WO2019231606A1 - Polyalkylene polymer blends having a hydrocarbon resin additive - Google Patents

Abstract

When modifying polymers with an additive, it can often be difficult to achieve a desired blend of properties. In some instances, a desired property of interest may be enhanced to the detriment of another property of interest. For example, it can be difficult to balance gloss and stiffness, stiffness and impact resistance, or similar groups of properties. Hydrocarbon resins, particularly blended within a masterbatch, may be used to more effectively balance properties in polyalkylene polymers. Polymer blends may comprise a polyalkylene polymer having an amorphous phase, and a hydrocarbon resin blended preferentially in the amorphous phase and comprising 15 wt. % or less of the polymer blend. The hydrocarbon resin may be a C5, C5/C9, hydrogenated C5/C9, or hydrogenated dicyclopentadiene hydrocarbon resin having a weight average molecular weight of about 3000 or less.

Description

POLYALKYLENE POLYMER BLENDS HAYING

A HYDROCARBON RESIN ADDITIVE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This invention claims priority to and the benefit of USSN 62/677,323, filed May 29, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to polymer blends and, more specifically, to polyalkylene polymer blends containing at least one additive for property modification thereof and methods for production of such polymer blends.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Light olefins, such as ethylene and propylene, are common feedstocks for preparing polyalkylene polymers and copolymers. Polyethylene and polypropylene, for example, are commodity polymers that are used in a wide range of consumer and commercial applications. Polyalkylene polymers may exhibit a range of properties, which may affect their suitability for a given application, depending upon the extent to which crystalline phases are formed therein during polymerization. The extent of crystallinity may be determined by various factors such as, for example, the polymerization catalyst and process used, which may determine the extent to which the polymer chain is linear or branched, as well as the polymer’s molecular weight. In many instances, a small amount of an cc-olefin co-monomer may be included when polymerizing ethylene or propylene in order to decrease crystallinity of the resulting polyalkylene, thereby increasing flexibility.

[0004] Another way of modifying the properties of polyalkylenes and other types of polymers is through incorporation of one or more additives during processing of the polymer. The additive approach may be especially desirable when decreasing the polymer’ s crystallinity by inclusion of a co-monomer is not feasible or advantageous. While various additives may be capable of enhancing a certain desired property, the property enhancement may be at the detriment of another property. If enhancement or maintenance of multiple polymer properties is important for a given downstream application, choosing a suitable additive can become a very difficult endeavor.

[0005] As a non-limiting example of problematic property balancing in polyalkylene polymers, enhancement of multiple properties of impact copolymer polypropylene (ICP) can be difficult when using a polymer additive. ICP is copolymer of ethylene and propylene that is typically prepared using Ziegler-Natta catalysis. This polymer is used in a wide range of consumer products in which high gloss values and stiffness are key parameters for acceptability. Glossiness may be related to the crystallite size of the polymer and its surface roughness. While there is no direct relation between glossiness and stiffness, it is often difficult to enhance one property without affecting the other, sometimes detrimentally. Other polyalkylene polymers, particularly those incorporating ethylene, propylene and other light olefin monomer units, may exhibit similar difficulty in balancing multiple properties when using an additive to form a polymer blend.

SUMMARY

[0006] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides polymer blends comprising: a polyalkylene polymer having an amorphous phase; and a hydrocarbon resin blended preferentially in the amorphous phase and comprising about 15 wt. % or less of the polymer blend; wherein the hydrocarbon resin is a C5, C5/C9, hydrogenated C5/C9, or hydrogenated dicyclopentadiene hydrocarbon resin having a weight average molecular weight of about 3000 or less.

[0007] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides methods for forming a polymer blend. The method comprise: combining a hydrocarbon resin with a polyalkylene polymer having an amorphous phase; wherein the hydrocarbon resin is a C5, C5/C9, hydrogenated C5/C9, or hydrogenated dicyclopentadiene hydrocarbon resin having a weight average molecular weight of about 3000 or less; and blending the hydrocarbon resin with the polyalkylene polymer such that the hydrocarbon resin preferentially incorporates within the amorphous phase and forms a polymer blend.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The following figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of the present disclosure, and should not be viewed as exclusive embodiments. The subject matter disclosed is capable of considerable modifications, alterations, combinations, and equivalents in form and function, as will occur to one of ordinary skill in the art and having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0009] FIGS. 1-6 show atomic force microscopy (AFM) images of unmodified impact polypropylene copolymer (ICP), ICP modified with 10 wt. % VISTAMAXX 6202, and ICP modified with 10 wt. % OPPERA PR100. FIGS. 1 and 4 show cross-sectional and surface AFM images, respectively, of unmodified ICP. FIGS. 2 and 5 show cross-sectional and surface AFM images, respectively, of ICP containing 10 wt. % VISTAMAXX 6202. FIGS. 3 and 6 show cross-sectional and surface AFM images, respectively, of ICP containing 10 wt. % OPPERA PR100. [0010] FIG. 7 shows an illustrative plot of stiffness and impact strength for injection molded polypropylene modified with various quantities of OPPERA PR100, introduced from a first masterbatch.

[0011] FIG. 8 shows an illustrative plot of stiffness and impact strength for injection molded polypropylene modified with various quantities of OPPERA PR100, introduced from a second masterbatch.

[0012] FIG. 9 shows an illustrative plot of impact strength for compression molded polypropylene modified with various quantities of OPPERA PR100 and OPPERA PR383 using a masterbatch.

[0013] FIG. 10 shows an illustrative plot of impact strength for injection molded polypropylene modified with various quantities of OPPERA PR100 and OPPERA PR120, in which the OPPERA products were introduced in neat form.

[0014] FIG. 11 shows an illustrative plot of impact strength for compression molded polyethylene modified with various quantities of OPPERA PR100 and OPPERA PR383 using a masterbatch.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The present disclosure generally relates to polyalkylene polymers and, more specifically, to polyalkylene polymer blends incorporating an additive for enhancing or maintaining multiple polymer properties and methods for production thereof.

[0016] As discussed above, it can be difficult to enhance one property of a polyalkylene polymer, particularly polyethylene and polypropylene homopolymers and copolymers, while simultaneously enhancing or maintaining another. Non-limiting examples of properties that may be difficult to balance simultaneously through addition of an additive include high gloss in combination with high stiffness and high stiffness in combination with high impact resistance. Although polyalkylene polymers already have extensive commercial utility, the present difficulty in modulating their properties through additive incorporation limits their applicability for certain products and intended uses.

[0017] Surprisingly, the embodiments of the present disclosure demonstrate that it is possible to simultaneously enhance or tailor desired combinations of properties in various polyalkylene polymer blends through incorporation of a hydrocarbon resin additive. Specifically, the present disclosure demonstrates that a C5, C5/C9, hydrogenated C5/C9, and/or hydrogenated dicyclopentadiene (HDCPD) hydrocarbon resin may simultaneously enhance or maintain various properties in polyethylene and polypropylene homopolymers or copolymers. Suitable hydrocarbon resins are small oligomers exhibiting a range of molecular weights, typically under about 3000, more specifically in a range of about 350 to about 1600, and may optionally incorporate aromatic and/or cyclic components. The hydrocarbon resin’s molecular weight and aromatic content, for example, may be selected such that certain polyalkylene properties are affected in a desired way. Exemplary property enhancements and combinations thereof are described in greater detail hereinafter. Advantageously, the strategic incorporation of a hydrocarbon resin additive in a polyalkylene polymer blend may further expand the breadth of suitable uses for poly alky lenes.

[0018] Moreover, various embodiments of the present disclosure also demonstrate that, in some instances, the manner in which a hydrocarbon resin additive is processed with a polyalkylene polymer may influence the property enhancements that are ultimately obtained and the extent of enhancement. For example, processing a polyalkylene polymer with the hydrocarbon resin additive disposed in a masterbatch may lead to different properties than when the additive is introduced to the polyalkylene polymer through direct compounding (/._<?., neat addition/dry blending of the hydrocarbon resin). Masterbatches having a range of base polymers may facilitate such property enhancement. Different properties or combinations of properties may also be obtained, in some instances, depending upon whether the polymer blend is shaped by injection molding or compression molding, for example.

[0019] The hydrocarbon resins described herein are particularly advantageous because they may incorporate preferentially within the amorphous phase of polyalkylenes upon forming a polymer blend. Polyalkylenes with lower crystallinity often have inferior mechanical properties compared to more crystalline samples, which can make them unsuitable for certain uses of interest. Because of their preferential incorporation in the amorphous phase of polyalkylene polymers, the hydrocarbon resins described herein may leave the crystalline phase substantially undisturbed and free to provide mechanical stability, as in an unmodified polyalkylene. Thus, it is believed that the hydrocarbon resins of the present disclosure may enhance or maintain two different properties in polymer blends by modifying a first property from the amorphous phase while leaving the crystalline phase substantially unmodified to influence a second property, particularly mechanical strength or structural integrity. In illustrative embodiments, a change in the glass transition temperature (T_g) but not the crystallization temperature (T_c) may be indicative of preferential incorporation of a hydrocarbon resin in the amorphous phase.

[0020] In many instances, impact polypropylene copolymer (ICP) may include a plurality of rubber particulates to aid in improving the impact properties of the polymer. At least a portion of the rubber particulates typically migrate to the surface of the ICP during processing and detrimentally affect the surface roughness and glossiness, which may render the ICP unsuitable for some intended applications. Surprisingly and advantageously, interaction between the rubber particulates and the hydrocarbon resins disclosed herein can break up agglomerates of the rubber particulates and/or reduce the size of the rubber particulates (e.g. through partial dissolution), thereby improving their dispersion throughout the ICP. By decreasing the amount of rubber particulates localized upon the ICP surface, lower surface roughness and improved glossiness may be advantageously realized. Moreover, because of the preferential incorporation of the hydrocarbon resin within the amorphous phase of the ICP, mechanical properties comparable to those of unmodified ICP may be maintained, as described above.

[0021] As used herein, the term“C5 resin” refers to an oligomeric compound formed from C5 monomer units. Illustrative C5 monomer units may include, for example, trans-l,3- pentadiene, cis-l,3-pentadiene, 2-methyl-2-butene, cyclopentadiene, and cyclopentene. C5 resins may be optionally hydrogenated. Hydrogenation may remove residual unsaturation from the hydrocarbon resin.

[0022] As used herein, the term“C5/C9 resin” refers to an oligomeric compound formed from C5 monomer units and C9 monomer units. C5 monomer units may be aliphatic, including those discussed above. C9 monomer units may be aromatic, such as vinyltoluenes, indene, and cc-methylstyrene, for example. C5/C9 resins may be optionally hydrogenated. Hydrogenation may remove residual unsaturation from the hydrocarbon resin.

[0023] As used herein, the term“masterbatch” and grammatical variants thereof (e.g. , “masterbatches”) refer to a composition in which an additive, such as the hydrocarbon resins disclosed herein, is dispersed at high concentration in a base polymer for mixing with a polyalkylene polymer to form a polymer blend. In some embodiments, the base polymer of the masterbatch may be a polyalkylene, particularly a polyethylene, a polypropylene, or a polyethylene/polypropylene copolymer. In some embodiments, the base polymer of the masterbatch may comprise the same polyalkylene as the polymer blend, and in other embodiments, the base polymer and the polyalkylene may be different.

[0024] As used herein, the term“impact polypropylene copolymer (ICP)” refers to a copolymer comprising a plurality of propylene monomer units and a plurality of ethylene monomer units having good impact resistance. In more specific embodiments, ICP may comprise about 5 wt. % to about 15 wt. % ethylene monomer units and about 85 wt. % to about 95 wt. % propylene monomer units, based on the total weight of the ICP. [0025] As used herein, the term“rubber” refers to a natural or synthetic elastomeric material. According to some embodiments, a rubber may form as a separate phase during formation of an ICP, in which case the rubber may comprise a polyalkylene elastomeric material.

[0026] As used herein, the term“polyalkylene” refers to a polymeric material prepared via polymerization of one or more alkenes. The polyalkylene may be linear or branched, according to various embodiments.

[0027] Accordingly, polymer blends of the present disclosure may comprise a polyalkylene polymer having an amorphous phase, and a hydrocarbon resin blended preferentially in the amorphous phase and comprising about 15 wt. % or less of the polymer blend. The hydrocarbon resin is a C5, C5/C9, hydrogenated C5/C9, or hydrogenated dicyclopentadiene hydrocarbon resin having a weight average molecular weight of about 3000 or less.

[0028] Illustrative hydrocarbon resins may include aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated cycloaliphatic resins, cycloaliphatic/aromatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated cycloaliphatic/aromatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated aromatic hydrocarbon resins, polyterpene resins, hydrogenated polyterpene resins, aromatic modified polyterpene resins, hydrogenated aromatic modified polyterpene resins, terpene-phenol resins, hydrogenated terpene-phenol resins, gum rosin resins, hydrogenated gum rosin resin, gum rosin ester resins, hydrogenated gum rosin ester resins, wood rosin resin, hydrogenated wood rosin resins, wood rosin ester resins, hydrogenated wood rosin ester resins, tall oil rosin resins, hydrogenated tall oil rosin resins, tall oil rosin ester resins, hydrogenated tall oil rosin ester resins, rosin acid resins, hydrogenated rosin acid resins, and mixtures of two or more thereof.

[0029] In some or other embodiments, suitable hydrocarbon resins may be thermally polymerized and hydrogenated to achieve transparency and minimize discoloration. Such hydrogenated hydrocarbon resins may have an initial YI color (ASTM D-1925) of less than 5, or less than 3 or less than 1. One or more of the above hydrocarbon resins may possess these properties.

[0030] In some or other embodiments, suitable hydrocarbon resins may be a catalytically polymerized resin made using a Friedel-Crafts catalyst such as a boron halide or aluminum halide. The hydrocarbon resin may be cycloaliphatic and contain optional aromaticity. One or more of the above hydrocarbon resins may possess these properties. [0031] In some or other embodiments, the glass transition temperature Tg of the hydrocarbon resin may reside within a range of about 20°C to about l00°C, or about 30°C to about 90°C, or about 40°C to about 80°C, or about 50°C to about 70°C. In some or other embodiments, the hydrocarbon resin may have a softening point ranging between about 80°C and l80°C, or between about l00°C and about l60°C, or between about l20°C and about l40°C, as measured by ring and ball softening point tests according to ASTM E-28 (Revision 1996). One or more of the above hydrocarbon resins may possess these properties.

[0032] The glass transition temperature (Tg) was measured by ASTM E 1356 using a TA Instruments model 2920 machine, with a heating/cooling rate of l0°C/min.

[0033] According to some or other various embodiments, the hydrocarbon resin may be amorphous and glassy, with low molecular weight. In more particular embodiments, the hydrocarbon resin may have a lower molecular weight than the polyalkylene polymer. In certain embodiments, the hydrocarbon resin may have a number average molecular weight ranging between about 200 and about 5000, or between 400 and about 2000, or between about 500 and about 1000. In certain embodiments, the hydrocarbon resin may have a weight average molecular weight ranging from about 500 and about 3000, or between about 500 and about 1600, or between about 400 and about 800. One or more of the above hydrocarbon resins may possess these properties.

[0034] In more specific embodiments, hydrocarbon resins suitable for use in the polymer blends disclosed herein may have a weight average molecular weight ranging between about 400 wt. % and about 3000 wt. %, or between about 400 wt. % and about 800 wt. %in more particular embodiments and, according to some or other embodiments, may have a dicyclopentadiene/cyclopentadiene/methylcyclopentadiene monomer content ranging between about 40 wt. % and about 80 wt. % based on the total weight of the hydrocarbon resin.

[0035] The weight average molecular weight was measured using Tosoh EcoSEC HLC- 8320GPC w/ enclosed Refractive Index (RI) Ultraviolet (UV) detectors. The instrument is controlled and molecular weight is calculated using EcoSEC Workstation (Version 1.11) software. 4 columns PLgel 5pm 500A; 5pm 500A; 5pm 10E3A; 5pm Mixed-D are connected in series for effective separation. Sample is prepared by dissolving 24mg (+/-lmg) of hydrocarbon resin in 9 ml of THF solution. sulfur/THF solution at a ratio of lmL sulfur solution per lOOmL solvent is used as flow marker, for measurement of molecular weight. The dissolved sample is filtered using 0.45mm syringe filter. The GPC calibration is done using a series of selected polystyrene standards that are of narrow molecular weights and cover the molecular weight range of the columns for respective range of separation. [0036] In other more specific embodiments, hydrocarbon resins suitable for use in the polymer blends disclosed herein may have a weight average molecular weight ranging between about 400 and about 3000, or between about 600 and about 900 in more particular embodiments and, according to some or other embodiments, may have a dicyclopentadiene/cyclopentadiene/methylcyclopentadiene monomer content of about 40 wt. % or less. In more specific embodiments, such hydrocarbon resins may have a weight average molecular weight ranging between about 600 and about 650, or between about 650 and about 700, or between about 700 and about 750, or between about 750 and about 800, or between about 800 and about 850, or between about 850 and about 900. In some or other embodiments, the dicyclopentadiene/cyclopentadiene/methylcyclopentadiene monomer content may be about 30% or less, or about 20% or less, or about 10% or less, particularly between about 1% and about 40%, or between about 1% and about 10%, or between about 10% and about 20%, or between about 20% and about 30%, or between about 30% and about 40%. Optionally, the hydrocarbon resins may have an aromatic monomer (aromaticity) content of up to 12%, particularly between about 1% and about 10%, or between about 4% and about 10%, or between about 8% and about 10%. Suitable hydrocarbon resins may include any of the OPPERA™ hydrocarbon resins available from ExxonMobil Chemical Company, such as OPPERA™ PR100A, OPPERA™ PR100N, OPPERA™ PR120, OPPERA™ PR140, OPPERA™ PR373, OPPERA™ PR383, or OPPERA™ PR395.

[0037] Additional hydrocarbon resins that may be suitable for use in the disclosure herein include, for example, ARKON™ M90, M100, M115 and M135 and SUPER ESTER™ rosin esters available from Arakawa Chemical Company, I-MARV™ serial hydrocarbon resin from Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd., SYLV ARES™ phenol modified styrene-and methyl styrene resins, styrenated terpene resins, ZONATAC terpene- aromatic resins, and terpene phenolic resins available from Arizona Chemical Company, SYLVATAC™ and SYLVALITE™ rosin esters available from Arizona Chemical Company, NORSOLENE™ aliphatic aromatic resins available from Cray Valley of France, DERTOPHENE™ terpene phenolic resins available from DRT Chemical Company, EASTOTAC™ resins, PICCOTAC™ C5/C9 resins, REGALITE™ and REGALREZ™ aromatic and REGALITE™ cycloaliphatic/aromatic resins available from Eastman Chemical Company, FUCLEAR™ resins available from Formosan Union Chemical Corporation, T-REZ™ series resins available from TonenGeneral Group, WINGTACK™ ET and EXTRA available from Goodyear Chemical Company, FORAL™, PENTALYN™, AND PERMALYN™ rosins and rosin esters available from the Hercules division of Eastman Chemical Company, QUINTONE™ acid modified C5 resins, C5/C9 resins, and acid modified C5/C9 resins available from Nippon Zeon, and LX™ mixed aromatic/cycloaliphatic resins available from Neville Chemical Company, and CLEARON hydrogenated terpene aromatic resins available from Yasuhara.

Suitable polyalkylene polymers for use in the disclosure herein may include, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene, or a copolymer of polypropylene and polyethylene. The polyethylene and polypropylene may be homopolymers in some embodiments, or copolymers in other embodiments. Suitable copolymers of polyethylene or polypropylene may incorporate an cc-olefin co-monomer, according to some embodiments. Other co-monomers may be used in related embodiments.

[0038] In other more specific embodiments, the polyalkylene polymer may comprise an impact polypropylene copolymer, comprising a plurality of ethylene monomer units and a plurality of propylene monomer units. According to some embodiments, a plurality of rubber particulates may be dispersed within the impact polypropylene copolymer. The rubber particulates may comprise an elastomeric material formed during polymerization of the ethylene and propylene monomer units, according to some embodiments. In other embodiments, the rubber particulates may be introduced to the impact polypropylene copolymer after formation of the ethylene/propylene copolymer. Any natural or synthetic rubber compound may be used when rubber particulates are externally introduced.

[0039] Suitable amounts of the rubber particulates in the impact polypropylene copolymer may be about 30 wt. % or below. In more specific embodiments, the amount of the rubber particulates may range between about 0.1% and about 30 wt. %, or between about 1 wt. % and about 5 wt. %, or between about 5 wt. % and about 15 wt. %, or between about 10 wt. % and about 20 wt. %, or between about 15 wt. % and about 30 wt. %.

[0040] Advantageously, the hydrocarbon resins of the present disclosure may interact during processing with the rubber particulates in an impact polypropylene copolymer to afford advantageous properties in the polymer blends disclosed herein. According to certain embodiments, the hydrocarbon resins may break up agglomerates of the rubber particulates, dissolve at least a portion of the rubber particulates, reduce a size of the rubber particulates, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the rubber particulates may be about 10 mhi or less in size after interacting with the hydrocarbon resins disclosed herein. As indicated above, the rubber particulates may be dispersed more uniformly throughout the impact polypropylene copolymer after interacting with the hydrocarbon resin, rather than being more localized on the polymer surface in unmodified impact copolymer polypropylene. [0041] Desirable properties or combinations of properties may be conveyed to the polymer blends disclosed herein, according to one or more embodiments. In more specific embodiments, the hydrocarbon resin may be chosen in combination with a specific polymer for enhancing or maintaining a combination of two or more desired properties.

[0042] In more specific embodiments, impact polypropylene copolymer containing a plurality of rubber particulates may have a desirable combination of gloss and stiffness values. The gloss and stiffness values may exceed those of the corresponding impact polypropylene copolymer lacking the hydrocarbon resin, according to various embodiments. In some embodiments, such polymer blends may have a gloss value of about 80 or above, or about 82 or above, or about 84 or above, or about 86 or above. In more specific embodiments, the polymer blends may have a gloss value ranging between about 86 and 91, or between about 86 and 90, or between about 84 and 90. In combination with such gloss values, according to some embodiments, the polymer blends of the present disclosure may have at least one of a flexural modulus exceeding about 1500 MPa. Gloss was measured via Tapping Mode AFM, described in R.R.L. De Oliveira, D.A.C. Albuquerque, T.G.S. Cruz, F.M. Yamaji, and F.L. Leite (2012). Measurement of the Nanoscale Roughness by Atomic Force Microscopy: Basic Principles and Applications, Atomic Force Microscopy - Imaging, Measuring and Manipulating Surfaces at the Atomic Scale, Dr. Victor Bellitto (Ed.), ISBN: 978-953-51-0414-8, InTech, Available from: http://www.intechopen.com/books/atomic-force-microscopy-imaging-measuring-and- manipulating-surfaces-at-the-atomic-scale/measurement-of-the-nanoscale-roughness-by- atomic-force-microscopy-basic-principles-and-applications.

[0043] In combination with gloss values of about 80 or above, polymer blends of the present disclosure comprising impact polypropylene copolymer and a hydrocarbon resin may have a roughness indicator Rq (as measured using atomic force microscopy (AFM)) of about 34 or below. In more specific embodiments, the roughness indicator Rq may be about 32 or below, or about 30 or below, or about 28 or below, or about 26 or below. Roughness was measured by Measurement of the Nanoscale Roughness by Atomic Force Microscopy: Basic Principles and Applications, Atomic Force Microscopy - Imaging, Measuring and Manipulating Surfaces at the Atomic Scale, Dr. Victor Bellitto (Ed.), ISBN: 978-953-51-0414- 8, InTech, Available from: http://www.intechopen.com/books/atomic-force-microscopy- imaging-measuring-and-manipulating-surfaces-at-the-atomic-scale/measurement-of-the- nanoscale-roughness-by-atomic-force-microscopy-basic-principles-and-applications.

[0044] In combination with gloss values of about 80 or above, polymer blends of the present disclosure comprising impact polypropylene copolymer and a hydrocarbon resin may be characterized by a melt flow rate that is above about 1.8 g/lO minutes. In more specific embodiments, the melt flow rate may be above about 2.0 g/lO minutes, or above about 2.2 g/lO minutes.

[0045] In some or other embodiments, polymer blends of the present disclosure may comprise the hydrocarbon resin in an amount such that stiffness and impact properties of the polymer blend are the same as or greater than those of the same polyalkylene polymer lacking the hydrocarbon resin. Conventional approaches for increasing stiffness, in contrast, typically result in degradation of the impact properties of poly alky lenes.

[0046] In more specific embodiments, certain polymer blends of the present disclosure may comprise a polypropylene and have a flexural modulus ranging between about 1200 MPa and about 2100 MPa and an impact value (room temperature notch index value) ranging between about 20.5 J/m and about 24 J/m. The hydrocarbon resin may be OPPERA PR100, according to some embodiments, which may be included in an amount ranging between about 0.1 wt. % and about 10 wt. % , or between about 0.5 wt. % and about 5 wt. %, or between about 1 wt. % and about 5 wt. %. The hydrocarbon resin may be blended using a masterbatch, according to one or more embodiments. In some or other embodiments, the hydrocarbon resin may be dry blended with the polyalkylene polymer.

[0047] In other more specific embodiments, certain polymer blends of the present disclosure may comprise a polypropylene and have a flexural modulus ranging between about 1450 MPa and about 2000 MPa and an impact value (room temperature notch index value) ranging between about 20 J/m and about 25 J/m. The hydrocarbon resin may be OPPERA PR383, according to some embodiments, which may be included in an amount ranging between about 0.1 wt. % and about 15 wt. %, or between about 0.25 wt. % and about 10 wt. %, or between about 0.5 wt. % and about 5 wt. %, or between about 1 wt. % and about 5 wt. %, or between about 5 wt. % and about 15 wt. %. The hydrocarbon resin may be blended using a masterbatch, according to one or more embodiments.

[0048] In some embodiments, the hydrocarbon resin may be blended as a masterbatch with an impact polypropylene copolymer. As discussed in further detail herein, adding the hydrocarbon resin blended in a masterbatch may alter one or more properties of the polymer blend obtained, as compared to a comparable polymer blend obtained through neat addition of the hydrocarbon resin without the base (carrier) polymer of the masterbatch. The masterbatch may be combined with the polyalkylene polymer in an amount up to about 50 wt. % of the polymer blend. In more specific embodiments, the masterbatch may be combined with the polyalkylene polymer such that the polymer blend comprises between about 1 wt. % to about 30 wt. % of the masterbatch, or between about 2 wt. % to about 25 wt. % of the masterbatch, or between about 3 wt. % to about 15 wt. % of the masterbatch, or between about 5 wt. % to about 10 wt. % of the masterbatch, or between about 1 wt. % to about 15 wt. % of the masterbatch, or between about 2 wt. % to about 10 wt. % of the masterbatch.

[0049] Polyalkylenes other than impact polypropylene copolymer may be blended with the hydrocarbon resin disposed in a masterbatch as well. Similarly, the properties of the resulting polymer blend may differ when using masterbatch blending of the hydrocarbon resin compared to that obtained through neat blending of the hydrocarbon resin.

[0050] In addition to the hydrocarbon resins disclosed herein, one or more additives may be included in the polymer blends of the present disclosure to impart certain properties, according to various embodiments. Suitable additives may impart properties such as, for example, tensile strength, impact resistance, glossiness, wear resistance, heat resistance, color, flame resistance, and the like. Suitable additives may include, but are not limited to, fillers, processing aids, activators, accelerators, the like, and any combination thereof.

[0051] Suitable examples of fillers for use in the polymer blends of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, carbon black, calcium carbonate, silica, clay and other silicates which may or may not be exfoliated, mica, talc, titanium dioxide, and any combination thereof. Fillers for use in the present disclosure may be of any size and shape, ranging from about 1 nm to about 10 pm, or about 100 nm to about 5 pm, or about 500 nm to about 1 pm, or about 1 pm to about 5 pm. The fillers may be present in any amount suitable to convey a desired property to a sufficient degree, such as within a range of about 0.1 wt. % to about 90 wt. % of the polymer blend, or between about 1 wt. % to about 80 wt. % of the polymer blend, or between about 5 wt. % to about 70 wt. % of the polymer blend, or between about 5 wt. % to about 10 wt. % of the polymer blend, or between about 10 wt. % to about 15 wt. % of the polymer blend, or between about 15 wt. % to about 20 wt. % of the polymer blend, or between about 30 wt. % to about 40 wt. % of the polymer blend, or between about 40 wt. % to about 50 wt. % of the polymer blend, or between about 50 wt. % to about 60 wt. % of the polymer blend, or between about 60 wt. % to about 70 wt. % of the polymer blend.

[0052] Accordingly, in more specific embodiments of the present disclosure, polymer blends disclosed herein may comprise a filler material selected from carbon black, calcium carbonate, and any combination thereof. The filler material may be introduced to the polymer blend neat, according to some embodiments. In other embodiments, the filler material may be included in a masterbatch that is blended, along with the hydrocarbon resin, with the poly alky lene polymer. In still other embodiments, the filler material may be included in a masterbatch lacking the hydrocarbon resin, and the hydrocarbon resin may be added neat/dry blended after introducing the additive to the polyalkylene polymer using the masterbatch.

[0053] Examples of suitable processing aids for use in the polymer blends may include, but are not limited to, aromatic oils, paraffinic oils, naphthenic oils, vegetable oils, and any combination thereof.

[0054] Accordingly, in some or other various embodiments, the present disclosure also describes methods for preparing and optionally shaping the polymer blends described herein. In various embodiments, the methods may comprise combining a hydrocarbon resin with a polyalkylene polymer having an amorphous phase, and blending the hydrocarbon resin with the polyalkylene polymer such that the hydrocarbon resin preferentially incorporates within the amorphous phase and forms a polymer blend. The hydrocarbon resin may be selected for use with a particular polyalkylene polymer, such that hydrocarbon resin incorporation occurs preferentially (primarily) within the amorphous phase, thereby conferring the advantages described herein. In particular embodiments, the hydrocarbon resin is C5, C5/C9, hydrogenated C5/C9 and/or hydrogenated dicyclopentadiene hydrocarbon resin having a weight average molecular weight of about 3000 or less.

[0055] In more specific embodiments, the hydrocarbon resin may be combined with the polyalkylene polymer while incorporated within a masterbatch. In other embodiments, the polyalkylene polymer may be blended using a masterbatch, with the hydrocarbon resin being introduced as a dry blend after combining the polyalkylene polymer with a masterbatch.

[0056] Blending the polyalkylene and the hydrocarbon resin with one another may take place through a variety of polymer processing techniques. Suitable processing techniques may include, for example, two-roll open mill, BRABENDER™ internal mixer, BANBURY™ internal mixer with tangential rotors, KRUPP™ internal mixer with intermeshing rotors, or any other mixer and/or extruder.

[0057] In further embodiments, methods of the present disclosure may comprise shaping the polymer blend into a desired shape, such as by injection molding, compression molding, or a high shear molding process. Suitable molding processes will be familiar to one having ordinary skill in the art.

[0058] Embodiments disclosed herein include:

[0059] A. Polymer blends. The polymer blends comprise: a polyalkylene polymer having an amorphous phase; and a hydrocarbon resin blended preferentially in the amorphous phase and comprising about 15 wt. % or less of the polymer blend; wherein the hydrocarbon resin is a C5, C5/C9, hydrogenated C5/C9, or hydrogenated dicyclopentadiene hydrocarbon resin having a weight average molecular weight of about 3000 or less.

[0060] B. Methods for forming a polymer blend. The methods comprise: combining a hydrocarbon resin with a polyalkylene polymer having an amorphous phase; wherein the hydrocarbon resin is a C5, C5/C9, hydrogenated C5/C9, or hydrogenated dicyclopentadiene hydrocarbon resin having a weight average molecular weight of about 3000 or less; and blending the hydrocarbon resin with the polyalkylene polymer such that the hydrocarbon resin preferentially incorporates within the amorphous phase and forms a polymer blend.

[0061] Embodiments A and B may have one or more of the following additional elements in any combination:

[0062] Element 1 : wherein the polyalkylene polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, a copolymer of polypropylene and polyethylene, and any combination thereof.

[0063] Element 2: wherein the polyalkylene polymer comprises an impact polypropylene copolymer, comprising a plurality of ethylene monomer units and a plurality of propylene monomer units.

[0064] Element 3: wherein the polymer blend further comprises: a plurality of rubber particulates dispersed within the impact polypropylene copolymer.

[0065] Element 4: wherein the hydrocarbon resin breaks up agglomerates of the rubber particulates, reduces a size of the rubber particulates, or any combination thereof.

[0066] Element 5: wherein the rubber particulates are about 10 mhi or less in size after interacting with the hydrocarbon resin.

[0067] Element 6: wherein the polymer blend has a gloss value of about 80 or above.

[0068] Element 7: wherein the polymer blend has a roughness indicator Rq of about 34 or below.

[0069] Element 8: wherein the polymer blend has a melt flow rate that is above about 1.8 g/lO minutes.

[0070] Element 9: wherein the hydrocarbon resin has a weight average molecular weight ranging between about 400 and about 800 and a dicyclopentadiene/cyclopentadiene/methylcyclopentadiene monomer content ranging between about 40 wt. % and about 80 wt. %.

[0071] Element 10: wherein the hydrocarbon resin is blended as a masterbatch with the impact polypropylene copolymer. [0072] Element 11 : wherein the hydrocarbon resin is blended as a masterbatch with the polyalkylene polymer.

[0073] Element 12: wherein the polyalkylene polymer comprises a polyethylene homopolymer, a polypropylene homopolymer, or any combination thereof.

[0074] Element 13: wherein the polymer blend further comprises a filler material selected from the group consisting of carbon black, calcium carbonate, and any combination thereof, the filler material being included in the masterbatch.

[0075] Element 14: wherein the polyalkylene polymer is blended with a masterbatch comprising a filler material selected from the group consisting of carbon black, calcium carbonate, and any combination thereof, and the hydrocarbon resin is dry blended with the polyalkylene polymer.

[0076] Element 15: wherein the hydrocarbon resin is present in an amount such that stiffness and impact properties of the polymer blend are the same as or greater than those of the same polyalkylene polymer lacking the hydrocarbon resin.

[0077] Element 16: wherein the hydrocarbon resin has a weight average molecular weight ranging between about 500 and about 1600, optionally having an aromaticity content of about 12% or less.

[0078] Element 17 : wherein a plurality of rubber particulates is dispersed within the impact polypropylene copolymer.

[0079] Element 18: wherein the polymer blend has at least one property selected from the group consisting of a gloss value of about 80 or above, a roughness indicator Rq of about 34 or below, a melt flow rate that is above about 1.8 g/lO minutes, and any combination thereof.

[0080] Element 19: wherein the hydrocarbon resin is combined as a masterbatch with the impact polypropylene copolymer.

[0081] Element 20: wherein the hydrocarbon resin is combined as a masterbatch with the polyalkylene polymer.

[0082] Element 21 : wherein the method further comprises: shaping the polymer blend by a process selected from the group consisting of injection molding, compression molding, or a high shear molding process.

[0083] By way of non-limiting example, exemplary combinations applicable to A and B include: The polymer blend of A in combination with elements 1 and 2; 2 and 3; 2-4; 2, 3 and 5; 2 and 6; 2, 4 and 6; 2, 4 and 7; 2, 4, 6 and 8; 2, 4, 6, 7 and 8; 2, 4 and 5; 2, 4, 5 and 6; 2 and 4-7; 2 and 4-8; 3 and 10, 2 and 15; 1 and 9; 1 and 11; 1 and 12; 1 and 13; 1 and 14; 1 and 15; 1 and 16; 11 and 12; 11 and 13; 11 and 14; 11 and 15; 12 and 15; 13 and 15; 14 and 15; and 2 and 18. The method of B in combination with elements 1 and 2; 2 and 3; 2-4; 2, 3 and 5; 2 and 6; 2, 4 and 6; 2, 4 and 7; 2, 4, 6 and 8; 2, 4, 6, 7 and 8; 2, 4 and 5; 2, 4, 5 and 6; 2 and 4-7; 2 and 4-8; 3 and 10, 2 and 15; 1 and 9; 1 and 11; 1 and 12; 1 and 13; 1 and 14; 1 and 15; 1 and 16; 11 and 12; 11 and 13; 11 and 14; 11 and 15; 12 and 15; 13 and 15; 14 and 15; and 2 and 18, any of which may be in further combination with element 21. The method of B in combination with elements 1 and 21; 2 and 21; 2, 3 and 21; 2-4 and 21; 2-5 and 21; 2-6 and 21; 2-4, 7 and 21; 2-4, 8 and 21; 2, 10 and 21; 2, 11 and 21; 2, 11, 13 and 21; 2, 11, 14 and 15; 2, 17, 18 and 21; and 17, 18 and 21.

[0084] To facilitate a better understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following examples of preferred or representative embodiments are given. In no way should the following examples be read to limit, or to define, the scope of the disclosure. EXAMPLES

Example 1: Impact Polypropylene Copolymer (ICP) Blends. AP3N ICP (ExxonMobil Chemical Company) was dry blended at 10 wt. % with OPPERA™ PR100 (C5, C5/C9 HDCPD hydrocarbon resin having a softening point of 140°C, a weight average molecular weight of about 730 and a HDCPD content ranging between 40 wt. % and 80 wt. % based on the total weight of the hydrocarbon resin, ExxonMobil Chemical Company) and the blend was injection molded to form a test sample. A comparison test sample was prepared by dry blending AP3N with 10 wt. % VISTAMAXX 6202 (an isotactic polypropylene having random ethylene monomer incorporation, ExxonMobil Chemical Company), followed by injection molding. A control test sample was also prepared by injection molding unmodified AP3N. Table 1 shows a comparison of gloss values obtained for three separate preparations of each sample.

Table 1

As shown in Table 1, both VISTAMAXX and the hydrocarbon resin enhanced gloss values compared to unmodified ICP. The gloss enhancement provided by VISTAMAXX and the hydrocarbon resin was approximately the same, in spite of the significantly different chemical structures of these additives.

[0085] AP3N includes rubber particles within the polymer blend to improve the impact properties. Consistent with the improved gloss values, both VISTAMAXX and the hydrocarbon resin improved the dispersion of the rubber particles in the polypropylene matrix, as shown in the atomic force microscopy (AFM) images of FIGS. 1-6. FIGS. 1-3 respectively show cross-sectional AFM images of the control sample (AP3N alone), the comparative sample (AP3N + VISTAMAXX) and the test sample (AP3N + hydrocarbon resin). FIGS. 4-6 show corresponding AFM surface images of these samples. As shown, AP3N alone featured fairly large, partially agglomerated rubber particles and high surface roughness (FIGS. 1 and 4). In contrast, the rubber particles were more dispersed and reduced in size in the samples containing VISTAMAXX or the hydrocarbon resin (FIGS. 2, 3, 5 and 6), and the surface roughness was lower in these samples as well. Surface roughness values Rq, derived from the AFM images, are shown in Table 2 for two replicate measurements.

Table 2

The decreased surface roughness is again consistent with the improved gloss values of the comparative and test samples. The surface roughness values produced by both VISTAMAXX and the hydrocarbon resin were approximately the same at the loading value tested.

[0086] Table 3 below shows a more extensive battery of physical property data for the control, comparative and test samples. Table 3

As shown in Table 3, the test sample containing the hydrocarbon resin exhibited a higher melt flow rate and higher flexural modulus compared to both the control and test samples. Specifically, the melt flow rate of the test sample was increased by about 70%, and the flexural modulus was increased by about 5% relative to unmodified AP3N. Shrinkage was also superior for the test sample. The increased flexural modulus in the presence of the hydrocarbon resin represents a significant result, since VISTAMAXX led to a decreased flexural modulus compared to unmodified AP3N. Although the impact properties were inferior in the presence of the hydrocarbon resin at the tested loading, as shown by the notch izod tests, the decrease is believed to be manageable for many applications where ICP is used, particularly in view of the desirable combination of high gloss and stiffness obtained using this additive. Example 2: Injection Molded Polypropylene Blends. PP3155E3 polypropylene homopolymer (ExxonMobil Chemical Company) was blended with varying ratios of two different masterbatches containing OPPERA™ PR100 resin. The first masterbatch (MB1) contained a 1 : 1 ratio of polypropylene homopolymer to hydrocarbon resin. The second masterbatch (MB2) contained a 3:2 ratio of polypropylene homopolymer to hydrocarbon resin. The first masterbatch was provided by an external vendor, and the second masterbatch was prepared internally using a twin screw compounder. Flexural modulus (ASTM D790) and impact resistance (ASTM D256) tests were then conducted on injection molded samples and compared against a control sample of injection molded, unmodified PP3155E3.

[0087] FIGS. 7 and 8 show illustrative plots of physical properties of injection molded polypropylene in the presence of varying quantities of hydrocarbon resin modifier added from a corresponding masterbatch. FIG. 7 shows physical property data obtained using the first masterbatch. As shown, the flexural modulus (a measure of stiffness) increased with increasing hydrocarbon resin loading. However, after remaining steady or slightly decreasing at 5% hydrocarbon resin loading (10% masterbatch loading), the impact properties decreased modestly at 10% and sharply at 15% loading of the hydrocarbon resin (20% and 30% masterbatch loading, respectively).

[0088] FIG. 8 shows physical property data obtained using the second masterbatch. As shown, the flexural modulus again increased with higher hydrocarbon resin loading when using the second masterbatch, but the impact resistance was higher compared to comparable loading levels of hydrocarbon resin in the first masterbatch. The second masterbatch allowed the impact properties to be maintained near those of unmodified PP3155E3 polypropylene over a wider loading range of the hydrocarbon resin (up to 10% hydrocarbon resin loading). In contrast, the first masterbatch led to a more significant decrease in impact resistance at 10% hydrocarbon resin loading. The impact property values were approximately equal to one another at 10% loading of the hydrocarbon resin from the first masterbatch and at 15% loading of the hydrocarbon resin from the second masterbatch. As such, the physical property data shows that stiffness and impact properties can be at least partially varied independently of one another when preparing an injection molded polypropylene product.

Example 3: Compression Molded Polyethylene and Polypropylene Blends.

Polypropylene Blends: ICP AP03B polypropylene (ExxonMobil Chemical Company) was blended with a masterbatch containing 50 wt. % CaC0₃ as an additive. The masterbatch was provided by an external vendor. OPPERA™ PR100 or OPPERA™ PR383 (hydrocarbon resin having a softening point of approximately l03°C, a weight average molecular weight Mw of approximately 770, and approximately 9.6% aromaticity) was dry blended in varying amounts after combining the polypropylene with the masterbatch. Impact resistance tests (ASTM D256) were then conducted on compounded and compression molded samples and compared against a control sample of compression molded, unmodified ICP AP03B polypropylene.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 9, OPPERA™ PR- 100 and OPPERA™ PR-383 maintained the impact properties of polypropylene up to 2.5% and 5% loading, respectively, in the compression molded test article before significant decreases occurred. In an injection molded polypropylene test article lacking calcium carbonate filler and masterbatch blending, both OPPERA™ PR-100 and OPPERA™ PR-120 (ExxonMobil Chemical Company) maintained fairly consistent impact performance up to 15% resin loading, as shown in FIG. 10, albeit at a lower level compared to unmodified ICP AP03B polypropylene.

[0090] Polyethylene Blends: EXCEED 0019IM polyethylene (ExxonMobil Chemical Company) was blended with a 3 wt. % carbon black masterbatch and varying ratios of hydrocarbon resin. The masterbatch was provided by an external vendor. OPPERA™ PR100 or OPPERA PR383 were added in varying amounts after combining the polyethylene with the masterbatch. Impact resistance tests (ASTM D256) were then conducted on compounded and compression molded samples and compared against a control sample of compression molded, unmodified EXCEED 0019IM polyethylene.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 11, OPPERA™ PR-100 and OPPERA™ PR-383 improved the impact properties of polyethylene at all tested concentrations up to 15% loading in the compression molded test article. Thus, OPPERA™ incorporation in polyethylene produced somewhat superior impact performance compared to incorporation in polypropylene at similar loading values. Surprisingly, incorporation of carbon black in polypropylene decreased the impact performance, and incorporation of calcium carbonate in polyethylene decreased the impact performance, in contrast to the behavior shown above (data not shown).

[0092] All documents described herein are incorporated by reference herein for purposes of all jurisdictions where such practice is allowed, including any priority documents and/or testing procedures to the extent they are not inconsistent with this text. As is apparent from the foregoing general description and the specific embodiments, while forms of the disclosure have been illustrated and described, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereby. For example, the compositions described herein may be free of any component, or composition not expressly recited or disclosed herein. Any method may lack any step not recited or disclosed herein. Likewise, the term“comprising” is considered synonymous with the term“including.” Whenever a method, composition, element or group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase“comprising,” it is understood that we also contemplate the same composition or group of elements with transitional phrases“consisting essentially of,”“consisting of,”“selected from the group of consisting of,” or“is” preceding the recitation of the composition, element, or elements and vice versa.

[0093] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as molecular weight, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the present specification and associated claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term“about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the embodiments of the present invention. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claim, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0094] Whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any included range falling within the range is specifically disclosed. In particular, every range of values (of the form,“from about a to about b,” or, equivalently,“from approximately a to b,” or, equivalently,“from approximately a-b”) disclosed herein is to be understood to set forth every number and range encompassed within the broader range of values. Also, the terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee. Moreover, the indefinite articles“a” or“an,” as used in the claims, are defined herein to mean one or more than one of the element that it introduces.

[0095] One or more illustrative embodiments are presented herein. Not all features of a physical implementation are described or shown in this application for the sake of clarity. It is understood that in the development of a physical embodiment of the present disclosure, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's goals, such as compliance with system-related, business-related, government-related and other constraints, which vary by implementation and from time to time. While a developer's efforts might be time-consuming, such efforts would be, nevertheless, a routine undertaking for one of ordinary skill in the art and having benefit of this disclosure.

[0096] Therefore, the present disclosure is well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein. The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the present disclosure may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art and having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be altered, combined, or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. The embodiments illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element that is not specifically disclosed herein and/or any optional element disclosed herein.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed:

1. A polymer blend comprising:

a poly alky lene polymer having an amorphous phase; and

a hydrocarbon resin blended in the amorphous phase and comprising about 15 wt. % or less of the polymer blend,

wherein the hydrocarbon resin is a C5, C5/C9, hydrogenated C5/C9, or hydrogenated dicyclopentadiene hydrocarbon resin having a weight average molecular weight of about 3,000 g/mol or less.

2. The polymer blend of claim 1, wherein the polyalkylene polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, a copolymer of polypropylene and polyethylene, and combinations thereof.

3. The polymer blend of any preceding claim, wherein the polyalkylene polymer comprises an impact polypropylene copolymer, comprising a plurality of ethylene monomer units and a plurality of propylene monomer units.

4. The polymer blend of claim 3, further comprising:

a plurality of rubber particulates dispersed within the impact polypropylene copolymer.

5. The polymer blend of claim 4, wherein the hydrocarbon resin breaks up agglomerates of the rubber particulates, reduces a size of the rubber particulates, or any combination thereof.

6. The polymer blend of claims 4-5, wherein the rubber particulates are about 10 mhi or less in size after interacting with the hydrocarbon resin.

7. The polymer blend of claims 3-6, wherein the polymer blend has a gloss value of about 80 or above.

8. The polymer blend of claims 3-7, wherein the polymer blend has a roughness indicator Rq of about 34 or below.

9. The polymer blend of claims 3-8, wherein the polymer blend has a melt flow rate that is above about 1.8 g/ 10 minutes.

10. The polymer blend of any preceding claim, wherein the hydrocarbon resin has a weight average molecular weight ranging between about 400 g/mol and about 800 g/mol and a dicyclopentadiene/cyclopentadiene/methylcyclopentadiene monomer content ranging between about 40 wt. % and about 80 wt. %.

11. The polymer blend of claims 4- 10, wherein the hydrocarbon resin is blended as a masterbatch with the impact polypropylene copolymer.

12. The polymer blend of claims 1-3, wherein the hydrocarbon resin is blended as a masterbatch with the polyalkylene polymer.

13. The polymer blend of claims 1, 2 or 12, wherein the polyalkylene polymer comprises a polyethylene homopolymer, a polypropylene homopolymer, or any combination thereof.

14. The polymer blend of claims 12-13, further comprising:

a filler material selected from the group consisting of carbon black, calcium carbonate, and any combination thereof, the filler material being included in the masterbatch.

15. The polymer blend of claim claims 1-3, wherein the polyalkylene polymer is blended with a masterbatch comprising a filler material selected from the group consisting of carbon black, calcium carbonate, and any combination thereof, and the hydrocarbon resin is dry blended with the polyalkylene polymer.

16. The polymer blend of any preceding claim, wherein the hydrocarbon resin is present in an amount such that stiffness and impact properties of the polymer blend are the same as or greater than those of the same polyalkylene polymer lacking the hydrocarbon resin.

17. The polymer blend of claims 1-9 and 11-16, wherein the hydrocarbon resin has a weight average molecular weight ranging between about 500 and about 1600, optionally having an aromaticity content of about 12% or less.

18. The polymer blend of claims 1-3 and 12-17, wherein the polyalkylene polymer comprises a polyethylene homopolymer, a polypropylene homopolymer, or any combination thereof.

19. A method comprising:

combining a hydrocarbon resin with a polyalkylene polymer having an amorphous phase;

wherein the hydrocarbon resin is a C5, C5/C9, hydrogenated C5/C9, or hydrogenated dicyclopentadiene hydrocarbon resin having a weight average molecular weight of about 3000 or less; and

blending the hydrocarbon resin with the polyalkylene polymer such that the hydrocarbon resin preferentially incorporates within the amorphous phase and forms a polymer blend.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the polyalkylene polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, a copolymer of polypropylene and polyethylene, and any combination thereof.

21. The method of claims 19-20, wherein the polyalkylene polymer comprises an impact polypropylene copolymer, comprising a plurality of ethylene monomer units and a plurality of propylene monomer units.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein a plurality of rubber particulates is dispersed within the impact polypropylene copolymer.

23. The method of claims 21-22, wherein the polymer blend has at least one property selected from the group consisting of a gloss value of about 80 or above, a roughness indicator Rq of about 34 or below, a melt flow rate that is above about 1.8 g/lO minutes, and any combination thereof.

24. The method of claims 19-20, wherein the polyalkylene polymer is blended with a masterbatch comprising a filler material selected from the group consisting of carbon black, calcium carbonate, and any combination thereof, and the hydrocarbon resin is dry blended with the polyalkylene polymer and wherein the hydrocarbon resin is present in an amount such that stiffness and impact properties of the polymer blend are the same as or greater than those of the same polyalkylene polymer lacking the hydrocarbon resin.

25. The method of any one of claims 19-24, further comprising:

shaping the polymer blend by a process selected from the group consisting of injection molding, compression molding, or a high shear molding process.