Ethylene-Propylene-Polyene Interpolymer Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for new compositions of ethylene/alpha-olefin/nonconjugated polyene interpolymers that offer improved mixing and processibility, mechanical properties, and product consistency for vulcanized rubber compositions.
Innovation Solution
The development of a composition comprising at least one ethylene/propylene/5-ethylidene-2-norbomene interpolymer with specific Mooney Viscosity and 13C NMR % Peak Area characteristics, along with a second ethylene/propylene/5-ethylidene-2-norbornene interpolymer, which provides enhanced rheological properties and compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional ethylene/alpha-olefin/diene polymers are used, then basic rubber composition requirements are met, but mixing and processibility are insufficient and mechanical properties are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the Mooney viscosity (ML1+4 at 125°C) to be greater than or equal to 10 and the 13C NMR % Peak Area (21.3-21.8 ppm relative to 19.5-22.0 ppm) to be greater than or equal to 5.0%. These specific parameter ranges optimize both mixing processibility and final product consistency, resolving the technical contradiction between ease of manufacture and reliability.
2Strength
If polymer compositions with improved mechanical properties are developed, then performance increases, but mixing and processibility may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by establishing specific parameter ranges: Mooney viscosity ≥10 ensures adequate mechanical properties while the 13C NMR % Peak Area ≥5.0% guarantees improved mixing and processibility. This dual-parameter control enables simultaneous achievement of both strength and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining ethylene/propylene/5-ethylidene-2-norbornene interpolymer with a second ethylene/propylene/5-ethylidene-2-norbornene interpolymer having different properties. This composite approach allows optimization of both mechanical properties and processibility through synergistic composition design.
3Reliability
If polymer composition variability is reduced for better consistency, then manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces manufacturing complexity by focusing on two key controllable parameters: Mooney viscosity and 13C NMR % Peak Area. By establishing clear target ranges for these parameters (Mooney ≥10, NMR % Peak Area ≥5.0%), the patent achieves product consistency without excessive manufacturing complexity, as these parameters can be controlled through standard polymerization process adjustments.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention provides a composition comprising a first composition that comprises at least one ethylene/alpha-olefin/nonconjugated polyene interpolymer; and wherein the first composition has a Mooney Viscosity (ML1+4, 125C) greater than, or equal to, 10, and wherein the first composition has a "13C NMR % Peak Area," which is the {[(13C NMR peak area from 21.3 ppm to 21.8 ppm) divided by the (total integral area from 19.5 ppm to 22.0 ppm)] x 100}, that is greater than 3.5 percent, as determined by 13C NMR.