Polymer blend for reducing gel content in formulations containing recycled polymer

Abstract

The embodiments relate to a polymer blend comprising: a virgin ethylene-based polymer formed by high-pressure (100 MPa or more to 400 MPa or less) free radical polymerization of ethylene and one or more hydrocarbon molecules, wherein each hydrocarbon molecule comprises three or more terminal alkene groups; and a recycled ethylene-based polymer having a density of 0.910 to 0.940 g / cc and a melt index (I2) of 0.3 to 5 dg / min when measured according to ASTM D1238 (190°C, 2.16 kg). Additional embodiments relate to films and articles comprising the polymer blend.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of European Patent Application No. 23383266.6 filed on December 7, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] The embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to polymer blends containing recycled polymers and films made therefrom, and more specifically, to polymer blend formulations that reduce gel content in polymer blends containing recycled polymers. Background Technology

[0005] Recycled polymer materials are playing an increasingly important role in the environmental sustainability plans and efforts of the packaging industry today. By providing the industry with a way to reprocess materials and re-incorporate them into consumer goods, recycled polymers enable the limiting of new resource consumption, the reuse of old materials, and the sustainable production of new goods. However, due to the various melt processing steps involved in manufacturing, use, and recycling processes, as well as the potential for cross-contamination, recycled polymers and their properties can be highly variable by lot, batch, or individual resin, and their exact composition, characteristics, and properties also vary frequently.

[0006] One particular concern is the presence of cross-linked gels. Gels can be any localized film defects caused by oxidized resins, inorganic aggregates, etc. The size of the gels can range from several microns to several millimeters. Such gels cause degradation of physical properties and non-uniformity when manufacturing films containing recycled polymers. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the gel content in polymer blends containing recycled polymers and films made therefrom.

[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure satisfy this need to reduce gel content in polymer blends and films. Such polymer blends may comprise a virgin ethylene-based polymer formed by high-pressure (100 MPa or more) free radical polymerization of ethylene and one or more hydrocarbon molecules—each hydrocarbon molecule comprising three or more terminal alkene groups—and a recycled ethylene-based polymer having a density of 0.910 g / cc to 0.940 g / cc and a melt index of 0.3 g / 10 min to 5.0 g / 10 min when measured according to ASTM D1328 (190°C, 2.16 kg).

[0008] Furthermore, articles comprising a polymer blend are disclosed herein. The articles may be films or coated articles. The films may be single-layer films or multi-layer films. Additionally, coatings comprising a polymer blend are disclosed herein.

[0009] The foregoing description and the following description all describe various embodiments and should be understood as intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the essence and features of the claimed technical gist. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0010] definition

[0011] As used herein, the terms “polyethylene” or “ethylene-based polymer” mean a polymer comprising units derived from ethylene monomers in an amount of more than 50 mol%. This includes polyethylene homopolymers or copolymers (i.e., units derived from two or more comonomers). General forms of polyethylene known in the art include, but are not limited to, low-density polyethylene (LDPE); linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE); medium-density polyethylene (MDPE); and high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

[0012] As used herein, the terms “blend” or “polymer blend” refer to a mixture of two or more polymers. The blend may be miscible or may not be miscible (not phase-separated at the molecular level). The blend may or may not be phase-separated. The blend may or may not contain one or more domain configurations as determined by transmission electron spectroscopy, light scattering, X-ray scattering, and other methods known in the art. The blend may be prepared by physically mixing two or more polymers at a macroscopic level (e.g., melt blending or compounding of resins) or by physically mixing them at a microscopic level (e.g., forming them simultaneously within the same reactor).

[0013] As used herein, the term "hydrocarbon molecule" refers to a chemical component having only carbon atoms and hydrogen atoms.

[0014] As used herein, "recycled polymer" refers to a polymer that is incorporated into a product and subsequently remelted to form a recycled polymer. The term "recycled polymer" refers to a mechanically recycled polymer that is melted and re-incorporated into a new product. "Recycled polymer" does not include chemically recycled polymers in which the polymer is broken down into constituent monomers and incorporated into a new virgin polymer. The term "recycled polymer" includes both pre-consumer recycled polymers and post-consumer recycled polymers. Recycled polymers are defined in ISO 14021 7.8.1.1.

[0015] The terms "pre-consumer recycled polymer" and "post-industrial recycled polymer" refer to polymers (including polymer blends) recovered from pre-consumer material, as defined in ISO-14021. Accordingly, the general term "pre-consumer recycled polymer" includes polymer blends recovered from material derived from waste streams during manufacturing processes. The general term "pre-consumer recycled polymer" excludes the reuse of materials produced in a process and regenerated within the same process that produced them, such as rework, regrind, or scrap. Pre-consumer recycled polymer is defined in ISO 14021 7.8.1.1.

[0016] As used herein, the term "post-consumer resin" (or "PCR") refers to polymeric materials containing material previously used in consumer or industrial applications, namely, pre-consumer recycled polymers and industrial process recycled polymers. PCR is typically collected from recycling programs and recycling plants. PCR ethylene-based polymers may contain one or more ethylene-based polymers, such as LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, or polyethylene. PCR may contain one or more contaminants. Contaminants may be the result of using the polymeric material before it is recycled for reuse. For example, contaminants may include paper, ink, food residues, or other recycled materials in addition to the polymers that may be generated during the recycling process. PCR is distinguished from virgin polymeric materials. Virgin polymeric materials (e.g., virgin polyethylene resin) do not contain material previously used in consumer or industrial applications. Virgin polymeric materials have not undergone thermal or molding processes or been otherwise treated since the initial polymer manufacturing process. The physical, chemical, and flow properties of PCR resins differ from those of virgin polymeric resins, which can ultimately lead to difficulties in incorporating PCR into formulations for commercial use. Post-consumer resins are defined in ISO 14021 7.8.1.1.

[0017] As used herein, the term "virgin ethylene-based polymer" refers to a material that does not contain material previously used in the consumer or industrial sector. Accordingly, recycled polymeric materials are distinguished from virgin polymeric materials. Virgin polymeric materials have not undergone or been subjected to thermal or molding processes as typical recycled polymeric materials. The physical, chemical, and flow properties of recycled resins differ from those of virgin polymeric resins, which can ultimately lead to difficulties in incorporating PCR materials into formulations for commercial use.

[0018] The term “low-density polyethylene” (or “LDPE”) may also be referred to as “high-pressure ethylene polymer” or “highly branched polyethylene” and is defined as meaning that the polymer is partially or wholly homopolymerized or copolymerized in an autoclave or tubular reactor at a pressure of 14,500 psi (100 MPa) or higher using a free radical initiator such as a peroxide (see, exe, U.S. Patent No. 4,599,392). LDPE resins are typically 0.915 to 0.935 g / cm³ 3 It has long chain branches with a density in the range and a wide molecular weight distribution (e.g., greater than 3.0).

[0019] As used herein, the term "linear low-density polyethylene" (or "LLDPE") refers to a unit derived from ethylene and at least one C3-C 10 It refers to a linear ethylene / α-olefin copolymer having a heterogeneous short-chain branch distribution containing units derived from α-olefin or C4-C8α-olefin comonomers. In contrast to conventional LDPE, LLDPE is characterized by having very little long-chain branching, if present. LLDPE has a density of 0.910 g / cc to less than 0.940 g / cc. Non-limiting examples of LLDPE include DOWLEX™ polyethylene resin available from The Dow Chemical Company.

[0020] As used herein, the term “terminal alkene group” refers to a double bond between two carbon atoms in a polymer chain, one of which is a =CH2 group. The terminal double bond is located at the end of the polymer chain and / or at the branched end of the polymer chain. As used herein, the term “internal alkene group” refers to a 1,2-disubstituted carbon-carbon double bond, where the carbon atoms are in a trans configuration (not a cis configuration). The internal alkene group is located throughout the length of the polymer chain but is not located at the terminal end of the polymer chain or at the branched end along the polymer chain. The terminal alkene group and the internal alkene group are measured by infrared spectroscopy (“IR”).

[0021] Specific embodiments of the present application will be described below. Generally, various embodiments of polymer blends are described in this disclosure. In the embodiments, the polymer blend comprises a virgin ethylene-based polymer and a recycled ethylene-based polymer. The virgin ethylene-based polymer may be formed by high-pressure free radical polymerization of ethylene and one or more hydrocarbon molecules, each hydrocarbon molecule comprising three or more terminal alkene groups. The high pressure may be 100 MPa or more and 400 MPa or less.

[0022] In an embodiment, the recycled ethylene-based polymer may have a density of 0.910 to 0.940 g / cc and a melt index (I2) of 0.3 to 5 dg / min when measured according to ASTM D1238 (190°C, 2.16 kg). The recycled ethylene-based polymer may include a post-consumer recycled (PCR) material or a post-industrial recycled (PIR) material.

[0023] Various compositions are considered for recycled ethylene-based polymer resins. In one or more embodiments, the recycled ethylene-based polymer may include recycled low-density polyethylene (LDPE) resin, recycled linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) resin, or a combination thereof.

[0024] In the embodiments described herein, the recycled ethylene-based polymer may have a density of 0.910 g / cc to 0.940 g / cc. All individual values ​​and sub-ranges of at least 0.910 g / cc to 0.940 g / cc are included and disclosed herein. For example, in some embodiments, the recycled ethylene-based polymer has a density of 0.910 g / cc to 0.935 g / cc, 0.915 g / cc to 0.935 g / cc, 0.920 g / cc to 0.935 g / cc, or 0.920 g / cc to 0.930 g / cc.

[0025] In addition to density, the recycled ethylene-based polymer may have a melt index (I2) of 0.3 g / 10 min to 5.0 g / 10 min. All individual values ​​and sub-ranges of at least 0.3 g / 10 min to 5.0 g / 10 min are included and disclosed herein. For example, in some embodiments, the recycled ethylene-based polymer may have a melt index of 0.3 g / 10 min to 4.0 g / 10 min, 0.3 g / 10 min to 3.0 g / 10 min, 0.3 g / 10 min to 2.0 g / 10 min, or 0.3 g / 10 min to 1.0 g / 10 min. The melt index may be measured according to ASTM D1238 (190°C, 2.16 kg).

[0026] In additional embodiments, the polymer blend may comprise 15% to 95% by weight of recycled ethylene-based polymer. For example, in an embodiment, the polymer blend may comprise recycled ethylene-based polymer in an amount of 15% to 25% by weight, 25% to 35% by weight, 35% to 45% by weight, 45% to 55% by weight, 55% to 65% by weight, 65% to 75% by weight, 75% to 85% by weight, 85% to 95% by weight, or any combination thereof.

[0027] The polymer blend may also comprise 5% to 85% by weight of a virgin ethylene-based polymer. For example, in an embodiment, the polymer blend may comprise the virgin ethylene-based polymer in an amount of 5% to 15% by weight, 15% to 25% by weight, 25% to 35% by weight, 35% to 45% by weight, 45% to 55% by weight, 55% to 65% by weight, 65% to 75% by weight, 75% to 85% by weight, or any combination thereof.

[0028] As disclosed above, virgin ethylene-based polymers can be formed by high-pressure free radical polymerization of ethylene and one or more hydrocarbon molecules, each hydrocarbon molecule comprising three or more terminal alkene groups. The hydrocarbon molecule comprises only carbon and hydrogen atoms and comprises three or more terminal alkene groups. As used herein, the term "hydrocarbon molecule comprising three or more terminal alkene groups" refers to a chemical component that is a polymer chain composed only of carbon and hydrogen atoms, wherein the polymer chain is branched and has three or more terminal ends, and the alkene group (i.e., carbon-carbon double) bonds are present at each terminal end. As used herein, the term "mixture of hydrocarbon molecules" refers to two or more hydrocarbon molecules, at least two of which differ from each other in structure, properties, and / or composition. Additional details for manufacturing such virgin resins are provided in PCT Publications WO 2020112873A1, WO 2020112873A1, WO 2021108131A1, WO 2021108132A1, and WO 2021108134A1, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0029] Although I do not intend to be confined to theory, it was surprisingly found that incorporating hydrocarbon molecules containing three or more terminal alkene groups significantly reduced the gel content of films containing polymer blends of these virgin resins and recycled polyethylene.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, the number of terminal alkene groups present in each hydrocarbon molecule may be 3, 5, 7, 8 to 17, 18, or any combination of these ranges. In further embodiments, the number of terminal alkene groups present in each hydrocarbon molecule may be 3 to 40, 5 to 40, 10 to 40, 12 to 20, or any combination of these ranges. For example, a mixture of hydrocarbon molecules may include a first hydrocarbon molecule having 3 terminal alkene groups and a second hydrocarbon molecule having 12 terminal alkene groups.

[0031] Hydrocarbon molecules may include the following structural formula (I), where n is the number of terminal alkenes and m is the number of internal alkenes.

[0032] Structural formula (I)

[0033]

[0034] In one or more embodiments comprising structural formula (I), R = H or OH, n is 3 to 160, and m is 0 to 50. For example, in an embodiment, n is 3, or 5, or 10, or 20, or 30, or 40, and m is 0, or 10, or 20, or 40, or 50. In additional embodiments, n is 3 to 160, or 5 to 100, or 9 to 40, and m is 0 to 30, or 1 to 20, or 2 to 10.

[0035] Hydrocarbon molecules may additionally include the following structural formula (II):

[0036] Structural formula (II)

[0037]

[0038] In the above equation, R = H or OH, n is 3 to 160, m is 0 to 50, x is 0 to 160, and y is 0 to 50. In another embodiment, n is 3, or 5, or 10, or 20, or 30, or 40, or 50 to 60, or 70 to 80, or 90, or 100, or 110, or 120, or 130, or 140, or 150, or 160, m is 0, or 10, or 20 to 30, or 40, or 50 to 60, or 70 to 80, or 90, or 100, or 110, or 120, or 130, or 140, or 150, or 160, and y is 0, or 1, or 10, or 20 to 30, or 40, or 50, or any combination of these ranges. In additional embodiments, n is 3 to 160, or 5 to 150, or 9 to 140, or 9 to 100, or 9 to 50, or 9 to 30; m is 0 to 30, or 1 to 20, or 1 to 10; x is 0 to 160, or 1 to 50, or 1 to 20, or 1 to 10; and y is 0 to 50, or 1 to 20, or 1 to 10, or any combination of these ranges.

[0039] Notation in structural formulas (I) and (II) " indicates a cis alkyl group or a trans alkyl group for the double bond.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, a mixture of hydrocarbon molecules having structural formula (I) and / or structural formula (II) having different molecular weights is used. It should be understood that the term “mixture of hydrocarbon molecules” as used herein may include (i) structural formula (I) alone, (ii) structural formula (II) alone, or (iii) a combination of structural formula (I) and structural formula (II).

[0041] As mentioned above, the virgin polyethylene-based polymer may comprise one or more hydrocarbon molecules. The hydrocarbon molecules may be based on structural formula (I) or structural formula (II) and / or may be a mixture of hydrocarbon molecules. In the embodiments described herein, the mixture of hydrocarbon molecules has a molecular weight distribution (M) of 1.2 to 10.0. w / M n It may have ). All individual values ​​and sub-ranges from 1.2 to 10.0 are included and disclosed herein. For example, in some embodiments, hydrocarbon molecules may have a molecular weight distribution with a lower limit of 1.5, 2.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, or 6.0 and an upper limit of 10.0, 9.5, 9.0, 8.5, or 8.0. The molecular weight distribution is weight average molecular weight (M w ) Logarithmic average molecular weight (M n The ratio of ) (i.e., M w / M n It can be described as ) and can be measured using gel permeation chromatography techniques.

[0042] In one or more embodiments, the virgin ethylene-based polymer may comprise, in a polymerized form, a mixture of 95 wt% to 99.98 wt% of ethylene and 0.02 wt% to 5.0 wt% of hydrocarbon molecules. For example, the virgin ethylene-based polymer composition may comprise, in a polymerized form, a mixture of 95 wt%, or 96 wt%, or 97 wt%, or 98 wt% to 99 wt%, or 99.5 wt%, or 99.7 wt%, or 99.9 wt% of ethylene and a reciprocal amount of hydrocarbon molecules, or a mixture of 5.0 wt%, or 4.0 wt%, or 3.0 wt%, or 2.0 wt% to 1.0 wt%, or 0.5 wt%, or 0.3 wt%, or 0.1 wt% of hydrocarbon molecules, or any combination thereof. The weight percentage is based on the total weight of the virgin ethylene-based polymer composition. In further embodiments, the virgin ethylene-based polymer comprises 95.0 wt% to 99.9 wt%, or 96 wt% to 99.8 wt%, or 98 wt% to 99.8 wt% of ethylene in a polymerized form, and a mixture of hydrocarbon molecules is present in an amount of 5.0 wt% to 0.1 wt%, or 4.0 wt% to 0.2 wt%, or 2.0 wt% to 0.2 wt%, or any combination thereof.

[0043] In one or more embodiments, the virgin ethylene-based polymer may have an alkene content of 0.05 / 1000 carbon to 3.0 / 1000 carbon, or 0.07 / 1000 carbon to 2.0 / 1000 carbon, or 0.1 / 1000 carbon to 1.2 / 1000 carbon. The alkene content is determined by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and / or proton nuclear magnetic resonance (described in detail below). 1 It can be measured using H NMR.

[0044] In one or more embodiments, the virgin ethylene-based polymer composition may be low-density polyethylene (LDPE) comprising ethylene monomers and hydrocarbon molecules in a polymerized form.

[0045] In one or more embodiments, the virgin ethylene-based polymer composition may have a melt index (MI) of 0.1 to 10.0 g / 10 min. All individual values ​​and sub-ranges of at least 0.1 g / 10 min to 10.0 g / 10 min are included and disclosed herein. For example, in some embodiments, the virgin ethylene-based polymer composition may have a melt index of 0.1 g / 10 min to 8.0 g / 10 min, 0.1 g / 10 min to 6.0 g / 10 min, 0.1 g / 10 min to 4.0 g / 10 min, 0.1 g / 10 min to 2.0 g / 10 min, or any combination of these ranges. The melt index may be measured according to ASTM D1238 (190°C, 2.16 kg).

[0046] Optional additives may be included in the polymer blend. For example, antioxidants, hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS), inorganic fillers, lubricants, metal oxides, and zeolites are known to those skilled in the art.

[0047] Additionally, articles comprising the aforementioned polymer blend are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the article may be a film or a coated article. The film may be a single-layer film or a multi-layer film. The film may be manufactured through a blown film or cast film process. Various films are considered suitable, such as, for example, collation shrink films, laminates, stretched films, etc., but are not limited thereto. The article may also include molded articles, such as blow-molded, injection-molded, or rotomolded articles; fibers; and woven fibers or nonwoven fabrics.

[0048] In another embodiment, the article may be a pellet comprising the aforementioned polymer blend. A coating for the article is also disclosed herein, and such coating comprises the aforementioned polymer blend.

[0049] Test method

[0050] density

[0051] Density is measured according to ASTM D792, Method B, in grams per cubic centimeter (g / cc or g / cm³). 3 It is displayed in units.

[0052] Melting index

[0053] The melt index (I2 or MI) is measured according to ASTM D1238 procedure B at 190°C and 2.16 kg and is expressed in grams of leached per 10 minutes (g / 10 min or dg / min).

[0054] Nuclear magnetic resonance ( 1 H NMR)

[0055] As used herein, the term "nuclear magnetic resonance (or NMR)" refers to the spectral analysis of a substance or compound that reveals the elemental and structural composition of the substance or compound. 2.75 g of 30 / 70 wt / wt containing 0.001 M Cr prepared in a 10 mm tube. o-Samples for proton NMR were prepared using 0.1 to 0.2 g of dichlorobenzene-d4 / perchloroethylene (ODCB-d4 / PCE). Homogeneity was ensured by heating the samples to 115°C and vortexing. Single-pulse proton spectra were acquired using a Bruker AVANCE 400 MHz spectrometer equipped with a Bruker Dual DUL high-temperature cryoprobe at a sample temperature of 120°C. PBD spectra were acquired using ZG pulse P1=5 µs (approx. 30° PW), 16 scans, AQ 1.64s, and D114s. LDPE-PBD samples were run using a ZG pulse of 90° PW, 32 scans, AQ 1.64s, and D114s.

[0056] Defect count performance

[0057] The defect count is a measure of defects detected in extruded films using optical imaging techniques in accordance with ASTM D7310-20, "Standard Guidelines for Defect Detection and Grading of Plastic Films Using Optical Sensors." The defect count is 24.6 cm with an effective circular diameter within defined ranges of 400 to 800 μm, 800 to 1600 μm, and 1600 μm or more. 3 Area of ​​optical defects per film (mm²) 2 It is reported as ). This is measured by the Optical Control System Film Surface Analyzer FSA100 (OCS FSA100) optical imaging system. The OCS FSA100 optical imaging system consists of an illumination unit, a CCD line scan camera, and a computer with image / data analysis software version 10.4.1.7.

[0058] The OCS FSA100 optical imaging system detects defects that obstruct the transmission of a halogen-based light source. The average grayscale is set to 170, and the threshold sensitivity is set to 35%. Additionally, the gain of the CCD system can be adjusted to compensate for the opacity of the film. The imaging system generates a composite area of ​​each defect by adding the defective pixels from each subsequent line scan. Subsequently, the system reports the area of ​​the defect within a user-defined size range based on the diameter of a circle having an equivalent area.

[0059] Examples

[0060] substance

[0061] Comparative virgin resin C(CA) was manufactured according to the process details provided in International Publication WO 2012166469, the whole of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0062] Comparative virgin resin B (CB) was prepared in a tubular reactor containing three reaction zones. Ethylene was injected into the front of the first reaction zone, and a chain transfer agent (CTA) was injected into the first reaction zone. Additional ethylene and CTA were injected into the side of the second reaction zone. CTA was introduced to control the polymer molecular weight and achieve a target melt index (I2) value. Suitable CTA may contain alkanes, alkenes, ketones, or aldehyde functional groups such as propylene, isobutane, n-butane, 1-butene, methyl ethyl ketone, acetone, and propionaldehyde. CB was prepared in a partially closed-loop dual-recirculation high-pressure LDPE production system.

[0063] LDPE (Examples 1 to 3) was prepared according to the method described in the present invention. PB B-100 as described above was used as a mixture of hydrocarbon molecules. The mixture of hydrocarbon molecules was mixed with ethylene in the amounts shown in Table 1A. At a reactor inlet pressure of about 2100 to 2300 bar and a peak temperature in all reaction zones of about 295 to 310°C, 50 wt% of ethylene was supplied to the front inlet of the tubular reactor, and 50% of ethylene was supplied to the first side inlet of the tubular reactor. The initiator was supplied to the first initiator injection point upstream of the first side inlet. The mixture of hydrocarbon molecules was supplied to the front inlet of the reactor.

[0064] An overview of the characteristics of the polyethylene resin used in the examples is disclosed in Table 1.

[0065] [Table 1]

[0066]

[0067] An overview of the characteristics of the recycled polymer (PCR-polyethylene) used in the examples is disclosed in Table 2. PCR-polyethylene was prepared according to ISO 14021.

[0068] [Table 2]

[0069]

[0070] To measure the defect count, a 2 mil thick blown film was prepared using the following method. A resin formulation was fed into a Labtech LTE20-32 twin-screw extruder at a rate of 15 lbs / hr using a gravimetric feeder. The resin formulation exiting the extruder was transferred to a 2-inch diameter die with a 1.0 mm gap. The LTE feed throat was set to 182°C, while the remaining barrel, transfer section, and die temperatures were set and maintained at 215°C. Compressed ambient air expanded the film bubbles at a blow-up rate of 2.5. A dual rip air ring driven by a variable-speed blower was used for all experiments. The frost line height (FLH) was maintained between 8.7 and 11.3 inches. The film thickness was targeted at 2 mil, controlled within ± 15% by adjusting the nip roller speed. The film was wound onto a roll.

[0071] [Table 3]

[0072]

[0073] As shown in Table 3 above, the inventive film IF1, comprising a virgin LDPE resin (I1) containing PCR and hydrocarbon molecules having at least three terminal alkene groups, significantly reduced the gel content across various gel sizes compared to the comparative film CFA-B, comprising virgin LLDPE and LDPE resins without hydrocarbon molecules having at least three terminal alkene groups. Although the inventive films I2 and I3 had higher gel content than I1, the virgin resin used in the inventive films I2 and I3 reduced the gel content. This gel reduction is demonstrated when the inventive films I2 and I3 are compared with the comparative film CA.

[0074] The numerical ranges disclosed herein include all values, including lower and upper limits. In the case of a range including explicit values ​​(e.g., 1 or 2, 3 to 5, or 6 or 7), any sub-range between two explicit values ​​is included (e.g., the above range of 1 to 7 includes sub-ranges of 1 to 2; 2 to 6; 5 to 7; 3 to 7; 5 to 6; etc.).

[0075] Unless otherwise specified, implied by the context, or customary in the art, all parts and percentages are by weight, and all test methods are the most up to date of filing of this disclosure.

[0076] 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. To avoid misunderstanding, any composition claimed through the use of the term “comprising” may include any additional additives, adjuvants, or compounds, whether polymeric or otherwise, unless otherwise noted. In contrast, the term “essentially consisting of” excludes any other components, steps, or procedures that are not essential to the feasibility from the scope of any subsequent enumeration. The term “consisting of” excludes any components, steps, or procedures that are not specifically described or enumerated. Unless otherwise noted, the term “or” refers to the enumerated members individually and in combination. Use of the singular form includes use of the plural form, and vice versa. Although the subject matter of the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it should be noted that the various details disclosed herein should not be construed as relating to components that are essential components of the various embodiments described herein, even if specific components are illustrated in each of the drawings accompanying this description. Furthermore, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, which includes, but is not limited to, the embodiments defined in the appended claims. More specifically, although some aspects of the disclosure of the present invention are identified as preferred or particularly advantageous herein, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to these aspects.

Claims

Claim 1 A polymer blend comprising: a virgin ethylene-based polymer formed by high-pressure (100 MPa or more to 400 MPa or less) free radical polymerization of ethylene and one or more hydrocarbon molecules, wherein each of the hydrocarbon molecules comprises three or more terminal alkene groups; and a recycled ethylene-based polymer having a density of 0.910 to 0.940 g / cc and a melt index (I2) of 0.3 to 5 dg / min when measured according to ASTM D1238 (190°C, 2.16 kg). Claim 2 A polymer blend comprising 15 to 95 weight% of recycled ethylene-based polymer and 5 to 85 weight% of virgin ethylene-based polymer in claim 1. Claim 3 In claim 1 or 2, the hydrocarbon molecule comprises the following structural formula (I), a polymer blend: structural formula (I) In the above formula, R = H or OH, n is 3 to 160, and m is 0 to 50. Claim 4 In claim 1 or 2, the hydrocarbon molecule comprises the following structural formula (II), a polymer blend: structural formula (II) In the above formula, R = H or OH, n is 3 to 160, m is 0 to 50; x is 0 to 50, and y is 0 to 160. Claim 5 In claim 3 or 4, the mixture of hydrocarbon molecules based on structural formula (I) or structural formula (II) is a polymer blend having a molecular weight distribution of 1.2 to 10 (MWD = Mw / Mn). Claim 6 A polymer blend according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the virgin ethylene-based polymer, in a polymerized form, comprises a mixture of 95% to 99.98% by weight of ethylene and 0.02% to 5.0% by weight of hydrocarbon molecules based on the total weight of the ethylene-based polymer. Claim 7 A polymer blend according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the virgin ethylene-based polymer has an alkene content of 0.05 / 1000 carbon to 3.0 / 1000 carbon, or 0.07 / 1000 carbon to 2.0 / 1000 carbon, or 0.1 / 1000 carbon to 1.2 / 1000 carbon. Claim 8 A polymer blend according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the virgin ethylene-based polymer composition is, in a polymerized form, low-density polyethylene comprising an ethylene monomer and the hydrocarbon-based molecule. Claim 9 A polymer blend according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the virgin ethylene-based polymer has a melt index (MI) of 0.1 to 10.0 dg / min. Claim 10 An article comprising a polymer blend of any one of paragraphs 1 to 9. Claim 11 In paragraph 10, an article that is a film or a coated article. Claim 12 Article 11, wherein the above film is a single-layer film or a multi-layer film. Claim 13 A coating comprising a polymer blend of any one of claims 1 to 9.

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