Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates to the field of chemistry. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to compositions and methods for the preparation of high vinyl block copolymers and performance characteristics thereof.

Plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is widely used in medical applications such as IV-bags, blood bags, connectors, and tubing. Drawbacks to the use of plasticized PVC include the undesired environmental impact related to the release of dioxins when PVC is incinerated in an uncontrolled manner. Additionally, migration of plasticizers, so-called "oestrogen mimics", from plasticized PVC into the human body may have a negative health effect. These two major disadvantages are the driving force behind the development of PVC alternatives.

<CIT> discloses hydrogenated block copolymer pellets which are free from blocking with each other and formed into a molded body that has excellent transparency, flexibility, bleed-out properties and low combustion ash content. The hydrogenated block copolymer pellets contain <NUM> parts by mass of a pellet molded body that is formed of a hydrogenated block copolymer (A) and <NUM>-<NUM> parts by mass of flour that is formed of a polyethylene powder (B). The hydrogenated block copolymer (A) has at least one polymer block (a) that is mainly composed of a vinyl aromatic monomer unit and at least one polymer block (b) that is mainly composed of a conjugated diene monomer unit and has a total of the <NUM>,<NUM>-bond content and the <NUM>,<NUM>-bond content of <NUM>-<NUM>% before hydrogenation. The hydrogenated block copolymer (A) has a hardness of <NUM>-<NUM>; the content of the polymer block (a) in the hydrogenated block copolymer (A) is <NUM>-<NUM>% by mass; and the polyethylene powder (B) has a number average molecular weight of <NUM>,<NUM> or less, an average particle diameter of <NUM>-<NUM> and a repose angle of <NUM>-<NUM>°.

<CIT> discloses a tube which has good transparency, flexibility, and solvent adhesion, and also has excellent clamp resistance, anti-conglutination property, and kink resistance, and a medical device using the tube. Specifically provided are a tube produced by forming a resin composition into a tube shape, which contains a styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer (a) and a polypropylene-based resin (b) and does not contain a softening agent, in which: the elastomer (a) is a product prepared by hydrogenating a block copolymer including at least a polymer block (A) formed of an aromatic vinyl compound and a polymer block (B) formed of isoprene and/or <NUM>,<NUM>-butadiene; the content of the polymer block (A) is <NUM> to <NUM> mass% before hydrogenation, the polymer block (B) has a hydrogenation ratio of <NUM>% or more, and the polymer block (B) includes a <NUM>,<NUM>-bond and a <NUM>,<NUM>-bond at a content of <NUM> to <NUM> mol percent; the mass ratio of the styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer (a) to the polypropylene-based resin (b) [(a)/(b)] is <NUM>/<NUM> to <NUM>/<NUM>; and the tube has a ratio of a diffraction peak intensity [I(<NUM>)] at a scattering angle of <NUM>° to a diffraction peak intensity [<NUM>(<NUM>)] at a scattering angle of <NUM>° [I(<NUM>)/I(<NUM>)] of <NUM> or more in X-ray diffraction, and a medical device including the tube.

<CIT> discloses a kink resistant medical tube manufactured from a polymer composition comprising: a) a random polypropylene copolymer; and b) a block copolymer comprising at least two vinyl aromatic polymer blocks and at least one hydrogenated conjugated diene polymer block, wherein the hydrogenated conjugated diene polymer block has a vinyl content before hydrogenation of at least <NUM>%.

<CIT> discloses an elastomeric hydrogenated block copolymer capable of being directly extruded or molded with a minimum of additives and having both high elasticity and low permanent set. The hydrogenated block copolymers have high melt flows allowing for ease in processing the hydrogenation block copolymers in melt processes such as extrusion and molding.

<CIT> refers to soft elastomeric films, which are useable as gloves and diapers. The soft elastomeric films shall have a tensile elongation in machine direction of less than <NUM> kPa at a stress of <NUM>% and a tensile elongation in machine direction of less than <NUM> MPa at a stress of <NUM>%. <CIT> discloses a selectively hydrogenated block copolymers having the general formula S-E-S, (S-E1 ), (S-E1 )S, (S-E1 )nX.

Thus, there exists a need for alternatives to PVC based compositions.

Provided herein are improved performance high vinyl block copolymer compositions including i) a styrenic block copolymer present in an amount of from <NUM> wt. % to <NUM> wt. % based on the total weight of the composition and ii) a polyolefin present in an amount of from <NUM> wt. % to <NUM> wt. % based on the total weight of the composition, wherein the composition has an Isotropic Ratio of less than <NUM> as measured on extruded film with process temperature of less than <NUM>, wherein prior to hydrogenation, the styrenic block copolymer has the configuration (AB)nX, (A<NUM>BA<NUM>)X, (A-B)n, and (A<NUM>-B-A<NUM>)n; where A, A<NUM>, and A<NUM> are polymer blocks of at least one monoalkenyl arene; and n is equal to or greater than <NUM>;B is a polymer block of at least one conjugated diene, having a vinyl content from <NUM> mol percent to <NUM> mole percent on the basis of <NUM> NMR and having a molecular weight of <NUM> to <NUM>/mole determined by GPC in accordance with ASTM <NUM>; and X is a residue of a coupling agent.

Also disclosed herein are end-use articles including films, tubes, hot-melt adhesives, and injection molded articles made of the improved performance high vinyl block copolymer compositions.

The molecular weight referred to in the present disclosure and claims can be measured using any suitable methodology such as gel permeation chromatography (GPC). For example, the molecular weight may be determined using GPC that employs polystyrene calibration standards as in accordance with ASTM <NUM>. The molecular weights expressed herein are measured at the peak of the GPC trace and are commonly referred to as "peak molecular weights.

"Coupling efficiency" as disclosed herein may be measured by GPC and is defined as the number of molecules of coupled polymers divided by the number of molecules of coupled polymer plus the number of molecules of uncoupled polymer.

"<NUM>,<NUM>-addition diene in B block" as disclosed herein is measured by any suitable methodology such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy or proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and may be calculated by determining the percentage of <NUM>,<NUM>-addition diene in the butadiene block (i.e., B Block) prior to hydrogenation.

The polystyrene content (PSC) in block copolymers of the present disclosure may be determined using any suitable methodology such as proton NMR.

Additional terms of art used throughout this disclosure include the order-disorder transition temperature (ODT) which refers to the temperature at which the microdomain structure of the block copolymer is completely lost. The ODT can also be referred to as the microphase separation transition (MST). Herein "SEBS" refers to a polystyrene-poly(ethylene/butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer while "HSBC" refers to a selectively hydrogenated styrenic block copolymer. Elasticity refers to the ability of an elastomer to resume its normal shape after being stretched or compressed. Hysteresis refers to a permanent strain after an elastomer is stretched to a certain strain and then the stress is relieved, and percentage of recovery is calculated during the process.

Disclosed herein are compositions comprising i) a block copolymer and ii) a polyolefin. In accordance with the present invention, the block copolymer has a microstructure characterized by a vinyl content of equal to or greater than <NUM>%. In accordance with the present invention the block copolymer is a styrenic block copolymer. In some aspects, the polyolefin comprises polypropylene. The compositions disclosed herein may find utility in the preparation of medical products such as sterilized tubing and bags.

In accordance with the present invention, a block copolymer of the present disclosure contains a polymer block of a monoalkenyl arene, denoted as A block, and a polymer block of one or more conjugated dienes, denoted as B block. The block copolymers of the present disclosure can be linear block copolymers, linear coupled block copolymers, or radial block copolymers. Preparation of radial (branched) block copolymers includes a post-polymerization step called "coupling" and herein "X" denotes the remnant or residue of a coupling agent used in the preparation of the radial block copolymer.

In an aspect, linear block copolymers can be made by polymerizing a monoalkenyl arene to form a first A block, adding one or more conjugated dienes to form a B block, and then adding additional monoalkenyl arene to form a second A block. A linear coupled block copolymer can be made by forming the first A block and B block and then contacting the diblock with a multifunctional coupling agent that results in the chemical addition of another block or blocks.

In accordance with the present invention, the styrenic block copolymer has, prior to hydrogenation, the configuration (AB)nX, (A<NUM>BA<NUM>)nX, (A-B)n, or (A<NUM>-B-A<NUM>)n. In an aspect, A<NUM> and/or A<NUM> are polymer blocks comprising monoalkenyl arenes selected from the group consisting of styrene, alpha-methylstyrene, para-methylstyrene, vinyl toluene, vinylnaphthalene, diphenyl ethylene, para-butyl styrene and mixtures thereof; alternatively the monoalkenyl arene is styrene. In an aspect, A<NUM> and A<NUM> are the same while in another aspect A<NUM> and A<NUM> are different.

In an aspect, the block copolymer has the configuration (AB)nX where n is greater than or equal to <NUM>; or alternatively n is from <NUM> to <NUM>. In such aspects, X is a coupling agent residue. Examples of such coupling agents include among others silica compounds, including silicon tetrachloride and alkoxy silanes as described in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>; polyepoxides, polyisocyanates, polyimines, polyaldehydes, polyketones, polyanhydrides, polyesters, polyhalides as described in <CIT>; diesters as described in <CIT>; methoxy silanes as described in <CIT>; divinyl benzene as described in <CIT>; <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-benzenetricarboxylic acid trichloride as described in <CIT>; glycidoxytrimethoxy silanes as described in <CIT>; and oxydipropylbis(trimethoxy silane) as described in <CIT>. A block copolymer having the (AB)nX configuration may be further characterized by the presence of some amount of the diblock copolymer (i.e., n=<NUM>) in the composition. For example, the amount of diblock copolymer may range from <NUM> wt. % to <NUM> wt. % based on the total weight of the block copolymer.

In an aspect, the block copolymer has the configuration (A<NUM>BA<NUM>)nX where n is equal to or greater than <NUM>; or alternatively n ranges from <NUM> to <NUM> and X is an alkoxysilane coupling agent residue. The molecular weight of A<NUM> can be the same as the molecular weight of A<NUM>; alternatively the molecular weight of A<NUM> differs from the molecular weight of A<NUM>. A block copolymer having the (A<NUM>BA<NUM>)nX configuration may be further characterized by the presence of some amount of the triblock copolymer A<NUM>BA<NUM> (i.e., n=<NUM>) in the composition. For example, the amount of triblock copolymer may range from <NUM> wt. % to <NUM> wt. % based on the total weight of the block copolymer.

In an aspect, the block copolymer has the configuration (AB)n where n is equal to or greater than <NUM>.

In an aspect, the block copolymer has the configuration (A<NUM>-B-A<NUM>)n where n is equal to or greater than <NUM>; or alternatively n ranges from <NUM> to <NUM>. The molecular weight of A<NUM> can be the same as the molecular weight of A<NUM>; alternatively the molecular weight of A<NUM> differs from the molecular weight of A<NUM>. A block copolymer having the (A<NUM>-B-A<NUM>)n configuration may be further characterized by the presence of some amount of the triblock copolymer A<NUM>BA<NUM> (i.e., n=<NUM>) in the composition. For example, the amount of triblock copolymer may range from <NUM> wt. % to <NUM> wt. % based on the total weight of the block copolymer.

Regardless of configuration, polymerization conditions to prepare the block copolymer of the type disclosed herein are similar to those used for anionic polymerizations. For example, the polymerization may be carried out at a temperature of from -<NUM> to <NUM> in an inert atmosphere such as nitrogen, under a pressure within the range of from <NUM> to <NUM> bars. Suitable reaction conditions also include one or more polymerization initiators, for example, alkyl lithium compounds such as s-butyllithium, n-butyllithim, t-butyllithium and amyllithium, and di-initiators such as the di-s-butyl lithium adduct of m-diisopropenyl benzene. Additional disclosure on the preparation of a styrenic block copolymer can be found in <CIT> and <CIT>.

Block copolymers suitable for use in the present disclosure may be hydrogenated or selectively hydrogenated. Hydrogenation can be carried out via any suitable hydrogenation or selective hydrogenation process. For example, methods to hydrogenate polymers containing aromatic or ethylenic unsaturation based upon operation of a suitable catalyst may be employed. Such catalyst, or catalyst precursor, may comprise a Group VIII metal such as nickel or cobalt which is combined with a suitable reducing agent such as an aluminum alkyl or hydride of a metal selected from Groups I-A, II-A, and III-B of the Periodic Table. Hydrogenation processes are disclosed, for example, in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>.

In an aspect, the styrene content of the block copolymer ranges from <NUM>% to <NUM>% based on the weight percentage of polystyrene in the block copolymer; alternatively from <NUM>% to <NUM>%. Any styrene content within these ranges can be used with the presently disclosed subject matter. The molecular weight of each of the A blocks in the block copolymers of the present disclosure (i.e., A<NUM> and A<NUM>) may be from <NUM>,<NUM>/mole to <NUM>,<NUM>/mol; or alternatively from <NUM>,<NUM>/mol to <NUM>,<NUM>/mol. Examples of other A block characteristics are described, for example, in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>;<CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>.

In an aspect, the B block is composed mainly of polymerized conjugated diene. The B block may contain a mixture of conjugated dienes that are copolymerized. In addition, the B block may contain a copolymerizable monomer other than a conjugated diene that is copolymerized, in an amount of less than <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the B block. The B block may for instance comprise up to <NUM> wt. % of an aromatic monomer such as styrene. In an aspect, the conjugated diene used for the preparation of B block is butadiene. For example, each block of polymerized conjugated diene (i.e., B block) is a polybutadiene block containing less than <NUM> wt. % of another non-butadiene copolymerizable monomer (e.g., styrene), based on the total weight of the B block. In accordance with the present invention, the molecular weight of the B block is from <NUM>/mol to <NUM>/mol, preferably from <NUM>/mol to <NUM>/mol, or more preferably from <NUM>/mol to <NUM>/mol.

In accordance with the present invention, the block copolymers are prepared so that they have from <NUM> mol percent to <NUM> mol percent vinyl in the B block prior to hydrogenation. The term "vinyl" is used herein to describe the polymer product that is made when <NUM>,<NUM>-butadiene is polymerized via a <NUM>,<NUM>-addition mechanism. The result is a monosubstituted olefin group pendant to the polymer backbone, a vinyl group. Vinyl configuration can be achieved by the use of a control agent during polymerization of the diene and by polymerization temperature. Any microstructure control agent known to those of ordinary skill in the art capable of preparing high vinyl conjugated dienes can be used to prepare the block copolymers of the present invention. Most preferred are microstructure control agents which are compatible with hydrogenation catalysts as described in <CIT>. Preferably, the block copolymers are prepared so that they have from <NUM> mol percent to <NUM> mol percent vinyl content in the B block prior to hydrogenation. More preferably, the block copolymers are prepared so that they have from <NUM> mol percent to <NUM> mol percent vinyl content in the B block prior to hydrogenation. Still more preferably, the block copolymers are prepared so that they have from <NUM> mol percent to <NUM> mol percent vinyl content in the B block prior to hydrogenation.

In an aspect, the coupling efficiency of the block copolymer ranges from <NUM>% to <NUM>%.

In an aspect, the molecular weight of the block copolymer having the configuration (A<NUM>BA<NUM>)nX or the configuration (AB)nX where n is equal to <NUM>, prior to hydrogenation, ranges from <NUM>/mol to <NUM>/mol.

In an aspect, a block copolymer suitable for use in the present disclosure may be further characterized by a tensile strength of from <NUM> MPa to <NUM> MPa. Tensile strength is defined herein as the maximum longitudinal stress a material can withstand before tearing and may be determined in accordance with ASTM D412.

In an aspect, a block copolymer and resulting compositions suitable for use in the present disclosure may be further characterized by an Isotropic Ratio (IR) less than <NUM>. The term "Isotropic Ratio" refers to the ratio of tensile strength measured in the cross direction to the tensile strength measured in the machine direction. The IR can be affected by processing temperature. In an aspect, a block copolymer and resulting compositions suitable for use in the present disclosure exhibit an IR of less than <NUM> at a processing temperature of less than <NUM>. Herein the "processing temperature" refers to the melt temperature of the molten polymer during any processing or forming step.

In an aspect, a block copolymer suitable for use in the present disclosure is characterized by a <NUM>% modulus at elongation ranging from <NUM> MPa to <NUM> MPa as determined in accordance with ASTM D412. The percentage modulus at elongation refers to the amount of stress necessary to stretch the material (i.e., block copolymer) to an elongation of that percentage (e.g., <NUM>%). In another aspect, a block copolymer suitable for use in the present disclosure is characterized by a <NUM>% modulus at elongation ranging from <NUM> MPa to <NUM> MPa. In yet another aspect, a block copolymer suitable for use in the present disclosure is characterized by a <NUM>% modulus at elongation ranging from <NUM> MPa to <NUM> MPa.

In an aspect, a block copolymer suitable for use in the present disclosure is characterized by a high melt flow rate (MFR). The term "melt flow rate" is a measure of the melt flow of the polymer and may be determined in accordance with ASTM D1238 at <NUM> and <NUM> weight. It is expressed in units of grams of polymer passing through a melt rheometer orifice in <NUM> minutes. Block copolymers suitable for use herein may have a MFR of from <NUM>/<NUM>. to <NUM>/<NUM>.

In an aspect, a block copolymer suitable for use in the present disclosure is characterized by an elongation at break ranging from <NUM>% to <NUM>% as determined in accordance with ASTM D412. Elongation at break, also known as fracture strain, refers to the ratio between changed length and initial length after breakage of the test specimen. It expresses the capability of a material to resist changes of shape without crack formation.

In an aspect, a block copolymer suitable for use in the present disclosure is characterized by an order-disorder transition temperature (ODT) of from <NUM> to <NUM> as determined by measurement of the complex viscosity and described further herein.

In an aspect, a composition of the present disclosure comprises (i) a block copolymer of the type disclosed herein; (ii) a polyolefin; and optionally (iii) one or more additives. A polyolefin suitable for use in the present disclosure is polypropylene.

The polypropylene may be a homopolymer or a copolymer or a combination thereof, provided, however, that the homopolymer may contain up to <NUM>% of another alpha-olefin including, but not limited to, C<NUM>-C<NUM> alpha-olefins such as ethylene and <NUM>-butene. For example, the polypropylene homopolymer may be atactic polypropylene, isotactic polypropylene, hemi-isotactic, syndiotactic polypropylene, or combinations thereof. A polymer is "atactic" when its pendant groups are arranged in a random fashion on both sides of the chain of the polymer. In contrast, a polymer is "isotactic" when all of its pendant groups are arranged on the same side of the chain and "syndiotactic" when its pendant groups alternate on opposite sides of the chain. In hemi-isotactic polymer, every other repeat unit has a random substituent.

In some aspects, the polyolefin is a random copolymerized polypropylene. Polypropylene random copolymers are thermoplastic resins produced through the polymerization of propylene with alpha-olefins including ethylene or butene bonds introduced in the polymer chain. In other aspects, the polyolefin is a functionalized polypropylene such as, for example, the type produced by peroxide grafting of the polypropylene backbone. In yet other aspects, the polyolefin is a polypropylene-based elastomer, or combinations thereof. For example, the propylene-based elastomer can be a copolymer of propylene-derived units and units derived from at least one other C<NUM>-C<NUM> alpha-olefin. Nonlimiting examples of polyolefins suitable for use in the present disclosure include Vistamaxx™ polymers, commercially available from ExxonMobil, Vistaion™ polymers from ExxonMobil, Versify™ polymers from Dow Chemical, and M-class rubber which is an ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber.

In some aspects, the polyolefin is an olefin block copolymer such as INFUSE™ from Dow Chemical.

In an aspect, a polyolefin suitable for use in the present disclosure is characterized by a melt flow rate ranging from <NUM>/<NUM>. to <NUM>/<NUM>.

The polyolefin (e.g., polypropylene) may be present in the composition in an amount ranging from <NUM>% to <NUM>% based on the total amount of the composition.

In an aspect, the composition may comprise other components to meet one or more user and/process goals. Additives may be introduced to the composition to modify the tack, the odor, and/or the color of the present compositions and of any end-use articles. Such additives include lubricants, tackifiers, slip additives, antimicrobial additives, dusting agents, blue agents, colorants, antioxidants. For example, antioxidants and other stabilizing ingredients can also be added to protect the composition from degradation induced by heat, light and processing or during storage. Several types of antioxidants can be used, either primary antioxidants like hindered phenols or secondary antioxidants like phosphite derivatives or blends thereof. Examples of commercially available antioxidants are IRGANOX <NUM> from Ciba-Geigy (<NUM>,<NUM>-bis-(n-octylthio)-<NUM>-(<NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>,<NUM>-di-tertiary-butyl anilino)-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-triazine), IRGANOX <NUM> from Ciba-Geigy (tetrakis-ethylene-(<NUM>,<NUM>-di-tertiary-butyl-<NUM>-hydroxy-hydrocinnamate)methane) and POLYGARD HR from Uniroyal (tris-(<NUM>,<NUM>-di-tertiary-butyl-phenyl)phosphite). Other antioxidants developed to protect the gelling of the polybutadiene segments can also be used, like the SUMILIZER GS from Sumitomo (<NUM>[<NUM>-(<NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>,<NUM>-di-ter-pentylphenyl)ethyl)]-<NUM>,<NUM>-di-tert-pentylphenylacrylate); SUMILIZER T-PD from Sumitomo (pentaerythrythyltetrakis(<NUM>-dodecylthiopropionate)); or mixtures thereof.

In accordance with the present invention, a block copolymer of the type disclosed herein is present in the composition in an amount of from <NUM> wt. % to <NUM> wt. % based on the total weight of the composition.

In accordance with the present invention, the polyolefin is present in an amount of from <NUM> wt. % to <NUM> wt. % based on the total weight of the composition.

Hereinafter, a composition comprising a block copolymer and polyolefin, both of the type disclosed herein is termed an improved performance composition (IPC). The IPC may be produced by any suitable process, such as compression molding, injection molding, extrusion, calendaring, or hybrids of extrusion and molding. For example, a process can comprise mixing components of the IPC (e.g., styrenic block copolymer and polypropylene) under heat to form a blend and achieve a substantially homogeneous compound. Alternatively, the components may be mixed and melt blended by any suitable methodology such as with Branbury mixers, intensive mixers, two-roll mill, and extruders. Time, temperature, and shear rate may be regulated to ensure optimum dispersion. After mixing, shaping can be carried. For example, an extruder may be used to shape the composition into pellets or profiles including but not limited to tubings. Films (including multilayer film) can be made from the IPC by melt-processing using techniques such as coating, co-extrusion, extrusion casting, blown film methods, and powder coating and sintering.

An IPC may be characterized by a MFR of from <NUM>/<NUM>. to <NUM>/<NUM>. as determined in accordance with ASTM D1238 at <NUM> and <NUM> weight.

In an aspect, an IPC of the type disclosed herein has a tensile strength of from <NUM> MPa to <NUM> MPa as determined in accordance with ASTM D412 or ASTM D638.

In an aspect, the IPC has a clarity in the range of from <NUM>% to <NUM>%. Clarity refers to the percentage of incident light which, in passing through a specimen of a material, is deflected by less than <NUM>° from the axis of the incident light as measured in accordance with ASTM D1003.

In an aspect, the IPC has a processing temperature for tube extrusion of from <NUM> to <NUM>. Plastic extrusion of a tube is a steady-state process for converting a thermoplastic raw material (e.g., IPC) to a finished or near-finished annular product. The processing temperature refers to the melt temperature of the molten polymer.

Films formed from IPCs of this disclosure may be characterized by a <NUM>% secant modulus in the machine direction (MD) of from <NUM> MPa to <NUM> MPa, alternatively from <NUM> MPa to <NUM> MPa, or alternatively from <NUM> MPa to <NUM> MPa as determined in accordance with ASTM D412.

In an aspect, films formed from the IPCs of this disclosure are characterized by an elongation at break ranging from <NUM>% to <NUM>% as determined in accordance with ASTM D412.

In an aspect, films formed from the IPCs of this disclosure are characterized by a haze of from <NUM> to <NUM>, and a percent transmission of from <NUM>% to <NUM>%. Haze is the cloudy appearance of a material caused by light scattered from within the material or from its surface. The haze of a material can be determined in accordance with ASTM D1003 while light transmission refers to the percentage of the light energy being transmitted through a body of the light energy falling on it and may be determined in accordance with ASTM D1003.

The IPCs disclosed herein may be prepared into a variety of end-use articles using any suitable methodology. For example, the IPC may be fabricated into end-use articles such as a film, tape, tube, injection molded article, strip, fiber, or filament. The IPCs fabricated into end-use articles may be present in a single layer or as one layer in a multi-layer article. An injection molded article may have a hardness ranging from Shore A <NUM> to Shore D <NUM>.

In an aspect, an IPC of the type disclosed herein is a component in the preparation of a multilayer protective film. In such aspects, the multilayer protective film may be prepared using any suitable methodology, such as extrusion or a blown film process. A nonlimiting example of a multilayer protective film comprising an IPC of the present disclosure may have at least one polyolefin layer (e.g., low density polyethylene or high density polyethylene), an IPC layer and/or an IPC comprising additives such as tackifiers.

In another aspect, the IPC may be used to prepare an extruded film, filament, fibers, or a plurality of fibers with high elasticity suitable for personal care applications. A nonlimiting example of a formulation for such applications includes the IPC and a tackifier where the IPC has the polyolefin present in an amount of from <NUM> wt. % to <NUM> wt. %, the block copolymer is present in an amount of from <NUM> wt. % to <NUM> wt. % and the tackifier is present in an amount of from <NUM> wt. % to <NUM> wt. % where the weight percentages are based on the total weight of the composition. Examples of a commercially available polyolefin suitable for use in such a formulation are INFUSE™ <NUM> available from Dow Chemical and Vistamaxx™ grades available from ExxonMobil. A film prepared from the formulation may be characterized by a tensile strength of greater than <NUM> MPa, an elongation of greater than <NUM>%, a secant modulus at <NUM>% elongation of from <NUM> MPa to <NUM> MPa, and a hysteresis set after <NUM>% elongation of <NUM>%. A film may be further characterized by a <NUM>% secant modulus in the machine direction (MD) of from <NUM> MPa to <NUM> MPa as determined in accordance with ASTM D882.

In an aspect, the block copolymer of the present disclosure may be a component of an adhesive formulation. In some aspects, the adhesive formulation comprises a polyolefin of the type disclosed herein. In alternative aspects, adhesive formulation excludes a polyolefin of the type disclosed herein. Such adhesive formulations may include without limitation pressure sensitive adhesives, hot melt adhesives, and fugitive adhesives. It is contemplated that the adhesive formulations may comprise a liquid solvent carrier or in the alternative the adhesive formulation is in <NUM>% solid form. A non-limiting example of an adhesive formulation comprises from <NUM> wt. % to <NUM> wt. % polyolefin (e.g., an amorphous polypropylene), <NUM> wt. % to <NUM> wt. % block copolymer, and a tackifier present in an amount of from <NUM> wt. % to <NUM> wt. % where the weight percentages are based on the total weight of the formulation. In an aspect, an adhesive formulation including the block copolymer of the present disclosure may have a much lower melt viscosity and improved adhesive properties than the formulation without the block copolymer as described herein.

The subject matter of the present disclosure having been generally described, the following examples are given as particular aspects of the disclosure and to demonstrate the practice and advantages thereof. It is understood that the examples are given by way of illustration and are not intended to limit the specification or the claims to follow in any manner.

Melt index was determined in accordance with ASTM D <NUM>.

Shear viscosity was tested on a Rosand RH2000. The left barrel was a two piece die and the right barrel was with a one piece orifice die. The shear rate was set with <NUM> points from <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM>.

Kink resistance was determined using a tubing <NUM> in length which was fixed to Instron grips on both ends at a distance of <NUM>. The sample was then compressed <NUM>/min to the point of kinking. The distance between the two grips at the end of the test was the apparent diameter to characterize the tubing's kink resistance: the smaller the apparent diameter; the better the kink resistance.

The transparency of specimens prepared from compositions of this disclosure was determined in accordance with ASTM <NUM>.

The tensile strength of specimens prepared from compositions of this disclosure was determined in accordance with ASTM D412.

The Shore A and D hardness of specimens prepared from compositions of this disclosure was determined in accordance with ASTM D2240.

ODT was measured on a Malvern (Bohlin) Gemini rheometer fitted with <NUM> parallel plates in oscillation mode with controlled strain in a heated nitrogen atmosphere. The ODT data was generated by measuring the complex viscosity of a polymer or compound plaque (e.g., IPC) at <NUM> frequencies (<NUM> and <NUM>) over a temperature range, and ODT is determined to be the temperature at which the complex viscosities at the two frequencies are no longer frequency dependent. The test gap is typically set at <NUM>.

Elasticity or hysteresis was tested on an Instron according to ASTM D882 at <NUM>% and/or <NUM>% elongation for two cycles on straight samples (<NUM> width by <NUM> length) with <NUM> gauge length and a crosshead speed of <NUM>/min. Film samples of ~<NUM> mil (~150pm) were cast from a film extrusion line with a chill roll (Model LCR 350HD from Labtech Engineering). Tensile set and recovered energy are calculated to quantify elasticity or hysteresis.

Styrenic block copolymers suitable for use in the present disclosure were prepared and designated sample <NUM> and sample <NUM>. Specifically sample <NUM> was prepared by anionic polymerization of styrene and then butadiene in the presence of a microstructure control agent followed by coupling and then hydrogenation. The molecular weight of the polystyrene produced was determined to be <NUM>/mol by GPC. A sample collected at the end of the butadiene polymerization had a styrene content of approximately <NUM> wt. % and a vinyl content of <NUM>% on the basis of <NUM>H NMR and an overall molecular weight of <NUM>/mol as determined by GPC. The styrene and butadiene were coupled to form the final product with a coupling efficiency of <NUM>%. A sample of the styrenic block copolymer was then hydrogenated.

Sample <NUM> was prepared by anionic polymerization of styrene and then butadiene in the presence of a microstructure control agent followed by coupling and then hydrogenation. The molecular weight of the polystyrene produced was determined to be <NUM>/mol by GPC. A sample collected at the end of the butadiene polymerization had a styrene content of approximately <NUM> wt. % and a vinyl content of <NUM>% on the basis of <NUM>H NMR and an overall molecular weight of <NUM>/mol as determined by GPC. The styrene and butadiene were then coupled to form the final product with a coupling efficiency of <NUM>%. A sample of the polymer was hydrogenated.

Portions of samples <NUM> and <NUM> were taken such that the molecular weight of the polystyrene block and polystyrene-polybutadiene blocks could be determined. The amount of butadiene in the <NUM>,<NUM> configuration, polystyrene content (PSC) and the coupling efficiency before hydrogenation were also determined. The results of the testing are displayed below in Table <NUM>.

Additional performance properties of samples <NUM> and <NUM>, such as melt flow rate (MFR), ODT, Shore A hardness and tensile properties, were determined and are presented in Table <NUM> along with the performance properties of a commercially available styrenic block copolymer, designated sample <NUM>. Tensile properties were measured on melt cast films in both machine and cross directions; samples <NUM> and <NUM> were extrusion cast at <NUM>, and the commercial sample <NUM> was extrusion cast at <NUM>.

Characteristics of IPCs of the type disclosed herein were investigated. Specifically, IPC samples were prepared containing a styrenic block copolymer and a polypropylene in a <NUM>:<NUM> weight ratio. Table <NUM> presents various properties of these compositions where the IPCs comprising the styrenic polymers from Example <NUM>, samples <NUM> and <NUM> are designated compositions <NUM> and <NUM> respectively. Test specimens were cut from injection molded plaques; compound #<NUM> and #<NUM> were injection molded at <NUM>, and compounds #<NUM> and #<NUM> were injection molded at <NUM>. Composition <NUM> comprises PVC, composition <NUM> comprises sample <NUM> of Example <NUM>, and composition <NUM> comprises a commercially available hydrogenated thermoplastic rubber.

The elasticity of samples <NUM> and <NUM> were investigated and the results are presented in Table <NUM>.

The benefit of IPCs in adhesive formulations were investigated. Specifically, the properties of a hot-melt adhesive formulation including IPC were measured. Table <NUM> shows an exemplary formulation and the results of the test.

Additional performance properties of IPCs of the type disclosed herein were investigated and the results presented in <FIG> and <FIG>.

The terms "a," "an," and "the" are intended, unless specifically indicated otherwise, to include plural alternatives, e.g., at least one. Herein, while compositions and processes are described in terms of "comprising" various components or steps, the compositions and methods can also "consist essentially of" or "consist of" the various components or steps. A particular feature of the disclosed subject matter can be disclosed as follows: Feature X can be A, B, or C. It is also contemplated that for each feature the statement can also be phrased as a listing of alternatives such that the statement "Feature X is A, alternatively B, or alternatively C" is also an embodiment of the present disclosure whether or not the statement is explicitly recited.

Claim 1:
A composition comprising i) a styrenic block copolymer present in an amount of from <NUM> wt.% to <NUM> wt.% based on the total weight of the composition and ii) a polyolefin present in an amount of from <NUM> wt.% to <NUM> wt.% based on the total weight of the composition wherein the composition has an Isotropic Ratio of less than <NUM> as measured on extruded film with process temperature of less than <NUM>;
wherein prior to hydrogenation, the styrenic block copolymer has the configuration (AB)nX, (A<NUM>BA<NUM>)X, (A-B)n, and (A<NUM>-B-A<NUM>)n;
where A, A<NUM>, and A<NUM> are polymer blocks of at least one monoalkenyl arene; and n is equal to or greater than <NUM>;
B is a polymer block of at least one conjugated diene, having a vinyl content from <NUM> mol percent to <NUM> mole percent on the basis of <NUM> NMR and having a molecular weight of <NUM> to <NUM>/mole determined by GPC in accordance with ASTM <NUM>; and
X is a residue of a coupling agent.