Patent · US Expired

Compatible linear and branched ethylenic polymers and foams therefrom

US6887912B2 · kind B2 · utility

3Cited by
25References
13Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 22, 2003
Grant dateMay 3, 2005
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 22, 2023

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
  • CPC primaryC08J2323/02
  • WIPO fieldOther special machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An expanded cellular ethylenic polymer product is provided from an irradiated, noncross-linked linear ethylenic polymer. Linear ethylenic polymers can be irradiated at ambient conditions sufficient to introduce branching in the polymer in the absence of detectable cross-linking as indicated by the absence of gels. The irradiated linear ethylenic polymer is compatible with highly branched low density polyethylene and, when mixed therewith, produces a resin having a single broad based melting temperature range as determined by direct scanning calorimetry, which indicates that the polymers in the mixture have similar crystallization behavior suitable for producing low density foams by extrusion foaming. The linear polymers can be obtained from recycled shrink wrap film. Low densities of from 0.7 to less than 4 pcf can be achieved. The foams typically have improved tear resistance as compared to previous products prepared from low density polyethylene, at comparable low densities.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.