Fina Technology, Inc.

LuAnn Kelly

Mike Musgrave

Peter Selg

Jose M Sosa

Vincent Henri Barre

Mark Miller

Joseph M Schardl, Jr

Layne Lumus

Propylene random copolymer compositions are described herein. The compositions generally include a propylene random copolymer including from about 95.0 wt. % to about 99.0 wt. % propylene and from about 0.2 wt. % to about 0.8 wt. % ethylene, an additive selected from clarifiers, nucleators and combinations thereof and a stabilizer, wherein the propylene random copolymer exhibits a melt flow rate of from about 0.5 g/10 min. to about 4.0 g/10 min., a molecular weight distribution of from 5 to 10 and wherein the propylene random copolymer composition exhibits a flexural modulus of from about 180,000 psi to about 260,000 psi.

Mini-random copolymer resins having improved mechanical toughness and related properties suitable for thin wall thermoforming applications

A random copolymer having improved mechanical toughness and properties suitable for thin wall thermoforming applications is provided. The random copolymer exhibits the following physical properties: a flexural modulus profile having a 2% flexural modulus of about 168,000 psi, a 1% flexural modulus of about 190,000 psi, and a 0.4% flexural modulus of about 199,000 psi; a melt flow rate of at least about 2.0 g/10 min.; and a haze of less than about 40%. The random copolymer preferably comprises a copolymer of ethylene and propylene, wherein the ethylene content is in the range of from about 0.2% to about 0.8% ethylene by weight of the copolymer. The random copolymer also preferably includes a stabilizer and a clarifying agent such as a sorbitol based clarifier or a nucleator. Various articles of manufacture such as thermoformed containers and packaging may be formed from the random copolymer.

Syndiotactic polypropylene blends having a unique set of mechanical properties may be prepared by blending syndiotactic polypropylene with a high molecular weight mineral oil, an ultra low density polyethylene, or both. The syndiotactic polypropylene blends of the present invention have been found to have reduced flexural modulus, reduced haze, improved impact strength and shorter injection molding cycle times. It has been determined that the addition of about 5 to about 10 percent high molecular weight mineral oil to a syndiotactic polypropylene can decrease flexural modulus values by about 25 to about 30 percent. Moreover, the addition of up to about 10 percent mineral oil to the syndiotactic polypropylene material does not show signs of bleeding or impair clarity, in fact, percent haze values are slightly improved with the addition of mineral oil. Additionally, injection molding cycle time optimization shows an improvement of about 12 seconds in overall cycle time utilizing a syndiotactic polypropylene blend with 5% mineral oil in comparison to a syndiotactic polypropylene without mineral oil. The syndiotactic polypropylene blends according to the present invention may be further processed according to accepted practices to make cast films, blown films, injection molded parts, blow molded containers, and other articles using basic plastics fabrication techniques as known in the art.

Modification of syndiotactic polypropylene with mineral oil

A process is disclosed for enhancing the production of polymerized monovinyl aromatic compounds, in which process a small polymerization reactor is inserted in the recycle stream to deactivate the polymerization inhibitors in the recycle stream and to further increase the conversion level of monomer to desirable polymer.

Growing community of inventors

Friendswood, TX, United States of America

LuAnn Kelly