Plastic waste recycled into wax compositions for rheology applications

Abstract

A variety of wax compositions derived from plastic waste are disclosed, including, in one embodiment, a wax composition comprising C14 to C42 n-paraffins in an amount from about 30 wt.% to about 50 wt.% based on a total weight of the wax composition, C14 to C42 non n-paraffins in an amount from about 50 wt.% to about 70 wt.% of the total weight of the wax composition, wherein the n-paraffins and the non n-paraffins comprise C40 paraffins in an amount from about 0.001 wt.% to about 5 wt.% of the total weight of the wax composition, and wherein the n-paraffins and the non n-paraffins comprise C18 paraffins in an amount from about 0.001 wt.% to about 10 wt.% of the total weight of the wax composition.

Description

PLASTIC WASTE RECYCLED INTO WAX COMPOSITIONS FOR RHEOLOGY APPLICATIONSCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to US Provisional Application No. 63 / 733792 filed December 13, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD

[0002] This application relates to methods and systems for recycling plastic waste into wax compositions used for rheology applications such as hot-melt adhesives, anti-ozone additives in tire and rubber applications, and PVC applications, for example.BACKGROUND

[0003] Plastic is a lightweight, hygienic, and resistant material which can be molded in a variety of ways for a wide range of applications. In contrast with metals, plastics do not rust or corrode. However, most plastics do not biodegrade but photodegrade so that they break down slowly into small fragments known as plastics. Plastic waste may include at least one fluorinated polymers including perfluoroethylene / propylene (FEP), perfluoroalkoxy alkanes, tetrafluoroethylene / perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether (PF A), tetrafluoroethylene / perfluoromethyl vinyl ether (MFA), polyvinylfluoride (PVF), polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF), and mixtures of plastic waste comprising polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and / or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0004] Artificial turf may also be a source of plastic that needs to be recycled. Advantages of artificial turf over natural grass athletic fields include an expectation of more playable hours, reduced water use, and / or reduced maintenance needs. However, artificial turf needs to be maintained, repaired, and eventually disposed of. Artificial turf lasts from about eight years to about 10 years, after which it is typically disposed of in a landfill. While some components of the turf system may be reusable one or more times, others may have to be disposed of in a landfill or through incineration when the field is due for replacement, contributing to solid waste pollution. Concerns have been raised about chemicals in artificial grass carpet and in the infill that provides cushioning. Crumb rubber made from recycled tires (also known as “tire crumb”) is widely used as infill. However, it contains many chemicals, including polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and toxic metals such as lead. Other synthetic infills include ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) rubber, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), waste athletic shoe materials, and acrylic-coated sand.

[0005] Artificial turfs have a complex construction making it challenging and costly to recycle. An artificial turf installation is made up of numerous components including a turf “carpet,” seams, infill, and sometimes pads for drainage and impact. The artificial blades of grass are typically made of plastic fibers including polyethylene, polypropylene, and nylon. The backing which holds the grass blades in place is also made up of plastic materials. A liquid coating is applied as a secondary backing, securing the grass blades and providing durability. This coating is usually urethane, the most common material used in American-made artificial turf. Seaming materials, which are used to join sections of turf together, are typically made of plastic like polyethylene and polypropylene. Adhesives are used to secure the seams, and sewing thread made of polyester or nylon may also be used. Infill materials are used to add weight to the artificial turf and provide cushioning. Common turf infill materials include crumb rubber made from recycled tires, silica sand, and thermoplastics like thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and thermoplastic olefin (TPO). Organic infill materials, such as coconut fibers and cork, are also becoming more popular. Finally, pads for drainage and impact may be used to provide additional support and cushioning. Foam pads made of polyurethane, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), or other foam materials may be used, as well as plastic drainage mats made of polyethylene or other plastics. Therefore, it is challenging to separate and recycle each of these turf components separately, especially considering that the turf materials may be fused together with special adhesives.SUMMARY

[0006] Disclosed herein is an example of a wax composition derived from plastic waste comprising Ci4 to C42 n-paraffins in an amount from about 30 wt.% to about 50 wt.% based on a total weight of the wax composition, C14 to C42 non n-paraffins in an amount from about 50 wt.% to about 70 wt.% of the total weight of the wax composition, wherein the n-paraffins and the non n-paraffins comprise C40 paraffins in an amount from about 0.001 wt.% to about 5 wt.% of the total weight of the wax composition, and wherein the n-paraffins and the non n-paraffins comprise Cis paraffins in an amount from about 0.001 wt.% to about 10 wt.% of the total weight of the wax composition.

[0007] Further disclosed herein is an example of a wax composition derived from plastic waste comprising C12 to Ce? n-paraffins in an amount from about 70 wt.% to about 80 wt.% based on a total weight of the wax composition, C14 to C42 non n-paraffins in an amount from about 20 wt.% to about 30 wt.% based on the total weight of the wax composition, wherein the n-paraffins and the non n-paraffins comprise C40 paraffins in an amount from about 5 wt.% to about 10 wt.% based on the total weight of the wax composition, and wherein the n-paraffinsand the non n-paraffins comprise C20 paraffins in an amount from about 40 wt.% to about 60 wt.% based on the total weight of the wax composition.

[0008] These and other features and attributes of the disclosed wax compositions of the present disclosure and their advantageous applications and / or uses will be apparent from the detailed description which follows.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] To assist one of ordinary skill in the relevant art in making and using the subject matter thereof, reference is made to the appended drawing. The following figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of the disclosure and should not be viewed as an exclusive configuration. The subject matter disclosed is capable of considerable modifications, alterations, combinations, and equivalents in form and function, as will occur to those skilled in the art and having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 1A is a carbon distribution of a recycled artificial turf wax composition in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. IB represents the percentage of n-paraffins and non n-paraffins of a recycled artificial turf wax composition in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 2A is a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrum of a recycled artificial turf wax composition in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 2B is an enlargement of the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrum of a recycled artificial turf wax composition in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a Differential Scanning Calorimetry of a recycled artificial turf wax composition in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a schematic of a reactor to recycle plastics comprising polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) into recycled wax compositions according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 5A is a carbon distribution of an embodiment of the wax composition produced from the recycling of the plastic waste comprising polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 5B represents the percentage of n-paraffins and non n-paraffins of an embodiment of the wax composition produced from the recycling of the plastic waste comprising polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 6 is an example of a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrum of an embodiment of the wax composition produced from the recycling of the plastic waste comprising polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP).

[0019] FIG. 7 is a schematic of an example of a pre-heated mixing chamber of a torque rheometer coupled to a laboratory mixer and fitted with roller rotors in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a torque rheology curve of a recycled artificial turf wax composition as a function of time in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a torque applied to rotate a rotor inside a polyvinyl chloride composition comprising a recycled artificial turf wax composition as a function of run time at 180°C and 185°C in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a torque applied to rotate a rotor inside a polyvinyl chloride composition comprising a recycled artificial turf wax composition and a polyvinyl chloride composition comprising a recycled polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) wax composition as a function of run time at 180°C and 185°C in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 11 are pictures of tire sidewall formulations after ozone testing in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Disclosed herein are methods and systems for recycling plastic waste from artificial turf and from plastic comprising polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) into recycled wax compositions used for rheology applications such as hot-melt adhesives, PVC applications, and anti-ozone additives in tire and rubber applications, for example. In embodiments, the artificial turf is recycled into a wax composition comprising Ci4 to C42 n-paraffins in an amount from about 30 wt.% to about 50 wt.% based on a total weight of the wax composition, C14 to C42 non n-paraffins in an amount from about 50 wt.% to about 70 wt.% of the total weight of the wax composition, wherein the n-paraffins and the non n-paraffins comprise C40 paraffins in an amount from about 0.001 wt.% to about 5 wt.% of the total weight of the wax composition, and wherein the n-paraffins and the non n-paraffins comprise Cis paraffins in an amount from about 0.001 wt.% to about 10 wt.% of the total weight of the wax composition. The C14 to C42 n-paraffins in an amount from about 30 wt.% to about 50 wt.% based on the total weight of the wax composition may include at least one of the C14 to C42 n-paraffins. Likewise, the C14 to C42 non n-paraffins in an amount from about 50 wt.% to about 70 wt.% of the total weight of the wax composition may include at least one the C14 to C42 non n-paraffins.

[0025] In other embodiments, the plastic waste comprising polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) is recycled into a wax composition comprising C12 to Ce? n-paraffins in an amount from about 70 wt.% to about 80 wt.% based on a total weight of the wax composition, C14 to C42 non n-paraffins in an amount from about 20 wt.% to about 30 wt.% based on the total weight of the wax composition, wherein the n-paraffins and the non n-paraffins comprise C40 paraffins in an amount from about 5 wt.% to about 10 wt.% based on the total weight of the wax composition, and wherein the n-paraffins and the non n-paraffins comprise C20 paraffins in an amount from about 40 wt.% to about 60 wt.% based on the total weight of the wax composition. The C12 to Ce? n-paraffins in an amount from about 70 wt.% to about 80 wt.% based on the total weight of the wax composition may include at least one of the C12 to C67 n-paraffins. Likewise, the C14 to C42 non n-paraffins in an amount from about 20 wt.% to about 30 wt.% based on the total weight of the wax composition may include at least one of the C14 to C42 non n-paraffins.

[0026] In accordance with example embodiments, the wax compositions derived from artificial turf and / or polyolefins may be used in a variety of rheology applications. Examples of suitable rheology applications may include hot-melt adhesives, anti-ozone additives in tire and rubber applications, and PVC applications, for example.Wax Compositions - Artificial Turf

[0027] There are a series of stages needed to recycle plastic waste which involve collecting, sorting, and reprocessing for the plastic waste to be ready to be used in new products. However, it is challenging to separate and recycle each component of artificial turf separately, especially considering that the artificial turf materials may be fused together with special adhesives. Thermochemical processes may be utilized at a large scale to produce petrochemical products from artificial turfs.

[0028] In embodiments, pyrolysis may be used for recycling the artificial turf to form a wax composition. The artificial turf may be at least partially shredded and / or separated into sand and crumb rubber before conversion into bio-oil, gas, and biochar through advanced plastic recycling using pyrolysis, for example. Pyrolysis is a molecular thermal decomposition that occurs in the absence of oxygen at atmospheric pressure. In embodiments, the products of the separation of the artificial turf is heated in a stirred reactor in a nitrogen atmosphere at a temperature from about 300°C to about 600°C, from about 400°C to about 500°C, from about 425°C to about 475°C, or about 450°C for a residence time from about 1 second to about 10 hours, from about 15 seconds to about 9 hours, from about 30 seconds to about 8 hours, from about 45 seconds to about 7 hours, from about 1 minute to about 6 hours, from about 30 minutesto about 5 hours, from about 1 hour to about 4 hours, from about 2 hours to about 3 hours, or for about 4 hours at a pressure from ambient pressure to about 100 psig, for example. The effluent gas is then allowed to cool, and the liquid product condensate is continuously collected into a chilled device, such as a knockout pot chilled with dry ice, for example.

[0029] The liquid product turns into a wax at ambient temperature. The uncondensed gas may be scrubbed through caustic solution to trap any harmful substances (toxic and / or corrosive molecules) and avoid their release into the atmosphere, while the solid left inside the reactor may be collected after cooling down.

[0030] This thermochemical process may result in a composition of the recycled artificial turf wax composition with a carbon number distribution from Ci4 to C42 of n-paraffins representing from about 30 wt.% to about 50 wt.% based on the total weight of the wax composition and from C14 to C42 of non n-paraffins representing from about 50 wt.% to about 70 wt.% based on the total weight of the wax composition. Alternatively, the wax composition may have a carbon number distribution of C14 to C42 n-paraffins representing from about 35 wt.% to about 45 wt.% and of C14 to C42 non n-paraffins representing from about 55 wt.% to about 65 wt.%. Alternatively, the wax composition may have a carbon number distribution of C14 to C42 n-paraffins representing from about 40 wt.% to about 45 wt.% and of C14 to C42 non n-paraffins representing from about 60 wt.% to about 55 wt.%. An example of a carbon number distribution from C14 to C42 of a recycled artificial turf wax composition is given in FIG. 1 A with n-paraffins representing 57.75 wt.% and C14 to C42 non n-paraffins representing 42.25 wt.% in FIG. IB.

[0031] The recycled artificial turf wax composition may have an advantage of having high chain length that are predominantly linear carbon chains. Further, the obtained wax compositions are generally a wax mixture mainly containing n-paraffins and alpha-olefins. The C25 n-paraffins may represent from about 3 wt.% to about 7 wt.% of the total weight of the wax composition, from about 4 wt.% to about 6 wt.% of the total weight of the wax, or as described in FIG.1 of C25 representing about 5 wt.% of the total weight of the wax composition, for example. The C24 and C26 n-paraffins may each represent from about 3 wt.% to about 7 wt.% of the total weight of the wax composition, from about 4 wt.% to about 6 wt.% of the total weight of the wax composition, or as described in FIG.1 of C24 and C26 n-paraffins each representing about 4.5 wt.% of the total weight of the wax composition, for example. The C40 n-paraffins and above represent 5 wt.% or less% of the total weight of the wax composition, such as from about 0.0 wt.% to about 0.001 wt.%, from about 0.001 wt.% to about 5 wt.%, from about 0.1 wt.% to about 4 wt.%, from about 1.0 wt.% to about 3 wt.%, or from about1.5 wt.% to about 2.5 wt.% of the total weight of the wax composition, for example. The Cis n-paraffins or less represent 10 wt.% or less of the total weight of the wax composition, such as from about 0.0 wt.% to about 0.001 wt.%, from about 0.001 wt.% to about 10 wt.%, from about 0.1 wt.% to about 7.5 wt.%, from about 1.0 wt.% to about 5 wt.%, or from about 2.0 wt.% to about 4.05 wt.% of the total weight of the wax composition, for example.

[0032] Alternatively, the distribution of n-paraffins may be defined by weight ratios with the C25 n-paraffins representing from about 1 to about 1.5 times the amount of either C24 or C26 n-paraffins, from about 1.05 to about 1.25 times the amount of either C24 or C26 n-paraffins, or as described in FIG. 1, C25 n-paraffins representing about 1.11 times the amount of either C24 n-paraffins or C26 n-paraffins, for example.

[0033] The recycled artificial turf wax composition may exhibit a congealing point measured according to Standard TestMethod ASTM D938 ranging from about 40.0°C to about 60.0°C, from about 42.5°C to about 50.0°C, from about 45.0°C to about 47.5°C, for example. This low temperature at which the recycled artificial turf wax composition begins to harden may offer potential advantages including facilitating optimal fiber tear in hot melt adhesive by potentially allowing the adhesive formulation to remain molten and penetrate the substrate surface in an optimal manner. The low congealing point may allow a longer open time in a hot melt adhesive providing an advantage for applications where more time is needed to align or assemble materials before the bond is set such as manual application glue guns that need longer open time. The extended open time may allow for greater flexibility during the assembly process. In PVC applications, the low temperature may allow the example recycled artificial turf wax composition to remain molten and mobile and optimally migrate to the PVC matrix to provide external lubrication. The low temperature may also allow optimal mobility in rubber (tire) application to migrate to the tire surface and provide optimal ozone protection.

[0034] The recycled artificial turf wax composition may exhibit a dropping point measured according to the Standard Test Method ASTM D566 ranging from about 35°C to about 60°C, from about 40°C to about 55°C, or from about 45°C to about 50°C, for example. Such a low dropping point may offer advantages including a pressure sensitive adhesiveness which is particularly useful in labeling, packaging, and temporary attachments that requires the adhesive to remain tacky after cooling and setting. Such a low dropping point may also allow the energy requirement to be lowered, z.e., lower heat requirement, as the processed recycled artificial turf wax composition may allow the formulation to melt at lower temperatures.

[0035] The artificial recycled turf wax composition may exhibit an oil content ranging from about 30% to about 50% as measured according to Standard Test Method ASTM D721, fromabout 35% to about 45%, or from about 40% to about 42.5%, for example. The high oil content of the recycled artificial turf wax composition may indicate mobility of molecules at ambient temperature, allowing pressure sensitive adhesives to remain tacky. In tire applications, the high oil component of the recycled artificial turf wax composition may alloy lower amount of process oil needed to the tire formulation. The recycled artificial turf wax composition may have a dual function of ozone control and substituting process oil functions in the tire.

[0036] Wax compositions may differ in hardness. Needle penetration is a measurement of hardness. Needle penetration for the recycled artificial turf wax composition was measured according to Standard Test Method ASTM D1321. The needle penetration of the recycled artificial turf wax composition may be measured from 50 dmm in depth to 300 dmm in depth, from 100 dmm to 275 dmm, from 125 dmm to 250 dmm, from 150 dmm to 225 dmm in depth, or from 180 dmm to 200 dmm in depth for example. This measured hardness may impart an advantage in a typical hot melt adhesive formulation when used at fridge and freezer conditions. The softness of the wax composition may prevent the formulation from becoming brittle, for example.

[0037] The kinematic viscosity of the recycled artificial turf wax composition was measured according to Standard Test Method ASTM D445. The kinematic viscosity of the recycled artificial turf wax composition may be measured from about 1 cSt at 100°C to about 20 cSt at 100°C, about 1.5 cSt at 100°C to about 10 cSt at 100°C, about 2 cSt at 100°C to about 5 cSt at 100°C, or about 2.5 cSt at 100°C to about 3 cSt at 100°C, for example. Such a low viscosity of the recycled artificial turf wax composition may facilitate short fusion time in PVC applications, enabling shorter processing time during production. Further, it may facilitate optimal flow during processing of hot melt adhesives, optimizing stirring and pumping, as well as optimal flow and surface wetting of substrate during application of the adhesive. This low viscosity may allow optimal mobility for improved migration during PVC processing for lubrication as well as out of the tire rubber matrix to reach the surface where a barrier is formed that acts as protection against ozone and prevent degradation of the tire.

[0038] The recycled artificial turf wax composition may be characterized by its Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrum. FIG. 2A is an example of a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrum of an embodiment of the recycled artificial turf wax composition with the highest peaks corresponding to the CH2 stretches at 1.23 ppm and then the CH3 stretches at 0.85 ppm. An aromatic peak at 7.25 ppm can be distinguished and traces of olefins at 5.62 ppm, internal olefins at 5.75 ppm, tertiary olefins at 4.96 ppm, and vinylidenes at 4.75 ppm, respectively, as can be seen in FIG. 2B.

[0039] The recycled artificial turf wax composition may be characterized by its Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). FIG. 3 is an example of a DSC of an embodiment of the recycled artificial turf wax composition using a TA Instruments DSC2500 calorimeter. Heat flow was calibrated with indium metal and temperature was calibrated with indium metal, adamantane, and cyclohexane. The test specimens consisted of 5-10 mg of samples in aluminum, hermetically sealed pans. Samples were subjected to three thermal cycles that were separated by a two-minute isothermal hold. In the first heating cycle, the specimens were heated to 130°C to erase thermal history. The second cycle consisted of a 10°C / min cooling ramp from 130°C to 0°C. The third cycle consisted of a 10°C / min heating ramp from 0°C to 130°C. The DSC endotherm shows a single, gradual thermal transition indicative of compositional heterogeneity that leads to multiple crystallite sizes and a more complex morphology.Wax Compositions - Polyolefins

[0040] In addition to artificial turf, wax compositions may be derived from polyolefins. Polyolefins may be any hydrocarbons with a double bond between two carbon atoms including polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or any combinations, for example. Polyethylene wax may be made by direct polymerization of ethylene monomers under special conditions such as specific temperature, pressure, and the presence of a catalyst, to control molecular weight and chain branching of the final polymer, for example. Another method may involve thermal and / or mechanical decomposition of high molecular weight polyethylene resin to create lower molecular weight fractions.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a schematic of an example of a reactor 400 for laboratory use to recycle plastics comprising polyolefins into recycled wax compositions according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Reactor 400 may be a fluidized reactor comprising sand or alumina as fluidized media and nitrogen as fluidized gas. As illustrated, reactor 400 may comprise a cyclone reactor 410, a metal condenser 420, a first electrostatic precipitator 430 (ESP1), a glass cooler 440, and a second electrostatic precipitator 450 (ESP2). Cyclone reactor 410 may collect any fine from the fluidized media and / or coke. The gas from cyclone reactor 410 may then fed to metal condenser 420 to cool the temperature of the effluent from 400°C to 250°C. First electrostatic precipitator 430 may collect droplets from the aerosol and the gas may be sent to second electrostatic precipitator 450 to collect any residual condensate. The liquid from each reactor may be collected and combined to form the wax composition from the recycling of the plastic waste comprising polyolefin. It is noted that fractionation towers may be used in a commercial setting.

[0042] Cyclone Reactor 410 may be used to collect fine particles from the fluidized media and / or coke. Cyclone reactor may be chosen for its efficiency in separating solids from gases. Metal condenser 420 cools the effluent gas from 400°C to 250°C. Metal condenser 420 may be selected for its robust heat transfer capabilities. First electrostatic precipitator 430 may remove droplets from the aerosol, while second electrostatic precipitator 450 collects any residual condensate. First electrostatic precipitator 430 and second electrostatic precipitator 450 may be both chosen for their high efficiency in purifying gas streams. Reactor 400 may heat plastic waste comprising polyolefins at temperatures ranging from 300°C to 800°C, with specific ranges for optimal reaction kinetics, and operates as a fluidized reactor with sand or alumina particles and nitrogen as the fluidizing gas, ensuring efficient heat and mass transfer.

[0043] In embodiments, plastic waste comprising polyolefins may be fed into a reactor, such as reactor 400, heated at about 300°C to about 800°C, from about 400°C to about 700°C, from about 500°C to about 650°C, or from about 550°C to about 600°C at atmospheric pressure or above such as from about 1 atm to about 5 atm, from about 1 atm to about 2 atm, or from about 1 atm to about 1.5 atm, for example. The plastic waste comprising polyolefins may be fed into reactor 400 at from about 0.2 kg per hour up to about 1.5 kg per hour, from about 0.5 kg per hour up to about 1.25 kg per hour, or about 1 kg per hour, for example. In embodiments, reactor 400 may be a fluidized reactor with about 100 pm to about 315 pm sand or alumina with nitrogen as fluidized gas.

[0044] This thermochemical process may result in a composition of the plastic waste comprising polyolefin recycled into a wax composition comprising from about 70 wt.% to about 80 wt.% of the total weight of the wax composition of C12 to Cr>7 n-paraffins, from about 20 wt.% to about 30 wt.% of C14 to C42 non n-paraffins, from about 5 wt.% to about 10 wt.% of C40 and above of n-paraffins and non n-paraffins, and from about 40 wt.% to about 60 wt.% of C20 and below of n-paraffins and non n-paraffins, for example. An example of a carbon number distribution from C14 to Cr>7 of the wax composition from the recycling of a plastic waste comprising polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) is given in FIG. 5A with n-paraffins representing 75.6 weight% and non n-paraffins representing 24.4 wt% as illustrated in FIG. 5B.

[0045] The wax composition produced from the recycling of the plastic waste comprising polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) may have the advantage of having chain length that are predominantly linear carbon chains. Further, the obtained waxes are generally a wax mixture mainly containing n-paraffins and alpha-olefins. The wax composition may comprise from about 30 wt.% to about 45 wt.% of the total weight of the wax composition C20 to C30,from about 12.5 wt.% to about 25 wt.% of the total weight of the wax composition C30 to C40, from about 25 wt.% to about 40 wt.% of the total weight of the wax composition C12 to C20 of n-paraffins, and from about 5 wt.% to about 10 wt.% of the total weight of the wax composition C40 to C67 of n-paraffins, for example.

[0046] The C14 - C20 n-paraffins may each represent from about 3 wt.% to about 5 wt.% of the total weight of the wax composition, from about 3 wt.% to about 3.5 wt.% of the total weight of the wax composition, or as described in FIG.5 of C14 n-paraffins representing about 4 wt.% of the total weight of the wax composition, C15 n-paraffins representing about 4.4 wt.% of the total weight of the wax composition, Ci6 n-paraffins representing about 4.3 wt.% of the total weight of the wax composition, C17 n-paraffins representing about 4.2 wt.% of the total weight of the wax composition, Cis n-paraffins representing about 4.25 wt.% of the total weight of the wax composition, C19 n-paraffins representing about 3.7 wt.% of the total weight of the wax composition, C20 n-paraffins representing about 3.2 wt.% of the total weight of the wax composition, for example.

[0047] In embodiments, the wax composition produced from the recycling of the plastic waste comprising polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) comprises from about 2 wt.% to about 7 wt.%, from about 3 wt.% to about 4 wt.%, or from about 3.25 wt.% to about 3.5 wt.% of the total weight of the wax composition of C25 n-paraffins. In some embodiments, the wax composition produced from the recycling of the plastic waste comprising polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) comprises from about 2 wt.% to about 7 wt.%, from about 3 wt.% to about 4 wt.%, or from about 3.5 wt.% to about 4 wt.% of the total weight of the wax composition of C24 n-paraffins. In embodiments, the wax composition produced from the recycling of the plastic waste comprising polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) comprises from about 2 wt.% to about 7 wt.%, from about 3 wt.% to about 4 wt.%, or from about 3.25 wt.% to about 3.5 wt.% of the total weight of the wax composition of C26 n-paraffins.

[0048] Alternatively, the distribution of n-paraffins may be defined by weight ratios with the C25 n-paraffins representing from about 1 to about 1.5 times the amount of either C24 n-paraffins or C26 n-paraffins, from about 1.05 to about 1.25 times the amount of either C24 n-paraffins or C26 n-paraffins, for example.

[0049] Table 1 represents the carbon distribution as a function of the total weight of the wax for an example embodiment of the wax composition produced from the recycling of the plastic waste comprising polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP).Table 1Table 1 (Cont.)

[0050] The wax composition produced from the recycling of the plastic waste comprising polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) may exhibit a dropping point measured according to the Standard Test Method ASTM D566 ranging from about 40°C to about 75°C, from about 50°C to about 70°C, or from about 55°C to about 65°C, or about 60°C, for example. Such a low dropping point may offer advantages including a pressure sensitive adhesiveness which is particularly useful in labeling, packaging, and temporary attachments that requires the adhesive to remain tacky after cooling and setting. Such a low dropping point may also lower the energy requirement, z.e., lower heat requirement, as the wax composition produced from the recycling of the plastic waste comprising polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) may allow the formulation to melt at lower temperatures.

[0051] The wax composition produced from the recycling of plastic waste comprising polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) may be characterized by its Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrum. FIG. 6 is an example of a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrum of an embodiment of the wax composition produced from the recycling of the plastic waste comprising polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) with the highest peaks corresponding to the CEE stretches at 1.25 ppm and then the CH3 stretches at 0.85 ppm. Traces of alpha olefins at 5.05 ppm and 5.92 ppm, internal olefins at 5.75 ppm and vinylidenes at 4.75 ppm, respectively, are also observed.Hot Melt Adhesive Applications

[0052] Hot melt adhesive (HMA) is a form of thermoplastic adhesive commonly sold as solid cylindrical sticks of various diameters designed to be applied using a hot glue gun. The gun uses a continuous-duty heating element to melt the plastic glue, which the user pushes through the gun either with a mechanical trigger mechanism on the gun, or with direct finger pressure. The glue is sticky when hot and solidifies within seconds. Hot-melt adhesives can also be applied by dipping or spraying and are popular with hobbyists and crafters both for affixing and as an inexpensive alternative to resin casting. In industrial use, hot-melt adhesives provide several advantages over solvent-based adhesives. Volatile organic compounds are reduced or eliminated, and the drying or curing step is eliminated. Hot-melt adhesives have a long shelf life and may be disposed of without special precautions. Some of the disadvantages involve thermal load of the substrate, limiting use to substrates not sensitive to higher temperatures, and loss of bond strength at higher temperatures, up to complete melting of the adhesive. Loss of bond strength can be reduced by using a reactive adhesive that after solidifying undergoes further curing, whether by moisture (e.g., reactive urethanes and silicones), or ultraviolet radiation. Some hot melt adhesives may not be resistant to chemicalattacks and weathering. Hot melt adhesive does not lose thickness during solidifying, whereas solvent-based adhesives may lose up to 50% - 70% of layer thickness during drying.

[0053] Hot melt adhesive comprises a polymer, a tackifier, and a wax composition for packaging applications. The polymer of the hot melt adhesive composition may include at least one ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer (an EVA copolymer). The term “ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymers” includes copolymers derived from the copolymerization of ethylene and vinyl acetate. The relative amount of the vinyl acetate comonomer incorporated into ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymers may be from about 1 wt.% to about 60 wt.% of the total weight of the copolymer or even higher, from about 10 wt.% to about 55 wt.% of the total weight of the copolymer, from about 25 wt.% to about 50 wt.% of the total weight of the copolymer, from about 35 wt.% to about 45 wt.% of the total weight of the copolymer, from about 38 wt.% to about 42 wt.% of the total weight of the copolymer, for example.

[0054] The ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer may have varied amounts of vinyl acetate content, such as the EVA copolymer has a vinyl acetate content of from about 1 wt.% to about 40 wt.%, from about 6 wt.% to about 35 wt.%, or from about 12 wt.% to about 32 wt.%. The ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer may optionally be modified by methods well known in the art (for example, grafting), including modification with an unsaturated carboxylic acid or its derivatives. Suitable ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymers include those available from E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (DuPont), Wilmington, Del. under the ELVAX tradename. Other ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymers include those available from Exxon Chemical Co. under the tradename ESCORENE and also from Millennium Petrochemicals, Rolling Meadows, Ill., under the tradename ULTRATHENE and AT copolymers available from AT Polymers & Film Co., Charlotte, N.C. and EVATANE from Atofina Chemicals, Philadelphia, Pa, for example.

[0055] In some embodiments, a mixture of two or more different ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymers may be used in the hot melt adhesive compositions in place of a single copolymer as long as the average values for the comonomer content will be within the range indicated above.

[0056] In some embodiments, the EVA may have a density measured according to ASTM D1505 method from about 0.90 g / cm3to about 0.98 g / cm3, from about 0.92 g / cm3to about 0.96 g / cm3, or from about 0.94 g / cm3to about 0.95 g / cm3, for example.

[0057] In some embodiments, the EVA has a melt index (190°C / 2.16 kg) measured according to ASTM DI 238 from about 100 g / 10 min to about 200 g / 10 min, from about125 g / 10 min to about 175 g / 10 min, or from about 140 g / 10 min to about 160 g / 10 min, for example.

[0058] In some embodiments, the EVA has a Vicat softening temperature measured according to ASTM D1525 from about 30°C to about 70°C, from about 40°C to about 60°C, or from about 45°C to about 55°C.

[0059] In some embodiments, the EVA has a tensile strength at break measured according to ASTM D638 from about 0.1 MPa to about 6 MPa, from about 1 MPa to about 4 MPa, from about 1.5 MPa to about 3 MPa, or from about 2.0 MPa to about 2.5 MPa, for example.

[0060] In some embodiments, the EVA has an elongation at break measured according to ASTM D638 from about 400% to about 700%, from about 500% to about 600%, or from about 525% to about 575%, for example.

[0061] In some embodiments, the EVA may have a flexural modulus 1% secant measured according to ASTM D790 from about 10 MPa to about 30 MPa, such as from about 15 MPa to about 25 MPa, or from about 18 MPa to about 22 MPa, for example.

[0062] In some embodiments, the EVA is ESCORENE Ultra UL 7720, which is commercially available from ExxonMobil Chemical Company (Baytown, Texas). Escorene™ Ultra UL 7720 has a density of 0.945 g / cm3measured according to ASTM DI 505, a melt index (190°C / 2.16 kg) of 150 g / lOmin measured according to ASTM D1238, a vinyl acetate content of 27.6 wt.%, a peak melting temperature of 66°C, a Vicat softening temperature of 51 °C measured according to ASTM D1525, a tensile strength at break of 2.3 MPa measured according to ASTM D638, an elongation at break of 520% measured according to ASTM D638, and a flexural modulus 1% secant of 19 MPa measured according to ASTM D790.

[0063] In some embodiments, Affinity 1950 ethylene-octene copolymer may also be used. The C2-based polymers of one or more embodiments are characterized by having a single melting temperature as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The melting point is defined as the temperature of the greatest heat absorption within the range of melting of the sample. The C2-based polymer may show secondary melting peaks adjacent to the principal peak, but for purposes herein, these secondary melting peaks are considered together as a single melting point, with the highest of these peaks being considered the melting point (Tm) of the C2-based polymer. In one or more embodiments, the melting point of the C2-based polymers (as determined by DSC) is from about 110°C to about 100°C, from 100°C to about 90°C, from about 90°C to about 80°C, from about 80°C to about 70°C, from about 70°C to about 60°C, from about 60°C to about 50°C, from about 50°C to about 40°C, from about 40°C to about 30°C, or less than about 30°C, for example.

[0064] In one or more embodiments, the C2-based polymers may be characterized by a heat of fusion (Hf), as determined by differential scanning calorimetry according to ASTM D-3418- 03. In one or more embodiments, the heat of fusion of the C2-based polymer is less than about 250 J / g, or less than about 200 J / g, or less than about 150 J / g, or less than about 100 J / g. In other embodiments, the heat of fusion is from any lower limit of about 1 J / g, or about 10 J / g, or about 20 J / g, or about 30 J / g, or about 40 J / g, or about 50 J / g, or about 60 J / g, up to any upper limit of about 250 J / g, or about 225 J / g, or about 200 J / g, or about 175 J / g, or about 150 J / g, or about 125 J / g, or about 100 J / g. For example, the heat of fusion of the C2-based polymer is from about 1 J / g to about 100 J / g, from about 1 J / g to about 150 J / g, from about 1 J / g to about 200 J / g, or from about 1 J / g to about 250 J / g. For example, the heat of fusion of the C2-based polymer is from about 60 J / g to about 250 J / g. The heat of fusion may be reduced by using additional comonomer, operating at higher polymerization temperatures, and / or using a different catalyst that provides reduced levels of steric constraints and favors more propagation errors for monomer insertion.

[0065] In one or more embodiments, the C2-based polymer may have a percent crystallinity of from about 0.3% to about 40%, from about 0.5% to about 30%, from about 1% to about 25%, or from about 5% to about 20%, for example. Percent crystallinity may be determined by dividing the heat of fusion of a sample by the heat of fusion of a 100% crystalline polymer, which is 293 J / g (joules / gram) for polyethylene according to Wunderlich, B. Macromolecular Physics, v. l, p. 388, Academic Press, 1973.

[0066] In one or more embodiments, the C2-based polymer may have a density as measured per the ASTM D-792 test method of from about 0.85 g / cm3to about 0.92 g / cm3, from about 0.87 g / cm3to about 0.90 g / cm3, or from about 0.88 g / cm3to about 0.89 g / cm3at 23°C, for example.

[0067] In one or more embodiments, the C2-based polymer may have a melt flow rate (MFR), as measured according to ASTM D-1238, 2.16 kg weight at 230°C, of greater than or equal to about 0.3 dg / min, at least about 0.5 dg / min, at least about 0.8 dg / min, or at least about 1.0 dg / min, or anything in between, for example. In these or other embodiments, the melt flow rate may be equal to or less than about 7,000 dg / min, less than about 6,000 dg / min, less than about 5,000 dg / min, less than about 4,000 dg / min, less than about 3,000 dg / min, less than about 2,000 dg / min, less than about 1,000 dg / min, less than about 900 dg / min, less than about 700 dg / min, less than about 500 dg / min, less than about 350 dg / min, less than about 250 dg / min, or less than about 100 dg / min, or anything in between, for example.

[0068] In one or more embodiments, the C2-based polymer may have a melt flow rate (MFR), as measured according to the ASTM D-1238, 2.16 kg weight at 230°C, greater than or equal to about 250 dg / min, greater than or equal to about 500 dg / min, or greater than or equal to about 1,000 dg / min, or greater than or equal to about 1,500 dg / min, greater than or equal to about 2,000 dg / min, or greater than or equal to about 2,500 dg / min, or greater than or equal to about 3,000 dg / min, or greater than or equal to about 4,000 dg / min, or greater than or equal to about 5,000 dg / min, or greater than or equal to about 6,000 dg / min, or greater than or equal to about 7,000 dg / min, for example.

[0069] In one or more embodiments, the C2-based polymer may have a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of about 50,000 g / mol or less, from about 5,000 g / mol to about 50,000 g / mol, from about 5,000 g / mol to about 40,000 g / mol, from about 5,000 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol, from about 10,000 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol, or from about 20,000 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol, for example.

[0070] In one or more embodiments, the C2-based polymer may have a number average molecular weight (Mn) of from about 2,500 g / mol to about 25,000 g / mol, from about 2,500 g / mol to about 20,000 g / mol, or from about 2,500 g / mol to about 15,000 g / mol, for example.

[0071] In one or more embodiments, the molecular weight distribution (MWD), the ratio of the weight-average molecular weight (Mw) to a number-average molecular weight (Mn), of the C2-based polymer (Mw / Mn), may be from about 1 to about 20, from about 1 to about 10, from about 1.8 to about 6, or from about 1.8 to about 5, for example. The ratio of a weightaverage molecular weight (Mw) to a number-average molecular weight (Mn) may be from about 1 to about 10, from about 1 to about 8, from about 1 to about 6, or from about 1 to about 4, for example.

[0072] In some embodiments, the C2-based polymers may have a viscosity (also referred to a Brookfield viscosity or melt viscosity) of at least 250 mPa- sec at 190°C as measured according to ASTM D-3236. The viscosity may be from about 250 mPa- sec up to about 50,000 mPa- sec, from about 250 mPa- sec to about 25,000 mPa- sec, from about 500 mPa- sec to about 5,000 mPa- sec, from about 500 mPa- sec to about 4,000 mPa- sec, or from about 500 mPa- sec to from about 3,000 mPa- sec, for example.

[0073] In one or more embodiments, the wax composition may include a propylene-based polymer. In at least one embodiment, the propylene-based polymer component includes more than about 50 wt.% propylene-derived units and from about 1 wt.% to about 49.9 wt.% of units derived from at least one second comonomer-derived unit. The second comonomer is an alphaolefin, such as ethylene, and thus the second comonomer derived unit can be an alpha-olefinsuch as ethylene. The second comonomer can be selected from the group consisting of ethylene, a C4 to C20 alpha-olefin (such as a C4 to C10 alpha-olefin, such as a C4 to Cs alphaolefin), and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the propylene-based polymer is a random copolymer and in other embodiments the propylene-based polymer is an elastomeric random copolymer. In some embodiments, the propylene-based polymers include units derived from propylene and from about 1 wt.% to about 49 wt.%, such as from about 5 wt.% to about 40 wt.% units derived from C4 to C10 alpha-olefin. In some embodiments, the second comonomer may include at least one C4 to Cs alpha-olefin. In one or more embodiments, the second comonomer units may derive from ethylene, 1 -butene, 1 -hexene, 4-methyl-l -pentene, 1 -octene, and / or 1 -decene, such as, 1 -hexene or 1 -octene.

[0074] In one or more embodiments, the propylene-based polymers include at least about 1 wt.%, at least about 2 wt.%, at least about 3 wt.%, at least about 5 wt.%, at least about 6 wt.%, at least about 8 wt.%, or at least about 10 wt.% of at least one second comonomer selected from the group consisting of ethylene, C4 to C20 alpha-olefins, and combinations thereof. For example, the propylene-based polymer can include from about 51 wt.% to about 99 wt.% of propylene-derived units and about 49 wt.% to about 1 wt.% of ethylene-derived units, based on the weight of the propylene-based polymer. In those or other embodiments, the propylene- based polymers may include up to about 49 wt.%, or up to about 39 wt.%, or up to about 29 wt.%, or up to about 19 wt.%, or up to about 15 wt.%, or up to about 10 wt.%, or up to about 8 wt.%, or up to about 5 wt.%, or up to about 1 wt.% of at least one second comonomer selected from the group consisting of ethylene, C4 to C20 alpha-olefin, and combinations thereof, based on the weight of the polymer. Stated another way, the propylene-based polymers may include at least about 51 wt.%, or at least about 60 wt.%, or at least about 70 wt.%, or at least about 75 wt.%, or at least about 80 wt.%, or at least about 82 wt.%, or at least about 84 wt.%, or at least about 86 wt.%, or at least about 88 wt.%, or at least about 90 wt.% of propylene-derived units; and in these or other embodiments, the propylene-based polymers may include up to about 99 wt.%, or up to about 98 wt.%, or up to about 97 wt.%, or up to about 95 wt.%, or up to about 94 wt.%, or up to about 92 wt.%, or up to about 90 wt.% of propylene-derived units, based on the weight of the polymer.

[0075] The propylene-based polymers of one or more embodiments are characterized by having a single melting temperature as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The melting point is defined as the temperature of the greatest heat absorption within the range of melting of the sample. The propylene-based polymer may show secondary melting peaks adjacent to the principal peak, but for purposes herein, these secondary melting peaks areconsidered together as a single melting point, with the highest of these peaks being considered the melting point (Tm) of the propylene-based polymer.

[0076] In one or more embodiments, the melting point (Tm) of the propylene-based polymers (as determined by DSC) is less than about 130°C, or less than about 120°C, or less than about 115°C, or less than about 110°C, or less than about 100°C.

[0077] In one or more embodiments, the propylene-based polymers may be characterized by a heat of fusion (Hf), as determined by differential scanning calorimetry according to ASTM D-3418-03. In one or more embodiments, the heat of fusion of the propylene-based polymer is from about 45 J / g to about 150 J / g, or from about 55 J / g to about 140 J / g, or from about 65 J / g to about 130 J / g, or from about 75 J / g to about 120 J / g, or from about 80 J / g to about 110 J / g. For example, the heat of fusion of the propylene-based polymer is from about 45 J / g to about 75 J / g. The heat of fusion may be reduced by using additional comonomer, operating at higher polymerization temperatures, and / or using a different catalyst that provides reduced levels of steric constraints and favors more propagation errors for propylene insertion.

[0078] The propylene-based polymer can have a triad tacticity of three propylene units, as measured by13C NMR, of about 75% or greater, about 80% or greater, about 82% or greater, about 85% or greater, or about 90% or greater. In one or more embodiments, the propylene- based polymer has a triad tacticity of from about 50% to about 99%, such as from about 60% to about 99%, such as from about 75% to about 99%, such as from about 80% to about 99%, such as from about 60% to about 97%. Triad tacticity is determined by the methods described in US Pat. Pub. No. 2004 / 0236042. If the triad tacticity of the copolymer is too high, the level of stereo-irregular disruption of the chain is too low and the material may not be sufficiently flexible. If the triad tacticity is too low, the bonding strength may be too low.

[0079] In one or more embodiments, the propylene-based polymer may have a percent crystallinity of from about 22% to about 60%, from about 22% to about 50%, or from about 25% to about 40%, for example. Percent crystallinity may be determined by dividing the heat of fusion of a sample by the heat of fusion of a 100% crystalline polymer, which is 207 joules / gram for isotactic polypropylene according to Bu, H.-S.; Cheng, S. Z. D.; Wunderlich, .. Makromol. Chem. Rapid Commun., 1988, v.9, p. 75.

[0080] In one or more embodiments, the propylene-based polymer may have a density of from about 0.85 g / cm3to about 0.92 g / cm3, or from about 0.87 g / cm3to about 0.90 g / cm3, or from about 0.88 g / cm3to about 0.89 g / cm3at 23°C, as measured per the ASTM D-792 test method.

[0081] In one or more embodiments, the propylene-based polymer may have a melt flow rate (MFR), as measured according to the ASTM D-1238, 2.16 kg weight at 230°C, greater than or equal to about 250 dg / min, or greater than or equal to about 500 dg / min, or greater than or equal to about 1,000 dg / min, or greater than or equal to about 1,500 dg / min, or greater than or equal to about 2,000 dg / min, or greater than or equal to about 2,500 dg / min, or greater than or equal to about 3,000 dg / min, or greater than or equal to about 4,000 dg / min, or greater than or equal to about 5,000 dg / min, or greater than or equal to about 6,000 dg / min, or greater than or equal to about 7,000 dg / min.

[0082] In one or more embodiments, the propylene-based polymer may have a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of about 50,000 g / mol or less, from about 5,000 g / mol to about 50,000 g / mol, or from about 5,000 g / mol to about 40,000 g / mol, from about 5,000 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol, from about 10,000 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol, or from about 20,000 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol, for example.

[0083] In one or more embodiments, the propylene-based polymer may have a number average molecular weight (Mn) of from about 2,500 g / mol to about 25,000 g / mol, from about 2,500 g / mol to about 20,000 g / mol, or from about 2,500 g / mol to about 15,000 g / mol, for example.

[0084] In one or more embodiments, the molecular weight distribution (MWD), the ratio of the weight-average molecular weight (Mw) to a number-average molecular weight (Mn), of the propylene-based polymer (Mw / Mn), may be from about 1 to about 20, from about 1 to about 10, from about 2 to about 5, or from about 1 to about 3, for example. The ratio of a weightaverage molecular weight (Mw) to a number-average molecular weight (Mn) may be from 1 to 10, from 1 to 8, from 1 to 6, or from 1 to 4, for example.

[0085] In another embodiment, the propylene-based polymers described above may also have a viscosity (also referred to a Brookfield viscosity or melt viscosity) of from about lOO mPa sec to about 1500 mPa sec at 190°C, such as from about 125 mPa sec to about 1,400 mPa sec, from about 150 mPa sec to about 1300 mPa sec, from about 175 mPa sec to about 1,200 mPa sec, from about 200 mPa sec to about 1,100 mPa sec, from about 225 mPa- sec to about 1,000 mPa- sec, from about 250 mPa- sec to about 900 mPa- sec, from about 300 mPa- sec to about 800 mPa- sec, or from about 400 mPa- sec to about 600 mPa- sec, as measured according to ASTM D-3236 at 190°C.

[0086] The hot melt adhesive compositions may include one or more polyamides. Polyamides may include polymeric fatty acid amides and polyamide containing copolymers. Examples of polymeric fatty acid polyamides may be commercially available products havinga softening point from about 80°C to 200°C. These are prepared in the conventional manner using conventional amidification techniques. In general, this amidification may be conducted at temperatures of from about 180°C to about 280°C by condensing polymeric fatty acids, or mixtures thereof, with other dicarboxylic acids, with ethylene diamine or mixture of ethylene diamine with other amine reactants, primarily other diamines. Polyamides can be copolymer resins having a melting point of from about 80°C to about 160°C and prepared from three monomers as disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,148,775. Examples of such resins are those prepared from nylon 6,6 salt, nylon 6,9 salt, nylon 6,10 salt, nylon 6,12 salt, etc. Exemplary polyamide copolymer resins are those prepared from three or four monomers. Examples of such resins are nylon 6 / 6, 6 / 12, nylon 6 / 6, 10 / 12, nylon 6 / 6, 12 / 12, nylon 6 / 6, 9 / 12, nylon 6 / 6, 6 / 6,10,12, 6 / 6,6 / 11 / 12, etc.

[0087] Polyamides which are useful as hot melt adhesives may be polyamides described in US Pat. Nos. 3,449,273 and 4,148,775.

[0088] The hot melt adhesive compositions may include one or more polyesters. The term "polyester", as used herein, is intended to include "copolyesters" and is understood to mean a synthetic polymer prepared by polyesterification and polycondensation of one or more difunctional carboxylic acids with one or more difunctional hydroxyl compounds. The difunctional carboxylic acid may be a dicarboxylic acid and the difunctional hydroxyl compound may be a dihydric alcohol such as, for example, glycols and diols. Alternatively, the difunctional carboxylic acid may be a hydroxy carboxylic acid such as, for example, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and the difunctional hydroxyl compound may be an aromatic nucleus bearing 2 hydroxyl substituents such as, for example, hydroquinone. For polyesters, the term "repeating unit", as used herein, means an organic structure having a dicarboxylic acid derived- unit and a diol derived-unit bonded through a carbonyloxy group. Thus, the dicarboxylic acid derived units may be derived from a dicarboxylic acid monomer or its associated acid halides, esters, salts, anhydrides, or mixtures thereof. As used herein, the term dicarboxylic acid is intended to include dicarboxylic acids and any derivative of a dicarboxylic acid, including its associated acid halides, esters, half-esters, salts, half-salts, anhydrides, mixed anhydrides, or mixtures thereof, useful in a polycondensation process with a diol to make a polyester.

[0089] The polyesters that can be used in the hot-melt adhesive compositions may be dicarboxylic acid derived units and diol derived units. The polyesters may contain substantially equal molar proportions of diacid derived units (100 mol.%) and diol derived units (100 mol.%) which react in substantially equal proportions such that the total moles of repeating units is equal to 100 mol.%. The mole percentages provided may be based on the total moles of diacidderived units, the total moles of diol derived units, or the total moles of repeating units. For example, a polyester containing 30 mol.% adipic acid, based on the total diacid derived-units, means the polyester contains 30 mol.% adipic acid derived-units out of a total of 100 mol.% diacid derived-units. Thus, there are 30 moles of adipic acid derived units among every 100 moles of diacid derived units. In another example, a polyester containing 30 mol.%1.4-butanediol, based on the total diol derived units, means the polyester contains 30 mol.%1.4-butanediol derived units out of a total of 100 mol.% diol derived units. Thus, there are 30 moles of 1,4-butanediol derived units among every 100 moles of diol derived units.

[0090] The polyester can include diacid derived units of from about 30 mol.% to about 60 mol.%, based on the total moles of diacid derived units, of the derived units of adipic acid, glutaric acid, or a combination thereof, about 30 mol.% to about 60 mol.% of the derived units of terephthalic acid, and about 0 mol.% to about 40 mol.% of at least one modifying dicarboxylic acid having from about 4 to about 40 carbon atoms. For example, the polyester may have from about 30 mol.% to about 60 mol.% of the derived units of adipic acid or glutaric acid, from about 30 mol.% to about 50 mol.% of the derived units of terephthalic acid, and from about 0 mol.% to about 30 mol.% of the derived units of a modifying dicarboxylic acid. In another example, the polyester may have about 35 mol.% to about 60 mol.% of the derived units of adipic or glutaric acid, about 35 mol.% to about 45 mol.% of the derived units of terephthalic acid and about 0 mol.% to about 30 mol.% of a modifying dicarboxylic acid.

[0091] The polyester may include 0 mol.% to about 30 mol.% of the derived units of at least one modifying dicarboxylic acid having about 4 carbon atoms to about 40 carbon atoms. Some representative examples of modifying dicarboxylic acids include, but are not limited to, succinic acid, suberic acid, pimelic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, itaconic acid, glycolic acid, sebacic acid, azelaic acid, dimer acid, isophthalic acid, 1,3-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid,1.4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, and combinations thereof. For example, the modifying dicarboxylic acid can include isophthalic acid. The polyester may also include the derived units of dicarboxylic acids containing specialized functionalities such as, for example, 5-sodiosulfoisophthalic, t-butyl isophthalic, 5-hydroxy isophthalic, and 4,4'-sulfonyl dibenzoic. Where cis and trans isomers are possible, the pure cis or trans or a mixture of cis and trans isomers may be used.

[0092] The diol component of the base polyester can include about 80 mol.% to about 100 mol.%, based on the total moles of diol derived units, of the derived units of 1,4-butanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, or a combination thereof; and about 0 mol.% to about 20 mol.% of the derived units of at least one modifying diol. In some embodiments, the polyester may include diolderived units including about 90 mol.% to 100 mol.% of the derived units of 1,4-butanediol, and about 10 mol.% to about 0 mol.% of the derived units of a modifying diol. In other embodiments, the polyester may include about 100 percent of the derived units of 1,6-hexanediol. Examples of modifying diols include 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, ethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, 1,3 -propanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, neopentyl glycol, di ethylene glycol, tri ethylene glycol, 1,8-octanediol, 2, 2, 4-trimethyl- 1,3 -pentanediol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, 2,4-dimethyl-2-ethylhexane-l,3-diol; 2,2-dimethyl-l,3-propanediol, 2-ethyl-2 -butyl- 1 ,3 -propanediol, 2-ethyl-2-isobutyl- 1 ,3 -propanediol, 1 ,3 -butanediol,1,5-pentanediol, 2, 2, 4, 4-tetram ethyl- 1,3 -cyclobutanediol, or combinations thereof.

[0093] Polyglycols such as, for example, diethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and polyalkylene glycols, may be used in combination with 1,4-butanediol. The molecular weight of the polyalkylene glycols, typically, will be from about 200 g / mole to about 10,000 g / mole. For example, the polyester also may include the derived units of higher order alkyl analogs such as, for example, dipropylene glycol, dibutylene glycol, and dihexylene glycol. Similarly, higher order polyalkylene diols are useful, particularly polypropylene glycol and polytetramethylene glycol with molecular weights ranging from 200 g / mole to 10,000 g / mole.

[0094] In at least one example, the polyester of the hot-melt adhesive composition may include diacid derived-units including about 30 mol.% to about 60 mol.% of the derived units of adipic acid, about 30 mol.% to about 50 mol.% of the derived units of terephthalic acid, and 0 mol.% to about 30 mol.% of the derived units of a modifying dicarboxylic acid; and diol derived units including about 90 mol.% to 100 mol.% of the derived units of 1,4-butanediol, and 0 mol.% to about 10 mol.% of the derived units of the modifying diol. In the above embodiment, the modifying dicarboxylic acid may include isophthalic acid, and the modifying diol may include di ethylene glycol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, or a combination thereof.

[0095] In another example, the diacid derived units may include about 40 mol.% to about 60 mol.% of the derived units of adipic acid, about 30 mol.% to about 45 mol.% of the derived units of terephthalic acid, and about 5 mol.% to about 30 mol.% of the derived units of a modifying dicarboxylic acid; and the diol derived units may include about 90 mol.% to 100 mol.% of the derived units of 1,4-butanediol and about 10 mol.% to 0 mol.% of the derived units of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol . The modifying dicarboxylic acid may be isophthalic acid in the above example.

[0096] The polyester may have an inherent viscosity of from about 0.1 dL / g to about 0.35 dL / g as measured at 25°C using 0.5 g of polymer per 100 ml of a solvent including 60 wt.% phenol and 40 wt.% tetrachloroethane. Some additional examples of inherentviscosities for the polyester are about 0.1 dL / g to about 0.33 dL / g; about 0.1 dL / g to about 0.30 dL / g; about 0.1 dL / g to about 0.27 dL / g; about 0.1 dL / g to about 0.25 dL / g; and about 0.1 dL / g to about 0.20 dL / g. In order to achieve this relatively low viscosity, the molecular weight of the polyester, typically, will be in the range of about 1,000 g / mole to about 15,000 g / mole. Some additional examples of molecular weight ranges of the polyester are from about 1,000 g / mole to about 13,000 g / mole, about 1,000 g / mole to about 10,000 g / mole; and about 1,000 g / mole to about 8000 g / mole.

[0097] The polyester may also incorporate from 0 mol.% to about 5 mol.% of one or more monofunctional chain terminators to help control the rate of polymerization. Some nonlimiting examples of chain terminators are one or more monofunctional linear aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, or aromatic carboxylic acids or monofunctional alcohols having 1 carbon atom to about 36 carbon atoms. These chain terminators may contain any functional group. The functional groups may be, for example, an ionic end group such as, for example, sodiosulfobenzoic acid, a reactive end group, or a combination thereof. These various functional groups may be used to tailor the end groups of the polyester to be more acidic or basic in nature. These modifications may be useful, for example, to improve surface interaction between adhesive and substrate, or to improve compatibility between the adhesive and certain formulating ingredients.

[0098] The polyester may have a melting temperature of about 70°C to about 130°. For polyesters, most polymers will exhibit one or more smaller melting peaks by differential scanning calorimetry ("DSC") at temperatures below the primary melting temperature that have characteristics (e.g., melting enthalpy and peak temperature) that can be dependent on the thermal history of the polymer. The term "melting temperature" (abbreviated herein as "Tm"), as used herein, is defined as the peak temperature of the melting endotherm of the 2ndheat cycle. For example, if multiple melting peaks are present, then the highest peak melting temperature is considered the melting temperature of the polyester. Other examples of melting temperature of a polyester are from about 80°C to about 130°C, from about 80°C to about 120°C, from about 90°C to about 120°C, and from about 100°C to about 120°C.

[0099] The polyester may have a heat of melting (abbreviated herein as "AHm") of from about 0.1 cal / g to about 6 cal / g as measured by differential scanning calorimetry. The heat of melting is proportional to how much crystallinity is present in the polyester. Typically, AHm is normalized by the weight of the sample being tested and reported as either J / g or cal / g. Other examples of heat of melting ranges are from about 0.1 to about 4 cal / g, from about 0.3 to about 4 cal / g, or from about 0.5 to about 3 cal / g.

[0100] The polyesters may be readily prepared from the appropriate dicarboxylic acids, esters, anhydrides, or salts, and the appropriate diol or diol mixtures using typical polycondensation reaction conditions by procedures known to persons skilled in the art. They may be made by continuous, semi-continuous, and / or batch modes of operation and may utilize a variety of reactor types. Examples of suitable reactor types include, but are not limited to, stirred tank, continuous stirred tank, slurry, tubular, wiped-film, falling film, or extrusion reactors. The reaction of the diol and dicarboxylic acid may be carried out using conventional polyester polymerization conditions or by melt phase processes.

[0101] Polyesters may be selected from polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, poly-carbonate, polyethylene naphthalate and mixtures thereof and also co- and terpolymers thereof.

[0102] The hot melt adhesive compositions may include at least one polyurethane (e.g., formed from a prepolymer) having polyol derived units and isocyanate derived units. Such polyurethane prepolymers are well known to the industry and are generally formed through the reaction of at least one polyol and an isocyanate resulting in an isocyanate capped polyurethane prepolymer composition. The reaction may be performed using any suitable catalyst.

[0103] The polyols may be those having an average molecular weight (Mw) of from about 200 g / mol to about 10,000 g / mol. The polyols may contain hydroxyl groups and / or active hydrogen. There are numerous patents and publications teaching the production of polyurethanes such as: US Pat. No. 4,808,255 to Markevka et al. issued Feb. 28, 1989 teaching the use of polyesterpolyols; US Pat. No. 4,820,368 to Markevka et al. Issued Apr. 11, 1989 teaching the use of polyether polyols; US Pat. No. 4,775,719 to Markevka et al. issued Oct. 4, 1988 teaching the use of polyhydroxy polyols; and US Pat. No. 5,441,808 to Anderson et al. issued Aug. 15, 1995 teaching the use of a polyester poly ether copolymers. One of skill in the art would be familiar with the different methods used to manufacture polyurethane prepolymers.

[0104] Non-limiting examples of polyols useful herein are Voranol® 220-110 N and Voranol® 220-056, polyether polyols available from Dow Chemical Co. located in Midland, Mich.; Rucoflex™ S-107-55 and Dynacoll® 7210, 7250, 7110, and 7111, amorphous polyester polyols available from RUCO Polymer Corp, located in Hicksville, N.Y. and Huis America in Piscataway, N.J. respectively; Rucoflex® S-105-36 and Dynacoll® 7340 crystalline polyester polyol available from RUCO Polymer and from Huis America respectively.

[0105] Isocyanate compounds may be monomeric small molecules having 2 or more -NCO groups. Isocyanate compounds useful for forming the prepolymer may include organic,aliphatic, and aromatic isocyanate compounds having an isocyanate functionality of about 2 or more. The isocyanate compounds may have from 1 to 10 aliphatic or aromatic groups substituted by the isocyanate group. The isocyanate compounds may also contain other substituents which do not substantially adversely affect the viscosity of the isocyanate terminated prepolymers, the adhesive properties of the bond line, or the reactivity of the -NCO groups during the formation of the prepolymer. The isocyanate compound may also include mixtures of both aromatic and aliphatic isocyanates and isocyanate compounds having both aliphatic and aromatic character.

[0106] Typical aromatic isocyanate compounds include diphenylmethane diisocyanate compounds (MDI) including its isomer, carbodiimide modified MDI, diphenylmethane-4,4'- diisocyanate, diphenyl-methane-2,4'-diisocyanate, oligomeric phenyl methylene isocyanates; toluene diisocyanate compounds (TDI) including isomers thereof, tetramethylxylene diisocyanate (TMXDI), isomers of naphthylene diisocyanate, isomers of triphenylmethane triisocyanate, and mixtures thereof. Aliphatic di, tri, and polyisocyanates are also useful including, for example, isophorone diisocyanate, hydrogenated aromatic diisocyanates, aliphatic polyisocyanate, cycloaliphatic polyisocyanates, and others.

[0107] The NCO-terminated polyurethane prepolymer may be prepared by reacting a stoichiometric excess of diisocyanate with the polyol components. The reactants are in such proportions that the resulting percent isocyanate is from about 1% by weight to about 5% by weight, such as from about 2% by weight to about 4% by weight based on 100 parts total prepolymer solids. The prepolymer may be processed at temperatures of from about 70°C to about 110°C, or from about 80°C to about 95°C, for example.

[0108] In some embodiments, the hot melt adhesive may comprise a tackifier resin. Resins may provide initial adhesion to differentiated substrates. A tackifier may be useful in a hot melt adhesive composition for joining articles before the heated adhesive hardens. Tackifiers may be added to give tack to the adhesive composition and also to lower the viscosity of the composition. The tackifiers may allow the composition to be more adhesive by improving wetting during the application. The presence of tackifiers may lower the resistance to deformation and facilitate bond formation on contact.

[0109] The tackifier resin may comprise hydrocarbon resin comprising dicyclopentadiene, cyclopentadiene, and methylcyclopentadiene derived content of from about 60 wt.% to about 100 wt.% of the total weight of the hydrocarbon resin and wherein the hydrocarbon resin has a weight average molecular weight of from about 600 g / mol to about 1,400 g / mol, from about 800 g / mol to about 1,200 g / mol, or from about 900 g / mol to about 1,100 g / mol, for example.

[0110] Optionally, catalysts may be utilized to improve curing speed without adversely affecting other physical properties. European Patent Applications 0,492,824, A2 published Jan. 7, 1992, 0,455,400, A2 published Jun. 11, 1991, and European Patent Application 0,668,302, Al published Aug. 23, 1995 disclose the use of 4,4'-(oxydi-2, 1 -ethanediyl) bismorpholine for use in catalyzing polyurethane reactions.[OHl] The hot melt adhesive compositions may optionally include small amounts of additional materials. Such optional additives may include plasticizers, stabilizers including viscosity stabilizers and hydrolytic stabilizers, primary and secondary antioxidants, ultraviolet ray absorbers, anti-static agents, dyes, pigments or other coloring agents, inorganic fillers, fire- retardants, lubricants, reinforcing agents such as glass fiber and flakes, processing aids, slip additives, antiblock agents such as silica or talc, release agents and / or mixtures thereof. These additives are described in the Kirk Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology.

[0112] These additives, when present, may be present in the hot melt adhesive compositions in amounts of at least about 0.01 wt.%, at least about 0.1 wt.%, at least about 2 wt.%, or at least about 5 wt.% of the total weight of the composition up to about 15 wt.% of the total weight of the composition. The additives may be present in amounts from about 0.01 wt.% to about 15 wt.%, such as from about 0.01 wt.% to about 10 wt.%, such as from about 0.01 wt.% to about 5 wt.%.

[0113] Liquid plasticizers such as oils, and solid plasticizers such as benzoate esters available from Velsicol Chemical Corp, in Rosemont, Ill. under the trade name BENZOFLEX, may be used to obtain longer open times, lower viscosity, improved adhesion, and improved cold temperature flexibility. Plasticizing oils that may be useful include olefin oligomers and low molecular weight polymers, as well as vegetable and animal oils and their derivatives. Suitable petroleum-derived oils may include relatively high boiling point materials containing a minor proportion of aromatic hydrocarbons, such as less than about 30 wt.%, such as less than about 15 wt.% by weight of the oil. Alternatively, the oil may be essentially free, or free, of aromatics.

[0114] Stabilizers or antioxidants may be added to protect the hot melt adhesive compositions from degradation caused by reaction with oxygen induced by heat, light, or residual catalyst from the raw materials such as the tackifying resin, for example.

[0115] Stabilizers or antioxidants may be high molecular weight hindered phenols and multifunctional phenols such as sulfur- and phosphorous-containing phenol. Hindered phenols are characterized as phenolic compounds that contain sterically bulky radicals in close proximity to the phenolic hydroxyl group. Non-limiting examples of hindered phenols includel,3,5-trimethyl-2,4,6-tris-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)-benzene; pentaerythrityl tetrakis-3(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionate (IRGANOX 1010); n-octadecyl- 3(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionate (IRGANOX-1076); 4,4'-methylenebis (2,6-tert-butyl-phenol); 4,4'-thiobis (8-tert-butyl-o-cresol); 2,6-di-n-tertbutylphenol; 6-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)-2,4-bis(n-octyl-thio)-l,3,5 triazine; (di-n-octylthio)ethyl 3,5-di-tert- butyl-4-hydroxy -benzoate; sorbitol hexa[3-(3,5di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-phenyl)-propionate]; and l,3,5-tri(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl-isocyanurate (IRGANOX 3114).

[0116] The performance of these antioxidants may be enhanced by using known synergists such as, for example, thiodipropionate esters and phosphites. For example, distearylthiodipropionate may be used.

[0117] The hot melt adhesive compositions may optionally include a crosslinking agent selected from the group consisting of melamine resins, epoxy resins, amine-containing resins, metal alkoxides, and metal salts of organic acids. Crosslinking, also known as curing, may provide stronger and more elastic adhesive compositions by forming reversible or irreversible links between the individual polymer chains. Heat and / or pressure may cure the adhesive composition after it has been applied. Although a crosslinking agent may be desirable in some cases, crosslinking is not necessary in others. Accordingly, of note is the hot melt adhesive compositions that does not include a crosslinking agent.

[0118] Crosslinking agents or curing agents that can be used with polymers containing acid cure sites include di- and multi-functional amine-containing resins, such as hexamethylenediamine carbamate (HMDAC), hexamethylenediamine (HMDA), triethylenetetramine, tetramethylene-pentamine, hexamethylenediamine-cinnamaldehyde adduct, and hexamethylene-diamine dibenzoate salt. Aromatic amines can also be used as curing agents. Combinations of two or more curing agents may also be used. The curing agent(s) may be added neat or in an inert carrier. Methods for curing using aqueous HMDA are described in US Pat. No. 7,001,957.PVC Applications

[0119] The recycled wax compositions derived from artificial turf and / or plastics comprising polyolefins were also tested as lubricant for thermoplastic material made by polymerizing polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Lubricants may improve the fluidity and demoulding of the resin. In processing, lubricants may reduce friction between resin and processing machinery and between resin and resin. The reduced friction minimizes the energy required in the process. Lubricants may also increase the surface smoothness of the finished products and prevent adhesion between products. Paraffin wax and Fischer-Tropsch (FT) wax are bothcurrent lubricants of PVC to decrease the friction force of material and processing equipment surface, thereby reducing the flow resistance of melt, reducing the viscosity of melt, improving the fluidity of melt, avoiding the friction between melt and equipment, and improving the surface finish of products.

[0120] Paraffin wax is normally used as the external of PVC. It is easily spread, improves flow properties of PVC, and provides a good removal, sliding, and anti -blocking effects to the final compound. They are useful for processes such as extrusion of rigid piping, injection molding, and flexible PVC. Fischer-Tropsch (FT) wax is an excellent external lubricant but also as internal lubrication. It has a high melting point and narrow carbon distribution. It has better thermal stability and aging resistance than paraffin wax. It may also improve the surface physical properties of the finished products. Ester and wax may be used together as internal lubricants for extrusion and injection molding to reduce the viscosity, improve the fluidity, and be easy to die out.

[0121] For rigid PVC applications, the recycled wax compositions derived from artificial turf and / or plastics comprising polyolefins may be present in amount from about 0.6 part per hundred resin or rubber (phr) to about 1.5 phr levels or from about 0.6 kg to about 1.5 kg of paraffinic hydrocarbon per 100 kg of PVC resin, from about 0.8 phr to about 1.2 phr, or from about 0.9 phr to about 1.1 phr, for example. Wax compositions may be used to impart desired fusion times (e.g., from about 3 minutes to about 5 minutes), desired stability, and fusion torque at specific processing conditions.

[0122] The recycled wax compositions may also reduce melt viscosity of the PVC formulations, reducing friction during extrusion and, therefore, lowering the required torque. The reduction in torque may be commercially advantageous for the preservation and longevity of instrumentation. The lower viscosity of the two recycled wax compositions (kinematic viscosity of 5 cSt or below at 135°C) as compared to traditional waxes may allow consistent stable times with a high probability of fusion across all experimental temperatures and concentration levels. Waxes with melting points between 65°C and 80°C and a kinematic viscosity (at 135°C) of less than 5 cSt may be used to impart desired fusion times from about 3 minutes to about 5 minutes, desired stability, and fusion torque at specific processing conditions.

[0123] The wax composition obtained from recycling plastic comprising polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) may be well suited for PVC applications as it may have delayed fusion. Delayed fusion may help control the melt flow and reduce melt viscosity, making the material easier to handle. This may lead to better dispersion of fillers and pigments, enhancing theoverall quality and appearance of the final product. Additionally, delayed fusion may improve release properties, reducing the likelihood of the material sticking to the processing equipment. This may result in smoother surfaces and better dimensional stability of the extruded products. Overall, these benefits may contribute to more efficient and higher-quality PVC processing. Anti-ozone additives

[0124] Paraffin and microcrystalline waxes may be used as anti-ozone additives in tire and rubber applications where they may form a protective barrier layer on the surface against ozone. These waxes are becoming less available due to type I base oil refining manufacturing units closing globally. Alternative waxes need to be found, and the wax compositions derived from artificial turf and polyolefin plastics are shown to be viable alternatives.

[0125] At temperatures of 60°C - 65°C, ozone becomes unstable and decomposes in the air. A rubber tire surface exposed to sunlight could experience high ozone attack. Therefore, the tire surface needs to be protected. It has been common practice to use paraffin wax in a rubber compound mixture to form a protective layer on the rubber surface and protect the diene rubber double bonds from ozone attack. The wax compositions derived from artificial turf and polyolefin plastics may be used in sidewall formulations for this purpose since the tire sidewall is the area most exposed to ozone attack. Further, the wax compositions derived from artificial turf and polyolefin plastics may also provide ozone protection in innertube applications during storage where innertubes are also exposed directly to the atmosphere.

[0126] Paraffin and microcrystalline waxes may be used for ozone protection. Paraffin waxes are predominantly straight chain with relatively low molecular weight of 350-420 and highly crystalline with a melting point ranging from 38°C to 74°C. Microcrystalline waxes are obtained from higher molecular weight petroleum residuals and have higher molecular weight of 490-800, mainly branched structure forming irregular and smaller crystals, and melting point ranging from 57°C to 100°C. These two waxes have different migration rates to the surface. However, they may have a synergistic effect to provide an efficient barrier against ozone.

[0127] The wax compositions derived from artificial turf and polyolefin plastics may provide ozone protection by blooming to the surface to form a uniform, protective layer against ozone attack. The thicker the protective layer is, the more efficient the protection. The thickness of the protective layer depends on the diffusion rate at which the wax migrates out of the rubber. However, wax will migrate faster at higher temperatures. The thickness also depends on the solubility of the wax in the rubber. Wax becomes more soluble at higher temperatures. Low molecular weight waxes migrate most efficiently at 20°C, where the best balance between solubility and diffusion rates may be achieved. At higher temperature,paraffin wax may become too soluble in rubber to form an effective film. Microcrystalline waxes on the other hand may perform better at higher temperatures as the highly branched and typically larger molecular structure of these waxes prevents them from efficient diffusion at low temperature. Optimum film thickness is achieved at 50°C - 60°C. Waxes may provide protection against ozone attack of rubber in static conditions. However, wax may be detrimental to ozone protection in dynamic conditions. The dynamic movement of the rubber may cause the wax film to break and expose narrow pieces of rubber to concentrated ozone attack resulting in earlier failure. Chemical antiozonants such as 6PPD may provide dynamic ozone protection in combination with wax to protect against ozone attack in both dynamic and static conditions.

[0128] The proper loading of wax and chemical antiozonant in the rubber may depend upon the dynamics, the expected ozone environment, and the lifetime the part is expected to last. In a static application, wax loading may be from 3 phr to 10 phr and Chemical Antiozonant from 0 phr to 1 phr. An Intermittent Application requires 1 phr to 3 phr of both wax and the chemical antiozonant and a highly Dynamic Application from 0 phr to 1 phr wax and 3 phr to 5 phr chemical antiozonant.Additional Embodiments

[0129] Accordingly, the wax compositions derived from artificial turf and polyolefin plastics may provide desirable hot-melt adhesives as external lubricants for PVC production, and for ozone protection for tire surface and in tire innertube formulation. The methods / systems / compositions / tools may include any of the various features disclosed herein, including one or more of the following statements.

[0130] Embodiment 1. A wax composition derived from plastic waste comprising: Ci4 to C42 n-paraffins in an amount from about 30 wt.% to about 50 wt.% based on a total weight of the wax composition, C14 to C42 non n-paraffins in an amount from about 50 wt.% to about 70 wt.% of the total weight of the wax composition, wherein the n-paraffins and the non n-paraffins comprise C40 paraffins in an amount from about 0.001 wt.% to about 5 wt.% of the total weight of the wax composition, and wherein the n-paraffins and the non n-paraffins comprise Cis paraffins in an amount from about 0.001 wt.% to about 10 wt.% of the total weight of the wax composition.

[0131] Embodiment 2. The wax composition of Embodiment 1, wherein the wax composition is obtained from plastic waste pyrolysis of artificial turf.

[0132] Embodiment 3. The wax composition of Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the Ci4 to C42 n-paraffins comprise C25 n-paraffins that are present in an amount from about 3 wt.% to about 7 wt.% based on the total weight of the wax compositions.

[0133] Embodiment 4. The wax composition of any preceding Embodiment, wherein the C14 to C42 n-paraffins comprise C24 n-paraffins that are present in an amount from about 3 wt.% to about 7 wt.% based on the total weight of the wax composition.

[0134] Embodiment 5. The wax composition of any preceding Embodiment, wherein the C14 to C42 n-paraffins comprise C26 n-paraffins that are present in an amount from about 3 wt.% to about 7 wt.% based on the total weight of the wax composition.

[0135] Embodiment 6. The wax composition of any preceding Embodiment, wherein C25 n-paraffins in the C C14 to C42 n-paraffins represent from about 1 to about 1.5 times an amount of C24 n paraffins and / or C26 n paraffins in the C14 to C42 n-paraffins.

[0136] Embodiment 7. The wax composition of any preceding Embodiment, wherein a congealing point of the wax composition as measured according to Standard Test Method ASTM D938 ranges from about 40.0°C to about 60.0°C.

[0137] Embodiment 8. The wax composition of any preceding Embodiment, wherein a dropping point of the wax composition as measured according to Standard Test Method ASTM D566 ranges from about 35°C to about 60°C.

[0138] Embodiment 9. The wax composition of any preceding Embodiment, wherein an oil content of the wax composition as measured according to Standard Test Method ASTM D721 ranges from about 30% to about 50%.

[0139] Embodiment 10. The wax composition of any preceding Embodiment, wherein a needle penetration of the wax composition as measured according to Standard Test Method ASTM DI 321 ranges from about 100 dmm to 1,000 dmm in depth.

[0140] Embodiment 11. The wax composition of any preceding Embodiment, wherein a kinematic viscosity of the wax composition as measured according to Standard Test Method ASTM D445 ranges from about 1 cSt at 100°C to 20 cSt at 100°C.

[0141] Embodiment 12. A polymeric composition comprising: a polymer; and a wax composition on any one of Embodiments 1-11.

[0142] Embodiment 13. A hot-melt adhesive composition comprising: a polymer; a wax composition of any one of Embodiments 1-11; a tackifier; and an antioxidant.

[0143] Embodiment 14. A polyvinyl chloride composition comprising: a resin; a heat stabilizer; a wax composition of any one of Embodiments 1-11; an internal lubricant; and a pigment.

[0144] Embodiment 15. A tire composition comprising: rubber; carbon black; naphthenic oil; zinc oxide; stearic acid; a wax composition of any one of Embodiments 1-11; and a tackifier.

[0145] Embodiment 16. A wax composition derived from plastic waste comprising: C12 to C67 n-paraffins in an amount from about 70 wt.% to about 80 wt.% based on a total weight of the wax composition, C14 to C42 non n-paraffins in an amount from about 20 wt.% to about 30 wt.% based on the total weight of the wax composition, wherein the n-paraffins and the non n-paraffins comprise C40 paraffins in an amount from about 5 wt.% to about 10 wt.% based on the total weight of the wax composition, and wherein the n-paraffins and the non n-paraffins comprise C20 paraffins in an amount from about 40 wt.% to about 60 wt.% based on the total weight of the wax composition.

[0146] Embodiment 17. The wax composition of Embodiment 16, wherein the n-paraffins and the non n-paraffins comprise C20 to C30 n-paraffins that are present in an amount from about 30 wt.% to about 45 wt.% based on the total weight of the wax composition.

[0147] Embodiment 18. The wax composition of Embodiment 16 or Embodiment 17, wherein the n-paraffins and the non n-paraffins comprise C30 to C40 paraffins that are present in an amount from about 12.5 wt.% to about 25 wt.% based on the total weight of the wax composition.

[0148] Embodiment 19. The wax composition of any of Embodiments 16-18, wherein the C12 to C67 of n-paraffins comprise C12 to C20 n-paraffins that are present in an amount from about 25 wt.% to about 40 wt.% based on the total weight of the wax composition.

[0149] Embodiment 20. The wax composition of any Embodiments 16-19, wherein the C12 to C67 n-paraffins comprise C40 to C67 n-paraffins that are present in an amount from about 5 wt.% to about 10 wt.% based on the total weight of the wax composition.

[0150] Embodiment 21. The wax composition of any Embodiments 16-20, wherein a dropping point of the wax composition as measured according to Standard Test Method ASTM D566 ranges from about 50°C to about 70°C.

[0151] Embodiment 22. A polymer composition comprising: a polymer; and a wax composition of any one of Embodiments 16-21.

[0152] Embodiment 23. A hot-melt adhesive composition comprising: a polymer; a wax composition of any one of Embodiments 16-21; a tackifier; and an antioxidant.

[0153] Embodiment 24. A polyvinyl chloride composition comprising: a resin; a heat stabilizer; a wax composition of any one of Embodiments 16-21; an internal lubricant; and a pigment.

[0154] Embodiment 25. A tire composition comprising: rubber; carbon black; naphthenic oil; zinc oxide; stearic acid; a wax composition of any one of Embodiments 16-21; and a tackifier.

[0155] To facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, the following examples of certain aspects of some embodiments are given. In no way should the following examples be read to limit, or define, the entire scope of the disclosure.EXAMPLESExample 1

[0156] An embodiment of a recycled artificial turf wax composition with its composition distribution as described in FIG. 1 was compared to three commercially available waxes (Sample A, Sample B, Sample C):Table 2 compares 3 commercially available waxes (Sample A, Sample B, Sample C) with an embodiment of the recycled artificial turf wax composition:

[0157] The congealing point of each one of the waxes was measured according to Standard Test Method ASTM D938. Samples A, B, and C have congealing point above the maximum temperature limit of the test method of 100°C. In contrast, the turf wax composition exhibits a congealing point of 46.0°C.

[0158] The dropping point of each one of the waxes was measured according to the Standard Test Method ASTM D566. Sample A has a dropping point of 117.7°C, Sample B has a dropping point of 125.4°C, and Sample C has a dropping point of 159.3°C. In contrast, the wax composition derived from artificial turf has a dropping point of 48.6°C.

[0159] The oil content of each one of the waxes was measured according to Standard Test Method ASTM D721. However, Sample A, Sample B, and Sample C did not dissolve in methyl ethyl ketone, which is the test method solvent under the conditions of the test method. In contrast, the oil content was measured at 41.42% in the wax composition derived from artificial turf.

[0160] Needle penetration for each one of the waxes was measured according to Standard Test Method ASTM D1321. While Sample A, Sample B, and Sample C did not yield an appropriate surface to permit an analysis as the surface needs to be smooth, the needle penetration for the wax composition derived from artificial turf was measured above 250 mm in depth.

[0161] The kinematic viscosity of each one of the waxes was measured according to Standard Test Method ASTM D445. However, Sample A, Sample B, and Sample C contained particulates precluding accurate analysis of viscosity by capillary viscometer. In contrast, the kinematic viscosity of the wax composition derived from artificial turf was measured at 2.701 cSt at 100°C.Example 2

[0162] Hot melt adhesive tests were also conducted for three commercially available waxes (Sample A, Sample B, Sample C), an embodiment of the recycled turf wax composition with the composition distribution as described in FIG. 1, and an embodiment of the wax composition produced from the recycling of the plastic waste comprising polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) with the composition distribution as described in FIG. 4. The tested waxes are used as a diluent in the mix at about 20 wt.%. The data presented in Table 3 below describes packaging application data that was generated to represent the desired properties of a hot melt adhesive and the potential impact to adhesion at various conditions within relative time for the hot melt adhesive to set or crystallize with enough strength to hold the article together. These tests are comparative and will be familiar to those skilled in the art. In the procedure, the bonds are formed at simulated application parameters and conditioned at room temperature (at 25°C and atmospheric pressure), freezer (at 5°C), and refrigerator (at -20°C) conditions. The bond is first maintained at the specified condition for 24 hours, and then it is pulled apart. The adhesion is rated based on the amount of fiber tear observed. It is generally accepted by those skilled in the art that fiber tear of greater than 75% is considered excellent adhesion. If the fiber tear is less than 75%, it is reported either as good (between 50% and 75%), fair (between 25% and 50%), or poor (less than 25%).Table 3Table 3: Adhesion Tests for Sample A, Sample B, Sample C, recycled turf wax composition, and the wax composition as a function of the total weight of the wax produced from the recycling of the plastic waste comprising polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP).

[0163] The recycled artificial turf wax composition and the wax composition produced from the recycling of the plastic waste comprising polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) give excellent hot-melt adhesive performance in all conditions with 40 wt.% of ESCORENE™Ultras UL 7710 EVA Copolymer, 39.5 wt.% ESCOREZ™ 5400 Tackifier, and 0.5 wt.% IRGANOX® 1010 Antioxidant, while they gives excellent hot-melt adhesive performance with 40 wt.% of AFFINITY™ 1950 Polyolefin at freezer and fridge conditions. At room temperature, the turf wax composition and the wax composition produced from the recycling of the plastic waste comprising polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) give fair performance with Affinity 1950. The molecular composition and softness of the turf wax composition and the wax composition produced from the recycling of the plastic waste comprising polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) improved hot melt adhesive performance at fridge and freezer applications.Example 3

[0164] For the PVC application, the wax compositions typically used in PVC pipe formulations are described in the PPI TR-2 2023-part A.3 as well functional equivalents described in PPI TR-2 for processing oils. These waxes / oils exhibit desired viscosity and melting temperature, which imparts desired fusion times of 3-5 minutes, desired stability, and fusion torque at specific processing conditions (number of rotations per minute, temperature, chamber filling conditions when measured in a Haake Torque Rheometer. All these parameters are of importance in the performance of a PVC pipe. To evaluate the example wax compositions in PVC applications, the following example was performed. PVC resin and heat stabilizer were dry mixed at room temperature at high speed for 15 minutes, using an overhead paddle stirrer. Thereafter, the wax composition, calcium stearate, and titanium dioxide were added and mixed for an additional 15 minutes to ensure that all additives were homogeneously dispersed in the blend.Fusion and stable time determination:

[0165] Pre-weighed (65 g) PVC blends were transferred to a pre-heated mixing chamber of a Thermo Scientific Haake Polylab OS torque rheometer coupled to a Haake Rheomix OS lab mixer and fitted with roller rotors as depicted in FIG. 7.

[0166] FIG. 8 is the torque in Nm applied to rotate the rotors as a function of run time in minutes. Analyses were conducted until a distinct onset of degradation was observed at which point the screw rotation was stopped, sample removed, and mixing chamber properly cleaned before the following sample was introduced. Sample mass and rotational rotor speed were fixed at 65 g and 65 rpm, respectively. Turning to the curve of the torque as a function of run time in FIG. 8, the sample is loaded at loading point “L ” Then the melting process starts at valley point “V.” The melting process is complete at fusion point “F ” Then, the stable time for each sample is recorded between stable torque point “S” and onset of degradation “O ” Theminimum point “M” characterizes the lowest viscosity region. Finally, the point at which degradation occurs is noted “D ”

[0167] The PVC testing formulation, experimental temperatures, and compositions are captured in Table 4 and Table 5 below:Table 4Table 5Table 5: composition and function of the PVC testing formulation.

[0168] FIG. 9 is the torque rheology curve of the recycled artificial turf wax composition in Nm as a function of time in minutes. The torque rheology curve obtained from the fusion process shows a distinct increase in torque at approximately 1-2 minutes indicating that a successful PVC fusion was achieved using the recycled artificial turf wax composition as external lubricants. Therefore, the recycled artificial turf wax composition can be utilized as a desirable external lubricant for PVC production.

[0169] FIG. 10 is the torque rheology curves of the wax composition produced from recycling plastic comprising polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) in solid line at 180°C, long dash lines at 185°C (T185 1), and shorter dash line for the second run at 185°C (T185 2), along with the recycled artificial turf wax composition in dashed line at 180°C (REC T180),shorter dash lines at 185°C (REC_T185_l)and even shorter dash line for the second run at 185°C (REC T185 2) in Nm as a function of time in minutes for comparison.

[0170] The recycled artificial turf wax composition allows PVC fusion at 1-2 minutes. In contrast, the wax composition produced from recycling plastic comprising polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) allows PVC fusion at 1.5-2.5 minutes. In rigid PVC processing, using waxes that delay fusion longer (the PE / PP wax in this case) offers several advantages. Delayed fusion helps control the melt flow and reduce melt viscosity, making the material easier to handle. This can lead to better dispersion of fillers and pigments, enhancing the overall quality and appearance of the final product. Additionally, delayed fusion improves release properties, reducing the likelihood of the material sticking to the processing equipment. This results in smoother surfaces and better dimensional stability of the extruded products. Overall, these benefits contribute to more efficient and higher-quality PVC processing. Therefore, the wax composition produced from recycling plastic comprising polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) may be utilized as excellent external lubricants for PVC production.Example 4

[0171] For tire applications, the rheological and physical properties as well as ozone resistance were tested for the recycled artificial turf wax composition and compared to a combination of a commercial paraffin wax and a commercial microcrystalline wax. The rubber compounds were mixed in a two-wing rotor laboratory Banbury mixer of 1.6 liter capacity (Farrell HF) via a two-stage mix. For the first stage masterbatch preparation, the rubber was added, and the mixture was pre-masticated for 5 minutes. This was followed by addition of zinc oxide, stearic acid, and anti degradants including wax compositions. The dump temperature of all the masterbatches were between 110°C -170°C. Curing agents sulfur and accelerator were added to the masterbatch. The dump temperatures of the final batches were between 95°C and 105°C. The batches were sheeted out with a maturation time of at least 12 hours utilizing a laboratory two-roll mill after each mixing stage.

[0172] The rheological and physical properties were evaluated by following the Mooney viscosity and scorch and the tensile properties. Mooney viscosity (MV) is defined as the shearing torque resisting rotation of a cylindrical metal disk (or rotor) embedded in rubber within a cylindrical cavity. Scorch time (T35) is the time interval (measured in minutes from rotor start). Vulcanization time (T35) corresponds to a viscosity increase of 35 Mooney units over minimum viscosity measured at rotor start. The dimensions of the shearing disk viscometer, test temperatures, and procedures for determining Mooney viscosity are defined as follows in these test methods. Mooney Viscosity, ML (1 + 4) MU according to ASTM D1646at 100°C. Mooney scorch was determined at 150°C. After compression molding the green rubber compounds were cured according to ASTM D3182 in a hydraulic curing press. The tear strength was measured at room temperature using a Universal Testing Machine. The hardness was measured with a dead load hardness tester, Gibitre. The hardness and tear strength were measured for the original compound as well as after it was aged for 70°C for 14 days.

[0173] The evaluation of the ozone resistance was performed in bent loop and dynamic mode was carried out in an Argentox Ozone Chamber, USA. Table 6 summarizes the tire sidewall formulations and their associated properties. Table 6Table 6: summary of the tire sidewall formulations and their associated properties.

[0174] The visual reference of the ozone rating for each sample (A-2, A-3, A-4, A-5, B-2, B-3, B-4, B-5, C-2, C-3, C-4, and C-5) is compiled in FIG. 11. In Table 5, “NC” means the sample does not have any crack, “A” means a small number of cracks can be seen, “B” means a medium number of cracks are observed, and “C” means large number of cracks are seen. NC is therefore preferred in terms of performance, A is better than B, and B is better than C.

[0175] In the sidewall formulation the recycled artificial turf wax composition improves the Mooney viscosity ML (1+4) and the Mooney Scorch (T35), while not interfering with the vulcanization process or the rheology. The recycled artificial turf wax composition provided ozone protection in static conditions as the recycled artificial turf wax composition shown improvement in Static Ozone protection over the control sample where no wax was used. The same conclusion may apply to the wax composition produced from recycling plastic comprising polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP).

[0176] Table 7 summarizes the tire innertube formulations and their associated properties:Table 7Table 7 (Cont.)Table 7: Summary Of The Tire Innertube Formulations And Their Associated Properties.

[0177] The gas permeability of the tire innertube was measured using Mocon Permeability. The recycled artificial turf wax composition performed on par with the commercial wax. In the innertube formulation the recycled artificial turf wax composition improves Mooney viscosity ML (1+4) and Mooney Scorch (T35), while not having a significant effect on the rheological properties (wax not interfering with vulcanization). The recycled artificial turf wax composition provides ozone protection in innertube formulation as it shows an improvement over the control sample where no wax was used on the Bentloop Ozone protection test. Further, the dynamic ozone protection was significantly improved (B2 vs C4) when Turf wax was used.

[0178] While the disclosure has been described with respect to a number of embodiments and examples, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments can be devised which do not depart from the scope and spirit of the disclosure as disclosed herein. Although individual embodiments are discussed, the present disclosure covers all combinations of all those embodiments.

[0179] While compositions, methods, and processes are described herein in terms of “comprising,” “containing,” “having,” or “including” various components or steps, the compositions and methods can also “consist essentially of’ or “consist of’ the various components and steps. The phrases, unless otherwise specified, “consists essentially of’ and “consisting essentially of’ do not exclude the presence of other steps, elements, or materials, whether or not, specifically mentioned in this specification, so long as such steps, elements, or materials, do not affect the basic and novel characteristics of the disclosure, additionally, they do not exclude impurities and variances normally associated with the elements and materials used.

[0180] All numerical values within the detailed description are modified by “about” the indicated value, and take into account experimental error and variations that would be expected by a person having ordinary skill in the art.

[0181] Many alterations, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure and that when numerical lower limits and numerical upper limits are listed herein, ranges from any lower limit to any upper limit are contemplated.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A wax composition derived from plastic waste comprising:Ci4 to C42 n-paraffins in an amount from about 30 wt.% to about 50 wt.% based on a total weight of the wax composition; andC14 to C42 non n-paraffins in an amount from about 50 wt.% to about 70 wt.% of the total weight of the wax composition; wherein the C14 to C42 n-paraffins and the C14 to C42 non n-paraffins comprise C40 paraffins in an amount from about 0.001 wt.% to about 5 wt.% of the total weight of the wax composition; and wherein the C14 to C42 n-paraffins and the C14 to C42 non n-paraffins comprise Cis paraffins in an amount from about 0.001 wt.% to about 10 wt.% of the total weight of the wax composition.

2. The wax composition of claim 1, wherein the wax composition is obtained from plastic waste pyrolysis of artificial turf.

3. The wax composition of one of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the C14 to C42 n-paraffins comprise C25 n-paraffins that are present in an amount from about 3 wt.% to about 7 wt.% based on the total weight of the wax composition.

4. The wax composition of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the C14 to C42 n-paraffins comprise C24 n-paraffins that are present in an amount from about 3 wt.% to about 7 wt.% based on the total weight of the wax composition.

5. The wax composition of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the C14 to C42 n-paraffins comprise C26 n-paraffins that are present in an amount from about 3 wt.% to about 7 wt.% based on the total weight of the wax composition.

6. The wax composition of any one of claims 1-5, wherein C25 n-paraffins in the C14 to C42 n-paraffins represent from about 1 to about 1.5 times an amount of C24 n paraffins and / or C26 n paraffins in the C14 to C42 n-paraffins.

7. The wax composition of any one of claims 1-6, wherein a congealing point of the wax composition as measured according to Standard Test Method ASTM D938 ranges from about 40.0°C to about 60.0°C.

8. The wax composition of any one of claims 1-7, wherein a dropping point of the wax composition as measured according to Standard Test Method ASTM D566 ranges from about 35°C to about 60°C.

9. The wax composition of any one of claims 1-8, wherein an oil content of the wax composition as measured according to Standard Test Method ASTM D721 ranges from about 30% to about 50%.

10. The wax composition of any one of claims 1-9, wherein a needle penetration of the wax composition as measured according to Standard Test Method ASTM DI 321 ranges from about 100 dmm to 1,000 dmm in depth.

11. The wax composition of any one of claims 1-10, wherein a kinematic viscosity of the wax composition as measured according to Standard Test Method ASTM D445 ranges from about 1 cSt at 100°C to 20 cSt at 100°C.

12. A polymeric composition comprising: a polymer; and a wax composition of any one of claims 1-11.

13. A hot-melt adhesive composition comprising: a polymer; a wax composition of any one of claims 1-11; a tackifier; and an antioxidant.

14. A polyvinyl chloride composition comprising: a resin; a heat stabilizer; a wax composition of any one of claims 1-11; an internal lubricant; and a pigment.

15. A tire composition comprising: rubber; carbon black;naphthenic oil; zinc oxide; stearic acid; a wax composition of any one of claims 1-11; and a tackifier.

16. A wax composition derived from plastic waste comprising:C12 to C67 n-paraffins in an amount from about 70 wt.% to about 80 wt.% based on a total weight of the wax composition; andCi4 to C42 non n-paraffins in an amount from about 20 wt.% to about 30 wt.% based on the total weight of the wax composition; wherein the C12 to C67 n-paraffins and the C14 to C42 non n-paraffins comprise C40 paraffins in an amount from about 5 wt.% to about 10 wt.% based on the total weight of the wax composition; and wherein the C12 to C67 n-paraffins and the C14 to C42 non n-paraffins comprise C20 paraffins in an amount from about 40 wt.% to about 60 wt.% based on the total weight of the wax composition.

17. The wax composition of claim 16, wherein the C12 to C67 n-paraffins and the C14 to C42 non n-paraffins comprise C20 to C30 n-paraffins that are present in an amount from about 30 wt.% to about 45 wt.% based on the total weight of the wax composition.

18. The wax composition of one of claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the C12 to C67 n-paraffins and the C14 to C42 non n-paraffins comprise C30 to C40 paraffins that are present in an amount from about 12.5 wt.% to about 25 wt.% based on the total weight of the wax composition.

19. The wax composition of any one of claims 16-18, wherein the C12 to C67 of n-paraffins comprise C12 to C20 n-paraffins that are present in an amount from about 25 wt.% to about 40 wt.% based on the total weight of the wax composition.

20. The wax composition of any one of claims 16-19, wherein the C12 to C67 n-paraffins comprise C40 to C67 n-paraffins that are present in an amount from about 5 wt.% to about 10 wt.% based on the total weight of the wax composition.

21. The wax composition of any one of claims 16-20, wherein a dropping point of the wax composition as measured according to Standard Test Method ASTM D566 ranges from about 50°C to about 70°C.

22. A polymer composition comprising: a polymer; and a wax composition of any one of claims 16-21.

23. A hot-melt adhesive composition comprising: a polymer; a wax composition of any one of claims 16-21; a tackifier, and an antioxidant.

24. A polyvinyl chloride composition comprising: a resin; a heat stabilizer; a wax composition of any one of claims 16-21; an internal lubricant; and a pigment.

25. A tire composition comprising: rubber; carbon black; naphthenic oil; zinc oxide; stearic acid; a wax composition of any one of claims 16-21; and a tackifier.

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