Crosslinkable polymeric compositions with amine-functionalized interpolymers, methods for making the same, and articles made therefrom
Crosslinkable polymeric compositions comprising an ethylene-based polymer, an organic peroxide, and an amine-functionalized interpolymer. Such crosslinkable polymeric compositions and their crosslinked forms can be employed as polymeric layers in wire and cable applications, such as insulation in power cables.
1. A crosslinkable polymeric composition, consisting of:
(a) an ethylene-based amine-functionalized interpolymer having incorporated therein at least one type of amine-containing monomer, wherein said ethylene-based amine-functionalized interpolymer comprises an ethylene/aminoacrylate copolymer, wherein said ethylene/aminoacrylate copolymer comprises a copolymer of low-density polyethylene grafted with an aminoacrylate monomer selected from the group consisting of 2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate, 2-(t-butylamino)ethyl methacrylate, and mixtures thereof;
(b) an organic peroxide; and
(c) optionally, one or more additives;
wherein said ethylene-based amine-functionalized interpolymer is present in an amount ranging from 80 to 99 weight percent, based on the entire crosslinkable polymeric composition weight;
wherein said organic peroxide is present in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 5 weight percent, based on the entire crosslinkable polymeric composition weight; and
wherein said one or more additives are selected from the group consisting of: antioxidants, crosslinking coagents, processing aids, fillers, coupling agents, ultraviolet absorbers or stabilizers, antistatic agents, nucleating agents, slip agents, plasticizers, lubricants, viscosity control agents, tackifiers, anti-blocking agents, surfactants, extender oils, acid scavengers, flame retardants, and metal deactivators;
wherein the crosslinkable polymeric composition has an initial cure potential (CP 0 ) when crosslinked immediately upon preparation of the crosslinkable polymeric composition and measured as maximum torque (in-lbs) by moving die rheometer at 182° C.,
wherein the crosslinkable polymeric composition has a heat-aged cure potential CP 14 when crosslinked after aging the crosslinkable polymeric composition at 70° C. and ambient pressure for 14 days and measured as maximum torque (in-lbs) by moving die rheometer at 182° C., and
wherein the crosslinkable polymeric composition has a ratio of CP 14 to CP 0 of at least 0.6.
2. The crosslinkable polymeric composition of claim 1 , wherein said aminoacrylate monomer is 2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate.
3. The crosslinkable polymeric composition of claim 1 , wherein said ethylene-based amine-functionalized interpolymer is present in an amount sufficient to result in a molar amine content in the range of from 0.1 to 200 micromoles of amine per gram of said crosslinkable polymeric composition.
4. The crosslinkable polymeric composition of claim 1 , wherein said aminoacrylate monomer is 2-(t-butylamino)ethyl methacrylate.