Abstract: The teachings herein are directed at multi-layer films, tie layer compositions for multi-layer films and related methods, and to polymeric adhesive compositions and methods for manufacturing polymeric adhesive compositions. The tie layer composition preferably adhere to polypropylene, and more preferably adheres to both polyethylene and polypropylene. The tie layer preferably includes a propylene based elastomer. The tie layer includes one or more thermoplastic polyolefins. The tie layer composition may include a grafted polyolefin, e.g., having one or more functional grafts. The polymeric adhesive compositions preferably adhere to both polypropylene surfaces and to polyethylene surfaces. The polymeric adhesive composition preferably comprises a minority amount (i.e., less than about 40 weight percent) of a propylene based elastomer polymer and a majority amount (i.e., greater than about 55 weight percent) of an ethylene containing polymer.

Abstract: The teachings herein are directed at multi-layer films, tie layer compositions for multi-layer films and related methods, and to polymeric adhesive compositions and methods for manufacturing polymeric adhesive compositions. The tie layer composition preferably adhere to polypropylene, and more preferably adheres to both polyethylene and polypropylene. The tie layer preferably includes a propylene based elastomer. The tie layer includes one or more thermoplastic polyolefins. The tie layer composition may include a grafted polyolefin, e.g., having one or more functional grafts. The polymeric adhesive compositions preferably adhere to both polypropylene surfaces and to polyethylene surfaces. The polymeric adhesive composition preferably comprises a minority amount (i.e., less than about 40 weight percent) of a propylene based elastomer polymer and a majority amount (i.e., greater than about 55 weight percent) of an ethylene containing polymer.

Abstract: Use of a bimodal filler system allows masterbatches with higher filler levels to be processable. When used with moisture curable resins, the use of a masterbatch having a bimodal filler allows the preparation of a composition having a higher percentage of moisture curable resin than if a unimodal filler was used and also provides enhanced flame retardant properties.

Abstract: Magnesium oxide (MgO) compounded into a polymer can subsequently be hydrated in-situ within the polymer to form magnesium hydroxide. In the case of silane-based or peroxide-based crosslinkable resins, the MgO hydration and polymer crosslinking can be done in a single process step, or in sequential steps. In the case of non-crosslinkable compounds, hydration can be carried out after compounding (no crosslinking step). In all cases, steam CV, sauna, or hot water bath are options for hydration. This approach enables preparation of polymer compounds that are flame retarded with metal hydrates yet free of the traditional limitations posed by shelf instability, extrusion scorch, undesired dehydration, and processing temperature limitations posed by metal hydrates.

Abstract: Halogen-free, flame-retardant, crack-resistant, cable coatings are prepared from a composition comprising: A) 3 to 10 percent by weight of a low-melting temperature and medium to high grafted level maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene using a VLDPE base resin having density ranging from 0.86 to 0.91 g/cm3 and made with a single-site catalyst; B) 15 to 25% by weight of at least one EEA or EVA; C) 5 to 20% by weight of an ?-olefin polymer; and D) 40 to 65% by weight of a flame retardant inorganic filler.

Abstract: Compositions useful as coatings for automobile power cables comprise a combination of raoisiure-crosslinkabk, si lane-grafted ethylene polymers in combination with a non-halogenated flame retardant. The ethylene polymers are a combination of at least one ethylene polymer with a density of 0.910 g/cc or greater and at least one ethylene polymer with a density less than 0.910 g/cc. The non-halogenated flame retardant is typically liydrated metallic filler, e.g., aluminum trihydrate. These compositions meet SAE J-1128 and DaimlerChrysler MS-8288 specifications, exhibit good shelf-life stability, and are useful in other automotive cable applications, such as ISO-6722.

Abstract: Use of a bimodal filler system allows masterbatches with higher filler levels to be processable. When used with moisture curable resins, the use of a masterbatch having a bimodal filler allows the preparation of a composition having a higher percentage of moisture curable resin than if a unimodal filler was used and also provides enhanced flame retardant properties.

Abstract: Magnesium oxide (MgO) compounded into a polymer can subsequently be hydrated in-situ within the polymer to form magnesium hydroxide. In the case of silane-based or peroxide-based crosslinkable resins, the MgO hydration and polymer crosslinking can be done in a single process step, or in sequential steps. In the case of non-crosslinkable compounds, hydration can be carried out after compounding (no crosslinking step). In all cases, steam CV, sauna, or hot water bath are options for hydration. This approach enables preparation of polymer compounds that are flame retarded with metal hydrates yet free of the traditional limitations posed by shelf instability, extrusion scorch, undesired dehydration, and processing temperature limitations posed by metal hydrates.

Abstract: Halogen-free, flame-retardant, crack-resistant, cable coatings are prepared from a composition comprising: A) 3 to 10 percent by weight of a low-melting temperature and medium to high grafted level maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene using a VLDPE base resin having density ranging from 0.86 to 0.91 g/cm3 and made with a single-site catalyst; B) 15 to 25% by weight of at least one EEA or EVA; C) 5 to 20% by weight of an a-olefin polymer; and D) 40 to 65% by weight of a flame retardant inorganic filler.

Abstract: The present invention is a crosslinked automotive wire comprising a metal conductor, a flame retardant insulation layer surrounding the metal conductor, and optionally, a wire jacket surrounding the insulation layer. The automotive wire passes the specifications of one or more several automotive cable testing protocols: (a) SAE J-1128, (b) ISO-6722, (c) LV 112, (d) Chrysler MS-8288, and (e) Renault 36-36-05009/-L. In particular, the flame retardant insulation layer is prepared from a crosslinkable thermo-plastic polymer and a metal carbonate. The flame retardant composition for making the insulation layer demonstrates economic and processing improvements over conventional solutions. The present invention is also a method for preparing a low tension primary automotive wire and the automotive wire made therefrom.

Abstract: Unique blends of metallocene catalyzed polymers are disclosed. The blends of the invention include a first polyethylene having a narrow molecular weight distribution and a narrow composition distribution breadth index (CDBI), and a second polyethylene having a relatively broad molecular weight distribution and a very narrow CDBI. The blend is advantageously used when it includes 50 percent or greater of the first polyethylene and 50 percent or less of the second polyethylene. Blown film made from the blend will have an unexpectedly good set of optical properties.