Crosslinked compositions from olefin / silane interpolymers

Abstract

A process for forming a crosslinked composition, comprising: heat treating a composition comprising the following components: a) an olefin / silane interpolymer, b) a cure catalyst, and c) a multi-vinyl compound.A process for forming a crosslinked composition, comprising: heat treating a composition comprising the following components: a) an olefin / silane interpolymer, b) a cure catalyst, and c) a multi-vinyl compound.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 043,193, filed June 24, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] Olefin-based polymers and polymer blends have been crosslinked using hydrosilylation crosslinkers and crosslinking catalysts such as Pt catalysts (see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,672,660, 6,476,132, 8,865,800, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0145131, and Japanese Patent No. 9,137,002(A)). Olefin-based polymers containing reactive dimethylhydrosilyl groups, such as -Si(CH3)2H, can be prepared by copolymerizing ethylene and / or other α-olefins with monomers such as octenylsilane, hexenylsilane, and allylsilane (see U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,624,254 and 6,258,902). Such interpolymers may be further functionalized and / or crosslinked.

[0003] For example, it has been found that olefinic interpolymers containing -Si(CH3)2H functional groups can be crosslinked using multivinyl compounds via a hydrosilylation reaction using a catalyst, such as a "Pt-containing" catalyst. These crosslinked formulations can be prepared by co-dissolving the polymer and components in a common solvent, followed by solvent removal, or by melt-blending the components through the application of thermal energy, followed by mixing to homogenize and uniformly disperse the cured components. It has been found that when the formulated polymer is heated above its melting point, the multivinyl compounds react with silane groups, such as -Si(CH3)2H, in the presence of a catalyst, resulting in the formation of covalent crosslinks, for example, between adjacent interpolymer chains. See, for example, Figure 1. Summary of the Invention

[0004] 1. A process for forming a crosslinked composition comprising the following components: a) olefin / silane interpolymers; b) a curing catalyst, and c) multivinyl compounds, A process comprising heat treating a composition comprising:

[0005] Ingredients: a) olefin / silane interpolymers; b) a curing catalyst, and c) multivinyl compounds, A composition comprising: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the hydrosilylation of an olefin / silane interpolymer in the presence of a cure catalyst. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 shows two consecutive DSC scans for an olefin / silane interpolymer (80 wt % interpolymer / 20 wt % PBd) containing 20 ppm Pt catalyst. [Figure 3] 1 is a plot of the magnitude of complex viscosity versus temperature for an olefin / silane interpolymer containing 3.0 wt. % ODMS and formulated with 2 wt. % ultra-low molecular weight polybutadiene resin having a 90 mol. % 1,2 vinyl content, 10 ppm Pt catalyst, and 100 ppm bis(2-ethylhexyl) maleate. [Figure 4] 1 is a plot of the magnitude of complex viscosity versus temperature for a pure ethylene / octene / silane interpolymer containing 1.3 wt % ODMS and 41.9 wt % octene. [Figure 5] 1 is a plot of the magnitude of "complex viscosity versus temperature" for an olefin / silane interpolymer containing 1.3 wt% ODMS and formulated with 1 wt% ultra-low molecular weight polybutadiene resin having a 90 mol% 1,2 vinyl content and 10 ppm Pt catalyst. [Figure 6]1 shows an isotherm of melt-blended olefin / silane interpolymer (98 wt%), polybutadiene multivinyl crosslinker (2 wt%), and 100 ppm Pt catalyst, showing the increase in shear storage modulus over time. The increase in shear storage modulus can be directly correlated to crosslink density. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 shows an isotherm of melt-blended olefin / silane interpolymer (98 wt%), polybutadiene multivinyl crosslinker (2 wt%), and either 100 ppm or 10 ppm Pt catalyst, showing the increase in shear storage modulus over time. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 shows three dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) profiles for olefin / silane interpolymer samples with no Pt, with 10 ppm Pt and no inhibitor, and with 10 ppm and 1000 ppm ETCH inhibitor, ramped from 25° C. to 200° C. at 2° C. / min. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 shows an isotherm of melt-blended olefin / silane interpolymer (98 wt%), polybutadiene multivinyl crosslinker (2 wt%), 1000 ppm of various ingredients, and 100 ppm of Pt catalyst, showing the increase in shear storage modulus over time. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 shows isotherms at 120° C. and 180° C. for a sample containing 98 wt % olefin / silane interpolymer, 2 wt % polybutadiene, 1000 ppm inhibitor (ETCHA or Surfynol-61), and 100 ppm Pt catalyst. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 shows seven dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) profiles for samples containing 98 wt % olefin / silane interpolymer, 2 wt % polybutadiene, 100 ppm Pt, and 200 ppm, 750 ppm, or 1500 ppm of either IRGANOX 1010, IRGOFOS 1680, or IRGANOX 1076, ramped from 25° C. to 200° C. at 2° C. / min. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] As noted above, in a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process for forming a crosslinked composition comprising the following components: a) olefin / silane interpolymers; b) a curing catalyst, and c) multivinyl compounds, and heat treating a composition comprising:

[0008] The above process may comprise a combination of two or more embodiments described herein. Each of components a, b, and c may comprise a combination of two or more embodiments described herein.

[0009] Also, in a second aspect of the present invention, a composition comprising the following components: a) olefin / silane interpolymers; b) a curing catalyst, and c) multivinyl compounds, Also provided is a composition comprising:

[0010] The composition may comprise a combination of two or more embodiments as described herein. Each of components a, b, and c may comprise a combination of two or more embodiments as described herein.

[0011] Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments apply to both the first and second aspects of the invention.

[0012] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments, each described herein, the olefin / silane interpolymer of component a is an ethylene / α-olefin / silane interpolymer, and further an ethylene / α-olefin / silane terpolymer.

[0013] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments, each described herein, the silane of the olefin / silane interpolymer is derived from a compound selected from the following: HC=CH-R-Si(R)(R')-H, where R is alkylene, R and R' are each independently alkyl, and R and R' can be the same or different.

[0014] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments, each described herein, the silane of the olefin / silane interpolymer is derived from a compound selected from the following:

[0015] [ka] where R2 is alkylene.

[0016] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments, each described herein, the silane of the olefin / silane interpolymer is derived from a compound selected from the following:

[0017] [ka]

[0018] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments, each described herein, the curing catalyst of component b comprises platinum(0)-1,3-divinyl-1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisiloxane.

[0019] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments, each described herein, the multi-vinyl compound of component c is selected from the following i) to iv): i)

[0020] [ka] wherein R3 is selected from alkylene or arylene; ii) The following structure: -(CR1R2-CR3=CR4-CR5R6) n -(CR7R8-CR9(CR10=CR11R12)) m wherein each of R1 to R12 is independently hydrogen (H) or alkyl, n≧1 and m≧1, and further wherein each of R1 to R12 is hydrogen, and further wherein n is 1 to 50, or 1 to 40, or 1 to 30, or 1 to 20, and m is 1 to 50, or 1 to 40, or 1 to 30, or 1 to 20; iii) H3C-CH2-C[R4-OC(O)-CH=CH2]3, where R4 is alkylene or arylene; or iv) The following structure: -[Si(CH=CH2)(R5)-O] n - Cyclic siloxanes (wherein R5 is alkyl and n is 3 to 6).

[0021] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments, each described herein, the multi-vinyl compound of component c is selected from the following: dodecadiene, divinylbenzene, tetravinyltetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane (ViD4), trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA), or a polybutadiene containing 80 mol% or more, 85 mol% or more, or 90 mol% or more 1,2 vinyl groups based on the total vinyl content and having a melt viscosity at 45°C of 30 to 500 cP, or 30 to 400 cP, or 30 to 300 cP, or 30 to 200 cP, or 30 to 150 cP, or 30 to 100 cP.

[0022] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments, each described herein, the composition further comprises component d: a set inhibitor. In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments, each described herein, the set inhibitor is selected from the following:

[0023] [ka] (If ViD4 is not used as component c).

[0024] It should be noted that when ViD4 is used as a cure inhibitor (component d), it is typically present in an amount of 0.01 to 0.10 wt. % based on the weight of the composition. When ViD4 is used as a multi-vinyl compound (component c), it is typically present in an amount of 1.0 to 5.0 wt. % based on the weight of the composition.

[0025] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments, each described herein, the composition further comprises a component e selected from the following: IRGANOX 1010, IRGANOX 1076, or a combination thereof.

[0026] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments, each described herein, the composition is heat treated at a temperature of 40° C. or higher, or 45° C. or higher, or 50° C. or higher, or 55° C. or higher, or 60° C. or higher, or 65° C. or higher, or 70° C. or higher. In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments, each described herein, the composition is heat treated at a temperature of 200° C. or lower, or 180° C. or lower, or 160° C. or lower, or 140° C. or lower, or 120° C. or lower, or 100° C. or lower.

[0027] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments, each described herein, the process further includes adding component c to component a before or simultaneously with adding component b to component a, prior to heat treating the composition including components a-c.

[0028] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments, each described herein, the composition further comprises a filler, and the filler is present in an amount of 1.0 wt %, or 2.0 wt %, or 5.0 wt % to 10 wt %, or 15 wt %, or 20 wt %, each weight percentage being based on the weight of the composition.

[0029] Also provided are crosslinked compositions formed by the inventive processes described herein or from the inventive compositions described herein.

[0030] Also provided is an article comprising at least one component formed from any one embodiment or combination of two or more embodiments, each described herein. In one embodiment or combination of two or more embodiments, each described herein, the article is a film. In one embodiment or combination of two or more embodiments, each described herein, the article is an automobile part, a building material, or a computer part.

[0031] Silane Monomer Silane monomer, as used herein, comprises at least one (kind of) Si—H group. In one embodiment, the silane monomer is selected from Formula 1: A-(SiBC-O) x -Si-EFH (Eq. 1), (wherein A is an alkenyl group, B is a hydrocarbyl group or hydrogen and C is a hydrocarbyl group or hydrogen, where B and C may be the same or different; H is hydrogen and x≧0; E is a hydrocarbyl group or hydrogen, F is a hydrocarbyl group or hydrogen, and E and F may be the same or different.

[0032] Some examples of silane monomers include hexenylsilane, allylsilane, vinylsilane, octenylsilane, hexenyldimethylsilane, octenyldimethylsilane, vinyldimethylsilane, vinyldiethylsilane, vinyldi(n-butyl)silane, vinylmethyloctadecylsilane, vinyldiphenylsilane, vinyldibenzylsilane, allyldimethylsilane, allyldiethylsilane, allyldi(n-butyl)silane, allylmethyloctadecylsilane, allyldiphenylsilane, bishexenylsilane, and allyidibenzylsilane. Mixtures of the aforementioned alkenylsilanes may also be used.

[0033] More specific examples of silane monomers include the following: (5-hexenyl-dimethylsilane (HDMS), 7-octenyldimethylsilane (ODMS), allyldimethylsilane (ADMS), 3-butenyldimethylsilane, 1-(but-3-en-1-yl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisiloxane (BuMMH), 1-(hex-5-en-1-yl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisiloxane (HexMMH), (2-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-en-2-yl)ethyl)-dimethylsilane (NorDMS), and 1-(2-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-en-2-yl)ethyl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisiloxane (NorMMH).

[0034] curing catalyst As used herein, a curing catalyst is a compound that accelerates the reaction between a pendant silane moiety, such as —Si(CH3)2H, on an olefin / silane interpolymer chain and a vinyl group of a multi-vinyl compound. Suitable catalysts include catalysts based on platinum or other metals, such as tin or nickel, Ir, or Rh. In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments, each described herein, the catalyst includes Pt, Sn, Ni, Ir, or Rh, or even Pt, Sn, or Ni, or even Pt or Sn, or even Pt. The most well-known of these catalysts is the Karstedt catalyst (i.e., platinum(0)-1,3-divinyl-1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisiloxane complex solution), as shown by the following structure: Karstedt catalyst is commercially available as a xylene solution containing 2 wt% Pt (Sigma Aldrich).

[0035] [ka]

[0036] Multi-vinyl compounds Multivinyl compounds contain two or more vinyl (-CH=CH2) groups. Preferred multivinyl agents tend to be smaller compounds that exhibit sufficient solubility or thermodynamic miscibility with the olefin / silane interpolymer to homogeneously distribute this component throughout the formulation in the composition necessary to achieve the desired level of crosslinking. Suitable compounds include tetravinyltetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane (ViD4), low molecular weight polybutadiene with predominantly 1,2-addition (about 90 mole % 1,2-vinyl), dodecadiene, divinylbenzene, trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA), and the like.

[0037] Less preferred agents, which can provide some crosslinking activity, tend to be higher molecular weight compounds that contain low density vinyl groups, have significant polarity, or exhibit limited solubility in the olefin / silane interpolymer they are formulated with. Some examples of these less preferred agents include ethylene-co-propylene-co-ethylidene norbornene (EPDM) copolymers and polybutadienes with a high percentage of 1,4 addition (containing 50 mole % or more of internal cis or trans vinylene groups).

[0038] hardening inhibitors As used herein, the curing inhibitor slows the hydrosilylation reaction with multi-vinyl compounds. Inhibitors may also be added to the formulation to delay the onset of crosslinking through hydrosilylation. These inhibitors may temporarily form complexes with vinyl groups, for example, in Pt catalyst complexes, hindering catalytic activity. It has been found that different types of inhibitors and inhibitor loadings result in different crosslinking rates as a function of temperature. This finding allows for highly adjustable design of polymer processability windows when there is concern about premature crosslinking of melt-blended catalyst-containing formulations.

[0039] For example, a melt-processable crosslinkable formulation can be produced by incorporating a hydrosilylation inhibitor into a formulation containing a -Si(CH3)2H-functionalized olefin / silane interpolymer, a multi-vinyl compound, and a Pt catalyst. These inhibitor compounds competitively bind to the Pt catalyst, retarding the hydrosilylation reaction with the multi-vinyl compound. As the temperature increases, the inhibitor desorbs from the catalyst, allowing the hydrosilylation-based crosslinking reaction to proceed. Suitable hydrosilylation inhibitors include phosphite-based antioxidants such as dioctyl maleate, surfynol-61, ETCH, ETCHA, IRGAFOS 168 (or IRGAFOS 1680), and tetravinyltetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane (ViD4).

[0040] additives The compositions of the present invention may contain one or more additives, including, but not limited to, UV stabilizers, antioxidants, fillers, scorch and flame retardants, tackifiers, waxes, compatibilizers, adhesion promoters, processing aids, blocking agents, antiblocking agents, antistatic agents, mold release agents, antiblock additives, colorants, dyes, pigments, and combinations thereof.

[0041] In one embodiment or a combination of two or more embodiments, each described herein, the composition of the present invention further comprises a thermoplastic polymer that differs from the olefin / silane interpolymer (component a) in one or more characteristics, such as, for example, the type and / or amount of monomer(s), Mn, Mw, Mz, MWD, V0.1, V100, RR(V0.1 / V100), or any combination thereof, or the type and / or amount of monomer(s), Mn, Mw, MWD, or any combination thereof. Polymers include, but are not limited to, ethylene-based polymers, propylene-based polymers, and olefin multi-block interpolymers. Suitable ethylene-based polymers include, but are not limited to, linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), very low density polyethylene (VLDPE), ultra-low density polyethylene (ULDPE), homogeneously branched linear ethylene-based polymers, and homogeneously branched substantially linear ethylene-based polymers (i.e., homogeneously branched long-chain branched ethylene polymers). Examples of propylene-based polymers include polypropylene homopolymer and propylene / ethylene copolymers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0049] As used herein, the term "ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer" refers to a random interpolymer comprising, in polymerized form, 50 weight percent or a majority weight percent ethylene, and an α-olefin (based on the weight of the interpolymer).

[0050] As used herein, the term "ethylene / α-olefin copolymer" refers to a random copolymer that contains, in polymerized form, 50% by weight or a majority of ethylene monomer (based on the weight of the copolymer), and an α-olefin, as the only two monomer types.

[0051] As used herein, the term "olefin / silane interpolymer" refers to a random interpolymer comprising, in polymerized form, 50% or a majority weight percent (based on the weight of the interpolymer) of an olefin and a silane monomer. As used herein, the interpolymer comprises at least one Si-H group, and the phrase "at least one Si-H group" refers to a type of "Si-H" group. It is understood in the art that an interpolymer contains multiple types of this Si-H. The olefin / silane interpolymer is formed by copolymerization of at least one olefin with a silane monomer. An example of the silane monomer is shown in Formula 1 described herein.

[0052] As used herein, the term "ethylene / silane interpolymer" refers to a random interpolymer comprising, in polymerized form, 50% or a majority weight percent of ethylene and a silane monomer (based on the weight of the interpolymer). As used herein, the interpolymer comprises at least one Si-H group, as described above. The ethylene / silane interpolymer is formed by copolymerization of at least ethylene and a silane monomer.

[0053] As used herein, the term "ethylene / α-olefin / silane interpolymer" refers to a random interpolymer comprising, in polymerized form, 50% or a majority weight percent of ethylene, an α-olefin, and a silane monomer (based on the weight of the interpolymer). As used herein, the interpolymer comprises at least one Si-H group, as described above. The ethylene / silane interpolymer is formed by copolymerization of at least ethylene, an α-olefin, and a silane monomer.

[0054] As used herein, the term "ethylene / α-olefin / silane terpolymer" refers to a random terpolymer that, in polymerized form, contains 50% or a majority weight percent of ethylene, an α-olefin, and a silane monomer as the only three monomers (based on the weight of the terpolymer). As used herein, a terpolymer contains at least one Si-H group, as described above. Ethylene / silane terpolymers are formed by copolymerization of ethylene, an α-olefin, and a silane monomer.

[0055] The terms "hydrocarbon group," "hydrocarbyl group," and similar terms, as used herein, refer to chemical groups containing only carbon and hydrogen atoms.

[0056] As used herein, the term "crosslinked composition" refers to a composition having a network structure due to the formation of chemical bonds between polymer chains, which may be indicated by an increase in complex viscosity or shear storage modulus, as discussed herein.

[0057] As used herein, the term "crosslinked olefin / silane interpolymer" refers to an olefin / silane interpolymer having a network structure due to the formation of chemical bonds between polymer chains. The formation of this network structure can be indicated by an increase in complex viscosity or shear storage modulus, as discussed herein.

[0058] As used herein with respect to compositions comprising an olefin / silane interpolymer, the terms "heat treating," "heat treatment," and similar terms refer to the application of heat to the composition. Heat can be applied by conduction (e.g., a heating coil), by convection (e.g., heat transfer via a fluid such as water or air), and / or by radiation (e.g., heat transfer using electromagnetic waves). Preferably, heat is applied by conduction or convection. It should be noted that the temperature at which heat treatment is performed refers to the temperature of the composition (e.g., the melting temperature of the composition).

[0059] The term "alkenyl group," as used herein, refers to an organic chemical group containing at least one carbon-carbon double bond (C=C). In preferred embodiments, an alkenyl group is a hydrocarbon group containing at least one carbon-carbon double bond and further containing only one carbon-carbon double bond.

[0060] As used herein, R1 = R1, R2 = R2, R3 = R3, etc. In each of the bonds (L1-L5), as described herein, the wavy line

[0061] [ka] refers to the attachment (bond) between the respective bond and the remainder of the olefin / silane interpolymer.

[0062] The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and their derivatives are not intended to exclude the presence of any additional components, steps, or procedures, whether specifically disclosed or not. For the avoidance of doubt, all compositions claimed through the use of the term "comprising" may include any additional additives, adjuvants, or compounds, whether polymeric or otherwise, unless specifically stated to the contrary. In contrast, the term "consisting essentially of" excludes that which is not essential to operability and excludes any other component, step, or procedure from the scope of any subsequent recitation. The term "consisting of" excludes any component, step, or procedure not specifically defined or listed.

[0063] The phrase "major weight percent" as used herein with respect to a polymer (or interpolymer or terpolymer or copolymer) refers to the amount of monomer that is present in the greatest amount in the polymer.

[0064] Listing of Some Process and Composition Features A] A process for forming a crosslinked composition comprising the following components: a) olefin / silane interpolymers; b) a curing catalyst, and c) multivinyl compounds, A process comprising heat treating a composition comprising: B] The process of A] above, wherein the olefin / silane interpolymer (component a) is an ethylene / α-olefin / silane interpolymer, or even an ethylene / α-olefin / silane terpolymer. C] The process of B] above, wherein the α-olefin of the ethylene / α-olefin / silane interpolymer is a C3 to C20 α-olefin, further a C3 to C10 α-olefin, further propylene, 1-butene, 1-hexene, 1-octene, and 1-decene, further propylene, 1-butene, 1-hexene, or 1-octene, further propylene, 1-butene, or 1-octene, further 1-butene or 1-octene, further 1-octene. D] The process described in any one of A] to C] above, wherein the silane of the olefin / silane interpolymer is derived from a compound selected from the following: H2C=CH-R1-Si(R)(R')-H (wherein R1 is alkylene, R and R' are each independently alkyl, and R and R' can be the same or different). E] The process described in any one of A] to D] above, wherein the silane of the olefin / silane interpolymer is derived from a compound selected from the following:

[0065] [ka] where R2 is alkylene. F] The process described in any one of A] to E] above, wherein the silane of the olefin / silane interpolymer is derived from a compound selected from the following:

[0066] [ka] G] The process of any one of A] to F] above, wherein the curing catalyst (component b) comprises platinum (Pt), further comprising platinum(0)-1,3-divinyl-1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisiloxane. H] The process according to any one of A] to G] above, wherein the multi-vinyl compound of component c is selected from the following i) to iv): i)

[0067] [ka] wherein R3 is selected from alkylene or arylene; ii) The following structure: -(CR1R2-CR3=CR4-CR5R6) n -(CR7R8-CR9(CR10=CR11R12)) m wherein each of R1 to R12 is independently hydrogen (H) or alkyl, n≧1 and m≧1, and further wherein each of R1 to R12 is hydrogen, and further wherein n is 1 to 50, or 1 to 40, or 1 to 30, or 1 to 20, and m is 1 to 50, or 1 to 40, or 1 to 30, or 1 to 20; iii) H3C-CH2-C[R4-OC(O)-CH=CH2]3, where R4 is alkylene or arylene; or iv) The following structure: -[Si(CH=CH2)(R5)-O] n - Cyclic siloxanes (wherein R5 is alkyl and n is 3 to 6). I] The process described in any one of A] to H] above, wherein the vinyl compound of component c is selected from the following: dodecadiene, divinylbenzene, tetravinyltetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane (ViD4), trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA), or polybutadiene containing ≥ 80 mol%, ≥ 85 mol%, or ≥ 90 mol% 1,2 vinyl groups based on the total vinyl content and having a melt viscosity at 45°C of 30 to 500 cP, or 30 to 400 cP, or 30 to 300 cP, or 30 to 200 cP, or 30 to 150 cP, or 30 to 100 cP. J] The process described in any one of A] to I] above, wherein the composition further comprises component d: a cure inhibitor. K] The process described in J] above, wherein the curing inhibitor of component d is selected from the following:

[0068] [ka] (If ViD4 is not used as component c). L] The hardening inhibitor of component d is

[0069] [ka] The process according to J] or K] above, M] The process of any one of J]-L] above, wherein the cure inhibitor of component d is added in an amount necessary to increase the temperature at which the onset of crosslinking occurs by ≥ 20°C, or ≥ 30°C, or ≥ 40°C, or ≥ 50°C, as determined by DMA (see Experimental Section below), compared to the same composition without component d. Note that as used herein, the onset temperature of crosslinking is the temperature (T) at which the complex viscosity or shear storage modulus value increases by > 10% relative to the respective value at "T - 10°C." N] The process described in any one of A] to M] above, wherein the composition further comprises a component e selected from the following:

[0070] [ka] Or a combination thereof. O] The process described in N] above, wherein component e is added in an amount necessary to reduce the temperature at which the onset of crosslinking occurs by ≦10°C, or ≦15°C, or ≦20°C, as determined by DMA (see below), compared to the same composition not containing component e. P] The process of any one of A]-O] above, wherein the composition further comprises a filler, and further wherein the filler is present in an amount of 1.0 wt%, or 2.0 wt%, or 5.0 wt% to 10 wt%, or 15 wt%, or 20 wt%, each weight percentage being based on the weight of the composition. Q] A process described in any one of A] to P] above, wherein the composition is heat treated at a temperature of ≧40°C, ≧45°C, ≧50°C, ≧55°C, ≧60°C, ≧65°C, or ≧70°C. R] The process of any one of A] to Q] above, wherein the composition is heat treated at a temperature of ≦200°C, or ≦180°C, or ≦160°C, or ≦140°C, or ≦120°C, or ≦100°C. S] The process described in any one of A] to R] above, further comprising adding component c to component a before or simultaneously with adding component b to component a before heat-treating the composition containing components a to c. T] The process described in S] above, further comprising adding component c to component a before adding component b to component a. U] The process described in S] above, further comprising adding component c to component a simultaneously with adding component b to component a. V] The process described in any one of A] to U] above, wherein component b is present in an amount of 5 to 200 ppm or 10 to 100 ppm based on the weight of the composition. W] The process described in any one of A] to V] above, wherein the weight ratio of the curing catalyst (component b) to the multi-vinyl compound (component c) is ≧0.0005, or ≧0.0050, or ≧0.0100. X] The process described in any one of A] to W] above, wherein the weight ratio of the curing catalyst (component b) to the multi-vinyl compound (component c) is ≦10, or ≦8.0, or ≦6.0. Y] The process described in any one of A] to X] above, wherein the composition comprises, based on the weight of the composition, ≧50.0 wt%, or ≧55.0 wt%, or ≧60.0 wt%, or ≧65.0 wt%, or ≧70.0 wt%, or ≧75.0 wt%, or ≧80.0 wt%, or ≧85.0 wt%, or ≧90.0 wt% of component a. Z] The process described in any one of A] to Y] above, wherein the composition comprises ≦99.9 wt %, or ≦99.5 wt %, or ≦99.0 wt %, or ≦98.5 wt %, or ≦98.0 wt % of component a, based on the weight of the composition. A2] The process of any one of A] to Z] above, wherein the composition has a weight ratio of component a to component c that is ≧2.00, or ≧2.50, or ≧3.00, or ≧3.50, or ≧4.00. B2] The process described in any one of A] to A2] above, wherein the composition has a weight ratio of component a to component c that is ≦100, or ≦95, or ≦90, or ≦85, or ≦80.

[0071] C2] The process of any one of A] to B2] above, wherein the composition comprises ≧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 component c, based on the weight of the composition. D2] The process described in any one of A] to C2] above, wherein the composition comprises ≦50.0 wt.%, or ≦40.0 wt.%, or ≦30.0 wt.%, or ≦20.0 wt.%, or ≦10.0 wt.%, or ≦5.0 wt.% of component c, based on the weight of the composition. E2] The process of any one of A] to D2] above, wherein the composition comprises ≧0 wt.%, or ≧0.005 wt.%, or ≧0.01 wt.%, or ≧0.02 wt.%, or ≧0.04 wt.%, or ≧0.06 wt.%, or ≧0.08 wt.% of component d, based on the weight of the composition. F2] The process of any one of A] to E2] above, wherein the composition comprises ≦20.0 wt.%, or ≦15.0 wt.%, or ≦10.0 wt.%, or ≦5.0 wt.%, or ≦2.0 wt.%, or ≦1.0 wt.%, or ≦0.80 wt.%, or ≦0.60 wt.%, or ≦0.40 wt.%, or ≦0.20 wt.%, or ≦0.10 wt.% of component d, based on the weight of the composition. G2] The process described in any one of A] to F2] above, wherein the composition further comprises a solvent (a substance (typically liquid at ambient conditions) that dissolves at least components a to c). H2] The process described in any one of A] to G2] above, wherein the composition comprises ≦1.0 wt %, or ≦0.5 wt %, or ≦0.05 wt %, or ≦0.01 wt % of a solvent, based on the weight of the composition. I2] The process described in any one of A] to F2] above, wherein the composition does not contain a solvent. J2] The process of any one of A] to I2] above, wherein the interpolymer of component a contains ≥ 0.20 wt. %, or ≥ 0.40 wt. %, or ≥ 0.60 wt. %, or ≥ 0.80 wt. %, or ≥ 1.00 wt. %, or ≥ 1.20 wt. % of silane (monomer), in polymerized form, based on the weight of the interpolymer. K2] The process of any one of A] to J2] above, wherein the interpolymer of component a contains ≦10 wt. %, or ≦5.0 wt. %, or ≦4.0 wt. %, or ≦3.8 wt. %, or ≦3.6 wt. %, or ≦3.4 wt. %, or ≦3.2 wt. %, or ≦3.0 wt. % of silane (monomer), in polymerized form, based on the weight of the interpolymer. L2] The process of any one of A] to K2] above, wherein the interpolymer of component a contains, in polymerized form, ≥ 20 wt%, or ≥ 22 wt%, or ≥ 24 wt%, or ≥ 26 wt%, or ≥ 28 wt%, or ≥ 30 wt%, of an α-olefin, based on the weight of the interpolymer. M2] The process described in any one of A] to L2] above, wherein the interpolymer of component a contains, in polymerized form, ≦60 wt.%, or ≦58 wt.%, or ≦56 wt.%, or ≦54 wt.%, or ≦52 wt.%, or ≦50 wt.% of an α-olefin, based on the weight of the interpolymer. N2] The process described in any one of A] to M2] above, wherein the interpolymer of component a has a molecular weight distribution (MWD = Mw / Mn) of ≥ 1.6, or ≥ 1.8, or ≥ 1.9, or ≥ 2.0. O2] The process described in any one of A] to N2] above, wherein the interpolymer of component a has a molecular weight distribution MWD of ≦3.0, or ≦2.9, or ≦2.8, or ≦2.7, or ≦2.6. P2] The process described in any one of A] to O2] above, wherein the interpolymer of component a has a number average molecular weight (Mn) of ≥ 10,000 g / mol, or ≥ 12,000 g / mol, or ≥ 14,000 g / mol or ≥ 16,000 g / mol. Q2] The process described in any one of A] to P2] above, wherein the interpolymer of component a has a number average molecular weight (Mn) of ≦100,000 g / mol, or ≦95,000 g / mol, or ≦90,000 g / mol, or ≦85,000 g / mol, or ≦80,000 g / mol, or ≦75,000 g / mol, or ≦70,000 g / mol. R2] The process of any one of A] to Q2] above, wherein the interpolymer of component a has a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of ≥ 30,000 g / mol, or ≥ 35,000 g / mol, or ≥ 40,000 g / mol, or ≥ 45,000 g / mol, or ≥ 50,000 g / mol, or ≥ 55,000 g / mol, or ≥ 60,000 g / mol. S2] The process described in any one of A] to R2] above, wherein the interpolymer of component a has a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of ≦200,000 g / mol, or ≦190,000 g / mol, or ≦180,000 g / mol, or ≦170,000 g / mol, or ≦160,000 g / mol, or ≦155,000 g / mol. T2] The process described in any one of A] to S2] above, wherein the interpolymer of component a has a melting temperature Tm of ≥ 40°C, or ≥ 45°C, or ≥ 50°C, or ≥ 55°C, or ≥ 60°C. U2] The process described in any one of the above A] to T2], wherein the interpolymer of component a has a melting temperature Tm of ≦120°C, or ≦115°C, or ≦110°C, or ≦105°C, or ≦100°C. V2] The process described in any one of A] to U2] above, wherein the interpolymer of component a has a percent crystallinity of ≥ 1.8%, or ≥ 2.0%, or ≥ 2.1%, or ≥ 2.2%, or ≥ 2.3%, or ≥ 2.4%. W2] The process of any one of A] to V2] above, wherein the interpolymer of component a has a percent crystallinity of ≦22%, ≦20%, or ≦18%, ≦16%, or ≦14%, or ≦13%, or ≦12%. X2] A crosslinked composition formed from the process described in any one of A] to W2] above. Y2] The crosslinked composition described above in X2], which comprises a crosslinked olefin / silane interpolymer containing, as a crosslink between interpolymer molecules, a bond selected from the following L1 to L5:

[0072] [ka] L1) (wherein each R1 is alkylene, R3 is alkylene or arylene, R and R' are each independently alkyl, and R and R' can be the same or different);

[0073] [ka] L2) (wherein each R1 is alkylene, R and R' are each independently alkyl, R and R' may be the same or different, and n is 0 to 20);

[0074] [ka] L3) (wherein each R1 is alkylene, R4 is alkylene or arylene, R and R' are each independently alkyl, and R and R' may be the same or different);

[0075] [ka] L4) (wherein each R1 is alkylene, R4 is alkylene or arylene, R and R' are each independently alkyl, and R and R' may be the same or different);

[0076] [ka] L5) (wherein each R1 is alkylene, R and R' are each independently alkyl, and R and R' can be the same or different). Z2] The crosslinked composition described above in Y2], wherein the crosslinked olefin / silane interpolymer comprises a bond selected from L1 as a crosslink between interpolymer molecules. A3] The crosslinked composition according to Z2] above, wherein the "-CH2-CH2-R3-CH2-CH2-" portion is derived from dodecadiene or divinylbenzene. B3] The crosslinked composition described in Y2] above, wherein the crosslinked olefin / silane interpolymer comprises a bond selected from L2 as a crosslink between interpolymer molecules. C3] “-CH2-CH2-CH(CH3)-[CH2CH(CH=CH2)] n The crosslinked composition according to B3) above, wherein the -CH2-CH2-" moieties are derived from polybutadiene containing ≥ 80 mol%, ≥ 85 mol%, or ≥ 90 mol% of 1,2 vinyl groups based on the total vinyl content, and having a melt viscosity at 45°C of 30 to 500 cP, or 30 to 400 cP, or 30 to 300 cP, or 30 to 200 cP, or 30 to 150 cP, or 30 to 100 cP. D3] The crosslinked composition described in Y2] above, wherein the crosslinked olefin / silane interpolymer comprises a bond selected from L3 or L4 as a crosslink between interpolymer molecules. E3] The crosslinked composition described in D3] above, wherein for bond L3, the "-CH2-CH2-C(O)-O-R4-C(CH2-CH3)[R4-OC(O)-CH=CH2]-R4-OC(O)-CH2-CH2-" portion is derived from trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA). F3] The crosslinked composition described in D3] above, wherein for bond L4, the trivalent "-R4-C(CH2-CH3)(R4-)(R4-)-containing" moiety is derived from trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA). G3] The crosslinked composition described in Y2] above, wherein the crosslinked olefin / silane interpolymer comprises a bond selected from L5 as a crosslink between interpolymer molecules. H3] The following ingredients: a) olefin / silane interpolymers; b) a curing catalyst, and c) multivinyl compounds, A composition comprising: I3] The composition of H3] above, wherein the olefin / silane interpolymer (component a) is an ethylene / α-olefin / silane interpolymer, or even an ethylene / α-olefin / silane terpolymer. J3] The composition of I3] above, wherein the α-olefin of the ethylene / α-olefin / silane interpolymer is a C3 to C20 α-olefin, further a C3 to C10 α-olefin, further propylene, 1-butene, 1-hexene, 1-octene, and 1-decene, further propylene, 1-butene, 1-hexene, or 1-octene, further propylene, 1-butene, or 1-octene, further 1-butene or 1-octene, further 1-octene. K3] The composition described in any one of H3] to J3] above, wherein the silane of the olefin / silane interpolymer is derived from a compound selected from the following: H2C=CH-R1-Si(R)(R')-H (wherein R1 is alkylene, R and R' are each independently alkyl, and R and R' can be the same or different). L3] The composition described in any one of H3] to K3] above, wherein the silane of the olefin / silane interpolymer is derived from a compound selected from the following:

[0077] [ka] where R2 is alkylene. M3] The composition described in any one of H3] to L3] above, wherein the silane of the olefin / silane interpolymer is derived from a compound selected from the following:

[0078] [ka] N3] The composition according to any one of H3] to M3] above, wherein the curing catalyst (component b) comprises platinum (Pt), further comprising platinum(0)-1,3-divinyl-1,1,3,3-tetramethyl-disiloxane. O3] The composition according to any one of the above H3] to N3], wherein the multi-vinyl compound of component c is selected from the following i) to iv): i)

[0079] [ka] wherein R3 is selected from alkylene or arylene; ii) The following structure: -(CR1R2-CR3=CR4-CR5R6) n -(CR7R8-CR9(CR10=CR11R12)) m wherein each of R1 to R12 is independently hydrogen (H) or alkyl, n≧1 and m≧1, and further wherein each of R1 to R12 is hydrogen, and further wherein n is 1 to 50, or 1 to 40, or 1 to 30, or 1 to 20, and m is 1 to 50, or 1 to 40, or 1 to 30, or 1 to 20; iii) H3C-CH2-C[R4-OC(O)-CH=CH 3]3 wherein R4 is alkylene or arylene, or iv) The following structure: -[Si(CH=CH2)(R5)-O] n - Cyclic siloxanes (wherein R5 is alkyl and n is 3 to 6). P3] The composition described in any one of the above H3] to O3], wherein the multi-vinyl compound of component c is selected from the following: dodecadiene, divinylbenzene, tetravinyltetra-methylcyclotetrasiloxane (ViD4), trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA), or a polybutadiene containing ≥ 80 mol%, ≥ 85 mol%, or ≥ 90 mol% 1,2 vinyl groups based on the total vinyl content and having a melt viscosity at 45°C of 30 to 500 cP, or 30 to 400 cP, or 30 to 300 cP, or 30 to 200 cP, or 30 to 150 cP, or 30 to 100 cP. Q3] The composition according to any one of H3] to P3] above, further comprising component d: a hardening inhibitor. R3] The composition described in Q3] above, wherein the hardening inhibitor of component d is selected from the following:

[0080] [ka] (If ViD4 is not used as component c). S3] A composition according to Q3] or R3] above, wherein the hardening inhibitor of component d is IRGAFOS 168. T3] A composition according to any one of Q3] to S3] above, wherein the cure inhibitor of component d is added in an amount necessary to increase the temperature at which the onset of crosslinking occurs by ≥ 20°C, or ≥ 30°C, or ≥ 40°C, or ≥ 50°C, as determined by DMA (see Experimental Section below), compared to the same composition without component d. U3] The composition described in any one of H3] to T3] above, further comprising a component e selected from the following: IRGANOX 1010, IRGANOX 1076, or a combination thereof. V3] A composition according to U3] above, wherein component e is added in an amount necessary to reduce the temperature at which the onset of crosslinking occurs by ≦10°C, or ≦15°C, or ≦20°C, as determined by DMA (see below), compared to the same composition without component e. W3] The composition of any one of H3] to V3] above, further comprising a filler, wherein the filler is present in an amount of 1.0 wt%, or 2.0 wt%, or 5.0 wt% to 10 wt%, or 15 wt%, or 20 wt%, each weight percentage being based on the weight of the composition. X3] The composition according to any one of H3] to W3] above, which is heat-treated at a temperature of ≧40°C, or ≧45°C, or ≧50°C, or ≧55°C, or ≧60°C, or ≧65°C, or ≧70°C. Y3] The composition according to any one of the above H3] to X3], which is heat-treated at a temperature of ≦200°C, or ≦180°C, or ≦160°C, or ≦140°C, or ≦120°C, or ≦100°C. Z3] The composition according to any one of the above H3] to Y3], further comprising adding component c to component a before or simultaneously with adding component b to component a, before heat-treating the composition containing components a to c. A4] The composition described in Z3] above, further comprising adding component c to component a before adding component b to component a. B4] The composition described in Z3] above, further comprising adding component c to component a simultaneously with adding component b to component a. C4] The composition according to any one of H3] to B4] above, wherein component b is present in an amount of 5 to 200 ppm or 10 to 100 ppm based on the weight of the composition. D4] The composition according to any one of the above H3] to C4], wherein the weight ratio of the curing catalyst (component b) to the vinyl compound (component c) is ≧0.0005, or ≧0.0050, or ≧0.0100. E4] The composition according to any one of the above H3] to D4], wherein the weight ratio of the curing catalyst (component b) to the vinyl compound (component c) is ≦10, or ≦8.0, or ≦6.0. F4] A composition according to any one of the above H3] to E4], comprising, based on the weight of the composition, ≧50.0 wt%, or ≧55.0 wt%, or ≧60.0 wt%, or ≧65.0 wt%, or ≧70.0 wt%, or ≧75.0 wt%, or ≧80.0 wt%, or ≧85.0 wt%, or ≧90.0 wt% of component a. G4] A composition described in any one of the above H3] to F4], comprising ≦99.9 wt%, or ≦99.5 wt%, or ≦99.0 wt%, or ≦98.5 wt%, or ≦98.0 wt%, of component a, based on the weight of the composition. H4] The composition according to any one of H3] to G4] above, having a weight ratio of component a to component c of ≧2.00, or ≧2.50, or ≧3.00, or ≧3.50, or ≧4.00. I4] The composition according to any one of H3] to H4] above, having a weight ratio of component a to component c of ≦100, or ≦95, or ≦90, or ≦85, or ≦80. J4] A composition described in any one of the above H3] to I4], comprising ≧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 component c, based on the weight of the composition. K4] A composition described in any one of the above H3] to J4], comprising ≦50.0 wt.%, or ≦40.0 wt.%, or ≦30.0 wt.%, or ≦20.0 wt.%, or ≦10.0 wt.%, or ≦5.0 wt.% of component c, based on the weight of the composition. L4] A composition described in any one of the above H3] to K4], comprising ≧0 wt.%, or ≧0.005 wt.%, or ≧0.01 wt.%, or ≧0.02 wt.%, or ≧0.04 wt.%, or ≧0.06 wt.%, or ≧0.08 wt.% of component d, based on the weight of the composition. M4] A composition described in any one of the above H3] to L4], comprising, based on the weight of the composition, ≦20.0 wt.%, or ≦15.0 wt.%, or ≦10.0 wt.%, or ≦5.0 wt.%, or ≦2.0 wt.%, or ≦1.0 wt.%, or ≦0.80 wt.%, or ≦0.60 wt.%, or ≦0.40 wt.%, or ≦0.20 wt.%, or ≦0.10 wt.% of component d. N4] The composition according to any one of H3] to M4] above, further comprising a solvent. O4] A composition described in any one of the above H3] to N4], comprising ≦1.0 wt %, or ≦0.5 wt %, or ≦0.05 wt %, or ≦0.01 wt %, of a solvent, based on the weight of the composition. P4] The composition according to any one of H3] to M4] above, which does not contain a solvent. Q4] A composition described in any one of the above H3] to P4], wherein the interpolymer of component a contains ≧0.20 wt. %, or ≧0.40 wt. %, or ≧0.60 wt. %, or ≧0.80 wt. %, or ≧1.00 wt. %, or ≧1.20 wt. % of silane (monomer) in polymerized form, based on the weight of the interpolymer. R4] The composition of any one of H3] to Q4] above, wherein the interpolymer of component a contains, in polymerized form, ≦10 wt. %, or ≦5.0 wt. %, or ≦4.0 wt. %, or ≦3.8 wt. %, or ≦3.6 wt. %, or ≦3.4 wt. %, or ≦3.2 wt. %, or ≦3.0 wt. % of silane (monomer), based on the weight of the interpolymer. S4] The composition of any one of H3] to R4] above, wherein the interpolymer of component a contains, in polymerized form, ≥ 20 wt%, or ≥ 22 wt%, or ≥ 24 wt%, or ≥ 26 wt%, or ≥ 28 wt%, or ≥ 30 wt%, of an α-olefin, based on the weight of the interpolymer. T4] A composition described in any one of the above H3] to S4], wherein the interpolymer of component a contains, in polymerized form, ≦60 wt.%, or ≦58 wt.%, or ≦56 wt.%, or ≦54 wt.%, or ≦52 wt.%, or ≦50 wt.% of an α-olefin, based on the weight of the interpolymer. U4] The composition described in any one of the above H3] to T4], wherein the interpolymer of component a has a molecular weight distribution (MWD = Mw / Mn) of ≧1.6, or ≧1.8, or ≧1.9, or ≧2.0. V4] The composition described in any one of H3] to U4] above, wherein the interpolymer of component a has a molecular weight distribution MWD of ≦3.0, or ≦2.9, or ≦2.8, or ≦2.7, or ≦2.6. W4] The composition of any one of H3] to V4] above, wherein the interpolymer of component a has a number average molecular weight (Mn) of ≥ 10,000 g / mol, or ≥ 12,000 g / mol, or ≥ 14,000 g / mol or ≥ 16,000 g / mol. X4] The composition of any one of H3] to W4] above, wherein the interpolymer of component a has a number average molecular weight (Mn) of ≦100,000 g / mol, or ≦95,000 g / mol, or ≦90,000 g / mol, or ≦85,000 g / mol, or ≦80,000 g / mol, or ≦75,000 g / mol, or ≦70,000 g / mol. Y4] The composition described in any one of the above H3] to X4], wherein the interpolymer of component a has a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of ≥ 30,000 g / mol, or ≥ 35,000 g / mol, or ≥ 40,000 g / mol, or ≥ 45,000 g / mol, or ≥ 50,000 g / mol, or ≥ 55,000 g / mol, or ≥ 60,000 g / mol. Z4] The composition of any one of H3] to Y4] above, wherein the interpolymer of component a has a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of ≦200,000 g / mol, or ≦190,000 g / mol, or ≦180,000 g / mol, or ≦170,000 g / mol, or ≦160,000 g / mol, or ≦155,000 g / mol. A5] The composition described in any one of the above H3] to Z4], wherein the interpolymer of component a has a melting temperature Tm of ≧40°C, or ≧45°C, or ≧50°C, or ≧55°C, or ≧60°C. B5] The composition described in any one of H3] to A5] above, wherein the interpolymer of component a has a melting temperature Tm of ≦120°C, or ≦115°C, or ≦110°C, or ≦105°C, or ≦100°C. C5] The composition according to any one of H3] to B5] above, wherein the interpolymer of component a has a crystallinity percentage of ≧1.8%, or ≧2.0%, or ≧2.1%, or ≧2.2%, or ≧2.3%, or ≧2.4%. D5] The composition described in any one of H3] to C5] above, wherein the interpolymer of component a has a percent crystallinity of ≦22%, ≦20%, or ≦18%, ≦16%, or ≦14%, or ≦13%, or ≦12%. E5] A crosslinked composition formed from any one of the compositions H3] to D5] above. F5] A crosslinked composition as described above in E5], comprising a crosslinked olefin / silane interpolymer containing, as a crosslink between interpolymer molecules, a bond selected from L1 to L5, each as described above. G5] The crosslinked composition according to F5] above, wherein the crosslinked olefin / silane interpolymer comprises, as a crosslink between the interpolymer molecules, a bond selected from L1 as described above. H5] The crosslinked composition according to G5] above, wherein the "-CH2-CH2-R3-CH2-CH2-" moiety is derived from dodecadiene or divinylbenzene. I5] The crosslinked composition according to F5] above, wherein the crosslinked olefin / silane interpolymer comprises, as a crosslink between the interpolymer molecules, a bond selected from L2 as described above. J5] “-CH2-CH2-CH(CH3)-[CH2CH(CH=CH2)] n The crosslinked composition according to I5 above, wherein the -CH2-CH2-" moieties are derived from polybutadiene containing ≥ 80 mol%, ≥ 85 mol%, or ≥ 90 mol% 1,2 vinyl groups based on the total vinyl content, and having a melt viscosity at 45°C of 30 to 500 cP, or 30 to 400 cP, or 30 to 300 cP, or 30 to 200 cP, or 30 to 150 cP, or 30 to 100 cP. K5] The crosslinked composition described above in F5], wherein the cured olefin / silane interpolymer comprises, as a crosslink between the interpolymer molecules, a bond selected from L3 or L4, each as described above. L5] The crosslinked composition described above in K5], wherein for bond L3, the "-CH2-CH2-C(O)-O-R4-C(CH2-CH3)[R4-OC(O)-CH=CH2]-R4-OC(O)-CH2-CH2-" portion is derived from trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA). M5] The crosslinked composition described above in K5], wherein for bond L4, the trivalent "-R4-C(CH2-CH3)(R4-)(R4-)-containing" moiety is derived from trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA). N5] The crosslinked composition described above in F5], wherein the cured olefin / silane interpolymer comprises, as crosslinks between interpolymer molecules, a bond selected from L5 as described above. O5] An article comprising at least one component formed from the composition described in any one of X2] to N5] above. P5] Automobile parts, and building materials, or computer parts, and the articles described in O5].

[0081] Test Method 1H NMR characterization of interpolymers For 1H NMR experiments, each polymer sample was dissolved in tetrachloroethane-d2 (with or without 0.001 M Cr(acac)3) in an 8 mm NMR tube. The concentration was approximately 100 mg / 1.8 mL. The tube was then heated in a heating block set at 110 °C. The sample tube was repeatedly vortexed and heated to obtain a homogeneous, flowing fluid. 1H NMR spectra were acquired on a BRUKER AVANCE 600 MHz spectrometer equipped with a 10 mm C / H DUAL cryoprobe. Standard single-pulse 1H NMR experiments were performed using the following acquisition parameters: 70 s relaxation delay, 17.2 μs 90-degree pulse, 32 scans. Spectra were centered at 1.3 ppm with a spectral width of 20 ppm. All measurements were performed at 110 °C without sample rotation. 1H NMR spectra were referenced to the solvent (residual protonated tetrachloroethane) resonance peak at 5.99 ppm. For each Cr-containing sample, data was acquired with a 16-second relaxation delay and 128 scans. 1H NMR was used to determine the polymerized silane monomer content (wt%) in the olefin / silane interpolymers, e.g., ODMS wt%. "Silane monomer wt%" was calculated based on the integral of the SiMe proton resonance relative to the integrals of the CH2 protons associated with ethylene units and the CH3 protons associated with octene units. "Octene (or other α-olefin) wt%" can be similarly determined by referencing the CH3 protons associated with octene units (or other α-olefins).

[0082] 13C NMR characterization of interpolymers For C NMR experiments, each polymer sample was dissolved in tetrachloroethane-d2 (with or without 0.025 M Cr(acac)3) in a 10 mm NMR tube. The concentration was approximately 300 mg / 2.8 mL. The tube was then heated in a heating block set at 110 °C. The sample tube was repeatedly vortexed and heated to obtain a homogeneous, flowing fluid. C NMR spectra were acquired on a BRUKER AVANCE 600 MHz spectrometer equipped with a 10 mm C / H DUAL cryoprobe. The following acquisition parameters were used: a 60-second relaxation delay, a 12.0 μs 90-degree pulse, and 256 scans. Spectra were centered at 100 ppm, with a spectral width of 250 ppm. All measurements were performed at 110 °C without spinning the sample. C NMR spectra were referenced to the solvent resonance peak at 74.5 ppm. For samples containing Cr, data were acquired with a 7 second relaxation delay and 1024 scans. "Silane monomer wt%" was calculated based on the integral of the SiMe carbon resonance relative to the integrals of the CH carbons associated with ethylene units and the CH / CH carbons associated with octene units. "Octene (or other α-olefin) wt%" can be similarly determined by referencing the CH / CH carbons associated with octene units (or other α-olefins).

[0083] Gel Permeation Chromatography The chromatography system consisted of a PolymerChar GPC-IR (Valencia, Spain) high-temperature GPC chromatograph equipped with an internal IR5 infrared detector (IR5). The autosampler oven compartment was set to 160°C, and the column compartment was set to 150°C. The columns were four Agilent "Mixed A" 30 cm, 20 micron linear mixed-bed columns. The chromatography solvent was 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene containing 200 ppm butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The solvent source was nitrogen sparged. The injection volume used was 200 microliters, and the flow rate was 1.0 milliliters / minute.

[0084] Calibration of the GPC column set was performed using 21 narrow molecular weight distribution polystyrene standards ranging from 580 to 8,400,000 molecular weights, arranged in six "cocktail" mixtures with at least 10-fold spacing between individual molecular weights. The standards were purchased from Agilent Technologies. Polystyrene standards were prepared at 0.025 grams in 50 milliliters of solvent for molecular weights above 1,000,000 and 0.05 grams in 50 milliliters for molecular weights below 1,000,000. The polystyrene standards were dissolved at 80°C for 30 minutes with gentle agitation. The peak molecular weights of the polystyrene standards were converted to polyethylene molecular weights using Equation 1 (as described in Williams and Ward, J. Polym. Sci., Polym. Let., 6, 621 (1968)): M ポリエチレン =A×(M ポリスチレン ) B (Formula 1) where M is the molecular weight, A has a value of 0.4315, and B is equal to 1.0.

[0085] A fifth-order polynomial was used to fit each polyethylene-equivalent calibration point, with a small adjustment to A (approximately 0.375 to 0.445) to correct for column resolution and band broadening effects resulting from a 120,000 Mw linear homopolymer polyethylene standard.

[0086] Total plate counts were performed on the GPC column set using decane (prepared in 0.04 g in 50 ml TCB and dissolved for 20 minutes with gentle agitation). Plate counts (Equation 2) and symmetry (Equation 3) were measured with a 200 microliter injection according to the following equations:

[0087]

number

[0088]

number

[0089] Mn (GPC) , Mw (GPC) , and Mz (GPC) was calculated based on the GPC results using PolymerChar GPCOne™ software, a baseline-subtracted IR chromatograph at each equally spaced data collection point (i), and the polyethylene equivalent molecular weight obtained from a narrow standard calibration curve at point (i) from Equation 1, using the internal IR5 detector (measurement channel) of the PolymerChar GPC-IR chromatograph according to Equations 4-6. Equations 4-6 are as follows:

[0090]

number

[0091] To monitor deviations over time, a flow rate marker (decane) was introduced into each sample via a micropump controlled by the PolymerChar GPC-IR system. This flow rate marker (FM) was used to linearly correct the pump flow rate (Flow Rate (Apparent)) for each sample by RV-aligning the respective decane peak in the sample (RV (FM Sample)) with that of the decane peak in the narrow standard calibration (RV (FM Calibrated)). Any time change in the decane marker peak was then assumed to be related to a linear shift in flow rate (Flow Rate (Effective)) throughout the run. To facilitate the highest accuracy in the RV measurement of the flow rate marker peaks, a least-squares fitting routine was used to fit the peaks in the flow rate marker concentration chromatogram to a quadratic equation. The first derivative of the quadratic equation was then used to determine the true peak position. After calibrating the system based on the flow marker peaks, the effective flow rate (for a narrow standard calibration) was calculated from Equation 7: Flow Rate (Effective) = Flow Rate (Apparent) x (RV (FM Calibrated) / RV (FM Sample)) (Equation 7). Processing of the flow marker peaks was performed via PolymerChar GPCOne™ software. An acceptable flow correction is one that results in an effective flow rate within + / - 0.7% of the apparent flow rate.

[0092] Melt Index The melt index I2 of ethylene-based polymers is measured according to ASTM D-1238, condition 190°C / 2.16 kg. The melt flow rate MFR of propylene-based polymers is measured according to ASTM D-1238, condition 230°C / 2.16 kg.

[0093] density ASTM D4703 is used to prepare polymer plaques for density analysis. ASTM D792, Method B is used to measure the density of each polymer.

[0094] Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) - Polymers Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to measure the Tm, Tc, Tg, and crystallinity of ethylene-based polymer samples. Approximately 5-8 mg of sample was weighed and placed in a DSC pan. A lid was crimped onto the pan to ensure a closed atmosphere. Unless otherwise noted, the sample pan was placed in a DSC cell and then heated to a temperature of 200°C at a rate of approximately 10°C / min. The sample was held at this temperature for 3 minutes. The sample was then cooled to -90°C at a rate of 10°C / min and held isothermally at that temperature for 3 minutes. The sample was then heated at a rate of 10°C / min until completely melted (second heat). Unless otherwise noted, the melting point (Tm) and glass transition temperature (Tg) of each polymer were determined from the second heating curve. The peak heat flow temperature of Tm was recorded.

[0095] Dynamic Mechanical Spectroscopy (DMA) The mechanical properties of the molded discs were characterized by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) as a function of temperature or time using an ARES rheometer fitted with 25 mm parallel plates (disposable aluminum) operating in oscillatory shear mode at a frequency of 1 rad / s and a strain amplitude of less than 0.1%. After loading the sample disc, a preload of 100 g force was used to ensure good contact with the plates. At the start of the experiment, the environment was cooled and stabilized at 25 °C. Unless otherwise noted, the sample was heated from 25 °C to 200 °C at 2 °C / min using heated N2 gas while a temperature ramp was initiated and the complex viscosity or shear storage modulus was measured.

[0096] Soxhlet extraction Each Soxhlet extraction was performed according to ASTM D2765-16. Method A.

[0097] Melt Viscosity The melt viscosity of low viscosity polybutadienes and other low viscosity polydienes can be measured using a Brookfield viscometer at 45° C. and spindle LV-1.

[0098] experiment Commercially Available Polymers and Additives Karstedt catalyst (platinum(0)-1,3-divinyl-1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisiloxane complex solution) containing 2 wt% Pt in xylene (Sigma Aldrich). Hereinafter referred to as Karstedt catalyst.

[0099] Ultra-low molecular weight polybutadiene (Sigma Aldrich; melt viscosity: 30-100 cP at 45°C) containing 90 mol% 1,2 vinyl content based on the total vinyl content in the polybutadiene. Hereinafter referred to as "polybutadiene."

[0100] Bis(2-ethylhexyl)maleate, available from Sigma Aldrich.

[0101] 1-Ethynyl-1-cyclohexanol, "ETCH", 99%, available from Sigma Aldrich.

[0102] Surfynol-61, available from Sigma-Aldrich.

[0103] Tetravinyltetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane (ViD4), available from Sigma Aldrich.

[0104] polymerization Ethylene / octene / silane copolymerizations were carried out in an autoclave batch reactor designed for ethylene homopolymerization and copolymerization. The reactor was equipped with an electric heating zone and an internal cooling coil containing cooled glycol. Both the reactor and the heating / cooling system were controlled and monitored by a process computer. A dump valve was installed at the bottom of the reactor, which allowed the reactor contents to be emptied into a dump pot and released to the atmosphere.

[0105] All chemicals and catalyst solutions used in the polymerization were passed through a purification column before use. ISOPAR-E, 1-octene, ethylene, and silane monomers were also passed through the column. Ultra-high-purity grade nitrogen (Airgas) and hydrogen (Airgas) were used. In an inert glovebox, the catalyst cocktail was prepared by mixing a scavenger (MMAO), an activator (bis(hydrogenated tallow alkyl)methyltetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate (1⇔)amine), and catalyst with the appropriate amount of toluene to obtain the desired molar concentration solution. The solution was then diluted with ISOPAR-E or toluene to obtain the desired volume for polymerization and drawn into a syringe for transfer to the catalyst shot tank.

[0106] In a typical polymerization, the reactor was loaded with ISOPAR-E and 1-octene via independent flow meters. The silane monomer was then added via a shot tank and injected through an adjacent glove box. After the solvent / comonomer addition, hydrogen (if necessary) was added while the reactor was heated to the polymerization set point of 120 °C. Ethylene was then added to the reactor via a flow meter at the desired reaction temperature to maintain the predetermined reaction pressure set point. The catalyst solution was transferred via syringe to the shot tank and then added to the reactor via a high-pressure nitrogen stream after the reactor pressure set point was reached. A run timer was started upon catalyst injection, after which an exotherm and a drop in reactor pressure were observed, indicating a successful run.

[0107] Ethylene was then added using a pressure controller to maintain the reaction pressure set point in the reactor. Polymerization was carried out for a set time or ethylene uptake, after which the agitator was stopped and the bottom dump valve was opened to empty the reactor contents into a dump pot. The contents of the pot were poured into a tray, which was placed in a fume hood, and the solvent was allowed to evaporate overnight. The tray with the remaining polymer was then transferred to a vacuum oven and heated to 100°C under reduced pressure to remove any remaining solvent. After cooling to ambient temperature, the polymer was weighed for yield / efficiency and transferred to a container for storage and analytical testing. See Tables 1A, 1B, and 1C.

[0108] [Table 1]

[0109] [Table 2]

[0110] [Table 3]

[0111] Test 1: DSC of solution-prepared Pt vulcanizable formulations Terpolymer 1 (3.0 wt% octenyldimethylsilane (ODMS, 1H NMR), 31.6 wt% octene (1H NMR) (the remainder is ethylene) was dissolved in toluene at 50°C at a loading of 0.80 g terpolymer / 15 g toluene. Terpolymer 1 had Mn = 17,000 g / mol and Mw = 41,000 g / mol, a peak melting temperature of 95.4°C, and an integrated melting enthalpy of 33.4 J / g (measured via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) at a heating rate of 10°C / min, equivalent to 11.4% crystallinity, assuming a pure crystalline melting enthalpy of 293 J / g). This solution is designated Solution A.

[0112] A separate solution, Solution B, was prepared containing 10.0 g of toluene along with 0.20 g of polybutadiene. The solution was heated to 50°C with shaking to dissolve the viscous liquid polymer in the solvent. The Karstedt catalyst was diluted to 0.01 wt% Pt (based on the combined weight of the catalyst and toluene) by adding toluene. A small amount (0.20 g) of this diluted catalyst solution (containing 0.01 wt% Pt) was added to Solution B.

[0113] Both sealed glass vials of solutions A and B were heated separately to 60°C in a hot water bath to obtain a clear, homogeneous fluid. Solutions A and B were combined and mixed by shaking to obtain a clear fluid containing 20 ppm Pt (based on the weight of the terpolymer and polybutadiene). The mixed solution was poured into a PTFE mold (10 cm x 10 cm x 0.5 cm), and the filled mold was allowed to dry overnight in a laboratory hood to allow the toluene to evaporate. Soft, gelatinous pieces of the formulated terpolymer were peeled off and scraped from the mold and further dried in a laboratory hood for at least 24 hours.

[0114] After drying for 48 hours, approximately 7 mg of the formulated terpolymer was loaded into a hermetically sealed DSC pan and scanned on a TA Instruments Q1000 DSC unit. The results are shown in Table 2. Multiple sequential scans were performed in which the sample was equilibrated at -50°C, heated from approximately 50°C to 250°C at 10°C / min, and then cooled from 250°C to -50°C at -10°C / min. In the first scan, the sample exhibited a broad, multimodal melting endotherm ranging from 38°C to 99°C, with a maximum peak melting temperature of 92.6°C. The integrated enthalpy of melting was 26.9 J / g (9.0% crystallinity; 80% of that measured for the pure terpolymer).

[0115] During the second scan, the sample exhibited a broad melting endotherm extending from 38 to 101 °C, but only one peak at a melting temperature of 82.0 °C. The integrated melting enthalpy decreased to 16.55 J / g, corresponding to a crystallinity of only 5.65%. The significant decrease in peak melting temperature and integrated enthalpy after the first scan indicates that heating above the melting point during the first scan induced hydrosilylation-based crosslinks in the terpolymer. These crosslinks inhibited polymer chain mobility during cooling between the first and second scans, significantly limiting the chains' ability to crystallize and causing the observed decrease in crystallinity and peak melting temperature.

[0116] Test 2: Shear rheology of solution-prepared Pt vulcanizable formulations containing inhibitors Terpolymer 1 was dissolved in toluene at 50°C at a loading of 1.0 g terpolymer / 15 g toluene. After dissolution of the terpolymer was complete, 0.10 g of a 0.1 wt% solution of bis(2-ethylhexyl)maleate in toluene was added to the terpolymer solution in toluene. This solution was designated Solution A.

[0117] A separate solution, Solution B, was prepared containing 5.0 g of toluene along with 0.020 g of polybutadiene. The solution was heated to 50° C. with shaking to dissolve the polybutadiene in the solvent. The Karstedt catalyst was diluted to 0.01 wt % Pt (based on the combined weight of the catalyst and toluene) by adding toluene. A small amount (0.10 g) of this diluted catalyst solution (containing 0.01 wt % Pt) was added to Solution B.

[0118] Both sealed glass vials of solutions A and B were heated separately to 60°C in a hot water bath to obtain a clear, homogeneous fluid. Solutions A and B were combined and mixed by shaking to obtain a clear fluid containing 10 ppm Pt (based on the total weight of the terpolymer and butadiene) and 100 ppm bis(2-ethylhexyl)maleate (based on the weight of the terpolymer). The mixed solution was poured into a PTFE mold (10 cm x 10 cm x 0.5 cm), and the filled mold was allowed to dry overnight in a laboratory hood to allow the toluene to evaporate. The cloudy elastomer film was peeled from the mold, inverted within the mold, and allowed to dry for an additional 24 hours in the laboratory hood.

[0119] The resulting film was cut into small pieces, and 0.70 g was placed into a flat, disk-shaped mold (25 mm diameter x 2 mm deep) and sandwiched between steel plates with PTFE film liners. This assembly was placed between the platens of a thermostatically controlled Carver Press at 120°C. The assembly was first preheated without pressure for 2 minutes. It was then pressurized to 13,800 kPa (2,000 psig) and held under pressure for 30 seconds. The pressure was released, and the assembly was cooled between water-cooled platens for 2 minutes. An opaque white disk with flat, smooth top and bottom surfaces was recovered, and small flashing around the outside was trimmed off with scissors.

[0120] The mechanical properties of the molded disks were characterized by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) as a function of temperature. Figure 3 shows the magnitude of the complex viscosity |η as a function of temperature (°C). * The response is plotted as |(Pa × s). The profile in Figure 3 shows four distinct regions. At low temperatures (0-70°C), the sample exhibits solid-like behavior, where the magnitude of the complex viscosity is large and decreases slowly with increasing temperature. At slightly higher temperatures (70-95°C), the viscosity decreases rapidly with increasing temperature as the terpolymer crystallites melt. At temperatures ranging from 95 to approximately 140°C, the viscosity is low (liquid-like) and nearly constant with temperature. Finally, at even higher temperatures (140-200°C), the viscosity increases significantly with increasing temperature, again reaching values ​​consistent with solid-like behavior and indicating crosslinking.

[0121] Comparative Study 1: Shear Rheology of Solution-Prepared Formulations Containing Neither Pt nor Multivinyl Compounds Terpolymer 2, containing 1.3 wt% octenyldimethylsilane (ODMS, H NMR, C NMR), 41.9 wt% octene (H NMR, C NMR), and the remainder ethylene, was compression molded into DMA disks (25 mm diameter x 2 mm thick) as described in Experiment 2. Terpolymer 2 had Mn = 43,000 g / mol and Mw = 91,000 g / mol, a peak melting point of 60.2 °C, and a crystallinity of 2.6% by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) at a heating rate of 10 °C / min.

[0122] The mechanical properties of the molded disks were characterized by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) as a function of temperature. Figure 4 shows the magnitude of the complex viscosity |η as a function of temperature (°C). *The response is plotted as |(Pa x s). The profile in Figure 4 shows a gradual decrease in viscosity as temperature increases. The absence of regions of fairly constant or increasing viscosity is evident in the thermal sweep data. This indicates that the hydrosilylation involved in crosslinking the polyolefin does not occur in the absence of the multivinyl compound and catalyst.

[0123] Test 3: Shear Rheology of Solution-Prepared Pt Vulcanizable Formulations Terpolymer 2 was dissolved in toluene at 50° C. at a loading of 2.0 g terpolymer / 20 g toluene. This solution is designated Solution A. Polybutadiene was dissolved in toluene at 50° C. at a loading of 0.023 g terpolymer / 10 g toluene. A small amount (0.22 g) of diluted Karstadt catalyst (containing 0.01 wt % Pt) was added to the "polybutadiene solution" - Solution B.

[0124] Solutions A and B were combined to yield a clear fluid containing terpolymer 2 / polybutadiene at a weight ratio of 99 / 1 with 10 ppm Pt (based on the total weight of the terpolymer and polybutadiene). The mixed solution was poured into a PTFE mold (10 cm x 10 cm x 0.5 cm), and the filled mold was allowed to dry overnight in a laboratory hood. The cloudy elastomer film was peeled from the mold, inverted within the mold, and allowed to dry for an additional 24 hours in a laboratory hood.

[0125] The resulting film was cut into small pieces and compression molded (as discussed in Test 2) to obtain DMA disks with a diameter of 25 mm and a thickness of 2 mm. Figure 5 shows the magnitude of the complex viscosity |η versus temperature (°C). *The response is plotted as |(Pa × s). The profile in Figure 5 shows three distinct regions. At low temperatures (0-70°C), the sample exhibits a steady monotonic decrease in the magnitude of the complex viscosity with increasing temperature. At higher temperatures, the rate of viscosity decrease slows significantly, and the value remains nearly constant over the temperature range of 70-150°C. At even higher temperatures (150-200°C), the viscosity increases significantly with increasing temperature, indicating that the hydrosilylation-based crosslinking reaction is proceeding.

[0126] Test 4: Shear Rheology of Melt-Prepared Pt Vulcanizable Formulations Terpolymer 3 (15 g), containing 2.1 wt. % octenyldimethylsilane (ODMS, 1H NMR), 47.9 wt. % octene (1H NMR), and the remainder ethylene, was melted using a HAAKE melt blender set at 90°C with a blade speed of 60 rpm. Terpolymer 3 had Mn = 53,000 g / mol and Mw = 136,000 g / mol. Polybutadiene (2 wt. % based on the combined weight of terpolymer and polybutadiene) was then added to the melt blender as a multivinyl compound. After fluxing for 3 minutes, 100 ppm Pt (based on the combined weight of terpolymer and polybutadiene) from Karstedt's Catalyst was added to the mixer and melted for 1 minute until homogenized. DMA disks (25 mm diameter x 2 mm thick) were compression molded using a Carver Press (20,000 lbs force, 80 °C, 1 min) and then immediately cooled between water-cooled platens for 2 min. The resulting samples were then tested using a series of isothermal time sweeps (T = 120 °C, 180 °C, 200 °C) using an ARES rheometer (25 mm disposable aluminum parallel plates, 1.0% strain amplitude, 1 rad / s frequency, tested under N gas). Data from these tests are shown in Figure 6. These data demonstrate the ability to melt-blend silane terpolymers, multi-vinyl compounds, and Pt catalysts in a solventless process to form vulcanizable formulations. The data also show that the vulcanization process follows Arrhenius-like kinetics, as increasing temperature results in a more rapid increase in shear storage modulus, which directly correlates to crosslink density. Samples tested at 120 °C showed minimal crosslinking during testing. Higher temperature isotherms indicate substantially higher crosslinking degrees in shorter time periods. It was also found that the order of addition of the components (terpolymer, then multivinyl compound, then Pt catalyst) was important for maintaining catalyst stability in the polymer melt. When the catalyst was added before the multivinyl compound, the Pt complex in the terpolymer formulation was visibly destabilized, as evidenced by irregular spots of various sizes in the DMA disk.

[0127] Test 5: Shear rheology of melt-prepared Pt vulcanizable formulations tunable by catalyst addition Terpolymer 3 (15 g) was melted using a HAAKE melt blender set at 90°C with a blade speed of 60 rpm. Polybutadiene (2 wt %, based on the total weight of terpolymer and polybutadiene) was then added to the melt blender as a multi-vinyl compound. After melting for 3 minutes, either 10 ppm or 100 ppm Pt (based on the total weight of terpolymer and polybutadiene) from Karstedt's catalyst (2 wt % in xylene) was added to the mixer, and the resulting composition was melted for 1 minute until homogenized. DMA disks (25 mm diameter x 2 mm thick) were compression molded using a Carver Press (20,000 lbs force, 80°C, 1 minute) and then immediately cooled between water-cooled platens for 2 minutes. The resulting samples were then tested using a series of isothermal time sweeps (T = 180 °C, 200 °C) on an ARES rheometer (25 mm disposable aluminum parallel plates, 1.0% strain amplitude, 1 rad / s frequency, tested under N gas). Data from these tests are shown in Figure 7. These data demonstrate the ability to control the crosslinking rate by adding various amounts of Pt catalyst to the vulcanizable formulation in a solvent-free process. The rate of increase in crosslink density was found to be governed by both catalyst loading and vulcanization temperature. The data indicate that catalyst loading is the more sensitive handle with which modulus increase can be tuned.

[0128] Test 6: Shear rheology of melt-prepared Pt vulcanizable formulations tunable with inhibitors Terpolymer 4 (15 g), containing 1.6 wt. % octenyldimethylsilane (ODMS, 1H NMR, 13C NMR), 44.4 wt. % octene (1H NMR, 13C NMR), and the remainder ethylene, was melted using a HAAKE melt blender set at 90°C with a blade speed of 60 rpm. Terpolymer 4 had Mn = 66,000 g / mol and Mw = 142,000 g / mol. Polybutadiene (2 wt. % based on the total weight of the terpolymer and polybutadiene) was then added to the melt blender as a multivinyl compound. After 3 minutes of melting, either 0 ppm or 10 ppm Pt (based on the total weight of the terpolymer and polybutadiene) from Karstedt's catalyst was added to the mixer, and the resulting composition was melted for 1 minute until homogeneous. In one of the samples, 1000 ppm (based on the combined weight of the terpolymer and polybutadiene) of inhibitor (1-ethynyl-1-cyclohexanol, "ETCH", 99%, Sigma) was added before adding the Pt catalyst.

[0129] Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) disks (25 mm diameter x 2 mm thick) were compression molded using a Carver Press (20,000 lbs force, 80°C, 1 minute) and then immediately cooled between water-cooled platens for 2 minutes. The resulting samples were then tested using an ARES rheometer (25 mm disposable aluminum parallel plates, 1.0% strain amplitude, 1 rad / sec frequency, tested under N2 gas) using the DMA procedure (2°C / min ramp rate, temperature range 25°C to 200°C). The data are shown in Figure 8. The data show that when no Pt catalyst (0 ppm) is added to the formulation, the shear storage modulus of the sample decreases monotonically as a function of increasing temperature during DMA. No crosslinking is observed in this sample. When 10 ppm Pt is added to the sample (no inhibitor added), crosslinking is observed. The DMA trace can be segmented into a heating region (25°C to 60°C), a melting region (60°C to 90°C), and a crosslinking region (90°C to 200°C). The heating region exhibits some stress relaxation through sample expansion, which can cause a slight increase in storage modulus as a function of temperature. The melting region is characterized by a decrease in storage modulus because the applied thermal energy makes individual polymer chains more mobile.

[0130] The crosslinked region is characterized by an increase in shear storage modulus. This is due to the progression of the hydrosilylation reaction, which, when catalyzed by Pt, forms covalent crosslinks between the silane and the multi-vinyl compound. When examining a sample containing 10 ppm Pt and 1000 ppm ETCH inhibitor, the temperature range shifts. While the warming region continues to be observed from 25°C to 60°C, the melting region now extends from 60°C to 150°C. This is because the ETCH inhibitor temporarily complexes with the vinyl groups in the Pt catalyst, inhibiting the hydrosilylation reaction from occurring. As the temperature of the system increases, eventually, the applied thermal energy becomes sufficient to dissociate the ETCH inhibitor from the Pt complex. At this point, the Pt is considered active, and the crosslinked region begins (150°C to 200°C). This demonstrates the ability to melt-blend multi-vinyl compounds, inhibitors, and precious metal catalyst complexes to form rate-controlled vulcanizable formulations. This inhibition of catalytic activity may better allow for controlled processability of these formulations.

[0131] Test 7: Shear rheology of melt-prepared Pt vulcanizable formulations tunable with additional classes of inhibitors. Terpolymer 5 (15 g), containing 2.4 wt. % hexenyldimethylsilane (HDMS, 1H NMR), 48.3 wt. % octene (1H NMR), and the remainder ethylene, was melted using a HAAKE melt blender set at 90°C with a blade speed of 60 rpm. Terpolymer 4 had Mn = 54,000 g / mol and Mw = 141,000 g / mol. Polybutadiene (2 wt. % based on the combined weight of terpolymer and polybutadiene) was then added to the melt blender as a multivinyl compound. After melting for 3 minutes, 1000 ppm (based on the combined weight of terpolymer and butadiene) of an inhibitor (either ETCHA, Surfynol-61, or ViD4) was added, and the formulation was melted for an additional 3 minutes. After homogenization, 100 ppm Pt (based on the combined weight of the terpolymer and polybutadiene) from Karstedt's Catalyst was added to the mixer and the resulting composition was melted for 1 minute until homogenized.

[0132] Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) disks (25 mm diameter x 2 mm thick) were compression molded using a Carver Press (20,000 lbs force, 80 °C, 1 min) and then immediately cooled between water-cooled platens for 2 min. The resulting samples were then tested using an isothermal time sweep (T = 180 °C) using an ARES rheometer (25 mm disposable aluminum parallel plates, 1.0% strain amplitude, 1 rad / s frequency, tested under N gas). Data from these tests are shown in Figure 9. The data show that the addition of various inhibitors at the same weight percent loading to a polymer system results in different shear storage modulus plateaus. The rate at which the storage modulus plateau is reached varies based on the type of inhibitor used. These data suggest that the "ViD4-loaded" system is the most strongly inhibited, with minimal crosslinking observed. Systems using ETCHA and Surfynol-61 may bind less strongly to the Pt complex, allowing for greater reactivity at higher temperatures and for shorter times. These data suggest that reactivity can be tailored using different types of inhibitors based on anticipated processing conditions. It should also be noted that the control sample was loaded with 10 wt% talc (based on the weight of the terpolymer, polybutadiene, and talc), demonstrating that these systems can retain inorganic, nonreactive fillers without significantly affecting cure properties. In further tests (using 1000 ppm N ETCHA and Surfynol-61), two different isothermal time sweeps (T = 120 °C, 180 °C) were used to explore further distinctions, as shown in Figure 10. The lower temperature isotherm (120 °C) shows little difference in the degree of inhibition, while the higher temperature isotherm (180 °C) begins to indicate that ETCHA may bind less strongly to the Pt complex compared to Surfynol-61.

[0133] Test 8: Shear rheology of melt-prepared Pt vulcanizable formulations with common antioxidants. Terpolymer 6 (15 g), containing 1.7 wt. % octenyldimethylsilane (ODMS, 1H NMR), 42.1 wt. % octene (1H NMR), and the remainder ethylene, was melted using a HAAKE melt blender set at 90° C. with an impeller speed of 60 rpm. Terpolymer 6 had Mn=59,000 g / mol and Mw=153,000 g / mol. Polybutadiene (2 wt. %, based on the combined weight of the terpolymer and polybutadiene) was then added to the melt blender as a multivinyl compound. After melting for 3 minutes, different amounts of IRGANOX 1010 (750 ppm or 1500 ppm), IRGANOX 1076 (200 ppm or 1500 ppm), or IRGAFOS 1680 (750 ppm or 1500 ppm; similar to IRGAFOS 168) were added as a 10 wt. % solution in 100 μL of toluene. Each "ppm" amount is based on the combined weight of the terpolymer and polybutadiene. After the formulation was melted for an additional 3 minutes, 100 ppm Pt (based on the combined weight of the terpolymer and polybutadiene) of Karstedt's catalyst was added to the mixer and melted for 1 minute until homogenous.

[0134] Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) disks (25 mm diameter x 2 mm thick) were compression molded using a Carver Press (20,000 lbs force, 80°C, 1 minute) and then immediately cooled between water-cooled platens for 2 minutes. The resulting samples were then tested using an ARES rheometer (25 mm disposable aluminum parallel plates, 1.0% strain amplitude, 1 rad / sec frequency, tested under N2 gas) using the DMA procedure (2°C / min ramp rate, 25°C to 200°C temperature range). The data are shown in Figure 11. The data demonstrate that the Pt hydrosilylation reaction can be inhibited using IRGAFOS 1680, a phosphite-based antioxidant. In both cases with IRGAFOS 168 added, the DMA traces show a significantly higher onset temperature (approximately 180°C) in the crosslinking region compared to the uninhibited control case (approximately 120°C for this sample). The IRGANOX 1010 and IRGANOX 1076 formulations demonstrate that the addition of these hindered phenolic antioxidants can accelerate crosslinking rates. The observed onset of crosslinking for each formulation was close to 100°C, resulting in a consistently accelerated increase in shear storage modulus regardless of antioxidant loading. This is attributed to a reaction between the carbonyl or alcohol groups in these IRGANOX antioxidants and the silanes in the terpolymer, which is catalyzed by Pt. This data suggests that antioxidant loading is less important for Pt inhibition than the type of antioxidant and the temperature at which antioxidant dissociation occurs. The present specification includes the following aspects. Section 1. 1. A process for forming a crosslinked composition comprising the following components: a) olefin / silane interpolymers; b) a curing catalyst, and c) multivinyl compounds, A process comprising heat treating a composition comprising: Section 2. Item 1, the process of item 1, wherein the olefin / silane interpolymer of component a is an ethylene / α-olefin / silane interpolymer. Section 3. The silane of the olefin / silane interpolymer is: H2C=CH-R1-Si(R)(R')-H, where R1 is alkylene, R and R' are each independently alkyl, and R and R' can be the same or different. Item 3. The process according to item 1 or 2, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of: Section 4. The silane of the olefin / silane interpolymer may be selected from the group consisting of: [ka] (wherein R2 is alkylene). Section 5. 5. The process of any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the curing catalyst of component b comprises platinum(0)-1,3-divinyl-1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisiloxane. Section 6. The multivinyl compound of component c is selected from the following i) to iv): i) [ka] wherein R3 is selected from alkylene or arylene; ii) a polydienes comprising at least one of the following structures: -(CR1R2-CR3=CR4-CR5R6)n-(CR7R8-CR9(CR10=CR11R12))m-, where each of R1-R12 is independently hydrogen (H) or alkyl, and n≧1 and m≧1; iii) H3C-CH2-C[R4-OC(O)-CH=CH2]3, where R4 is alkylene or arylene; or iv) Cyclic siloxanes of the following structure: -[Si(CH=CH2)(R5)-O]n-, where R5 is alkyl and n is 3 to 6. The method according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the method is selected from the following: Section 7. The multi-vinyl compound of component c is one of the following: dodecadiene, divinylbenzene, tetravinyltetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane (ViD4), trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA), or polybutadiene containing 80 mol% or more of 1,2 vinyl groups and having a melt viscosity (45°C) of 30 to 500 cP. The process according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the process is selected from the group consisting of: Section 8. 8. The process of any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, wherein the composition further comprises component d: a cure inhibitor. Section 9. Ingredients: a) olefin / silane interpolymers; b) a curing catalyst, and c) multivinyl compounds, A composition comprising: Section 10. Item 10. The composition according to item 9, wherein the olefin / silane interpolymer of component a is an ethylene / α-olefin / silane interpolymer. Section 11. The silane of the olefin / silane interpolymer is: H2C=CH-R1-Si(R)(R')-H, where R1 is alkylene, R and R' are each independently alkyl, and R and R' can be the same or different. Item 11. The composition according to item 9 or 10, wherein the composition is derived from a compound selected from the group consisting of: Section 12. The vinyl compound of component c is selected from the following i) to iv): i) [ka] wherein R3 is selected from alkylene or arylene; ii) polydienes comprising at least one of the following structures: -(CR1R2-CR3=CR4-CR5R6)n-(CR7R8-CR9(CR10=CR11R12))m-, where each of R1-R12 is independently hydrogen (H) or alkyl, and n≧1 and m≧1; iii) H3C-CH2-C[R4-OC(O)-CH=CH2]3, where R4 is alkylene or arylene; or iv) Cyclic siloxanes of the following structure: -[Si(CH=CH2)(R5)-O]n-, where R5 is alkyl and n is 3 to 6. The composition according to any one of items 9 to 11, wherein the composition is selected from the following: Section 13. Item 13. The composition according to any one of items 9 to 12, further comprising a component d: a hardening inhibitor. Section 14. A crosslinked composition formed from the composition according to any one of items 9 to 13. Section 15. An article comprising at least one component formed from the composition according to any one of items 9 to 14.

Claims

1. 1. A process for forming a crosslinked composition comprising the following components: a) olefin / silane interpolymers; b) a curing catalyst; c) multivinyl compounds, and d) cure inhibitors; heat treating a composition comprising The process wherein the silane in the interpolymer is derived from a silane monomer of Formula 1: A-(SiBC-O)x-Si-EFH (Formula 1) In formula 1, A is an alkenyl group; B is a hydrocarbyl group or hydrogen, C is a hydrocarbyl group or hydrogen, and B and C may be the same or different; x≧0, E is a hydrocarbyl group or hydrogen, F is a hydrocarbyl group or hydrogen, and E and F may be the same or different; H is hydrogen.

2. The process of claim 1, wherein the olefin / silane interpolymer of component a is an ethylene / α-olefin / silane interpolymer.

3. 3. The process of claim 1, wherein the curing catalyst of component b comprises platinum(0)-1,3-divinyl-1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisiloxane.

4. The multivinyl compound of component c is selected from the following i) to iv): i) 【Chemical 1】 wherein R3 is selected from alkylene or arylene; ii) polydienes comprising at least one of the following structures: -(CR1R2-CR3=CR4-CR5R6)n-(CR7R8-CR9(CR10=CR11R12))m-, where each of R1-R12 is independently hydrogen (H) or alkyl, and n≧1 and m≧1; iii) H ３ C-CH ２ -C[R4-O-C(O)-CH=CH ２ ] ３ wherein R4 is alkylene or arylene; or iv) a compound having the following structure: -[Si(CH=CH ２ )(R5)-O]n- (wherein R5 is alkyl and n is 3 to 6) cyclic siloxane The process according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the process is selected from

5. Ingredients: a) olefin / silane interpolymers; b) a curing catalyst; c) multivinyl compounds, and d) a set inhibitor; The composition wherein the silane in the interpolymer is derived from a silane monomer of Formula 1: A-(SiBC-O)x-Si-EFH (Formula 1) In formula 1, A is an alkenyl group; B is a hydrocarbyl group or hydrogen, C is a hydrocarbyl group or hydrogen, and B and C may be the same or different; x≧0, E is a hydrocarbyl group or hydrogen, F is a hydrocarbyl group or hydrogen, and E and F may be the same or different; H is hydrogen.

6. The composition of claim 5, wherein the olefin / silane interpolymer of component a is an ethylene / α-olefin / silane interpolymer.

7. A crosslinked composition formed from the composition described in claim 5 or 6.

8. An article comprising at least one component formed from the composition of any one of claims 5 to 7.

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