Abstract: The present disclosure provides a polyolefin-based composition made from or containing: (A) a first polymer composition made from or containing a high density polyethylene having a density greater than about 0.940 grams per cubic centimeter and a melt index greater than about 4 grams per 10 minutes, measured according to ASTM D 1238, using a piston load of 2.16 kg and at a temperature of 190 degrees Celsius, and (B) a first nucleator composition made from or containing a salt of 4-(4-chlorobenzoylamino) benzoate. The polyolefin-based composition is useful for making articles of manufacture for rigid applications, including low temperature, thin-walled applications.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for improving the barrier properties of polyethylene films. The method comprises mixing a substantially linear, high density polyethylene with a nucleating agent and converting the mixture into a film. The film made by the method of the invention has at least a 15% improvement on the water vapor barrier property and/or in the oxygen barrier property compared with the control film made from the same substantially linear, high density polyethylene but does not contain the nucleating agent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for improving the barrier properties of polyethylene films The method comprises mixing a substantially linear, high density polyethylene with a nucleating agent and converting the mixture into a film The film made by the method of the invention has at least a 15% improvement on the water vapor barrier property and/or in the oxygen barrier property compared with the control film made from the same substantially linear, high density polyethylene but does not contain the nucleating agent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for improving the barrier properties of polyethylene films. The method comprises mixing a substantially linear, high density polyethylene with a nucleating agent and converting the mixture into a film. The film made by the method of the invention has at least a 15% improvement on the water vapor barrier property and/or in the oxygen barrier property compared with the control film made from the same substantially linear, high density polyethylene but does not contain the nucleating agent.

Abstract: A coated or jacketed wire or cable, and components thereof are disclosed. The coating, jacket, and components, which comprise a polyolefin and a phenolic polymeric antioxidant, exhibit outstanding oxidative thermal stability (as indicated by the increase in the oxidative inductive time (OIT)), when compared to polyolefins containing traditional non-polymeric antioxidants. A greater improvement in the thermal oxidative stability is observed after the polyolefin mixtures have been aged in water-blocking filler(s).

Abstract: Disclosed is a multimodal, high density, homopolyethylene barrier resin. The resin is preferably made by a multistage process. The process comprises a first stage in which ethylene is homopolymerized in the presence of a Ziegler-Natta catalyst, organoaluminum cocatalyst, alkoxysilane modifier, and hydrogen. The reaction mixture from the first stage is devolatilized to remove all or substantially all of the hydrogen. The polymerization continues in a second stage wherein ethylene is added to the devolatilized reaction mixture to produce the barrier resin. The barrier resin provides films with improved barrier properties.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multimodal, high density, homopolyethylene barrier resin. The resin is preferably made by a multistage process. The process comprises a first stage in which ethylene is homopolymerized in the presence of a Ziegler-Natta catalyst, organoaluminum cocatalyst, alkoxysilane modifier, and hydrogen. The reaction mixture from the first stage is devolatilized to remove all or substantially all of the hydrogen. The polymerization continues in a second stage wherein ethylene is added to the devolatilized reaction mixture to produce the barrier resin. The barrier resin provides films with improved barrier properties.

Abstract: A coated or jacketed wire or cable, and components thereof are disclosed. The coating, jacket, and components, which comprise a polyolefin and a phenolic polymeric antioxidant, exhibit outstanding oxidative thermal stability (as indicated by the increase in the oxidative inductive time (OIT)), when compared to polyolefins containing traditional non-polymeric antioxidants. A greater improvement in the thermal oxidative stability is observed after the polyolefin mixtures have been aged in water-blocking filler(s).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for improving the barrier properties of polyethylene films. The method comprises mixing a substantially linear, high density polyethylene with a nucleating agent and converting the mixture into a film. The film made by the method of the invention has at least a 15% improvement on the water vapor barrier property and/or in the oxygen barrier property compared with the control film made from the same substantially linear, high density polyethylene but does not contain the nucleating agent.

Abstract: Moisture curable flame retardant insulation compositions for wire and cable having improved adhesion are provided. The compositions are comprised of an ethylene-silane copolymer, high density polyethylene resin, halogenated flame retardant, silanol condensation catalyst and stabilizer combination consisting of a zinc mercaptobenzimidazole and aromatic secondary amine.

Abstract: Moisture curable flame retardant wire and cable formulations having improved abrasion resistance are provided. The compositions are comprised of a high density silane-containing polyethylene base resin which can be a blend of a bimodal HDPE and ethylene-silane copolymer or silane-grafted bimodal HDPE in combination with a flame retardant and silanol condensation catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention discloses, a method of compounding a polymer such that any additives added to the polymer are well dispersed. The method of the invention comprises providing a polymer premixture that includes a powder source of a first thermoplastic polymer, at least one polymer additive, and a bulk source of a second thermoplastic polymer, and mixing the polymer premixture to form a polymer mixture. The bulk source of the second thermoplastic polymer is characterized as having a particle size that is at least 10 times greater than the particle size in the powder. Moreover, the amount of the powder source used in this method is greater than about 1% of the total weight of the polymer premixture. The present invention further discloses a polymer premixture suitable for use in the method of the invention.

Abstract: An electrical conductive assembly including an electrical conductor and an annular laminate insulator surrounding the electrical conductor. The annular laminate insulator includes an inner ply of a first polymeric composition and an outer ply of a second polymeric composition wherein the outer ply second polymeric composition has a hardness in excess of the inner ply first polymeric composition and wherein the abrasion resistance of the laminate is in excess of the combined individual abrasion resistance of the inner ply and outer plies. The annular laminate is flame retardant and stabilized against thermal oxidation by the inclusion of a flame retardant and a thermal antioxidant. The polymers of the first and second polymeric compositions are thermosetting resins, crystalline thermoplastics having a melting point of at least about 130° C. or amorphous thermoplastics having a glass transition temperature of at least about 130° C.

Abstract: Improved flame retardant compositions suitable for insulating wire and cable products comprised of ethylene-alkoxy silane copolymer, halogenated organic compound, antimony trioxide, silane condensation catalyst and magnesium hydroxide are provided. Additionally, antioxidant(s), other mineral fillers and other conventional compounding ingredients may be included in the formulations. The compositions have good processability and are capable of being cured under ambient conditions to provide products which meet all of the specifications of SAE J-1128 for thin wall crosslinked polyolefin low tension primary cable insulation. Wire and cable products comprising a metal conductor coated with from 2 to 100 mils of the flame retardant insulation are also disclosed.