Polyolefin adhesive compositions and articles made therefrom

[0001] This application claims priority to provisional USSN 60/418,482, filed Oct. 15, 2002, entitled “Multiple Catalyst System for Olefin Polymerization and Polymers Produced Therefrom.” This application also claims priority from USSN 60/460,714, filed Apr. 4, 2003 entitled “Polyolefin Adhesive Compositions and Articles Made Therefrom.”

[0002] This application also is related to USSN 60/199,093, filed on Apr. 21, 2000 and US2000000199093P, filed Apr. 20, 2001 claiming priority from USSN. 60/199,093. The instant application also relates to U.S. S No. 60/171,715, filed Dec. 21, 1999; U.S. Ser. No. 09/745,394, filed Dec. 21, 2000; and U.S. Ser. No. 09/746,332 filed Dec. 21, 2000. The instant application also relates to WO 01/81493.

[0003] This invention relates to adhesives comprising polymers of C_3-40 olefins having a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more; a branching index (g′) of 0.95 or less measured at the z-average molecular weight (Mz) of the polymer; a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of 100,000 or less; and good strength.

[0004] For some applications such as adhesives individual polymers do not possess the necessary combination of properties. Individual polyolefins having certain characteristics are often blended together in the hope of combining the positive attributes of the individual components. Typically the result is a blend which displays an average of the individual properties of the individual resins. For example EP 0 527 589 discloses blends of flexible, low molecular weight amorphous polypropylene with higher molecular weight isotactic polypropylene to obtain compositions with balanced mechanical strength and flexibility. These compositions show better flexibility compared to that of the isotactic polypropylene alone, but are still lacking in other physical attributes. Physical blends also have the problems of inadequate miscibility. Unless the components are selected for their compatibility they can phase separate or smaller components can migrate to the surface. Reactor blends, also called intimate blends (a composition comprising two or more polymers made in the same reactor or in a series of reactors) are often used to address these issues, however finding catalyst systems that will operate under the same environments to produce different polymers has been a challenge.

[0005] Multiple catalyst systems have been used in the past to produce reactor blends (also called intimate blends) of various polymers and other polymer compositions. Reactor blends and other one-pot polymer compositions are often regarded as superior to physical blends of similar polymers. For example U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,832 discloses a polymer composition produced in the presence of one or more stereospecific metallocene catalyst systems and at least one non-stereospecific metallocene catalyst system. The resultant polymer has advantageous properties over the physical blends disclosed in EP 0 527 589 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,539,056.

[0006] Thus there has been interest in the art in developing multiple catalyst systems to produce new polymer compositions. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,516,848 discloses the use of two different cyclopentadienyl based transition metal compounds activated with alumoxane or non-coordinating anions. In particular, the examples disclose, among other things, catalyst compounds in combination, such as (Me₂Si(Me₄C₅)(N-c-C₁₂H₂₃)TiCl₂ and rac-Me₂Si(H₄Ind)ZrCl₂, or Me₂Si(Me₄C₅)(N-c-C₁₂H₂₃)TiCl₂ and Me₂Si(Ind₂)HfMe₂, (Ind=indenyl) activated with activators such as methylalumoxane or N,N-dimethyl anilinium tetrakis(pentafluorphenyl)borate to produce polypropylenes having bimodal molecular weight distributions (Mw/Mn), varying amounts of isotacticity (from 12 to 52 weight % isotactic PP in the product in Ex 2, 3 and 4), and having weight average molecular weights over 100,000, and some even as high as 1,200,000 for use as thermoplastics. Likewise, U.S. Pat. No. 6,184,327 discloses a thermoplastic elastomer comprising a branched olefin polymer having crystalline sidechains and an amorphous backbone wherein at least 90 mole percent of the sidechains are isotactic or syndiotactic polypropylene and at least 80 mole percent of the backbone is atactic polypropylene produced by a process comprising: a) contacting, in solution, at a temperature from about 90° C. to about. 120° C., propylene monomers with a catalyst composition comprising a chiral, stereorigid transition metal catalyst compound capable of producing isotactic or syndiotactic polypropylene; b) copolymerizing the product of a) with propylene and, optionally, one or more copolymerizable monomers, in a polymerization reactor using an achiral transition metal catalyst capable of producing atactic polypropylene; and c) recovering a branched olefin polymer. Similarly U.S. Pat. No. 6,147,180 discloses the synthesis of a thermoplastic polymer composition, which is produced by first polymerizing monomers to produce at least 40% vinyl terminated macromonomers and then copolymerizing the macromonomers with ethylene. In addition U.S. Pat. No. 6,323,284 discloses a method to produce thermoplastic compositions (mixtures of crystalline and amorphous polyolefin copolymers) by copolymerizing alpha-olefins and alpha, omega dienes using two separate catalyst systems.

[0007] Likewise others have experimented with multiple stage processes to produce new polymer compositions. For example EP 0 366 411 discloses a graft polymer having an EPDM backbone with polypropylene grafted thereto at one or more of the diene monomer sites through the use of a two-step process using a different Ziegler-Natta catalyst system in each step. This graft polymer is stated to be useful for improving the impact properties in blended polypropylene compositions.

[0008] Although each of the polymers described in the above references has interesting combinations of properties, there remains a need for new composition that offer other new and different property balances tailored for a variety of end uses. In particular, it would be desirable to find a composition that is strong yet has adhesive characteristics and the ability to be applied using adhesive technology and equipment.

[0009] WO 01/46277, at example 30 discloses a copolymer of propylene and hexene made using two catalysts.

[0010] For general information in this area, one may refer to:

[0011] 1. DeSouza and Casagrande, in 2001 addressed the issue of binary catalyst systems in “Recent Advances in Olefin Polymerization Using Binary Catalyst Systems, Macromol. Rapid Commun. 2001, 22, No. 16 (pages 1293 to 1301). At page 1299 they report propylene systems that produce a “gooey” product.

[0012] 2. Studies with respect to the production of stereoblock polypropylene by using in-situ mixtures of metallocene catalysts with different stereoselectivity were recently performed by Lieber and Brintzinger in “Propene Polymerization with Catalyst Mixtures Containing Different Ansa-Zirconocenes: Chain Transfer to Alkylaluminum Cocatalysts and Formation of Stereoblock Polymers”, Macromolecules 2000, 33, No.25 (pages 9192-9199). Propylene polymerization reactions were performed using metallocene catalysts H₄C₂(Flu)₂ZrCl₂, rac-Me₂Si(2-Me-4-tBu-C₅H₂)₂ZrCl₂ and rac-Me₂Si(2-MeInd)₂ZrCl₂ in the presence of either MAO (methylalumoxane) or tri-iso-butylaluminium (Al(iBu)₃)/triphenylcarbenium tetrakis(perfluorophenylborate) (trityl borate) as the cocatalyst. Propylene polymerization using the mixed catalysts, H₄C₂(Flu)₂ZrCl₂ and rac-Me₂Si(2-MeInd)₂ZrCl₂ in the presence of either MAO or Al(iBu)₃/trityl borate produced waxy solids, which are completely separable into an atactic (diethyl ether soluble) and an isotactic (insoluble) fraction. Neither fraction contained any combination of isotactic and atactic pentad patterns indicating that these catalyst mixtures did not form stereoblock polymers.

[0013] 3. Aggarwal addressed the various polymers produced in “Structures and Properties of Block Polymers and Multiphase Polymer Systems: An Overview of Present Status and Future Potential”, S. L. Aggarwal, Sixth Biennial Manchester Polymer Symposium (UMIST Manchester, March 1976)

[0014] 4. Selectivity in Propene Polymerization with Metallocene Catalysts” Resconi, et al, Chem Rev. 2000, 100, 1253-1345.

[0015] None of the references above has directly addressed the need for polyolefin based adhesives containing both amorphous and crystalline components. Such adhesives are desired in the industry as a replacement for blends requiring significant amount of tackifiers and or other additives.

[0016] Additional references that are of interest include:

• • [0017] 1) EP Patents: EP 0 619 325 B1, EP 719 802 B1;
  • [0018] 2) US Patents/Publications: U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,207,606, 6,258,903; 6,271,323; 6,340,703, 6,297,301, US 2001/0007896 A1, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,184,327, 6,225,432, 6,342,574, 6,147,180, 6,114,457, 6,143,846, 5,998,547; 5,696,045; 5,350,817;
  • [0019] 3) PCT Publications: WO 00/37514, WO 01/81493, WO 98/49229, WO 98/32784; and WO 01/09200;
  • [0020] 4) “Metallocene-Based Branch-Block thermoplastic Elastomers,” Markel, et al. Macromolecules 2000, Volume 33, No. 23. pgs. 8541-8548.

[0021] This invention relates to adhesives comprising a polymer comprising one or more C3 to C40 olefins where the polymer has:

[0022] a) a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more on Kraft paper;

[0023] b) a branching index (g′) of 0.95 or less measured at the Mz of the polymer;

[0024] c) a Mw of 10,000 to 100,000; and

[0025] d) a heat of fusion of 1 to 70 J/g.

[0026] This invention also relates to adhesives comprising a polymer comprising one or more C3 to C40 olefins where the polymer has:

[0027] a) a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more on Kraft paper;

[0028] b) a branching index (g′) of 0.98 or less measured at the Mz of the polymer;

[0029] c) a Mw of 10,000 to 60,000;

[0030] d) a heat of fusion of 1 to 50 J/g.

[0031] This invention also relates to adhesives comprising a homopolypropylene or a copolymer of propylene and up to 5 mole % ethylene having:

[0032] a) an isotactic run length of 1 to 30 (isotactic run length “IRL” is defined to be the percent of mmmm pentad divided by 0.5× percent of mmmr pentad) as determined by Carbon 13 NMR, preferably 3 to 25, more preferably 4 to 20,

[0033] b) a percent of r dyad of greater than 20%, preferably from 20 to 70% as determined by Carbon 13 NMR, and

[0034] c) a heat of fusion of 70 J/g or less, preferably 60 J/g or less, more preferably between 1 and 55 J/g, more preferably between 4 and 50 J/g.

[0049] For the purposes of this invention and the claims thereto and for ease of reference when a polymer is referred to as comprising an olefin, the olefin present in the polymer is the polymerized form of the olefin. For ease of reference amorphous polypropylene is abbreviated aPP, isotactic polypropylene is abbreviated iPP, syndiotactic polypropylene is abbreviated sPP, semi-crystalline polypropylene is abbreviated scPP, and “-g-” indicates that the components are

[0050] In another embodiment this invention relates to an adhesive comprising a polymer comprising one or more C3 to C40 olefins, preferably propylene, and, in some embodiments, less than 15 mole % of ethylene (preferably less than 5 mole % ethylene), having:

[0051] a) a Dot T-Peel between 1 Newton and the 10,000 Newtons on kraft paper;

[0052] b) a Mz/Mn of 2 to 200; and

[0053] c) an Mw of X and a g′ of Y (measured at the Mz of the polymer) according to the following Table C:

[0054]

TABLE C
X (Mw)	Y (g′)
100,000 or less, preferably 80,000 or less,	0.9 or less,
preferably 70,000 or less, more preferably	preferably 0.7
60,000 or less, more preferably 50,000 or less,	or less
more preferably 40,000 or less, more preferably 30,000	Preferably
or less, more preferably 20,000 or less, more preferably	between
10,000 or less. In some embodiments X is also at least	0.5-0.9
7000, more preferably 10,000, more preferably at
least 15,000.
75,000 or less, preferably 70,000 or less, more preferably	0.92 or less,
60,000 or less, more preferably 50,000 or less, more	preferably, 0.6
preferably 40,000 or less, more preferably 30,000 or	or less
less, more preferably 20,000 or less, more preferably	preferably
10,000 or less. In some embodiments A is also at least	between
1000, preferably at least 2000, more preferably at least	0.4-0.6-
3000, more preferably at least 4000, more preferably
at least 5000, more preferably at least 7000,
more preferably 10,000, more preferably at least
15,000.
50,000 or less, more preferably 40,000 or less, more	0.95 or less,
preferably 30,000 or less, more preferably 20,000 or less,	preferably 0.7
more preferably 10,000 or less. In some embodiments A	or less
is also at least 1000, preferably at least 2000, more	preferably
preferably at least 3000, more preferably at least	between
4000, more preferably at least 5000, more preferably	0.5-0.7-
at least 7000, more preferably 10,000, more
preferably at least 15,000.
30,000 or less, preferably 25,000 or less, more preferably	0.98 or less
20,000 or less, more preferably 15,000 or less, more	preferably
preferably 10,000 or less. In some embodiments A is	between
also at least 1000, preferably at least 2000, more	0.7-0.98
preferably at least 3000, more preferably at least 4000,
more preferably at least 5000, more preferably at
least 7000, more preferably 10,000, more
preferably at least 15,000.

[0055] In another embodiment, when Mw is between 15,000 and 100,000, then g′<(10⁻¹² Mw²-10 Mw+1.0178).

[0056] In a some embodiments the g′ is 0.9 or less, 0.8 or less, 0.7 or less, 0.6 or less, measured at the Mz of the polymer.

[0057] In another embodiment the polymer described above also has a peak melting point (Tm) between 40 and 250° C., or between 60 and 190° C., or between about 60 and 150° C., or between 80 and 130° C. In some embodiments the peak melting point is between 60 and 160° C. In other embodiments the peak melting point is between 124-140° C. In other embodiments the peak melting temperature is between 40-130° C.

[0058] In another embodiment the polymer described above also has a viscosity (also referred to a Brookfield Viscosity or Melt Viscosity) of 90,000 mPa·sec or less at 190° C. (as measured by ASTM D 3236 at 190° C.; ASTM=American Society for Testing and Materials); or 80,000 or less, or 70,000 or less, or 60,000 or less, or 50,000 or less, or 40,000 or less, or 30,000 or less, or 20,000 or less, or 10,000 or less, or 8,000 or less, or 5000 or less, or 4000 or less, or 3000 or less, or 1500 or less, or between 250 and 6000 mPa·sec, or between 500 and 5500 mPa·sec, or between 500 and 3000 mPa·sec, or between 500 and 1500 mPa·sec, and/or a viscosity of 8000 mPa·sec or less at 160° C. (as measured by ASTM D 3236 at 160° C.); or 7000 or less, or 6000 or less, or 5000 or less, or 4000 or less, or 3000 or less, or 1500 or less, or between 250 and 6000 mPa·sec, or between 500 and 5500 mPa·sec, or between 500 and 3000 mPa·sec, or between 500 and 1500 mPa·sec. In other embodiments the viscosity is 200,000 mPa·sec or less at 190° C., depending on the application. In other embodiments the viscosity is 50,000 mPa·sec or less depending on the applications.

[0059] In another embodiment the polymer described above also has a heat of fusion of 70 J/g or less, or 60 J/g or less; or 50 J/g or less; or 40 J/g or less, or 30 J/g or less, or 20 J/g or less and greater than zero, or greater than 1 J/g, or greater than 10 J/g, or between 20 and 50 J/g.

[0060] In another embodiment the polymer described above also has a Shore A Hardness (as measured by ASTM 2240) of 95 or less, 70 or less, or 60 or less, or 50 or less, or 40 or less or 30 or less, or 20 or less. In other embodiments the Shore A Hardness is 5 or more, 10 or more, or 15 or more. In certain applications, such as packaging, the Shore A Hardness is preferably 50-85. In another embodiment, the polymer has a Shore A hardness of 20-90.

[0061] In another embodiment the polymer of this invention has an Mz/Mn of 2 to 200, preferably 2 to 150, preferably 10 to 100.

[0062] In another embodiment the polymer described above also has a Shear Adhesion Fail Temperature (SAFT—as measured by ASTM 4498) of 200° C. or less, or of 40 to 150° C., or 60 to 130° C., or 65 to 110° C., or 70-80° C. In certain embodiments SAFT's of 130-140° C. are preferred. In other embodiments, SAFT's of 100-130° C. are preferred. In other embodiments, SAFT's of 110-140° C. are preferred.

[0063] In another embodiment the polymer described above also has a Dot T-Peel on Kraft paper of between 1 Newton and 10,000 Newtons, or 3 and 4000 Newtons, or between 5 and 3000 Newtons, or between 10 and 2000 Newtons, or between 15 and 1000 Newtons. Dot T-Peel is determined according to ASTM D 1876, as described below.

[0064] In another embodiment the polymer described above also has a set time of several days to 1 second, or 60 seconds or less, or 30 seconds or less, or 20 seconds or less, or 15 seconds or less, or 10 seconds or less, or 5 seconds or less, or 4 seconds or less, or 3 seconds or less, or 2 seconds or less, or 1 second or less.

[0065] In another embodiment the polymer described above also has an Mw/Mn of 2 to 75, or 4 to 60, or 5 to 50, or 6 to 20.

[0066] In another embodiment the polymer described above also has an Mz of 1,000,000 or less, preferably 15,000 to 1,000,000, or 20,000 to 800,000, or 25,000 to 350,000.

[0067] In another embodiment the polymer described above may also have a strain at break (as measured by ASTM D-1708 at 25° C.) of 50 to 1000%, preferably 80 to 200%. In some other embodiments the strain at break is 100 to 500%.

[0068] In another embodiment, the polymer described herein has a tensile strength at break (as measured by ASTM D-1708 at 25° C.) of 0.5 MPa or more, alternatively 0.75 MPa or more, alternatively 1.0 MPa or more, alternatively 1.5 MPa, or more, alternatively 2.0 MPa or more, alternatively 2.5 MPa or more, alternatively 3.0 MPa or more, alternatively 3.5 MPa or more.

[0069] In another embodiment the polymer described above also has a crystallization point (Tc) between 20 and 110° C. In some embodiments the Tc is between 70 to 100° C. In other embodiments the Tc is between 30 to 80° C. In other embodiments the Tc is between 20 to 50° C.

[0070] In some embodiment the polymers described above has a slope of −0.1 or less, preferably −0.15 or less, more preferably −0.25 or less in the trace of complex viscosity versus temperature as shown in FIG. 1 (as measured by ARES dynamic mechanical spectrometer operating at a frequency of 10 rad/s, with a strain of 20% under a nitrogen atmosphere, and a cooling rate of 10° C./min) over the range of temperatures from Tc+10° C. to Tc+40° C. The slope is defined as a derivative of log (complex viscosity) with respect to temperature.

[0071] In another embodiment the polymer described above has a Tc that is at least 10° C. below the Tm, preferably at least 20° C. below the Tm, preferably at least 30° C. below the Tm, more preferably at least 35° C. below the Tm.

[0072] In another embodiment some polymers described above have a melt index ratio (I₁₀/I₂) of 6.5 or less, preferably 6.0 or less, preferably 5.5 or less, preferably 5.0 or less, preferably 4.5 or less, preferably between 1 and 6.0. (I₁₀ and I₂ are measured according to ASTM 1238 D, 2.16 kg, 190° C.).

[0073] In another embodiment some polymers described above have a melt index (as determined by ASTM 1238 D, 2.16 kg, 190 deg. C) of 25 dg/min or more, preferably 50 dg/min or more, preferably 100 dg/min or more, more preferably 200 dg/min or more, more preferably 500 dg/mn or more, more preferably 2000 dg/min or more.

[0074] In another embodiment the polymer described above has a range of crystallization of 10 to 60° C. wide, preferably 20 to 50° C., preferably 30 to 45° C. in the DSC traces. In DSC traces where there are two or more non-overlapping peaks, then each peak has a range of crystallization of 10 to 60° C. wide, preferably 20 to 50° C., preferably 30 to 45° C. in the DSC traces.

[0075] In another embodiment the polymer produced by this invention has a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) of at least 2, preferably at least 5, preferably at least 10, even more preferably at least 20.

[0076] In another embodiment the polymer produced may have a unimodal, bimodal, or multimodal molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) distribution of polymer species as determined by Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC). By bimodal or multimodal is meant that the SEC trace has more than one peak or inflection points. An inflection point is that point where the second derivative of the curve changes in sign (e.g., from negative to positive or vice versus).

[0077] In another embodiment the polymer described above has an Energy of activation of 8 to 15 cal/mol. Energy of activation was calculated using the relationships of complex viscosity and temperature over the region where thermal effects are responsible for viscosity increase (assuming an Arrhenius-like relationship).

[0078] In another embodiment the polymers produced herein have a cloud point of 200° C. or less, preferably 180° C. or less, preferably 160° C. or less, preferably 120° C. or less, preferably 100° C. or less. Likewise any composition that the polymer is part of preferably has a cloud point of 200° C. or less, preferably 180° C. or less, preferably 160° C. or less, preferably 120° C. or less, preferably 100° C. or less

[0079] In another embodiment the polymer described above may also have one or more of the following:

[0080] a) a peak melting point between 30 and 190° C., or between about 60 and 150° C., or between 80 and 130° C.; and/or

[0081] b) a viscosity of 8000 mPa·sec or less at 190° C. (as measured by ASTM D 3236 at 190° C.); or 5000 or less, or 4000 or less, or 3000 or less, or 1500 or less, or between 250 and 6000 mPa·sec, or between 500 and 5500 mPa·sec, or between 500 and 3000 mPa·sec, or between 500 and 1500 mPa·sec, or a viscosity of 8000 mPa·sec or less at 160° C. (as measured by ASTM D 3236 at 160° C.); or 7000 or less, or 6000 or less, or 5000 or less, or 4000 or less, or 3000 or less, or 1500 or less, or between 250 and 6000 mPa·sec, or between 500 and 5500 mPa·sec, or between 500 and 3000 mPa·sec, or between 500 and 1500 mPa·sec; and/or

[0082] c) an H_f (Heat of fusion) of 70 J/g or less, or 60 J/g or less, or 50 J/g or less; or 40 J/g or less, or 30 J/g or less, or 20 J/g or less and greater than zero, or greater than 1 J/g, or greater than 10 J/g, or between 10 and 50 J/g; and or

[0083] d) a Shore A Hardness (as measured by ASTM 2240) of 90 or less, or 60 or less, or 50 or less, or 40 or less or 30 or less, or 20 or less; and or

[0084] e) a Shear Adhesion Fail Temperature (SAFT—as measured by ASTM 4498) of 40 to 150° C., or 60 to 130° C., or 65 to 110° C., or 70-80° C.; and or;

[0085] f) a Dot T-Peel of between 1 Newton and 10,000 Newtons, or 3 and 4000 Newtons, or between 5 and 3000 Newtons, or between 10 and 2000 Newtons, or between 15 and 1000 Newtons; and/or

[0086] g) a set time of several days to 0.1 second, or 60 seconds or less, or 30 seconds or less, or 20 seconds or less, or 15 seconds or less, or 10 seconds or less, or 5 seconds or less, or 4 seconds or less, or 3 seconds or less, or 2 seconds or less, or 1 second or less; and/or

[0087] h) an Mw/Mn of greater than 1 to 75, or 2 to 60, or 2 to 50, or 3 to 20; and/or

[0088] i) an Mz of 500,000 or less, preferably 15,000 to 500,000, or 20,000 to 400,000, or 25,000 to 350,000.

[0089] Useful combinations of features include polymers as described above having a Dot T-Peel of between 1 Newton and 10,000 Newtons, or 3 and 4000 Newtons, or between 5 and 3000 Newtons, or between 10 and 2000 Newtons, or between 15 and 1000 Newtons and:

[0090] 1) an Mw of 30,000 or less, a peak melting point between 60 and 190° C., a Heat of fusion of 1 to 70 J/g, a branching index (g′) of 0.90 or less measured at the Mz of the polymer; and a melt viscosity of 8000 mPa·sec or less at 190° C.; or

[0091] 2) an Mz of 20,000 to 5,000,000 and a SAFT of 60 to 150° C.; or

[0092] 3) an Mz/Mn of 2-200 and a set time of 4 seconds or less; or

[0093] 4) an H_f (heat of fusion) of 20 to 50 J/g, an Mz or 20,000-500,000 and a shore hardness of 50 or less; or

[0094] 5) an Mw/Mn of greater than 1 to 50, a viscosity of 5000 or less mPa·sec at 190° C.; or

[0095] 6) an Mw of 50,000 or less, a peak melting point between 60 and 190° C., a heat of fusion of 2 to 70 J/g, a branching index (g′) of 0.70 or less measured at the Mz of the polymer, and a melt viscosity of 8000 mPa·sec or less at 190° C.

[0096] In a preferred embodiment, the polymer of this invention comprises amorphous, crystalline and branch-block molecular structures.

[0097] In a preferred embodiment the polymer comprises at least 50 weight % propylene, preferably at least 60% propylene, alternatively at least 70% propylene, alternatively at least 80% propylene.

[0098] In another embodiment the polymer produced has a glass transition temperature (T_g) as measured by ASTM E 1356 of 5° C. or less, preferably 0° C. or less, alternatively between 0° C. and −40° C., alternatively between −5° C. and −15° C.

[0099] In another embodiment the polymer of this invention has an amorphous content of at least 50%, alternatively at least 60%, alternatively at least 70%, even alternatively between 50 and 99%. Percent amorphous content is determined by subtracting the percent crystallinity from 100. Percent crystallinity content is determined using Differential Scanning Calorimetry measurement according to ASTM E 794-85.

[0100] In another embodiment the polymer of this invention has a crystallinity of 40% or less, alternatively 30% or less, alternatively 20% or less, even alternatively between 10% and 30%. Percent crystallinity content is determined using Differential Scanning Calorimetry measurement according to ASTM E 794-85. In another embodiment, the polymers described herein have a percent crystallinity of between 5 and 40%, alternatively between 10 to 30%.

[0101] In another embodiment the polymer produced by this invention has a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) of at least 1.5, preferably at least 2, preferably at least 5, preferably at least 10, even alternatively at least 20. In other embodiments the Mw/Mn is 20 or less, 10 or less, even 5 or less. Molecular weight distribution generally depends on the catalysts used and process conditions such as temperature, monomer concentration, catalyst ratio, if multiple catalysts are used, and the presence or absence of hydrogen. Hydrogen may be used at amounts up to 2 weight %, but is preferably used at levels of 50 to 500 ppm.

[0102] In another embodiment the polymer produced is found to have at least two molecular weights fractions are present at greater than 2 weight %, preferably greater than 20 weight %, each based upon the weight of the polymer as measured by Gel Permeation Chromatography. The fractions can be identified on the GPC trace by observing two distinct populations of molecular weights. An example would be a GPC trace showing a peak at 20,000 Mw and another peak at 50,000 Mw where the area under the first peak represents more than 2 weight % of the polymer and the area under the second peak represents more than 2 weight % of the polymer.

[0103] In another embodiment the polymer of this invention has 20 weight % or more (based upon the weight of the starting polymer) of hexane room temperature soluble fraction, and 70 weight % or less, preferably 50 weight % or less of Soxhlet boiling heptane insoluble, based upon the weight of the polymer. Soxhlet heptane insoluble refers to one of the fractions obtained when a sample is fractionated using successive solvent extraction technique. The fractionations are carried out in two steps: one involves room temperature solvent extraction, the other soxhlet extraction. In the room temperature solvent extraction, about one gram of polymer is dissolved in 50 ml of solvent (e.g., hexane) to isolate the amorphous or very low molecular weight polymer species. The mixture is stirred at room temperature for about 12 hours. The soluble fraction is separated from the insoluble material using filtration under vacuum. The insoluble material is then subjected to a Soxhlet extraction procedure. This involves the separation of polymer fractions based on their solubility in various solvents having boiling points from just above room temperature to 110° C. The insoluble material from the room temperature solvent extraction is first extracted overnight with a solvent such as hexane and heptane (Soxhlet); the extracted material is recovered by evaporating the solvent and weighing the residue. The insoluble sample is then extracted with a solvent having higher boiling temperature such as heptane and after solvent evaporation, it is weighed. The insoluble and the thimble from the final stage are air-dried in a hood to evaporate most of the solvent, then dried in a nitrogen-purged vacuum oven. The amount of insoluble left in the thimble is then calculated, provided the tare weight of the thimble is known.

[0104] In another embodiment, the polymers produced in this invention have a heptane insoluble fraction 70 weight % or less, based upon the weight of the starting polymer, and the heptane insoluble fraction has branching index g′ of 0.9 (preferably 0.7) or less as measured at the Mz of the polymer. In a preferred embodiment the composition also has at least 20 weight % hexane soluble fraction, based upon the weight of the starting polymer. In another embodiment, the polymers produced in this invention have a heptane insoluble fraction 70 weight % or less, based upon the weight of the starting polymer and a Mz between 20,000 and 5000,000 of the heptane insoluble portion. In a preferred embodiment the composition also has at least 20 weight % hexane soluble fraction, based upon the weight of the starting polymer. In another embodiment the polymers produced have a hexane soluble portion of at least 20 weight %, based upon the weight of the starting polymer.

[0105] In another embodiment the polymer comprises propylene and 15 mole % ethylene or less, preferably 10 mole % ethylene or less, more preferably 9 mole % ethylene or less, more preferably 8 mole % ethylene or less, more preferably 7 mole % ethylene or less, more preferably 6 mole % ethylene or less, more preferably 5 mole % ethylene or less, more preferably 4 mole % ethylene or less, more preferably 3 mole % ethylene or less, more preferably 2 mole % ethylene or less, more preferably 1 mole % ethylene or less.

[0106] In another embodiment the polymer of this invention comprises less than 5 mole % of ethylene, preferably less than 4.5 mole % ethylene, preferably less than 4.0 mole % ethylene, alternatively less than 3.5 mole % ethylene, alternatively less than 3.0 mole % ethylene, alternatively less than 2.5 mole % ethylene, alternatively less than 2.0 mole % ethylene, alternatively less than 1.5 mole % ethylene, alternatively less than 1.0 mole % ethylene, alternatively less than 0.5 mole % ethylene, alternatively less than 0.25 mole % ethylene, alternatively 0 mole % ethylene.

[0107] For ease of reference the polymer produced by the second catalyst having at least 20% crystallinity may also be referred to as the “semi-crystalline polymer” and the polymer produced by the first catalyst component having a crystallinity of less than 5% may be referred to as the “amorphous polymer.”

[0108] In another embodiment of this invention the polymer produced has a characteristic three-zone complex viscosity-temperature pattern, as shown in FIG. 1. The temperature dependence of complex viscosity was measured using ARES dynamic mechanical spectrometer operating at a frequency of 10 rad/s, with a strain of 20% under a nitrogen atmosphere, and a cooling rate of 10° C./min. The sample was first molten then gradually cooled down to room temperature while monitoring the build-up in complex viscosity. Above the melting point, which is typical of polymer processing temperature, the complex viscosity is relatively low (Zone I) and increases gradually with decreasing temperature. In zone II, a sharp increase in complex viscosity appears as temperature is dropped. The third zone (Zone III) is the high complex viscosity zone, which appears at lower temperatures corresponding to application (end use) temperatures. In Zone III the complex viscosity is high and varies slightly with further decrease in temperature. Such a complex viscosity profile provides, in hot melt adhesive applications, a desirable combination of long opening time at processing temperatures and fast set time at lower temperatures.

[0109] In a preferred embodiment, the polymers produced herein having less than 1 mol % ethylene, have at least 2 mol % (CH₂)₂ units, preferably 4 mol %, preferably 6 mol %, more preferably 8 mol %, more preferably 10 mol %, more preferably 12 mol %, more preferably 15 mol %, more preferably 18 mol %, more preferably 5 mol % as measured by Carbon 13 NMR as described below.

[0110] In an another embodiment, the polymers produced herein having between 1 and 10 mol % ethylene, have at least 2+X mol % (CH₂)₂ units, preferably 4+X mol %, preferably 6+X mol %, more preferably 8+X mol %, more preferably 10+X mol %, more preferably 12+X mol %, more preferably 15+X mol %, more preferably 18+X mol %, more preferably 20+X mol %, where X is the mole % of ethylene, and the (CH₂)₂ units are determined by Carbon 13 NMR as described below.

[0111] In a preferred embodiment, the polymers produced herein, having less than 1 mol % ethylene, have an amorphous component (which is defined to be that portion of the polymer composition that has a crystallinity of less than 5%) which contains at least 3 mol % (CH₂)₂ units, preferably 4 mol %, preferably 6 mol %, more preferably 8 mol %, more preferably 10 mol %, more preferably 12 mol %, more preferably 15 mol %, more preferably 18 mol %, more preferably 20 mol % as measured by Carbon 13 NMR as described below.

[0112] In an another embodiment, the polymers produced herein having between 1 and 10 mol % ethylene, have an amorphous component (which is defined to be that portion of the polymer composition that has a crystallinity of less than 20%) which contains at least 3+X mol % (CH₂)₂ units, preferably 4+X mol %, preferably 6+X mol %, more preferably 8+X mol %, more preferably 10+X mol %, more preferably 12+X mol %, more preferably 15+X mol %, more preferably 18+X mol %, more preferably 20+X mol %, where X is the mole % of ethylene, and the (CH₂)₂ units are determined by Carbon 13 NMR as described below.

Monomers

[0113] In a preferred embodiment the polymer comprises an olefin homopolymer or copolymer, having less than 5 mol % ethylene, and comprising one or more C3 to C40 alpha olefins. In another preferred embodiment the olefin polymer, having less than 5 mol % ethylene, further comprises one or more diolefin comonomers, preferably one or more C4 to C40 diolefins.

[0114] In a preferred embodiment the polymer produced herein is a propylene homopolymer or copolymer. The comonomer is preferably a C4 to C20 linear, branched or cyclic monomer, and in one embodiment is a C4 to C12 linear or branched alpha-olefin, preferably butene, pentene, hexene, heptene, octene, nonene, decene, dodecene, 4-methyl-pentene-1,3-methyl pentene-1,3,5,5-trimethyl-hexene-1, and the like. Ethylene may be present at 5 mol % or less.

[0115] In another embodiment the polymer produced herein is a copolymer of one or more linear or branched C3 to C30 prochiral alpha-olefins or C5 to C30 ring containing olefins or combinations thereof capable of being polymerized by either stereospecific and non-stereospecific catalysts. Prochiral, as used herein, refers to monomers that favor the formation of isotactic or syndiotactic polymer when polymerized using stereospecific catalyst(s).

[0116] The polymerizable olefinic moiety can be linear, branched, cyclic-containing, or a mixture of these structures. Preferred linear alpha-olefins include C3 to C8 alpha-olefins, more preferably propylene, 1-butene, 1-hexene, and 1-octene, even more preferably propylene or 1-butene. Preferred branched alpha-olefins include 4-methyl-1-pentene, 3-methyl-1-pentene, and 3,5,5-trimethyl-1-hexene, 5-ethyl-1-nonene. Preferred aromatic-group-containing monomers contain up to 30 carbon atoms. Suitable aromatic-group-containing monomers comprise at least one aromatic structure, preferably from one to three, more preferably a phenyl, indenyl, fluorenyl, or naphthyl moiety. The aromatic-group-containing monomer further comprises at least one polymerizable double bond such that after polymerization, the aromatic structure will be pendant from the polymer backbone. The aromatic-group containing monomer may further be substituted with one or more hydrocarbyl groups including but not limited to C1 to C10 alkyl groups. Additionally two adjacent substitutions may be joined to form a ring structure. Preferred aromatic-group-containing monomers contain at least one aromatic structure appended to a polymerizable olefinic moiety. Particularly preferred aromatic monomers include styrene, alpha-methylstyrene, para-alkylstyrenes, vinyltoluenes, vinylnaphthalene, allyl benzene, and indene, especially styrene, paramethyl styrene, 4-phenyl-1-butene and allyl benzene.

[0117] Non aromatic cyclic group containing monomers are also preferred. These monomers can contain up to 30 carbon atoms. Suitable non-aromatic cyclic group containing monomers preferably have at least one polymerizable olefinic group that is either pendant on the cyclic structure or is part of the cyclic structure. The cyclic structure may also be further substituted by one or more hydrocarbyl groups such as, but not limited to, C1 to C10 alkyl groups. Preferred non-aromatic cyclic group containing monomers include vinylcyclohexane, vinylcyclohexene, vinylnorbornene, ethylidene norbornene, cyclopentadiene, cyclopentene, cyclohexene, cyclobutene, vinyladamantane and the like.

[0118] Preferred diolefin monomers useful in this invention include any hydrocarbon structure, preferably C4 to C30, having at least two unsaturated bonds, wherein at least two of the unsaturated bonds are readily incorporated into a polymer by either a stereospecific or a non-stereospecific catalyst(s). It is further preferred that the diolefin monomers be selected from alpha, omega-diene monomers (i.e. di-vinyl monomers). More preferably, the diolefin monomers are linear di-vinyl monomers, most preferably those containing from 4 to 30 carbon atoms. Examples of preferred dienes include butadiene, pentadiene, hexadiene, heptadiene, octadiene, nonadiene, decadiene, undecadiene, dodecadiene, tridecadiene, tetradecadiene, pentadecadiene, hexadecadiene, heptadecadiene, octadecadiene, nonadecadiene, icosadiene, heneicosadiene, docosadiene, tricosadiene, tetracosadiene, pentacosadiene, hexacosadiene, heptacosadiene, octacosadiene, nonacosadiene, triacontadiene, particularly preferred dienes include 1,6-heptadiene, 1,7-octadiene, 1,8-nonadiene, 1,9-decadiene, 1,10-undecadiene, 1,11-dodecadiene, 1,12-tridecadiene, 1,13-tetradecadiene, and low molecular weight polybutadienes (Mw less than 1000 g/mol). Preferred cyclic dienes include cyclopentadiene, vinylnorbornene, norbornadiene, ethylidene norbornene, divinylbenzene, dicyclopentadiene or higher ring containing diolefins with or without substituents at various ring positions.

[0119] In a preferred embodiment one or more dienes are present in the polymer produced herein at up to 10 weight %, preferably at 0.00001 to 1.0 weight %, preferably 0.002 to 0.5 weight %, even more preferably 0.003 to 0.2 weight %, based upon the total weight of the composition. In some embodiments 500 ppm or less of diene is added to the polymerization, preferably 400 ppm or less, preferably or 300 ppm or less. In other embodiments at least 50 ppm of diene is added to the polymerization, or 100 ppm or more, or 150 ppm or more.

[0120] In a preferred embodiment the olefin polymer is homo-polypropylene. In another preferred embodiment the olefin polymer comprises propylene, less than 5 mol % ethylene, and at least one divinyl comonomer. In another preferred embodiment the olefin polymer comprises propylene and at least one divinyl comonomer.

[0121] In another embodiment, the olefin polymer comprises:

[0122] a first monomer present at from 40 to 95 mole %, preferably 50 to 90 mole %, preferably 60 to 80 mole %,

[0123] a comonomer present at from 5 to 40 mole %, preferably 10 to 60 mole %, more preferably 20 to 40 mole %, and

[0124] a termonomer present at from 0 to 10 mole %, more preferably from 0.5 to 5 mole %, more preferably 1 to 3 mole %.

[0125] In a preferred embodiment the first monomer comprises one or more of any C3 to C8 linear, branched or cyclic alpha-olefins, including propylene, butene (and all isomers thereof), pentene (and all isomers thereof), hexene (and all isomers thereof), heptene (and all isomers thereof), and octene (and all isomers thereof). Preferred monomers include propylene, 1-butene, 1-hexene, 1-octene, and the like.

[0126] In a preferred embodiment the comonomer comprises one or more of any C2 to C40 linear, branched or cyclic alpha-olefins (provided ethylene, if present, is present at 5 mole % or less), including ethylene, propylene, butene, pentene, hexene, heptene, and octene, nonene, decene, undecene, dodecene, hexadecene, styrene, 3,5,5-trimethylhexene-1,3-methylpentene-1,4-methylpentene-1, norbornene and cyclopentene.

[0127] In a preferred embodiment the termonomer comprises one or more of any C2 to C40 linear, branched or cyclic alpha-olefins, (provided ethylene, if present, is present at 5 mole % or less), including, but not limited to, ethylene, propylene, butene, pentene, hexene, heptene, and octene, nonene, decene, undecene, dodecene, hexadecene, butadiene, 1,5-hexadiene, 1,6-heptadiene, 1,4-pentadiene, 1,7-octadiene, 1,8-nonadiene, 1,9-decadiene, 1,11-dodecadiene, styrene, 3,5,5-trimethylhexene-1,3-methylpentene-1,4-methylpentene-1, and cyclopentadiene.

Process

[0128] The polymers described herein may be produced by a process comprising:

[0129] 1) selecting a first catalyst component capable of producing a polymer having a Mw of 100,000 or less and a heat of fusion of 10 J/g or less under the selected reaction conditions;

[0130] 2) selecting a second catalyst component capable of producing polymer having an Mw of 100,000 or less and a crystallinity of 20% or more under the selected reaction conditions; and

[0131] 3) contacting the catalyst components in the presence of one or more activators with one or more olefins, in a reaction zone.

[0132] The polymers described herein may be produced by a process comprising:

[0133] 1) selecting a first catalyst component capable of producing a polymer having an Mw of 100,000 or less and a heat of fusion of 10 J/g or less;

[0134] 2) selecting a second catalyst component capable of producing polymer having an Mw of 100,000 or less and a crystallinity of 20% or more;

[0135] 3) contacting the catalyst components in the presence of one or more activators with one or more olefins and one or more dienes, in a reaction zone.

[0136] The polymers described herein may be produced by a process comprising:

[0137] 1) selecting a first catalyst component capable of producing a polymer having an Mw of 100,000 or less and a heat of fusion of 10 J/g or less, capable of polymerizing macromonomers having reactive termini;

[0138] 2) selecting a second catalyst component capable of producing macromonomers having reactive termini, an Mw of 100,000 or less and a crystallinity of 20% or more; and

[0139] 3) contacting the catalyst components in the presence of one or more activators with one or more olefins, and optionally a diolefin in a reaction zone.

[0140] The polymers described herein may be produced by a process comprising:

[0141] 1) selecting a first catalyst component capable of producing a polymer having an Mw of 50,000 or less and a heat of fusion of 10 J/g or less, capable of polymerizing macromonomers having reactive termini;

[0142] 2) selecting a second catalyst component capable of producing macromonomers having reactive termini, an Mw of 30,000 or less and a crystallinity of 20% or more;

[0143] 3) contacting the catalyst components in the presence of one or more activators with propylene, and optionally other olefins, in a reaction zone.

[0144] The polymers described herein may be produced by a continuous process comprising:

[0145] 1) selecting a first catalyst component capable of producing a polymer having an Mw of 100,000 or less, preferably 80,000 or less, preferably 60,000 or less and a crystallinity of 5% or less, preferably 3% or less, more preferably 2% or less, under selected polymerization conditions;

[0146] 2) selecting a second catalyst component capable of producing polymer having an Mw of 100,000 or less, preferably 80,000 or less, preferably 60,000 or less and a crystallinity of 30% or more, preferably 50% or more, more preferably 60% or more at the selected polymerization conditions;

[0147] 3) contacting, under the selected polymerization conditions, the catalyst components in the presence of one or more activators with one or more C3 to C40 olefins, preferably one or more C3 to C12 olefins, preferably C3 and one or more C4 to C20 comonomers, and, optionally one or more diolefins, preferably a C4 to C20 diene;

[0148] 4) at a temperature of greater than 100° C., preferably greater than 105° C., more preferably greater than 110° C., more preferably greater than 115° C.;

[0149] 5) at a residence time of 120 minutes or less, preferably 50 minutes or less, preferably 40 minutes, preferably 30 minutes or less, preferably 25 minutes or less, more preferably 20 minutes or less, more preferably 15 minutes or less, more preferably at 10 minutes or less, more preferably at 5 minutes or less, or alternately between 120 minutes and 60 minutes;

[0150] 6) wherein the ratio of the first catalyst to the second catalyst is from 1:1 to 50:1, preferably 1:1 to 40:1, more preferably 1:1 to 1:30;

[0151] 7) wherein the activity of the catalyst components is at least 3 kilograms, preferably at least 50 kilograms, more preferably at least 100 kilograms, more preferably at least 200 kilograms, more preferably, 300 kilograms, more preferably 400 kilograms, more preferably 500 kilograms of polymer per gram of the catalyst mixture; and wherein at least 80%, preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% of the olefins are converted to polymer.

[0152] In another embodiment at least 20% or more of the olefins are converted to polymer, preferably 20% or more, more preferably 60% or more, more preferably 75% or more, more preferably 85% or more, more preferably 95% or more.

[0153] In a preferred embodiment the process described above takes place in a solution phase, slurry or bulk phase polymerization process.

[0154] By continuous is meant a system that operates (or is intended to operate) without interruption or cessation. For example, a continuous process to produce a polymer would be one where the reactants are continually introduced into one or more reactors and polymer product is continually withdrawn.

[0155] In another preferred embodiment, in the process described above the concentrations of the reactants vary by 20% or less in the reaction zone during the residence time, preferably by 15% or less, more preferably by 10% or less. In a preferred embodiment the concentration of the monomer(s) remains constant in the reaction zone during the residence time. Preferably the concentration of the monomer(s) varies by 20% or less, preferably by 15% or less, more preferably by 10% or less, more preferably by 5% or less.

[0156] In a preferred embodiment the concentration of the catalyst components remains constant in the reaction zone during the residence time. Preferably the concentration of the monomer(s) varies by 20% or less, preferably by 15% or less, more preferably by 10% or less, more preferably by 5% or less.

[0157] In a preferred embodiment the concentration of the activator(s) remains constant in the reaction zone during the residence time. Preferably the concentration of the monomer(s) varies by 20% or less, preferably by 15% or less, more preferably by 10% or less, more preferably by 5% or less.

[0158] In another preferred embodiment a third catalyst (or more) may be present in the processes described above. The third catalyst may be any of the catalyst components listed herein. Preferred third catalysts include catalysts that are capable of producing waxes. Other preferred third catalysts may include any catalyst described herein. One may select two or more catalysts to produce various macromonomers having reactive termini, used in combination with a catalyst that can polymerize such macromonomers. One may select two or more catalysts that can polymerize macromonomers and one catalyst that can produce macromonomers with reactive termini. Likewise one could also select three catalysts that produce different polymers under the same reaction conditions. For example one could select a catalyst that produces a somewhat crystalline polymer, one that produces a very crystalline polymer and one that produces an amorphous polymer, any of which may produce macromonomers with reactive termini or polymerize polymers having reactive termini. Similarly one could select two catalysts, one that produces crystalline polymers and one that produces an amorphous polymer, any of which may make macromonomers with reactive termini or polymerize polymers having reactive termini. Likewise one could select a catalyst that produces a somewhat crystalline polymer, one that produces a wax and one that produces an amorphous polymer, any of which may make macromonomers with reactive termini or polymerize polymers having reactive termini.

[0159] By reaction zone is meant an area where the activated catalyst and monomers can react.

[0160] By macromonomers having reactive termini is meant a polymer having twelve or more carbon atoms (preferably 20 or more, more preferably 30 or more, more preferably between 12 and 8000 carbon atoms) and having a vinyl, vinylidene, vinylene or other terminal group that can be polymerized into a growing polymer chain. By capable of polymerizing macromonomer having reactive termini is meant a catalyst component that can incorporate a macromonomer (which tend to be molecules larger than a typical single monomer such as ethylene or propylene), having reactive termini into a growing polymer chain. Vinyl terminated chains are generally more reactive than vinylene or vinylidene terminated chains.

[0161] In a particular embodiment the present invention is directed to a polyolefin polymer produced by copolymerizing one or more C₃ or higher alpha-olefins and/or one or more di-vinyl monomers, and optionally up to 5 mol % ethylene, in the presence of at least one stereospecific catalyst system and at least one other catalyst system in the same polymerization medium. Preferably, the polymerizations are carried out simultaneously in the presence of both catalysts. The polymer so produced may contain amorphous polymer segments and crystalline polymer segments in which at least some of the segments are linked. Typically the amorphous and the crystalline polymer segments are copolymers of one or more alpha-olefins (optionally including up to 5 mol % ethylene) and/or one or more monomers having at least two olefinically unsaturated bonds. Both of these unsaturated bonds are suitable for and readily incorporated into a growing polymer chain by coordination polymerization using either the first or second catalyst systems independently such that the di-olefin is incorporated into polymer segments produced by both catalysts in the mixed catalyst system according to this invention. In a preferred embodiment these monomers having at least two olefinically unsaturated bonds are di-olefins, preferably di-vinyl monomers. Crosslinking of at least a portion of the mixture of polymer segments is believed to be accomplished during the polymerization of the composition by incorporation of a portion of di-vinyl comonomers into two polymer segments, thus producing a crosslink between those segments.

[0162] In another embodiment, polyolefin branch-block compositions containing amorphous and semi-crystalline components may be prepared in a single reactor to yield desired property balance. In particular, aPP-g-scPP branch structures may be produced in-situ in a continuous solution reactor using mixed catalysts and propylene as the preferred feed. In one embodiment stereospecific bridged bis-indenyl group 4 catalysts can be selected to produce semicrystalline PP macromonomers. (All references to the Periodic Table of the Elements are to the Table published in Chemical and Engineering News, 63(5), 27, 1985.) A bridged mono-cyclopentadienyl heteroatom group 4 catalyst can be used to build amorphous PP (aPP) backbone while simultaneously incorporating some of the semi-crystalline macromonomers (scPP). This is believed to produce a aPP-g-scPP structure where the “-g-” indicates that the polymer types are at least partially grafted. By selecting the catalysts, the polymerization reaction conditions, and/or by introducing a diene modifier, the amorphous and crystalline components can be linked together to produce various branch-block structures. To effectively incorporate into a growing chain, a macromonomer with vinyl end group is preferred. Other types of chain end unsaturations (vinylene and vinylidene) can also be used. While not wishing to be bound by theory, branch-block copolymer is believed to comprise an amorphous backbone having crystalline side chains originating from the scPP macromonomers and the sidechains are believed to be polypropylene macromonomers, which can be prepared under solution polymerization conditions with catalysts suitable for preparing either of isotactic or syndiotactic polypropylene.

[0163] A preferred reaction process to produce polypropylene macromonomers having high levels of terminal vinyl unsaturation is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,117,962. Typically used catalysts are stereorigid, chiral or asymmetric, bridged metallocenes. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,892,851, U.S. Pat. No. 5,017,714, U.S. Pat. No. 5,132,281, U.S. Pat. No. 5,296,434, U.S. Pat. No. 5,278,264, U.S. Pat. No. 5,304,614, U.S. Pat. No. 5,510,502, WO-A-(PCT/US92/10066) WO-A-93/19103, EP-A2-0 577 581, EP-A1-0 578 838, and academic literature “The Influence of Aromatic Substituents on the Polymerization Behavior of Bridged Zirconocene Catalysts”, Spaleck, W., et al, Organometallics 1994, 13, 954-963, and “ansa-Zirconocene Polymerization Catalysts with Annelated Ring Ligands-Effects on Catalytic Activity and Polymer Chain Lengths”, Brinzinger, H., et al, Organometallics 1994, 13, 964-970, and documents referred to therein.

[0164] In some embodiments, the first catalyst which comprises a stereorigid transition metal pre-catalyst compound used to produce the semi-crystalline polypropylene macromonomers of the present invention is selected from the group consisting of racemic bridged bis(indenyl)zirconocenes or hafnocenes. In a another embodiment, the transition metal pre-catalyst compound is a rac-dimethylsilyl-bridged bis(indenyl)zirconocene or hafnocene. In another embodiment, the transition metal pre-catalyst compound is rac-dimethylsilyl bis(2-methyl-4-phenylindenyl)zirconium or hafnium dichloride or dimethyl. In another preferred embodiment, the transition metal catalyst is a rac-dimethylsilyl-bridged bis(indenyl) hafnocene such as rac-dimethylsilyl bis(indenyl)hafnium dimethyl or dichloride.

[0165] It is believed that the fraction of branch-block and the level of branching depend on the availability of macromonomers with unsaturated chain end and macromonomer incorporation capability of the specific catalyst. To increase the population of aPP-g-scPP branch-block composition, one typically operates within a process window that favors macromonomer production and insertion. Such conditions have been described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,117,962 and the journal article by W. Weng et al., Macromol. Rapid Commun., 2000, 21, 1103-1107 and are further illustrated by the examples therein.

[0166] It is also believed that the higher the population of vinyl terminated scPP macromonomers the higher the probability of getting them incorporated into aPP backbone and therefore the higher the branch-block population.

[0167] To further increase the population of macromonomers having vinyl chain ends diolefin monomers can be introduced into the reaction medium. The resultant product is typically a blend comprised of isotactic polypropylene segments, atactic polypropylene segments, and increased population of branch-block species resulting from the additional couplings brought about by the diolefin crosslinking agent.

[0168] Crosslinking typically refers to the connection of two polymer segments by incorporation of each double bond of a diolefin monomer into two different polymer segments. The polymer segments so connected can be the same or different, with respect to their crystallinity. Three or more polymer segments may also be connected via incorporation of two or more diolefins in on polymer segment into two other polymer segments.

[0169] A consideration for selection of the monomer, or combinations of monomers, is that, both crystalline and amorphous polymer segments can be formed with the selection of two or more different catalyst systems. In some embodiments it is further desired that the level of incorporation of the diolefin monomer, if present, into the crystalline segments be limited to an amount that will not substantially alter its crystallinity. The diolefin coupling agent is typically kept minimum to avoid gel formation.

[0170] As mentioned above, to increase the population of aPP-g-scPP branch-block composition, one typically operates within a process window that favors macromonomer production and insertion. Favorable conditions include:

[0171] 1. High concentration of catalyst producing the semi-crystalline vinyl terminated macromonomers, and or

[0172] 2. Adjusting the Al/metal ratio; and or

[0173] 3. High operating temperature; and or

[0174] 4. Catalyst structure that has a high affinity for macromonomer incorporation; and or

[0175] 5. Relatively long residence time; and or

[0176] 6. High monomer conversion (monomer starvation condition enhances the insertion of macromonomer); and or

[0177] 7. Addition of modifier (diene) to enhance the population of vinyl terminated macromonomers.

[0178] Another method of enhancing aPP-g-scPP branch block compositions is to add in a chain transfer agent that transfers a vinyl group to the end of the polymer chain while deactivating the catalyst. Such chain transfer agents include, but are not limited to, vinyl chloride, vinyl fluoride, vinyl bromide. In the process, the catalyst is reactivated by the presence of an aluminum alkyl activator such as an alumoxane (typically methylalumoxane).

[0179] Similarly, molecular weight distribution, melting and crystallization characteristics can be controlled through catalyst selection, comonomer addition and changes in process conditions such as temperature and catalyst ratio if more than one catalyst is used.

Catalyst Compounds

[0180] Any catalyst compound that can produce the desired polymer species (i.e. a polymer having an Mw of 100,000 or less and a heat of fusion of 70 J/g or less, or a polymer having an Mw of 100,000 or less and a crystallinity of 40% or less) may be used in the practice of this invention. In the description herein the transition metal compound may be described as a catalyst precursor, a pre-catalyst compound or a catalyst compound, and these terms are used interchangeably. A catalyst system is combination of a catalyst precursor and an activator.

Catalyst Compounds and Selection

[0181] Any pre-catalyst compound (catalyst precursor compound) that can produce the desired polymer species may be used in the practice of this invention. Pre-catalyst compounds which may be utilized in the process of the invention include metallocene transition metal compounds (containing one, two, or three cyclopentadienyl ligands per metal atom), non-metallocene early transition metal compounds (including those with amide and/or phenoxide type ligands), non-metallocene late transition metal compounds (including those with diimine or diiminepyridyl ligands), and other transition metal compounds.

[0182] Generally, bulky ligand metallocene compounds (pre-catalysts) useful in this invention include half and full sandwich compounds having one or more bulky ligands bonded to at least one metal atom. Typical bulky ligand metallocene compounds are generally described as containing one or more bulky ligand(s) and one or more leaving group(s) bonded to at least one metal atom. The bulky ligands are generally represented by one or more open, acyclic, or fused ring(s) or ring system(s) or a combination thereof. These bulky ligands, preferably the ring(s) or ring system(s) are typically composed of atoms selected from Groups 13 to 16 atoms of the Periodic Table of Elements, preferably the atoms are selected from the group consisting of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, silicon, sulfur, phosphorous, germanium, boron and aluminum or a combination thereof. Most preferably, the ring(s) or ring system(s) are composed of carbon atoms such as but not limited to those cyclopentadienyl ligands or cyclopentadienyl-type ligand structures or other similar functioning ligand structure such as a pentadienyl, a cyclooctatetraendiyl, a cyclobutadienyl, or a substituted allyl ligand. Other ligands that can function similarly to a cyclopentadienyl-type ligand include amides, phosphides, imines, phosphinimines, amidinates, and ortho-substituted phenoxides. The metal atom is preferably selected from Groups 3 through 15 and or lanthanide or actinide series of the Periodic Table of Elements. Preferably the metal is a transition metal from Groups 3 through 12, more preferably Groups 4, 5 and 6, and most preferably the transition metal is from Group 4.

[0183] In one embodiment, the catalyst composition useful in the invention includes one or more bulky ligand metallocene catalyst compounds represented by the formula:
L^AL^BMQ*_n  (1)

[0184] where M is a metal atom from the Periodic Table of the Elements and may be a Group 3 to 12 metal or from the lanthanide or actinide series of the Periodic Table of Elements, preferably M is a Group 4, 5 or 6 transition metal, more preferably M is a Group 4 transition metal, even more preferably M is zirconium, hafnium or titanium. The bulky ligands, L^A and L^B, are open, acyclic or fused ring(s) or ring system(s) and are any ancillary ligand system, including unsubstituted or substituted, cyclopentadienyl ligands or cyclopentadienyl-type ligands, heteroatom substituted and/or heteroatom containing cyclopentadienyl-type ligands. Non-limiting examples of bulky ligands include cyclopentadienyl ligands, cyclopentaphenanthreneyl ligands, indenyl ligands, benzindenyl ligands, fluorenyl ligands, dibenzo[b,h]fluorenyl ligands, benzo[b]fluorenyl ligands, cyclooctatetraendiyl ligands, cyclopentacyclododecene ligands, azenyl ligands, azulene ligands, pentalene ligands, phosphoyl ligands, phosphinimine (WO 99/40125), pyrrolyl ligands, pyrozolyl ligands, carbazolyl ligands, boratobenzene ligands and the like, including hydrogenated versions thereof, for example tetrahydroindenyl ligands. In one embodiment, L^A and L^B may be any other ligand structure capable of π-bonding to M. In yet another embodiment, the atomic molecular weight (MW) of L^A or L^B exceeds 60 a.m.u., preferably greater than 65 a.m.u. In another embodiment, L^A and L^B may comprise one or more heteroatoms, for example, nitrogen, silicon, boron, germanium, sulfur and phosphorous, in combination with carbon atoms to form an open, acyclic, or preferably a fused, ring or ring system, for example, a hetero-cyclopentadienyl ancillary ligand. Other L^A and L^B bulky ligands include but are not limited to bulky amides, phosphides, alkoxides, aryloxides, imides, carbolides, borollides, porphyrins, phthalocyanines, corrins and other polyazomacrocycles. Independently, each L^A and L^B may be the same or different type of bulky ligand that is bonded to M. In one embodiment of Formula 1 only one of either L^A or L^B is present.

[0185] Independently, each L^A and L^B may be unsubstituted or substituted with a combination of substituent groups R*. Non-limiting examples of substituent groups R* include one or more from the group selected from hydrogen, or linear or branched alkyl radicals, alkenyl radicals, alkynyl radicals, cycloalkyl radicals, aryl radicals, acyl radicals, aroyl radicals, alkoxy radicals, aryloxy radicals, alkylthio radicals, dialkylamino radicals, alkoxycarbonyl radicals, aryloxycarbonyl radicals, carbomoyl radicals, alkyl- or dialkyl-carbamoyl radicals, acyloxy radicals, acylamino radicals, aroylamino radicals or combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment, substituent groups R* have up to 50 non-hydrogen atoms, preferably from 1 to 30 carbon, that can also be substituted with halogens or heteroatoms or the like. Non-limiting examples of alkyl substituents R* include methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, benzyl or phenyl groups and the like, including all their isomers, for example tertiary butyl, isopropyl, and the like. Other hydrocarbyl radicals include fluoromethyl, fluoroethyl, difluoroethyl, iodopropyl, bromohexyl, chlorobenzyl and hydrocarbyl substituted organometalloid radicals including trimethylsilyl, trimethylgermyl, methyldiethylsilyl and the like; and halocarbyl-substituted organometalloid radicals including tris(trifluoromethyl)silyl, methyl-bis(difluoromethyl)silyl, bromomethyldimethylgermyl and the like; and disubstituted boron radicals including dimethylboron for example; and disubstituted pnictogen radicals including dimethylamine, dimethylphosphine, diphenylamine, methylphenylphosphine, chalcogen radicals including methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, phenoxy, methylsulfide and ethylsulfide. Non-hydrogen substituents R* include the atoms carbon, silicon, boron, aluminum, nitrogen, phosphorous, oxygen, tin, sulfur, germanium and the like, including olefins such as but not limited to olefinically unsaturated substituents including vinyl-terminated ligands, for example but-3-enyl, prop-2-enyl, hex-5-enyl and the like. Also, at least two R* groups, preferably two adjacent R groups, are joined to form a ring structure having from 3 to 30 atoms selected from carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorous, silicon, germanium, aluminum, boron or a combination thereof. Also, a substituent group, R*, may also be a diradical bonded to L at one end and forming a carbon sigma bond to the metal M. Other ligands may be bonded to the metal M, such as at least one leaving group Q*. In one embodiment, Q* is a monoanionic labile ligand having a sigma-bond to M. Depending on the oxidation state of the metal, the value for n is 0, 1 or 2 such that Formula 1 above represents a neutral bulky ligand metallocene catalyst compound. Non-limiting examples of Q* ligands include weak bases such as amines, phosphines, ethers, carboxylates, dienes, hydrocarbyl radicals having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, hydrides or halogens and the like or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, two or more Q*'s form a part of a fused ring or ring system. Other examples of Q* ligands include those substituents for R* as described above and including cyclobutyl, cyclohexyl, heptyl, tolyl, trifluoromethyl, tetramethylene (both Q*), pentamethylene (both Q*), methylidene (both Q*), methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, phenoxy, bis(N-methylanilide), dimethylamide, dimethylphosphide radicals and the like.

[0186] In another embodiment, the catalyst composition useful in the invention may include one or more bulky ligand metallocene catalyst compounds where L^A and L^B of Formula 1 are bridged to each other by at least one bridging group, A*, as represented by Formula 2:
L^AA*L^BMQ*_n  (2)

[0187] The compounds of Formula 2 are known as bridged, bulky ligand metallocene catalyst compounds. L^A, L^B, M, Q* and n are as defined above. Non-limiting examples of bridging group A* include bridging groups containing at least one Group 13 to 16 atom, often referred to as a divalent moiety such as but not limited to at least one of a carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, silicon, aluminum, boron, germanium and tin atom or a combination thereof. Preferably bridging group A* contains a carbon, silicon or germanium atom, most preferably A* contains at least one silicon atom or at least one carbon atom. The bridging group A* may also contain substituent groups R* as defined above including halogens and iron. Non-limiting examples of bridging group A* may be represented by R′₂C, R′₂CCR′₂, R′₂Si, R′₂SiCR′₂, R′₂SiSiR′₂ R′₂Ge, R′P, R′N, R′B where R′ is independently, a radical group which is hydride, hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, halocarbyl, substituted halocarbyl, hydrocarbyl-substituted organometalloid, halocarbyl-substituted organometalloid, disubstituted boron, disubstituted pnictogen, substituted chalcogen, or halogen or two or more R′ may be joined to form a ring or ring system. In one embodiment, the bridged, bulky ligand metallocene catalyst compounds of Formula 2 have two or more bridging groups A* (EP 664 301 B1). In another embodiment, the bulky ligand metallocene catalyst compounds are those where the R* substituents on the bulky ligands L^A and L^B of Formulas 1 and 2 are substituted with the same or different number of substituents on each of the bulky ligands. In another embodiment, the bulky ligands L^A and L^B of Formulas 1 and 2 are different from each other.

[0188] Other bulky ligand metallocene catalyst compounds and catalyst systems useful in the invention may include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,064,802, 5,145,819, 5,149,819, 5,243,001, 5,239,022, 5,276,208, 5,296,434, 5,321,106, 5,329,031, 5,304,614, 5,677,401, 5,723,398, 5,753,578, 5,854,363, 5,856,547 5,858,903, 5,859,158, 5,900,517 and 5,939,503 and PCT publications WO 93/08221, WO 93/08199, WO 95/07140, WO 98/11144, WO 98/41530, WO 98/41529, WO 98/46650, WO 99/02540 and WO 99/14221 and European publications EP-A-0 578 838, EP-A-0 638 595, EP-B-0 513 380, EP-A1-0 816 372, EP-A2-0 839 834, EP-B1-0 632 819, EP-B1-0 748 821 and EP-B1-0 757 996, all of which are herein fully incorporated by reference.

[0189] In another embodiment, the catalyst compositions useful in the invention may include bridged heteroatom, mono-bulky ligand metallocene compounds. These types of catalysts and catalyst systems are described in, for example, PCT publication WO 92/00333, WO 94/07928, WO 91/04257, WO 94/03506, WO96/00244, WO 97/15602 and WO 99/20637 and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,057,475, 5,096,867, 5,055,438, 5,198,401, 5,227,440 and 5,264,405 and European publication EP-A-0 420 436, all of which are herein fully incorporated by reference.

[0190] In another embodiment, the catalyst composition useful in the invention includes one or more bulky ligand metallocene catalyst compounds represented by Formula 3:
L^CA*J*MQ*_n  (3)

[0191] where M is a Group 3 to 16 metal atom or a metal selected from the Group of actinides and lanthanides of the Periodic Table of Elements, preferably M is a Group 3 to 12 transition metal, and more preferably M is a Group 4, 5 or 6 transition metal, and most preferably M is a Group 4 transition metal in any oxidation state, and is especially titanium; L^C is a substituted or unsubstituted bulky ligand bonded to M; J* is bonded to M; A* is bonded to J* and L^C; J* is a heteroatom ancillary ligand; and A* is a bridging group; Q* is a univalent anionic ligand; and n is the integer 0, 1 or 2. In Formula 3 above, L^C, A* and J* form a fused ring system. In an embodiment, L^C of Formula 3 is as defined above for L^A. A*, M and Q* of Formula 3 are as defined above in Formula 1. In Formula 3, J* is a heteroatom containing ligand in which J* is an element with a coordination number of three from Group 15 or an element with a coordination number of two from Group 16 of the Periodic Table of Elements. Preferably J* contains a nitrogen, phosphorus, oxygen or sulfur atom with nitrogen being most preferred. In an embodiment of the invention, the bulky ligand metallocene catalyst compounds are heterocyclic ligand complexes where the bulky ligands, the ring(s) or ring system(s), include one or more heteroatoms or a combination thereof. Non-limiting examples of heteroatoms include a Group 13 to 16 element, preferably nitrogen, boron, sulfur, oxygen, aluminum, silicon, phosphorous and tin. Examples of these bulky ligand metallocene catalyst compounds are described in WO 96/33202, WO 96/34021, WO 97/17379 and WO 98/22486 and EP-A1-0 874 005 and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,637,660, 5,539,124, 5,554,775, 5,756,611, 5,233,049, 5,744,417, and 5,856,258 all of which are herein incorporated by reference.

[0192] In one embodiment, the bulky ligand metallocene compounds (pre-catalysts) are those complexes based on bidentate ligands containing pyridine or quinoline moieties, such as those described in U.S. application Ser. No. 09/103,620 filed Jun. 23, 1998, which is herein incorporated by reference. In another embodiment, the bulky ligand metallocene catalyst compounds are those described in PCT publications WO 99/01481 and WO 98/42664, which are fully incorporated herein by reference.

[0193] In another embodiment, the bulky ligand metallocene catalyst compound is a complex of a metal, preferably a transition metal, a bulky ligand, preferably a substituted or unsubstituted pi-bonded ligand, and one or more heteroallyl moieties, such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,527,752 and 5,747,406 and EP-B1-0 735 057, all of which are herein fully incorporated by reference.

[0194] In another embodiment, the bulky ligand metallocene catalyst compounds are those described in PCT publications WO 99/01481 and WO 98/42664, which are fully incorporated herein by reference.

[0195] Useful Group 6 bulky ligand metallocene catalyst systems are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,942,462, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0196] Still other useful catalysts include those multinuclear metallocene catalysts as described in WO 99/20665 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,794, and transition metal metaaracyle structures described in EP 0 969 101 A2, which are herein incorporated herein by reference. Other metallocene catalysts include those described in EP 0 950 667 A1, double cross-linked metallocene catalysts (EP 0 970 074 A1), tethered metallocenes (EP 970 963 A2) and those sulfonyl catalysts described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,008,394, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0197] It is also contemplated that in one embodiment the bulky ligand metallocene catalysts, described above, include their structural or optical or enantiomeric isomers (meso and racemic isomers, for example see U.S. Pat. No. 5,852,143, incorporated herein by reference) and mixtures thereof.

[0198] It is further contemplated that any one of the bulky ligand metallocene catalyst compounds, described above, have at least one fluoride or fluorine containing leaving group as described in U.S. application Ser. No. 09/191,916 file Nov. 13, 1998.

[0199] The Group 15 containing metal compounds utilized in the catalyst composition of the invention are prepared by methods known in the art, such as those disclosed in EP 0 893 454 A1, U.S. Pat. No. 5,889,128 and the references cited in U.S. Pat. No. 5,889,128 which are all herein incorporated by reference. U.S. application Ser. No. 09/312,878, filed May 17, 1999, discloses a gas or slurry phase polymerization process using a supported bisamide catalyst, which is also incorporated herein by reference.

[0200] For additional information of Group 15 containing metal compounds, please see Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. in EP 0 893 454 A1 which discloses transition metal amides combined with activators to polymerize olefins.

[0201] In one embodiment the Group 15 containing metal compound is allowed to age prior to use as a polymerization. It has been noted on at least one occasion that one such catalyst compound (aged at least 48 hours) performed better than a newly prepared catalyst compound.

[0202] It is further contemplated that bis-amide based pre-catalysts may be used. Exemplary compounds include those described in the patent literature. International patent publications WO 96/23010, WO 97/48735 and Gibson, et al., Chem. Comm., pp. 849-850 (1998), which disclose diimine-based ligands for Group 8-10 compounds that undergo ionic activation and polymerize olefins. Polymerization catalyst systems from Group-5-10 metals, in which the active center is highly oxidized and stabilized by low-coordination-number, polyanionic, ligand systems, are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,502,124 and its divisional U.S. Pat. No. 5,504,049. See also the Group-5 organometallic catalyst compounds of U.S. Pat. No. 5,851,945 and the tridentate-ligand-containing, Group-5-10, organometallic catalysts of U.S. Pat. No. 6,294,495. Group-11 catalyst precursor compounds, activatable with ionizing cocatalysts, useful for olefin and vinylic polar molecules are described in WO 99/30822.

[0203] Other useful catalyst compounds are those Group 5 and 6 metal imido complexes described in EP-A2-0 816 384 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,851,945, which is incorporated herein by reference. In addition, metallocene catalysts include bridged bis(arylamido) Group 4 compounds described by D. H. McConville, et al., in Organometallics 1995, 14, 5478-5480, which is herein incorporated by reference. In addition, bridged bis(amido) catalyst compounds are described in WO 96/27439, which is herein incorporated by reference. Other useful catalysts are described as bis(hydroxy aromatic nitrogen ligands) in U.S. Pat. No. 5,852,146, which is incorporated herein by reference. Other useful catalysts containing one or more Group 15 atoms include those described in WO 98/46651, which is herein incorporated herein by reference.

[0204] U.S. Pat. No. 5,318,935 describes bridged and unbridged, bisamido catalyst compounds of Group-4 metals capable of olefin polymerization. Bridged bi(arylamido)-Group-4 compounds for olefin polymerization are described by D. H. McConville, et al., in Organometallics 1995, 14, 5478-5480. This reference presents synthetic methods and compound characterizations. Further work appearing in D. H. McConville, et al, Macromolecules 1996, 29, 5241-5243, describes bridged bis(arylamido)-Group-4 compounds that are polymerization catalysts for 1-hexene. Additional invention-suitable transition metal compounds include those described in WO 96/40805. Cationic Group-3- or Lanthanide-metal olefin polymerization complexes are disclosed in copending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/408,050, filed 29 Sep. 1999. A monoanionic bidentate ligand and two monoanionic ligands stabilize those catalyst precursors, which can be activated with this invention's ionic cocatalysts.

[0205] The literature describes many additional suitable catalyst-precursor compounds. Compounds that contain abstractable ligands or that can be alkylated to contain abstractable ligands suit this invention. See, for instance, V. C. Gibson, et al; “The Search for New-Generation Olefin Polymerization Catalysts: Life Beyond Metallocenes”, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 38, 428-447 (1999).

[0206] This invention may also be practiced with the catalysts containing phenoxide ligands such as those disclosed in EP 0 874 005 A1, which in incorporated by reference herein.

[0207] In another embodiment, conventional-type transition metal catalysts may be used in the practice of this invention. Conventional-type transition metal catalysts are those traditional Ziegler-Natta, vanadium and Phillips-type catalysts well known in the art. Such as, for example Ziegler-Natta catalysts as described in Ziegler-Natta Catalysts and Polymerizations, John Boor, Academic Press, New York, 1979. Examples of conventional-type transition metal catalysts are also discussed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,115,639, 4,077,904, 4,482,687, 4,564,605, 4,721,763, 4,879,359 and 4,960,741, all of which are herein fully incorporated by reference. The conventional-type transition metal catalyst compounds that may be used in the present invention include transition metal compounds from Groups 3 to 17, preferably 4 to 12, more preferably 4 to 6 of the Periodic Table of Elements.

[0208] Preferred conventional-type transition metal catalysts may be represented by the formula: MR_x, where M is a metal from Groups 3 to 17, preferably Group 4 to 6, more preferably Group 4, most preferably titanium; R is a halogen or a hydrocarbyloxy group; and x is the oxidation state of the metal M. Non-limiting examples of R include alkoxy, phenoxy, bromide, chloride and fluoride. Non-limiting examples of conventional-type transition metal catalysts where M is titanium include TiCl₄, TiBr₄, Ti(OC₂H₅)₃Cl, Ti(OC₂H₅)Cl₃, Ti(OC₄H₉)₃Cl, Ti(OC₃H₇)₂Cl₂, Ti(OC₂H₅)₂Br₂, TiCl₃·1/3AlCl₃ and Ti(OC₁₂H₂₅)Cl₃.

[0209] Conventional-type transition metal catalyst compounds based on magnesium/titanium electron-donor complexes that are useful in the invention are described in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,302,565 and 4,302,566, which are herein fully incorporate by reference. The MgTiCl₆ (ethyl acetate)₄ derivative is particularly preferred.

[0210] British Patent Application 2,105,355 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,317,036, herein incorporated by reference, describes various conventional-type vanadium catalyst compounds. Non-limiting examples of conventional-type vanadium catalyst compounds include vanadyl trihalide, alkoxy halides and alkoxides such as VOCl₃, VOCl₂(OBu) where Bu=butyl and VO(OC₂HS)₃; vanadium tetra-halide and vanadium alkoxy halides such as VCl₄ and VCl₃(OBu); vanadium and vanadyl acetyl acetonates and chloroacetyl acetonates such as V(AcAc)₃ and VOCl₂(AcAc) where (AcAc) is an acetyl acetonate. The preferred conventional-type vanadium catalyst compounds are VOCl₃, VCl₄ and VOCl₂—OR where R is a hydrocarbon radical, preferably a C₁ to C₁₀ aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon radical such as ethyl, phenyl, isopropyl, butyl, propyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl, tertiary-butyl hexyl, cyclohexyl, naphthyl, etc., and vanadium acetyl acetonates.

[0211] Conventional-type chromium catalyst compounds, often referred to as Phillips-type catalysts, suitable for use in the present invention include CrO₃, chromocene, silyl chromate, chromyl chloride (CrO₂Cl₂), chromium-2-ethylhexanoate, chromium acetylacetonate (Cr(AcAc)₃), and the like. Non-limiting examples are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,709,853, 3,709,954, 3,231,550, 3,242,099 and 4,077,904, which are herein fully incorporated by reference.

[0212] Still other conventional-type transition metal catalyst compounds and catalyst systems suitable for use in the present invention are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,124,532, 4,302,565, 4,302,566, 4,376,062, 4,379,758, 5,066,737, 5,763,723, 5,849,655, 5,852,144, 5,854,164 and 5,869,585 and published EP-A2 0 426 815 A2 and EP-A1 0 420 436, which are all herein incorporated by reference.

[0213] Other catalysts may include cationic catalysts such as AlCl₃, and other cobalt, iron, nickel and palladium catalysts well known in the art. See for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,487,112, 4,472,559, 4,182,814 and 4,689,437, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0214] It is also contemplated that other catalysts can be combined with the catalyst compounds in the catalyst composition useful in the invention. For example, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,937,299, 4,935,474, 5,281,679, 5,359,015, 5,470,811, and 5,719,241 all of which are herein fully incorporated herein reference.

[0215] It is further contemplated that one or more of the catalyst compounds described above or catalyst systems may be used in combination with one or more conventional catalyst compounds or catalyst systems. Non-limiting examples of mixed catalysts and catalyst systems are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,159,965, 4,325,837, 4,701,432, 5,124,418, 5,077,255, 5,183,867, 5,391,660, 5,395,810, 5,691,264, 5,723,399 and 5,767,031 and PCT Publication WO 96/23010 published Aug. 1, 1996, all of which are herein fully incorporated by reference.

[0216] Preferred metallocene catalysts used in this invention can more specifically be represented by one of the following general formulae (all references to Groups being the new Group notation of the Period Table of the Elements as described by Chemical and Engineering News, 63(5), 27, 1985):
[{[(A-Cp)MX₁]⁺}_d]{[B′]^d−}  (4)
[{[(A-Cp)MX₁L]⁺}_d]{[B′]^d−}  (5)

[0217]
wherein:

[0218] (A-Cp) is either (Cp), (Cp*) or Cp-A′-Cp*; Cp and Cp* are the same or different cyclopentadienyl rings substituted with from zero to five substituent groups S″, each substituent group S″ being, independently, a radical group which is a hydrocarbyl, substituted-hydrocarbyl, halocarbyl, substituted-halocarbyl, hydrocarbyl-substituted organometalloid, halocarbyl-substituted organometalloid, disubstituted boron, disubstituted pnictogen, substituted chalcogen or halogen radicals, or Cp and Cp* are cyclopentadienyl rings in which any two adjacent S″ groups are joined forming a C₄ to C₂₀ ring to give a saturated or unsaturated polycyclic cyclopentadienyl ligand; Cp and Cp* may also have one or two carbon atoms within the ring replaced by a Group 15 or 16 element especially, S, O, N or P;

[0219] A′ is a bridging group;

[0220] (C₅H_5-y-xS″_x) is a cyclopentadienyl ring substituted with from zero to five S″ radicals as defined above;

[0221] x is from 0 to 5 denoting the degree of substitution;

[0222] M is titanium, zirconium or hafnium;

[0223] X₁ is a hydride radical, hydrocarbyl radical, substituted-hydrocarbyl radical, hydrocarbyl-substituted organometalloid radical or halocarbyl-substituted organometalloid radical which radical may optionally be covalently bonded to both either M and L or L′ or all or any M, S″ or S′, and provided that X₁ is not a substituted or unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl ring;

[0224] (JS′_z-1-y) is a heteroatom ligand in which J is an element from Group 15 of the Periodic Table of Elements with a coordination number of 3 or an element from Group 16 with a coordination number of 2; S′ is a radical group which is a hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, halocarbyl, substituted halocarbyl, hydrocarbyl-substituted organometalloid, or halocarbyl-substituted organometalloid; and z is the coordination number of the element J;

[0225] y is 0 or 1;

[0226] L is an olefin, diolefin or aryne ligand. L′ is the same as L, and can additionally be an amine, phosphine, ether, or sulfide ligand, or any other neutral Lewis base; L′ can also be a second transition metal compound of the same type such that the two metal center M and M* are bridged by X₁ and X′₁, wherein M* has the same meaning as M, X′₁, X₂ and X′₂ have the same meaning as X₁, where such dimeric compounds which are precursors to the cationic portion of the catalyst are represented by the formula:

[0227]
wherein:

[0228] w is an integer from 0 to 3;

[0229] B′ is a chemically stable, non-nucleophilic anionic complex having a molecular diameter about or greater than 4 Angstroms or an anionic Lewis-acid activator resulting from the reaction of a Lewis-acid activator with the precursor to the cationic portion of the catalyst system described in formulae 1-4. When B′ is a Lewis-acid activator, X₁ can also be an alkyl group donated by the Lewis-acid activator; and

[0230] d is an integer representing the charge of B′.

[0231] The catalysts are preferably prepared by combining at least two components. In one preferred method, the first component is a cyclopentadienyl derivative of a Group 4 metal compound containing at least one ligand which will combine with the second component or at least a portion thereof such as a cation portion thereof. The second component is an ion-exchange compound comprising a cation which will irreversibly react with at least one ligand contained in said Group 4 metal compound (first component) and a non-coordinating anion which is either a single coordination complex comprising a plurality of lipophilic radicals covalently coordinated to and shielding a central formally charge-bearing metal or metalloid atom or an anion comprising a plurality of boron atoms such as polyhedral boranes, carboranes and metallacarboranes.

[0232] In general, suitable anions for the second component may be any stable and bulky anionic complex having the following molecular attributes: 1) the anion should have a molecular diameter greater than 4 Angstroms; 2) the anion should form stable ammonium salts; 3) the negative charge on the anion should be delocalized over the framework of the anion or be localized within the core of the anion; 4) the anion should be a relatively poor nucleophile; and 5) the anion should not be a powerful reducing or oxidizing agent. Anions meeting these criteria—such as polynuclear boranes, carboranes, metallacarboranes, polyoxoanions and anionic coordination complexes are well described in the chemical literature.

[0233] The cation portion of the second component may comprise Bronsted acids such as protons or protonated Lewis bases or may comprise Lewis acids such as ferricinum, tropylium, triphenylcarbenium or silver cations.

[0234] In another preferred method, the second component is a Lewis-acid complex which will react with at least one ligand of the first component, thereby forming an ionic species described in formulae 4-6 with the ligand abstracted from the first component now bound to the second component. Alumoxanes and especially methylalumoxane, the product formed from the reaction of trimethylaluminum in an aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon with stoichiometric quantities of water, are particularly preferred Lewis-acid second components. Modified alumoxanes are also preferred. Alumoxanes are well known in the art and methods for their preparation are illustrated by U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,542,199; 4,544,762; 5,015,749; and 5,041,585. A technique for preparing modified alumoxanes has been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,041,584, in EPA 0 516 476, and in EPA 0 561 476, which are incorporated by reference herein.

[0235] Upon combination of the first and second components, the second component reacts with one of the ligands of the first component, thereby generating an anion pair consisting of a Group 4 metal cation and the aforementioned anion, which anion is compatible with and non-coordinating towards the Group 4 metal cation formed from the first component. The anion of the second compound must be capable of stabilizing the Group 4 metal cation's ability to function as a catalyst and must be sufficiently labile to permit displacement by an olefin, diolefin or an acetylenically unsaturated monomer during polymerization. The catalysts of this invention may be supported. U.S. Pat. No. 4,808,561, issued Feb. 28, 1989; U.S. Pat. No. 4,897,455 issued Jan. 3, 1990; U.S. Pat. No. 5,057,475 issued Oct. 15, 1991; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 459,921 (published as PCT International publication WO 91/09882), Canadian Patent 1,268,753, U.S. Pat. No. 5,240,894 and WO 94 03506 disclose such supported catalysts and the methods to produce such and are herein incorporated by reference.

[0236] The Group 4 metal compounds; i.e., titanium, zirconium and hafnium metallocene compounds, useful as first compounds (pre-catalysts) in the preparation of the preferred metallocene catalysts of this invention are cyclopentadienyl derivatives of titanium, zirconium and hafnium. In general, useful titanocenes, zirconocenes and hafnocenes may be represented by the following general formulae:
(A-Cp)MX₁X₂  (8)
(A-Cp)ML  (9)

[0237]
wherein:

• • [0238] (A-Cp) is either (Cp)(Cp*) or Cp-A′-Cp*; Cp and Cp* are the same or different cyclopentadienyl rings substituted with from zero to five substituent groups S″, each substituent group S″ being, independently, a radical group which is a hydrocarbyl, substituted-hydrocarbyl, halocarbyl, substituted-halocarbyl, hydrocarbyl-substituted organometalloid, halocarbyl-substituted organometalloid, disubstituted boron, disubstituted pnictogen, substituted chalcogen or halogen radicals, or Cp and Cp* are cyclopentadienyl rings in which any two adjacent S″ groups are joined forming a C₄ to C₂₀ ring to give a saturated or unsaturated polycyclic cyclopentadienyl ligand;

[0239] A′ is a bridging group;

[0240] y is 0 or 1;

[0241] (C₅H_5-y-xS″_x) is a cyclopentadienyl ring substituted with from zero to five S″ radicals as defined above;

[0242] x is from 0 to 5 denoting the degree of substitution;

[0243] (JS′_x-1-y) is a heteroatom ligand in which J is an element from Group 15 of the Periodic Table of Elements with a coordination number of 3 or an element from Group 16 with a coordination number of 2, S′ is a radical group which is a hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, halocarbyl, substituted halocarbyl, hydrocarbyl-substituted organometalloid, or halocarbyl-substituted organometalloid; and z is the coordination number of the element J;

[0244] L is an olefin, diolefin or aryne ligand. L′ is the same as L and can additionally be an amine, phosphine, ether, or sulfide ligand, or any other neutral Lewis base; L′ can also be a second transition metal compound of the same type such that the two metal centers M and M* are bridged by X₁ and X′₁, wherein M* has the same meaning as M, X′₁ has the same meaning as X₁ and X′₂ has the same meaning as X₂ where such dimeric compounds which are precursors to the cationic portion of the catalyst are represented by formula 7 above;

[0245] w is an integer from 0 to 3; and

[0246] X₁ and X₂ are, independently, hydride radicals, hydrocarbyl radicals, substituted hydrocarbyl radicals, halocarbyl radicals, substituted halocarbyl radicals, and hydrocarbyl- and halocarbyl-substituted organometalloid radicals, substituted pnictogen radicals, or substituted chalcogen radicals; or X₁ and X₂ are joined and bound to the metal atom to form a metallacycle ring containing from about 3 to about 20 carbon atoms; or X₁ and X₂ together can be an olefin, diolefin or aryne ligand; or when Lewis-acid activators, such as methylalumoxane, which are capable of donating an X₁ ligand as described above to the transition metal component are used, X₁ and X₂ may independently be a halogen, alkoxide, aryloxide, amide, phosphide or other univalent anionic ligand or both X₁ and X₂ can also be joined to form a anionic chelating ligand and with the proviso that X₁ and X₂ are not a substituted or unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl ring.

[0247] Table A depicts representative constituent moieties for the metallocene components of formulae 7-10. The list is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed to be limiting in any way. A number of final components may be formed by permuting all possible combinations of the constituent moieties with each other. When hydrocarbyl radicals including alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, cycloalkynyl and aromatic radicals are disclosed in this application the term includes all isomers. For example, butyl includes n-butyl, 2-methylpropyl, 1-methylpropyl, tert-butyl, and cyclobutyl; pentyl includes n-pentyl, 1-methylbutyl, 2-methylbutyl, 3-methylbutyl, 1-ethylpropyl, neopentyl, cyclopentyl and methylcyclobutyl; butenyl includes E and Z forms of 1-butenyl, 2-butenyl, 3-butenyl, 1-methyl-1-propenyl, 1-methyl-2-propenyl, 2-methyl-1-propenyl and 2-methyl-2-propenyl. This includes when a radical is bonded to another group, for example, propylcyclopentadienyl include n-propylcyclopentadienyl, isopropylcyclopentadienyl and cyclopropylcyclopentadienyl. In general, the ligands or groups illustrated in Table A include all isomeric forms. For example, dimethylcyclopentadienyl includes 1,2-dimethylcyclopentadienyl and 1,3-dimethylcyclopentadienyl; methylindenyl includes 1-methylindenyl, 2-methylindenyl, 3-methylindenyl, 4-methylindenyl, 5-methylindenyl, 6-methylindenyl and 7-methylindenyl; methylethylphenyl includes ortho-methylethylphenyl, meta-methylethylphenyl and para-methylethylphenyl. Examples of specific invention catalyst precursors take the following formula where some components are listed in Table A. To illustrate members of the transition metal component, select any combination of the species listed in Tables A. For nomenclature purposes, for the bridging group, A′, the words “silyl” and “silylene” are used interchangeably, and represent a diradical species. For the bridging group A′, “ethylene” refers to a 1,2-ethylene linkage and is distinguished from ethene-1,1-diyl. Thus, for the bridging group A′, “ethylene” and “1,2-ethylene” are used interchangeably. For compounds possessing a bridging group, A′, the bridge position on the cyclopentadienyl-type ring is always considered the 1-position. Thus, for example, the use of “1-fluorenyl” is interchangeable with the use of “fluorenyl.”

[0248] Illustrative compounds of the formula 8 type are: bis(cyclopentadienyl)hafnium dimethyl, ethylenebis(tetrahydroindenyl)zirconium dihidryde, bis(pentamethyl)zirconium diethyl, dimethylsilyl(1-fluorenyl)(cyclopentadienyl)titanium dichloride and the like. Illustrative compounds of the formula 9 type are: bis(cyclopentadienyl)(1,3-butadiene)zirconium, bis(cyclopentadienyl)(2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene)zirconium, bis(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)(benzene)zirconium, bis(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)titanium ethylene and the like. Illustrative compounds of the formula 10 type are: dimethylsilyl(tetramethylcyclopentadienyl)(t-butylamido)zirconium dichloride, ethylene(methylcyclopentadienyl)(phenylamido)titanium dimethyl, methylphenylsilyl(indenyl)(phenyphosphido)hafnium dihydride and (pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)(di-t-butylamido)hafnium dimethoxide.

[0249] The conditions under which complexes containing neutral Lewis base ligands such as ether or those which form dimeric compounds is determined by the steric bulk of the ligands about the metal center. For example, the t-butyl group in Me₂Si(Me₄C₅)(N-t-Bu)ZrCl₂ has greater steric requirements that the phenyl in Me₂Si(Me₄C₅)(NPh)ZrCl₂.Et₂O thereby not permitting ether coordination in the former compound in its solid state. Similarly, due to the decreased steric bulk of the trimethylsilylcyclopentadienyl group in [Me₂Si(Me₃SiC₅H₃)(N-t-Bu)ZrCl₂]₂ versus that of the tetramethylcyclopentadienyl group in Me₂Si(Me₄C₅)(N-t-Bu)ZrCl₂, the former compound is dimeric and the latter is not.

[0250]

	TABLE A
	A′
	Dimethylsilylene
	Diethylsilylene
	Dipropylsilylene
	Dibutylsilylene
	Dipentylsilylene
	Dihexylsilylene
	Diheptylsilylene
	Dioctylsilylene
	Dinonylsilylene
	Didecylsilylene
	Diundecylsilylene
	Didodecylsilylene
	Ditridecylsilylene
	Ditetradecylsilylene
	Dipentadecylsilylene
	Dihexadecylsilylene
	Diheptadecylsilylene
	Dioctadecylsilylene
	Dinonadecylsilylene
	Dieicosylsilylene
	Diheneicosylsilylene
	Didocosylsilylene
	Ditricosylsilylene
	Ditetracosylsilylene
	Dipentacosylsilylene
	Dihexacosylsilylene
	Diheptacosylsilylene
	Dioctacosylsilylene
	Dinonacosylsilylene
	Ditriacontylsilylene
	Dicyclohexylsilylene
	Dicyclopentylsilylene
	Dicycloheptylsilylene
	Dicyclooctylsilylene
	Dicyclodecylsilylene
	Dicyclododecylsilylene
	Dinapthylsilylene
	Diphenylsilylene
	Ditolylsilylene
	Dibenzylsilylene
	Diphenethylsilylene
	di(butylphenethyl)silylene
	Methylethylsilylene
	Methylpropylsilylene
	Methylbutylsilylene
	Methylhexylsilylene
	Methylphenylsilylene
	Ethylphenylsilylene
	Ethylpropylsilylene
	Ethylbutylsilylene
	Propylphenylsilylene
	Dimethylgermylene
	Diethylgermylene
	Diphenylgermylene
	Methylphenylgermylene
	Cyclotetramethylenesilylene
	Cyclopentamethylenesilylene
	Cyclotrimethylenesilylene
	Cyclohexylazanediyl
	Butylazanediyl
	Methylazanediyl
	Phenylazanediyl
	Perfluorophenylazanediyl
	Methylphosphanediyl
	Ethylphosphanediyl
	Propylphosphanediyl
	Butylphosphanediyl
	Cyclohexylphosphanediyl
	Phenylphosphanediyl
	Methylboranediyl
	Phenylboranediyl
	Methylene
	Dimethylmethylene
	Diethylmethylene
	Dibutylmethylene
	Dipropylmethylene
	Diphenylmethylene
	Ditolylmethylene
	di(butylphenyl)methylene
	di(trimethylsilylphenyl)methylene
	di(triethylsilylphenyl)methylene
	Dibenzylmethylene
	Cyclotetramethylenemethylene
	Cyclopentamethylenemethylene
	Ethylene
	Methylethylene
	Dimethylethylene
	Trimethylethylene
	Tetramethylethylene
	Cyclopentylene
	Cyclohexylene
	Cycloheptylene
	Cyclooctylene
	Propanediyl
	Methylpropanediyl
	Dimethylpropanediyl
	Trimethylpropanediyl
	Tetramethylpropanediyl
	Pentamethylpropanediyl
	Hexamethylpropanediyl
	Tetramethyldisiloxylene
	Vinylene
	ethene-1,1-diyl
	Divinylsilylene
	Dipropenylsilylene
	Dibutenylsilylene
	Methylvinylsilylene
	Methylpropenylsilylene
	Methylbutenylsilylene
	Dimethylsilylmethylene
	Diphenylsilylmethylene
	Dimethylsilylethylene
	Diphenylsilylethylene
	Dimethylsilylpropylene
	Diphenylsilylpropylene
	Dimethylstannylene
	Diphenylstannylene
	Cp, Cp*, CpR or (C5H5-y-xS″x)
	cyclopentadienyl
	methylcyclopentadienyl
	dimethylcyclopentadienyl
	trimethylcyclopentadienyl
	tetramethylcyclopentadienyl
	pentamethylcyclopentadienyl (no A′)
	ethylcyclopentadienyl
	diethylcyclopentadienyl
	propylcyclopentadienyl
	dipropylcyclopentadienyl
	butylcyclopentadienyl
	dibutylcyclopentadienyl
	pentylcyclopentadienyl
	dipentylcyclopentadienyl
	hexylcyclopentadienyl
	dihexylcyclopentadienyl
	heptylcyclopentadienyl
	diheptylcyclopentadienyl
	octylcyclopentadienyl
	dioctylcyclopentadienyl
	nonylcyclopentadienyl
	dinonylcyclopentadienyl
	decylcyclopentadienyl
	didecylcyclopentadienyl
	undecylcyclopentadienyl
	dodecylcyclopentadienyl
	tridecylcyclopentadienyl
	tetradecylcyclopentadienyl
	pentadecylcyclopentadienyl (no A′)
	hexadecylcyclopentadienyl
	heptadecylcyclopentadienyl
	octadecylcyclopentadienyl
	nonadecylcyclopentadienyl
	eicosylcyclopentadienyl
	heneicosylcyclopentadienyl
	docosylcyclopentadienyl
	tricosylcyclopentadienyl
	tetracosylcyclopentadienyl
	pentacosylcyclopentadienyl
	hexacosylcyclopentadienyl
	heptacosylcyclopentadienyl
	octacosylcyclopentadienyl
	nonacosylcyclopentadienyl
	triacontylcyclopentadienyl
	cyclohexylcyclopentadienyl
	phenylcyclopentadienyl
	diphenylcyclopentadienyl
	triphenylcyclopentadienyl
	tetraphenylcyclopentadienyl
	pentaphenylcyclopentadienyl
	tolylcyclopentadineyl
	benzylcyclopentadienyl
	phenethylcyclopentadienyl
	cyclohexylmethylcyclopentadienyl
	napthylcyclopentadienyl
	methylphenylcyclopentadienyl
	methyltolylcyclopentadienyl
	methylethylcyclopentadienyl
	methylpropylcyclopentadienyl
	methylbutylcyclopentadienyl
	methylpentylcyclopentadienyl
	methylhexylcyclopentadienyl
	methylheptylcyclpentadienyl
	methyloctylcyclopentadienyl
	methylnonylcyclopentadienyl
	methyldecylcyclopentadienyl
	vinylcyclopentadienyl
	propenylcyclopentadienyl
	butenylcyclopentadienyl
	indenyl
	methylindenyl
	dimethylindenyl
	trimethylindenyl
	methylpropylindenyl
	dimethylpropylindenyl
	methyldipropylindenyl
	methylethylindenyl
	methylbutylindenyl
	ethylindenyl
	propylindenyl
	butylindenyl
	pentylindenyl
	hexylindenyl
	heptylindenyl
	octylindenyl
	nonylindenyl
	decylindenyl
	phenylindenyl
	(fluorophenyl)indenyl
	(methylphenyl)indenyl
	biphenylindenyl
	(bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)indenyl
	napthylindenyl
	phenanthrylindenyl
	benzylindenyl
	benzindenyl
	cyclohexylindenyl
	methylphenylindenyl
	ethylphenylindenyl
	propylphenylindenyl
	methylnapthylindenyl
	ethylnapthylindenyl
	propylnapthylindenyl
	(methylphenyl)indenyl
	(dimethylphenyl)indenyl
	(ethylphenyl)indenyl
	(diethylphenyl)indenyl
	(propylphenyl)indenyl
	(dipropylphenyl)indenyl
	methyltetrahydroindenyl
	dimethyltetrahydroindenyl
	dimethyldihydroindenyl
	dimethyltrihydroindenyl
	methylphenyltetrahydroindenyl
	methylphenyldihydroindenyl
	methylphenyltrihydroindenyl
	ethyltetrahydroindenyl
	propyltetrahydroindenyl
	butyltetrahydroindenyl
	Phenyltetrahydroindenyl
	Fluorenyl
	Methylfluorenyl
	Dimethylfluorenyl
	Trimethylfluorenyl
	Ethylfluorenyl
	Propylfluorenyl
	Butylfluorenyl
	Dibutylfluorenyl
	Pentylfluorenyl
	Hexylfluorenyl
	Heptylfluorenyl
	Octylfluorenyl
	Nonylfluorenyl
	Decylfluorenyl
	Phenylfluorenyl
	Napthylfluorenyl
	Benzylfluorenyl
	Methylphenylfluorenyl
	Ethylphenylfluorenyl
	Propylphenylfluorenyl
	Methylnapthylfluorenyl
	Ethylnapthylfluorenyl
	Propylnapthylfluorenyl
	Octahydrofluorenyl
	tetrahydrofluorenyl
	octamethyloctahydrodibenzo[b,h]fluorenyl
	Tetramethyltetrahydrobenzo[b]fluorenyl
	Diphenylmethylcyclopentadienyl
	Trimethylsilylcyclopentadienyl
	Triethylsilylcyclopentadienyl
	Trimethylgermylcyclopentadienyl
	Trimethylstannylcyclopentadienyl
	Triethylplumbylcyclopentadienyl
	Trifluromethylcyclopentadienyl
	N,N-dimethylamidocyclopentadienyl
	P,P-dimethylphosphidocyclopentadienyl
	N,N-diethylamidocyclopentadienyl
	Methoxycyclopentadienyl
	Ethoxycyclopentadienyl
	trimethylsiloxycyclopentadienyl
	(N,N-
	Methyoxyindenyl
	Dimethyoxyindenyl
	N,N-dimethylaminoindenyl
	Trimethylsiloxyindenyl
	Butyldimethylsiloxyindenyl
	bis(N,N-dimethylamino)indenyl
	di(trimethylsiloxy)indenyl
	di(butyldimethylsiloxy)indenyl
	Methoxyfluorenyl
	Dimethoxyfluorenyl
	N,N-dimethylaminofluorenyl
	Trimethylsiloxyfluorenyl
	Butyldimethylsiloxyfluorenyl
	Dimethoxyfluorenyl
	bis(N,N-dimethylamino)fluorenyl
	di(trimethylsiloxy)fluorenyl
	di(butyldimethylsiloxy)fluorenyl
	(JS′z-1-y) (y = 1)
	Methylamido
	Ethylamido
	Propylamido
	Butylamido
	Pentylamido
	Hexylamido
	Heptylamido
	Octylamido
	Nonylamido
	Decylamido
	Eicosylamido
	Heneicosylamido
	Docosylamido
	Tricosylamido
	Tetracosylamido
	Pentacosylamido
	Hexacosylamido
	Heptacosylamido
	Octacosylamido
	Nonacosylamido
	Triacontylamido
	Phenylamido
	Tolylamido
	Phenethylamido
	Benzylamido
	Cyclobutylamido
	Cyclopentylamido
	Cyclohexylamido
	Cycloheptylamido
	Cyclooctylamido
	Cyclononylamido
	Cyclodecylamido
	Cyclododecylamido
	Adamantylamido
	Norbornylamido
	Perfluorophenylamido
	Fluorophenylamido
	Difluorophenylamido
	Oxo
	Sulfido
	(JS′z-1-y) (y = 0)
	Methoxide
	Ethoxide
	Phenoxide
	Dimethylphenoxide
	Dipropylphenoxide
	Methylthio
	Ethylthio
	Phenylthio
	Dimethylphenylthio
	Dipropylphenylthio
	X1 or X2
	Chloride
	Bromide
	Iodide
	Fluoride
	Hydride
	Methyl
	Ethyl
	Propyl
	Butyl
	Pentyl
	Hexyl
	Heptyl
	Octyl
	Nonyl
	Decyl
	Undecyl
	Dodecyl
	Tridecyl
	Tetradecyl
	Pentadecyl
	Hexadecyl
	Heptadecyl
	Octadecyl
	Nonadecyl
	Eicosyl
	Heneicosyl
	Docosyl
	Tricosyl
	Tetracosyl
	Pentacosyl
	Hexacosyl
	Heptacosyl
	Octacosyl
	Nonacosyl
	Triacontyl
	Phenyl
	Benzyl
	Phenethyl
	Tolyl
	Methoxy
	Ethoxy
	Propoxy
	Butoxy
	Dimethylamido
	Diethylamido
	Methylethylamido
	Phenoxy
	Benzoxy
	Allyl
	X1 and X2 together
	methylidene
	Ethylidene
	Propylidene
	Tetramethylene
	Pentamethylene
	Hexamethylene
	Ethylenedihydroxy
	Butadiene
	Methylbutadiene
	Dimethylbutadiene
	Pentadiene
	Methylpentadiene
	Dimethylpentadiene
	Hexadiene
	Methylhexadiene
	Dimethylhexadiene
	M
	titanium
	zirconium
	hafnium
	L or L′ (optional)
	ethylene
	propylene
	butene
	hexene
	styrene
	hexadiene
	butadiene
	dimethylbutadiene
	pentadiene
	methylhexadiene
	dimethylhexadiene
	acetylene
	methylacetylene
	ethylacetylene
	benzyne
	cyclopentene
	cyclohexene
	L′ (optional)
	diethylether
	dimethylether
	trimethylamine
	triphenylamine
	triethylamine
	tricyclohexylphosp
	triphenylphosphine
	trimethylphosphin
	tetrahydrofuran
	furan
	thiophene
	dimethylsulfide
	diphenylsulfide

[0251] Additional preferred catalysts include those described in WO 01/48034, which is incorporated herein by reference. Particularly preferred catalyst compounds include those disclosed at page 9, line 38 to page 25, line 42, page 28, lines 5 to 17, and page 30, line 37 to page 35, line 28.

Activators and Activation Methods for Catalyst Compounds

[0252] The polymerization pre-catalyst compounds, described above, are typically activated in various ways to yield compounds having a vacant coordination site that will coordinate, insert, and polymerize olefin(s). For the purposes of this patent specification and appended claims, the terms “cocatalyst” and “activator” are used herein interchangeably and are defined to be any compound which can activate any one of the catalyst compounds described above by converting the neutral catalyst compound to a catalytically active catalyst compound cation. Non-limiting activators, for example, include alumoxanes, aluminum alkyls, ionizing activators, which may be neutral or ionic, and conventional-type cocatalysts. Preferred activators typically include alumoxane compounds, modified alumoxane compounds, and ionizing anion precursor compounds that abstract one reactive, σ-bound, metal ligand making the metal complex cationic and providing a charge-balancing noncoordinating or weakly coordinating anion.

Aluminoxane and Aluminum Alkyl Activators

[0253] In one embodiment, alumoxane activators are utilized as an activator in the catalyst composition useful in the invention. Alumoxanes are generally oligomeric compounds containing —Al(R¹)—O— sub-units, where R¹ is an alkyl group. Examples of alumoxanes include methylalumoxane (MAO), modified methylalumoxane (MMAO), ethylalumoxane and isobutylalumoxane. Alkylalumoxanes and modified alkylalumoxanes are suitable as catalyst activators, particularly when the abstractable ligand is a halide, alkoxide or amide. Mixtures of different alumoxanes and modified alumoxanes may also be used.

[0254] The activator compounds comprising Lewis-acid activators and in particular alumoxanes are represented by the following general formulae:
(R³—Al—O)_p  (11)
R⁴(R⁵—Al—O)_p—AlR⁶₂  (12)
(M′)^m+Q′_m  (13)

[0255] An alumoxane is generally a mixture of both the linear and cyclic compounds. In the general alumoxane formula, R³, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ are, independently a C₁-C₃₀ alkyl radical, for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, and “p” is an integer from 1 to about 50. Most preferably, R³, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ are each methyl and “p” is a least 4. When an alkyl aluminum halide or alkoxide is employed in the preparation of the alumoxane, one or more R^3-6 groups may be halide or alkoxide. M′ is a metal or metalloid, and Q′ is a partially or fully fluorinated hydrocarbyl.

[0256] It is recognized that alumoxane is not a discrete material. A typical alumoxane will contain free trisubstituted or trialkyl aluminum, bound trisubstituted or trialkyl aluminum, and alumoxane molecules of varying degree of oligomerization. Those methylalumoxanes most preferred contain lower levels of trimethylaluminum. Lower levels of trimethylaluminum can be achieved by reaction of the trimethylaluminum with a Lewis base or by vacuum distillation of the trimethylaluminum or by any other means known in the art. It is also recognized that after reaction with the transition metal compound, some alumoxane molecules are in the anionic form as represented by the anion in equations 4-6, thus for our purposes are considered “non-coordinating” anions.

[0257] For further descriptions, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,665,208, 4,952,540, 5,041,584, 5,091,352, 5,206,199, 5,204,419, 4,874,734, 4,924,018, 4,908,463, 4,968,827, 5,329,032, 5,248,801, 5,235,081, 5,157,137, 5,103,031 and EP 0 561 476 A1, EP 0 279 586 B1, EP 0 516 476 A, EP 0 594 218 A1 and WO 94/10180.

[0258] When the activator is an alumoxane (modified or unmodified), some embodiments select the maximum amount of activator at a 5000-fold molar excess Al/M over the catalyst precursor (per metal catalytic site). The minimum activator-to-catalyst-precursor is a 1:1 molar ratio.

[0259] Alumoxanes may be produced by the hydrolysis of the respective trialkylaluminum compound. MMAO may be produced by the hydrolysis of trimethylaluminum and a higher trialkylaluminum such as tri-iso-butylaluminum. MMAO's are generally more soluble in aliphatic solvents and more stable during storage. There are a variety of methods for preparing alumoxane and modified alumoxanes, non-limiting examples of which are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,665,208, 4,952,540, 5,091,352, 5,206,199, 5,204,419, 4,874,734, 4,924,018, 4,908,463, 4,968,827, 5,308,815, 5,329,032, 5,248,801, 5,235,081, 5,157,137, 5,103,031, 5,391,793, 5,391,529, 5,693,838, 5,731,253, 5,731,451, 5,744,656, 5,847,177, 5,854,166, 5,856,256 and 5,939,346 and European publications EP-A-0 561 476, EP-B1-0 279 586, EP-A-0 594-218 and EP-B1-0 586 665, and PCT publications WO 94/10180 and WO 99/15534, all of which are herein fully incorporated by reference. It may be preferable to use a visually clear methylalumoxane. A cloudy or gelled alumoxane can be filtered to produce a clear solution or clear alumoxane can be decanted from the cloudy solution. Another alumoxane is a modified methyl alumoxane (MMAO) cocatalyst type 3A (commercially available from Akzo Chemicals, Inc. under the trade name Modified Methylalumoxane type 3A, covered under patent number U.S. Pat. No. 5,041,584).

[0260] Aluminum alkyl or organoaluminum compounds which may be utilized as activators (or scavengers) include trimethylaluminum, triethylaluminum, tri-iso-butylaluminum, tri-n-hexylaluminum, tri-n-octylaluminum and the like.

Ionizing Activators

[0261] It is within the scope of this invention to use an ionizing or stoichiometric activator, neutral or ionic, such as tri(n-butyl)ammonium tetrakis (pentafluorophenyl)boron, a trisperfluorophenyl boron metalloid precursor or a trisperfluoronaphtyl boron metalloid precursor, polyhalogenated heteroborane anions (WO 98/43983), boric acid (U.S. Pat. No. 5,942,459) or combination thereof. It is also within the scope of this invention to use neutral or ionic activators alone or in combination with alumoxane or modified alumoxane activators.

[0262] Examples of neutral stoichiometric activators include tri-substituted boron, tellurium, aluminum, gallium and indium or mixtures thereof. The three substituent groups are each independently selected from alkyls, alkenyls, halogen, substituted alkyls, aryls, arylhalides, alkoxy and halides. Preferably, the three groups are independently selected from halogen, mono or multicyclic (including halosubstituted) aryls, alkyls, and alkenyl compounds and mixtures thereof, preferred are alkenyl groups having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, alkyl groups having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, alkoxy groups having 1 to 20 carbon atoms and aryl groups having 3 to 20 carbon atoms (including substituted aryls). More preferably, the three groups are alkyls having 1 to 4 carbon groups, phenyl, napthyl or mixtures thereof. Even more preferably, the three groups are halogenated, preferably fluorinated, aryl groups. Most preferably, the neutral stoichiometric activator is trisperfluorophenyl boron or trisperfluoronapthyl boron.

[0263] Ionic stoichiometric activator compounds may contain an active proton, or some other cation associated with, but not coordinated to, or only loosely coordinated to, the remaining ion of the ionizing compound. Such compounds and the like are described in European publications EP-A-0 570 982, EP-A-0 520 732, EP-A-0 495 375, EP-B1-0 500 944, EP-A-0 277 003 and EP-A-0 277 004, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,153,157, 5,198,401, 5,066,741, 5,206,197, 5,241,025, 5,384,299 and 5,502,124 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/285,380, filed Aug. 3, 1994, all of which are herein fully incorporated by reference.

[0264] Ionic catalysts can be preparedly reacting a transition metal compound with some neutral Lewis acids, such as B(C₆F₆)₃, which upon reaction with the hydrolyzable ligand (X) of the transition metal compound forms an anion, such as ([B(C₆F₅)₃(X)]⁻), which stabilizes the cationic transition metal species generated by the reaction. The catalysts can be, and preferably are, prepared with activator components which are ionic compounds or compositions. However preparation of activators utilizing neutral compounds is also contemplated by this invention.

[0265] Compounds useful as an activator component in the preparation of the ionic catalyst systems used in the process of this invention comprise a cation, which is preferably a Bronsted acid capable of donating a proton, and a compatible non-coordinating anion which anion is relatively large (bulky), capable of stabilizing the active catalyst species (the Group 4 cation) which is formed when the two compounds are combined and said anion will be sufficiently labile to be displaced by olefinic diolefinic and acetylenically unsaturated substrates or other neutral Lewis bases such as ethers, nitrites and the like. Two classes of compatible non-coordinating anions have been disclosed in EPA 277,003 and EPA 277,004 published 1988: 1) anionic coordination complexes comprising a plurality of lipophilic radicals covalently coordinated to and shielding a central charge-bearing metal or metalloid core, and 2) anions comprising a plurality of boron atoms such as carboranes, metallacarboranes and boranes.

[0266] In a preferred embodiment, the stoichiometric activators include a cation and an anion component, and may be represented by the following formula:
(L-H)_d⁺(A^d−)  (14)

[0267] wherein L is an neutral Lewis base;

[0268] H is hydrogen;

[0269] (L-H)⁺ is a Bronsted acid;

[0270] A^d− is a non-coordinating anion having the charge d−; and

[0271] d is an integer from 1 to 3.

[0272] The cation component, (L-H)_d⁺ may include Bronsted acids such as protons or protonated Lewis bases or reducible Lewis acids capable of protonating or abstracting a moiety, such as an alkyl or aryl, from the bulky ligand metallocene containing transition metal catalyst precursor, resulting in a cationic transition metal species.

[0273] The activating cation (L-H)_d⁺ may be a Bronsted acid, capable of donating a proton to the transition metal catalytic precursor resulting in a transition metal cation, including ammoniums, oxoniums, phosphoniums, silyliums, and mixtures thereof, preferably ammoniums of methylamine, aniline, dimethylamine, diethylamine, N-methylaniline, diphenylamine, trimethylamine, triethylamine, N,N-dimethylaniline, methyldiphenylamine, pyridine, p-bromo N,N-dimethylaniline, p-nitro-N,N-dimethylaniline, phosphoniums from triethylphosphine, triphenylphosphine, and diphenylphosphine, oxomiuns from ethers such as dimethyl ether diethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran and dioxane, sulfoniums from thioethers, such as diethyl thioethers and tetrahydrothiophene, and mixtures thereof. The activating cation (L-H)_d⁺ may also be a moiety such as silver, tropylium, carbeniums, ferroceniums and mixtures, preferably carboniums and ferroceniums. Most preferably (L-H)_d⁺ is triphenyl carbonium.

[0274] The anion component A^d− include those having the formula [M^k+Q_n]^d− wherein k is an integer from 1 to 3; n is an integer from 2-6; n−k=d; M is an element selected from Group 13 of the Periodic Table of the Elements, preferably boron or aluminum, and Q is independently a hydride, bridged or unbridged dialkylamido, halide, alkoxide, aryloxide, hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, halocarbyl, substituted halocarbyl, and halosubstituted-hydrocarbyl radicals, said Q having up to 20 carbon atoms with the proviso that in not more than 1 occurrence is Q a halide. Preferably, each Q is a fluorinated hydrocarbyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably each Q is a fluorinated aryl group, and most preferably each Q is a pentafluoryl aryl group. Examples of suitable A^d− also include diboron compounds as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,447,895, which is fully incorporated herein by reference.

[0275] Illustrative, but not limiting examples of boron compounds which may be used as an activating cocatalyst in the preparation of the improved catalysts of this invention are tri-substituted ammonium salts such as:

[0276] trimethylammonium tetraphenylborate, triethylammonium tetraphenylborate, tripropylammonium tetraphenylborate, tri(n-butyl)ammonium tetraphenylborate, tri(t-butyl)ammonium tetraphenylborate, N,N-dimethylanilinium tetraphenylborate, N,N-diethylanilinium tetraphenylborate, N,N-dimethyl-(2,4,6-trimethylanilinium)tetraphenylborate, tropillium tetraphenylborate, triphenylcarbenium tetraphenylborate, triphenylphosphonium tetraphenylborate triethylsilylium tetraphenylborate, benzene(diazonium)tetraphenylborate, trimethylammonium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate, triethylammonium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate, tripropylammonium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate, tri(n-butyl)ammonium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate, tri(sec-butyl)ammonium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate, N,N-dimethylanilinium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate, N,N-diethylanilinium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate, N,N-dimethyl-(2,4,6-trimethylanilinium) tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate, tropillium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate, triphenylcarbenium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate, triphenylphosphonium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate, triethylsilylium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate, benzene(diazonium) tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate, trimethylammonium tetrakis-(2,3,4,6-tetrafluorophenyl)borate, triethylammonium tetrakis-(2,3,4,6-tetrafluorophenyl)borate, tripropylammonium tetrakis-(2,3,4,6-tetrafluorophenyl)borate, tri(n-butyl)ammonium tetrakis-(2,3,4,6-tetrafluorophenyl)borate, dimethyl(t-butyl)ammonium tetrakis-(2,3,4,6-tetrafluorophenyl)borate, N,N-dimethylanilinium tetrakis-(2,3,4,6-tetrafluorophenyl)borate, N,N-diethylanilinium tetrakis-(2,3,4,6-tetrafluorophenyl)borate, N,N-dimethyl-(2,4,6-trimethylanilinium)tetrakis-(2,3,4,6-tetrafluorophenyl)borate, tropillium tetrakis-(2,3,4,6-tetrafluorophenyl)borate, triphenylcarbenium tetrakis-(2,3,4,6-tetrafluorophenyl)borate, triphenylphosphonium tetrakis-(2,3,4,6-tetrafluorophenyl)borate, triethylsilylium tetrakis-(2,3,4,6-tetrafluorophenyl)borate, benzene(diazonium)tetrakis-(2,3,4,6-tetrafluorophenyl)borate, trimethylammonium tetrakis(perfluoronapthyl)borate, triethylammonium tetrakis(perfluoronapthyl)borate, tripropylammonium tetrakis(perfluoronapthyl)borate, tri(n-butyl)ammonium tetrakis(perfluoronapthyl)borate, tri(t-butyl)ammonium tetrakis(perfluoronapthyl)borate, N,N-dimethylanilinium tetrakis(perfluoronapthyl)borate, N,N-diethylanilinium tetrakis(perfluoronapthyl)borate, N,N-dimethyl-(2,4,6-trimethylanilinium) tetrakis(perfluoronapthyl)borate, tropillium tetrakis(perfluoronapthyl)borate, triphenylcarbenium tetrakis(perfluoronapthyl)borate, triphenylphosphonium tetrakis(perfluoronapthyl)borate, triethylsilylium tetrakis(perfluoronapthyl)borate, benzene(diazonium)tetrakis(perfluoronapthyl)borate, trimethylammonium tetrakis(perfluorobiphenyl)borate, triethylammonium tetrakis(perfluorobiphenyl)borate, tripropylammonium tetrakis(perfluorobiphenyl)borate, tri(n-butyl)ammonium tetrakis(perfluorobiphenyl)borate, tri(t-butyl)ammonium tetrakis(perfluorobiphenyl)borate, N,N-dimethylanilinium tetrakis(perfluorobiphenyl)borate, N,N-diethylanilinium tetrakis(perfluorobiphenyl)borate, N,N-dimethyl-(2,4,6-trimethylanilinium) tetrakis(perfluorobiphenyl)borate, tropillium tetrakis(perfluorobiphenyl)borate, triphenylcarbenium tetrakis(perfluorobiphenyl)borate, triphenylphosphonium tetrakis(perfluorobiphenyl)borate, triethylsilylium tetrakis(perfluorobiphenyl)borate, benzene(diazonium) tetrakis(perfluorobiphenyl)borate, trimethylammonium tetrakis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)borate, triethylammonium tetrakis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)borate, tripropylammonium tetrakis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)borate, tri(n-butyl)ammonium tetrakis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)borate, tri(t-butyl)ammonium tetrakis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)borate, N,N-dimethylanilinium tetrakis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)borate, N,N-diethylanilinium tetrakis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)borate, N,N-dimethyl-(2,4,6-trimethylanilinium) tetrakis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)borate, tropillium tetrakis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)borate, triphenylcarbenium tetrakis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)borate, triphenylphosphonium tetrakis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)borate, triethylsilylium tetrakis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)borate, benzene(diazonium)tetrakis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)borate, and dialkyl ammonium salts such as: di-(i-propyl)ammonium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate, and dicyclohexylammonium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate; and additional tri-substituted phosphonium salts such as tri(o-tolyl)phosphonium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate, and tri(2,6-dimethylphenyl)phosphonium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate.

[0277] Most preferably, the ionic stoichiometric activator (L-H)_d⁺(A^d−) is N,N-dimethylanilinium tetra(perfluorophenyl)borate, N,N-dimethylanilinium tetrakis(perfluoronapthyl)borate, N,N-dimethylanilinium tetrakis(perfluorobiphenyl)borate, N,N-dimethylanilinium tetrakis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)borate, triphenylcarbenium tetrakis(perfluoronapthyl)borate, triphenylcarbenium tetrakis(perfluorobiphenyl)borate, triphenylcarbenium tetrakis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)borate, or triphenylcarbenium tetra(perfluorophenyl)borate.

[0278] In one embodiment, an activation method using ionizing ionic compounds not containing an active proton but capable of producing a bulky ligand metallocene catalyst cation and their non-coordinating anion are also contemplated, and are described in EP-A-0 426 637, EP-A-0 573 403 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,568, which are all herein incorporated by reference.

[0279] The term “non-coordinating anion” (NCA) means an anion which either does not coordinate to said cation or which is only weakly coordinated to said cation thereby remaining sufficiently labile to be displaced by a neutral Lewis base. “Compatible” non-coordinating anions are those which are not degraded to neutrality when the initially formed complex decomposes. Further, the anion will not transfer an anionic substituent or fragment to the cation so as to cause it to form a neutral four coordinate metallocene compound and a neutral by-product from the anion. Non-coordinating anions useful in accordance with this invention are those that are compatible, stabilize the metallocene cation in the sense of balancing its ionic charge at +1, yet retain sufficient lability to permit displacement by an ethylenically or acetylenically unsaturated monomer during polymerization. These types of cocatalysts sometimes use tri-isobutyl aluminum or tri-octyl aluminum as a scavenger.

[0280] Invention process also can employ cocatalyst compounds or activator compounds that are initially neutral Lewis acids but form a cationic metal complex and a noncoordinating anion, or a zwitterionic complex upon reaction with the invention compounds. For example, tris(pentafluorophenyl)boron or aluminum act to abstract a hydrocarbyl or hydride ligand to yield an invention cationic metal complex and stabilizing noncoordinating anion, see EP-A-0 427 697 and EP-A-0 520 732 for illustrations of analogous Group-4 metallocene compounds. Also, see the methods and compounds of EP-A-0 495 375. For formation of zwitterionic complexes using analogous Group 4 compounds, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,624,878; 5,486,632; and 5,527,929.

Conventional-Type Cocatalysts (Activators)

[0281] Typically, conventional transition metal catalyst compounds excluding some conventional-type chromium catalyst compounds are activated with one or more of the conventional cocatalysts which may be represented by the formula:
M³M⁴_vX²_cR²_b-c  (15)

[0282] wherein M³ is a metal from Group 1 to 3 and 12 to 13 of the Periodic Table of Elements; M⁴ is a metal of Group 1 of the Periodic Table of Elements; v is a number from 0 to 1; each X² is any halogen; c is a number from 0 to 3; each R² is a monovalent hydrocarbon radical or hydrogen; b is a number from 1 to 4; and wherein b minus c is at least 1. Other conventional-type organometallic cocatalyst compounds for the above conventional-type transition metal catalysts have the formula M³R²_k, where M³ is a Group IA, IIA, IIB or IIIA metal, such as lithium, sodium, beryllium, barium, boron, aluminum, zinc, cadmium, and gallium; k equals 1, 2 or 3 depending upon the valency of M³ which valency in turn normally depends upon the particular Group to which M³ belongs; and each R² may be any monovalent hydrocarbon radical.

[0283] Non-limiting examples of conventional-type organometallic cocatalyst compounds useful with the conventional-type catalyst compounds described above include methyllithium, butyllithium, dihexylmercury, butylmagnesium, diethylcadmium, benzylpotassium, diethylzinc, tri-n-butylaluminum, di-iso-butyl ethylboron, diethylcadmium, di-n-butylzinc and tri-n-amylboron, and, in particular, the aluminum alkyls, such as tri-hexyl-aluminum, triethylaluminum, trimethylaluminum, and tri-isobutylaluminum. Other conventional-type cocatalyst compounds include mono-organohalides and hydrides of Group 2 metals, and mono- or di-organohalides and hydrides of Group 3 and 13 metals. Non-limiting examples of such conventional-type cocatalyst compounds include di-isobutylaluminum bromide, isobutylboron dichloride, methyl magnesium chloride, ethylberyllium chloride, ethylcalcium bromide, di-isobutylaluminum hydride, methylcadmium hydride, diethylboron hydride, hexylberyllium hydride, dipropylboron hydride, octylmagnesium hydride, butylzinc hydride, dichloroboron hydride, di-bromo-aluminum hydride and bromocadmium hydride. Conventional-type organometallic cocatalyst compounds are known to those in the art and a more complete discussion of these compounds may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,221,002 and 5,093,415, which are herein fully incorporated by reference.

Additional Activators

[0284] Other activators include those described in PCT publication WO 98/07515 such as tris(2,2′,2″-nonafluorobiphenyl)fluoroaluminate, which publication is fully incorporated herein by reference. Combinations of activators are also contemplated by the invention, for example, alumoxanes and ionizing activators in combinations, see for example, EP-B1 0 573 120, PCT publications WO 94/07928 and WO 95/14044 and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,153,157 and 5,453,410 all of which are herein fully incorporated by reference.

[0285] Other suitable activators are disclosed in WO 98/09996, incorporated herein by reference, which describes activating bulky ligand metallocene catalyst compounds with perchlorates, periodates and iodates including their hydrates. WO 98/30602 and WO 98/30603, incorporated by reference, describe the use of lithium (2,2′-bisphenyl-ditrimethylsilicate)·4THF as an activator for a bulky ligand metallocene catalyst compound. WO 99/18135, incorporated herein by reference, describes the use of organo-boron-aluminum acitivators. EP-B1-0 781 299 describes using a silylium salt in combination with a non-coordinating compatible anion. Also, methods of activation such as using radiation (see EP-B1-0 615 981 herein incorporated by reference), electro-chemical oxidation, and the like are also contemplated as activating methods for the purposes of rendering the neutral bulky ligand metallocene catalyst compound or precursor to a bulky ligand metallocene cation capable of polymerizing olefins. Other activators or methods for activating a bulky ligand metallocene catalyst compound are described in for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,849,852, 5,859,653 and 5,869,723 and WO 98/32775, WO 99/42467 (dioctadecylmethylammonium-bis(tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane) benzimidazolide), which are herein incorporated by reference.

[0286] Another suitable ion forming, activating cocatalyst comprises a salt of a cationic oxidizing agent and a noncoordinating, compatible anion represented by the formula:
(OX^e+)_d(A^d−)_e  (16)
wherein OX^e+ is a cationic oxidizing agent having a charge of e+; e is an integer from 1 to 3; and A⁻, and d are as previously defined. Examples of cationic oxidizing agents include: ferrocenium, hydrocarbyl-substituted ferrocenium, Ag⁺, or Pb⁺². Preferred embodiments of A^d− are those anions previously defined with respect to the Bronsted acid containing activators, especially tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate.

[0287] It is within the scope of this invention that catalyst compounds can be combined one or more activators or activation methods described above. For example, a combination of activators have been described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,153,157 and 5,453,410, European publication EP-B1 0 573 120, and PCT publications WO 94/07928 and WO 95/14044. These documents all discuss the use of an alumoxane and an ionizing activator with a bulky ligand metallocene catalyst compound.

[0288] When the cations of noncoordinating anion precursors are Bronsted acids such as protons or protonated Lewis bases (excluding water), or reducible Lewis acids such as ferrocenium or silver cations, or alkali or alkaline earth metal cations such as those of sodium, magnesium or lithium, the catalyst-precursor-to-activator molar ratio may be any ratio. Combinations of the described activator compounds may also be used for activation. For example, tris(perfluorophenyl)boron can be used with methylalumoxane.

The Choice of Transition Metal Catalyst Components

[0289] The catalyst system of this invention comprises two or more transition metal compounds as described above. At least one of the compounds must be capable of producing a crystalline poly-alpha-olefin, preferably isotactic polypropylene or syndiotactic polypropylene, having a crystallinity of 40% or more. The other compound must be capable of producing an amorphous poly-alpha-olefin, preferably atactic polypropylene, having a crystallinity of 20% or less.

[0290] The choice of transition metal component for the crystalline polymer fraction is a subset of the transition metal component of equations 8-9. This preferred component is illustrated in equation 17:

[0291]

[0292] wherein A′, M, X₁ and X₂ are as previously defined. Substituents S″_v are independently defined as S″ in equations 8-9 where the subscript “v” denotes the carbon atom on the Cp-ring to which the substituent is bonded.

[0293] Preferably metallocene precursors for producing poly-alpha-olefins having enhanced isotactic character are those of Equation 17 where S″_v are independently chosen such that the metallocene framework 1) has no plane of symmetry containing the metal center, and 2) has a C₂-axis of symmetry through the metal center. Such complexes, such as rac-Me₂Si(indenyl)₂ZrMe₂ and rac-Me₂Si(indenyl)₂HfMe₂ are well known in the art and generally produce isotactic polymers with higher degrees of stereoregularity than the less symmetric chiral systems. Likewise another preferred class of transition metal compounds that can produce isotactic polymers useful in this invention are those monocyclopentadienyl catalysts disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,026,798, which is incorporated by reference herein. A detailed description of suitable catalyst compounds and catalyst selections may be found in 60/418,482, filed Oct. 15, 2003 which is incorported by reference herein. Particular attention should be paid to the catalyst compounds, catalysts systems and catalyst pairs that are described in the section entitled “The Choice of Transition Metal Catalyst Components.”

[0294] Similarly, metallocene precursors providing tacticity control exist where (A-Cp) is (Cp) (Cp*), both Cp and Cp* having substituents on the cyclopentadienyl rings of sufficient steric bulk to restrict rotation of the cyclopentadienyl ligands such that the aforementioned symmetry conditions are satisfied. Preferable chiral racemic metallocenes of this type include bis(tricyclo[5.2.1.0^2,6]deca-2,5-dienyl)zirconium and -hafnium dimethyl, bis((1R)-9,9-dimethyltricyclo[6.1.1.0^2,6]deca-2,5-dienyl)zirconium dimethyl, bis(tricyclo[5.2.1.0^2,6]deca-2,5,8-trienyl)zirconium dimethyl, bis(tricyclo[5.2.2.0^2,6]undeca-2,5,8-trienyl)zirconium and -hafnium dimethyl and bis((1R,8R)-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl[6.1.1.0^2,6]deca-2,5-dienyl)zirconium and -hafnium dimethyl.

[0295] Preferably metallocene precursors for the production of poly-alpha-olefins having enhanced syndiotactic character are also those of Equation 17 where S″ are independently chosen such that the two Cp-ligands have substantially different steric bulk. In order to produce a syndiotactic polymer the pattern of the groups substituted on the Cp-rings is important. Thus, by steric difference or sterically different as used herein, it is intended to imply a difference between the steric characteristics of the Cp and Cp* rings that renders each to be symmetrical. With respect to the A bridging group but different with respect to each other that controls the approach of each successive monomer unit that is added to the polymer chain. The steric difference between the Cp and Cp* rings act to block the approaching monomer from a random approach such that the monomer is added to the polymer chain in the syndiotactic configuration.

[0296] Preferable metallocene precursors for the production of syndiotactic polymers are those of Equation 17 where S″ are independently chosen such that 1) the steric difference between the two Cp-ligands is maximized and 2) there remains a plane of symmetry through the metal center and the C₁ and C_1′ carbon atoms of the Cp-rings in Equation 17. Thus, complexes such as Me₂C(η⁵-C₅H₄)(1-fluorenyl)MMe₂ (where M=Ti, Zr, or Hf) which possess this symmetry are preferred, and generally produce the syndiotactic polymer with higher degrees of stereoregularity than similar, but less symmetric, systems. Additionally, in the above equation, 1-fluorenyl may be substituted with 3,8-di-t-butylfluorenyl, octahydrofluorenyl or 3,3,6,6,9,9,12,12-octamethyl-4,4,5,5,10,10,11,11-octahydrodibenzo[b,h]fluorene. Because pre-catalysts of this type often lose there ability to control the stereoregularity of the polymer under high temperature reaction conditions, to insure higher crystallinity in the material requires using these catalysts at lower reactor temperatures, preferably at temperatures below 80° C.

[0297] Preferred catalysts that can produce the lower molecular weight isotactic polypropylene are those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,120,867, which is incorporated by reference herein. Any mixture of catalysts, including supported catalysts, which can be used together in a single reactor or in a series reactor configuration, that can also produce the desired polypropylene can be utilized in this invention to produce the in situ blend. Preferred catalysts include cyclopentadienyl transition metals compounds and derivatives thereof used in conjunction with an alumoxane and/or a compatible non-coordinating anion.

[0298] Additional preferred catalysts that produce crystalline polypropylene are discussed in Chem. rev. 2000, 100, 1253-1345, which is incorporated by reference herein.

[0299] The preferred choice of transition metal component for the amorphous polymer fraction is the mono-cyclopentadienyl transition metal component of equation 10 where y is equal to 1. This preferred component is illustrated in equation 18:

[0300]

[0301] where A′, J, S′, X₁, X₂, L′, z and w as are previously defined and M is titanium. Substituent S″_v is defined to be the same as S″ in equation 10 where the subscript “v” denotes the carbon atom on the cyclopentadienyl ring to which the substituent is bonded and where there can be zero, two or four substituents, S″, on the cyclopentadienyl ring provided that the cyclopentadienyl ring is symmetrically substituted. Symmetrically substituted is defined to mean that the cyclopentadienyl ring is substituted in the 2 and 5 positions and/or 3 and 4 positions with S″ groups that are of approximately of the same steric bulk. Typically the size of these S″ groups are within 2 carbons of each other. Thus a cyclopentadienyl substituted at the 2 and the 5 positions with methyl and ethyl respectively, or substituted at the 3 and the 4 positions with hexyl and octyl, respectively, would be considered symmetric. Likewise, the cyclopentadienyl ring may be substituted at all four sites with S″ groups and be considered symmetric as long as each of the symmetrical pairs are of similar steric bulk. Additionally, two adjacent S″-groups in the 3 and 4 position may be linked to form a ring provided that the new ring is also symmetrically substituted.

[0302] Catalyst systems of this type are known to impart 2,1-mistakes when incorporating C3 and higher alpha-olefins. The pre-catalysts where S′ is bonded to the nitrogen ligand (J) via a 3° carbon (for example when S′ is tert-butyl or 1-adamantyl) have fewer 2,1-mistakes then when S′ is bonded to the nitrogen ligand (J) via a 1° carbon (for example when S′ is n-butyl, methyl, or benzyl) or 2° carbon (for example when S′ is cyclododecyl, cyclohexyl, or sec-butyl). The 2,1-mistakes in the polymer backbone impart (CH₂)₂ units that can be beneficial to the polymer properties. Polymers of this type, the characterization of such polymers and the catalyst systems used to produce such polymers are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,723,560 and is incorporated herein by reference. Lower Mw versions of such polymers can be produced by changing process condition, for example, by increasing reactor temperature.

[0303] Additionally, at higher reaction temperatures, some catalysts that produce syndiotactic poly-alpha-olefin at lower temperatures, will produce virtually non-crystalline poly-alpha-olefins at higher temperatures. The choice of transition metal component for this amorphous polymer fraction is a subset of the transition metal component of equations 8-9. Preferred components of this type are illustrated in equation 19:

[0304]

[0305] wherein A′, M, X₁ and X₂ are as previously defined. Substituents S″_v and S′″_v are independently defined as S″ in equations 8-9 where the subscript “v” denotes the carbon atom on the Cp-ring or Flu-ring (fluorenyl-ring) to which the substituent is bonded.

[0306] Preferably metallocene precursors for producing poly-alpha-olefins having largely amorphous character (when used as catalysts under higher reactor temperature conditions) are those of Equation 19 where S′″_v are independently chosen such that the metallocene framework has a plane of symmetry containing the metal center and bisecting the Flu- and Cp-rings. The A′ ligand need not be symmetrical—for example dimethylsilyl or methylphenylsilyl will not effect the stereochemisty of the polymer produced. Substituent S′″_v is defined to be the same as S″ in equation 8-9 where the subscript “v” denotes the carbon atom on the cyclopentadienyl ring to which the substituent is bonded and where there can be zero, two or four substituents, S′″, on the cyclopentadienyl ring provided that the cyclopentadienyl ring is symmetrically substituted. Symmetrically substituted is defined to mean that the cyclopentadienyl ring is substituted in the 2 and 5 positions and/or 3 and 4 positions with S′″ groups that are of approximately of the same steric bulk. Typically the size of these S′″ groups are within 2 carbons of each other. Thus a cyclopentadienyl substituted at the 2 and the 5 positions with methyl and ethyl respectively, or substituted at the 3 and the 4 positions with hexyl and octyl, respectively, would be considered symmetric. Likewise, the cyclopentadienyl ring may be substituted at all four sites with S′″ groups and be considered symmetric as long as each of the symmetrical pairs are of similar steric bulk. Additionally, two adjacent S′″-groups in the 3 and 4 position may be linked to form a ring provided that the new ring is also symmetrically substituted. Because of the distant placement of the S″_v substituents on the fluorenyl ring, these substitutents need not be symmetrically placed on the fluorenyl ring. Hence, the fluorenyl ring may be substituted with form 0-7 substituents that may be the same or different. Two or more adjacent S″-groups may optionally be linked to form a ring.

[0307] Additionally, compounds of formula 20 may be used to produce the amorphous polymer fraction.

[0308]

[0309] In this case, S″_v are independently chosen such that the metallocene framework has a plane of symmetry that bisects M and A′. Substituents S″_v are independently defined to be the same as S″ in equation 8-9 where the subscript “v” denotes the carbon atom on the cyclopentadienyl ring to which the substituent is bonded and where there can be zero to four substituents, S″, on the cyclopentadienyl ring provided that the cyclopentadienyl ring is symmetrically substituted. Symmetrically substituted is defined to mean that the cyclopentadienyl ring is substituted in the 2 and 2′positions and/or 3 and 3′ positions and/or 4 and 4′ positions and/or 5 and 5′ positions with S″ groups that are of approximately of the same steric bulk. Typically the size of these S″ groups are within 2 carbons of each other. Thus a cyclopentadienyl substituted at the 2 and the 2′ positions with methyl and ethyl respectively, or substituted at the 3 and the 3′ positions with hexyl and octyl, respectively, would be considered symmetric. Likewise, the cyclopentadienyl ring may be substituted at all four sites with S″ groups and be considered symmetric as long as each of the symmetrical pairs are of similar steric bulk. Additionally, two adjacent S″-groups may be linked to form a ring provided that the new ring is also symmetrically substituted. Such complexes such as meso-Me₂Si(indenyl)₂ZrMe₂ meso-CH₂CH₂(indenyl)₂ZrCl₂ are well known in the art and generally produce amorphous polymers useful in this invention.

[0310] When two transition metal compound based catalysts are used in one reactor as a mixed catalyst system, the two transition metal compounds should be chosen such that the two are compatible. A simple screening method such as by ¹H or ¹³C NMR, known to those of ordinary skill in the art, can be used to determine which transition metal compounds are compatible.

[0311] It is preferable to use the same activator for the transition metal compounds, however, two different activators, such as a non-coordinating anion activator and an alumoxane, can be used in combination. If one or more transition metal compounds contain an X₁ or X₂ ligand which is not a hydride, hydrocarbyl, or substituted hydrocarbyl, then the alumoxane should be contacted with the transition metal compounds prior to addition of the non-coordinating anion activator.

[0312] The two transition metal compounds (pre-catalysts) may be used in any ratio. Preferred molar ratios of (A) transition metal compound to produce amorphous polymer to (B) transition metal compound to produce crystalline polymer fall within the range of (A:B) 1:1000 to 1000:1, alternatively 1:100 to 500:1, alternatively 1:10 to 200:1, alternatively 1:1 to 100:1, and alternatively 1:1 to 75:1, and alternatively 5:1 to 50:1. The particular ratio chosen will depend on the exact pre-catalysts chosen, the method of activation, and the end product desired. In a particular embodiment, when using the two pre-catalysts (A-“amorphous polymer producing precatalyst” and B-“crystalline polymer producing catalyst”), where both are activated with the same activator, the preferred mole percents, based upon the molecular weight of the pre-catalysts, are 10 to 99.9% A to 0.1 to 90% B, alternatively 25 to 99% A to 0.5 to 50% B, alternatively 50 to 99% A to 1 to 25% B, and alternatively 75 to 99% A to 1 to 10% B.

[0313] In general the combined pre-catalyst compounds and the activator are combined in ratios of about 1:10,000 to about 10:1. When alumoxane or aluminum alkyl activators are used, the combined pre-catalyst-to-activator molar ratio is from 1:5000 to 10:1, alternatively from 1:1000 to 10:1; alternatively, 1:500 to 2:1; or 1:300 to 1:1. When ionizing activators are used, the combined pre-catalyst-to-activator molar ratio is from 10:1 to 1:10; 5:1 to 1:5; 2:1 to 1:2; or 1.2:1 to 1:1. Multiple activators may be used, including using mixes of alumoxanes or aluminum alkyls with ionizing activators.

[0314] In another preferred embodiment a third catalyst (pre-catalyst plus activator) is present in the processes described above. The third catalyst may be any of the pre-catalyst components listed herein. Preferred third pre-catalysts include those that are capable of producing waxes.

[0315] Three transition metal compounds (pre-catalysts) may be used in any ratio. Preferred molar ratios of (A) transition metal compound to produce amorphous polypropylene to (B) transition metal compound to produce crystalline polypropylene to (C) transition metal compound to produce wax fall within the range of (A:B:C) 1:1000:500 to 1000:1:1, alternatively 1:100:50 to 500:1:1, alternatively 1:10:10 to 200:1:1, alternatively 1:1:1 to 100:1:50, and alternatively 1:1:10 to 75:1:50, and alternatively 5:1:1 to 50:1:50. The particular ratio chosen will depend on the exact pre-catalysts chosen, the method of activation, and the end product desired.

[0316] Additional preferred catalysts and process are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,376,410 and 6,380,122, which are incorporated by reference herein.

[0317] In another embodiment the catalyst compositions of this invention include a support material or carrier. For example, the one or more catalyst components and/or one or more activators may be deposited on, contacted with, vaporized with, bonded to, or incorporated within, adsorbed or absorbed in, or on, one or more supports or carriers.

[0318] The support material is any of the conventional support materials. Preferably the supported material is a porous support material, for example, talc, inorganic oxides and inorganic chlorides. Other support materials include resinous support materials such as polystyrene, functionalized or crosslinked organic supports, such as polystyrene divinyl benzene polyolefins or polymeric compounds, zeolites, clays, or any other organic or inorganic support material and the like, or mixtures thereof.

[0319] The preferred support materials are inorganic oxides that include those Group 2, 3, 4, 5, 13 or 14 metal oxides. The preferred supports include silica, which may or may not be dehydrated, fumed silica, alumina (WO 99/60033), silica-alumina and mixtures thereof. Other useful supports include magnesia, titania, zirconia, magnesium chloride (U.S. Pat. No. 5,965,477), montmorillonite (European Patent EP-B1 0 511 665), phyllosilicate, zeolites, talc, clays (U.S. Pat. No. 6,034,187) and the like. Also, combinations of these support materials may be used, for example, silica-chromium, silica-alumina, silica-titania and the like. Additional support materials may include those porous acrylic polymers described in EP 0 767 184 B1, which is incorporated herein by reference. Other support materials include nanocomposites as described in PCT WO 99/47598, aerogels as described in WO 99/48605, spherulites as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,972,510 and polymeric beads as described in WO 99/50311, which are all herein incorporated by reference.

[0320] It is preferred that the support material, most preferably an inorganic oxide, has a surface area in the range of from about 10 to about 700 m²/g, pore volume in the range of from about 0.1 to about 4.0 cc/g and average particle size in the range of from about 5 to about 500 μm. More preferably, the surface area of the support material is in the range of from about 50 to about 500 m²/g, pore volume of from about 0.5 to about 3.5 cc/g and average particle size of from about 10 to about 200 μm. Most preferably the surface area of the support material is in the range is from about 100 to about 400 m²/g, pore volume from about 0.8 to about 3.0 cc/g and average particle size is from about 5 to about 100 μm. The average pore size of the carrier useful in the invention typically has pore size in the range of from 10 to 1000 Å, preferably 50 to about 500 Å, and most preferably 75 to about 350 Å.

[0321] As is well known in the art, the catalysts may also be supported together on one inert support, or the catalysts may be independently placed on two inert supports and subsequently mixed. Of the two methods, the former is preferred.

[0322] In another embodiment the support may comprise one or more types of support material which may be treated differently. For example one could use tow different silicas that had different proe volumes or had been calcined at different temperatures. Likewise one could use a silica that had been treated with a scavenger or other additive and a silica that had not.

[0323] The stereospecific catalysts may be used to prepare macromonomer having a Mw of 100,000 or less and a crystallinity of 20% or more preferably having vinyl termini.

[0324] As a specific example, a method for preparing propylene-based macromonomers having a high percentage of vinyl terminal bonds involves:

[0325] (a) contacting, in solution, propylene, optionally a minor amount of copolymerizable monomer, with a catalyst composition containing the stereorigid, activated transition metal catalyst compound at a temperature from about 80° C. to about 140° C.; and

[0326] b) recovering isotactic or syndiotactic polypropylene chains having number average molecular weights of about 2,000 to about 30,000 Daltons.

[0327] Preferably, the solution comprises a hydrocarbon solvent. More preferably, the hydrocarbon solvent is aliphatic or aromatic. Also, the propylene monomers are preferably contacted at a temperature from 90° C. to 120° C. More preferably, a temperature from 95° C. to 115° C. is used. Most preferably, the propylene monomers are contacted at a temperature from 100° C. to 110° C. Reactor pressure generally can vary from atmospheric to 345 MPa, preferably to 182 MPa. The reactions can be run in batch or in continuous mode. Conditions for suitable slurry-type reactions will also be suitable and are similar to solution conditions, the polymerization typically being run in liquid propylene under pressures suitable to such.

[0328] The catalyst pair selection criteria were discussed earlier. One catalyst typically is stereospecific with the ability to produce significant population of vinyl-terminated macromonomers, the other typically is aspecific and capable of incorporating the reactive macromonomers. In general it is believed that C2 symmetric bulky ligand metallocene catalysts can produce vinyl terminated isotactic polypropylene macromonomers. Catalysts that favor beta methyl elimination also often appear to also favor isotactic polypropylene macromonomer formation. Rac-dimethylsilyl bis(indenyl)hafnium dimethyl, dimethylsilyl bis(2-methyl-4-phenylindenyl)zirconium dichloride, and rac-ethylene bis(4,7-dimethylindenyl) hafnium dimethyl are catalysts capable of producing isotactic polypropylene having high vinyl chain termination for use in this invention. High temperatures, typically above 80° C., appear to positively influence vinyl termination. Likewise, Me₂Si(Me₄C₅)(N-c-C₁₂H₂₃)TiMe₂ and Me₂Si(Me₄C₅)(N-c-C₁₂H₂₃)TiMe₂ produce amorphous polypropylene useful in this invention and are believed to incorporate the vinyl terminated macromonomers to also produce a grafted structure of scPP side chains on an amorphous backbone.

[0329] In alternate embodiments dienes such as 1,9-decadiene are introduced into the reaction zone to promote the production of vinyl-terminated aPP and scPP macromonomers that help increase the population of branch-block species.

Polymerization Processes

[0330] The catalysts and catalyst systems described above are suitable for use in a solution, bulk, gas or slurry polymerization process or a combination thereof, preferably solution phase or bulk phase polymerization process.

[0331] In one embodiment, this invention is directed toward the solution, bulk, slurry or gas phase polymerization reactions involving the polymerization of one or more of monomers having from 3 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably 3-12 carbon atoms, and more preferably 3 to 8 carbon atoms. Preferred monomers include one or more of propylene, butene-1, pentene-1,4-methyl-pentene-1, hexene-1, octene-1, decene-1,3-methyl-pentene-1, and cyclic olefins or a combination thereof. Other monomers can include vinyl monomers, diolefins such as dienes, polyenes, norbornene, norbornadiene, vinyl norbornene, ethylidene norbornene monomers. Preferably a homopolymer or copolymer of propylene is produced. In another embodiment, both a homopolymer of propylene and a copolymer of propylene and one or more of the monomers listed above are produced.

[0332] One or more reactors in series or in parallel may be used in the present invention. Catalyst component and activator may be delivered as a solution, dry powder or slurry, either separately to the reactor, activated in-line just prior to the reactor, or preactivated and pumped as an activated solution or slurry to the reactor. A preferred operation is two solutions activated in-line. For more information on methods to introduce multiple catalysts into reactors, please see U.S. Pat. No. 6,399,722, and WO0130862A1. While these references may emphasize gas phase reactors, the techniques described are equally applicable to other types of reactors, including continuous stirred tank reactors, slurry loop reactors and the like. Polymerizations are carried out in either single reactor operation, in which monomer, comonomers, catalyst/activator, scavenger, and optional modifiers are added continuously to a single reactor or in series reactor operation, in which the above components are added to each of two or more reactors connected in series. The catalyst components can be added to the first reactor in the series. The catalyst component may also be added to both reactors, with one component being added to first reaction and another component to other reactors.

[0333] In one embodiment 500 ppm or less of hydrogen is added to the polymerization, or 400 ppm or less, or 300 ppm or less. In other embodiments at least 50 ppm of hydrogen is added to the polymerization, or 100 ppm or more, or 150 ppm or more.

Gas Phase Polymerization

[0334] Generally, in a fluidized gas bed process used for producing polymers, a gaseous stream containing one or more monomers is continuously cycled through a fluidized bed in the presence of a catalyst under reactive conditions. The gaseous stream is withdrawn from the fluidized bed and recycled back into the reactor. Simultaneously, polymer product is withdrawn from the reactor and fresh monomer is added to replace the polymerized monomer. (See for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,543,399, 4,588,790, 5,028,670, 5,317,036, 5,352,749, 5,405,922, 5,436,304, 5,453,471, 5,462,999, 5,616,661 and 5,668,228 all of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.)

Slurry Phase Polymerization

[0335] A slurry polymerization process generally operates between 1 to about 50 atmosphere pressure range (15 psi to 735 psi, 103 kPa to 5068 kPa) or even greater and temperatures in the range of 0° C. to about 120° C. In a slurry polymerization, a suspension of solid, particulate polymer is formed in a liquid polymerization diluent medium to which monomer and comonomers along with catalyst are added. The suspension including diluent is intermittently or continuously removed from the reactor where the volatile components are separated from the polymer and recycled, optionally after a distillation, to the reactor. The liquid diluent employed in the polymerization medium is typically an alkane having from 3 to 7 carbon atoms, preferably a branched alkane. The medium employed should be liquid under the conditions of polymerization and relatively inert. When a propane medium is used the process is preferably operated above the reaction diluent critical temperature and pressure. Preferably, a hexane or an isobutane medium is employed.

[0336] In one embodiment, a preferred polymerization technique useful in the invention is referred to as a particle form polymerization, or a slurry process where the temperature is kept below the temperature at which the polymer goes into solution. Such technique is well known in the art, and described in for instance U.S. Pat. No. 3,248,179 which is fully incorporated herein by reference. The preferred temperature in the particle form process is within the range of about 50° C. to about 110° C. Two preferred polymerization methods for the slurry process are those employing a loop reactor and those utilizing a plurality of stirred reactors in series, parallel, or combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of slurry processes include continuous loop or stirred tank processes. Also, other examples of slurry processes are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,613,484, which is herein fully incorporated by reference.

[0337] In another embodiment, the slurry process is carried out continuously in a loop reactor. The catalyst, as a slurry in isobutane or as a dry free flowing powder, is injected regularly to the reactor loop, which is itself filled with circulating slurry of growing polymer particles in a diluent of isobutane containing monomer and comonomer. Hydrogen, optionally, may be added as a molecular weight control. (In one embodiment 500 ppm or less of hydrogen is added, or 400 ppm or less or 300 ppm or less. In other embodiments at least 50 ppm of hydrogen is added, or 100 ppm or more, or 150 ppm or more.)

[0338] The reactor is maintained at a pressure of 3620 kPa to 4309 kPa and at a temperature in the range of about 60° C. to about 104° C. depending on the desired polymer melting characteristics. Reaction heat is removed through the loop wall since much of the reactor is in the form of a double-jacketed pipe. The slurry is allowed to exit the reactor at regular intervals or continuously to a heated low pressure flash vessel, rotary dryer and a nitrogen purge column in sequence for removal of the isobutane diluent and all unreacted monomer and comonomers. The resulting hydrocarbon free powder is then compounded for use in various applications.

[0339] In another embodiment, the reactor used in the slurry process useful in the invention is capable of and the process useful in the invention is producing greater than 2000 lbs of polymer per hour (907 kg/hr), more preferably greater than 5000 lbs/hr (2268 kg/hr), and most preferably greater than 10,000 lbs/hr (4540 kg/hr). In another embodiment the slurry reactor used in the process useful in the invention is producing greater than 15,000 lbs of polymer per hour (6804 kg/hr), preferably greater than 25,000 lbs/hr (11,340 kg/hr) to about 100,000 lbs/hr (45,500 kg/hr).

[0340] In another embodiment in the slurry process useful in the invention the total reactor pressure is in the range of from 400 psig (2758 kPa) to 800 psig (5516 kPa), preferably 450 psig (3103 kPa) to about 700 psig (4827 kPa), more preferably 500 psig (3448 kPa) to about 650 psig (4482 kPa), most preferably from about 525 psig (3620 kPa) to 625 psig (4309 kPa).

[0341] In yet another embodiment in the slurry process useful in the invention the concentration of predominant monomer in the reactor liquid medium is in the range of from about 1 to 100 weight percent, preferably from about 10 to about 80 weight percent, more preferably from about 20 to about 70 weight percent, most preferably from about 20 to about 40 weight percent.

[0342] Another process useful in the invention is where the process, preferably a slurry process is operated in the absence of or essentially free of any scavengers, such as triethylaluminum, trimethylaluminum, tri-isobutylaluminum and tri-n-hexylaluminum and diethyl aluminum chloride, dibutyl zinc and the like. This process is described in PCT publication WO 96/08520 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,712,352, which are herein fully incorporated by reference.

[0343] In another embodiment the process is run with scavengers. Typical scavengers include trimethyl aluminum, tri-isobutyl aluminum, tri-n-octyl aluminum, tri-n-hexyl aluminum, and an excess of alumoxane or modified alumoxane.

Homogeneous, Bulk, or Solution Phase Polymerization

[0344] The catalysts described herein can be used advantageously in homogeneous solution processes. Generally this involves polymerization in a continuous reactor in which the polymer formed and the starting monomer and catalyst materials supplied, are agitated to reduce or avoid concentration gradients. Suitable processes operate above the melting point of the polymers at high pressures, from 1 to 3000 bar (10-30,000 MPa), in which the monomer acts as diluent or in solution polymerization using a solvent.

[0345] Temperature control in the reactor is obtained by balancing the heat of polymerization with reactor cooling by reactor jackets or external heat exchangers or internal cooling coils to cool the contents of the reactor, auto refrigeration, pre-chilled feeds, vaporization of liquid medium (diluent, monomers or solvent) or combinations of all three. Adiabatic reactors with pre-chilled feeds may also be used. The reactor temperature depends on the catalyst used. In general, the reactor temperature preferably can vary between about 30° C. and about 200° C., more preferably from about 90° C. to about 150° C., and most preferably from about 100° C. to about 140° C. Polymerization temperature may vary depending on catalyst choice. For example a diimine Ni catalyst may be used at 40° C., while a metallocene Ti catalyst can be used at 100° C. or more. In series operation, the second reactor temperature is preferably higher than the first reactor temperature. In parallel reactor operation, the temperatures of the two reactors are independent. The pressure can vary from about 1 mm Hg to 2500 bar (25,000 MPa), preferably from 0.1 bar to 1600 bar (1-16,000 MPa), most preferably from 1.0 to 500 bar (10-5000 MPa).

[0346] In one embodiment 500 ppm or less of hydrogen is added to the polymerization, or 400 ppm or less or 300 ppm or less. In other embodiments at least 50 ppm of hydrogen is added to the polymerization, or 100 ppm or more, or 150 ppm or more.

[0347] Each of these processes may also be employed in single reactor, parallel or series reactor configurations. The liquid processes comprise contacting olefin monomers with the above described catalyst system in a suitable diluent or solvent and allowing said monomers to react for a sufficient time to produce the desired polymers. Hydrocarbon solvents are suitable, both aliphatic and aromatic. Alkanes, such as hexane(s), pentane, isopentane, cyclohexane, and octane, are preferred.

[0348] The process can be carried out in a continuous stirred tank reactor, batch reactor or plug flow reactor, or more than one reactor operated in series or parallel. These reactors may have or may not have internal cooling or heating and the monomer feed may or may not be refrigerated. See the general disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 5,001,205 for general process conditions. See also, international application WO 96/33227 and WO 97/22639. All documents are incorporated by reference for US purposes for description of polymerization processes, metallocene selection and useful scavenging compounds.

[0349] This invention further relates to a continuous process to prepare an adhesive comprising:

[0350] 1) combining monomer, optional solvent, catalyst and activator in a reactor system,

[0351] 2) withdrawing polymer solution from the reactor system,

[0352] 3) removing at least 10% solvent, if present, from the polymer solution,

[0353] 4) quenching the reaction,

[0354] 5) devolatilizing the polymer solution to form molten polymer,

[0355] 6) combining the molten polymer and one or more additives (such as those described below) in a mixer, such as a static mixer, (in a preferred embodiment tackifer is not added or is added in amounts of less than 30 weight %, preferably less than 20 weight %, more preferably in amounts of less than 10 weight %),

[0356] 7) removing the polymer combination from the mixer, and

[0357] 8) pelletizing or drumming the polymer combination;

where step 1) comprises any of the processes described above.

[0358] In another embodiment this invention relates to a continuous process to prepare an adhesive comprising:

[0359] 1) combining monomer, optional solvent, catalyst and activator in a reactor system,

[0360] 2) withdrawing polymer solution from the reactor system,

[0361] 3) removing at least 10% solvent, if present, from the polymer solution,

[0362] 4) quenching the reaction,

[0363] 5) devolatilizing the polymer solution to form molten polymer,

[0364] 6) combining the molten polymer and one or more additives in a mixer, such as a static mixer,

[0365] 7) removing the polymer combination from the mixer, and

[0366] 8) pelletizing or drumming the polymer combination.

[0367] In a particularly preferred embodiment, this invention relates to a continuous process to make an adhesive comprising:

[0368] 1) selecting a first catalyst component capable of producing a polymer having an Mw of 100,000 or less and a crystallinity of 5% or less under selected polymerization conditions;

[0369] 2) selecting a second catalyst component capable of producing polymer having an Mw of 100,000 or less and a crystallinity of 20% or more at the selected polymerization conditions;

[0370] 3) contacting, in a solvent and in a reaction zone under the selected polymerization conditions, the catalyst components in the presence of one or more activators with one or more C3 to C40 olefins, and, optionally one or more diolefins;

[0371] 4) at a temperature of greater than 70° C.;

[0372] 5) at a residence time of up to 120 minutes, (preferably 60 to 120 minutes);

[0373] 6) wherein the ratio of the first catalyst to the second catalyst is from 1:1 to 50:1;

[0374] 7) wherein the activity of the catalyst components is at least 50 kilograms of polymer per gram of the catalyst components; and wherein at least 20% of the olefins are converted to polymer;

[0375] 8) withdrawing polymer solution from the reaction zone;

[0376] 9) removing at least 10% solvent from the polymer solution;

[0377] 10) quenching the reaction;

[0378] 11) devolatilizing the polymer solution to form molten polymer;

[0379] 12) combining the molten polymer and one or more additives in a mixer, such as a static mixer;

[0380] 13) removing the polymer combination from the mixer; and

[0381] 14) pelletizing or drumming the polymer combination.

[0382] In a particularly preferred embodiment, this invention relates to a continuous process to make an adhesive comprising:

[0383] 1) selecting a first catalyst component capable of producing a polymer having an Mw of 100,000 or less and a crystallinity of 5% or less under selected polymerization conditions;

[0384] 2) selecting a second catalyst component capable of producing polymer having an Mw of 100,000 or less and a crystallinity of 20% or more at the selected polymerization conditions;

[0385] 3) contacting, in a solvent and in a reaction zone under the selected polymerization conditions, the catalyst components in the presence of one or more activators with one or more C3 to C40 olefins, and, optionally one or more diolefins;

[0386] 4) at a temperature of greater than 70° C.;

[0387] 5) at a residence time of 120 minutes or less;

[0388] 6) wherein the ratio of the first catalyst to the second catalyst is from 1:1 to 50:1;

[0389] 7) wherein the activity of the catalyst components is at least 50 kilograms of polymer per gram of the catalyst components; and wherein at least 50% of the olefins are converted to polymer;

[0390] 8) withdrawing polymer solution from the reaction zone;

[0391] 9) removing at least 10% solvent from the polymer solution;

[0392] 10) quenching the reaction;

[0393] 11) forming molten polymer

• • [0394] where the polymer comprises one or more C3 to C40 olefins, and less than 5 mole % of ethylene, and where the polymer has:
  • [0395] a) a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more;
  • [0396] b) a branching index (g′) of 0.95 or less measured at the Mz of the polymer; and
  • [0397] c) a Mw of 100,000 or less;

[0398] 12) combining the molten polymer and one or more additives in a mixer, such as a static mixer;

[0399] 13) removing the polymer combination from the mixer; and

[0400] 14) pelletizing or drumming the polymer combination.

[0401] In a particularly preferred embodiment, this invention relates to a continuous process to make an adhesive comprising

[0402] 1) selecting a first catalyst component capable of producing a polymer having an Mw of 100,000 or less and a crystallinity of 5% or less under selected polymerization conditions;

[0403] 2) selecting a second catalyst component capable of producing polymer having an Mw of 100,000 or less and a crystallinity of 20% or more at the selected polymerization conditions;

[0404] 3) contacting, in a solvent and in a reaction zone under the selected polymerization conditions, the catalyst components in the presence of one or more activators with one or more C3 to C40 olefins, and, optionally one or more diolefins;

[0405] 4) at a temperature of greater than 100° C.;

[0406] 5) at a residence time of 120 minutes or less;

[0407] 6) wherein the ratio of the first catalyst to the second catalyst is from 1:1 to 50:1;

[0408] 7) wherein the activity of the catalyst components is at least 50 kilograms of polymer per gram of the catalyst components; and wherein at least 50% of the olefins are converted to polymer;

[0409] 8) withdrawing polymer solution from the reaction zone;

[0410] 9) removing at least 10% solvent from the polymer solution;

[0411] 10) quenching the reaction;

[0412] 11) forming molten polymer

• • [0413] where the polymer comprises one or more C3 to C40 olefins (preferably propylene), and less than 5 mole % of ethylene, and
  • [0414] where the polymer has:
  • [0415] a) a Dot T-Peel of 3 Newton or more; and
  • [0416] b) a branching index (g′) of 0.90 or less measured at the Mz of the polymer; and
  • [0417] c) an Mw of 30,000 or less;
  • [0418] d) a peak melting point between 60 and 190° C.,
  • [0419] e) a Heat of fusion of 1 to 70 J/g,
  • [0420] f) a melt viscosity of 8000 mPa·sec or less at 190° C.; and

[0421] 12) combining the molten polymer and one or more additives in a mixer, such as a static mixer;

[0422] 13) removing the polymer combination from the mixer; and

[0423] 14) pelletizing or drumming the polymer combination.

[0424] In another embodiment this invention relates to a continuous process to prepare an adhesive comprising:

[0425] 1) combining monomer, catalyst and activator in a reactor system,

[0426] 2) withdrawing polymer from the reactor system,

[0427] 3) quenching the reaction,

[0428] 4) forming molten polymer,

[0429] 5) combining the molten polymer and one or more additives, and

[0430] 6) pelletizing or drumming the polymer combination.

Formulations of the Polymers

[0431] The polymers produced herein then can be used directly as an adhesive or blended with other components to form an adhesive.

[0432] Tackifiers may be used with the polymers of this invention. Examples of suitable tackifiers, include, but are not limited to, aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resin, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes and modified terpenes, hydrogenated rosin acids, and hydrogenated rosin esters. In some embodiments the tackifier is hydrogenated.

[0433] In other embodiments the tackifier is non-polar. (Non-polar meaning that the tackifier is substantially free of monomers having polar groups. Preferably the polar groups are not present, however if they are preferably they are not present at more that 5 weight %, preferably not more that 2 weight %, even more preferably no more than 0.5 weight %.) In some embodiments the tackifier has a softening point (Ring and Ball, as measured by ASTM E-28) of 80° C. to 150° C., preferably 100° C. to 130° C. In another embodiment the resins is liquid and has a R and B softening point of between 10 and 70° C.

[0434] The tackifier, if present, is typically present at about 1 to about 80 weight %, based upon the weight of the blend, more preferably 2 to 40 weight %, even more preferably 3 to 30 weight %.

[0435] Preferred hydrocarbon resins for use as tackifiers or modifiers include:

[0436] 1. Resins such as C5/C6 terpene resins, styrene terpenes, alpha-methyl styrene terpene resins, C9 terpene resins, aromatic modified C5/C6, aromatic modified cyclic resins, aromatic modified dicyclopentadiene based resins or mixtures thereof. Additional preferred resins include those described in WO 91/07472, U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,867, U.S. Pat. No. 5,171,793 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,078,132. Typically these resins are obtained from the cationic polymerization of compositions containing one or more of the following monomers: C5 diolefins (such as 1-3 pentadiene, isoprene, etc); C5 olefins (such as 2-methylbutenes, cyclopentene, etc.); C6 olefins (such as hexene), C9 vinylaromatics (such as styrene, alpha methyl styrene, vinyltoluene, indene, methyl indene, etc.); cyclics (such as dicyclopentadiene, methyldicyclopentadiene, etc.); and or terpenes (such as limonene, carene, etc).

[0437] 2. Resins obtained by the thermal polymerization of dicyclopentadiene, and/or the thermal polymerization of dimers or oligomers of cyclopentadiene and/or methylcyclopentadiene, optionally with vinylaromatics (such as styrene, alpha-methyl styrene, vinyl toluene, indene, methyl indene).

[0438] The resins obtained after polymerization and separation of unreacted materials, can be hydrogenated if desired. Examples of preferred resins include those described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,078,132; WO 91/07472; U.S. Pat. No. 4,994,516; EP 0 046 344 A; EP 0 082 726 A; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,171,793.

[0439] In another embodiment an adhesive composition comprising polymer product of this invention further comprises a crosslinking agent. Preferred crosslinking agents include those having functional groups that can react with the acid or anhydride group. Preferred crosslinking agents include alcohols, multiols, amines, diamines and/or triamines. Examples of crosslinking agents useful in this invention include polyamines such as ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, hexamethylenediamine, diethylaniinopropylamine, and/or menthanediamine.

[0440] In another embodiment an adhesive composition comprising the polymer product of this invention further comprises typical additives known in the art such as fillers, antioxidants, adjuvants, adhesion promoters, oils, and/or plasticizers. Preferred fillers include titanium dioxide, calcium carbonate, barium sulfate, silica, silicon dioxide, carbon black, sand, glass beads, mineral aggregates, talc, clay and the like. Preferred antioxidants include phenolic antioxidants, such as Irganox 1010, Irganox, 1076 both available from Ciba-Geigy. Preferred oils include paraffinic or napthenic oils such as Primol 352, or Primol 876 available from ExxonMobil Chemical France, S.A. in Paris, France. Preferred plasticizers include polybutenes, such as Parapol 950 and Parapol 1300 formerly available from ExxonMobil Chemical Company in Houston Tex. Other preferred additives include block, antiblock, pigments, processing aids, UV stabilizers, neutralizers, lubricants, surfactants and/or nucleating agents may also be present in one or more than one layer in the films. Preferred additives include silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, polydimethylsiloxane, talc, dyes, wax, calcium sterate, carbon black, low molecular weight resins and glass beads. Preferred adhesion promoters include polar acids, polyaminoamides (such as Versamid 115, 125, 140, available from Henkel), urethanes (such as isocyanate/hydroxy terminated polyester systems, e.g. bonding agent TN/Mondur Cb-75 (Miles, Inc.), coupling agents, (such as silane esters (Z-6020 from Dow Corning)), titanate esters (such as Kr-44 available from Kenrich), reactive acrylate monomers (such as sarbox SB-600 from Sartomer), metal acid salts (such as Saret 633 from Sartomer), polyphenylene oxide, oxidized polyolefins, acid modified polyolefins, and anhydride modified polyolefins.

[0441] In another embodiment the polymers of this invention are combined with less than 3 wt % anti-oxidant, less than 3 wt % flow improver, less than 10 wt % wax, and or less than 3 wt % crystallization aid.

[0442] Other optional components that may be combined with the polymer product of this invention are plasticizers or other additives such as oils, surfactants, fillers, color masterbatches, and the like. Preferred plasticizers include mineral oils, polybutenes, phthalates and the like. Particularly preferred plasticizers include phthalates such as di-iso-undecyl phthalate (DIUP), di-iso-nonylphthalate (DINP), dioctylphthalates (DOP) and the like. Particularly preferred oils include aliphatic naphthenic oils.

[0443] Other optional components that may be combined with the polymer product of this invention are low molecular weight products such as wax, oil or low Mn polymer, (low meaning below Mn of 5000, preferably below 4000, more preferably below 3000, even more preferably below 2500). Preferred waxes include polar or non-polar waxes, functionalized waxes, polypropylene waxes, polyethylene waxes, and wax modifiers. Preferred waxes include ESCOMER™ 101. Preferred functionalized waxes include those modified with an alcohol, an acid, a ketone, an anhydride and the like. Preferred examples include waxes modified by methyl ketone, maleic anhydride or maleic acid. Preferred oils include aliphatic napthenic oils, white oils or the like. Preferred low Mn polymers include polymers of lower alpha olefins such as propylene, butene, pentene, hexene and the like. A particularly preferred polymer includes polybutene having of less than 1000. An example of such a polymer is available under the trade name PARAPOL™ 950 from ExxonMobil Chemical Company. PARAPOL™ 950 is a liquid polybutene polymer having an Mn of 950 and a kinematic viscosity of 220 cSt at 100° C., as measured by ASTM D 445. In some embodiments the polar and non-polar waxes are used together in the same composition.

[0444] In some embodiments, however, wax may not be desired and is present at less than 5 weight %, preferably less than 3 weight %, more preferably less than 1 weight %, more preferably less than 0.5 weight %, based upon the weight of the composition.

[0445] In another embodiment the polymers of this invention have less than 30 weight % total of any combination of additives described above, preferably less than 25 weight %, preferably less than 20 weight %, preferably less than 15 weight %, preferably less than 10 weight %, preferably less than 5 weight %, based upon the weight of the polymer and the additives.

[0446] In another embodiment the polymer produced by this invention may be blended with elastomers (preferred elastomers include all natural and synthetic rubbers, including those defined in ASTM D1566). In a preferred embodiment elastomers are blended with the polymer produced by this invention to form rubber toughened compositions. In a particularly preferred embodiment the rubber toughened composition is a two (or more) phase system where the rubber is a discontinuous phase and the polymer is a continuous phase. Examples of preferred elastomers include one or more of the following: ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber, neoprene rubber, styrenic block copolymer rubbers (including SI, SIS, SB, SBS, SIBS, SEBS, SEPS, and the like (S is styrene, I is isoprene, B is butadiene, EB is ethylenebutylene, EP is ethylenepropylene), butyl rubber, halobutyl rubber, copolymers of isobutylene and para-alkylstyrene, halogenated copolymers of isobutylene and para-alkylstyrene. This blend may be combined with the tackifiers and/or other additives as described above.

[0447] In another embodiment the polymer produced by this invention may be blended with impact copolymers. Impact copolymers are defined to be a blend of isotactic PP and an elastomer such as an ethylene-propylene rubber. In a preferred embodiment the blend is a two (or more) phase system where the impact copolymer is a discontinuous phase and the polymer is a continuous phase.

[0448] In another embodiment the polymer produced by this invention may be blended with ester polymers. In a preferred embodiment the blend is a two (or more) phase system where the polyester is a discontinuous phase and the polymer is a continuous phase.

[0449] In a preferred embodiment the polymers of the invention described above are combined with metallocene polyethylenes (mPE's) or metallocene polypropylenes (mPP's). The mPE and mPP homopolymers or copolymers are typically produced using mono- or bis-cyclopentadienyl transition metal catalysts in combination with an activator of alumoxane and/or a non-coordinating anion in solution, slurry, high pressure or gas phase. The catalyst and activator may be supported or unsupported and the cyclopentadienyl rings by may substituted or unsubstituted. Several commercial products produced with such catalyst/activator combinations are commercially available from ExxonMobil Chemical Company in Baytown, Tex. under the tradenames EXCEED™, ACHIEVE™ and EXACT™. For more information on the methods and catalysts/activators to produce such mPE homopolymers and copolymers see WO 94/26816; WO 94/03506; EPA 277,003; EPA 277,004; U.S. Pat. No. 5,153,157; U.S. Pat. No. 5,198,401; U.S. Pat. No. 5,240,894; U.S. Pat. No. 5,017,714; CA 1,268,753; U.S. Pat. No. 5,324,800; EPA 129,368; U.S. Pat. No. 5,264,405; EPA 520,732; WO 92 00333; U.S. Pat. No. 5,096,867; U.S. Pat. No. 5,507,475; EPA 426 637; EPA 573 403; EPA 520 732; EPA 495 375; EPA 500 944; EPA 570 982; WO91/09882; WO94/03506 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,055,438.

[0450] In another embodiment the olefin polymer of this invention, preferably the polypropylene homopolymer or copolymer of this invention, can be blended with another homopolymer and/or copolymer, including but not limited to, homopolypropylene, propylene copolymerized with up to 50 weight % of ethylene or a C4 to C20 alpha.-olefin, isotactic polypropylene, highly isotactic polypropylene, syndiotactic polypropylene, random copolymer of propylene and ethylene and/or butene and/or hexene, polybutene, ethylene vinyl acetate, low density polyethylene (density 0.915 to less than 0.935 g/cm³) linear low density polyethylene, ultra low density polyethylene (density 0.86 to less than 0.90 g/cm³), very low density polyethylene (density 0.90 to less than 0.915 g/cm³), medium density polyethylene (density 0.935 to less than 0.945 g/cm³), high density polyethylene (density 0.945 to 0.98 g/cm³), ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene methyl acrylate, copolymers of acrylic acid, polymethylmethacrylate or any other polymers polymerizable by a high-pressure free radical process, polyvinylchloride, polybutene-1, isotactic polybutene, ABS resins, elastomers such as ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR), vulcanized EPR, EPDM, block copolymer elastomers such as SBS, nylons (polyamides), polycarbonates, PET resins, crosslinked polyethylene, copolymers of ethylene and vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polymers of aromatic monomers such as polystyrene, poly-1 esters, high molecular weight polyethylene having a density of 0.94 to 0.98 g/cm³ low molecular weight polyethylene having a density of 0.94 to 0.98 g/cm³, graft copolymers generally, polyacrylonitrile homopolymer or copolymers, thermoplastic polyamides, polyacetal, polyvinylidine fluoride and other fluorinated elastomers, polyethylene glycols and polyisobutylene.

[0451] In a preferred embodiment the olefin polymer of this invention, preferably the polypropylene polymer of this invention, is present in the blend at from 10 to 99 weight %, based upon the weight of the polymers in the blend, preferably 20 to 95 weight %, even more preferably at least 30 to 90 weight %, even more preferably at least 40 to 90 weight %, even more preferably at least 50 to 90 weight %, even more preferably at least 60 to 90 weight %, even more preferably at least 70 to 90 weight %.

[0452] The blends described above may be produced by mixing the two or more polymers together, by connecting reactors together in series to make reactor blends or by using more than one catalyst in the same reactor to produce multiple species of polymer. The polymers can be mixed together prior to being put into the extruder or may be mixed in an extruder.

[0453] Any of the above polymers, including the polymers produced by this invention, may be functionalized. By functionalized is meant that the polymer has been contacted with an unsaturated acid or anhydride. Preferred unsaturated acids or anhydrides include any unsaturated organic compound containing at least one double bond and at least one carbonyl group. Representative acids include carboxylic acids, anhydrides, esters and their salts, both metallic and non-metallic. Preferably the organic compound contains an ethylenic unsaturation conjugated with a carbonyl group (—C═O). Examples include maleic, fumaric, acrylic, methacrylic, itaconic, crotonic, alpha.methyl crotonic, and cinnamic acids as well as their anhydrides, esters and salt derivatives. Particularly preferred functional groups include maleic acid and maleic anhydride. Maleic anhydride is particularly preferred. The unsaturated acid or anhydride is preferably present at about 0.1 weight % to about 10 weight %, preferably at about 0.5 weight % to about 7 weight %, even more preferably at about 1 to about 4 weight %, based upon the weight of the hydrocarbon resin and the unsaturated acid or anhydride.

[0454] In a preferred embodiment the unsaturated acid or anhydried comprises a carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof selected from the group consisting of unsaturated carboxylic acids, unsaturated carboxylic acid derivatives selected from esters, imides, amides, anhydrides and cyclic acid anhydrides or mixtures thereof.

[0455] The blends described herein may be formed using conventional techniques known in the art. For example, blending may be accomplished using one or more static mixers, in-line mixers, elbows, orifices, baffles, and any combination thereof.

[0456] Multiple methods exist in the art for functionalizing polymers that may be used with the polymers described here. These include, not are not limited to, selective oxidation, free radical grafting, ozonolysis, epoxidation, and the like.

Applications

For purposes of this invention and the claims thereto, the following tests are used, unless otherwise indicated.

Tensile strength, Tensile strength at break and elongation at break are measured by ASTM D 1708. Elongation at break is also called strain at break or percent elongation.

• [0457] Peel strength—ASTM D-1876 (also referred to as Peel adhesion at 180° peel angle, 180° peel strength, 180° peel adhesion, T-Peel strength, T-Peel.)
• [0458] Dynamic Storage modulus also called storage modulus is G′.
• [0459] Creep resistance ASTM D-2293
• [0460] Rolling Ball Tack PSTC 6
• [0461] Hot Shear Strength is determined by suspending a 1000 gram weight from a 25 mm wide strip of MYLAR polyester film coated with the polymer or adhesive formulation which is adhered to a stainless steel plate with a contact area of 12.5 mm×25 mm. The sample is placed in a ventilated oven at 40° C. time is recorded until stress failure occurs.
• [0462] Probe tack (also called Polyken probe tack) ASTM D 2979
• [0463] Holding Power—PSTC 7, also called Shear adhesion or Shear strength?.
• [0464] Density—ASTM D792 at 25° C.
• [0465] Gardner color ASTM D 1544-68.
• [0466] SAFT is also called heat resistance.
• [0467] Tensile Strength Modulus at 100% elongation and Young's Modulus are determined according to ASTM E-1876.
• [0468] Luminence is the reflectance “Y” in the CIE color coordinates as determined by ASTM D 1925 divided by 100.
• [0469] Needle penetration is measured by ASTM D5.
• [0470] Sag is also referred to as creep.
• [0471] Bond strength is measured by ASTM D3983.
• [0472] Adhesion to road surface is measured by ASTM D4541.

[0473] The polymer product of this invention or formulations thereof may then be applied directly to a substrate or may be sprayed thereon, typically the polymer is molten. The polymer product of this invention or formulations thereof may be applied directly to the substrate via wheels, rollers, jet-nozzels, slot dies or may be sprayed thereon. Spraying is defined to include atomizing, such as producing an even dot pattern, spiral spraying such as Nordson Controlled Fiberization or oscillating a stretched filament like is done in the ITW Dynafiber/Omega heads or Summit technology from Nordson, as well as melt blown techniques. Melt blown techniques are defined to include the methods described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,145,689 or any process where air streams are used to break up filaments of the extrudate and then used to deposit the broken filaments on a substrate. In general, melt blown techniques are processes that use air to spin hot melt adhesive fibers and convey them onto a substrate for bonding. Fibers sizes can easily be controlled from 20-200 microns by changing the melt to air ratio. Few, preferably no, stray fibers are generated due to the inherent stability of adhesive melt blown applicators. Under UV light the bonding appears as a regular, smooth, stretched dot pattern. Atomization is a process that uses air to atomize hot melt adhesive into very small dots and convey them onto a substrate for bonding.

End-Uses

[0474] The adhesives of this invention can be used in any adhesive application, including but not limited to, disposables, packaging, laminates, pressure sensitive adhesives, tapes, labels, wood binding, paper binding, non-wovens, road marking, reflective coatings, and the like.

[0475] In a preferred embodiment the adhesives of this invention can be used for disposable diaper and napkin chassis construction, elastic attachment in disposable goods converting, packaging, labeling, bookbinding, woodworking, and other assembly applications. Particularly preferred applications include: baby diaper leg elastic, diaper frontal tape, diaper standing leg cuff, diaper chassis construction, diaper core stabilization, diaper liquid transfer layer, diaper outer cover lamination, diaper elastic cuff lamination, feminine napkin core stabilization, feminine napkin adhesive strip, industrial filtration bonding, industrial filter material lamination, filter mask lamination, surgical gown lamination, surgical drape lamination, and perishable products packaging.

[0476] The adhesives described above may be applied to any substrate. Preferred substrates include wood, paper, cardboard, plastic, thermoplastic, rubber, metal, metal foil (such as aluminum foil and tin foil), metallized surfaces, cloth, non-wovens (particularly polypropylene spun bonded fibers or non-wovens), spunbonded fibers, cardboard, stone, plaster, glass (including silicon oxide (SiO_x) coatings applied by evaporating silicon oxide onto a film surface), foam, rock, ceramics, films, polymer foams (such as polyurethane foam), substrates coated with inks, dyes, pigments, PVDC and the like or combinations thereof.

[0477] Additional preferred substrates include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyacrylates, acrylics, polyethylene terephthalate, or any of the polymers listed above as suitable for blends.

[0478] Any of the above substrates, and/or the polymers of this invention, may be corona discharge treated, flame treated, electron beam irradiated, gamma irradiated, microwaved, or silanized.

[0479] The adhesives produced herein, when coated in some fashion between two adherends, preferably perform such that the materials are held together in a sufficient fashion compared to a standard specification or a standard adhesive similarly constructed.

[0480] The polymer product of this invention may be used in any adhesive application described in WO 97/33921 in combination with the polymers described therein or in place of the polymers described therein.

[0481] The polymer product of this invention, alone or in combination with other polymers and or additives, may also be used to form hook and loop fasteners as described in WO 02/35956.

[0482] The polymers produced herein may be combined with other elements to prepare adhesive compositions. The adhesive compositions may include waxes such as those selected from the group consisting of: polar waxes, non-polar waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, oxidized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, hydroxystearamide waxes, functionalized waxes, polypropylene waxes, polyethylene waxes, wax modifiers, amorphous waxes, carnauba waxes, castor oil waxes, microcrystalline waxes, beeswax, carnauba wax, castor wax, spermaceti wax, vegetable wax, candelilla wax, japan wax, ouricury wax, douglas-fir bark wax, rice-bran wax, jojoba wax, bayberry wax, montan wax, peat wax, ozokerite wax, ceresin wax, petroleum wax, paraffin wax, polyethylene wax, chemically modified hydrocarbon wax, substituted amide wax, and combinations and derivatives thereof. Likewise the adhesive compositions may include antioxidants selected from the group consisting of thioesters, phosphates, hindered phenols, tetrakis (methylene 3-(3′,5′-di-t-butyl-4hydroxyphenyl)pro-pionate)methane, 2,2′-ethyldenebis (4,6-di-tertiarybutylphenol), 1,1-3-tris(2-methyl-4-hydroxy-5-t-butylephenyl) butane, 1,3,5-trimethyl2,4,6,tris(3,5-tertbutyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)benzene, dilaurylthiodipropionate, pentaerythritol tetrakis(beta-laurylthiopropionate), alkyl-aryldi- and polyphosphates, thiophosphites, and combinations or derivatives thereof.
A. Packaging

[0483] In a particular embodiment, the adhesives of this invention can be used in a packaging article. The packaging article may be useful as a carton, container, crate, case, corrugated case, or tray, for example. More particularly, the packaging article may be useful as a cigarette product, cereal product, cracker product, beer packaging, frozen food product, paper bag, drinking cup, milk carton, juice carton, drinking cup, or as a container for shipping produce, just to name a few exemplary uses.

[0484] The packaging article is formed by applying an adhesive composition to at least a portion of one or more packaging elements. The packaging elements may be formed from paper, paperboard, containerboard, tagboard, corrugated board, chipboard, kraft, cardboard, fiberboard, plastic resin, metal, metal alloys, foil, film, plastic film, laminates, sheeting, or any combination thereof. In one aspect, the adhesive composition may be used to bind or bond two or more packaging elements together wherein the packaging elements are formed from the same or different type of materials. Accordingly, the packaging elements may be individually formed from paper, paperboard, containerboard, tagboard, corrugated board, chipboard, kraft, cardboard, fiberboard, plastic resin, metal, metal alloys, foil, film, plastic film, laminates, sheeting, or any combination thereof. The one or more packaging elements may also be individually coated using paper, foil, metal, metal alloys, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidine chloride, polyvinyl acetate, polyamides, homopolymers thereof, and combinations and copolymers thereof.

[0485] The adhesive composition comprises the inventive polymer described herein and will be further described below. The polymer may be functionalized with maleic acid or maleic anhydride. Additional components may be combined with the polymers or formulations of the polymers to form the adhesive composition.

[0486] For ease and clarity of description, an exemplary packaging article will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a carton 600 having the adhesives 605 of this invention at least partially disposed thereon. The carton 600 comprises sidewalls 610 connected at a first end thereof by a bottom wall 615. The carton 600 also comprises four flaps 620, 625, 630, and 635 each disposed or otherwise connected to a second end of the respective sidewalls 610 as shown. The adhesive 605 is at least partially disposed on one or more of the flaps 620, 625, 630, 635 so that when the flaps are folded, the adhesive contacts and adheres the flaps to form a sealed container as shown in FIG. 7.

[0487] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the carton 600 after being sealed to form a closed container 700. As shown, the flaps 620 and 630 are folded toward the bottom 615. The flaps 630 and 635 are also folded toward the bottom 615 and rest adjacent the folded flaps 620 and 630. The adhesive 605 disposed on the flap 635 adheres to the flap 635 to at least flap 625, forming the closed container 700.

[0488] In one aspect, the adhesive composition may include one or more tackifiers. The tackifiers may be aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resin, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes and modified terpenes, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin esters, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof, for example. The adhesive composition may include from 1 to 60 percent by weight of the one or more tackifiers. More preferably, the adhesive composition comprises from 1 to 40 percent by weight, and most preferably from 1 to 20 percent by weight.

[0489] In another aspect, the adhesive composition may include one or more waxes, such as polar waxes, non-polar waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, oxidized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, hydroxystearamide waxes, functionalized waxes, polypropylene waxes, polyethylene waxes, wax modifiers, combinations thereof, for example. The adhesive composition may include less than 30 percent by weight of the one or more waxes. More preferably, he adhesive composition may include less than 15 percent by weight.

[0490] In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition may include less than 30 percent by weight, less than 20 percent by weight, less than 10 percent by weight, or less than 5 percent by weight of one or more additives. The one or more additives may include plasticizers, oils, stabilizers, antioxidants, synergists, pigments, dyestuffs, polymeric additives, defoamers, preservatives, thickeners, rheology modifiers, humectants, fillers and water, for example. Exemplary plasticizers may include mineral oils, polybutenes, phthalates, and combinations thereof, for example. The phthalates may include di-iso-undecyl phthalate (DIUP), di-iso-nonylphthalate (DINP), dioctylphthalates (DOP), combinations thereof, or derivatives thereof. Exemplary oils may include aliphatic naphthenic oils, white oils, combinations thereof, and derivatives thereof. Exemplary polymeric additives include homo poly-alpha-olefins, copolymers of alpha-olefins, copolymers and terpolymers of diolefins, elastomers, polyesters, block copolymers including diblocks and triblocks, ester polymers, alkyl acrylate polymers, and acrylate polymers, including alkyl acrylate polymers.

[0491] The adhesive composition is formulated to have a set temperature of −20° C. to 250° C. and an open temperature of from −20° C. to 250° C. The adhesive composition should also have a percent substrate fiber tear of from 75 percent to 100 percent and preferably 95 percent to 100 percent at 22° C. or otherwise about room temperature. The adhesive composition should also have a percent substrate fiber tear of from 50 percent to 100 percent and preferably 90 percent to 100 percent at −20° C. or otherwise freezing temperatures. The adhesive composition should further have a percent substrate fiber tear of from 50 percent to 100 percent and preferably, 95 percent to 100 percent at 50° C.

[0492] The adhesive composition is also formulated to have a dynamic storage modulus of greater than 1 MPa at 25° C. and 1 radian per second, and a PAFT of from 60° C. or more, preferably a PAFT of 200° C. or less. The adhesive composition should also have a SAFT of 70° C. or more or a SAFT of 200° C. or less. The viscosity of the adhesive composition should be 9 Pa·s or less at 177° C., preferably from 0.5 Pa·s to 2.5 Pa·s at 177° C. The cloud point of the adhesive composition should be 275° C. or less, preferably 130° C. or less.

[0493] One typical formulation of the adhesive composition comprises at least 35 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 60 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 30 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 15 percent by weight of one or more additives. Another typical formulation of the adhesive composition comprises at least 50 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 60 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 30 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 15 percent by weight of one or more additives. Yet another typical formulation of the adhesive composition comprises at least 50 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 60 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 25 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 15 percent by weight of one or more additives.

[0494] The embodiments described below further relate to compositions or combinations as described herein.

[0495] A. A packaging article comprising an adhesive composition comprising a polymer having one or more C₃ to C₄₀ olefins and from 0 to 5 mole % of ethylene, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more, a branching index (g′) of 0.95 or less measured at an Mz of the polymer, and a Mw of 100,000 or less and one or more packaging elements, wherein the adhesive composition is applied to at least a portion of the one or more packaging elements.

[0496] B. The packaging article of paragraph A, wherein the packaging element is selected from the group consisting of paper, paperboard, containerboard, tagboard, corrugated board, chipboard, kraft, cardboard, fiberboard, plastic resin, metal, metal alloys, foil, film, plastic film, laminates, and sheeting.

[0497] C. The packaging article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the packaging article is selected from the group consisting of cartons, containers, crates, cases, corrugated cases, and trays.

[0498] D. The packaging article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the packaging article is selected from the group consisting of cigarette products, cereal products, cracker products, beer packaging, frozen food products, paper bags, drinking cups, milk cartons, juice cartons, drinking cups, and containers for shipping produce.

[0499] E. The packaging article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition further comprising one or more tackifiers selected from the group consisting of aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resin, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes and modified terpenes, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin esters, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0500] F. The packaging article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition further comprises one or more waxes selected from the group consisting of polar waxes, non-polar waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, oxidized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, hydroxystearamide waxes, functionalized waxes, polypropylene waxes, polyethylene waxes, wax modifiers, and combinations thereof.

[0501] G. The packaging article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition further comprises one or more additives selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, oils, stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, dyestuffs, polymeric additives, defoamers, preservatives, thickeners, rheology modifiers, humectants, fillers and water.

[0502] H. The packaging article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 30 percent by weight or less, or 15 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes.

[0503] I. The packaging article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises from 1 to 60 percent by weight, or from 1 to 40 percent by weight, or from 1 to 20 percent by weight of the one or more tackifiers.

[0504] J. The packaging article any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 30 percent by weight or less, or 20 percent by weight or less, or 10 percent by weight or less, or 5 percent by weight or less, or 3 percent by weight or less, or 1 percent by weight or less, or 0.5 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives.

[0505] K. The packaging article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a melt viscosity of 90,000 mPa·s at 190° C. or less.

[0506] L. The packaging article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a set time of 30 minutes or less.

[0507] M. The packaging article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of from 3 N to 4,000 N.

[0508] N. The packaging article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition has a percent substrate fiber tear of from 75% to 100%, or from 95% to 100% at 22° C.

[0509] O. The packaging article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition has a set temperature of from −20° C. to 250° C.

[0510] P. A packaged article comprising an article at least partially enclosed in a packaging article of any of the above paragraphs.

[0511] Q. The packaging article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein packaging element is individually coated using paper, foil, metal, metal alloys, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidine chloride, polyvinyl acetate, polyamides, homo polymers thereof, and combinations and copolymers thereof.

[0512] R. A method of preparing a packaging article comprising orming an adhesive composition comprising a polymer having one or more C₃ to C₄₀ olefins and from 0 to 5 mole % of ethylene, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more, a branching index (g′) of 0.95 or less measured at the Mz of the polymer, and a Mw of 100,000 or less and applying the adhesive composition to at least a portion of a packaging element.

B. Disposables

[0513] In a particular embodiment, the adhesives of this invention can be used in disposable articles. As used herein, “disposable articles” refer to articles that are not meant for extended use. A typical life span of a disposable article can be a single use for any given period of time to multiple uses that last from seconds to days, to even weeks or longer periods of use. Typically, disposable articles are formed by attaching a first disposable element to at least a portion of a second disposable element using an adhesive composition. Alternatively, disposable articles are formed by attaching a portion of a disposable element to another portion of the disposable element using an adhesive composition. Disposable elements may be formed from nonwoven fabrics, nonwoven webs, non-elastic nonwoven fabrics, elastic nonwoven fabrics, necked-bonded laminates, stretch-bonded laminates, spunbond-meltblown-spunbond laminates, polypropylene spunbonded layers, polyethylene layers, combination polyethylene and polypropylene spunbonded layers, elastic strands, styrene-isoprene-styrene, styrene-butadiene-styrene, styrene-ethylene/propylene-styrene, styrene-co-butadiene-styrene, polyurethane, woven fabrics, polypropylene, polyester, body fluid impermeable backsheets, body fluid impermeable layers, body fluid permeable layers, body fluid permeable covers, absorbents, tissues, elastomeric materials, superabsorbent polymers, polyolefin films, polyester films, polyvinylchloride films, polyvinylidine chloride films, polyvinyl acetate films, elastic attachment tape, frontal tape backing, wood, paper, barrier films, film laminates, nonwoven composites, textile materials, woven materials, durable fabrics, absorbents, elastomeric strands, elastomeric webs, tissues, films, coverstock materials, nonwoven polyethylene, perforated polyethylene, superabsorbent polymers, filaments, porous webs, fibers, loop fastener material, spunbonded nonwovens, liners, elastic side panels, fastening tape, elastic bands, rayon, nylon, cellulosic pulp, cellulosic fluff, superabsorbent batts, or combinations thereof. The disposable elements may have any thickness and may vary across a cross-section thereof, depending on its intended uses. In some aspects, the thicknesses may range from microns to meters. Preferred thicknesses range from microns to millimeters.

[0514] Exemplary disposable articles may include diapers, training pants, sanitary napkins, panty liners, incontinent wear, bed pads, surgical gowns, surgical drapes, rodent traps, hook and loop fasteners, garments, medical garments, swimwear, or combinations thereof.

[0515] The adhesive composition includes the inventive polymer described herein. The polymer may be functionalized with maleic acid or maleic anhydride. Additional components may be combined with the polymers or formulations of the polymers to form the adhesive composition.

[0516] In one aspect, the adhesive composition can include one or more tackifiers. The tackifiers can include aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resin, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes and modified terpenes, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin esters, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof, for example. The adhesive composition can include 70 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers. Preferably, the adhesive composition includes 40 percent by weight of the one or more tackifiers, and most preferably 20 percent by weight or less.

[0517] In another aspect, the adhesive composition can include one or more waxes, such as polar waxes, non-polar waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, oxidized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, hydroxystearamide waxes, functionalized waxes, polypropylene waxes, polyethylene waxes, wax modifiers, and combinations thereof, for example. The adhesive composition may include 30 percent by weight of the one or more waxes. More preferably, the adhesive composition includes 5 percent by weight of the one or more waxes.

[0518] In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition can include 30 percent by weight or less of one or more additives. More preferably, the adhesive composition includes 25 percent by weight or less, or 20 percent by weight or less, or 15 percent by weight or less, or 10 percent by weight or less, or 5 percent by weight or less of one or more additives. The one or more additives can include plasticizers, oils, stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, dyestuffs, antiblock additives, polymeric additives, defoamers, preservatives, thickeners, rheology modifiers, humectants, fillers, solvents, nucleating agents, surfactants, chelating agents, gelling agents, processing aids, cross-linking agents, neutralizing agents, flame retardants, fluorescing agents, compatibilizers, antimicrobial agents, and water, for example.

[0519] Exemplary oils may include aliphatic naphthenic oils, white oils, and combinations thereof, for example. The phthalates may include di-iso-undecyl phthalate (DIUP), di-iso-nonylphthalate (DINP), dioctylphthalates (DOP), combinations thereof, or derivatives thereof. Exemplary polymeric additives include homo poly-alpha-olefins, copolymers of alpha-olefins, copolymers and terpolymers of diolefins, elastomers, polyesters, block copolymers including diblocks and triblocks, ester polymers, alkyl acrylate polymers, and acrylate polymers. Exemplary plasticizers may include mineral oils, polybutenes, phthalates, and combinations thereof. In one aspect, the adhesive composition includes 30 percent by weight of the one or more plasticizers.

[0520] Exemplary antioxidants include tris(di-t-butyl-p-hydroxybenzyl)-trimethylbenzene, alkylated bisphenol, zinc dibutyl dithiocarbamate, 4,4′-methylene bis(2,6-di-tert-butylphenol), tetrakis[methylene(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamate)methane], lauryl stearyl thiodipropionate, dilauryl 3,3′-thiodipropionate, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-cresol, and combinations or derivatives thereof. In one aspect, the adhesive composition includes 2 percent by weight or less of the one or more antioxidants.

[0521] Exemplary stabilizers include hindered phenols, sulfur phenols, phosphorous-containing phenols, 1,3,5-trimethyl-2,4,6-tris(3-5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)benzene, pentaerythritol tetrakis-3(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate, n-octadecyl-3(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) propionate, 4,4′-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-tert butylphenol), 4,4′-thiobis(6-tertbutyl-o-cresol), 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol, 6-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)-2,4-bis(n-ocytlthio)-1,3,5-triazine, 2,4,6-tris(4-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butyl-phenoxy)-1,3,5-triazine, di-n-octadecyl-3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylphosphonate, 2-(n-octylthio)ethyl-3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate, sorbitol hexa-(3,3,5-di-tertbutyl-4-hydroxy-phenyl)propionate, and combinations or derivatives thereof. In one aspect, the adhesive composition includes from 0.1 to 3 percent by weight of the one or more stabilizers.

[0522] The adhesive composition is formulated to have a PAFT of 30° C. or more, and preferably a PAFT of from 30° C. to 110° C. The adhesive composition should also have a SAFT of 50° C. or more, and preferably up to 200° C. The Brookfield viscosity of the adhesive composition should be 25,000 mPa·s or less at 177° C., preferably from 50 to 10,000 mPa s at 177° C., and more preferably preferably from 50 to 7,000 mPa s at 177° C. A glass transition temperature of the adhesive composition should be from −65° C. to 25° C. In a preferred embodiment the adhesive composition should also have a tensile strength at break of at least 0.69 MPa, preferably at least 1.38 MPa, or more preferably at least 3.45 MPa at 25° C., and a percent elongation of at least 300, 500, or 800 percent strain of the original length at 25° C. In another embodiment the adhesive composition has a cloud point of 200° C. or less.

[0523] Furthermore, the adhesive composition in the disposable article should have a Peel strength (as measured according to ASTM D 1876) of from 90 to 625 g/cm or from 265 to 625 g/cm or from 15 to 450 g/cm. In another embodiment the Peel strength of the adhesive composition is 90 to 1000 g/cm, alternately 200 to 900 g/cm. Additionally, the disposable article should have a dynamic shear strength of from 30 kPa to 140 kPa, such as 45 to 70 kPa.

[0524] In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive composition has a peel strength of greater than 30 minutes, preferably greater than 1 hour, preferably greater than 6 hours at 40° C. In another embodiment the adhesive composition has a static peel strength of from 30 minutes to 24 hours at 40° C., preferably 12 to 24 hours, preferably 6 to 24 hours at 40° C.

[0525] In another embodiment, the adhesive composition has a complex viscosity of from 50 poise or less at 1,000 rad/s shear rate at 177° C.

[0526] In another embodiment, the adhesive composition has a creep resistance of from 70% to 95% at 38° C.

[0527] In one embodiment, the disposable article is a diaper having two different types of adhesive compositions. The first adhesive composition can be an elastic attachment type adhesive and the second type of adhesive can be a construction type adhesive, sometimes referred to as a core and chassis adhesive. It is advantageous to utilize one adhesive composition for both the elastic attachment adhesive and the construction adhesive because the use of two adhesives on the same diaper poses problems for the diaper manufacturer, which must ensure that the right adhesive is used in the correct melt tank and is applied to the correct place on the diaper. Accordingly, an adhesive that is capable of performing both types of bonding functions is highly desirable.

[0528] 1. Elastic Attachment Adhesives

[0529] Elastic attachment adhesives bond elastic materials to disposable elements. Diapers have elastic bands on the legs and/or the waist of the diaper, and typically include a disposable element such as an elastic band attached to a second disposable element, which is the portion of the diaper forming the leg opening or waist. The adhesive composition is used to attach the elastic band to the second disposable element, which is usually a fluid-impermeable barrier layer. An elastic attachment adhesive primarily exhibits high creep resistance to ensure that the elastic, when under stress, does not move relative to the surface of the second disposable element or become partially or fully detached. Should the elastic move or become detached, the resulting loss of fit could result in inconvenience, waste, embarrassment, discomfort, and associated health and safety problems.

[0530] In particular, elasticized areas can be formed by adhesively bonding non-elastic nonwoven fabrics together with at least one elastic strand disposed in the middle. In such a process, the elasticized area is a laminated structure including a nonwoven substrate, at least one elastic strand and a hot-melt adhesive composition, which binds the nonwoven substrate and the at least one elastic strand to one another. The nonwoven substrate is selected from the group consisting of a necked-bonded laminate, a stretch-bonded laminate, a spunbond-meltblown-spunbond laminate, a polypropylene spunbonded layer, and a polyethylene layer in combination with a polypropylene spunbonded layer, or a combination thereof. The elastic strand is selected from the group comprising styrene-isoprene-styrene, styrene-butadiene-styrene, styrene-ethylene/propylene-styrene, styrene/ethylene-co-butadiene/styrene, polyurethane, and combinations thereof.

[0531] Another method of forming the elasticized areas includes adhesively bonding an elastic nonwoven fabric together with a non-elastic nonwoven fabric. In such a process, a hot-melt adhesive composition binds a first nonwoven elastic substrate and a second nonwoven substrate to one another. The first nonwoven elastic substrate is selected from the group including a necked-bonded laminate, a stretch-bonded laminate, a polypropylene spunbonded layer, a polyethylene layer in combination with a polypropylene spunbonded layer, a styrene-isoprene-styrene strand, a styrene-butadiene-styrene strand, a styrene-ethylene/propylene-styrene strand, a styrene/ethylene-co-butadiene/styrene strand, and a polyurethane strand. The second nonwoven substrate is selected from the group including a necked-bonded laminate, a stretch-bonded laminate, a spunbond-meltblown-spunbond laminate, a polypropylene spunbonded layer, a polyethylene layer in combination with a polypropylene spunbonded layer, a styrene-isoprene-styrene strand, a styrene-butadiene-styrene strand, a styrene-ethylene/propylene-styrene strand, a styrene/ethylene-co-butadiene/styrene strand, and a polyurethane strand.

[0532] Elastic attachment adhesives should function at body temperature under high peel stress or high shear stress for long periods of time, so that the adhesives should exhibit high peel strength and high shear strength.

[0533] 2. Construction Adhesives

[0534] A construction adhesive is used to construct the core and chassis of the diaper. The construction portion of the diaper includes a disposable element in the form of a fluid-impermeable backing layer with a second disposable element in the form of absorbent materials applied thereto with the adhesive composition. Optionally, the construction portion may comprise the second disposable element in the form of absorbent materials applied to a liner layer with the adhesive composition.

[0535] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a schematic view of an exemplary disposable diaper 100. The diaper 100 includes a waistband section 115, a leg section 120, and a chassis 130. The diaper 100 also includes a fluid-impermeable backing 125 to which the chassis 130 is adhered by the adhesive composition. The fluid-impermeable backing 125 is impervious to fluid and prevents leakage from the diaper 100. The fluid-impermeable backing is typically a plastic or polyolefin film substrate. Useful plastic substrates include films can be made from polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidine chloride, polyvinyl acetate, and other materials capable of film formation.

[0536] The diaper 100 further includes one or more fastening tapes 105 having an adhesive composition 110 disposed thereon. The adhesive composition 110 either has the same composition as the adhesive composition that secures the chassis 130 to the backing 125, or can have a different composition. The fastening tapes 105 (two are shown) are located on an outer surface of the fluid-impermeable backing 125 (not shown), which is opposite the side of the backing 125 to which the chassis 130 is adhered. When the diaper 100 is in a closed position, the fastening tape 105 is contacted with the opposite side of the fluid-impervious backing 125 so that the adhesive 110 adheres to the opposite side of the fluid-impervious backing 125.

[0537] The waistband sections 115 and the leg sections 120 are adhered to the fluid-impermeable backing 125 using a first adhesive composition (not shown). The second adhesive composition is an elastic attachment adhesive as the waistband sections 115 and leg sections 120 typically include elastic to fit to the waist and legs of the wearer.

[0538] The chassis 130 includes multiple layers, such as an absorbent layer 135 adhered to a liner layer 140 using a second adhesive composition (not shown), which may have the same composition or a different composition than the first adhesive composition. Preferably, the second adhesive composition is a construction type adhesive. The liner layer 140 permits fluid to pass through to the absorbent layer 135, which absorbs the fluid. The absorbent layer 135 typically includes cellulosic pulp or fluff, super-absorbent batts or combinations of fluff and super-absorbent materials. Such fluff layers are often formed and wrapped in tissue to provide mechanical integrity to the fluff, which has little inherent mechanical strength. Fluff is typically manufactured through the formation of finely divided cellulosic fibers, however other materials can be used to form highly absorbent fluff or pulp layers.

[0539] The liner layer 140 typically includes a woven or nonwoven layer (not shown) formed over a tissue layer (not shown). The tissue layer may be a loosely formed cellulosic sheet of high porosity or permeability. The woven or nonwoven layers can consist of a fluid permeable flexible material made of hydrophilic or hydrophobic fiber components, natural or synthetic fibers, rayon, polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, or mixtures thereof.

[0540] In one aspect, the elastic adhesive composition may include at least 50 percent by weight of the polymer, up to 50 percent by weight of a tackifier, up to 30 percent by weight of mineral oil, up to 10 percent by weight of wax, and up to 2 percent by weight of an anti-oxidant. In another aspect, the elastic adhesive composition may include at least 75 percent by weight of the polymer, up to 50 percent by weight of a tackifier, up to 20 percent by weight of mineral oil, up to 5 percent by weight of wax, and up to 2 percent by weight of an anti-oxidant. In yet another aspect, the elastic adhesive composition may include at least 80 percent by weight of the polymer, up to 50 percent by weight of a tackifier, up to 30 percent by weight of mineral oil, up to 10 percent by weight of wax, and up to 2 percent by weight of an anti-oxidant.

[0541] In one aspect, the construction adhesive composition may include at least, 50 percent by weight of the polymer, up to 50 percent by weight of a tackifier, up to 30 percent by weight of mineral oil, up to 10 percent by weight of wax, and up to 2 percent by weight of an anti-oxidant. In another aspect, the construction adhesive composition may include 75 to 95 percent by weight of the polymer, up to 50 percent by weight of a tackifier, up to 20 percent by weight of mineral oil, up to 5 percent by weight of wax, and up to 2 percent by weight of an anti-oxidant. In yet another aspect, the construction adhesive composition may include at least 80 percent by weight of the polymer, up to 50 percent by weight of a tackifier, up to 30 percent by weight of mineral oil, up to 10 percent by weight of wax, and up to 2 percent by weight of an anti-oxidant.

[0542] The embodiments described below further relate to compositions or combinations as described herein.

[0543] A. A disposable article comprising an adhesive composition comprising a polymer having one or more C₃ to C₄₀ olefins and from 0 to 5 mole % of ethylene, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more, a branching index (g′) of 0.95 or less measured at an Mz of the polymer, and a Mw of 100,000 or less and a disposable element, wherein the adhesive composition is applied to at least a portion of the disposable element. The disposable element can be selected from the group consisting of nonwoven fabrics, non-woven webs, non-elastic nonwoven fabrics, elastic nonwoven fabrics, necked-bonded laminates, stretch-bonded laminates, spunbond-meltblown-spunbond laminates, polypropylene spunbonded layers, polyethylene layers, combination polyethylene and polypropylene spunbonded layers, elastic strands, styrene-isoprene-styrene, styrene-butadiene-styrene, styrene-ethylene/propylene-styrene, styrene-co-butadiene-styrene, polyurethane, woven fabrics, polypropylene, polyester, body fluid impermeable backsheets, body fluid impermeable layers, body fluid permeable layers, body fluid permeable covers, absorbents, tissues, elastomeric materials, superabsorbent polymers, polyolefin films, polyester films, polyvinylchloride films, polyvinylidine chloride films, polyvinyl acetate films, elastic attachment tape, frontal tape backing, wood, paper, barrier films, film laminates, nonwoven composites, textile materials, woven materials, durable fabrics, absorbents, elastomeric strands, elastomeric webs, tissues, films, coverstock materials, nonwoven polyethylene, perforated polyethylene, superabsorbent polymers, filaments, porous webs, fibers, loop fastener material, spunbonded nonwoven articles, liners, elastic side panels, fastening tape, elastic bands, rayon, nylon, cellulosic pulp, cellulosic fluff, superabsorbent batts, and combinations thereof.

[0544] B. The disposable article of paragraph A used as a diaper, training pants, sanitary napkin, panty liner, incontinent wear, bed pad, surgical gown, surgical drape, rodent trap, hook and loop fastener, garment, medical garment, swimwear, and combinations thereof.

[0545] C. The disposable article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the disposable element is adhered to a second disposable element by the adhesive composition.

[0546] D. The disposable article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition further comprises one or more tackifiers. The tackifiers are selected from the group consisting of aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, modified polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resins, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes, modified terpenes, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin acids, modified hydrogenated terpenes, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin esters, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0547] The adhesive composition can further comprise one or more waxes selected from the group consisting of polar waxes, non-polar waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, oxidized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, hydroxystearamide waxes, functionalized waxes, polypropylene waxes, polyethylene waxes, wax modifiers; hydrocarbon waxes, petroleum waxes, paraffin waxes, synthetic waxes, polyolefin waxes, and combinations or derivatives thereof. The adhesive composition can further comprises one or more additives selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, oils, stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, colorants, dyestuffs, polymeric additives, defoamers, preservatives, thickeners, rheology modifiers, humectants, fillers, solvents, nucleating agents, water, stabilizers, chelating agents, gelling agents, and combinations or derivatives thereof.

[0548] E. The disposable article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 30 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 10 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 5 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 3 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 2 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, or 1 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes.

[0549] F. The disposable article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 70 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 60 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 50 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 40 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 30 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 10 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 5 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, or 1 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers.

[0550] G. The disposable article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 30 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 25 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 15 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 10 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 5 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, or 1 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives.

[0551] H. The disposable article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a melt viscosity of 90,000 mPa·s or less at 190° C. The polymer can further have a set time of 30 minutes or less and a Dot T-Peel of from 3 N to 4,000 N, alternately 3 N to 400 N, alternately 3 N to 40 N.

[0552] I. The disposable article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition has a viscosity of from 0.05 Pa·s to 25 Pa·s at 177° C. The adhesive composition can further have a cloud point of 200° C. or less and a glass transition temperature of from −65° C. to 30° C.

[0553] J. A method of preparing the disposable article of any of the above paragraphs comprising forming an adhesive composition comprising a polymer having one or more C₃ to C₄₀ olefins and from 0 to 5 mole % of ethylene, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more, a branching index (g′) of 0.98 or less measured at the Mz of the polymer, and a Mw of 100,000 or less and applying the adhesive composition to at least a portion of a disposable element.

C. Laminates

[0554] In a particular embodiment, the adhesive described herein can be used in a laminate article. Laminate articles consist of layers, or laminae, bonded together by suitable binders. Laminaes are usually materials that are readily available in continuous-sheet forms, such as paper or woven fabrics. The binders are synthetic resins, predominantly phenolic resins, that are solvent-coated or impregnated into the base laminae. After drying, several laminae are stacked and the entire mass is consolidated under heat and pressure to form a rigid sheet or panel used for its mechanical, electrical, chemical, or aesthetic qualities. In industry, laminaes are used for their electrical properties, impact strength, wearing quality, or chemical resistance. They are used in electronic applications, electrical switches, gears, etc. Although extremely important functionally, they are seldom conspicuous.

[0555] Laminate articles can consist of a reinforcing fibrous web extending through a matrix of synthetic resinous material. The choice of web and resin determines the properties of the laminate article and, to a great extent, the process used for manufacture. The term “laminate article” as used herein includes any multiple-layered article that is subjected to heat and/or pressure to form a multiple layer structure. A laminate layer is a sheetlike material that may be treated with resin, such as tackifiers as described below, and consolidated by heat and pressure. Typical layers include papers, woven fabrics, mats, felts, and similar materials. The layers are usually in the form of a continuous roll, although wood veneers are a notable exception. Laminating layers are classified by the form (paper, woven fabric, etc) or the constituent, which may vary from absorbent organic cellulose to non-absorbent inorganic glass. Each layer can individually be a film layer, a coating layer, a fibrous layer, a foam layer, a substrate layer, and/or other suitable layers. Each layer of the laminate may be formed of the same or different materials, such as wood, plastic, paper, rubber, thermoplastic, cardboard, metal, including metal alloys, compounded materials, metal foil, such as aluminum and tin foil, metallized surfaces, and dynamically vulcanized alloys, cloth, spunbonded fibers, stone, plaster, glass, including silicon oxide (SiO_x) coatings applied by evaporating silicon oxide onto a film surface, rock, ceramics, films, foams, nonwovens, including particularly polypropylene spun bonded fibers, and substrates coated with inks, dyes, pigments, PVDC and the like and any combinations, blends, and mixtures thereof. Furthermore, each layer can vary in thickness depending on the intended uses.

[0556] In one aspect, the layers may include one or more of the following, alone or in combination with the adhesive composition described herein.

[0557] 1. Polyolefins

[0558] Preferred polyolefins include homopolymers or copolymers of C₂ to C₄₀ olefins, preferably C₂ to C₂₀ olefins, and more preferably a copolymer of an alpha-olefin and another olefin or alpha-olefin (ethylene is defined to be an alpha-olefin for purposes of this invention). Most preferably, the polymer includes homopolyethylene, homopolypropylene, propylene copolymerized with ethylene and or butene, ethylene copolymerized with one or more of propylene, butene or hexene, and optional dienes. Preferred examples include thermoplastic polymers such as ultra low density polyethylene, very low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polypropylene, isotactic polypropylene, highly isotactic polypropylene, syndiotactic polypropylene, random copolymer of propylene and ethylene and/or butene and/or hexene, elastomers such as ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber, neoprene, and blends of thermoplastic polymers and elastomers, such as for example, thermoplastic elastomers and rubber toughened plastics.

[0559] 2. Polar Polymers

[0560] Preferred polar polymers include homopolymers and copolymers of esters, amides, actates, anhydrides, copolymers of a C₂ to C₂₀ olefin, such as ethylene and/or propylene and/or butene with one or more polar monomers such as acetates, anhydrides, esters, alcohol, and or acrylics. Preferred examples include polyesters, polyamides, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, and polyvinyl chloride.

[0561] 3. Cationic Polymers

[0562] Preferred cationic polymers include polymers or copolymers of geminally disubstituted olefins, alpha-heteroatom olefins and/or styrenic monomers. Preferred geminally disubstituted olefins include isobutylene, isopentene, isoheptene, isohexane, isooctene, isodecene, and isododecene. Preferred alpha-heteroatom olefins include vinyl ether and vinyl carbazole, preferred styrenic monomers include styrene, alkyl styrene, para-alkyl styrene, alpha-methyl styrene, chloro-styrene, and bromo-para-methyl styrene. Preferred examples of cationic polymers include butyl rubber, isobutylene copolymerized with para methyl styrene, polystyrene, and poly-alpha-methyl styrene.

[0563] Moreover, each layer may be functionalized with malaic acid or malaic anhydride.

[0564] For example, the layers may include one or more films comprising any of the above materials, and blends thereof, with or without the adhesive composition described herein. Each film may vary in thickness, depending on the intended application. For example, films of a thickness from 1 to 250 μm are usually suitable for laminate articles, while films intended for packaging are usually from 10 to 60 μm thick. In one aspect, the laminate article may include one or more films for sealing either another film layer or portions of the laminate article. The thickness of the sealing layer is typically from 0.2 to 50 μm. There may be a sealing layer on both the inner surfaces and outer surfaces of the film or laminate article or the sealing layer may be present on only the inner surface or the outer surface. These films may be formed by any of the conventional techniques known in the art including extrusion, co-extrusion, extrusion coating, lamination, blowing and casting.

[0565] In one aspect, the laminate article includes at least two layers in combination with an adhesive composition. The laminate article preferably includes from 2 to 70 layers. In one aspect, the laminate article may include 2, 3, 4 or 5 layers. For example, the laminate article may include two layers, wherein the first layer is wood and the second layer is a veneer film.

[0566] The adhesive composition described herein may be included within any layer of the laminate article or applied between the layers of the laminate article. For example, the adhesive composition may be used as a tie layer or as an adhesive layer, such as on a layer of contact paper.

[0567] The adhesive composition includes the inventive polymer described herein. The polymer may be functionalized. Additional components such as tackifier, waxes, and additives, for example, may be combined with the polymers or formulations of the polymers to form the adhesive composition.

[0568] In one aspect, the adhesive composition includes one or more tackifiers. The tackifiers may be aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resin, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes and modified terpenes, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin esters, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof, for example. The adhesive composition may include from 1 to 80 percent by weight of the one or more tackifiers. More preferably, the adhesive composition includes from 2 to 40 percent by weight of the one or more tackifiers, and most preferably from 3 to 30 percent by weight. Furthermore, the one or more tackifiers may further be included in one or more of the layers. The layers including a tackifer may be oriented in uniaxial or biaxial directions to the same or different degrees.

[0569] In another aspect, the adhesive composition includes one or more waxes, such as polar waxes, non-polar waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, oxidized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, hydroxystearamide waxes, functionalized waxes, polypropylene waxes, polyethylene waxes, wax modifiers, and combinations thereof, for example. The adhesive composition may include 5 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, or 3 percent or less, or 1 percent or less, or 0.5 percent or less.

[0570] In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition includes 30 percent by weight or less, 25 percent by weight or less, 20 percent by weight or less, or 10 percent by weight or less, or 5 percent by weight or less of one or more additives. The one or more additives may include plasticizers, oils, stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, dyestuffs, polymeric additives, defoamers, preservatives, thickeners, rheology modifiers, humectants, fillers; fluorescing agents, and water, for example. Exemplary oils may include aliphatic naphthenic oils, white oils, and combinations thereof, for example. The phthalates may include di-iso-undecyl phthalate (DIUP), di-iso-nonylphthalate (DINP), dioctylphthalates (DOP), combinations thereof, or derivatives thereof. Exemplary plasticizers may include mineral oils, polybutenes, phthalates, and combinations thereof. Exemplary polymeric additives include homo poly-alpha-olefins, copolymers of alpha-olefins, copolymers and terpolymers of diolefins, elastomers, polyesters, block copolymers including diblocks and triblocks, ester polymers, alkyl acrylate polymers, and acrylate polymers.

[0571] In one aspect, the adhesive composition has a percent substrate fiber tear of from 75% to 100% at 22° C. At −35° C., the adhesive composition can have a percent substrate fiber tear of from 75% to 100%, and at 40° C. from 75% to 100%. In one embodiment, the adhesive composition has a Peel Adhesion Failure Temperature (PAFT) of 50° C. or more, preferably 60° C. or more, preferably 70° C. or more, preferably 75° C. or more. In yet another embodiment, the adhesive composition has a Shear Adhesion Failure Temperature of 50° C. or more. In one embodiment, the adhesive composition has a viscosity of from 0.2 Pa·s to 8 Pa·s at 177° C., or from 0.5 Pa·s to 2.5 Pa·s at 177° C. Additionally, the adhesive composition can have a glass transition temperature of from −65° C. to 30° C. In another embodiment the adhesive composition may have an open time of 60 seconds or less, preferably 3 seconds or more. In another embodiment the adhesive composition has a cloud point of 200° C. or less, preferably 190° C. or less, preferably 130° C. or less.

[0572] Typical formulations of the polymer include:

[0573] 1. 80 percent by weight or more of the polymer, 20 percent by weight of the one or more tackifiers and 10 percent by weight of the one or more additives, such as fillers.

[0574] 2. 95 percent by weight or more of the polymer and 5 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers.

[0575] 3. 92 percent by weight or more of the polymer, 5 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers and 3 percent by weight or more of the one or more fillers.

[0576] The laminate article may be formed using any of the conventional techniques known or yet to be discovered in the art. Same exemplary techniques are discussed below.

[0577] In one example, such as furniture or veneer processes, the laminating process consists of treating, collating, and pressing. In the first step, the layer is brought into contact with a resin solution by impregnation or coating; the solvent is removed by drying. The treated material is cut into sheets that are placed on each other in a parallel arrangement; this is called collating. Heat and pressure are applied to consolidate the sheets into a permanently bonded and infusible unitary mass; this step is called pressing, or molding. Finishing operations complete the procedure.

[0578] Alternatively, the laminate article may be obtained by the flat film or tubular process, which may be followed by orientation in an uniaxial direction or in two mutually perpendicular directions in the plane of the film. One or more of the layers of the laminate article may be oriented in the transverse and/or longitudinal directions to the same or different extents. This orientation may occur before or after the individual layers are brought together. For example a polyethylene layer can be extrusion coated or laminated onto an oriented polypropylene layer or the polyethylene and polypropylene can be coextruded together into a film then oriented. Likewise, oriented polypropylene could be laminated to oriented polyethylene or oriented polyethylene could be coated onto polypropylene then optionally the combination could be oriented even further. Typically the films are oriented in the Machine Direction (MD) at a ratio of up to 15, preferably between 5 and 7, and in the Transverse Direction (TD) at a ratio of up to 15 preferably 7 to 9. However in another embodiment the laminate article is oriented to the same extent in both the MD and TD directions.

[0579] The laminate articles described above may be used as stretch and/or cling films. Stretch/cling films are used in various bundling, packaging and palletizing operations. To impart cling properties to, or improve the cling properties of, a particular film, a number of well-known tackifying additives can be utilized. The cling properties of a film can also be modified by the well-known physical process referred to as corona discharge. Some polymers (such as ethylene methyl acrylate copolymers) do not need cling additives and can be used as cling layers without tackifiers. Stretch/clings films may comprise a slip layer comprising any suitable polyolefin or combination of polyolefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, copolymers of ethylene and propylene, and polymers obtained from ethylene and/or propylene copolymerized with minor amounts of other olefins, particularly C₄ to C₁₂ olefins. Particularly preferred are polypropylene and linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE). Suitable polypropylene is normally solid and isotactic, i.e., greater than 90% hot heptane insolubles, having wide ranging melt flow rates of from about 0.1 to about 300 g/10 min. Additionally, the slip layer may include one or more anticling (slip and/or antiblock) additives, which may be added during the production of the polyolefin or subsequently blended in to improve the slip properties of this layer. Such additives are well-known in the art and include, for example, silicas, silicates, diatomaceous earths, talcs and various lubricants. These additives are preferably utilized in amounts ranging from about 100 ppm to about 20,000 ppm, more preferably between about 500 ppm to about 10,000 ppm, by weight based upon the weight of the slip layer. The slip layer may, if desired, also include one or more other additives as described above.

[0580] The laminate article may also be used in veneers, counter-tops, clothing, window treatments and furniture, for example. The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) publishes complete information on the properties of and test methods for both industrial and decorative laminates. For example, laminate articles can include the following:

• [0581] Copper-clad Laminates. Grades X, XXP, XXXPC, FR-2, FR-3, FR-4, FR-5, FR-6, G-10, G-11, CEM-1, and CEM-3 laminates are used with copper foil bonded tone or both surfaces and are intended primarily for printed wiring boards but not for multiplayer applications.
• [0582] Epoxy—Glass Laminates. Epoxy-resin-impregnated glass cloth in the semicured state is cured for bonding the individual circuit layers of multiplayer printed wiring boards.
• [0583] Polyester-Glass Laminates. Grades GPO-1, GPO-2, and GPO-3 polyester glass-mat sheet laminates are intended for both mechanical and electrical applications.

[0584] In a specific example, the laminate article is formed in the following way:

[0585] An adhesive composition is applied between a first layer and a second layer and between the second layer and a third layer to form a three layer laminate article, wherein the adhesive composition includes 95 percent by weight polymer and 5 percent by weight tackifier.

[0586] In another specific example, the laminate article is formed by the following:

An adhesive composition is applied in between each of 6 layers to form a 6 layered laminate article, wherein the adhesive composition includes 92 percent by weight polymer, 5 percent by weight tackifier and 3 percent by weight exfoliated clay.

[0587] A hypothetical example includes forming a decorative laminate article. A face sheet is prepared by treating a roll of pigmented alpha-cellulose decorative paper with a melamine formaldehyde reaction product, the paper having a weight of approximately 69 lb/3000 ft³. The formed web of paper is then carried over a reverse roll applicator for resin impregnation (with the adhesive compositions described herein) and through an air knife for metering resin to obtain a resin content of 55 percent. The web is then dried in a treater oven to a volatile content of 6 percent and the desired sheet lengths are cut therefrom. Preferably, the viscosity of the adhesive composition is 0.05 Pa·s. A first layer and a multiple layer solid color laminate comprising an aluminum foil release sheet, a melamine treated decorative sheet, a vinyl ester treated core sheet and a melamine treated decorative sheet are consolidated in a hydraulic press under 1200 psi pressure at a peak temperature of 280 F for a total cure cycle of one hour.

[0588] The embodiments described below further relate to compositions or combinations as described herein.

[0589] A. A laminate article comprising two or more layers in combination with an adhesive composition comprising a polymer having one or more C₃ to C₄₀ olefins and from 0 to 5 mole % of ethylene, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more, a branching index (g′) of 0.95 or less measured at an Mz of the polymer, and a Mw of 100,000 or less. The adhesive composition can be present between one or more layers. In one embodiment, at least one of the two or more layers comprise one or more materials selected from the group consisting of wood, plastic, paper, rubber, thermoplastic, cardboard, metal, metal foil, metallized surfaces, cloth, non-wovens, spunbonded fibers, stone, plaster, glass, rock, ceramics, films, and foams. In another embodiment, the laminate article comprises more than two layers and wherein each layer is individually selected from the group consisting of wood, plastic, paper, rubber, thermoplastic, cardboard, metal, metal foil, metallized surfaces, cloth, non-wovens, spunbonded fibers, stone, plaster, glass, rock, ceramics, films, and foams.

[0590] B. The laminate article described in paragraph A above further comprising one or more tackifiers. The one or more tackifiers can be selected from the group consisting of aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, modified polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resins, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes, modified terpenes, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin acids, modified hydrogenated terpenes, hydrogenated rosin esters, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0591] The laminate article described in paragraph A or B above, can further comprise one or more waxes. The one or more waxes are selected from the group consisting of polar waxes, non-polar waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, oxidized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, hydroxystearamide waxes, functionalized waxes, polypropylene waxes, polyethylene waxes, wax modifiers, and combinations thereof.

[0592] The laminate article can further comprise one or more additives. The additives are selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, oils, stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, dyestuffs, polymeric additives, defoamers, preservatives, thickeners, rheology modifiers, humectants, fillers and water. The one or more oils comprise aliphatic naphthenic oils, white oils, combinations thereof, and derivatives thereof. The one or more polymeric additives are selected from the group consisting of homo poly-alpha-olefins, copolymers of alpha-olefins, copolymers and terpolymers of diolefins, elastomers, polyesters, block copolymers including diblocks and triblocks, ester polymers, alkyl acrylate polymers, and acrylate polymers. The one or more plasticizers selected from the group consisting of mineral oils, polybutenes, phthalates, and combinations thereof. The one or more phthalates comprise di-iso-undecyl phthalate (DIUP), di-iso-nonylphthalate (DINP), dioctylphthalates (DOP), combinations thereof, or derivatives thereof.

[0593] C. The laminate article of paragraph B, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 5 percent or less by weight of the one or more waxes, from 1 percent to 90 percent by weight of the one or more tackifiers, and 30 percent or less by weight of the one or more additives.

[0594] D. The laminate article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a melt viscosity of 90,000 mPa·s or less at 190° C. The polymer can also have a set time of 30 minutes or less. The polymer can also have a Dot T-Peel from 3 N to 4,000 N.

[0595] E. The laminate article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition has a viscosity of from 0.2 Pa·s to 8 Pa·s at 177° C. The adhesive composition can also have a Dot T-Peel of from 3 N to 4,000 N.

[0596] F. A diaper comprising the laminate article of any of the above paragraphs.

[0597] G. A process of making the laminate of any of the above paragraphs comprising combining at least two layers and an adhesive composition to form the laminate article, the adhesive composition comprising a polymer having one or more C3 to C40 olefins and from 0 to 5 mole % of ethylene, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more, a branching index (g′) of 0.98 or less measured at the Mz of the polymer, and a Mw of 100,000 or less.

D. Nonwovens/Fibers

[0598] In a particular embodiment, the adhesives of this invention can be used in fiber products. Fiber products consist of fibrous materials having an adhesive composition applied thereto. The fibrous material can include a single-component fiber, a multi-component fiber, or a combination thereof. Several types of fibrous materials can be used to form fiber products and are generally distinguished based on fiber organization within the fiber product. For example, one type of fibrous material is an isotropic assembly in which individual fibers are arranged in a completely random fashion with no preferred orientation in any of the three principal spatial axes. Another example of fibrous materials is textile yarns, having a high degree of fiber orientation with respect to the principal axis of the material. Textile yarns are produced from staple (finite length) fibers by a combination of processing steps referred to collectively as yarn spinning. After preliminary fiber alignment, the fibers are locked together by twisting the structure to form the spun yarn, which is continuous in length and substantially uniform. Yarns are typically used in the formation of textile fabrics, either by weaving or knitting.

[0599] The fibrous materials can include cotton, kapok, coir, flax, hemp, ramie, jute, sisal, abaca, cellulose, wool, mohair, cashmere, human hair, common goat hair, camel hair, llama hair, alpaca hair, vicun wool, silk, nylon, aramid, Kevlar, nomax, polyamides, polyacrylates, polyolefin polymers, such as propylene, butene-1, polyethylene, polypropylene, and ethylene-vinyl acetate, polyester, such as polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, and poly-ethyleneoxybenzonate, asbestos, polyamides, polycarbonate, polystyrene, thermoplastic elastomers, flouropolymers, vinyl polymers, minerals, acrylics, polyvinylchloride, organic binders, glass, metal, alumina, silicon carbide, boron nitride, boron carbide, and combinations thereof.

[0600] Exemplary fiber products include nonwovens, carpet, diapers, swimwear, child training pants, adult incontinence garments, feminine care products, medical garments, bed pads, surgical drapes, cloth linings, scrubbing pads, automotive interior parts, garments, tapes, face masks and respirators, air filters, vacuum bags, oil and chemical spill sorbents, thermal insulation, first aid dressings, medical wraps, fiberfill, outerwear, bed quilt stuffing, furniture padding, filter media, scrubbing pads, wipe materials, and combinations thereof.

[0601] As used herein, “nonwoven” refers to a textile material that has been produced by means other than weaving. In nonwoven fabrics, the fibers are processed directly into a planar sheetlike fabric structure by passing the intermediate one-dimensional yarn state, and then are either bonded chemically or interlocked mechanically (or both) to achieve a cohesive fabric. The nonwoven article may include natural or synthetic fibers or mixtures thereof. Materials commonly used in forming nonwoven articles include rayon, polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, and others. The individual fibers are usually staple fibers or continuous filaments. Exemplary fibers may include polypropylene fibers, rayon fibers, polyester fibers, polyethylene fibers, nylon fibers, cellulose fibers, viscose fibers, ethylene-propylene copolymer fibers, polyolefin fibers, polyamide fibers, polycarbonate fibers, polystyrene fibers, thermoplastic elastomer fibers, fluoropolymer fibers, vinyl polymer fibers, carbon fibers, glass fibers, mineral fibers, wool fibers, acrylic fibers, polyvinylchloride fibers, polyurethane fibers, organic binder fibers, and combinations thereof.

[0602] The adhesive composition includes the inventive polymer described herein. The polymer may be functionalized with malaic acid or malaic anhydride. Additional components may be combined with the polymers or formulations of the polymers to form the adhesive composition.

[0603] In one aspect, the adhesive composition can include one or more tackifiers. The tackifiers can include aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resin, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes and modified terpenes, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin esters, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof, for example. The adhesive composition can include 80 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, or 60 percent by weight, or 40 percent by weight. More preferably, the adhesive composition includes 30 percent by weight of the one or more tackifiers.

[0604] In another aspect, the adhesive composition can include one or more waxes, such as polar waxes, non-polar waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, oxidized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, hydroxystearamide waxes, functionalized waxes, polypropylene waxes, polyethylene waxes, wax modifiers, and combinations thereof, for example. The adhesive composition may include 30 percent by weight or less, or 25 percent by weight or less, or 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes. More preferably, the adhesive composition includes 15 percent by weight or less, or 10 percent by weight or less, or 5 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes.

[0605] In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition can include 90 percent by weight or less, or 30 percent by weight or less, or 25 percent by weight or less, or 20 percent by weight or less of one or more additives. More preferably, the adhesive composition includes 15 percent by weight or less, or 10 percent by weight or less, or 5 percent by weight or less of one or more additives. The one or more additives can include plasticizers, oils, stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, dyestuffs, antiblock additives, polymeric additives, defoamers, preservatives, thickeners, rheology modifiers, humectants, fillers, surfactants, processing aids, cross-linking agents, neutralizing agents, flame retardants, fluorescing agents, compatibilizers, antimicrobial agents, and water, for example. Exemplary oils may include aliphatic naphthenic oils, white oils, and combinations thereof, for example. The phthalates may include di-iso-undecyl phthalate (DIUP), di-iso-nonylphthalate (DINP), dioctylphthalates (DOP), combinations thereof, or derivatives thereof. Exemplary polymeric additives include homo poly-alpha-olefins, copolymers of alpha-olefins, copolymers and terpolymers of diolefins, elastomers, polyesters, block copolymers including diblocks and triblocks, ester polymers, alkyl acrylate polymers, and acrylate polymers. Exemplary plasticizers may include mineral oils, polybutenes, phthalates, and combinations thereof.

[0606] In one aspect, the adhesive composition has a percent substrate fiber tear of from 75% to 100% at 22° C. In another aspect, the adhesive composition has a PAFT of 60° C. or more. Preferably, the adhesive composition has a PAFT of 150° C. or more. In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition has a SAFT of 70° C. or more. The adhesive composition can also have a tensile strength at break of at least 6.89 bar at 25° C. In one aspect, the adhesive composition has a viscosity of less than 9 Pa·s at 177° C. Preferably, the adhesive composition has a viscosity of from 0.2 to 8 Pa·s at 177° C. More preferably, the adhesive composition has a viscosity of from 0.5 to 2.5 Pa·s at 177° C. In another aspect, the adhesive composition has a cloud point of 275° C. or less. Preferably, the adhesive composition has a cloud point of 190° C. or less. More preferably, the adhesive composition has a cloud point of 130° C. or less. In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition has a glass transition temperature of from −65° C. to 30° C.

[0607] One typical formulation of the adhesive composition includes at least 50 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 80 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 30 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 30 percent by weight of one or more additives. Another typical formulation of the adhesive composition includes at least 50 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 50 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 10 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 10 percent by weight of one or more additives. Yet another typical formulation of the adhesive composition includes at least 50 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 80 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 10 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 10 percent by weight of one or more additives.

[0608] Fiber products can be formed by any method known to one skilled in the art, including melt spinning, dry spinning, wet spinning, thermal setting, thermal relaxation, twisting, interlacing, bundling, crimping, meltblowing, spunbonding, air laying, bonded carded web processes and cutting, for example. For example, the fiber product can be formed by extruding the adhesive composition onto one or more fibers to form the fiber product, or applying the adhesive composition to a substrate to attach a plurality of fibers (the fibrous material) thereto.

[0609] In one example, such as, melt spinning, the process consists of forcing molten polymer through the fine holes in a spinneret and solidifying the molten polymer by passage through cool air to a driven roll that draws the fibers away from the face of the spinneret.

[0610] In another example, a nonwoven article is formed impregnation of a loosely assembled web of individual fibers with the adhesive composition, followed by moderate heating to dry the web. This moderate heating also serves to cure the adhesive composition. The fibers and adhesive composition are heated to a temperature that is sufficiently high to soften the adhesive composition, but still below the melting point of the fibers. The starting fibrous web can be formed by any one of the conventional techniques for depositing or arranging fibers in a web or layer. These techniques include carding, garnetting, and air-laying. Individual webs or thin layers formed by one or more of these techniques can also be lapped or laminated to provide a thicker layer for conversion into a heavier fabric. In general, the fibers extend in a plurality of diverse directions in general alignment with the major plane while overlapping, intersecting, and supporting one another to form an open porous structure.

[0611] The fibrous web is then subjected to at least one of several types of latex bonding operations to anchor the individual fibers together to form a self-sustaining web. Some of the better known methods of bonding are overall impregnation, spraying or printing the web with intermittent or continuous, straight or wavy lines or areas of the adhesive composition extending generally transversely or diagonally across the web and additionally, if desired, along the web.

[0612] One typical formulation of the adhesive composition useful with non-woven articles includes at least 50 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 80 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 30 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 30 percent by weight of one or more additives. Another typical formulation of the adhesive composition useful with non-woven articles includes at least 50 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 50 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 10 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 5 percent by weight of one or more additives.

[0613] The fiber products described above may be used as clothing, hosiery, swimwear, foundations, underwear, medical supplies, parachutes, golf balls, automotive seats and upholstered furniture.

[0614] Nonwoven articles are useful in preparing surgical drapes, feminine hygiene articles, incontinence wear, diapers, training pants, swimwear, medical garments, outerwear, bed quilt stuffing, furniture padding, filter media, scrubbing pads, cloth linings, automotive interior parts, face masks and respirators, vacuum bags, oil and chemical spill sorbents, thermal insulation, first aid dressings, medical wraps, wipe materials, and other products. The non-woven fabric or web of the non-woven article may include diapers, swimwear, child training pants, adult incontinence garments, feminine care products, medical garments, bed pads, surgical drapes, cloth linings, scrubbing pads, automotive interior parts, garments, tapes, face masks and respirators, air filters, vacuum bags, oil and chemical spill sorbents, thermal insulation, first aid dressings, medical wraps, fiberfill, outerwear, bed quilt stuffing, furniture padding, filter media, scrubbing pads, wipe materials, and combinations thereof, for example.

[0615] Tufted carpets are generally composite structures in which the yarn forming the pile, e.g., the surface of the carpet, is needled through a base fabric and whereby the base of each tuft extends through the base fabric and is visible on a bottom surface of the base fabric. Tufted carpets are generally of two types. The first is known as a “nap” carpet where the yarn loops are formed by needling or punching a continuous yarn just through the base fabric, thus forming the base of the carpet, while the tops of the loops can be one-fourth inch to three-quarters inches long, thus forming the wearing surface of the carpet. The second type, commonly known as a “shag” carpet, can have the same base fabric as the nap carpet but the tops of the loops have been split. The open ends of the numerous U-shaped pieces of yarn thus form the surface of the shag carpet.

[0616] The loops of yarn are needled through and embedded in the base fabric, thus forming the tufted base, which is secured to the base fabric to prevent the loops from being pulled out of the base fabric. The tufted bases are generally secured by applying an adhesive, such as the adhesive composition described herein, to the back of the raw tufted carpet to bind the tufted yarns to the base fabric. A secondary backing material can also be applied to the back of the raw tufted carpet and bonded thereto with the same adhesive composition that bonds the yarn to the base fabric or another adhesive composition. The application of the secondary backing material further secures the loops of yarn since the loops of yarn are then bonded by the adhesive composition to the backing material as well as the base fabric.

[0617] The yarn can be made of any type of fiber known in the art to be useful for tufted carpets, e.g., nylon, acrylic, wool, cotton and rayon. The base fabric or primary backing may be of any type known in the art and may be woven. For example, the base fabric can be woven jute, woven slit polypropylene film, burlap, or may be non-woven fabric, e.g., a needle punched, or non-woven polypropylene web. Likewise, the secondary backing material may be of any type known in the art, e.g., woven jute, woven slit polypropylene film, burlap, foam material such as polyurethane foams or blown vinyl film and non-woven fabrics such as needle punched, non-woven polypropylene web, or blends of polyesters and polypropylene.

[0618] In preparing such tufted carpets, the adhesive composition is usually applied to the primary backing, which holds the tufted matrix in the form of latex. A secondary backing is then usually applied to the carpet. The carpet is then heated to cure the latex to ensure a bond between the latex and the tufted carpet, and the latex and the primary and secondary backings. As described above, the adhesive composition may or not include fillers. Adhesive compositions including fillers can be used to lock the facing yarn fiber into place. Adhesive compositions that do not include fillers can be used as a main coat adhesive for the construction of tufted yarn carpets or as the main backing for carpet tiles.

[0619] When used in carpet manufacture, the adhesive composition preferably has a tuft bind of 1 kg or more, more preferably 3 kg or more, and most preferably 5 kg or more. As used herein, “tuft bind” is defined by the measures force required to remove a single yarn from the carpet and is measured by ASTM D1335. Even more preferably, the adhesive composition has a tuft bind of 15 kg or more. Additionally, the adhesive composition should have a flexibility of 10° C. or less, or more preferably 5° C. or less. As used herein, “flexibility” is measured by bending a strip of a carpet sample to an angle of 180 degrees at successively lower temperatures. The sample successfully passes the test if it does not crack.

[0620] A typical adhesive formulation for carpets includes from 2 to 98 percent by weight of the polymer described herein, up to 80 percent by weight of at least one tackifying resin, up to 20 percent by weight of at least one wax, up to 30 percent by weight of at least one plasticizer, and up to 5 percent by weight of at least one antioxidant.

[0621] Another typical adhesive formulation for carpets includes from 2 to 98 percent by weight of the polymer described herein, up to 50 percent by weight of at least one tackifying resin, up to 10 percent by weight of at least one wax, up to 20 percent by weight of at least one plasticizer, up to 2 percent by weight of at least one foaming agent, up to 90 percent by weight of at least one filler, and up to 5 percent by weight of at least one antioxidant.

[0622] The embodiments described below further relate to compositions or combinations as described herein.

[0623] A. A fiber product comprising an adhesive composition comprising a polymer having one or more C₃ to C₄₀ olefins and from 0 to 5 mole % of ethylene, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more, a branching index (g′) of 0.95 or less measured at an Mz of the polymer, and a Mw of 100,000 or less and one or more fibrous materials. The fibrous materials can be selected from the group consisting of cotton, hemp, cellulose esters, polyesters, wool, human hair, kevlar, nylon, nomax, polyamides, poly acrylates, polyolefins, and combinations thereof.

[0624] B. The fiber product of paragraph A, wherein the fiber product is a non-woven article. The fibrous material can comprise one or more materials selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, rayon, polyester, polyethylene, nylon, cellulose, viscose, ethylene-proplylene copolymers, polyolefin polymers, polyamides, polycarbonate, polystyrene, thermoplastic elastomers, fluoropolymers, vinyl polymers, carbon, glass, minerals, wool, acrylics, polyvinylchloride, polyurethane, organic binders, and combinations thereof.

[0625] C. The fiber product of paragraph B used as diapers, swimwear, child training pants, adult incontinence garments, feminine care products, medical garments, bed pads, surgical drapes, cloth linings, scrubbing pads, automotive interior parts, garments, tapes, face masks and respirators, air filters, vacuum bags, oil and chemical spill sorbents, thermal insulation, first aid dressings, medical wraps, fiberfill, outerwear, bed quilt stuffing, furniture padding, filter media, scrubbing pads, wipe materials, or combinations thereof.

[0626] D. The fiber product of paragraph A used as a carpet backing article. The carpet backing article can comprise a primary backing material, wherein the fibrous materials are attached to the primary backing material and the adhesive composition is disposed on at least a portion of the fibrous materials. The carpet backing article can further comprise a second backing material adhered to the adhesive composition. The primary backing material is selected from the group consisting of woven jute, woven slit polypropylene film, burlap, needle punched materials, non-woven polypropylene, and combinations thereof.

[0627] E. The fiber product of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition further comprises one or more tackifiers. The one or more tackifiers are selected from the group consisting of aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, modified polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resins, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes, modified terpenes, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin acids, modified hydrogenated terpenes, hydrogenated rosin esters, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof. The adhesive composition can further comprise one or more waxes. The one or more waxes are selected from the group consisting of polar waxes, non-polar waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, oxidized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, hydroxystearamide waxes, functionalized waxes, polypropylene waxes, polyethylene waxes, wax modifiers, and combinations thereof. The adhesive composition can further comprise one or more additives. The one or more additives are selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, oils, stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, dyestuffs, polymeric additives, defoamers, preservatives, thickeners, rheology modifiers, humectants, fillers, surfactants, foaming agents, polymer compatibilizers, fire retardants and water.

[0628] F. The fiber product of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 30 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 25 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 15 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 10 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 5 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 3 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, or 1 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes.

[0629] G. The fiber product of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 80 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 70 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 60 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 50 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 40 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 30 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 10 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 5 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, or 1 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers.

[0630] H. The fiber product of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 30 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 25 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 15 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 10 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 5 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 3 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 2 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, or 1 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives.

[0631] I. The fiber product of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a melt viscosity of 90,000 mPa·s or less at 190° C. The polymer can also have a set time of 30 minutes or less and a Dot T-Peel of from 3 N to 4,000 N.

[0632] J. The fiber product of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition has a viscosity of less than 9 Pa·s at 177° C. The adhesive composition can further have a tuft bind of 1 kg or more.

[0633] K. A process of making the fiber product of any of the above paragraphs comprising forming an adhesive composition comprising a polymer having one or more C₃ to C₄₀ olefins and from 0 to 5 mole % of ethylene, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more, a branching index (g′) of 0.95 or less measured at the Mz of the polymer, and a Mw of 100,000 or less and applying the adhesive composition to at least a portion of a fibrous material.

E. Films

[0634] In a particular embodiment, the polymer components described herein can be used in a monolayer film. Alternatively, the polymer components can be applied to at least an outer portion of a monolayer film. Monolayer films are planar forms which are thick enough to be self-supporting but thin enough to be flexed, folded, or creased without cracking. The thickness of the film depends on the application and manufacturing, but is generally 125 μm or less. The monolayer film, which may be unoriented, uniaxially oriented, or biaxially oriented, is formed from applying a polymer component to at least a portion of a film substrate. Alternatively, the polymer component may be blended with a film substrate to alter the properties thereof.

[0635] The film substrate may include paper, foil, metal, metal alloys, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidine chloride, polyvinyl acetate, polyamides, homo polymers thereof, and combinations and copolymers thereof.

[0636] The monolayer film may further include additional polymer components selected from polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidine chloride, polyvinyl acetate, polyamides, homo polymers thereof, combinations and copolymers thereof.

[0637] In one aspect, the polymer component includes one or more tackifiers. The tackifiers include aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resin, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes and modified terpenes, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin esters, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof, for example. The polymer component may include 80 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers. More preferably, the polymer component includes 60 percent by weight or less, or 40 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, and most preferably 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers.

[0638] In another aspect, the polymer component includes one or more waxes, such as polar waxes, non-polar waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, oxidized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, hydroxystearamide waxes, functionalized waxes, polypropylene waxes, polyethylene waxes, wax modifiers, and combinations thereof, for example. The polymer component may include 30 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, or 3 percent by weight or less.

[0639] In yet another aspect, the polymer component includes 30 percent by weight or less of one or more additives. The one or more additives may include plasticizers, oils, stabilizers, antioxidants, synergists, pigments, dyestuffs, polymeric additives, defoamers, preservatives, thickeners, rheology modifiers, humectants, fillers and water, for example. Exemplary oils may include aliphatic naphthenic oils, white oils, and combinations thereof, for example. The phthalates may include di-iso-undecyl phthalate (DIUP), di-iso-nonylphthalate (DINP), dioctylphthalates (DOP), combinations thereof, or derivatives thereof. Exemplary plasticizers may include mineral oils, polybutenes, phthalates, and combinations thereof. Exemplary polymeric additives include homo poly-alpha-olefins, copolymers of alpha-olefins, copolymers and terpolymers of diolefins, elastomers, polyesters, block copolymers including diblocks and triblocks, ester polymers, alkyl acrylate polymers, and acrylate polymers.

[0640] One typical formulation of the polymer component includes one or more C₃ to C₄₀ olefins and from 0 to 5 mole % of ethylene, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more, a branching index (g′) of 0.95 or less measured at an Mz of the polymer, and a Mw of 100,000 or less. Another typical formulation of the polymer component includes one or more C₃ to C₅ olefins and from 0 to 5 mole % of ethylene, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more, a branching index (g′) of 0.95 or less measured at an Mz of the polymer, and a Mw of 90,000 or less. Yet another typical formulation of the polymer component includes one or more C₃ to C₆ olefins and from 0 to 5 mole % of ethylene, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more, a branching index (g′) of 0.95 or less measured at an Mz of the polymer, and a Mw of 90,000 or less.

[0641] Yet another typical formulation of the polymer component includes at least 35 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 60 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 30 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 15 percent by weight of one or more additives. Yet another typical formulation of the polymer component includes at least 50 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 60 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 30 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 15 percent by weight of one or more additives. Yet another typical formulation of the polymer component includes at least 50 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 60 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 25 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 15 percent by weight of one or more additives.

[0642] The polymer component is formulated to have a Peel Adhesion Failure Temperature (PAFT) of 60° C. or more. The polymer component should also have a Shear Adhesion Failure Temperature of 70° C. or more. The polymer component is also formulated to have a viscosity of 15 Pa·s or less at 177° C. Additionally, the polymer component should have a glass transition temperature of from −65° C. to 30° C. More preferably, the polymer component has a glass transition temperature of from 0° C. to 20° C., and most preferably from 10° C. to 20° C.

[0643] The monolayer films may be produced with any suitable technique. One example of a film forming technique is a casting technique, such as a chill roll casting process. Casting techniques generally include extruding a composition in a molten state through a flat die and then cooling the composition to form a film. As a specific example, cast films can be prepared using a pilot scale commercial cast film line machine as follows. Pellets of the polymer are melted, with the specific melt temperature being chosen to match the melt viscosity of the particular resins. This layered flow is distributed through a single manifold film extrusion die to the desired width. The material is then drawn down to the final gauge. A vacuum box or air knife can be used to pin the melt exiting the die opening to a primary chill roll. The resulting polymer film is collected on a winder. The film thickness can be monitored by a gauge monitor, and the film can be edge trimmed by a trimmer. One or more optional treaters can be used to surface treat the film, if desired. Such chill roll casting processes and apparatus are well known in the art, and are described, for example, in “The Wiley Encyclopedia of Packaging Technology,” Second Edition, A. L. Brody and K. S. Marsh, Ed., John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York (1997). Although chill roll casting is one example, other forms of casting can be used.

[0644] Another example of a film forming technique is a blown film technique. Blown film techniques, generally include, extruding the composition in a molten state through an annular die and then blowing and cooling the composition to form a tubular, blown film, which can then be axially slit and unfolded to form a flat film. As a specific example, blown films can be prepared as follows. The polymer composition is introduced into the feed hopper of an extruder. The film is extruded through the die into a film that was cooled by blowing air onto the surface of the film. The film is drawn from the die typically forming a cylindrical film that is cooled, collapsed, and optionally subjected to a desired auxiliary process, such as slitting, treating, sealing or printing. The finished film can be wound into rolls for later processing, or can be fed into other machines to convert the films into the desired articles. A particular blown film process and apparatus suitable for forming films according to embodiments of the present invention is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,569,693. Of course, other blown film forming methods can also be used.

[0645] Another example of a film forming technique is a coating technique. For example, a solution of a composition containing the adhesive polymer is coated on a release film. After coating, the film is dried with hot air and the coating layer is released from the release film to give an adhesive film. Of course, other coating techniques may be used.

[0646] The monolayer film may be used in a wide variety of applications. In general, the monolayer film is suitable for providing an adhesive backing to a wide variety of materials, and for adhesively bonding a first surface to a second surface. For example, the monolayer film may be applied to a structural member such as particleboard or the like to allow for convenient bonding of decorative laminates thereto. As another example, the monolayer film may be applied to a decorative member, such as wall paper, coverings, or panels, or floor coverings such as tile, vinyl, synthetic stone, or stone, to allow for convenient application of these items to another surface or a supportive member.

[0647] The embodiments described below further relate to compositions or combinations as described herein.

[0648] A. A monolayer film comprising a polymer component comprising one or more C₃ to C₄₀ olefins and from 0 to 5 mole % of ethylene, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more, a branching index (g′) of 0.95 or less measured at an Mz of the polymer, and a Mw of 100,000 or less and a film substrate.

[0649] B. The monolayer film of paragraph A, further comprising one more additional polymer components selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidine chloride, polyvinyl acetate, polyamides, homo polymers thereof, combinations, and copolymers thereof.

[0650] C. The monolayer film of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the film substrate is selected from a group consisting of paper, foil, metal, metal alloys, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidine chloride, polyvinyl acetate, polyamides, homo polymers thereof, combinations, and copolymers thereof.

[0651] D. The monolayer film of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the monolayer film further comprises one or more tackifiers selected from the group consisting of aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resin, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes and modified terpenes, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin esters, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0652] E. The monolayer film of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer component further comprises one or more waxes selected from the group consisting of polar waxes, non-polar waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, oxidized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, hydroxystearamide waxes, functionalized waxes, polypropylene waxes, polyethylene waxes, wax modifiers, and combinations thereof.

[0653] F. The monolayer film of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer component further comprises one or more additives selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, oils, stabilizers, antioxidants, synergists, pigments, dyestuffs, polymeric additives, defoamers, preservatives, thickeners, rheology modifiers, humectants, fillers and water.

[0654] G. The monolayer film of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer component comprises 80 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 70 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 60 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 50 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 40 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 30 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 10 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 5 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, or 1 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers.

[0655] H. The monolayer film of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer component comprises 75 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 70 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 60 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 50 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 40 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 30 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 10 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 5 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, or 1 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes.

[0656] I. The monolayer film of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer component comprises 60 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 50 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 40 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 30 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 10 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 5 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 3 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, or 1 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives.

[0657] J. The monolayer film of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a melt viscosity of 90,000 mPa·s or less at 190° C.

[0658] K. The monolayer film of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a set time of 30 minutes or less.

[0659] L. The monolayer film of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel from 3 N to 4,000

[0660] N.52. The monolayer film of any of the above paragraphs wherein the polymer component has a viscosity of 15 Pa·s or less at 177° C.

[0661] M. The monolayer film of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer component has a glass transition temperature of from −65° C. to 30° C.

[0662] N. The monolayer film of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer component has a glass transition temperature of from 0° C. to 20° C.

[0663] O. The monolayer film of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer component has a glass transition temperature from 10° C. to 20° C.

[0664] P. A method of preparing the monolayer film of any of the above paragraphs comprising forming a polymer component comprising one or more C₃ to C₄₀ olefins and from 0 to 5 mole % of ethylene, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more, a branching index (g′) of 0.98 or less measured at the Mz of the polymer, and a Mw of 100,000 or less and applying the polymer component to at least a portion of a film substrate.

F. Hot Melt Adhesives

[0665] In a particular embodiment, the adhesives of this invention can be used in a hot melt adhesive composition. Hot melt adhesives exist as a solid at ambient temperature and can be converted into a tacky liquid by the application of heat. Hot melt adhesives are typically applied to a substrate in molten form.

[0666] The adhesive composition includes the inventive polymer described herein. The polymer may be functionalized with malaic acid or malaic anhydride. Additional components may be combined with the polymers or formulations of the polymers to form the adhesive composition.

[0667] In one aspect, the adhesive composition can include one or more tackifiers. The tackifiers can include aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resin, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes and modified terpenes, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin esters, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof, for example. The adhesive composition may include 60 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers. More preferably, the adhesive composition includes 40 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, and most preferably 20 percent by weight or less.

[0668] In another aspect, the adhesive composition can include one or more waxes, such as polar waxes, non-polar waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, oxidized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, hydroxystearamide waxes, functionalized waxes, polypropylene waxes, polyethylene waxes, wax modifiers, and combinations thereof, for example. The adhesive composition may include 75 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes. More preferably, the adhesive composition includes 15 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes.

[0669] In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition can include 60 percent by weight or less, 30 percent by weight or less, 20 percent by weight or less, 15 percent by weight or less, 10 percent by weight or less or 5 percent by weight or less of one or more additives. The one or more additives can include plasticizers, oils, stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, dyestuffs, antiblock additives, polymeric additives, defoamers, preservatives, thickeners, rheology modifiers, humectants, fillers, solvents, nucleating agents, surfactants, chelating agents, gelling agents, processing aids, cross-linking agents, neutralizing agents, flame retardants, fluorescing agents, compatibilizers, antimicrobial agents, and water, for example.

[0670] Exemplary oils may include aliphatic naphthenic oils, white oils, and combinations thereof, for example. The phthalates may include di-iso-undecyl phthalate (DIUP), di-iso-nonylphthalate (DINP), dioctylphthalates (DOP), combinations thereof, or derivatives thereof. Exemplary polymeric additives include homo poly-alpha-olefins, copolymers of alpha-olefins, copolymers and terpolymers of diolefins, elastomers, polyesters, block copolymers including diblocks and triblocks, ester polymers, alkyl acrylate polymers, and acrylate polymers. Exemplary plasticizers may include mineral oils, polybutenes, phthalates, and combinations thereof.

[0671] In one aspect, the hot melt adhesive composition has a percent substrate fiber tear of from 75% to 100% at room temperature (about 25° C.). More preferably, the hot melt adhesive composition has a percent substrate fiber tear of from 95% to 100% at room temperature. At freezing temperatures (about −20° C.), the hot melt adhesive composition exhibits a percent substrate fiber tear of from 50% to 100%, or more preferably of from 95% to 100%.

[0672] In another aspect, the hot melt adhesive composition has a peel adhesion failure temperature (PAFT) of 200° C. or less and a shear adhesion failure temperature (SAFT) of 200° C. or less. In another aspect, the hot melt adhesive composition has a tensile strength at break of 20 bar or more at 25° C., or 27 bar or more, or 34 bar or more, or 55 bar or more. Additionally, the hot melt adhesive composition can have a percent elongation of 200% strain of the original length at 25° C. or more.

[0673] In yet another aspect, the hot melt adhesive composition has a set temperature of from −20° C. to 250° C. and an open temperature of from −20° C. to 250° C. Additionally, in another aspect, the hot melt adhesive composition has a cloud point of 275° C. or less, or 120° C. or less. More preferably, the hot melt adhesive composition has a cloud point of 100° C. or less.

[0674] The hot melt adhesive compositions described herein can be prepared using conventional methods well known in the art. For example, the polymer, tackifier, and desired optional ingredients such as plasticizer oil, wax, liquid resin tackifiers, etc., can be blended under low or high shear mixing at elevated temperatures to form a fluid melt. Mixing temperatures depend upon the particular adhesive formulation, and are generally in the range of about 130° C. to about 200° C., with about 150° C. to about 160° C. being a typical suitable range.

[0675] One typical formulation of the adhesive composition includes at least 35 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 60 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 30 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 15 percent by weight of one or more additives. Another typical formulation of the adhesive composition includes at least 50 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 60 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 30 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 15 percent by weight of one or more additives. Yet another typical formulation of the adhesive composition includes at least 50 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 60 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 25 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 15 percent by weight of one or more additives.

[0676] The embodiments described below further relate to compositions or combinations as described herein.

[0677] A. A hot melt adhesive composition comprising an adhesive composition comprising a polymer having one or more C₃ to C₄₀ olefins and from 0 to 5 mole % of ethylene, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more, a branching index (g′) of 0.95 or less measured at an Mz of the polymer, and a Mw of 100,000 or less, wherein the adhesive composition is configured to be applied to a substrate in molten form.

[0678] B. The hot melt adhesive composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition further comprises one or more tackifiers. The one or more tackifiers are selected from the group consisting of aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, modified polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resins, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes, modified terpenes, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin acids, modified hydrogenated terpenes, hydrogenated rosin esters, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0679] C. The hot melt adhesive composition of any of the above paragraphs, further comprising one or more waxes. The one or more waxes can be selected from the group consisting of polar waxes, non-polar waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, oxidized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, hydroxystearamide waxes, functionalized waxes, polypropylene waxes, polyethylene waxes, wax modifiers, and combinations thereof.

[0680] D. The hot melt adhesive composition of any of the above paragraphs, further comprising one or more additives. The one or more additives can be selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, oils, stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, dyestuffs, polymeric additives, defoamers, preservatives, thickeners, rheology modifiers, humectants, fillers, water, and combinations thereof.

[0681] E. The hot melt adhesive composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 75 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 70 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 60 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 50 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 40 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 30 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 10 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 5 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, or 1 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes.

[0682] F. The hot melt adhesive composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 60 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 50 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 40 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 30 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives; 10 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 5 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 3 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, or 1 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives.

[0683] G. The hot melt adhesive composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 80 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 70 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 60 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 50 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 40 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 30 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 10 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 5 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, or 1 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers.

[0684] H. The hot melt adhesive composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a melt viscosity of 90,000 mPa·s or less at 190° C.

[0685] I. The hot melt adhesive composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a set time of 30 minutes or less.

[0686] J. The hot melt adhesive composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of from 3 N to 4,000 N.

[0687] K. A method of making the hot melt adhesive composition of any of the above paragraphs comprising forming an adhesive composition comprising a polymer having one or more C₃ to C₄₀ olefins and from 0 to 5 mole % of ethylene, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more, a branching index (g′) of 0.98 or less measured at the Mz of the polymer, and a Mw of 100,000 or less, heating the adhesive composition and applying the adhesive composition to a substrate in molten form.

G. Pressure Sensitive Adhesives

[0688] In a particular embodiment, the adhesive compositions described herein can be used in pressure sensitive adhesive compositions. As used herein, “pressure sensitive adhesive compositions” are adhesive compositions that have the ability at, or at about, room temperature (about 25° C.) to sufficiently wet a substrate under gentle pressure and to form a useful bond. As used here, the term “useful bond” differs depending on the substrate application and refers to a corresponding balance of adhesive and cohesive strength.

[0689] The adhesive composition includes the inventive polymer described herein. The polymer may be functionalized with maleic acid or maleic anhydride. Additional components may be combined with the polymers or formulations of the polymers to form the adhesive composition.

[0690] In one aspect, the adhesive composition can include one or more tackifiers. The tackifiers can include aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resin, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes and modified terpenes, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin esters, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof, for example. The adhesive composition can include 70 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers. More preferably, the adhesive composition includes 40 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, and most preferably 20 percent by weight or less. In another aspect, the adhesive composition can include one or more waxes, such as polar waxes, non-polar waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, oxidized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, hydroxystearamide waxes, functionalized waxes, polypropylene waxes, polyethylene waxes, wax modifiers, and combinations thereof, for example. The adhesive composition can include 40 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes.

[0691] In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition can include 40 percent by weight or less, 30 percent by weight or less, 25 percent by weight or less, or 5 percent by weight or less of one or more additives. The one or more additives can include plasticizers, oils, stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, dyestuffs, antiblock additives, polymeric additives, defoamers, preservatives, thickeners, rheology modifiers, humectants, fillers, surfactants, processing aids, cross-linking agents, neutralizing agents, flame retardants, fluorescing agents, compatibilizers, antimicrobial agents, and water, for example. Exemplary oils may include aliphatic naphthenic oils, white oils, and combinations thereof, for example. The phthalates may include di-iso-undecyl phthalate (DIUP), di-iso-nonylphthalate (DINP), dioctylphthalates (DOP), combinations thereof, or derivatives thereof. Exemplary polymeric additives include homo poly-alpha-olefins, copolymers of alpha-olefins, copolymers and terpolymers of diolefins, elastomers, polyesters, block copolymers including diblocks and triblocks, ester polymers, alkyl acrylate polymers, and acrylate polymers. Exemplary plasticizers may include mineral oils, polybutenes, phthalates, and combinations thereof.

[0692] In a preferred aspect, the pressure sensitive adhesive composition is formulated to have a dynamic storage modulus of from 0.001 to 1 MPa and a glass transition temperature of from −65° C. to 30° C. In yet another aspect, the pressure sensitive adhesive composition has a viscosity of 200 Pa·s or less at 150° C.

[0693] One typical formulation of the adhesive composition includes at least 35 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 95 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 40 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 15 percent by weight of one or more additives. Another typical formulation of the adhesive composition includes at least 50 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 95 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 40 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 15 percent by weight of one or more additives. Yet another typical formulation of the adhesive composition includes at least 50 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 60 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 40 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 40 percent by weight of one or more additives.

[0694] Pressure sensitive adhesive compositions can be formed in a variety of ways known to one skilled in the art, one of which is melt blending as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,152,189, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0695] The embodiments described below further relate to compositions or combinations as described herein.

[0696] A. A pressure sensitive adhesive composition comprising an adhesive composition comprising a polymer having one or more C₃ to C₄₀ olefins and from 0 to 5 mole % of ethylene, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more, a branching index (g′) of 0.95 or less measured at an Mz of the polymer, and a Mw of 100,000 or less and a dynamic storage modulus of from 0.001 to 1 MPa and a glass transition temperature (Tg) of from −65° C. to 30° C.

[0697] B. The pressure sensitive adhesive composition of paragraph A, wherein the adhesive composition further comprises one or more tackifiers.

[0698] C. The pressure sensitive adhesive composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition further comprises one or more tackifiers selected from the group consisting of aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, modified polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resins, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes, modified terpenes, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin acids, modified hydrogenated terpenes, hydrogenated rosin esters, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0699] D. The pressure sensitive adhesive composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition further comprises one or more waxes.

[0700] E. The pressure sensitive adhesive composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition further comprises one or more waxes selected from the group consisting of polar waxes, non-polar waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, oxidized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, hydroxystearamide waxes, functionalized waxes, polypropylene waxes, polyethylene waxes, wax modifiers, and combinations thereof.

[0701] F. The pressure sensitive adhesive composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition further comprises one or more additives.

[0702] G. The pressure sensitive adhesive composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition further comprises one or more additives selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, oils, stabilizers, antioxidants, synergists, pigments, dyestuffs, polymeric additives, defoamers, preservatives, thickeners, rheology modifiers, humectants, fillers and water.

[0703] H. The pressure sensitive adhesive composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 40 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 30 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 25 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 15 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 10 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 5 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, or 1 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes.

[0704] I. The pressure sensitive adhesive composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 70 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 60 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 50, percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 40 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 30 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 10 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 5 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, or 1 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers.

[0705] J. The pressure sensitive adhesive composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 40 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 30 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 25 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 5 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, or 1 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives.

[0706] K. The pressure sensitive adhesive composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a melt viscosity of 90,000 mPa·s or less at 190° C.

[0707] L. The pressure sensitive adhesive composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a set time of 30 minutes or less.

[0708] M. The pressure sensitive adhesive composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of from 3 N to 4,000 N.

H. Tapes

[0709] In a particular embodiment, the adhesives of this invention can be used in tapes. Tapes are generally configured to adhere two or more substrates together. Tapes include an adhesive composition applied to a backing element. The backing element can be selected from the group including polymeric films, polyester films, polyolefin-based films, polyurethane films, polyvinylchloride foams, polyethylene foams, nonwoven polyurethane, nonwoven polyester, fabric, face stock, paper, synthetic polymeric material, plastic, polyolefin polymers, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene terphthalate, polyvinyl chloride, kraft paper, polymers, laminates, latex saturated papers, foil, litho stock, lightweight stock, styrene foam, expanded polystyrene foam, woven fabric, non-woven fabric, cloth, crepe paper, thermplastic elastomers, and combinations thereof. A typical backing element has a variable thickness within a range of 1 micron to several centimeters. Particularly preferred backing elements include oriented polypropylene, biaxially oriented polypropylene and polyvinylchloride polymers. Films of oriented polypropylene, biaxially oriented polypropylene and polyvinylchloride polymers are particularly preferred backing elements.

[0710] The tapes can be either single or double-sided, i.e., the adhesive material is applied to either one or two opposing sides of the backing material. FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary single-sided tape. The tape 100 includes an adhesive composition 110 and a release material 115 applied to opposite sides of a backing element 105. FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary double-sided tape. The double-sided tape 300 includes a first adhesive composition 315 and a second adhesive composition 310 applied to opposite sides of a backing element 305. At least one of the first adhesive composition 305 or the second adhesive composition 315 include the adhesive composition described herein, e.g., either or both adhesive compositions include the inventive adhesive composition.

[0711] Tapes can be configured to adhere a variety of substrates to one another, such as a first substrate to a second substrate, or tapes can be configured to adhere to a single substrate. The first substrate can be the same material as the second substrate, or the substrates can be formed of different materials. Either or both substrates can include plastic, polyolefin polymers, stainless steel, paper, paperboard, containerboard, tagboard, corrugated board, chipboard, kraft paper, cardboard, fiberboard, plastic resin, metal, metal alloys, foil, skin, film, plastic film, laminates, clothing, containers, surgical instruments, medical devices, glass and sheeting.

[0712] Tapes can be supplied in the form of rolls, sheets, pads or other shapes determined by the specific use requirements, to protect the adhesive composition adhered to the backing element from unintended adhesion to surfaces other than the intended substrate. For example, the adhesive composition applied to the backing material may be applied to a release material until use. Release materials are generally applied to the tape to retain the adhesive strength of the adhesive composition and are configured to allow release of the tape therefrom. Release materials are generally used when the tape is supplied as a sheet or a roll. The release material typically comprises a release coating, such as silicon. Tapes that are provided in a roll form can be used with a tape dispenser or be torn by hand. Tapes that are provided in pad form can include an adhesive composition between two release liners, at least one release liner being coated with a release coating composition.

[0713] FIG. 7 illustrates a side-view of the tape of FIG. 6 in roll form. The tape roll 200 comprises the tape 100 wherein tape is wound so that the side of the tape having the adhesive composition applied thereto 220 is contacting the side of the tape having the release material 215 applied thereto.

[0714] The adhesive composition is applied to at least a portion of at least one side of the backing material. Generally, the adhesive composition has the ability, at or at about room temperature, to sufficiently wet a substrate under gentle pressure to form a useful bond. As used herein, a “useful bond” refers to a balance of adhesive (adhesive to substrate failure) and cohesive (internal adhesive failure) strengths, which is optimized according to the application of the tape. For example, the adhesive composition in removable tapes can have relative a relatively low adhesive strength in comparison to cohesive strength, resulting in a tape that can be removed without leaving a residue (e.g., adhesive) on the substrate. In contrast, high performance tapes, e.g., tapes used for shipping and packaging, can exhibit both high adhesive and cohesive strength, resulting in failure of the substrate or backing element.

[0715] The adhesive composition includes the inventive polymer described herein. The polymer may be functionalized with malaic acid or malaic anhydride. Additional components may be combined with the polymers or formulations of the polymers to form the adhesive composition.

[0716] In one aspect, the adhesive composition may include one or more tackifiers. The tackifiers may be aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resin, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes and modified terpenes, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin esters, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof, for example. The adhesive composition can include 70 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers. More preferably, the adhesive composition includes 40 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers. Most preferably, the adhesive composition includes 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers.

[0717] In another aspect, the adhesive composition may include one or more waxes, such as polar waxes, non-polar waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, oxidized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, hydroxystearamide waxes, functionalized waxes, polypropylene waxes, polyethylene waxes, wax modifiers, and combinations thereof, for example. The adhesive composition may include 40 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes.

[0718] In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition can include 40 percent by weight or less of one or more additives. The one or more additives may include plasticizers, oils, stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, dyestuffs, antiblock additives, polymeric additives, defoamers, preservatives, thickeners, rheology modifiers, humectants, fillers, surfactants, processing aids, cross-linking agents, neutralizing agents, flame retardants, compatibilizers and antimicrobial agents, for example. The adhesive composition can include 30 percent by weight of the one or more oils. Exemplary oils may include aliphatic naphthenic oils, white oils, and combinations thereof, for example. The phthalates may include di-iso-undecyl phthalate (DIUP), di-iso-nonylphthalate (DINP), dioctylphthalates (DOP), combinations thereof, or derivatives thereof. The adhesive composition can include 40 percent by weight or less of the one or more plasticizers. Exemplary plasticizers may include mineral oils, polybutenes, phthalates, and combinations thereof. Exemplary polymeric additives include homo poly-alpha-olefins, copolymers of alpha-olefins, copolymers and terpolymers of diolefins, elastomers, polyesters, block copolymers including diblocks and triblocks, ester polymers, alkyl acrylate polymers alkyl acrylate polymers, and acrylate polymers. The adhesive can further include 5 percent by weight or less of the one or more antioxidants, 30 percent be weight of the one or more fillers, 6 percent by weight or less of the one or more cross-linking agents, and combinations thereof.

[0719] The adhesive composition is formulated to have a viscosity of less than 200,000 cps at 160° C. and a glass transition temperature of from −65° C. to 30° C. The adhesive composition should have a peel adhesion at a 180° peel angle when the substrate comprises glass of from 90 to 1800 g/cm and a peel adhesion at a 180° peel angle when the substrate comprises stainless steel of from 100 g/cm to 2000 g/cm.

[0720] Furthermore, the adhesive composition is formulated to have a rolling ball tack of from 0.5 cm to 30 cm. The adhesive composition should have a hot shear strength when the substrate comprises stainless steel of 1 minute or more, preferably 10 minutes or more t 40° C. as well as a holding power when the substrate comprises stainless steel of 1 minute or more at 12.5×25.0 cm with a 1-kg load. The adhesive composition has a peak tan delta of from −65° C. to 30° C. and a probe tack of from 1 g to 1000 g. The adhesive composition should further have a shear modulus of from 1×10⁴ dynes/cm² to 1×10⁷ dynes/cm² at 25° C. The adhesive composition should further have melt viscosity of from 1000 mPas to 250,000 mPas at 175° C.

[0721] One typical formulation of the adhesive composition includes at least 35 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 95 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 40 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 15 percent by weight of one or more additives. Another typical formulation of the adhesive composition includes at least 50 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 95 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 40 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 15 percent by weight of one or more additives. Yet another typical formulation of the adhesive composition includes at least 50 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 60 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 40 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 40 percent by weight of one or more additives.

[0722] Tapes may be formed by any of the conventional techniques known in the art including hot melt or solvent coating release material on one side of the backing material, followed by hot melt or solvent coating the adhesive composition on the other side of the backing material. Alternatively, all three layers can be co-extruded simultaneously.

[0723] The tapes described above may be used for marking, holding, protecting, sealing and masking, for example. Additionally, tapes can be used to adhere two substrates together. For example, tape can adhere flaps of packing materials together. Tapes may also be used in medical applications, such as in wound dressings, for example.

[0724] The embodiments described below further relate to compositions or combinations as described herein.

[0725] A. A tape for adhering to a substrate comprising an adhesive composition comprising a polymer having one or more C₃ to C₄₀ olefins and from 0 to 5 mole % of ethylene, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more, a branching index (g′) of 0.95 or less measured at an Mz of the polymer, and a Mw of 100,000 or less and a backing element having two opposing sides, wherein the adhesive composition is applied to at least a portion of the backing element.

[0726] B. A tape for adhering to a substrate of the above paragraph, wherein the substrate is selected from the group consisting of plastic, polyolefins, stainless steel, paper, paperboard, containerboard, tagboard, corrugated board, chipboard, kraft paper, cardboard, fiberboard, plastic resin, metal, metal alloys, foil, skin, film, plastic film, laminates, clothing, containers, surgical instruments, medical devices, glass, and sheeting.

[0727] C. A tape for adhering to a substrate of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the backing element is selected from a group consisting of polymeric films, polyester films, polyolefin-based films, polyurethane films, polyvinylchloride foam, polyethylene foam, nonwoven polyurethane, nonwoven polyester, knitten fabric, face stock, paper, synthetic polymeric material, plastic, polyolefins, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene terphthalate, polyvinyl chloride, kraft paper, polymers, laminates, latex saturated paper, foil, litho stock, lightweight stock, styrene foam, laminated foam, expanded polystyrene foam, woven fabric, non-woven fabric, cloth, creped paper, thermoplastic, and combinations thereof.

[0728] D. A tape for adhering to a substrate of the above paragraph, wherein the adhesive composition is applied to at least a portion of only one of the two opposing sides or wherein the adhesive composition is applied to a portion of both of the two opposing sides.

[0729] E. A tape for adhering to a substrate of the above paragraph, further comprising a release material disposed on a side opposite the adhesive composition. The adhesive composition can releasably contact the release material.

[0730] F. A tape for adhering to a substrate of the above paragraph, wherein the adhesive composition further comprises one or more tackifiers. The tackifiers are selected from the group consisting of aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, modified polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resins, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes, modified terpenes, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin acids, modified hydrogenated terpenes, hydrogenated rosin esters, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0731] G. A tape for adhering to a substrate of the above paragraph, further comprising one or more waxes. The one or more waxes selected from the group consisting of polar waxes, non-polar waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, oxidized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, hydroxystearamide waxes, functionalized waxes, polypropylene waxes, polyethylene waxes, wax modifiers, and combinations thereof.

[0732] H. A tape for adhering to a substrate of the above paragraph, further comprising one or more additives. The one or more additives are selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, oils, stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, dyestuffs, thickeners, rheology modifiers, fillers, antiblock additives, polymeric additives, surfactants, processing aids, crosslinking agents, neutralizing agents, flame retardants, compatibilizers, and antimicrobial agents.

[0733] I. A tape for adhering to a substrate of the above paragraph, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 80 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 70 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 60 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 50 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 40 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 30 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 10 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 5 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, or 1 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers.

[0734] J. A tape for adhering to a substrate of the above paragraph, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 75 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 70 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 60 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 50 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 40 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 30 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 10 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 5 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, or 1 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes.

[0735] K. A tape for adhering to a substrate of the above paragraph, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 60 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 50 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 40 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 30 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 10 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 5 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 3 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 1 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, or 0.25 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives.

[0736] L. A tape for adhering to a substrate of the above paragraph, wherein the polymer has a melt viscosity of 90,000 mPa·s or less at 190° C. The polymer can also have a set time of 30 minutes or less and a Dot T-Peel of from 3 N to 4,000 N.

[0737] M. A process of making a tape of any of the above paragraphs comprising forming an adhesive composition comprising a polymer having one or more C₃ to C₄₀ olefins and from 0 to 5 mole % of ethylene, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more, a branching index (g′) of 0.95 or less measured at the Mz of the polymer, and a Mw of 100,000 or less and applying the adhesive composition to at least a portion of a backing element having at least two opposing sides.

I. Wood Working

[0738] In a particular embodiment, the adhesives described herein can be used in woodworking processes. A woodworking process involves forming a woodworking article by applying an adhesive composition to at least a portion of a structural element. The structural element can include a variety of materials, which include, but are not limited to wood or plywood, or plastic or veneer. For example, the structural element can also include lumber, wood, fiberboard, plasterboard, gypsum, wallboard, plywood, PVC, melamine, polyester, impregnated paper and sheetrock. A woodworking process can be used to form indoor furniture, outdoor furniture, trim, molding, doors, sashes, windows, millwork and cabinetry, for example.

[0739] The adhesive composition includes the inventive polymer described herein. The polymer may be functionalized with malaic acid or malaic anhydride. Additional components may be combined with the polymers or formulations of the polymers to form the adhesive composition.

[0740] In one aspect, the adhesive composition can include one or more tackifiers. The tackifiers can include aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resin, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes and modified terpenes, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin esters, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof, for example. The adhesive composition can include 80 percent by weight or less, or 60 percent by weight or less, or from 2 to 40 percent by weight, or from 3 to 30 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifers.

[0741] In another aspect, the adhesive composition can include one or more waxes, such as polar waxes, non-polar waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, oxidized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, hydroxystearamide waxes, functionalized waxes, polypropylene waxes, polyethylene waxes, wax modifiers, and combinations thereof, for example. The adhesive composition may include 30 percent by weight or less, or 25 percent by weight or less, or 20 percent by weight or less, or 15 percent by weight or less, or 10 percent by weight or less, or 5 percent by weight or less, or 3 percent by weight or less, or 1 percent by weight or less, or 0.5 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes.

[0742] In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition can include 60 percent by weight or less, or 50 percent by weight or less, or 40 percent by weight or less, or 30 percent by weight or less, or 20 percent by weight or less, or 15 percent by weight or less, or 10 percent by weight or less, or 5 percent by weight or less of one or more additives. The one or more additives can include plasticizers, oils, stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, dyestuffs, antiblock additives, polymeric additives, defoamers, preservatives, thickeners, adhesion promoters, rheology modifiers, humectants, fillers, surfactants, processing aids, cross-linking agents, neutralizing agents, flame retardants, fluorescing agents, compatibilizers, antimicrobial agents, and water, for example.

[0743] Exemplary oils may include aliphatic naphthenic oils, white oils, and combinations thereof, for example. The phthalates may include di-iso-undecyl phthalate (DIUP), di-iso-nonylphthalate (DINP), dioctylphthalates (DOP), combinations thereof, or derivatives thereof. Exemplary polymeric additives include homo poly-alpha-olefins, copolymers of alpha-olefins, copolymers and terpolymers of diolefins, elastomers, polyesters, block copolymers including diblocks and triblocks, ester polymers, alkyl acrylate polymers, and acrylate polymers. Exemplary plasticizers may include mineral oils, polybutenes, phthalates, and combinations thereof. Exemplary anti-oxidants include alkylated phenols, hindered phenols, and phenol derivatives, such as t-butyl hydroquinone, butylated hydroxyanisole, polybutylated bisphenol, butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT), alkylated hydroquinone, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-paracresol, 2,5-di-tert-aryl hydroquinone, octadecyl-3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy phenyl) etc.

[0744] Exemplary fillers include silica, diatomaceous earth, calcium carbonate, iron oxide, hydrogenated castor oil, fumed silica, precipitated calcium carbonate, hydrophobic treated fumed silicas, hydrophobic precipitated calcium carbonates, talc, zinc oxides, polyvinyl chloride powders, fungicides, graphite, carbon black, asphalt, carbon fillers, clay, mica, fibers, titanium dioxide, cadmium sulfide, asbestos, wood fluor, polyethylene powder, chopped fibers, bubbles, beads, thixotropes, bentonite, calcium sulfate, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, and combinations or derivates thereof. Exemplary surfactants include vinyl-containing or mercapto-containing polyorganosiloxanes, macromonomers with vinyl terminated polydimethyl siloxane, and combinations or derivatives thereof.

[0745] Exemplary adhesion promoters include silanes, titanates, organosylane, acrylics, acids, anhydrides, epoxy resins, hardening agents, polyamides, methylacrylates, epoxies, phenolic resins, polyisobutylene, aminoalkyl, mercaptoalkyl, epoxyalkyl, ureidoalkyl, carboxy, acrylate and isocyanurate functional silanes, mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane, glycidoxpropyltrimethoxysilane, aminopropyltriethoxysilane, aminoethylaminopropyltrimethoxysilane, ureidopropyltrimethyloxysilane, bis-gamma-trimethoxysilyl-propylurea, 1,3,5-tris-gamma-trimethoxysilylpropylisocyanurate, bis-gamma-trimethoxysilylpropylmaleate, fumarate and gamma-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, aminopropyltriethoxysilane, and combinations and derivatives thereof. Exemplary crosslinking agents include oxime crosslinkers, alkoxysilanes, epoxyalkylalkoxysilanes, amido silanes, aminosilanes, enoxysilanes, tetraethoxysilanes, methyltrimethoxy silane, vinyl trimethoxysilane, glycidoxypropyltrimethoxsilane, vinyl tris-isopropenoxysilane, methyl tris-isopropenoxysilane, methyl tris-cyclohexylaminosilane, methyl tris-secondarybutylaminosilane, polyisocyanates, and combinations or derivatives thereof. Exemplary organic solvents include aliphatic solvents, cycloaliphatic solvents, mineral spirits, aromatic solvents, hexane, cyclohexane, benzene, toluene, xylene, and combinations or derivatives thereof.

[0746] In one aspect, the adhesive composition is formulated to have a viscosity of from 10 Pa·s to 150 Pa·s. In another aspect, the adhesive composition has a plateau shear modulus of 1×10⁶ dynes/cm² to 1×10⁸ dynes/cm² at 25° C. and 1 radian per second. In another aspect, the adhesive composition has a glass transition temperature of −65° C. to 30° C. In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition has an open time of 5 minutes or more. Preferably, the adhesive composition has an open time of 10 minutes or more. More preferably, the adhesive composition has an open time of 20 minutes or more. In another aspect, the adhesive composition has a set time of 1 minute or less. Preferably, the adhesive composition has a set time of 5 minutes or less. More preferably, the adhesive composition has a set time of 10 minute or less.

[0747] One typical formulation of the adhesive composition includes at least 35 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 60 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 30 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 15 percent by weight of one or more additives. Another typical formulation of the adhesive composition includes at least 50 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 60 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 30 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 15 percent by weight of one or more additives. Yet another typical formulation of the adhesive composition includes at least 50 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 60 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 25 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 15 percent by weight of one or more additives.

[0748] The embodiments described below further relate to compositions or combinations as described herein.

[0749] A. A woodworking article comprising an adhesive composition comprising a polymer having one or more C₃ to C₄₀ olefins and from 0 to 5 mole % of ethylene, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more, a branching index (g′) of 0.95 or less measured at an Mz of the polymer, and a Mw of 100,000 or less and a structural element, wherein the adhesive composition is applied to at least a portion of the structural element.

[0750] B. The woodworking article of paragraph A, wherein the structural element comprises wood or plywood, or plastic or veneer.

[0751] C. The woodworking article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the structural element is selected from the group consisting of lumber, wood, fiberboard, plasterboard, gypsum, wallboard, plywood, PVC, melamine, polyester, impregnated paper, and sheetrock.

[0752] D. The woodworking article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the woodworking article is selected from the group consisting of indoor furniture, outdoor furniture, trim, molding, doors, sashes, windows, millwork and cabinetry.

[0753] E. The woodworking article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition further comprises one or more tackifiers selected from the group consisting of aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resin, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes and modified terpenes, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin esters, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0754] F. The woodworking article of claim 1, wherein the adhesive composition further comprises one or more waxes selected from the group consisting of polar waxes, non-polar waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, oxidized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, hydroxystearamide waxes, functionalized waxes, polypropylene waxes, polyethylene waxes, wax modifiers, and combinations thereof.

[0755] G. The woodworking article of claim 1, wherein the adhesive composition further comprises one or more additives selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, oils, stabilizers, antioxidants, synergists, pigments, dyestuffs, polymeric additives, defoamers, preservatives, thickeners, rheology modifiers, humectants, fillers and water.

[0756] H. The woodworking article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 30 percent by weight or less, or 25 percent by weight or less, or 20 percent by weight or less, or 15 percent by weight or less, or 10 percent by weight or less, or 5 percent by weight or less, or 3 percent by weight or less, or 1 percent by weight or less, or 0.5 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes.

[0757] I. The woodworking article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 80 percent by weight or less, or 60 percent by weight or less, or from 2 to 40 percent by weight, or from 3 to 30 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifers.

[0758] J. The woodworking article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 60 percent by weight or less, or 50 percent by weight or less, or 40 percent by weight or less, or 30 percent by weight or less, or 20 percent by weight or less, or 15 percent by weight or less, or 10 percent by weight or less, or 5 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives.

[0759] K. The woodworking article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a melt viscosity of 90,000 mPa·s or less at 190° C.

[0760] L. The woodworking article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a set time of 30 minutes or less.

[0761] M. The woodworking article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of from 3 N to 4,000 N.

[0762] N. The woodworking article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition has a viscosity of 10 Pa·s to 150 Pa·s.

[0763] O. The woodworking article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition has a set time of 1 minute or less, or 5 minutes or less, or 10 minutes or less.

[0764] P. A method of preparing the woodworking article any of the above paragraphs comprising forming an adhesive composition comprising a polymer having one or more C₃ to C₄₀ olefins and from 0 to 5 mole % of ethylene, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more, a branching index (g′) of 0.95 or less measured at the Mz of the polymer, and a Mw of 100,000 or less and applying the adhesive composition to at least a portion of a structural element having at least two opposing sides.

J. Labels

[0765] In a particular embodiment, the adhesive compositions described herein can be used in labels. In general, labels are intended to merely adhere themselves to a substrate. As such, labels are not intended to be structural components. As a result, labels may have high internal strength and low adhesive strength.

[0766] Labels comprise a layer of an adhesive composition coated on a backing element, which may have a releasable surface on the side opposite the adhesive composition. A release liner of a label is intended to adhere to the label until the label is applied to its intended substrate. Label backing elements are well known in the label art. Any suitable backing element can be utilized in the present invention. Backing elements may include polymeric film, polyester film, polyolefin-based film, polyurethane film, polyvinylchloride foam, polyethylene foam, nonwoven polyurethane, nonwoven polyester, knitted fabric, paper, synthetic polymeric material, plastic, polyolefin, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene terphthalate, polyvinyl chloride, kraft paper, polymers, laminate, latex saturated paper, foil, litho stock, lightweight stock, styrene foam, laminated foam, expanded polystyrene foam, woven fabric, non-woven fabric, cloth, creped paper, thermoplastic, and mixtures of polyethylene and polypropylene, for example.

[0767] Suitable substrates may include plastic, polyolefins, stainless steel, paper, paperboard, containerboard, tagboard, corrugated board, chipboard, kraft paper, cardboard, fiberboard, plastic resin, metal, metal alloys, foil, skin, film, plastic film, laminates, clothing, containers, surgical instruments, medical devices, glass, and sheeting, for example.

[0768] Labels may be in the form of rolls, sheets or other shapes determined by the specific use requirements, so that they are protected from unintended adhesion to other surfaces. As described above, labels may be laminated to a release liner to prevent their accidental adhesion to other surfaces. The release liner of the label is supplied with a release coating such as silicone to permit the easy removal of the release liner from the label. Release liners are sheets that are coated with release material for use in labels. The release liner is expected to reproducibly provide an appropriate level of release to the adhesive of interest, to not deleteriously affect the adhesive, and to be resistant to aging so that the release level remains relatively predictable with time.

[0769] For ease and clarity of description, an exemplary label will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a label 100. The label 100 comprises a backing element 105, an adhesive composition 110, and a release liner 115. The adhesive composition 110 is applied to the backing element 105, while the release liner 115 is applied to the adhesive composition 110. Alternatively, the adhesive composition 110 is applied to the release liner 115, and then the backing element 105 is applied to the adhesive composition 110. The release liner 115 is removed from the adhesive composition 110 prior to application to a substrate.

[0770] The adhesive composition includes the inventive polymer described herein. The polymer may be functionalized with maleic acid or maleic anhydride. Additional components may be combined with the polymers or formulations of the polymers to form the adhesive composition.

[0771] In general, an adhesive composition used to form a label has the ability, at or about room temperature, to sufficiently wet a substrate under gentle pressure and to so form a useful bond. A useful adhesive bond covers a broad expanse of adhesive (adhesive to substrate failure) and cohesive (internal adhesive failure) strengths. This balance of adhesive and cohesive strength is optimized according to the application. For example, removable labels require relative low adhesive strength and high cohesive strength so that they may be removed without leaving any residue on the substrate. High performance labels, on the other hand, require both high adhesive and cohesive strength. Such high performance labels may, in some cases, have such high adhesive and cohesive strength that the substrate or backing element will fail. Adhesive compositions used in labels should possess the desired stretchiness, elasticity, and strength (including tensile strength) for their intended use.

[0772] In one aspect, the adhesive composition can include one or more tackifiers. The tackifiers can include aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resin, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes and modified terpenes, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin esters, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof, for example. The adhesive composition can include 70 percent by weight or less, or 40 percent by weight or less, or 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers.

[0773] In another aspect, the adhesive composition can include one or more waxes, such as polar waxes, non-polar waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, oxidized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, hydroxystearamide waxes, functionalized waxes, polypropylene waxes, polyethylene waxes, wax modifiers, and combinations thereof, for example. The adhesive composition can include 40 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes.

[0774] In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition can include one or more additives. The one or more additives can include plasticizers, oils, stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, dyestuffs, antiblock additives, polymeric additives, defoamers, preservatives, thickeners, adhesion promoters, rheology modifiers, humectants, fillers, surfactants, processing aids, cross-linking agents, neutralizing agents, flame retardants, fluorescing agents, compatibilizers, antimicrobial agents, and water, for example.

[0775] Exemplary oils may include aliphatic naphthenic oils, white oils, and combinations thereof, for example. The phthalates may include di-iso-undecyl phthalate (DIUP), di-iso-nonylphthalate (DINP), dioctylphthalates (DOP), combinations thereof, or derivatives thereof. Exemplary polymeric additives include homo poly-alpha-olefins, copolymers of alpha-olefins, copolymers and terpolymers of diolefins, elastomers, polyesters, block copolymers including diblocks and triblocks, ester polymers, alkyl acrylate polymers, and acrylate polymers. In one aspect, the adhesive composition includes 40 percent by weight or less of the one or more plasticizers. Exemplary plasticizers may include mineral oils, polybutenes, phthalates, and combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the adhesive composition includes 5 percent by weight or less of the one or more anti-oxidants. Exemplary anti-oxidants include alkylated phenols, hindered phenols, and phenol derivatives, such as t-butyl hydroquinone, butylated hydroxyanisole, polybutylated bisphenol, butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT), alkylated hydroquinone, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-paracresol, 2,5-di-tert-aryl hydroquinone, octadecyl-3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy phenyl) etc.

[0776] In another aspect, the adhesive composition includes 30 percent by weight or less of the one or more fillers. Exemplary fillers include silica, diatomaceous earth, calcium carbonate, iron oxide, hydrogenated castor oil, fumed silica, precipitated calcium carbonate, hydrophobic treated fumed silicas, hydrophobic precipitated calcium carbonates, talc, zinc oxides, polyvinyl chloride powders, fungicides, graphite, carbon black, asphalt, carbon fillers, clay, mica, fibers, titanium dioxide, cadmium sulfide, asbestos, wood fluor, polyethylene powder, chopped fibers, bubbles, beads, thixotropes, bentonite, calcium sulfate, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, and combinations or derivates thereof. Exemplary surfactants include vinyl-containing or mercapto-containing polyorganosiloxanes, macromonomers with vinyl terminated polydimethyl siloxane, and combinations or derivatives thereof.

[0777] Exemplary adhesion promoters include silanes, titanates, organosylane, acrylics, acids, anhydrides, epoxy resins, hardening agents, polyamides, methylacrylates, epoxies, phenolic resins, polyisobutylene, aminoalkyl, mercaptoalkyl, epoxyalkyl, ureidoalkyl, carboxy, acrylate and isocyanurate functional silanes, mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane, glycidoxpropyltrimethoxysilane, aminopropyltriethoxysilane, aminoethylaminopropyltrimethoxysilane, ureidopropyltrimethyloxysilane, bis-gamma-trimethoxysilyl-propylurea, 1,3,5-tris-gamma-trimethoxysilylpropylisocyanurate, bis-gamma-trimethoxysilylpropylmaleate, fumarate and gamma-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, aminopropyltriethoxysilane, and combinations and derivatives thereof. Exemplary crosslinking agents include oxime crosslinkers, alkoxysilanes, epoxyalkylalkoxysilanes, amido silanes, aminosilanes, enoxysilanes, tetraethoxysilanes, methyltrimethoxy silane, vinyl trimethoxysilane, glycidoxypropyltrimethoxsilane, vinyl tris-isopropenoxysilane, methyl tris-isopropenoxysilane, methyl tris-cyclohexylaminosilane, methyl tris-secondarybutylaminosilane, polyisocyanates, and combinations or derivatives thereof. Exemplary organic solvents include aliphatic solvents, cycloaliphatic solvents, mineral spirits, aromatic solvents, hexane, cyclohexane, benzene, toluene, xylene, and combinations or derivatives thereof.

[0778] Adhesive compositions for labels are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art to possess properties including the following: (1) aggressive and permanent tack, (2) adherence with no more than finger pressure, (3) sufficient ability to hold onto a substrate, and (4) sufficient cohesive strength. Materials that have been found to function well in labels are adhesive compositions formulated to exhibit the requisite viscoelastic properties resulting in a desired balance of tack, peel adhesion, and shear holding power. Optimal adhesive compositions thus have a shear modulus that falls in the range of about 5×10⁵ to 1×10⁵ dynes/cm² and whose glass transition temperature is from −10° C. and 10° C.

[0779] The nature of an adhesive, whether permanent or removable, is often specified by the peel force, which is the force required to peel a one-inch sample strip at right angles from a stainless steel substrate to which it has been adhered. Permanent adhesives typically have peel forces of 3 pounds or more, while adhesives having a peel force of less than about 2 pounds are normally referred to as removable adhesives. More generally, when the entire system including the backing element, adhesive composition, and the substrate to which the label is applied is considered, a permanent adhesive is one wherein a full coating will prevent removal of the label without impairing the structural integrity of the label or the substrate. In contrast, a removable label is one which will not affect the structural integrity of the label or the substrate, but which may be peeled back and re-used.

[0780] Accordingly, in one aspect, the adhesive composition has a glass transition temperature of from −65° C. to 30° C., preferably from −65 to 20° C. In another aspect, the adhesive composition has a plateau shear modulus of from 1×10⁴ dynes/cm² to 1×10⁷ dynes/cm² at 25° C. In another aspect, the adhesive composition has a peel strength at a 180° peel angle when the substrate comprises glass of from 1 to 1800 g/cm. Preferably, the adhesive composition has a peel adhesion at a 180° peel angle when the substrate comprises polyethylene film of from 1 to 1800 g/cm. In another aspect, the adhesive composition has a rolling ball tack of from 0.1 cm to 30 cm. In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition has a loop tack when the substrate comprises glass of from 1 N/cm to 10 N/cm. Preferably, the adhesive composition has a loop tack when the substrate comprises polyethylene film of from 1 N/cm to 10 N/cm. In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition has a hot shear strength when the substrate comprises stainless steel of greater than 40 minutes at 40° C. In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition has a holding power when the substrate comprises stainless steel of greater than 1 minute, preferably greater than 30 minutes at 12.5×25.0 mm with a 1-kg load. In another aspect, the adhesive composition has a peak tan delta of from −20° C. to 10° C. In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition has a Polyken probe tack of from 1 g to 900 g. In another embodiment the adhesive composition has a brookfield viscosity of 50,000 mPa·s or less at 177° C.

[0781] Labels may be formed by any of the conventional techniques known in the art. For example, in a typical label construction, the removable release liner is coated with the adhesive composition, which is contacted with the backing element. Alternatively, the adhesive composition may be applied to the backing element, then the release liner applied to the adhesive composition. Fully all or at least most of the areas of a label are coated with the adhesive composition. Prior to application of the label to a substrate, the release liner is removed from the adhesive composition, while the adhesive composition remains on the backing element. Removal of the release liner allows the label to be adhered to a substrate. The release liner protects the adhesive composition during shipment and storage.

[0782] The embodiments described below further relate to compositions or combinations as described herein.

[0783] A. A label for adhering to a substrate comprising an adhesive composition comprising a polymer having one or more C₃ to C₄₀ olefins and from 0 to 5 mole % of ethylene, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more, a branching index (g′) of 0.95 or less measured at an Mz of the polymer, and a Mw of 100,000 or less, a backing element and a release liner, wherein the release liner is adhered to the backing element using the adhesive composition.

[0784] B. The label of paragraph A, wherein the backing element is selected from the group consisting of plastic, polyolefins, stainless steel, paper, paperboard, containerboard, tagboard, corrugated board, chipboard, kraft paper, cardboard, fiberboard, plastic resin, metal, metal alloys, foil, skin, film, plastic film, laminates, clothing, containers, surgical instruments, medical devices, glass, and sheeting.

[0785] C. The label of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the backing element is selected from the group consisting of polymeric film, polyester film, polyolefin-based film, polyurethane film, polyvinylchloride foam, polyethylene foam, nonwoven polyurethane, nonwoven polyester, knitted fabric, paper, synthetic polymeric material, plastic, polyolefin, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene terphthalate, polyvinyl chloride, kraft paper, polymers, laminate, latex saturated paper, foil, litho stock, lightweight stock, styrene foam, laminated foam, expanded polystyrene foam, woven fabric, non-woven fabric, cloth, creped paper, thermoplastic, and mixtures of polyethylene and polypropylene.

[0786] D. The label of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the backing element and the release liner have two opposing sides and the adhesive composition is applied to at least one of the two opposing sides of the backing element or at least one of the two opposing sides of the release liner.

[0787] E. The label any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition further comprises one or more tackifiers selected from the group consisting of aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resin, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes and modified terpenes, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin esters, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0788] F. The label of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition further comprises one or more waxes selected from the group consisting of polar waxes, non-polar waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, oxidized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, hydroxystearamide waxes, functionalized waxes, polypropylene waxes, polyethylene waxes, wax modifiers, and combinations thereof.

[0789] G. The label of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition further comprises one or more additives selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, oils, stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, dyestuffs, thickeners, rheology modifiers, fillers, antiblock additives, surfactants, processing crosslinking agents, neutralizing agents, flame retardants, compatibilizers, and antimicrobial agents.

[0790] H. The label of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 40 percent by weight or less of one or more waxes.

[0791] I. The label of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 70 percent by weight or less, or 40 percent by weight or less, or 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers.

[0792] J. The label of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a melt viscosity of 90,000 mPa·s or less at 190° C.

[0793] K. The label of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a set time of 30 minutes or less.

[0794] L. The label of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of from 3 N to 4,000 N.

[0795] M. The label of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition has a viscosity of 90 Pa·s at 177° C.

[0796] N. The label of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition has a loop tack when the substrate comprises glass of from 1 N/cm to 10 N/cm.

[0797] O. The label of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition has a holding power when the substrate comprises stainless steel of greater than 30 minutes at 25.4×25.4 cm with a 2-kg load.

[0798] P. A method of preparing the label any of the above paragraphs comprising forming an adhesive composition comprising a polymer having one or more C₃ to C₄₀ olefins and from 0 to 5 mole % of ethylene, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more, a branching index (g′) of 0.95 or less measured at the Mz of the polymer, and a Mw of 100,000 or less and applying the adhesive composition to at least a portion of a release liner having at least two opposing sides or to at least a portion of a backing element having two opposing sides.

K. Bookbinding

[0799] In a particular embodiment, the adhesives of this invention can be used in bookbinding. For purposes of convenience, the word “bookbinding” will be used to describe the process by which books having a binder element, wherein an adhesive composition is applied to at least a portion of the binder element, are produced. However, the embodiments described herein are not limited to adhesive compositions suitable for binding only books. As used herein the term “books” is intended to include other articles containing pages bound with adhesive compositions such as paperback books, soft cover books, instruction manuals, magazines, catalogs, trade journals, directories, and the like.

[0800] The adhesive composition includes the inventive polymer described herein. The polymer may be functionalized with maleic acid or maleic anhydride. Additional components may be combined with the polymers or formulations of the polymers to form the adhesive composition.

[0801] In one aspect, the adhesive composition can include one or more tackifiers. The tackifiers can include aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resin, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes and modified terpenes, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin esters, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof, for example. The adhesive composition can include 80 percent by weight or less, or 60 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers. In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition includes 45 percent by weight or less, or 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers.

[0802] In another aspect, the adhesive composition can include one or more waxes, such as polar waxes, non-polar waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, oxidized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, hydroxystearamide waxes, functionalized waxes, polypropylene waxes, polyethylene waxes, wax modifiers, and combinations thereof, for example. The adhesive composition may include amount 30 percent by weight or less or 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes.

[0803] In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition can include 55 percent by weight or less, or 40 percent by weight of one or more additives. Preferably, the adhesive composition includes 30 percent by weight of one or more additives, and most preferably, the adhesive composition includes 10 percent by weight or less of one or more additives. The one or more additives can include plasticizers, oils, stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, dyestuffs, antiblock additives, polymeric additives, defoamers, preservatives, thickeners, rheology modifiers, humectants, fillers, surfactants, processing aids, cross-linking agents, neutralizing agents, flame retardants, fluorescing agents, compatibilizers, antimicrobial agents, and water, for example. Exemplary oils may include aliphatic naphthenic oils, white oils, and combinations thereof, for example. The phthalates may include di-iso-undecyl phthalate (DIUP), di-iso-nonylphthalate (DINP), dioctylphthalates (DOP), combinations thereof, or derivatives thereof. Exemplary polymeric additives include homo poly-alpha-olefins, copolymers of alpha-olefins, copolymers and terpolymers of diolefins, elastomers, polyesters, block copolymers including diblocks and triblocks, ester polymers, alkyl acrylate polymers, and acrylate polymers. Exemplary plasticizers may include mineral oils, polybutenes, phthalates, and combinations thereof.

[0804] Important performance properties of adhesive compositions used to bind books include page-pull, lay-flat, page-flex, cold crack, easy-open, and spine flexibility. Page-pull refers to the force required to pull an individual page from a bound book. Page-pull depends on both the adhesive and surface preparation of the book block. Lay-flat refers to a characteristic of a book to remain open at a given page and how flat it lies (spine up or down). Lay-flat depends on the characteristics of the adhesive and the amount of adhesive applied. Page-flex is a complex function of adhesive characteristics, penetration of the adhesive into the book block, and surface preparation of the book block. Cold crack refers to the temperature at which the spine of a book will crack when it is quickly opened so that its covers touch. Cold crack depends on the adhesive and the amount of adhesive applied. Easy-open refers to the amount of resistance a book offers when it is first opened. Easy-open depends on adhesive characteristics and amount of adhesive applied. Spine flexibility refers to the ability of a book to be opened repeatedly without the spine creasing or wrinkling. Spine flexibility is a function of adhesive properties and amount of adhesive applied.

[0805] The adhesive composition can be formulated to have a percent substrate fiber tear of from 75% to 100% at 22° C. Preferably, the adhesive composition is formulated to have a percent substrate fiber tear of from 95% to 100% at 22° C. In another aspect, the adhesive composition has a PAFT of 60° C. or more. Preferably, the adhesive composition has a PAFT of 200° C. or less. In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition has a SAFT of 70° C. or more. Preferably, the adhesive composition has a SAFT of 200° C. or less. In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition has a tensile strength at break of from 27.5 bar to 82 bar at 25° C. Preferably, the adhesive composition has a tensile strength at break of from 27.5 bar to 65 bar at 25° C. More preferably, the adhesive composition has a tensile strength at break of from 27.5 bar to 40 bar at 25° C. In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition has a percent elongation of from 100% to 1000% strain of the original length at 25° C. Preferably, the adhesive composition has a percent elongation of from 100% to 750% strain of the original length at 25° C. More preferably, the adhesive composition has a percent elongation of from 100% to 600% strain of the original length at 25° C.

[0806] The adhesive composition can also have a ratio of tensile strength at break to elongation at break of 1.5 or less. Preferably, the adhesive composition has a tensile strength to elongation ratio of 1.25 or less. More preferably, the adhesive composition has a tensile strength to elongation ratio of 0.9 or less. In one aspect, the adhesive composition has a viscosity of 2.5 Pa·s or less 177° C. Preferably, the adhesive composition has a viscosity of 10 Pa·s or less at 177° C. In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition has a glass transition temperature of from −65° C. to 30° C. In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition has a Young's Modulus of from 65 to 690 bar. In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition has a Dot T-Peel of from 3 N to 4,000 N. Preferably, the adhesive composition has a Dot T-Peel of from 5 N to 3,000 N. More preferably, the adhesive composition has a Dot T-Peel of from 15 N to 1,000 N.

[0807] One typical formulation of the adhesive composition includes at least 35 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 60 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 20 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 15 percent by weight of one or more additives. Another typical formulation of the adhesive composition includes at least 50 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 60 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 20 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 15 percent by weight of one or more additives. Yet another typical formulation of the adhesive composition includes at least 50 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 60 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 5 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 5 percent by weight of one or more additives.

[0808] In traditional bookbinding, adhesives are employed in many different steps. In a step referred to as “gluing off”, adhesive is used in addition to thread or wire to bind and seal pages of a book together. In a step referred to as “lining”, adhesive is used to attach reinforcing material, such as cloth or paper, to the book spine, e.g., the binder element.

[0809] In a step referred to as “casing-in”, adhesive is used to attach the book's cover to the book spine. In perfect binding, adhesive alone is used to bind the pages of a book together and attach the book's cover. If only one adhesive application is used to construct a book, it is called a “one-shot process.” When two adhesive applications are used, it is called a “two-shot process.” In the two shot process, the first application of adhesive binds the pages of the book together. This adhesive is referred to as a primer glue. The second application of adhesive is used to attach the book's cover to the book spine. This adhesive is referred to as a cover glue.

[0810] The embodiments described below further relate to compositions or combinations as described herein.

[0811] A. A bookbinding article comprising an adhesive composition comprising a polymer having one or more C₃ to C₄₀ olefins and from 0 to 5 mole % of ethylene, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more, a branching index (g′) of 0.95 or less measured at an Mz of the polymer, and a Mw of 100,000 or less and a binder element, wherein the adhesive composition is applied to at least portion of the binder element.

[0812] B. The bookbinding article of paragraph A, wherein the bookbinding article is selected from the group consisting of hard cover books, periodicals, text books, manuals, journals, soft cover text books, paperback books, magazines, and catalogs.

[0813] C. The bookbinding article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the binder element comprises paper or heavy stock paper.

[0814] D. The bookbinding article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition further comprises one or more tackifiers selected from the group consisting of aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, modified polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resins, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes, modified terpenes, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin acids, modified hydrogenated terpenes, hydrogenated rosin esters, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0815] E. The bookbinding article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition further comprises one or more waxes selected from the group consisting of polar waxes, non-polar waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, oxidized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, hydroxystearamide waxes, functionalized waxes, polypropylene waxes, polyethylene waxes, wax modifiers, and combinations thereof.

[0816] F. The bookbinding article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition further comprises one or more additives selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, oils, stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, dyestuffs, polymeric additives, defoamers, preservatives, thickeners, rheology modifiers, humectants, fillers and water.

[0817] G. The bookbinding article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 80 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 70 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 60 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 50 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 40 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 30 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 10 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 5 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, or 1 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers.

[0818] H. The bookbinding article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 75 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 70 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 60 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 50 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 40 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 30 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 10 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 5 percent by weight or less of the one or more Waxes, or 1 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes.

[0819] I. The bookbinding article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 60 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 50 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 40 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 30 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 10 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 5 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 3 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, or 1 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives.

[0820] J. The bookbinding article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a melt viscosity of 90,000 mPa·s or less at 190° C.

[0821] K. The bookbinding article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a set time of 30 minutes or less.

[0822] L. The bookbinding article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of from 3 N to 4,000 N.

[0823] M. The bookbinding article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition has a tensile strength to elongation ratio of 1.5 or less.

[0824] N. The bookbinding article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition has a tensile strength to elongation ratio of 1.25 or less.

[0825] O. The bookbinding article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition has a tensile strength to elongation ratio of 0.9 or less.

[0826] P. A method of preparing the bookbinding article of any of the above paragraphs comprising forming an adhesive composition comprising a polymer having one or more C₃ to C₄₀ olefins and from 0 to 5 mole % of ethylene, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more, a branching index (g′) of 0.95 or less measured at the Mz of the polymer, and a Mw of 100,000 or less and applying the adhesive composition to at least a portion of a binder element.

L. Road Markings

[0827] In a particular embodiment, the adhesive compositions described herein can be used in a roadmarking composition. Roadmarking compositions generally include a binder composition and one or more fillers applied to one or more substrates. The one or more substrates can include asphalt, concrete, metal, brick, cobbles, ceramics, polymeric materials, cinder blocks, soft sports surfaces, playground surfaces, runways, tartan substitutes, concrete, metals, asphalt, bitumen, bricks, cobbles, tiles, steel plates, wood, ceramics, polymeric materials, glass, concrete blocks, porcelain, stone, wood panels, particle board, wooden vehicle parts, cinder blocks, scrims, and combinations thereof.

[0828] The roadmarking composition includes the one or more fillers to increase weatherability, visibility, covering power, abrasion resistance, adhesion, and/or reflectivity of the roadmarking composition. In addition, certain fillers may be added to improve the overall rheological properties of the thermoplastic road marking, prevent segregation of the roadmarking, provide friction for the binder composition to the substrate to which it is being applied, and/or reduce the cost of the roadmarking composition. Fillers that may be used for this purpose include sand, pigments, glass beads, polymer-based beads, calcium carbonate, crushed marble, aggregate, dolomite, talc, glass pearls, prismatic reflectors, lens reflectors, calcite spar, silica sand, graphite, flyash, cement dust, clay, feldspar, nepheline, fumed silica, alumina, magnesium oxide, zinc oxide, barium sulfate, aluminum silicate, calcium silicate, tianates, chalk, reflective inorganic fillers, extending fillers, beads, calcium sulfate, calcium metasilicate, quartz powder, calcined flint powder, mica, calcium silicate glass fibers, dyes, granite, plaster, slaked lime, alumina, diatomaceous earth, reflecting agents, modifiers, white lead, lithopone, chrome yellow, cadmium yellow, resin beads, polymeric gels, polymers, ceramic materials, crushed glass, stone, corundum, aluminum hydroxide, silicon oxide, glass bubbles, and zinc neodecanoate. Exemplary pigments include titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, magnesium oxide, lead chromate, and mixtures thereof. The type and content of the pigment is selected according to the specific purpose for the roadmarking, which is readily ascertainable by a person skilled in the art. In addition, one or more fillers may be added to the roadmarking composition to impart color, opacity, or hue to the roadmarking composition.

[0829] A key characteristic of roadmarking compositions is visibility under all environmental conditions. Therefore, the roadmarking composition can include one or more reflective fillers. The incorporation of one or more reflective fillers into the roadmarking composition maximizes the visibility of roadmarkings in rain and darkness by reflecting light from a vehicle's lamps. One or more reflective fillers can be included in the roadmarking composition in an amount sufficient to provide enhanced visibility to the composition by reflecting light. Suitable reflective fillers include but are not limited to glass beads, polymeric beads, sand, silica compounds, ceramic materials, and/or any other reflective filler normally used for such purpose in roadmarking compositions. Beads are the preferred reflective filler, including but not limited to polymer-based beads or glass beads. Glass beads are most preferred. The beads should not adversely affect the cohesive strength of the cooled binder, so strong bonding must occur between the binder and the beads. The primary requirement is that the beads are stable to heat applied during the preparation, mixing, and application of the road marking. Preferably, the beads should remain stable when subjected to a heat above at least 200° C. for a period of about 20 minutes.

[0830] Beads prepared from polymers should be able to withstand the pressure applied from normal traffic without breaking or crushing. Furthermore, the reflective filler should be evenly distributed throughout the binder to give uniformity of properties and to provide longevity to the reflective character of the roadmarking. An even distribution of the reflective filler causes exposure of new reflective fillers to the surface when traffic wear and weathering remove an upper layer of the roadmarking. Increasing the amount of reflective filler added to the roadmarking composition also helps maintain satisfactory reflective properties over time while increasing the reflectivity of the roadmarking. If the amount of reflective filler present in the roadmarking composition is small, the reflective ability is deteriorated when the reflective fillers interspersed in the composition are decreased due to abrasion by tires, whereas if the amount of reflective filler added is too large, the roadmarking composition is reduced in strength.

[0831] When used in the roadmarking compositions, fillers are effective in increasing the strength of the roadmarking and in retaining the thickness of the roadmarking; however, the use of the fillers in unduly large amounts may result in the production of brittle roadmarkings. As a result, the roadmarking composition includes from 20 to 90 percent by weight of the one or more fillers. In one aspect, the one or more fillers include 50 percent by weight or less, or from 10 to 40 percent by weight, or from 15 to 30 percent of the one or more beads. In yet another aspect, the one or more fillers include 20 percent by weight or less, or from 2 to 15 percent by weight or from 3 to 10 percent by weight of the one or more pigments.

[0832] In one aspect, the roadmarking composition includes from 10 to 80 percent by weight of the binder. The binder composition includes the inventive polymer described herein. The polymer may be functionalized with malaic acid or malaic anhydride. Additional components may be combined with the polymers or formulations of the polymers to form the binder composition.

[0833] In one aspect, the binder includes one or more tackifiers. Exemplary tackifiers include aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, modified polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resins, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes, modified terpenes, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin acids, modified hydrogenated terpenes, hydrogenated rosin esters, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof. In one aspect, the binder includes 80 percent by weight of the tackifiers.

[0834] In another aspect, the binder includes one or more waxes. Exemplary waxes include polar waxes, non-polar waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, oxidized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, hydroxystearamide waxes, functionalized waxes, polypropylene waxes, polyethylene waxes, wax modifiers, maleic anhydride grafted, polyethylenes with pendant acid functionality moieties, paraffin waxes, microcrystalline waxes, and combinations thereof. In one aspect, the binder includes 30 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes.

[0835] In yet another aspect, the binder includes one or more additives. Exemplary additives include plasticizers, oils, stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, dyestuffs, polymeric additives, defoamers, preservatives, thickeners, rheology modifiers, humectants, extenders, hindered phenolics, phosphates, antiblock additives, lubricants, photostabilizers, ultraviolet absorbents, dispersants, thickeners, bases, wetting agents, fire retardants, crosslinking agents, curing agents, opacifiers, and water. Exemplary oils include aliphatic oils, naphthenic oils, white oils, soya oils, combinations thereof, and derivatives thereof. In one aspect, the binder includes 40 percent by weight of the one or more polymeric additives. Exemplary polymeric additives include homo poly-alpha-olefins, copolymers of alpha-olefins, copolymers and terpolymers of diolefins, elastomers, polyesters, block copolymers including diblocks and triblocks, ester polymers, alkyl acrylate polymers, and acrylate polymers. In one aspect, the binder includes 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more plasticizers. Exemplary plasticizers include mineral oils, polybutenes, phthalates, hydrocarbon oils, soybean oils, phthalate esters, elastomers, olefin oligomers, vegetable oils, cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate, and combinations thereof. Exemplary phthalates include di-iso-undecyl phthalate (DIUP), di-iso-nonylphthalate (DINP), dioctylphthalates (DOP), combinations thereof, or derivatives thereof. In another aspect, the binder includes 5 percent by weight or less of the one or more stabilizers. In yet another aspect, the binder comprises 1 percent by weight or less of the one or more anti-oxidants. Examples of suitable opacifiers include but are not limited to titanium dioxide, diatomaceous earth, diatomaceous silica, and barium sulfate.

[0836] The binder may further comprise one or more modifiers to enhance wetting of the one or more fillers as well as to reduce melt viscosity without a concurrent reduction in softening point. Modifiers which are useful with the roadmarking composition of the present invention include but are not limited to acids; metal oxides such as zinc oxide, white lead, lithopone, basic lead sulfate, magnesium oxide, heat resistant chrome yellow, cadmium yellow, iron oxide, and titanium dioxide; anhydrides such as polyisobutylene succinic anhydride (PIBSA); and combinations and derivatives thereof.

[0837] In some embodiments, the binder further comprises a copolymer having a Mw of from 100,000 to 250,000, preferably from 250,000 to 500,000.

[0838] In an alternate embodiment of the roadmarking composition, two or more polymers having molecular weights that are different from each other provide superior durability along with other rheological benefits to the roadmarking composition. Specifically, one or more high molecular weight polymers may be combined with one or more medium molecular weight polymers. Furthermore, one or more medium molecular weight polymers may be combined with one or more low molecular weight polymers. One or more high molecular weight polymers may be combined with one or more low molecular weight polymers. In the alternative, high, medium, and low molecular weight polymers may all be combined. The weight average molecular weights of the polymers range as follows: from 250,000 to 500,000 for the high molecular weight polymer; from 100,000 to 250,000 for the medium molecular weight polymer; and from 50,000 to 100,000 for the low molecular weight polymer. In a preferred embodiment, the binder further comprises a first copolymer having a Mw of from 100,000 to 250,000 and a second copolymer having a Mw of from 250,000 to 500,000.

[0839] One typical formulation of the binder includes at least 35 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 99 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 20 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 90 percent by weight of one or more filler. Another typical formulation of the binder includes at least 50 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 80 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 15 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 75 percent by weight of one or more additives. Yet another typical formulation of the binder includes at least 50 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 40 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 20 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 70 percent by weight of one or more additives. Yet another typical formulation of the binder includes at least 10 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 60 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 20 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 60 percent by weight of one or more additives. Yet another typical formulation of the binder includes at least 5 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 80 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 5 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 10 percent by weight of one or more additives. Yet another typical formulation of the binder includes at least 10 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 30 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 10 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 50 percent by weight of one or more additives.

[0840] In one aspect, the binder is formulated to have a viscosity of from 0.05 Pa·s to 0.5 Pa·s at 177° C. In another aspect, the binder has a glass transition temperature of from 65° C. to 30° C. In yet another aspect, the binder has a Zahn viscosity of less than 120 seconds at 190° C. In yet another aspect, the binder has a Zahn viscosity of from of 35 to 180 seconds at 190° C. In yet another aspect, the binder has a Dot T-Peel of from 3 N to 4,000 N. Preferably, the binder has a Dot T-Peel of from 5 N to 3,000 N. More preferably, the binder has a Dot T-Peel of from 15 N to 1,000 N. In another aspect, the binder has an adhesion to a road surface of 1.0 N/mm² or more. Preferably, the binder has an adhesion to a road surface of 1.2 N/mm² or more. More preferably, the binder has an adhesion to a road surface of 1.3 N/mm² or more. Most preferably, the binder has an adhesion to a road surface of 1.5 N/mm² or more. Adhesion to a road surface as used herein is measured by ExxonMobil test method E-22. In another aspect, the binder has a softening point of 90° C. or more. Preferably, the binder has a softening point of 95° C. or more. More preferably, the binder has a softening point of 98° C. or more. Most preferably, the binder has a softening point of 100° C. or more. In another aspect, the binder has a needle penetration of from 5 to 120 s/10 mm. In yet another aspect, the binder has a luminance of 70 or more. Preferably, the binder has a luminance of 75 or more. More preferably, the binder has a luminance of 76 or more or 78 more. In yet another aspect, the binder has a melt viscosity of from 0.4 Pa·s to 30 Pa·s at 177° C.

[0841] The roadmarking composition may be applied to a traveled surface such as pavement to convey information. Roadmarking compositions are also suitable in a variety of coating, marking, and painting applications, including but not limited to traffic signs, runway markings, pedestrian crosswalks, building advertisements and markings, bicycle lanes, tennis courts, marking of tartan substitutes, stop lines, driving course markings, traffic symbols, traffic tapes, soft sports surface markings, playground markings, ship safety markings, oil rig safety markings, reflective traffic safety coatings, boundary lines, road signs, embossed roadmarkings, pipes, poles, highway guard rails, concrete blocks, curbs, sidewalks, parking lots, bridge abutments, wooden walkways, wooden barricades, ceramic surfaces, bricks, painted roadway markings, and painted sign surfaces.

[0842] Roadmarking compositions are usually applied by screed box, extrusion, or spray techniques. Screed box application is ordinarily used for the roadmarking composition with a higher viscosity, extrusion is ordinarily used for the roadmarking composition with an intermediate viscosity, and spray application is ordinarily used for the roadmarking composition with a lower viscosity. A roadmarking composition capable of a broad range of application temperatures, particularly from 150° C. to 250° C., allows the composition to remain suitable for application by different means. The ability of the compositions to be applied at lower application temperatures of from 150° C. to 170° C. makes them suitable for application by extrusion coating techniques, while the ability of the compositions to be applied at higher application temperatures of 200° C. to 250° C. makes them suitable for application by spray coating techniques.

[0843] When heated above its melting point, the roadmarking composition melts or becomes molten, causing a change from a solid to a liquid or fluid state. When the molten composition cools below its melting point, the roadmarking composition reverts back a solid state. The roadmarking composition of the present invention is normally applied by melting the composition and applying the molten material to the substrate at a temperature of from 175° C. to about 250° C.

[0844] In application, the one or more fillers are incorporated into the binder while the binder is in a molten state. The resulting roadmarking composition is then applied to the substrate and subsequently cooled, causing the roadmarking composition to solidify. Alternatively, the binder is first applied to the substrate in a molten state. Before the binder cools and while the binder remains in a molten state, the glass beads are applied to the binder. The binder then solidifies to adhere the beads to the substrate, forming the roadmarking. A combination of both methods is an alternate method of roadmarking. Beads may be incorporated into the binder and also spread onto the roadmarking composition while the roadmarking composition is still in a molten state. This method secures a satisfactory reflection of the roadmarking until traffic wear and weathering causes the incorporated beads to rise on the surface of the roadmarking.

[0845] The roadmarking composition should not experience excessive slumping or puddling, which involves spreading and running of the composition upon application to the substrate. Excessive slumping or puddling can cause the resultant roadmarking to possess irregular and poorly defined lines or shapes. The application temperature should be adjusted (usually cooler application temperature) or additives should be added to the composition to prevent slumping or puddling. Changes in the application temperature should also take into account the viscosity of the roadmarking composition for ease of application of the composition onto the substrate, as cooling the roadmarking composition to too low of a temperature makes application of the binder onto the substrate more difficult and perhaps impossible.

[0846] The embodiments described below further relate to compositions or combinations as described herein.

[0847] A. A roadmarking composition comprising a binder comprising a polymer having one or more C₃ to C₄₀ olefins and from 0 to 5 mole % of ethylene, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more, a branching index (g′) of 0.95 or less measured at an Mz of the polymer, and a Mw of 100,000 or less and one or more fillers.

[0848] B. The roadmarking composition of paragraph A, wherein the roadmarking composition is applied to one or more substrates selected from the group consisting of asphalt, concrete, metal, brick, cobbles, ceramics, polymeric materials, cinder blocks, soft sports surfaces, playground surfaces, runways, tartan substitutes, concrete, metals, asphalt, bitumen, bricks, cobbles, tiles, steel plates, wood, ceramics, polymeric materials, glass, concrete blocks, porcelain, stone, wood panels, particle board, wooden vehicle parts, cinder blocks, and scrims.

[0849] C. The roadmarking composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the binder further comprises a copolymer having a Mw of from 100,000 to 250,000.

[0850] D. The roadmarking composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the binder further comprises a copolymer having a Mw of from 250,000 to 500,000.

[0851] E. The roadmarking composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the binder further comprises a first copolymer having a Mw of from 100,000 to 250,000 and a second copolymer having a Mw of from 250,000 to 500,000.

[0852] F. The roadmarking composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the binder further comprises one or more tackifiers selected from the group consisting of aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, modified polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resins, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes, modified terpenes, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin acids, modified hydrogenated terpenes, hydrogenated rosin esters, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0853] G. The roadmarking composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the binder further comprises one or more waxes selected from the group consisting of polar waxes, non-polar waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, oxidized Fisher-Tropsch waxes, hydroxystearamide waxes, functionalized waxes, polypropylene waxes, polyethylene waxes, wax modifiers, maleic anhydride grafted, polyethylenes with pendant acid functionality moieties, paraffin waxes, microcrystalline waxes, and combinations thereof.

[0854] H. The roadmarking composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the binder further comprises one or more additives selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, oils, stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, dyestuffs, polymeric additives, defoamers, preservatives, thickeners, rheology modifiers, humectants, extenders, hindered phenolics, phosphates, antiblock additives, lubricants, photostabilizers, ultraviolet absorbents, dispersants, thickeners, bases, wetting agents, fire retardants, crosslinking agents, curing agents, opacifiers, water, and combinations thereof.

[0855] I. The roadmarking composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the binder further comprises one or more fillers selected from the group consisting of sand, pigments, glass beads, polymer-based beads, calcium carbonate, crushed marble, aggregate, dolomite, talc, glass pearls, prismatic reflectors, lens reflectors, calcite spar, silica sand, graphite, flyash, cement dust, clay, feldspar, nepheline, fumed silica, alumina, magnesium oxide, zinc oxide, barium sulfate, aluminum silicate, calcium silicate, tianates, chalk, reflective inorganic fillers, extending fillers, beads, calcium sulfate, calcium metasilicate, quartz powder, calcined flint powder, mica, calcium silicate glass fibers, dyes, granite, plaster, slaked lime, alumina, diatomaceous earth, reflecting agents, modifiers, white lead, lithopone, chrome yellow, cadmium yellow, resin beads, polymeric gels, polymers, ceramic materials, crushed glass, stone, corundum, aluminum hydroxide, silicon oxide, glass bubbles, zinc neodecanoate, and combinations thereof.

[0856] J. The roadmarking composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the binder comprises 80 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 70 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 60 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 50 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 40 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 30 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 10 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 5 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, or 1 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers.

[0857] K. The roadmarking composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the binder comprises 75 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 70 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 60 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 50 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 40 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 30 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 10 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 5 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, or 1 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes.

[0858] L. The roadmarking composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the binder comprises 90 percent by weight or less of the fillers, 80 percent by weight or less of the fillers, 70 percent by weight or less of the fillers, 60 percent by weight or less of the fillers, 50 percent by weight or less of the one or more fillers, 40 percent by weight or less of the one or more fillers, 30 percent by weight or less of the one or more fillers, 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more fillers, 10 percent by weight or less of the one or more fillers, or 5 percent by weight or less of the one or more fillers.

[0859] N. The roadmarking composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the binder comprises 90 percent by weight or less of the one or more plasticizers, 80 percent by weight or less of the one or more plasticizers, 70 percent by weight or less of the one or more plasticizers, 60 percent by weight or less of the one or more plasticizers, 50 percent by weight or less of the one or more plasticizers, 40 percent by weight or less of the one or more plasticizers, 30 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more plasticizers, or 10 percent by weight or less of the one or more plasticizers.

[0860] O. The roadmarking composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the one or more fillers comprises 50 percent by weight or less of the one or more more beads.

[0861] P. The roadmarking composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the one or more fillers comprises from 10 to 40 percent by weight of the one or more beads.

[0862] Q. The roadmarking composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the one or more fillers comprises from 15 to 30 percent by weight of the one or more beads.

[0863] R. The roadmarking composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the one or more fillers comprises 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more pigments.

[0864] S. The roadmarking composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the one or more fillers comprises from 2 to 15 percent by weight of the one or more pigments.

[0865] T. The roadmarking composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the one or more fillers comprises from 3 to 10 percent by weight of the one or more pigments.

[0866] U. The roadmarking composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a melt viscosity of 90,000 mPa·s or less at 190° C.

[0867] V. The roadmarking composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a set time of 30 minutes or less.

[0868] W. The roadmarking composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of from 3 N to 4,000 N.

[0869] X. The roadmarking composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the binder has an adhesion to a road surface of 1.0 N/mm² or more.

[0870] Y. The roadmarking composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the binder has a luminance of 70 or more.

[0871] Z. A method of preparing the roadmarking composition of any of the above paragraphs comprising combining one or more fillers and a polymer having one or more C₃ to C₄₀ olefins and from 0 to 5 mole % of ethylene, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more, a branching index (g′) of 0.95 or less measured at the Mz of the polymer, and a Mw of 100,000 or less to form the roadmarking composition.

M. Sealants

[0872] In a particular embodiment, the adhesive compositions described herein can be used in a sealant composition. The purpose of a sealant is to maintain a seal between two surfaces of a single substrate, thus repairing the substrate, or in the alternative, to establish and maintain a seal between a pair of substrates. The substrates can include concrete, roofing, marble, anodized aluminum, brick, mortar, granite, limestone, porcelain, glass, painted surfaces, wood, polyvinylchloride, polyacrylate, polycarbonate, polystyrene, fabrics, gaskets, plastic, stone, masonry materials, pipes, hoses, metal, wiring, skis, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, acrylic, PVDC, paper, ethylene vinyl acetate, automobiles, buildings, aircraft, panels, decks, bones, pavement, tailgates, door panels, wheel houses, rocker panels, firewalls, floor hem flanges, trunks, and floorpans. For example, sealant compositions may be used for repairing leaky pipes or cracked windshields on automobiles. Sealants further produce load bearing elastic joints between two or more surfaces and to prevent the passage of air, water and dirt there through.

[0873] Sealant compositions are useful not only in filling gaps and thus bonding the surfaces of a substrate in a repair operation, but also may be used to bond a first substrate to another substrate. The automotive industry, in particular, is a major user of sealants for this purpose. Automobiles are assembled from several structural components that are joined together in various fashions depending on the particular components and the degree of stress that will have to be endured by the components. For example, sealants are utilized in the assemblies of door panels, quarter panels, tailgates and roofs. Still other automobile assemblies that are welded or bolted together use sealant compositions in their seams. The wheel house, shock lower, rocker panel, firewall, floor hem flange, floorplan, and trunk are further examples of automotive applications which employ sealants.

[0874] The adhesive composition includes the inventive polymer described herein. The polymer may be functionalized with malaic acid or malaic anhydride. Additional components may be combined with the polymers or formulations of the polymers to form the adhesive composition.

[0875] In one aspect, the adhesive composition can include one or more tackifiers. The tackifiers can include aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resin, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes and modified terpenes, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin esters, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof, for example. The adhesive composition can include 80 percent by weight or less, or 60 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers. Preferably, the adhesive composition includes 40 percent by weight or less or 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers.

[0876] In another aspect, the adhesive composition can include one or more waxes, such as polar waxes, non-polar waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, oxidized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, hydroxystearamide waxes, functionalized waxes, polypropylene waxes, polyethylene waxes, wax modifiers, and combinations thereof, for example. The adhesive composition can include 30 percent by weight or less, or 25 percent by weight or less, or 20 percent by weight or less, or 15 percent by weight or less, or 10 percent by weight or less, or 5 percent by weight or less, or 3 percent by weight or less, or 1 percent by weight or less, or 0.5 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes.

[0877] In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition can include 95 percent by weight or less, or 50 percent by weight or less, or 25 percent by weight or less, or 20 percent by weight or less, or 15 percent by weight or less, or 10 percent by weight or less, or 5 percent by weight or less of one or more additives. The one or more additives can include plasticizers, oils, stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, dyestuffs, antiblock additives, polymeric additives, defoamers, preservatives, thickeners, rheology modifiers, humectants, fillers, surfactants, processing aids, cross-linking agents, neutralizing agents, flame retardants, fluorescing agents, compatibilizers, antimicrobial agents, and water, for example. Exemplary oils may include aliphatic naphthenic oils, white oils, and combinations thereof, for example. The phthalates may include di-iso-undecyl phthalate (DIUP), di-iso-nonylphthalate (DINP), dioctylphthalates (DOP), combinations thereof, or derivatives thereof. Exemplary polymeric additives include homo poly-alpha-olefins, copolymers of alpha-olefins, copolymers and terpolymers of diolefins, elastomers, polyesters, block copolymers including diblocks and triblocks, ester polymers, alkyl acrylate polymers, and acrylate polymers. In one embodiment, the adhesive composition includes 50 percent by weight or less of the one or more polymeric additives. Exemplary plasticizers may include mineral oils, polybutenes, phthalates, and combinations thereof. The adhesive composition can include 95 percent by weight or less, or 70 percent by weight or less, or 35 percent by weight or less, or 20 percent by weight or less, or 10 percent by weight or less of the one or more plasticizers. In another aspect, the adhesive composition includes from 0.01 to 10 percent by weight of one or more anti-oxidants, or from 0.05 to 5 percent by weight, or from 0.1 to 2.5 percent by weight or from 0.1 to 2 percent by weight of the one or more anti-oxidants. The anti-oxidants can include alkylated phenols, hindered phenols, and phenol derivatives, such as t-butyl hydroquinone, butylated hydroxyanisole, polybutylated bisphenol, butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT), alkylated hydroquinone, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-paracresol, 2,5-di-tert-aryl hydroquinone, octadecyl-3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy phenyl) etc. In one aspect, the adhesive composition includes 5 percent by weight or less of the one or more crosslinking agents. In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition includes 50 percent by weight or less of one or more fillers.

[0878] Exemplary fillers include silica, diatomaceous earth, calcium carbonate, iron oxide, hydrogenated castor oil, fumed silica, precipitated calcium carbonate, hydrophobic treated fumed silicas, hydrophobic precipitated calcium carbonates, talc, zinc oxides, polyvinyl chloride powders, fungicides, graphite, carbon black, asphalt, carbon fillers, clay, mica, fibers, titanium dioxide, cadmium sulfide, asbestos, wood fluor, polyethylene powder, chopped fibers, bubbles, beads, thixotropes, bentonite, calcium sulfate, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, and combinations or derivates thereof. In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition includes 15 percent by weight or less of the one or more surfactants. Exemplary surfactants include vinyl-containing or mercapto-containing polyorganosiloxanes, macromonomers with vinyl terminated polydimethyl siloxane, and combinations or derivatives thereof.

[0879] In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition includes 15 percent by weight or less, or 2.5 percent by weight or less of the one or more adhesion promoters. Exemplary adhesion promoters include silanes, titanates, organosylane, acrylics, acids, anhydrides, epoxy resins, hardening agents, polyamides, methylacrylates, epoxies, phenolic resins, polyisobutylene, aminoalkyl, mercaptoalkyl, epoxyalkyl, ureidoalkyl, carboxy, acrylate and isocyanurate functional silanes, mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane, glycidoxpropyltrimethoxysilane, aminopropyltriethoxysilane, aminoethylaminopropyltrimethoxysilane, ureidopropyltrimethyloxysilane, bis-gamma-trimethoxysilyl-propylurea, 1,3,5-tris-gamma-trimethoxysilylpropylisocyanurate, bis-gamma-trimethoxysilylpropylmaleate, fumarate and gamma-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, aminopropyltriethoxysilane, and combinations and derivatives thereof.

[0880] In one aspect, the adhesive composition includes 75 percent by weight or less of the one or more reinforcing agents, or 30 percent by weight or less. Exemplary crosslinking agents include oxime crosslinkers, alkoxysilanes, epoxyalkylalkoxysilanes, amido silanes, aminosilanes, enoxysilanes, tetraethoxysilanes, methyltrimethoxy silane, vinyl trimethoxysilane, glycidoxypropyltrimethoxsilane, vinyl tris-isopropenoxysilane, methyl tris-isopropenoxysilane, methyl tris-cyclohexylaminosilane, methyl tris-secondarybutylaminosilane, polyisocyanates, and combinations or derivatives thereof. Exemplary organic solvents include aliphatic solvents, cycloaliphatic solvents, mineral spirits, aromatic solvents, hexane, cyclohexane, benzene, toluene, xylene, and combinations or derivatives thereof.

[0881] Exemplary chain-extenders include amino silanes, amido silanes, acetoxy silanes, and aminoxy silanes, methylvinyl bis-N-methylacetamidosilane, methylhydrogendiacetoxysilane, dimethylbis-diethylhydroxylaminosilane, dimethylbis-secondarybutylaminosilane, polyisocyanates, and combinations or derivatives thereof.

[0882] When used as a caulk, sealants should comprise a crosslinking agent and, preferably, one or more of the following additives: adhesion promoters, reinforcing agents, chain extenders, and plasticizers. Antioxidants may also be employed in the sealant composition to prevent the sealant from undergoing oxidation and thermal degradation at the temperatures and environment employed during storage and ultimate use of the sealant.

[0883] One typical formulation of the adhesive composition includes at least 35 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 80 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 30 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 80 percent by weight of one or more additives. Another typical formulation of the adhesive composition includes at least 50 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 80 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 30 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 50 percent by weight of one or more additives. Yet another typical formulation of the adhesive composition includes at least 50 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 80 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 25 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 15 percent by weight of one or more additives.

[0884] In another embodiment the adhesive compositions of this invention are used in sealants applications where water vapor transmission is important. For example, sealant compositions can be used for in window sealant applications where a very low water vapor transmission rate is desired. Rates of 0.07 g/100 in²/per 24 hours or less are possible.
Regardless of the purpose of its use, a sealant composition is a gap-filling material. Consequently, at the time of seal formation, sealant compositions should have an elasticity that is sufficiently low such that the sealant composition is able to flow into and fill gaps in the substrate to which it is applied and, after the sealant has solidified and thus cured, still sufficiently fill the gaps so as to seal the substrate. In the uncured state, the sealant composition should remain tacky and possess a low enough viscosity to ensure adequate wetting of the substrate.

[0885] Sealant compositions are preferably essentially not tacky to the touch once they have solidified or cured. Upon cure, sealants should have sufficient durability to withstand normal weather and user exposure in several applications. Primarily, a sealant should provide an effective barrier against oxygen, water, and air. Cured sealants should possess crack resistance and shrink resistance to mechanical stresses such as expansion in the substrate at elevated temperatures, so that the sealant does not sag or flow over time. Particularly with glass substrates, high levels of stress can cause the glass to crack. While the sealant should be sufficiently rigid to retain its general shape and dimension, it must also remain sufficiently flexible to exhibit substantial recovery upon stretching. Therefore, a balance of high adhesive strength along with high elongation percent and low tensile modulus is desirable for the mixture used as a sealant. High adhesive strength compositions generally provide effective seals, as the higher the adhesive strength, the greater the force that is required to remove the substrate from the mixture. Elongation percent of the mixture refers to the ability of the composition to return to about its original configuration after being subject to the designated extend of elongation. High percent elongation is desirable to provide sealants with a highly advantageous self-repairing property. That is, the sealants will deform to accommodate stress exerted on the sealed portion of the substrate.

[0886] In one aspect, the adhesive composition or adhesive mixture is formulated to have a tensile strength modulus at 100% elongation of from 0.003 bar to 0.06 bar at 20° C. Preferably, the mixture has a tensile strength modulus at 100% elongation of from 0.05 bar to 0.5 bar at 20° C. More preferably, the mixture has a tensile strength modulus at 100% elongation of from 0.05 bar to 0.02 bar at 20° C. Even more preferably, the mixture has a tensile strength modulus at 100% elongation of from 0.0007 bar to 0.01 bar at 20° C., or a tensile strength modulus at 100% elongation of from 0.05 to 0.0095 bar at 20° C. In another aspect, the mixture has a percent elongation at break of 190% or more at 20° C. Preferably, the mixture has a percent elongation at break of 200% or more at 20° C. More preferably, the mixture has a percent elongation at break of 250% or more at 20° C. Even more preferably, the mixture has a percent elongation at break of 300% or more at 20° C. Most preferably, the mixture has a percent elongation at break of 350% or more at 20° C., or a percent elongation at break of 500% or more at 20° C., or a percent elongation at break of 600% or more at 20° C., or a percent elongation at break of 700% or more at 20° C., or a percent elongation at break of 800% or more at 20° C., or a percent elongation at break of 1100% or more at 20° C.

[0887] In another aspect, the mixture has a viscosity of 9 Pa·s or less at 177° C. Preferably, the mixture has a viscosity of from 0.2 Pa·s to 8 Pa·s at 177° C. More preferably, the mixture has a viscosity of from 0.5 Pa·s to 2.5 Pa·s at 177° C. In yet another aspect, the mixture has a glass transition temperature of from −65° C. to 30° C. In yet another aspect, the mixture has a Dot T-Peel of from 3 N to 4,000 N. Preferably, the mixture has a Dot T-Peel of from 5 N to 3,000 N. More preferably, the mixture has a Dot T-Peel of from 15 N to 1,000 N. In another aspect, the mixture has a sag of 7.5 cm or less after 1 week at 70° C. Preferably, the mixture has a sag of 2.5 cm or less after 1 week at 70° C. More preferably, the mixture has a sag of 1 cm or less after 1 week at 70° C. Most preferably, the mixture has a sag of 0.5 cm or less after 1 week at 70° C.

[0888] In another aspect, the mixture has a Shore A hardness of from 3 to 45. Preferably, the mixture has a Shore A hardness of from 8 to 35. More preferably, the mixture has a Shore A hardness of from 10 to 25. In yet another aspect, the mixture has a tensile strength of from 0.0095 bar to 0.2 bar. Preferably, the mixture has a tensile strength of from 0.025 bar to 0.15 bar. More preferably, the mixture has a tensile strength of from 0.028 bar to 0.095 bar. In yet another aspect, the mixture has a percent stress relaxation of 75% or less at 25° C. Preferably, the mixture has a percent stress relaxation of 25% or less at 25° C. In another aspect, the mixture has a needle penetration of from 8 to 66 dmm at 25° C.

[0889] In yet another aspect, the mixture has a shear adhesion on glass of 0.01 bar or more. Preferably, the mixture has a shear adhesion on glass of 0.02 bar or more. More preferably, the mixture has a shear adhesion on glass of 0.04 bar or more. Most preferably, the mixture has a shear adhesion on glass of 0.14 bar or more, or the mixture has a shear adhesion on glass of 0.24 bar or more, or the mixture has a shear adhesion on glass of 0.34 bar or more.

[0890] In yet another aspect, the mixture has a melting point of 200° C. or less. In another aspect, the mixture has a 180° peel strength against glass of 10 pli or more. Preferably, the mixture has a 180° peel strength against glass of 20 pli or more. More preferably, the mixture has a 180° peel strength against glass of 30 pli or more.

[0891] In general, the sealant used for repairing substrates is applied in the form of a plate over an area that extends beyond the cut, dent or scratch of the substrate to substantially cover it and provide some overlapping around it. The area of contact between the sealant and the surface is then cured by heating and cooling to ambient temperature. Optionally, the sealant is cured by ambient conditions upon exposure to moisture in the air. The sealant composition is cured when the composition becomes non-tacky to the touch after exposure of the composition to the ambient air, heat, or moisture.

[0892] It is desirable for the sealant composition to exhibit a rapid set time, which denotes the time required for the sealant composition to cure on the substrate. Compositions having rapid set time enable parts bonded therewith to be subjected to subsequent operations such as grinding, drilling, handling, packaging which could contaminate parts joined with a tacky material.

[0893] The embodiments described below further relate to compositions or combinations as described herein.

[0894] A. A sealant composition comprising a mixture comprising a polymer having one or more C₃ to C₄₀ olefins and from 0 to 5 mole % of ethylene, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more, a branching index (g′) of 0.95 or less measured at an Mz of the polymer, and a Mw of 100,000 or less, wherein the mixture is applied to at least a portion of a substrate surface to be sealed.

[0895] B. The sealant composition of paragraph A, wherein the substrate is selected from the group consisting of concrete, roofing, marble, anodized aluminum, brick, mortar, granite, limestone, porcelain, glass, painted surfaces, wood, polyvinylchloride, polyacrylate, polycarbonate, polystyrene, fabrics, gaskets, plastic, stone, masonry materials, pipes, hoses, metal, wiring, skis, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, acrylic, PVDC, paper, ethylene vinyl acetate, automobiles, buildings, aircraft, panels, decks, bones, pavement, tailgates, door panels, wheel houses, rocker panels, firewalls, floor hem flanges, trunks, and floorpans.

[0896] C. The sealant composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the mixture further comprises one or more tackifiers selected from the group consisting of aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, modified polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resins, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes, modified terpenes, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin acids, modified hydrogenated terpenes, hydrogenated rosin esters, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0897] D. The sealant composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the mixture further comprises one or more waxes selected from the group consisting of polar waxes, non-polar waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, oxidized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, hydroxystearamide waxes, functionalized waxes, polypropylene waxes, polyethylene waxes, wax modifiers, amorphous waxes, carnauba waxes, castor oil waxes, microcrystalline waxes, beeswax, carnauba wax, castor wax, spermaceti wax, vegetable wax, candelilla wax, japan wax, ouricury wax, douglas-fir bark wax, rice-bran wax, jojoba wax, bayberry wax, montan wax, peat wax, ozokerite wax, ceresin wax, petroleum wax, paraffin wax, polyethylene wax, chemically modified hydrocarbon wax, substituted amide wax, and combinations and derivatives thereof.

[0898] E. The sealant composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the mixture further comprises one or more additives selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, oils, stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, dyestuffs, polymeric additives, defoamers, preservatives, thickeners, rheology modifiers, humectants, fillers, water, crosslinking agents, thixotropic agents, surfactants, adhesion promoters, reinforcing agents, chain extenders, ultraviolet stabilizers, colorants, organic solvents, stabilizers, dryers, wetting agents, nucleating agents, accelerators, curing agents, and combinations or derivatives thereof.

[0899] F. The sealant composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the mixture comprises 80 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 70 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 60 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 50 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 40 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 30 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 10 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 5 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, or 1 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers.

[0900] G. The sealant composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the mixture comprises 30 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 10 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 5 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, or 1 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes.

[0901] H. The sealant composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the mixture comprises 95 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 90 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 80 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 70 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 60 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 50 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 40 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 30 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 10 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 5 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 3 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, or 1 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives.

[0902] I. The sealant composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a melt viscosity of 90,000 mPa·s or less at 190° C.

[0903] J. The sealant composition of claim 1, wherein the polymer has a set time of 30 minutes or less.

[0904] K. The sealant composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of from 3 N to 4,000 N.

[0905] L. The sealant composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the mixture has a sag of 7.5 cm or less after 1 week at 70° C.

[0906] M. The sealant composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the mixture has a melting point of 200° C. or less.

[0907] N. The sealant composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the mixture has a 180° peel strength against glass of 10 pli or more.

[0908] O. A method of preparing the sealant composition of any of the above paragraphs comprising forming a mixture comprising a polymer having one or more C₃ to C₄₀ olefins and 0 to 5 mole % of ethylene, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more, a branching index (g′) of 0.95 or less measured at the Mz of the polymer, and a Mw of 100,000 or less and applying the mixture to at least a portion of a substrate surface to be sealed.

N. Paving Compositions

[0909] In a particular embodiment, the adhesive compositions described herein can be used in paving compositions. Typically, paving compositions include asphalt, aggregate and an adhesive composition. The term “asphalt” as used herein refers to any of a variety of solid or semi-solid materials at room temperature which gradually liquify when heated, and in which the predominant constituents are naturally occurring bitumens of which are obtained as residue in petroleum refining. Asphalt is further defined by Kirk-Othmer, Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Vol. 3, Third Ed. (1978) pp. 284-327, John Wiley & Sons, New York. An additional discussion appears in the publication entitled “A Brief Introduction to Asphalt and some of its Uses”, Manual Series No. 5 (MS-5), The Asphalt Institute, 7th Ed., September, 1974.

[0910] Exemplary naturally occurring bitumens include natural-asphalts or petroleum-refined asphalts, asphaltites, pyrogenous distillates, bottom stock, as well as other pyrogenous residues such as pyrogenous asphalts, petroleum pitch, coal tar pitch and mixtures thereof, for example. Such material is often characterized by a penetration value of from 0-300 or higher (ASTM D-5-51), preferably about 40-300, with a softening point in the range of about 32 to 120° C. (ASTM D-36-26), preferably between 38 to 65° C.

[0911] Useful sources of asphalt include many of those which are presently commercial available. For example, natural asphalts and petroleum asphalts are generally known for roofing and paving applications may be used. The natural asphalts include, for example, asphaltite such as gilsonite, grahamite and glance pitch lake asphalt such as trinidad asphalt; and rock asphalt. The petroleum asphalts include straight asphalt obtained by distillation of a crude oil (unblown and substantially unoxidized), blown asphalt produced by blowing an oxygen-containing gas into a straight asphalt in the presence or absence of a catalyst, solvent-extracted asphalt obtained when asphaltic material is separated from the petroleum fraction containing it by the use of propane or other solvents, and cut-back asphalt which is a mixture of straight asphalt and a light petroleum solvent. The asphalts may also include petroleum tar and asphalt cement. Petroleum tars include oil gas tar obtained as a by-product when gases are produced from petroleum fractions, such tar in refined form, cut-back tar obtained by mixing a light petroleum fraction with such tar, and tar-pitch obtained as a residue by removing the volatile fraction from such tar. Any of these kinds of asphalt may be used alone or in combination. For example, straight asphalt is useful for paving applications, and oxidized and blown asphalts are useful for roofing applications.

[0912] The paving compositions of the present invention are particularly useful for preparing asphalt coating compositions. These include aggregate-containing asphalts such as employed in the paving of roads, bridges, airport runways, and sidewalks, as well as the localized repair or patching of the same. The paving compositions of the present invention may be mixed with aggregate while in a fluid or molten condition. Typically, the paving composition is mixed with preheated, predried aggregates to form a homogeneous mixture of uniformly coated aggregates. The aggregate may be heated under conditions of time and temperature that are sufficient to drive off essentially all free moisture prior to mixing. During mixing, the paving composition is typically at temperatures of about 100° C. to about 160° C. Before the resulting composition is cooled to a temperature at which it loses its workability, it may be spread on a road bed, for example, and then compacted and permitted to cure. After curing, the resulting paving composition comprises aggregate bound by a matrix of asphalt binder.

[0913] The term “aggregate” as used herein is intended to include solid particles having a range of sizes including fine particles such as sand to relatively coarse particles such as crushed stone, gravel or slag. Typically, such aggregate used in the preparation of paving compositions are primarily inorganic materials, i.e., such as crushed rock, stone, and in certain instances, sand. The size of aggregates depends in part upon the desired end use application of a particular paving composition. For example, larger aggregate is typically used in laying down of a new or resurfaced roadway, as compared to crack repairing compositions which typically have a aggregate of lower average particle sizes. Of course, the aggregate, particularly when it is ground or crushed, can be highly irregular. Exemplary aggregate materials include inorganic materials including sand, gravel, crushed stone and the like; certain organic materials including recycled tire materials and thermoplastics, as well as mixtures of one or more inorganic and organic materials. Other inorganic as well as organic materials known to be useful as aggregates, although not elucidated here, may also be used in the present inventive compositions.

[0914] The paving composition of the present invention may also be useful for preparing improved seal coats. A seal coat is generally applied as a hot asphalt, cutback asphalt, or emulsified asphalt. The molten or fluid asphalt is generally sprayed from a truck, and the aggregate is placed on top of the asphalt followed by rolling or compacting the aggregate into the asphalt to finish the application.

[0915] The paving compositions of the present invention, after formation, may be handled by conventional techniques to maintain them in fluid or molten form under, for example, road-building conditions. For example, the asphalts may be formed into a cutback by fluxing the asphalt with a suitable volatile solvent or distillate. The asphalt cutback may then be directly mixed with aggregate and applied as a paving composition in fluid form, possibly at ambient temperatures. Another conventional technique for fluidizing the asphalt prior to mixing with aggregate and forming into a paving composition is to emulsify the asphalt by known techniques. An advantage of this method of fluidizing is that after mixing with the aggregate, it may be applied as a paving composition at ambient temperature.

[0916] A key technical consideration in the production of a paving composition is to insure the chemical compatibility of both the asphalt cement as well as the intended end-use application of the paving composition. With regard to chemical compatibility, factors such as the presence of undesired salts within the aggregate must be considered, in order to minimize that the likelihood of breakdown of either the asphalt paving compositions.

[0917] Additionally, it is also a requirement that good adhesion of the aggregate and the asphalt cement contained in a paving composition exists to ensure that thorough “wetting” of the asphalt composition, and good mixing of these materials occurs, both prior to, and subsequent to the placement of the asphalt paving compositions on to a surface. Further, the physical characteristics of the aggregate must also be taken into consideration, i.e., under certain conditions where high levels of traffic, and/or heavy loads are expected to be encountered, and are a mixture appropriate to the expected usage patterns, can be selected.

[0918] As such, the paving composition includes an adhesive comprising the inventive polymer described herein. The polymer may be functionalized with maleic acid or maleic anhydride. Additional components may be combined with the polymers or formulations of the polymers to form the adhesive composition.

[0919] In one aspect, the adhesive composition can include one or more tackifiers. The tackifiers can include aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resin, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes and modified terpenes, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin esters, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof, for example. The adhesive composition can include 80 percent by weight or less, or 60 percent by weight or less, or 40 percent by weight or less, or 30 percent by weight or less, or 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers.

[0920] In another aspect, the adhesive composition can include one or more waxes, such as polar waxes, non-polar waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, oxidized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, hydroxystearamide waxes, functionalized waxes, polypropylene waxes, polyethylene waxes, wax modifiers, and combinations thereof, for example. The adhesive composition can include 30 percent by weight or less, or 25 percent by weight or less, or 20 percent by weight or less, or 15 percent by weight or less, or 10 percent by weight or less, or 5 percent by weight or less, or 3 percent by weight or less, or 1 percent by weight or less, or 0.5 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes.

[0921] In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition can include 70 percent by weight or less of from 30 to 60 percent by weight of one or more additives. The one or more additives can include plasticizers, oils, stabilizers, antioxidants, synergists, pigments, dyestuffs, polymeric additives, defoamers, preservatives, thickeners, rheology modifiers, humectants, fillers, and water, for example. Exemplary fillers include carbon black, mine chatt, mine tailings, clinkers, cinders, ash, ground tires, clay, and glass. Such fillers typically have dimensions somewhat smaller than the aggregate, and are frequently incorporated so to minimize the formation of a voidage in a paved concrete roadway.

[0922] Exemplary oils may include aliphatic naphthenic oils, white oils, and combinations thereof, for example. The phthalates may include di-iso-undecyl phthalate (DIUP), di-iso-nonylphthalate (DINP), dioctylphthalates (DOP), combinations thereof, or derivatives thereof. Exemplary polymeric additives include homo poly-alpha-olefins, copolymers of alpha-olefins, copolymers and terpolymers of diolefins, elastomers, polyesters, block copolymers including diblocks and triblocks, ester polymers, alkyl acrylate polymers, and acrylate polymers. Exemplary anti-oxidants include alkylated phenols, hindered phenols, and phenol derivatives, such as t-butyl hydroquinone, butylated hydroxyanisole, polybutylated bisphenol, butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT), alkylated hydroquinone, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-paracresol, 2,5-di-tert-aryl hydroquinone, octadecyl-3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy phenyl) etc.

[0923] Exemplary adhesion promoters include silanes, titanates, organosylane, acrylics, acids, anhydrides, epoxy resins, hardening agents, polyamides, methylacrylates, epoxies, phenolic resins, polyisobutylene, aminoalkyl, mercaptoalkyl, epoxyalkyl, ureidoalkyl, carboxy, acrylate and isocyanurate functional silanes, mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane, glycidoxpropyltrimethoxysilane, aminopropyltriethoxysilane, aminoethylaminopropyltrimethoxysilane, ureidopropyltrimethyloxysilane, bis-gamma-trimethoxysilyl-propylurea, 1,3,5-tris-gamma-trimethoxysilylpropylisocyanurate, bis-gamma-trimethoxysilylpropylmaleate, fumarate and gamma-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, aminopropyltriethoxysilane, and combinations and derivatives thereof. Exemplary crosslinking agents include oxime crosslinkers, alkoxysilanes, epoxyalkylalkoxysilanes, amido silanes, aminosilanes, enoxysilanes, tetraethoxysilanes, methyltrimethoxy silane, vinyl trimethoxysilane, glycidoxypropyltrimethoxsilane, vinyl tris-isopropenoxysilane, methyl tris-isopropenoxysilane, methyl tris-cyclohexylaminosilane, methyl tris-secondarybutylaminosilane, polyisocyanates, and combinations or derivatives thereof. Exemplary organic solvents include aliphatic solvents, cycloaliphatic solvents, mineral spirits, aromatic solvents, hexane, cyclohexane, benzene, toluene, xylene, and combinations or derivatives thereof.

[0924] In one aspect, the adhesive composition is formulated to have a PAFT of 60° C. or more. In another aspect, the adhesive composition has a SAFT of 70° C. or more. In another aspect, the adhesive composition has a set temperature of from −20° C. to 250° C. In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition has an open temperature of from −20° C. to 250° C.

[0925] One typical formulation of the adhesive composition includes at least 35 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 60 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 30 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 15 percent by weight of one or more additives. Another typical formulation of the adhesive composition includes at least 50 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 60 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 30 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 15 percent by weight of one or more additives. Yet another typical formulation of the adhesive composition includes at least 50 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 60 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 25 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 15 percent by weight of one or more additives.

[0926] Typically, the paving composition includes 95 percent by weight or less, or from 90 to 96 percent by weight of the aggregate. In one aspect, the paving composition includes from 80 to 99 percent by weight of the asphalt. In another aspect, the paving composition includes at least 20 percent by weight of the adhesive composition, at least 40 percent by weight of the aggregate, at least 20 percent by weight of the asphalt, and up to 10 percent by weight of other additives.

[0927] The embodiments described below further relate to compositions or combinations as described herein.

[0928] A. A paving composition comprising asphalt, aggregate, and an adhesive composition comprising a polymer having one or more C₃ to C₄₀ olefins and from 0 to 5 mole % of ethylene, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more, a branching index (g′) of 0.95 or less measured at an Mz of the polymer, and a Mw of 100,000 or less.

[0929] B. The paving composition of paragraph A, wherein the asphalt is one or more natural asphalts, petroleum asphalts, or any combinations thereof.

[0930] C. The paving composition of any of the above claims, wherein the natural asphalt comprises asphaltite, gilsonite, grahamite, glance pitch, lake asphalt, trinidad asphalt, or rock asphalt.

[0931] D. The paving composition of any of the above claims, wherein the aggregate particles are selected from the group consisting of clay, stone, sand, rock, gravel, and slag.

[0932] E. The paving composition of any of the above claims, wherein the adhesive composition further comprises one or more tackifiers selected from the group consisting of aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resin, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes and modified terpenes, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin esters, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0933] F. The paving composition of any of the above claims, wherein the adhesive composition further comprises one or more waxes selected from the group consisting of polar waxes, non-polar waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, oxidized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, hydroxystearamide waxes, functionalized waxes, polypropylene waxes, polyethylene waxes, wax modifiers, and combinations thereof.

[0934] G. The paving composition of any of the above claims, wherein the adhesive composition further comprises one or more additives selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, oils, stabilizers, antioxidants, synergists, pigments, dyestuffs, polymeric additives, defoamers, preservatives, thickeners, rheology modifiers, humectants, fillers, and water.

[0935] H. The paving composition of any of the above claims, wherein the fillers are selected from a group consisting of carbon black, mine chatt, mine tailings, clinkers, cinders, ash, ground tires, clay, and glass.

[0936] I. The paving composition of any of the above claims, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 30 percent by weight or less, or 25 percent by weight or less, or 20 percent by weight or less, or 15 percent by weight or less, or 10 percent by weight or less, or 5 percent by weight or less, or 3 percent by weight or less, or 1 percent by weight or less, or 0.5 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes.

[0937] J. The paving composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 80 percent by weight or less, or 60 percent by weight or less, or 40 percent by weight or less, or 30 percent by weight or less, or 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers.

[0938] K. The paving composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 70 percent by weight or less, or 15 percent by weight or less, or 10 percent by weight or less, or from 30 to 60 percent by weight of one or more additives.

[0939] L. The paving composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the paving composition comprises 95 percent by weight or less, or from 90 to 96 percent by weight of the aggregate.

[0940] M. The paving composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the paving composition comprises from 80 to 99 percent by weight of the asphalt.

[0941] N. The paving composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a melt viscosity of 90,000 mPa·s or less at 190° C.

[0942] O. The paving composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a set time of 30 minutes or less.

[0943] P. The paving composition of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of from 3 N to 4,000 N.

[0944] Q. A method of preparing the paving composition any of the above paragraphs comprising forming an adhesive composition comprising a polymer having one or more C₃ to C₄₀ olefins, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more, a branching index (g′) of 0.95 or less measured at the Mz of the polymer, and a Mw of 100,000 or less and applying the adhesive composition to at least a portion of an asphalt admixture.

O. Glue Sticks

[0945] In a particular embodiment, the adhesive compositions described herein can be used in a glue stick. Glue sticks are sold in a variety of forms, one of which is hot melt adhesive glue sticks. Hot melt adhesive glue sticks are typically designed for use in glue guns. Glue guns are adapted to be held in the hand of an operator with a melt chamber in which an end portion of a glue stick is received and melted by heat supplied to the melt chamber. Progressive melting of the hot melt adhesive glue stick may be achieved by pressing the hot melt adhesive glue stick into the melt chamber. Melted adhesive is dispensed from a nozzle of the gun as the hot melt adhesive glue stick is fed into the melt chamber and melted therein. Therefore, the hot melt adhesive glue stick is heated to an application temperature sufficient to provide glue to a substrate in molten form. The substrate can include paper, paperboard, containerboard, tagboard, corrugated board, chipboard, kraft, cardboard, fiberboard, plastic resin, metal, metal alloys, foil, film, plastic film, laminates, sheeting, wood, plastic, polystyrene, nylon, polycarbonate, polypropylene, styrofoam, porous substrates, polyvinylchloride, walls, polyester, or combinations thereof.

[0946] The application temperature of the hot melt adhesive glue stick is adjusted to provide a low enough adhesive melt viscosity to ensure good wetting of the substrates and provide an adequate open time to position substrates after glue is applied thereto. It is desirable that the adhesive composition becomes substantially non-tacky after cooling to about room temperature or below. Adhesives for use in hot melt adhesive glue sticks should also have the ability to bond to a variety of substrates.

[0947] Another type of glue stick is a pressure sensitive adhesive glue stick. Pressure sensitive adhesive glue sticks are commercially available products comprising a body of solid adhesive contained within a housing. Conventionally, a removable cap closes the housing, the housing having an opening on its bottom. The opening is in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the pressure sensitive adhesive glue stick. The cap can be removed when one wishes to use the pressure sensitive adhesive glue stick.

[0948] Pressure sensitive adhesive glue sticks do not require heating for application to a substrate, but produce an adhesive deposition upon the substrate merely upon application of pressure. Similarly, the substrate may be subsequently attached adhesively to another substrate upon application of mere pressure, because the applied glue from the glue stick is tacky at room temperature.

[0949] For pressure sensitive adhesives, at least one component of the adhesive composition is liquid at ambient temperature. The liquid component imparts pressure sensitivity or surface tackiness to the pressure sensitive adhesive glue stick at ambient temperature. Often polymeric additives, tackifiers, and/or plasticizers are added to the adhesive composition so that the glue stick is tacky and a portion thereof remains on the substrate upon contact.

[0950] Glue sticks can be composed of a mixture of adhesive polymer, tackifier, and wax. The component amounts are altered to provide an adequate blend of melting point, application temperature, open time, bond strength, durability and heat resistance in the adhesive composition, depending on the application. It is desirable to have adhesive compositions that are good at accepting stress without failing adhesively, which is measured by bond strength and time to bond failure. Both bond strength and time to bond failure are preferably high for a glue stick composition. Longer time to bond failure increases flexibility of the glue.

[0951] The adhesive composition includes the inventive polymer described herein. The polymer may be functionalized with malaic acid or malaic anhydride. Additional components may be combined with the polymers or formulations of the polymers to form the adhesive composition.

[0952] In one aspect, the adhesive composition can include one or more tackifiers. The tackifiers can include aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resin, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes and modified terpenes, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin esters, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof, for example. The adhesive composition can include 65 percent or less by weight of the one or more tackifiers. Preferably, the adhesive composition includes from 20 to 40 percent by weight, or from 5 to 20 percent by weight of the one or more tackifiers.

[0953] In another aspect, the adhesive composition can include one or more waxes, such as polar waxes, non-polar waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, oxidized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, hydroxystearamide waxes, functionalized waxes, polypropylene waxes, polyethylene waxes, wax modifiers, and combinations thereof, for example. The adhesive composition may include 40 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes. Preferably, the adhesive composition includes 30 percent by weight or less, or 20 percent by weight or less, or 10 percent by weight or less, or 5 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes.

[0954] In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition can include 30 percent by weight or less of one or more additives. Preferably, the adhesive composition includes 25 percent by weight or less, or 20 percent by weight or less, or 15 percent by weight or less, or 10 percent by weight or less, or 5 percent by weight or less of one or more additives. The one or more additives can include plasticizers, oils, stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, dyestuffs, dyesm colorants, fragrances, antiblock additives, polymeric additives, defoamers, preservatives, thickeners, rheology modifiers, humectants, fillers, surfactants, processing aids, cross-linking agents, neutralizing agents, flame retardants, fluorescing agents, compatibilizers, antimicrobial agents, and water, for example. For example, the adhesive composition can include 3 percent by weight or less, or 1.5 percent by weight or less, or from 0.1 to 1.5 percent by weight or from 0.25 to 1 percent by weight of the one or more antioxidants. Exemplary oils may include aliphatic naphthenic oils, white oils, and combinations thereof, for example. The phthalates may include di-iso-undecyl phthalate (DIUP), di-iso-nonylphthalate (DINP), dioctylphthalates (DOP), combinations thereof, or derivatives thereof. Exemplary polymeric additives include homo poly-alpha-olefins, copolymers of alpha-olefins, copolymers and terpolymers of diolefins, elastomers, polyesters, block copolymers including diblocks and triblocks, ester polymers, alkyl acrylate polymers, and acrylate polymers. Exemplary plasticizers may include mineral oils, polybutenes, phthalates, and combinations thereof. The adhesive composition can include 30 percent by weight or less, or from 5 to 20 percent by weight, or from 1 to 12 percent by weight, or from 5 to 10 percent by weigh of the one or more plasticizers. The adhesive composition can further include 3 percent by weight or less of the one or more pigments, or 1 percent by weight or less. In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition includes 3 percent by weight or less of one or more fillers. In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition includes from 5 to 30 percent by weight of one or more inorganic salts. In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition includes 1 percent by weight or less of one or more antimicrobial agents.

[0955] One typical formulation of the adhesive composition includes at least 35 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 95 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 40 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 15 percent by weight of one or more additives. Another typical formulation of the adhesive composition includes at least 50 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 95 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 40 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 15 percent by weight of one or more additives. Yet another typical formulation of the adhesive composition includes at least 50 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 60 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 40 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 40 percent by weight of one or more additives.

[0956] Still yet another typical formulation of the adhesive composition includes at least 35 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 60 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 30 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 15 percent by weight of one or more additives. Yet another typical formulation of the adhesive composition includes at least 50 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 60 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 30 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 15 percent by weight of one or more additives. Yet another typical formulation of the adhesive composition includes at least 50 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 60 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 25 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 15 percent by weight of one or more additives.

[0957] Glue sticks should exhibit sufficient heat resistance. Traditional hot-melt adhesives have a nominal heat resistance range of from 52° C. to 68° C. Heat resistance should not fall below a level of 52° C. to meet the general needs of the marketplace. A glue stick should not soften at ambient temperature, which is measured by the softening point of the adhesive composition. The glue stick also should have viscosity and rheology characteristics when melted in a glue gun such that the glue can be extruded readily when required and yet does not drool in significant quantities from the gun during periods when extrusion of glue is not required. The glue stick should possess a relatively low softening point and low melt viscosity. When melt viscosity increases, the level of wetting is generally lowered. A melt viscosity that is too high causes difficulty in applying an adequate amount of the adhesive composition to a substrate before the glue cools and become too viscous to produce an effective bond to the substrate. The time available to form a satisfactory bond of the adhesive composition to the substrate before the glue becomes too viscous or hard to manipulate is the open time.

[0958] Hot melt glue sticks should be designed to feed well into and dispense well from glue guns, which requires that the glue sticks are hard enough to allow them to be pushed into and through the glue gun and viscous enough at the desired application temperature while maintaining adhesive characteristics for good hot melt bonding when applied. To exhibit sufficient hardness, the glue stick should have a Shore A Hardness of 35 or more at 25° C. The glue stick hardness is readily adjusted by the tackifier or wax content or with the melt index of the polymer component employed. In addition, the glue stick should have a percent substrate fiber tear of from 75% to 100% at 25° C. Preferably, the adhesive composition has a percent substrate fiber tear of from 95% to 100% at 25° C. In another aspect, the adhesive composition has a PAFT of 60° C. or more. Preferably, the adhesive composition has a PAFT of 200° C. or less. In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition has a SAFT of 70° C. or more. Preferably, the adhesive composition has a SAFT of 200° C. or less. In another aspect, the adhesive composition has a viscosity of from 1 Pa·s to 50 Pa·s at 177° C. Preferably, the adhesive composition has a viscosity of from 0.8 Pa·s to 13 Pa·s at 177° C. In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition has a softening point of from 70 to 100° C. Preferably, the adhesive composition has a softening point of from 80 to 90° C. More preferably, the adhesive composition has a softening point of from 70 to 80° C. In another aspect, the adhesive composition has an application temperature of 190° C. or less. In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition has an application temperature of 138° C. or less, or 121° C. or less. In one aspect, the adhesive composition has a bond strength on beechwood of from 6 to 8 N/mm². Preferably, the adhesive composition has a bond strength on beechwood of 4 N/mm² or more. More preferably, the adhesive composition has a bond strength on beechwood of 5 N/mm² or more. In another aspect, the adhesive composition has a bond strength on oak of 5 N/mm² or more. In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition has a Dot T-Peel of from 3 N to 4,000 N. Preferably, the adhesive composition has a Dot T-Peel of from 5 N to 3,000 N. More preferably, the adhesive composition has a Dot T-Peel of from 15 N to 1,000 N.

[0959] Glue sticks are frequently processed in melt kettles or reactors at temperatures around 177° C. Such temperatures are required by the melt index and the melting point of materials in the adhesive composition. The adhesive composition of the present invention can be prepared using blending techniques well known in the art, for example, by processing in an extruder followed by well known standard pelletization processes, or the adhesive composition may be extruded into rods or cast into a tubular mold specified to size to be fed to hand-held glue guns. The glue sticks may be aged in the mold overnight until they have developed at least some crystallinity before using them.

[0960] The embodiments described below further relate to compositions or combinations as described herein.

[0961] A. A glue stick for use with a glue gun comprising an elongated member that includes an adhesive composition comprising a polymer having one or more C₃ to C₄₀ olefins and from 0 to 5 mole % of ethylene, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more, a branching index (g′) of 0.95 or less measured at an Mz of the polymer, and a Mw of 100,000 or less.

[0962] B. The glue stick of paragraph A, wherein the glue stick produces an adhesive deposition on a substrate upon application of pressure or heat.

[0963] C. The glue stick of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the substrate is selected from the group consisting of paper, paperboard, containerboard, tagboard, corrugated board, chipboard, kraft, cardboard, fiberboard, plastic resin, metal, metal alloys, foil, film, plastic film, laminates, sheeting, wood, plastic, polystyrene, nylon, polycarbonate, polypropylene, styrofoam, porous substrates, polyvinylchloride, walls, and polyester.

[0964] D. The glue stick of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition further comprises one or more tackifiers selected from the group consisting of aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, modified polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resins, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes, modified terpenes, hydrogenated rosin acids, modified hydrogenated terpenes, hydrogenated rosin esters, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0965] E. The glue stick of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition further comprises one or more waxes selected from the group consisting of polar waxes, non-polar waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, oxidized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, hydroxystearamide waxes, functionalized waxes, polypropylene waxes, polyethylene waxes, wax modifiers, and combinations thereof.

[0966] F. The glue stick of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition further comprises one or more additives selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, oils, stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, dyestuffs, polymeric additives, defoamers, preservatives, thickeners, rheology modifiers, humectants, fillers, water, colorants, nucleating agents, and solvents.

[0967] G. The glue stick of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 40 percent or less by weight of the one or more waxes.

[0968] H. The glue stick of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 30 percent or less by weight of the one or more waxes.

[0969] I. The glue stick of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 20 percent or less by weight of the one or more waxes.

[0970] J. The glue stick of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises from comprises 60 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers.

[0971] K. The glue stick of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises from 20 percent to 30 percent by weight of the one or more tackifiers.

[0972] L. The glue stick of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 30 percent or less by weight of the one or more additives.

[0973] M. The glue stick of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 25 percent or less by weight of the one or more additives.

[0974] N. The glue stick of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 20 percent or less by weight of the one or more additives.

[0975] O. The glue stick of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 10 percent or less by weight of the one or more additives.

[0976] P. The glue stick of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 5 percent or less by weight of the one or more additives.

[0977] Q. The glue stick of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a melt viscosity of 90,000 mPa·s or less at 190° C.

[0978] R. The glue stick of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a set time of 30 minutes or less.

[0979] S. The glue stick of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of from 3 N to 4,000 N.

[0980] T. The glue stick of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition has an application temperature of 190° C. or less.

[0981] U. The glue stick of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition has an application temperature of 138° C. or less.

[0982] V. The glue stick of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition has an application temperature of 121° C. or less.

[0983] W. The glue stick of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition has a Shore A hardness of 35 or more at 25° C.

[0984] X. A method of applying the glue stick of any of the above paragraphs in molten form comprising forming an adhesive composition comprising a polymer into a glue stick, the polymer having one or more C₃ to C₄₀ olefins and from 0 to 5 mole % of ethylene, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more, a branching index (g′) of 0.95 or less measured at the Mz of the polymer, and a Mw of 100,000 or less, heating the glue stick to an application temperature and applying the adhesive composition to at least a portion of a substrate.

P. Pipe Wrapping

[0985] In a particular embodiment, the adhesives of this invention can be used in pipe wrapping articles. Pipe wrapping articles or pipe wrap may be used to insulate or repair leaks to pressure vessels, industrial vessels, transformers, pipes, fittings, tanks, vessels, and containers. In addition, pipe wrapping articles may be used on various types of surfaces including flat faced surfaces, circular joints and other mechanical components. The pipe wrapping articles described herein may be used in any type of industry, such as architectural, building, construction, food, beverage, mining, petrochemical, oil, gas, and water treatment, for example.

[0986] Pipe wrapping articles are generally formed by applying an adhesive composition to at least a portion of a wrapping element. The wrapping element can include fiberglass, fibers, wovens, nonwovens, fabric, cloth, polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylic rubber, EPDM, nitrile rubber, nylon, epichlorohydrin elastomer, polysulfide, acrylic elastomer, or butyl rubber, poltisobutylene, for example. The pipe wrapping article can be formed of wood, cement, concrete, nonwoven fabric, woven fabric, aluminum, stainless steel, brass, nickel, glass, glazed ceramics, unglazed ceramics, tiles, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, plaster, stucco, asphaltic coatings, roofing felts, synthetic polymer membranes, and foamed polyurethane insulation, for example. The wrapping element may have any thickness. For example, a typical wrapping element for use in civil construction may have a minimum thickness of 1.27 mm.

[0987] The adhesive composition includes the inventive polymer described herein. The polymer may be functionalized with malaic acid or malaic anhydride. Additional components may be combined with the polymers or formulations of the polymers to form the adhesive composition.

[0988] In one aspect, the adhesive composition can include one or more tackifiers. The tackifiers can include aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resin, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes and modified terpenes, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin esters, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof, for example. The adhesive composition can include 80 percent by weight or less, or 40 percent by weight or less, or 60 percent by weight or less, or 30 percent by weight or less, or 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers.

[0989] In another aspect, the adhesive composition can include one or more waxes, such as polar waxes, non-polar waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, oxidized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, hydroxystearamide waxes, functionalized waxes, polypropylene waxes, polyethylene waxes, wax modifiers, and combinations thereof, for example. The adhesive composition can include 30 percent by weight or less, or 25 percent by weight or less, of 20 percent by weight or less, or 15 percent by weight or less, or 10 percent by weight or less, or 5 percent by weight or less, or 3 percent by weight or less, or 1 percent by weight or less, or 0.5 percent by weight or less or the one or more waxes.

[0990] In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition can include 70 percent by weight or less or from 30 to 60 percent by weight or less of one or more additives. The one or more additives can include plasticizers, oils, stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, dyestuffs, antiblock additives, polymeric additives, defoamers, preservatives, thickeners, adhesion promoters, rheology modifiers, humectants, fillers, surfactants, processing aids, cross-linking agents, neutralizing agents, flame retardants, fluorescing agents, compatibilizers, antimicrobial agents, and water, for example.

[0991] Exemplary oils may include aliphatic naphthenic oils, white oils, and combinations thereof, for example. The phthalates may include di-iso-undecyl phthalate (DIUP), di-iso-nonylphthalate (DINP), dioctylphthalates (DOP), combinations thereof, or derivatives thereof. Exemplary polymeric additives include homo poly-alpha-olefins, copolymers of alpha-olefins, copolymers and terpolymers of diolefins, elastomers, polyesters, block copolymers including diblocks and triblocks, ester polymers, alkyl acrylate polymers, and acrylate polymers. Exemplary plasticizers may include mineral oils, polybutenes, phthalates, and combinations thereof. Exemplary anti-oxidants include alkylated phenols, hindered phenols, and phenol derivatives, such as t-butyl hydroquinone, butylated hydroxyanisole, polybutylated bisphenol, butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT), alkylated hydroquinone, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-paracresol, 2,5-di-tert-aryl hydroquinone, octadecyl-3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy phenyl) etc.

[0992] Exemplary fillers include silica, diatomaceous earth, calcium carbonate, iron oxide, hydrogenated castor oil, fumed silica, precipitated calcium carbonate, hydrophobic treated fumed silicas, hydrophobic precipitated calcium carbonates, talc, zinc oxides, polyvinyl chloride powders, fungicides, graphite, carbon black, asphalt, carbon fillers, clay, mica, fibers, titanium dioxide, cadmium sulfide, asbestos, wood fluor, polyethylene powder, chopped fibers, bubbles, beads, thixotropes, bentonite, calcium sulfate, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, and combinations or derivates thereof. Exemplary surfactants include vinyl-containing or mercapto-containing polyorganosiloxanes, macromonomers with vinyl terminated polydimethyl siloxane, and combinations or derivatives thereof.

[0993] Exemplary adhesion promoters include silanes, titanates, organosylane, acrylics, acids, anhydrides, epoxy resins, hardening agents, polyamides, methylacrylates, epoxies, phenolic resins, polyisobutylene, aminoalkyl, mercaptoalkyl, epoxyalkyl, ureidoalkyl, carboxy, acrylate and isocyanurate functional silanes, mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane, glycidoxpropyltrimethoxysilane, aminopropyltriethoxysilane, aminoethylaminopropyltrimethoxysilane, ureidopropyltrimethyloxysilane, bis-gamma-trimethoxysilyl-propylurea, 1,3,5-tris-gamma-trimethoxysilylpropylisocyanurate, bis-gamma-trimethoxysilylpropylmaleate, fumarate and gamma-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, aminopropyltriethoxysilane, and combinations and derivatives thereof. Exemplary crosslinking agents include oxime crosslinkers, alkoxysilanes, epoxyalkylalkoxysilanes, amido silanes, aminosilanes, enoxysilanes, tetraethoxysilanes, methyltrimethoxy silane, vinyl trimethoxysilane, glycidoxypropyltrimethoxsilane, vinyl tris-isopropenoxysilane, methyl tris-isopropenoxysilane, methyl tris-cyclohexylaminosilane, methyl tris-secondarybutylaminosilane, polyisocyanates, and combinations or derivatives thereof. Exemplary organic solvents include aliphatic solvents, cycloaliphatic solvents, mineral spirits, aromatic solvents, hexane, cyclohexane, benzene, toluene, xylene, and combinations or derivatives thereof.

[0994] The adhesive composition can be formulated to have a PAFT of 60° C. or more. In one aspect, the adhesive composition has a SAFT of 70° C. or more. In another aspect, the adhesive composition has a tensile strength at break of from 0.7 bar to 1.5 bar at 23° C. In another aspect, the adhesive composition has a percent elongation of 50% strain or more of the original length at 23° C. In another aspect, the adhesive composition has a set temperature of from −20° C. to 250° C. Preferably, the adhesive composition has an open temperature of from −20° C. to 250° C. In another aspect, the adhesive composition has a cloud point of 275° C. or less. Preferably, the adhesive composition has a cloud point of 190° C. or less. More preferably, the adhesive composition has a cloud point of 130° C. or less. In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition has a glass transition temperature of 0° C. or less.

[0995] One typical formulation of the adhesive composition includes at least 35 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 95 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 40 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 15 percent by weight of one or more additives. Another typical formulation of the adhesive composition includes at least 50 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 95 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 40 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 15 percent by weight of one or more additives. Yet another typical formulation of the adhesive composition includes at least 50 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 60 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 40 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 40 percent by weight of one or more additives.

[0996] The embodiments described below further relate to compositions or combinations as described herein.

[0997] A. A pipe wrapping article comprising an adhesive composition comprising a polymer having one or more C₃ to C₄₀ olefins and from 0 to 5 mole % of ethylene, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more, a branching index (g′) of 0.95 or less measured at an Mz of the polymer, and a Mw of 100,000 or less and a wrapping element, wherein the adhesive composition is at least partially disposed on or within the wrapping element.

[0998] B. The pipe wrapping article of paragraph A, wherein the wrapping element is selected from the group consisting of fiberglass, fibers, wovens, nonwovens, fabric, cloth, polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylic rubber, EPDM, nitrile rubber, nylon, epichlorohydrin elastomer, polysulfide, acrylic elastomer, and butyl rubber.

[0999] C. The pipe wrapping article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the pipe wrapping article is selected from the group consisting of pipes, fittings, tanks, vessels, and containers.

[1000] D. The pipe wrapping article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the pipe wrapping article is made of a material selected from the group consisting of wood, cement, concrete, nonwoven fabric, woven fabric, aluminum, stainless steel, brass, nickel, glass, glazed ceramics, unglazed ceramics, tiles, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, plaster, stucco, asphaltic coatings, roofing felts, synthetic polymer membranes, and foamed polyurethane insulation.

[1001] E. The pipe wrapping article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition further comprises one or more tackifiers selected from the group consisting of aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resin, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes and modified terpenes, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin esters, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

[1002] F. The pipe wrapping article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition further comprises one or more waxes selected from the group consisting of polar waxes, non-polar waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, oxidized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, hydroxystearamide waxes, functionalized waxes, polypropylene waxes, polyethylene waxes, wax modifiers, and combinations thereof.

[1003] G. The pipe wrapping article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition further comprises one or more additives selected from the group consisting of carbon black, silica gel, clays, aluminas, metal oxides, plasticizers, oils, stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, dyestuffs, polymeric additives, defoamers, preservatives, thickeners, rheology modifiers, humectants, fillers, and water.

[1004] H. The pipe wrapping article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 30 percent by weight or less, or 25 percent by weight or less, or 20 percent by weight or less, or 15 percent by weight or less, or 10 percent by weight or less, or 5 percent by weight or less, or 3 percent by weight or less, or 1 percent by weight or less, or 0.5 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes.

[1005] I. The pipe wrapping article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 80 percent by weight or less, or 60 percent by weight or less, or 40 percent by weight or less, or 30 percent by weight or less, or 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers.

[1006] J. The pipe wrapping article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 70 percent by weight or less or from 30 to 60 percent by weight of the one or more additives.

[1007] K. The pipe wrapping article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a melt viscosity of 90,000 mPa·s or less at 190° C.

[1008] L. The pipe wrapping article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a set time of 30 minutes or less.

[1009] M. The pipe wrapping article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of from 3 N to 4,000 N.

[1010] N. A method of preparing the pipe wrapping article of any of the above paragraphs comprising forming an adhesive composition comprising a polymer having one or more C₃ to C₄₀ olefins and from 0 to 5 mole % of ethylene, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more, a branching index (g′) of 0.95 or less measured at the Mz of the polymer, and a Mw of 100,000 or less and applying the adhesive composition to at least a portion of a wrapping element.

Q. Safety Glass

[1011] In a particular embodiment, the adhesives described herein can be used in safety glass. There are two kinds of safety glass, laminated and tempered safety glass. Laminated safety glass generally reduces the transmission of high frequency sound and blocks 97 percent of ultraviolet radiation. Tempered safety glass is a single piece of glass that is tempered by quickly heating and cooling the glass to harden it, thereby increasing the strength of the glass.

[1012] As used herein, “safety glass” is an article having a transparent pane. An important function of safety glass is that the adhesive composition used therein is not affected by temperature variations and that, in the case of breaking of the glass, the adhesive composition holds the glass pieces. Furthermore, the adhesive composition absorbs shearing stresses applied to the safety glass due to different expansion rates of the glass components, such as when the safety glass includes a first layer of glass and a second layer of polycarbonate. Safety glass generally includes layers of materials, with an adhesive layer either applied to the outside of one layer; or applied in between two or more layers to adhere them to one another. The transparent pane is formed by applying an adhesive composition to one or more transparent panels, the adhesive composition possibly forming a film on the one or more transparent panels. The one or more transparent panels can be formed of polyvinylbutyral, polyurethane, vinyl acetate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, glass, silicate glass, or a combination thereof.

[1013] The adhesive composition includes the inventive polymer described herein. The polymer may be functionalized with malaic acid or malaic anhydride. Additional components may be combined with the polymers or formulations of the polymers to form the adhesive composition.

[1014] In one aspect, the adhesive composition can include one or more tackifiers. The tackifiers can include aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resin, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes and modified terpenes, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin esters, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof, for example. The adhesive composition can include 80 percent by weight or less, or 60 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers. Preferably, the adhesive composition includes 40 percent by weight or less or 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers.

[1015] In another aspect, the adhesive composition can include one or more waxes, such as polar waxes, non-polar waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, oxidized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, hydroxystearamide waxes, functionalized waxes, polypropylene waxes, polyethylene waxes, wax modifiers, and combinations thereof, for example. The adhesive composition can include 30 percent by weight or less, or 25 percent by weight or less, or 20 percent by weight or less, or 15 percent by weight or less, or 10 percent by weight or less, or 5 percent by weight or less, or 3 percent by weight or less, or 1 percent by weight or less, or 0.5 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes.

[1016] In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition can include 30 percent by weight or less, or 25 percent by weight or less, or 20 percent by weight or less, or 15 percent by weight or less, or 10 percent by weight or less, or 5 percent by weight or less of one or more additives. The one or more additives can include plasticizers, oils, stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, dyestuffs, antiblock additives, polymeric additives, defoamers, preservatives, thickeners, adhesion promoters, rheology modifiers, humectants, fillers, surfactants, processing aids, cross-linking agents, neutralizing agents, flame retardants, fluorescing agents, compatibilizers, antimicrobial agents, and water, for example.

[1017] Exemplary oils may include aliphatic naphthenic oils, white oils, and combinations thereof, for example. The phthalates may include di-iso-undecyl phthalate (DIUP), di-iso-nonylphthalate (DINP), dioctylphthalates (DOP), combinations thereof, or derivatives thereof. Exemplary polymeric additives include homo poly-alpha-olefins, copolymers of alpha-olefins, copolymers and terpolymers of diolefins, elastomers, polyesters, block copolymers including diblocks and triblocks, ester polymers, alkyl acrylate polymers, and acrylate polymers. Exemplary plasticizers may include mineral oils, polybutenes, phthalates, and combinations thereof. Exemplary anti-oxidants include alkylated phenols, hindered phenols, and phenol derivatives, such as t-butyl hydroquinone, butylated hydroxyanisole, polybutylated bisphenol, butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT), alkylated hydroquinone, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-paracresol, 2,5-di-tert-aryl hydroquinone, octadecyl-3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy phenyl) etc.

[1018] Exemplary fillers include silica, diatomaceous earth, calcium carbonate, iron oxide, hydrogenated castor oil, fumed silica, precipitated calcium carbonate, hydrophobic treated fumed silicas, hydrophobic precipitated calcium carbonates, talc, zinc oxides, polyvinyl chloride powders, fungicides, graphite, carbon black, asphalt, carbon fillers, clay, mica, fibers, titanium dioxide, cadmium sulfide, asbestos, wood fluor, polyethylene powder, chopped fibers, bubbles, beads, thixotropes, bentonite, calcium sulfate, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, and combinations or derivates thereof. Exemplary surfactants include vinyl-containing or mercapto-containing polyorganosiloxanes, macromonomers with vinyl terminated polydimethyl siloxane, and combinations or derivatives thereof.

[1019] Exemplary adhesion promoters include silanes, titanates, organosylane, acrylics, acids, anhydrides, epoxy resins, hardening agents, polyamides, methylacrylates, epoxies, phenolic resins, polyisobutylene, aminoalkyl, mercaptoalkyl, epoxyalkyl, ureidoalkyl, carboxy, acrylate and isocyanurate functional silanes, mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane, glycidoxpropyltrimethoxysilane, aminopropyltriethoxysilane, aminoethylaminopropyltrimethoxysilane, ureidopropyltrimethyloxysilane, bis-gamma-trimethoxysilyl-propylurea, 1,3,5-tris-gamma-trimethoxysilylpropylisocyanurate, bis-gamma-trimethoxysilylpropylmaleate, fumarate and gamma-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, aminopropyltriethoxysilane, and combinations and derivatives thereof. Exemplary crosslinking agents include oxime crosslinkers, alkoxysilanes, epoxyalkylalkoxysilanes, amido silanes, aminosilanes, enoxysilanes, tetraethoxysilanes, methyltrimethoxy silane, vinyl trimethoxysilane, glycidoxypropyltrimethoxsilane, vinyl tris-isopropenoxysilane, methyl tris-isopropenoxysilane, methyl tris-cyclohexylaminosilane, methyl tris-secondarybutylaminosilane, polyisocyanates, and combinations or derivatives thereof. Exemplary organic solvents include aliphatic solvents, cycloaliphatic solvents, mineral spirits, aromatic solvents, hexane, cyclohexane, benzene, toluene, xylene, and combinations or derivatives thereof.

[1020] In one aspect, the adhesive composition is formulated to have a percent substrate fiber tear of from 75% to 100% at 22° C. Preferably, the adhesive composition has a percent substrate fiber tear of from 75% to 100% at from −35° C. to 22° C. More preferably, the adhesive composition has a percent substrate fiber tear of from 75% to 100% at from 22° C. to 40° C. In another aspect, the adhesive composition has a PAFT of 60° C. or more. In another aspect, the adhesive composition has a SAFT of 70° C. or more. In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition has a viscosity of 9 Pa·s or less at 177° C. Preferably, the adhesive composition has a viscosity of from 0.5 Pa·s to 2.5 Pa·s at 177° C. In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition has a cloud point of 275° C. or less. Preferably, the adhesive composition has a cloud point of 190° C. or less. More preferably, the adhesive composition has a cloud point of 130° C. or less. Most preferably, the adhesive composition has a cloud point of 100° C. or less. In another aspect, the adhesive composition has a glass transition temperature of from −65° C. to 30° C. Preferably, the adhesive composition has a glass transition temperature of from 0° C. to 20° C. More preferably, the adhesive composition has a glass transition temperature of from 10° C. to 20° C.

[1021] One typical formulation of the adhesive composition includes at least 35 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 60 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 30 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 15 percent by weight of one or more additives. Another typical formulation of the adhesive composition includes at least 50 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 60 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 30 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 15 percent by weight of one or more additives. Yet another typical formulation of the adhesive composition includes at least 50 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 60 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 25 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 15 percent by weight of one or more additives including anti-oxidant.

[1022] The transparent pane described above may be used as bulletproof glass, soundproofing glass, and safety glass, for example. Safety glass can further be used for soundproofing purposes. In another example, the safety glass is used as a bulletproof glass pane formed by adhering 3 silicate glass sheets, each 6 mm thick, to a 0.76 mm thick polyvinyl butyral sheet, with the use of an adhesive composition. The adhesive composition may be the adhesive composition described herein, or another adhesive composition configured to adhere two layers. On the a passenger surface of the glass, a plate of polycarbonate is bonded by a thermoplasic polyurethane layer to the bulletproof glass pane. On the exterior surface, the bullet-proof glass pane is provided with a film formed from the adhesive composition of this invention.

[1023] In another example, the transparent pane can be used as laminated safety glass, such as auto glass. To make laminated safety glass, a thin layer of flexible plastic film, such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB), is placed between two or more pieces of glass. The plastic film holds the glass in place when the glass breaks, helping to lessen injuries from flying glass. The film also can stretch, yet the glass still sticks to it. Laminated safety glass is also used in thermometers, cutting boards, greenhouse windows, shower enclosures and office partitions.

[1024] The embodiments described below further relate to compositions or combinations as described herein.

[1025] A. An article having a transparent pane comprising one or more transparent panels and an adhesive composition applied to at least a portion of the one or more panels, the adhesive composition comprising a polymer having one or more C₃ to C₄₀ olefins and from 0 to 5 mole % of ethylene, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more, a branching index (g′) of 0.95 or less measured at an Mz of the polymer, and a Mw of 100,000 or less.

[1026] B. The article of paragraph A, wherein the one or more transparent panels comprises polyvinylbutyral, polyurethane, vinyl acetate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, glass, silicate glass, or a combination thereof.

[1027] C. The article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the article is selected from the group consisting of bulletproof glass, soundproofing glass, and safety glass.

[1028] D. The article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition forms a film on the one or more transparent panels.

[1029] E. The article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition further comprises one or more tackifiers selected from the group consisting of aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resin, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes and modified terpenes, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin esters, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

[1030] F. The article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition further comprises one or more waxes selected from the group consisting of polar waxes, non-polar waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, oxidized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, hydroxystearamide waxes, functionalized waxes, polypropylene waxes, polyethylene waxes, wax modifiers, and combinations thereof.

[1031] G. The article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition further comprises one or more additives selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, oils, stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, dyestuffs, polymeric additives, defoamers, preservatives, thickeners, rheology modifiers, humectants, fillers and water.

[1032] H. The article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 30 percent by weight or less, or 25 percent by weight or less, or 20 percent by weight or less, or 15 percent by weight or less, or 10 percent by weight or less, or 5 percent by weight or less, or 3 percent by weight or less, or 1 percent by weight or less, or 0.5 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes.

[1033] I. The article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 80 percent by weight or less, or 60 percent by weight or less, or 40 percent by weight or less, or 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers.

[1034] J. The article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 30 percent by weight or less, or 25 percent by weight or less, or 20 percent by weight or less, or 15 percent by weight or less, or 10 percent by weight or less, or 5 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives.

[1035] K. The article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a melt viscosity of 90,000 mPa·s or less at 190° C.

[1036] L. The article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a set time of 30 minutes or less.

[1037] M. The article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of from 3 N to 4,000 N.

[1038] N. The article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition has a viscosity of less than 9 Pa·s at 177° C.

[1039] O. A method of preparing the article having a transparent pane comprising forming an adhesive composition comprising a polymer having one or more C₃ to C₄₀ olefins and from 0 to 5 mole % of ethylene, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more, a branching index (g′) of 0.95 or less measured at the Mz of the polymer, and a Mw of 100,000 or less and applying the adhesive composition to at least a portion of a transparent panel.

R. Roofing Shingles

[1040] In a particular embodiment, the adhesives of this invention can be used in shingles. Roofing shingles are generally formed of a roofing element and an adhesive to bind the roofing element to a roof. The roofing element is generally formed of a sheet metal, such as copper, terne-coated stainless steel, zinc, aluminum, or alloys thereof.

[1041] Important criteria for shingles include resistance to crush when the shingles are packed in stacks for shipment, a relatively low melting temperature to permit self-sealing without the application of heating equipment and a strong bond between the joined surfaces, which has high wind resistance and good low temperature stability. Other important considerations include good resistance to photo-oxidation; in particular, the ability to retain adhesive properties after exposure of the adhesive to sunlight for more than two hours.

[1042] In addition, the adhesive composition should exhibit a “migrating” property at low temperatures of 32° C. to 37° C. in order to provide stronger bonds and better wind resistance. As used herein, “migrating” refers to when the adhesive composition flows partially into the contacting face of the roofing material.

[1043] The adhesive composition includes the inventive polymer described herein. The polymer may be functionalized with malaic acid or malaic anhydride. Additional components may be combined with the polymers or formulations of the polymers to form the adhesive composition.

[1044] In one aspect, the adhesive composition can include one or more tackifiers. The tackifiers can include aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resin, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes and modified terpenes, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin esters, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof, for example. The adhesive composition can include 95 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers.

[1045] In another aspect, the adhesive composition can include one or more waxes, such as polar waxes, non-polar waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, oxidized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, hydroxystearamide waxes, functionalized waxes, polypropylene waxes, polyethylene waxes, wax modifiers, and combinations thereof, for example.

[1046] In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition can include 50 percent by weight or less of one or more additives. The one or more additives can include plasticizers, oils, stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, dyestuffs, antiblock additives, polymeric additives, defoamers, preservatives, thickeners, rheology modifiers, humectants, fillers, surfactants, processing aids, cross-linking agents, neutralizing agents, flame retardants, fluorescing agents, compatibilizers, antimicrobial agents, and water, for example. Exemplary oils may include aliphatic naphthenic oils, white oils, and combinations thereof, for example. The phthalates may include di-iso-undecyl phthalate (DIUP), di-iso-nonylphthalate (DINP), dioctylphthalates (DOP), combinations thereof, or derivatives thereof. Exemplary polymeric additives include homo poly-alpha-olefins, copolymers of alpha-olefins, copolymers and terpolymers of diolefins, elastomers, polyesters, block copolymers including diblocks and triblocks, ester polymers, alkyl acrylate polymers, and acrylate polymers. Exemplary plasticizers may include mineral oils, polybutenes, phthalates, and combinations thereof.

[1047] In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition includes 80 percent by weight of one or more bituminous materials, such as asphalt. In another aspect, the adhesive can further include a fire-retardant. Examples of suitable fire-retardant agents include diammonium hydrogen phosphate, polyammonium phosphate, tribromoneopentyl esters of phosphoric acids; halogenated fire-retardant agents such as chlorinated biphenyl and halogenated cyctopentadieno used conjointly with metal oxides, halogenated polymers; mixtures of halogen and phosphorus fire-retardants such as the condensation products of amines with tris-(2,3-dibromopropyl)-phosphate, mixtures of 2,3 dibromopropanol and tris-(2,3-dibromopropyl)-phosphates, condensation products of bis-(carboxyethyl)phosphine oxide with halomethyl benzene; mixtures of carboxylic acid metal salts and beta-haloethylphosphate; and inorganic fire-retardants such as halogen-containing antimony oxide sols and salts of Sb(V) esters.

[1048] The adhesive composition can be formulated to have a SAFT of 90° C. or more. In another aspect, the adhesive composition is formulated to have an tensile strength at break of 6.5 bar or more at 25° C. The adhesive composition can further have a percent elongation of 5% strain or more of the original length at 25° C. In addition, the adhesive composition can have a viscosity of from 0.2 Pa·s to 10 Pa·s at 177° C. In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition has a glass transition temperature of from −65° C. to 30° C. In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition has a softening point of from 80° C. to 200° C.

[1049] One typical formulation of the adhesive composition includes at least 35 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 80 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 80 percent by weight of one or more bituminous materials, and up to 50 percent by weight of one or more additives. Another typical formulation of the adhesive composition includes at least 50 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 60 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 40 percent by weight of one or more bituminous materials, and up to 50 percent by weight of one or more additives. Yet another typical formulation of the adhesive composition includes at least 50 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 60 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 25 percent by weight of one or more bituminous materials, and up to 35 percent by weight of one or more additives.

[1050] The adhesive composition may be applied to a roofing element, such as, a shingle or continuous or rolled roofing sheet in the form of an adhesive strip or bead, in a pattern of beads or in another configuration along an area which is to be contacted with a second roofing element, e.g., on the under surface or over surface of the roofing material where overlap or underlap of succeeding shingles or strips occur. The same application can be effected to seal siding shingles or sheets. The adhesive composition may also be used as a hot melt for built-up roofs.

[1051] For preparing coated shingles, the roofing element is passed over or under an applicator containing the adhesive material at a temperature of from about 120° C. to about 200° C. The applicator can be a set of print wheels or an extruder capable of applying adhesive in beads of consistent size or as a continuous ribbon on a surface of the material to be joined and sealed to another member. After affixing the adhesive composition in the desired area or areas, the adhesive composition is quenched with water, air cooled or cooled by contact with any suitable quenching media.

[1052] Generally the material on which adhesive is applied, such as the roofing element, is cut to size after application, however, it is also within the scope of this invention to precut shingles or sheets which may be subsequently presented to the applicator for adhesive application.

[1053] The embodiments described below further relate to compositions or combinations as described herein.

[1054] A. A shingle comprising an adhesive composition comprising a polymer having one or more C₃ to C₄₀ olefins and from 0 to 5 mole % of ethylene, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more, a branching index (g′) of 0.95 or less measured at an Mz of the polymer, and a Mw of 100,000 or less and a roofing element comprising a first side and a second side, wherein the adhesive composition is applied to at least a portion of the second side.

[1055] B. The shingle of paragraph A wherein the roofing element is selected from the group consisting of copper, steel, zinc, aluminum, combinations thereof, and alloys thereof.

[1056] C. The shingle of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the first side comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of roofing asphalt, fabric, aggregate, and combinations thereof.

[1057] D. The shingle of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the second side comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of rubber, fiberglass, aramid, carbon, polyester, nylon, asphalt, and sheet metal.

[1058] E. The shingle of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition further comprises one or more tackifiers selected from the group consisting of aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, modified polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resins, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes, modified terpenes, hydrogenated rosin acids, modified hydrogenated terpenes, hydrogenated rosin esters, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

[1059] F. The shingle of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition further comprises one or more waxes selected from the group consisting of polar waxes, non-polar waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, oxidized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, hydroxystearamide waxes, functionalized waxes, polypropylene waxes, polyethylene waxes, wax modifiers, and combinations thereof.

[1060] G. The shingle of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition further comprises one or more additives selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, oils, stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, dyestuffs, polymeric additives, defoamers, preservatives, thickeners, rheology modifiers, humectants, fire-retardants, fillers and water.

[1061] H. The shingle of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition further comprises one or more bituminous materials.

[1062] I. The shingle of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 80 percent by weight or less of the one or more bituminous materials.

[1063] J. The shingle of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 95 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers.

[1064] K. The shingle of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 50 percent or less by weight of the one or more additives.

[1065] L. The shingle of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a melt viscosity of 90,000 mPa·s or less at 190° C.

[1066] M. The shingle of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a set time of 30 minutes or less.

[1067] N. The shingle of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of from 3 N to 4,000 N.

[1068] O. The shingle of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition has a viscosity of from 0.2 Pa·s to 10 Pa·s at 177° C.

[1069] P. The shingle of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition has a softening point of from 80° C. to 200° C.

[1070] Q. The shingle of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 80 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 70 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 60 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 50 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 40 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 30 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 10 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, 5 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers, or 1 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers.

[1071] R. The shingle of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 50 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes, 40 percent by weight or less of the one or more asphalt or other bituminous materials, 30 percent by weight or less of the one or more asphalt or other bituminous materials, 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more asphalt or other bituminous materials, 10 percent by weight or less of the one or more asphalt or other bituminous materials, or 5 percent by weight or less of the one or more asphalt or other bituminous materials.

[1072] S. The shingle of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 60 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 50 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 40 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 30 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 20 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 10 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 5 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, 3 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives, or 1 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives.

[1073] T. A method of preparing the shingle of any of the above paragraphs comprising forming an adhesive composition comprising a polymer and one or more bituminous materials, wherein the polymer has one or more C₃ to C₄₀ olefins and from 0 to 5 mole % of ethylene, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more, a branching index (g′) of 0.95 or less measured at the Mz of the polymer, and a Mw of 100,000 or less and applying the adhesive composition to at least a portion of a bottom side of a roofing element comprising a substantially flat panel.

S. Reflective Coating

[1074] In a particular embodiment, the adhesives of this invention can be used in reflective articles. Reflective articles are formed by applying a reflective material to a substrate surface to provide reflectivity to a portion of the substrate. The reflective material can include any material known to one skilled in the art. For example, the reflective material can include prisms and glass beads. The substrate surface can include roads, bicycle lanes, traffic signs, soft sports surfaces, playground surfaces, ships, runways, pedestrian crosswalks, buildings, tennis courts, driving courses, tartan substitutes, oil rigs, tunnels, concrete, metals, asphalt, bitumen, bricks, cobbles, tiles, steel plates, wood, ceramics, polymeric materials, glass, bridge abutments, traffic barricades, barriers, pipes, poles, guard rails, concrete blocks, curbs, parking lots, porcelain, stone, wood panels, particle board, wooden vehicle parts, cinder blocks, glass windows, traffic drums, traffic cones, scrims, liquid crystal displays, lights, copy machines, electronic backboards, diffuse white standards, and photographic lights.

[1075] An adhesive composition is applied to at least a portion of the reflective material to adhere the reflective material to the substrate. The adhesive composition includes the inventive polymer described herein. The polymer may be functionalized with malaic acid or malaic anhydride. Additional components may be combined with the polymers or formulations of the polymers to form the adhesive composition.

[1076] In one aspect, the adhesive composition includes one or more tackifiers. The tackifiers can include aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resin, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes and modified terpenes, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin esters, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof, for example. The adhesive composition can include 99 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers.

[1077] In another aspect, the adhesive composition can include one or more waxes, such as polar waxes, non-polar waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, oxidized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, hydroxystearamide waxes, functionalized waxes, polypropylene waxes, polyethylene waxes, wax modifiers, and combinations thereof, for example. The adhesive composition may include 30 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes.

[1078] In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition can include 30 percent by weight or less, or 25 percent by weight or less, or 20 percent by weight or less, or 15 percent by weight or less, or 10 percent by weight or less, or 5 percent by weight or less of one or more additives. The one or more additives can include plasticizers, oils, stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, dyestuffs, antiblock additives, polymeric additives, defoamers, preservatives, thickeners, adhesion promoters, rheology modifiers, humectants, fillers, surfactants, processing aids, cross-linking agents, neutralizing agents, flame retardants, fluorescing agents, compatibilizers, antimicrobial agents, and water, for example.

[1079] Exemplary oils may include aliphatic naphthenic oils, white oils, and combinations thereof, for example. The phthalates may include di-iso-undecyl phthalate (DIUP), di-iso-nonylphthalate (DINP), dioctylphthalates (DOP), combinations thereof, or derivatives thereof. Exemplary polymeric additives include homo poly-alpha-olefins, copolymers of alpha-olefins, copolymers and terpolymers of diolefins, elastomers, polyesters, block copolymers including diblocks and triblocks, ester polymers, alkyl acrylate polymers, and acrylate polymers. Exemplary plasticizers may include mineral oils, polybutenes, phthalates, and combinations thereof. Exemplary anti-oxidants include alkylated phenols, hindered phenols, and phenol derivatives, such as t-butyl hydroquinone, butylated hydroxyanisole, polybutylated bisphenol, butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT), alkylated hydroquinone, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-paracresol, 2,5-di-tert-aryl hydroquinone, octadecyl-3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy phenyl) etc.

[1080] Exemplary fillers include silica, diatomaceous earth, calcium carbonate, iron oxide, hydrogenated castor oil, fumed silica, precipitated calcium carbonate, hydrophobic treated fumed silicas, hydrophobic precipitated calcium carbonates, talc, zinc oxides, polyvinyl chloride powders, fungicides, graphite, carbon black, asphalt, carbon fillers, clay, mica, fibers, titanium dioxide, cadmium sulfide, asbestos, wood fluor, polyethylene powder, chopped fibers, bubbles, beads, thixotropes, bentonite, calcium sulfate, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, and combinations or derivates thereof. Exemplary surfactants include vinyl-containing or mercapto-containing polyorganosiloxanes, macromonomers with vinyl terminated polydimethyl siloxane, and combinations or derivatives thereof.

[1081] Exemplary adhesion promoters include silanes, titanates, organosylane, acrylics, acids, anhydrides, epoxy resins, hardening agents, polyamides, methylacrylates, epoxies, phenolic resins, polyisobutylene, aminoalkyl, mercaptoalkyl, epoxyalkyl, ureidoalkyl, carboxy, acrylate and isocyanurate functional silanes, mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane, glycidoxpropyltrimethoxysilane, aminopropyltriethoxysilane, aminoethylaminopropyltrimethoxysilane, ureidopropyltrimethyloxysilane, bis-gamma-trimethoxysilyl-propylurea, 1,3,5-tris-gamma-trimethoxysilylpropylisocyanurate, bis-gamma-trimethoxysilylpropylmaleate, fumarate and gamma-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, aminopropyltriethoxysilane, and combinations and derivatives thereof. Exemplary crosslinking agents include oxime crosslinkers, alkoxysilanes, epoxyalkylalkoxysilanes, amido silanes, aminosilanes, enoxysilanes, tetraethoxysilanes, methyltrimethoxy silane, vinyl trimethoxysilane, glycidoxypropyltrimethoxsilane, vinyl tris-isopropenoxysilane, methyl tris-isopropenoxysilane, methyl tris-cyclohexylaminosilane, methyl tris-secondarybutylaminosilane, polyisocyanates, and combinations or derivatives thereof. Exemplary organic solvents include aliphatic solvents, cycloaliphatic solvents, mineral spirits, aromatic solvents, hexane, cyclohexane, benzene, toluene, xylene, and combinations or derivatives thereof.

[1082] In one aspect, the adhesive composition is formulated to have a set temperature of from −20° C. to 250° C. In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition has an open temperature of from −20° C. to 250° C. In one aspect, adhesive composition has a viscosity of 9 Pa·s or less at 177° C. Preferably, the adhesive composition has a viscosity of from 0.2 Pa·s to 8 Pa·s at 177° C. More preferably, the adhesive composition has a viscosity of from 0.5 Pa·s to 2.5 Pa·s at 177° C. In another aspect, the adhesive composition has a cloud point of 275° C. or less. In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition has a density of 0.99 g/cm³ or less at 25° C. In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition has a glass transition temperature of from −65° C. to 30° C. In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition has a luminance of 70 or more. Preferably, the adhesive composition has a luminance of 75 or more.

[1083] One typical formulation of the adhesive composition includes at least 35 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 60 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 30 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 15 percent by weight of one or more additives. Another typical formulation of the adhesive composition includes at least 50 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 60 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 30 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 15 percent by weight of one or more additives. Yet another typical formulation of the adhesive composition includes at least 50 percent by weight of the polymer of the present invention, up to 60 percent by weight of one or more tackifiers, up to 25 percent by weight of one or more waxes, and up to 15 percent by weight of one or more additives.

[1084] The embodiments described below further relate to compositions or combinations as described herein.

[1085] A. A reflective article comprising a reflective material at least partially applied to a substrate surface and an adhesive composition comprising a polymer having one or more C₃ to C₄₀ olefins and from 0 to 5 mole % of ethylene, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more, a branching index (g′) of 0.95 or less measured at an Mz of the polymer, and a Mw of 100,000 or less.

[1086] B. The reflective article of paragraph A, wherein the reflective material is selected from the group consisting of prisms and glass beads.

[1087] C. The reflective article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the substrate surface is selected from the group consisting of roads, bicycle lanes, traffic signs, soft sports surfaces, playground surfaces, ships, runways, pedestrian crosswalks, buildings, tennis courts, driving courses, tartan substitutes, oil rigs, tunnels, concrete, metals, asphalt, bitumen, bricks, cobbles, tiles, steel plates, wood, ceramics, polymeric materials, glass, bridge abutments, traffic barricades, barriers, pipes, poles, guard rails, concrete blocks, curbs, parking lots, porcelain, stone, wood panels, particle board, wooden vehicle parts, cinder blocks, glass windows, traffic drums, traffic cones, scrims, liquid crystal displays, lights, copy machines, electronic backboards, diffuse white standards, and photographic lights.

[1088] D. The reflective article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition further comprises one or more tackifiers selected from the group consisting of aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resin, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes and modified terpenes, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin esters, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

[1089] E. The reflective article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition further comprises one or more waxes selected from the group consisting of polar waxes, non-polar waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, oxidized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, hydroxystearamide waxes, functionalized waxes, polypropylene waxes, polyethylene waxes, wax modifiers, and combinations thereof.

[1090] F. The reflective article of claim 1, wherein the adhesive composition further comprises one or more additives selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, oils, stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, dyestuffs, polymeric additives, defoamers, preservatives, thickeners, rheology modifiers, humectants, fillers and water.

[1091] G. The reflective article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 30 percent by weight or less of the one or more waxes.

[1092] H. The reflective article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition 99 percent by weight or less of the one or more tackifiers.

[1093] I. The reflective article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition comprises 30 percent by weight or less, or 25 percent by weight or less, or 20 percent by weight or less, or 15 percent by weight or less, or 10 percent by weight or less, or 5 percent by weight or less of the one or more additives.

[1094] J. The reflective article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a melt viscosity of 90,000 mPa·s or less at 190° C.

[1095] K. The reflective article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a set time of 30 minutes or less.

[1096] L. The reflective article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of from 3 N to 4,000 N.

[1097] M. The reflective article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition has a viscosity of 9 Pa·s or less at 177° C.

[1098] N. The reflective article of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the adhesive composition has a luminance of 70 or more, or 75 or more.

[1099] O. A method of preparing the reflective article of any of the above paragraphs comprising forming an adhesive composition comprising a polymer having one or more C₃ to C₄₀ olefins and from 0 to 5 mole % of ethylene, wherein the polymer has a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more, a branching index (g′) of 0.95 or less measured at the Mz of the polymer, and a Mw of 100,000 or less and applying the adhesive composition to at least a portion of a reflective material.

Characterization and Tests

[1100] Molecular weights (number average molecular weight (Mn), weight average molecular weight (Mw), and z-average molecular weight (Mz)) are determined using a Waters 150 Size Exclusion Chromatograph (SEC) equipped with a differential refractive index detector (DRI), an online low angle light scattering (LALLS) detector and a viscometer (VIS). The details of the detector calibrations have been described elsewhere [Reference: T. Sun, P. Brant, R. R. Chance, and W. W. Graessley, Macromolecules, Volume 34, Number 19, 6812-6820, (2001)]; attached below are brief descriptions of the components.

[1101] The SEC with three Polymer Laboratories PLgel 10 mm Mixed-B columns, a nominal flow rate 0.5 cm³/min, and a nominal injection volume 300 microliters is common to both detector configurations. The various transfer lines, columns and differential refractometer (the DRI detector, used mainly to determine eluting solution concentrations) are contained in an oven maintained at 135° C.

[1102] The LALLS detector is the model 2040 dual-angle light scattering photometer (Precision Detector Inc.). Its flow cell, located in the SEC oven, uses a 690 nm diode laser light source and collects scattered light at two angles, 15° and 90°. Only the 15° output was used in these experiments. Its signal is sent to a data acquisition board (National Instruments) that accumulates readings at a rate of 16 per second. The lowest four readings are averaged, and then a proportional signal is sent to the SEC-LALLS-VIS computer. The LALLS detector is placed after the SEC columns, but before the viscometer.

[1103] The viscometer is a high temperature Model 150R (Viscotek Corporation). It consists of four capillaries arranged in a Wheatstone bridge configuration with two pressure transducers. One transducer measures the total pressure drop across the detector, and the other, positioned between the two sides of the bridge, measures a differential pressure. The specific viscosity for the solution flowing through the viscometer is calculated from their outputs. The viscometer is inside the SEC oven, positioned after the LALLS detector but before the DRI detector.

[1104] Solvent for the SEC experiment was prepared by adding 6 grams of butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT) as an antioxidant to a 4 liter bottle of 1,2,4 Trichlorobenzene (TCB) (Aldrich Reagent grade) and waiting for the BHT to solubilize. The TCB mixture was then filtered through a 0.7 micron glass pre-filter and subsequently through a 0.1 micron Teflon filter. There was an additional online 0.7 micron glass pre-filter/0.22 micron Teflon filter assembly between the high pressure pump and SEC columns. The TCB was then degassed with an online degasser (Phenomenex, Model DG-4000) before entering the SEC.

[1105] Polymer solutions were prepared by placing dry polymer in a glass container, adding the desired amount of TCB, then heating the mixture at 160° C. with continuous agitation for about 2 hours. All quantities were measured gravimetrically. The TCB densities used to express the polymer concentration in mass/volume units are 1.463 g/ml at room temperature and 1.324 g/ml at 135° C. The injection concentration ranged from 1.0 to 2.0 mg/ml, with lower concentrations being used for higher molecular weight samples.

[1106] Prior to running each sample the DRI detector and the injector were purged. Flow rate in the apparatus was then increased to 0.5 ml/minute, and the DRI was allowed to stabilize for 8-9 hours before injecting the first sample. The argon ion laser was turned on 1 to 1.5 hours before running samples by running the laser in idle mode for 20-30 minutes and then switching to full power in light regulation mode.

[1107] The branching index was measured using SEC with an on-line viscometer (SEC-VIS) and are reported as g′ at each molecular weight in the SEC trace. The branching index g′ is defined as:

[1108] $g^{\prime }=\frac{{\eta }_b}{{\eta }_l}$

[1109] where η_b is the intrinsic viscosity of the branched polymer and η_l is the intrinsic viscosity of a linear polymer of the same viscosity-averaged molecular weight (M_v) as the branched polymer. η_l=KM_v^α, K and α are measured values for linear polymers and should be obtained on the same SEC-DRI-LS-VIS instrument as the one used for branching index measurement. For polypropylene samples presented in this invention, K=0.0002288 and α=0.705 were used. The SEC-DRI-LS-VIS method obviates the need to correct for polydispersities, since the intrinsic viscosity and the molecular weight are measured at individual elution volumes, which arguably contain narrowly dispersed polymer. Linear polymers selected as standards for comparison should be of the same viscosity average molecular weight and comonomer content. Linear character for polymer containing C2 to C 10 monomers is confirmed by Carbon-13 NMR the method of Randall (Rev. Macromol. Chem. Phys., C29 (2&3), p. 285-297).

[1110] Linear character for C11 and above monomers is confirmed by GPC analysis using a MALLS detector. For example, for a copolymer of propylene, the NMR should not indicate branching greater than that of the co-monomer (i.e. if the comonmer is butene, branches of greater than two carbons should not be present). For a homopolymer of propylene, the GPC should not show branches of more than one carbon atom. When a linear standard is desired for a polymer where the comomoner is C9 or more, one can refer to T. Sun, P. Brant, R. R. Chance, and W. W. Graessley, Macromolecules, Volume 34, Number 19, 6812-6820, (2001) for protocols on determining standards for those polymers. In the case of syndiotactic polymers, the standard should have a comparable amount of syndiotacticty as measured by Carbon 13 NMR.

[1111] In another embodiment the polymer produced by this invention has a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) of at least 2, preferably at least 5, preferably at least 10, even more preferably at least 20.

[1112] In another embodiment the polymer produced may have a unimodal, bimodal, or multimodal molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) distribution of polymer species as determined by Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC). By bimodal or multimodal is meant that the SEC trace has more than one peak or inflection points. An inflection point is that point where the second derivative of the curve changes in sign (e.g., from negative to positive or vice versus).

[1113] Peak melting point (Tm), peak crystallization temperature (Tc), heat of fusion and crystallinity were determined using the following procedure according to ASTM E 794-85. Differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) data was obtained using a TA Instruments model 2920 machine. Samples weighing approximately 7-10 mg were sealed in aluminum sample pans. The DSC data was recorded by first cooling the sample to −50° C. and then gradually heating it to 200° C. at a rate of 10° C./minute. The sample is kept at 200° C. for 5 minutes before a second cooling-heating cycle is applied. Both the first and second cycle thermal events are recorded. Areas under the curves were measured and used to determine the heat of fusion and the degree of crystallinity. The percent crystallinity is calculated using the formula, [area under the curve (Joules/gram)/B (Joules/gram)]*100, where B is the heat of fusion for the homopolymer of the major monomer component. These values for B are to be obtained from the Polymer Handbook, Fourth Edition, published by John Wiley and Sons, New York 1999. A value of 189 J/g (B) was used as the heat of fusion for 100% crystalline polypropylene. For polymers displaying multiple melting or crystallization peaks, the highest melting peak was taken as peak melting point, and the highest crystallization peak was taken as peak crystallization temperature.

[1114] The glass transition temperature (Tg) was measured by ASTM E 1356 using a TA Insturments model 2920 machine.

[1115] Polymer samples for ¹³C NMR spectroscopy were dissolved in d₂-1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane and the samples were recorded at 125° C. using a NMR spectrometer of 75 or 100 MHz. Polymer resonance peaks are referenced to mmmm=21.8 ppm. Calculations involved in the characterization of polymers by NMR follow the work of F. A. Bovey in “Polymer Conformation and Configuration” Academic Press, New York 1969 and J. Randall in “Polymer Sequence Determination, Carbon-13 NMR Method”, Academic Press, New York, 1977. The percent of methylene sequences of two in length, % (CH₂)₂, were calculated as follows: the integral of the methyl carbons between 14-18 ppm (which are equivalent in concentration to the number of methylenes in sequences of two in length) divided by the sum of the integral of the methylene sequences of one in length between 45-49 ppm and the integral of the methyl carbons between 14-18 ppm, times 100. This is a minimum calculation for the amount of methylene groups contained in a sequence of two or more since methylene sequences of greater than two have been excluded. Assignments were based on H. N. Cheng and J. A. Ewen, Makromol. Chem. 1989, 190, 1931.

[1116] Ethylene content of a polymer can be measured as follows. A thin homogeneous film is pressed at a temperature of about 150° C. or greater, then mounted on a Perkin Elmer PE 1760 infrared spectrophotometer. A full spectrum of the sample from 600 cm⁻¹ to 4000 cm⁻¹ is recorded and the monomer weight percent of ethylene can be calculated according to the following equation: Ethylene wt %=82.585−111.987X+30.045 X², wherein X is the ratio of the peak height at 1155 cm⁻¹ and peak height at either 722 cm⁻¹ or 732 cm⁻¹, whichever is higher. The concentrations of other monomers in the polymer can also be measured using this method.

Adhesive Testing

[1117] SAFT (modified D4498) measures the ability of a bond to withstand an elevated temperature rising at 10° F. (5.5° C.)/15 min., under a constant force that pulls the bond in the shear mode. Bonds were formed in the manner described above (1 inch by 3 inch (2.5 cm×7.6 cm) (on Kraft paper). The test specimens were suspended vertically in an oven at room temperature with a 500 gram load attached to the bottom. The temperatures at which the weight fell was recorded (when the occasional sample reached temperatures above the oven capacity >265° F. (129° C.) it was terminated and averaged in with the other samples at termination temperature).

[1118] Set time is defined as the time it takes for a compressed adhesive substrate construct to fasten together enough to give substrate fiber tear when pulled apart, and thus the bond is sufficiently strong to remove the compression. The bond will likely still strengthen upon further cooling, however, it no longer requires compression. These set times were measured by placing a molten dot of adhesive on to a file folder substrate taped to a flat table. A file folder tab (1 inch by 3 inch (2.5 cm×7.6 cm) was placed upon the dot 3 seconds later and compressed with a 500 gram weight. The weight was allowed to sit for about 0.5 to about 10 seconds. The construct thus formed was pulled apart to check for a bonding level good enough to produce substrate fiber tear. The set time was recorded as the minimum time required for this good bonding to occur. Standards were used to calibrate the process.

[1119] Once a construct has been produced it can be subjected to various insults in order to assess the effectiveness of the bond. Once a bond fails to a paper substrate a simple way to quantify the effectiveness is to estimate the area of the adhesive dot that retained paper fibers as the construct failed along the bond line. This estimate is called percent substrate fiber tear. An example of good fiber, after conditioning a sample for 15 hours at −12° C. and attempting to destroy the bond, would be an estimate of 80-100% substrate fiber tear. It is likely that 0% substrate fiber tear under those conditions would signal a loss of adhesion.

[1120] Shore A hardness was measured according to ASTM 2240. An air cooled dot of adhesive was subjected to the needle and the deflection was recorded from the scale.

[1121] Dot T-Peel was determined according to ASTM D 1876, except that the specimen was produced by combining two 1 inch by 3 inch (2.54 cm×7.62 cm) substrate cut outs with a dot of adhesive with a volume that, when compressed under a 500 gram weight occupied about 1 square inch of area (1 inch=2.54 cm). Once made all the specimens were pulled apart in side by side testing (at a rate of 2 inches per minute) by a machine that records the destructive force of the insult being applied. The maximum force achieved for each sample tested was recorded and averaged, thus producing the Average Maximum Force which is reported as the Dot T-Peel.

[1122] Adhesive Melt Viscosity (ASTM D-3236) (also called “viscosity”, “Brookfield viscosity”, or “melt viscosity”.) Melt viscosity profiles are typically measured at temperatures from 120° C. to 190° C. using a Brookfield Thermosel viscometer and a number 27 spindle.

[1123] Peel Strength (modified ASTM D1876): Substrates (1×3 inches (25×76 mm)) are heat sealed with adhesive film (5 mils (130 μm) thickness) at 135° C. for 1 to 2 seconds and 40 psi (0.28 MPa) pressure. Bond specimens were peeled back in a tensile tester at a constant crosshead speed of 2 in/min (51 mm/min). The average force required to peel the bond (5 specimens) apart is recorded.

[1124] Shear Adhesion Fail Temperature (SAFT) (modified ASTM D4498) measures the ability of the bond to withstand an elevated temperature rising at 10° F. (5.5° C.)/15 min, under a constant force that pulls the bond in the shear mode. Bonds 1 inch by 1 inch (Kraft paper) (25 mm×25 mm) were formed of adhesive by heat sealing as in procedure “(b)” above for 1.5 s. The test specimens were suspended vertically in an oven at 32° C. with a 500 g load attached to the bottom. The temperature at which the weight falls is recorded. Adhesives possessing high failure temperature are essential for the assembly of packaging goods that are often subjected to very high temperatures during storage and shipping.

[1125] Peel Adhesion Failure Temperature (PAFT) was determined using following procedure modified according to the procedure of TAPPI T814 PM-77. Two sheets of 6″×12″ Kraft paper were laminated together with a one inch strip of molten adhesive heated to 177° C. The laminated sheet was trimmed and cut into 1-inch wide strips. These strips were placed in an oven with a 100-gram of weight hanging in a peel mode. The over temperature increased at a rate of 30° C. per hour. The sample were hung from a switch that trips when the samples fail to record the temperature of failure.

[1126] Low Temperature Substrate Fiber Tear: Kraft paper bonds are prepared as in procedure “(b)” above. The bond specimens are placed in a freezer or refrigerator to obtain the desired test temperature. The bonds are separated by hand and a determination made as to the type of failure observed. The amount of substrate fiber tear is expressed in percentage. “SF” indicates substrate failure.

[1127] Cloud point is determined by heating the adhesive blends to 121° C. and applying a small bead (approximately 1 gram) of the molten adhesive to the bulb of an ASTM thermometer. The temperature at which the molten adhesive clouds over is then noted. These measures of cloud point provide an indication of a hot melt's overall compatibility, i.e., the compatibility of the individual ingredients with each other.

[1128] Compression Molding: Plaques suitable for physical property testing were compression molded on a Carver hydraulic press. 6.5 g of polymer was molded between brass plates (0.05″ thick) lined with Teflon™ coated aluminum foil. A 0.033″ thick chase with a square opening 4″×4″ was used to control sample thickness. After one minute of preheat at 170° or 180° C., under minimal pressure, the hydraulic load was gradually increased to ˜10,000-15,000 lbs., at which it was held for three minutes. Subsequently the sample and molding plates were cooled for three minutes under ˜10,000 to 15,000 lbs. load between the water cooled platens of the press. Plaques were allowed to equilibrate at room temperature for a minimum of two days prior to physical property testing.

[1129] Unidirectional Tensile Testing: Dogbones for tensile testing were cut from compression molded plaques using a mallet handle die. Specimen dimensions were those specified in ASTM D 1708. Tensile properties were measured on an Instron™ model 4502 equipped with a 22.48 lb. load cell and pneumatic jaws fitted with serrated grip faces. Deformation was performed at a constant crosshead speed of 5.0 in/min with a data sampling rate of 25 points/second. Jaw separation prior to testing was 0.876″, from which strains were calculated assuming affine deformation. Initial modulus, stress and strain at yield (where evident), peak stress, tensile strength at break, and strain at break were calculated. A minimum of five specimens from each plaque was tested, the results being reported as the average value. All stresses quoted were calculated based upon the original cross-sectional area of the specimen, taking no account of reduced cross-section as a function of increasing strain.

[1130] The rheological properties (G′, G″) were determined on ARES instrument manufactured by Rheometric Scientific, Piscataway, N.J. The polymers were first melted and then cooled down at 1° C./min. Dynamic moduli were recorded during the cooling, starting from a temperature higher than the melting point of the material by at least 30° C. down to about 80° C. The output of the test is therefore the evolution of the storage modulus G′, the loss modulus G″, as well as the ratio tan δ=G″/G′ as a function of temperature. Measurements were made at a constant frequency of 10 rad/s and 20 percent of strain, using a 12.5 mm diameter plate-and-plate geometry.

General

[1131] All polymerizations were performed in a liquid filled, single-stage continuous reactor using mixed metallocene catalyst systems. The reactor was a 0.5-liter stainless steel autoclave reactor and was equipped with a stirrer, a water cooling/steam heating element with a temperature controller, and a pressure controller. Solvents, propylene, and comonomers (such as butene and hexene), if present, were first purified by passing through a three-column purification system. The purification system consists of an Oxiclear column (Model # RGP-R1-500 from Labclear) followed by a 5A and a 3A molecular sieve columns. Purification columns were regenerated periodically whenever there is evidence of lower activity of polymerization. Both the 3A and 5A molecular sieve columns were regenerated in-house under nitrogen at a set temperature of 260° C. and 315° C., respectively. The molecular sieve material was purchased from Aldrich. Oxiclear column was regenerated in the original manufacture. Purified ethylene from in-house supply was fed into the manifold then the reactor through a Brookfield mass flow controller. The ethylene was delivered as a gas solubilized in the chilled solvent/monomer mixture. The purified solvents and monomers were then chilled to about −15° C. by passing through a chiller before fed into the reactor through a manifold. Solvent and monomers were mixed in the manifold and fed into reactor through a single tube. All liquid flow rates are measured using Brooksfield mass flow meters or Micro-Motion Coriolis-type flow meters.

[1132] Unless otherwise noted the catalysts compounds were obtained form Albemarle.

[1133] The catalyst compounds used to produce semi-crystalline polypropylene were rac-dimethylsilylbis(2-methyl-4-phenylindenyl)zirconium dichloride, rac-dimethylsilylbis(2-methyl-4-phenylindenyl)zirconium dimethyl, rac-dimethylsilylbis(2-methylindenyl)zirconium dimethyl, rac-dimethylsilylbis(indenyl)hafnium dimethyl, and rac-1,2-ethylene-bis(4,7-dimethylindenyl)hafnium dimethyl (obtained from Boulder Scientific Company).

[1134] The catalyst compounds used to produce amorphous polypropylene were dimethylsilyl(tetramethylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclododecylamido)titanium dichloride, dimethylsilyl(tetramethylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclododecylamido)titanium dimethyl, dimethylsilyl(tert-butylamido)(tetramethylcyclopentadienyl)titanium dimethyl (obtained from Boulder Scientific Company), [di(p-triethylsilylphenyl)methylene](cyclopentadienyl)(3,8-di-t-butylfluorenyl)hafnium dimethyl (produced according to the examples in U.S. Pat. No. 6,528,670) and dimethylsilyl(tetramethylcylopentadienyl)(N-1-adamantyl)titanium dimethyl (produced according to the examples in U.S. Pat. No. 5,955,625).

[1135] Dimethylsilyl(tetramethylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclododecylamido)titanium dichloride was made according to the examples in U.S. Pat. No. 5,057,475. The dimethyl version was obtained by dimethylation of the dichloride version.

[1136] Rac-Dimethylsilylbis(2-methyl-4-phenylindenyl)zirconium dichloride and dimethylsilyl(tetramethylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclododecylamido)titanium dichloride were activated with MAO (methylalumoxane). Rac-1,2-ethylenebis(4,7-dimethylindenyl)hafnium dimethyl was preactivated with trityl tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate (obtained from Single-Site Catalysts, LLC). The rest of the catalysts were preactivated with N,N-dimethylanilinium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate (obtained from Albemarle). For catalyst systems with preactivation, the catalysts were activated with cocatalyst at a molar ratio of 1:1 to 1:1.1 in 700 ml of toluene at least 10 minutes prior to the polymerization reaction. The catalyst systems were diluted to a concentration of catalyst ranging from 0.2 to 1.4 mg/ml in toluene. The catalyst solution was used for all polymerization runs carried out in the same day. New batch of catalyst solution was prepared in case that more than 700 ml of catalyst solution was consumed in one day. Each catalyst solution was pumped through separate lines. Catalysts were mixed in a manifold, and then fed into the reactor through a single line. In methylalumoxane activated systems, 280 ml of methylalumoxane (MAO, 10 wt. % in toluene, from Albemarle) was diluted in 1000 ml of toluene, and the solution was stored in a 5-liter stainless cylinder. Catalysts were diluted to a concentration ranging from 0.2 to 1.4 mg/ml in toluene. Each catalyst solution and the methylalumoxane solution were pumped through separate lines. Catalysts and MAO were mixed in a manifold, and then fed into the reactor through a single line. The connecting tube between the catalyst manifold and reactor inlet was about 1 meter long.

[1137] All catalyst solutions were kept in an inert atmosphere with <1.5 ppm water content and fed into reactor by metering pumps. Catalyst and monomer contacts took place in the reactor. Catalyst pumps were calibrated periodically using toluene as the calibrating medium. Catalyst concentration in the feed was controlled through changing the catalyst concentration in catalyst solution and/or changing in the pumping rate of catalyst solution. The pumping rate of catalyst solution varied in a range of 0.2 to 5 ml/minute.

[1138] As an impurity scavenger, 55 ml of tri-iso-butyl aluminum (25 wt. % in toluene, Akzo Noble) was diluted in 22.83 kilogram of hexane. The diluted tri-iso-butyl aluminum solution was stored in a 37.9-liter cylinder under nitrogen blanket. The solution was used for all polymerization runs until about 90% of consumption, then a new batch was prepared. Pumping rates of the tri-iso-butyl aluminum solution varies from polymerization reaction to reaction, ranging from 0 (no scavenger) to 4 ml per minutes.

[1139] For polymerization reactions involving alpha, omega-dienes, 1,9-decadiene was diluted to a concentration ranging from 4.8 to 9.5 vol. % in toluene. The diluted solution was then fed into reactor by a metering pump through a comonomer line. (The 1,9-decadiene was obtained from Aldrich and was purified by first passing through alumina activated at high temperature under nitrogen, followed by molecular sieve activated at high temperature under nitrogen.)

[1140] The reactor was first cleaned by continuously pumping solvent (e.g., hexane) and scavenger through the reactor system for at least one hour at a maximum allowed temperature (about 150° C.). After cleaning, the reactor was heated/cooled to the desired temperature using water/steam mixture flowing through the reactor jacket and controlled at a set pressure with controlled solvent flow. Monomers and catalyst solutions were then fed into the reactor when a steady state of operation was reached. An automatic temperature control system was used to control and maintain the reactor at a set temperature. Onset of polymerization activity was determined by observations of a viscous product and lower temperature of water-steam mixture. Once the activity was established and system reached equilibrium, the reactor was lined out by continuing operating the system under the established condition for a time period of at least five times of mean residence time prior to sample collection. The resulting mixture, containing mostly solvent, polymer and unreacted monomers, was collected in a collection box after the system reached a steady state operation. The collected samples were first air-dried in a hood to evaporate most of the solvent, and then dried in a vacuum oven at a temperature of about 90° C. for about 12 hours. The vacuum oven dried samples were weighed to obtain yields. All the reactions were carried out at a pressure of 2.41 MPa-g and in the temperature range of 45 to 130° C.

[1141] Four samples were made with rac-dimethylsilylbis(2-methyl-4-phenylindenyl)zirconium dimethyl and dimethylsilyl(tetramethylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclododecylamido)titanium dimethyl at a temperature 115° C. over a range of catalyst ratios. The polymerization reactions followed the general procedure described above. The detailed experimental conditions and results are presented in Table 1.

[1142]

	TABLE 1
	Example
	1	2	3	4
Catalyst #1	A	A	A	A
Catalyst #1 feed rate	4.83E−06	3.66E−06	3.00E−06	2.68E−06
(mole/min)
Catalyst #2	B	B	B	B
Catalyst #2 feed rate	3.64E−07	3.64E−07	3.64E−07	3.64E−07
(mole/min)
Propylene feed rate	14	14	14	14
(g/min)
Hexane feed rate	90	90	90	90
(ml/min)
Polymerization temp	115	115	115	115
(° C.)
Mn (kg/mol)	19.1	18.2	16.4	16.9
Mw (kg/mol)	31	28.3	25.7	26.7
Mz (kg/mol)	66.1	52.4	46.9	53.1
g′ @ Mz	1.02	0.99	0.96	0.9
Tc (° C.)	90.5	98.8	97.7	97.1
Tm (° C.)	140.5	143.2	143.8	142.8
Tg (° C.)	−17.7	−10.4	−10.4	−11.3
Heat of fusion (J/g)	21.7	25.7	34.7	35.1
Viscosity @	1540	1340	1240	798
190° C. (cps)
Conversion (%)	95.3	89.6	87.1	92.8
Catalyst activity (kg	5.7	6.9	8.0	9.4
polymer/g catalyst)
Catalysts:
A = dimethylsilyl (tetramethylcyclopentadienyl) (cyclododecylamido) titanium dimethyl
B = rac-dimethylsilyl bis(2-methyl-4-phenylindenyl) zirconium dimethyl

[1143] Four samples were made with rac-dimethylsilylbis(2-methyl-4-phenylindenyl)zirconium dimethyl and dimethylsilyl(tetramethylcyclopentadienyl)(t-butylamido)titanium dimethyl at a temperature of 100° C. over a range of catalyst ratio. The polymerization reactions followed the general procedure described above. The detailed experimental conditions and results are presented in Table 2.

[1144]

	TABLE 2
	Example
	5	6	7	8
Catalyst #1	F	F	F	F
Catalyst #1 feed rate	4.92E−06	4.92E−06	4.92E−06	4.92E−06
(mole/min)
Catalyst #2	B	B	B	B
Catalyst #2 feed rate	5.67E−07	8.50E−07	1.13E−06	1.42E−06
(mole/min)
Propylene feed rate	14	14	14	14
(g/min)
Hexane feed rate	90	90	90	90
(ml/min)
Polymerization	100	100	100	100
temperature (° C.)
Mn (kg/mol)	12.1	11.9	8.8	12.4
Mw (kg/mol)	29.4	30.7	26.3	28
Mz (kg/mol)	84.3	81.6	80.7	84.7
g′ @ Mz	0.93	0.88	0.87	0.84
Tc (° C.)	95.8	98.4	96.1	95.8
Tm (° C.)	145.2	145.7	143.3	143.0
Tg (° C.)	−9.6	−10.4	−11.1	−10.0
Heat of fusion (J/g)	21.4	32.4	30.0	33.0
Viscosity @	1100	1040	840	675
190° C. (cps)
Conversion (%)	88.63	91.73	68.09	77.23
Catalyst activity	6.38	6.08	4.18	4.42
(kg polymer/g catalyst)
Catalysts:
B = rac-dimethylsilyl bis(2-methyl-4-phenylindenyl) zirconium dimethyl
F = dimethylsilyl(tetramethylcyclopentadienyl)(tert-butylamido) titanium dimethyl

[1145] Seven samples were made with dimethylsilylbis(indenyl)hafnium dimethyl and dimethylsilyl(tetramethylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclododecylamido)titanium dimethyl at a catalyst ratio of about 80.0 molar percent over a range of temperatures. The polymerization reactions followed the general procedure described above. The detailed experimental conditions and results are presented in Table 3. The data show that temperature has appreciable effects on crystallinity, Mw, Mw/Mn, and level of branching. The population can also be manipulated through reaction temperatures since the reaction kinetics of each catalyst has unique response to polymerization temperatures.

[1146]

	TABLE 3
	Example
	9	10	11	12	13	14	15
Catalyst #1	A	A	A	A	A	A	A
Catalyst #1 feed	5.22E−06	5.22E−06	5.22E−06	5.22E−06	5.22E−06	5.22E−06	5.22E−06
rate (mole/min)
Catalyst #2	C	C	C	C	C	C	C
Catalyst #2 feed	1.31E−06	1.31E−06	1.31E−06	1.31E−06	1.31E−06	1.31E−06	1.31E−06
rate (mole/min)
Propylene feed rate	14	14	14	14	14	14	14
(g/min)
Hexane feed rate	90	90	90	90	90	90	90
(ml/min)
Polymerization	110	105	100	95	90	85	80
temperature (° C)
Mn (kg/mol)	8.5	8.2	9.8	11.1	22.5	26.6	30.9
Mw (kg/mol)	15.7	17.1	19.8	23.5	41.1	46.9	55.8
Mz (kg/mol)	30.6	37.9	42.2	40.4	79.8	84.8	95.5
g′ @Mz	1	0.97	0.95	0.97	0.98	0.97	0.98
Tc (° C.)	22.8	31.6	40.5	47.8	53.5	61.0	64.8
Tm (° C.)	74.7	82.3	87.4	94.3	103.3	107.7	113.7
Tg (° C.)	−15.5	−13.0	−12.0	−10.0	−7.5	−7.5	−6.0
Heat of fusion (J/g)	14.4	16.6	21.5	26.0	21.0	27.8	26.7
Viscosity @	227	272	441	813	5280	7250	15400
190° C. (cps)
Catalysts:
A = dimethylsilyl (tetramethylcyclopentadienyl) (cyclododecylamido) titanium dimethyl
C = rac-dimethylsilyl bis (indenyl) hafnium dimethyl

[1147] Four samples were made with rac-dimethylsilylbis(indenyl)hafnium dimethyl and dimethylsilyl(tetramethylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclododecylamido)titanium dimethyl at a temperature of 100° C. and various catalyst ratios. The polymerization reactions followed the general procedure described above. The detailed experimental conditions and results are presented in Table 4. The data show that catalyst ratios have appreciable effects on crystallinity, Mw, Mw/Mn, and level of branching. The population can also be manipulated through reaction temperatures since the reaction kinetics of each catalyst has unique response to polymerization temperatures.

[1148]

	TABLE 4
	Example
	16	17	18	19
Catalyst #1	A	A	A	A
Catalyst #1 feed rate	8.49E−07	8.49E−07	8.49E−07	8.49E−07
(mole/min)
Catalyst #2	C	C	C	C
Catalyst #2 feed rate	5.51E−07	8.26E−07	1.28E−06	1.93E−06
(mole/min)
Propylene feed rate	14	14	14	14
(g/min)
Hexane feed rate	90	90	90	90
(ml/min)
Polymerization	100	100	100	100
temperature (° C.)
Mn (kg/mol)	17.1	14.1	9.6	7.3
Mw (kg/mol)	28	20.7	14.3	10.6
Mz (kg/mol)	65	37.6	24.9	18.2
g′ @ Mz	1.05	0.97	0.92	0.94
Tc (° C.)	61.2	55.2	30.8	28.8
Tm (° C.)	107.3	97.6	76.9	64.3
Tg (° C.)	−8.9	−14.5	−15.3	−14.6
Heat of fusion (J/g)	29.9	31.2	19.9	7.6
Viscosity @	1355	412	165	87
190° C. (cps)
Conversion (%)	86.20	91.89	100.56	97.90
Catalyst activity	18.74	16.49	13.97	10.34
(kg polymer/g catalyst)
Catalysts:
A = dimethylsilyl (tetramethylcyclopentadienyl) (cyclododecylamido) titanium dimethyl
C = rac-dimethylsilyl bis (indenyl) hafnium dimethyl

[1149] Fifteen samples were made with rac-dimethylsilylbis(2-methyl-4-phenylindenyl)zirconium dimethyl and dimethylsilyl(tetramethylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclododecylamido)titanium dimethyl catalysts, following the general procedure described above with the exception that a small quantity of 1,9-decadiene was fed as the diolefin monomer along with propylene as the alpha-olefin monomer. The detailed experimental conditions and results are presented in Tables 5 and 6.

[1150]

	TABLE 5
	Example
	20	21	22	23	24
Catalyst #1	A	A	A	A	A
Catalyst #1 feed rate	6.53E−06	6.53E−06	6.53E−06	6.53E−06	6.53E−06
(mole/min)
Catalyst #2	B	B	B	B	B
Catalyst #2 feed rate	6.92E−07	3.64E−07	3.64E−07	2.19E−07	2.19E−07
(mole/min)
Propylene feed rate (g/min)	14	14	14	8.3	10
1,9 decadiene feed rate	0.19	0.19	0.19	0.13	0.13
(ml/min)
Hexane feed rate (ml/min)	90	90	90	90	90
Polymerization temperature	120	125	120	120	110
(° C.)
Mn (kg/mol)	15.6	14.7	14.3	—	—
Mw (kg/mol)	23	24.6	29.5	—	—
Mz (kg/mol)	55.2	64.2	85	—	—
g′ @ Mz	0.85	0.91	0.85	—	—
Tc (° C.)	86.5	91.8	91.8	86.5	87.6
Tm (° C.)	116.6	128.7	129.7	128.8	137.6
Tg (° C.)	−10.6	−11.1	−9.7	−9.4	−7.5
Heat of fusion (J/g)	31.8	32.1	26.0	17.0	19.4
Viscosity @ 190° C. (cps)	721	725	1240	448	2240
Conversion (%)	93.32	77.57	81.12	77.49	85.13
Catalyst activity (kg	4.00	3.54	3.70	2.15	2.85
polymer/g catalyst)
	Example
	25	26	27	28	29
Catalyst #1	A	A	A	A	A
Catalyst #1 feed rate	5.22E−06	5.22E−06	5.22E−06	6.53E−06	6.53E−06
(mole/min)
Catalyst #2	B	B	B	B	B
Catalyst #2 feed rate	7.65E−07	7.65E−07	7.65E−07	2.19E−07	4.74E−07
(mole/min)
Propylene feed rate	14	14	14	10	14
(g/min)
1,9 decadiene feed rate	0.24	2.24	0.19	0.13	0.19
(ml/min)
Hexane feed rate	90	90	90	90	90
(ml/min)
Polymerization	115	117	110	125	115
temperature (° C.)
Mn (kg/mol)	20		23		17.3
Mw (kg/mol)	36.7		45.5		34.5
Mz (kg/mol)	111.9		104		97.1
g′ @ Mz	0.68		0.75		0.75
Tc (° C.)	91.1	87.0	96.8	77.3	88.5
Tm (° C.)	136.6	133.7	134.2	130.0	136.3
Tg (° C.)	−9.6	−10.7	−9.7	−11.2	−12.4
Heat of fusion (J/g)	51.5	39.5	42.5	15.1	35.8
Viscosity @ 190° C. (cps)	880	518	1850	661	1040
Conversion (%)	92.20	89.30	96.84	80.62	91.15
Catalyst activity (kg	4.72	4.57	4.96	2.70	4.07
polymer/g catalyst)
Catalysts:
A = dimethylsilyl (tetramethylcyclopentadienyl) (cyclododecylamido) titanium dimethyl
B = rac-dimethylsilyl bis(2-methyl-4-phenylindenyl) zirconium dimethyl

[1151]

	TABLE 6
	Example
	30	31	32	33	34
Catalyst #1	A	A	A	A	A
Catalyst #1 feed rate	1.02E−06	5.22E−06	6.53E−06	6.53E−06	6.53E−06
(mole/min)
Catalyst #2	B	B	B	B	B
Catalyst #2 feed rate	1.13E−07	7.65E−07	4.74E−07	6.20E−07	3.64E−07
(mole/min)
Propylene feed rate	14	14	14	14	14
(g/min)
1,9 decadiene feed rate	0.19	0.24	0.19	0.19	0.19
(ml/min)
Hexane feed rate	90	90	90	90	90
(ml/min)
Polymerization	115	115	110	110	115
temperature (° C.)
Mn (kg/mol)	20.3	14.9	13.6	16.1	17.6
Mw (kg/mol)	96.2	34.3	30.2	30.4	36.5
Mz (kg/mol)	636.2	114.8	67.6	68.7	91.5
g′ @ Mz	0.46	0.72	0.95	0.88	0.85
Tc (° C.)		91.4	91.8	94.3	84.4
Tm (° C.)		129.3	140.5	140.6	137.2
Tg (° C.)		−10.0	−11.2	−8.9	−8.2
Heat of fusion (J/g)		46.9	28.3	38.4	20.8
Viscosity @ 190° C. (cps)		1030	1870	1360	2470
Conversion (%)	56.38	95.32	97.29	97.24	87.82
Catalyst activity (kg	15.44	4.88	4.34	4.23	4.00
polymer/g catalyst)
Catalysts:
A = dimethylsilyl (tetramethylcyclopentadienyl) (cyclododecylamido) titanium dimethyl
B = rac-dimethylsilyl bis(2-methyl-4-phenylindenyl) zirconium dimethyl

[1152] Five samples were made with dimethylsilylbis(indenyl)hafnium dimethyl and dimethylsilyl(tetramethylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclododecylamido)titanium dimethyl at a catalyst ratio of 75 mol. % and over a range of temperatures from 85 to 105° C., following the general procedure described above with the exception that a small quantity of 1,9-decadiene was fed as the diolefin monomer along with propylene as the alpha-olefin monomer. The detailed experimental conditions and results are presented in Table 7.

[1153]

	TABLE 7
	Example
	35	36	37	38	39
Catalyst #1	A	A	A	A	A
Catalyst #1 feed rate	5.22E−06	5.22E−06	5.22E−06	5.22E−06	5.22E−06
(mole/min)
Catalyst #2	C	C	C	C	C
Catalyst #2 feed rate	1.75E−06	1.75E−06	1.75E−06	1.75E−06	1.75E−06
(mole/min)
Propylene feed rate	14	14	14	14	14
(g/min)
1,9 decadiene feed rate	0.24	0.24	0.24	0.24	0.24
(ml/min)
Hexane feed rate	90	90	90	90	90
(ml/min)
Polymerization	105	100	95	90	85
temperature (° C.)
Mn (kg/mol)	9.6	15.7	14.1	15.2	29.3
Mw (kg/mol)	16.5	24.6	30	40.4	69.1
Mz (kg/mol)	33.4	48.4	70.7	103.1	222.6
g′ @ Mz	0.89	0.81	0.8	0.76	0.66
Tc (° C.)	25.2	29.4	30.9	41.8	53.5
Tm (° C.)	67.3	76.1	81.2	91.3	102.3
Tg (° C.)	−15.4	−13.3	−13.1	−8.1	−7.4
Heat of fusion (J/g)	13.4	19.5	20.9	25.7	33.3
Viscosity @ 190° C. (cps)	194	291	568	1650	5210
Catalysts:
A = dimethylsilyl (tetramethylcyclopentadienyl) (cyclododecylamido) titanium dimethyl
C = rac-dimethylsilyl bis (indenyl) hafnium dimethyl

[1154] Four samples were made with rac-dimethylsilylbis(indenyl)hafnium dimethyl and dimethylsilyl(tetramethylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclododecylamido)titanium dimethyl, following the general procedure described above with the exception that a small quantity of 1,9-decadiene was fed as the diolefin monomer along with propylene as the alpha-olefin monomer. The detailed experimental conditions and results are presented in Table 8.

[1155]

	TABLE 8
	Example
	40	41	42	43
Catalyst #1	A	A	A	A
Catalyst #1 feed rate	8.49E−07	8.49E−07	8.49E−07	5.22E−06
(mole/min)
Catalyst #2	C	C	C	C
Catalyst #2 feed rate	8.26E−07	5.51E−07	5.51E−07	5.82E−07
(mole/min)
Propylene feed rate	14	14	14	14
(g/min)
1,9 decadiene feed rate	0.05	0.02	0.05	0.19
(ml/min)
Hexane feed rate	90	90	86	90
(ml/min)
Polymerization	100	95	90	95
temperature (° C.)
Mn (kg/mol)	10.5	16.1	23	28.3
Mw (kg/mol)	19.5	24.4	39.4	94.8
Mz (kg/mol)	38	44.3	71.3	455.2
g′ @ Mz	0.92	0.93	0.93	0.54
Tc (° C.)	47.7	53.7	71.0	37.4
Tm (° C.)	94.4	98.6	112.5	101.2
Tg (° C.)	−12.3	−11.1	−24.6	−10.3
Heat of fusion (J/g)	30.8	31.6	44.6	22.4
Viscosity @	327	625	2370	—
190° C. (cps)
Conversion (%)	93.80	—	98.62	—
Catalyst activity	16.83	—	21.44	—
(kg polymer/g catalyst)
Catalysts:
A = dimethylsilyl (tetramethylcyclopentadienyl) (cyclododecylamido) titanium dimethyl
C = rac-dimethylsilyl bis (indenyl) hafnium dimethyl

[1156] Four samples were made using rac-1,2-ethylene-bis(4,7-dimethylindenyl)hafnium dimethyl and dimethylsilyl-(tetramethylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclododecylamido)titanium dimethyl at a temperature 110° C. over a range of catalyst ratios. The conditions used for examples 44 to 47, which included diolefin incorporation, followed the general procedure described above with the exception that a small quantity of 1,9-decadiene was fed as the diolefin monomer along with propylene as the alpha-olefin monomer. The detailed experimental conditions and results are presented in Table 9.

[1157]

	TABLE 9
	Example
	44	45	46	47
Catalyst #1	A	A	A	A
Catalyst #1 feed rate	6.53E−06	3.79E−06	2.74E−06	2.09E−06
(mole/min)
Catalyst #2	D	D	D	D
Catalyst #2 feed rate	4.25E−07	4.25E−07	4.25E−07	4.25E−07
(mole/min)
Propylene feed rate	14	14	14	14
(g/min)
1,9 decadiene feed rate	0.09	0.09	0.09	0.09
(ml/min)
Hexane feed rate	90	90	90	90
(ml/min)
Polymerization	115	115	115	115
temperature (° C.)
Mn (kg/mol)	21.5	20	21.2	16.1
Mw (kg/mol)	36.2	32.7	34	33.5
Mz (kg/mol)	100.1	95.6	123.7	128.8
Tc (° C.)	41.0	51.5	59.8	74.4
Tm (° C.)	94.3	97.6	103.4	109.4
Tg (° C.)	−22.8	−23.8	−12.5	−18.9
Heat of fusion (J/g)	4.1	6.8	11.3	15.8
Viscosity @	2090	1750	1570	1230
190° C. (cps)
Conversion (%)	83.58	83.95	71.84	63.10
Catalyst activity	3.80	6.26	7.08	7.78
(kg polymer/g catalyst)
Catalysts:
A = dimethylsilyl (tetramethylcyclopentadienyl) (cyclododecylamido) titanium dimethyl
D = rac-1,2-ethylene bis (4,7-dimethylindenyl)hafnium dimethyl

[1158] Four samples were made with rac-dimethylsilylbis(2-methylindenyl)zirconium dimethyl and dimethylsilyl(tetramethylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclododecylamido)titanium dimethyl at a temperature of 80° C. and over a range of catalyst ratios from 74 to 84 mol. %, following the general procedure described above with the exception that a small quantity of 1,9-decadiene was fed as the diolefin monomer along with propylene as the alpha-olefin monomer. The detailed experimental conditions and results are presented in Table 10.

[1159]

	TABLE 10
	Example
	48	49	50	51
Catalyst #1	A	A	A	A
Catalyst #1 feed rate	6.53E−06	6.53E−06	6.53E−06	6.53E−06
(mole/min)
Catalyst #2	E	E	E	E
Catalyst #2 feed rate	1.23E−06	1.57E−06	1.92E−06	2.26E−06
(mole/min)
Propylene feed rate	14	14	14	14
(g/min)
1,9 decadiene feed rate	0.14	0.14	0.14	0.14
(ml/min)
Hexane rate (ml/min)	90	90	90	90
Polymerization	80	80	80	80
temperature (° C.)
Mn (kg/mol)	19.9	16	11.4	10
Mw (kg/mol)	43.8	36.9	25.9	19.2
Mz (kg/mol)	106.3	72.3	54.5	38.8
g′ @ Mz	0.88	0.93	0.93	0.93
Tc (° C.)	49.0	53.3	58.6	53.1
Tm (° C.)	109.9	107.8	103.2	102.0
Tg (° C.)	−10.7	−7.4	−9.1	−9.6
Heat of fusion (J/g)	25.8	29.4	31.4	37.7
Viscosity @	4680	2040	952	464
190° C. (cps)
Catalysts:
A = dimethylsilyl (tetramethylcyclopentadienyl) (cyclododecylamido) titanium dimethyl
E = rac-dimethylsily bis(2-methylindenyl)zirconium dimethyl

[1160] Six samples were made with rac-dimethylsilylbis(2-methyl-4-phenylindenyl)zirconium dimethyl and dimethylsilyl-(tetramethylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclododecylamido)titanium dimethyl at a temperature range of 80 to 95° C. and a catalyst ratio of about 87 molar percent, following the general procedure described above with the exception that (1) a small quantity of 1,9-decadiene was fed as the diolefin monomer along with propylene as the alpha-olefin monomer; (2) A small amount of hydrogen was also fed in the reactor. The detailed experimental conditions and results are presented in Table 11. Examples 52-57 show that addition of hydrogen can effectively manipulate Mw, Mw/Mn, crystallinity, the ratio of crystalline phase to the amorphous phase, in addition to the control obtained through catalyst selections and process conditions such as temperatures.

[1161]

	TABLE 11
	Example
	52	53	54	55	56	57
Catalyst #1	A	A	A	A	A	A
Catalyst #1 feed rate	6.10E−06	6.10E−06	6.10E−06	6.10E−06	6.10E−06	6.10E−06
(mole/min)
Catalyst #2	B	B	B	B	B	B
Catalyst #2 feed rate	2.83E−07	2.83E−07	2.83E−07	2.83E−07	1.98E−07	1.98E−07
(mole/min)
Propylene (g/min)	14	14	14	14	14	14
1,9 decadiene feed rate	0.19	0.19	0.19	0.19	0.19	0.19
(ml/min)
H2 feed rate (cc/min)	50	50	50	50	70	70
Hexane feed rate	90	90	90	90	90	90
(ml/min)
Polymerization	95	90	85	80	90	80
temperature (° C.)
Mn (kg/mol)	12.6	11	12.5	15.7	18.1	11.7
Mw (kg/mol)	27.5	43.2	42.3	85.3	34	29.8
Mz (kg/mol)	72.2	127	153.4	468.3	126	99
g′ @ Mz	0.82	0.74	0.8	0.66	0.8	0.84
Tc (° C.)	95.7	95.8	97.4	97.0	98.9	97.7
Tm (° C.)	141.0	145.1	145.8	147.0	144.5	145.1
Tg (° C.)	−14.6	−13.3	−12.3	−9.8	−17.2	−14.8
Heat of fusion (J/g)	38.5	45.4	35.9	35.4	49.3	39.2
Viscosity @ 190° C. (cps)	668	1049	2148	16090	810	822
Catalysts:
A = dimethylsilyl (tetramethylcyclopentadienyl) (cyclododecylamido) titanium dimethyl
B = rac-dimethylsilyl bis(2-methyl-4-phenylindenyl) zirconium dimethyl

[1162] Three samples were made with rac-dimethylsilylbis(2-methyl-4-phenylindenyl)zirconium dimethyl and dimethylsilyl(tetramethylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclododecylamido)titanium dimethyl at a temperature 115° C. and a catalyst ratio of about 87 molar percent, following the general procedure described above with the following exceptions: (1) a small quantity of 1,9-decadiene was fed as the diolefin monomer; (2) both rac-dimethylsilylbis(2-methyl-4-phenylindenyl)zirconium dimethyl and dimethylsilyl(tetramethylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclododecylamido)titanium dimethyl catalysts were premixed and diluted in toluene, then fed into catalyst manifold without preactivation; (3) N,N-dimethylanilinium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate was diluted in toluene and then fed into catalyst manifold; (4) catalyst activation started in catalyst manifold. The detailed experimental conditions and results are presented in Table 12. Examples 58-60 demonstrate that catalysts can be activated in-line just prior to the reactor and in reactor.

[1163]

	TABLE 12
	Example
	58	59	60
Catalyst #1	A	A	A
Catalyst #1 feed rate (mole/min)	4.06E−06	2.54E−06	1.52E−06
Catalyst #2	B	B	B
Catalyst #2 feed rate (mole/min)	2.95E−07	1.84E−07	1.11E−07
Propylene (g/min)	14	14	14
1,9 decadiene feed rate (ml/min)	0.14	0.14	0.14
Hexane feed rate (ml/min)	90	90	90
Polymerization	115	115	115
temperature (° C.)
Mn (kg/mol)	13.2	18.2	24.2
Mw (kg/mol)	34.5	50.8	69.9
Mz (kg/mol)	99.6	169	248.6
g′ @ Mz	0.79	0.72	0.69
Tc (° C.)	90.6	92.9	93.0
Tm (° C.)	137.0	139.6	142.6
Tg (° C.)	−10.8	−10.0	−8.7
Heat of fusion (J/g)	32.5	32.9	28.4
Viscosity @ 190° C. (cps)	1657	3170	11600
Conversion (%)	89.64	77.50	95.59
Catalyst activity (kg polymer/g	6.43	8.90	18.29
catalyst)
Catalysts:
A = dimethylsilyl (tetramethylcyclopentadienyl) (cyclododecylamido) titanium dimethyl
B = rac-dimethylsilyl bis(2-methyl-4-phenylindenyl) zirconium dimethyl

[1164] Six samples were made with dimethylsilylbis(2-methyl-4-phenylindenyl)zirconium dimethyl and dimethylsilyl(tetramethylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclododecylamido)titanium dimethyl at a temperature range of 105 to 130° C. and a catalyst ratio of about 84.6 molar percent, following the general procedure described above with the following exceptions: (1) a small quantity of 1,9-decadiene was fed as the diolefin monomer; (2) ethylene was added to the reactor. The detailed experimental conditions and results are presented in Table 13. Ethylene content in the polymer was obtained from by Fourier Transformation Infrared analysis (FTIR).

[1165]

	TABLE 13
	Example
	61	62	63	64	65	66
Catalyst #1	A	A	A	A	A	A
Catalyst #1 feed rate	1.02E−06	1.02E−06	1.02E−06	1.02E−06	1.02E−06	1.02E−06
(mole/min)
Catalyst #2	B	B	B	B	B	B
Catalyst #2 feed rate	1.84E−07	1.84E−07	1.84E−07	1.84E−07	1.84E−07	1.84E−07
(mole/min)
Propylene feed rate	20	20	20	20	20	20
(g/min)
1,9 decadiene feed rate	0.186	0.186	0.186	0.186	0.186	0.186
(ml/min)
Ethlyene feed rate	0.2	0.2	0.2	0.2	0.2	0.2
(SLPM)
Hexane feed rate	90	90	90	90	90	90
(ml/min)
Polymerization	130	125	120	115	110	105
temperature (° C.)
Mn (kg/mol)	13.1	12.3	11.8	15.1	15.3	17.7
Mw (kg/mol)	37.3	36.2	40.5	47.7	45.2	53.8
Mz (kg/mol)	149.2	122	132.1	153.9	206.8	180.7
g′ @ Mz	0.67	0.65	0.63	0.61	0.56	0.56
Tc (° C.)	80.4	79.6	84.6	85.5	87.7	86.6
Tm (° C.)	121.8	121.9	124.6	125.2	126.1	126.2
Tg (° C.)	−15.0	−15.2	−14.9	−14.8	−15.0	−15.6
Heat of fusion (J/g)	32.4	43.3	51.7	50.5	50.4	49.7
Viscosity @ 190° C.	1440	977	1090	1510	1530	1720
(cps)
Ethylene content from	4.3	3.5	3	2.6	2.9	2.9
FTIR (wt. %)
Conversion (%)	68.11	82.57	89.87		92.79	92.18
Catalyst activity (kg	24.92	30.21	32.88		33.95	33.73
polymer/g catalyst)
Catalysts:
A = dimethylsilyl (tetramethylcyclopentadienyl) (cyclododecylamido) titanium dimethyl
B = rac-dimethylsilyl bis(2-methyl-4-phenylindenyl) zirconium dimethyl

[1166] All these samples were made with dimethylsilylbis(2-methyl-4-phenylindenyl)zirconium dimethyl and dimethylsilyl(tetramethylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclododecylamido)titanium dimethyl at a temperature range of 105 to 115° C. except example 69, following the general procedure described above with the following exceptions: (1) a small quantity of dicyclopentadiene was used in example 67 (The dicyclopentadiene, obtained from aldrich, was first dissolved in toluene. The solution was then purified by passing through alumina activated at high temperature under nitrogen, followed by molecular sieve activated at high temperature under nitrogen.); (2) 1-butene was used in examples 68 and 70; (3) 1,9-decadiene and 1-hexene were fed as the diolefin monomer and comonomer, respectively in example 71. Example 69 was made using dimethylsilyl-(tetramethylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclododecylamido)titanium dimethyl and rac-dimethylsily bis(2-methylindenyl)zirconium dimethyl catalysts. The detailed experimental conditions and results are presented in Table 14.

[1167]

	TABLE 14
	Example
	67	68	69	70	71
Catalyst #1	A	A	A	A	A
Catalyst #1 feed rate	5.22E−06	5.22E−06	2.09E−06	5.22E−06	5.22E−06
(mole/min)
Catalyst #2	B	B	E	B	B
Catalyst #2 feed rate	7.65E−07	7.65E−07	4.25E−07	7.65E−07	7.65E−07
(mole/min)
Propylene feed rate	14	14	14	14	14
(g/min)
Comonomer	dicyclopentadiene	Butene-1	—	Butene-1	1,9
					decadiene
Comonomer feed rate	0.23	0.6	—	2.5	0.206
(ml/min)
1-hexene flow rate	—	—	—	—	3.29
(ml/min)
Hexane feed rate	90	90	90	90	90
(ml/min)
Polymerization	110	115	110	105	115
temperature (° C.)
Mn (kg/mol)	—	—	12.2	—	—
Mw (kg/mol)	—	—	30.6	—	—
Mz (kg/mol)	—	—	84.3	—	—
Tc (° C.)	—	—	72.3	86.0	42.6
Tm (° C.)	—	—	112.1	124.8	89.8
Tg (° C.)	—	—	−22.4	−12.3	−15.2
Heat of fusion (J/g)	—	—	23.3	38.4	27.0
Viscosity @ 190° C. (cp)	665	563	1420	1100	524
Conversion (%)	74.40	98.07	65.78	—	98.98
Catalyst activity (kg	3.81	5.15	8.11	—	5.77
polymer/g catalyst)
Catalysts
A = dimethylsilyl (tetramethylcyclopentadienyl) (cyclododecylamido) titanium dimethyl
B = rac-dimethylsilyl bis(2-methyl-4-phenylindenyl) zirconium dimethyl

[1168] Example 72 was carried out in a 500-ml autoclave batch reactor. 125 ml of purified toluene was first added into the stainless steel autoclave reactor, followed by addition of 0.1 ml of tri-iso-butyl aluminum (TIBAL) solution (25-wt. % of TIBAL diluted in 5 ml of toluene). The mixture was then stirred and heated to 120° C. until stable pressure. The reactor was maintained at a slightly positive pressure. In succession, 125 ml of prepurified propylene was added under stirring. The reactor mixture was heated to 120° C. At this reactor temperature, 1.5 ml, of the premixed and preactivated catalyst solution was cannulated into the reactor using nitrogen. The catalyst solution consists of 32 mg of dimethylsilyl(tetramethylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclododecylamido)titanium dimethyl, 1.9 mg of rac-dimethylsilylbis(2-methyl-4-phenylindenyl)zirconium dimethyl, and 1.6 mg of dimethylsilylbis(indenyl)hafnium dimethyl, and 62.1 mg of N,N-dimethylanilinium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate were dissolved in 50 ml of toluene. The polymerization was conducted for 15 minutes. Thereafter, the reactor was cooled down and vented to the atmosphere. The resulting mixture, containing mostly solvent, polymer and unreacted monomers, was collected in a collection box and first air-dried in a hood to evaporate most of the solvent, and then dried in a vacuum oven at a temperature of about 90° C. for about 12 hours. The resulting polymer (12.79 grams) showed a peak crystallization temperature by DSC of 102.9° C., a glass transition (Tg) of −8.7° C., and a heat of fusion of 51.9 J/g. The average molecular weights, Mn/Mw/Mz, are 33825/66387/267680.

[1169] Three samples were made with rac-dimethylsilylbis(2-methyl-4-phenylindenyl)zirconium dimethyl or dimethylsilyl(tetramethylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclododecylamido)titanium dimethyl, following the general procedure described above except that only one catalyst was used. Rac-dimethylsilylbis(2-methyl-4-phenylindenyl)zirconium dimethyl was used to make isotactic polypropylene, while dimethylsilyl(tetramethylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclododecylamido)titanium dimethyl was used to make amorphous polypropylene. The experimental conditions and viscosity of polymer samples are presented in Table 15.

[1170]

	TABLE 15
	Example
	73	74	75
Catalyst	A	A	B
Catalyst feed rate (mol/min)	5.08E−06	5.08E−06	5.67E−07
Propylene feed rate (g/min)	14	14	14
Hexane feed rate (ml/min)	90	90	90
Polymerization temperature (° C.)	130	125	110
Viscosity (cps) @ 190° C.	1132	2220	328
Catalyst
A = dimethylsilyl (tetramethylcyclopentadienyl) (cyclododecylamido) titanium dimethyl
B = rac-dimethylsilyl bis(2-methyl-4-phenylindenyl) zirconium dimethyl

[1171] Several samples from the preceding experiments were analyzed to determine their level of branching. For the purposes of this invention, the degree of branching is determined using the value of branching index g′ at the molecular weight of Mz of the branched polymer. The results are presented in Tables 1 to 13.

[1172] Samples described in Example 4 and Examples 31-34 were fractionated using solvent extraction. The results are presented in Table 16. Selected fractionated fractions were analyzed using GPC-DRI-VIS-LS and DSC. The results from these analyses are also presented in Table 17. The complex viscosity profiles of the fractionated fraction from sample described in Example 31 were measured over the temperature range of 80 to 130° C., are shown in FIG. 5.

[1173] The sample described in Example 4 and its fractions extracted from solvent extraction were analyzed using ¹³C NMR.

[1174] Percent mm triad is measured directly from the C-13 NMR spectrum; it is assumed that the level of mm triad in the mixture depends only on the amounts of aPP and scPP (“atactic polypropylene and semi-crystalline polypropylene, respectively”) components in the sample. By knowing the tacticity (mm) level of the pure aPP and scPP components the proportion of each can be calculated that corresponds to the observed mm level in the mixture. The values shown below show the percentage of isotatic triads on a whole, unfractionated polymer as well as the three fractions. The calculated data are generated by using the assumption that the isotactic and atactic reference polymers are indicative of the tacticities that are in the blocky polymer segments. Using the methyl triad region it is calculated that the isotactic reference polymer has 94.7% mm and the atactic reference contains 13.6%.

[1175]

			% Calculated
	Sample	% mm	Isotactic Polymer
	Unfractionated Polymer	68	66
	Hexane Soluble	16	around 2%
	Heptane Soluble	76	76
	Heptane Insoluble	89	93

[1176]

TABLE 16
	Example	Example	Example	Example
Samples	31	33	32	34
Hexane room	29.17	42.52	55.39	74.4
temperature
solubles, wt. %
Soxhlet hexane soluble,	25.14	15.17	10.55	6.93
wt. %
Soxhlet heptane	7.88	7.1	8.53	0.44
soluble, wt. %
Soxhlet heptane	35.32	35	25.15	17.8
insoluble, wt. %

[1177]

TABLE 17
Example 4
	Hexane room	Heptane	Heptane
	temperature	soxhlet	soxhlet
	solubles	solubles	insolubles
Mn (kg/mol)	6.6	10.3	16.5	—
Mw (kg/mol)	14.3	30.2	31.3	—
Mz (kg/mol)	32.2	58.5	53.2	—
g′ @ Mz	1.16	0.86	0.87	—
Tc (° C.)	—	105.2	112.8	—
Tm (° C.)	—	138.2	145.2	—
Tg (° C.)	−11.1	—	—	—
Heat of fusion (J/g)	0.0	68.6	108.9	—
Example 31
	Hexane room	Soxhlet	Soxhlet	Soxhlet
	temperature	hexane	heptane	heptane
	solubles	solubles	solubles	insolubles
Mn (kg/mol)	9.5	20.9	20.1	20.8
Mw (kg/mol)	12.7	48	56.3	47.4
Mz (kg/mol)	25	131.5	148.8	150.2
g′ @ Mz	1.08	0.68	0.64	0.63
Tc (° C.)	—	93.3	101.4	105.2
Tm (° C.)	—	128.2	133.5	138.3
Tg (° C.)	−11.8	−8.3	—	—
Heat of fusion (J/g)	0.0	52.5	66.1	70.7

[1178] The viscosity of products of Examples 12, 22 and 49 were measured over a temperature range of 80 to 130° C. The complex viscosity profiles are shown in FIG. 1. These data demonstrate the three-zone characteristics described above.

[1179] Selected samples and their blends were tested for adhesive performance. The pure polymers were compounded with tackifiers, oil or wax and stabilizer to form hot melt adhesive blends. The properties of these polymers and their blends were tested against typical commercially available EVA blends from Henkel and Chief. The blending was carried out under low shear at elevated temperature to form fluid melts. The mixing temperatures vary from about 130 to 190° C.

[1180] Escorez™ 5637 is a hydrogenated aromatic modified resin produced from dicyclopentadiene feedstock, exhibiting a ring and ball softening point of 130° C. available from ExxonMobil Chemical Company in Houston, Tex.

[1181] Paraflint H-1 is a Fisher-Tropsch wax exhibiting a molten viscosity of 10 mPa sec at 250 F, available from Moore and Munger.

[1182] Aristowax 165 is a refined paraffin wax available from Frank B Ross Co in Jersey City N.J. It is isolated from petroleum and has a melt point of 158 to 165 F.

[1183] Henkel Hot Melt 80-8368 is a commercial hot melt made from a blend of EVA's, tackifiers, and wax available from Henkel Corp.

[1184] MAPP 40 is a maleic anhydridemodified polypropylene, having an acid number of 50, a viscosity of 300 cps at 190° C., a softening point of 149° C., available from Chusei, USA.

[1185] Chief Hot Melt 268 is a commercial hot melt made from EVA, tackifiers, and wax available from Chief Adhesives.

[1186] KAYDOL® is a highly refined white mineral oil that consists of saturated aliphatic and alicyclic non-polar hydrocarbons having a pour point of −20° C., having a kinematic viscosity of 64 to 70 cSt at 40° C., available from Witco.

[1187] Licomont AR 504 is a maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene wax having an acid number of 41, a viscosity of 373 mPas at 190° C., and a softening point of 156° C. available from Clarient.

[1188] AC 540 is an ethylene acrylic acid copolymer having an acid number of 40, a viscosity of 575 at 140° C. and a drop point of 105° C. available from Honeywell.

[1189] Polywax 2000 is a Polyethylene wax available from Baker Petrolite Plain BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene film) a 28 micron thick film was obtained from Mobil Films.

[1190] Corona treated BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene film) a 28 micron thick film was obtained from Mobil Films.

[1191] Paperboard 84A is gray Poster Board 20 pt chipboard with 20% recycle fiber available from Huckster packaging and supply, Inc. in Houston, Tex.

[1192] Paperboard 84B is generic poster board clay coated news print available from Huckster packaging and supply, Inc. in Houston, Tex.

[1193] Cardboard 84C is generic corrugated cardboard 200 # stock available from Huckster packaging and supply, Inc. in Houston, Tex.

[1194]

Tradename	Description	Source
Tackifiers
Escorez ® 1102RM	C5 tackifier	ExxonMobil Chemical
		Company
Escorez ® 2203	is a low aromatic modified	ExxonMobil Chemical
	hydrocarbon resin having a	Company
	narrow molecular weight
	distribution produced from
	a feed of C5, C6 and C9
	olefins and di-olefins,
	having a ring and ball
	softening point of about
	95° C.
Escorez ® 2393	is a highly aromatic	ExxonMobil Chemical
	modified hydrocarbon resin	Company
	produced from a feed of C5,
	C6 and C9 olefins and di-
	olefins, having a ring and
	ball softening point of
	about 93° C.
Escorez ® 2596	is a low aromatic modified	ExxonMobil Chemical
	hydrocarbon resin having a	Company
	broad molecular weight
	distribution produced from
	a feed of C5, C6 and C9
	olefins and di-olefins,
	having a ring and ball
	softening point of about
	96° C.
Escorez ® 5637	is a hydrogenated aromatic	ExxonMobil Chemical
	modified resin produced	Company
	from dicyclopentadiene
	feedstock, exhibiting a ring
	and ball softening point of
	130° C.
Escorez ® 5690	is a hydrogenated aromatic	ExxonMobil Chemical
	modified resin produced	Company
	from dicyclopentadiene
	feedstock, exhibiting a ring
	and ball softening point of
	130° C.
Oils
Primol 352	Hydrogenated paraffinic oil	ExxonMobil Chemical
		Company
Primol 876	Napthenic oils	ExxonMobil Chemical
		Company
Flexon 876	Napthenic oils	ExxonMobil Chemical
		Company
Kadol oil	Refined white mineral oil	Witco
Polymers/Adhesives
Escorene UL 7720	Is an ethylene vinylacetate	ExxonMobil Chemical
	copolymer, having about 29	Company
	weight % vinyl acetate and
	a melt index of 150 dg/min.
NSC Easymelt	Hot melt adhesive for non-	National Starch, Bound
	woven applications.	Brook, NJ
Henkel Hot Melt 80-8368	Commercial adhesive of	Henkel Corp
	EVA, tackifier, and wax
Chief Hot Melt 268	Commercial adhesive of	Chief Adhesives
	EVA, tackifier, and wax
Advantra 9250	Commercial adhesive of	Fuller
	ethylene/octene-1
	metallocene polymers,
	tackifiers, and wax
Tite Bond Wood Glue	Water based adhesive	Home Depot, Houston
		Texas
Dap Glue	Solvent based wood glue	Home Depot, Houston
		Texas
Waxes
Aristowax 165	Refined petroleum wax,	Frank B Ross, Jersey City,
	melting temperature: 158-165° F.	NJ
AC 8 lot 500081EQ	Polyethylene wax	Honeywell, New Jersey
Paraflint H-1	Fisher-Tropsch wax, 10	Moore and Munger
	mPa @ 250° F.
AR-504	Maleated PE wax acid	Clarient
	number 41 and viscosity of
	373 mPa @ 190° C.
AC-540	Ethylene acrylic acid	Honeywell, New Jersey
	copolymer having an acid
	number of 40 and a
	viscosity of 575 cps @ 140° C.
Polywax 2000	Polyethylene wax	Baker Petrolite
AC-1302P	Maleated polypropylene	Honeywell
P-C80	Fischer Tropsch	Moore and Munger
	fractionated wax
MAPP-40	Maleic modified	Chusei, Pasadena Texas
	polypropylene with acid
	number of 50, viscosity of
	300 cps @ 190° C.
Antioxidants and other additives
Irganox 1010	Phenolic antioxidant	Ciba-Geigy
Dolomite 16 mesh	sand	Supplied by Fordamin
		Company Ltd (UK)
Microcarb MC 50 F	calcium carbonate	Supplied by Microfine
		Minerals Ltd (UK)
Glass beads of 3 F type	Glass bead	Supplied by Sovitec SA
		(Belgium)
TiO2 Lot: TR92	titanium dioxide	Supplied by Hunstman
		Tioxide Ltd (UK)
Test surfaces
Metallized acrylic coated	Metallized acrylic coasted	General Mills
	cardboard for cereal box
Non-coated CB testliner	1250 gr/m2 for vegetable	Kappa, Holland
	trays
Paperboard 84A	Gray poster 20 pt chipboard	Huckster Packaging and
	with 20% recycle content	Supply, Houston, TX
Paperboard 84B	Generic posterboard clay	Huckster Packaging and
	coated newsprint	Supply, Houston, TX
Paperboard 84C	Generic corrugated	Huckster Packaging and
	cardboard 200# stock	Supply, Houston, TX
Inland Paper Board	High Performance box	Inland Paper Board and
	board	Packaging Company of
		Rome
Black White Fabric	Printed stretch 100% Cotton	High Fashion Fabrics,
	with a Thread Count of 17	Houston Texas
	by 13 per square cm, a more
	loosely woven fabric
Formica	Tabs were made from	Lowe's Hardware, Houston
	standard sheet Formica	Texas
Blue fabric	Tabs were made from Blue	High Fashion Fabrics,
	Stock 038C0TP 100%	Houston Texas.
	Cotton, Thread Count 21 by
	45 per square cm with a
	weight of 0.022 grams per
	square cm, a tightly woven
	cotton fabric
Catalog paper	Book paper bound by a hot	Seton Catalog
	melt process as determined
	from examination
NWC	Non-woven Coverstock,	Lohmann, Germany
	Paratherm PT 120/20
PE	Polyethylene, White	Tacolin Ltd, UK
	Opaque Micro-embossed
	CO/EX film (rubber treated
	inside), Reference #:
	CM001ARIE000757-C
Polyester (PET) construct	Polyester construct
BOPP	Bi-axially oriented	Mobil Films, Rochester,
	polypropylene film, 28	NY
	micron
Corona treated BOPP	Corona treated bi-axially	Mobil Films, Rochester,
	oriented polypropylene	NY
	film, 28 micron thick
PP cast film construct	A cast film.