阅读说明：本技术 包含聚乙烯组合物的瓶封闭组件 (Bottle closure assembly comprising polyethylene composition ) 是由 王小川 I.吉本斯 E.维尼奥拉 C.巴尔 A.米扎德 于 2018-11-30 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明描述了瓶封闭组件,其至少部分地由具有良好的流动性能和良好的耐环境引发应力开裂性的聚乙烯组合物制成。瓶封闭组件包括盖部分、细长的拴系部分和保持装置部分。保持装置部分接合瓶颈或瓶的上部。细长的拴系部分将盖部分上的至少一个点与保持装置部分上的至少一个点连接,以防止盖部分从瓶上丢失。(The present invention describes a bottle closure component made at least in part of a polyethylene composition having good flow properties and good environmental induced stress cracking resistance. The bottle closure assembly includes a cap portion, an elongated tether portion, and a retention device portion. The retaining means partially engages the neck or upper portion of the bottle. An elongated tether portion connects at least one point on the cap portion with at least one point on the retaining device portion to prevent loss of the cap portion from the bottle.)

1. A bottle closure assembly, comprising:

a cap portion, a tether portion and a retention device portion, the cap portion being moulded to reversibly engage and cover the mouth of the bottle, the retention device portion being moulded to irreversibly engage the neck finish or the upper portion of the bottle, and wherein the tether portion connects at least one point on the cap portion with at least one point on the retention device portion, wherein the cap portion, optional tether portion and optional retention device portion are made from a polyethylene composition comprising:

(1) 10 to 70 wt% of a first ethylene copolymer having a melt index I less than 1.0g/10min₂(ii) a And 0.920 to 0.960 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d); and (2) 90 to 30 wt% of a second ethylene copolymer or ethylene homopolymer; the second ethylene copolymer or the ethylene homopolymer has a melt index I of at least 20 g/10min₂(ii) a And a density higher than the first ethylene copolymer but less than 0.970 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d);

wherein the ratio of the number of short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms in the first ethylene copolymer (SCB1) to the number of short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms in the second ethylene copolymer (SCB2) (SCB1/SCB2) is greater than 0.5.

2. A bottle closure assembly, comprising:

a cap portion, an elongated tether portion, and a retention device portion, the cap portion being molded to reversibly engage and cover the bottle mouth, the retention device portion being molded to irreversibly engage the neck finish or an upper portion of the bottle, and the elongated tether portion being molded to connect at least one point on the cap portion with at least one point on the retention device portion, wherein the cap portion, optionally the elongated tether portion, and optionally the retention device portion are made of a polyethylene composition comprising:

(1) 10 to 70 wt% of a first ethylene copolymer having a melt index I less than 1.0g/10min₂(ii) a And 0.920 to 0.960 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d); and (2) 90 to 30 wt% of a second ethyleneCopolymers or ethylene homopolymers; the second ethylene copolymer or the ethylene homopolymer has a melt index I of at least 20 g/10min₂(ii) a And a density higher than the first ethylene copolymer but less than 0.970 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d);

wherein the ratio of the number of short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms in the first ethylene copolymer (SCB1) to the number of short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms in the second ethylene copolymer (SCB2) (SCB1/SCB2) is greater than 0.5.

3. A bottle closure assembly, comprising:

integrally molded: a cover portion, a tether portion, and a retention device portion; said cap portion being moulded to reversibly engage and cover the mouth of the bottle, said retaining means portion being moulded to irreversibly engage the neck or upper portion of the bottle, and said tether portion being moulded to connect at least one point on the cap portion with at least one point on the retaining means portion; wherein the integrally molded: the cap portion, tether portion and retention device portion are made from a polyethylene composition comprising:

(1) 10 to 70 wt% of a first ethylene copolymer having a melt index I less than 1.0g/10min₂(ii) a And 0.920 to 0.960 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d); and (2) 90 to 30 wt% of a second ethylene copolymer or ethylene homopolymer; the second ethylene copolymer or the ethylene homopolymer has a melt index I of at least 20 g/10min₂(ii) a And a density higher than the first ethylene copolymer but less than 0.970 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d);

wherein the ratio of the number of short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms in the first ethylene copolymer (SCB1) to the number of short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms in the second ethylene copolymer (SCB2) (SCB1/SCB2) is greater than 0.5.

4. A bottle closure assembly, comprising:

integrally molded: a cover portion, an elongated tether portion, and a retention device portion; said cap portion being moulded to reversibly engage and cover the mouth of the bottle, said retaining means portion being moulded to irreversibly engage the neck or upper portion of the bottle, and said elongate tether portion being moulded to connect at least one point on the cap portion with at least one point on the retaining means portion; wherein the integrally molded: the cap portion, the elongated tether portion, and the retention device portion are made from a polyethylene composition comprising:

(1) 10 to 70 wt% of a first ethylene copolymer having a melt index I less than 1.0g/10min₂(ii) a And 0.920 to 0.960 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d); and (2) 90 to 30 wt% of a second ethylene copolymer or ethylene homopolymer; the second ethylene copolymer or the ethylene homopolymer has a melt index I of at least 20 g/10min₂(ii) a And a density higher than the first ethylene copolymer but less than 0.970 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d);

wherein the ratio of the number of short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms in the first ethylene copolymer (SCB1) to the number of short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms in the second ethylene copolymer (SCB2) (SCB1/SCB2) is greater than 0.5.

5. A bottle closure assembly, comprising:

integrally molded: a cover portion, an elongated tether portion, and a retaining collar portion; said cap portion being molded to reversibly engage and cover the mouth of the bottle, said retaining collar portion being molded to irreversibly engage the neck or upper portion of the bottle, and said elongated tether portion being molded to connect at least one point on the cap portion with at least one point on the retaining collar portion; wherein the integrally molded: the cap portion, elongated tether portion and retaining collar portion are made from a polyethylene composition comprising:

(1) 10 to 70 wt% of a first ethylene copolymer having a melt index I less than 1.0g/10min₂(ii) a And 0.920 to 0.960 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d); and (2) 90 to 30 wt% of a second ethylene copolymer or ethylene homopolymer; the second ethylene copolymer or the ethylene homopolymer has a melt index I of at least 20 g/10min₂(ii) a And a density higher than the first ethylene copolymer but less than 0.970 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d);

wherein the ratio of the number of short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms in the first ethylene copolymer (SCB1) to the number of short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms in the second ethylene copolymer (SCB2) (SCB1/SCB2) is greater than 0.5.

6. A bottle closure assembly, comprising:

the part of the sealing part is provided with a sealing ring,

an elongated tether portion that is adapted to be attached to the vehicle,

and a retaining collar portion which is adapted to retain the collar portion,

said closure portion being moulded to reversibly engage and cover the mouth of the bottle, said elongate tethering portion comprising a tethering strap frangibly connected along a portion of its upper edge to a descending annular edge of the closure portion and frangibly connected along a portion of its lower edge to an upper annular edge of the retaining collar portion, said tethering strap being integrally formed with the closure portion and connected at one end to at least one point on the closure portion and integrally formed with the retaining collar portion and connected at the other end to at least one point on the retaining collar portion, said frangible region being breakable when the closure portion is removed from the mouth of the bottle but wherein the closure portion is held connected to the retaining collar portion by the tethering strap; wherein the cap portion, elongated tether portion and retaining collar portion are integrally molded from a polyethylene composition comprising:

(1) 10 to 70 wt% of a first ethylene copolymer having a melt index I less than 1.0g/10min₂(ii) a And 0.920 to 0.960 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d); and

(2) 90 to 30 wt% of a second ethylene copolymer or ethylene homopolymer; the second ethylene copolymer or the ethylene homopolymer has a melt index I of at least 20 g/10min₂(ii) a And a density higher than the first ethylene copolymer but less than 0.970 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d);

wherein the ratio of the number of short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms in the first ethylene copolymer (SCB1) to the number of short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms in the second ethylene copolymer (SCB2) (SCB1/SCB2) is greater than 0.5.

7. The bottle closure component of claim 1, wherein the polyethylene composition is bimodal and comprises:

(1) 10 to 70 wt% of a first ethylene copolymer having a melt index I less than 0.4 g/10min₂(ii) a Molecular weight distribution M less than 3.0_w/M_n(ii) a And 0.920 to 0.955 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d); and

(2) 90 to 30 wt% of a second ethylene copolymer having a melt index I of 100 to 10,000g/10min₂(ii) a Molecular weight distribution M less than 3.0_w/M_n(ii) a And a density higher than the first ethylene copolymer but less than 0.967 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d);

wherein the density of the second ethylene copolymer is less than 0.037 g/cm higher than the density of the first ethylene copolymer³(ii) a A ratio (SCB1/SCB2) of the number of short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms in the first ethylene copolymer (SCB1) to the number of short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms in the second ethylene copolymer (SCB2) is greater than 0.5; and wherein the polyethylene composition has a molecular weight distribution M from 3 to 11_w/M_n(ii) a At least 0.949 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d); melt index I of 0.4 to 5.0g/10min₂(ii) a M less than 400,000_zA stress index of less than 1.50, and ESCR condition B (10% IGEPA L) for at least 20 hours.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to bottle closure components made at least in part from polyethylene compositions having good processability and good stress crack resistance. The bottle closure assembly includes a closure or cap portion, a tether portion and a retention device portion.

Background

The use of polyethylene compositions to make simple one-piece closures is well known to those skilled in the art.

Also known are bottle closure systems and designs that incorporate an integral tethering arrangement that secures the lid portion to the bottle after the lid portion has been removed from the bottle mouth. Such designs typically involve a molding process that presents a more complex and longer flow path for the selected plastic material relative to a simple one-piece closure design. Therefore, it would be beneficial to manufacture tethered closure systems using thermoplastic materials that exhibit good performance in molding applications, especially those involving longer and more tortuous flow paths in the mold. It is also advantageous to use a material with sufficient stress crack resistance and flexibility to make a tethered closure system, as the tether portion needs to be both strong enough to prevent loss of the cap portion once the cap portion has been removed from the mouth, and flexible enough to allow the tether portion to form or bend into a suitable closure system design.

Summary of The Invention

The present disclosure relates to a bottle closure assembly comprising a cap portion, a tether portion and a retention device portion, wherein the bottle closure assembly is made at least in part from a polyethylene composition having good processability and good stress crack resistance.

Accordingly, one embodiment of the present disclosure provides a bottle closure assembly comprising a cap portion, a tether portion and a retention device portionA bottle closure assembly made at least in part from a polyethylene composition comprising: (1) 10 to 70 wt% of a first ethylene copolymer having a melt index I less than 1.0g/10min₂(ii) a And 0.920 to 0.960 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d); and (2) 90 to 30 wt% of a second ethylene copolymer or ethylene homopolymer; the second ethylene copolymer or the ethylene homopolymer has a melt index I of at least 20 g/10min₂(ii) a And a density higher than the first ethylene copolymer but less than 0.970 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d); wherein the ratio of the number of short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms in the first ethylene copolymer (SCB1) to the number of short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms in the second ethylene copolymer (SCB2) (SCB1/SCB2) is greater than 0.5.

Brief Description of Drawings

Fig. 1A shows one embodiment of a bottle closure assembly assembled to a bottle mouth and in a "closed" or "sealed" position. Fig. 1B shows one embodiment of the bottle closure assembly when the cap portion is rotated to remove it from the bottle mouth. Fig. 1C shows an embodiment of the bottle closure assembly after the cap portion has been removed from the bottle mouth. Fig. 1C shows how the elongated tether portion connects at least one point on the cap portion with at least one point on the retaining collar portion once the cap portion has been removed from the bottle mouth.

Fig. 2A shows one embodiment of the bottle closure assembly fitted over the bottle mouth and before the cap portion has been removed from the bottle. Fig. 2B shows an embodiment of the bottle closure assembly after the cap portion has been removed from the bottle mouth. Fig. 2B also shows how the elongated tether portion connects at least one point on the cap portion with at least one point on the retaining collar portion once the cap portion has been removed from the bottle mouth, thereby preventing its loss.

Fig. 3A illustrates one embodiment of a bottle closure assembly. Fig. 3B shows an embodiment of the bottle closure assembly after the cap portion has been removed from the bottle mouth. Fig. 3B also shows how the elongated tether portion connects at least one point on the cap portion with at least one point on the retaining collar portion once the cap portion has been removed from the bottle mouth, thereby preventing its loss. Fig. 3C shows how the elongated tether portion connects at least one point on the cap portion with at least one point on the retaining collar portion once the cap portion has been removed from the bottle mouth. Fig. 3C further illustrates that the vial may be a rigid box, container, or any other suitable containment vessel having or fitted with an aperture or opening that may be covered or sealed using a vial closure assembly.

Fig. 4A shows one embodiment of the bottle closure assembly without the bottle. The bottle closure assembly has a cap portion, an elongated tether portion, and a retaining collar portion. Fig. 4B shows one embodiment of the bottle closure assembly assembled on the bottle mouth and before the cap portion has been removed from the bottle mouth. Fig. 4C shows an embodiment of the bottle closure assembly after the cap portion has been removed from the bottle mouth.

Fig. 5A illustrates one embodiment of the bottle closure assembly without the bottle. Fig. 5B shows one embodiment of the bottle closure assembly when the cap portion is rotated to remove it from the bottle mouth.

Fig. 6A illustrates one embodiment of a bottle closure assembly fitted over a bottle mouth. Fig. 6B shows an embodiment of the bottle closure assembly after the cap portion has been removed from the bottle mouth. Fig. 6B shows how the elongated tether portion connects at least one point on the cap portion with at least one point on the retaining collar portion once the cap portion has been removed from the bottle mouth.

Fig. 7A illustrates one embodiment of a bottle closure assembly assembled to a bottle mouth and in a "closed" or "sealed" position. Fig. 7B shows an embodiment of the bottle closure assembly after the cap portion has been removed from the bottle mouth. Fig. 7B shows how the elongated tether portion connects at least one point on the cap portion with at least one point on the retaining collar portion once the cap portion has been removed from the bottle mouth.

FIG. 8 shows a plot of ESCR in hours (ESCRB 10 for molded plaques) versus 2% secant flexural modulus (MPa) for selected polyethylene composition examples.

FIG. 9 shows the ESCR (ESCRB 10 for molded plaques) to shear viscosity ratio (η) in hours for selected polyethylene composition examples₁₀/η₁₀₀₀@240 ℃ C.).

FIG. 10 shows shear viscosity ratios (η) for selected polyethylene composition examples₁₀/η₁₀₀₀@240 ℃ C.) and notched Izod impact strength (J/m).

FIG. 11 shows shear viscosity ratios (η) for selected polyethylene composition examples₁₀/η₁₀₀₀@240 ℃ C.) and 2% secant flexural modulus (MPa).

Fig. 12 shows gel permeation chromatograms of polyethylene compositions of examples 10-13.

FIG. 13 illustrates the balance of tensile strength and processability, as measured by tensile strength at break (MPa) to shear viscosity ratio (η) for selected polyethylene composition examples₁₀/η₁₀₀₀@240 ℃ C.).

FIG. 14 shows the balance of tensile elongation and processability, as measured by tensile elongation at break (percent) to shear viscosity ratio (η), for selected polyethylene composition examples₁₀/η₁₀₀₀@240 ℃ C.).

Fig. 15A shows a perspective view of a closure with a tether representation (proxy). FIG. 15B shows a front elevational view of the closure with a tethered representation. In fig. 15A and 15B, a tether representation connects the cap portion with the tamper band.

Fig. 16A shows a perspective view of the closure with a tethered representation after a substantial portion of the tamper band has been removed. In fig. 16A, the tether representation connects the cap portion with the remainder of the tamper band.

Fig. 16B shows a front elevational partial cross-sectional schematic view of a closure with a tether representation and installed on a preform for shear deformation testing. Most of the tamper-evident band is removed prior to mounting the closure on the preform. A tether representative connects the cap portion with the remainder of the tamper evident band. To determine the shear deformation of the tethered representative, the remainder of the tamper band was clamped to the preform in a fixed position while the lid portion was rotated within the torque tester, as shown.

Fig. 16C shows a side elevational partial cross-sectional schematic view of a closure with a tether representation and installed on a preform for tear deformation testing. The tamper evident band deflects downward and away from the cap portion while leaving the tether representation intact. A tether representative connects the cap portion with the downwardly deflected tamper evident band. To determine the tear deformation of the tether representative, a downwardly deflected tamper evident band was clamped to the preform in a fixed position while the lid portion was rotated within the torque tester, as shown.

Fig. 17A and 17B show perspective and front elevation views, respectively, of a tether representation after most of the cap portion and most of the tamper band have been removed. To determine the tensile deformation of the tether representative, the remainder of the cap portion and the remainder of the tamper evident band are clamped separately and then pulled apart in a vertical direction within the tensile tester, as shown.

Description of the embodiments

Any suitable bottle closure assembly design including a cap portion (or closure portion), a tether portion, and a retention device portion is contemplated for use in the present disclosure, so long as it is made at least in part using a polyethylene composition as described herein. However, some specific non-limiting examples of suitable bottle closure assemblies for use in the present disclosure are disclosed in U.S. patent nos. 3,904,062; 4,474,302, respectively; 4,557,393, respectively; 4,564,114, respectively; 4,573,602, respectively; 4,583,652, respectively; 4,805,792, respectively; 5,725,115, respectively; 8,443,994, respectively; 8,720,716, respectively; 9,493,283, respectively; and 9,776,779; U.S. patent publication nos. 2004/0016715 and 2008/0197135; U.S. design patent No. D593,856; and WO 2015/061834; all of these documents are incorporated herein by reference. For further reference, some bottle closure assembly designs that may be used in embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in fig. 1-7.

One embodiment of the present disclosure is a bottle closure assembly comprising: a cap portion moulded to reversibly engage and cover the mouth of the bottle, a tether portion moulded to irreversibly engage the neck finish or an upper portion of the bottle, and a retention means portion, and wherein the tether portion connects at least one point on the cap portion with at least one point on the retention means portion, wherein the cap portion, optionally the tether, are in contact with the bottle neck finish, and wherein the retention means portion is in contact with the bottle neck finish and/or the bottle neck finish, and wherein the retention means portion is in contact with the bottleThe system part and the optional holder part are made of a polyethylene composition comprising: (1) 10 to 70 wt% of a first ethylene copolymer having a melt index I less than 1.0g/10min₂(ii) a And 0.920 to 0.960 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d); and (2) 90 to 30 wt% of a second ethylene copolymer or ethylene homopolymer; the second ethylene copolymer or the ethylene homopolymer has a melt index I of at least 20 g/10min₂(ii) a And a density higher than the first ethylene copolymer but less than 0.970 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d); wherein the ratio of the number of short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms in the first ethylene copolymer (SCB1) to the number of short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms in the second ethylene copolymer (SCB2) (SCB1/SCB2) is greater than 0.5.

One embodiment of the present disclosure is a bottle closure assembly comprising: a cap portion, an elongated tether portion, and a retention device portion, the cap portion molded to reversibly engage and cover the bottle mouth, the retention device portion molded to irreversibly engage the bottle neck or an upper portion of the bottle, and the elongated tether portion molded to connect at least one point on the cap portion with at least one point on the retention device portion, wherein the cap portion, optional elongated tether portion, and optional retention device portion are made from a polyethylene composition comprising: (1) 10 to 70 wt% of a first ethylene copolymer having a melt index I less than 1.0g/10min₂(ii) a And 0.920 to 0.960 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d); and (2) 90 to 30 wt% of a second ethylene copolymer or ethylene homopolymer; the second ethylene copolymer or the ethylene homopolymer has a melt index I of at least 20 g/10min₂(ii) a And a density higher than the first ethylene copolymer but less than 0.970 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d); wherein the ratio of the number of short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms in the first ethylene copolymer (SCB1) to the number of short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms in the second ethylene copolymer (SCB2) (SCB1/SCB2) is greater than 0.5.

One embodiment of the present disclosure is a bottle closure assembly comprising an integrally molded: a cover portion, a tether portion, and a retention device portion; the cap portion is molded to reversibly engage and cover the finish, the cap portion is molded to reversibly engage and cover the finishThe retention device portion is molded to irreversibly engage the upper portion of the bottle neck or neck and the tether portion is molded to connect at least one point on the lid portion with at least one point on the retention device portion; wherein the integrally molded: the cap portion, tether portion and retention device portion are made from a polyethylene composition comprising: (1) 10 to 70 wt% of a first ethylene copolymer having a melt index I less than 1.0g/10min₂(ii) a And 0.920 to 0.960 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d); and (2) 90 to 30 wt% of a second ethylene copolymer or ethylene homopolymer; the second ethylene copolymer or the ethylene homopolymer has a melt index I of at least 20 g/10min₂(ii) a And a density higher than the first ethylene copolymer but less than 0.970 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d); wherein the ratio of the number of short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms in the first ethylene copolymer (SCB1) to the number of short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms in the second ethylene copolymer (SCB2) (SCB1/SCB2) is greater than 0.5.

One embodiment of the present disclosure is a bottle closure assembly comprising an integrally molded: a cover portion, an elongated tether portion, and a retention device portion; said cap portion being moulded to reversibly engage and cover the mouth of the bottle, said retaining means portion being moulded to irreversibly engage the neck or upper portion of the bottle, and said elongate tether portion being moulded to connect at least one point on the cap portion with at least one point on the retaining means portion; wherein the integrally molded: the cap portion, the elongated tether portion, and the retention device portion are made from a polyethylene composition comprising: (1) 10 to 70 wt% of a first ethylene copolymer having a melt index I less than 1.0g/10min₂(ii) a And 0.920 to 0.960 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d); and (2) 90 to 30 wt% of a second ethylene copolymer or ethylene homopolymer; the second ethylene copolymer or the ethylene homopolymer has a melt index I of at least 20 g/10min₂(ii) a And a density higher than the first ethylene copolymer but less than 0.970 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d); wherein the ratio of the number of short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms in the first ethylene copolymer (SCB1) to the number of short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms in the second ethylene copolymer (SCB2) (SCB1/SCB2) is greater than0.5。

One embodiment of the present disclosure is a bottle closure assembly comprising an integrally molded: a cover portion, an elongated tether portion, and a retaining collar portion; said cap portion being molded to reversibly engage and cover the mouth of the bottle, said retaining collar portion being molded to irreversibly engage the neck or upper portion of the bottle, and said elongated tether portion being molded to connect at least one point on the cap portion with at least one point on the retaining collar portion; wherein the integrally molded: the cap portion, elongated tether portion and retaining collar portion are made from a polyethylene composition comprising: (1) 10 to 70 wt% of a first ethylene copolymer having a melt index I less than 1.0g/10min₂(ii) a And 0.920 to 0.960 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d); and (2) 90 to 30 wt% of a second ethylene copolymer or ethylene homopolymer; the second ethylene copolymer or the ethylene homopolymer has a melt index I of at least 20 g/10min₂(ii) a And a density higher than the first ethylene copolymer but less than 0.970 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d); wherein the ratio of the number of short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms in the first ethylene copolymer (SCB1) to the number of short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms in the second ethylene copolymer (SCB2) (SCB1/SCB2) is greater than 0.5.

One embodiment of the present disclosure is a bottle closure assembly comprising: a lid portion, an elongate tether portion and a retaining collar portion, the lid portion being moulded to reversibly engage and cover the mouth of the bottle, the retaining collar portion being moulded to irreversibly engage the neck finish or the upper portion of the bottle, the elongate tether portion comprising a tether strap frangibly connected along a portion of its upper edge to a descending annular edge of the lid portion and frangibly connected along a portion of its lower edge to an upper annular edge of the retaining collar portion, the tether strap being integrally formed with the lid portion and connected at one end to at least one point on the lid portion and integrally formed with the retaining collar portion and connected at the other end to at least one point on the retaining collar portion, the frangible region being breakable when the lid portion is removed from the mouth of the bottle but when the lid portion is held connected to the retaining collar portion by the tether strap; wherein the lid portion,The elongated tether portion and the retaining collar portion are integrally molded from a polyethylene composition comprising: (1) 10 to 70 wt% of a first ethylene copolymer having a melt index I less than 1.0g/10min₂(ii) a And 0.920 to 0.960 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d); and (2) 90 to 30 wt% of a second ethylene copolymer or ethylene homopolymer; the second ethylene copolymer or the ethylene homopolymer has a melt index I of at least 20 g/10min₂(ii) a And a density higher than the first ethylene copolymer but less than 0.970 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d); wherein the ratio of the number of short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms in the first ethylene copolymer (SCB1) to the number of short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms in the second ethylene copolymer (SCB2) (SCB1/SCB2) is greater than 0.5.

One embodiment of the present disclosure is a bottle closure assembly comprising: a lid portion, an elongate tether portion and a retaining collar portion, the lid portion being moulded to reversibly engage and cover the mouth of the bottle, the elongate tether portion comprising a tether strap frangibly connected along a portion of its upper edge to a descending annular edge of the lid portion and frangibly connected along a portion of its lower edge to an upper annular edge of the retaining collar portion, the tether strap being integrally formed with the lid portion and connected at one end to at least one point on the lid portion and integrally formed with the retaining collar portion and connected at the other end to at least one point on the retaining collar portion, the frangible region being breakable when the lid portion is removed from the mouth of the bottle but the lid portion remains connected to the retaining collar portion by the tether strap; wherein the cap portion, elongated tether portion and retaining collar portion are integrally molded from a polyethylene composition comprising: (1) 10 to 70 wt% of a first ethylene copolymer having a melt index I less than 1.0g/10min₂(ii) a And 0.920 to 0.960 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d); and (2) 90 to 30 wt% of a second ethylene copolymer or ethylene homopolymer; the second ethylene copolymer or the ethylene homopolymer has a melt index I of at least 20 g/10min₂(ii) a And a density higher than the first ethylene copolymer but less than 0.970 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d); wherein in the first ethylene copolymerThe ratio of the number of short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms (SCB1) to the number of short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms in the second ethylene copolymer (SCB2) (SCB1/SCB2) is greater than 0.5.

One embodiment of the present disclosure is a bottle closure assembly comprising: a cap portion, a tether portion and a retention device portion, the cap portion being molded to reversibly engage and cover the mouth of the bottle, the retention device portion being molded to irreversibly engage the neck finish or the upper portion of the bottle, and wherein the tether portion connects at least one point on the cap portion with at least one point on the retention device portion, wherein the cap portion, optional tether portion and optional retention device portion are made from a bimodal polyethylene composition comprising: (1) 10 to 70 wt% of a first ethylene copolymer having a melt index I less than 0.4 g/10min₂(ii) a Molecular weight distribution M less than 3.0_w/M_n(ii) a And 0.920 to 0.955 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d); and (2) 90 to 30 wt% of a second ethylene copolymer having a melt index I of 100 to 10,000g/10min₂(ii) a Molecular weight distribution M less than 3.0_w/M_n(ii) a And a density higher than the first ethylene copolymer but less than 0.967 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d); wherein the density of the second ethylene copolymer is less than 0.037 g/cm higher than the density of the first ethylene copolymer³(ii) a A ratio (SCB1/SCB2) of the number of short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms in the first ethylene copolymer (SCB1) to the number of short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms in the second ethylene copolymer (SCB2) is greater than 0.5; and wherein the polyethylene composition has a molecular weight distribution M from 3 to 11_w/M_n(ii) a At least 0.949 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d); melt index I of 0.4 to 5.0g/10min₂(ii) a M less than 400,000_ZA stress index of less than 1.50, and ESCR condition B (10% IGEPA L) for at least 20 hours.

When integrally molded, the bottle closure assembly exhibits a long flow path for filling with plastic material during manufacture. In the present disclosure, the term "integrally molded" means that the referenced parts are molded in a single continuous mold.

Typically, the cap portion is molded to reversibly engage and cover a mouth or aperture from which a liquid or other type of food product may be dispensed and thus removed.

In general, the retaining device portion, which may be in one embodiment of the present disclosure, may be a retaining collar portion, which is not typically removed, or not easily removed from the bottle, and in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the retaining collar engages the neck of the bottle or the upper portion of the bottle.

In general, the tether portion that may be in one embodiment of the present disclosure is an elongated tether portion that connects at least one point of the lid portion with at least one point on the retention device portion such that when the lid portion is removed from the bottle mouth, the lid portion remains flexibly fitted to the bottle through the tether portion and the retention device portion.

In this disclosure, the terms "bottle," "container," "can," "carton," "bag," "package," and the like may be used interchangeably in this disclosure. That is, "bottle closure assembly" may also be considered to be "container closure assembly", "can closure assembly", "carton closure assembly", "bag closure assembly", "package closure assembly", and the like. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the "bottle closure assembly" as described in this disclosure may be used to close or seal many different types of structural containers having different designs and profiles.

The terms "cap", "closure portion", "cap portion", and the like are used in this disclosure to denote any suitably shaped molded article for closing, sealing, or covering, etc., a suitably shaped opening, a suitably molded orifice, an open neck-type structure, etc., used in combination with a container, bottle, can, etc.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the retention device portion may reversibly or irreversibly engage a neck of a bottle, a shoulder of a bottle, or an upper portion of a bottle, or a fitment (e.g., a fitment on a bag or a carton).

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the retention device portion may also serve as a Tamper Evident Band (TEB).

In the present disclosure, the term "bottleneck" should be understood to refer to the bottleneck itself, but may also be any kind of similar or functionally equivalent structure, such as a nozzle, a socket, a fitting, etc.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the retaining means is partially molded or shaped to reversibly or irreversibly engage the neck of the bottle, the shoulder of the bottle, or the upper portion of the bottle.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the retaining means portion is a retaining collar portion that reversibly or irreversibly engages a neck of a bottle, a shoulder of a bottle, or an upper portion of a bottle.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the retaining collar portion is shaped as a circle or ring to reversibly or irreversibly engage a neck of a bottle, a shoulder of a bottle, or an upper portion of a bottle.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the vial closure assembly comprises a cap portion, a tether portion and a retention device portion, wherein the cap portion, tether portion and retention device portion are all integrally molded as a single piece.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the vial closure assembly comprises a cap portion, a tether portion and a retaining collar portion, wherein the cap portion, tether portion and retaining collar portion are all integrally molded as a single piece.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a vial closure assembly comprises a cap portion, an elongated tether portion, and a retention device portion, wherein the cap portion, elongated tether portion, and retention device portion are all integrally molded as a single piece.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a vial closure assembly includes a cap portion, an elongated tether portion, and a retaining collar portion, wherein the cap portion, elongated tether portion, and retaining collar portion are all integrally molded as a single piece.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the vial closure assembly comprises a cap portion, a tether portion and a retention device portion, wherein the cap portion, tether portion and retention device portion are molded separately.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the vial closure assembly comprises a cap portion, a tether portion and a retaining collar portion, wherein the cap portion, tether portion and retaining collar portion are molded separately.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a vial closure assembly comprises a cap portion, an elongated tether portion, and a retention device portion, wherein the cap portion, elongated tether portion, and retention device portion are molded separately.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a vial closure assembly comprises a cap portion, an elongated tether portion, and a retaining collar portion, wherein the cap portion, elongated tether portion, and retaining collar portion are molded separately.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, when molded separately, the cover portion, tether portion, and retention device portion may be assembled together using any means known in the art. For example, the cover portion, tether portion, and retention device portion may be glued together or welded together using heat, sonication, or other methods known in the art for fusing plastic materials together.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the vial closure assembly comprises a cap portion, a tether portion and a retention device portion, wherein the cap portion, tether portion and retention device portion are made of the same or different materials.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the vial closure assembly comprises a cap portion, a tether portion and a retaining collar portion, wherein the cap portion, tether portion and retaining collar portion are made of the same or different materials.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the vial closure assembly comprises a cap portion, an elongated tether portion, and a retention device portion, wherein the cap portion, the elongated tether portion, and the retention device portion are made of the same or different materials.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a vial closure assembly comprises a cap portion, an elongated tether portion, and a retaining collar portion, wherein the cap portion, elongated tether portion, and retaining collar portion are made of the same or different materials.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the "tether portion" is of sufficient length and/or has a design that allows removal of the "cap portion" from the mouth while preventing loss of the cap portion by maintaining a connection between the cap portion and the bottle, container, etc. by forming a connection between at least one point on the cap portion and at least one point on the "retaining means portion".

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a tether portion may be an "elongated tether portion," where "elongated" means that the tether portion will have at least one dimension (length) that is greater than at least one other dimension (width or height/thickness), or vice versa. Or put another way, "elongated" means that the tether has a length that is greater than its width and/or height/thickness.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the tether portion will have a dimension (e.g., width and/or height/thickness) that provides sufficient strength to prevent the tether from easily breaking or fracturing when placed under stress or stress, such as when the tether is subjected to bending or flexing forces. For example, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the tether would have a sufficient width and/or height/thickness to prevent the tether from easily breaking when engaged.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the "elongated tether portion" is of sufficient length and/or has a design that allows removal of the "cap portion" from the mouth while preventing loss of the cap portion by maintaining a connection between the cap portion and the bottle, container, etc. by forming a connection between at least one point on the cap portion and at least one point on the "retaining means portion".

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the retaining device portion may be a "retaining collar portion" that engages portions of the upper portion of a bottle neck or bottle, container, or the like.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the retaining means portion may be a "retaining collar portion" that irreversibly engages a bottle neck, spout, socket, certain portions of a fitment on a bag, or the like.

Alternatively, the retaining means portion may be a "retaining collar portion" which engages the upper portion of the neck of a bottle or bottle, container or the like.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the retaining collar portion rotatably engages an upper portion of a bottle neck or bottle, container, or the like.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the retaining means portion is a retaining collar portion that is molded to irreversibly engage the upper portion of a bottle neck or bottle, container, or the like.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the retaining collar portion is annular or circular in shape and may fit over and engage the upper portion of a bottle neck or bottle, container, or the like.

The lid portion may be a single continuous piece or it may itself comprise one or more lid portion structures.

The tether portion in the present disclosure need not serve as a hinged connection between the lid portion and the retention device portion (e.g., the retention collar portion), and the tether portion need not include a hinge portion or region, however, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the tether portion may include a hinge, and when present, the hinge may be a so-called "living hinge.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the elongated tether portion is of sufficient length to allow the cap portion of the bottle closure assembly to swing or hang in a manner that does not interfere with the mouth, aperture, etc., of the bottle, thereby not interfering with the dispensing of the contents of the bottle, while the cap portion is partially tethered to the bottle by the retention device.

The cap portion itself may be a threaded cap that is threadably engaged with a threaded system on a bottle neck, a spigot, a spout, a valve, a fitment on a bag, etc. The cap portion may alternatively be a snap cap which reversibly engages a bottle neck, socket, spout or the like. The cap portion may also reversibly engage the retaining collar portion in a snap fit or complementary arrangement of thread formations. The cap portion may comprise a first cap portion and a second cap portion, wherein the first cap portion engages the second cap portion in a snap fit and the second cap portion engages the upper portion of the bottle neck or bottle in a reversible or irreversible manner. For example, the second cap portion may have a thread formation that is in threaded engagement with a thread system on the bottle neck. Alternatively, the second cover part itself may engage the bottle neck by any suitable type of snap fit. The cover part may also comprise more than two cover parts.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the bottle closure assembly includes a cap portion adapted to close an opening in a bottle or the like by forming a frictional engagement with the opening.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the cap portion has internal threads that mate with external threads around an opening in the bottle, such as on a bottle neck, a spigot, or a spout.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the retaining collar portion is adapted to mate with a shoulder or flange on the upper portion of a bottle neck or bottle to be sealed by the cap portion.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the retaining collar portion is annular or cylindrical shaped and fits onto the neck of the bottle and is coupled to the neck of the bottle using any suitable coupling means, such as a snap fit or threaded engagement. In one embodiment, the retaining collar portion is molded to snap fit onto a bottle neck, bottle orifice, socket, nozzle, or the like. In one embodiment, the retaining collar portion may be threaded onto a bottle neck, bottle orifice, socket, spout, or the like. In one embodiment, the retaining collar portion itself may have a system of internal threads that mate with external threads on a bottle neck, bottle orifice, socket, spout, or the like. In one embodiment, the retaining collar portion is sized to engage under a flange or shoulder molded into the upper portion of the neck or bottle. For example, the retaining collar portion may have an annular radial dimension that prevents it from moving over an annular shoulder integrally molded into the upper portion of the neck or bottle. In this case, an annular outwardly extending shoulder on the neck of the bottle or on the upper portion of the bottle acts as a cam surface that prevents the retaining collar from moving towards the mouth of the bottle. Such a shoulder on the bottle may, for example, have a tapered outer annular edge that allows the retaining collar portion to be slid onto the bottle in an irreversible manner. In one embodiment of the present disclosure there may be outwardly extending annularly spaced lugs or the like on the upper portion of the neck or bottle against which the retaining collar bears to retain it in the neck, bore, socket, spout or the like. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other means of securing the retaining collar portion to the neck of a bottle, the upper portion of a bottle, a spout, etc. may be used.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the elongated tether portion comprises a connecting strip having a first end connected to at least one point of the cap portion and a second end connected to at least one point of the retaining collar portion, a lower edge and an upper edge, wherein the connecting strip at least partially surrounds a bottle neck, spout, etc. between the cap portion and the retaining collar portion when the cap portion is assembled to the bottle mouth, and wherein at least a portion of the upper edge of the connecting strip is frangibly connected to the lower edge of the cap portion, and wherein at least a portion of the lower edge of the connecting strip is frangibly connected to the upper edge of the retaining collar portion, and wherein the cap portion remains secured to the retaining collar portion and bottle by the connecting strip when the cap portion is removed from the bottle mouth by breaking the frangible connection between the cap portion, the connecting strip and the retaining collar portion.

In one embodiment, the elongated tether portion is a cylindrically adapted connecting strip that at least partially surrounds a bottle neck, spout, etc. and is located between the cap portion and the retaining collar portion prior to removal of the cap portion from the bottle mouth.

In one embodiment, the elongated tether portion has a first end connected to at least one point on the cover portion and a second end connected to at least one point on the retaining collar portion.

In one embodiment, the cover portion, the elongated tether portion, and the retaining collar portion are integrally molded such that the elongated tether portion has a first end connected to at least one point on the cover portion and a second end connected to at least one point on the retaining collar.

In one embodiment, the cap portion, the elongated tether portion, and the retaining collar portion are integrally molded such that the elongated tether portion has a first end connected to at least one point on the cap portion and a second end connected to the cap to at least one point on the retaining collar portion, and wherein the elongated tether portion has an upper edge and a lower edge, wherein at least a portion of the upper edge is frangibly connected to the lower edge of the cap portion and at least a portion of the lower edge is frangibly connected to the upper edge of the retaining collar portion, the frangibly connected portions being breakable upon removal of the closure from the vial opening.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the frangible connections or portions of the frangible connections are regularly or irregularly spaced molded portions (e.g., pins) that are suitably small in size to allow for easy breakage.

The frangible connection or portions of the frangible connection can also be considered to define a line of weakness along which the elongated tether portion can be separated from the cover portion and the retaining collar portion. Such a weakening line may typically be defined as an open portion alternating with a bridging portion, wherein the dimensions of the bridging portion are suitably small to allow easy breaking. Alternatively, the weakening line is defined by a plastic line which is made thin enough to break under stress.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a single piece of molded plastic having a suitable shape is purposefully weakened (by, for example, regularly or irregularly spaced cuts) along a predetermined line to define a cap portion, an elongated tether portion, and a retaining collar portion, wherein the cap portion is shaped to reversibly engage and cover the bottle mouth, the retaining device portion is shaped to reversibly engage the bottle neck or an upper portion of the bottle, and wherein the elongated tether portion connects at least one point on the bottle cap with at least one point on the retaining device portion.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a vial closure assembly comprises an upper cap portion, an intermediate elongated tether portion, and a lower retaining collar portion, wherein a first end of the intermediate elongated tether portion is permanently connected to at least one point on the upper cover portion and a second end is permanently connected to at least one point on the lower retaining collar portion, wherein the central elongate tether portion is partially connected to the lower annular edge of the upper lid portion along a first peripheral line of weakness, and the intermediate elongated tether portion is partially connected to the upper annular edge of the lower retaining collar portion along a second peripheral line of weakness, wherein removal of the upper lid portion from the bottle separates the upper lid portion from the central elongate tether portion along the first peripheral line of weakness, and separating the lower retaining collar portion from the intermediate elongated tether portion along the second line of weakness while maintaining the connection between the upper cover portion and the lower retaining collar portion by the intermediate elongated tether portion.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, and with reference to fig. 1A-1C, a bottle closure assembly comprises: an upper cap portion 1 sized to reversibly cover and close the mouth of the bottle; a lower retaining collar portion 10 dimensioned to irreversibly engage the upper portion of a bottle neck or bottle; and an elongated tether portion 5 sized to be a strip at least partially encircling the neck of the bottle between the upper cap portion and the lower retaining collar portion, the strip including a first end, a second end, an upper edge and a lower edge, the upper edge partially abutting the upper cap portion and the lower edge partially abutting the lower retaining collar portion, whereby removal of the upper cap portion from the bottle (e.g., by rotation about a thread system on the neck of the bottle) separates the elongated tether portion from the upper cap portion and the lower retaining collar portion while leaving the upper cap portion connected to the lower retaining collar portion by the elongated tether portion.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, and with reference to fig. 2A and 2B, a bottle closure assembly comprises: an upper cap portion 1 sized to reversibly cover and close the mouth 2 of the bottle; a lower retaining collar portion 10 dimensioned to irreversibly engage the neck 3 of a bottle or an upper portion of a bottle; and an elongate tethering portion 5 dimensioned as a strip at least partially encircling a neck of a bottle between the upper cap portion and the lower retaining collar portion, the strip comprising a first end 6, a second end 7, an upper edge 11 and a lower edge 12, the upper edge portion being frangibly attached to and partially contiguous with the upper cap portion 8 and the lower edge portion being frangibly attached to and partially contiguous with the lower retaining collar portion 9, whereby removal of the upper cap portion from the bottle ruptures the frangible attachment while leaving the upper cap portion attached to the lower retaining collar portion by the elongate tethering portion. In one embodiment and referring to fig. 2B, the bottle mouth may have peripheral threads 15 that engage threads on the inside of the cap portion.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, and with reference to fig. 3A-3C, a bottle closure assembly comprises: an upper cap portion 1 sized to reversibly cover and close the mouth of the bottle; a lower retaining collar portion 10 dimensioned to irreversibly engage the neck 3 of a bottle or an upper portion of a bottle; and an elongate tethering portion 5 dimensioned in a strip at least partially encircling the bottleneck between the upper lid portion and the lower retaining collar portion, the strip having a first end 6, a second end 7, an upper edge 11 and a lower edge 12, the upper edge portion being frangibly attached to the upper lid portion by a frangible element 20 (e.g. a breakable pin) and being in partial abutment with the upper lid portion, and the lower edge portion being frangibly attached to the lower retaining collar portion by a frangible element 20 (e.g. a breakable pin) and being in partial abutment with the lower retaining collar portion, whereby removal of the upper lid portion from the bottleneck rupturably attached accessory leaves the upper lid portion attached to the lower retaining collar portion by the elongate tethering portion 5. In one embodiment and referring to fig. 3B, the neck finish and the bottle mouth may have peripheral threads 15 that engage threads on the inside of the cap portion.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, referring to fig. 4A-4C, the vial closure assembly comprises a cap portion 1, an elongated tether portion 5 and a retaining collar portion 10.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, and with reference to fig. 5A and 5B, a bottle closure assembly comprises: a cap portion 1, a tether portion 5 and a retention means portion 10, the cap portion being moulded to reversibly engage and cover the mouth of the bottle, the retention means portion being moulded to irreversibly engage an upper portion 18 of the neck or bottle, the tether portion being moulded to connect at least one point on the cap portion with at least one point on the retention means portion, the cap portion and the retention collar portion extending coaxially with one another, the tether portion comprising a tabbed tether strap integrally formed with and secured at respective ends (6 and 7) thereof to the cap portion and the retention collar portion, the tether strap being connected to the cap portion and the retention collar along a preselected length of the tether strap to be manually separated from the cap portion and the retention collar portion by a frangible element 20 of preselected thickness to allow manual separation of the elongate tether strap from the cap portion and the retention collar portion along the preselected length, the tether strap is of such a length as to allow the lid portion to be removed from the mouth of the bottle while remaining attached to the bottle by the tether strap and the retaining collar. In one embodiment and as shown in fig. 5B, the lid portion may have a circular top wall 16 and a descending annular side wall 17.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a bottle closure assembly comprises: a cap portion having a top wall and a side wall, an elongated tether portion and a retaining collar portion, the cap portion being molded to reversibly engage and cover the bottle mouth, the retaining collar portion being annular and molded to irreversibly engage a ridge or flange on the upper portion of the bottle or neck, and the elongated tether portion being integrally molded with the cap portion and the retaining collar portion to connect at least one point on the cap side wall with at least one point on the retaining collar portion, wherein the elongated tether portion extends between the cap side wall and the retaining collar portion along a circumference of the cap portion when the cap portion is positioned on the bottle; the elongate tether portion connects at least one point on the lid sidewall with at least one point on the retaining collar portion when the lid portion is removed from the bottle.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, and with reference to fig. 6A and 6B, the bottle closure assembly comprises an upper cap portion 1, an intermediate elongated tether portion 5 and a lower retaining collar portion 10, wherein the intermediate elongated tether portion has a first end permanently connected to at least one point of the upper cap portion and a second end permanently connected to at least one point on the lower retaining collar portion, wherein the intermediate elongated tether portion is partially connected to a lower annular edge of the upper cap portion along a first peripheral line of weakness defined by perforations 25, the intermediate elongated tether portion is partially connected to an upper annular edge of the lower retaining collar portion along a second peripheral line of weakness defined by perforations 25, wherein removal of the upper cap portion from the bottle separates the upper cap portion from the tether portion along the first peripheral line of weakness and separates the lower retaining collar portion from the tether portion along the second line of weakness, while maintaining the connection between the upper cover portion and the lower retaining collar portion by the intermediate elongated tether portion.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure and referring to fig. 6A and 6B, the neck finish 3 may have an annular groove 28 having a flange on which the lid portion 1 may be reversibly engaged in a snap-fit arrangement. In one embodiment and referring to fig. 6A and 6B, the bottle neck can have an outwardly extending annular flange 29 that prevents the retaining collar portion 10 from being removed from the bottle neck.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, and with reference to fig. 7A and 7B, the vial closure assembly comprises a cap portion 1, an elongated tether portion 5, and a retaining collar portion 10. An elongated tether portion connects at least one point of the cover portion at the first end 6 with at least one point of the retaining collar portion at the second end 7. The elongate tether portion may be further connected to the cover portion along a frangible connection 8. The elongated tether portion may be further connected to the retaining collar portion along a frangible connection 9. Separating the cap portion from the elongate tether portion along the frangible connection 8 and the retaining collar portion from the elongate tether portion along the frangible connection 9 allows the cap portion to be removed from the vial mouth while being secured to the vial by the elongate tether portion and the retaining collar portion.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a bottle closure assembly comprises: a cap portion sized to cover and close a bottle mouth; a retention collar portion and an elongated tether portion forming a resilient connection between at least one point on the lid portion and at least one point on the retention collar portion.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the holder portion is integrally molded into a bottle, container, or the like.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the retaining collar portion is integrally molded into a bottle, container, or the like.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the tether portion fits the cap portion onto a retaining collar portion that remains secured to the bottle, making it difficult to separate the cap portion from the bottle, preventing its loss, while allowing the cap portion to be rotated to facilitate removal of the cap portion from and replacement of the cap portion on the bottle mouth.

In the present disclosure, the bottle closure component is made, in part or in whole, using a polyethylene composition comprising: (1) 10 to 70 wt% of a first ethylene copolymer havingHaving a melt index I of less than 1.0g/10min₂(ii) a And 0.920 to 0.960 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d); and (2) 90 to 30 wt% of a second ethylene copolymer or ethylene homopolymer; the second ethylene copolymer or the ethylene homopolymer has a melt index I of at least 20 g/10min₂(ii) a And a density higher than the first ethylene copolymer but less than 0.970 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d); wherein the ratio of the number of short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms in the first ethylene copolymer (SCB1) to the number of short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms in the second ethylene copolymer (SCB2) (SCB1/SCB2) is greater than 0.5.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the cap portion, optional tether portion, and optional retention collar portion are made from a polyethylene composition comprising: (1) 10 to 70 wt% of a first ethylene copolymer having a melt index I less than 1.0g/10min₂(ii) a And 0.920 to 0.960 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d); and (2) 90 to 30 wt% of a second ethylene copolymer or ethylene homopolymer; the second ethylene copolymer or the ethylene homopolymer has a melt index I of at least 20 g/10min₂(ii) a And a density higher than the first ethylene copolymer but less than 0.970 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d); wherein the ratio of the number of short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms in the first ethylene copolymer (SCB1) to the number of short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms in the second ethylene copolymer (SCB2) (SCB1/SCB2) is greater than 0.5.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the cap portion, the tether portion, and the retention collar portion are all integrally molded from a polyethylene composition comprising: 1) 10 to 70 wt% of a first ethylene copolymer having a melt index I less than 1.0g/10min₂(ii) a And 0.920 to 0.960 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d); 2) 90 to 30 wt% of a second ethylene copolymer or ethylene homopolymer; the second ethylene copolymer or the ethylene homopolymer has a melt index I of at least 20 g/10min₂(ii) a And a density higher than the first ethylene copolymer but less than 0.970 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d); wherein the number of short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms in the first ethylene copolymer (SCB1) and the number of short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms in the second ethylene copolymerThe ratio of (SCB2) (SCB1/SCB2) is greater than 0.5.

Such as those described in U.S. patent nos. 8022143; 8,962,755, respectively; 9,074,082, respectively; 9,371,442, respectively; 9,505,893, respectively; 9,475,927, respectively; 9,637,628, respectively; 9,758,653, respectively; 9,783,663, respectively; and 9,783,664, which are incorporated herein in their entirety, disclose other polyethylene compositions suitable for use in making some or all of the above-described bottle closure assemblies.

Polyethylene compositions suitable for use in making some or all of the bottle closure components are described in more detail below.

Typically, an "ethylene copolymer" or "polyethylene copolymer" is the product of a polymerization process in which ethylene and one or more than one α -olefin comonomer are intentionally added or intentionally present as a polymerizable olefin.

The term "ethylene homopolymer" means that the copolymer contains only ethylene (or negligible amounts of α -olefin comonomer). generally, "ethylene homopolymer" or "polyethylene homopolymer" is the product of a polymerization process in which only ethylene is intentionally added as a polymerizable olefin.

The term "homogeneously" or "homogeneously branched polymer" as used herein defines a homogeneously branched polyethylene having a relatively narrow composition distribution, such as a relatively high Composition Distribution Breadth Index (CDBI)₅₀) It is well known that metallocene catalysts and other so-called "single site catalysts" when used to catalyze the copolymerization of ethylene and α -olefin incorporate comonomer more uniformly than traditional Ziegler-Natta catalysts₅₀) To demonstrate this fact. The composition distribution of the polymer may be determined by Short Chain Distribution Index (SCDI) or Composition Distribution Breadth Index (CDBI)₅₀) To characterize. Composition Distribution Breadth Index (CDBI)₅₀) Can be found in PCT publication WO93/03093 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,206,075. Use of solubility based on polymer fractions (and thusIts comonomer content) separation of polymer fractions₅₀. For example, Temperature Rising Elution Fractionation (TREF) as described in Wild et al j.poly. sci., poly. phys. ed. vol. 20, p441, 1982 or U.S. Pat. No. 4,798,081 may be employed. CDBI is determined by establishing weight percent of copolymer sample based on weight fraction-composition distribution curve₅₀The comonomer content of the copolymer sample is within 50% of the median comonomer content on each side of the median. CDBI of ethylene copolymers produced by Ziegler-Natta catalysis₅₀Less than about 50 wt%, or less than about 55 wt%, consistent with heterogeneously branched copolymers. In contrast, metallocenes and other single site catalysts will most often produce CDBI consistent with homogeneously branched copolymers having greater than about 55 wt% or greater than about 60 wt%₅₀The ethylene copolymer of (1).

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the polyethylene composition will comprise at least a first ethylene copolymer and a second ethylene copolymer different from the first ethylene polymer.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition will comprise at least a first ethylene copolymer and an ethylene homopolymer.

First ethylene copolymer

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first ethylene copolymer of the polyethylene composition has about 0.920 g/cm³To about 0.955 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d); melt index I of less than about 0.4 g/10min₂(ii) a Molecular weight distribution M of less than about 3.0_w/M_nAnd a weight average molecular weight M_wM greater than the second ethylene copolymer or ethylene homopolymer_w. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the weight average molecular weight M of the first ethylene copolymer_wIs at least 110,000 (g/mol).

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first ethylene copolymer of the polyethylene composition has about 0.920 g/cm³To about 0.955 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d); melt index I of less than about 0.4 g/10min₂(ii) a Molecular weight distribution M of less than about 2.7_w/M_nAnd a weight average molecular weight M_wM greater than the second ethylene copolymer or ethylene homopolymer_w。

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first ethylene copolymer of the polyethylene composition has about 0.920 g/cm³To about 0.955 g/cm³(ii) a density of (d); melt index I of less than about 0.4 g/10min₂(ii) a Molecular weight distribution M of less than about 2.7_w/M_nAnd a weight average molecular weight M_wM greater than the second ethylene copolymer or ethylene homopolymer_w。

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first ethylene copolymer is a homogeneously branched copolymer.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first ethylene copolymer is prepared with a single-site catalyst, such as a phosphinimine catalyst.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the comonomer (i.e., α -olefin) content in the first ethylene copolymer can be from about 0.05 to about 3.0 mol%.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the comonomer in the first ethylene copolymer is one or more olefins such as, but not limited to, 1-butene, 1-hexene, 1-octene, and the like.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first ethylene copolymer is a copolymer of ethylene and 1-octene.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the short chain branching in the first ethylene copolymer may be from about 0.25 to about 15 short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms (SCB1/1000℃) in other embodiments of the disclosure, the short chain branches in the first ethylene copolymer may be from 0.5 to 15, or from 0.5 to 12, or from 0.5 to 10, or from 0.75 to 15, or from 0.75 to 12, or from 0.75 to 10, or from 1.0 to 8.0, or from 1.0 to 5, or from 1.0 to 3 branches per thousand carbon atoms (SCB1/1000℃) the short chain branches are branches due to the presence of α -olefin comonomer in the ethylene copolymer, e.g., will have two carbon atoms for a 1-butene comonomer, or will have four carbon atoms for a 1-hexene comonomer, or will have six carbon atoms for a 1-octene comonomer, etc.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the comonomer content in the first ethylene copolymer is substantially similar or approximately equal (e.g., within about ± 0.01 mol%) to the comonomer content in the second ethylene copolymer (e.g., recorded in mol%).

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the comonomer content in the first ethylene copolymer is greater than the comonomer content in the second ethylene copolymer (e.g., reported in mol%).

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the amount of short chain branching in the first ethylene copolymer is substantially similar or approximately equal (e.g., within about ± 0.05 mol%) to the amount of short chain branching in the second ethylene copolymer (as recorded per 1000 carbons (1000C) Short Chain Branching (SCB) in the polymer backbone).

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the amount of short chain branches in the first ethylene copolymer is greater than the amount of short chain branches in the second ethylene copolymer (as reported in Short Chain Branches (SCB) per 1000 carbons (1000C) in the polymer backbone).

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂Is 1.0g/10min or less (< 1.0g/10 min), or less than 1.0g/10min (< 1.0g/10 min).

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂Less than 0.4 g/10 min. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first ethylene copolymer may have a melt index greater than 0.01, but less than 0.4 g/10 min. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the first ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂Will be from 0.01 to 0.40 g/10min, or from 0.01 to 0.30 g/10min, or from 0.01 to 0.25 g/10min, or from 0.01 to 0.20 g/10min, or from 0.01 to 0.10 g/10 min.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the weight average molecular weight M of the first ethylene copolymer_wFrom about 110,000 to about 300,000 (g/mol). In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first ethyleneWeight average molecular weight M of the copolymer_wFrom about 110,000 to about 275,000 or from about 110,000 to about 250,000. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the weight average molecular weight M of the first ethylene copolymer_wGreater than about 110,000 to less than about 250,000. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the weight average molecular weight M of the first ethylene copolymer_wFrom about 125,000 to about 225,000, or from about 135,000 to about 200,000. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the weight average molecular weight M of the first ethylene copolymer_wFrom about 125,000 to about 275,000, or from about 125,000 to about 250,000, or from about 150,000 to about 275,000, or from about 150,000 to about 250,000, or from about 175,000 to about 250,000. In embodiments of the present disclosure, M of the first ethylene copolymer_wGreater than 110,000, or greater than 125,000, or greater than 150,000, or greater than 175,000. In embodiments of the present disclosure, M of the first ethylene copolymer_wGreater than 110,000, or greater than 125,000, or greater than 150,000, or greater than 175,000, while less than 275,000, or 250,000.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first ethylene copolymer has a density of from 0.920 to 0.960 g/cm³Or may be within the narrower ranges within that range and any numerical values within those ranges.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the first ethylene copolymer has a density of from 0.920 to 0.955 g/cm³Or may be in a narrower range within that range. For example, in other embodiments of the present disclosure, the first ethylene copolymer may have a density of from 0.925 to 0.955 g/cm³Or 0.925 to 0.950 g/cm³Or 0.925 to 0.945 g/cm³Or 0.925 to 0.940 g/cm³Or 0.925 to 0.935 g/cm³Or 0.923 to 0.945 g/cm³Or 0.923 to 0.940 g/cm³Or 0.923 to 0.935 g/cm³Or 0.927 to 0.945 g/cm³Or 0.927 to 0.940 g/cm³Or 0.927 to 0.935 g/cm³。

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the molecular weight distribution M of the first ethylene copolymer_w/M_n<3.0, or < 2.7, or<2.7, or < 2.5, or<2.5, or less than or equal to 2.3, or 1.8 to 2.3.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the M of the first ethylene copolymer may be estimated by deconvoluting the GPC profile obtained for a bimodal polyethylene composition comprised of the first ethylene copolymer_W/M_nThe value is obtained.

The density and melt index I of the first ethylene copolymer can be estimated from GPC (gel permeation chromatography) and GPC-FTIR (gel permeation chromatography with Fourier transform Infrared detection) experiments and deconvolution of bimodal polyethylene compositions₂(see examples section).

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first ethylene copolymer of the polyethylene composition is a weight average molecular weight, M_WAt least 110,000, a molecular weight distribution M_w/M_nLess than 2.7, and a density of 0.920 to 0.948 g/cm³The homogeneously branched ethylene copolymer of (1).

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first ethylene copolymer is a homogeneously branched ethylene copolymer and has a CDBI of greater than about 50% or greater than about 55% by weight₅₀. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the first ethylene copolymer has a CDBI of greater than about 60%, or greater than about 65%, or greater than about 70%, or greater than about 75%, or greater than about 80% by weight.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first ethylene copolymer may be 10 to 90 weight percent (wt%) of the weight of the polyethylene composition (e.g., 10 to 90 wt% of the total weight of the first ethylene copolymer and the second ethylene copolymer or ethylene homopolymer). In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first ethylene copolymer may be from 10 to 80 weight percent (wt%) of the combined weight of the polyethylenes (e.g., from 10 to 80 wt% of the total weight of the first ethylene copolymer and the second ethylene copolymer or ethylene homopolymer). In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first ethylene copolymer may be from 10 to 70 weight percent (wt%) of the weight of the polyethylene composition (e.g., from 10 to 70 wt% of the total weight of the first ethylene copolymer and the second ethylene copolymer or ethylene homopolymer). In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first ethylene copolymer may be 20 to 60 weight percent (wt%) of the weight of the polyethylene composition (e.g., 20 to 60 wt% of the total weight of the first ethylene copolymer and the second ethylene copolymer or ethylene homopolymer). In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first ethylene copolymer may be 30 to 60 weight percent (wt%) of the weight of the polyethylene composition (i.e., for example, 30 to 60 wt% of the total weight of the first ethylene copolymer and the second ethylene copolymer or ethylene homopolymer). In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first ethylene copolymer may be from 40 to 50 weight percent (wt%) of the weight of the polyethylene composition (e.g., from 40 to 50 wt% of the total weight of the first ethylene copolymer and the second ethylene copolymer or ethylene homopolymer).

Second ethylene copolymer

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the density of the second ethylene copolymer is higher than the density of the first ethylene copolymer.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer of the polyethylene composition has a density equal to or lower than 0.967 g/cm³But higher than the density of the first ethylene copolymer; melt index I₂From about 100 to 10,000g/10 min; molecular weight distribution M_w/M_nLess than about 3.0, and a weight average molecular weight M_wM less than the first ethylene copolymer_w. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the weight average molecular weight M of the second ethylene copolymer_wWill be below 45,000.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer of the polyethylene composition has a density equal to or lower than 0.967 g/cm³But higher than the density of the first ethylene copolymer; melt index I₂From about 500 to about 20,000g/10 min; molecular weight distribution M_w/M_nLess than about 2.7, and a weight average molecular weight M_wM less than the first ethylene copolymer_w。

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer is a homogeneously branched copolymer.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer is prepared with a single-site catalyst, such as a phosphinimine catalyst.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the comonomer content in the second ethylene copolymerCan be about 0.05 to about 3 mol%, as by¹³C NMR or FTIR or GPC-FTIR methods. The comonomer content of the second ethylene polymer can also be determined by applying a mathematical deconvolution method to the bimodal polyethylene composition (see the examples section).

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the comonomer content in the second ethylene copolymer can be about 0.01 to about 3 mol%, or about 0.03 to about 3 mol%, such as by¹³C NMR or FTIR or GPC-FTIR methods. The comonomer content of the second ethylene polymer can also be determined by applying a mathematical deconvolution method to the bimodal polyethylene composition (see the examples section).

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the comonomer in the second ethylene copolymer is one or more α -olefins such as, but not limited to, 1-butene, 1-hexene, 1-octene, and the like.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer is a copolymer of ethylene and 1-octene.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the short chain branching in the second ethylene copolymer may be from about 0.25 to about 15 short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms (SCB2/1000℃) in other embodiments of the disclosure, the short chain branches in the second ethylene copolymer may be from 0.25 to 12, or 0.25 to 8, or 0.25 to 5, or 0.25 to 3, or 0.25 to 2 branches per thousand carbon atoms (SCB2/1000℃) the short chain branching is branching due to the presence of a α -olefin comonomer in the ethylene copolymer, e.g., two carbon atoms for a 1-butene comonomer, or four carbon atoms for a 1-hexene comonomer, or six carbon atoms for a 1-octene¹³Alternatively, the number of short chain branches in the second ethylene copolymer can be determined by applying a mathematical deconvolution method to the bimodal polyethylene composition (see examples section.) the comonomer is one or more suitable α -olefins such as, but not limited to, 1-butene, 1-hexene, 1-octene, and the like, in some embodiments, 1-octene is preferred.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the short chain branching in the second ethylene copolymer may be from about 0.15 to about 15 short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms (SCB2/1000℃) in other embodiments of the disclosure, the short chain branches in the second ethylene copolymer may be from 0.15 to 12, or from 0.15 to 8, or from 0.15 to 5, or from 0.15 to 3, or from 0.15 to 2 branches per thousand carbon atoms (SCB2/1000℃) the short chain branches are branches due to the presence of α -olefin comonomer in the ethylene copolymer, e.g., would have two carbon atoms for a 1-butene comonomer, or four carbon atoms for a 1-hexene comonomer, or six carbon atoms for a 1-octene comonomer, etc.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the short chain branching in the second ethylene copolymer may be from about 0.05 to about 12 short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms (SCB 1/1000C). In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the short chain branching in the second ethylene copolymer may be from 0.05 to 7.5, or from 0.05 to 5.0, or from 0.05 to 2.5, or from 0.05 to 1.5, or from 0.1 to 12, or from 0.1 to 10, or from 0.1 to 7.5, or from 0.1 to 5.0, or from 0.1 to 2.5, or from 0.1 to 2.0, or from 0.1 to 1.0 branches per thousand carbon atoms (SCB 1/1000C).

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the short chain branching in the second ethylene copolymer may be from about 0.05 to about 10 short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms (SCB 1/1000C). In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the short chain branching in the second copolymer may be from 0.05 to 7.5, or from 0.05 to 5.0, or from 0.05 to 2.5, or from 0.05 to 1.5, or from 0.1 to 12, or from 0.1 to 10, or from 0.1 to 7.5, or from 0.1 to 5.0, or from 0.1 to 2.5, or from 0.1 to 2.0, or from 0.1 to 1.0 branches per thousand carbon atoms (SCB 1/1000C). In one embodiment of the disclosure, the comonomer content in the second ethylene copolymer is substantially similar or approximately equal (e.g., within about ± 0.01 mol%) to the comonomer content in the first ethylene copolymer (e.g., recorded in mol%).

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the comonomer content in the second ethylene copolymer is less than the comonomer content in the first ethylene copolymer (e.g., reported in mol%).

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the amount of short chain branching in the second ethylene copolymer is substantially similar or approximately equal to the amount of short chain branching in the first ethylene copolymer (e.g., within about ± 0.05 SCB/1000C) (recorded as short chain branching SCB of 1000C per thousand carbons in the polymer backbone).

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the amount of short chain branching in the second ethylene copolymer is less than the amount of short chain branching in the first ethylene copolymer (recorded as short chain branching SCB of 1000C per thousand carbons in the polymer backbone).

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a density of less than 0.970 g/cm³。

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a density of less than 0.967 g/cm³. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a density of less than 0.966 g/cm³. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a density of less than 0.965 g/cm³. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a density of less than 0.964 g/cm³. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a density of less than 0.963 g/cm³. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the density of the second ethylene copolymer is less than 0.962 g/cm³。

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the density of the second ethylene copolymer is higher than the density of the first ethylene copolymer, but less than 0.970 g/cm³。

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the density of the second ethylene copolymer is higher than the density of the first ethylene copolymer, but less than 0.967 g/cm³. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the density of the second ethylene copolymer is higher than the density of the first ethylene copolymer, but less than 0.966 g/cm³. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the density of the second ethylene copolymer is higher than the density of the first ethylene copolymer, but less than 0.965 g/cm³. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the density of the second ethylene copolymer is higher than the density of the first ethylene copolymer, but less than 0.964 g/cm³. In another embodiment of the present disclosureThe density of the second ethylene copolymer is higher than that of the first ethylene copolymer but less than 0.963 g/cm³. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the density of the second ethylene copolymer is higher than the density of the first ethylene copolymer, but less than 0.962 g/cm³。

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a density of 0.952 to 0.967 g/cm³Or may be in a narrower range within that range. For example, in embodiments of the present disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer can have a density of 0.952 to 0.966 g/cm³0.952 to 0.965 g/cm³Or 0.952 to 0.964 g/cm³Or 0.952 to 0.963 g/cm³Or 0.954 to 0.963 g/cm³Or 0.954 to 0.964 g/cm³Or 0.956 to 0.964 g/cm³Or from 0.952 to less than 0.965 g/cm³Or from 0.954 to less than 0.965 g/cm³。

In embodiments of the disclosure, the weight average molecular weight M of the second ethylene copolymer_wLess than about 45,000, or less than about 40,000 or less than about 35,000. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the weight average molecular weight M of the second ethylene copolymer_wFrom about 7,500 to about 35,000. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the weight average molecular weight M of the second ethylene copolymer_wFrom about 9,000 to about 35,000, or from about 10,000 to about 35,000, or from about 12,500 to about 30,000, or from about 10,000 to about 25,000, or from about 10,000 to about 20,000.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the weight average molecular weight M of the second ethylene copolymer_wLess than 25,000. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the weight average molecular weight M of the second ethylene copolymer_wFrom about 7,500 to about 23,000. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the weight average molecular weight M of the second ethylene copolymer_wFrom about 9,000 to about 22,000, or from about 10,000 to about 17,500, or from about 7,500 to about 17,500. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the weight average molecular weight M of the second ethylene copolymer_wFrom about 3,500 to about 25,000, or from about 5,000 to about 20,000, or from about 7,500 to about 17,500, or from about 5,000 to about 15,000, or from about 5,000 to about 17,500, or from about 7,500 to about 15,000 or about 7500 to about 12,500. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the weight average molecular weight M of the second ethylene copolymer_wFrom about 9,000 to about 22,000, or from about 10,000 to about 17,500, or from about 7,500 to 17,500.

In embodiments of the disclosure, the molecular weight distribution M of the second ethylene copolymer_w/M_nIs composed of<3.0, or < 2.7, or<2.7, or < 2.5, or<2.5, or less than or equal to 2.3, or 1.8 to 2.3.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, M of the second ethylene copolymer_w/M_nThe values may be estimated by deconvoluting the GPC profile obtained from a bimodal polyethylene composition comprised of the first ethylene copolymer.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂May be at least 20 g/10 min.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂Can be 20 to 10,000g/10 min. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂May be 100 to 10,000g/10 min. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂May be 1,000 to 7000 g/10 min. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂May be 1200 to 10,000g/10 min. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂May be 1,500 to 10,000g/10 min. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂May be greater than 1,500 but less than 7,000 g/10 min.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂Can be 50 to 20,000g/10 min. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂It may be 250 to 20,000g/10 min. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂May be 500 to 20,000g/10 min. In another embodiment of the present disclosure,melt index I of the second ethylene copolymer₂May be 1,000 to 20,000g/10 min. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂May be 1,500 to 20,000g/10 min. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂May be 1,500 to 10,000g/10 min. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂May be 1,500 to 7,000 g/10 min. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂May be greater than 1,500 but less than 7,000 g/10 min. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂May be greater than 1,500 but less than 5000 g/10 min. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂May be greater than 1000, but less than 3500 g/10 min.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂It may be 250 to 20,000g/10 min. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂May be 500 to 20,000g/10 min. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂May be greater than 750 to 20,000g/10 min. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂May be from 1,000 to 20,000g/10min, or from 1,500 to 20,000g/10min, or from 250 to 15,000 g/10min, or from 250 to 10,000g/10min, or from 500 to 17,500 g/10min, or from 500 to 15,000 g/10min, or from 1,500 to 15,000 g/10 min. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂May be 1200 to 10,000g/10 min. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂May be 1,500 to 10,000g/10 min. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂May be greater than 1,500 but less than 7,000 g/10 min.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂More than 200 g/10 min. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂More than 250 g/10 min. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂More than 500 g/10 min. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂More than 650 g/10 min. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂More than 1000 g/10 min. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂More than 1,200 g/10 min. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂More than 1,500 g/10 min. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂More than 1,750 g/10 min.

Density and melt index I of the second ethylene copolymer₂Deconvolution estimates can be made from GPC and GPC-FTIR experiments as well as bimodal polyethylene compositions (see example section below).

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer of the polyethylene composition is of weight average molecular weight M_wUp to 45000; molecular weight distribution M_w/M_nLess than 2.7 and a density higher than that of the first ethylene copolymer, but less than 0.967 g/cm³The homogeneous ethylene copolymer of (1).

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer is a homogeneously branched ethylene copolymer and has a CDBI of greater than about 50 wt% or greater than about 55 wt%₅₀. In other embodiments of the disclosure, the CDBI of the second ethylene copolymer₅₀Greater than about 60 wt%, or greater than about 65 wt%, or greater than about 70 wt%, or greater than about 75 wt%, or greater than about 50 wt%, or greater than about 80 wt%.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer may be 90 to 10 weight percent (wt%) of the polyethylene composition (e.g., 90 to 10 wt% of the total weight of the first ethylene copolymer and the second ethylene copolymer). In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer may be 90 to 20 weight percent (wt%) of the polyethylene composition (e.g., 90 to 20 wt% of the total weight of the first ethylene copolymer and the second ethylene copolymer). In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer may be 90 to 30 weight percent (wt%) of the polyethylene composition (e.g., 90 to 30 wt% of the total weight of the first ethylene copolymer and the second ethylene copolymer). In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer may be 80 to 40 weight percent (wt%) of the weight of the polyethylene composition (e.g., 80 to 40 wt% of the total weight of the first ethylene copolymer and the second ethylene copolymer). In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer may be 70 to 40 weight percent (wt%) of the weight of the polyethylene composition (e.g., 70 to 40 wt% of the total weight of the first ethylene copolymer and the second ethylene copolymer). In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer may be 60 to 50 weight percent (wt%) of the weight of the polyethylene composition (e.g., 60 to 50 wt% of the total weight of the first ethylene copolymer and the second ethylene copolymer).

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a density that is higher than the density of the first ethylene copolymer, but less than about 0.037 g/cm higher than the density of the first ethylene copolymer³. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a density that is higher than the density of the first ethylene copolymer, but less than about 0.036 g/cm higher than the density of the first ethylene copolymer³. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a density that is higher than the density of the first ethylene copolymer, but less than about 0.035 g/cm higher than the density of the first ethylene copolymer³. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a density that is higher than the density of the first ethylene copolymer, but less than about 0.034 g/cm higher than the density of the first ethylene copolymer³. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a density that is higher than the density of the first ethylene copolymer, but less than about 0.033 g/cm higher than the density of the first ethylene copolymer³. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a higher density than the first ethylene copolymer, but a higher density than the first ethylene copolymerThe density of the olefinic copolymer is less than about 0.032 g/cm³. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a density that is higher than the density of the first ethylene copolymer, but less than about 0.031 g/cm higher than the density of the first ethylene copolymer³. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the second ethylene copolymer has a density greater than the density of the first ethylene copolymer but less than about 0.030 g/cm greater than the density of the first ethylene copolymer³。

In embodiments of the disclosure, I of the second ethylene copolymer₂Is a first ethylene copolymer₂At least 20 times, or at least 100 times, or at least 1000 times, or at least 10,000 times, or at least 50,000 times.

Ethylene homopolymer

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the density of the ethylene homopolymer is higher than the density of the first ethylene copolymer.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ethylene homopolymer of the polyethylene composition has a density equal to or less than 0.967 g/cm³But higher than the density of the first ethylene copolymer. Melt index I₂From about 100 to 10,000g/10 min; molecular weight distribution M_w/M_nLess than about 3.0, weight average molecular weight M_wM less than the first ethylene copolymer_w. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ethylene homopolymer has a weight average molecular weight, M_wWill be below 45,000.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ethylene homopolymer of the polyethylene composition has a density equal to or less than 0.967 g/cm³But higher than the density of the first ethylene copolymer. Melt index I₂From about 500 to about 20,000g/10 min; molecular weight distribution M_w/M_nLess than about 2.7, and a weight average molecular weight M_wM less than the first ethylene copolymer_w。

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, ethylene homopolymers are prepared with a single-site catalyst, such as a phosphinimine catalyst.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the ethylene homopolymer has a density of less than 0.970 g/cm³。

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ethylene homopolymer has a density of less than 0.967 g/cm³. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the ethylene homopolymer has a density of less than 0.966 g/cm³. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the ethylene homopolymer has a density of less than 0.965 g/cm³. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the ethylene homopolymer has a density of less than 0.964 g/cm³. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the ethylene homopolymer has a density of less than 0.963 g/cm³. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the ethylene homopolymer has a density of less than 0.962 g/cm³。

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the ethylene homopolymer has a density higher than the density of the first ethylene copolymer, but less than 0.970 g/cm³。

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ethylene homopolymer has a density higher than the density of the first ethylene copolymer, but less than 0.967 g/cm³. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the ethylene homopolymer has a density higher than the density of the first ethylene copolymer, but less than 0.966 g/cm³. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the ethylene homopolymer has a density higher than the density of the first ethylene copolymer, but less than 0.965 g/cm³. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the ethylene homopolymer has a density higher than the density of the first ethylene copolymer, but less than 0.964 g/cm³. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the ethylene homopolymer has a density higher than the density of the first ethylene copolymer, but less than 0.963 g/cm³. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the ethylene homopolymer has a density higher than the density of the first ethylene copolymer, but less than 0.962 g/cm³。

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ethylene homopolymer has a density of from 0.952 to 0.967 g/cm³Or may be in a narrower range within that range. For example, in embodiments of the present disclosure, the ethylene homopolymer may have a density of 0.952 to 0.966 g/cm³0.952 to 0.965 g/cm³Or 0.952 to 0.964 g/cm³Or 0.952 to 0.963 g/cm³Or 0.954 to 0.963 g/cm³Or 0.954 to 0.964 g/cm³Or 0.956 to 0.964 g/cm³Or from 0.952 to less than 0.965 g/cm³Or from 0.954 to less than 0.965 g/cm³。

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the ethylene homopolymer has a weight average molecular weight, M_wLess than about 45,000, or less than about 40,000 or less than about 35,000. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the ethylene homopolymer has a weight average molecular weight, M_wFrom about 7,500 to about 35,000. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the ethylene homopolymer has a weight average molecular weight, M_wFrom about 9,000 to about 35,000, or from about 10,000 to about 35,000, or from about 12,500 to about 30,000, or from about 10,000 to about 25,000, or from about 10,000 to about 20,000.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ethylene homopolymer has a weight average molecular weight, M_wLess than 25,000. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the ethylene homopolymer has a weight average molecular weight, M_wFrom about 7,500 to about 23,000. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the ethylene homopolymer has a weight average molecular weight, M_wFrom about 9,000 to about 22,000, or from about 10,000 to about 17,500, or from about 7,500 to about 17,500. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the ethylene homopolymer has a weight average molecular weight, M_wFrom about 3500 to about 25,000, or from about 5,000 to about 20,000, or from about 7,500 to about 17,500, or from about 5,000 to about 15,000, from about 5,000 to about 17,500, or from about 7,500 to about 15,000 or from about 7,500 to about 12,500. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the ethylene homopolymer has a weight average molecular weight, M_wFrom about 9,000 to about 22,000, or from about 10,000 to about 17,500, or from about 7,500 to 17,500.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the molecular weight distribution M of the ethylene homopolymer_w/M_nIs composed of<3.0, or < 2.7, or<2.7, or < 2.5, or<2.5, or less than or equal to 2.3, or 1.8 to 2.3.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, M of an ethylene homopolymer_w/M_nThe values may be estimated by deconvoluting the GPC profile obtained from a bimodal polyethylene composition comprised of the first ethylene copolymer.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure,melt index I of ethylene homopolymer₂May be at least 20 g/10 min.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the melt index I of the ethylene homopolymer₂Can be 20 to 10,000g/10 min. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the melt index I of the ethylene homopolymer₂May be 100 to 10,000g/10 min. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the melt index I of the ethylene homopolymer₂It may be 1,000 to 7,000 g/10 min. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the melt index I of the ethylene homopolymer₂May be 1200 to 10,000g/10 min. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the melt index I of the ethylene homopolymer₂May be 1,500 to 10,000g/10 min. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the melt index I of the ethylene homopolymer₂May be greater than 1,500 but less than 7,000 g/10 min.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the melt index I of the ethylene homopolymer₂Can be 50 to 20,000g/10 min. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the melt index I of the ethylene homopolymer₂It may be 250 to 20,000g/10 min. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the melt index I of the ethylene homopolymer₂May be 500 to 20,000g/10 min. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the melt index I of the ethylene homopolymer₂May be 1000 to 20,000g/10 min. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the melt index I of the ethylene homopolymer₂May be 1,500 to 20,000g/10 min. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the melt index I of the ethylene homopolymer₂May be 1,500 to 10,000g/10 min. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the melt index I of the ethylene homopolymer₂May be 1,500 to 7,000 g/10 min. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the melt index I of the ethylene homopolymer₂May be greater than 1,500 but less than 7,000 g/10 min. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the melt index I of the ethylene homopolymer₂May be greater than 1,500 but less than 5,000 g/10 min. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the melt index I of the ethylene homopolymer₂May be greater than 1,000, but smallAt 3,500 g/10 min.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the melt index I of the ethylene homopolymer₂It may be 250 to 20,000g/10 min. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the melt index I of the ethylene homopolymer₂May be 500 to 20,000g/10 min. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the melt index I of the ethylene homopolymer₂May be greater than 750 to 20,000g/10 min. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the melt index I of the ethylene homopolymer₂May be from 1,000 to 20,000g/10min, or from 1,500 to 20,000g/10min, or from 250 to 15,000 g/10min, or from 250 to 10,000g/10min, or from 500 to 17,500 g/10min, or from 500 to 15,000 g/10min, or from 1,500 to 15,000 g/10 min. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the melt index I of the ethylene homopolymer₂May be 1200 to 10,000g/10 min. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the melt index I of the ethylene homopolymer₂May be 1,500 to 10,000g/10 min. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the melt index I of the ethylene homopolymer₂May be greater than 1,500 but less than 7,000 g/10 min.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the melt index I of the ethylene homopolymer₂More than 200 g/10 min. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the melt index I of the ethylene homopolymer₂More than 250 g/10 min. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the melt index I of the ethylene homopolymer₂More than 500 g/10 min. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the melt index I of the ethylene homopolymer₂More than 650 g/10 min. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the melt index I of the ethylene homopolymer₂More than 1000 g/10 min. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the melt index I of the ethylene homopolymer₂More than 1200 g/10 min. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the melt index I of the ethylene homopolymer₂More than 1,500 g/10 min. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the melt index I of the ethylene homopolymer₂More than 1,750 g/10 min.

Density and melt index I of ethylene homopolymer₂Can be tested by GPC and GPC-FTIR and on bimodal polyethyleneThe alkene composition was subjected to deconvolution estimation (see "examples" section below).

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ethylene homopolymer of the polyethylene composition is a homogeneous ethylene copolymer having a weight average molecular weight, M_wUp to 45000; molecular weight distribution M_w/M_nLess than 2.7 and a density higher than that of the first ethylene copolymer, but less than 0.967 g/cm³。

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ethylene homopolymer may be 90 to 10 weight percent (wt%) of the polyethylene composition (e.g., 90 to 10 wt% of the total weight of the first ethylene copolymer and the ethylene homopolymer). In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ethylene homopolymer may be 90 to 20 weight percent (wt%) of the polyethylene composition (e.g., 90 to 20 wt% of the total weight of the first ethylene copolymer and the ethylene homopolymer). In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ethylene homopolymer may be from 90 to 30 weight percent (wt%) of the polyethylene composition (e.g., from 90 to 30 wt% of the total weight of the first ethylene copolymer and the ethylene homopolymer). In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ethylene homopolymer may be 80 to 40 weight percent (wt%) of the weight of the polyethylene composition (e.g., 80 to 40 wt% of the total weight of the first ethylene copolymer and the ethylene homopolymer). In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ethylene homopolymer may be 70 to 40 weight percent (wt%) of the weight of the polyethylene composition (i.e., for example, 70 to 40 wt% of the total weight of the first ethylene copolymer and the ethylene homopolymer). In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ethylene homopolymer may be 60 to 50 weight percent (wt%) of the weight of the polyethylene composition (e.g., 60 to 50 wt% of the total weight of the first ethylene copolymer and the ethylene homopolymer).

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ethylene homopolymer has a density greater than the density of the first ethylene copolymer, but less than about 0.037 g/cm greater than the density of the first ethylene copolymer³. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ethylene homopolymer has a density greater than the density of the first ethylene copolymer, but less than about 0.036 g/cm greater than the density of the first ethylene copolymer³. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the ethylene homopolymer has a higher density than the first ethylene copolymerThe density of the polymer, but less than about 0.035 g/cm higher than the density of the first ethylene copolymer³. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ethylene homopolymer has a density greater than the density of the first ethylene copolymer, but less than about 0.034 g/cm greater than the density of the first ethylene copolymer³. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ethylene homopolymer has a density greater than the density of the first ethylene copolymer, but less than about 0.033 g/cm greater than the density of the first ethylene copolymer³. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ethylene homopolymer has a density greater than the density of the first ethylene copolymer, but less than about 0.032 g/cm greater than the density of the first ethylene copolymer³. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the ethylene homopolymer has a density greater than the density of the first ethylene copolymer, but less than about 0.031 g/cm greater than the density of the first ethylene copolymer³. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the ethylene homopolymer has a density greater than the density of the first ethylene copolymer, but less than about 0.030 g/cm greater than the density of the first ethylene copolymer³。

In embodiments of the present disclosure, I of ethylene homopolymer₂Is a first ethylene copolymer₂At least 20 times, or at least 100 times, or at least 1,000 times, or at least 10,000 times, or at least 50,000 times.

Polyethylene composition

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a broad bimodal or multimodal molecular weight distribution.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition will comprise a first ethylene copolymer and have a different weight average molecular weight (M) than the first ethylene copolymer_w) And/or melt index I₂Or an ethylene homopolymer.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition will comprise at a minimum the first ethylene copolymer and the second ethylene copolymer (as defined above), and the ratio of the number of short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms in the first ethylene copolymer (i.e., SCB1) to the number of short chain branches per thousand carbon atoms in the second ethylene copolymer (i.e., SCB2) (SCB1/SCB2) will be greater than 0.5 (i.e., SCB1/SCB2> 0.5).

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition will comprise at a minimum the first ethylene copolymer and the ethylene homopolymer (as defined above).

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ratio of short chain branching (SCB1) in the first ethylene copolymer to short chain branching (SCB2) in the second ethylene copolymer is at least 0.60. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ratio of short chain branching (SCB1) in the first ethylene copolymer to short chain branching (SCB2) in the second ethylene copolymer is at least 0.75. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the ratio of short chain branching (SCB1) in the first ethylene copolymer to short chain branching (SCB2) in the second ethylene copolymer is at least 1.0. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the ratio of short chain branching (SCB1) in the first ethylene copolymer to short chain branching (SCB2) in the second ethylene copolymer is greater than 1.10. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the ratio of short chain branching (SCB1) in the first ethylene copolymer to short chain branching (SCB2) in the second ethylene copolymer is at least 1.25. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the ratio of short chain branching (SCB1) in the first ethylene copolymer to short chain branching (SCB2) in the second ethylene copolymer is at least 1.5, or at least 2.0, or at least 2.5, or at least 3.0, or at least 3.5, or at least 4.0, or at least 4.5.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ratio of short chain branching (SCB1) in the first ethylene copolymer to short chain branching (SCB2) in the second ethylene copolymer will be greater than 0.5, but less than 1.0.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the ratio of short chain branching (SCB1) in the first ethylene copolymer to short chain branching (SCB2) in the second ethylene copolymer (SCB1/SCB2) will be from 1.0 to 12.0, or from 1.0 to 10, or from 1.0 to 7.0, or from 1.0 to 5.0, or from 1.0 to 3.0.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the ratio of short chain branching (SCB1) in the first ethylene copolymer to short chain branching (SCB2) in the second ethylene copolymer (SCB1/SCB2) will be from 1.0 to 15.0, or from 2.0 to 12.0, or from 2.5 to 12.0, or from 3.0 to 12.0, or from 3.5 to 12.0.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a bimodal molecular weight distribution. In the present disclosure, the term "bimodal" means that the polyethylene composition comprises at least two components, wherein one component has a lower weight average molecular weight and a higher density, and the other component has a higher weight average molecular weight and a lower density. Generally, bimodal or multimodal polyethylene compositions can be identified by using Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC). Typically, the GPC chromatogram will show an ethylene copolymer of two or more components, where the number of ethylene copolymer components corresponds to the number of discernible peaks. The ethylene copolymer of one or more components may also be present in the form of peaks, shoulders or tails relative to the molecular weight distribution of the other ethylene copolymer components.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the polyethylene composition has greater than or equal to 0.949 g/cm measured according to ASTM D792³(ii) a density of (d); a melt index I of about 0.4 to about 5.0g/10min measured according to ASTM D1238 (performed at 190 ℃ with a 2.16kg load)₂(ii) a Molecular weight distribution M of about 3 to about 11_w/M_nZ-average molecular weight M of less than 400,000_zA stress index of less than 1.50, and ESCR condition B (10% IGEPA L and 50 ℃) of at least about 20 hours.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the polyethylene composition has greater than or equal to 0.949 g/cm measured according to ASTM D792³(ii) a density of (d); a melt index I of about 0.2 to about 5.0g/10min measured according to ASTM D1238 (performed at 190 ℃ with a 2.16kg load)₂(ii) a Molecular weight distribution M of about 6 to about 13_w/M_nZ-average molecular weight M of less than 450,000_zA stress index of less than 1.50, and ESCR condition B (10% IGEPA L and 50 ℃) of at least about 200 hours.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a comonomer content of less than 0.75 mol%, or less than 0.70 mol%, or less than 0.65 mol%, or less than 0.60 mol%, or less than 0.55 mol%, such as by FTIR or FTIR¹³C NMR, preferably¹³C NMR method determination, where the comonomer is one or more suitable α -olefins, such as, but not limited to, 1-butene, 1-hexene, 1-octene, and the likeThe comonomer content of the compound is 0.1 to 0.75 mol%, or 0.20 to 0.55 mol%, or 0.25 to 0.50 mol%.

In the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a density of at least 0.949 g/cm³. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the density of the polyethylene composition>0.949 g/cm³Or not less than 0.950 g/cm³Or is or>0.950 g/cm³Or not less than 0.953 g/cm³Or not less than 0.955 g/cm³Or is or>0.955 g/cm³。

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a density of from 0.949 to 0.969 g/cm³。

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a density of from 0.949 to 0.960 g/cm³。

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a density of from 0.949 to 0.959 g/cm³。

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a density of from 0.949 to 0.957 g/cm³。

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a density of from 0.949 to 0.956 g/cm³。

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a density of from 0.949 to 0.955 g/cm³。

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a density of from 0.950 to 0.955 g/cm³。

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a density of from 0.951 to 0.957 g/cm³。

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a density of from 0.951 to 0.955 g/cm³。

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a melt index I according to ASTM D1238 (performed at 190 ℃ with a 2.16kg load)₂From 0.1 to 5.0g/10min, inclusive of the narrower ranges and all values within that range. For example, in other embodiments of the present disclosure, of the polyethylene compositionMelt index I₂From 0.3 to 4.0 g/10min, or from 0.4 to 3.5 g/10min, or from 0.4 to 3.0 g/10min, or from 0.3 to 3.5 g/10min, or from 0.3 to 3.0 g/10min, or from 0.3 to 2.5 g/10min, or from 0.1 to 4.0 g/10min, or from 0.1 to 3.5 g/10min, or from 0.1 to 3.0 g/10min, or from 0.1 to 2.5 g/10min, or from 0.1 to 2.0 g/10min, or from 0.1 to 1.5 g/10min, or from 0.25 to 1.5 g/10min, or from 0.3 to 2.0 g/10min, or from 0.3 to 1.5 g/10min, or less than 1.0g/10min, or from more than 0.1 to 1.0g/10min, or from more than 0.0 g/10min to more than 0.0 g/10min, or from more than 0.1 to 10 min.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a melt index I according to ASTM D1238 (performed at 190 ℃ with a 2.16kg load)₂From 0.4 to 5.0g/10min, inclusive of the narrower ranges within this range. For example, in other embodiments of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a melt index, I₂From 0.5 to 5.0g/10min, or from 0.4 to 3.5 g/10min, or from 0.4 to 3.0 g/10min, or from 0.4 to 2.5 g/10min, or from 0.4 to 2.0 g/10min, or from 0.5 to 3.5 g/10min, or from 0.5 to 3.0 g/10min, or from 1.0 to 3.0 g/10min, or from about 1.0 to about 2.0 g/10min, or from greater than 0.5 to less than 2.0 g/10 min.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a melt index I according to ASTM D1238 (performed at 190 ℃ with a 2.16kg load)₂From 0.1 to 5.0g/10min, inclusive of the narrower ranges within this range. For example, in other embodiments of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a melt index, I₂From 0.2 to 5.0g/10min, or from 0.3 to 4.0 g/10min, or from 0.3 to 3.5 g/10min, or from 0.3 to 3.0 g/10min, or from 0.2 to 3.5 g/10min, or from 0.2 to 3.0 g/10min, or from 0.1 to 2.5 g/10min, or from 0.1 to 2.0 g/10 min.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a melt index I according to ASTM D1238 (performed at 190 ℃ with a 5kg load)₅Is at least 1.0g/10 min. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a melt index, I₅Greater than about 1.1 g/10min, as determined according to ASTM D1238 (when conducted at 190 ℃ with a 5kg load). In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the melt of the polyethylene composition refers toNumber I₅From about 1.0 to about 10.0 g/10min, or from about 2.0 to about 8.0 g/10min, or from about 1.0 to about 5.0g/10min, or from about 1.5 to about 6.5 g/10min, or from about 4.0 to about 7.0 g/10min, or from about 3.0 to about 6.5 g/10 min. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a melt index, I₅From about 1.0 to about 5.0g/10min, or from about 1.5 to about 5.0g/10min, or from about 2.0 to about 4.5 g/10 min.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a high load melt index I of at least 25 g/10min according to ASTM D1238 (at 190 ℃ with 21kg load)₂₁. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a high load melt index I of greater than about 30 g/10min₂₁. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a high load melt index I greater than about 35 g/10min₂₁. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a high load melt index I greater than about 40 g/10min₂₁. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a high load melt index I greater than about 50 g/10min₂₁. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a high load melt index I greater than about 60 g/10min₂₁. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a high load melt index I greater than about 65 g/10min₂₁。

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a high load melt index I greater than about 75 g/10min₂₁。

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂Melt index I with polyethylene composition₅The ratio of (A) to (B) is 200 to 1500. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂Melt index I with polyethylene composition₅The ratio of (A) to (B) is 400 to 1300. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂Melt index I with polyethylene composition₅The ratio of (A) to (B) is 600 to 1200.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the melt index I of the ethylene homopolymer₂Melt index I with polyethylene composition₅The ratio of (A) to (B) is 200 to 1500. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the melt index I of the ethylene homopolymer₂Melt index I with polyethylene composition₅The ratio of (A) to (B) is 400 to 1300. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the melt index I of the ethylene homopolymer₂Melt index I with polyethylene composition₅The ratio of (A) to (B) is 600 to 1200.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂Melt index I with polyethylene composition₅The ratio of (A) to (B) is 200 to 2000. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂Melt index I with polyethylene composition₅The ratio of (A) to (B) is 400 to 1300. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂Melt index I with polyethylene composition₅The ratio of (A) to (B) is 600 to 1200.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂Melt index I with polyethylene composition₅The ratio of the ratio is 500 to 5000. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂Melt index I with polyethylene composition₅The ratio of (A) to (B) is 750 to 4500. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second ethylene copolymer has a melt index, I₂Melt index I with polyethylene composition₅The ratio of the ratio is 1000 to 4000.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the melt index I of the ethylene homopolymer₂Melt index I with polyethylene composition₅The ratio of the ratio is 500 to 5000. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the melt index I of the ethylene homopolymer₂Melt index I with polyethylene composition₅The ratio of (A) to (B) is 750 to 4500. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the melt index I of the ethylene homopolymer₂Melt index I with polyethylene composition₅The ratio of the ratio is 1000 to 4000.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a complex viscosity η of between 1,000 and 25,000 pa.s at a shear stress (G) of anywhere between about 1 to about 10 kPa in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a complex viscosity η of between 1,000 and 10,000pa.s at a shear stress (G) of anywhere between about 1 to about 10 kPa.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a complex viscosity η of between 1,000 and 25,000 pa.s at a shear stress (G) of anywhere between about 1 to about 10 kPa in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a complex viscosity η of between 1,000 and 10,000pa.s at a shear stress (G) of anywhere between about 1 to about 10 kPa in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a complex viscosity η of between 1,000 and 15,000, or 5000 to 15,000 at a shear stress (G) of anywhere between about 1 to about 10 kPa.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a number average molecular weight, M_nLess than about 30,000. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a number average molecular weight, M_nLess than about 20,000 or less than about 17,500. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a number average molecular weight, M_nFrom about 5,000 to 25,000, or from about 5,000 to 20,000, or from about 7,000 to about 15,000. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a number average molecular weight, M_nLess than about 20,000 or less than about 17,500. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a number average molecular weight, M_nFrom about 9,000 to 28,000, or from about 10,000 to 25,000, or from about 10,000 to about 20,000.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a weight average molecular weight, M_wFrom about 60,000 to about 200,000, inclusive of the narrower ranges and values within that range. For example, in other embodiments of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a weight average molecular weight, M_wFrom about 65,000 to about 175,000, or from about 65,000 to about 150,000, or from about 65,000 to about 140,000. In the practice of the present disclosureIn embodiments, the polyethylene composition has a weight average molecular weight M_wFrom about 65,000 to about 200,000, inclusive of the narrower ranges and values within that range. For example, in other embodiments of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a weight average molecular weight, M_wFrom about 75,000 to about 175,000, or from about 90,000 to about 150,000, or from about 100,000 to about 140,000.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a z-average molecular weight, M_zLess than 450,000.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a z-average molecular weight M_zFrom 250,000 to 450,000, inclusive of the narrower ranges and values within those ranges. For example, in other embodiments of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a Z-average molecular weight, M_wFrom 250,000 to 425,000, or from 275,000 to 425,000, or from 250,000 to less than 450,000, or from 250,000 to 410,000.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a z-average molecular weight M_zFrom 400,000 to 520,000, inclusive of the narrower ranges and values within those ranges. For example, in other embodiments of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a z-average molecular weight, M_zFrom 400,000 to 510,000, or from 400,000 to 500,000, or from 400,000 to 490,000, or from 410,000 to 480,000.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a z-average molecular weight M_zSatisfies the following conditions: 400,000 < M_z< 500,000 or 400,000. ltoreq. M_z≤500,000。

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a molecular weight distribution, M_w/M_nFrom 3.0 to 13.0, inclusive of the narrower ranges within that range and all values within that range. For example, in other embodiments of the present disclosure, M of the polyethylene composition_w/M_nIs from 5.0 to 13.0, or from 4.0 to 12.0, or from 5.0 to 12.0, or from 6.0 to 11.0, or from 5.0 to 12.0, or from 5.0 to 10.0, or from 6.0 to 11.0, or from 7.0 to 11.0, or from greater than 7.0 to 11.0, or from 7.0 to 10.0, or from greater than 7.0 to 12.0.

In the embodiments of the present disclosureMolecular weight distribution M of polyethylene composition_w/M_nFrom 3.0 to 11.0 or a narrower range within this range. For example, in other embodiments of the present disclosure, M of the polyethylene composition_w/M_nIs from 4.0 to 10.0, or from 4.0 to 9.0, or from 5.0 to 10.0, or from 5.0 to 9.0, or from 4.5 to 10.0, or from 4.5 to 9.5, or from 4.5 to 9.0, or from 4.5 to 8.5, or from 5.0 to 8.5.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a molecular weight distribution, M_w/M_nFrom 6.0 to 13.0 or a narrower range within this range. For example, in other embodiments of the present disclosure, M of the polyethylene composition_w/M_nIs from 7.0 to 12.0, or from 8.0 to 12.0, or from 8.5 to 12.0, or from 9.0 to 12.5, or from 8.5 to 12.5.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a ratio of Z-average molecular weight to weight average molecular weight (M)_z/M_w) From 2.0 to 5.0, or from 2.25 to 4.75, or from 2.25 to 4.5, or from 2.5 to 4.25, or from 2.75 to 4.0, or from 2.75 to 3.75, or between 3.0 and 4.0. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a ratio of Z-average molecular weight to weight average molecular weight (M)_z/M_w) From 2.25 to 5.0, or from 2.5 to 4.5, or from 2.75 to 5.0, or from 2.75 to 4.25, or from 3.0 to 4.0.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a ratio of Z-average molecular weight to weight average molecular weight (M)_z/M_w) Less than 5.0, or less than 4.5, or less than 4.0, or less than 3.5.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a value defined as (M) of at least 2.70, or at least 2.75, or at least 2.8, or at least 2.85, or at least 2.90, or at least 2.95, or at least 3.00, or at least 3.05_w/M_n)/(M_z/M_w) By the width factor of (c). In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a molecular weight of less than 3.00, or less than 2.95, or less than 2.90, or less than 2.85, or less than 2.80, or less than 2.75, or less than 2.70, or less than 2.65, or less than 2.60, or less than 2.55, or less than 2.50, or less than 2.45, or less than 2.40, or less than 2.35, or less than or equal to 2.75, or less than or equal to 2.70, or less than or equal to 2.65,or 2.60 or less, or 2.55 or less, or 2.50 or less, or 2.45 or less, or 2.40 or less, or 2.35 or less is defined as (M)_w/M_n)/(M_z/M_w) By the width factor of (c).

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has>40, or 45 or 50 or 60 or 65 is defined as I₂₁/I₂The melt flow ratio of (a). In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a melt flow ratio, I, of from about 40 to about 100₂₁/I₂And includes narrower ranges within that range. For example, the polyethylene composition may have a melt flow ratio, I, of from about 45 to about 90, or from about 45 to about 80, or from about 45 to about 75, or from about 45 to about 70, or from about 50 to about 90, or from about 50 to about 80, or from about 50 to about 75, or from about 50 to about 70₂₁/I₂. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has>40, or 45 or 50 or 55 or 60 or 65 or 70 is defined as I₂₁/I₂The melt flow ratio of (a). In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a melt flow ratio, I, of from about 40 to about 120₂₁/I₂Inclusive of the narrower ranges within that range and all numerical values within that range. For example, the polyethylene composition may have a melt flow ratio, I, of from about 50 to about 120, or from about 40 to about 110, or from about 45 to about 100, or from about 50 to about 110, or from about 55 to about 95₂₁/I₂。

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a I defined as less than 35₂₁/I₅The melt flow ratio of (a). In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a I defined as less than 30₂₁/I₅The melt flow ratio of (a). In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has an I defined as less than 25₂₁/I₅The melt flow ratio of (a). In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has an I defined as less than 20₂₁/I₅The melt flow ratio of (a).

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition is at about 10⁵s^-1A shear viscosity at (240 ℃) of less than about 10 (Pa.s). In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition is at about 10⁵s^-1(240 ℃) a shear viscosity of less than 7.5Pa.s, or less than 7.0Pa.s, or less than 6.5 Pa.s.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a hexane extractables content of less than 0.55 weight percent.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has at least one α -olefin having at least 4 carbon atoms and is present in an amount less than about 0.75 mol%, such as by¹³In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has at least one α -olefin having at least 4 carbon atoms and is present in an amount less than about 0.65 mol%, as determined by C NMR¹³In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has at least one α -olefin having at least 4 carbon atoms and is present in an amount less than about 0.55 mol%, as determined by C NMR¹³C NMR.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a shear viscosity ratio SVR at 240 ℃ (SVR) ((SVR))_10,1000) May be about 4.0 to 25, or 4.0 to 20, or 4.0 to 17. Shear viscosity ratio SVR: (_10,1000) The shear rate measured by a capillary rheometer at a constant temperature (e.g., 240 ℃) is 10s^-1The shear viscosity and shear rate at the time of shear mixing were 1000s^-1The ratio of shear viscosities at (b) was determined to be that the die used had a ratio of L/D of 20 and a diameter of 0.06 inches, without wishing to be bound by theory, but the higher the value of the shear viscosity ratio, the easier the polyethylene composition is to process on converting equipment for caps and closures.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a shear viscosity ratio SVR at 240 ℃ (SVR) ((SVR))_10,1000) May be about 10 to 30, or 12 to 27, or 12.5 to 25, or 15 to 25, or 17.5 to 23.0. Shear viscosity ratio SVR: (_10,1000) The shear rate measured by a capillary rheometer at a constant temperature (e.g., 240 ℃) is 10s^-1The shear viscosity and shear rate at the time of shear mixing were 1000s^-1The ratio of the shear viscosities of the two components is determined,the die used has an L/D ratio of 20 and a diameter of 0.06 inches without wishing to be bound by theory, but the higher the value of the shear viscosity ratio, the easier the processing of the polyethylene composition on a converting device for caps and closures.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a shear viscosity ratio (η.0 ≧ 12.5 ≧ 13.0, or ≥ 13.5, or ≥ 14.0, or ≥ 14.5, or ≥ 15.0, or ≥ 17.5, or ≥ 20.0₁₀/η₁₀₀₀@240 deg.C). "shear viscosity ratio" is used herein as a means to describe the relative processability of a polyethylene composition.

In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a shear viscosity ratio SVR at 240 ℃ (SVR) ((r))_10,1000) Is from 10.0 to 30, or from 12.0 to 27.5, or from 12.0 to 25, or from 12.5 to 30, or from 12.5 to 27.5, or from 12.5 to 25.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a shear-thinning index SHI (_1,100) Less than about 10; in another embodiment, SHI (_1,100) Less than about 7. the shear thinning index (SHI) was calculated using the Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) frequency sweep method as disclosed in PCT applications WO 2006/048253 and WO 2006/048254. SHI values were obtained by calculating the complex viscosity η (1) and η (100) at constant shear stress of 1 kPa (G) and 100 kPa (G), respectively.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the SHI(s) ((r)) of the polyethylene composition_1,100) The following equation is satisfied: SHI (_1,100)<10.58 (log polyethylene composition I)₂(in g/10min))/(g/10min) + 12.94. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the SHI(s) ((r)) of the polyethylene composition_1,100) The following equation is satisfied: SHI (_1,100)<5.5 (log polyethylene composition I)₂(in g/10min))/(g/10min) + 9.66.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a Rosand melt strength in centinewtons (cN) of at least 2.0, or at least 2.25, or at least 2.5, or at least 2.75, or at least 3.0, or at least 3.25, or at least 3.5, or at least 3.75, or 2.5 to 6.0, or 2.75 to 5.5, or 3.0 to 6.0, or 3.0 to 5.5, or 3.25 to 6.0, or 3.5 to 6.0, or 3.25 to 5.5.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the polyethylene composition or a molded article (or panel) made from the polyethylene composition has an environmental stress crack resistance ESCR condition B @ 10% as determined according to ASTM D1693 (10% IGEPA L at condition B at 50 ℃) of at least 20 hours, or at least 50 hours, or at least 60 hours, or at least 80 hours, or at least 100 hours, or at least 120 hours, or at least 150 hours, or from 60 to 400 hours, or from 100 to 250 hours, or from 60 to 250 hours.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the polyethylene composition or a molded article (or panel) made from the polyethylene composition has an environmental stress crack resistance ESCR condition B @ 10% for at least 200 hours, as determined according to ASTM D1693 (10% IGEPA L at condition B at 50 ℃).

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition or a molded article (or panel) made from the polyethylene composition has an environmental stress crack resistance ESCR condition B @ 10% for at least 250 hours as determined according to ASTM D1693 (10% IGEPA L at condition B at 50 ℃).

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the polyethylene composition or a molded article (or panel) made from the polyethylene composition has an environmental stress crack resistance ESCR condition B @ 10% of at least 300 hours as determined according to ASTM D1693 (10% IGEPA L at condition B at 50 ℃).

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the polyethylene composition or a molded article (or panel) made from the polyethylene composition has an environmental stress crack resistance ESCR condition B @ 10% for at least 350 hours as determined according to ASTM D1693 (10% IGEPA L at condition B at 50 ℃).

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the polyethylene composition or a molded article (or panel) made from the polyethylene composition has an environmental stress crack resistance ESCR condition B @ 10% for at least 400 hours, as determined according to ASTM D1693 (10% IGEPA L at condition B at 50 ℃).

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the polyethylene composition or a molded article (or panel) made from the polyethylene composition has an environmental stress crack resistance ESCR condition B @ 10% for at least 500 hours as determined according to ASTM D1693 (10% IGEPA L at condition B at 50 ℃).

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the polyethylene composition or a molded article (or panel) made from the polyethylene composition has an environmental stress crack resistance ESCR condition B @ 10% of from 200 to 1500 hours as determined according to ASTM D1693 (at 10% IGEPA L at condition B at 50 ℃).

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the polyethylene composition or a molded article (or panel) made from the polyethylene composition has an environmental stress crack resistance ESCR condition B @ 10% of from 200 to 1250 hours as determined according to ASTM D1693 (10% IGEPA L at condition B at 50 ℃).

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the polyethylene composition or a molded article (or panel) made from the polyethylene composition has an environmental stress crack resistance ESCR condition B @ 10% of from 300 to 1500 hours as determined according to ASTM D1693 (at 10% IGEPA L at condition B at 50 ℃).

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition or a molded article (or panel) made from the polyethylene composition has an environmental stress crack resistance ESCR condition B @ 10% for 50 to 600 hours, as determined according to ASTM D1693 (at 10% IGEPA L at condition B at 50 ℃).

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the polyethylene composition or a molded article (or panel) made from the polyethylene composition has an environmental stress crack resistance ESCR condition B @ 10% of from 100 to 500 hours as determined according to ASTM D1693 (at 10% IGEPA L at condition B at 50 ℃).

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the polyethylene composition or a molded article (or panel) made from the polyethylene composition has an environmental stress crack resistance ESCR condition B @ 10% of from 150 to 500 hours as determined according to ASTM D1693 (at 10% IGEPA L at condition B at 50 ℃).

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the polyethylene composition or a molded article (or panel) made from the polyethylene composition has a notched Izod impact strength of at least 60J/m, or at least 70J/m, or at least 80J/m, or at least 90J/m, or at least 100J/m, as determined according to ASTM D256.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition or a molded article (e.g., a panel) made from the polyethylene composition has a tensile elongation at break (i.e., ultimate tensile elongation) of at least 500%, or at least 550%, or at least 600%, or at least 650%, or at least 700%, or at least 750%, or at least 800%. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition or a molded article (e.g., a panel) made from the polyethylene composition has a tensile elongation at break of 550 to 1000%, or 600 to 900%.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition or a molded article (e.g., a panel) made from the polyethylene composition has a tensile strength at break (i.e., tensile ultimate strength) of at least 18 MPa, or at least 20 MPa, or at least 22 MPa, or at least 25 MPa, or at least 28 MPa, or at least 30 MPa, or at least 32 MPa. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition or a molded article (e.g., a panel) made from the polyethylene composition has a tensile strength at break of from 15 to 40 MPa, or from 17 to 38 MPa, or from 20 to 35 MPa.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition of the present disclosure has a density of from 0.949 to 0.956 g/cm³(ii) a Melt index I₂0.5 to 3.0 g/10 min; a molecular weight distribution of 4.0 to 10.0; number average molecular weight M_nLess than 30,000; 10⁵s^-1(240 ℃) less than 10(Pa.s) shear viscosity, hexane extractables less than 0.55%, notched Izod impact strength greater than 60J/m, and ESCR B @ 10% for at least 20 hours.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the polyethylene composition of the disclosure has a density of 0.949 to 0.957 g/cm³(ii) a Melt index I₂0.3 to 2.0 g/10 min; a molecular weight distribution of 6.0 to 12.0; number average molecular weight M_nLess than 30,000; 10⁵s^-1Shear viscosity at 240 ℃ of less than 10 Pa.s, hexane extractables of less than 0.55%, notched Izod impact strength of greater than 60J/m, ESCR B @10% is at least 150 hours.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition of the present disclosure has a density of from 0.949 to 0.956 g/cm³(ii) a Melt index I₂0.5 to 3.0 g/10 min; a molecular weight distribution of 4.5 to 9.5; number average molecular weight M_nLess than 30,000; 10⁵s^-1(240 ℃) a shear viscosity of less than 7(Pa.s), hexane extractables of less than 0.55%, an Izod notched impact strength of greater than 60J/m, and an ESCR B @ 10% of at least 80 hours.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition of the present disclosure has a density of from 0.949 to 0.956 g/cm³(ii) a Melt index I₂Is 0.2 to 3.0 g/10 min; a molecular weight distribution of 6.0 to 13.0; number average molecular weight M_nLess than 30,000; 10⁵s^-1(240 ℃) less than 10(Pa.s) shear viscosity, hexane extractables less than 0.55%, an Izod notched impact strength greater than 60J/m, and an ESCR B @ 10% of at least 200 hours.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a 2% secant flexural modulus in megapascals (MPa) of greater than about 750, or greater than about 850, or greater than about 1000, or from about 750 to about 1600, or from about 750 to about 1250, or from about 850 to about 1150. In some embodiments, the polyethylene composition further comprises a nucleating agent that increases the 2% secant flexural modulus in megapascals (MPa) to above these ranges, for example, greater than about 1000 and up to about 1600. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the 2% secant flexural modulus is a measure of the stiffness of the polymer. The higher the 2% secant flexural modulus, the higher the polymer stiffness.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition of the present disclosure has a density of from 0.949 to 0.956 g/cm³(ii) a Melt index I₂Is 0.2 to 3.0 g/10 min; a molecular weight distribution of 7.0 to 12.0; number average molecular weight M_nLess than 30,000; 10⁵s^-1(240 ℃) a shear viscosity of less than 7(Pa.s), hexane extractables of less than 0.55%, an Izod notched impact strength of greater than 60J/m, and an ESCR B @ 10% of at least 200 hours.

In one embodiment of the present disclosureWherein the polyethylene composition has a value of ≦ 1.53 defined as L og₁₀[I₆/I₂]/Log₁₀[6.48/2.16]In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition has a stress index of L og₁₀[I₆/I₂]/Log₁₀[6.48/2.16]Less than 1.53, or less than 1.50, or less than 1.48, or less than 1.45, or less than 1.43, or less than 1.40.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the Composition Distribution Breadth Index (CDBI) of the polyethylene composition₅₀) ≧ 60 wt.%, as determined by temperature elution fractionation (TREF). In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the CDBI of the polyethylene composition₅₀Greater than 65 wt%, or greater than 70 wt%, or greater than 75 wt%, or greater than 80 wt%.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the Composition Distribution Breadth Index (CDBI) of the polyethylene composition₂₅) > 50 wt.%, as determined by temperature elution fractionation (TREF). In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the CDBI of the polyethylene composition₂₅Greater than 55 wt%, or greater than 60 wt%, or greater than 65 wt%, or greater than 70 wt%.

The polyethylene compositions of the present disclosure may be prepared using any conventional blending process, such as, but not limited to, physical blending and in situ blending by polymerization in a multiple reactor system. For example, the mixing of the first ethylene copolymer and the second ethylene copolymer or ethylene homopolymer can be performed by melt mixing of two preformed polymers. Preferred are processes in which the first ethylene copolymer and the second ethylene copolymer or ethylene homopolymer are prepared in at least two consecutive polymerization stages, but both series and parallel reactor processes are contemplated for use in the present disclosure. If the at least two reactors are configured in parallel, the addition of comonomer to each reactor results in the formation of ethylene copolymer in each reactor. If the at least two reactors are configured in series, comonomer may be added to at least the first reactor and unreacted comonomer may flow to subsequent reactors to produce ethylene copolymer in each reactor. Alternatively, if the at least two reactors are configured in series, comonomer may be added to each reactor to produce ethylene copolymer in each reactor. In some embodiments, gas, slurry or solution phase reactor systems, preferably solution phase reactor systems, may be used.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a dual reactor solution process is used, which is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,372,864 and U.S. patent publication No. 20060247373A1, which are incorporated herein by reference.

Homogeneously branched ethylene copolymers can be prepared using any catalyst capable of producing homogeneous branching. Typically, the catalyst will be based on a group 4 metal having at least one cyclopentadienyl ligand as is well known in the art. Examples of such catalysts include metallocenes, constrained geometry catalysts, and phosphinimine catalysts, which are typically used in combination with an activator selected from methylalumoxane, borane, or ionic borates, and are further described in U.S. Pat. nos. 3,645,992; 5,324,800; 5,064,802; 5,055,438; 6,689,847, respectively; 6,114,481 and 6,063,879. Such catalysts may also be referred to as "single site catalysts" to distinguish them from traditional ziegler-natta or phillips catalysts well known in the art. In general, single-site catalysts give rise to a molecular weight distribution (M)_w/M_n) Less than about 3.0 and a Composition Distribution Breadth Index (CDBI)₅₀) Greater than about 50 wt% of an ethylene copolymer.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, homogeneously branched ethylene polymers are prepared using organometallic complexes of group 3, 4 or 5 metals that are further characterized as having phosphinimine ligands. Such catalysts are commonly referred to as phosphinimine catalysts. Some non-limiting examples of phosphinimine catalysts can be found in U.S. Pat. nos. 6,342,463; 6,235,672, respectively; 6,372,864; 6,984,695, respectively; 6,063,879, respectively; 6,777,509, and 6,277,931, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Some non-limiting examples of metallocene catalysts can be found in U.S. Pat. nos. 4,808,561; 4,701,432; 4,937,301, respectively; 5,324,800; 5,633,394, respectively; 4,935,397, respectively; 6,002,033 and 6,489,413, which are incorporated herein by reference. Some non-limiting examples of constrained geometry catalysts can be found in U.S. Pat. nos. 5,057,475; 5,096,867, respectively; 5,064,802; 5,132, 380; 5,703,187 and 6,034,021, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Hexyl (C6) branches detected by NMR are not included in the definition of long chain branches disclosed herein.

Without wishing to be bound by any single theory, long chain branching may increase viscosity at low shear rates, negatively affecting cycle time during manufacture of bottle closure components, such as during injection molding or compression molding. Long chain branching may be used¹³C NMR methods were determined and can be quantitatively evaluated using the method disclosed by Randall in rev. macro mol. chem. phys. C29(2 and 3), p. 285.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition will comprise less than 0.3 long chain branches per 1000 carbon atoms. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the polyethylene composition will comprise less than 0.01 long chain branches per 1000 carbon atoms.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a polyethylene composition (as defined above) is prepared by contacting ethylene and at least one α -olefin with a polymerization catalyst in at least two polymerization reactors under solution phase polymerization conditions (see, for example, U.S. Pat. nos. 6,372,864 and 6,984,695 and U.S. patent published application No. 20060247373a1, which are incorporated herein by reference, for examples of solution phase polymerization conditions).

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a polyethylene composition is produced by contacting at least one single-site polymerization catalyst system (comprising at least one single-site catalyst and at least one activator) with ethylene and at least one comonomer (e.g., C3-C8 α -olefin) in at least two polymerization reactors under solution polymerization conditions.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a group 4 single-site catalyst system comprising a single-site catalyst and an activator is used in a solution-phase dual reactor system to polymerize ethylene in the presence of α -olefin comonomer to produce a polyethylene composition.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a group 4 single-site catalyst system comprising a single-site catalyst and an activator is used in a solution-phase dual reactor system to polymerize ethylene in the presence of 1-octene to produce a polyethylene composition.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a group 4 phosphinimine catalyst system comprising a phosphinimine catalyst and an activator is used in a solution-phase dual reactor system to polymerize ethylene in the presence of α -olefin comonomer to produce a polyethylene composition.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a group 4 phosphinimine catalyst system comprising a phosphinimine catalyst and an activator is used in a solution-phase dual reactor system to polymerize ethylene in the presence of 1-octene to produce a polyethylene composition.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a solution-phase dual reactor system includes two solution-phase reactors connected in series.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a polymerization process for producing a polyethylene composition comprises contacting at least one single-site polymerization catalyst system with ethylene and at least one α -olefin comonomer in at least two polymerization reactors under solution polymerization conditions.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a polymerization process for producing a polyethylene composition comprises contacting at least one single-site polymerization catalyst system with ethylene and at least one α -olefin comonomer under solution polymerization conditions in at least a first reactor and a second reactor configured in series.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a polymerization process for producing a polyethylene composition comprises contacting at least one single-site polymerization catalyst system with ethylene and at least one α -olefin comonomer under solution polymerization conditions in at least a first reactor and a second reactor configured in series, wherein the at least one α -olefin comonomer is fed exclusively into the first reactor.

The production of the polyethylene composition of the present disclosure typically includes an extrusion or compounding step. Such steps are well known in the art.

The polyethylene composition may comprise other polymer components in addition to the first and second ethylene polymers. Such polymer components include polymers prepared in situ or added to the polymer composition during an extrusion or compounding step.

Optionally, additives may be added to the polyethylene composition. The additives may be added to the polyethylene composition during the extrusion or compounding step, but other suitable known methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The additives can be added as such during the extrusion or compounding step or as part of a separate polymer component added (i.e., not the first or second ethylene polymer described above). Suitable additives are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, antioxidants, phosphites and phosphonites, nitrones, antacids, UV light stabilizers, UV absorbers, metal deactivators, dyes, fillers and reinforcing agents, nanoscale organic or inorganic materials, antistatic agents, lubricants such as calcium stearate, slip additives such as erucamide, and nucleating agents (including nucleating agents, pigments, or any other chemical that can provide a nucleating effect for a polyethylene composition). Additives that may optionally be added are generally added in amounts of up to 20 weight percent (wt%).

The nucleating agent or agents may be introduced into the polyethylene composition by kneading a mixture of the polymer, usually in powder or pellet form, and the nucleating agent, which may be used alone or in the form of a concentrate containing other additives such as stabilizers, pigments, antistatic agents, UV stabilizers and fillers, it should be a material that is wetted or absorbed by the polymer, that is insoluble in the polymer and has a melting point higher than the melting point of the polymer, and it should be uniformly dispersed in the polymer melt in as fine a form as possible (1 to 10 μm).

An example of a nucleating agent that is commercially available and that can be added to polyethylene compositions is dibenzylidene sorbitol ester (such as that sold under the trademark MI LL AD by Milliken Chemical)^TM3988 and the product sold by Ciba Specialty Chemicals under the trademark IRGAC L EAR.) other examples of nucleating agents that may be added to polyethylene compositions include the cyclic organic structures (and salts thereof, such as bicyclo [ 2.2.1.636) disclosed in U.S. patent No. 5,981,636]Disodium heptenedicarboxylate); the saturated form of the structure disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,981,636 (as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,465,551; Zhao et al, issued to Milliken); salts of certain cyclic dicarboxylic acids having a hexahydrophthalic acid structure (or "HHPA" structure) as disclosed in U.S. patent No. 6,599,971(Dotson et al, to Milliken); and phosphate esters such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,868 and those sold under the trade names NA-11 and NA-21 by Asahi Denka Kogyo, cyclic dicarboxylic acid esters and salts thereof such as divalent metal or metalloid salts (particularly calcium salts) having the HHPA structure disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,599,971. For clarity, HHPA structures typically include a ring structure with six carbon atoms in the ring and two carboxylic acid groups that are substituents on adjacent atoms of the ring structure. The other four carbon atoms in the ring may be substituted as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,599,971. An example is 1, 2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid calcium salt (CAS registry number 491589-22-1). Other examples of nucleating agents that may be added to the polyethylene composition include those disclosed in WO2015042561, WO2015042563, WO2015042562 and WO 2011050042.

Many of the above nucleating agents may be difficult to mix with the polyethylene composition being nucleated and it is known to use dispersing aids such as zinc stearate to alleviate this problem.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the nucleating agent is well dispersed in the polyethylene composition.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the amount of nucleating agent used is relatively small (100 to 3000 ppm by weight (based on the weight of the polyethylene composition)), and thus one skilled in the art will appreciate that care must be taken to ensure good dispersion of the nucleating agent. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the nucleating agent is added to the polyethylene composition in a finely divided form (less than 50 microns, especially less than 10 microns) to facilitate mixing. This type of "physical blend" (i.e., a mixture of nucleating agent and resin in solid form) generally preferably employs a "masterbatch" of nucleating agent (where the term "masterbatch" refers to the practice of first melt mixing the additive (in this case, nucleating agent) with a small amount of polyethylene composition resin, and then melt mixing the "masterbatch" with the remaining large amount of polyethylene composition resin).

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, additives such as nucleating agents may be added to a polyethylene composition by "masterbatch", where the term "masterbatch" refers to the practice of first melt mixing the additives (e.g., nucleating agents) with a small amount of the polyethylene composition, and then melt mixing the "masterbatch" with the remaining large amount of the polyethylene composition.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polymer composition further comprises a nucleating agent or a mixture of nucleating agents.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, homogeneously branched ethylene copolymers are prepared using organometallic complexes of group 3, 4 or 5 metals that are further characterized as having phosphinimine ligands. When active for olefin polymerization, such complexes are commonly referred to as phosphinimine (polymerization) catalysts.

The above polyethylene composition is used to form a bottle closure assembly. For example, a bottle closure assembly formed partially or integrally by compression molding and injection molding may be considered.

In one embodiment, the bottle closure component comprises the above polyethylene composition having good processability and good ESCR value. The bottle closure assembly is well suited for use in sealing bottles, containers and the like, such as bottles that may contain drinking water and other food products including, but not limited to, pressurized liquids (e.g., carbonated beverages or properly pressurized drinking liquids). The bottle closure assembly may also be used to seal bottles of drinking water or non-carbonated beverages (e.g., juices). Other applications include bottle closure assemblies for bottles and containers for food products, such as ketchup bottles and the like.

The bottle closure assemblies of the present disclosure may be manufactured according to any known method, including, for example, injection or compression molding techniques well known to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, a process comprising at least one compression molding step and/or at least one injection molding step is employed to produce a bottle closure component comprising a polyethylene composition (as defined above).

The disclosure is further illustrated by the following non-limiting examples.