylic acids, and combinations thereof. In a further embodiment, the protonic acid is selected from sulfonic acids, sulfenic acids, sulfinic acids, and combinations thereof.

[0105] The protic acid may comprise two or more embodiments disclosed herein.

[0106] B. Protonic Acid Generator Compounds A "protonic acid generator compound" (or "PAGC") is a material that is not a protonic acid, but that contains a functional group that is converted to or produces a protonic acid upon reaction with oxygen and / or oxidation products (e.g., hydroperoxides) during formation, storage, processing, and / or extrusion of the present compositions. PAGCs are latent protonic acids. During formation (e.g., melt mixing), storage, processing, and / or extrusion of the compositions, the PAGC undergoes a reaction or series of reactions that produce a protonic acid.

[0107] Examples of suitable PAGCs include antioxidants (AOs), additives, fillers, and combinations thereof. Examples of suitable antioxidants include phosphite antioxidants and sulfur-based antioxidants.

[0108] In one embodiment, the PAGC is a phosphite antioxidant. Phosphite antioxidants and their oxidation products (phosphates) undergo hydrolysis during use (as antioxidants) and / or processing to produce phosphorus-based acids. Oxidation can occur before or after hydrolysis. An example of a suitable phosphite antioxidant is tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite, commercially available as IRGAFOS™ 168 from BASF Inc.

[0109] In one embodiment, the PAGC is a sulfur-based antioxidant. The sulfur-based antioxidant oxidizes during the formation, storage, processing, and / or extrusion of the composition. The oxidation products undergo thermal cleavage to form sulfur-based acids such as sulfonic acids, sulfenic acids, sulfinic acids, and combinations thereof. The sulfur-based acids can undergo further oxidation to form sulfur-based acids with higher oxidation states. Examples of sulfur-based antioxidants include distearyl thiodipropionate (DSTDP), 4,4'-thiobis(2-t-butyl-5-methylphenol) (e.g., LOWINOX™ TBM-6, available from Addivant Corporation), 2,2'-thiobis(6-t-butyl-4-methylphenol) (e.g., LOWINOX™ TBP-6, available from Addivant Corporation), and combinations thereof.

[0110] In one embodiment, the PAGC is an ester additive. Esters may hydrolyze to form carboxylic acids during use, processing, and / or storage. Examples of suitable ester additives include pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate (e.g., IRGANOX™ 1010 available from BASF), octadecyl-3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate (e.g., IRGANOX™ 1076 available from Ciba Inc.), and combinations thereof.

[0111] In one embodiment, the PAGC is selected from sulfur-based antioxidants, phosphite antioxidants, ester additives, and combinations thereof.

[0112] In one embodiment, the PAGC is selected from sulfur-based antioxidants, phosphite antioxidants, and combinations thereof.

[0113] A PAGC may include two or more embodiments disclosed herein.

[0114] The present compositions may include a PAGC (e.g., a sulfur-based antioxidant) when the composition is formed, and will include a protic acid once the PAGC undergoes a reaction (e.g., oxidation) to produce a protic acid (e.g., a sulfonic acid, a sulfenic acid, and / or a sulfinic acid). At any given time, the composition may include (i) only a PAGC (no protic acid), (ii) a combination of both a PAGC and a protic acid, or (iii) only a protic acid (no PAGC).

[0115] PASCs, and thus PAGCs, are distinct from ethylene-based polymers. In other words, PASCs, and thus PAGCs, exclude ethylene-based polymers and any oxidative reaction products thereof.

[0116] A PASC may include two or more embodiments disclosed herein.

[0117] v. Optional additives The composition may include one or more additives. Examples of suitable additives include antioxidants, colorants, corrosion inhibitors, lubricants, ultraviolet (UV) absorbers or stabilizers, antiblocking agents, coupling agents, compatibilizers, plasticizers, fillers, processing aids, moisture scavengers, scorch inhibitors, metal deactivators, and combinations thereof.

[0118] The additive may comprise two or more embodiments disclosed herein.

[0119] vi.Composition The composition comprises (i) an ethylene-based polymer, (ii) an organic peroxide, (iii) a triorganoaminophosphine, (iv) a PASC selected from a protonic acid, a PAGC, and combinations thereof, and (v) optionally an additive. The triorganoaminophosphine has the structure (1): [ka] R 1 and R 2 are each independently C1-C 40 Hydrocarbyl groups, C2-C 40 N,N-dialkylamino group, C4-C6N-heterocycloalkyl, C8-C 40 (N,N-dialkyl)arylamino groups, and C8-C 40 (N,N-dialkyl)aminoaryl groups; R 3 is C2-C 40 N,N-dialkylamino group, C4-C6N-heterocycloalkyl, C8-C 40 (N,N-dialkyl)arylamino groups, and C8-C 40 (N,N-dialkyl)aminoaryl groups.

[0120] In one embodiment, the triorganoaminophosphine has the structure (1').

[0121] In one embodiment, the composition comprises 45%, or 50%, or 55%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70% to 75%, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or 98%, or 99%, or 99.96% by weight of an ethylene-based polymer, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0122] In one embodiment, the composition comprises 0.02 wt%, or 0.05 wt%, or 0.1 wt%, or 0.5 wt%, or 1 wt% to 2 wt%, or 3 wt%, or 4 wt%, or 5 wt% of organic peroxide, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0123] In one embodiment, the composition comprises 0.001 wt. %, or 0.01 wt. %, or 0.02 wt. %, or 0.04 wt. %, or 0.05 wt. % to 0.10 wt. %, or 0.20 wt. %, or 0.40 wt. %, or 0.50 wt. %, or 0.60 wt. %, or 0.70 wt. %, or 0.80 wt. %, or 0.90 wt. %, or 1.00 wt. % of the triorganoaminophosphine, based on the total weight of the composition. In one embodiment, the composition comprises from 0.001 wt % to 1.00 wt %, or from 0.01 wt % to 1.00 wt %, or from 0.01 wt % to 0.50 wt %, or from 0.01 wt % to 0.10 wt %, or from 0.02 wt % to 1.00 wt %, or from 0.02 wt % to 0.60 wt %, or from 0.02 wt % to 0.60 wt %, or from 0.04 wt % to 0.60 wt %, or from 0.04 wt % to 0.60 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0124] In one embodiment, the composition comprises 0.001 mol%, or 0.01 mol%, or 0.02 mol%, or 0.04 mol%, or 0.1 mol% to 0.4 mol%, or 0.5 mol%, or 1.0 mol%, or 2.0 mol%, or 5.0 mol%, or 10 mol%, or 15 mol%, or 20 mol%, or 25 mol% of the triorganoaminophosphine based on the total weight of the composition.

[0125] In one embodiment, the composition comprises 0.0001 wt%, or 0.001 wt%, or 0.01 wt%, or 0.05 wt%, or 0.1 wt%, or 0.5 wt%, or 1.0 wt%, or 5 wt%, or 10 wt%, or 15 wt% to 20 wt%, or 25 wt%, or 30 wt%, or 35 wt%, or 40 wt%, or 45 wt%, or 50 wt% PASC, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0126] In one embodiment, the composition comprises 0 wt.%, or greater than 0 wt.%, or 0.001 wt.%, or 0.002 wt.%, or 0.005 wt.%, or 0.006 wt.% to 0.007 wt.%, or 0.008 wt.%, or 0.009 wt.%, or 0.01 wt.%, or 0.1 wt.%, or 0.2 wt.%, or 0.3 wt.%, or 0.4 wt.%, or 0.5 wt.%, or 1.0 wt.%, or 2.0 wt.%, or 2.5 wt.%, or 3.0 wt.%, or 4.0 wt.%, or 5.0 wt.% to 6.0 wt.%, or 7.0 wt.%, or 8.0 wt.%, or 9.0 wt.%, or 10.0 wt.%, or 15.0 wt.%, or 20.0 wt.% of the additive, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0127] In one embodiment, the composition has a peroxide retention of 5%, or 7%, or 10%, or 12%, or 15%, or 20%, or 25%, or 30%, or 35%, or 40%, or 45%, or 50%, or 55%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70%, or 75%, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98% to 100% after heating at 100°C for 2 hours. In further embodiments, the composition has a peroxide retention of 5% to 100%, or 10% to 100%, or 12% to 100%, or 15% to 100%, or 20% to 100%, or 50% to 100%, or 70% to 100%, or 75% to 100%, or 90% to 100%, or 95% to 100%, or 98% to 100% after heating at 100°C for 2 hours. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the inclusion of triorganoaminophosphines in the compositions prevents or slows the decomposition of organic peroxides traditionally caused by the presence of protonic acids in the compositions. By arresting or slowing the decomposition of organic peroxides during the formation, storage, processing, and / or extrusion of the compositions, the triorganoaminophosphines advantageously allow for retention of the organic peroxides so that they are present and available for free radical crosslinking after extrusion of the compositions onto a conductor. If the organic peroxide is not sufficiently retained during the formation, storage, processing, and / or extrusion of the composition, the coating formed from the composition will not crosslink after being extruded onto the conductor.

[0128] In one embodiment, the composition has a peroxide retention of 10%, or 15%, or 20%, or 25%, or 30%, or 35%, or 40%, or 45%, or 50%, or 55%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70%, or 75%, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98% to 100% after heating at 100°C for 1.5 hours.

[0129] In one embodiment, the composition has a percent peroxide retention of 20%, or 25%, or 30%, or 35%, or 40%, or 45%, or 50%, or 55%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70%, or 75%, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98% to 100% after heating at 100°C for 1.0 hour.

[0130] In one embodiment, the composition has a peroxide retention of 50%, or 55%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70%, or 75%, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98% to 100% after heating at 100°C for 0.5 hours.

[0131] In one embodiment, the composition comprises, based on the total weight of the composition, (i) 45 wt%, or 50 wt%, or 55 wt%, or 60 wt%, or 65 wt%, or 70 wt% to 75 wt%, or 80 wt%, or 85 wt%, or 90 wt%, or 95 wt%, or 98 wt%, or 99 wt%, or 99.96 wt%, of an ethylene-based polymer; (ii) 0.02 wt%, or 0.05 wt%, or 0.1 wt%, or 0.5 wt%, or 1 wt% to 2 wt%, or 3 wt%, or 4 wt%, or 5 wt% organic peroxide, (iii) 0.001 wt%, or 0.01 wt%, or 0.02 wt%, or 0.04 wt%, or 0.05 wt% to 0.10 wt%, or 0.20 wt%, or 0.30 wt%, or 0.40 wt%, or 0.50 wt%, or 0.60 wt%, or 0.70 wt%, or 0.80 wt% , or 0.90%, or 1.00% by weight of triorganoaminophosphine; (iv) 0.0001%, or 0.001%, or 0.01%, or 0.05%, or 0.1%, or 0.5%, or 1.0%, or 5%, or 10%, or 15% to 20%, or 25%, or 30%, or 35%, or 40%, or 45% by weight; is 50% by weight of PASC, (v) 0% by weight, or greater than 0% by weight, or 0.001% by weight, or 0.005% by weight, or 0.01% by weight, or 0.1% by weight, or 0.5% by weight, or 1.0% by weight, or 2.0% by weight, or 3.0% by weight, or 4.0% by weight, or 5.0% to 6.0% by weight, or 7.0% by weight, or 8.0% by weight, or 9.0% by weight, or 10.0% by weight, or 15.0% by weight, or 20.0% by weight of the additive, and the composition has one, some, or all of the following properties: (a) a peroxide retention of 5%, or 7%, or 10%, or 12%, or 15%, or 20%, or 25%, or 30%, or 35%, or 40%, or 45%, or 50%, or 55%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70%, or 75%, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98% to 100% after heating at 100°C for 2 hours, and / or (b) a peroxide retention of 10%, or 15%, or 20%, or 25%, or 30%, or 35%, or 40%, or 45%, or 50%, or 55%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70% after heating at 100°C for 1.5 hours. or 75%, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98% to 100% peroxide retention, and / or (c) 20%, or 25%, or 30%, or 35%, or 40%, or 45%, or 50%, or 55%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70%, or 75% after heating at 100°C for 1.0 hour; and / or (d) a peroxide retention of 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, or 98% to 100% after heating at 100°C for 0.5 hours.

[0132] In one embodiment, the composition comprises, based on the total weight of the composition, (i) 45 wt%, or 50 wt%, or 55 wt%, or 60 wt%, or 65 wt%, or 70 wt% to 75 wt%, or 80 wt%, or 85 wt%, or 90 wt%, or 95 wt%, or 98 wt%, or 99 wt%, or 99.96 wt%, of an ethylene-based polymer; (ii) 0.02 wt%, or 0.05 wt%, or 0.1 wt%, or 0.5 wt%, or 1 wt%, of a hydroxybenzoate; (iii) 0.001 wt%, or 0.01 wt%, or 0.02 wt%, or 0.04 wt%, or 0.05 wt% to 0.10 wt%, or 0.20 wt%, or 0.30 wt%, or 0.40 wt%, or 0.50 wt%, or 0.60 wt%, or 0.70 wt%, or 0.80 wt%, or 0.90 wt%, or 1.00 wt% of a triorganosiloxane. (iv) 0.0001 wt%, or 0.001 wt%, or 0.0101 wt%, or 0.05 wt%, or 0.1 wt%, or 0.5 wt%, or 1.0 wt%, or 5 wt%, or 0.10 wt%, or 15 wt% to 20 wt%, or 25 wt%, or 30 wt%, or 35 wt%, or 40 wt%, or 45 wt%, or 50 wt% of a sulfonic acid, sulfenic acid, sulfinic acid, sulfur-based antioxidant, and and combinations thereof; (v) 0 wt%, or greater than 0 wt%, or 0.001 wt%, or 0.005 wt%, or 0.01 wt%, or 0.101 wt%, or 0.505 wt%, or 1.0 wt%, or 2.0 wt%, or 3.0 wt%, or 4.0 wt%, or 5.0 wt% to 6.0 wt%, or 7.0 wt%, or 8.0 wt%, or 9.0 wt%, or 10.0 wt%, or 15.0 wt%, or 20.0% by weight of the additive, and the composition has one, some, or all of the following properties: (a) a peroxide retention of 5%, or 7%, or 10%, or 12%, or 15%, or 20%, or 25%, or 30%, or 35%, or 40%, or 45%, or 50%, or 55%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70%, or 75%, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98% to 100% after heating at 100°C for 2 hours, and / or (b) a peroxide retention of 10%, or 15%, or 20%, or 25%, or 30%, or 35%, or 40%, or 45%, or 50%, or 55%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70% after heating at 100°C for 1.5 hours. or 75%, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98% to 100% peroxide retention, and / or (c) 20%, or 25%, or 30%, or 35%, or 40%, or 45%, or 50%, or 55%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70%, or 75% after heating at 100°C for 1.0 hour; and / or (d) a peroxide retention of 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, or 98% to 100% after heating at 100°C for 0.5 hours.

[0133] In one embodiment, the composition comprises 0.001 wt. %, or 0.01 wt. %, or 0.02 wt. %, or 0.04 wt. %, or 0.10 wt. % to 0.60 wt. %, or 1.0 wt. % of a triorganoaminophosphine, in Structure (1), based on the total weight of the composition, wherein R 1 is a phenyl group, and R 2 and R 3are each an N,N-diethylamino group. In one embodiment, the composition has a percent peroxide retention of 5%, or 10%, or 12%, or 20%, or 50%, or 55%, or 70%, or 80%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98%, or 99% to 100% after heating at 100° C. for 2 hours.

[0134] In one embodiment, the composition comprises 0.001 wt. %, or 0.01 wt. %, or 0.02 wt. %, or 0.04 wt. %, or 0.10 wt. % to 0.60 wt. %, or 1.0 wt. % of a triorganoaminophosphine, in Structure (1), based on the total weight of the composition, wherein R 1 , R 2 , and R 3 are each a pyrrolidinyl group. In one embodiment, the composition has a percent peroxide retention of 5%, or 10%, or 12%, or 20%, or 50%, or 55%, or 70%, or 80%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98%, or 99% to 100% after heating at 100° C. for 2 hours.

[0135] In one embodiment, the composition comprises 0.001 wt. %, or 0.01 wt. %, or 0.02 wt. %, or 0.04 wt. %, or 0.10 wt. % to 0.60 wt. %, or 1.0 wt. % of a triorganoaminophosphine, in Structure (1), based on the total weight of the composition, wherein R 1 and R 2 are each a phenyl group, and R 3 is a 4-(N,N-diethylamino)phenyl group. In one embodiment, the composition has a peroxide retention of 5%, or 10%, or 12%, or 20%, or 50%, or 55%, or 70%, or 80%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98%, or 99% to 100% after heating at 100° C. for 2 hours.

[0136] In one embodiment, the composition comprises 0.001 wt. %, or 0.01 wt. %, or 0.02 wt. %, or 0.04 wt. %, or 0.10 wt. % to 0.60 wt. %, or 1.0 wt. % of a triorganoaminophosphine, in Structure (1), based on the total weight of the composition, wherein R 1 and R 2 are each a cyclohexyl group, and R 3 is a 4-(N,N-diethylamino)phenyl group. In one embodiment, the composition has a peroxide retention of 5%, or 10%, or 12%, or 20%, or 50%, or 55%, or 70%, or 80%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98%, or 99% to 100% after heating at 100° C. for 2 hours.

[0137] The sum of the components in each composition disclosed herein, including the compositions described above, totals 100 weight percent (wt %).

[0138] The composition can be formed by melt mixing (e.g., by extrusion) all or some of the components. In one embodiment, the ethylene-based polymer, triorganoaminophosphine, PASC, and optional additives are extruded and pelletized. An organic peroxide is then absorbed into the pellets in a soaking step. The pellets containing all the components can be stored for a period of time in a bag, barrel, box, or rail car. The pellets can be added to an extruder and extruded onto the surface of the conductor.

[0139] In an alternative embodiment, all of the components of the composition are combined in an extruder and the composition is extruded onto the surface of the conductor.

[0140] A composition may comprise two or more embodiments disclosed herein.

[0141] In one embodiment, the composition is crosslinked.

[0142] A composition may comprise two or more embodiments disclosed herein.

[0143] The present disclosure also provides a crosslinked product made by heating the composition to a temperature sufficient to crosslink the composition. The crosslinked product can be a coating on a conductor.

[0144] vii. Coated conductors The present disclosure also provides a coated conductor. The coated conductor includes a conductor and a coating on the conductor, the coating comprising a composition. The composition includes (i) an ethylene-based polymer, (ii) an organic peroxide, (iii) a triorganoaminophosphine, (iv) a PASC selected from a protonic acid, a PAGC, and combinations thereof, and (v) an optional additive. The triorganoaminophosphine has the structure (1): [ka] R 1 and R 2 are each independently C1-C 40 Hydrocarbyl groups, C2-C 40 N,N-dialkylamino group, C4-C6N-heterocycloalkyl, C8-C 40 (N,N-dialkyl)arylamino groups, and C8-C 40 (N,N-dialkyl)aminoaryl groups; R 3 is C2-C 40 N,N-dialkylamino group, C4-C6N-heterocycloalkyl, C8-C 40 (N,N-dialkyl)arylamino groups, and C8-C 40 (N,N-dialkyl)aminoaryl groups.

[0145] In one embodiment, the triorganoaminophosphine has the structure (1').

[0146] The composition, ethylene-based polymer, organic peroxide, triorganoaminophosphine, PASC, and optional additives can be any respective ethylene-based polymer, organic peroxide, triorganoaminophosphine, PASC, and optional additives disclosed herein.

[0147] In one embodiment, the coating comprises a composition having a percent peroxide retention of 5%, or 10%, or 12%, or 15%, or 20%, or 25%, or 30%, or 35%, or 40%, or 45%, or 50%, or 55%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70%, or 75%, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98% to 100% after heating at 100°C for 2 hours. In further embodiments, the coating comprises a composition having a peroxide retention percentage of 5% to 100%, or 10% to 100%, or 12% to 100%, or 15% to 100%, or 20% to 100%, or 50% to 100%, or 70% to 100%, or 80% to 100%, or 90% to 100% after heating at 100°C for 2 hours. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the inclusion of a triorganoaminophosphine in the composition prevents or slows the ionic decomposition of the organic peroxide traditionally caused by the presence of a protonic acid in the composition. By halting or slowing the ionic decomposition of the organic peroxide during formation, storage, processing, and / or extrusion of the composition, the triorganoaminophosphine advantageously allows for retention of the organic peroxide so that it is present and available for free radical crosslinking following extrusion of the composition onto a conductor. If the organic peroxide is not sufficiently retained during the formation, storage, processing, and / or extrusion of the composition, the coating formed from the composition will not crosslink after being extruded onto the conductor.

[0148] In one embodiment, the coating comprises a composition having a percent peroxide retention of 10%, or 15%, or 20%, or 25%, or 30%, or 35%, or 40%, or 45%, or 50%, or 55%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70%, or 75%, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98% to 100% after heating at 100°C for 1.5 hours.

[0149] In one embodiment, the coating comprises a composition having a peroxide retention percentage of 20%, or 25%, or 30%, or 35%, or 40%, or 45%, or 50%, or 55%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70%, or 75%, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98% to 100%.

[0150] In one embodiment, the coating comprises a composition having a peroxide retention percentage of 50%, or 55%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70%, or 75%, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98% to 100%.

[0151] In one embodiment, the coating is an insulating sheath for the conductor, hi another embodiment, the coating is a jacket for the conductor.

[0152] The process for producing a coated conductor includes heating the composition to at least the melting temperature of the ethylene-based polymer and then extruding the polymer melt blend onto the conductor. The term "onto" includes direct or indirect contact between the polymer melt blend and the conductor. The polymer melt blend is in an extrudable state.

[0153] The coating is on the conductor. The coating can be one or more inner layers, such as an insulating layer. The coating can completely or partially cover or otherwise surround or encase the conductor. The coating can be the only component surrounding the conductor. If the coating is the only component surrounding the conductor, it can function as a jacket and / or insulator. In one embodiment, the coating is the outermost layer of the coated conductor. Alternatively, the coating can be a single layer, multi-layer jacket or sheath that encases the metal conductor. In one embodiment, the coating is in direct contact with the conductor. In another embodiment, the coating is in direct contact with an insulating layer that surrounds the conductor.

[0154] In one embodiment, the coating is in direct contact with the conductor. As used herein, the term "direct contact" refers to a coating configuration in which the coating is positioned directly adjacent to the conductor, the coating contacts the conductor, and no intervening layers, coatings, and / or structures exist between the coating and the conductor.

[0155] In one embodiment, the coating is in indirect contact with the conductor. As used herein, the term "indirect contact" refers to a coating configuration in which an intervening layer, coating, or structure exists between the coating and the conductor. Examples of suitable intervening layers, coatings, and structures include an insulating layer, a moisture barrier, a buffer tube, and combinations thereof. Examples of suitable insulating layers include a foamed insulating layer, a thermoplastic insulating layer, a cross-linked insulating layer, and combinations thereof.

[0156] In one embodiment, the coating is an insulating layer of a high voltage or extra high voltage power cable.

[0157] The coating is crosslinked. In one embodiment, crosslinking of the coating begins in the extruder, but only to a very small extent. In another embodiment, crosslinking is delayed until the coating is extruded onto the conductor. Crosslinking of the composition can be initiated and / or accelerated by the application of heat or radiation. In one embodiment, after extrusion, the coated conductor is conditioned in a continuous vulcanization tube to a temperature of 160°C, or 180°C to 200°C, or 400°C.

[0158] In one embodiment, the coated conductor comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of a conductor and a coating on the conductor. The coating comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of a composition, based on the total weight of the composition: (i) 45 wt%, or 50 wt%, or 55 wt%, or 60 wt%, or 65 wt%, or 70 wt% to 75 wt%, or 80 wt%, or 85 wt%, or 90 wt%, or 95 wt%, or 98 wt%, or 99 wt%, or 99.96 wt% ethylene-based polymer; (ii) 0.02 wt%, or 0.05 wt%, or 0.1 wt%, or 0.5 wt%, or 1 wt% ethylene-based polymer; (iii) 0.001 wt%, or 0.003 wt%, or 0.005 wt%, or 0.007 wt%, or 0.01 wt%, or 0.02 wt%, or 0.04 wt%, or 0.05 wt% to 0.10 wt%, or 0.20 wt%, or 0.30 wt%, or 0.40 wt%, or 0.50 wt%, or 0.60 wt%, or 0.70 wt%, or 0.80 wt%, or 0.90 wt%, or 1.00 wt% of a triorganoaminophosphine; (iv) 0.0001 wt%, or 0.007 wt%, or 0.0101 wt%, or 0.05 wt%, or 0.1 wt%, or 0.5 wt%, or 1.0 wt%, or 5 wt%, or 0.10 wt%, or 15 wt% to 20 wt%, or 25 wt%, or 30 wt%, or 35 wt%, or 40 wt%, or 45 wt% of a methylaminophosphine; % by weight, or 50% by weight of PASC, (v) 0% by weight, or greater than 0% by weight, or 0.001% by weight, or 0.005% by weight, or 0.01% by weight, or 0.101% by weight, or 0.505% by weight, or 1.0% by weight, or 2.0% by weight, or 3.0% by weight, or 4.0% by weight, or 5.0% to 6.0% by weight, or 7.0% by weight, or 8.0% by weight, or 9.0% by weight, or 10.0% by weight, or 15.0% by weight, or 20.0% by weight of an additive, and the composition has one, some, or all of the following properties: (a) a peroxide retention of 5%, or 7%, or 10%, or 12%, or 15%, or 20%, or 25%, or 30%, or 35%, or 40%, or 45%, or 50%, or 55%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70%, or 75%, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98% to 100% after heating at 100°C for 2 hours; and / or (b) a peroxide retention of 10%, or 15%, or 20%, or 25%, or 30%, or 35%, or 40%, or 45%, or 50%, or 55%, or 60% after heating at 100°C for 1.5 hours; and / or (c) a peroxide retention of 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, or 75% after heating at 100°C for 1.0 hour. %, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98% to 100% peroxide retention, and / or (d) after heating at 100°C for 0.5 hours, 50%, or 55%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70%, or 75%, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98% to 100% peroxide retention.

[0159] In one embodiment, the coated conductor comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of a conductor and a coating on the conductor. The coating comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of a composition, based on the total weight of the composition: (i) 45 wt%, or 50 wt%, or 55 wt%, or 60 wt%, or 65 wt%, or 70 wt% to 75 wt%, or 80 wt%, or 85 wt%, or 90 wt%, or 95 wt%, or 98 wt%, or 99 wt%, or 99.96 wt% ethylene-based polymer; (ii) 0.02 wt%, or 0.05 wt%, or 0.1 wt%, or 0.5 wt%, or 1 wt% to 2 wt%, or 3 wt% ethylene-based polymer; %, or 4% by weight, or 5% by weight of an organic peroxide; (iii) 0.001% by weight, or 0.003% by weight, or 0.005% by weight, or 0.007% by weight, or 0.01% by weight, or 0.02% by weight, or 0.04% by weight, or 0.05% to 0.10% by weight, or 0.20% by weight, or 0.30% by weight, or 0.40% by weight, or 0.50% by weight, or 0.60% by weight, or 0.70% by weight, or 0.80% by weight, or 0.90% by weight, or or 1.00 wt.% of a triorganoaminophosphine, (iv) 0.0001 wt.%, or 7 wt.%, or 0.0101 wt.%, or 0.05 wt.%, or 0.1 wt.%, or 0.5 wt.%, or 1.0 wt.%, or 5 wt.%, or 0.10 wt.%, or 15 wt.% to 20 wt.%, or 25 wt.%, or 30 wt.%, or 35 wt.%, or 40 wt.%, or 45 wt.%, or 50 wt.% of a sulfonic acid, sulfenic acid, sulfinic acid, or sulfur-based antioxidant. and combinations thereof, (v) 0 wt%, or greater than 0 wt%, or 0.0001 wt%, or 0.005 wt%, or 0.011 wt%, or 0.101 wt%, or 0.505 wt%, or 1.0 wt%, or 2.0 wt%, or 3.0 wt%, or 4.0 wt%, or 5.0 wt% to 6.0 wt%, or 7.0 wt%, or 8.0 wt%, or 9.0 wt%, or 10.0 wt%, or 15.0 wt%, or 20.0% by weight of an additive, and the composition has one, some, or all of the following properties: (a) a peroxide retention of 5%, or 7%, or 10%, or 12%, or 15%, or 20%, or 25%, or 30%, or 35%, or 40%, or 45%, or 50%, or 55%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70%, or 75%, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98% to 100% after heating at 100°C for 2 hours; and / or (b) a peroxide retention of 10%, or 15%, or 20%, or 25%, or 30%, or 35%, or 40%, or 45%, or 50%, or 55%, or 60% after heating at 100°C for 1.5 hours; and / or (c) a peroxide retention of 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, or 75% after heating at 100°C for 1.0 hour. %, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98% to 100% peroxide retention, and / or (d) after heating at 100°C for 0.5 hours, 50%, or 55%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70%, or 75%, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98% to 100% peroxide retention.

[0160] In one embodiment, the coating comprises a composition comprising 0.001 wt. %, or 0.01 wt. %, or 0.02 wt. %, or 0.04 wt. %, or 0.10 wt. % to 0.60 wt. %, or 1.0 wt. % of a triorganoaminophosphine, based on the total weight of the composition, wherein R 1 is a phenyl group, and R 2 and R 3are each an N,N-diethylamino group. In one embodiment, the composition has a percent peroxide retention of 5%, or 10%, or 12%, or 20%, or 50%, or 55%, or 70%, or 80%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98%, or 99% to 100% after heating at 100° C. for 2 hours.

[0161] In one embodiment, the coating comprises a composition comprising 0.001 wt. %, or 0.01 wt. %, or 0.02 wt. %, or 0.04 wt. %, or 0.10 wt. % to 0.60 wt. %, or 1.0 wt. % of a triorganoaminophosphine, based on the total weight of the composition, wherein R 1 , R 2 , and R 3 are each a pyrrolidinyl group. In one embodiment, the composition has a percent peroxide retention of 5%, or 10%, or 12%, or 20%, or 50%, or 55%, or 70%, or 80%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98%, or 99% to 100% after heating at 100° C. for 2 hours.

[0162] In one embodiment, the coating comprises a composition comprising 0.001 wt. %, or 0.01 wt. %, or 0.02 wt. %, or 0.04 wt. %, or 0.10 wt. % to 0.60 wt. %, or 1.0 wt. % of a triorganoaminophosphine, based on the total weight of the composition, wherein R 1 and R 2 are each a phenyl group, and R 3 is a 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)phenyl group. In one embodiment, the composition has a percent peroxide retention of 5%, or 10%, or 12%, or 20%, or 50%, or 55%, or 70%, or 80%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98%, or 99% to 100% after heating at 100° C. for 2 hours.

[0163] In one embodiment, the coating comprises a composition comprising 0.001 wt. %, or 0.01 wt. %, or 0.02 wt. %, or 0.04 wt. %, or 0.10 wt. % to 0.60 wt. %, or 1.0 wt. % of a triorganoaminophosphine, based on the total weight of the composition, wherein R 1 and R 2 are each a cyclohexyl group, and R 3 is a 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)phenyl group. In one embodiment, the composition has a percent peroxide retention of 5%, or 10%, or 12%, or 20%, or 50%, or 55%, or 70%, or 80%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98%, or 99% to 100% after heating at 100° C. for 2 hours.

[0164] In one embodiment, the coated conductor is selected from fiber optic cable, communication cable (such as telephone line or local area network (LAN) cable), power cable, wiring for consumer electronics, wiring for chargers for cell phones and / or computers, computer data cord, power cord, home appliance wiring material, interior household wiring material, consumer electronics accessory cord, and any combination thereof.

[0165] In another embodiment, the composition is melt formed into an article other than a coating on a conductor, such as an electrical connector or a component of an electrical connector.

[0166] The coated conductor may include two or more embodiments disclosed herein.

[0167] By way of example, and not limitation, several embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below in the following examples. [Example]

[0168] The materials used in the examples are provided in Table 1 below. [Table 1]

[0169] Prepare three stock solutions to be used to generate the sample solutions: (i) 0.1154 M dicumyl peroxide (DCP) in dodecane (Stock Solution A), (ii) 0.00346 M dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA) in dodecane (Stock Solution B), and (iii) 0.1 wt% triorganoaminophosphine in 0.1154 M DCP in dodecane (Stock Solution C). Stir Stock Solution C (1-2 min) in an oil bath set to 80 °C to ensure complete dissolution of the triorganoaminophosphine.

[0170] Sample and control solutions are formed in 6-dram glass vials. Dodecane simulates (i.e., serves as a model for) the properties of ethylene-based polymers. The solutions are stirred with a magnetic stir bar. The composition of each solution is provided in Table 2 below.

[0171] Comparative Solution 1 (CS1) is prepared by adding 2 mL of stock solution A and 2 mL of stock solution B to a glass vial and mixing with a magnetic stir bar at room temperature. The total volume of CS1 is 4 mL. CS1 contains 0.0577 M DCP (equivalent to 2 wt. % DCP) and 0.00173 M DBSA. CS1 does not contain triorganoaminophosphine. The composition of CS1 is provided in Table 2 below.

[0172] Comparative solution 2 (CS2) is prepared by adding 2 mL of stock solution A and 2 mL of dodecane to a glass vial and mixing with a magnetic stir bar at room temperature. The total volume of CS2 is 4 mL. CS2 contains 0.0577 M DCP (equivalent to 2 wt. % DCP). CS2 is free of triorganoaminophosphine and DBSA. The composition of CS2 is provided in Table 2 below.

[0173] Sample solutions 1-7 and 9-20 were each prepared by adding 2 mL of stock solution B, X mL of stock solution C, and (2-X) mL of stock solution A to a glass vial and mixing with a magnetic stir bar at room temperature, where X is equal to 10 multiplied by the weight percent concentration of triorganoaminophosphine. For example, to prepare a sample solution containing 0.05 wt% triorganoaminophosphine, mix 2 mL of stock solution B with 1.5 mL of stock solution A and 0.5 mL of stock solution C. The compositions of sample solutions 1-7 and 9-20 are provided in Table 2 below.

[0174] Prepare Sample Solution 8 by adding 2 mL of Stock Solution A and 2 mL of Stock Solution B to a glass vial and mixing with a magnetic stir bar at room temperature. Add triorganoaminophosphine to the contents of the glass vial. The composition of Sample Solution 8 is provided in Table 2 below.

[0175] The glass vials are then immersed in a well-stirred (500 rpm) silicone oil bath maintained at 100°C on a Corning™ PC-420D stirred hotplate. The comparative and sample solutions are each heated to 100°C and maintained at 100°C with mixing, with 600 μl aliquots removed after 2 minutes (at which point the triorganoaminophosphine is completely dissolved in solution), 0.5 hours, 1.0 hours, 1.5 hours, and 2.0 hours. The comparative and sample solutions are each heated in glass vials without caps or lids (i.e., the solutions are exposed to the atmosphere while heating).

[0176] Each 600 μl aliquot removed from the glass vial was placed in a 1.5 mL mini-centrifuge tube, cooled in an ice bath for 7–10 minutes, and centrifuged at 6,000 rpm in a VWR Galaxy Mini Centrifuge, Model C1413. A 350 μl clear fraction was then removed from each aliquot, combined with 700 μl of i-propanol, and analyzed by liquid chromatography to determine the concentration of DCP present in the fraction (Shimadzu LC-20AD liquid chromatograph with an SPD-20A UV-Visible detector set at 210 nm; the column was a Waters SunFire C18 2.1 mm × 50 mm column with a 3.5 μm particle size; the mobile phase was 75% methanol / 25% water at a flow rate of 0.25 mL / min). The amount of DCP in the sample solution measured after 2 minutes at 100°C is referred to as the initial DCP amount.

[0177] The dicumyl peroxide (DCP) retention percentage was calculated according to the following equation (2):

number

[0178] For example, after heating at 100° C. for 2 hours, Solution 1 contains 1.0209 wt % DCP. The initial amount of DCP in Solution 1 (i.e., after 2 minutes at 100° C.) is 1.9630 wt %. Therefore, the DCP retention of Solution 1 after heating at 100° C. for 2 hours is calculated according to the following equation (2A):

number

[0179] The DCP retention of Solution 1 after heating at 100° C. for 2 hours is 52.01%.

[0180] The properties of the sample and comparative solutions are provided in Table 2 below. [Table 2-1] [Table 2-2] [Table 3-1] [Table 3-2]

[0181] CS1 is a comparative solution containing (i) dodecane (to simulate an ethylene-based polymer), (ii) dicumyl peroxide (DCP), and (iii) dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA), but no triorganoaminophosphine. As shown in Table 2, CS1 exhibits only 0.44% peroxide (here, DCP) retention after heating at 100°C for 2 hours. Thus, CS1 does not retain a suitable concentration of organic peroxide after heating at 100°C for 2 hours to allow crosslinking of the composition. Consequently, CS1 is representative of peroxide-containing polymer compositions that are not suitable for wire and cable applications, as well as other applications.

[0182] CS2 is a comparative composition containing (i) dodecane (to simulate an ethylene-based polymer) and (ii) dicumyl peroxide (DCP), but no triorganoaminophosphine or DBSA, and therefore lacks the proton acid source compound (PASC) that would cause ionic decomposition of DCP.

[0183] Applicants have unexpectedly discovered that compositions comprising (i) dodecane (to simulate an ethylene-based polymer), (ii) dicumyl peroxide (DCP), (iii) triorganoaminophosphine (bis(diethylamino)phenylphosphine, tris-(1-pyrrolidinyl)phosphine, (dimethylamino)phenyldiphenylphosphine, or dicyclohexyl-4-(N,N-dimethylamino)phenylphosphine), and (iv) dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA) (Solutions 1-20) advantageously exhibit greater than 12%, and in some cases greater than 97%, peroxide (here, DCP) retention after heating at 100° C. for 2 hours. Consequently, Solutions 1-20 are representative of peroxide-containing polymer compositions suitable for wire and cable applications, as well as other applications.

[0184] It is expressly intended that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and examples contained herein, but includes portions of the embodiments and modifications of these embodiments, including combinations of elements of different embodiments, as falling within the scope of the following claims. The present invention may include the following aspects. [1] 1. A composition comprising: (i) an ethylene-based polymer; (ii) an organic peroxide; (iii) a triorganoaminophosphine of structure (1); [ka] (iv) a protonic acid source compound (“PASC”) selected from the group consisting of a protonic acid, a protonic acid generator compound (“PAGC”), and combinations thereof; R 1 and R 2 are each independently, C 1 -C 40 Hydrocarbyl group, C 2 -C 40 N,N-dialkylamino group, C 4 -C 6 N-heterocycloalkyl, C 8 -C 40 (N,N-dialkyl)arylamino groups, and C 8 -C 40 (N,N-dialkyl)aminoaryl groups; R 3 But C 2 -C 40 N,N-dialkylamino group, C 4 -C 6 N-heterocycloalkyl, C 8 -C 40 (N,N-dialkyl)arylamino groups, and C 8 -C 40 (N,N-dialkyl)aminoaryl groups. [2] the PASC is the protonic acid; The composition according to [1], wherein after heating the composition in an air atmosphere at 100°C for 2 hours, the composition has a peroxide retention rate of 12% to 100%, and the peroxide content of the resulting heated composition is measured using liquid chromatography. [3] The composition according to [1] or [2], wherein the PASC is the protonic acid, and the protonic acid is selected from the group consisting of sulfonic acids, sulfenic acids, sulfinic acids, carboxylic acids, phosphorus-based acids, and combinations thereof. [4] The composition according to [1], wherein the PASC is the PAGC, and the PAGC is an antioxidant. [5] The composition according to [4], wherein the antioxidant is a sulfur-based antioxidant. [6] R 1 and R 2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of a phenyl group, an N,N-diethylamino group, a pyrrolidinyl group, a 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)phenyl group, and a cyclohexyl group; R 3 is selected from the group consisting of an N,N-diethylamino group, a pyrrolidinyl group, and a 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)phenyl group. [7] R 1 、R 2 , and R 3 The composition according to [6], wherein [8] The composition according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the organic peroxide is dicumyl peroxide. [9] the composition comprises 0.001 wt. % to 1.0 wt. % of the triorganoaminophosphine having structure (1), based on the total weight of the composition; R 1 is a phenyl group, R 2 and R 3 and each represent an N,N-dimethylamino group.

[10] the composition comprises 0.001 wt. % to 1.0 wt. % of the triorganoaminophosphine having structure (1), based on the total weight of the composition; R 1 、R 2 , and R 3 and each represent a pyrrolidinyl group.

[11] the composition comprises 0.001 wt. % to 1.0 wt. % of the triorganoaminophosphine having structure (1), based on the total weight of the composition; R 1 、R 2 , and R 3 are each a phenyl group, R 3 The composition according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein is a 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)phenyl group.

[12] the composition comprises 0.001 wt. % to 1.0 wt. % of the triorganoaminophosphine having structure (1), based on the total weight of the composition; R 1 and R 2 are each a cyclohexyl group, R 3 The composition according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein is a 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)phenyl group.

[13] A crosslinked product produced by heating the composition according to any one of [1] to

[12] to a temperature sufficient to crosslink the composition.

[14] A coated conductor, A conductor; a coating on the conductor, the coating comprising the composition according to any one of [1] to

[12] or the crosslinked product according to claim 13.

Claims

1. 1. A composition comprising: (i) an ethylene-based polymer; (ii) an organic peroxide; and (iii) 0.001 wt. % to 0.1 wt. % of a triorganoaminophosphine of structure (1), based on the total weight of the composition; 【Chemistry 1】 (iv) 0.0001 wt % to 0.1 wt % of a protonic acid source compound (“PASC”) selected from the group consisting of a protonic acid, a protonic acid generator compound (“PAGC”), and combinations thereof, based on the total weight of the composition; R １ and R ２ Each independently represents C １ -C ４０ Hydrocarbyl group, C ２ -C ４０ N,N-dialkylamino group, and C ４ -C ６ N-heterocycloalkyl; R ３ But, C ２ -C ４０ N,N-dialkylamino group, and C ４ -C ６ N-heterocycloalkyl; A composition, wherein after heating the composition in an air atmosphere at 100° C. for 2 hours, the composition has a peroxide retention percentage of 12% to 100%, and the peroxide content of the resulting heated composition is measured using liquid chromatography.

2. 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the PASC is the protonic acid, and the protonic acid is selected from the group consisting of sulfonic acids, sulfenic acids, sulfinic acids, carboxylic acids, phosphorus-based acids, and combinations thereof.

3. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the PASC is the PAGC, and the PAGC is an antioxidant.

4. The composition of claim 3 , wherein the antioxidant is a sulfur-based antioxidant.

5. R １ and R ２ are each independently selected from the group consisting of a phenyl group, an N,N-diethylamino group, a pyrrolidinyl group, and a cyclohexyl group; R ３ The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein is selected from the group consisting of an N,N-diethylamino group, and a pyrrolidinyl group.

6. R １ is a phenyl group, R ２ and R ３ The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each is an N,N-dimethylamino group.

7. R １ , R ２ , and R ３ The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each is a pyrrolidinyl group.

8. R １ , R ２ , and R ３ The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein

9. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the organic peroxide is dicumyl peroxide.

10. A crosslinked product made by heating the composition of any one of claims 1 to 9 to a temperature sufficient to crosslink the composition.

11. A coated conductor, A conductor; a coating on the conductor comprising the composition of any one of claims 1 to 9 or the crosslinked product of claim 10.

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