Patent Description:
Flame retardant products (FR) are added to manufactured materials, such as plastics and textiles, and surface finishes and coatings that inhibit, suppress, or delay the production of flames to prevent the spread of fire. In many application areas flame retardancy is a requirement or would be desirable due to increasing demands.

Chemically different type of FRs can be used depending on the requirements for the end application. As an example of conventional FRs, e.g. minerals such as aluminium hydroxide, organohalogen compounds and organophosphorus compounds can be mentioned.

FRs may be mixed with the base material (additive flame retardant products) or chemically bonded to the material (reactive flame retardant products). Mineral flame retardant products are typically of additive type while organohalogen and organophosphorus compounds can be either of reactive or of additive type.

Presently there is an increasing interest and demands in different technical fields, for instance in layer elements of various final articles, like layer elements in increasingly growing solar energy field, to provide flame retardant properties to final articles, e.g. photovoltaic (PV) modules.

Photovoltaic modules, also known as solar cell modules, produce electricity from light and are used in various kinds of applications as well known in the field. The type of the photovoltaic module can vary. The modules have typically a multilayer structure, i.e. several different layer elements which have different functions. The layer elements of the photovoltaic module can vary with respect to layer materials and layer structure. The final photovoltaic module can be rigid or flexible.

The rigid photovoltaic module can for example contain a rigid protective front layer element, such as a glass element, front encapsulation layer element, a photovoltaic element, rear (=back) encapsulation layer element, a protective back layer element, which is also called a backsheet layer element and which can be rigid or flexible; and optionally e.g. an aluminium frame.

In flexible modules all the above elements are flexible, whereby the protective front layer element can be e.g. a fluorinated layer made from polyvinylfluoride (PVF) or polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF) polymer, and the backsheet layer element is typically a polymeric layer element.

The above exemplified layer elements can be monolayer or multilayer elements. Moreover, there may be adhesive layer(s) between the layers of an element or between the different layer elements.

Backsheet layer element may contain layer(s) comprising pigment or filler. Backsheet layer element functions typically as an insulation element. However, also photovoltaic modules with conductive backsheet layer element exist, depending on the type of the photovoltaic module.

All said terms have a well-known meaning in the art.

Until today the efficient flame retarded solutions have conventionally based on halogen chemistry. <CIT>discloses a polypropylene/polyethylene based thermoplastic vulcanisate solution for the PV modules, wherein all examples are based on halogenated (Br) and ZnO based flame retardant solutions. <CIT> discloses compositions for household electric appliances, construction materials, and interior decorative materials with an improved flame resistance.

Presently the industry is, however, moving away from halogen containing flame retardant products due to their toxic burning gases. For instance, a monomeric N-alkoxy hindered amine, known as NOR <NUM> (<NPL>) is a UV stabiliser and also acts as flame retardant product. The drawback of this type of FR is that it needs to be combined with a synergist to reach effective flame retardancy, for example as described by VTM-<NUM> classification according to UL94 (standard for Safety of Flammability of Plastic Materials for Parts in Devices and Appliances testing). <CIT>) describes a fire resistant polyolefin film for a backsheet of PV module, wherein the polyolefin film is a three layer structure, layer A/Layer B/Layer C, wherein the layer B has <NUM> ~ <NUM> wt% of compound of the above mentioned hindered amine type combined with <NUM> ~ <NUM> wt% of a synergist which is an organic phosphate ester type of compound. The drawbacks of these FRs is poor moisture and wheathering resistance, as well as poor thermal stability.

Moreover, Polypropylene (PP) polymer may also limit the choice of a flame retardant product for PP based polymer compositions. Namely, PP is not easy to make self-igniting, since it is highly flammable. Therefore, for instance in film and fiber applications, a very effective FR would be needed to enable to use low content (preferably below <NUM>%) of the FR in order not to sacrifice polymer properties and/or processability of the composition (reference is made to <NPL>). Accordingly, e.g. MgOH<NUM> is feasible solution for wire and cable layers, but ~60wt% loading cannot be used for PP based film or fibre.

Another effective solution for PP is char forming systems (so called intumescent systems) which very often combine the synergistic effects of nitrogen and phosphorus chemistry. <CIT> of Dow describes a non-halogen containing, intumescent flame retardant product for a thermoplastic polymer composition for a PV module, which is an APP (ammonium polyphosphate which is an organic phosphinate) based FR. The loading of the FR must be high, at least of <NUM> wt%, to provide the intumescent effect. However, high FR loadings are undesirable for e.g. fim applications.

Moreover, the above mentioned FRs often have the problem that they absorb water (= have high water uptake behaviour) e.g. at outdoor conditions and lose their FR behaviour.

<CIT> discloses flame retardant thermoplastic moulding compositions comprising: A) from <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight of a polyolefinic polymer particularly selected among polypropylene polymers; B) from <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight of a synergic mixture of an hypophosphorous acid metal salt and halogenated organic compounds; C) from <NUM>,<NUM>% to <NUM> % by weight of a plurality of selected additives consisting of processing aids, heat and process stabilisers, UV stabilisers, antidripping agents (PTFE -Polytetrafluoroethylene), pigments, mould releasing agents, nucleating agents, and D) from <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight of an inorganic filler.

<CIT> discloses a halogen-free, flame retardant thermoplastic resin composition based on polypropylene and one or more thermoplastic elastomers with an organic nitrogen- and/or phosphorus-based intumescent flame retardant comprising a piperazine component.

Accordingly, it remains challenge to solve the limitations relating to polypropylene based flame retardant end applications.

Moreover, for instance, the technology of the photovoltaic modules is still developing considerably and there is a continuous need for different solutions for layer materials to meet the various demands, like flame retardancy, in photovoltaic module field.

<FIG> illustrates schematically one example of a photovoltaic module of the invention.

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a polypropylene composition comprising:.

based on the total amount (<NUM> wt%) of the polypropylene composition.

The polypropylene composition of the invention is referred herein also as e.g. "PP composition", "composition" or "composition of the invention". The "(i) polymer of propylene (PP)" is referred herein also as "PP polymer". The "(ii) flame retardant product" is referred herein also as "FR" or "flame retardant product (ii)".

Surprisingly, the composition of the invention comprising the inorganic phosphorus based FR provides an excellent flame retardant behaviour e.g. in terms of UL94 Standard requirements (Standard for Safety of Flammability of Plastic Materials for Parts in Devices and Appliances testing). Preferable embodiments of the claimed combination of polypropylene together with the FR of the invention make it possible to reach even UL94 VTM-<NUM> (requirement according to UL94 standard). The composition of the invention is therefore highly suitable for different end applications wherein flame retardancy is required or desired.

For instance during exposure of the PP based composition to flame, an increased degradation of PP polymer often occurs which normally causes dripping whereby the drops burn which is undesired. However, in case of the present invention, any drops formed from the degrading composition of the invention do not burn but self-extinguish within seconds during <NUM>st and <NUM>nd ignition. PP composition of the invention has preferably also an excellent self-ignition even during <NUM>rd or longer ignition times (outside UL94 standard scope) or unchanged performance after <NUM> week water bath conditioning.

Moreover, the composition of the invention has preferably excellent water protection (i.e. low water vapour transmission rate also called as low water intake behaviour). Accordingly, PP polymer absorbs hardly any water, and this property is very important in many end applications like in layer element(s) of photovoltaic module applications.

The PP polymer can be a homopolymer or copolymer of propylene. Moreover, the PP polymer can comprise one or more PP polymer components.

Preferably the PP polymer is a copolymer of propylene. More preferably the polymer of propylene (PP) is selected from one or more heterophasic copolymer of propylene (iPP) which comprises.

In this embodiment the combination of heterophasic copolymer of propylene (iPP) with the FR of the invention contributes to a property balance, namely an excellent flame retardancy, and also highly feasible mechanical properties, like high stiffness and preferably also advantageous impact performance, which property balance is very desirable in many polypropylene related end applications as stated above or below. Further preferably, in this embodiment, said polymer composition of the invention has preferably advantageous water intake property, high thermal stability both during lamination, if needed in producing the article, and at end use application, and, also preferably, a very advantageous shrinkage behavior.

If desired, the property balance of the polymer composition of the invention can even be further modified with softer materials, like plastomers, or even with other component including other polymers, like PP polymer, other than the PP polymer as defined above, below or in claims.

In one preferable embodiment the heterophasic copolymer of propylene (iPP) is at least a heterophasic copolymer of propylene (A) which comprises.

and wherein the heterophasic copolymer of propylene (A) has a Melting temperature (Tm) (DSC) of at least <NUM>, when measured as described in the specification under Determination methods, and a Vicat softening temperature (Vicat A) of at least <NUM> (according to ASTM D <NUM>, method A, <NUM>/h, 10N).

The heterophasic copolymer of propylene (iPP) and the heterophasic copolymer of propylene (A) is referred herein also as "PP copolymer" and, respectively, "PP copolymer (A)".

The "polypropylene matrix component (a1)" is referred herein also as "matrix component (a1)". The "elastomeric propylene copolymer component (a2)" is referred herein also as "elastomeric component (a2)".

Generally, a "heterophasic copolymer of propylene" (as used herein in connection to PP copolymer or preferable PP copolymer (A)) is a propylene copolymer comprising a propylene homo polymer or propylene random copolymer matrix component (<NUM>) and an elastomeric copolymer component (<NUM>) of propylene with one or more of ethylene and/or C4-C8 alpha olefin comonomers, wherein the elastomeric (amorphous) copolymer component (<NUM>) is (finely) dispersed in said propylene homo or random copolymer matrix polymer (<NUM>).

As well known "comonomer" refers to copolymerisable comonomer units.

The XCS fraction of PP copolymer (or preferable PP copolymer (A)) is regarded herein as the elastomeric component (or preferable elastomeric component (a2)), since the amount of XCS fraction in the matrix component is conventionally markedly lower. For instance, in case the matrix component (or preferable matrix component (a1)) is a homopolymer of propylene, then the amount of the xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction (amorphous fraction) (wt%) of the heterophasic copolymer of propylene is understood in this application also as the amount of the elastomeric propylene copolymer component present in the PP copolymer (or preferable PP copolymer (A)).

The polymer composition may optionally comprise (v) further components other than the components (i) to (iv).

The present invention is also directed to a use of an inorganic derivative of Phosphor (ii) as a flame retarding agent for a polypropylene composition as described above or below or in claims.

The property balance makes the composition of the invention highly feasible for different articles in various end applications wherein flame retardant activity for the article is desired or required.

Accordingly the invention further provides a use of the polypropylene composition of the invention for producing an article comprising the polymer composition of the invention, as defined above or below or in claims.

The invention is further directed to an article comprising the polymer composition of the invention as defined above or below or in claims.

The preferred article comprises a layer element which comprises at least one layer comprising the polymer composition of the invention, as defined above or below or in claims.

The invention further provides a layer element comprising at least one layer which comprises the polymer composition of the invention, as defined above or below or in claims.

Preferably, said at least one layer of the layer element of the article of the invention comprises at least <NUM> wt%, preferably at least <NUM> wt%, preferably at least <NUM> wt%, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> wt%, preferably consists of, the polymer composition of the invention.

Accordingly, the layer element of the invention can be a monolayer element or a multilayer element. In case the layer element is a monolayer element, then the "at least one" layer, i.e. the monolayer element, comprises the composition of the invention. In case of a multilayer element, the expression "at least one layer" of a layer element means that said element can comprise two or more layers, wherein at least one layer comprises the polymer composition of the invention. The other layer(s) may comprise different layer material(s) or may comprise the polymer composition of the invention. It is evident that the material of the other layers of a multilayer element may vary and can be chosen by a skilled person depending on the desired end application.

Moreover, the mono- or multilayer element of the invention may be part of an assembly, like photovoltaic module, comprising several mono- and/or multilayer elements with different functionality and arranged in a desired layered multi-element structure, wherein one or more of the mono- and/or multilayer elements may comprise one or more layers of the polymer composition of the invention. Accordingly, in case of an assembly with two or more layer elements, then layer(s) of the polymer composition of the invention may be present in one or more of such layer elements.

Preferably the layer element is a mono- or multilayer element comprising at least one layer comprising the polymer composition of the invention.

Herein the definitions "layer element of the invention comprising (or which comprises) at least one layer comprising (or which comprises) the polymer composition of the invention" and "at least one layer of the layer element of the invention comprising (or which comprises) the polymer composition of the invention" are used herein interchangeably to refer the layer(s) and/or the layer element of the invention, as evident from the context.

Moreover, due to excellent property balance as stated above and below, the composition of the invention enables to use multilayer elements e.g. in photovoltaic modules, which elements consist of polyolefin based layers. Such polyolefin polymer(s) can comprise e.g. one or more monomers selected from ethylene and/or alpha-olefins, typically C3- to C10-alpha-olefins. Additionally, further functional units can be incorporated to the polyolefin e.g. by grafting. For instance, polar functional groups, such as maleic anhydride (MAH), can be grafted to such a polyolefin to form functional polymers thereof.

PP polymer of the invention as defined above, below or in claims, is without such grafted functional units, i.e. the term PP polymer of the invention excludes the PP polymer grafted with functional groups. However, the PP composition of the invention may additionally comprise further polymers as further component(s) (v), e.g. polypropylene polymer component(s) which is grafted with functional groups. Such functionally grafted polypropylene components are not calculated to the amount of "PP polymer" but in the amount of optional further components (v) referred above or below.

Furthermore, the article is a photovoltaic module comprising at least one photovoltaic element and at least one layer element which is the layer element of the invention comprising at least one layer which comprises the polymer composition.

Moreover, the invention provides further a photovoltaic module as said article, which PV module comprises at least one photovoltaic element and at least one layer element which is the layer element of the invention comprising at least one layer which comprises the polymer composition.

The "photovoltaic element" means that the element has photovoltaic activity. The photovoltaic element can be e.g. an element of photovoltaic cell(s), which has a well-known meaning in the art. Silicon based material, e.g. crystalline silicon, is a non-limiting example of materials used in photovoltaic cell(s). Crystalline silicon material can vary with respect to crystallinity and crystal size, as well known to a skilled person. Alternatively, the photovoltaic element can be a substrate layer on one surface of which a further layer or deposit with photovoltaic activity is subjected, for example a glass layer, wherein on one side thereof an ink material with photovoltaic activity is printed, or a substrate layer on one side thereof a material with photovoltaic activity is deposited. For instance, in well-known thin film solutions of photovoltaic elements e.g. an ink with photovoltaic activity is printed on one side of a substrate, which is typically a glass substrate. Accordingly, the at least one layer of the invention can also be a layer in any layer element of a thin film based photovoltaic module.

The photovoltaic element is most preferably an element of photovoltaic cell(s).

"Photovoltaic cell(s)" means herein a layer element(s) of photovoltaic cells, as explained above, together with connectors.

It is preferred that said at least one layer element of the photovoltaic module of the invention comprising the polymer composition of the invention, as defined above or below or in claims, is a backsheet layer element.

Accordingly, the invention further provides a backsheet layer element of a photovoltaic module which is selected from.

The composition of the invention, the PP polymer, preferably the PP copolymer, preferably PP copolymer (A), the article, preferably the at least one layer of the mono- or multilayer element, like backsheet element of a photovoltaic module, and the photovoltaic module of the invention are described below and claims with further details, preferred embodiments, ranges and properties, which preferred embodiments, ranges and properties can be in any combination and combined in any order.

The polymer composition may comprise further components depending on the end application, any additional properties desired for an end product etc., as evident for a skilled person.

Accordingly, in a preferable embodiment of the invention, the polypropylene composition comprises, preferably consists of,.

based on the total amount (<NUM> wt%) of the polymer composition of the invention, as defined above or below or in claims.

"Based on the total amount (<NUM> wt%) of the polymer composition of the invention" means that that the amounts of the components present in the polymer composition total to 100wt%.

The polymer of propylene (PP) can also be a mixture of two or more polymer of propylene (PP) components.

In one embodiment the polymer of propylene (PP) is a copolymer of propylene, preferably at least one heterophasic copolymer of propylene (iPP) (referred herein also as "PP copolymer") which comprises, preferably consists of,.

Similarly, the a copolymer of propylene, preferably PP copolymer, can be a mixture of two different PP copolymer components, wherein each PP copolymer component comprises a polypropylene matrix component and
an elastomeric propylene copolymer component which is dispersed in said polypropylene matrix.

The copolymer of propylene, preferably the PP copolymer, is preferably a propylene copolymer comprising a propylene homopolymer or propylene random copolymer with one or more of ethylene and/or C4-C8 alpha olefin comonomers as the matrix component and an elastomeric copolymer component of propylene with one or more of ethylene and/or C4-C8 alpha olefin comonomers, wherein the elastomeric (amorphous) copolymer component is dispersed in said propylene homo or random copolymer matrix polymer.

The total comonomer content of the copolymer of propylene, preferably of the PP copolymer, is preferably of <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably of <NUM> to <NUM>, wt%, when measured as described in the specification under Determination methods, preferably the comonomer(s) is selected from ethylene and/or C4-C8 alpha olefin comonomers, more preferably from ethylene.

Preferably the polypropylene matrix component of the PP copolymer is a homopolymer of propylene.

In one preferable embodiment the polymer of propylene (PP) is a heterophasic copolymer of propylene (iPP) which comprises a heterophasic copolymer of propylene (A) (referred herein also as PP copolymer (A)) which comprises, preferably consists of, a polypropylene matrix component (a1) and.

In one embodiment the heterophasic copolymer of propylene (iPP) consists of the heterophasic copolymer of propylene (A).

In another embodiment the heterophasic copolymer of propylene (iPP) comprises the heterophasic copolymer of propylene (A) and one or more, e.g. one, further heterophasic copolymer of propylene (iPP) which is different from PP copolymer (A).

The melting temperature, Tm, of PP copolymer (A) is preferably of <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably of <NUM> to <NUM>,°C, when measured as described in the specification under Determination methods.

The Vicat softening temperature (Vicat A) of PP copolymer (A) is preferably of at least <NUM>, preferably of <NUM> to <NUM>, °C.

Preferably, the polypropylene matrix (a1) of the PP copolymer (A) is a homopolymer of propylene.

Even more preferably the heterophasic copolymer of propylene (A) has one or more, in any order, preferably all, of the following further properties:.

The polypropylene composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the inorganic derivative of Phosphor of the flame retardant product (ii) is preferably an inorganic Phosphinic acid derivative, preferably an inorganic salt of Phosphinic acid, preferably a metal salt of Phosphinic acid, preferably an aluminium salt of Phosphinic acid (also known as Aluminum hypophosphite).

According to one preferable embodiment the inorganic derivative of Phosphor is an aluminium salt of Phosphinic acid having a CAS number of <NUM>-<NUM>-<NUM>.

Suitable inorganic phosphorous based FRs are preferably commercially available. An highly suitable example of commercial FR, is the flame retardant product sold under the trade name Phoslite B404A(F), produced and supplied by ITALMATCH CHEMICALS S.

Accordingly the amount of flame retardant product (ii) (=FR) means herein the amount (wt%, based on the PP composition) of the flame retardant product (ii) as supplied by producer thereof. Accordingly FR may contain further components in minor amounts, like additives, flame retardant synergists and/or carrier medium. Thus it is to be understood that such further components are calculated to the amount of the FR.

Thus the flame retardant product (ii) may optionally further comprise so called synergist compound which further enhances the flame retardant properties. Examples of such flame retardant synergists are based on organic phosphorus chemistry like organic phosphinates.

More preferably the FR of the invention comprises at least <NUM>, preferably at least <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably at least <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably at least <NUM> to <NUM>, wt% of the inorganic derivative of Phosphor.

It is preferred that FR of the present invention is without ammonium polyphosphate and further flame retardant synergist, preferably FR of the present invention is without ammonium polyphosphate. FR does not comprise any ammonium polyphosphate and further flame retardant synergist, preferably FR of the present invention does not comprise ammonium polyphosphate.

The polymer composition comprises a plastomer (iv).

Thus, the polypropylene composition of the invention comprises,.

The plastomer (iv) is a copolymer of ethylene with at least one C3 to C10 alpha-olefin. The plastomer (iv) has preferably one or all, preferably all, of the below properties.

The plastomer (iv) is preferably produced using a metallocene catalyst, which term has a well-known meaning in the prior art. The suitable plastomers (iv) are commercially available, e.g. plastomer products under tradename QUEO™, supplied by Borealis, or Engage™ , supplied by ExxonMobil, Lucene supplied by LG, or Tafmer supplied by Mitsui. If present, then the amount of the optional plastomer (v) is lower than the amount of polymer PP (i).

The further component(s) (v) can be e.g. a pigment and/or a polymer other than PP polymer or plastomer (iv). Pigment has a well-known meaning in the art.

The optional further polymer can also be a functionalised polymer (e.g. polymer which is functionalised by grafting). In case the polymer composition comprises further polymers (different from (i) and (iv)) as optional further component(s) (v), then the amount of such further polymer(s) is less than the amount of PP polymer. e the amount of the PP polymer is the highest based on the combined amount of the polymeric component(s) present in the polymer composition.

Preferably no filler is present in the polymer composition. preferably polymer composition is without filler. Filler has a well-known meaning and is different from pigment as well known in the art.

The optional pigment in polypropylene composition, if present, is preferably white pigment. White pigment is preferably TiO<NUM>. Such pigments are well known and e.g. available as commercial TiO<NUM> pigment, also referred herein as TiO<NUM>. Any carrier medium, e.g. carrier polymer, is calculated to the amount of the pigment. The amount of the pigment, if present, is preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, wt% based on the total amount (<NUM> wt%) of the polymer composition.

In one embodiment of the composition, pigment is present as said further component (v). In one embodiment of the composition, pigment is not present as said further component (v). polymer composition is without pigment.

In one embodiment of the composition, no further component(s) (v) is present in the polymer composition.

Accordingly, the composition of the invention comprises also additives (iii) other than the flame retardant product (ii) and optional further components (v), like pigment. Such additives (iii) are preferably suitable e.g. for film or photovoltaic module applications, including without limiting to, antioxidants, UV light stabilisers, nucleating agents, clarifiers, brighteners, acid scavengers, as well as slip agents, etc. Such additives are generally commercially available and are described, for example, in "Plastic Additives Handbook", 5th edition, <NUM> of Hans Zweifel.

Each additive (iii) can be used e.g. in conventional amounts.

Any optional carrier polymers of flame retardant product (ii), additive(s) (iii) and/or the optional further component(s) (v), e.g. master batches of components (ii), (iii) or, respectively, (v) together with a carrier polymer, are calculated to the amount of the respective component (ii), (iii) or (v), based on the amount (<NUM> %) of the composition of the invention.

The polypropylene composition of the invention preferably has an MFR<NUM> of <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably of <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably of <NUM> to <NUM>, g/<NUM>, when measured according to ISO <NUM> (at <NUM> with <NUM> load) as defined below under the Determination methods. The polypropylene composition has more preferably MFR<NUM> of <NUM> to <NUM>/<NUM>.

The polypropylene composition of the invention preferably has a Xylene cold soluble (XCS) content in amount of <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>%, when measured as defined below under the Determination methods. The XCS of the polypropylene composition is more preferably of <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>%.

The polypropylene composition of the invention preferably has a Vicat softening temperature (Vicat A) of <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably of <NUM> to <NUM>,°C, when measured as described below under Determination methods. The Vicat A of the polypropylene composition is more preferably of <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably of <NUM> to <NUM>,°C.

The polypropylene composition of the invention preferably has a Tensile modulus of at least <NUM>, preferably of <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably of <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably of <NUM> to <NUM>, MPa, when measured in machine direction (MD) from <NUM> monolayer cast film sample as defined below under the Determination methods. Said Tensile modulus of the polypropylene composition is preferably of <NUM> to <NUM> MPa.

The polypropylene composition of the invention preferably has a Strain at break of more than <NUM>, preferably of <NUM> to <NUM>, %, when measured in machine direction (MD) from <NUM> monolayer cast film sample s defined below under the Determination methods. Said Strain at break of the polypropylene composition is preferably of <NUM> to <NUM>%.

PP polymer can be commercially available grade or can be produced e.g. by conventional polymerisation processes, process conditions using e.g. the conventional catalyst system known in the literature.

One feasible polymerisation process including the conditions and catalyst system is generally described below for the PP copolymer, i.e. for the heterophasic copolymer of propylene (iPP), and naturally applies also for the preferable heterophasic copolymer of propylene (A) of the polypropylene composition. It is evident that the below description can be applied to a homopolymer or a random copolymer of polypropylene, as well, whereby said polymers can be polymerised e.g. in optional prepolymerisation reactor following first reactor (preferably loop reactor) and then second reactor (preferably first gas phase reactor) using the conditions as described below.

The polypropylene matrix component of the PP copolymer may be a unimodal or a multimodal random copolymer or homopolymer of propylene which both have a well-known meaning. Multimodal random copolymer or homopolymer of propylene means herein that it has at least two polymer fractions which are different e.g. with one or two of the following properties: <NUM>) weight average molecular weight or <NUM>) MFR. In case of random copolymer of propylene as the matrix component, the copolymer can also be multimodal with respect to <NUM>) comonomer content, optionally in combination with any or both of the above differences <NUM>) and <NUM>).

The matrix component of the PP copolymer can be a homopolymer or random copolymer of propylene. It is preferred that the matrix component of the PP copolymer is a homopolymer of propylene.

Accordingly, it is preferred that all the comonomers as defined above, which are present in the PP copolymer, originate from the elastomeric propylene copolymer component.

It is preferred that the PP copolymer consists of the matrix component and the elastomeric component. The PP copolymer may optionally comprise a prepolymer fraction, as well known in the polymer field. In such case the amount of the prepolymer is calculated to the amount of the matrix component.

As said, the iPP copolymer can be commercially available grade or can be produced e.g. by conventional polymerisation processes.

As to polymerisation of the heterophasic copolymer of propylene, the individual components (matrix and elastomeric components) of PP copolymer can be produced separately and blended mechanically by mixing in a mixer or extruder. However it is preferred that the PP copolymer comprising the matrix component and the elastomeric component are produced in a sequential process, using reactors in serial configuration and operating at different reaction conditions. As a consequence, each fraction prepared in a specific reactor will have its own molecular weight distribution, MFR and/or comonomer content distribution.

The PP copolymer according to this invention is preferably produced in a sequential polymerisation process, i.e. in a multistage process, known in the art, wherein the matrix component is produced at least in one slurry reactor, preferably at least in a slurry reactor, and optionally, and preferably in a subsequent gas phase reactor, and subsequently the elastomeric component is produced at least in one, i.e. one or two, gas phase reactor(s) (gpr), preferably in one gpr.

Accordingly it is preferred that the PP copolymer is produced in a sequential polymerisation process comprising the steps of.

Preferably between the second reactor (R2) and the third reactor (R3) the monomers are flashed out.

The term "sequential polymerisation process" indicates that the PP copolymer is produced in at least two, like three, reactors connected in series. Accordingly the present process comprises at least a first reactor (R1) and a second reactor (R2), more preferably a first reactor (R1), a second reactor (R2), a third reactor (R3) and optionally a fourth reactor (R4). The term "polymerisation reactor" shall indicate one of the main polymerisation steps. Thus in case the process consists of four polymerisation reactors, this definition does not exclude the option that the overall process comprises for instance a prepolymerisation step in a prepolymerisation reactor. The term "consist of" is only a closing formulation in view of the main polymerisation reactors.

Any prepolymer fraction is counted into the amount of the first polypropylene fraction.

The first reactor (R1) is preferably a slurry reactor (SR) and can be any continuous or simple stirred batch tank reactor or loop reactor operating in bulk or slurry. Bulk means a polymerisation in a reaction medium that comprises of at least <NUM> % (w/w) monomer. According to the present invention the slurry reactor (SR) is preferably a (bulk) loop reactor (LR).

The second reactor (R2), the third reactor (R3) and the optional fourth reactor (R4) are preferably gas phase reactors (GPR). Such gas phase reactors (GPR) can be any mechanically mixed or fluid bed reactors. Preferably the gas phase reactors (GPR) comprise a mechanically agitated fluid bed reactor with gas velocities of at least <NUM>/sec. Thus it is appreciated that the gas phase reactor is a fluidized bed type reactor preferably with a mechanical stirrer.

Thus in a preferred embodiment the first reactor (R1) is a slurry reactor (SR), like a loop reactor (LR), whereas the second reactor (R2), the third reactor (R3) and the optional fourth reactor (R4) are gas phase reactors (GPR). Accordingly for the instant process at least three, namely a slurry reactor (SR), like a loop reactor (LR), a first gas phase reactor (GPR-<NUM>), a second gas phase reactor (GPR-<NUM>) and an optional a third gas phase reactor (GPR-<NUM>) connected in series are used. In case of a prepolymerisation step a prepolymerisation reactor is placed prior to the slurry reactor (SR).

A preferred multistage process is a "loop-gas phase"-process, such as developed by Borealis A/S, Denmark (known as BORSTAR® technology) described e.g. in patent literature, such as in <CIT>, <CIT> <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> or in <CIT>.

A further suitable slurry-gas phase process is the Spheripol® process of LyondellBasell.

Preferably, in the instant process for producing the PP copolymer as defined above the conditions for the first reactor (R1), i.e. the slurry reactor (SR), like a loop reactor (LR), of step (a) may be as follows:.

Subsequently, the reaction mixture from step (a) is transferred to the second reactor (R2), i.e. gas phase reactor (GPR-<NUM>), i.e. to step (c), whereby the conditions in step (c) are preferably as follows:.

The condition in the second gas phase reactor (GPR-<NUM>) and in the optional third gas phase reactor (GPR-<NUM>) are similar to the second reactor (R2) (= first gas phase reactor (GPR-<NUM>).

The residence time can vary in the three reactor zones.

In one embodiment of the process for producing the matrix component of the PP copolymer, the residence time in bulk reactor, e.g. loop, is in the range <NUM> to <NUM> hours, e.g. <NUM> to <NUM> hours and the residence time in gas phase reactor will generally be <NUM> to <NUM> hours, like <NUM> to <NUM> hours.

If desired, the polymerisation may be effected in a known manner under supercritical conditions in the first reactor (R1), i.e. in the slurry reactor (SR), like in the loop reactor (LR), and/or as a condensed mode in the gas phase reactors (GPR).

Preferably the process comprises also a prepolymerisation with the catalyst system, as described in detail below, comprising a Ziegler-Natta procatalyst, an external donor and optionally a cocatalyst.

In a preferred embodiment, the prepolymerisation is conducted as bulk slurry polymerisation in liquid propylene, i.e. the liquid phase mainly comprises propylene, with minor amount of other reactants and optionally inert components dissolved therein.

The prepolymerisation reaction is typically conducted at a temperature of <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>, and more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>.

The pressure in the prepolymerisation reactor is not critical but must be sufficiently high to maintain the reaction mixture in liquid phase. Thus, the pressure may be from <NUM> to <NUM> bar, for example <NUM> to <NUM> bar.

The catalyst components are preferably all introduced to the prepolymerisation step. However, where the solid catalyst component (i) and the cocatalyst (ii) can be fed separately it is possible that only a part of the cocatalyst is introduced into the prepolymerisation stage and the remaining part into subsequent polymerisation stages. Also in such cases it is necessary to introduce so much cocatalyst into the prepolymerisation stage that a sufficient polymerisation reaction is obtained therein.

It is possible to add other components also to the prepolymerisation stage. Thus, hydrogen may be added into the prepolymerisation stage to control the molecular weight of the prepolymer as is known in the art. Further, antistatic additive may be used to prevent the particles from adhering to each other or to the walls of the reactor.

The precise control of the prepolymerisation conditions and reaction parameters is within the skills of the skilled person.

After the PP copolymer has been removed from the last polymerisation stage, it is preferably subjected to process steps for removing the residual hydrocarbons from the polymer. Such processes are well known in the art and can include pressure reduction steps, purging steps, stripping steps, extraction steps and so on. Also combinations of different steps are possible. After the removal of residual hydrocarbons the PP copolymer is preferably mixed with additives as it is well known in the art. Such additives are described below under the polymer composition of the invention. The polymer particles are then extruded to pellets as it is known in the art. Preferably co-rotating twin screw extruder is used for the extrusion step. Such extruders are manufactured, for instance, by Coperion (Werner & Pfleiderer) and Japan Steel Works.

The PP copolymer of the invention is preferably produced by polymerisation using any suitable Ziegler-Natta type. Typical suitable Ziegler-Natta type catalyst is stereospecific, solid high yield Ziegler-Natta catalyst component comprising as essential components Mg, Ti and Cl. In addition to the solid catalyst a cocatalyst(s) as well external donor(s) are typically used in polymerisation process.

Components of catalyst may be supported on a particulate support, such as inorganic oxide, like silica or alumina, or, usually, the magnesium halide may form the solid support. It is also possible that catalysts components are not supported on an external support, but catalyst is prepared by emulsion-solidification method or by precipitation method. Alternatively the PP copolymer of the invention can be produced using a modified catalyst system as described below.

More preferably, a vinyl compound of the formula (I) is used for the modification of the catalyst:.

wherein R1 and R2 together form a <NUM>- or <NUM>-membered saturated, unsaturated or aromatic ring, optionally containing substituents, or independently represent an alkyl group comprising <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, whereby in case R1 and R2 form an aromatic ring, the hydrogen atom of the -CHR1R2 moiety is not present.

More preferably, the vinyl compound (I) is selected from: vinyl cycloalkane, preferably vinyl cyclohexane (VCH), vinyl cyclopentane, <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-butene polymer and vinyl-<NUM>-methyl cyclohexane polymer. Most preferably the vinyl compound (I) is vinyl cyclohexane (VCH) polymer.

The solid catalyst usually also comprises an electron donor (internal electron donor) and optionally aluminium. Suitable internal electron donors are, among others, esters of carboxylic acids or dicarboxylic acids, like phthalates, maleates, benzoates, citraconates, and succinates, <NUM>,<NUM>-diethers or oxygen or nitrogen containing silicon compounds. In addition mixtures of donors can be used.

The cocatalyst typically comprises an aluminium alkyl compound. The aluminium alkyl compound is preferably trialkyl aluminium such as trimethylaluminium, triethylaluminium, tri-isobutylaluminium or tri-n-octylaluminium. However, it may also be an alkylaluminium halide, such as diethylaluminium chloride, dimethylaluminium chloride and ethylaluminium sesquichloride.

Suitable external electron donors used in polymerisation are well known in the art and include ethers, ketones, amines, alcohols, phenols, phosphines and silanes. Silane type external donors are typically organosilane compounds containing Si-OCOR, Si-OR, or Si-NR<NUM> bonds, having silicon as the central atom, and R is an alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, arylalkyl or cycloalkyl with <NUM>-<NUM> carbon atoms are known in the art.

Examples of suitable catalysts and compounds in catalysts are shown in among others, in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>. <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>.

The obtained PP copolymer is then compounded together with the flame retardant product (ii), additives (iii), optional plastomer (iv), and with optional further component(s) (v) in a known manner. The compounding can be effected in a conventional extruder e.g. as described above and the obtained melt mix is produced to an article or, preferably, pelletised before used for the end application. Part or all of the additives or optional components may be added during the compounding step.

The invention is further directed to a use of the polymer composition as defined above or below for producing an article comprising the polymer composition, which comprises.

based on the total amount (<NUM> wt%) of the polypropylene composition, as defined above or below or in claims.

The invention is further directed to an article comprising the polymer composition, which comprises, preferably consists of,.

The article preferably comprises a layer element which comprises at least one layer comprising the polymer composition of the invention, as defined above or below or in claims.

The article can comprise one layer element or two or more layer elements. In case of two or more layer elements, at least one of the layer elements comprises at least one layer comprising the polymer composition of the invention, as defined above or below or in claims.

Thus the invention further provides a layer element comprising at least one layer which comprises the polymer composition of the invention, as defined above or below or in claims.

Also preferably, said layer element of the article of the invention comprises at least <NUM> wt%, preferably at least <NUM> wt%, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> wt%, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> wt%, of the polymer composition of the invention.

The article is preferably a film for various end applications e.g. for packaging applications without limiting thereto. In this invention the term "film" covers also thicker sheet structures e.g. for thermoforming.

In one embodiment the layer element of the article of the invention is preferably a film which is selected from.

In a preferred embodiment the layer element of the invention is a layer element of a photovoltaic module, which layer element is selected from.

A monolayer element can be produced by extrusion, e.g. cast film or blown film extrusion. Layer elements of a multilayer element can be produced by extrusion, e.g. by coextrusion, by lamination or by a combination of extrusion and lamination. Extrusion and lamination processes are well-known in the art.

The thickness of the layer element and in case of multilayer element, the thickness of the individual layers of the element, can vary depending on the end application, as evident for a skilled person. As an example only, the thickness of the layer element of the invention can be e.g. <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>. Moreover, as an example only, the thickness of the at least one layer of the layer element can be <NUM> to <NUM>.

In a preferred embodiment the article is a photovoltaic module which comprises a layer element of the invention wherein the layer element is selected from.

The layer element, i.e. the mono- or multilayer element, of the invention is preferably a monolayer element or a multilayer element of a photovoltaic module as the article of the invention.

The invention thus provides a photovoltaic module comprising at least one photovoltaic element and at least one layer element which is the layer element of the invention comprising at least one layer which comprises the polymer composition, which comprises.

In case the layer element of the photovoltaic module of the invention is a multilayer element, then in one embodiment the at least one layer of the multilayer element is a laminated layer of the multilayer element.

Alternatively, in case the layer element of the photovoltaic module of the invention is a multilayer element, then in another embodiment the at least one layer of the multilayer element is an extruded, suitably a coextruded, layer of a multilayer element.

More preferably, the photovoltaic module of the invention comprises, in the given order, a protective top layer element, a front encapsulation layer element, at least one photovoltaic layer element, a rear encapsulation layer element, a backsheet layer element and optionally a protective cover, wherein at least one of said layer elements, preferably the backsheet layer element, comprises at least one layer comprising said polymer composition of the invention, as defined above or below or in claims.

Preferably, said at least one layer of the layer element of the PV module as the article of the invention comprises at least <NUM> wt%, preferably at least <NUM> wt%, preferably at least <NUM> wt%, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> wt%, preferably consists of, the polymer composition of the invention.

Also preferably, the layer element of the PV module as the article of the invention comprises at least <NUM> wt%, preferably at least <NUM> wt%, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> wt%, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> wt%, of the polymer composition of the invention.

As well known, the elements and the layer structure of the photovoltaic module of the invention can vary depending on the desired type of the module. The photovoltaic module can be rigid or flexible. The rigid photovoltaic module can for example contain a rigid protective front layer element, such as a glass element, a front encapsulation layer element, a photovoltaic layer element, a rear encapsulation layer element, a backsheet layer element which can be rigid or flexible; and optionally e.g. an aluminium frame. In flexible modules all the above elements are flexible, whereby the protective front and back as well as the front and rear encapsulation layer elements are typically based on polymeric layer elements.

It is preferred that said at least one layer element of the photovoltaic module of the invention, as defined above or below or in claims, is a backsheet layer element.

Accordingly, the invention further provides a backsheet layer element of a photovoltaic module as the article of the invention, wherein the backsheet element is selected from.

A backsheet monolayer element can be produced by extrusion, e.g. by cast or blown film extrusion. A backsheet multilayer element of the invention can be produced by laminating the layers thereof. As a result, a laminated backsheet multilayer element is obtained. Alternatively, a backsheet multilayer element of the invention can be produced by extruding the layers thereof, e.g. by (co)extrusion. It is also possible that the part of the layers of the backsheet multilayer element of the invention are laminated and part of the layers are e.g. (co)extruded, i. e the backsheet multilayer element is a combination of laminated and (co)extruded layers. The (co)extrusion means herein cast extrusion or coextrusion.

Preferably, the layer of the backsheet monolayer element or the layers of the backsheet multilayer element of the photovoltaic module of the invention is/are free from fluoride containing polymer.

As an example, the thickness of the mono- or multilayer element of the PV module of the invention, preferably of the backsheet mono- or multilayer element of the invention, is preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, mm.

Moreover, as an example only, the thickness of the at least one layer of the layer element can be <NUM> to <NUM>.

The above photovoltaic module may have further layer element(s) in addition to above mentioned elements. Moreover, the layers of said layer elements may be multilayer elements and comprise also adhesive layers for improving the adhesion of the layers of the multilayer element. There can be adhesive layers also between the different layer elements.

The optional glass sheets as the protective front layer element, the photovoltaic layer element, which is preferably element(s) of photovoltaic cells together with connectors, and materials for layers for the front and rear encapsulation element(s) and/or for the backsheet element, when comprising other components than the polymer composition of the invention, are e.g. well-known in the photovoltaic module field and are commercially available or can be produced according to or in accordance with the methods known in the literature for the photovoltaic module field.

The photovoltaic module of the invention can be produced in a manner well known in the field of the photovoltaic modules. The polymeric layer(s) of the different elements can be produced e.g. by lamination or by extrusion, or by combination of lamination and extrusion, in a conventional manner using the conventional extruder and/or lamination equipment, as well-known for a skilled person.

The different elements of the photovoltaic module are typically assembled together by conventional means to produce the final photovoltaic module. Elements can be provided separately or partly in integrated form to such assembly step. The different elements are then typically attached together by lamination using the conventional lamination techniques in the field, as well-known for a skilled person.

The assembly of photovoltaic module is well-known in the field of photovoltaic modules.

<FIG> is a schematic picture of a typical PV module of the invention comprising a protective front layer element (<NUM>), a front encapsulation layer element (<NUM>), a photovoltaic layer element (<NUM>), a rear encapsulation layer element (<NUM>) and a backsheet layer element (<NUM>), wherein the backsheet layer element comprises the layer element of the invention as defined above or in below claims.

Specifically, the ethylene content of a polypropylene-co-ethylene copolymer is determined using the baseline corrected peak area of the quantitative bands found at <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>-<NUM>. Specifically, the butene or hexene content of a polypropylene copolymer is determined using the baseline corrected peak area of the quantitative bands found at <NUM>-<NUM>-<NUM>. Quantitative results are obtained based upon reference to the film thickness.

The comonomer content is herein assumed to follow the mixing rule (equation <NUM>): <MAT>.

Where C is the content of comonomer in weight-%, w is the weight fraction of the component in the mixture and subscripts b, <NUM> and <NUM> refer to the overall mixture, component <NUM> and component <NUM>, respectively.

As it is well known to the person skilled in the art the comonomer content in weight basis in a binary copolymer can be converted to the comonomer content in mole basis by using the following equation <MAT> where cm is the mole fraction of comonomer units in the copolymer, cw is the weight fraction of comonomer units in the copolymer, MWc is the molecular weight of the comonomer (such as ethylene) and MWm is the molecular weight of the main monomer (i.e., propylene).

Melting temperature (Tm) and heat of fusion (Hf): cooling) in the temperature range of +<NUM> to +<NUM>. The melting temperature and heat of fusion (Hf) are determined from the second heating step. The melting temperatures were taken as the peaks of endotherms.

Flexural Modulus: The flexural modulus was determined according to ISO <NUM>. The test specimens having a dimension of <NUM> x <NUM> x <NUM><NUM> (length x width x thickness) were prepared by injection molding according to EN ISO <NUM>-<NUM>. The length of the span between the supports was <NUM>, the test speed was <NUM>/min and the force was <NUM> N.

The same samples as for flexural modulus testing (<NUM> x <NUM> x <NUM><NUM>) were used to determine the moisture intake. The specimens were stored in water bath (<NUM>) for <NUM> and <NUM> days. Afterwards specimens were dried with water absorbing tissue paper. Moisture content measured with conventional instrumentation, herein supplied by METROHM according to Karl-Fischer Coulometric titration method (ISO <NUM>, method B). This method is based on the reduction of iodine by sulfur dioxide in the presence of water to form sulfur trioxide and hydroiodic acid. Samples (<NUM> - <NUM> +/- <NUM>. ) are cut out and weighed into a vial and closed with a septum cap. The vial is set into the oven and heated up (<NUM>). The water content is set free and transferred via dry Nitrogen into a measuring cell. Measuring time was10min. Xylene cold soluble (XCS): The amount of xylene cold soluble fraction was determined according to ISO <NUM>. The amount of polymer which remains dissolved at <NUM> after cooling is given as the amount of xylene soluble polymer. The content of xylene soluble polymer is herein assumed to follow the mixing rule (equation <NUM>): <MAT>.

Where XCS is the content of xylene soluble polymer in weight-%, w is the weight fraction of the component in the mixture and subscripts b, <NUM> and <NUM> refer to the overall mixture, component <NUM> and component <NUM>, respectively.

Vicat softening temperature: measured according to ASTM D <NUM> method A (<NUM>/h, 10N).

Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT): was measured according to ISO <NUM>-<NUM>. The test specimens having a dimension of <NUM> x <NUM> x <NUM><NUM> (length x width x thickness) were prepared by injection molding according to EN ISO <NUM>-<NUM>. The test specimen is loaded in three-point bending in the flatwise direction (support span: <NUM>). The outer fiber stress used for testing is <NUM> MPa (Method A). The Temperature is raised with constant heating rate of <NUM>/h. The HDT is the temperature at which the bending of the test-specimen reaches a flexural strain increase of <NUM>%.

The above mentioned <NUM> and <NUM> films were tested according to UL94 test, chapter <NUM>. <NUM> x <NUM> specimens were rolled to tubular and conical form (around a <NUM> diameter mandrel) according to the testing procedure. <NUM> samples each were tested, and <NUM> seconds flame was applied <NUM> times on each sample. Afterflame times were recoded, as well as, whether the specimens burn up to <NUM> mark. Also dripping behavior and especially the presence of burning particles igniting cotton indicator was rated. Samples were classified VTM-<NUM>, VTM-<NUM> and fail as described in the standard.

Same testing procedure as above was applied to film specimens which were first stored in water bath (<NUM>) for <NUM> week. Afterwards films were carefully dried (<NUM>) at room temperature before the UL94 testing was performed.

Polymerisation process of the components heterophasic copolymer of propylene (A) (referred below as iPP (A) below examples of tables).

First, <NUM> mol of MgCl<NUM> x <NUM> EtOH was suspended under inert conditions in <NUM> of decane in a reactor at atmospheric pressure. The solution was cooled to the temperature of -<NUM> and <NUM> of cold TiCl<NUM> was added while maintaining the temperature at said level. Then, the temperature of the slurry was increased slowly to <NUM>. At this temperature, <NUM> mol of diethylhexylphthalate (DOP) was added to the slurry. After the addition of the phthalate, the temperature was raised to <NUM> during <NUM> minutes and the slurry was allowed to stand for <NUM> minutes. Then, another <NUM> of TiCl<NUM> was added and the temperature was kept at <NUM> for <NUM> minutes. After this, the catalyst was filtered from the liquid and washed six times with <NUM> heptane at <NUM>. Then, the solid catalyst component was filtered and dried. Catalyst and its preparation concept is described in general e.g. in patent publications <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

Then triethylaluminium (TEAL), dicyclopentyldimethoxysilane (DCPDMS) as donor (Do), catalyst as produced above and vinylcyclohexane (VCH) were added into oil, like mineral oil, e.g. Technol <NUM> (kinematic viscosity at <NUM> <NUM>-<NUM> cSt), in amounts so that Al/Ti was <NUM>-<NUM> mol/mol, Al/Do was as well <NUM>-<NUM> mol/mol, and weight ratio of VCH/solid catalyst was <NUM>:<NUM>. The mixture was heated to <NUM> - <NUM> and allowed to react until the content of the unreacted vinylcyclohexane in the reaction mixture was less than <NUM> ppm. Catalyst concentration in the final oil-catalyst slurry was <NUM> - <NUM> wt%.

All Pilot scale polymers were produced with a prepolymerisation reactor, one slurry loop reactor and two gas phase reactors.

Catalyst was fed continuously to the polymerisation in oil slurry by the piston pump.

Triethylaluminium (TEAL) was used as a co-catalyst and dicyclopentyldimethoxysilane (Donor D) was used as an external donor. Actual TEAL and donor feeds are given in table <NUM>.

The catalyst was flushed with propylene to the prepolymerisation reactor in which also TEAL and D-donor were fed. Prepolymerisation reactor, CSTR was operated at <NUM> and <NUM> barg pressure. The residence time of the particles in propylene slurry was about <NUM>,<NUM>.

The prepolymerised catalyst component was used in loop reactor and gas phase reactors (GPR) connected in series. The process conditions for the loop reactor are given in table <NUM>.

Polymer slurry was fed from loop to the gas phase reactor (GPR1) as a direct feed without flash. GPR operating temperatures and pressures are given in table <NUM>.

The product was transferred from GPR1 to GPR2 as an indirect feed via a flash tank. GPR operating temperatures and pressures are given in table <NUM>.

The production split between loop and GPR was controlled to be close to <NUM>/<NUM>%. The MFR (<NUM>,<NUM> / <NUM>) was controlled by hydrogen feed.

The polymer powder obtained from GPR2 was further melt homogenised and pelletized using a Coperion ZSK57 co-rotating twin screw extruder with screw diameter <NUM> and L/D <NUM>. Screw speed was <NUM> rpm and barrel temperature <NUM>-<NUM>.

For iPP (A), the following additives were added during the melt homogenisation step: <NUM> ppm ADK-STAB A-<NUM> (supplied by Adeka Corporation) and <NUM> ppm Synthetic hydrotalcite (ADK STAB HT supplied by Adeka Corporation).

Preparation of the inventive and comparative PP polymer compositions. The compositions were prepared by compounding the polymers with the other components and conventional additives on a co-rotating twin-screw extruder (ZSK32, Coperion) using a screw speed of <NUM> rpm and a throughput of <NUM>-<NUM>/h. The melt temperature ranged from <NUM>-<NUM>. The components and the amounts thereof are given below under table <NUM>.

The reference comparative compositions CE1 to CE3 are identified in table <NUM> below.

UL-<NUM> test result VTM-<NUM> of CE3 is borderline already as some samples did burn through. IE1 and IE3 are not in accordance with the invention.

Protective front glass element, front EVA-encapsulation layer element, photovoltaic cell element together with connectors, rear EVA-encapsulation layer element and monolayer backsheet of the invention of IE3 were assembled in a conventional laminator, heated under vacuum, and then pressed to a PV module in a conventional manner using conventional conditions.

Claim 1:
A polypropylene composition comprising
(i) more than <NUM> wt% of a polymer of propylene (PP),
(ii) <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of a flame retardant product comprising an inorganic derivative of Phosphor,
(iii) <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of an additive(s) other than the flame retardant product (ii), and
(iv) <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of a plastomer being a copolymer of ethylene with at least one C3 to C10 alpha-olefin and optionally
(v) <NUM> to <NUM> wt% further component(s) other than (i) to (iv);
based on the total amount (<NUM> wt%) of the polypropylene composition.