High volume expandable polymer composition

Abstract

The invention relates to a heat activatable, volume expandable and curable polymer composition for use as a sealant, an adhesive, a reinforcement, a dampener, and / or a sound absorber, preferably for automotive vehicles. The polymer composition is preferably pumpable and / or extrudable and has a high degree of volume expansion upon heat activation. The polymer composition is capable of bridging large gaps between substrates and filling cavities of large volume, respectively. The invention further relates to a method of producing an automotive vehicle assembly wherein a bead of the polymer composition is directly applied onto a surface of a vehicle component by means of an applicator, preferably a pump or an extruder, more preferably a pneumatic- or electric driven piston gun and optionally dispensing equipment. After immersing the vehicle component with the applied bead on its surface in one or more liquid baths and subsequently removing from said baths, the polymer composition is heated to an elevated temperature to induce curing and volume expansion of the polymer composition providing a cured foam with a low foam density.

Description

High volume expandable polymer composition

[0001] Priority is claimed of European patent application no. 24 222 043.2 that was filed on December 20, 2024, and of European patent application no. 25 169 156.4 that was filed on April 8, 2025.

[0002] The invention relates to a heat activatable, volume expandable and curable polymer composition for use as a sealant, an adhesive, a reinforcement, a dampener, and / or a sound absorber, preferably for automotive vehicles. The polymer composition is preferably pumpable and / or extrudable and has a high degree of volume expansion upon heat activation. The polymer composition is capable of bridging large gaps between substrates and filling cavities of large volume, respectively. The polymer composition is particularly useful for application by extrusion in place. The invention further relates to a method of producing an automotive vehicle assembly wherein a bead of the polymer composition is directly applied onto a surface of a vehicle component by means of an applicator, preferably a pump or an extruder, more preferably a pneumatic- or electric driven piston gun and optionally dispensing equipment. After immersing the vehicle component with the applied bead on its surface in one or more liquid baths and subsequently removing from said baths, the polymer composition is heated to an elevated temperature to induce curing and volume expansion of the polymer composition providing a cured foam with a low foam density.

[0003] In a conventional manufacturing process of automobiles, in a first step, a curable and pumpable adhesive is applied to the surface of a substrate of a vehicle in its uncured state e.g. by means of a robot, optionally at intermediate temperatures that are not high enough to induce curing (extrusion temperature). In a second step, the substrate may be assembled with a counter substrate and mechanically fastened or welded along a bond line to lock the two substrates in place. The curable and pumpable adhesive is then located as a film, strip, or the like between the substrate to which it has been applied and the counter substrate. In a third step, the vehicle body with the mechanically fastened or welded substrates is subjected to a series of sprays and baths for cleaning purposes, i.e. to remove oil and / or dirt, and / or for anti-corrosion purposes, i.e. to apply suitable coatings for corrosion prevention (e-coat). In a fourth step, the thus treated and coated vehicle body is subjected to high temperatures in a bake oven which induce curing of the adhesive (curing temperature) thereby adhering the two substrates to one another.

[0004] Heat activatable, volume expandable and curable polymer composition that are used on baffles or carriers are known from the prior art. In this regard, reference can be made to, e.g., US 2018 0355138 Al, US 2019 0031853 Al, US 2020 0317881 Al, US 2017 0204238 Al, WO 2021 156315 Al, and US 2022 0056255 Al.

[0005] Heat activatable, volume expandable and curable polymer composition that can be applied to substrates by pumping or extrusion are also known from the prior art.

[0006] WO 2012 / 041513 Al relates to a foamable adhesive system which can achieve necessary adhesion to an oily surface and which is not tacky to the touch once applied to the surface and has a melt viscosity in the bake phase high enough to retain its shape and adhesion to the substrate and in addition a melt viscosity sufficiently high to retain gas bubbles formed by the decomposition of the blowing agent and which also retains its shape and structure once formed by use of a polymer system containing a thixotropic filler and a two compartment (component) cross linking system.

[0007] WO 2016 / 079288 Al relates to applying heat activatable adhesive to a substrate, the adhesive is solid at ambient temperature and can be melted at a temperature below its heat activation temperature wherein the adhesive formulation is supplied to a hot melt applicator where it is heated to above its melting point and below its activation temperature and the melt viscosity of the molten adhesive is controlled so that it can be ejected from the hot melt applicator onto a substrate to provide a coherent bead that adheres to the substrate and is dry to the touch on cooling and upon activation the adhesive is capable of expanding with a volume expansion greater than about 250 %.

[0008] WO 2020 / 212211 Al relates to a thermally expendable preparation pumpable at application temperatures in the range from 50°C to 120°C, containing at least one polymer selected from binary copolymers containing at least one monomer unit selected from vinyl acetate, (meth)acrylic acids, styrene and derivatives thereof and terpolymers based on at least one first monomer selected from monounsaturated or polyunsaturated hydrocarbons and at least one second monomer selected from (meth)acrylic acids and derivatives thereof and at least one third monomer selected from epoxy-func- tionalized (meth)acrylates, and also combinations of the first two; at least one liquid polymer selected from liquid hydrocarbon resins, liquid polyolefins and liquid polymers based on one or more diene monomers; at least one peroxide; at least one thermally activatable blowing agent and at least one adhesion promoter.

[0009] WO 2022 / 069532 Al relates to a pumpable thermally foaming filler compositions based on combinations of a liquid epoxy resin and a polyvinyl chloride resin and / or an acrylic resin powder and at least one alkali metal salt of a fatty acid containing 16 C-atoms or 18 C-atoms, wherein the alkali metal is calcium or zinc.

[0010] WO 2024 / 052276 Al relates to a curable and preferably polymer composition that is useful as a sealant, an adhesive (e.g., structural adhesive), a reinforcement, a dampener, a sound absorber or any combination thereof. The composition preferably comprises one or more ethylene polymers, tackifier, curing agent, and rheology modifier.

[0011] The heat activatable, volume expandable and curable polymer compositions of the prior art are not satisfactory in every respect.

[0012] A curable and pumpable adhesive needs to satisfy certain requirements with respect to rheology at different temperatures and also with respect to resistance against wash-off At low temperatures a curable and pumpable adhesive should have good pumpability. At intermediate temperatures a curableand pumpable adhesive should have the appropriate rheology to prevent wash-off but should not cure prematurely. In its uncured state, the curable and pumpable adhesive needs to tolerate the intermediate temperature without curing, and to withstand the subsequent exposure to high volumes of water and other liquids during the third step. If the curable and pumpable adhesive fails to withstand the above conditions, it will wash-off the vehicle body during the third step. The washed-off material not only contaminates the baths, but is often redeposited onto the surface of the vehicle body in a different area where it is not desired, e.g. because this would cause paint defects. At high temperatures the curable and pumpable adhesive, which may be regarded as a thermoplastic material prior to and while it is being applied to an article, e.g., prior to curing) should cure thereby becoming a thermoset material.

[0013] Such rheological profile is difficult to achieve, because viscosity of most liquids strongly depends upon temperature and typically exponentially increases as temperature decreases (Andrade equation, p = AeB / T).

[0014] As several conventional curable and pumpable adhesives do not pass the wash-off test, it has been suggested to improve wash-off resistance by means of a precuring step, which is typically achieved by heating the assemblies for about 15 minutes at a temperature of about 160°C, before they are subjected to spraying and coating steps, i.e. exposed to liquids. Precuring does not finally cure the adhesive but causes an increase of viscosity due to partial curing thereby improving wash-off resistance. However, such precuring is disadvantageous because it requires an additional treatment step, extends time of manufacture, and consumes additional energy. Further, it is difficult to control the degree of curing, as the material should maintain residual curability when it will finally be exposed to high temperatures again (curing temperature). Further, when the material is expandable, it is difficult to avoid premature volume expansion during precuring (activation temperature). Thus, it would be desirable to provide curable and pumpable adhesives that pass the wash-off test without requiring preceding precuring.

[0015] Further problems arise when the surface of the substrate, e.g. metal and / or polymeric panel or other article, to which the curable and pumpable adhesive is applied, is oily or contains some other surface contaminant. The oil or other contaminant may have a negative impact on adhesion of the uncured adhesive and thus deteriorate its wash-off resistance. It would thus be desirable to provide curable and pumpable adhesives that can tolerate oily or other contaminated surfaces while maintaining wash- off resistance and also providing satisfactory adhesive properties after curing. Some conventional curable and pumpable adhesives provide satisfactory adhesion to oily or other contaminant-containing surfaces of substrates only when the substrates are heated to temperatures of typically more than 70°C (substrate temperature). It would be desirable to provide curable and pumpable adhesives that provide satisfactory adhesion to oily or otherwise contaminated surfaces of substrates, e.g. metal and or polymeric panels, without requiring heating the substrates, or merely requiring heating the substrates to lower temperatures of e.g. less than 55°C (substrate temperature). It would be desirable to provide curable and pumpable adhesives that provide satisfactory adhesion to oily or otherwise contaminated surfaces ofsubstrates in a process that is free of any surface treatment step for the substrate (e.g., the process excludes any step of plasma treatment, flame spray, heating above 55°C or the like).

[0016] Particular problems may arise when the substrates to which the curable and pumpable adhesives have been applied are not assembled with a counter substrate before they are subjected to a series of sprays and baths. Under these circumstances, the applied curable and pumpable adhesives are not protected by a sandwich assembly (i.e. at the interface between substrate and counter substrate), but instead on one side are fully exposed to the bath liquids due to the missing counter substrate. Situations where a counter substrate is missing are relevant in vehicle manufacture, e.g. when the curable and pumpable adhesive is volume expandable upon heat activation in order to fdl a cavity. The curable and pumpable adhesive is then applied to the inner surface of a substrate that forms / surrounds the cavity, but no counter substrate is applied thereon.

[0017] Once the assembly is subjected to high temperature (curing temperature), the curable and pumpable adhesive cures and simultaneously expands its volume (activation temperature) thereby fdling the cavity. As a consequence of volume expansion, the adhesive material comes into contact with the opposite side of the cavity and adheres thereto. In the intermediate state, i.e. prior to any expansion and / or curing, however, the applied curable and pumpable adhesive is fully exposed to bath liquids when the assembly is subjected to corresponding treatment steps. Other relevant applications with or without a counter substrate (and to which the subject of the present teachings is directed) include but are not limited to lower or upper outer section of A pillar, lower or upper outer section of B pillar, lower or upper outer section of C pillar, lower or upper outer section of D pillar, rails, roof bows, cross-beams, battery supports, battery frames, one or more junctions between reinforcements and / or baffles and another vehicle component (e.g., exterior skins, doors or other closures, roof, hoods, floors, truck beds, and trunks). For the above, under some conditions, e.g., in the absence of a counter substrate, it is significantly more difficult to achieve wash-off resistance.

[0018] It is an object of the invention to provide improved heat activatable, volume expandable and curable polymer compositions that can be applied to substrates by pumping and / or extrusion. Preferably, the polymer composition should have one or more, preferably all of the following properties:(i) in the state before application to a substrate:- non-tacky to the touch under ambient conditions; and- pumpable and / or extrudable at an elevated temperature but without premature activation of curing and volume expansion;(ii) in the state after application to a substrate but before activation of curing and volume expansion:- non-tacky to the touch under ambient conditions;- stackable under ambient conditions;- wash-off resistant;- low activation temperature for curing and volume expansion;(iii) in the state after application to a substrate and after activation of curing and volume expansion:- high degree of volume expansion;- low odor formation;- good foam stability;- good sealing, adhesion, reinforcement, dampening, and / or sound absorption.

[0019] One or more of the above objects have been achieved by the subject-matter of the patent claims.Polymer composition:

[0020] A first aspect of the invention relates to a heat activatable, volume expandable and curable polymer composition for use as a sealant, an adhesive, a reinforcement, a dampener, and / or a sound absorber, which contains- one or more curable polymers, preferably free-radically curable polymers;- one or more heat activatable curatives, preferably heat activatable radical initiators; and- one or more heat activatable blowing agents at a total content sufficient to achieve upon heat activation, relative to the volume of the polymer composition prior to heat activation, a volume expansion of the polymer composition of at least about 1100 vol.-%, preferably determined at 165°C / 30 minutes total time, more preferably 165°C / 20 minutes total time.

[0021] Preferably, the total content of the one or more blowing agents is sufficient to achieve upon heat activation, relative to the volume of the polymer composition prior to heat activation, a volume expansion of the polymer composition of at least about 1150 vol.-%, preferably at least 1200 vol.-%, preferably at least 1250 vol.-%, more preferably at least 1300 vol.-%, more preferably at least 1350 vol.-%, still more preferably at least 1400 vol.-%, still more preferably at least 1450 vol.-%, even more preferably at least 1500 vol.-%, even more preferably at least 1550 vol.-%, most preferably at least 1600 vol.- %, utmost preferably at least 1650 vol.-%, and in particular at least 1700 vol.-%, determined at 165°C / 30 minutes total time.

[0022] The polymer composition according to the invention is particularly useful for application by extrusion in place.

[0023] The polymer composition according to the invention combines optimized chemistry with the capability of a fully automated application process. The polymer composition may be extruded and applied directly onto a substrate by robotic application. The polymer composition offers good wash-off resistance and is preferably formulated to be dry-to-the-touch immediately after being extruded onto the substrate, which leads to improved handling and enables to stack or nest several parts, resulting in minimized packaging costs. The polymer composition according to the invention is preferably dry-to-touch and preferably provides versatile design capability, superior green state adhesion and good wash-off resistance. It offers a high level of repeatability for applications of varying complexity, improved acoustic and sealing performance, improved handling, and minimized packaging costs. The polymer compo-sition provides superior uncured state adhesion to a wide range of substrates and adheres to most substrates while improving acoustic and sealing performance.

[0024] When desirable, the polymer composition according to the invention may provide high volume expansion over a broad temperature range. It is ideal for long, narrow gaps and cavities and preferably allows for application with conventional pumping equipment. It eliminates tooling costs, can be automatically applied, and provides flexibility after body design changes. It can be used as a pumpable baffle that is applicable in the automotive body shop and is ideal for automated application in areas requiring a narrow cavity or gap filling. Once cured, it offers excellent adhesion to oily and e-coated body panels, including all of the main substrates used in the automotive industry - cold-rolled, galvanized (hot dipped and electroplated) and galvanneal steel, as well as automotive grades of aluminum. The polymer composition according to the invention also maintains its adhesion properties through a range of aging and weathering test conditions.

[0025] Preferably, the one or more blowing agents comprise or essentially consist of one or more chemical blowing agents; preferably(i) one or more exothermic chemical blowing agents; more preferably selected from azodicarbonamide, dinitroso pentamethylene tetramine, 4,4’oxy-bis-(benzene-sulfonyl hydrazide), trihy- drazino triazine, N,N’-dimethyl-N,N’-dinitroso terephthalamide, and mixtures thereof; still more preferably azodicarbonamide and / or 4,4’oxy-bis-(benzene-sulfonyl hydrazide); and / or(ii) one or more endothermic chemical blowing agents; more preferably selected from carbonates and bicarbonates; still more preferably sodium bicarbonate.

[0026] Preferably, the one or more blowing agents comprise or essentially consist of one or more physical blowing agents; preferably expandable microspheres.

[0027] Preferably, the activation temperature (decomposition temperature) of the one or more blowing agents is at least about 100°C, preferably at least 110°C, more preferably at least 120°C, still more preferably at least 130°C, yet more preferably at least 140°C, even more preferably at least 150°C, most preferably at least 160°C, and in particular at least 170°C.

[0028] Preferably, the activation temperature (decomposition temperature) of the one or more blowing agents is at most about 210°C, preferably at most 200°C, more preferably at most 190°C, still more preferably at most 180°C, yet more preferably at most 170°C, even more preferably at most 160°C, most preferably at most 150°C, and in particular at most 140°C.

[0029] The activation temperature (decomposition temperature) of one and the same blowing agent can be adjusted by various methods such as micronization and by suitable activators. Various blowing agents and masterbatches having different activation temperatures are commercially available, e.g.:

[0030] Preferably, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of the one or more blowing agents is at least about 3.0 wt.-%, preferably at least 3.5 wt.-%, more preferably at least 4.0 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 4.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably at least 5.0 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 5.5 wt.-%, most preferably at least 6.0 wt.-%, and in particular at least 6.5 wt.-%.

[0031] Preferably, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of the one or more blowing agents is at least about 7.0 wt.-%, preferably at least 7.5 wt.-%, more preferably at least 8.0 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 8.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably at least 9.0 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 9.5 wt.-%, most preferably at least 10.0 wt.-%, and in particular at least 10.5 wt.-%.

[0032] Preferably, the polymer composition contains one or more blowing agent accelerators; preferably zinc oxide.

[0033] Preferably, the total weight content of the one or more blowing agent accelerators is lower than the total weight content of the one or more blowing agents.

[0034] Preferably, the one or more blowing agents comprise or essentially consist of azodicarbonamide, wherein the polymer composition additionally comprises zinc oxide, and wherein the relative weight ratio of azodicarbonamide to zinc oxide is at least about 2 : 1; preferably at least 4 : 1; more preferably at least 6 : 1; still more preferably at least 8 : 1, yet more preferably at least 10 : 1, even more preferably at least 12 : 1, most preferably at least 14 : 1, and in particular at least 16 : 1.

[0035] Preferably, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the overall content of the one or more curable polymers, preferably free -radically curable polymers is at least 40 wt.-%, preferably at least 42.5 wt.-%, more preferably at least 45 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 47.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably at least 50 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 52.5 wt.-%, most preferably at least 55 wt.- %, and in particular at least 57.5 wt.-%.

[0036] Preferably, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the overall content of the one or more curable polymers, preferably free-radically curable polymers is at most 77.5 wt.-%, prefer-ably at most 75 wt.-%, more preferably at most 72.5 wt.-%, still more preferably at most 70 wt.-%, yet more preferably at most 67.5 wt.-%, even more preferably at most 65 wt.-%, most preferably at most 62.5 wt.-%, and in particular at most 60 wt.-%.

[0037] Preferably, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the overall content of the one or more curable polymers, preferably free-radically curable polymers is within the range of 60±20 wt.-%, preferably 60±17.5 wt.-%, more preferably 60±15 wt.-%, still more preferably 60±12.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably 60±10 wt.-%, even more preferably 60±7.5 wt.-%, most preferably 60±5.0 wt.-%, and in particular preferably 60±2.5 wt.-%.

[0038] In preferred embodiments, the one or more curable polymers, preferably free-radically curable polymers, comprise(i) one or more thermoplastic high MFI polymers independently of one another having- a MFI at 190°C / 2. 16 kg according to ISO 1133 of at least about 100 g / 10 min, preferably at least 125 g / 10 min, more preferably at least 150 g / 10 min, still more preferably at least 175 g / 10 min, yet more preferably at least 200 g / 10 min, even more preferably at least 225 g / 10 min, most preferably at least 250 g / 10 min, and in particular at least 275 g / 10 min; and- a melting point according to ISO 11357-3 of at most about 96°C, preferably at most 93°C, more preferably at most 90°C, still more preferably at most 87°C, yet more preferably at most 84°C, even more preferably at most 81°C, most preferably at most 78°C, and in particular at most 75°C; and(ii) one or more thermoplastic low MFI polymers independently of one another having- a MFI at 190°C / 2. 16 kg according to ISO 1133 of at most about 85 g / 10 min, preferably at most 80 g / 10 min, more preferably at most 75 g / 10 min, still more preferably at most 70 g / 10 min, yet more preferably at most 65 g / 10 min, even more preferably at most 60 g / 10 min, most preferably at most 55 g / 10 min, and in particular at most 50 g / 10 min; and- a melting point according to ISO 11357-3 of at most about 96°C, preferably at most 93°C, more preferably at most 90°C, still more preferably at most 87°C, yet more preferably at most 84°C, even more preferably at most 81°C, most preferably at most 78°C, and in particular at most 75°C.

[0039] Preferably, the one or more thermoplastic high MFI polymers comprise an ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer.

[0040] Preferably, the one or more thermoplastic high MFI polymers comprise an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer.

[0041] Preferably, the one or more thermoplastic low MFI polymers comprise an ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer.

[0042] Preferably, the one or more thermoplastic low MFI polymers comprise an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer.

[0043] Preferably, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of the one or more thermoplastic high MFI polymers is within the range of about 25±22.5 wt.-%, preferably 25±20 wt.-%, more preferably 25±17.5 wt.-%, still more preferably 25±15 wt.-%, yet more preferably 25±12.5 wt.-%, even more preferably 25±10 wt.-%, most preferably 25±7.5 wt.-%, and in particular 25±5.0 wt.- 0 / / o.

[0044] Preferably, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of the one or more thermoplastic low MFI polymers is within the range of about 25±22.5 wt.-%, preferably 25±20 wt.-%, more preferably 25±17.5 wt.-%, still more preferably 25±15 wt.-%, yet more preferably 25±12.5 wt.-%, even more preferably 25±10 wt.-%, most preferably 25±7.5 wt.-%, and in particular 25±5.0 wt.- 0 / / o.

[0045] Preferably, the one or more curable polymers, preferably free-radically curable polymers comprise(a) one or more thermoplastic homopolymers; preferably independently of one another derived from monomers selected from ethylene, propylene, butadiene, styrene, acrylonitrile, vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, vinyl acetate, (meth)acrylic acid, and alkyl (meth)acrylates; more preferably one or more homopolymers selected from polyvinyl chlorides, polyalkyl(meth)acrylates, and poly (meth)acrylic acid; and / or(b) one or more thermoplastic copolymers; preferably independently of one another derived from two monomers independently of one another selected from ethylene, propylene, butadiene, styrene, acrylonitrile, vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, vinyl acetate, (meth)acrylic acid, and alkyl (meth)acrylates; more preferably one or more copolymers selected from ethylene -alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers [preferably selected from ethylene -methyl (meth)acrylate copolymers, functionalized ethylene methyl (meth)acrylate copolymers, ethylene-ethyl (meth)acrylate copolymers, functionalized eth- ylene-ethyl (meth)acrylate copolymers, ethylene -propyl (meth)acrylate copolymers, functionalized ethylene-propyl (meth)acrylate copolymers, ethylene-butyl (meth)acrylate copolymers, functionalized ethylene -butyl (meth)acrylate copolymers, ethylene-2-ethylhexyl (meth)acrylate copolymers, functionalized ethylene-2 -ethylhexyl (meth)acrylate copolymers, and ethylene (meth)acrylic acid copolymers], ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, functionalized ethylene -vinyl acetate copolymers, styrene-butadiene block copolymers, and styrene-isoprene block copolymers; and / or(c) one or more thermoplastic terpolymers;preferably independently of one another derived from three monomers independently of one another selected from ethylene, propylene, butadiene, styrene, acrylonitrile, vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, vinyl acetate, (meth)acrylic acid, alkyl (meth)acrylates, and glycidyl(meth)acrylates; more preferably one or more terpolymers selected from ethylene -alkyl (meth)acrylate-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers.

[0046] Preferably, the one or more curable polymers, preferably free-radically curable polymers comprise one or more polymers having a melt index determined at 190°C, 2.16 kg according to ASTM DI 238 of at most 10 g / 10 min, preferably at most 9.0 g / 10 min, more preferably at most 8.0 g / 10 min, still more preferably at most 7.0 g / 10 min, yet more preferably at most 6.0 g / 10 min, even more preferably at most 5.0 g / 10 min, most preferably at most 4.0 g / 10 min, and in particular at most 3.0 g / 10 min.

[0047] Preferably, the one or more curable polymers, preferably free-radically curable polymers comprise one or more polymers having a melt index determined at 190°C, 2.16 kg according to ASTM D1238 within the range of 50±36 g / 10 min, preferably 50±32 g / 10 min, more preferably 50±28 g / 10 min, still more preferably 50±24 g / 14 min, yet more preferably 50±20 g / 10 min, even more preferably 50±16 g / 10 min, most preferably 50±12 g / 10 min, and in particular 50±8 g / 10 min.

[0048] Preferably, the one or more curable polymers, preferably free-radically curable polymers comprise one or more polymers having a melt index determined at 190°C, 2.16 kg according to ASTM D1238 of at least 90 g / 10 min, preferably at least 120 g / 10 min, more preferably at least 150 g / 10 min, still more preferably at least 180 g / 10 min, yet more preferably at least 210 g / 10 min, even more preferably at least 240 g / 10 min, most preferably at least 270 g / 10 min, and in particular at least 300 g / 10 min.

[0049] In preferred embodiments, the one or more curable polymers, preferably free-radically curable polymers comprise one or more solid polymers; preferably polymers having a melting point according to ISO 11357-3 above 23°C.

[0050] Preferably, the one or more solid polymers independently of one another have a melting point according to ISO 11357-3 within the range of from 60 to 120°C, preferably 60 to 100°C.

[0051] Preferably, the one or more solid polymers independently of one another have a VICAT softening point according to ISO 306 within the range of from 60 to 120°C, preferably 60 to 100°C.

[0052] Preferably, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of the one or more solid polymers is at least 37.5 wt.-%, preferably at least 40 wt.-%, more preferably at least 42.5 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 45 wt.-%, yet more preferably at least 47.5 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 50 wt.-%, most preferably at least 52.5 wt.-%, and in particular at least 55 wt.-%.

[0053] Preferably, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of the one or more solid polymers is at most 77.5 wt.-%, preferably at most 75 wt.-%, more preferably at most 72.5 wt.-%, still more preferably at most 70 wt.-%, yet more preferably at most 67.5 wt.-%, even more preferably at most 65 wt.-%, most preferably at most 62.5 wt.-%, and in particular at most 60 wt.-%.

[0054] Preferably, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of the one or more solid polymers is within the range of 60±20 wt.-%, preferably 60±17.5 wt.-%, more preferably 60±15 wt.-%, still more preferably 60±12.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably 60±10 wt.-%, even more preferably 60±7.5 wt.-%, most preferably 60±5.0 wt.-%, and in particular preferably 60±2.5 wt.-%.

[0055] In preferred embodiments, the one or more curable polymers, preferably free-radically curable polymers comprise one or more liquid polymers; preferably polymers having a melting point according to ISO 11357-3 below 23°C; more preferably selected from liquid hydrocarbon resins, liquid polyolefins, liquid polymers derived from one or more diene monomers, and liquid epoxy resins; more preferably selected from liquid hydrocarbon resins, liquid polyisobutylene, liquid butadiene isoprene copolymers, and liquid epoxy resins.

[0056] Preferably, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of the one or more liquid polymers is at most 45 wt.-%, preferably at most 40 wt.-%, more preferably at most 35 wt.-%, still more preferably at most 30 wt.-%, yet more preferably at most 25 wt.-%, even more preferably at most 20 wt.-%, most preferably at most 15 wt.-%, and in particular at most 10 wt.-%.

[0057] In preferred embodiments, the polymer composition comprises(i) one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers, preferably ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymers; preferably independently of one another having a melting point according to ISO 11357-3 of at most about 100°C;(ii) one or more ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers; preferably independently of one another having a melting point according to ISO 11357-3 of at most about 100°C; and(iii) one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers, preferably ethylene-butyl acrylate -glycidyl methacrylate terpolymers; preferably independently of one another having a melting point according to ISO 3146 of at most about 100°C.

[0058] In preferred embodiments, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the polymer composition comprises(i) about 12 to 38 wt.-% of one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers, preferably ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymers independently of one another having a melting point according to ISO 11357-3 of at most about 100°C;(ii) about 14 to 40 wt.-% of one or more ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers independently of one another having a melting point according to ISO 11357-3 of at most about 100°C; and(iii) about 2.5 to 20 wt.-% of one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers, preferably ethylene-butyl acrylate -glycidyl methacrylate terpolymers independently of one another having a melting point according to ISO 3146 of at most about 100°C.

[0059] Preferably, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the overall content of one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers (preferably ethylene -butyl acrylate copolymers), one or more ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, and one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers (preferably ethylene-butyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate terpolymers) of at least about 42 wt.-%, preferably at least 44 wt.-%, more preferably at least 46 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 48 wt.-%, yet more preferably at least 50 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 52 wt.-%, most preferably at least 54 wt.-%, and in particular at least 56 wt.-%.

[0060] Preferably, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the overall content of one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers (preferably ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymers), one or more ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, and one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers (preferably ethylene-butyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate terpolymers) is at least about 74 wt.-%, preferably at most 72 wt.-%, more preferably at most 70 wt.-%, still more preferably at most 68 wt.-%, yet more preferably at most 66 wt.-%, even more preferably at most 64 wt.-%, most preferably at most 62 wt.-%, and in particular at most 60 wt.-%.

[0061] Preferably, the polymer composition comprises one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers, preferably ethylene butyl acrylate copolymers independently of one another having a melting point according to ISO 11357-3 of at most about 96°C, preferably at most 93°C, more preferably at most 90°C, still more preferably at most 87°C, yet more preferably at most 84°C, even more preferably at most 81°C, most preferably at most 78°C, and in particular at most 75°C.

[0062] Preferably, the polymer composition comprises one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers comprising or essentially consisting of one or more ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymers.

[0063] Preferably, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers, preferably ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymers, is at least about 14 wt.-%, preferably at least 16 wt.-%, more preferably at least 18 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 20 wt.-%, yet more preferably at least 22 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 24 wt.-%, most preferably at least 26 wt.-%, and in particular at least 28 wt.-%.

[0064] Preferably, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers, preferably ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymers, is at most about 37 wt.-%, preferably at most 36 wt.-%, more preferably at most 35 wt.-%, still more preferably at most 34 wt.-%, yet more preferably at most 33 wt.-%, even more preferably at most 32 wt.-%, most preferably at most 31 wt.-%, and in particular at most 30 wt.-%.

[0065] Preferably, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers, preferably ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymers, is within the range of 30±20 wt.-%, preferably 30±17.5 wt.-%, more preferably 30±15 wt.-%, still more preferably 30±12.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably 30±10 wt.-%, even more preferably 30±7.5 wt.-%, most preferably 30±5.0 wt.-%, and in particular 30±2.5 wt.-%.

[0066] Preferably, the polymer composition comprises one or more ethylene -alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers comprising or essentially consisting of an ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer, preferably ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymer, having a melting point within the range of about 66±16°C, preferably 66±14°C, more preferably 66±12°C, still more preferably 66±10°C, yet more preferably 66±8°C, even more preferably 66±6°C, most preferably 66±4°C, and in particular 66±2°C.

[0067] Preferably, the polymer composition comprises one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers comprising or essentially consisting of an ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer, preferably ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymer, having an alkyl (meth)acrylate content within the range of about 35±16 wt.-%, preferably 35±14 wt.-%, more preferably 35±12 wt.-%, still more preferably 35±10 wt.- %, yet more preferably 35±8 wt.-%, even more preferably 35±6 wt.-%, most preferably 35±4 wt.-%, and in particular 35±2 wt.-%.

[0068] Preferably, the polymer composition comprises one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers comprising or essentially consisting of an ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer, preferably ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymer, having a VICAT softening temperature according to ISO 306 of at most about 75 °C, preferably at most 70°C, more preferably at most 65 °C, still more preferably at most 60°C, yet more preferably at most 55°C, even more preferably at most 50°C, most preferably at most 45 °C, and in particular at most 40°C.

[0069] Preferably, the polymer composition comprises one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers comprising or essentially consisting of an ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer, preferably ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymer, having a MFI at 190°C / 2.16 kg according to ISO 1133 within the range of about 40±38 g / 10 min, preferably 40±34 g / 10 min, more preferably 40±30 g / 10 min, still more preferably 40±26 g / 10 min, yet more preferably 40±22 g / 10 min, even more preferably 40±18 g / 10 min, most preferably 40±14 g / 10 min, and in particular 40±10 g / 10 min.

[0070] Preferably, the polymer composition comprises one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers comprising or essentially consisting of an ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer, preferably ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymer, having a MFI at 190°C / 2.16 kg according to ISO 1133 within the range of about 320±300 g / 10 min, preferably 320±270 g / 10 min, more preferably 320±240 g / 10 min, still more preferably 320±210 g / 10 min, yet more preferably 320±180 g / 10 min, even more preferably 320±150 g / 10 min, most preferably 320±120 g / 10 min, and in particular 320±90 g / 10 min.

[0071] In preferred embodiments, the polymer composition comprises(i) a first ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer, preferably ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymer, having a melting point within the range of about 66±16°C, preferably 66±14°C, more preferably 66±12°C, still more preferably 66±10°C, yet more preferably 66±8°C, even more preferably 66±6°C, most preferably 66±4°C, and in particular 66±2°C; and(ii) a second ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer, preferably ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymer, having a melting point within the range of about 66±16°C, preferably 66±14°C, more preferably66±12°C, still more preferably 66±10°C, yet more preferably 66±8°C, even more preferably 66±6°C, most preferably 66±4°C, and in particular 66±2°C; wherein the first ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer has a greater MFI at 190°C / 2.16 kg according to ISO 1133 than the second ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer.

[0072] Preferably, the first ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer has a MFI at 190°C / 2.16 kg according to ISO 1133 within the range of about 320±300 g / 10 min, preferably 320±270 g / 10 min, more preferably 320±240 g / 10 min, still more preferably 320±210 g / 10 min, yet more preferably 320±180 g / 10 min, even more preferably 320±150 g / 10 min, most preferably 320±120 g / 10 min, and in particular 320±90 g / 10 min.

[0073] Preferably, the first ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, has a content within the range of 22±20 wt.-%, preferably 22±17.5 wt.-%, more preferably 22±15 wt.-%, still more preferably 22±12.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably 22±10 wt.-%, even more preferably 22±7.5 wt.-%, most preferably 22±5.0 wt.-%, and in particular 22±2.5 wt.-%.

[0074] Preferably, the first ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer, has an alkyl (meth)acrylate content within the range of about 35±16 wt.-%, preferably 35±14 wt.-%, more preferably 35±12 wt.-%, still more preferably 35±10 wt.-%, yet more preferably 35±8 wt.-%, even more preferably 35±6 wt.-%, most preferably 35±4 wt.-%, and in particular 35±2 wt.-%.

[0075] Preferably, the second ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer has a MFI at 190°C / 2.16 kg according to ISO 1133 within the range of about 40±38 g / 10 min, preferably 40±34 g / 10 min, more preferably 40±30 g / 10 min, still more preferably 40±26 g / 10 min, yet more preferably 40±22 g / 10 min, even more prefer-ably 40±18 g / 10 min, most preferably 40±14 g / 10 min, and in particular 40±10 g / 10 min.

[0076] Preferably, the second ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, has a content within the range of 22±20 wt.-%, preferably 22±17.5 wt.-%, more preferably 22±15 wt.-%, still more preferably 22±12.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably 22±10 wt.-%, even more preferably 22±7.5 wt.-%, most preferably 22±5.0 wt.-%, and in particular 22±2.5 wt.-%.

[0077] Preferably, the second ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer has an alkyl (meth)acrylate content within the range of about 35±16 wt.-%, preferably 35±14 wt.-%, more preferably 35±12 wt.-%, still more preferably 35±10 wt.-%, yet more preferably 35±8 wt.-%, even more preferably 35±6 wt.-%, most preferably 35±4 wt.-%, and in particular 35±2 wt.-%.

[0078] Preferably, the polymer composition comprises one or more ethylene -vinyl acetate copolymers independently of one another having a melting point according to ISO 11357-3 of at most about 96°C, preferably at most 93°C, more preferably at most 90°C, still more preferably at most 87°C, yet more preferably at most 84°C, even more preferably at most 81°C, most preferably at most 78°C, and in particular at most 75 °C.

[0079] Preferably, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of one or more ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers is at least about 15 wt.-%, preferably at least 16 wt.-%, more preferably at least 17 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 18 wt.-%, yet more preferably at least 19 wt.- %, even more preferably at least 20 wt.-%, most preferably at least 21 wt.-%, and in particular at least 22 wt.-%.

[0080] Preferably, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of one or more ethylene -vinyl acetate copolymers is at most about 38 wt.-%, preferably at most 36 wt.-%, more preferably at most 34 wt.-%, still more preferably at most 32 wt.-%, yet more preferably at most 30 wt.- %, even more preferably at most 28 wt.-%, most preferably at most 26 wt.-%, and in particular at most 24 wt.-%.

[0081] Preferably, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of one or more ethylene -vinyl acetate copolymers is within the range of 25±20 wt.-%, preferably 25±17.5 wt.-%, more preferably 25±15 wt.-%, still more preferably 25±12.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably 25±10 wt.-%, even more preferably 25±7.5 wt.-%, most preferably 25±5.0 wt.-%, and in particular 25±2.5 wt.-%.

[0082] Preferably, the polymer composition comprises one or more ethylene -vinyl acetate copolymers comprising or essentially consisting of an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer having a melting point within the range of about 72±16°C, preferably 72±14°C, more preferably 72±12°C, still more preferably 72±10°C, yet more preferably 72±8°C, even more preferably 72±6°C, most preferably 72±4°C, and in particular 72±2°C.

[0083] Preferably, the polymer composition comprises one or more ethylene -vinyl acetate copolymers comprising or essentially consisting of an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer having a vinyl acetate content within the range of about 28±16 wt.-%, preferably 28±14 wt.-%, more preferably 28±12 wt.-%, still more preferably 28±10 wt.-%, yet more preferably 28±8 wt.-%, even more preferably 28±6 wt.-%, most preferably 28±4 wt.-%, and in particular 28±2 wt.-%.

[0084] Preferably, the polymer composition comprises one or more ethylene -vinyl acetate copolymers comprising or essentially consisting of an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer having a VICAT softening temperature according to ISO 306 of at most about 75°C, preferably at most 70°C, more preferably at most 65°C, still more preferably at most 60°C, yet more preferably at most 55°C, even more preferably at most 50°C, most preferably at most 45°C, and in particular at most 40°C.

[0085] Preferably, the polymer composition comprises one or more ethylene -vinyl acetate copolymers comprising or essentially consisting of an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer having a MFI at 190°C / 2.16 kg according to ISO 1133 within the range of about 6.0±4.5 g / 10 min, preferably 6.0±4.0 g / 10 min, more preferably 6.0±3.5 g / 10 min, still more preferably 6.0±3.0 g / 10 min, yet more preferably 6.0±2.5 g / 10 min, even more preferably 6.0±2.0 g / 10 min, most preferably 6.0±1.5 g / 10 min, and in particular 6.0±1.0 g / 10 min.

[0086] In preferred embodiments, the polymer composition comprises(i) a first ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer having a melting point within the range of about 63± 16°C, preferably 63±14°C, more preferably 63±12°C, still more preferably 63±10°C, yet more preferably 63±8°C, even more preferably 63±6°C, most preferably 63±4°C, and in particular 63±2°C; and(ii) a second ethylene -vinyl acetate copolymer having a melting point within the range of about 72±16°C, preferably 72±14°C, more preferably 72±12°C, still more preferably 72±10°C, yet more preferably 72±8°C, even more preferably 72±6°C, most preferably 72±4°C, and in particular 72±2°C; wherein the first ethylene -vinyl acetate copolymer has a greater MFI at 190°C / 2. 16 kg according to ISO 1133 than the second ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer.

[0087] Preferably, the first ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer has a MFI at 190°C / 2. 16 kg according to ISO 1133 within the range of about 800±750 g / 10 min, preferably 800±700 g / 10 min, more preferably 800±600 g / 10 min, still more preferably 800±500 g / 10 min, yet more preferably 800±400 g / 10 min, even more preferably 800±300 g / 10 min, most preferably 800±200 g / 10 min, and in particular 800±100 g / 10 min.

[0088] Preferably, the first ethylene -vinyl acetate copolymer, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, has a content within the range of 4.0±3.9 wt.-%, preferably 4.0±3.5 wt.-%, more preferably 4.0±3.0 wt.-%, still more preferably 4.0±2.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably 4.0±2.0 wt.-%, even more preferably 4.0±1.5 wt.-%, most preferably 4.0±1.0 wt.-%, and in particular 4.0±0.5 wt.-%.

[0089] Preferably, the first ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer has a vinyl acetate content within the range of about 28±16 wt.-%, preferably 28±14 wt.-%, more preferably 28±12 wt.-%, still more preferably 28±10 wt.-%, yet more preferably 28±8 wt.-%, even more preferably 28±6 wt.-%, most preferably 28±4 wt.-%, and in particular 28±2 wt.-%.

[0090] Preferably, the second ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer has a MFI at 190°C / 2.16 kg according to ISO 1133 within the range of about 5.0±4.5 g / 10 min, preferably 5.0±4.0 g / 10 min, more preferably 5.0±3.5 g / 10 min, still more preferably 5.0±3.0 g / 10 min, yet more preferably 5.0±2.5 g / 10 min, even more preferably 5.0±2.0 g / 10 min, most preferably 5.0±1.5 g / 10 min, and in particular 5.0± 1.0 g / 10 min.

[0091] Preferably, the second ethylene -vinyl acetate copolymer, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, has a content within the range of 4.0±3.9 wt.-%, preferably 4.0±3.5 wt.-%, more preferably 4.0±3.0 wt.-%, still more preferably 4.0±2.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably 4.0±2.0 wt.-%, even more preferably 4.0±1.5 wt.-%, most preferably 4.0±1.0 wt.-%, and in particular 4.0±0.5 wt.-%.

[0092] Preferably, the second ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer has a vinyl acetate content within the range of about 28±16 wt.-%, preferably 28±14 wt.-%, more preferably 28±12 wt.-%, still more preferably 28±10 wt.-%, yet more preferably 28±8 wt.-%, even more preferably 28±6 wt.-%, most preferably 28±4 wt.-%, and in particular 28±2 wt.-%.

[0093] Preferably, the polymer composition comprises one or more ethylene -alkyl (meth)acrylate-gly- cidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers independently of one another having a melting point according to ISO 3146 of at most about 96°C, preferably at most 93°C, more preferably at most 90°C, still more preferably at most 87°C, yet more preferably at most 84°C, even more preferably at most 81°C, most preferably at most 78°C, and in particular at most 75°C.

[0094] Preferably, the polymer composition comprises one or more ethylene -alkyl (meth)acrylate-gly- cidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers comprising or essentially consisting of one or more ethylene -butyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate terpolymers.

[0095] Preferably, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of one or more ethylene -alkyl (meth)acrylate-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers, preferably ethylene-butyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate terpolymers, is at least about 3.0 wt.-%, preferably at least 3.5 wt.-%, more preferably at least 4.0 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 4.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably at least 5.0 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 5.5 wt.-%, most preferably at least 6.0 wt.-%, and in particular at least 6.5 wt.-%.

[0096] Preferably, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of one or more ethylene -alkyl (meth)acrylate-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers, preferably ethylene-butyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate terpolymers, is at most about 18 wt.-%, preferably at most 17 wt.-%, more preferably at most 16 wt.-%, still more preferably at most 15 wt.-%, yet more preferably at most 14 wt.-%, even more preferably at most 13 wt.-%, most preferably at most 12 wt.-%, and in particular at most 11 wt.-%.

[0097] Preferably, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of one or more ethylene -alkyl (meth)acrylate-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers, preferably ethylene-butyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate terpolymers, is within the range of 5.0±4.5 wt.-%, preferably 5.0±4.0 wt.-%, more preferably 5.0±3.5 wt.-%, still more preferably 5.0±3.0 wt.-%, yet more preferably 5.0±2.5 wt.-%, even more preferably 5.0±2.0 wt.-%, most preferably 5.0±1.5 wt.-%, and in particular 5.0±1.0 wt.-%.

[0098] Preferably, the polymer composition comprises one or more ethylene -alkyl (meth)acrylate-gly- cidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers comprising or essentially consisting of an ethylene-alkyl (meth)acry- late-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymer, preferably ethylene-butyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer, having a melting point within the range of about 72±16°C, preferably 72±14°C, more preferably 72±12°C, still more preferably 72±10°C, yet more preferably 72±8°C, even more preferably 72±6°C, most preferably 72±4°C, and in particular 72±2°C.

[0099] Preferably, the polymer composition comprises one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate-gly- cidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers comprising or essentially consisting of an ethylene-alkyl (meth)acry- late-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymer, preferably ethylene-butyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer, having(i) an alkyl (meth)acrylate content within the range of about 20±16 wt.-%, preferably 20±14 wt.-%, more preferably 20±12 wt.-%, still more preferably 20±10 wt.-%, yet more preferably 20±8 wt.-%, even more preferably 20±6 wt.-%, most preferably 20±4 wt.-%, and in particular 20±2 wt.-%; and / or(ii) a glycidyl (meth)acrylate content within the range of about 9±8 wt.-%, preferably 9±7 wt.-%, more preferably 9±6 wt.-%, still more preferably 9±5 wt.-%, yet more preferably 9±4 wt.-%, even more preferably 9±3 wt.-%, most preferably 9±2 wt.-%, and in particular 9±1 wt.-%of about 9 wt.-%.

[0100] Preferably, the polymer composition comprises one or more ethylene -alkyl (meth)acrylate-gly- cidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers comprising or essentially consisting of an ethylene-alkyl (meth)acry- late-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymer, preferably ethylene -butyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer, having a VICAT softening temperature according to ISO 306 of at most about 75°C, preferably at most 70°C, more preferably at most 65°C, still more preferably at most 60°C, yet more preferably at most 55°C, even more preferably at most 50°C, most preferably at most 45°C, and in particular at most 40°C.

[0101] Preferably, the polymer composition comprises one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate-gly- cidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers comprising or essentially consisting of an ethylene-alkyl (meth)acry- late-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymer, preferably ethylene -butyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer, having a MFI at 190°C / 2.16 kg according to ISO 1133 within the range of about 8.0±7.5 g / 10 min, preferably 8.0±7.0 g / 10 min, more preferably 8.0±6.0 g / 10 min, still more preferably 8.0±5.0 g / 10 min, yet more preferably 8.0±4.0 g / 10 min, even more preferably 8.0±3.0 g / 10 min, most preferably 8.0±2.0 g / 10 min, and in particular 8.0±1.0 g / 10 min.

[0102] Preferably, the polymer composition comprises one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate-gly- cidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers that are the sole ingredients of the polymer composition bearing epoxy functional groups.

[0103] Preferably, the one or more heat activatable curatives, preferably heat activatable radical initiators comprise or essentially consist of one or more peroxides. Preferred peroxides are selected from peroxy esters, peroxy dicarbonates, diacyl peroxides, peroxy ketals, dialkyl peroxides, and hydroperoxides.

[0104] Preferably, the one or more heat activatable curatives, preferably heat activatable radical initiators independently of one another are selected from diacyl peroxides, dialkyl peroxides, peresters, and mixtures thereof; preferably selected from 2,5 dimethyl -2, 5 -di (tert-butyl peroxy)-3 -hexyne, di-tert-butyl peroxide, 2,5 dimethyl-2,5-di(tert-butyl peroxy)-3 -hexane, tert-butyl cumyl peroxide, di(tert-butyl peroxy isopropyl) benzene, dicumyl peroxide, butyl-4,4-bis(tert-butylperoxy) valerate, 1, l-di(tert-butylper- oxy)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane, tert-butyl peroxybenzoate, dibenzoyl peroxide, and mixtures thereof.

[0105] Preferably, the one or more heat activatable curatives, preferably heat activatable radical initiators independently of one another have a temperature for a half-life time of 1 hour of at least about 105°C, preferably at least 110°C, more preferably at least 115°C, still more preferably at least 120°C, yet more preferably at least 125°C, even more preferably at least 130°C, most preferably at least 135°C, and in particular at least 140°C.

[0106] Preferably, the one or more heat activatable curatives, preferably heat activatable radical initiators independently of one another have a temperature for a half-life time of 1 hour of at most about 190°C, preferably at most 180°C, more preferably at most 170°C, still more preferably at most 160°C, yet more preferably at most 150°C, even more preferably at most 140°C, most preferably at most 130°C, and in particular at most 120°C.

[0107] In preferred embodiments, the heat activatable radical initiator has a temperature for a half-life time of 1 hour within the range of 160±20°C, preferably 160±15°C, more preferably 160±10°C.

[0108] In preferred embodiments, the heat activatable radical initiator has a temperature for a half-life time of 1 hour within the range of 150±20°C, preferably 150±15°C, more preferably 150±10°C.

[0109] In preferred embodiments, the heat activatable radical initiator has a temperature for a half-life time of 1 hour within the range of 140±20°C, preferably 140±15°C, more preferably 140±10°C.

[0110] In preferred embodiments, the heat activatable radical initiator has a temperature for a half-life time of 1 hour within the range of 130±20°C, preferably 130±15°C, more preferably 130±10°C.

[0111] In preferred embodiments, the heat activatable radical initiator has a temperature for a half-life time of 1 hour within the range of 120±20°C, preferably 120±15°C, more preferably 120±10°C.

[0112] In preferred embodiments, the heat activatable radical initiator has a temperature for a half-life time of 1 hour within the range of 110±20°C, preferably 110±15°C, more preferably 110±10°C.

[0113] In preferred embodiments, the heat activatable radical initiator has a temperature for a half-life time of 1 hour within the range of 100±20°C, preferably 100±15°C, more preferably 100±10°C.

[0114] The decomposition rate is determined using the half life time, i.e. the time taken for half of the peroxide quantity to decompose in a specific solvent at a given temperature. Preferably, half life time is determined using a solution of the peroxide (0. 1 mol / 1) in monochloro benzene. In the table here below the temperatures are listed at which the half lives are 10 h, 1 h and 1 min. Based on the 1 h half life temperature, the initiators are arranged in descending order of activity (see Pergan®, Polymerization of monomers with organic peroxides, 2023):

[0115] Preferably, the activation temperature of the one or more heat activatable curatives is at least about 100°C, preferably at least 110°C, more preferably at least 120°C, still more preferably at least 130°C, yet more preferably at least 140°C, even more preferably at least 150°C, most preferably at least 160°C, and in particular at least 170°C.

[0116] Preferably, the activation temperature of the one or more heat activatable curatives is at most about 210°C, preferably at most 200°C, more preferably at most 190°C, still more preferably at most 180°C, yet more preferably at most 170°C, even more preferably at most 160°C, most preferably at most 150°C, and in particular at most 140°C.

[0117] Preferably, the polymer composition additionally comprises a curing agent comprising at least 2 ethylenically unsaturated groups; preferably at least 3 ethylenically unsaturated groups; more preferably at least 4 ethylenically unsaturated groups; still more preferably at least 5 ethylenically unsaturated groups.

[0118] Preferably, the polymer composition additionally comprises a curing agent selected from 1,4- butanediol di(meth)acrylate, diethyleneglycol di(meth)acrylate, triethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, tripropyleneglycol di(meth)acrylate, trimethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate, glycerol tri(meth)acrylate,pentaerythritol tri(meth)acrylate, tri(2-(meth)acryloxy ethyl) isocyanurate, tri(2-(meth)acryloxy ethyl) trimellitate, pentaerythritol tetra(meth)acrylate, tetramethylolmethane tetra(meth)acrylate, di(trimethy- lolpropane) tetra(meth)acrylate, dipentaerythritol penta(meth)acrylate, dipentaerythritol hexa(meth)acrylate, or mixtures thereof; preferably dipentaerythritol pentaacrylate.

[0119] Preferably, the polymer composition additionally comprises a latent epoxy curing agent optionally in combination with a curing accelerator; preferably wherein the latent epoxy curing agent is selected from dicyandiamide, BF3complexes, aromatic amines, imidazoles, ureas, and dihydrazides; more preferably dicyandiamide.

[0120] Preferably, the activation temperature of the latent epoxy curing agent is at least about 100°C, preferably at least 110°C, more preferably at least 120°C, still more preferably at least 130°C, yet more preferably at least 140°C, even more preferably at least 150°C, most preferably at least 160°C, and in particular at least 170°C.

[0121] Preferably, the activation temperature of the latent epoxy curing agent is at most about 210°C, preferably at most 200°C, more preferably at most 190°C, still more preferably at most 180°C, yet more preferably at most 170°C, even more preferably at most 160°C, most preferably at most 150°C, and in particular at most 140°C.

[0122] Preferably, the polymer composition additionally comprises a tackifier.

[0123] Preferably, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the content of the tackifier is at least about 5.0 wt.-%, preferably at least 7.5 wt.-%, more preferably at least 10 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 11 wt.-%, yet more preferably at least 12 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 13 wt.- %, most preferably at least 14 wt.-%, and in particular at least 15 wt.-%.

[0124] Preferably, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the content of the tackifier is at most about 30 wt.-%, preferably at most 27.5 wt.-%, more preferably at most 25 wt.-%, still more preferably at most 22.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably at most 20 wt.-%, even more preferably at most 19 wt.-%, most preferably at most 18 wt.-%, and in particular at most 17 wt.-%.

[0125] Preferably, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the content of the tackifier is within the range of 15±14.5 wt.-%, preferably 15±14 wt.-%, more preferably 15±12 wt.-%, still more preferably 15±10 wt.-%, yet more preferably 15±8.0 wt.-%, even more preferably 15±6.0 wt.-%, most preferably 15±4.0 wt.-%, and in particular 15±2.0 wt.-%.

[0126] Preferably, the tackifier is a thermoplastic resin; preferably obtained from polymerizing unsaturated aromatic olefins and diolefins derived from thermal cracking of naphtha.

[0127] Preferably, the tackifier has a softening point according to ASTM E 28 within the range of about 110±40°C, preferably 110±35°C, more preferably 110±30°C, still more preferably 110±25°C, yet more preferably 110±20°C, even more preferably 110±15°C, most preferably 110±10°C, and in particular 110±5°C.

[0128] Preferably, the polymer composition additionally comprises a lubricant, slip additive, and / or antiblocking additive; preferably an oleamide.

[0129] Preferably, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the content of the lubricant, slip additive, and / or antiblocking additive, preferably oleamide, is at least about 0.1 wt.-%, more preferably at least 0.25 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 0.5, yet more preferably at least 0.75 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 1.0 wt.-%.

[0130] Preferably, the lubricant, slip additive, and / or antiblocking additive is a bio-based and / or vegetable derived oleamide.

[0131] Preferably, the lubricant, slip additive, and / or antiblocking additive, preferably oleamide, has a melting point according to ASTM E324-16 within the range of about 75±40°C, preferably 75±35°C, more preferably 75±30°C, still more preferably 75±25°C, yet more preferably 75±20°C, even more preferably 75±15°C, most preferably 75±10°C, and in particular 75±5°C.

[0132] In preferred embodiments, the polymer composition is a one component system.

[0133] In other preferred embodiments, the polymer composition is a two component system.

[0134] It is also contemplated that the polymer composition may be composed of more than two components, e.g. three components or four components.

[0135] Unless expressly stated otherwise, " ambient conditions" mean ambient temperature and ambient relative humidity (r.h.), preferably 23°C and 50% r.h.

[0136] Preferably, the polymer composition is a solid at 23 °C.

[0137] Preferably, the polymer composition is a homogeneous mixture.

[0138] Preferably, the polymer composition is dry to the touch and / or non-tacky to the touch at 23°C. Thus, in preferred embodiments, the polymer composition is dry to the touch at 23°C. In further preferred embodiments, the polymer composition is non-tacky to the touch at 23°C. In other preferred embodiments, the polymer composition is both, dry to the touch and non-tacky to the touch at 23 °C.

[0139] Preferably, the polymer composition is dry to the touch and / or non-tacky to the touch at 50°C. Thus, in preferred embodiments, the polymer composition is dry to the touch at 50°C. In further preferred embodiments, the polymer composition is non-tacky to the touch at 50°C. In other preferred embodiments, the polymer composition is both, dry to the touch and non-tacky to the touch at 50°C.

[0140] The property "non-tacky to the touch" of the polymer composition at a given temperature can be tested in a variety of ways. For the purpose of the specification, "non-tacky to the touch" means that the polymer composition has no finger tack, and does not agglomerate over time. By "finger tack" it is meant that when the surface of the polymer composition is touched with a finger, the surface does not feel tacky and upon removing the finger from the surface, the composition does not adhere to the finger. "Non-tacky" also means that pellets, rods, flakes, ellipses, chips or powder crumbs of the polymer com-position do not agglomerate overtime and remain free-flowing. Thus, a collection of pellets, rods, flakes, ellipses, chips or powder crumbs of the polymer composition can be stored for a period of at least one month and will remain as discernable separate pellets, rods, flakes, ellipses, chips or powder crumbs and when dispensed are free-flowing.

[0141] Preferably, the property "non-tacky to the touch" of the polymer composition at a given temperature is determined according to ASTM D2979, preferably by means of a probe tack tester, e.g. Polyken™ Probe Tack from Chemlnstruments. A precision ground 5.0 mm diameter flat probe contacts the polymer composition, reverses direction and pulls away from the polymer composition. The maximum force required to break the adhesive bond is recorded and displayed. Machine speed is preferably 61 cm / m, probe diameter is preferably 5 mm and it has an annular ring which applies the standard pressure of 9.79 + / -0. 10 kPa. For the purpose of the specification, a polymer composition is regarded as "non-tacky to the touch" at a given temperature when the maximum force required to break the adhesive bond (tack force) is less than 0.2 N, preferably not more than 0. 1 N.

[0142] Preferably, the property "dry to the touch" of the polymer composition at a given temperature is quantified on the basis of the storage modulus G'. Preferably, the storage modulus of the polymer composition is measured by means of an Anton Paar rheometer (e.g., MCR 301, Anton Paar GmbH) in oscillation mode, at an oven temperature of from 100°C to 20°C and a strain characterized by a frequency of 1 Hz and an amplitude gamma 1% with preferably 600 measuring points. Typically, besides storage modulus G', the method also provides loss modulus G" and complex viscosity |T|*| which are each plotted as a function of temperature. For the purpose of the specification, the temperature at which the storage modulus G' amounts to 1.00 MPa is the critical temperature for the property "dry to the touch" of the polymer composition. Below this temperature, the polymer composition is "dry to the touch" in the meaning of the invention.

[0143] Heat activatable, volume expandable and curable polymer compositions which are dry to the touch in the non-activated state are advantageous because they are not sticky and thus do not inadvertently adhere to other surfaces when they come into contact. Dry to the touch property can likewise be advantageous when e.g. a vehicle component with an applied bead of the polymer composition on its surface is immersed in a bath of a liquid, wherein the vehicle component is moved relatively to another vehicle component. For example, during e-coat bath, i.e. prior to heating in an e-coat oven, the outer panel of a door can be moving in direction of an inner door reinforcement beam on which the volume expandable and curable polymer composition is applied. As a consequence of such movement, the volume expandable and curable polymer composition may then be inadvertently compressed and squeezed such that upon subsequent activation by heating in the e-bake oven it cannot perform properly.

[0144] Preferably, the polymer composition according to the invention has a storage modulus G' at 23°C determined by the method described above (Anton Paar rheometer) of at least 2.0 MPa, preferably at least 3.0 MPa, more preferably at least 4.0 MPa, still more preferably at least 5.0 MPa, yet morepreferably at least 6.0 MPa, even more preferably at least 7.0 MPa, most preferably at least 8.0 MPa, and in particular at least 9.0 MPa.

[0145] Preferably, the polymer composition according to the invention has a storage modulus G' at 30°C determined by the method described above (Anton Paar rheometer) of at least 2.0 MPa, preferably at least 3.0 MPa, more preferably at least 4.0 MPa, still more preferably at least 5.0 MPa, yet more preferably at least 6.0 MPa, even more preferably at least 7.0 MPa, most preferably at least 8.0 MPa, and in particular at least 9.0 MPa.

[0146] Preferably, the polymer composition according to the invention has a storage modulus G' at 40°C determined by the method described above (Anton Paar rheometer) of at least 2.0 MPa, preferably at least 3.0 MPa, more preferably at least 4.0 MPa, still more preferably at least 5.0 MPa, yet more preferably at least 6.0 MPa, even more preferably at least 7.0 MPa, most preferably at least 8.0 MPa, and in particular at least 9.0 MPa.

[0147] Preferably, the polymer composition according to the invention has a storage modulus G' at 50°C determined by the method described above (Anton Paar rheometer) of at least 2.0 MPa, preferably at least 3.0 MPa, more preferably at least 4.0 MPa, still more preferably at least 5.0 MPa, yet more preferably at least 6.0 MPa, even more preferably at least 7.0 MPa, most preferably at least 8.0 MPa, and in particular at least 9.0 MPa.

[0148] Sufficient stiffness in terms of storage modulus G' at storage temperature on the one hand and non-tackiness to the touch at storage temperature on the other hand have the advantage that the polymer composition according to the invention ( i.e., before volume expansion and curing) and parts or articles of manufacture made therefrom, e.g. by extrusion and subsequent cooling, can be stacked onto one another, e.g. for storage. As stiffness is sufficient, the stacked parts or articles of manufacture are not deformed. As the polymer composition is preferably non-tacky, the parts or articles of manufacture can easily be destacked. Preferably, the polymer composition according to the invention has a stiffness and non-tackiness closely resembling rubbers.

[0149] Preferably, the polymer composition according to the invention has sufficient structural integrity at 23 °C that it can be stacked, i.e. is stackable. Preferably, the polymer composition according to the invention has sufficient structural integrity at 50°C that it can be stacked, i.e. is stackable.

[0150] For the purpose of the specification, a polymer composition is "stackable" when (a) at least 10 specimens of the polymer composition each having a width of 10.0 cm, a length of 20.0 cm, and a height of 1.0 cm can be stacked onto one another so that adjacent specimens come into direct contact with one another at their major area of extension (10.0 cm x 20.0 cm); (b) the thus prepared stack (staple) is stored at 23°C and 50°C, respectively, and 50% r.h. for 7 days; and (c) after storage the total height of the stack (staple) is at least 95% of the total height of the stack (staple) prior to storage, preferably at least 96%, more preferably at least 97%, still more preferably at least 98%, yet more preferably at least 99%, and even more preferably about 100%.

[0151] Preferably, the polymer composition according to the invention is non-deformable to the touch at 23 °C. Preferably, the polymer composition according to the invention is non-deformable to the touch at 50°C.

[0152] For the purpose of the specification, a polymer composition is "non-deformable to the touch" when (a) a specimen of the polymer composition having a width of 20.0 cm, a length of 20.0 cm, and a height of 1.0 cm is provided at a temperature of 23°C and 50°C, respectively; (b) a weight of 10 kg is placed onto an area of 10.0 cm x 10.0 cm of the major area of extension (20.0 cm x 20.0 cm) of the specimen; (c) after 1 minute the height of the specimen is at least 95% of the height of the specimen prior to storage, preferably at least 96%, more preferably at least 97%, still more preferably at least 98%, yet more preferably at least 99%, and even more preferably about 100%.

[0153] Preferably, the polymer composition has a total content of ingredients that in their neat state at 23°C are liquid of at most 20.0 wt.-%, preferably at most 17.5 wt.-%, more preferably at most 15.0 wt.- %, still more preferably at most 12.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably at most 10.0 wt.-%, even more preferably at most 7.5 wt.-%, most preferably at most 5.0 wt.-%, and in particular at most 2.5 wt.-%, in each case relative to the total weight of the polymer composition.

[0154] Preferably, the polymer composition has a total content of ingredients that in their neat state at 23°C are solid of at least 60.0 wt.-%, preferably at least 62.5 wt.-%, more preferably at least 65.0 wt.- %, still more preferably at least 67.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably at least 70.0 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 72.5 wt.-%, most preferably at least 75.0 wt.-%, and in particular at least 77.5 wt.-%, in each case relative to the total weight of the polymer composition.

[0155] Preferably, the polymer composition has a total content of ingredients that in their neat state at 23°C are solid of at least 80.0 wt.-%, preferably at least 82.5 wt.-%, more preferably at least 85.0 wt.- %, still more preferably at least 87.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably at least 90.0 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 92.5 wt.-%, most preferably at least 95.0 wt.-%, and in particular at least 97.5 wt.-%, in each case relative to the total weight of the polymer composition.

[0156] Preferably, the polymer composition has a total content of ingredients that in their neat state at 23 °C are solid and that in their neat state at 100°C are liquid of at least 45.0 wt.-%, preferably at least 50.0 wt.-%, more preferably at least 55.0 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 60.0 wt.-%, yet more preferably at least 65.0 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 70.0 wt.-%, most preferably at least 75.0 wt.-%, and in particular at least 80.0 wt.-%„ in each case relative to the total weight of the polymer composition.

[0157] The polymer composition may contain conventional additives such as fillers, colorants, stabilizers, antioxidants, and the like.

[0158] Preferably, the total content of the one or more additives, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, is at least 3.0 wt.-%, preferably at least 4.0 wt.-%, more preferably at least 5.0wt.-%, still more preferably at least 6.0 wt.-%, yet more preferably at least 7.0 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 8.0 wt.-%, most preferably at least 9.0 wt.-%, and in particular at least 10 wt.-%.

[0159] Preferably, the polymer composition contains inorganic material. The inorganic material may serve various purposes such as filler, blowing agent activator, moisture scavenger, rheology modifier, and the like. Inorganic material includes but is not limited to minerals, metal oxides, metal carbonates, silicates, aluminosilicates, phyllosilicates, organophilic phyllosilicates, and the like. The inorganic material contributes inter alia to stackability of the polymer composition.

[0160] Preferably, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of inorganic material is at least about 5.0 wt.-%, preferably at least 6.0 wt.-%, more preferably at least 7.0 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 8.0 wt.-%, yet more preferably at least 9.0 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 10 wt.-%, most preferably at least 11 wt.-%, and in particular at least 12 wt.-%.

[0161] Preferably, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of inorganic material is at most about 20 wt.-%, preferably at most 19 wt.-%, more preferably at most 18 wt.-%, still more preferably at most 17 wt.-%, yet more preferably at most 16 wt.-%, even more preferably at most 17 wt.-%, most preferably at most 14 wt.-%, and in particular at most 13 wt.-%.

[0162] Preferably, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of inorganic material is within the range of 15±14.5 wt.-%, preferably 15±14 wt.-%, more preferably 15±12 wt.-%, still more preferably 15±10 wt.-%, yet more preferably 15±8.0 wt.-%, even more preferably 15±6.0 wt.- %, most preferably 15±4.0 wt.-%, and in particular 15±2.0 wt.-%.

[0163] Preferably, the polymer composition according to the invention contains a tackifier and inorganic material, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the overall content of the one or more curable polymers, the one or more heat activatable curatives, the one or more heat activatable blowing agents, the tackifier, and the inorganic material is at least 80 wt.-%, preferably at least 82.5 wt.-%, more preferably at least 85 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 87.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably at least 90 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 92.5 wt.-%, most preferably at least 95 wt.- %, and in particular at least 97.5 wt.-%.

[0164] Preferably, the polymer composition is pumpable and / or extrudable at an intermediate temperature above 23°C and below the temperature at which volume expansion and curing of the polymer composition is activated.

[0165] For the purpose of the specification, "pumpable" means that at room temperature (23°C) the polymer composition can be pumped by means of equipment conventionally used for applying adhesive compositions onto surfaces of substrates. Pumping pressures are typically not more than 50 bars, more preferably not more than 20 bars. For the purpose of the specification, "extrudable" means that at room temperature (23°C) the polymer composition can be extruded by conventional extruders. It is also possible that compositions in accordance with the present teachings can be pumpable or extrudable at tem-peratures above room temperature (e.g., above 23 °C, preferably above 75 °C, or even above) but below any temperature of activation of any of the ingredients.

[0166] The polymer composition is particularly useful for application by extrusion in place.

[0167] Preferably, the polymer composition has a viscosity determined according to DIN 54458, flowability Al at 45°C, in static state and at a deformation of 0.05%, within the range of about 370±350 Pa-s, preferably 370±300 Pa-s, more preferably 370±250 Pa-s, still more preferably 370±200 Pa-s, yet more preferably 370±150 Pa-s, even more preferably 370±100 Pa-s, most preferably 370±50 Pa-s, and in particular 370±25 Pa-s.

[0168] Preferably, the polymer composition has a viscosity determined according to DIN 54458, pumpability A4 at 45°C, in dynamic state and at a deformation of 10%, within the range of about 140±130 Pa-s, preferably 140±120 Pa-s, more preferably 140±110 Pa-s, still more preferably 140±100 Pa-s, yet more preferably 140±90 Pa-s, even more preferably 140±80 Pa-s, most preferably 140±70 Pa-s, and in particular 140±60 Pa-s.

[0169] Preferably, the polymer composition at a temperature of 60°C has a viscosity determined by means of a capillary viscosimeter according to ASTM D3835-96 of at least about 3 Pa-s, preferably at least 5 Pa-s, more preferably at least 7 Pa-s, still more preferably at least 9 Pa-s, yet more preferably at least 11 Pa-s, even more preferably at least 13 Pa-s, most preferably at least 15 Pa-s, and in particular at least 17 Pa-s; preferably within the range of from 5 to 20 Pa-s.

[0170] Preferably, the polymer composition at a temperature of 60°C has a viscosity determined by means of a capillary viscosimeter according to ASTM D3835-96 of at least about 20 Pa-s, preferably at least 40 Pa-s, more preferably at least 60 Pa-s, still more preferably at least 80 Pa-s, yet more preferably at least 100 Pa-s, even more preferably at least 120 Pa-s, most preferably at least 140 Pa-s, and in particular at least 160 Pa-s.

[0171] Preferably, the polymer composition at a temperature of 90°C has a viscosity determined by means of a capillary viscosimeter according to ASTM D3835-96 of at least about 3 Pa-s, preferably at least 5 Pa-s, more preferably at least 7 Pa-s, still more preferably at least 9 Pa-s, yet more preferably at least 11 Pa-s, even more preferably at least 13 Pa-s, most preferably at least 15 Pa-s, and in particular at least 17 Pa-s; preferably within the range of from 5 to 20 Pa-s.

[0172] Preferably, the polymer composition at a temperature of 90°C has a viscosity determined by means of a capillary viscosimeter according to ASTM D3835-96 of at least about 20 Pa-s, preferably at least 40 Pa-s, more preferably at least 60 Pa-s, still more preferably at least 80 Pa-s, yet more preferably at least 100 Pa-s, even more preferably at least 120 Pa-s, most preferably at least 140 Pa-s, and in particular at least 160 Pa-s.

[0173] Following deposition, the polymer composition according to the invention can preferably be bathed in a liquid coating fluid, preferably an electrocoating bath, without being washed off.

[0174] For the purpose of the specification, the terms "wash-off and "wash-out" are used synonymously.

[0175] Preferably, the polymer composition passes a wash-off test involving the following steps: (a) a bead of the polymer composition is applied on the surface of a stainless steel specimen (preferably a hot dip galvanized steel panel (DX54D+Z100, 200 x 40 mm)) having an oil load of 1.5 g / m2(preferably PL3802-39S, 1.5 g / m2= 0. 12 g), wherein the steel panel is used as base panel without counter substrate (top panel); (b) without precuring, the thus prepared sample is placed in an immersion jig and dropped unimpeded from a height of 20 cm into a tank filled with pure water at room temperature (23 °C); (c) the sample is mounted to a stirrer in a second tank filled with pure water preheated to 55°C; (d) the sample is stirred for 3 minutes at a velocity of 60 rpm (0.82 m / s); (e) the sample is removed and visually inspected, wherein the adhesive composition passes the wash-off resistance test when no significant changes to the adhesive composition are detected.

[0176] Preferably, the polymer composition passes a wash-off test in accordance with BMW standard AA-0044 from January 2018; preferably involving the following steps: (a) a bead of the polymer composition is applied on the surface of a stainless steel specimen (preferably a hot dip galvanized steel panel (DX54D+Z100, 200 x 40 mm)) having an oil load of 1.5 g / m2(preferably PL3802-39S, 1.5 g / m2= 0.12 g), wherein the steel panel is used as base panel without counter substrate (top panel); (b) without precuring, the thus prepared sample is placed in an immersion jig and dropped unimpeded from a height of 20 cm into a tank filled with pure water at room temperature (23°C); (c) the sample is mounted to a stirrer in a second tank filled with pure water preheated to 60°C; (d) the sample is stirred for 3 minutes at a velocity of 140 rpm (1.47 m / s); (e) the sample is removed and visually inspected, wherein the adhesive composition passes the wash-off resistance test when no significant changes to the adhesive composition are detected.

[0177] In preferred embodiments, the polymer composition according to the invention is heat activatable for curing and optionally expanding. Following bathing, the polymer composition according to the invention can preferably be activated for curing by an external stimulus, preferably at elevated temperature above the curing temperature and optionally above the activation temperature of the optionally present blowing agent.

[0178] Preferably, the polymer composition according to the invention provides excellent weatherability and does not show bond-line read-through. That is, after application and curing, distortions of a substrate that are visible to a naked eye, like a metal sheet over a cured adhesive bond-line will be avoided. For example, the composition as employed in automotive vehicle can withstand repeated (e.g., at least 100 cycles over a period of at least 100 hours) thermal cycling over time (e.g., between temperatures of -40°C and 125°C) without resulting in any such distortion.

[0179] Preferably, the polymer composition has an odor value according to VDA 270 B3 of at most 5.5, preferably at most 5.0, more preferably at most 4.5, still more preferably at most 4.0, yet morepreferably at most 3.5, even more preferably at most 3.0, most preferably at most 2.5, and in particular at most 2.0.

[0180] Preferably, the polymer composition has a water absorption according to 016-14(2022) of at most 0.30 wt.-%, preferably at most 0.25 wt.-%, more preferably at most 0.20 wt.-%, still more preferably at most 0.15 wt.-%, yet more preferably at most 0.10 wt.-%, even more preferably at most 0.08 wt.- %, most preferably at most 0.06 wt.-%, and in particular at most 0.04 wt.-%.

[0181] Preferably, the polymer composition before heat activation (i.e. in its uncured and unexpanded state) has a density according to ASTM D792 within the range of from 0.91 to 1.29 g / cm3, preferably 0.93 to 1.27 g / cm3, more preferably 0.95 to 1.25 g / cm3, still more preferably 0.97 to 1.23 g / cm3, yet more preferably 0.99 to 1.21 g / cm3, even more preferably 1.01 to 1.19 g / cm3, most preferably 1.03 to 1.17 g / cm3, and in particular 1.05 to 1.15 g / cm3.

[0182] Preferably, the polymer composition after heat activation (i.e. in its cured and expanded state) has a density according to ASTM Fl 839 of at most 0.18 g / cm3, preferably at most 0.16 g / cm3, more preferably at most 0. 14 g / cm3, still more preferably at most 0.12 g / cm3, yet more preferably at most 0.10 g / cm3, even more preferably at most 0.08 g / cm3, most preferably at most 0.06 g / cm3, and in particular at most 0.04 g / cm3; preferably determined after hear activation at 165°C / 30 minutes total time.

[0183] Preferably, the polymer composition upon heat activation provides a foam with a closed cell structure.

[0184] Particularly preferred polymer compositions according to the invention contain- one or more radically curable thermoplastic polymers; preferably independently of one another selected from polyvinyl chlorides, polyalkyl(meth)acrylates, poly(meth)acrylic acid, ethylene- alkyl(meth)acrylate copolymers, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, styrene-butadiene block copolymers, styrene-isoprene block copolymers, and ethylene -alkyl (meth)acrylate-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers; wherein the one or more radically curable thermoplastic polymers independently of one another have a melting point according to ISO 11357-3 within the range of from 60 to 120°C, preferably 60 to 100°C; and wherein the total content of the one or more radically curable thermoplastic polymers, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, is at least 35 wt.-%, preferably at least 40 wt.-%, more preferably at least 45 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 50 wt.-%, yet more preferably at least 55 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 60 wt.-%, most preferably at least 65 wt.- %, and in particular at least 70 wt.-%;- one or more heat activatable radical initiators; preferably independently of one another selected from peroxy esters, peroxy dicarbonates, diacyl peroxides, peroxy ketals, dialkyl peroxides, and hydroperoxides;- one or more heat activatable blowing agents; preferably independently of one another selected from chemical blowing agents, more preferably azodicarbonamide and / or p,p-oxy-bis-(benzene sulfonylhydrazide); wherein the total content of the one or more blowing agents, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, is at least 5.5 wt.-%, preferably at least 6.0 wt.-%, more preferably at least 6.5 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 7.0 wt.-%, yet more preferably at least 7.5 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 8.0 wt.-%, most preferably at least 8.5 wt.-%, and in particular at least 9.0 wt.-%; and- optionally, one ore more additives; preferably independently of one another selected from fdlers, colorants, stabilizers, and antioxidants; preferably wherein the total content of the one or more additives, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, is at least 3.0 wt.-%, preferably at least 4.0 wt.-%, more preferably at least 5.0 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 6.0 wt.-%, yet more preferably at least 7.0 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 8.0 wt.-%, most preferably at least 9.0 wt.-%, and in particular at least 10 wt.-%.

[0185] In preferred embodiments, the polymer composition according to the invention has sufficient viscoelasticity and does not crunch when it is processed.

[0186] The polymer composition according to the invention can preferably be deposited onto a surface of an article, preferably a vehicle component, by extrusion at ambient temperature (extrusion temperature, e.g. about 23°C) or at an elevated temperature (extrusion temperature, e.g. up to about 120°C) without premature curing. The article can have ambient temperature or elevated temperature (substrate temperature). The surface of the article can be clean, oily or may carry some other contaminant. It is envisioned that the composition may interact with the oil or other contaminant by reacting with it, by dissolving it, and / or by displacing it (e.g., the contaminant or any moiety or other portion thereof becomes assimilated physically and / or chemically into the composition).

[0187] In preferred embodiments, the polymer composition according to the invention is not a paste, but a solid (typically at room temperature, i.e. 23°C). Preferably, the polymer composition according to the invention is pelletizable, i.e. can be provided in form of pellets and can be processed in form of pellets at room temperature (i.e. 23°C).

[0188] Direct processing of pellets has some advantages compared to direct processing of a paste-like material, because after application and cooling to ambient temperature, the material applied by direct processing of pellets becomes a solid, whereas a material that is paste-like at ambient temperature does not solidify.

[0189] Prior to application, the polymer composition according to the invention is then preferably heated to an elevated intermediate temperature at which the composition becomes a paste having a flowable viscosity such that it is pumpable at said elevated intermediate temperature but neither prematurely cures nor expands. Thus, the elevated intermediate temperature is preferably below the curing temperature and below the activation temperature of the optionally present blowing agent. After application the composition may then be cooled again, or further heated to a higher temperature exceeding the curingtemperature and optionally the activation temperature of the optionally present blowing agent in order to induce curing and optionally expansion.

[0190] In other preferred embodiments, the polymer composition according to the invention is a paste (typically at room temperature, i.e. 23°C).

[0191] At a temperature of 15 °C, the polymer composition according to the invention is preferably a paste having a flowable viscosity such that it is pumpable. Preferably, at a temperature of 15 °C, the viscosity of the polymer composition according to the invention is at most 800 Pa-s, more preferably at most 700 Pa-s, still more preferably at most 600 Pa-s, yet more preferably at most 500 Pa-s, even more preferably at most 400 Pa-s, most preferably at most 300 Pa-s, and in particular at most 200 Pa-s. In preferred embodiments, at a temperature of 15 °C, the viscosity of the polymer composition according to the invention is within the range of from 200 to 800 Pa-s, more preferably from 250 to 400 Pa-s.

[0192] At a temperature of 60°C, the viscosity of the polymer composition according to the invention is preferably at least 5 Pa-s, more preferably at least 7 Pa-s, still more preferably at least 9 Pa-s, yet more preferably at least 11 Pa-s, even more preferably at least 13 Pa-s. most preferably at least 15 Pa-s, and in particular at least 17 Pa-s. In preferred embodiments, at a temperature of 60°C, the viscosity of the polymer composition according to the invention is within the range of from 5 to 20 Pa-s.

[0193] The characteristic "pumpable" of the polymer composition according to the invention is preferably understood such that at ambient temperature (i.e. 23°C) the composition has a viscosity which is suitable for pumping and preferably has a paste-like viscosity. The viscosity of the composition is usually in the range of 50 to 500 Pa-s, when measured at 20°C and a sheer rate of 430 sec1.

[0194] Preferably, at ambient temperature (i.e. 23°C) the polymer composition according to the invention has a viscosity at 20 s-1of from 280 to 420 Pa-s.

[0195] In preferred embodiments, the polymer composition according to the invention has a relatively sharp decrease of viscosity when the composition is heated to an elevated intermediate temperature.

[0196] Preferably, the polymer composition according to the invention can be heated to a first elevated intermediate temperature Ti and to a second elevated intermediate temperature T2which is 40°C higher than Ti (i.e. T2= Ti + 40°C); wherein T2and preferably also Ti is above room temperature (i.e. 23°C); wherein Ti and T2are both below the curing temperature and below the activation temperature of the optionally present blowing agent; wherein at Ti the composition has a viscosity Vi; and wherein at T2the composition has a viscosity v2; wherein the viscosity ratio Vi : v2is at least 5, preferably at least 10, more preferably at least 15, still more preferably at least 20, yet more preferably at least 25, even more preferably at least 30, most preferably at least 35, and in particular at least 40. In preferred embodiments, T2is 50°C, or 60°C, or 70°C, or 80°C, or 90°C, or 100°C, or 110°C.

[0197] Preferably, the polymer composition according to the invention can be heated to a first elevated intermediate temperature Ti and to a second elevated intermediate temperature T2which is 30°C higherthan Ti (i.e. T2= Ti + 30°C); wherein T2and preferably also Ti is above room temperature (i.e. 23°C); wherein Ti and T2are both below the curing temperature and below the activation temperature of the optionally present blowing agent; wherein at Ti the composition has a viscosity Vi; and wherein at T2the composition has a viscosity v2; wherein the viscosity ratio Vi : v2is at least 5, preferably at least 10, more preferably at least 15, still more preferably at least 20, yet more preferably at least 25, even more preferably at least 30, most preferably at least 35, and in particular at least 40. In preferred embodiments, T2is 50°C, or 60°C, or 70°C, or 80°C, or 90°C, or 100°C, or 110°C.

[0198] Preferably, the polymer composition according to the invention can be heated to a first elevated intermediate temperature Ti and to a second elevated intermediate temperature T2which is 20°C higher than Ti (i.e. T2= Ti + 20°C); wherein T2and preferably also Ti is above room temperature (i.e. 23°C); wherein Ti and T2are both below the curing temperature and below the activation temperature of the optionally present blowing agent; wherein at Ti the composition has a viscosity Vi; and wherein at T2the composition has a viscosity v2; wherein the viscosity ratio Vi : v2is at least 5, preferably at least 10, more preferably at least 15, still more preferably at least 20, yet more preferably at least 25, even more preferably at least 30, most preferably at least 35, and in particular at least 40. In preferred embodiments, T2is 50°C, or 60°C, or 70°C, or 80°C, or 90°C, or 100°C, or 110°C.

[0199] Preferably, the polymer composition according to the invention can be heated to a first elevated intermediate temperature Ti and to a second elevated intermediate temperature T2which is 10°C higher than Ti (i.e. T2=+ 10°C); wherein T2and preferably also Ti is above room temperature (i.e. 23°C); wherein Ti and T2are both below the curing temperature and below the activation temperature of the optionally present blowing agent; wherein at Ti the composition has a viscosity Vi; and wherein at T2the composition has a viscosity v2; wherein the viscosity ratio Vi : v2is at least 5, preferably at least 10, more preferably at least 15, still more preferably at least 20, yet more preferably at least 25, even more preferably at least 30, most preferably at least 35, and in particular at least 40. In preferred embodiments, T2is 50°C, or 60°C, or 70°C, or 80°C, or 90°C, or 100°C, or 110°C.

[0200] Methods for determining the viscosity of adhesive materials at various temperatures are known to the skilled person. Viscosity is typically measured by means of a rotational viscosimeter, preferably in accordance with ASTM D2196 or ASTM D2556.Method:

[0201] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of producing an automotive vehicle assembly, the method comprising the steps of(a) applying by means of an applicator, preferably a pump or an extruder, directly onto a surface of a vehicle component a bead of a heat activatable, volume expandable and curable polymer composition according to the invention as described above;(b) optionally, immersing the vehicle component with the applied bead on its surface in a bath of a first liquid, preferably a cleansing liquid, and subsequently removing the vehicle component with the applied bead on its surface from the bath;(c) immersing the vehicle component with the applied bead on its surface in a bath of a second liquid, preferably a coating liquid, and subsequently removing the vehicle component with the applied bead on its surface from the bath; and(d) heating the vehicle component or the applied bead of the polymer composition to an elevated temperature to induce curing and volume expansion of the polymer composition by at least about 1100 vol.-%, relative to the volume of the polymer composition prior to volume expansion.

[0202] Preferably, step (a) involves applying the polymer composition in form of a paste.

[0203] Preferably, step (a) involves pumping the polymer composition by means of a pump.

[0204] Preferably, step (a) involves extruding the polymer composition by means of an extruder.

[0205] Preferably, step (a) is performed robotically.

[0206] Preferably, in step (a) the temperature of the surface of the vehicle component is controlled.

[0207] Preferably, in step (a) at the time of the bead contacting the surface of the vehicle component throughout the duration of applying, the temperature of the surface of the vehicle component is at most about 105°C, preferably at most 100°C, more preferably at most 95°C, still more preferably at most 90°C; yet more preferably at most 85°C, even more preferably at most 80°C, most preferably at most 75°C, and in particular at most 70°C.

[0208] Preferably, in step (a) at the time of the bead contacting the surface of the vehicle component throughout the duration of applying, the temperature of the surface of the vehicle component is at most about 65°C, preferably at most 60°C, more preferably at most 55°C, still more preferably at most 50°C; yet more preferably at most 45°C, even more preferably at most 40°C, most preferably at most 35°C, and in particular at most 30°C.

[0209] Preferably, in step (a) applying is performed at a temperature of the polymer composition (application temperature) which is above ambient temperature.

[0210] Preferably, in step (a) applying is performed at a temperature of the polymer composition (application temperature) of at most about 99°C, preferably at most 92°C, more preferably at most 85°C, still more preferably at most 78°C, yet more preferably at most 71°C, even more preferably at most 64°C, most preferably at most 57°C, and in particular at most 50°C.

[0211] Preferably, in step (a) applying is performed at a temperature of the polymer composition (application temperature) within the range of from 40 to 110°C, preferably either 40 to 60°C, or 80 to 110°C.

[0212] Preferably, the duration of step (a) is at most about 60 seconds, preferably at most 45 seconds, more preferably at most 30 seconds, still more preferably at most 15 seconds.

[0213] Preferably, the method is free of any step of applying the bead onto any carrier, support, or baffle other than the surface of the vehicle component.

[0214] In other preferred embodiments, in step (a) the bead is applied onto a carrier, a support or a baffle. Thus, according to these embodiments, the vehicle component is a carrier, support or baffle. Preferably, the carrier, support or baffle contains a further heat activatable, volume expandable and curable polymer composition for use as a sealant, an adhesive, a reinforcement, a dampener, and / or a sound absorber. In preferred embodiments, said further polymer composition is of identical nature as the polymer composition that is applied in step (a). In other preferred embodiments, said further polymer composition is of different nature as the polymer composition that is applied in step (a).

[0215] A bead may be applied to opposing external surfaces of a substrate to result within an automotive vehicle in bonding two different components of the vehicle to the carrier. For example, opposing formed sheet metal sections that are welded together at joints to define a cavity may have a substrate located in the cavity, and (i) the adhesive of the invention bonds the substrate to each of the sheet metal sections; (ii) the sheet metal joints are bonded to the adhesive; and / or both (i) and (ii).

[0216] A bead may be applied to a substrate that has a plurality of cellular cavities defined thereof, the cellular cavities having a length, width and / or depth that is at least 1 cm, preferably at least 2 cm, and is less than 5 cm, and preferably is less than 3 cm. The cavities may be open and at least partially enclosed by three, four, five or six walls. The cells may be bounded by a plurality of generally flat side walls. The side walls defining the cells may connect with each other to define a polygon (e.g., a rectangle, a hexagon or otherwise). Walls defining any of the cells may include one or more through holes.

[0217] Preferably, in step (a) the surface of the vehicle component is oily, onto which the bead of the polymer composition is directly applied.

[0218] Preferably, in step (a) a location of the vehicle component, onto which the bead of the polymer composition is directly applied, comprises means for avoiding sagging of the polymer composition.

[0219] Preferably, the means for avoiding sagging of the polymer composition are selected from brackets, stamps, plastic parts, and the like.

[0220] Preferably, the vehicle assembly comprises a counter substrate.

[0221] Preferably, the counter substrate has already been assembled with the vehicle component when in step (a) the bead is applied onto the surface of the vehicle component.

[0222] Preferably, the counter substrate is assembled with the vehicle component after in step (a) the bead has been applied onto the surface of the vehicle component.

[0223] Preferably, the bead of the polymer composition is located between the vehicle component and the counter substrate.

[0224] Preferably, the bead of the polymer composition comes into direct contact with the surface of the vehicle component and a surface of the counter substrate.

[0225] Preferably, the bead of the polymer composition comes into direct contact with the surface of the vehicle component but not with a surface of the counter substrate.

[0226] Preferably, step (a) involves applying by means of the applicator directly onto a surface of the counter substrate another bead of the heat activatable, volume expandable and curable polymer composition.

[0227] Preferably, at a location where the bead is applied onto the surface of the vehicle component, the vehicle component and the counter substrate have a minimum distance to one another (gap width) of at least 15 mm, preferably at least 20 mm, preferably at least 25 mm, more preferably at least 30 mm, more preferably at least 35 mm, still more preferably at least 40 mm, still more preferably at least 45 mm, yet more preferably at least 50 mm, yet more preferably at least 55 mm, even more preferably at least 60 mm, even more preferably at least 65 mm, most preferably at least 70 mm, utmost preferably at least 75 mm, and in particular at least 80 mm.

[0228] Preferably, the vehicle component and a counter substrate together form a cavity, wherein the bead of the polymer composition is applied at a location inside the cavity.

[0229] Preferably, the vehicle component comprises a cavity, wherein the bead of the polymer composition is applied at a location inside the cavity.

[0230] Preferably, a first bead of the polymer composition is applied at a first location inside the cavity and a second bead of the polymer composition is applied at a second location inside the cavity; preferably wherein the first bead and the second bead are not in contact with one another.

[0231] Preferably, a first bead of the polymer composition is applied at a first location inside the cavity and a second bead of the polymer composition is applied at a second location outside the cavity.

[0232] Preferably, the cavity contains a further heat activatable, volume expandable and curable polymer composition for use as a sealant, an adhesive, a reinforcement, a dampener, and / or a sound absorber.

[0233] Preferably, the further polymer composition is of identical nature as the polymer composition that is applied in step (a).

[0234] Preferably, the further polymer composition is of different nature as the polymer composition that is applied in step (a).

[0235] Preferably, the vehicle assembly comprises- a first cavity, wherein a first bead of the polymer composition is applied at a location inside the first cavity;- a second cavity, wherein a second bead of the polymer composition is applied at a location inside the second cavity; and- optionally, a third cavity, wherein a third bead of the polymer composition is applied at a location inside the third cavity.

[0236] Preferably, the first cavity is at least partially surrounded by a first vehicle component, the second cavity is at least partially surrounded by the second cavity, and optionally, the third cavity is at least partially surrounded by a third vehicle component.

[0237] Preferably, the cavity has or the cavities independently of one another have an inner hollow volume of at least 5.0 cm3, preferably at least 10 cm3, more preferably at least 15 cm3, still more preferably at least 20 cm3, yet more preferably at least 25 cm3, even more preferably at least 30 cm3, most preferably at least 35 cm3, and in particular at least 40 cm3.

[0238] Preferably, the cavity has or the cavities independently of one another have an inner hollow volume of at least 50 cm3, preferably at least 60 cm3, more preferably at least 70 cm3, still more preferably at least 80 cm3, yet more preferably at least 90 cm3, even more preferably at least 100 cm3, most preferably at least 110 cm3, and in particular at least 120 cm3.

[0239] Preferably, the cavity has or the cavities independently of one another have an inner hollow volume of at least 150 cm3, preferably at least 200 cm3, more preferably at least 250 cm3, still more preferably at least 300 cm3, yet more preferably at least 350 cm3, even more preferably at least 400 cm3, most preferably at least 450 cm3, and in particular at least 500 cm3.

[0240] Preferably, the cavity has or the cavities independently of one another have an inner hollow volume of at least 550 cm3, preferably at least 600 cm3, more preferably at least 650 cm3, still more preferably at least 700 cm3, yet more preferably at least 750 cm3, even more preferably at least 800 cm3, most preferably at least 850 cm3, and in particular at least 900 cm3.

[0241] Preferably, in step (d), relative to the volume of the polymer composition prior to volume expansion, volume expansion of the polymer composition is by at least about 1150 vol.-%, preferably at least 1200 vol.-%, preferably at least 1250 vol.-%, more preferably at least 1300 vol.-%, more preferably at least 1350 vol.-%, still more preferably at least 1400 vol.-%, still more preferably at least 1450 vol.- %, even more preferably at least 1500 vol.-%, even more preferably at least 1550 vol.-%, most preferably at least 1600 vol.-%, utmost preferably at least 1650 vol.-%, and in particular at least 1700 vol.-%.

[0242] Preferably, in the course of step (d) the polymer composition on the surface of the vehicle component is adhered to a surface of a counter substrate.

[0243] Preferably, in the course of step (d) the polymer composition on the surface of the vehicle component is expanded thereby coming into contact with a surface of a counter substrate.

[0244] Preferably, at a location where the expanded composition is in contact with the surface of the counter substrate, the vehicle component and the counter substrate have a minimum distance to one another (gap width) of at least 15 mm, preferably at least 20 mm, preferably at least 25 mm, more preferably at least 30 mm, more preferably at least 35 mm, still more preferably at least 40 mm, still more preferably at least 45 mm, yet more preferably at least 50 mm, yet more preferably at least 55 mm, even more preferably at least 60 mm, even more preferably at least 65 mm, most preferably at least 70 mm, utmost preferably at least 75 mm, and in particular at least 80 mm.

[0245] Preferably, in the course of step (d) the polymer composition on the surface of the vehicle component is expanded thereby at least partially filling an inner hollow volume of a cavity.

[0246] Preferably, in the course of step (d) the polymer composition fills at least 40 vol.-% of the inner hollow volume of the cavity, preferably at least 50 vol.-%, more preferably at least 60 vol.-%, still more preferably at least 70 vol.-%, yet more preferably at least 80 vol.-%, even more preferably at least 90 vol.-%, most preferably at least 95 vol.-%, and in particular about 100 vol.-%.

[0247] Preferably, the cavity has an inner hollow volume of at least 5.0 cm3, preferably at least 10 cm3, more preferably at least 15 cm3, still more preferably at least 20 cm3, yet more preferably at least 25 cm3, even more preferably at least 30 cm3, most preferably at least 35 cm3, and in particular at least 40 cm3.

[0248] Preferably, the cavity has an inner hollow volume of at least 50 cm3, preferably at least 60 cm3, more preferably at least 70 cm3, still more preferably at least 80 cm3, yet more preferably at least 90 cm3, even more preferably at least 100 cm3, most preferably at least 110 cm3, and in particular at least 120 cm3.

[0249] Preferably, the cavity has an inner hollow volume of at least 150 cm3, preferably at least 200 cm3, more preferably at least 250 cm3, still more preferably at least 300 cm3, yet more preferably at least 350 cm3, even more preferably at least 400 cm3, most preferably at least 450 cm3, and in particular at least 500 cm3.

[0250] Preferably, in step (d) the elevated temperature is at most about 210°C, preferably at most 200°C, more preferably at most 190°C, still more preferably at most 180°C, yet more preferably at most 170°C, even more preferably at most 160°C, most preferably at most 150°C, and in particular at most 140°C.

[0251] Preferably, step (d) is performed in an e-coat oven (electrocoat oven). In automotive assembly operations, the e-coat oven typically cures paint, adhesives and sealers, and serves to bake harden both steel and aluminum components.

[0252] Preferably, step (a) and optional step (b) are body shop operations.

[0253] In optional step (b) of the method according to the invention, the vehicle component with the applied bead on its surface is immersed in a bath of a first liquid and subsequently removed with the applied bead on its surface from the bath. Preferably, the first liquid is a cleansing liquid.

[0254] In step (c) of the method according to the invention, the vehicle component with the applied bead on its surface is immersed in a bath of a second liquid and subsequently removed with the applied bead on its surface from the bath. Preferably, the second liquid is a coating liquid.

[0255] In preferred embodiments, step (c) and step (d) are likewise body shop operations.

[0256] In other preferred embodiments, step (c) and step (d) are paint shop operations.

[0257] In preferred embodiments, after step (a) and before step (d), the vehicle component with the applied bead on its surface is- immersed in a bath of a first liquid, and subsequently removed from the bath;- immersed in a bath of a second liquid and subsequently removed from the bath;- immersed in a bath of a third liquid and subsequently removed from the bath;- optionally, immersed in a bath of a fourth liquid and subsequently removed from the bath; and- optionally, immersed in a bath of a fifth liquid and subsequently removed from the bath.

[0258] In preferred embodiments, the method according to the invention involves trication zinc phosphating. Preferably, trication zinc phosphating involves one or more of the following: (i) degreasing, (ii) post-degreasing rinsing, (iii) activation, (iv) phosphating, (v) optionally, post-phosphating rinsing, (vi) optionally passivation, and (vii) final demineralized water rinsing. As some of these measures serve the purpose of removing deposits and / or cleaning surfaces, these measures may be regarded as preferred substeps of step (b) and the "first baths" are in corresponding cleansing liquids, whereas the other measures serve the purpose of depositing substances onto surfaces and / or coating, these measures may be regarded as preferred substeps of step (c) and the "second baths" are in corresponding coating liquids. For details, reference can be made to e.g. made to H.-J. Streitberger et al., Automotive Paints and Coatings, 2nd ed., Wiley-VCH, 2008.

[0259] Preferably, the vehicle component with the applied bead on its surface which in step (b) is immersed in a bath of a first liquid is a body-in-white.

[0260] In preferred embodiments, step (b) comprises the substep (bi) degreasing. Thus, the bath in substep (bi) is preferably a degreasing bath. Preferably, the degreasing bath contains one or more surfactants, preferably one or more demulsifying surfactants. Preferably, the degreasing bath contains one or more inhibitors, preferably silicates. Preferably, the degreasing bath is controlled with respect to one or more of total alkalinity, optionally free alkalinity, conductivity and optionally pH value.

[0261] Preferably, the vehicle component with the applied bead on its surface which in substep (bi) is immersed in the degreasing bath has one or more of the following surface conditions or contaminations: corrosion protective oils, prelubes, washing oils, stamping lubricants, dry film lubricants, hot melts, body shop sealants, body shop adhesives, prephosphate layers, amorphous sodium phosphate layers, organic coatings (e.g. weldable primers), Ti- / Zr-oxide / hydroxide, dioctylsebacate, mold releases for plastic parts (internal or external), welding pearls, welding particles, metal grains, and other contaminants (e.g. chalk marks, fingerprints, marks from pneumatic handling devices, and the like).

[0262] In preferred embodiments, step (b) comprises the substep (b2) post-degreasing rinsing. Thus, the bath in substep (b2) is preferably a post-degreasing rinsing bath. Preferably, the post-degreasing rinsing bath is aqueous.

[0263] In preferred embodiments, step (b) comprises the optional substep (b3) post-phosphating rinsing. Thus, the bath in substep (b3) is preferably a post-phosphating rinsing bath. Preferably, the post-phos- phating rinsing bath is aqueous.

[0264] In preferred embodiments, step (b) comprises the substep (b4) final demineralized water rinsing. Thus, the bath in substep (b4) is preferably a final demineralized water rinsing bath. Preferably, the final demineralized water rinsing bath is pure demineralized water.

[0265] In preferred embodiments, step (c) comprises the substep (c activation. Thus, the bath in substep (ci) is preferably an activation bath. Activation typically increases the number of crystallization nuclei on the metal surface thereby increasing the number of phosphate crystals per unit surface area and a reduced coating weight for the applied conversion layer (subsequent phosphating). As the surface will be uniformly covered with crystals in shorter time, activation treatment also has an accelerating effect in the phosphate process. Preferably, the activation bath is an aqueous dispersion of titanium ortho phosphates or zinc phosphates, preferably with a pH value between 7 and 11, more preferably in demineralized water.

[0266] In preferred embodiments, step (c) comprises the substep (c2) phosphating. Thus, the bath in substep (c2) is preferably a phosphating bath. Preferably, the phosphating bath is a solution of a phosphate, preferably zinc phosphate, more preferably zinc dihydrogen phosphate, preferably in free phosphoric acid. Preferably, besides the zinc phosphate and the free phosphoric acid the phosphating bath additionally contains one or more of the following: nickel phosphate, preferably nickel dihydrogen phosphate, manganese phosphate, preferably manganese dihydrogen phosphate, sodium nitrate, fluorisilicic acid, and one or more oxidizing compounds such as sodium nitrite, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxylamine, sodium chlorate, nitroguanidine, N-methyl morpholine-N-oxide, acetaldoxime, and sodium nitrobenzene sulfonate.

[0267] In preferred embodiments, step (c) comprises the optional substep (c3) passivation. Thus, the bath in substep (c3) is preferably a passivation bath. Preferably, the passivation bath is a post-rinse with zirconium based solutions, preferably in demineralized water. While solutions of chrome(VI) or chrome(III) are contemplated, chrome-free solutions are preferred. Preferably, the passivation bath has a zirconium concentration within the range of from 15-150 ppmw and a fluoride concentration within the range of from 50-200 ppmw. Preferably, the passivation bath has a pH value within the range of from 3.5-5.0. Preferably, the passivation bath has an electric conductivity at 20°C of less than 600 pS cm1.

[0268] In other preferred embodiments, the method according to the invention is free of a passivation step.

[0269] In preferred embodiments, step (c) comprises immersing the vehicle component with the applied bead on its surface in an e-coat bath of a second liquid (also called electrocoat bath, e-coat dip, and the like) and subsequently removing it with the applied bead on its surface from the e-coat bath.

[0270] In preferred embodiments, steps (b) and (c) of the method according to the invention together comprise the following substeps, preferably in the following order: (bi) degreasing; (b2) post-degreasing rinsing; (c activation; (c2) phosphating; (b3) optionally, post-phosphating rinsing; (c3) optionally, passivation; and (b4) final demineralized water rinsing.

[0271] Preferably, the method is free of any step of precuring (prebaking) the vehicle component or the applied bead of the polymer composition before immersing in step (b).

[0272] Preferably, the method comprises the step of precuring (prebaking) the vehicle component or the applied bead of the polymer composition before immersing in step (b); preferably in a gel oven.

[0273] Preferably, the method is free of any step of applying a counter substrate to the vehicle component or the applied bead of the polymer composition before immersing in step (b) and / or (c).

[0274] Preferably, the temperature of the vehicle component after the applying in step (a) until the immersing in step (b) and / or (c) is maintained at a temperature of at most about 65 °C, preferably at most 60°C, more preferably at most 55°C, still more preferably at most 50°C yet more preferably at most 45°C, even more preferably at most 40°C, most preferably at most 35°C, and in particular at most 30°C.

[0275] Preferably, the automotive vehicle assembly or the vehicle component is selected from the group consisting of vehicle bonnet, vehicle roof, roof bow, vehicle door, door beam (e.g. inner door reinforcement beam), tubular frame member, vehicle bumper, front fender baffle, vehicle sill, vehicle pillar such as A pillar (preferably lower or upper outer section thereof) or B pillar (preferably lower or upper outer section thereof), pillar closure, vehicle suspension component, vehicle support member, side impact beam, reinforcement bar, vehicle skin, vehicle hood, vehicle trunk, rear lamp, fuel filler, battery housing, battery support, or any combination thereof.Automotive vehicle assembly:

[0276] Another aspect of the invention relates to an automotive vehicle assembly comprising: a vehicle component anda bead of a polymer composition according to the invention as described above on a surface of the vehicle component.

[0277] Preferably, the polymer composition is volume expanded and cured.

[0278] Preferably, the automotive vehicle assembly is a body-in-white and comprises a vehicle component and a cured polymer foam that is in direct contact with a surface of the vehicle component; wherein the cured polymer foam- has a density according to ASTM F1839 of at most 0.20 g / cm3, preferably determined after hear activation at 165°C / 30 minutes total time, more preferably 165°C / 20 minutes total time; and / or- is obtainable by heat activation of a heat activatable, volume expandable and curable polymer composition according to the invention as described above.

[0279] Preferably, the automotive vehicle assembly is obtainable by the method according to the invention as described above.

[0280] Preferably, the cured polymer foam has a density according to ASTM F1839 of at most 0.18 g / cm3, preferably at most 0.16 g / cm3, more preferably at most 0. 14 g / cm3, still more preferably at most 0.12 g / cm3, yet more preferably at most 0.10 g / cm3, even more preferably at most 0.08 g / cm3, most preferably at most 0.06 g / cm3, and in particular at most 0.04 g / cm3; preferably determined after hear activation at 165°C / 30 minutes total time, more preferably 165°C / 20 minutes total time.

[0281] Preferably, the total volume of the cured polymer foam is at least 20 vol.-%, preferably at least 25 vol.-%, more preferably at least 30 vol.-%, still more preferably at least 35 vol.-%, yet more preferably at least 40 vol.-%, even more preferably at least 45 vol.-%, most preferably at least 50 vol.-%, and in particular at least 55 vol.-%, relative to the overall volume of all polymer foams that are comprised by the automotive vehicle assembly.

[0282] Preferably, the total volume of the cured polymer foam is at least 60 vol.-%, preferably at least 65 vol.-%, more preferably at least 70 vol.-%, still more preferably at least 75 vol.-%, yet more preferably at least 80 vol.-%, even more preferably at least 85 vol.-%, most preferably at least 90 vol.-%, and in particular at least 95 vol.-%, relative to the overall volume of all polymer foams that are comprised by the automotive vehicle assembly.

[0283] Preferably, the automotive vehicle assembly or the vehicle component is selected from the group consisting of vehicle bonnet, vehicle roof, roof bow, vehicle door, door beam, tubular frame member, vehicle bumper, front fender baffle, vehicle sill, vehicle pillar such as A pillar (preferably lower or upper outer section thereof) or B pillar (preferably lower or upper outer section thereof), pillar closure, vehicle suspension component, vehicle support member, side impact beam, reinforcement bar, vehicle skin, vehicle hood, vehicle trunk, rear lamp, fuel filler, battery housing, battery support, or any combination thereof.

[0284] In preferred embodiments, the automotive vehicle assembly comprises:- a vehicle component and- an extruded bead of a curable and preferably pumpable polymer composition according to the invention as described above on a surface of the vehicle component.

[0285] For the purpose of the specification, the term "bead" encompasses any geometries, e.g. pellets, globules, spheres, squares, rectangles, strands, and the like. The cross-section of the bead may have any geometry, e.g. circular, oval, rectangular, triangular, rhombic, trapezoid, and the like.

[0286] The die used for extrusion may likewise have any geometry, e.g. circular, oval, rectangular, triangular, rhombic, trapezoid, and the like.

[0287] Preferably, the extruded bead resists one or more of the wash-off tests as described above.

[0288] Preferably, the extruded bead exhibits resiliency in response to loads encountered during manufacturing operations.

[0289] The surface of the article on which the composition is applied is preferably a vehicle component. The vehicle is not particularly limited and includes automobiles such as automobiles with combustion engine or electrified automobiles, other electrified vehicles, railway vehicles, and the like.

[0290] Preferably, the vehicle component is selected from the group consisting of vehicle bonnet, vehicle roof, roof bow, vehicle door, door beam, tubular frame member, vehicle bumper, front fender baffle, vehicle sill, vehicle pillar such as A pillar (preferably lower or upper outer section thereof) or B pillar (preferably lower or upper outer section thereof), pillar closure vehicle suspension component, vehicle support member, side impact beam, reinforcement bar, vehicle skin, vehicle hood, vehicle trunk, rear lamp, fuel fdler, battery housing, battery support, or any combination thereof.

[0291] The polymer composition according to the invention is also useful as hem flange adhesive.

[0292] The polymer composition according to the invention may be applied to substrates essentially requiring- 2D applications (e.g. door beams, roof bows, simple linear geometries),- intermediate 3D applications (e.g. small to medium complex 3D geometries, fender baffles), or- large 3D applications (e.g. hood supports, fender baffles, door inners).

[0293] In preferred embodiments, the extruded bead (which may be applied as a single continuous strip or as a plurality of intermittently spaced apart strips) has(i) an extrusion axis in the direction of motion of the die relative to a substrate upon which the bead is applied;(ii) an average cross-sectional area (measured in a section taken orthogonally from the extrusion axis) of at least 0.1 cm2, preferably at least 1.0 cm2, more preferably at least 2.0 cm2; and at most 10 cm2, preferably at most 8.0 cm2, more preferably at most 6.0 cm2, and still more preferably at most 4.0 cm2;(iii) a cross-sectional profile along the extrusion axis that is circular, elliptical, hemispherical, rectangular, polygonal, having a plurality of lobes, or any combination thereof; and / or(iv) a length of at least 1.0 cm, preferably at least 5.0 cm, more preferably at least 10 cm, and still more preferably at least 20 cm; and at most 1000 cm, preferably at most 750 cm, more preferably at most 500 cm, still more preferably at most 300 cm, and yet more preferably at most 100 cm; and / or(v) a largest dimension across the cross-sectional profde (e.g., a width, a diameter, or otherwise) of at most 20 cm, preferably at most 10 cm, more preferably at most 5 cm, and still more preferably at most 2 or 1 cm; and / or a smallest dimension across the cross-sectional profde of most 5 cm, preferably at most 3 cm, more preferably at most 1 cm, and still more preferably at most 0.5 or 0.1 cm.

[0294] In preferred embodiments, the bead forms a closed loop, whereas loop closure is preferably achieved by applying one end of the bead to the other end of the bead in an overlapping manner.

[0295] The bead may have any shape such as a linear or a curved shape.

[0296] The dimensions of the bead may vary along its length. For example, the height and / or width may increase along its length.

[0297] In preferred embodiments, the bead fdls a gap having maximum length L, maximum width W and maximum depth D, wherein (i) L > W > D or (ii) L > D > W or (iii) L > D = W.

[0298] In preferred embodiments, the bead fdls a gap between two substrates to be adhered to one another, preferably the surface of the vehicle component and the surface of the counter substrate. Preferably, the gap between the two substrates at least in a local region is 70 mm or less, preferably 50 mm or less, and more preferably 20 mm or less; preferably at most 18 mm, more preferably at most 16 mm, still more preferably at most 14 mm, yet more preferably at most 12 mm, even more preferably at most 10 mm, most preferably at most 8 mm, and in particular at most 6 mm.

[0299] In preferred embodiments, the automotive vehicle assembly comprises multiple layers of beads, preferably extruded on top of each other. Preferably, the automotive vehicle assembly comprises two layers of beads, three layers of beads, four layers of beads, five layers of beads, six layers of beads, or seven layers of beads.Uses:

[0300] Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of a heat activatable, volume expandable and curable polymer composition according to the invention as described above for producing an automotive vehicle assembly according to the invention as described above.

[0301] Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of a heat activatable, volume expandable and curable polymer composition according to the invention as described above as a sealant, an adhesive, a reinforcement, a dampener, and / or a sound absorber.

[0302] Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of a heat activatable, volume expandable and curable polymer composition according to the invention as described above in the method according to the invention as described above.

[0303] Preferably, the use is for sealing a cavity, preferably of an automotive vehicle, preferably for providing sound absorption.

[0304] Preferably, the use is for sealing a gap between two substrates, preferably of an automotive vehicle, preferably in order to prevent intrusion of air, water, or other fluids or deleterious substances.

[0305] Preferably, the two substrates have a minimum distance to one another (gap width) of at least 15 mm, preferably at least 20 mm, more preferably at least 25 mm, still more preferably at least 30 mm, yet more preferably at least 35 mm, even more preferably at least 40 mm, most preferably at least 45 mm, and in particular at least 50 mm.

[0306] Preferably, the use is for at least partially fdling a cavity, preferably of an automotive vehicle, preferably in order to prevent intrusion of air, water, or other fluids or deleterious substances.

[0307] Preferably, the cavity has an inner hollow volume of at least 5.0 cm3, preferably at least 10 cm3, more preferably at least 15 cm3, still more preferably at least 20 cm3, yet more preferably at least 25 cm3, even more preferably at least 30 cm3, most preferably at least 35 cm3, and in particular at least 40 cm3.

[0308] Preferably, the cavity has an inner hollow volume of at least 50 cm3, preferably at least 60 cm3, more preferably at least 70 cm3, still more preferably at least 80 cm3, yet more preferably at least 90 cm3, even more preferably at least 100 cm3, most preferably at least 110 cm3, and in particular at least 120 cm3.

[0309] Preferably, the cavity has an inner hollow volume of at least 150 cm3, preferably at least 200 cm3, more preferably at least 250 cm3, still more preferably at least 300 cm3, yet more preferably at least 350 cm3, even more preferably at least 400 cm3, most preferably at least 450 cm3, and in particular at least 500 cm3.

[0310] Preferably, the polymer composition is directly applied onto a surface of a substrate, preferably of a part of an automotive vehicle, more preferably in an automotive body shop application.

[0311] Preferably, the polymer composition is applied as a bead, preferably at an elevated temperature.

[0312] Preferably, the polymer composition is applied by means of an applicator, preferably a pump or an extruder, more preferably a pneumatic- or electric driven piston gun and optionally dispensing equipment.

[0313] Particularly preferred embodiments of the invention are compiled as clauses hereinafter:Clause 1 : A heat activatable, volume expandable and curable polymer composition for use as a sealant, an adhesive, a reinforcement, a dampener, and / or a sound absorber, which contains (i) one or more curable polymers, preferably free-radically curable polymers; (ii) one or more heat activatable curatives, preferably heat activatable radical initiators; and (iii) one or more heat activatable blowing agents at a total content sufficient to achieve upon heat activation, relative to the volume of the polymer composition prior to heat activation, a volume expansion of the polymer composition of at least about 1100 vol.- %, preferably determined at 165°C / 30 minutes total time, more preferably 165°C / 20 minutes total time. Clause 2: The polymer composition according to clause 1, wherein the total content of the one or more blowing agents is sufficient to achieve upon heat activation, relative to the volume of the polymer composition prior to heat activation, a volume expansion of the polymer composition of at least about 1150 vol.-%, preferably at least 1200 vol.-%, preferably at least 1250 vol.-%, more preferably at least 130 vol.-%, more preferably at least 1350 vol.-%, still more preferably at least 1400 vol.-%, still more preferably at least 1450 vol.-%, even more preferably at least 1500 vol.-%, even more preferably at least 1550 vol.-%, most preferably at least 1600 vol.-%, utmost preferably at least 1650 vol.-%, and in particular at least 1700 vol.-%, determined at 165°C / 30 minutes total time, more preferably 165°C / 20 minutes total time.Clause 3 : The polymer composition according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the one or more blowing agents comprise or essentially consist of one or more chemical blowing agents; preferably (i) one or more exothermic chemical blowing agents; more preferably selected from azodicarbonamide, dinitroso pentamethylene tetramine, 4,4’oxy-bis-(benzene-sulfonyl hydrazide), trihydrazino triazine, N,N’ -dimethyl - N,N’-dinitroso terephthalamide, and mixtures thereof; still more preferably azodicarbonamide and / or 4,4’oxy-bis-(benzene-sulfonyl hydrazide); and / or (ii) one or more endothermic chemical blowing agents; more preferably selected from carbonates and bicarbonates; still more preferably sodium bicarbonate.Clause 4: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more blowing agents comprise or essentially consist of one or more physical blowing agents; preferably expandable microspheres.Clause 5 : The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the activation temperature of the one or more blowing agents is at least about 100°C, preferably at least 110°C, more preferably at least 120°C, still more preferably at least 130°C, yet more preferably at least 140°C, even more preferably at least 150°C, most preferably at least 160°C, and in particular at least 170°C.Clause 6: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the activation temperature of the one or more blowing agents is at most about 210°C, preferably at most 200°C, more preferably at most 190°C, still more preferably at most 180°C, yet more preferably at most 170°C, even more preferably at most 160°C, most preferably at most 150°C, and in particular at most 140°C.Clause 7 : The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of the one or more blowing agents is at least about 3.0 wt.-%, preferably at least 3.5 wt.-%, more preferably at least 4.0 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 4.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably at least 5.0 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 5.5 wt.-%, most preferably at least 6.0 wt.-%, and in particular at least 6.5 wt.-%.Clause 8: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of the one or more blowing agents is at least about 7.0 wt.-%, preferably at least 7.5 wt.-%, more preferably at least 8.0 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 8.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably at least 9.0 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 9.5 wt.-%, most preferably at least 10.0 wt.-%, and in particular at least 10.5 wt.-%.Clause 9: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the polymer composition contains one or more blowing agent accelerators; preferably zinc oxide.Clause 10: The polymer composition according to clause 9, wherein the total weight content of the one or more blowing agent accelerators is lower than the total weight content of the one or more blowing agents.Clause 11 : The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more blowing agents comprise or essentially consist of azodicarbonamide, wherein the polymer composition additionally comprises zinc oxide, and wherein the relative weight ratio of azodicarbonamide to zinc oxide is at least about 2 : 1; preferably at least 4 : 1; more preferably at least 6 : 1; still more preferably at least 8 : 1, yet more preferably at least 10 : 1, even more preferably at least 12 : 1, most preferably at least 14 : 1, and in particular at least 16 : 1.Clause 12: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the overall content of the one or more curable polymers, preferably free -radically curable polymers is at least 40 wt.-%, preferably at least 42.5 wt.-%, more preferably at least 45 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 47.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably at least 50 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 52.5 wt.-%, most preferably at least 55 wt.-%, and in particular at least 57.5 wt.- 0 / / o.Clause 13: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the overall content of the one or more curable polymers, preferably free -radically curable polymers is at most 77.5 wt.-%, preferably at most 75 wt.-%, more preferably at most 72.5 wt.-%, still more preferably at most 70 wt.-%, yet more preferably at most 67.5 wt.-%, even more preferably at most 65 wt.-%, most preferably at most 62.5 wt.-%, and in particular at most 60 wt.- 0 / / o.Clause 14: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the overall content of the one or more curable polymers, preferably free -radically curable polymers is within the range of 60±20 wt.-%, preferably 60±17.5 wt.-%,more preferably 60±15 wt.-%, still more preferably 60±12.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably 60±10 wt.-%, even more preferably 60±7.5 wt.-%, most preferably 60±5.0 wt.-%, and in particular preferably 60±2.5 wt.-%.Clause 15 : The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more curable polymers, preferably free -radically curable polymers, comprise (i) one or more thermoplastic high MFI polymers independently of one another having (il) a MFI at 190°C / 2. 16 kg according to ISO 1133 of at least about 100 g / 10 min, preferably at least 125 g / 10 min, more preferably at least 150 g / 10 min, still more preferably at least 175 g / 10 min, yet more preferably at least 200 g / 10 min, even more preferably at least 225 g / 10 min, most preferably at least 250 g / 10 min, and in particular at least 275 g / 10 min; and (i2) a melting point according to ISO 11357-3 of at most about 96°C, preferably at most 93°C, more preferably at most 90°C, still more preferably at most 87°C, yet more preferably at most 84°C, even more preferably at most 81°C, most preferably at most 78°C, and in particular at most 75°C; and (ii) one or more thermoplastic low MFI polymers independently of one another having (iil) a MFI at 190°C / 2. 16 kg according to ISO 1133 of at most about 85 g / 10 min, preferably at most 80 g / 10 min, more preferably at most 75 g / 10 min, still more preferably at most 70 g / 10 min, yet more preferably at most 65 g / 10 min, even more preferably at most 60 g / 10 min, most preferably at most 55 g / 10 min, and in particular at most 50 g / 10 min; and (ii2) a melting point according to ISO 11357-3 of at most about 96°C, preferably at most 93°C, more preferably at most 90°C, still more preferably at most 87°C, yet more preferably at most 84°C, even more preferably at most 81 °C, most preferably at most 78°C, and in particular at most 75°C.Clause 16: The polymer composition according to clause 15, wherein the one or more thermoplastic high MFI polymers comprise an ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer.Clause 17 : The polymer composition according to clause 15 or 16, wherein the one or more thermoplastic high MFI polymers comprise an ethylene -vinyl acetate copolymer.Clause 18: The polymer composition according to any of clauses 15 to 17, wherein the one or more thermoplastic low MFI polymers comprise an ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer.Clause 19: The polymer composition according to any of clauses 15 to 18, wherein the one or more thermoplastic low MFI polymers comprise an ethylene -vinyl acetate copolymer.Clause 20: The polymer composition according to any of clauses 15 to 19, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of the one or more thermoplastic high MFI polymers is within the range of about 25±22.5 wt.-%, preferably 25±20 wt.-%, more preferably 25±17.5 wt.- %, still more preferably 25±15 wt.-%, yet more preferably 25±12.5 wt.-%, even more preferably 25±10 wt.-%, most preferably 25±7.5 wt.-%, and in particular 25±5.0 wt.-%.Clause 21: The polymer composition according to any of clauses 15 to 20, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of the one or more thermoplastic low MFI polymers is within the range of about 25±22.5 wt.-%, preferably 25±20 wt.-%, more preferably 25±17.5 wt.-%,still more preferably 25±15 wt.-%, yet more preferably 25±12.5 wt.-%, even more preferably 25±10 wt.-%, most preferably 25±7.5 wt.-%, and in particular 25±5.0 wt.-%.Clause 22: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more curable polymers, preferably free -radically curable polymers comprise (a) one or more thermoplastic homopolymers; preferably independently of one another derived from monomers selected from ethylene, propylene, butadiene, styrene, acrylonitrile, vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, vinyl acetate, (meth)acrylic acid, and alkyl (meth)acrylates; more preferably one or more homopolymers selected from polyvinyl chlorides, polyalkyl(meth)acrylates, and poly (meth)acrylic acid; and / or (b) one or more thermoplastic copolymers; preferably independently of one another derived from two monomers independently of one another selected from ethylene, propylene, butadiene, styrene, acrylonitrile, vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, vinyl acetate, (meth)acrylic acid, and alkyl (meth)acrylates; more preferably one or more copolymers selected from ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers [preferably selected from eth- ylene-methyl (meth)acrylate copolymers, functionalized ethylene -methyl (meth)acrylate copolymers, ethylene-ethyl (meth)acrylate copolymers, functionalized ethylene-ethyl (meth)acrylate copolymers, ethylene-propyl (meth)acrylate copolymers, functionalized ethylene -propyl (meth)acrylate copolymers, ethylene-butyl (meth)acrylate copolymers, functionalized ethylene-butyl (meth)acrylate copolymers, ethylene-2-ethylhexyl (meth)acrylate copolymers, functionalized ethylene-2-ethylhexyl (meth)acrylate copolymers, and ethylene (meth)acrylic acid copolymers], ethylene -vinyl acetate copolymers, functionalized ethylene -vinyl acetate copolymers, styrene -butadiene block copolymers, and styrene-isoprene block copolymers; and / or (c) one or more thermoplastic terpolymers; preferably independently of one another derived from three monomers independently of one another selected from ethylene, propylene, butadiene, styrene, acrylonitrile, vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, vinyl acetate, (meth)acrylic acid, alkyl (meth)acrylates, and glycidyl(meth)acrylates; more preferably one or more terpolymers selected from ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers.Clause 23 : The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more curable polymers, preferably free-radically curable polymers comprise one or more polymers having a melt index determined at 190°C, 2.16 kg according to ASTM D1238 of at most 10 g / 10 min, preferably at most 9.0 g / 10 min, more preferably at most 8.0 g / 10 min, still more preferably at most 7.0 g / 10 min, yet more preferably at most 6.0 g / 10 min, even more preferably at most 5.0 g / 10 min, most preferably at most 4.0 g / 10 min, and in particular at most 3.0 g / 10 min.Clause 24: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more curable polymers, preferably free-radically curable polymers comprise one or more polymers having a melt index determined at 190°C, 2.16 kg according to ASTM DI 238 within the range of 50±36 g / 10 min, preferably 50±32 g / 10 min, more preferably 50±28 g / 10 min, still more preferably 50±24 g / 14 min, yet more preferably 50±20 g / 10 min, even more preferably 50±16 g / 10 min, most preferably 50±12 g / 10 min, and in particular 50±8 g / 10 min.Clause 25 : The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more curable polymers, preferably free-radically curable polymers comprise one or more polymers having a melt index determined at 190°C, 2.16 kg according to ASTM DI 238 of at least 90 g / 10 min, preferably at least 120 g / 10 min, more preferably at least 150 g / 10 min, still more preferably at least 180 g / 10 min, yet more preferably at least 210 g / 10 min, even more preferably at least 240 g / 10 min, most preferably at least 270 g / 10 min, and in particular at least 300 g / 10 min.Clause 26: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more curable polymers, preferably free-radically curable polymers comprise one or more solid polymers; preferably polymers having a melting point according to ISO 11357-3 above 23°C.Clause 27 : The polymer composition according to clause 26, wherein the one or more solid polymers independently of one another have a melting point according to ISO 11357-3 within the range of from 60 to 120°C, preferably 60 to 100°C.Clause 28: The polymer composition according to clause 26 or 27, wherein the one or more solid polymers independently of one another have a VICAT softening point according to ISO 306 within the range of from 60 to 120°C, preferably 60 to 100°C.Clause 29: The polymer composition according to any of clauses 26 to 28, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of the one or more solid polymers is at least 37.5 wt.-%, preferably at least 40 wt.-%, more preferably at least 42.5 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 45 wt.-%, yet more preferably at least 47.5 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 50 wt.-%, most preferably at least 52.5 wt.-%, and in particular at least 55 wt.-%.Clause 30: The polymer composition according to any of clauses 26 to 29, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of the one or more solid polymers is at most 77.5 wt.-%, preferably at most 75 wt.-%, more preferably at most 72.5 wt.-%, still more preferably at most 70 wt.-%, yet more preferably at most 67.5 wt.-%, even more preferably at most 65 wt.-%, most preferably at most 62.5 wt.-%, and in particular at most 60 wt.-%.Clause 31: The polymer composition according to any of clauses 26 to 30, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of the one or more solid polymers is within the range of 60±20 wt.-%, preferably 60±17.5 wt.-%, more preferably 60±15 wt.-%, still more preferably 60±12.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably 60±10 wt.-%, even more preferably 60±7.5 wt.-%, most preferably 60±5.0 wt.-%, and in particular preferably 60±2.5 wt.-%.Clause 32: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more curable polymers, preferably free-radically curable polymers comprise one or more liquid polymers; preferably polymers having a melting point according to ISO 11357-3 below 23°C; more preferably selected from liquid hydrocarbon resins, liquid polyolefins, liquid polymers derived from one or more diene monomers, and liquid epoxy resins; more preferably selected from liquid hydrocarbon resins, liquid polyisobutylene, liquid butadiene isoprene copolymers, and liquid epoxy resins.Clause 33: The polymer composition according to clause 32, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of the one or more liquid polymers is at most 45 wt.-%, preferably at most 40 wt.-%, more preferably at most 35 wt.-%, still more preferably at most 30 wt.-%, yet more preferably at most 25 wt.-%, even more preferably at most 20 wt.-%, most preferably at most 15 wt.-%, and in particular at most 10 wt.-%.Clause 34: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the polymer composition comprises (i) one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers, preferably ethylenebutyl acrylate copolymers; preferably independently of one another having a melting point according to ISO 11357-3 of at most about 100°C; (ii) one or more ethylene -vinyl acetate copolymers; preferably independently of one another having a melting point according to ISO 11357-3 of at most about 100°C; and (iii) one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers, preferably eth- ylene-butyl acrylate -glycidyl methacrylate terpolymers; preferably independently of one another having a melting point according to ISO 3146 of at most about 100°C.Clause 35: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the polymer composition comprises (i) about 12 to 38 wt.-% of one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers, preferably ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymers independently of one another having a melting point according to ISO 11357-3 of at most about 100°C; (ii) about 14 to 40 wt.-% of one or more ethylene -vinyl acetate copolymers independently of one another having a melting point according to ISO 11357-3 of at most about 100°C; and (iii) about 2.5 to 20 wt.- % of one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acry late -glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers, preferably ethylene-butyl acrylate -glycidyl methacrylate terpolymers independently of one another having a melting point according to ISO 3146 of at most about 100°C.Clause 36: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the overall content of one or more ethylene-alkyl (methacrylate copolymers (preferably ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymers), one or more ethylene -vinyl acetate copolymers, and one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers (preferably ethylene-butyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate terpolymers) of at least about 42 wt.-%, preferably at least 44 wt.-%, more preferably at least 46 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 48 wt.-%, yet more preferably at least 50 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 52 wt.-%, most preferably at least 54 wt.-%, and in particular at least 56 wt.-%.Clause 37: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the overall content of one or more ethylene-alkyl (methacrylate copolymers (preferably ethylene-butyl acrylate), one or more ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, and one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers (preferably ethylene-butyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate terpolymers) is at least about 74 wt.-%, preferably at most 72 wt.-%, more preferably at most 70 wt.-%, still more preferably at most 68 wt.-%, yet more preferably atmost 66 wt.-%, even more preferably at most 64 wt.-%, most preferably at most 62 wt.-%, and in particular at most 60 wt.-%.Clause 38: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, which comprises one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers independently of one another having a melting point according to ISO 11357-3 of at most about 96°C, preferably at most 93°C, more preferably at most 90°C, still more preferably at most 87°C, yet more preferably at most 84°C, even more preferably at most 81°C, most preferably at most 78°C, and in particular at most 75°C.Clause 39: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, which comprises one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers comprising or essentially consisting of one or more ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymers.Clause 40: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers, preferably ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymers, is at least about 14 wt.-%, preferably at least 16 wt.-%, more preferably at least 18 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 20 wt.-%, yet more preferably at least 22 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 24 wt.-%, most preferably at least 26 wt.-%, and in particular at least 28 wt.-%.Clause 41 : The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers, preferably ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymers, is at most about 37 wt.-%, preferably at most 36 wt.-%, more preferably at most 35 wt.-%, still more preferably at most 34 wt.-%, yet more preferably at most 33 wt.-%, even more preferably at most 32 wt.-%, most preferably at most 31 wt.-%, and in particular at most 30 wt.-%.Clause 42: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers, preferably ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymers, is within the range of 30±20 wt.-%, preferably 30±17.5 wt.-%, more preferably 30±15 wt.-%, still more preferably 30±12.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably 30±10 wt.-%, even more preferably 30±7.5 wt.-%, most preferably 30±5.0 wt.-%, and in particular 30±2.5 wt.-%.Clause 43 : The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, which comprises one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers comprising or essentially consisting of an ethylene- alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer, preferably ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymer, having a melting point within the range of about 66±16°C, preferably 66±14°C, more preferably 66±12°C, still more preferably 66±10°C, yet more preferably 66±8°C, even more preferably 66±6°C, most preferably 66±4°C, and in particular 66±2°C.Clause 44: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, which comprises one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers comprising or essentially consisting of an ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer, preferably ethylene -butyl acrylate copolymer, having an alkyl (meth)acrylate content within the range of about 35±16 wt.-%, preferably 35±14 wt.-%, more preferably 35±12 wt.-%, still more preferably 35±10 wt.-%, yet more preferably 35±8 wt.-%, even more preferably 35±6 wt.-%, most preferably 35±4 wt.-%, and in particular 35±2 wt.-%.Clause 45 : The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, which comprises one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers comprising or essentially consisting of an ethylenealkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer, preferably ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymer, having a VI CAT softening temperature according to ISO 306 of at most about 75°C, preferably at most 70°C, more preferably at most 65°C, still more preferably at most 60°C, yet more preferably at most 55°C, even more preferably at most 50°C, most preferably at most 45°C, and in particular at most 40°C.Clause 46: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, which comprises one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers comprising or essentially consisting of an ethylenealkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer, preferably ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymer, having a MFI at 190°C / 2.16 kg according to ISO 1133 within the range of about 40±38 g / 10 min, preferably 40±34 g / 10 min, more preferably 40±30 g / 10 min, still more preferably 40±26 g / 10 min, yet more preferably 40±22 g / 10 min, even more preferably 40±18 g / 10 min, most preferably 40±14 g / 10 min, and in particular 40±10 g / 10 min.Clause 47 : The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, which comprises one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers comprising or essentially consisting of an ethylene- alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer, preferably ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymer, having a MFI at 190°C / 2.16 kg according to ISO 1133 within the range of about 320±300 g / 10 min, preferably 320±270 g / 10 min, more preferably 320±240 g / 10 min, still more preferably 320±210 g / 10 min, yet more preferably 320±180 g / 10 min, even more preferably 320±150 g / 10 min, most preferably 320±120 g / 10 min, and in particular 320±90 g / 10 min.Clause 48: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, which comprises (i) a first ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer, preferably ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymer, having a melting point within the range of about 66±16°C, preferably 66±14°C, more preferably 66±12°C, still more preferably 66±10°C, yet more preferably 66±8°C, even more preferably 66±6°C, most preferably 66±4°C, and in particular 66±2°C; and (ii) a second ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer, preferably ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymer, having a melting point within the range of about 66±16°C, preferably 66±14°C, more preferably 66±12°C, still more preferably 66±10°C, yet more preferably 66±8°C, even more preferably 66±6°C, most preferably 66±4°C, and in particular 66±2°C; wherein the first ethylene- alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer has a greater MFI at 190°C / 2.16 kg according to ISO 1133 than the second ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer.Clause 49: The polymer composition according to clause 48, wherein the first ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer has a MFI at 190°C / 2. 16 kg according to ISO 1133 within the range of about 320±300 g / 10 min, preferably 320±270 g / 10 min, more preferably 320±240 g / 10 min, still more prefer-ably 320±210 g / 10 min, yet more preferably 320±180 g / 10 min, even more preferably 320±150 g / 10 min, most preferably 320±120 g / 10 min, and in particular 320±90 g / 10 min.Clause 50: The polymer composition according to clause 48 or 49, wherein the first ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, has a content within the range of 22±20 wt.-%, preferably 22±17.5 wt.-%, more preferably 22±15 wt.-%, still more preferably 22±12.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably 22±10 wt.-%, even more preferably 22±7.5 wt.-%, most preferably 22±5.0 wt.-%, and in particular 22±2.5 wt.-%.Clause 51: The polymer composition according to any of clauses 48 to 50, wherein the first ethylenealkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer, has an alkyl (meth)acrylate content within the range of about 35±16 wt.-%, preferably 35±14 wt.-%, more preferably 35±12 wt.-%, still more preferably 35±10 wt.-%, yet more preferably 35±8 wt.-%, even more preferably 35±6 wt.-%, most preferably 35±4 wt.-%, and in particular 35±2 wt.-%.Clause 52: The polymer composition according to any of clauses 48 to 51, wherein the second ethylenealkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer has a MFI at 190°C / 2. 16 kg according to ISO 1133 within the range of about 40±38 g / 10 min, preferably 40±34 g / 10 min, more preferably 40±30 g / 10 min, still more preferably 40±26 g / 10 min, yet more preferably 40±22 g / 10 min, even more prefer-ably 40±18 g / 10 min, most preferably 40±14 g / 10 min, and in particular 40±10 g / 10 min.Clause 53 : The polymer composition according to any of clauses 48 to 52, wherein the second ethylenealkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, has a content within the range of 22±20 wt.-%, preferably 22±17.5 wt.-%, more preferably 22±15 wt.-%, still more preferably 22±12.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably 22±10 wt.-%, even more preferably 22±7.5 wt.-%, most preferably 22±5.0 wt.-%, and in particular 22±2.5 wt.-%.Clause 54: The polymer composition according to any of clauses 48 to 53, wherein the second ethylenealkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer has an alkyl (meth)acrylate content within the range of about 35±16 wt.- %, preferably 35±14 wt.-%, more preferably 35±12 wt.-%, still more preferably 35±10 wt.-%, yet more preferably 35±8 wt.-%, even more preferably 35±6 wt.-%, most preferably 35±4 wt.-%, and in particular 35±2 wt.-%.Clause 55: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, which comprises one or more ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers independently of one another having a melting point according to ISO 11357-3 of at most about 96°C, preferably at most 93°C, more preferably at most 90°C, still more preferably at most 87°C, yet more preferably at most 84°C, even more preferably at most 81 °C, most preferably at most 78°C, and in particular at most 75°C.Clause 56: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of one or more ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers is at least about 15 wt.-%, preferably at least 16 wt.-%, more preferably at least 17 wt.-%, stillmore preferably at least 18 wt.-%, yet more preferably at least 19 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 20 wt.-%, most preferably at least 21 wt.-%, and in particular at least 22 wt.-%.Clause 57: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of one or more ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers is at most about 38 wt.-%, preferably at most 36 wt.-%, more preferably at most 34 wt.-%, still more preferably at most 32 wt.-%, yet more preferably at most 30 wt.-%, even more preferably at most 28 wt.-%, most preferably at most 26 wt.-%, and in particular at most 24 wt.-%.Clause 58: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of one or more ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers is within the range of 25±20 wt.-%, preferably 25±17.5 wt.-%, more preferably 25±15 wt.-%, still more preferably 25±12.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably 25±10 wt.-%, even more preferably 25±7.5 wt.-%, most preferably 25±5.0 wt.-%, and in particular 25±2.5 wt.-%.Clause 59: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, which comprises one or more ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers comprising or essentially consisting of an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer having a melting point within the range of about 72±16°C, preferably 72±14°C, more preferably 72±12°C, still more preferably 72±10°C, yet more preferably 72±8°C, even more preferably 72±6°C, most preferably 72±4°C, and in particular 72±2°C.Clause 60: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, which comprises one or more ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers comprising or essentially consisting of an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer having a vinyl acetate content within the range of about 28±16 wt.-%, preferably 28±14 wt.-%, more preferably 28±12 wt.-%, still more preferably 28±10 wt.-%, yet more preferably 28±8 wt.-%, even more preferably 28±6 wt.-%, most preferably 28±4 wt.-%, and in particular 28±2 wt.- 0 / / o.Clause 61 : The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, which comprises one or more ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers comprising or essentially consisting of an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer having a VICAT softening temperature according to ISO 306 of at most about 75°C, preferably at most 70°C, more preferably at most 65°C, still more preferably at most 60°C, yet more preferably at most 55°C, even more preferably at most 50°C, most preferably at most 45°C, and in particular at most 40°C.Clause 62: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, which comprises one or more ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers comprising or essentially consisting of an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer having a MFI at 190°C / 2.16 kg according to ISO 1133 within the range of about 6.0±4.5 g / 10 min, preferably 6.0±4.0 g / 10 min, more preferably 6.0±3.5 g / 10 min, still more preferably 6.0±3.0 g / 10 min, yet more preferably 6.0±2.5 g / 10 min, even more preferably 6.0±2.0 g / 10 min, most preferably 6.0±1.5 g / 10 min, and in particular 6.0±1.0 g / 10 min.Clause 63 : The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises (i) a first ethylene -vinyl acetate copolymer having a melting point within the range of about 63±16°C, preferably 63±14°C, more preferably 63±12°C, still more preferably 63±10°C, yet more preferably 63±8°C, even more preferably 63±6°C, most preferably 63±4°C, and in particular 63±2°C; and (ii) a second ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer having a melting point within the range of about 72±16°C, preferably 72±14°C, more preferably 72±12°C, still more preferably 72±10°C, yet more preferably 72±8°C, even more preferably 72±6°C, most preferably 72±4°C, and in particular 72±2°C; wherein the first ethylenevinyl acetate copolymer has a greater MFI at 190°C / 2.16 kg according to ISO 1133 than the second ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer.Clause 64: The polymer composition according to clause 63, wherein the first ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer has a MFI at 190°C / 2. 16 kg according to ISO 1133 within the range of about 800±750 g / 10 min, preferably 800±700 g / 10 min, more preferably 800±600 g / 10 min, still more preferably 800±500 g / 10 min, yet more preferably 800±400 g / 10 min, even more preferably 800±300 g / 10 min, most preferably 800±200 g / 10 min, and in particular 800±100 g / 10 min.Clause 65 : The polymer composition according to clause 64 or 64, wherein the first ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, has a content within the range of 4.0±3.9 wt.-%, preferably 4.0±3.5 wt.-%, more preferably 4.0±3.0 wt.-%, still more preferably 4.0±2.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably 4.0±2.0 wt.-%, even more preferably 4.0±1.5 wt.-%, most preferably 4.0±1.0 wt.-%, and in particular 4.0±0.5 wt.-%.Clause 66: The polymer composition according to clauses 63 to 65, wherein the first ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer has a vinyl acetate content within the range of about 28±16 wt.-%, preferably 28±14 wt.-%, more preferably 28±12 wt.-%, still more preferably 28±10 wt.-%, yet more preferably 28±8 wt.- %, even more preferably 28±6 wt.-%, most preferably 28±4 wt.-%, and in particular 28±2 wt.-%.Clause 67 : The polymer composition according to any of clauses 63 to 66, wherein the second ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer has a MFI at 190°C / 2.16 kg according to ISO 1133 within the range of about 5.0±4.5 g / 10 min, preferably 5.0±4.0 g / 10 min, more preferably 5.0±3.5 g / 10 min, still more preferably 5.0±3.0 g / 10 min, yet more preferably 5.0±2.5 g / 10 min, even more preferably 5.0±2.0 g / 10 min, most preferably 5.0±1.5 g / 10 min, and in particular 5.0±1.0 g / 10 min.Clause 68: The polymer composition according to any of clauses 63 to 67, wherein the second ethylenevinyl acetate copolymer, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, has a content within the range of 4.0±3.9 wt.-%, preferably 4.0±3.5 wt.-%, more preferably 4.0±3.0 wt.-%, still more preferably 4.0±2.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably 4.0±2.0 wt.-%, even more preferably 4.0±1.5 wt.-%, most preferably 4.0±1.0 wt.-%, and in particular 4.0±0.5 wt.-%.Clause 69: The polymer composition according to any of clauses 63 to 68, wherein the second ethylenevinyl acetate copolymer has a vinyl acetate content within the range of about 28±16 wt.-%, preferably 28±14 wt.-%, more preferably 28±12 wt.-%, still more preferably 28±10 wt.-%, yet more preferably28±8 wt.-%, even more preferably 28±6 wt.-%, most preferably 28±4 wt.-%, and in particular 28±2 wt.- 0 / / o.Clause 70: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, which comprises one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers independently of one another having a melting point according to ISO 3146 of at most about 96°C, preferably at most 93°C, more preferably at most 90°C, still more preferably at most 87°C, yet more preferably at most 84°C, even more preferably at most 81°C, most preferably at most 78°C, and in particular at most 75°C.Clause 71 : The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, which comprises one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers comprising or essentially consisting of one or more ethylene-butyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate terpolymers.Clause 72: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate- glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers, preferably ethylene-butyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate terpolymers, is at least about 3.0 wt.-%, preferably at least 3.5 wt.-%, more preferably at least 4.0 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 4.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably at least 5.0 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 5.5 wt.-%, most preferably at least 6.0 wt.-%, and in particular at least 6.5 wt.-%.Clause 73: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate- glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers, preferably ethylene-butyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate terpolymers, is at most about 18 wt.-%, preferably at most 17 wt.-%, more preferably at most 16 wt.-%, still more preferably at most 15 wt.-%, yet more preferably at most 14 wt.-%, even more preferably at most 13 wt.-%, most preferably at most 12 wt.-%, and in particular at most 11 wt.-%.Clause 74: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate- glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers, preferably ethylene-butyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate terpolymers, is within the range of 5.0±4.5 wt.-%, preferably 5.0±4.0 wt.-%, more preferably 5.0±3.5 wt.-%, still more preferably 5.0±3.0 wt.-%, yet more preferably 5.0±2.5 wt.-%, even more preferably 5.0±2.0 wt.-%, most preferably 5.0±1.5 wt.-%, and in particular 5.0±1.0 wt.-%.Clause 75: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, which comprises one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers comprising or essentially consisting of an ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymer, preferably ethylene- butyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer, having a melting point within the range of about 72±16°C, preferably 72±14°C, more preferably 72±12°C, still more preferably 72±10°C, yet more preferably 72±8°C, even more preferably 72±6°C, most preferably 72±4°C, and in particular 72±2°C.Clause 76: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, which comprises one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers comprising or essentiallyconsisting of an ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymer, preferably ethylenebutyl acrylate -glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer, having (i) an alkyl (meth)acrylate content within the range of about 20±16 wt.-%, preferably 20±14 wt.-%, more preferably 20±12 wt.-%, still more preferably 20±10 wt.-%, yet more preferably 20±8 wt.-%, even more preferably 20±6 wt.-%, most preferably 20±4 wt.-%, and in particular 20±2 wt.-%; and / or (ii) a glycidyl (meth)acrylate content within the range of about 9±8 wt.-%, preferably 9±7 wt.-%, more preferably 9±6 wt.-%, still more preferably 9±5 wt.- %, yet more preferably 9±4 wt.-%, even more preferably 9±3 wt.-%, most preferably 9±2 wt.-%, and in particular 9±1 wt.-%of about 9 wt.-%.Clause 77: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, which comprises one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers comprising or essentially consisting of an ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymer, preferably ethylenebutyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer, having a VICAT softening temperature according to ISO 306 of at most about 75°C, preferably at most 70°C, more preferably at most 65°C, still more preferably at most 60°C, yet more preferably at most 55 °C, even more preferably at most 50°C, most preferably at most 45°C, and in particular at most 40°C.Clause 78: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, which comprises one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers comprising or essentially consisting of an ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymer, preferably ethylenebutyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer, having a MFI at 190°C / 2.16 kg according to ISO 1133 within the range of about 8.0±7.5 g / 10 min, preferably 8.0±7.0 g / 10 min, more preferably 8.0±6.0 g / 10 min, still more preferably 8.0±5.0 g / 10 min, yet more preferably 8.0±4.0 g / 10 min, even more preferably 8.0±3.0 g / 10 min, most preferably 8.0±2.0 g / 10 min, and in particular 8.0±1.0 g / 10 min.Clause 79: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, which comprises one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers that are the sole ingredients of the polymer composition bearing epoxy functional groups.Clause 80: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more heat activatable curatives, preferably heat activatable radical initiators comprise or essentially consist of one or more peroxides.Clause 81 : The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more heat activatable curatives, preferably heat activatable radical initiators independently of one another are selected from diacyl peroxides, dialkyl peroxides, peresters, and mixtures thereof; preferably selected from 2,5 dimethyl-2,5-di(tert-butyl peroxy)-3 -hexyne, di-tert-butyl peroxide, 2,5 dimethyl-2,5-di(tert- butyl peroxy)-3 -hexane, tert-butyl cumyl peroxide, di (tert-butyl peroxy isopropyl) benzene, dicumyl peroxide, butyl-4,4-bis(tert-butylperoxy) valerate, l,l-di(tert-butylperoxy)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane, tert-butyl peroxybenzoate, dibenzoyl peroxide, and mixtures thereof.Clause 82: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more heat activatable curatives, preferably heat activatable radical initiators independently of one anotherhave a temperature for a half-life time of 1 hour of at least about 105 °C, preferably at least 110°C, more preferably at least 115°C, still more preferably at least 120°C, yet more preferably at least 125°C, even more preferably at least 130°C, most preferably at least 135°C, and in particular at least 140°C.Clause 83 : The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more heat activatable curatives, preferably heat activatable radical initiators independently of one another have a temperature for a half-life time of 1 hour of at most about 190°C, preferably at most 180°C, more preferably at most 170°C, still more preferably at most 160°C, yet more preferably at most 150°C, even more preferably at most 140°C, most preferably at most 130°C, and in particular at most 120°C.Clause 84: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the activation temperature of the one or more heat activatable curatives is at least about 100°C, preferably at least 110°C, more preferably at least 120°C, still more preferably at least 130°C, yet more preferably at least 140°C, even more preferably at least 150°C, most preferably at least 160°C, and in particular at least 170°C.Clause 85: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the activation temperature of the one or more heat activatable curatives is at most about 210°C, preferably at most 200°C, more preferably at most 190°C, still more preferably at most 180°C, yet more preferably at most 170°C, even more preferably at most 160°C, most preferably at most 150°C, and in particular at most 140°C.Clause 86: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, which additionally comprises a curing agent comprising at least 2 ethylenically unsaturated groups; preferably at least 3 ethylenically unsaturated groups; more preferably at least 4 ethylenically unsaturated groups; still more preferably at least 5 ethylenically unsaturated groups.Clause 87 : The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, which additionally comprises a curing agent selected from 1,4-butanediol di(meth)acrylate, diethyleneglycol di(meth)acrylate, triethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, tripropyleneglycol di(meth)acrylate, trimethylolpropane tri(meth)- acrylate, glycerol tri(meth)acrylate, pentaerythritol tri(meth)acrylate, tri(2-(meth)acryloxy ethyl) iso- cyanurate, tri(2-(meth)acryloxy ethyl) trimellitate, pentaerythritol tetra(meth)acrylate, tetramethylolmethane tetra(meth)acrylate, di(trimethylolpropane) tetra(meth)acrylate, dipentaerythritol penta(meth)acrylate, dipentaerythritol hexa(meth)acrylate, or mixtures thereof; preferably dipentaerythritol pentaacrylate.Clause 88 : The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, which additionally comprises a latent epoxy curing agent optionally in combination with a curing accelerator; preferably wherein the latent epoxy curing agent is selected from dicyandiamide, BF3complexes, aromatic amines, imidazoles, ureas, and dihydrazides; more preferably dicyandiamide.Clause 89: The polymer composition according to clause 88, wherein the activation temperature of the latent epoxy curing agent is at least about 100°C, preferably at least 110°C, more preferably at least120°C, still more preferably at least 13O°C, yet more preferably at least 140°C, even more preferably at least 150°C, most preferably at least 160°C, and in particular at least 170°C.Clause 90: The polymer composition according to clause 88 or 89, wherein the activation temperature of the latent epoxy curing agent is at most about 210°C, preferably at most 200°C, more preferably at most 190°C, still more preferably at most 180°C, yet more preferably at most 170°C, even more preferably at most 160°C, most preferably at most 150°C, and in particular at most 140°C.Clause 91 : The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, which additionally comprises a tackifier.Clause 92: The polymer composition according to clause 91, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the content of the tackifier is at least about 5.0 wt.-%, preferably at least 7.5 wt.- %, more preferably at least 10 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 11 wt.-%, yet more preferably at least 12 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 13 wt.-%, most preferably at least 14 wt.-%, and in particular at least 15 wt.-%.Clause 93 : The polymer composition according to clause 91 or 92, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the content of the tackifier is at most 27.5 wt.-%, more preferably at most 25 wt.-%, still more preferably at most 22.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably at most 20 wt.-%, even more preferably at most 19 wt.-%, most preferably at most 18 wt.-%, and in particular at most 17 wt.-%.Clause 94: The polymer composition according to any of clauses 91 to 93, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the content of the tackifier is within the range of 15±14.5 wt.-%, preferably 15±14 wt.-%, more preferably 15±12 wt.-%, still more preferably 15±10 wt.-%, yet more preferably 15±8.0 wt.-%, even more preferably 15±6.0 wt.-%, most preferably 15±4.0 wt.-%, and in particular 15±2.0 wt.-%.Clause 95: The polymer composition according to any of clauses 91 to 94, wherein the tackifier is a thermoplastic resin; preferably obtained from polymerizing unsaturated aromatic olefins and diolefms derived from thermal cracking of naphtha.Clause 96: The polymer composition according to any of clauses 91 to 95, wherein the tackifier has a softening point according to ASTM E 28 within the range of about 110±40°C, preferably 110±35°C, more preferably 110±30°C, still more preferably 110±25°C, yet more preferably 110±20°C, even more preferably 110±15°C, most preferably 110±10°C, and in particular 110±5°C.Clause 97 : The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, which additionally comprises a lubricant, slip additive, and / or antiblocking additive; preferably an oleamide.Clause 98: The polymer composition according to clause 97, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the content of the lubricant, slip additive, and / or antiblocking additive, preferably oleamide, is at least about 0.1 wt.-%, more preferably at least 0.25 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 0.5, yet more preferably at least 0.75 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 1.0 wt.-%.Clause 99: The polymer composition according to clause 97 or 98, wherein the lubricant, slip additive, and / or antiblocking additive is a bio-based and / or vegetable derived oleamide.Clause 100: The polymer composition according to any of clauses 97 to 99, wherein the lubricant, slip additive, and / or antiblocking additive, preferably oleamide, has a melting point according to ASTM E324-16 within the range of about 75±40°C, preferably 75±35°C, more preferably 75±30°C, still more preferably 75±25°C, yet more preferably 75±20°C, even more preferably 75±15°C, most preferably 75±10°C, and in particular 75±5°C.Clause 101: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of inorganic material is at least about 5.0 wt.-%, preferably at least 6.0 wt.-%, more preferably at least 7.0 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 8.0 wt.-%, yet more preferably at least 9.0 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 10 wt.-%, most preferably at least 11 wt.-%, and in particular at least 12 wt.-%.Clause 102: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of inorganic material is at most about 20 wt.-%, preferably at most 19 wt.-%, more preferably at most 18 wt.-%, still more preferably at most 17 wt.-%, yet more preferably at most 16 wt.-%, even more preferably at most 17 wt.-%, most preferably at most 14 wt.-%, and in particular at most 13 wt.-%.Clause 103: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of inorganic material is within the range of 15±14.5 wt.-%, preferably 15±14 wt.-%, more preferably 15±12 wt.-%, still more preferably 15±10 wt.-%, yet more preferably 15±8.0 wt.-%, even more preferably 15±6.0 wt.-%, most preferably 15±4.0 wt.-%, and in particular 15±2.0 wt.-%.Clause 104: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, which contains a tackifier and inorganic material, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the overall content of the one or more curable polymers, the one or more heat activatable curatives, the one or more heat activatable blowing agents, the tackifier, and the inorganic material is at least 80 wt.-%, preferably at least 82.5 wt.-%, more preferably at least 85 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 87.5 wt.- %, yet more preferably at least 90 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 92.5 wt.-%, most preferably at least 95 wt.-%, and in particular at least 97.5 wt.-%.Clause 105: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the polymer composition is a one component system.Clause 106: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the polymer composition is a solid at 23 °C.Clause 107: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the polymer composition is a homogeneous mixture.Clause 108: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the polymer composition at 23°C is (i) dry to the touch and / or (ii) non-tacky to the touch and / or (iii) stackable and / or (iv) non-deformable to the touch.Clause 109: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the polymer composition at 50°C is (i) dry to the touch and / or (ii) non-tacky to the touch and / or (iii) stackable and / or (iv) non-deformable to the touch.Clause 110: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the polymer composition has a total content of ingredients that in their neat state at 23°C are liquid of at most 20.0 wt.-%, preferably at most 17.5 wt.-%, more preferably at most 15.0 wt.-%, still more preferably at most 12.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably at most 10.0 wt.-%, even more preferably at most 7.5 wt.-%, most preferably at most 5.0 wt.-%, and in particular at most 2.5 wt.-%, in each case relative to the total weight of the polymer composition.Clause 111: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the polymer composition has a total content of ingredients that in their neat state at 23°C are solid of at least 60.0 wt.-%, preferably at least 62.5 wt.-%, more preferably at least 65.0 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 67.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably at least 70.0 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 72.5 wt.-%, most preferably at least 75.0 wt.-%, and in particular at least 77.5 wt.-%, in each case relative to the total weight of the polymer composition.Clause 112: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the polymer composition has a total content of ingredients that in their neat state at 23°C are solid of at least 80.0 wt.-%, preferably at least 82.5 wt.-%, more preferably at least 85.0 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 87.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably at least 90.0 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 92.5 wt.-%, most preferably at least 95.0 wt.-%, and in particular at least 97.5 wt.-%, in each case relative to the total weight of the polymer composition.Clause 113: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the polymer composition has a total content of ingredients that in their neat state at 23 °C are solid and that in their neat state at 100°C are liquid of at least 45.0 wt.-%, preferably at least 50.0 wt.-%, more preferably at least 55.0 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 60.0 wt.-%, yet more preferably at least 65.0 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 70.0 wt.-%, most preferably at least 75.0 wt.-%, and in particular at least 80.0 wt.-%„ in each case relative to the total weight of the polymer composition.Clause 114: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the polymer composition is pumpable and / or extrudable at an intermediate temperature above 23 °C and below the temperature at which volume expansion and curing of the polymer composition is activated.Clause 115: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the polymer composition has a viscosity determined according to DIN 54458, flowability Al at 45°C, in static state and at a deformation of 0.05%, within the range of about 370±350 Pa-s, preferably 370±300 Pa-s,more preferably 370±250 Pa-s, still more preferably 370±200 Pa-s, yet more preferably 370±150 Pa-s, even more preferably 370±100 Pa-s, most preferably 370±50 Pa-s, and in particular 370±25 Pa-s.Clause 116: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the polymer composition has a viscosity determined according to DIN 54458, pumpability A4 at 45°C, in dynamic state and at a deformation of 10%, within the range of about 140±130 Pa-s, preferably 140±120 Pa-s, more preferably 140±110 Pa-s, still more preferably 140±100 Pa-s, yet more preferably 140±90 Pa-s, even more preferably 140±80 Pa-s, most preferably 140±70 Pa-s, and in particular 140±60 Pa-s.Clause 117: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the polymer composition at a temperature of 60°C has a viscosity determined by means of a capillary viscosimeter according to ASTM D3835-96 of at least about 3 Pa-s, preferably at least 5 Pa-s, more preferably at least 7 Pa-s, still more preferably at least 9 Pa-s, yet more preferably at least 11 Pa-s, even more preferably at least 13 Pa-s, most preferably at least 15 Pa-s, and in particular at least 17 Pa-s; preferably within the range of from 5 to 20 Pa-s.Clause 118: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the polymer composition at a temperature of 60°C has a viscosity determined by means of a capillary viscosimeter according to ASTM D3835-96 of at least about 20 Pa-s, preferably at least 40 Pa-s, more preferably at least 60 Pa-s, still more preferably at least 80 Pa-s, yet more preferably at least 100 Pa-s, even more preferably at least 120 Pa-s, most preferably at least 140 Pa-s, and in particular at least 160 Pa-s.Clause 119: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the polymer composition at a temperature of 90°C has a viscosity determined by means of a capillary viscosimeter according to ASTM D3835-96 of at least about 3 Pa-s, preferably at least 5 Pa-s, more preferably at least 7 Pa-s, still more preferably at least 9 Pa-s, yet more preferably at least 11 Pa-s, even more preferably at least 13 Pa-s, most preferably at least 15 Pa-s, and in particular at least 17 Pa-s; preferably within the range of from 5 to 20 Pa-s.Clause 120: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the polymer composition at a temperature of 90°C has a viscosity determined by means of a capillary viscosimeter according to ASTM D3835-96 of at least about 20 Pa-s, preferably at least 40 Pa-s, more preferably at least 60 Pa-s, still more preferably at least 80 Pa-s, yet more preferably at least 100 Pa-s, even more preferably at least 120 Pa-s, most preferably at least 140 Pa-s, and in particular at least 160 Pa-s.Clause 121: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the polymer composition passes a wash-off test involving the following steps: (a) a bead of the polymer composition is applied on the surface of a stainless steel specimen (preferably a hot dip galvanized steel panel (DX54D+Z100, 200 x 40 mm)) having an oil load of 1.5 g / m2(preferably PL3802-39S, 1.5 g / m2= 0.12 g), wherein the steel panel is used as base panel without counter substrate (top panel); (b) without precuring, the thus prepared sample is placed in an immersion jig and dropped unimpeded from a height of 20 cm into a tank fdled with pure water at room temperature (23°C); (c) the sample is mounted to a stirrer in a second tank fdled with pure water preheated to 55°C; (d) the sample is stirred for 3 minutesat a velocity of 60 rpm (0.82 m / s); (e) the sample is removed and visually inspected, wherein the adhesive composition passes the wash-off resistance test when no significant changes to the adhesive composition are detected.Clause 122: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the polymer composition passes a wash-off test in accordance with BMW standard AA-0044 from January 2018; preferably involving the following steps: (a) a bead of the polymer composition is applied on the surface of a stainless steel specimen (preferably a hot dip galvanized steel panel (DX54D+Z100, 200 x 40 mm)) having an oil load of 1.5 g / m2(preferably PL3802-39S, 1.5 g / m2= 0.12 g), wherein the steel panel is used as base panel without counter substrate (top panel); (b) without precuring, the thus prepared sample is placed in an immersion jig and dropped unimpeded from a height of 20 cm into a tank fdled with pure water at room temperature (23°C); (c) the sample is mounted to a stirrer in a second tank fdled with pure water preheated to 60°C; (d) the sample is stirred for 3 minutes at a velocity of 140 rpm (1.47 m / s); (e) the sample is removed and visually inspected, wherein the adhesive composition passes the wash-off resistance test when no significant changes to the adhesive composition are detected.Clause 123: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the polymer composition has an odor value according to VDA 270 B3 of at most 5.5, preferably at most 5.0, more preferably at most 4.5, still more preferably at most 4.0, yet more preferably at most 3.5, even more preferably at most 3.0, most preferably at most 2.5, and in particular at most 2.0.Clause 124: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the polymer composition has a water absorption according to C 1016- 14(2022) of at most 0.30 wt.-%, preferably at most 0.25 wt.-%, more preferably at most 0.20 wt.-%, still more preferably at most 0.15 wt.-%, yet more preferably at most 0.10 wt.-%, even more preferably at most 0.08 wt.-%, most preferably at most 0.06 wt.-%, and in particular at most 0.04 wt.-%.Clause 125: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the polymer composition before heat activation (i.e. in its uncured and unexpanded state) has a density according to ASTM D792 within the range of from 0.91 to 1.29 g / cm3, preferably 0.93 to 1.27 g / cm3, more preferably 0.95 to 1.25 g / cm3, still more preferably 0.97 to 1.23 g / cm3, yet more preferably 0.99 to 1.21 g / cm3, even more preferably 1.01 to 1.19 g / cm3, most preferably 1.03 to 1.17 g / cm3, and in particular 1.05 to 1.15 g / cm3.Clause 126: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the polymer composition after heat activation (i.e. in its cured and expanded state) has a density according to ASTM F1839 of at most 0.18 g / cm3, preferably at most 0.16 g / cm3, more preferably at most 0.14 g / cm3, still more preferably at most 0.12 g / cm3, yet more preferably at most 0.10 g / cm3, even more preferably at most 0.08 g / cm3, most preferably at most 0.06 g / cm3, and in particular at most 0.04 g / cm3; preferably determined after hear activation at 165°C / 30 minutes total time, more preferably 165°C / 20 minutes total time.Clause 127: The polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the polymer composition upon heat activation provides a foam with a closed cell structure.Clause 128: A method of producing an automotive vehicle assembly, the method comprising the steps of (a) applying by means of an applicator directly onto a surface of a vehicle component a bead of a heat activatable, volume expandable and curable polymer composition according to any of the preceding clauses; (b) optionally, immersing the vehicle component with the applied bead on its surface in a bath of a first liquid, preferably a cleansing liquid, and subsequently removing the vehicle component with the applied bead on its surface from the bath; (c) immersing the vehicle component with the applied bead on its surface in a bath of a second liquid, preferably a coating liquid, and subsequently removing the vehicle component with the applied bead on its surface from the bath; and (d) heating the vehicle component or the applied bead of the polymer composition to an elevated temperature to induce curing and volume expansion of the polymer composition by at least about 1100 vol.-%, relative to the volume of the polymer composition prior to volume expansion.Clause 129: The method according to clause 128, wherein step (a) involves applying the polymer composition in form of a paste.Clause 130: The method according to clause 128 or 129, wherein step (a) involves pumping the polymer composition by means of a pump.Clause 131: The method according to any of clauses 128 to 130, wherein step (a) involves extruding the polymer composition by means of an extruder.Clause 132: The method according to any of clauses 128 to 131, wherein step (a) is performed robotically.Clause 133: The method according to any of clauses 128 to 132, wherein in step (a) the temperature of the surface of the vehicle component is controlled.Clause 134: The method according to any of clauses 128 to 133, wherein in step (a) at the time of the bead contacting the surface of the vehicle component throughout the duration of applying, the temperature of the surface of the vehicle component is at most about 65°C, preferably at most 60°C, more preferably at most 55°C, still more preferably at most 50°C; yet more preferably at most 45°C, even more preferably at most 40°C, most preferably at most 35°C, and in particular at most 30°C.Clause 135: The method according to any of clauses 128 to 134, wherein in step (a) applying is performed at a temperature of the polymer composition (application temperature) which is above ambient temperature.Clause 136: The method according to any of clauses 128 to 135, wherein in step (a) applying is performed at a temperature of the polymer composition (application temperature) of at most about 99°C, preferably at most 92°C, more preferably at most 85°C, still more preferably at most 78°C, yet more preferably at most 71°C, even more preferably at most 64°C, most preferably at most 57°C, and in particular at most 50°C.Clause 137: The method according to any of clauses 128 to 136, wherein in step (a) applying is performed at a temperature of the polymer composition (application temperature) within the range of from 40 to 110°C, preferably either 40 to 60°C, or 80 to 110°C.Clause 138: The method according to any of clauses 128 to 137, wherein the duration of step (a) is at most about 60 seconds, preferably at most 45 seconds, more preferably at most 30 seconds, still more preferably at most 15 seconds.Clause 139: The method according to any of clauses 128 to 138, which is free of any step of applying the bead onto any carrier, support, or baffle other than the surface of the vehicle component.Clause 140: The method according to any of clauses 128 to 139, wherein in step (a) the surface of the vehicle component is oily, onto which the bead of the polymer composition is directly applied.Clause 141: The method according to any of clauses 128 to 140, wherein in step (a) a location of the vehicle component, onto which the bead of the polymer composition is directly applied, comprises means for avoiding sagging of the polymer composition.Clause 142 : The method according to clause 141, wherein the means are selected from brackets, stamps, and plastic parts.Clause 143: The method according to any of clauses 128 to 142, wherein the vehicle assembly comprises a counter substrate.Clause 144: The method according to clause 143, wherein the counter substrate has already been assembled with the vehicle component when in step (a) the bead is applied onto the surface of the vehicle component.Clause 145: The method according to clause 143, wherein the counter substrate is assembled with the vehicle component after in step (a) the bead has been applied onto the surface of the vehicle component. Clause 146: The method according to any of clauses 143 to 145, wherein the bead of the polymer composition is located between the vehicle component and the counter substrate.Clause 147: The method according to clause 146, wherein the bead of the polymer composition comes into direct contact with the surface of the vehicle component and a surface of the counter substrate.Clause 148: The method according to clause 146, wherein the bead of the polymer composition comes into direct contact with the surface of the vehicle component but not with a surface of the counter substrate.Clause 149: The method according to any of clauses 143 to 148, wherein step (a) involves applying by means of the applicator directly onto a surface of the counter substrate another bead of the heat activatable, volume expandable and curable polymer composition.Clause 150: The method according to any of clauses 143 to 149, wherein at a location where the bead is applied onto the surface of the vehicle component, the vehicle component and the counter substrate have a minimum distance to one another (gap width) of at least 15 mm, preferably at least 20 mm,preferably at least 25 mm, more preferably at least 30 mm, more preferably at least 35 mm, still more preferably at least 40 mm, still more preferably at least 45 mm, yet more preferably at least 50 mm, yet more preferably at least 55 mm, even more preferably at least 60 mm, even more preferably at least 65 mm, most preferably at least 70 mm, utmost preferably at least 75 mm, and in particular at least 80 mm. Clause 151: The method according to any of clauses 128 to 150, wherein the vehicle component and a counter substrate together form a cavity, wherein the bead of the polymer composition is applied at a location inside the cavity.Clause 152: The method according to any of clauses 128 to 151, wherein the vehicle component comprises a cavity, wherein the bead of the polymer composition is applied at a location inside the cavity. Clause 153: The method according to clause 151 or 152, wherein a first bead of the polymer composition is applied at a first location inside the cavity and a second bead of the polymer composition is applied at a second location inside the cavity; preferably wherein the first bead and the second bead are not in contact with one another.Clause 154: The method according to clause 151 or 152, wherein a first bead of the polymer composition is applied at a first location inside the cavity and a second bead of the polymer composition is applied at a second location outside the cavity.Clause 155: The method according to any of clauses 151 to 154, wherein the cavity contains a further heat activatable, volume expandable and curable polymer composition for use as a sealant, an adhesive, a reinforcement, a dampener, and / or a sound absorber.Clause 156: The method according to clause 155, wherein the further polymer composition is of identical nature as the polymer composition that is applied in step (a).Clause 157: The method according to clause 155, wherein the further polymer composition is of different nature as the polymer composition that is applied in step (a).Clause 158: The method according to any of clauses 128 to 157, wherein the vehicle assembly comprises (i) a first cavity, wherein a first bead of the polymer composition is applied at a location inside the first cavity; (ii) a second cavity, wherein a second bead of the polymer composition is applied at a location inside the second cavity; and (iii) optionally, a third cavity, wherein a third bead of the polymer composition is applied at a location inside the third cavity.Clause 159: The method according to clause 158, wherein the first cavity is at least partially surrounded by a first vehicle component, the second cavity is at least partially surrounded by the second cavity, and optionally, the third cavity is at least partially surrounded by a third vehicle component.Clause 160: The method according to any of clauses 151 to 159, wherein the cavity has or the cavities independently of one another have an inner hollow volume of at least 5.0 cm3, preferably at least 10 cm3, more preferably at least 15 cm3, still more preferably at least 20 cm3, yet more preferably at least 25 cm3, even more preferably at least 30 cm3, most preferably at least 35 cm3, and in particular at least 40 cm3.Clause 161: The method according to any of clauses 151 to 160, wherein the cavity has or the cavities independently of one another have an inner hollow volume of at least 50 cm3, preferably at least 60 cm3, more preferably at least 70 cm3, still more preferably at least 80 cm3, yet more preferably at least 90 cm3, even more preferably at least 100 cm3, most preferably at least 110 cm3, and in particular at least 120 cm3.Clause 162: The method according to any of clauses 151 to 161, wherein the cavity has or the cavities independently of one another have an inner hollow volume of at least 150 cm3, preferably at least 200 cm3, more preferably at least 250 cm3, still more preferably at least 300 cm3, yet more preferably at least 350 cm3, even more preferably at least 400 cm3, most preferably at least 450 cm3, and in particular at least 500 cm3.Clause 163: The method according to any of clauses 128 to 162, wherein the vehicle component with the applied bead on its surface which in step (b) is immersed in a bath of a first liquid is a body-in- white. Clause 164: The method according to any of clauses 128 to 163, wherein step (b) comprises the substep (bi) degreasing the vehicle component with the applied bead on its surface, preferably in a degreasing bath.Clause 165: The method according to clause 164, wherein the vehicle component with the applied bead on its surface which in substep (bi) is immersed in the degreasing bath has one or more of the following surface conditions or contaminations: corrosion protective oils, pre lubes, washing oils, stamping lubricants, dry film lubricants, hot melts, body shop sealants, body shop adhesives, prephosphate layers, amorphous sodium phosphate layers, organic coatings (e.g. weldable primers), Ti- / Zr-oxide / hydroxide, dioctylsebacate, mold releases for plastic parts (internal or external), welding pearls, welding particles, metal grains, and other contaminants (e.g. chalk marks, fingerprints, marks from pneumatic handling devices, and the like).Clause 166: The method according to any of clauses 128 to 165, wherein step (b) comprises the substep (b2) post-degreasing rinsing the vehicle component with the applied bead on its surface, preferably in a post-degreasing rinsing bath.Clause 167: The method according to any of clauses 128 to 166, wherein step (b) comprises the substep (b3) post-phosphating rinsing the vehicle component with the applied bead on its surface, preferably in a post-phosphating rinsing bath.Clause 168: The method according to any of clauses 128 to 167, wherein step (b) comprises the substep (b4) final demineralized water rinsing the vehicle component with the applied bead on its surface, preferably in a final demineralized water rinsing bath.Clause 169: The method according to any of clauses 128 to 168, wherein step (c) comprises the substep (ci) activation the vehicle component with the applied bead on its surface, preferably in an activation bath; preferably wherein the activation bath is an aqueous dispersion of titanium ortho phosphates or zinc phosphates, preferably with a pH value between 7 and 11, more preferably in demineralized water.Clause 170: The method according to any of clauses 128 to 169, wherein step (c) comprises the substep (c2) phosphating the vehicle component with the applied bead on its surface, preferably in a phosphating bath; preferably wherein the phosphating bath is a solution of a phosphate, preferably zinc phosphate, more preferably zinc dihydrogen phosphate, preferably in free phosphoric acid; more preferably wherein besides the zinc phosphate and the free phosphoric acid the phosphating bath additionally contains one or more of the following: nickel phosphate, preferably nickel dihydrogen phosphate, manganese phosphate, preferably manganese dihydrogen phosphate, sodium nitrate, fluorisilicic acid, and one or more oxidizing compounds such as sodium nitrite, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxylamine, sodium chlorate, nitroguanidine, N-methyl morpholine-N-oxide, acetaldoxime, and sodium nitrobenzene sulfonate.Clause 171: The method according to any of clauses 128 to 170, wherein step (c) comprises the optional substep (c3) passivation the vehicle component with the applied bead on its surface, preferably in a passivation bath; preferably wherein the passivation bath is a zirconium based solutions, preferably in demineralized water.Clause 172: The method according to any of clauses 128 to 171, wherein steps (b) and (c) ofthe method according to the invention together comprise the following substeps, preferably in the following order: (bi) degreasing; (b2) post-degreasing rinsing; (c activation; (c2) phosphating; (b3) optionally, postphosphating rinsing; (c3) optionally, passivation; and (b4) final demineralized water rinsing.Clause 173: The method according to any of clauses 128 to 172, wherein in step (d), relative to the volume of the polymer composition prior to volume expansion, volume expansion of the polymer composition is by at least about 1150 vol.-%, preferably at least 1200 vol.-%, preferably at least 1250 vol.- %, more preferably at least 1300 vol.-%, more preferably at least 1350 vol.-%, still more preferably at least 1400 vol.-%, still more preferably at least 1450 vol.-%, even more preferably at least 1500 vol.-%, even more preferably at least 1550 vol.-%, most preferably at least 1600 vol.-%, utmost preferably at least 1650 vol.-%, and in particular at least 1700 vol.-%.Clause 174: The method according to any of clauses 128 to 173, wherein in the course of step (d) the polymer composition on the surface of the vehicle component is adhered to a surface of a counter substrate.Clause 175: The method according to any of clauses 128 to 174, wherein in the course of step (d) the polymer composition on the surface of the vehicle component is expanded thereby coming into contact with a surface of a counter substrate.Clause 176: The method according to clause 175, wherein at a location where the expanded composition is in contact with the surface of the counter substrate, the vehicle component and the counter substrate have a minimum distance to one another (gap width) of at least 15 mm, preferably at least 20 mm, preferably at least 25 mm, more preferably at least 30 mm, more preferably at least 35 mm, still more preferably at least 40 mm, still more preferably at least 45 mm, yet more preferably at least 50 mm, yetmore preferably at least 55 mm, even more preferably at least 60 mm, even more preferably at least 65 mm, most preferably at least 70 mm, utmost preferably at least 75 mm, and in particular at least 80 mm. Clause 177: The method according to any of clauses 128 to 176, wherein in the course of step (d) the polymer composition on the surface of the vehicle component is expanded thereby at least partially fdling an inner hollow volume of a cavity.Clause 178: The method according to clause 177, wherein in the course of step (d) the polymer composition fills at least 40 vol.-% of the inner hollow volume of the cavity, preferably at least 50 vol.-%, more preferably at least 60 vol.-%, still more preferably at least 70 vol.-%, yet more preferably at least 80 vol.-%, even more preferably at least 90 vol.-%, most preferably at least 95 vol.-%, and in particular about 100 vol.-%.Clause 179: The method according to clause 177 or 178, wherein the cavity has an inner hollow volume of at least 5.0 cm3, preferably at least 10 cm3, more preferably at least 15 cm3, still more preferably at least 20 cm3, yet more preferably at least 25 cm3, even more preferably at least 30 cm3, most preferably at least 35 cm3, and in particular at least 40 cm3.Clause 180: The method according to any of clauses 177 to 179, wherein the cavity has an inner hollow volume of at least 50 cm3, preferably at least 60 cm3, more preferably at least 70 cm3, still more preferably at least 80 cm3, yet more preferably at least 90 cm3, even more preferably at least 100 cm3, most preferably at least 110 cm3, and in particular at least 120 cm3.Clause 181: The method according to any of clauses 177 to 180, wherein the cavity has an inner hollow volume of at least 150 cm3, preferably at least 200 cm3, more preferably at least 250 cm3, still more preferably at least 300 cm3, yet more preferably at least 350 cm3, even more preferably at least 400 cm3, most preferably at least 450 cm3, and in particular at least 500 cm3.Clause 182: The method according to any of clauses 128 to 181, wherein in step (d) the elevated temperature is at most about 210°C, preferably at most 200°C, more preferably at most 190°C, still more preferably at most 180°C, yet more preferably at most 170°C, even more preferably at most 160°C, most preferably at most 150°C, and in particular at most 140°C.Clause 183: The method according to any of clauses 128 to 182, wherein step (a) and optional step (b) are body shop operations.Clause 184: The method according to any of clauses 128 to 183, wherein step (c) and step (d) are paint shop operations.Clause 185: The method according to any of clauses 128 to 184, which is free of any step of precuring (prebaking) the vehicle component or the applied bead of the polymer composition before immersing in step (b).Clause 186: The method according to any of clauses 128 to 185, which comprises the step of precuring (prebaking) the vehicle component or the applied bead of the polymer composition before immersing in step (b); preferably in a gel oven.Clause 187: The method according to any of clauses 128 to 186, which is free of any step of applying a counter substrate to the vehicle component or the applied bead of the polymer composition before immersing in step (b) and / or (c).Clause 188: The method according to any of clauses 128 to 187, wherein the temperature of the vehicle component after the applying in step (a) until the immersing in step (b) and / or (c) is maintained at a temperature of at most about 65°C, preferably at most 60°C, more preferably at most 55°C, still more preferably at most 50°C yet more preferably at most 45 °C, even more preferably at most 40°C, most preferably at most 35°C, and in particular at most 30°C.Clause 189: The method according to any of clauses 128 to 188, wherein the automotive vehicle assembly or the vehicle component is selected from the group consisting of vehicle bonnet, vehicle roof, roof bow, vehicle door, door beam, tubular frame member, vehicle bumper, front fender baffle, vehicle sill, vehicle pillar such as A pillar (preferably lower or upper outer section thereof) or B pillar (preferably lower or upper outer section thereof), pillar closure, vehicle suspension component, vehicle support member, side impact beam, reinforcement bar, vehicle skin, vehicle hood, vehicle trunk, rear lamp, fuel filler, battery housing, battery support, or any combination thereof.Clause 190: An automotive vehicle assembly comprising: (i) a vehicle component and (ii) a bead of a heat activatable, volume expandable and curable polymer composition to any of clauses 1 to 127 on a surface of the vehicle component.Clause 191: The automotive vehicle assembly according to clause 190, wherein the polymer composition is volume expanded and cured.Clause 192: An automotive vehicle assembly, which is a body-in-white and comprises a vehicle component and a cured polymer foam that is in direct contact with a surface of the vehicle component; wherein the cured polymer foam (i) has a density according to ASTM F1839 of at most 0.20 g / cm3, preferably determined after hear activation at 165°C / 30 minutes total time, more preferably 165°C / 20 minutes total time; and / or (ii) is obtainable by heat activation of a heat activatable, volume expandable and curable polymer composition according to any of clauses 1 to 127.Clause 193: The automotive vehicle assembly according to clause 192, which is obtainable by the method according to any of clauses 128 to 189.Clause 194: The automotive vehicle assembly according to clause 192 or 193, wherein the cured polymer foam has a density according to ASTM F 1839 of at most 0.18 g / cm3, preferably at most 0.16 g / cm3, more preferably at most 0.14 g / cm3, still more preferably at most 0.12 g / cm3, yet more preferably at most 0.10 g / cm3, even more preferably at most 0.08 g / cm3, most preferably at most 0.06 g / cm3, and in particular at most 0.04 g / cm3; preferably determined after hear activation at 165°C / 30 minutes total time, more preferably 165°C / 20 minutes total time.Clause 195: The automotive vehicle assembly according to any of clauses 192 to 194, wherein the total volume of the cured polymer foam is at least 20 vol.-%, preferably at least 25 vol.-%, more preferablyat least 30 vol.-%, still more preferably at least 35 vol.-%, yet more preferably at least 40 vol.-%, even more preferably at least 45 vol.-%, most preferably at least 50 vol.-%, and in particular at least 55 vol.- %, relative to the overall volume of all polymer foams that are comprised by the automotive vehicle assembly.Clause 196: The automotive vehicle assembly according to any of clauses 192 to 195, wherein the total volume of the cured polymer foam is at least 60 vol.-%, preferably at least 65 vol.-%, more preferably at least 70 vol.-%, still more preferably at least 75 vol.-%, yet more preferably at least 80 vol.-%, even more preferably at least 85 vol.-%, most preferably at least 90 vol.-%, and in particular at least 95 vol.- %, relative to the overall volume of all polymer foams that are comprised by the automotive vehicle assembly.Clause 197: The automotive vehicle assembly according to any of clauses 192 to 196, wherein the automotive vehicle assembly or the vehicle component is selected from the group consisting of vehicle bonnet, vehicle roof, roof bow, vehicle door, door beam, tubular frame member, vehicle bumper, front fender baffle, vehicle sill, vehicle pillar such as A pillar (preferably lower or upper outer section thereof) or B pillar (preferably lower or upper outer section thereof), pillar closure, vehicle suspension component, vehicle support member, side impact beam, reinforcement bar, vehicle skin, vehicle hood, vehicle trunk, rear lamp, fuel fdler, battery housing, battery support, or any combination thereof.Clause 198: Use of a heat activatable, volume expandable and curable polymer composition according to any of clauses 1 to 127 for producing an automotive vehicle assembly according to any of clauses 190 to 197.Clause 199: Use of a heat activatable, volume expandable and curable polymer composition according to any of clauses 1 to 127 as a sealant, an adhesive, a reinforcement, a dampener, and / or a sound absorber.Clause 200: Use of a heat activatable, volume expandable and curable polymer composition according to any of clauses 1 to 127 in a method according to any of clauses 128 to 189.Clause 201: The use according to any of clauses 198 to 200 for sealing a cavity, preferably of an automotive vehicle, preferably for providing sound absorption.Clause 202: The use according to any of clauses 198 to 201, for sealing a gap between two substrates, preferably of an automotive vehicle, preferably in order to prevent intrusion of air, water, or other fluids or deleterious substances.Clause 203: The use according to clause 202, wherein the two substrates have a minimum distance to one another (gap width) of at least 15 mm, preferably at least 20 mm, more preferably at least 25 mm, still more preferably at least 30 mm, yet more preferably at least 35 mm, even more preferably at least 40 mm, most preferably at least 45 mm, and in particular at least 50 mm.Clause 204: The use according to any of clauses 198 to 203, for at least partially filling a cavity, preferably of an automotive vehicle, preferably in order to prevent intrusion of air, water, or other fluids or deleterious substances.Clause 205 : The use according to clause 204, wherein the cavity has an inner hollow volume of at least 5.0 cm3, preferably at least 10 cm3, more preferably at least 15 cm3, still more preferably at least 20 cm3, yet more preferably at least 25 cm3, even more preferably at least 30 cm3, most preferably at least 35 cm3, and in particular at least 40 cm3.Clause 206: The use according to clause 204 or 205, wherein the cavity has an inner hollow volume of at least 50 cm3, preferably at least 60 cm3, more preferably at least 70 cm3, still more preferably at least 80 cm3, yet more preferably at least 90 cm3, even more preferably at least 100 cm3, most preferably at least 110 cm3, and in particular at least 120 cm3.Clause 207: The use according to any of clauses 204 to 206, wherein the cavity has an inner hollow volume of at least 150 cm3, preferably at least 200 cm3, more preferably at least 250 cm3, still more preferably at least 300 cm3, yet more preferably at least 350 cm3, even more preferably at least 400 cm3, most preferably at least 450 cm3, and in particular at least 500 cm3.Clause 208: The use according to any of clauses 198 to 207, wherein the polymer composition is directly applied onto a surface of a substrate, preferably of a part of an automotive vehicle, more preferably in an automotive body shop application.Clause 209: The use according to any of clauses 198 to 208, wherein the polymer composition is applied as a bead, preferably at an elevated temperature.Clause 210: The use according to any of clauses 198 to 209, wherein the polymer composition is applied by means of an applicator, preferably a pump or an extruder, more preferably a pneumatic- or electric driven piston gun and optionally dispensing equipment, still more preferably robotically.

[0314] The following examples further illustrate the invention but are not to be construed as limiting its scope:

[0315] Example 1:

[0316] A blend is prepared from the following ingredients at about 75 °C:

[0317] Separate samples of the thus prepared blend are mixed with the following ingredients:

[0318] The compositions are dry and non-tacky to the touch at 23°C, pumpable / extrudable at elevated temperature (<100°C) without premature curing and volume expansion, and are cured and expanded upon further heating to 160°C. All compositions have volume expansions falling within 1100 to 2500%.

[0319] Example 2:

[0320] In analogy to Example 1, the following compositions are prepared:

[0321] All polymers (E-BA, E-VA, and E-BA-GMA) have melting points within the range of from 60 to 75°C. The compositions are dry and non-tacky to the touch at 23°C, pumpable / extrudable at elevated temperature (<100°C) without premature curing and volume expansion, pass the wash-off resistance test, and are cured and expanded upon further heating to 165 °C.

Claims

Patent claims:

1. A heat activatable, volume expandable and curable polymer composition for use as a sealant, an adhesive, a reinforcement, a dampener, and / or a sound absorber, which contains- one or more curable polymers;- one or more heat activatable curatives; and- one or more heat activatable blowing agents at a total content sufficient to achieve upon heat activation, relative to the volume of the polymer composition prior to heat activation, a volume expansion of the polymer composition of at least about 1100 vol.-%, preferably determined at 165°C / 30 minutes total time.

2. The polymer composition according to claim 1, wherein the total content of the one or more blowing agents is sufficient to achieve upon heat activation, relative to the volume of the polymer composition prior to heat activation, a volume expansion of the polymer composition of at least about 1150 vol.-%, preferably at least 1200 vol.-%, preferably at least 1250 vol.-%, more preferably at least 130 vol.-%, more preferably at least 1350 vol.-%, still more preferably at least 1400 vol.-%, still more preferably at least 1450 vol.-%, even more preferably at least 1500 vol.-%, even more preferably at least 1550 vol.-%, most preferably at least 1600 vol.-%, utmost preferably at least 1650 vol.-%, and in particular at least 1700 vol.-%, determined at 165°C / 30 minutes total time.

3. The polymer composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the one or more blowing agents comprise or essentially consist of one or more chemical blowing agents; preferably (i) one or more exothermic chemical blowing agents; more preferably selected from azodicarbonamide, dinitroso pentamethylene tetramine, 4,4’oxy-bis-(benzene-sulfonyl hydrazide), trihydrazino triazine, N.N'-dimcthyl-N.N'-dinitroso terephthalamide, and mixtures thereof; still more preferably azodicarbonamide and / or 4,4’oxy-bis-(benzene-sulfonyl hydrazide); and / or (ii) one or more endothermic chemical blowing agents; more preferably selected from carbonates and bicarbonates; still more preferably sodium bicarbonate.

4. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of the one or more blowing agents is at least about 7.0 wt.-%, preferably at least 7.5 wt.-%, more preferably at least 8.0 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 8.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably at least 9.0 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 9.5 wt.-%, most preferably at least 10.0 wt.-%, and in particular at least 10.5 wt.-%.

5. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the overall content of the one or more curable polymers is at least 40 wt.-%, preferably at least 42.5 wt.-%, more preferably at least 45 wt.-%, still more prefer-ably at least 47.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably at least 50 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 52.5 wt.-%, most preferably at least 55 wt.-%, and in particular at least 57.5 wt.-%.

6. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more curable polymers comprise(i) one or more thermoplastic high MFI polymers independently of one another having- a MFI at 190°C / 2.16 kg according to ISO 1133 of at least about 100 g / 10 min, preferably at least 125 g / 10 min, more preferably at least 150 g / 10 min, still more preferably at least 175 g / 10 min, yet more preferably at least 200 g / 10 min, even more preferably at least 225 g / 10 min, most preferably at least 250 g / 10 min, and in particular at least 275 g / 10 min; and- a melting point according to ISO 11357-3 of at most about 96°C, preferably at most 93°C, more preferably at most 90°C, still more preferably at most 87°C, yet more preferably at most 84°C, even more preferably at most 81°C, most preferably at most 78°C, and in particular at most 75°C; and(ii) one or more thermoplastic low MFI polymers independently of one another having- a MFI at 190°C / 2.16 kg according to ISO 1133 of at most about 85 g / 10 min, preferably at most 80 g / 10 min, more preferably at most 75 g / 10 min, still more preferably at most 70 g / 10 min, yet more preferably at most 65 g / 10 min, even more preferably at most 60 g / 10 min, most preferably at most 55 g / 10 min, and in particular at most 50 g / 10 min; and- a melting point according to ISO 11357-3 of at most about 96°C, preferably at most 93°C, more preferably at most 90°C, still more preferably at most 87°C, yet more preferably at most 84°C, even more preferably at most 81°C, most preferably at most 78°C, and in particular at most 75 °C.

7. The polymer composition according to claim 6, wherein the one or more thermoplastic high MFI polymers comprise an ethylene -alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer.

8. The polymer composition according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the one or more thermoplastic high MFI polymers comprise an ethylene -vinyl acetate copolymer.

9. The polymer composition according to any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the one or more thermoplastic low MFI polymers comprise an ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer.

10. The polymer composition according to any of claims 6 to 9, wherein the one or more thermoplastic low MFI polymers comprise an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer.

11. The polymer composition according to any of claims 6 to 10, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of the one or more thermoplastic high MFI polymers is within the range of about 25±22.5 wt.-%, preferably 25±20 wt.-%, more preferably 25±17.5wt.-%, still more preferably 25±15 wt.-%, yet more preferably 25±12.5 wt.-%, even more preferably 25±10 wt.-%, most preferably 25±7.5 wt.-%, and in particular 25±5.0 wt.-%.

12. The polymer composition according to any of claims 6 to 11, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of the one or more thermoplastic low MFI polymers is within the range of about 25±22.5 wt.-%, preferably 25±20 wt.-%, more preferably 25±17.5 wt.-%, still more preferably 25±15 wt.-%, yet more preferably 25±12.5 wt.-%, even more preferably 25±10 wt.-%, most preferably 25±7.5 wt.-%, and in particular 25±5.0 wt.-%.

13. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more curable polymers comprise(a) one or more thermoplastic homopolymers; preferably independently of one another derived from monomers selected from ethylene, propylene, butadiene, styrene, acrylonitrile, vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, vinyl acetate, (meth)acrylic acid, and alkyl (meth)acrylates; more preferably one or more homopolymers selected from polyvinyl chlorides, poly alkyl(meth)acrylates, and poly (meth)acrylic acid; and / or(b) one or more thermoplastic copolymers; preferably independently of one another derived from two monomers independently of one another selected from ethylene, propylene, butadiene, styrene, acrylonitrile, vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, vinyl acetate, (meth)acrylic acid, and alkyl (meth)acrylates; more preferably one or more copolymers selected from eth- ylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, functionalized ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, styrene-butadiene block copolymers, and styrene-iso- prene block copolymers; and / or(c) one or more thermoplastic terpolymers; preferably independently of one another derived from three monomers independently of one another selected from ethylene, propylene, butadiene, styrene, acrylonitrile, vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, vinyl acetate, (meth)acrylic acid, alkyl (meth)acrylates, and glycidyl(meth)acrylates; more preferably one or more terpolymers selected from ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers.

14. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more curable polymers comprise one or more polymers having a melt index determined at 190°C, 2.16 kg according to ASTM D1238 of at most 10 g / 10 min, preferably at most 9.0 g / 10 min, more preferably at most 8.0 g / 10 min, still more preferably at most 7.0 g / 10 min, yet more preferably at most 6.0 g / 10 min, even more preferably at most 5.0 g / 10 min, most preferably at most 4.0 g / 10 min, and in particular at most 3.0 g / 10 min.

15. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more curable polymers comprise one or more polymers having a melt index determined at 190°C, 2.16 kg according to ASTM D1238 within the range of 50±36 g / 10 min, preferably 50±32 g / 10 min, more preferably 50±28 g / 10 min, still more preferably 50±24 g / 14 min, yet more preferably 50±20g / 10 min, even more preferably 50± 16 g / 10 min, most preferably 50± 12 g / 10 min, and in particular 50±8 g / 10 min.

16. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more curable polymers comprise one or more polymers having a melt index determined at 190°C, 2.16 kg according to ASTM DI 238 of at least 90 g / 10 min, preferably at least 120 g / 10 min, more preferably at least 150 g / 10 min, still more preferably at least 180 g / 10 min, yet more preferably at least 210 g / 10 min, even more preferably at least 240 g / 10 min, most preferably at least 270 g / 10 min, and in particular at least 300 g / 10 min.

17. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more curable polymers comprise one or more solid polymers; preferably polymers having a melting point according to ISO 11357-3 above 23°C.

18. The polymer composition according to claim 17, wherein the one or more solid polymers independently of one another have a melting point according to ISO 11357-3 within the range of from 60 to 120°C, preferably 60 to 100°C.

19. The polymer composition according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the one or more solid polymers independently of one another have a VICAT softening point according to ISO 306 within the range of from 60 to 120°C, preferably 60 to 100°C.

20. The polymer composition according to any of claims 17 to 19, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of the one or more solid polymers is at least 37.5 wt.-%, preferably at least 40 wt.-%, more preferably at least 42.5 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 45 wt.-%, yet more preferably at least 47.5 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 50 wt.-%, most preferably at least 52.5 wt.-%, and in particular at least 55 wt.-%.

21. The polymer composition according to any of claims 17 to 20, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of the one or more solid polymers is at most 77.5 wt.-%, preferably at most 75 wt.-%, more preferably at most 72.5 wt.-%, still more preferably at most 70 wt.-%, yet more preferably at most 67.5 wt.-%, even more preferably at most 65 wt.-%, most preferably at most 62.5 wt.-%, and in particular at most 60 wt.-%.

22. The polymer composition according to any of claims 17 to 21 , wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of the one or more solid polymers is within the range of 60±20 wt.-%, preferably 60±17.5 wt.-%, more preferably 60±15 wt.-%, still more preferably 60±12.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably 60±10 wt.-%, even more preferably 60±7.5 wt.-%, most preferably 60±5.0 wt.-%, and in particular preferably 60±2.5 wt.-%.

23. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises(i) one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers; preferably independently of one another having a melting point according to ISO 11357-3 of at most about 100°C;(ii) one or more ethylene -vinyl acetate copolymers; preferably independently of one another having a melting point according to ISO 11357-3 of at most about 100°C; and(iii) one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers; preferably independently of one another having a melting point according to ISO 3146 of at most about 100°C.

24. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the polymer composition comprises(i) about 12 to 38 wt.-% of one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers independently of one another having a melting point according to ISO 11357-3 of at most about 100°C;(ii) about 14 to 40 wt.-% of one or more ethylene -vinyl acetate copolymers independently of one another having a melting point according to ISO 11357-3 of at most about 100°C; and(iii) about 2.5 to 20 wt.-% of one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers independently of one another having a melting point according to ISO 3146 of at most about 100°C.

25. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the overall content of one or more ethylene-alkyl (methacrylate copolymers, one or more ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, and one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers of at least about 42 wt.-%, preferably at least 44 wt.-%, more preferably at least 46 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 48 wt.-%, yet more preferably at least 50 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 52 wt.-%, most preferably at least 54 wt.-%, and in particular at least 56 wt.-%.

26. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the overall content of one or more ethylene-alkyl (methacrylate copolymers, one or more ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, and one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers is at least about 74 wt.-%, preferably at most 72 wt.-%, more preferably at most 70 wt.-%, still more preferably at most 68 wt.-%, yet more preferably at most 66 wt.-%, even more preferably at most 64 wt.-%, most preferably at most 62 wt.-%, and in particular at most 60 wt.-%.

27. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers independently of one another having a melting point according to ISO 11357-3 of at most about 96°C, preferably at most 93°C, more preferably at most 90°C, still more preferably at most 87°C, yet more preferably at most 84°C, even more preferably at most 81°C, most preferably at most 78°C, and in particular at most 75°C.

28. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises one or more ethylene -alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers comprising or essentially consisting of one or more ethylene -butyl acrylate copolymers.

29. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers is at least about 14 wt.-%, preferably at least 16 wt.-%, more preferably at least 18 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 20 wt.-%, yet more preferably at least 22 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 24 wt.-%, most preferably at least 26 wt.-%, and in particular at least 28 wt.- 0 / / o.

30. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers is at most about 37 wt.-%, preferably at most 36 wt.-%, more preferably at most 35 wt.-%, still more preferably at most 34 wt.-%, yet more preferably at most 33 wt.-%, even more preferably at most 32 wt.-%, most preferably at most 31 wt.-%, and in particular at most 30 wt.- 0 / / o.

31. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers is within the range of 30±20 wt.-%, preferably 30±17.5 wt.-%, more preferably 30±15 wt.-%, still more preferably 30±12.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably 30±10 wt.-%, even more preferably 30±7.5 wt.-%, most preferably 30±5.0 wt.-%, and in particular 30±2.5 wt.-%.

32. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers comprising or essentially consisting of an ethylene- alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer having a melting point within the range of about 66±16°C, preferably 66±14°C, more preferably 66±12°C, still more preferably 66±10°C, yet more preferably 66±8°C, even more preferably 66±6°C, most preferably 66±4°C, and in particular 66±2°C.

33. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers comprising or essentially consisting of an ethylene- alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer having an alkyl (meth)acrylate content within the range of about 35±16 wt.-%, preferably 35±14 wt.-%, more preferably 35±12 wt.-%, still more preferably 35±10 wt.-%, yet more preferably 35±8 wt.-%, even more preferably 35±6 wt.-%, most preferably 35±4 wt.-%, and in particular 35±2 wt.-%.

34. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers comprising or essentially consisting of an ethylene- alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer having a VICAT softening temperature according to ISO 306 of at most about 75 °C, preferably at most 70°C, more preferably at most 65 °C, still more preferablyat most 60°C, yet more preferably at most 55°C, even more preferably at most 50°C, most preferably at most 45 °C, and in particular at most 40°C.

35. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises one or more ethylene -alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers comprising or essentially consisting of an ethylene alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer having a MFI at 190°C / 2.16 kg according to ISO 1133 within the range of about 40±38 g / 10 min, preferably 40±34 g / 10 min, more preferably 40±30 g / 10 min, still more preferably 40±26 g / 10 min, yet more preferably 40±22 g / 10 min, even more preferably 40±18 g / 10 min, most preferably 40±14 g / 10 min, and in particular 40±10 g / 10 min.

36. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises one or more ethylene -alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers comprising or essentially consisting of an ethylene alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer having a MFI at 190°C / 2.16 kg according to ISO 1133 within the range of about 320±300 g / 10 min, preferably 320±270 g / 10 min, more preferably 320±240 g / 10 min, still more preferably 320±210 g / 10 min, yet more preferably 320±180 g / 10 min, even more preferably 320±150 g / 10 min, most preferably 320±120 g / 10 min, and in particular 320±90 g / 10 min.

37. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises(i) a first ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer, preferably ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymer, having a melting point within the range of about 66±16°C, preferably 66±14°C, more preferably 66±12°C, still more preferably 66±10°C, yet more preferably 66±8°C, even more preferably 66±6°C, most preferably 66±4°C, and in particular 66±2°C; and(ii) a second ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer, preferably ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymer, having a melting point within the range of about 66±16°C, preferably 66±14°C, more preferably 66±12°C, still more preferably 66±10°C, yet more preferably 66±8°C, even more preferably 66±6°C, most preferably 66±4°C, and in particular 66±2°C; wherein the first ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer has a greater MFI at 190°C / 2.16 kg according to ISO 1133 than the second ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer.

38. The polymer composition according to claim 37, wherein the first ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer has a MFI at 190°C / 2.16 kg according to ISO 1133 within the range of about 320±300 g / 10 min, preferably 320±270 g / 10 min, more preferably 320±240 g / 10 min, still more preferably 320±210 g / 10 min, yet more preferably 320±180 g / 10 min, even more preferably 320±150 g / 10 min, most preferably 320±120 g / 10 min, and in particular 320±90 g / 10 min.

39. The polymer composition according to claim 37 or 38, wherein the first ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, has a content within the range of 22±20 wt.-%, preferably 22±17.5 wt.-%, more preferably 22±15 wt.-%, stillmore preferably 22±12.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably 22±10 wt.-%, even more preferably 22±7.5 wt.-%, most preferably 22±5.0 wt.-%, and in particular 22±2.5 wt.-%.

40. The polymer composition according to any of claims 37 to 39, wherein the first ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer, has an alkyl (meth)acrylate content within the range of about 35±16 wt.-%, preferably 35±14 wt.-%, more preferably 35±12 wt.-%, still more preferably 35±10 wt.- %, yet more preferably 35±8 wt.-%, even more preferably 35±6 wt.-%, most preferably 35±4 wt.- %, and in particular 35±2 wt.-%.

41. The polymer composition according to any of claims 37 to 40, wherein the second ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer has a MFI at 190°C / 2. 16 kg according to ISO 1133 within the range of about 40±38 g / 10 min, preferably 40±34 g / 10 min, more preferably 40±30 g / 10 min, still more preferably 40±26 g / 10 min, yet more preferably 40±22 g / 10 min, even more prefer-ably 40±18 g / 10 min, most preferably 40±14 g / 10 min, and in particular 40±10 g / 10 min.

42. The polymer composition according to any of claims 37 to 41, wherein the second ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, has a content within the range of 22±20 wt.-%, preferably 22±17.5 wt.-%, more preferably 22±15 wt.-%, still more preferably 22±12.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably 22±10 wt.-%, even more preferably 22±7.5 wt.-%, most preferably 22±5.0 wt.-%, and in particular 22±2.5 wt.-%.

43. The polymer composition according to any of claims 37 to 42, wherein the second ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer has an alkyl (meth)acrylate content within the range of about 35±16 wt.-%, preferably 35±14 wt.-%, more preferably 35±12 wt.-%, still more preferably 35±10 wt.- %, yet more preferably 35±8 wt.-%, even more preferably 35±6 wt.-%, most preferably 35±4 wt.- %, and in particular 35±2 wt.-%.

44. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises one or more ethylene -vinyl acetate copolymers independently of one another having a melting point according to ISO 11357-3 of at most about 96°C, preferably at most 93°C, more preferably at most 90°C, still more preferably at most 87°C, yet more preferably at most 84°C, even more preferably at most 81°C, most preferably at most 78°C, and in particular at most 75°C.

45. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of one or more ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers is at least about 15 wt.-%, preferably at least 16 wt.-%, more preferably at least 17 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 18 wt.-%, yet more preferably at least 19 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 20 wt.-%, most preferably at least 21 wt.-%, and in particular at least 22 wt.-%.

46. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of one or more ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers is at most about 38 wt.-%, preferably at most 36 wt.-%, more preferably at most 34 wt.-%,still more preferably at most 32 wt.-%, yet more preferably at most 30 wt.-%, even more preferably at most 28 wt.-%, most preferably at most 26 wt.-%, and in particular at most 24 wt.-%.

47. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of one or more ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers is within the range of 25±20 wt.-%, preferably 25±17.5 wt.-%, more preferably 25±15 wt.- %, still more preferably 25±12.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably 25±10 wt.-%, even more preferably 25±7.5 wt.-%, most preferably 25±5.0 wt.-%, and in particular 25±2.5 wt.-%.

48. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises one or more ethylene -vinyl acetate copolymers comprising or essentially consisting of an ethylene -vinyl acetate copolymer having a melting point within the range of about 72±16°C, preferably 72±14°C, more preferably 72±12°C, still more preferably 72±10°C, yet more preferably 72±8°C, even more preferably 72±6°C, most preferably 72±4°C, and in particular 72±2°C.

49. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises one or more ethylene -vinyl acetate copolymers comprising or essentially consisting of an ethylene -vinyl acetate copolymer having a vinyl acetate content within the range of about 28±16 wt.-%, preferably 28±14 wt.-%, more preferably 28±12 wt.-%, still more preferably 28±10 wt.-%, yet more preferably 28±8 wt.-%, even more preferably 28±6 wt.-%, most preferably 28±4 wt.-%, and in particular 28±2 wt.-%.

50. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises one or more ethylene -vinyl acetate copolymers comprising or essentially consisting of an ethylene -vinyl acetate copolymer having a VICAT softening temperature according to ISO 306 of at most about 75 °C, preferably at most 70°C, more preferably at most 65 °C, still more preferably at most 60°C, yet more preferably at most 55 °C, even more preferably at most 50°C, most preferably at most 45 °C, and in particular at most 40°C.

51. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises one or more ethylene -vinyl acetate copolymers comprising or essentially consisting of an ethylene -vinyl acetate copolymer having a MFI at 190°C / 2.16 kg according to ISO 1133 within the range of about 6.0±4.5 g / 10 min, preferably 6.0±4.0 g / 10 min, more preferably 6.0±3.5 g / 10 min, still more preferably 6.0±3.0 g / 10 min, yet more preferably 6.0±2.5 g / 10 min, even more preferably 6.0±2.0 g / 10 min, most preferably 6.0±1.5 g / 10 min, and in particular 6.0±1.0 g / 10 min.

52. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises(i) a first ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer having a melting point within the range of about 63±16°C, preferably 63±14°C, more preferably 63±12°C, still more preferably 63±10°C, yet more preferably 63±8°C, even more preferably 63±6°C, most preferably 63±4°C, and in particular 63±2°C; and(ii) a second ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer having a melting point within the range of about 72±16°C, preferably 72±14°C, more preferably 72±12°C, still more preferably 72±10°C, yet more preferably 72±8°C, even more preferably 72±6°C, most preferably 72±4°C, and in particular 72±2°C; wherein the first ethylene -vinyl acetate copolymer has a greater MFI at 190°C / 2.16 kg according to ISO 1133 than the second ethylene -vinyl acetate copolymer.

53. The polymer composition according to claim 52, wherein the first ethylene -vinyl acetate copolymer has a MFI at 190°C / 2.16 kg according to ISO 1133 within the range of about 800±750 g / 10 min, preferably 800±700 g / 10 min, more preferably 800±600 g / 10 min, still more preferably 800±500 g / 10 min, yet more preferably 800±400 g / 10 min, even more preferably 800±300 g / 10 min, most preferably 800±200 g / 10 min, and in particular 800±100 g / 10 min.

54. The polymer composition according to claim 52 or 53, wherein the first ethylene -vinyl acetate copolymer, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, has a content within the range of 4.0±3.9 wt.-%, preferably 4.0±3.5 wt.-%, more preferably 4.0±3.0 wt.-%, still more preferably 4.0±2.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably 4.0±2.0 wt.-%, even more preferably 4.0±1.5 wt.-%, most preferably 4.0±1.0 wt.-%, and in particular 4.0±0.5 wt.-%.

55. The polymer composition according to claim 52 to 54, wherein the first ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer has a vinyl acetate content within the range of about 28±16 wt.-%, preferably 28±14 wt.-%, more preferably 28±12 wt.-%, still more preferably 28±10 wt.-%, yet more preferably 28±8 wt.-%, even more preferably 28±6 wt.-%, most preferably 28±4 wt.-%, and in particular 28±2 wt.-%.

56. The polymer composition according to any of claims 52 to 55, wherein the second ethylene -vinyl acetate copolymer has a MFI at 190°C / 2.16 kg according to ISO 1133 within the range of about 5.0±4.5 g / 10 min, preferably 5.0±4.0 g / 10 min, more preferably 5.0±3.5 g / 10 min, still more preferably 5.0±3.0 g / 10 min, yet more preferably 5.0±2.5 g / 10 min, even more preferably 5.0±2.0 g / 10 min, most preferably 5.0±1.5 g / 10 min, and in particular 5.0±1.0 g / 10 min.

57. The polymer composition according to any of claims 52 to 56, wherein the second ethylene -vinyl acetate copolymer, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, has a content within the range of 4.0±3.9 wt.-%, preferably 4.0±3.5 wt.-%, more preferably 4.0±3.0 wt.-%, still more preferably 4.0±2.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably 4.0±2.0 wt.-%, even more preferably 4.0±1.5 wt.- %, most preferably 4.0±1.0 wt.-%, and in particular 4.0±0.5 wt.-%.

58. The polymer composition according to any of claims 52 to 57, wherein the second ethylene -vinyl acetate copolymer has a vinyl acetate content within the range of about 28±16 wt.-%, preferably 28±14 wt.-%, more preferably 28±12 wt.-%, still more preferably 28±10 wt.-%, yet more prefer-ably 28±8 wt.-%, even more preferably 28±6 wt.-%, most preferably 28±4 wt.-%, and in particular 28±2 wt.-%.

59. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises one or more ethylene -alkyl (meth)acrylate-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers independently of one another having a melting point according to ISO 3146 of at most about 96°C, preferably at most 93 °C, more preferably at most 90°C, still more preferably at most 87°C, yet more preferably at most 84°C, even more preferably at most 81°C, most preferably at most 78°C, and in particular at most 75°C.

60. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises one or more ethylene -alkyl (meth)acrylate-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers comprising or essentially consisting of one or more ethylene-butyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate terpolymers.

61. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acry- late-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers is at least about 3.0 wt.-%, preferably at least 3.5 wt.-%, more preferably at least 4.0 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 4.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably at least 5.0 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 5.5 wt.-%, most preferably at least 6.0 wt.-%, and in particular at least 6.5 wt.-%.

62. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acry- late-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers is at most about 18 wt.-%, preferably at most 17 wt.-%, more preferably at most 16 wt.-%, still more preferably at most 15 wt.-%, yet more preferably at most 14 wt.-%, even more preferably at most 13 wt.-%, most preferably at most 12 wt.-%, and in particular at most 11 wt.-%.

63. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, the total content of one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acry- late-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers is within the range of 5.0±4.5 wt.-%, preferably 5.0±4.0 wt.-%, more preferably 5.0±3.5 wt.-%, still more preferably 5.0±3.0 wt.-%, yet more preferably 5.0±2.5 wt.-%, even more preferably 5.0±2.0 wt.-%, most preferably 5.0±1.5 wt.-%, and in particular 5.0±1.0 wt.-%.

64. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers comprising or essentially consisting of an ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymer having a melting point within the range of about 72±16°C, preferably 72±14°C, more preferably 72±12°C, still more preferably 72±10°C, yet more preferably 72±8°C, even more preferably 72±6°C, most preferably 72±4°C, and in particular 72±2°C.

65. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises one or more ethylene -alkyl (meth)acrylate-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers comprising or essentially consisting of an ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymer having(i) an alkyl (meth)acrylate content within the range of about 20±16 wt.-%, preferably 20±14 wt.-%, more preferably 20±12 wt.-%, still more preferably 20±10 wt.-%, yet more preferably 20±8 wt.-%, even more preferably 20±6 wt.-%, most preferably 20±4 wt.-%, and in particular 20±2 wt.-%; and / or(ii) a glycidyl (meth)acrylate content within the range of about 9±8 wt.-%, preferably 9±7 wt.- %, more preferably 9±6 wt.-%, still more preferably 9±5 wt.-%, yet more preferably 9±4 wt.- %, even more preferably 9±3 wt.-%, most preferably 9±2 wt.-%, and in particular 9±1 wt.- %of about 9 wt.-%.

66. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers comprising or essentially consisting of an ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymer having a VICAT softening temperature according to ISO 306 of at most about 75°C, preferably at most 70°C, more preferably at most 65°C, still more preferably at most 60°C, yet more preferably at most 55°C, even more preferably at most 50°C, most preferably at most 45°C, and in particular at most 40°C.

67. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises one or more ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers comprising or essentially consisting of an ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate-glycidyl (meth)acrylate terpolymer having a MFI at 190°C / 2.16 kg according to ISO 1133 within the range of about 8.0±7.5 g / 10 min, preferably 8.0±7.0 g / 10 min, more preferably 8.0±6.0 g / 10 min, still more preferably 8.0±5.0 g / 10 min, yet more preferably 8.0±4.0 g / 10 min, even more preferably 8.0±3.0 g / 10 min, most preferably 8.0±2.0 g / 10 min, and in particular 8.0±1.0 g / 10 min.

68. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more heat activatable curatives comprise or essentially consist of one or more peroxides.

69. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, which additionally comprises a curing agent comprising at least 2 ethylenically unsaturated groups; preferably at least 3 ethylenically unsaturated groups; more preferably at least 4 ethylenically unsaturated groups; still more preferably at least 5 ethylenically unsaturated groups.

70. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, which is a one component system.

71. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, which is a solid at 23 °C.

72. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, which is a homogeneous mixture.

73. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, which at 23°C is dry to the touch.

74. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, which at 23°C is non-tacky to the touch.

75. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, which at 23 °C is stackable.

76. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, which at 23°C is non-de- formable to the touch.

77. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, which at 50°C is dry to the touch.

78. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, which at 50°C is non-tacky to the touch.

79. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, which at 50°C is stackable.

80. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, which at 50°C is non-de- formable to the touch.

81. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, which has a total content of ingredients that in their neat state at 23°C are solid of at least 60.0 wt.-%, preferably at least 62.5 wt.-%, more preferably at least 65.0 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 67.5 wt.-%, yet more preferably at least 70.0 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 72.5 wt.-%, most preferably at least 75.0 wt.-%, and in particular at least 77.5 wt.-%, in each case relative to the total weight of the polymer composition.

82. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, which has a total content of ingredients that in their neat state at 23°C are solid and that in their neat state at 100°C are liquid of at least 45.0 wt.-%, preferably at least 50.0 wt.-%, more preferably at least 55.0 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 60.0 wt.-%, yet more preferably at least 65.0 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 70.0 wt.-%, most preferably at least 75.0 wt.-%, and in particular at least 80.0 wt.-%„ in each case relative to the total weight of the polymer composition.

83. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, which is pumpable and / or extrudable at an intermediate temperature above 23 °C and below the temperature at which volume expansion and curing of the polymer composition is activated.

84. The polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims, which after heat activation (i.e. in its cured and expanded state) has a density according to ASTM Fl 839 of at most 0.18 g / cm3, preferably at most 0.16 g / cm3, more preferably at most 0.14 g / cm3, still more preferably at most 0.12 g / cm3, yet more preferably at most 0.10 g / cm3, even more preferably at most 0.08g / cm3, most preferably at most 0.06 g / cm3, and in particular at most 0.04 g / cm3; preferably determined after hear activation at 165°C / 30 minutes total time.

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