WO2024133401A2

WO2024133401A2 - Repeatedly recyclable polymer mimics (rr-pm) of low-density polyethylene (ldpe) polymers

Info

Publication number: WO2024133401A2
Application number: PCT/EP2023/086858
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sivadinarayana Chinta; Kaiwalya SABNIS; Ganesh Kannan; Lidia JASINSKA-WALC; Robbert Duchateau; Girish KORIPELLY; Alexander Stanislaus; Ravichander Narayanaswamy; Maria Soliman; Bart Albertus Hubertus ESSCHERT VAN DEN
Original assignee: Sabic Global Technologies B.V.
Priority date: 2022-12-24
Filing date: 2023-12-20
Publication date: 2024-06-27
Also published as: WO2024133401A3

Abstract

A composition and methods of making the composition are described. The composition can include a repeatedly recyclable polymer mimic (PM) of a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) polymer. The RR-PM can be a reaction product of a difunctional oligomer and a difunctional linker. The difunctional oligomer and the difunctional linker can be obtained from a liquefied article.

Description

REPEATEDLY RECYCLABLE POLYMER MIMICS (RR-PM) OF LOW-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (LDPE) POLYMERS

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of the filing date of India Provisional Patent Application No. 202241075164, filed December 24, 2022, and India Provisional Patent Application No. 202341063907, filed September 22, 2023, which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of the Invention

[0001] The invention generally relates to repeatedly recyclable polymer mimics (RR-PM) of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) polymers.

B. Description of Related Art

[0002] Polyolefins have multiple industrial uses. Polyolefins such as polyethylene constitute the largest volume of synthetic plastic produced worldwide. Polyethylene such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is used in wide variety of articles, such as films, sheets, foams, fibers, toys, bottles, containers, furniture, electronic parts, and plumbing materials. One of the issues with the wide-spread use of LDPE is what to do with the articles once they reach the end of their useability. One solution is to simply discard the articles (“single use articles”) and prepare new ones from new chemicals. A problem with this approach is the use of landfills and/or incinerators to discard and/or destroy the articles. Landfills are reaching capacity, and incinerators can create pollution. Still further, the use of new chemicals can be wasteful and/or increase the carbon footprint of the resulting article.

[0003] An alternative solution to discarding articles made with LDPE is to mechanically recycle the articles. Mechanical recycling efforts physically alter an article into another form without recreating the material for new applications. The stress and energy input to physically alter the article (e.g., melt the article and reform it into a new article) can oftentimes degrade the LDPE such as by damaging the polymer chains (e.g., chain scission, chain branching, crosslinking, etc.). The mechanically recycled LDPE can have reduced chemical and/or physical properties when compared with its native/virgin form. This damage oftentimes limits the amount of mechanically recycled LDPE that can be used to re-produce new articles. For example, virgin LDPE is often blended with the mechanically recycled LDPE to create new articles. The use of additional materials such as virgin LDPE can be cost-inefficient and/or increase the carbon footprint of the resulting article.

[0004] An alternative solution to mechanically recycling articles made with LDPE is to chemically recycle the LDPE within the articles. Typical chemical LDPE recycling technologies subject the material to pyrolysis (cracking) and/or gasification reactions to chemically break down the LDPE into various smaller hydrocarbon products (e.g., smaller alkanes, alkene, or dienes). The chemical recycling process of LDPE typically results in production of a fraction of ethylene, which can be used to make chemically recycled LDPE. The additional hydrocarbon products can be used as intermediates in petrochemical plants, as fuels or fuel components, or as specialty chemicals. Examples of chemical recycling of polyolefins are described in International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2003/054061 to Maehara et al., European Patent Application Publication No. EP 3907250 to Mecking et al. , and U.S. Patent No. 5,643,998 to Nakano et al.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] A discovery has been made that provides a solution to at least one or more of the problems that may be associated LDPE recycling. The discovery relates to the use of a repeatedly recyclable polymer mimic (RR-PM) of a LDPE polymer, which, once made into an article, can repeatedly be recreated from the article, and reused to make additional articles. The RR-PM can be the reaction product of a difunctional oligomer and a difunctional linker obtained by depolymerization of an article into a liquified article comprising mixtures of difunctional linkers and difunctional oligomers of the RR-PM. The liquified article can be obtained by, for example, melting and depolymerizing a previously manufactured and/or used article having the RR-PM. Non-limiting examples of articles can include consumer goods, packaging products, dispensing bottles, wash bottles, tube, bags, electronic components, other molded articles, pharmaceutical containers, bottles, caps, closures, liners, trash bags, food packaging film and/or materials, laminations, pipes, hoses, fittings, etc. Advantageously, the RR-PM composition of the present invention can be repeatedly and directly recreated (e.g., 2 to 500 times or more) from an article made from the polymer at amounts that are substantially the same as present in the article being recycled. For example, at least 90 wt. %, 95 wt. %, 96 wt. %, 97 wt. %, 98 wt. %, 99 wt. %, or 100 wt. % of the RR-PM from the article being recycled can be depolymerized into difunctional oligomers and difunctional linkers, repolymerized into recreated RR-PM, and re-used in the newly produced article. This high recycling efficiency can reduce or avoid the need to use additional materials (e.g., virgin RR-PM) to produce new articles. For example, the high recycling efficiency of the RR-PM can reduce or avoid having to use feed stock (e.g., virgin RR-PM feed stock) to produce additional article(s) from the recycled article(s). In some aspects, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.5, or 0 wt. % of feed stock (e.g., virgin RR- PM feed stock) can be used after 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more use cycles of the RR-PM. Additionally, the recreated RR-PM obtained from the article can have the same or substantially the same chemical and/or physical properties of the RR-PM composition present in the unrecycled article. The RR-PM containing compositions, articles, and/or methods of the present invention provide for a recycling efficiency that can advantageously result in reduced costs of recycling articles, increased recycling efforts, and/or reduced amount of additional materials used to produce new articles. Still further, the recycling efficiency of the RR-PM compositions can result in a reduced carbon footprint for the produced articles.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention describes compositions that include repeatedly recyclable polymer mimics. In one aspect, a composition can include a repeatedly recyclable polymer mimic (RR-PM) of a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) polymer and an article additive. The RR-PM can be a reaction product of a difunctional oligomer and a difunctional linker that are both from a liquified article (e.g., a consumer good, a packaging product, a pharmaceutical container, a bottle, a cap, a closure, a liner, a trash bag, a food packaging film, a lamination; a pipe, a hose, a fitting, or a combination thereof). The difunctional oligomer can include a difunctional oligomer having from 40 to 2000 carbon atoms (C40 to C2000), preferably C60-C1500, more preferably C80-C1100, and a functionality “F” of 2.0 ± 0.3. The difunctional oligomer can have a degree of saturation of 98% to 100%. In some aspects, the difunctional oligomer of the RR-PM can be a randomly branched C40 to C2000 polyethylene. The difunctional oligomer can have an entanglement structure due to the random branching on the polyethylene backbone. The difunctional linker can have a carbon chain of 2 to 13 carbon atoms (C2-C13) and “F” of 2.0 ±0.3. For both the difunctional oligomer and difunctional linker, “F” can be an amine (-NH2), an alcohol (-OH), a carboxylic acid (-COOH), or a combination thereof. The difunctional oligomer “F” and the difunctional linker “F” can be the same or different as long as they can react to form a condensation product. The carboxylic acid can be a cyclic acid (e.g, anhydride), acyclic acid, a masked acid (e.g, an ester), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the carboxylic acid difunctionality is a combination of an acid and an ester. In a preferred aspect, the difunctional oligomer is a diol and the difunctional linker is a carboxylic acid. The number average molecular weight (M_n) of the RR-PM can be 20,0000 to 1,000,000 g/mol. The

can be determined using gas permeation chromatography (GPC). More particularly, the M_n can be determined as the polyethylene equivalent molecular weight by high temperature size exclusion chromatography performed at 160 °C in tri chlorobenzene using polyethylene standards. A density of the RR-PM can be 0.7 g/cm³ to 0.99 g/cm³. The RR-PM composition can have a melt temperature (Tm) of 60 °C to 135 °C, 75 °C to 130 °C, 80 °C to 125 °C, or 85 °C to 120 °C or any value or range there between as measured by DSC at a heating rate of 10 °C per min. In some aspects, the composition does not include any high- density polyethylene (HDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), polyolefin elastomer (POE), plastomer polyolefin (POP), and/or polypropylene (PP), or combinations thereof. In some aspects, the composition can include at least 95 wt.%, preferably at least 98 wt. %, of the RR-PM composition and greater than 0 wt. to 2 wt. %, preferably at least 0.01 wt. % to 0.2 wt. %, or more preferably 0.05 wt. % to 0.15 wt. %, of an additive. In some aspects, the difunctional oligomer and the difunctional linkers of the liquefied article have a weight percentage that is at least 95 wt.% of the RR-PM.

[0007] In another aspect, the composition can include an article additive (e.g., an additive present in the article being liquified) in an amount ranging from more than 0 wt. % to less than 0.01 wt.%, based on the weight of the RR-PM. In one preferred aspect of the present invention, the RR-PM can have the following formula:

where Z is an aliphatic group, n is an integer ranging from 2 to 13, and X is a polyethylene that includes 40 to 2000 carbon atoms, preferably 60 to 1500 carbon atoms, or more preferably 80 to 1100 carbon atoms. The RR-PM composition can have more than 0 and less than 40 ester groups per 1000 backbone (CH2) carbon units.

[0008] A composition of the present invention can include: (a) a repeatedly recyclable- polymer mimic (RR-PM) of a low-density LDPE that is a reaction product of a difunctional oligomer and a difunctional linker of a liquefied article comprising the difunctional oligomer and the difunctional linker; and (b) an article additive. The difunctional oligomer and the difunctional linkers of the liquefied article can have a weight percentage that is at least 90 wt.%, 91 wt.%, 92 wt.%, 93 wt.%, 94 wt.%, 95 wt.% 96 wt.%, 97 wt.%, 98 wt.%, 99 wt.%, or 100 wt.% of the RR-PM. The composition does not include any material selected from the group of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), polyolefin elastomer (POE), plastomer polyolefin (POP) and polypropylene (PP), and combinations thereof. The composition can include (i) the RR-PM having a structure according to Formula I:

where: n is an integer ranging from 2 to 13; Z is an aliphatic group; and X is a polyethylene that can include 40 to 2000 carbon atoms, preferably 60 to 1500 carbon atoms, or more preferably 80 to 1100 carbon atoms, and (ii) an article additive. The RR-PM has more than 0 and less than 40 ester groups per 1000 backbone (CH2) carbon units; and the RR-PM of Formula (I) can have a density of 0.70 g/cm³ to 0.99 g/cm³.

[0009] In some aspects of the present invention composites are described. A composite can include the RR-PM composition of the present invention. The composite can include a plurality of fillers. Non-limiting examples of fillers include fibers, glass fibers, aramid fibers, polyester fibers, polyamide fibers basalt fibers, steel fibers, or combination thereof. In embodiments where the composite includes fibers, the fibers can be sized.

[0010] In other aspects of the present invention, stacked polymeric compositions are described. The stacked polymeric composition (e.g., laminate) can include a composition of the present invention or a composite of the present invention and a second layer. The second layer can include a composition of the present invention or a composite of the present invention. In some aspects, the first and second composites can be coupled together via a coupling agent.

[0011] In yet other aspects of the present invention, an article comprising a composition of the present invention are described. The article can be recycled by the processes of the present invention and can be remade into another article (e.g., the article and the another article can be a cup, or the article can be a cup and the another article can be a plastic utensil). Notably, the article and the another article can include similar mechanical and/or functional properties due to the chemical recycling of the RR-PM of the present invention.

[0012] Certain aspects are directed to a method for making the composition of the present invention. A method can include liquefying (e.g., melting) an article made from a composition of the present invention. The RR-PM in the composition can be depolymerized into a mixture containing the difunctional oligomer and the difunctional linker. In one aspect, depolymerization can be performed by hydrolysis and/or solvolysis by contacting the liquified article composition with water and/or solvent to obtain the difunctional oligomer and the difunctional linker. In some aspects, the difunctional oligomer and the difunctional linker in the mixture can be separated prior to repolymerization. Reaction of the difunctional oligomer and the difunctional linker can produce the composition of the present invention that includes a RR-PM composition. The RR-PM composition can be formed into an article. The article can be used by consumers and then recycled to produce the composition of the present invention to continue the cycle. The cycle can be repeated at least two times, preferably 2 to 500 times.

[0013] Also disclosed in the context of the present invention is a method of closed loop recycling that encompasses a combination of mechanical and chemical recycling events. The method can include any one or any combination or all of the following steps: (1) obtaining an article comprising the RR-PM; (2) liquifying the article (e.g., melting the article) to obtain a liquified article composition; and/or (iii) forming a second or new article of manufacture from the liquified polymeric composition. This mechanical recycling process can be performed without having to use virgin RR-PM or using minimal amounts of virgin RR-PM (e.g., 10, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, or 0 wt. % of virgin RR-PM). Advantageously, at least 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 100 wt. % of the RR-PM from the article being liquified can be reused in the newly created article. The article can include an article additive (e.g., greater than 0 wt.% to 2 wt. %, preferably at least 0.01 wt. % to 0.2 wt. %, or more preferably 0.05 wt. % to 0.15 wt. %, of an article additive). The composition of the present invention can be recycled multiple times and retain its mechanical and/or functional properties. In some aspects, the recycled composition may include increasing article additive loadings for each round of recycling, which could affect the mechanical and/or functional properties due to increased article additive loadings.

[0014] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the RR-PM can have similar functional properties to conventional LDPE and/or to virgin RR-PM. Advantageously, this provides a solution to the problems associated with recycling conventional LDPE (e.g., articles made with conventional LDPE can be made with the RR-PM of the present invention at high recycling efficiency). Still further, by maintaining its functional properties after 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more use cycles, the RR-PM of the present invention can continuously be reused, which can reduce and/or avoid the need to produce additional RR-PM or to produce conventional LDPE.

[0015] In still another aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a composition comprising a polymer, wherein the polymer comprises moieties derived from any one of the difunctional oligomers and from any one of the difunctional linkers disclosed throughout the specification. The composition can include an additive (e.g., any one of the additives disclosed throughout the specification). The additive can be an article additive. The composition can also include any one of the additional components, ingredients, features, and/or amounts of ingredients disclosed throughout this specification. The composition can have structural and/or functional characteristics similar to virgin LDPE.

[0016] Other embodiments of the invention are discussed throughout this application. Any embodiment discussed with respect to one aspect of the invention applies to other aspects of the invention as well and vice versa. Each embodiment described herein is understood to be embodiments of the invention that are applicable to other aspects of the invention. It is contemplated that any embodiment discussed herein can be implemented with respect to any method or composition of the invention, and vice versa. Furthermore, compositions of the invention can be used to achieve methods of the invention.

[0017] The following includes definitions of various terms and phrases used throughout this specification.

[0018] “Article Additive” means an additive from an article being recycled. For example, if an article is being recycled in the context of the present invention, an additive from the recycled article is an article additive. Therefore, a composition and/or article produced from a recycled article of the present invention can include an additive or additive package from the recycled article.

[0019] “Repeatedly -Recyclable Polymer Mimic (RR-PM) ” or “RR-PM” means a polymer that is a mimic of low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The RR-PM is a reaction product of difunctional oligomer(s) and difunctional linker(s). The difunctional linker(s) and the difunctional oligomer(s) are obtained from a liquefied article that includes the difunctional oligomer(s) and the difunctional linker(s). The RR-PM can be made into an article that is then liquefied by being heated and depolymerized into a mixture of difunctional oligomer(s) and difunctional linker(s). The difunctional oligomer(s) and difunctional linker(s) can then be repolymerized into another RR-PM and re-used to produce another article. The process of the present invention can be repeated multiple times (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more) so that at least two additional or new articles can be made from the RR-PM starting material that was obtained from the recycled article.

[0020] The term “linker” means an aliphatic group (e.g., “Z”) that can couple and decouple to an oligomer (e.g., “X”). [0021] “Virgin Repeatedly-Recyclable Polymer Mimic” or “virgin RR-PM” is newly made directly from difunctional oligomer(s) and difunctional linker(s) (and have not been obtained from an article). Virgin RR-PM has not previously been depolymerized and repolymerized.

[0022] “Use Cycle” indicates how many times an RR-PM can be used to make different articles. The different article can be a new article made from the RR-PM, and the new article can be the same type of article (e.g., the article to be recycled and the recycled article can both be the same type of article (e.g., a cup)), or the new article can be another type of article (e.g., the article to be recycled can be a cup and the recycled article can be a utensil). For instance, for a RR-PM having a Use Cycle 0 rating, the RR-PM is a “virgin RR-PM”, and, therefore, the virgin RR-PM is made directly from a difunctional oligomer(s) and a difunctional linker(s) of the present invention (the virgin RR-PM has not been used to make an article). A RR-PM having a Use Cycle 1 rating means that the RR-PM has been used once to make an article. A RR-PM having a Use Cycle 2 rating means the RR-PM has been used twice to make, for example, two different articles. A RR-PM at Use Cycle 3 means the RR-PM has been used three times to make, for example, three different articles. As such, a RR-PM having a Use Cycle “n” means that the RR-PM can been used n times to make n different articles and impart substantially similar to identical functional properties. FIG. 2 provides a non-limiting example of a visually depiction of a Use Cycle of a RR-PM of the present invention.

[0023] The term “branching” refers the regular or random attachment of side chains to a polymer’s backbone chain.

[0024] The term “degree of branching (DB)” of a group/oligomer/polymer refers to % of branched carbons in the backbone of the group/oligomer/polymer. For example, the following group having the formula of Formula (II), has a degree of branching of 25 %. The branched carbons in the backbone of the group of Formula II is marked with a *. R' in Formula II is a branching group, can be an alkyl group, and y is an integer and denotes number of repeat units.

[0025] The term “linear hydrocarbon” refers to a hydrocarbon having a continuous carbon chain without side chain branching. The continuous carbon chain may be optionally substituted. The optional substitution can include replacement of at least one hydrogen atom with a functional group, such as hydroxyl, acid, amine, or halogen group; and/or replacement of at least one carbon atom with a heteroatom.

[0026] The term “branched hydrocarbon” refers to a hydrocarbon having a linear carbon chain containing branches, such as substituted and/or unsubstituted hydrocarbyl branches, bonded to the linear carbon chain. Optionally, the linear carbon chain can contain additional substitution. Optional additional substitutions can include replacement of at least one carbon atom in the linear carbon chain with a heteroatom and/or replacement of at least one hydrogen atom directly bonded to a carbon atom of the linear chain with a functional group, such hydroxyl, acid, amine, or halogen group.

[0027] The terms “about” or “approximately” are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In one non-limiting embodiment, the terms are defined to be within 10%, preferably within 5%, more preferably within 1%, and most preferably within 0.5%.

[0028] The terms “wt.%,” “vol.%,” or “mol.%” refers to a weight percentage of a component, a volume percentage of a component, or molar percentage of a component, respectively, based on the total weight, the total volume of material, or total moles, which includes the component. In a non-limiting example, 10 grams of component in 100 grams of the material is 10 wt.% of component.

[0029] The term “substantially” and its variations are defined to include ranges within 10 %, within 5 %, within 1 %, or within 0.5 %.

[0030] The terms “inhibiting” or “reducing” or “preventing” or “avoiding” or any variation of these terms, when used in the claims and/or the specification includes any measurable decrease or complete inhibition to achieve a desired result.

[0031] The term “effective,” as that term is used in the specification and/or claims, means adequate to accomplish a desired, expected, or intended result.

[0032] The use of the words “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with any of the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” or “having” in the claims, or the specification, may mean “one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,” “at least one,” and “one or more than one.” [0033] The phrase “and/or” means “and” or “or”. To illustrate, A, B, and/or C includes: A alone, B alone, C alone, a combination of A and B, a combination of A and C, a combination of B and C, or a combination of A, B, and C.

[0034] The words “comprising” (and any form of comprising, such as “comprise” and “comprises”), “having” (and any form of having, such as “have” and “has”), “including” (and any form of including, such as “includes” and “include”) or “containing” (and any form of containing, such as “contains” and “contain”) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

[0035] The compositions of the present invention can “comprise,” “consist(s) essentially of,” or “consist of’ particular groups, compositions, etc. disclosed throughout the specification. In one aspect of the present invention, and with reference to the transitional phrase “consist(s) essentially of’ or “consisting essentially of,” a basic and novel characteristic of the present invention can include a RR-PM obtained from a liquified article that can be depolymerized into difunctional oligomers and difunctional linkers, repolymerized into RR-PM, and/or used to produce a new article. The newly produced article can be substantially produced from the repolymerized RR-PM (e.g., at least 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 100 wt. % of the newly produced article can be from the RR-PM obtained from the liquified article). Alternatively, the difunctional oligomer and the difunctional linkers of the liquefied article can have a weight percentage that is at least 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 100 wt.% of the RR-PM.

[0036] Other obj ects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and examples. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and examples, while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only and are not meant to be limiting. Additionally, it is contemplated that changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. In further embodiments, features from specific embodiments may be combined with features from other embodiments. For example, features from one embodiment may be combined with features from any of the other embodiments. In further embodiments, additional features may be added to the specific embodiments described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Advantages of the present invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art with the benefit of the following detailed description and upon reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] FIG. 1 is an illustration of the system and method to make the composition of the present invention that includes a RR-PM composition.

[0039] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a closed loop Use Cycle of a RR-PM of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a stacked polymeric composition of the present invention that includes four fiber-reinforced composites of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a stacked polymeric composition of the present invention that includes 2 fiber-reinforced composites of the present invention and a coupling layer.

[0042] FIG. 5 is an illustration of the closed-loop recycling process of the present invention that include the RR-PM composition.

[0043] FIG. 6 is proton nuclear magnetic resonance (^XH NMR) of virgin RR-PM.

[0044] FIG. 7 is a graphical representation of the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) data of virgin RR-PM.

[0045] FIG. 8 is a graphical representation of the Thermal Graphical Analysis (TGA) under a nitrogen atmosphere of virgin RR-PM.

[0046] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings. The drawings may not be to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] A discovery has been made that provides a solution to at least one or more of the problems associated with chemical recycling of LDPE. In one aspect of the present invention, the RR-PM composition of the present invention can be repeatedly and directly recreated (e.g., 2 to 500 times or more) from an article made from the RR-PM at an amount that is substantially the same as in the article. For example, at least 90 wt. %, 95 wt. %, 96 wt. %, 97 wt. %, 98 wt. %, 99 wt. %, or 100 wt. % of the RR-PM from the article being recycled can be depolymerized, repolymerized into RR-PM, and re-used in the newly produced article. This recycling efficiency of the RR-PM containing compositions and articles made therefrom can advantageously result in reduced costs of recycling articles, increased recycling efforts, and/or reduced amount of additional materials used to produce new articles. Additionally, the recycling efficiency can result in a reduced carbon footprint for the produced articles. Notably, the RR-PM can have similar functional properties to conventional LDPE and/or to virgin RR- PM. Also, the RR-PM can be used in such a manner that additional feed stock (e.g., virgin RR- PM) is not used or used in limited amounts (e.g., 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, or less wt. %) after multiple use cycles (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more use cycles).

[0048] These and other non-limiting aspects of the present invention are discussed in further detail in the following sections with reference to the Figures.

A. Composition

[0049] The composition can include a RR-PM of the present invention and an article additive. In some aspects, the composition can include at least 95 wt.% to 100 wt.% (e.g., 95 wt.%, 96 wt.%, 97 wt.%, 98 wt.%, 99 wt.%, 100 wt.% or any value or range there between) of the RR-PM. In some aspects the composition does not include any high-density polyethylene (HDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), polyolefin elastomer (POE), plastomer polyolefin (POP), and/or polypropylene (PP), and/or combinations thereof. i. RR-PM Composition

[0050] The RR-PM composition can include repeating units of a difunctional linker (Z) and a difunctional oligomer (X) obtained from a liquified article. In some aspects, the number average molecular weight (M>) of the RR-PM can be 20,000 g/mol to 6,000,000 g/mol, 20,000 to 3,000,000 g/mol, 40,000 to 1,000,000 g/mol or 20,000 g/mol, 40,000 g/mol, 30,000 g/mol, 40,000 g/mol, 50,000 g/mol, 100,000 g/mol, 200,000 g/mol, 300,000 g/mol, 400,000 g/mol, 500,000 g/mol, 600,000 g/mol, 700,000 g/mol, 800,000 g/mol, 900,000 g/mol, 1,000,000 g/mol, 2,000,000 g/mol, 3,000,000 g/mol, 4,000,000 g/mol, 5,000,000 g/mol, 6,000,000 g/mol or any range or value there between. The M_n can be determined as the polyethylene equivalent molecular weight by high temperature size exclusion chromatography performed at 160 °C in trichlorobenzene using polyethylene standards. The RR-PM composition can have a melt temperature (T_m) of 60 °C to 135 °C, 75 °C to 130 °C, 80 °C to 125 °C, 85 °C to 120 °C, or 60 °C, 65 °C, 70 °C, 75 °C, 80 °C, 85 °C, 90 °C, 95 °C, 100 °C, 105 °C, 110 °C, 115 °C, 120 °C, 125 °C, 130 °C, 135 °C, or any value or range there between as measured by DSC at a heating rate of 10 °C per min. A density of the RR-PM composition can be 0.7 g/cm³ to 0.99 g/cm³ or 0.7 g/cm³, 0.75 g/cm³, 0.8 g/cm³, 0.85 g/cm³, 0.9 g/cm³, 0.95 g/cm³, 0.99 g/cm³ or any range or value there between. In some aspects, the polymer can have a poly dispersity index (PDI), of 1 to 4.0, or equal to any one of, at least any one of, or between any two of 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.8, 2, 2.2, 2.4, 2.6, 2.8, 3, 3.2, 3.4, 3.6, 3.8, and 4.

[0051] In some preferred aspects, the RR-PM can have the following formula:

[0052] Z can be an aliphatic group and represents the carbon backbone of the difunctional linker. Z can contain up to 13 carbon atoms, or equal to any one of, at least any one of, or between any two of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 carbon atoms. In certain aspects, Z can contain 2 to 13 carbon atoms. In certain aspects, Z can be a Cl to Cl 3 aliphatic group. In some aspects, Z can be a linear or a branched hydrocarbon. In some aspects, Z can be a branched hydrocarbon. In some aspects, Z can be a polyethylene group. Although ketones are illustrated as side groups in Formula (I), the one or more side functional groups of Z can be one or more of hydroxyl (-OH), carboxylic acid (CO2H), amine (NH2), or a combination thereof and the oxygens bonded to X can be ketones, amines etc. A non-limiting aspect, of the RR-PM is shown in formula (lb).

[0053] In some aspects, the functional groups can contain hydrocarbon groups linking the functional group to the backbone of Z. In certain aspects, Z can vary randomly between the repeating units of Formula I. In certain aspects, the number of carbon atoms in the Z groups can vary randomly between the repeating units of Formula I. In certain aspects, Z does not vary between the repeating units of Formula I. In some aspects, n can be 2 and Z can have the formula of Formula (1), and the polymer can contain repeating units of Formula (Ic):

[0054] In Formulas (la-c), X can be an aliphatic group. X can contain at least 40 carbon atoms. In certain aspects, X can vary randomly between the repeating units of Formula I, such as number of carbon atoms and/or DB of the X groups in the polymer can vary randomly. In certain aspects, X does not vary between the repeating units of Formula I. In some aspects, X can include 40 to 2,000, or equal to any one of, at least any one of, or between any two of 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 80, 90, 100, 150, 200, 220, 240, 260, 280, 300, 320, 340, 360, 380, 400, 420, 440, 460, 480, 500, 520, 540, 560, 580, 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 950, 1,000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000 carbon atoms. In some aspects, X can include 60 to 1500 carbon atoms. In another aspect, X can include 80 to 1100 carbon atoms. In certain aspects, X can be a highly branched hydrocarbon having a random branching pattern. In some aspects, the branched hydrocarbon can contain saturated Cl to CIO branches (e.g., on the hydrocarbon backbone). In some aspects, the branched hydrocarbon can contain Cl to CIO alkyl group branches. In some aspects, X can be a polyolefin having the formula of Formula (III):

can be an integer from 40 to 2,000 and denotes number of repeat units. R can be -H or a Ci to Cio alkyl group, and varies independently (e.g., between -H and the Ci to C io alkyl group) in the repeating units -CHR-. In some aspects, m can be equal to any one of, at least any one of, or between any two of 40 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 80, 90, 100, 150, 200, 220, 240, 260, 280, 300, 320, 340, 360, 380, 400, 420, 440, 460, 480, 500, 520, 540, 560, 580, 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 950, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, and 2,000. The -(CHR)_m - group can have random branching. In some aspects, m can vary randomly between the repeating units of Formula II, and X can optionally contain one or more side functional groups. In some aspects, the one or more side functional groups can be one or more of hydroxyl, acid, or amine groups. The functional groups can include hydrocarbon groups linking the functional group to the hydrocarbon backbone of X. X can have a degree of saturation 97 to 100 %, or equal to any one of, at most any one of, or between any two 97, 97.5, 98, 98.5, 99, 99.5 and 100 %. [0055] The RR-PM composition of the present invention can be a reaction product of a difunctional linker and a difunctional oligomer from a depolymerization process. The difunctional linker can having the formula

where R¹ and R² are each OH, CO2H, NH2, or a combination thereof, and n is 2 to 13 carbon atoms. In some instances, Z can have a carbon chain of 2 to 13 carbon atoms (C2-C13), 2 to 10, or 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 or any value or range there between. The two functional groups, R¹ and R² can be an amine (-NH2), an alcohol (-OH), a carboxylic acid (-COOH), or a combination thereof. In some instances, the difunctional linker is a cyclic acid, a cyclic amide, a diester, or a combination of a monoacid and an ester. The functionality “F” of the difunctional linker can be a statistical value of 2.0 ± 0.3, or 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 or any value or range there between. Functionality can be measured using known chemical analysis, for example, titration methods. In some aspects, the difunctional linker can be oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, maleic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, citric acid, aconitic acid, isocitric acid, propane- 1, 2, 3-tri carboxy lie acid, pentane-1,3,5- tricarboxylic acid, or any combinations thereof.

R3 _L_ -J _ 4

[0056] The difunctional oligomer can have a formula of ' 'ⁿ (“R³-X-R⁴”) where R³ and R⁴ are each OH, CO2H, NH2, or a combination thereof and n can be 40 to 2000. In some aspects, X is a polyethylene polymer have 40 to 2000 carbon atoms, 60 to 1500 carbon atoms 80 to 1100 carbon atoms, or 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 950, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000 or any value or range therebetween of carbon atoms. X canhave a degree of saturation of 98% to 100% or 98%, 98.5%, 99%, 99.5%, 99.9%, 100% or any value or range there between. In some aspects, X can be branched. Branching in the polyethylene backbone can provide an entanglement structure to the RR-PM. The two functional groups, R³ or R⁴ can be an amine (-NH2), an alcohol (-OH), a carboxylic acid (-COOH), or a combination thereof. The functionality “F” of the difunctional oligomer can be a statistical value of 2.0 ± 0.3, or 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 or any value or range there between. Functionality can be measured using known chemical analysis, for example, titration methods.

[0057] Reaction scheme A below is a non-limiting example of a reaction of a linker (diacid) with an oligomer (diol) to produce a RR-PM of the present invention.

ii. Additives

[0058] The compositions of the present invention can include at least one article additive. The at least one article additive can be added when a RR-PM is made into an article. Examples of such additives can include catalysts and additive that are useful for making articles. Nonlimiting examples of article additives can include, but are not limited to, an antioxidant, a metal deactivator, a processing aid, a UV stabilizer, a pigment, a phosphite, a phosphate, a colorant, or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, combinations of the article additives can be combined as an article package to be added to the composition. The choice of additive packages may be driven by the specific type of article being made and its intended use. For use in pipes intended for use with chlorinated water, for instance, additive packages comprising certain types of antioxidants can lead to synergistic results. Other articles can preferably be made with specific types of additive packages.

[0059] Non-limiting examples of article antioxidant additives can include 3,3'3",5,5',5'- hexatert-butyl-alpha,alpha',alpha,"-(mesitylene-2,4,6-triyl )tri-p-cresol (CAS 1709-70-2) commercially known as Irganox 1330 (Ciba Specialty Chemicals) or Ethanox 330 (Albemarle Corporation); pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate) (CAS 6683-19-8) available as Irganox 1010 (Ciba Specialty Chemicals); octadecyl-3-(3. 5-di- tert.butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionate (CAS 002082 79-3) available as Irganox 1076; 1,3,5- tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl 4-hydroxybenzyl)-l,3,5-triazine-2,4,6(lH.3H,5H)-trione (CAS 2767-62- 6) available as Irganox 3114; l,3,5-tris(4- tert-butyl-3-hydroxy-2,6-dimethyl benzyl) 1,3,5- triazine-2, 4,6-(lH,3H,5H)-trione (CAS 040601-76) available as Cyanox 1790 (CyTech Industries); ethylenebis(oxyethylene)bis-(3-(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-m-tolyl)-propionate) (CAS 36443-68-2) available as Irganox 245; 1.6-hexamethylene bis (3,5-di(tert)-butyl-4- hy dr oxy hydrocinnamate (CAS35074-77-2) available as Irganox 259: thiodiethylene bis3-(3,5- di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) propionate (CAS 41484-35-9) available as Irganox 1035; tris(2,4-ditert-butylphenyl)phosphate (CAS 31570-04-4) available as Irgafos™ 168 and mixtures thereof. [0060] Non-limiting examples of metal deactivators can include 2',3-bis(3-3,5-di-tert-butyl- 4-hydroxyphenylpropionylpropionohydrazide. (CAS 32687-78-8) available as Irganox™ MD 1024 and 2,2'-oxalyldiamidobis ethyl 3-(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate (available as Naugard™ XL1), and mixtures thereof.

[0061] For every Use Cycle a RR-PM is produced from a liquified article, a new article additive and/or package can be used prior to making a new article so that the next RR-PM that is made and used to make the new article, the new article can have a higher amount of additive(s) when compared with the initial (prior to adding more additive) RR-PM obtained from the liquified article. At very high Use Cycle rating, when the amount additive(s) in a RR- PM are so much that the amount of additive(s) can affect the functional properties of the polymer made, the RR-PM may not be substantially similar to the functional properties of virgin RR-PM or virgin LDPE. In some aspects, at some point, there may be so much additive in the RR-PM that the recycled RR-PM may no longer function similar to the virgin RR-PM or conventional LDPE.

[0062] The amount of additives used to make an article can vary by application and can be from greater than 0 to 5 wt. %, or 0.00001 wt. %, 0.0001 wt. %, 0.001 wt. %, 0.01 wt. 0.05 wt. %, 0.06 wt. %, 0.07 wt. %, 0.08 wt. %, 0.09 wt. %, 0.1 wt. %, 0.2 wt. %, 0.3 wt. %, 0.4 wt. %, 0.5 wt.%, 0.6 wt. %, 0.7 wt. %, 0.8 wt. %, 0.9 wt. 1, 1 wt. %, 2 wt. %, 3 wt. % 4 wt. %, or 5 wt. %, or any number or range there between.

[0063] The composition can include one or more optional additives. Non-limiting examples of an optional additive can include a scratch-resistance agent, an antioxidant, a flame retardant, an UV absorber, a photochemical stabilizer, a filler such as glass and/or mineral filler, an optical brightener, a surfactant, a processing aid, a mold release agent, a pigment, flow modifiers, foaming agents or any combinations thereof. In some aspects, the composition can include at least 95 wt.% to 100 wt.% (e.g., 95 wt.%, 96 wt.%, 97 wt.%, 98 wt.%, 99 wt.%, 100 wt.% or any value or range there between) of the RR-PM composition and optional additive. An amount of optional additive can be from greater than 0 to 5 wt. %, or 0.00001 wt. %, 0.0001 wt. %, 0.001 wt. %, 0.01 wt. 0.05 wt. %, 0.06 wt. %, 0.07 wt. %, 0.08 wt. %, 0.09 wt. %, 0.1 wt. %, 0.2 wt. %, 0.3 wt. %, 0.4 wt. %, 0.5 wt.%, 0.6 wt. %, 0.7 wt. %, 0.8 wt. %, 0.9 wt. 1, 1 wt. %, 2 wt. %, 3 wt. % 4 wt. %, or 5 wt. %, or any number or range there between. In some preferred aspects, the amount of the optional additive in the composition can be 0.0 wt.% to 0.2 wt.% or 0.01 wt.%, 0.05 wt.%, 0.1 wt.%, 0.15 wt.%, 0.2 wt.% or any value or range there between. In some embodiments, the composition include at least 0.01 % to 0.2 %, preferably 0.05 % to 0.15 %, of an article additive and 95 wt.%, 96 wt.%, 97 wt.%, 98 wt.%, 99 wt.%, 100 wt.% of the RR-PM composition.

B. Method of Making the Composition

[0064] Certain aspects are directed to a method for making the composition of the present invention that includes the RR-PM composition of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, a system and method of making the composition of the present invention is illustrated. In a preferred aspect, FIG. 1 illustrates a closed loop system and method of recycling the RR-PM of the present invention. System 100 can include liquification unit 102, depolymerization unit 104, and polymerization unit 106. Plastic article 108 can enter liquification unit 102. Plastic article 108 can include or be a consumer product that includes a RR-PM and/or a composition of the present invention that includes a RR-PM composition. In some preferred aspects, the article 108 is a plastic article. Non-limiting examples of consumer goods can include a packaging product, a pharmaceutical container, a bottle, a cap, a closure, a liner, a trash bag, a food packaging film, a lamination, a pipe, a hose, a fitting, or a combination thereof. In some aspects, the composition can contain a blend of the RR-PM compositions of varying molecular weight. Plastic article 108 can be optionally cleaned of contaminants (e.g., inert materials) and shredded into smaller pieces prior to being fed to liquification unit 102. In liquification unit 102, plastic article 108 can be heated to melt the article (e.g., heated to a temperature of 120 °C to 250 °C) and produce a liquified article composition 110. Liquification unit 102 can be an extruder, stirred tank and/or a combination thereof. Liquified article composition 110 can include the RR-PM composition and an optional additive.

[0065] Liquified article composition 110 can exit liquification unit 102 and enter depolymerization unit 104. In some instances, liquification unit 102 and depolymerization unit 104 can be the same unit. In depolymerization unit 104, liquified article composition 110 can be subjected to conditions to depolymerize the RR-PM composition in the liquified article composition to produce a liquified article comprising a mixture of difunctional oligomers and difunctional linkers. Depolymerization conditions can include temperature and pressure. Depolymerization temperature can be from 190 °C to 350 °C or 190 °C, 195 °C, 200 °C, 225 °C, 250 °C, 275 °C, 300 °C, 325 °C, 350 °C, or any range or value there between. A depolymerization pressure can range from 3 MPa to 4.5 MPa, or 3 MPa, 3.1 MPa, 3.2 MPa, 3.3 MPa, 3.4 MPa, 3.5 MPa, 3.6 MPa, 3.7 MPa, 3.8 MPa, 3.9 MPa, 4.0 MPa, 4.1 MPa, 4.2 MPa, 4.3 MPa, 4.4 MPa, 4.5 MPa, or any range or value there between. In some aspects, the depolymerization can be performed at an inert atmosphere. In some instances, the depolymerization conditions can be 195 °C to 205 °C at 3.8 to 4.0 MPa. At these reaction conditions, the RR-PM composition depolymerizes and forms the difunctional oligomer and difunctional linker. The difunctional oligomer can be a solid, liquid, or a combination thereof. The difunctional linker can be a solid, liquid, or combination thereof. Depolymerization can include hydrolysis and/or solvolysis (e.g., alcoholysis) of the polymer to obtain the difunctional oligomer R'-X-R². where R¹ and R² are each OH, CO2H, NH2, or a combination thereof, and the difunctional linker R³-Z-R⁴, where R³ and R⁴ are each OH, CO2H, NH2, or a combination thereof. In certain aspects, the depolymerization method can include methanolysis of the composition under conditions suitable to obtain the difunctional oligomer (e.g, R'-X-R². where R¹ and R² are OH), and a methyl ester of the difunctional linker (e.g, R³-Z-R⁴, where R³ and R⁴ are masked acid (e.g, CH3O2C-Z-CO2CH3)). Non-limiting examples of a catalyst used for methanolysis depolymerization can include a mineral acid, organic acid, organic base, and/or metallic compound. Non-limiting examples of metallic compounds can include a metal complexed or bonded to a hydrocarbyl, an oxide, a chloride, a carboxylate, an alkoxide, an aryloxide, an amide, a salen ligan, a P-ketiminato ligand, or a guanidinato ligan. In some aspects, the metal can be Li, Na, K, Mg, Ca, Sc, Y, lanthanides, Ti, Zr, Zn, Mo, Mn, Al, Ga, Bi, Sb, or Sn. In some aspects, the catalyst can be Ti(OiPr)4, Ti(OBu)4, Al(OiPr)s, Sn(2-ethyl- hexanoate)2, MoOs, or any combinations thereof.

[0066] In some instances, depolymerization unit 104 can include one or more separation/purification units. The separation/purification units can be a part of depolymerization unit 104 or a separate unit (not shown). The separation units can separate the difunctional oligomers from the difunctional linkers from the depolymerization composition. For example, the difunctional oligomer(s) can be a solid and the difunctional linker(s) can be a liquid or vice versa. In such instances, the solid can be separated from the depolymerization composition using filtration, centrifugation, precipitation, or other known separation techniques. In some instances, the liquid component can be separated from the depolymerization composition using distillation methods. In other instances, both the difunctional oligomer and difunctional linker are both liquids or both solids and solid/solid or liquid/liquid separation/purification methods can be used to isolate the solids or liquids. Separation units can help to remove impurities and/or other unwanted items prior to repolymerization. In some aspects, oligomers and linkers from other LDPE processes that are desired can be separated from the desired oligomers and linkers. For example, oligomers that are derived from PP, LLDPE, HDPE, PoP, or PoE, or a combination thereof can be separated from the RR-PM difunctional oligomers.

[0067] Difunctional oligomer stream 112 and/or difunctional linker stream 114 can exit depolymerization unit 104 and enter polymerization unit 106. In some instances, difunctional oligomer stream 112 and difunctional linker stream 114 exit depolymerization unit 104 as a single stream. In some aspects, the article additive is included in oligomer stream 112 and/or linker stream 114. In some instances, depolymerization unit 104 and polymerization unit 106 are the same unit. In another instance, liquification unit 102, depolymerization unit 104, and polymerization unit 106 can be the same unit. In polymerization unit 106, difunctional oligomer 112 and difunctional linker 114 can be subjected to conditions to produce a RR-PM composition. Said another way, the difunctional oligomers and difunctional linkers in stream 112 and 114 can be repolymerized to form a recycled RR-PM composition. In polymerization unit 106, the difunctional oligomers and difunctional linkers can be reacted at i) a temperature of 90 °C to 250 °C, or equal to any one of, at least any one of, or between any two of 90 °C, 100 °C, 110 °C, 120 °C, 130 °C, 140 °C, 150 °C, 160 °C, 170 °C, 180 °C, 190 °C, 200 °C, 210 °C, 220 °C, 230 °C, 240 °C, and 250 °C, and/or ii) under inert atmosphere and/or vacuum. In some aspects, the reaction can include esterification at 90 °C to 250 °C, and/or under inert atmosphere, followed by polycondensation at 90 °C to 250 °C, and/or under vacuum, e.g., at pressure below 0.0005 MPa, below 0.0001 MPa, below 0.00005 MPa. The difunctional oligomers (e.g, diol) can be reacted with the difunctional linker (e.g, acid, ester, or anhydride) at a mole ratio of 95:5 to 5:95, or equal to any one of, at least any one of, or between any two of, 95:5, 90:10, 85:15, 80:20, 75:25, 70:30, 65:35, 60:40, 55:45, 50:50, 45:55, 40,:60, 35:65, 30:70, 25:75, 20:80, 15:85, 10:90, and 5:95. In some instances, the polymerization (repolymerization) can be performed in presence of a catalyst. Non-limiting examples of catalysts include mineral acid, organic acid, organic base, and/or metallic compound. Nonlimiting examples of metallic compounds can include a metal complexed or bonded to a hydrocarbyl, an oxide, a chloride, a carboxylate, an alkoxide, an aryloxide, an amide, a salen ligan, a -ketiminato ligand, or a guanidinato ligand. In some aspects, the metal can be Li, Na, K, Mg, Ca, Sc, Y, lanthanides, Ti, Zr, Zn, Mo, Mn, Al, Ga, Bi, Sb, or Sn. In some aspects, the catalyst can be Ti(OiPr)4, Ti(OBu)4, Al(OiPr)s, Sn(2-ethyl-hexanoate)2, MoOs, or any combinations thereof. In certain aspects, a combination of catalysts can be used.

[0068] In some aspects, the difunctional oligomer (e.g, HO-X-OH) obtained from a liquefied article can be repolymerized with a difunctional linker (e.g, HO2C-Z-CO2H, an ester, and/or cyclic anhydride thereof (e.g., of the acid of HO2C-Z-CO2H)). In some aspects, the difunctional oligomer can be repolymerized with i) a first diacid having the formula of HO2C- Z-CO2H (and/or an ester, and/or cyclic anhydride thereof) and/or ii) a second diacid having the formula of HChC-Z’-CO2H (and/or an ester, and/or cyclic anhydride thereof), wherein Z is different than the Z', but both diacids are obtained from the depolymerization process.

[0069] In some aspects, the first acid can be oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, maleic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, or any combinations thereof. In some aspects, the second acid can be citric acid, aconitic acid, isocitric acid, propane-1, 2, 3 -tricarboxylic acid, pentane-l,3,5-tricarboxylic acid, or any combinations thereof. In certain aspects, the compound HO-X-OH can be polymerized with more than two acids selected from oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, maleic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, citric acid, aconitic acid, isocitric acid, propane- 1,2, 3 -tricarboxy lie acid, and pentane-l,3,5-tricarboxylic acid, and/or esters, and/or anhydride thereof obtained from a RR-PM recreated from an article comprising difunctional oligomers and difunctional linkers.

[0070] RR-PM composition 116 can exit polymerization unit 106 and be sold, transported, or formed into a consumer product. In some aspects, the article additive is included in RR-PM composition 116. In some aspects, RR-PM composition 116 is formed into a pellet to be sold, transported, or converted into a consumer product. As shown in FIG. 1, RR-PM composition exits polymerization unit 106 and enters converting unit 118. Converting unit 118 can be onsite or offsite. Converting unit 118 can be a commercial manufacture of consumer goods and/or articles of manufacture. In converting unit 118, RR-PM composition 116 can be formed into RR-PM article 120 that includes the RR-PM compositions of the present invention. For example, RR-PM composition 116 can be molded (e.g., extruded, injection molded, blow molded, compression molded, rotational molded, thermoformed and/or 3-D printed) to form RR-PM article 120. In some aspects, RR-PM article 120 can be comprised in or in the form of a foam, a film, a layer, a sheet, a molded article, a welded article, a filament, a fiber, a wire, a cable, or a powder. In one example, the composition is incorporated into a film. In some instances, the film may include at least one film layer that includes the composition. In some aspects, an article additive can be combined with the RR-PM composition 116 prior to being sent to the converting unit 118. The additive can be an article additive package that is typically used with the article to be produced. In some aspects, an article additive is not combined with the RR-PM composition 116 prior to being sent to the converting unit 118, which may be advantageous if the article being recycled, and the article being made are the same type or class of articles. In such an aspect, the additive present in the article being liquified in liquification unit 102 can be preserved throughout the liquification, depolymerization, and repolymerization steps, such that no or reduced amounts of additive is added prior converting unit 118.

[0071] In some aspects, RR-PM article 120 can contain a blend of the RR-PM compositions of varying molecular weight. In some aspects, RR-PM article 120 can further include one or more additives. The additives can be added in polymerization unit 106 and/or converting unit 118. Non-limiting examples of additives can include, a scratch-resistance agent, an antioxidant, a flame retardant, an UV absorber, a photochemical stabilizer, a filler such as glass and/or mineral filler, an optical brightener, a surfactant, a processing aid, a mold release agent, a pigment, flow modifiers, foaming agents or any combinations thereof.

[0072] RR-PM article 120 can exit converting unit 118 and be sold, transported, used, and/or stored. RR-PM article 120 can be used and collected by consumers 122. After use, used RR-PM article 124 containing RR-PM can be provided to liquification unit 102, and a new cycle can be started. The cycle of the present method can be continuously repeated (e.g., 2 to 500 times (e.g., 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250, 275, 300, 325, 350, 375, 400, 425, 450, 475, or 500 times, or any value or range there between). In one aspect, a closed-loop recycling of the RR-PM composition can now be realized.

C. Articles

[0073] Compositions of the present invention that include the RR-PM and/or additives can be shaped into useful articles by a variety of methods (e.g., injection molding, extrusion molding, rotation molding, foam molding, calendar molding, blow molding, thermoforming, compaction, melt spinning, and the like). Non-limiting examples of articles include consumer goods, packaging products, pharmaceutical containers, bottles, caps, closures, liners, trash bags, food packaging film and/or materials, laminations, pipes, hoses, or fittings. In a nonlimiting example, a packaging product can include RR-PM bags containing aluminum sheets (e.g., a chip bag).

[0074] Some additional non-limiting examples include: external and/or internal components (e.g., panels, quarter panels, rocker panels, trim, fenders, doors, decklids, trunk lids, hoods, bonnets, roofs, bumpers, fascia, grilles, mirror housings, pillar appliques, cladding, body side moldings, wheel covers, hubcaps, door handles, spoilers, window frames, headlamp bezels, headlamps, tail lamps, tail lamp housings, tail lamp bezels, license plate enclosures, roof racks, and running boards) for transportation vehicles (e.g., aircraft, automotive, truck, military vehicle (including automotive, aircraft, and water-borne vehicles), scooter, and motorcycle); enclosures, housings, panels, and parts for outdoor vehicles and devices; enclosures for electrical and telecommunication devices; outdoor furniture; aircraft components; boats and marine equipment, including trim, enclosures, and housings; outboard motor housings; depth finder housings, personal water-craft; jet-skis; pools; spas; hot-tubs; steps; step coverings; building and construction applications such as glazing, roofs, windows, floors, decorative window furnishings or treatments; treated glass covers for pictures, paintings, posters, and like display items; wall panels, and doors; counter tops; protected graphics; outdoor and indoor signs; enclosures, housings, panels, and parts for automatic teller machines (ATM); computer; desk-top computer; portable computer; lap-top computer; palm- held computer housings; monitor; printer; keyboards; FAX machine; copier; telephone; phone bezels; mobile phone; radio sender; radio receiver; enclosures, housings, panels, and parts for lawn and garden tractors, lawn mowers, and tools, including lawn and garden tools; window and door trim; sports equipment and toys; enclosures, housings, panels, and parts for snowmobiles; recreational vehicle panels and components; playground equipment; shoe laces; lids for containers; articles made from plastic-wood combinations; golf course markers; utility pit covers; light fixtures; lighting appliances; network interface device housings; transformer housings; air conditioner housings; cladding or seating for public transportation; cladding or seating for trains, subways, or buses; meter housings; antenna housings; cladding for satellite dishes; coated helmets and personal protective equipment; coated synthetic or natural textiles; coated painted articles; coated dyed articles; coated fluorescent articles; coated foam articles; and like applications.

[0075] Additionally, the RR-PM compositions (with or without additives) can also be formed into films or sheets as well as components of stacked polymeric materials (e.g., laminates). The sheet can be a foam sheet, paper sheet, or fabric sheet. Articles include, for example, fibers, sheets, films, multilayer sheets, multilayer films, molded parts, extruded profiles, coated parts and foams, windows, luggage racks, wall panels, chair parts, lighting panels, diffusers, shades, partitions, lenses, skylights, lighting devices, reflectors, ductwork, cable trays, conduits, pipes, cable ties, wire coatings, electrical connectors, air handling devices, ventilators, louvers, insulation, bins, storage containers, doors, hinges, handles, sinks, mirror housing, mirrors, toilet seats, hangers, coat hooks, shelving, ladders, hand rails, steps, carts, trays, cookware, food service equipment, communications equipment and instrument panels.

D. RR-PM Use Cycles

[0076] In some aspects, the RR-PM of the present invention exhibits favorable Use Cycle ratings such that the RR-PM can be made into different articles such that instead discarding each article can be liquefied and repolymerized into another RR-PM material. FIG. 2 is an illustration of Use Cycle 200. In Block 202, RR-PM_n is shown, where n is an integer (e.g., 0 to 10000, or more). In Block 204, an Articlen can be made from Block 202 RR-PM_n. When n is 1, this can represent Use Cycle 1. In Block 206, the Articlen from Block 204 made from RR- PMn can be liquefied by heating and depolymerization as described above to produce difunctional oligomer(s) and difunctional(s) linkers of Articlen. In Block 208, the liquified Articlen of Block 206 (e.g., the difunctional oligomer(s) and difunctional linker(s) of the present invention) can be polymerized to produce RR-PM_n+i. In Block 210, the Article_n+i can be produced from the RR-PMn+i of Block 208. When n is 2, this represents a Use Cycle of 2. Generally, the RR-PM has a Use Cycle rating of at least 2. In Block 212, the process can be continued, where Article_n+i of Block 210 can be liquefied by heating and depolymerization as described above to produce difunctional oligomer(s) and difunctional(s) linkers. In Block 214, the liquified Article_n+i of Block 212 (e.g., the difunctional oligomer(s) and difunctional linker(s) of the present invention) can be polymerized to produce a new RR-PM material to continue the cycle. In one embodiment, the RR-PM has a Use Cycle rating ranging from 2 to 1000. In another embodiment, the RR-PM has a Use Cycle rating ranging from 2 to 500. In another embodiment, the RR-PM has a Use Cycle rating ranging from 2 to 400. In another embodiment, the RR-PM has a Use Cycle rating ranging from 2 to 300. In another embodiment, the RR-PM has a Use Cycle rating ranging from 2 to 300. In another embodiment, the RR-PM has a Use Cycle rating ranging from 2 to 200. In another embodiment, the RR-PM has a Use Cycle rating ranging from 2 to 100. In some aspects, the Use Cycle rating can be greater than 1000 (e.g., 1500, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000, 8000, 9000, 10000, or more). In some aspects, the Use Cycle rating can be 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000, 8000, 9000, 10000, or more, or any range or number therein.

[0077] Advantageously, the Use Cycle ratings can be achieved without having to use additional feed stock (e.g., virgin RR-PM feed stock) or by using a limited amount of additional feed stock (5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.5, or 0 wt. % of virgin RR-PM feed stock). [0078] Remarkably, it is now possible to make a polymer that is functionally similar to conventionally made LDPE, or a virgin RR-PM, and that can be repeatedly reused. This can reduce or eliminate the use of single-use plastics and/or increase the efficiency of traditional chemical recycling processes. Instead of using the traditional process of making a polymer from monomers, the compositions, RR-PM, and articles of the present invention can be made from difunctional oligomers and difunctional linkers obtained from a recycled article that would have typically been discarded into a landfill or incinerated. Advantageously, the compositions, RR-PM, articles, and/or processes of the present invention are highly efficient at being recycled and made into new articles (e.g., at least 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 100 %, of RR-PM obtained from an article can be recycled to produce a new article.

E. RR-PM Composites

[0079] The RR-PM compositions of the present invention can be included in composites. Composites can be made into stacked polymeric compositions (e.g., laminates) used to form structures having advantageous structural characteristics, such as high strength, high stiffness, and/or relatively low weight when compared to similar structures formed from conventional materials.

[0080] RR-PM composites or compositions of the present invention can be formed into any structure. Non-limiting examples of structures include sandwich-type structures, multi-layered (stacked) composites and the like. The composite or composition of the present invention can be dimensioned and shaped according to respective applications. Non-limiting examples of shapes include rectangular, triangular, square, polygonal (whether having sharp and/or rounded comers), circular, elliptical, or otherwise rounded, or can have an irregular shape or otherwise. The overall thickness of the composite or composition can be up to and even exceeding several millimeters. Some embodiments of the present composites can include one or more openings, notches, and/or the like, which can facilitate incorporation of the composite into a structure. Composites or compositions of the present invention can have any thickness.

[0081] In some embodiments, the composite, composition, and/or stacked polymeric composition of the present invention can be decorated. In use, a surface of the composite or stacked polymeric compositions can be subjected to printing with ink. In an embodiment, an exposed surface of the composite or a stacked polymeric composition surface opposite the surface adjacent to the core can be subsequently decorated, in particular printed with markings such as alphanumerics, graphics, symbols, indicia, logos, aesthetic designs, multicolored regions, and a combination that includes at least one of the foregoing. In some embodiments, each composite can be decorated. In some embodiments, one of the exposed (or outer) surfaces of the composite can be subjected to common curing and/or surface modification processes. Non-limiting examples of such processes can include heat-setting, texturing, calendaring, embossing, corona treatment, flame treatment, plasma treatment, and vacuum deposition.

[0082] In some embodiments, the composite can include a cap layer material. The cap layer can be a film material made from a different polymer and process than the composite stacks (e.g., laminates). By way of example, it can be an extruded film material, which is for example chemical resistant to cleaning agents. Film materials used can include polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA), multilayered combinations and blends thereof. These film materials can be applied by roller lamination or double belt press lamination equipment. Also, aesthetic film materials can be used to produce, for example, a wood grain or metallic surface. The cap layer can be created by co-extrusion (single or multi-manifold). In some embodiments, an anti-microbial surface can be created by co-extrusion of film materials with silver or other germicides. In some embodiments, the cap layer can be made by screen-printing an aesthetic or functional ink layer. In most instances, these cap layers will be thermoformable.

[0083] The composites can be made using known panel consolidation techniques. By way of example, the composite can be made using continuous systems that include one or more machines capable of cutting, cooling, stacking, wrapping, or the like (for example, static heated presses, double belt presses and the like). In some embodiments, the composites and/or stacked polymeric compositions of the present invention can include at least 2 or 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more RR-PM composites of the present invention having a thickness of about 0. 1 to 10 mm, or 0.25 to 5 mm. In some embodiments, when a core is present, the core density can be reduced to a desired density by patterning the core thermoplastic layer. In some embodiments, a stack of RR-PM composites can be formed by heating and pressing more than one RR-PM composites together. By way of example the composite stack can enter a first zone of a double belt press at a pressure of 5 to 15 N/cm², or (0.5 to 1.5 MPa, or 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5 MPa or any value or range there between) and then heated to a temperature of 140 to 150 °C, (e.g., about 145 °C). The pressed stack can enter a second zone, be pressed, and the heated to 145 to 155 °C (e.g., about 150 °C). The pressed stack can enter a third zone, be pressed, and then heated at a temperature of 150 to 160 °C (e.g., about 155 °C) to form a composite of the present invention. In some embodiments, the surface of one RR-PM composite can be treated with a coupling agent prior to assembling the stack. In some embodiments, the coupling agent can be a RR-POE or a RR-POP composition.

[0084] Non-limiting examples of core materials can include RR-PM compositions of the present invention, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a fire-retardant polypropylene (PP) or copolymer thereof, a polycarbonate (PC) or a copolymer thereof, a polyimide/poly etherimides or a copolymer thereof, a polyethersulfone (PES), a polyurethane (PU), or a polyphenyl ether (PPO)Zstyrene blend, a PPO/polyamide blend, a PPE/polystyrene blend, a PPO/polypropylene blend a PPO-Si/polyamide blend, a PPO-Si/polystyrene blend, a PPO-Si/polypropylene blend, or any combination thereof. Thermoplastic cores can be produced or are available from various commercial sources. By way of example, a PET core can be obtained from commercial sources such as Armacell Benelux S. A. (Beligum) under the tradename of ArmaFORM®, or from Diab Group (Sweden) under the tradename of Divinylcell P. Fire-retardant polypropylene honeycomb cores can be obtained from EconCore N.V. (Belgium.) under the tradename ThermHex. Polyimide cores can be obtained from commercial suppliers such as DuPont™ (U.S.A.), Hexcel Corporation (U.S.A.), and the like.

[0085] In some embodiments, a fiber reinforced composite of the present invention can include the RR-PM of the present invention, additives, fibers, and a coupling agent. More than one composite can be assembled to produce a stack (e.g., a laminate). The fiber-reinforced composite includes greater than or substantially equal to any one of, or between any two of 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 49.5, 49.9, or 49.95 wt.% of RR-PM, based on the total weight of the fiber-reinforced composite.

[0086] Non-limiting examples of fibers include glass fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers, thermoplastic fibers, ceramic fibers, basalt fibers, steel fibers, and/or the like. Non-limiting examples of thermoplastic fibers include polyethylene fibers, polyester fibers, polyamide fibers with or without fire retardant additives (FR thermoplastic fibers) incorporated into the fiber. The fiber-reinforced composite can include, based on the total weight of the fiber-reinforced composite, 50 to 80 wt.% fibers or greater than or substantially equal to any one of, or between any two of: 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80 wt.% fibers. Fibers (e.g., fibers 310 in FIG. 3) of a composite (e.g, composite 302, 304, 306, 308 in FIG. 3) can be provided in bundles (e.g, bundles of carbon, ceramic, carbon precursor, ceramic precursor, glass, and/or the like fibers). Such bundles may include any number of fibers, such as, for example, 400, 750, 800, 1,375, 1,000, 1,500, 3,000, 6,000, 12,000, 24,000, 50,000, 60,000, or more fibers. Fibers in a bundle can have an average filament diameter of 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 1 1, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, or more microns (e.g., from 5 to 30 microns, 10 to 20 microns, 12 to 15 microns, or any range there between). Fibers can be provided with a sizing (e.g, a coating of an organic polymer, such as an organosilane), a pigment, and/or the like. Fibers can also be provided as a woven mat.

[0087] In some embodiments, fillers (e.g, fibers) in the composite can be sized. The sizing can include RR-POP, RR-POE, or a combination thereof. The sizing can range from about 0.01 wt.% to about 30 wt.% of the fiber component, or from about 0.1 wt.% to about 10 wt. % of the fiber component, or from about 1 wt.% to about 5 wt.% of the fiber component.

[0088] Fiber-reinforced composites can be made by dispersing fibers in a RR-PM matrix of the present invention using know fiber-reinforced composite methodology. For example, methods to prepare fiber-reinforced composites are described in International Application Publication No. WO 2016/142786 to Prins et al. In such a method, a sheet or film that includes the RR-PM (polymer composition) can be supplied between a first and a second spreaded fiber layers. Heat can be applied to the fiber layer/polymer composition/fiber layer material, followed by pressing the fiber layers into the polymer composition. In some embodiments, after pressing is completed, the first or second fiber layers can be rubbed. In some embodiments, the fibers are not spread prior to heating. In another embodiment, the composites can be made by using known impregnation techniques. For example, Miller et al. in Polymers & Polymer Composites, 1996, Vol. 4, No. 7 describes impregnation techniques for thermoplastic matrix composites. One such method can include providing suppling fibers to one or more solution baths (e.g., RR-PM composition in one or two baths) to form resin impregnated fibers, drying the fibers, and then pressing the fibers to produce a fiber-reinforced composite (e.g, prepreg sheets). In another embodiment, the RR-PM composition and fibers can be stacked together, heated, and then pressed causing the resin to flow transverse to the fibers to from prepreg sheets of reinforced thermoplastic materials. Typically, the width and the length of the non-woven fibrous region are substantially similar to the width and the length, respectively, of the fiber-reinforced composite. Such fiber-reinforced composites can include, by volume, at least 35 to 70% of the plurality of continuous fibers.

[0089] In some aspects, a fiber-reinforced composite (e.g., a ply) can be used to make a stacked polymeric composition (e.g, a laminate). In a plurality of fiber-reinforced composites, the fiber-reinforced composites can have a length and a width that is perpendicular to and smaller than the length, where the length and the width are each a distance between outer edges of the fiber-reinforced composite measured along a straight line. The length can be, but need not be, the largest such distance. Each of the fiber-reinforced composites can have a shape and dimensions that correspond to the shape and dimensions of the final material. To further illustrate, the largest face of each of the fiber-reinforced composites can have a surface area that is substantially equal to a surface area of the largest face of the final material. To illustrate yet further, each of the fiber-reinforced composites can be rectangular. In other embodiments, one or more fiber-reinforced composites of a stacked polymeric composition (e.g., a laminate) can have a shape and/or dimensions that differ from the shape and/or dimensions of the laminate; such fiber-reinforced composites can, for example, be used to add stiffness and strength to a portion of the laminate that is smaller than the entirety of the laminate. In some aspects, a mixture of fiber-reinforced composites and unreinforced composites are used to make stacked polymeric compositions. In a preferred aspects, the stacked polymeric composition is made of only RR-PM composites of the present invention having fibers or sized fibers dispersed therein.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 3, composite 300 can be a stacked polymeric composition (e.g, a laminate) and include at least two fiber-reinforced composites. For example, four fiber- reinforced composites (e.g., fiber-reinforced composites 302, 304, 306 and 308). At least one fiber-reinforced composite can include a RR-PM polymeric matrix having a plurality of fibers 310 dispersed therein. Some embodiments of the present methods include producing a laminate (e.g., 300) at least by stacking two or more fiber-reinforced composites (e.g., including one or more of fiber-reinforced composites or composites in a 0/90 orientation). By way of example, at least 2 or 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more RR-PM composites (e.g., fiber-reinforced composites and/or non-fiber containing composites) having a thickness of about 0.1 to 10 mm, or 0.25 to 5 mm can be stacked. During such stacking, any number of the laminates can be formed by placing sections (e.g., fiber-reinforced composites 302 and 304) of fiber-reinforced composite material, such as, for example, sections of unidirectional fiber composites, adjacent to one another. In some methods, the two or more polymeric composites include two or more unidirectional first fiber-reinforced composite and one or more unidirectional second fiber- reinforced composite, and the stacking is performed such that: (1) fibers of the first fiber- reinforced composite are aligned in a first direction; (2) fibers of the one or more second fiber- reinforced composite are aligned in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction; and (3) the one or more second fiber-reinforced composites are disposed in contact with one another and between two of the first fiber-reinforced composites. [0091] Composites (e.g., 302, 304', 306, 308, etc.) that include fibers (e.g., fibers 310) can have a pre-consolidation fiber volume fraction (Vf) that is greater than or substantially equal to any one of, or between any two of: 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, or 90%. In some embodiments of the present laminates, one or more fiber-reinforced composites may not include fibers; such fiber-reinforced composite can, for example, include a sheet of thermoplastic polymer material.

[0092] The laminates can be prepared using known lamination methods. It should be understood that laminates (e.g., laminate 300) can be made of fiber-reinforced composites having the same or different compositions. By way of example, fiber-reinforced composites 302, 304, 306 and 308 can each have a different composition or fiber-reinforced composites 302, 304, 306, and 308 can have the same or different compositions.

[0093] One or all of the fiber-reinforced composites (e.g., 302, 304, 306, 308, etc.) can include fibers (e.g, fibers 310) dispersed within a matrix material or pressed into the polymer matrix material. By way of example, the laminates can be prepare using a double belt press with integrated contact heating and cooling supplied by, for example Meyer® (Maschinenfabrik, Herber Meyer GmbH, Germany). The different fiber-reinforced composites (e.g., fiber-reinforced composites 302 and 304) can enter the heat press unit in a defined stacking sequence at a rate of 1.5 m/min. The fiber-reinforced composites stack can be pressed together in a first zone at a pressure of 0.1 to 0.4 N/cm², or (1 to 4 kPa, or 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4 kPa or any value or range there between) and then heated to a temperature of 170 to 185 °C, (e.g., about 180 °C). The pressed stack can enter a second zone, pressed, and the heated to 190 to 200 °C (e.g., about 195 °C). The pressed stack can enter a third zone, be pressed at a lower temperature of 185 to 195 °C (e.g, about 190 °C) to form the stack (e.g., laminate 300). Heating and cooling can be maintained without release of pressure. In some embodiments, a static heated press can be used.

[0094] In stack 300, each of the fiber-reinforced composites (e.g., plies 302, 304, 306, 308 etc.) can be a unidirectional fiber-reinforced composite, or a fiber-reinforced composite having fibers (e.g., fibers 310), substantially all of which are aligned in a single direction. More particularly, in each of the fiber-reinforced composites, the fibers can be aligned with either the length of stack 300 (e.g., fiber-reinforced composites 302, 308 of FIG. 3 each of which may be characterized as a 0-degree unidirectional fiber-reinforced composites) or the width of the stack (e.g., fiber-reinforced composites 304 and 306 of FIG. 3 each of which may be characterized as a 90-degree unidirectional ply). The phrase, "aligned with" means within 10 degrees of parallel. Other embodiments of the present polymeric stacks of the present invention can include one or more unidirectional fiber-reinforced composites, each having fibers that are aligned in any suitable direction. For example, a unidirectional fiber-reinforced composite can include fibers aligned in a direction, where the smallest angle between the direction and a length of a stack including fiber-reinforced composite can be greater than or substantially equal to any one of, or between any two of: 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, or 90 degrees.

[0095] Some embodiments of the present polymeric stacks can include one or more fiber- reinforced composites, each having fiber-reinforced composites that define a woven structure (e.g., as in a fiber-reinforced composite having a plane, twill, satin, basket, leno, mock leno, or the like weave). For example, a fiber-reinforced composite can include a first set of fibers aligned in a first direction and a second set of fibers aligned in a second direction that is angularly disposed relative to the first direction, where the first set of fibers is woven with the second set of fibers. A smallest angle between first direction and second direction can be greater than or substantially equal to any one of, or between any two of: 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, or 90 degrees. The smallest angle between first direction and a length of a stack including such a fiber-reinforced composite can be greater than or substantially equal to any one of, or between any two of: 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, or 90 degrees.

[0096] Some embodiments of the present stacks can include one or more polymeric composite, each formed from sections of fiber-reinforced composites material. For example, a unidirectional fiber-reinforced composite can be formed from sections of unidirectional fiber material that has been placed adjacent to one another. To form such a fiber-reinforced composites, sections of fiber-reinforced composites material can be placed adjacent to one another manually and/or by an automated material laying machine.

[0097] Some embodiments of the present stacked polymeric compositions (e.g., laminates) can include 0-degree unidirectional fiber-reinforced composites (e.g., plies) and 90-degree unidirectional fiber-reinforced composites stacked such that the 0-degree unidirectional plies are in contact with one another (meaning each is in contact with at least one other) and are disposed between two of the 90-degree unidirectional plies. In some embodiments, composites of the present invention (e.g., laminates) can include first and second sub-stacks of 90-degree unidirectional fiber-reinforced composites and a third sub-stack of 0-degree unidirectional fiber-reinforced composites, where the third sub-stack is disposed between the first and second sub-stacks. In some embodiments, each of the sub-stacks can include three fiber-reinforced composites. However, in other embodiments, such sub-stacks can each be replaced with a single fiber-reinforced composite or can include 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or more fiber-reinforced composites . Other embodiments of the present stacked polymeric compositions can include any suitable fiber-reinforced composites (e.g., including one or more of any fiber-reinforced composite described above) stacked in any suitable configuration (e.g., balanced, symmetric, asymmetric, and/or the like). In some embodiments, the stacked polymeric compositions include composites of the present invention and a layer comprising RR-PM of the present invention.

[0098] Stacked polymeric compositions of the present invention can include coupling agents (e.g, tie layers) to adhere the composites together. FIG. 4 illustrates stacked polymeric composition 400. Stacked polymeric composition 400 can include fiber-reinforced composite layers 402 and 404 with tie layer 406. Composite layers 402 and 404 can include fibers 408 dispersed in a RR-PM polymer matrix. Non-limiting examples of coupling agents can include maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene, maleic anhydride grafted ethylene copolymer, citric acid, styrene ethylene/butylene block copolymer with high styrene content, or a combination that includes at least one of the foregoing. The stacked polymeric composition can include, based on the total weight of the stack, 0.1 to 2 wt.% coupling agent or greater than or substantially equal to any one of, or between any two of: 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, or 2 wt.% of coupling agent. In a preferred instance, no coupling agent is necessary.

[0100] The stacked polymeric compositions and/or composites can be recycled as described throughout this specification. When the composites or stacked polymeric compositions include fibers, the fibers can be removed after liquification of the RR-PM composite/stacked composition. For example, referring to FIG. 1, fibers and/or other fillers can be removed in liquefication unit 102 and/or in depolymerization unit 104.

EXAMPLES

[0101] The present invention will be described in greater detail by way of specific examples. The following examples are offered for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention in any manner. Those of skill in the art will readily recognize a variety of noncritical parameters, which can be changed or modified to yield essentially the same results.

Instrumentation [0102] Thermal analysis was conducted on a DSC Q100 from TA Instruments at a heating rate of 10 °C per minute. First and second runs were recorded after cooling down to about - 40 °C. The melting temperatures reported correspond to second runs.

[0103] HT-SEC Procedure. The molecular weight and dispersity were determined by means of high temperature size exclusion chromatography (HT-SEC) performed at 150 °C in a HT- SEC -IR instrument equipped with a IR4 detector (PolymerChar, Valencia, Spain). Three Polymer Laboratories 13 pm PLgel Olexis columns constitute the set. 1 ,2-di chlorobenzene (o- DCB) was purchased from VWR and used as an eluent at flow rate of 1 mL*min'¹. Molecular weights and corresponding dispersities were calculated from HT-SEC analysis with respect to narrow polystyrene standards (PSS, Mainz, Germany).

[0104] The purpose of these examples was to make a repeatedly recyclable polymer mimic (RR-PM) of a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) polymer. The RR-PM was a reaction product of a difunctional oligomer and a difunctional linker from a liquefied article containing both the difunctional oligomers and the difunctional linkers. The purpose was also to (i) compare properties of the RR-PM with the properties of a virgin RR-PM that is made directly from a difunctional oligomer and a difunctional linker, and (ii) whether an article made from a conventional process could be also used to make a repeatedly recyclable polymer. FIGs. 2 and 5 show an overview of the closed loop process that makes possible, where RR-PM can made from articles that are liquefied multiple times.

[0105] Materials. Table 1 lists the materials used to make repeatedly recyclable oligomers and RR-PM from the oligomers.

Table 1

Example 1

(Method of liquifying a RR-PM article by heating and depolymerizing a RR-PM article to obtain difunctional oligomers and difunctional linkers)

[0106] A RR-PM article (27.5 g) and methanol (300 g) were weighed and transferred to a clean reactor (600 ml Parr vessel). Titanium isopropoxide catalyst (750 mg) was weighed and transferred into the vessel under a nitrogen environment. The reactor was then reassembled, fittings tightened and purged with nitrogen twice. The inlet and vent line valves were closed, and the reactor was heated till the reactor attained a steady temperature of 200 °C to 220 °C. The stirrer speed was set at 225 rpm throughout the experiment. The reactor was maintained at this temperature for 3 hrs during which the depolymerization was completely occurred. After 3 hrs of depolymerization, the heating was stopped, and reactor was allowed to cool down to room temperature.

[0107] After the reactor was cooled to room temperature, the reactor was disassembled, and the two-layer reaction mixture was processed. The top layer was a methanol layer, and the bottom layer was a diol layer that was insoluble in methanol. The methanol layer was decanted and transferred into a beaker. The methanol layer contained the dimethyl ester of the difunctional linker (succinic acid) and residual catalyst. The ester/methanol was vacuum distilled using a laboratory Roto-vac to remove the solvent completely. The dimethyl succinate (1.6 g) was recovered with some catalyst remains (e.g., TiCh and Ti(OH)4). The viscous diol layer at the bottom of the reactor was washed twice with methanol (total of 25 ml) and the washings transferred to the decanted methanol layer. Toluene (200 g) was added to the reactor containing the diol and stirred for 10 min. The diol dissolved in the toluene solvent layer at room temperature. The diol/solvent mixture was filtered and transferred to a distillation flask. The diol/solvent mixture was vacuum distilled using a laboratory Roto-vac to remove the solvent completely. The dimethyl succinate (1.6 g) was recovered with some catalyst remains (e.g, TiCh and Ti(OH)4). The difunctional oligomer (diol) (24.7 g) was recovered from the toluene layer and analyzed for purity by NMR. The oligomer was a,co-dihydroxy polyethylene having C40 to C2000 carbon atoms.

Example 2

(Method of making a RR-PM containing a mixture of the difunctional oligomers and difunctional linkers obtained from the liquified article of Example 1) [0108] The difunctional oligomers and the difunctional linkers of the mixture obtained from Example 1 were reacted to produce a RR-PM composition.

[0109] The difunctional oligomer (Example 1 oligomer, 12.0 g, 8.2 mmol), the difunctional linker succinic acid (Example 1, 0.96 g, 8.2 mmol) and a catalyst (titanium tetra-isopropoxide) that was present in the Example 1 article (0.12 g) were introduced into the reactor and the reactor was then heated to 190 °C under stirring and in the presence of nitrogen atmosphere. The first stage esterification was conducted for 2.5 hrs at atmospheric pressure and at 190 °C. After that, the second stage, polycondensation was started by turning off the nitrogen and by dually reducing the pressure down to about 0.05 mbar and the temperature was raised to 220 °C. After polycondensation reaction for 3.0 hrs, the vacuum was released by bleeding in Nitrogen and RR-PM composition was collected. The RR-PM mimic was characterized by Solid state NMR.

Example 3

(Method of making a Virgin RR-PM)

[0110] To evaluate the properties of the RR-PM of our invention, the RR-PM's properties were compared to a virgin polymer that is a reaction product of a difunctional oligomer and a difunctional linker.

[oni] The Diol oligomers was synthesized via Synthetic scheme B for a.oj-dihydroxy polyethylene.

[0112] Cis-l,4-diacetoxy-2-butene (2.07 g, 61 12.0 mmol) was added to THF (135 mL) in a two-neck 500 mL Schlenk flask under argon purging. The flask was then transferred to a 35 °C oil bath, and cis-cyclooctene (30 g, 272.2 63 mmol) was added dropwise over 30 min. The addition of a second-generation Grubbs catalyst (101.86 mg, 0.12 mmol) solution in THF (3 mL) was started after adding 1 mL cis cyclooctene. After 6 hours of reaction, the mixture was precipitated into acidic methanol (1.2 L with 35% HC1 (1.5 g) solution in water (13.5 g). The precipitated polymer, a,co-diacetoxy terminated poly cyclooctene was collected and dried under vacuum for two days.

[0113] To convert the end acetoxy groups in repeatedly recyclable oligomer (a,co-diacetoxy terminated polycycloocene) into hydroxy groups, the repeatedly recyclable oligomer was dissolved in THF (137.5 mL) at 40 °C and 25 wt.% NaOMe (2.97 g, 55.0 mmol) solution in methanol was added. The solution was stirred for 20 hours and precipitated into methanol (2.72 L) with 35% HC1 (1.5 g) solution in water (13.5 g). The isolated repeatedly recyclable oligomer (a, co-dihydroxy poly cyclooctene) was dried under vacuum.

[0114] The oligomer (a, o-dihydroxy poly cyclooctene) (HO-PCOE-OH) was hydrogenated. The HO-PCOE-OH oligomer (10 g, 90.7 mmol double bonds), p-toluenesulfonyl hydrazide (52.4 g, 281.3 mmol), tributylamine (75.6 mL, 317.6 mmol), butylated hydroxy toluene (50 mg, 0.22 mmol), and o-xylene (385.76 mL) were added to a 1000 mL three-neck round-bottom flask. The mixture was heated to 140 °C and refluxed for 6 hours. After cooling to room temperature, the reaction mixture was poured into methanol. The obtained precipitate was washed with methanol (2 * 500 mL). The isolated white powder was dried under vacuum the extent of hydrogenation was determined by 1H-NMR and found to be > 99%.

[0115] Alternative method for Hydrogenation procedure is described as follows. The hydrogenate diol (24 g, Mw-3000) and cyclohexane (150 mL) were placed into a conical flask. The mixture was agitated thoroughly and then transferred into a Parr vessel (600 mL). The conical flask was rinsed with cyclohexane (150 mL) and the rinse transferred into the Parr vessel. The hydrogenation catalyst (2.4 g, 3 wt.% Pd/CaCO3 catalyst) was added to the Panvessel. The Parr vessel was sealed under a hydrogen atmosphere and heated at 75 °C until hydrogenation was determined to be complete.

[0116] Properties of the Virgin RR-PM Difunctional Diol were measured by H-NMR and are summarized below. FIG. 6 shows the 'H-NMR spectra of a, o-dihydroxy polyethylene, with 'H-NMR of (TCE-d₂, > 99.5 atom % D, 120 °C): 6: 3.66 (t, CH2-OH, a’); b); 1.61 - 1.24 (m, - CH2-. FIG. 7 shows the DSC data of a, co dihydroxy polyethylene showed a T_m and T_c of 118 °C and 96 °C, respectively. FIG. 8 shows the TGA of the difunctional diol in N2 atmosphere was found to be 452 °C. [0117] Reaction of the difunctional oligomer with the difunctional linker (e.g., succinic acid) to form the RR-PP of the present invention was preformed using known polymer condensation methods. In general, the difunctional oligomer, the difunctional linker, and titanium tetra-isopropoxide (0.12 g, 1 wt. % of polymer) were introduced into the reactor and the reactor was then heated to 240 °C under stirring and in the presence of a nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction was held for 2.5 hrs at atmospheric pressure, then the nitrogen was discontinued to gradually reduce the pressure down to about 0.05 mbar and the temperature was raised to 220 °C to 260 °C. The reaction was held for 6 hrs until polycondensation was complete; the vacuum was released by bleeding in nitrogen and the polymer was collected.

Example 4

(Method of making an article and a new RR-PM from the Virgin RR-PM of Example 3)

[0118] An article made from virgin RR-PM made in Example 3 was extruded by adding an article additive (about 1000 ppm of Irganox 1010 and about 1000 ppm of Irgafos™ 168) at about 240 °C for a duration of 0.5 to 2 minutes. The article was then cooled to room temperature. The article was then liquefied by placing the article into a reactor along with methanol and heating the article and methanol to about 220 °C at an autogenous pressure of 3.9 MPa (39 bar) until a mixture containing difunctional oligomers and difunctional linkers formed. The difunctional oligomers and the difunctional linkers were separated from the methanol mixture and reacted as described above in Example 2 to produce a RR-PM article. The RR-PM composition was then evaluated for properties and compared to the properties of the virgin RR-PM. Example 4 illustrates a RR-PM composition exhibiting a Use Cycle 1 rating.

Example 5

(Method of making an article and a new RR-PM composition from the RR-PM composition made in Example 4)

[0119] The RR-PM composition obtained in Example 4 from the liquified article was extruded into another article, in accordance with the procedure in Example 4. The article was then liquefied into a mixture containing difunctional oligomers and difunctional linkers and the difunctional oligomers and the difunctional linkers reacted to produce another RR-PM composition in accordance with the procedures described in Example 4. The new RR-PM composition was then evaluated for properties and compared to the properties of the virgin RR- PM. Example 5 illustrates a RR-PM composition exhibiting a Use Cycle 2 rating. Example 6

(Method of making an article and a new RR-PM composition from the RR-PM composition made in Example 5)

[0120] The RR-PM composition obtained in Example 5 from the liquified article was extruded into a different article, in accordance with the procedure described in Example 4. The article was then liquefied into a mixture containing difunctional oligomers and difunctional linkers. The difunctional oligomers and the difunctional linkers were separated and then reacted to produce yet another RR-PM composition in accordance with the procedures described above. Example 6 illustrates a RR-PM composition exhibiting a Use Cycle 3 rating.

Example 7

(Method of making an article and a new RR-PM composition from the RR-PM composition made in Example 6)

[0121] The RR-PM obtained in Example 6 from the liquefied article was extruded into another article, in accordance with the procedure described in Example 4. The article was then liquefied into a mixture containing difunctional oligomers and difunctional linkers and the difunctional oligomers and the difunctional linkers reacted to produce another RR-PM composition in accordance with the procedures described above. Example 7 illustrates a RR- PM composition exhibiting a Use Cycle 4 rating.

[0122] The purities and properties of the difunctional oligomers, difunctional linkers, and RR-PM are listed in Table 2 (purities) and Table 3 (properties). In Table 4, the weight % of the RR-PM made the article and the weight % of the article were compared and are summarized.

Table 2

Table 3

Table 4

[0123] The results evidenced by Examples 4-7 show that an RR-PM can be repeatedly recycled, e.g., the RR-PM can effectively be made from the reaction product of difunctional linkers and difunctional diols of an article that was liquefied into a mixture containing difunctional linkers and difunctional diols-even if articles are liquefied multiple times. The results show that the properties of RR-PM obtained from mixtures of difunctional diols and difunctional linkers of liquefied articles were substantially similar to the properties of a virgin- RR-PM. The results also show that the process of the present invention was highly efficient, as substantially all of the material of the article was reused and converted into the RR-PM without the need of using additional materials. In other words, the results show that that the mass of the article was substantially similar to the mass of the RR-PM. Remarkably, substantially all of the material of the article was used to make the RR-PM, thereby eliminating the need to use additional materials. Advantageously, the difunctional oligomers and the difunctional linkers of the liquefied article had a wt. % that is at least 95% wt.% of the RR-PM Use Cycles 1-3.

[0124] The data evidence that the RR-PM made by this method have demonstrated clearly a “closed loop recycling” in a unique way. This closed loop recycling of repeatedly recyclable article to its repeatedly recyclable oligomer and back to repeatedly recyclable article is novel and depends less on the fresh feedstocks and raw materials at every cycle and can continue for a number of cycles.

Example 8 (Comparative example using conventionally made LDPE)

[0125] The purpose of this Example was to evaluate whether a conventionally made LDPE could be repeatedly recyclable. A conventional LDPE, (SABIC HP 2022 JN) was extruded into an article. The LDPE article was processed and prepared for “liquification”. The article was chopped into pellets and loaded into a reactor along with solvent. The reactor was heated to about 220 °C for the liquefied and prepared article for liquification in presence of a solvent. The polymer was in a molten phase at 220 °C and was inert (could not react) with methanol (solvent) in the reactor at reaction temperature hence could not be depolymerized. Since the LDPE polymer could not be depolymerized, it could not participate in any of the further processing methods, and it had a Use Cycle 1 rating. Once the molten LDPE polymer was removed from the reactor it is solid again and has conventional defects which demonstrates difficulties in reprocessing. Hence cannot be “repeatedly recycled” for “closed loop recycling” hence has properties of single-use applications. The conventionally made LDPE did not have a Use Cycle Rating of at least 2. The conventional LDPE was not able to be effectively liquefied by heating and depolymerization into difunctional oligomers and difunctional linkers and, as such, could not be polymerized into an LDPE polymer. In other words, the conventional LDPE had a single-use utility.

[0126] Functional properties of RR-PM were evaluated and compared with the functional properties of conventionally made LDPE. Notably, the RR-PM had similar functional properties to conventional LDPE.

[0127] Although embodiments of the present application and their advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the above disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein can be utilized. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.

Claims

1. A composition comprising:

(a) a repeatedly recyclable polymer mimic (RR-PM) of a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) polymer, wherein the RR-PM is a reaction product of a difunctional oligomer and a difunctional linker that are both from a liquified article; and

(b) an article additive.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the difunctional oligomer has 40 to 2000 carbon atoms (C40 to C2000) and a functionality (F) of 2.0 ± 0.3, and the difunctional linker has a carbon chain of two to thirteen carbon atoms (C2 to Cl 3) and a F of 2.0 ±0.3, where each F is independently selected from an amine (-NH2), an alcohol (-OH), a carboxylic acid (-COOH), and combinations thereof.

3. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the composition does not include any material selected from the group of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), linear low- density polyethylene (LLDPE), polyolefin elastomer (POE), plastomer polyolefin (POP), and polypropylene (PP), and combinations thereof.

4. The composition any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein:

(a) the RR-PM has a structure according to Formula I:

where n is an integer ranging from 2 to 13, Z is an aliphatic group, and X is a polyethylene comprising 40 to 2000 carbon atoms, preferably 60 to 1500 carbon atoms, or more preferably 80 to 1100 carbon atoms, wherein, the RR-PM has more than 0 and less than 40 ester groups per 1000 backbone (CH2) carbon units, and the RR-PM has a density of 0.70 g/cm³ to 0.99 g/cm³.

5. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising:

(a) at least 95 wt.%, preferably at least 98 wt. %, of the RR-PM; and

(b) at least 0.01 wt.% to 5 wt.%, preferably 0.05 % to 0.15 %, of the article additive.

The composition of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the composition has an article additive in an amount ranging from 0.01 % to 5%, preferably 0.05 % to 0.15 %, or more preferably greater than 0 to less than 0.01 wt.%, based on the total weight of composition.

7. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the difunctional oligomer has a degree of saturation of 98 % to 100%, and/or the difunctional oligomer is a branched polyethylene having a carbon number of C40 to C2000.

8. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the article is a consumer good, a packaging product, a pharmaceutical container, a bottle, a cap, a closure, a liner, a trash bag, a food packaging film, a lamination, a pipe, a hose, a fitting, or a combination thereof and/or the difunctional oligomer and the difunctional linkers of the liquefied article have a weight percentage that is at least 95 wt.% of the RR-PM.

9. A composition comprising:

(a) a repeatedly recyclable-polymer mimic (RR-PM) of a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) polymer, wherein the RR-PM is a reaction product of a difunctional oligomer and a difunctional linker that are both from a liquefied article;

(b) an article additive, wherein the difunctional oligomer and the difunctional linker of the liquefied article have a weight percentage that is at least 95 wt.% of the RR-PM, wherein the composition does not include any material selected from the group of high- density polyethylene (HDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), polyolefin elastomer (POE), plastomer polyolefin (POP), and polypropylene (PP), and combinations thereof; wherein the composition comprises: the RR-PM composition having a structure according to Formula I:

where n is an integer ranging from 2 to 13, Z is an aliphatic group, and X is a polyethylene comprising 40 to 2000 carbon atoms, preferably 60 to 1500 carbon atoms, or more preferably 80 to 1100 carbon atoms, and wherein the RR-PM of Formula I has more than 0 and less than 40 ester groups per 1000 backbone (CH2) carbon units, and the RR-PM of Formula I has a density of 0.70 g/cm³ to 0.99 g/cm³.

10. A method for making the composition of any one of the claims 1 to 9, the method comprising:

(a) liquefying an article made from the composition of any one of claims 1 to 9 into a mixture containing difunctional oligomers and difunctional linkers; and

(b) reacting the difunctional oligomers and the difunctional linkers to produce the composition.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein: the article is liquefied by melting; and the composition from the liquified article is depolymerized prior to step (b) by hydrolysis and/or solvolysis by contacting the composition with water and/or a solvent to obtain the difunctional oligomers and difunctional linkers.

12. The method of any one of claims 10 to 11, further comprising forming an article from the composition produced in step (b).

13. The method of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the method is repeated at least two times, preferably 2 to 500 times, and/or the method further comprises obtaining the article from a consumer product made from a composition of any one of claims 1 to 9.

14. A composite comprising the composition of any one of claims 1 to 9, preferably comprising a plurality of fillers dispersed in the composition, preferably fibers, glass fibers, aramid fibers, polyester fibers, polyamide fibers basalt fibers, steel fibers, or combination thereof, preferably the plurality of fillers comprise a plurality of fibers and the composite further comprise sizing to promote adhesion between the plurality of fibers and the composition of any one of claims 1 to 9.

5. A stacked polymeric composition comprising the composition of any one of claims 1 to 9 or the composite of claim 14 and a second layer, preferably the second layer comprises the composition of any one of claims 1 to 9 or the composite of claim 14, preferably further comprising a coupling layer between the first and second layers.