Patent Description:
A hot melt adhesive (HMA) is a thermoplastic polymer system that can be applied to a substrate in a molten state and then placed in contact with one or more other substrates. Upon cooling and solidifying, the hot melt adhesive forms a bond between the substrates. Hot melt adhesives are used extensively in the packaging industry, e.g., to seal and close cartons or to laminate multilayer papers, and accordingly, the industry continues to search for adhesive compositions having a balance of certain properties such as set time, bonding strength, cohesive strength, fiber tear value, and low viscosity. For instance, <CIT> relates to hot melt adhesives comprising alpha olefin waxes and polar tackifiers.

The hot melt adhesive should have good adhesion over a wide temperature range, e.g., at low temperatures for packaging applications in the frozen-goods sector, and a low viscosity melt to facilitate application to the substrate, especially for automatic processing. The hot melt adhesive should have, on the one hand, a moderate to long open time, defined as the time span between adhesive application to a first substrate and assembly of the parts to be joined. On the other hand, a fast set time is typically required to quickly build up bond strength on fast-running packaging machines. The set time is the time needed for the hot melt adhesive to solidify to the point where it possesses enough bond strength to form bonds to give substrate fiber tear when pulled apart, e.g., at a time when the bond is sufficiently strong such that sealed substrates will not pop open upon exit from the compression section on a packaging line. The bond may continue to build additional strength upon further cooling.

Generally, the use of a specific adhesive is a matter of trading off one property for another, for example, an adhesive that exhibits a low viscosity during set time typically has a low fiber tear value. Indeed, it is challenging to obtain the desired balance among set time, bonding strength, and low viscosity. Conventional hot melt adhesives are optimized either for good adhesion, while sacrificing set time, or for a fast set time, while sacrificing adhesion at low temperatures.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a composition that includes a polymer, a tackifier, and an olefin wax, wherein, if the tackifier includes polar groups, the polar groups are present at <NUM> wt% or less based on the weight of the tackifier, and wherein the polymer is an ethylene-based polymer which includes more than <NUM> wt% ethylene-derived units and from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt % of units derived from at least one alpha-olefin comonomer. In a more specific embodiment, the composition includes from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt% of a the polymer, based on the total weight of the composition. The composition includes from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt% of the tackifier, based on the total weight of the composition. The composition includes from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt% of wax comprising an olefin wax, based on the total weight of the composition. In another embodiment, the composition comprises: from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt% of the polymer, based on the total weight of the composition; from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt% of the tackifier, based on the total weight of the composition; and from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt% of a wax blend comprising (a) an olefin wax and (b) an additional wax, based on the total weight of the composition, wherein the total amount of polymer, tackifier, and wax does not exceed <NUM>% of the composition.

The present inventors recognized a need for and unexpectedly discovered adhesive compositions having advantageous processing properties, such as increased fiber tear while maintaining low viscosity during set time. Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to compositions, such as adhesive compositions, for example, hot melt adhesive composition, that comprise an olefin wax. The present invention provides compositions comprising a polymer, a tackifier, and an olefin wax. The wax may be or include an olefin wax, such as a linear alpha olefin wax. The present inventors unexpectedly discovered compositions including an olefin wax, such as a linear alpha olefin, that provide increased fiber tear while maintaining low viscosity during set time. Compositions of the present disclosure may be used as hot melt adhesives.

Compositions of the present disclosure may include from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt% of polymer, such as from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt%, such as from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt%, based on the total weight of the composition. Compositions of the present disclosure may include from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt% of tackifier, such as from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt%, such as from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt%, based on the total weight of the composition. Compositions of the present disclosure may include from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt% of wax, such as from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt%, such as from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt%, such as from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt%, based on the total weight of the composition.

As used herein, a "composition" can include component(s) of the composition and/or reaction product(s) of two or more components of the composition. Compositions of the present disclosure can be prepared by any suitable mixing process. Mixing can be performed by dry blending or extruding a mixture of the various components of the composition, such as by a masterbatch technique. Compositions can be prepared by blending the components using conventional masticating equipment, for example, a rubber mill, Brabender Mixer, Banbury Mixer, Buss-Ko Kneader, Farrel continuous mixer or twin-screw continuous mixer in the melt, e.g. at a temperature from <NUM> to <NUM>, until a homogeneous blend is obtained. Mixing temperatures may depend on the particular composition being formed, with <NUM> to <NUM> typically being a suitable range. Other embodiments use mixing temperatures of from <NUM> to <NUM>; <NUM> to <NUM>; <NUM> to <NUM>; or <NUM> to about <NUM>.

Waxes of the present disclosure are or include an olefin wax and optionally an additional wax. In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure include from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt% of wax (e.g., a wax content of olefin wax + optional additional wax), such as from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt%, such as from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt%, such as from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt%, based on the total weight of the composition.

In various embodiments, the olefin wax includes olefins and/or alpha olefins with carbon number distributions, alpha olefin contents, and molecular weight distributions, as described herein.

In some embodiments, olefin wax is any composition including an olefin having at least <NUM> carbon atoms, such as at least <NUM> carbon atoms, such as from <NUM> carbon atoms to <NUM> carbon atoms. Generally, an olefin is a hydrocarbon with at least one carbon-carbon double bond. In some embodiments, the olefin wax includes an alpha olefin. An alpha olefin is a hydrocarbon with a carbon-carbon double bond at a terminal position. In at least one embodiment, the olefin wax includes an internal olefin. In some embodiments, the olefin wax includes linear internal olefins. In some embodiments, the olefin wax includes a linear alpha olefin. A linear alpha olefin is an alpha olefin having a straight chain of carbon atoms (e.g., no carbon chain branches) and a carbon-carbon double bond at the terminal position.

The olefin wax may have an olefin content of <NUM>% or less, based on olefinic carbon atoms divided by total carbon atoms as determined by <NUM>C NMR, such as from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, such as from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, such as from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, such as from <NUM>% to <NUM>%.

Olefin content of olefin waxes of the present disclosure can be determined using <NUM>C NMR by dissolving an olefin wax in deuterated <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-tetrachloroethane (tce-d2) at a concentration of <NUM>/mL at <NUM>. Spectra can be recorded at <NUM> using a Bruker NMR spectrometer of at least <NUM> with a <NUM> cryoprobe. A <NUM>° pulse, <NUM> delay, <NUM> transients, and gated decoupling can be used for measuring the <NUM>C NMR spectra. Resonance peaks are referenced to Polyethylene main peak at <NUM> ppm. Calculations involved in the characterization of polymers by NMR follow the work of <NPL> and <NPL>).

The olefin wax may include one or more olefins. Compositions may include one or more additional waxes, as described in more detail below. In at least one embodiment, a wax of the present disclosure includes greater than <NUM> mol% olefin wax (e.g., olefin-containing molecules) having at least <NUM> carbon atoms, based on the total amount of wax in the composition, such as greater than <NUM> mol% olefin wax having at least <NUM> carbon atoms, such as greater than <NUM> mol% olefin wax having at least <NUM> carbon atoms, such as greater than <NUM> mol% olefin wax having at least <NUM> carbon atoms, such as greater than <NUM> mol% olefins having at least <NUM> carbon atoms, such as greater than <NUM> mol% olefins having at least <NUM> carbon atoms.

In some embodiments, the olefin wax includes alpha olefins. In at least one embodiment, the wax includes greater than <NUM> mol% alpha olefins having at least <NUM> carbon atoms, based on the total amount of wax (olefin wax + optional additional wax) in the composition, such as greater than <NUM> mol% alpha olefins having at least <NUM> carbon atoms, such as greater than <NUM> mol% alpha olefins having at least <NUM> carbon atoms, such as greater than <NUM> mol% alpha olefins having at least <NUM> carbon atoms, such as greater than <NUM> mol% alpha olefins having at least <NUM> carbon atoms, such as greater than <NUM> mol% alpha olefins having at least <NUM> carbon atoms.

In at least one embodiment, the olefin wax includes greater than <NUM> wt% olefins having from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, based on the total amount of olefin wax in the composition, such as greater than <NUM> wt% olefins having from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, such as greater than <NUM> wt% percent olefins having from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, such as greater than <NUM> wt% olefins having from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, such as greater than <NUM> wt% olefins having from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms.

In at least one embodiment, the olefin wax includes greater than <NUM> wt% olefins having from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, based on the total amount of olefin wax in the composition, such as greater than <NUM> wt% olefins having from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, such as greater than <NUM> wt% olefins having from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, such as greater than <NUM> wt% olefins having from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, such as greater than <NUM> wt% olefins having from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms.

In at least one embodiment, the olefin wax includes greater than <NUM> wt% olefins having from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, based on the total amount of olefin wax in the composition, such as greater than <NUM> wt% olefins having from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, such as greater than <NUM> wt% olefins having from <NUM> to about <NUM> carbon atoms, such as greater than <NUM> wt% olefins having from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, such as greater than <NUM> wt% olefins having from about <NUM> to about <NUM> carbon atoms.

In at least one embodiment, the olefin wax includes greater than <NUM> wt% olefins having at least <NUM> carbon atoms, based on the total amount of olefin wax in the composition, such as greater than <NUM> wt% olefins having at least <NUM> carbon atoms, such as greater than <NUM> wt% percent olefins having at least <NUM> carbon atoms, such as greater than about <NUM> wt% olefins having at least <NUM> carbon atoms, such as greater than <NUM> wt% olefins having at least <NUM> carbon atoms.

Alternatively, the olefin wax may be described as an olefin wax having an average molecular weight (Mw, as measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC)) of the olefin components thereof. In some embodiments, the olefin wax has an average molecular weight greater than <NUM> grams/mole, such as greater than <NUM> grams/mole, such as greater than <NUM> grams/mole, such as from <NUM> grams/mole to <NUM> grams/mole, such as from <NUM> grams/mole to <NUM> grams/mole, such as from <NUM> grams/mole to <NUM> grams/mole, alternatively from <NUM> grams/mole to <NUM> grams/mole, such as from about <NUM> grams/mole to <NUM> grams/mole, such as from <NUM> grams/mole to <NUM> grams/mole, alternatively from <NUM> grams/mole to <NUM> grams/mole, such as from about <NUM> grams/mole to <NUM> grams/mole, such as from <NUM> grams/mole to <NUM> grams/mole.

Commercially available olefin waxes can contain a number of alpha olefins having at least <NUM> carbon atoms, alpha olefins having at least <NUM> carbon atoms, as well as other compounds (smaller alpha olefins, internal olefins, vinylidene, or others). One source of commercially available alpha olefin waxes is ExxonMobil Chemical Company, Baytown, Texas.

In at least one embodiment, the olefin wax includes one or more of: (<NUM>) an olefin having from <NUM> carbon atoms to <NUM> carbon atoms, (<NUM>) an olefin having from <NUM> carbon atoms to <NUM> carbon atoms, (<NUM>) an olefin having from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, and/or (<NUM>) an olefin having from having at least <NUM> carbon atoms.

Commercially available olefin waxes may further include vinylidene or internal olefins, up to <NUM> wt% of the wax. In at least one embodiment, and regardless of the number of carbons in the olefin, the olefin wax is an alpha olefin having high alpha olefin content (of total olefins), known as a high alpha olefin (HA) AO wax. By "HA wax" is meant a wax including (a) one or more alpha olefins and (b) less than <NUM> wt% (vinylidene + internal olefins).

Independently, commercially available olefin waxes may further include non-olefin hydrocarbons, such as paraffins (hydrocarbons wherein all bonds between carbon atoms are single bonds). In various embodiments, other components known in the art to acceptably be present in olefin waxes are present as well.

In some embodiments, olefin waxes include olefin streams from ethylene oligomerization, cracked heavy waxes (e.g. Fischer-Tropsch waxes), and/or mixtures of paraffins and olefins, among others.

In some embodiments, the olefin wax includes commercially available normal alpha olefin waxes. One source of commercially available alpha olefin waxes is ExxonMobil Chemical Company, Baytown, Texas.

In various embodiments, olefin waxes of the present disclosure have one or more of the following properties: (<NUM>) a congealing point of from <NUM> to <NUM>, according to ASTM D938, such as from <NUM> to <NUM>, such as from <NUM> to <NUM>; (<NUM>) a penetration @<NUM> (<NUM>, needle) according to ASTM D1321, of from <NUM> to <NUM>, such as from <NUM> to <NUM>, such as from <NUM> to <NUM>; (<NUM>) a density @<NUM> of from <NUM>/m<NUM> to <NUM>/m<NUM>, according to ASTM D4052, such as from <NUM>/m<NUM> to <NUM>/m<NUM>, such as from <NUM>/m<NUM> to <NUM>/m<NUM>; (<NUM>) a kinematic viscosity @<NUM> of from <NUM><NUM>/s to <NUM><NUM>/s, according to ASTM D445, such as from <NUM><NUM>/s to <NUM><NUM>/s, such as from <NUM><NUM>/s to about <NUM><NUM>/s; and/or (<NUM>) a drop melting point of from <NUM> to <NUM>, such as from <NUM> to <NUM>, such as from <NUM> to <NUM>, according to ASTM D3954. Commercially available linear alpha olefins can have a congealing point (ASTM D938) of <NUM>; penetration @<NUM> (<NUM>/<NUM>)(ASTM D1321) of <NUM>; density @<NUM> (ASTM D4052) of <NUM>/m<NUM>; kinematic viscosity @<NUM> (ASTM D445) of <NUM><NUM>/s. Commercially available linear alpha olefins can have a density of <NUM>-<NUM>/m<NUM> @<NUM>; a dynamic viscosity @<NUM> of <NUM> mPa·sec (cPs), and a melting point of <NUM>.

Compositions of the present disclosure can optionally include an additional wax (e.g., a wax in addition to an olefin wax). Additional waxes can be used to modify the properties of a hot melt composition. Additional waxes can reduce the overall viscosity of the adhesive, thereby allowing it to liquefy more easily. The additional wax may also help control the open time, set time, and thermal stability of the system. In some embodiments, the additional wax may be included in a composition in an amount of at least <NUM> wt%, at least <NUM> wt%, or at least <NUM> wt% of the total weight of the adhesive composition. Also, the additional wax may be present in the composition in an amount of up to <NUM> wt%, <NUM> wt%, <NUM> wt%, <NUM> wt%, <NUM> wt%, <NUM> wt%, or <NUM> wt%, based on the total weight of the adhesive composition.

Suitable additional waxes can include paraffin waxes, microcrystalline waxes, high-density low molecular weight polyethylene waxes, by-product polyethylene waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, oxidized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, and functionalized waxes such as hydroxy stearamide waxes and fatty amide waxes. Modified waxes, such as vinyl acetate-modified and maleic anhydride-modified waxes may also be used.

Fischer-Tropsch waxes may have one or more of the following properties: (<NUM>) a melting point (ASTM D <NUM>) of from <NUM> to <NUM>, such as from <NUM> to <NUM>, such as from <NUM> to <NUM>, (<NUM>) penetration @<NUM> (needle, <NUM>)(ASTM D <NUM>) of from <NUM> to <NUM>, such as from <NUM> to <NUM>; (<NUM>) penetration @<NUM> (needle, <NUM>)(ASTM D <NUM>) of from <NUM> to <NUM>, such as from <NUM> to <NUM>; (<NUM>) a molecular weight (weight average molecular weight Mw) of from <NUM>/mole to <NUM>,<NUM>/mole, such as from <NUM>/mole to <NUM>/mole.

Fischer-Tropsch waxes may include Sasolwax H1 Fischer-Tropsch Hard Wax available from Sasol Performance Chemicals of Hamburg, Germany. Sasolwax H1 Fischer-Tropsch Hard Wax has a drop melting point of <NUM> (ASTM D3954), a Brookfield Viscosity at <NUM> of <NUM> mPa·sec (cPs) (Sasol <NUM> method), and a molecular weight of <NUM> Dalton.

Paraffin waxes can have one or more of the following properties: (<NUM>) a drop melting point according to ASTM D3954 of from <NUM> to <NUM>; (<NUM>) penetration @<NUM> (needle, <NUM>)(ASTM D <NUM>) of from <NUM> to <NUM>, such as from <NUM> to <NUM>; (<NUM>) penetration @<NUM> (needle, <NUM>)(ASTM D <NUM>) of from <NUM> to <NUM>, such as from <NUM> to <NUM>; (<NUM>) kinematic viscosity @<NUM> (ASTM D <NUM>) of from <NUM> mm<NUM>/s ()mm<NUM>/s ()mm<NUM>/s ()mm<NUM>/s)<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>/m<NUM>, such as from <NUM>/m<NUM> to <NUM>/m<NUM>.

Paraffin waxes may include PARVAN <NUM> available from ExxonMobil Chemical Company, Baytown, TX. PARVAN <NUM> has a melting point of about <NUM> (ASTM D87), kinematic viscosity @ <NUM> of <NUM> mm<NUM>/s ()<NUM> (ASTM D1298).

Exemplary additional waxes have a drop melting point according to ASTM D3954 of from <NUM> to <NUM> and/or have an oil content of less than <NUM> wt%, such as less than <NUM> wt%.

Compositions include a tackifier. Compositions of the present disclosure may include from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt% of tackifier, such as from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt%, such as from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt%, such as from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt%, such as from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt%, based on the total weight of the composition.

Tackifiers may provide initial adhesion to differentiated substrates. Tack can be useful in a hot melt adhesive composition to allow for joining of articles before the heated adhesive hardens. Tackifiers can be added to give tack to the adhesive composition and also to lower the viscosity of the composition. The tackifiers can allow the composition to be more adhesive by improving wetting during the application. The presence of tackifiers can lower the resistance to deformation and facilitate bond formation on contact.

Examples of suitable tackifiers can include aliphatic hydrocarbon tackifiers, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon tackifiers, cyclopentadiene tackifiers, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene tackifiers, polycyclopentadiene tackifiers, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene tackifiers, hydrogenated aliphatic hydrocarbon tackifiers, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic tackifiers, aromatic hydrocarbon tackifiers, hydrogenated aromatic hydrocarbon tackifiers, cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon tackifiers, hydrogenated cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon tackifiers, terpene-phenol tackifiers, hydrogenated terpenes and modified terpenes, rosin acid tackifiers, hydrogenated rosin acids, rosin ester tackifiers, and hydrogenated rosin esters. In some embodiments the tackifier is hydrogenated. In some embodiments, the adhesive composition includes a combination of tackifiers.

In some embodiments, the tackifier is non-polar, by which is meant that the tackifier is substantially free of monomers having polar groups. In some embodiments, the polar groups are not present, however if present, the polar groups can include not more than <NUM> wt% or less, such as <NUM> wt% or less, of the tackifier. In some embodiments, the tackifier has a softening point (Ring and Ball, as measured by ASTM E-<NUM>) of from <NUM> to <NUM>, such as from <NUM> to <NUM>. In some embodiments, the tackifier is liquid and has a ring and ball softening point of from <NUM> and <NUM>.

Examples of hydrocarbon tackifiers for use as tackifiers can include:.

In some embodiments, the hydrocarbon tackifier has a total dicyclopentadiene, cyclopentadiene, and methylcyclopentadiene derived content of from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt% of the total weight of the hydrocarbon tackifier and wherein the hydrocarbon tackifier has a weight average molecular weight of from <NUM>/mol to <NUM>/mol.

Suitable commercially available tackifiers may include ESCOREZ™ <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> series hydrocarbon tackifiers (such as ESCOREZ ™ E5400 or E5615), ECR-<NUM>, OPPERA™ PR <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, available from ExxonMobil Chemical Company, ARKON™ M series, ARKON™ P series, and SUPER ESTER™ rosin esters available from Arakawa Chemical Company of Japan, SYLVARES™ phenol modified styrene-α methyl styrene tackifiers, styrenated terpene tackifiers, ZONATAC™ terpene-aromatic tackifiers, and terpene phenolic tackifiers available from Arizona Chemical Company of Jacksonville, Fla. , SYLVATAC™ and SYLVALITE™ rosin esters available from Arizona Chemical Company, NORSOLENE™ aliphatic aromatic tackifiers available from Cray Valley of France, DERTOPHENE™ terpene phenolic tackifiers available from DRT Chemical Company of Landes, France, EASTOTAC™ tackifiers, PICCOTAC™ C5/C9 tackifiers, REGALITE™ and REGALREZ™ aromatic, and REGALITE™ cycloaliphatic/aromatic tackifiers available from Eastman Chemical Company of Kingsport, Term. , WINGTACKT™ tackifiers available from Goodyear Chemical Company of Akron, Ohio, FORAL™, PENTALYN™, and PERMALYN™ rosins and rosin esters available from Eastman Chemical Company, QUINTONE™ acid modified C5 tackifiers, C5/C9 tackifiers, and acid modified C5/C9 tackifiers available from Nippon Zeon of Japan, and LX™ mixed aromatic/cycloaliphatic tackifiers available from Neville Chemical Company of Pittsburgh, Pa. , CLEARON™ hydrogenated terpene aromatic tackifiers available from Yasuhara Chemical of Japan.

A class of tackifiers that can be employed is the coumarone-indene tackifiers, such as the para-coumarone-indene tackifiers. Generally the coumarone-indene tackifiers that can be employed have a molecular weight (Mw) that ranges from <NUM>/mol to <NUM>,<NUM>/mol. Non-limiting examples of tackifiers of this type that are available commercially include those materials marketed as PICCO-<NUM> and PICCO-<NUM>.

Another class of tackifiers that can be employed is terpene tackifiers, including styrenated terpenes. These terpene tackifiers can have a molecular weight (Mw) that ranges from <NUM>/mol to <NUM>,<NUM>/mol. Typical commercially available tackifiers of this type are marketed as PICCOLYTE S-<NUM>, as STAYBELITE Ester #<NUM>, which is a glycerol ester of hydrogenated rosin, and as WINGTACK <NUM>, which is a polyterpene tackifier.

Another class of tackifiers that can be employed is the butadiene-styrene tackifiers having a molecular weight from <NUM>/mol to <NUM>,<NUM>/mol. A non-limiting example of this tackifier that is commercially available is marketed as BUTON <NUM>, a liquid butadiene-styrene copolymer tackifier having a molecular weight of about <NUM>,<NUM>/mol. Another class of tackifiers is polybutadiene tackifiers having a molecular weight (Mw) from <NUM>/mol to <NUM>,<NUM>/mol. A non-limiting example of this tackifier that is commercially available is marketed as BUTON <NUM>, a liquid polybutadiene tackifier having a molecular weight (Mw) of from <NUM>,<NUM>/mol to <NUM>,<NUM>/mol.

Another class of tackifiers that can be employed are the so-called hydrocarbon tackifiers produced by catalytic polymerization of selected fractions obtained in the refining of petroleum, and having a molecular weight (Mw) of from <NUM>/mol to <NUM>,<NUM>/mol. Examples of such tackifier are those marketed as PICCOPALE-<NUM>, and as AMOCO and VELSICOL tackifiers. Similarly, polybutenes obtained from the polymerization of isobutylene may be included as a tackifier.

The tackifier may also include rosin materials, such as low molecular weight styrene hard tackifiers such as the material marketed as PICCOLASTIC A-<NUM>, disproportionated pentaerythritol esters, and copolymers of aromatic and aliphatic monomer systems of the type marketed as VELSICOL WX-<NUM>.

Rosins may be any standard material of commerce known as "rosin", or a feedstock containing rosin. Rosin is mainly a mixture of C20, tricyclic fused-ring, monocarboxylic acids, typified by pimaric and abietic acids, which are commonly referred to as "resin acids. " Any one or more of the C20 cyclic carboxylic acid-containing isomers present in rosin may be used. Rosin is the residue left after distilling off the volatile oil from the oleoresin obtained from Pinus palustris and other species of Pinus, Pinaceae. It is available as wood rosin (from Southern pine stumps after harvesting the stumps, chipping the stumps into small chips, extracting the chips with hexane or higher-boiling paraffin, and distilling the hexane or paraffin to yield wood rosin) gum rosin (the exudates from incisions in the living tree, P. palustris and P. caribaea) and tall oil rosin. Rosin contains about <NUM>% resin acids and about <NUM>% neutral matter. The acids present in natural rosin may be purified by, for example, by saponification, extraction of the neutral matter and reacidifying. Of the resin acids about <NUM>% are isomeric with abietic acid (C<NUM>H<NUM>O<NUM>); the other <NUM>% is a mixture of dihydroabietic acid (C<NUM>H<NUM>O<NUM>) and dehydroabietic acid (C<NUM>H<NUM>O<NUM>). (See <NPL>, entry <NUM>). Tall oil, also known as liquid rosin, is a byproduct of the wood pulp industry and is usually recovered from pinewood "black liquor" of the sulfate or Kraft paper process. According to the Kraft process, pinewood is digested with alkali and sulfide, producing tall oil soap and crude sulfate turpentine as by-products. Acidification of this soap followed by fractionation of the crude tall oil yields tall oil rosin and fatty acids. Tall oil typically contains rosin acids (<NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt%), fatty acids such as oleic and linoleic acids (<NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt%) and neutral matter (<NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt%). (See<NPL>, entry <NUM>). For example, the rosin can contain at least <NUM> wt% resin acids and less than <NUM> wt% fatty acids. Some rosin dimerization product, which may form during the fractionation process, may also be present in the tall oil rosin. Rosin is available commercially in several grades (for example, under the tradename RESINALL from Resinall Corporation, and other products supplied by Hercules, Aarakawa, etc.). A standard grade of rosin is available commercially from Union Camp Corporation (Wayne, N. ) under the UNITOL tradename. Commercially available rosins that can be used to practice the present disclosure also include SYLVARES RE <NUM>, available from Arizona Chemical and SYLVARES RE <NUM>, available from Arizona Chemical.

As used herein, the term "rosin" collectively includes natural rosins, liquid rosins, modified rosins and the purified rosin acids, and derivatives of rosin acids, including partially to completely neutralized salts with metal ions, e.g. resinate, etc. The rosin may be gum, wood or tall oil rosin, and can be tall oil rosin.

The rosin material may be modified rosin such as dimerized rosin, hydrogenated rosin, disproportionated rosin, or esters of rosin. Essentially any reaction conditions recognized in the art for preparing modified rosin tackifiers (including derivatives thereof) may be employed to prepare a modified rosin. Rosins can be modified by, for example, esterification of some or all of the carboxylic moieties or by forming carboxylate salts by saponification. Esters can be prepared by esterifying the rosin with polyhydric alcohols containing from <NUM> to <NUM> alcohol groups.

Phenolic-modified rosin esters can be prepared by the reaction of rosin and a phenolic compound. This phenolic tackifier is then esterified with a polyhydric alcohol providing phenolic-modified rosin esters. Typically, the combinations of reactants are exposed to an elevated temperature in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>. At these elevated temperatures, the reactants undergo covalent bond-forming reactions with other reactants, so that a resinous material is formed. Reaction products of rosins and their methods of preparation are well known in the art (See for example <CIT>).

Aromatic tackifiers can include thermoplastic hydrocarbon tackifiers derived from styrene, alpha-methylstyrene, and/or vinyltoluene, and polymers, copolymers and terpolymers thereof, terpenes, terpene phenolics, modified terpenes, and combinations thereof. KRYSTALEX <NUM> is an example low molecular weight thermoplastic hydrocarbon polymer derived largely from alphamethylstryene with a Ring and Ball softening point of from <NUM> to <NUM>, commercially available from Hercules Inc.

A more comprehensive listing of tackifiers, which can be employed, is provided in the <NPL>. , which lists well over <NUM> tackifiers that are commercially available.

Exemplary tackifiers that can be employed will generally have average softening points ranging from <NUM> to <NUM>, such as from <NUM> to <NUM>, a weight average molecular weight greater than <NUM>/mol, an acid number of less than <NUM>, and/or a Brookfield viscosity at <NUM> of greater than <NUM>,<NUM> mPa·sec (cPs), according to ASTM D-<NUM>.

One can determine the molecular weight and softening point of a tackifier by dissolving the material in a suitable solvent such as tetrahydrofuran, and analyzing a sample of that solution using gel permeation chromatography. The molecular weight average in grams/mole, Mw, is determined by comparison to the retention time and elution profile of polystyrene standards of known molecular weight (commercially available from many Chromatography supply houses, e.g., Supelco, Inc. or Waters Associates). The softening point may be measured using a Mettler FP90 Central Processor and a Mettler FP83 HT Dropping Point cell with a softening point ring.

Compositions can include one or more polymers (also referred to as a "binder"). Compositions of the present disclosure may include from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt% of polymer, such as from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt%, such as from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt%, such as from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt%, based on the total weight of the composition.

The adhesive composition includes a C<NUM>-based polymer component. The C<NUM>-based polymer component includes more than <NUM> wt% ethylene-derived units and from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt% of units derived from at least one first comonomer. The first comonomer is an alpha-olefin, such as propylene, <NUM>-butene or <NUM>-octene. The first comonomer may be selected from the group consisting of propylene, a C<NUM> to C<NUM> alpha-olefin, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the C<NUM>-based polymer component is a random copolymer and in other embodiments the C<NUM>-based polymer component is an elastomeric random copolymer.

In some embodiments, the C<NUM>-based polymers include units derived from ethylene and from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt% (such as from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt%) of units derived from C<NUM> to C<NUM> alpha-olefins. In another embodiment, the first comonomer may include at least one C<NUM> to C<NUM> alpha-olefin. In one or more embodiments, the first comonomer units may derive from propylene, <NUM>-butene, <NUM>-hexene, <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-pentene, <NUM>-octene, and/or <NUM>-decene, such as, <NUM>-hexene or <NUM>-octene.

In one or more embodiments, the C<NUM>-based polymers include at least <NUM> wt%, at least <NUM> wt%, at least <NUM> wt%, at least <NUM> wt%, at least <NUM> wt%, at least <NUM> wt%, or at least <NUM> wt% of at least one first comonomer selected from the group consisting of C<NUM> to C<NUM> alpha-olefins, and combinations thereof. For example, the C<NUM>-based polymer can include <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt% of ethylene-derived units and <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt% of octene-derived units, based on the weight of the C<NUM>-based polymer. In those or other embodiments, the C<NUM>-based polymers may include up to <NUM> wt%, or up to <NUM> wt%, or up to <NUM> wt%, or up to <NUM> wt%, or up to <NUM> wt%, or up to <NUM> wt%, or up to <NUM> wt%, or up to <NUM> wt%, or up to <NUM> wt% of at least one first comonomer selected from the group consisting of C<NUM> to C<NUM> alpha-olefin, such as <NUM>-octene, and combinations thereof, based on the weight of the polymer. Stated another way, the C<NUM>-based polymers may include at least <NUM> wt%, or at least <NUM> wt%, or at least <NUM> wt%, or at least <NUM> wt%, or at least <NUM> wt%, or at least <NUM> wt%, or at least <NUM> wt%, or at least <NUM> wt%, or at least <NUM> wt%, or at least <NUM> wt% of ethylene-derived units; and in these or other embodiments, the C<NUM>-based polymers may include up to <NUM> wt%, or up to <NUM> wt%, or up to <NUM> wt%, or up to <NUM> wt%, or up to <NUM> wt%, or up to <NUM> wt%, or up to <NUM> wt% of ethylene-derived units, based on the weight of the polymer.

The C<NUM>-based polymers of one or more embodiments are characterized by having a single melting temperature as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The melting point is defined as the temperature of the greatest heat absorption within the range of melting of the sample. The C<NUM>-based polymer may show secondary melting peaks adjacent to the principal peak, but for purposes herein, these secondary melting peaks are considered together as a single melting point, with the highest of these peaks being considered the melting point (Tm) of the C<NUM>-based polymer.

In one or more embodiments, the Tm of the C<NUM>-based polymers (as determined by DSC) is less than <NUM>, or less than <NUM>, or less than <NUM>, or less than <NUM>, or less than <NUM>, or less than <NUM>, or less than <NUM>, or less than <NUM>, or less than <NUM>.

In one or more embodiments, the C<NUM>-based polymers may be characterized by a heat of fusion (Hf), as determined by differential scanning calorimetry according to ASTM D-<NUM>-<NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the heat of fusion of the C<NUM>-based polymer is less than <NUM> J/g, or less than <NUM> J/g, or less than <NUM> J/g, or less than <NUM> J/g. In other embodiments, the heat of fusion is from any lower limit of <NUM> J/g, or <NUM> J/g, or <NUM> J/g, or <NUM> J/g, or <NUM> J/g, or <NUM> J/g, or about <NUM> J/g, up to any upper limit of <NUM> J/g, or <NUM> J/g, or <NUM> J/g, or <NUM> J/g, or <NUM> J/g, or <NUM> J/g, or <NUM> J/g. For example, the heat of fusion of the C<NUM>-based polymer is from <NUM> J/g to <NUM> J/g, or from <NUM> J/g to <NUM> J/g, or from <NUM> J/g to <NUM> J/g, or from about <NUM> J/g to <NUM> J/g. For example, the heat of fusion of the C<NUM>-based polymer is from <NUM> J/g to <NUM> J/g. The heat of fusion may be reduced by using additional comonomer, operating at higher polymerization temperatures, and/or using a different catalyst that provides reduced levels of steric constraints and favors more propagation errors for monomer insertion.

In one or more embodiments, the C<NUM>-based polymer may have a percent crystallinity of from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, or from <NUM>% to <NUM>%. Percent crystallinity may be determined by dividing the heat of fusion of a sample by the heat of fusion of a <NUM>% crystalline polymer, which is <NUM> J/g (joules/gram) for polyethylene according to <NPL>.

In one or more embodiments, the C<NUM>-based polymer may have a density of from <NUM>/cm<NUM> to <NUM>/cm<NUM>, from <NUM>/cm<NUM> to <NUM>/cm<NUM>, or from <NUM>/cm<NUM> to <NUM>/cm<NUM> at <NUM>, as measured per the ASTM D-<NUM> test method.

In one or more embodiments, the C<NUM>-based polymer may have a melt flow rate (MFR), as measured according to ASTM D-<NUM>, <NUM> weight at <NUM>, of greater than or equal to <NUM> dg/min, or at least <NUM> dg/min, or at least <NUM> dg/min, or at least <NUM> dg/min. In these or other embodiments, the melt flow rate may be equal to or less than <NUM> dg/min, or less than <NUM> dg/min, or less than <NUM> dg/min, or less than <NUM> dg/min, or less than <NUM> dg/min, or less than <NUM> dg/min, or less than <NUM> dg/min, or less than <NUM> dg/min, or less than <NUM> dg/min, or less than <NUM> dg/min, or less than about <NUM> dg/min, or less than <NUM> dg/min, or less than <NUM> dg/min.

In one or more embodiments, the C<NUM>-based polymer may have a melt flow rate (MFR), as measured according to the ASTM D-<NUM>, <NUM> weight at <NUM>, greater than or equal to <NUM> dg/min, greater than or equal to <NUM> dg/min, or greater than or equal to <NUM>,<NUM> dg/min, or greater than or equal to <NUM>,<NUM> dg/min, greater than or equal to <NUM>,<NUM> dg/min, or greater than or equal to <NUM>,<NUM> dg/min, or greater than or equal to <NUM>,<NUM> dg/min, or greater than or equal to <NUM>,<NUM> dg/min, or greater than or equal to <NUM>,<NUM> dg/min, or greater than or equal to <NUM>,<NUM> dg/min, or greater than or equal to <NUM>,<NUM> dg/min.

In one or more embodiments, the C<NUM>-based polymer can have a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of <NUM>,<NUM>/mol or less, for example, from <NUM>,<NUM>/mol to <NUM>,<NUM>/mol, or from <NUM>,<NUM>/mol to <NUM>,<NUM>/mol, or from <NUM>,<NUM>/mol to <NUM>,<NUM>/mol, or from <NUM>,<NUM>/mol to <NUM>,<NUM>/mol, or from <NUM>,<NUM>/mol to <NUM>,<NUM>/mol.

In one or more embodiments, the C<NUM>-based polymer can have a number average molecular weight (Mn) of from <NUM>,<NUM>/mol to <NUM>,<NUM>/mol, or from <NUM>,<NUM>/mol to <NUM>,<NUM>/mol, or from <NUM>,<NUM>/mol to <NUM>,<NUM>/mol.

In one or more embodiments, the molecular weight distribution (MWD), the ratio of the weight-average molecular weight (Mw) to a number-average molecular weight (Mn), of the C<NUM>-based polymer (Mw/Mn), may be from <NUM> to <NUM>, or from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or from <NUM> to <NUM>, or from <NUM> to <NUM>. For example, the ratio of a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) to a number-average molecular weight (Mn) may be from <NUM> to <NUM>, or from <NUM> to <NUM>, or from <NUM> to <NUM>, or from <NUM> to <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the C<NUM>-based polymers can have a viscosity (also referred to a Brookfield viscosity or melt viscosity) of at least <NUM> mPa·sec at <NUM> (as measured by ASTM D-<NUM>). Such viscosity may be from <NUM> mPa·sec up to <NUM>,<NUM> mPa·sec, or from <NUM> mPa·sec to <NUM>,<NUM> mPa·sec, or from <NUM> mPa·sec to about <NUM>,<NUM> mPa·sec, or from <NUM> mPa·sec to <NUM>,<NUM> mPa·sec, or from <NUM> mPa·sec to from <NUM>,<NUM> mPa·sec.

In some embodiments, the C<NUM>-based polymers can have a viscosity (also referred to a Brookfield viscosity or melt viscosity) of greater than <NUM> mPa·sec at <NUM> (as measured by ASTM D-<NUM>), or greater than <NUM> mPa·sec, or greater than <NUM>,<NUM> mPa·sec, or greater than <NUM>,<NUM> mPa·sec, or greater than <NUM>,<NUM> mPa·sec, or greater than <NUM>,<NUM> mPa·sec, or greater than <NUM>,<NUM> mPa·sec.

C2-based polymers may be synthesized using any suitable polymerization method or, in some embodiments, may be obtained commercially such as AFFINITY™ polymer available from The Dow Chemical Co.

The adhesive compositions can optionally include small amounts of additional materials. Such optional additives can include plasticizers, stabilizers including viscosity stabilizers and hydrolytic stabilizers, primary and secondary antioxidants, ultraviolet ray absorbers, anti-static agents, dyes, pigments or other coloring agents, inorganic fillers, fire-retardants, lubricants, reinforcing agents such as glass fiber and flakes, processing aids, slip additives, antiblock agents such as silica or talc, release agents and/or mixtures thereof. These additives are described in the Kirk Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology.

These additives, when present, may be present in the composition in amounts of at least <NUM> wt%, at least <NUM> wt%, at least <NUM> wt%, or at least <NUM> wt% of the total weight of the composition up to about <NUM> wt% of the total weight of the composition. The additives may be present in amounts from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt%, such as from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt%, such as from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt%.

Liquid plasticizers such as oils, and solid plasticizers such as benzoate esters available from Velsicol Chemical Corp. in Rosemont, Ill. under the trade name BENZOFLEX, can be used to obtain longer open times, lower viscosity, improved adhesion, and improved cold temperature flexibility. Plasticizing oils that may be useful include olefin oligomers and low molecular weight polymers, as well as vegetable and animal oils and their derivatives. Suitable petroleum-derived oils can include relatively high boiling point materials containing a minor proportion of aromatic hydrocarbons, such as less than <NUM> wt%, such as less than <NUM> wt% by weight of the oil. Alternatively, the oil may be essentially free, or free, of aromatics.

Stabilizers or antioxidants can be added to protect the composition from degradation caused by reaction with oxygen induced by such things as heat, light, or residual catalyst from the raw materials such as the tackifying resin.

Stabilizers or antioxidants can be high molecular weight hindered phenols and multifunctional phenols such as sulfur- and phosphorous-containing phenol. Hindered phenols are characterized as phenolic compounds that contain sterically bulky radicals in close proximity to the phenolic hydroxyl group. Non-limiting examples of hindered phenols include <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trimethyl-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-tris-(<NUM>,<NUM>-di-tert-butyl-<NUM>-hydroxybenzyl)-benzene; pentaerythrityl tetrakis-<NUM>(<NUM>,<NUM>-di-tert-butyl-<NUM>-hydroxyphenyl)-propionate (IRGANOX <NUM>); n-octadecyl-<NUM>(<NUM>,<NUM>-di-tert-butyl-<NUM>-hydroxyphenyl)-propionate (IRGANOX-<NUM>); <NUM>,<NUM>'-methylenebis (<NUM>,<NUM>-tert-butyl-phenol); <NUM>,<NUM>'-thiobis (<NUM>-tert-butyl-o-cresol); <NUM>,<NUM>-di-n-tertbutylphenol; <NUM>-(<NUM>-hydroxyphenoxy)-<NUM>,<NUM>-bis(n-octyl-thio)-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> triazine; (di-n-octylthio)ethyl <NUM>,<NUM>-di-tert-butyl-<NUM>-hydroxy-benzoate; sorbitol hexa[<NUM>-(<NUM>,5di-tert-butyl-<NUM>-hydroxy-phenyl)-propionate]; and <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-tri(<NUM>,<NUM>-di-tert-butyl-<NUM>-hydroxybenzyl-isocyanurate (IRGANOX <NUM>).

The performance of these antioxidants may be enhanced by using known synergists such as, for example, thiodipropionate esters and phosphites. For example, distearylthiodipropionate may be used.

The composition optionally includes a crosslinking agent selected from the group consisting of melamine resins, epoxy resins, amine-containing resins, metal alkoxides, and metal salts of organic acids. Crosslinking, also known as curing, can provide stronger and more elastic adhesive compositions by forming reversible or irreversible links between the individual polymer chains. Heat and/or pressure can cure the adhesive composition after it has been applied. Although a crosslinking agent may be desirable in some cases, crosslinking is not necessary in others. Accordingly, of note is the composition that does not include a crosslinking agent.

Crosslinking agents or curing agents that can be used with polymers containing acid cure sites include di- and multi-functional amine-containing resins, such as hexamethylenediamine carbamate (HMDAC), hexamethylenediamine (HMDA), triethylenetetramine, tetramethylene-pentamine, hexamethylenediamine-cinnamaldehyde adduct, and hexamethylene-diamine dibenzoate salt. Aromatic amines can also be used as curing agents. Combinations of two or more curing agents may also be used. The curing agent(s) may be added neat or in an inert carrier. Methods for curing using aqueous HMDA are described in <CIT>.

In some embodiments, the composition has an elongation at break, measured according to method ISO <NUM>, of greater than <NUM>%, such as from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, such as from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, such as from <NUM>% to <NUM>%.

In at least one embodiment, the composition has a Brookfield viscosity @<NUM> of from <NUM> ePs mPa·sec (or centipoise (cPs)) to <NUM>,<NUM> mPa·sec, according to ASTM D-<NUM>, such as from <NUM> mPa·sec to <NUM>,<NUM> mPa·sec, such as from <NUM> mPa·sec to <NUM>,<NUM> mPa·sec, such as from <NUM> mPa·sec to <NUM> mPa·sec or from <NUM> mPa·sec to <NUM>,<NUM> mPa·sec.

In at least one embodiment, the composition has a fiber tear @<NUM> of from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, according to the procedure described below, such as from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, such as from <NUM>% to <NUM>%.

In some embodiments, the composition has a fiber tear @<NUM> of from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, according to the procedure described below, such as from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, such as from <NUM>% to <NUM>%.

In some embodiments, the composition has a fiber tear @-<NUM> of from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, according to the procedure described below, such as from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, such as from <NUM>% to <NUM>%.

In some embodiments, the composition has a set time of <NUM> seconds or less, such as <NUM> seconds or less, such as <NUM> seconds or less, such as <NUM> seconds or less, such as <NUM> seconds or less, such as <NUM> seconds or less, as determined according to the procedure described below.

A composition of the present disclosure can be used in various packaging articles. The packaging article may be useful as a carton, container, crate, case, corrugated case, or tray, for example. More particularly, the packaging article may be useful as packaging for a cereal product, packaging for a cracker product, beer packaging, packaging for a frozen food product, paper bag, drinking cup, milk carton, juice carton, drinking cup, or as a container for shipping produce. The packaging article can be formed by applying an adhesive composition to at least a portion of one or more packaging elements. The packaging elements may be formed from paper, paperboard, containerboard, tagboard, corrugated board, chipboard, cardboard, fiberboard, plastic resin, metal, metal alloys, foil, film, plastic film, laminates, sheeting, or any combination thereof. In at least one aspect, the adhesive composition may be used to bind or bond two or more packaging elements together wherein the packaging elements are formed from the same or different type of materials. Accordingly, the packaging elements may be individually formed from paper, paperboard, containerboard, tagboard, corrugated board, chipboard, kraft, cardboard, fiberboard, plastic resin, metal, metal alloys, foil, film, plastic film, laminates, sheeting, or any combination thereof. The one or more packaging elements may also be individually coated using paper, foil, metal, metal alloys, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidine chloride, polyvinyl acetate, polyamides, homopolymers thereof, and combinations and copolymers thereof.

A composition of the present disclosure can be used in various woodworking applications including furniture, toys, musical instruments, window frames and sills, doors, flooring, fencing, tools, ladders, sporting goods, dog houses, gazebos/decks, picnic tables, etc. A composition of the present disclosure can provide a desired combination of physical properties such as stable adhesion over time, indicative of broad application temperature ranges, and can be used in a variety of woodworking applications. It should be appreciated that the composition of the present disclosure that may be well suited for use in woodworking products may also find utility in other applications as well.

In at least one embodiment, a woodworking process to prepare the woodworking application involves forming a woodworking article by applying a composition to at least a portion of a structural element. The structural element can include a variety of materials, which may be wood, plywood, plastic, and/or veneer. For example, the structural element can also include lumber, wood, fiberboard, plasterboard, gypsum, wallboard, plywood, PVC, melamine, polyester, impregnated paper, and/or sheetrock. A woodworking process can be used to form indoor furniture, outdoor furniture, trim, molding, doors, sashes, windows, millwork and cabinetry, for example.

Adhesives were formed by the following procedure: (<NUM>) each component for the adhesive was weighed, (<NUM>) all components for the particular formulation were placed in either a glass beaker or a metal paint can at room temperature, (<NUM>) the container was placed in an oven - temperature can vary based on the ingredients but was typically <NUM>, (<NUM>) the components were allowed to melt, (<NUM>) the container was removed from the oven and placed in a heating mantel and a stir blade was added, (<NUM>) the stir blade motor (essentially a drill press) was turned on and the sample was mixed until it was homogeneous, (<NUM>) the samples were poured out into shallow trays (the tray was made from release paper so the adhesive would not stick to it), (<NUM>) the sample was allowed to cool to form the adhesive blend, (<NUM>) lastly, portions of the adhesive blend that had been formed were broken off and the various tests (fiber tear, viscosity, etc) were performed.

"Fiber tear" describes the bond strength of the adhesive to the substrate and was measured at <NUM>, <NUM>, and -<NUM>. Fiber tear is a visual measurement as to the amount of paper substrate fibers that are attached to a bond after the substrates are torn apart. <NUM>% fiber tear means the adhesive is stronger than the substrate and <NUM>% of the adhesive is covered in substrate fibers. <NUM>% fiber tear means the adhesive does not bond at all and simply pops off the substrate. Fiber tear was determined by bonding together substrates with the adhesive. A drop of molten adhesive (<NUM>) was positioned on one of the substrates with an eye dropper. The second substrate was placed on top of the adhesive, and a <NUM> weight was placed on top of the second substrate for even application. The adhesive was cooled at the referenced temperature for at least one hour. The substrates were then torn apart and the adhesive was inspected for fiber tear.

"Set time" is defined as the minimal holding time to build bond cohesion requiring more than <NUM> force to break the bond. Set time was determined by bonding together substrates with the adhesive after the molten adhesive (<NUM>° C. ) has been dropped onto one of the substrates with an eye dropper. The second substrate was placed on top of the adhesive, and a <NUM> weight was placed on top of the second substrate for even application. After a predetermined interval of time the second substrate is removed and checked for fiber tear. If no fiber tear was found, a longer interval of time was tried. This continued until fiber tear is found. This length of time was reported as the set time.

Dow AFFINITY™ GA <NUM> is a polyolefin plastomer available from E. du Pont de Nemours and Company (DuPont), Wilmington, Del. Dow AFFINITY™ GA <NUM> has a density of <NUM>/cc (ASTM D792), Brookfield Viscosity of <NUM>,<NUM> mPa·sec (ASTM D1084), tensile strength of <NUM> MPa (ASTM D638), elongation at break of <NUM> % (ASTM D638), melting point of <NUM> (Dow Method), and a glass transition temperature (Tg) of - <NUM> (Dow Method).

Commercial Olefin Wax <NUM> was obtained from Shell Chemicals LP of Houston, TX. Commercial Olefin Wax <NUM> has a dynamic viscosity of <NUM> mPa·sec (cPs) @ <NUM>, a melting point of <NUM>, and a density of about <NUM>/m<NUM> @ <NUM>.

Commercial Olefin Wax <NUM> was obtained from Shell Chemicals LP of Houston, TX. Commercial Olefin Wax <NUM> has a density @ <NUM> of <NUM>/m<NUM> (ASTM D4052), and a viscosity @ <NUM> of <NUM><NUM>/s (ASTM D445).

Table <NUM> illustrates data obtained for inventive adhesive compositions and comparative adhesive compositions.

It is typically difficult to form a blend that has low viscosity and fast set time and good fiber tear adhesion in the freezer. As shown in Table <NUM>, blends <NUM> and <NUM> provide low viscosity, fast set time, and good fiber tear, and are better than the comparatives.

In addition, for woodworking and product assembly applications, fast set time is not desired because wooden objects are being glued together, and occasional repositioning of the objects may be needed before the adhesive sets. Thus, blends <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM> illustrate very long set times which would be suitable for woodworking applications.

Overall, compositions of the present disclosure including an olefin wax, such as a linear alpha olefin, can provide a composition having increased fiber tear while maintaining low viscosity during set time. Compositions of the present disclosure may be advantageously used as hot melt adhesives.

The term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the term "including. " Likewise whenever a composition, an element or a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase "comprising," it is understood that we also contemplate the same composition or group of elements with transitional phrases "consisting essentially of," "consisting of," "selected from the group of consisting of," or "is" preceding the recitation of the composition, element, or elements and vice versa.

Claim 1:
A composition comprising:
a polymer; a tackifier; and an olefin wax,
wherein, if the tackifier includes polar groups, the polar groups are present at <NUM> wt% or less based on the weight of the tackifier, and
wherein the polymer is an ethylene-based polymer which includes more than <NUM> wt% ethylene-derived units and from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt % of units derived from at least one alpha-olefin comonomer.