Amorphous polyalphaolefins and their use in hot melt compositions with improved sprayability

Abstract

The present invention relates to amorphous polyalphaolefins characterized in that they have a viscosity of less than 5,000 mPa·s at 190°C, a molar mass distribution (Mw / Mn) of 3 to 8, an Mz / Mw quotient of 3.0 or less, and an Mz / Mn quotient of less than 21.0. The present invention further relates to a process for producing degraded amorphous polyalphaolefins, in particular said amorphous polyalphaolefins according to the invention, and the use of said amorphous polyalphaolefins according to the invention or of amorphous polyalphaolefins produced according to the invention in melt-applied adhesive compositions. [Selected Figure] Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to amorphous polyalphaolefins having a viscosity of less than 5,000 mPa·s at 190°C, a molar mass distribution (Mw / Mn) of 3 to 8, an Mz / Mw quotient of 3.0 or less, and an Mz / Mn quotient of less than 21.0, to degraded amorphous polyalphaolefins, in particular to a process according to the invention for producing said amorphous polyalphaolefins, and to the use according to the invention of said amorphous polyalphaolefins or of the amorphous polyalphaolefins produced according to the invention in melt-applied adhesive compositions. [Background technology]

[0002] Hot melt adhesive applications often use spray nozzles (spiral nozzles, signature nozzles, etc.) in which the hot melt formulation is sprayed as a melt by the nozzle under pressure onto the substrate.

[0003] The problem with formulations containing amorphous polyalphaolefins (APAOs) is that they require much higher application temperatures and produce lower-quality spray results than formulations based on SBS / SIS (styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers and styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymers). Specifically, SBS / SIS systems are applied at approximately 120°C and produce very uniform spray results. The drawbacks of these systems are the need to incorporate high levels of resin systems (often over 40% by weight) and the unpleasant odor associated with styrene-based raw materials. This is where the advantages of APAO systems become apparent: the resin content is less critical (less than 30% by weight) and the unpleasant odor is less pronounced.

[0004] However, a significant drawback is the application temperature, which is significantly higher compared to SBS / SIS systems, at over 140° C. For example, Patent Document 1 describes the application of APAO and syndiotactic PP with a spiral nozzle at temperatures above 170° C. US Pat. No. 5,629,999, for example, describes the generally poor sprayability of APAO-based hot melts, for which reason SBS- or rubber-based systems are used. US Pat. No. 5,629,999 describes the use of hot melt formulations below 200°C. Patent Document 4 describes an APAO system that can be sprayed preferably at 140°C to 160°C, but contains 5% to 30% oil. Patent Document 5 proposes an APAO system that contains SBS to lower the processing temperature.

[0005] From an application perspective, application temperatures below 130°C are repeatedly desired when using signature nozzles. Until now, these have not been achievable with APAO systems. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 1442089 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 8,921,474 [Patent Document 3] European Patent No. 0442045 [Patent Document 4] European Patent No. 1124911 [Patent Document 5] U.S. Patent Publication No. 20160222258 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The problem that the present invention seeks to solve was therefore to provide an APAO or an APAO-based melt-applied adhesive composition that does not have one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] It has now surprisingly been found that amorphous polyalphaolefins meeting certain parameters can overcome one or more of the above drawbacks.

[0009] Accordingly, the present invention provides an amorphous polyalphaolefin as claimed and described below, characterized in that it has a viscosity of less than 5,000 mPa·s at 190°C, a molar mass distribution (Mw / Mn) of 3 to 8, an Mz / Mw quotient of 3.0 or less, and an Mz / Mn quotient of less than 21.0.

[0010] Similarly, the present invention provides a method for producing degraded amorphous polyalphaolefins, characterized in that degraded amorphous polyalphaolefins are obtained by free radical, preferably peroxidic, decomposition of amorphous polyalphaolefins having a viscosity of 5,000 mPa·s or greater at 190°C for 15 to 1,200 seconds. Methods for polymer degradation are known in principle. U.S. Patent Publication No. 4,707,524, for example, describes the degradation of polypropylene by mixing with peroxide. U.S. Patent Publication No. 3,121,070 describes the degradation of polypropylene at temperatures between 275°C and 450°C. U.S. Patent Publication No. 3,940,379 describes the degradation of polypropylene in the presence of oxygen or peroxide to obtain polypropylene with a higher melt flow rate. Markus Gahleitner in Prog. Polym. Sci. 26 (2001), pp. 895-944, provides a review of the melt rheology of polyolefins.

[0011] The present invention also provides the use of an APAO according to the present invention or an APAO produced according to the present invention in a melt-applied adhesive composition.

[0012] When the APAO of the present invention is used in a melt-applied adhesive composition, the spray temperature can be reduced to 100°C to 140°C. Therefore, the material is less prone to cracking (breaking or cleaving the polymer).

[0013] The APAO of the present invention can be used at 120°C in the same formulation as before (without SBS / SIS or even oil), allowing for lower use temperatures and resin formulations, and reduced unpleasant odors, which were not previously possible, while still achieving excellent spray results.

[0014] The lower spray temperature requires less energy to melt the melt-applied adhesive composition, and the lower temperature also allows for less stress on the substrate or the use of less thermally stable substrate materials.

[0015] The spray result of the melt-applied adhesive composition used in accordance with the present invention is very uniform, which translates into a more uniform application of the material.

[0016] This results in significantly better peel values ​​(i.e., resistance to separation of the nonwoven substrate): values ​​of over 2.2 N were achieved for 25 mm strips, whereas previous values ​​were below 2.0 N (measured in both cases according to ASTM D1876).

[0017] A further benefit is high process stability: avoiding "angel hair" (hot melt filaments coming out of the nozzle in a random direction) leads to longer cleaning cycles, reduced cleaning complexity and ultimately longer uptime.

[0018] The APAO-based melt-applied adhesive compositions according to the present invention can be used not only with spray nozzle methods, but also with other methods, such as those in which a slot die is used.

[0019] Melt-applied adhesive compositions based on APAOs according to the invention or APAOs produced according to the invention can incorporate much higher polymer levels than formulations based on metallocene-based systems, which clearly reduces formulation complexity. Thus, based on APAOs according to the invention or APAOs produced according to the invention, melt-applied adhesive compositions can incorporate up to 70 wt. % polymer (APAO) or even more than 95 wt. % polymer, whereas metallocene-based systems often only allow up to 40 wt. % polymer (polyolefin) in the overall formulation.

[0020] The APAOs according to the present invention, the methods according to the present invention, and the uses of the APAOs according to the present invention are illustrated by the following examples, but the present invention is not intended to be limited to these exemplary embodiments. When ranges, general formulas, or groups of compounds are specified below, these include not only the explicitly stated corresponding ranges or groups of compounds, but also all subranges and subgroups of compounds obtained by excluding individual values ​​(ranges) or compounds. When documents are cited in the context of this specification, their contents, with respect to the subject matter specifically mentioned, fully form part of the disclosure of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the numerical values ​​indicated as percentages below are weight percent values. When averages (e.g., molar mass averages) are specified below, they are numerical averages unless otherwise specified. When material properties (e.g., viscosity, etc.) are specified below, they are material properties at 25°C unless otherwise specified. When chemical formulas (empirical formulas) are used in the present invention, the specified indices can be average values ​​as well as absolute numbers. Indices for polymeric compounds are preferably average values.

[0021] The amorphous polyalphaolefin according to the present invention is characterized by a viscosity at 190°C of less than 5,000 mPa·s, preferably from 1,000 mPa·s to 4,000 mPa·s, a molecular weight distribution (Mw / Mn) of 3 to 8, preferably from 4 to 7, a Mz / Mw quotient of less than 3.5, preferably from 1.1 to 2.9, and a Mz / Mn quotient of less than 21.0, preferably from 1.1 to 19.9.

[0022] Mw is the weight-average molecular weight, Mn is the number-average molecular weight, and Mz is the centrifuge average molecular weight. Molecular weights Mw, Mn, and Mz were determined by HT-GPC (high-temperature gel permeation chromatography) as described in DIN 55 672. Specifically, analytical HT-GPC was performed at 150 °C using a PL220 oven (Agilent, Waldbronn) with an integrated isocratic pump. The mobile phase used was 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene (TCB) (Merck, Darmstadt) spiked with butylhydroxytoluene (BHT) to within 1 g / L at a flow rate of 1 mL / min. The stationary phase used was one Agilent PLgel Olexis Guard (50 × 7.5 mm, precolumn) and three Agilent PLgel Olexis (300 × 7.5 mm). Detection was performed using an IR detector (model IR4, PolymerChar, Valencia, Spain). The data sets were evaluated using the polystyrene calibration EasiCal PS-1 (Agilent) with the software WinGPC (Polymer Standards Service GmbH, Mainz).

[0023] Viscosity was measured at 190°C using a rotational viscometer similar to DIN 53 019. Viscosity was measured at 190°C using a Brookfield CAP 2000+ cone and plate viscometer at viscosity dependent shear rates similar to the following table: [Table 0]

[0024] The Brookfield viscometer was calibrated using a Newtonian standard sample type 500000BW, provided by Zentrum fur Messen und Kalibrieren & Analytik GMBH and issued with the corresponding calibration certificate.

[0025] The APAO is preferably a propene- or 1-butene-rich APAO. Suitable propene-rich APAOs are based on propene as a monomer, preferably in an amount greater than 50% by weight, preferably 51% to 98% by weight, based on all monomers. Additionally, the propene-rich APAO may contain 1-butene and / or ethene, preferably 1-butene and ethene, as comonomers. The sum of 1-butene and ethene is less than 49% by weight, and the ethene content is preferably 0% to 25% by weight, preferably 1% to 15% by weight, based on all monomers. Suitable 1-butene-rich APAOs are based on 1-butene as a monomer, preferably in an amount greater than 50% by weight, preferably 51% to 98% by weight, based on all monomers. Additionally, the 1-butene-rich APAO may contain propene and / or ethene, preferably propene and ethene, as comonomers. The total of propene and ethene is less than 49% by weight based on all the monomers, and preferably the ethene content is 0% to 25% by weight, more preferably 1% to 15% by weight based on all the monomers.

[0026] The amorphous polyalphaolefins according to the present invention may preferably contain at least one antioxidant in an amount of 0.01% to 3% by weight. The antioxidant used may be any substance known as an antioxidant and / or inhibitor (i.e., a substance that stops the propagation of free radical reactions). The amorphous polyalphaolefins according to the present invention preferably contain a sterically hindered amine (e.g., a piperidine derivative), preferably a sterically hindered phenol (e.g., Irganox 1010, Naugard XL1, Songnox 1035). In this way, decomposition and / or yellowing of the APAO can be prevented or reduced.

[0027] The APAO according to the present invention preferably contains 0.01% to 3% by weight of at least one decomposition product of a free radical former, preferably benzoic acid, methanol, butanol, tert-butanol, propionic acid, and / or 2,5-dimethylhexan-2,5-ol.

[0028] The APAO according to the invention can be prepared by the method according to the invention described below.

[0029] The process for producing degraded amorphous polyalphaolefins according to the present invention is characterized in that amorphous polyalphaolefins having a viscosity at 190°C of 5,000 mPa·s or greater, preferably 6,000 to 100,000 mPa·s, and more preferably 7,500 to 75,000 mPa·s, are subjected to free-radical, preferably peroxidic, decomposition, which is carried out for 15 to 1,200 seconds. The free-radical, preferably peroxidic, decomposition is preferably carried out in a mixing device, preferably an extruder.

[0030] The APAO used is preferably a propene- or 1-butene-rich APAO. Suitable propene-rich APAOs are based on propene as a monomer, preferably in an amount greater than 50% by weight, preferably 51% to 98% by weight, based on all monomers. Additionally, the propene-rich APAO may contain 1-butene and / or ethene, preferably 1-butene and ethene, as comonomers. The sum of 1-butene and ethene is less than 49% by weight, and the ethene content is preferably 0% to 25% by weight, preferably 1% to 15% by weight, based on all monomers. Suitable 1-butene-rich APAOs are based on 1-butene as a monomer, preferably in an amount greater than 50% by weight, preferably 51% to 98% by weight, based on all monomers. Additionally, the 1-butene-rich APAO may contain propene and / or ethene, preferably propene and ethene, as comonomers.

[0031] The total of propene and ethene is less than 49% by weight based on all the monomers, and preferably the ethene content is 0% to 25% by weight, more preferably 1% to 15% by weight based on all the monomers.

[0032] Preferably, the free radical decomposition is carried out in the presence of a free radical former, preferably selected from dibenzoyl peroxide, tert-butylperoxyisopropyl carbonate, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(tert-butylperoxy)hexane, di-tert-butyl peroxide, and / or, preferably, p-methane hydroperoxide. The proportion of the free radical former used is preferably 0.01% to 10% by weight, preferably 0.1% to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the APAO and the free radical former.

[0033] The decomposition reaction in the method according to the present invention is preferably carried out at a temperature of from 100° C. to 350° C., preferably from 150° C. to 250° C. The decomposition is preferably carried out in the melt.

[0034] Depending on the reactivity and concentration of the free radical former used, the decomposition reaction is preferably carried out for 30 seconds to 600 seconds.

[0035] The decomposition reaction is preferably carried out over a time (t) of 15 to 1,200 seconds, preferably 30 to 600 seconds, at a temperature (T) of 100 to 350°C, preferably 150 to 250°C, the proportion (A) of the free radical former used being 0.01 to 10% by weight, preferably 0.1 to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the APAO and the free radical former, and the product of (t) x (T) x (A) being 500 to 1,000,000 [sec.°C wt.%], preferably 1,000 to 100,000 [sec.°C wt.%].

[0036] The decomposition reaction in the process according to the invention is preferably carried out in a mixing device. The mixing device used is preferably an extruder, a kneader or a pressure reactor equipped with a stirrer. It is particularly preferred to carry out the reaction in an extruder. It is particularly preferred to carry out the decomposition reaction in a mixing device, preferably an extruder, using the reaction times, temperatures and proportions of free radical formers specified above as preferred, particularly preferred.

[0037] The process according to the invention is particularly suitable for the production of the APAO according to the invention.

[0038] APAOs according to the present invention or made therefrom can be used in any hot melt application in which prior art APAOs can also be used.

[0039] More specifically, the APAO of the present invention or APAO produced according to the present invention is used in or as a melt-applied adhesive composition. Preferably, these compositions contain 50% to 100% by weight, preferably at least 70% by weight, and more preferably at least 90% by weight, of the APAO of the present invention or APAO produced according to the present invention. Additional components of the melt-applied adhesive composition may include, in particular, a tackifier resin and / or a wax, especially a Fischer-Tropsch wax or a polyethylene wax. A preferred melt-applied adhesive composition contains 50% to 100% by weight of the APAO of the present invention or APAO produced according to the present invention, 0% to 40% by weight of a tackifier resin (e.g., hydrogenated C5 / C9 Escorez™ 5300 from ExxonMobil Corporation), and 0% to 10% by weight of a Fischer-Tropsch wax or PE wax (e.g., Shell GTL Sarawax SX80).

[0040] The melt-applied adhesive composition can be applied by spray nozzle, slot die, melt-applied adhesive gun, or by melt casting, preferably by spray nozzle. Particularly suitable coating systems with an application unit for spraying the adhesive are, for example, those manufactured by Nordson Corporation (hereinafter, Nordson) or ITW Dynatec GmbH (hereinafter, ITW). Suitable nozzles are, for example, the UNIVERSAL™ SIGNATURE™ nozzle or Controlled Fiberization nozzle manufactured by Nordson, or similar nozzles of the UFD™ type manufactured by ITW. Further possible nozzles are shown in Table A. [Table 1]

[0041] The melt-applied adhesive compositions can be used according to the invention in the following applications: packaging, preferably cardboard packaging or paper, building, especially wood frame construction, carpets, wood processing, preferably profile sealing and patch bonding, automotive, preferably roofs, air filters or vehicle lamps, mattresses, bitumen, hygiene articles, preferably diapers or napkins.

[0042] As well as conventional hot melt applications, APAOs according to the present invention or produced according to the present invention can also be used as additives to other non-polar plastics (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene, and polybutene).

[0043] They may be suitable as compatibilizers or as carrier matrices for masterbatch applications to incorporate pigments and other additives or fibers.

[0044] Without further elaboration, it is assumed that a person skilled in the art can utilize the above description to the fullest extent possible. Therefore, the preferred embodiments and examples should not be construed as limiting in any way, but merely as an illustrative disclosure.

[0045] The subject matter of the present invention is more specifically disclosed by FIGS. 1 to 3, but is not intended to be limited thereto. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0046] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus capable of producing the decomposed APAOs used in accordance with the present invention. The apparatus comprises at least one mixing device (M), a feed for preradical formers (R), a feed for the APAO to be decomposed (A), and an optional means for applying a vacuum (V). Exiting the mixing device (M) as product is the decomposed APAO (Ad). [Figure 2a] Figure 2a shows an example of an excellent spray pattern, clearly showing a regular pattern with no holes or drips in the filament. [Figure 2b] Figure 2b shows an example of a poor spray pattern, where the pattern is irregular and holes and drips in the filament are evident. [Figure 3a] Figure 3a shows the spray onto the roll. From this viewing angle, it is very easy to measure the deflection of the spray filaments in the coating direction and in the opposite direction. [Figure 3b] 3b is a schematic diagram of the spray application of adhesive from a nozzle D to a nonwoven fabric V1. AR indicates the application direction or advancement of the nonwoven fabric V1. A further nonwoven fabric V2 is applied to the applied adhesive. [Figure 4a] Figure 4a shows a spray template for quantifying deflection after application. The template is a coated and counterlaminated substrate (polypropylene / polypropylene). Deflections of 0 cm, 0.5 cm, 1 cm, 2 cm, and 3 cm correspond to classes of 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and >2. [Figure 4b] Figure 4b is a schematic diagram of a spray template for quantifying deflection. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] The subject matter of the present invention is explained in detail in the following examples, but it is not intended that the subject matter of the present invention be limited thereto. [Example]

[0048] Example 1: Production of cracked APAO in a reactor equipped with a stirrer 400 g of VESTOPLAST™ 750 (Evonik Resource Efficiency GmbH) are introduced into a laboratory pressure reactor equipped with a stirrer and heated to 170°C. Once the temperature is reached, 4% by weight (16 g) of peroxide (Peroxan HX, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(tert-butylperoxy)hexane, Pergan GmbH) are added and the mixture is stirred for 5 minutes. The mixture is then discharged and its melt viscosity is measured at 190°C using a Brookfield laboratory viscometer (see above for measurement method). The viscosity of the mixture discharged at 190°C is 4,000 mPa·s. The viscosity of the VESTOPLAST™ 750 used at 190°C is measured to within approximately 50,000 mPa·s. GPC analysis gives the following values: Mz:145,100[g / mol];Mw:60,390[g / mol];Mn:14,180[g / mol];Mw / Mn:4.3;Mz / Mw:2.4;Mz / Mn:10.2.

[0049] Similarly, a first decomposition experiment was carried out using a low-viscosity base polymer B1 (VESTOPLAST™ EP V2094, off-spec, viscosity at 190°C = 7,700 mPa·s) with varying amounts of peroxide and varying reaction temperatures. Table B shows the experimental parameters used and the properties measured. The properties of undecomposed VESTOPLAST™ 408 (labeled B2 in the table) and VESTOPLAST™ 750 (labeled B3 in the table) are compared. [Table 2]

[0050] As can be inferred from Table B, decomposition of amorphous polyalphaolefins having a viscosity of 5,000 mPa·s or greater at 190°C by free radical decomposition yields APAOs with the desired material / physical properties.

[0051] implementation Example 2: Production of degraded APAO on a pilot plant scale in an extruder VESTOPLAST® 750 in pellet form was fed into a Bersdorf DSK 42 extruder as the initial charge. At the same time, VESTOPLAST® 750 (1.8 kg / h) and 50% by weight of Peroxan PK295V (1,1-di-(tert-butylperoxy)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane) (Pergan GmbH) (approximately 200 g / h) (mixture in isododecane) were metered in. The residence time of the reaction mixture in the extruder (reaction time) was 30 seconds, and the temperature inside the extruder was 160°C. The viscosity of the mixture discharged at 190°C was 2,800 mPa·s. Mz:149,200[g / mol];Mw:61,110[g / mol];Mn:14,350[g / mol];Mw / Mn:4.3;Mz / Mw:2.4;Mz / Mn:10.4.

[0052] Example 3: Preparation of a melt-applied adhesive composition The polymer obtained in Example 2 was processed to obtain a melt-applied adhesive composition. For this purpose, the components specified in Table C below were mixed together by stirring at 190°C. [Table 3]

[0053] Example 4: Verification of sprayability To verify sprayability, a test series was conducted at three test temperatures (120°C, 140°C, and 160°C) with 14 experiments for each melt-applied adhesive formulation. At the same time, parameters such as nozzle air pressure and the mass of melt-applied adhesive were varied, taking into account the application area of ​​the nozzle used. The experiments were conducted using a Nordson Meltex Hot Melt Coater Spray System (model designation: MX 3012-1 / 0220-2086). The nozzle used was a Nordson low-flow Signature nozzle. The hot melt formulation to be sprayed was melted in a tank at 190°C and transported to the nozzle by a pump. Using an applied air flow, the hot melt formulation was deposited onto a nonwoven substrate passing under the nozzle by the heated air flow at the nozzle outlet. A 10-second video recording was conducted for each experiment. The various experimental parameters are shown in Table 1. Applied melt adhesive mass: 0.5g / m (depending on pump speed and belt speed) 2 ~10g / m 2 Substrate speed: 15m / min Nozzle pressure / air velocity: 10-130L(STP) / min per nozzle, 1-4 bar [Table 4]

[0054] Spray pattern evaluation The spray patterns were evaluated using the criteria described below, and the results of the evaluation are reported in Tables 2a-2c.

[0055] Visual impression of the spray pattern The visual impression of the spray pattern must be evaluated, which is a subjective assessment.

[0056] In a good spray pattern, the melt-applied adhesive creates thin threads that tightly cover the area under the nozzle. The threads do not run from side to side, and the surface is covered in a regular pattern. Figure 2a shows an example of a good spray pattern.

[0057] A poor spray pattern will have thick lines and / or dots of molten adhesive applied to the substrate. The filaments will be wider than the nozzle and irregular. There may be large holes in the spray pattern or portions of the substrate may not be covered by molten adhesive. Figure 2b shows an example of a poor spray pattern. evaluation: 0 = Good spray pattern 1 = Poor spray pattern

[0058] Edge Stability Edge stability is related to the stability of the line. Many holes in the line indicate poor edge stability of the spray pattern. Individual outliers are ignored. evaluation: 0 = Edge stability 1 = no edge stability

[0059] Filament deflection (from template mask) The deflection relates to the area of ​​the spray pattern where the yarn is 2.5 cm outside of the central mark (deflection is measured only for yarns that are visible against the dark template mask). evaluation: 0 = no deflection 0.5 = maximum deflection of 0.5cm length 1 = deflection up to 1 cm in length 2 = deflection up to 2 cm in length 3 = Deflection over 2cm length

[0060] Fine Filaments The deflection relates to an area of ​​the spray pattern where very fine filaments lie 2.5 cm outside of the central mark (the fine filaments are nearly invisible against the dark template mask and are only visible when a light is shone on the template mask). evaluation: 0 = no deflection 0.5 = maximum deflection of 0.5cm length 1 = deflection up to 1 cm in length 2 = deflection up to 2 cm in length 3 = Deflection over 2cm length

[0061] Spray Video Evaluation Applying directly below the nozzle The application of the melt-applied adhesive should be done directly under the nozzle. Deviations to the left or right are undesirable. A template mask is used for evaluation. evaluation: 0 = The melt-applied adhesive is applied in a straight line directly below the nozzle with a maximum deflection of 0.5 cm. 1 = The melt-applied adhesive filament is deflected so much that it does not reach the substrate, or is deflected so much that it does not reach the substrate in a straight line, or it reaches the substrate deflected by more than 0.5 cm.

[0062] Deflection of fine filaments from a template mask or angel hair formation In this case, the deflection of the spray filaments in the direction of or against the coating is being considered, taking into account only the 2.5 cm spray width. If the application exceeds 2.5 cm, or if the fine filaments skip over the substrate and do not reach it, this is called angel hair. evaluation: 0 = Undeflected filament 0.5 = filament deflected up to 0.5cm 1 = filament deflected up to 1cm 2 = filament deflected up to 2cm 3 = filament deflected up to 3cm 4 = Filament deflected more than 3 cm

[0063] Figure 3 shows the spray onto the roll. From this viewing angle, it is very easy to measure the deflection of the spray filaments in the coating direction and in the opposite direction.

[0064] evaluation The rating is expressed as a total number of points. The lower the number, the better the sprayability.

[0065] Sprayability The lower the total score obtained in the evaluation, the better the sprayability of the melt-applied adhesive tested. A score of 0 means 100% sprayability, and a score of 11 means 0% sprayability.

[0066] Tables 2a-2c show the evaluation of 14 spray tests at 140°C using the melt-applied adhesive composition of Example 3a as an example. Table 3 shows the sprayability in % for all melt-applied adhesive compositions tested. [Table 5] [Table 6] [Table 7] [Table 8]

[0067] As can be inferred from Table 3, a detailed analysis of the individual evaluation criteria could be used to evaluate the sprayability of adhesives and / or polymers. Based on this method, the sprayability of the degraded polymer was clearly improved and was significantly affected by the air pressure fluctuation, temperature and application rate (g / min or g / m 2 ) and other applications, it has been demonstrated that extremely large coating areas can be achieved.

Claims

1. An amorphous polyalphaolefin having a viscosity at 190°C of 1,000 mPa s to 4,000 mPa s, a molecular weight distribution (Mw / Mn) of 3 to 8, a Mz / Mw quotient of 1.1 to 2.9, and a Mz / Mn quotient of 9.1 to 19.9, all measured by the method specified in the specification; the amorphous polyalphaolefin is a propene or 1-butene rich amorphous polyalphaolefin; the propene-rich amorphous polyalphaolefin is based on propene as a monomer to an extent of greater than 50% by weight relative to all monomers, and additionally, the propene-rich amorphous polyalphaolefin contains 1-butene and ethene as comonomers; The 1-butene-rich amorphous polyalphaolefin is based on 1-butene as a monomer to an extent of more than 50% by weight relative to all monomers, and further characterized in that the 1-butene-rich amorphous polyalphaolefin contains propene and ethene as comonomers.

2. 10. The amorphous polyalphaolefin of claim 1, comprising from 0.01% to 3% by weight of at least one antioxidant.

3. An amorphous polyalphaolefin according to claim 1 or 2, containing 0.01% by weight to 3% by weight of benzoic acid, methanol, butanol, tert-butanol, propionic acid and / or 2,5-dimethylhexan-2,5-ol.

4. subjecting an amorphous polyalphaolefin having a viscosity of 5,000 mPa·s or greater at 190°C to peroxide free radical decomposition, the decomposition reaction being carried out for 15 seconds to 1,200 seconds; 1. A method for producing degraded amorphous polyalphaolefins, wherein the free radical decomposition is carried out in an extruder, wherein the degraded amorphous polyalphaolefin has a viscosity at 190°C of 1,000 mPa·s to 4,000 mPa·s, a molecular weight distribution (Mw / Mn) of 3 to 8, a Mz / Mw quotient of 1.1 to 2.9, and a Mz / Mn quotient of 9.1 to 19.9, in each case measured by a method specified in the specification; the amorphous polyalphaolefin is a propene or 1-butene rich amorphous polyalphaolefin; the propene-rich amorphous polyalphaolefin is based on propene as a monomer to an extent of greater than 50% by weight relative to all monomers, and additionally, the propene-rich amorphous polyalphaolefin contains 1-butene and ethene as comonomers; 1. A method for producing cracked amorphous polyalphaolefins, characterized in that the 1-butene-rich amorphous polyalphaolefins are based on 1-butene as a monomer to an extent of more than 50% by weight relative to all monomers, and in addition, the 1-butene-rich amorphous polyalphaolefins contain propene and ethene as comonomers.

5. 5. The process for producing degraded amorphous polyalphaolefins according to claim 4, characterized in that the free radical decomposition is carried out in the presence of a free radical former selected from dibenzoyl peroxide, tert-butylperoxyisopropyl carbonate, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(tert-butylperoxy)hexane, di-tert-butyl peroxide, or p-methane hydroperoxide.

6. 6. The process for producing degraded amorphous polyalphaolefins according to claim 5, characterized in that the proportion of the free radical former used is between 0.1% and 5% by weight, based on the total of the amorphous polyalphaolefin and the free radical former.

7. The method for producing decomposed amorphous polyalphaolefins according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the decomposition reaction is carried out at a temperature of 150°C to 250°C.

8. The method for producing decomposed amorphous polyalphaolefins according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the decomposition reaction is carried out for 30 to 600 seconds.

9. 9. The method for producing decomposed amorphous polyalphaolefins according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the decomposition reaction is carried out at a temperature (T) of 150°C to 250°C for a time (t) of 30 to 600 seconds, the proportion (A) of free radical formers used is 0.1 to 5% by weight relative to the total of the amorphous polyalphaolefin and the free radical formers, and the product of (t) x (T) x (A) is 1,000 to 100,000 [seconds °C wt%].

10. Use of the amorphous polyalphaolefin according to any one of claims 1 to 3 in a melt-applied adhesive composition.

11. Use according to claim 10, characterized in that at least 90% by weight of the melt-applied adhesive composition is an amorphous polyalphaolefin according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

12. 12. Use according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the melt-applied adhesive composition is applied by means of a spiral nozzle.

13. Use according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the melt-applied adhesive composition is used in packaging, building, carpet, wood processing, automotive, mattress, bitumen or hygiene applications.

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