US 11,673,977 B2
Methods for modifying the rheology of polymers
Manfred Wittner, Mannheim (DE); Angela Hilgers, Bruchsal (DE); Geoffrey Detavernier, Idstein (DE); and Michael Neidhoefer, Mainz (DE)
Assigned to Lummus Novolen Technology GmbH, Mannheim (DE)
Filed by Lummus Novolen Technology GmbH, Mannheim (DE)
Filed on Jul. 6, 2020, as Appl. No. 16/921,433.
Application 16/921,433 is a continuation of application No. 15/549,709, granted, now 10,703,831, previously published as PCT/EP2016/052838, filed on Feb. 10, 2016.
Claims priority of application No. 15154574 (EP), filed on Feb. 10, 2015.
Prior Publication US 2020/0332032 A1, Oct. 22, 2020
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. C08F 6/02 (2006.01); C08J 3/20 (2006.01); C08J 3/00 (2006.01); C08L 23/16 (2006.01); C08F 8/50 (2006.01); C08F 6/28 (2006.01); C08F 110/06 (2006.01)
CPC C08F 6/02 (2013.01) [C08F 6/28 (2013.01); C08F 8/50 (2013.01); C08F 110/06 (2013.01); C08J 3/00 (2013.01); C08J 3/201 (2013.01); C08L 23/16 (2013.01); C08J 2323/00 (2013.01)] 11 Claims
 
1. A method for modifying the rheology of a polymer, comprising:
extruding a molten polymer and an emulsion, the emulsion consisting of at least one organic peroxide, at least one emulsifier with a total Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB) value between 6 and 16, and water
removing volatile compounds generated during extrusion from the molten polymer under extrusion conditions and under a predetermined vacuum;
reducing both the content of volatile compounds and yellowing of the molten polymer in the presence of the emulsion,
wherein the volatile compounds comprise water and volatile organic compounds resulting from the degradation of at least one of the organic peroxide or the polymer, and
wherein removing volatile compounds is performed by establishing the predetermined vacuum in at least one extruder venting zone.