Polymer blends and pellets and methods of producing same

Abstract

Blends of at least two polymers incorporating propylene-derived units and processes for producing such blends are provided. The first polymer of the blend is a low crystallinity polymer including propylene-derived units. The second polymer is a high crystallinity polymer including propylene-derived units. The polymer blends exhibit the beneficial performance characteristics of low crystallinity propylene polymers while minimizing certain processing and handling problems associated with low crystallinity propylene polymers. Low crystallinity propylene polymer pellets often exhibit a tendency to agglomerate because of the softness of such particles. Agglomeration of the pellets creates problems in handling and processing the particles. The polymer blends disclosed reduce the tendency of polymer pellets to agglomerate while maintaining the desirable physical properties, such as elastomeric properties, exhibited by low crystallinity propylene polymers. Various processes for producing the polymer blends are also provided.