Claims:1. A masterbatch composition for improving scratch resistance of polypropylene, said masterbatch composition comprising:
a polymer carrier in an amount ranging from 60% to 90% by weight of the masterbatch composition, said polymer carrier being polypropylene;
a nucleating agent in an amount ranging from 5% to 20% by weight of the masterbatch composition, said nucleating agent selected from the group comprising: Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Benzoate, Lithium Benzoate, ADK STAB NA-27, Hyperform® HPN®-20E, Hyperform® HPN®-500ei and Hyperform® HPN®--900ei; and
a slip agent in an amount ranging from 5% to 20% by weight of the masterbatch composition said slip agent being Finaslip-Ezy.
2. A method of producing a masterbatch composition for producing Scratch Resistant Polypropylene, said method comprising melt mixing of a polymer carrier in an amount ranging from 60% to 90% by weight of the masterbatch composition with a nucleating agent in an amount ranging from 5% to 20% by weight of the masterbatch composition and a slip agent in an amount ranging from 5% to 20% by weight of the masterbatch composition, wherein said polymer carrier is polypropylene, said nucleating agent is selected from the group comprising: NA-27, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Benzoate, Lithium Benzoate, HPN-20E, HPN-500ei and HPN-900ei, and said slip agent is Finaslip-Ezy.
3. A scratch resistant polypropylene article, said scratch resistant polypropylene article comprising:
(a) a polypropylene polymer in an amount ranging from 80% to 99.9% by weight of the Scratch Resistant Polypropylene composition; and
(b) a masterbatch composition in an amount ranging from 0.1% to 2% by weight of the Scratch Resistant Polypropylene composition, said masterbatch composition comprising:
(i) a polymer carrier in an amount ranging from 60% to 90% by weight of the masterbatch composition, said polymer carrier being polypropylene;
(ii) a nucleating agent in an amount ranging from 5% to 20% by weight of the masterbatch composition, said nucleating agent selected from the group comprising: NA-27, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Benzoate, Lithium Benzoate, HPN-20E, HPN-500ei and HPN-900ei; and
(iii) a slip agent in an amount ranging from 5% to 20% by weight of the masterbatch composition, said slip agent being Finaslip-Ezy.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of masterbatch compositions. More particularly, the present disclosure provides a masterbatch composition for improving scratch resistance of polyolefins, particularly, of polypropylenes. Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a scratch resistant polypropylene article.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Various industries utilize polymer materials in their products, yet a few polymers are prevailing because of their minimal expense contrasted with their properties. Polypropylene (PP) is one such polymer that is utilized in household products, vehicles, and another various applications. Nonetheless, there are a few properties of PP that are not all the great, particularly scratch-resistance. To develop a quality scratch-resistance PP, there are two significant methodologies: modify the structure of PP by using copolymers; or merging PP with a thin film of additives and fillers which has the required properties.
[0004] Depending upon the kind of product and where it is utilized, the polymer scratches in a divergent way. The scale extends out from, wear with diminishing gloss subsequently, to profound scratches that lead to breaks. In the typical automotive industries, several coating layers are applied to the surface of a vehicle to avoid scratches. Even though the traditional methodologies are satisfactory and utilized industrially worldwide in the automotive industries, because of truly expanding demands for improved scratch-resistant products with an increased lifetime, there is an ongoing R&D to acquire improvement in mentioned parameters.
[0005] Environmental etch of the surface leads to diminishing quality of the surface appearance and results in appearance defects such as deformation, water spots or pitting to the surface. Fine scratches can be the outcome of repeated vehicle washing and the mechanical abrasion of the surface. Such fine scratching affects the light reflection of the surface and result in the loss of gloss or shine or sometimes leading to more extensive damages.
[0006] The automotive and coating industry specifically continues to strive to prepare surface coatings providing good quality surface appearance, protection and gloss forever increasing lifetimes. Various coating compositions incorporate chemical modifications or additives to upgrade the scratching-resistance performance. However, such compositions suffer from certain limitations, such as, being expensive, ineffective or exhibiting poor performance and the likes.
[0007] There, is therefore, a need in art to develop new and improved compositions that may aid in providing enhanced scratch-resistance. The present invention satisfies the existing needs, as well as others, and generally overcomes the deficiencies found in the prior art.
[0008] Each of the documents referred in the background section are incorporated herein, in its entirety, by way of reference. Further, none of the abovementioned documents are to be construed as relevant prior-art for the invention as embodied in the present disclosure.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a masterbatch composition for improving scratch resistance of polyolefins, particularly, of polypropylene that alleviates one or more shortcomings of the state-of-art.
[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a masterbatch composition for improving scratch resistance of polypropylene that does not necessitates reactive grafting, usage of acidic monomers or fillers.
[0011] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a masterbatch composition for improving scratch resistance of polypropylene that is easy to manufacture and economical.
[0012] Further object of the present disclosure is to provide a masterbatch composition for improving scratch resistance of polypropylene that is universal in nature and can be readily mixed in suitable proportion with wide varieties of polypropylenes.
[0013] Other objects of the present invention will be apparent from the description of the invention herein below.

SUMMARY
[0014] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of masterbatch compositions. More particularly, the present disclosure provides a masterbatch composition for improving scratch resistance of polyolefins, particularly, of polypropylenes. Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a scratch resistant polypropylene article.
[0015] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a masterbatch composition for improving scratch resistance of polypropylene, said masterbatch composition comprising: (a) a polymer carrier in an amount ranging from 60% to 90% by weight of the masterbatch composition, said polymer carrier being polypropylene; (b) a nucleating agent in an amount ranging from 5% to 20% by weight of the masterbatch composition, said nucleating agent selected from the group comprising: Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Benzoate, Lithium Benzoate, ADK STAB NA-27, Hyperform® HPN®-20E, Hyperform® HPN®-500ei and Hyperform® HPN®--900ei; and (c) a slip agent in an amount ranging from 5% to 20% by weight of the masterbatch composition said slip agent being Finaslip-Ezy.
[0016] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of producing a masterbatch composition for producing Scratch Resistant Polypropylene, said method comprising melt mixing of a polymer carrier in an amount ranging from 60% to 90% by weight of the masterbatch composition with a nucleating agent in an amount ranging from 5% to 20% by weight of the masterbatch composition and a slip agent in an amount ranging from 5% to 20% by weight of the masterbatch composition, wherein said polymer carrier is polypropylene, said nucleating agent is selected from selected from the group comprising: NA-27, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Benzoate, Lithium Benzoate, HPN-20E, HPN-500ei and HPN-900ei, and said slip agent is Finaslip-Ezy.
[0017] Further aspect of the present disclosure provides a scratch resistant polypropylene article, said scratch resistant polypropylene article comprising: (a) a polypropylene polymer in an amount ranging from 80% to 99.9% by weight of the Scratch Resistant Polypropylene composition; and (b) a masterbatch composition in an amount ranging from 0.1% to 2% by weight of the Scratch Resistant Polypropylene composition, said masterbatch composition comprising: (i) a polymer carrier in an amount ranging from 60% to 90% by weight of the masterbatch composition, said polymer carrier being polypropylene; (ii) a nucleating agent in an amount ranging from 5% to 20% by weight of the masterbatch composition, said nucleating agent selected from the group comprising: NA-27, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Benzoate, Lithium Benzoate, HPN-20E, HPN-500ei and HPN-900ei; and (iii) a slip agent in an amount ranging from 5% to 20% by weight of the masterbatch composition, said slip agent being Finaslip-Ezy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0018] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary snippets showing results of the scratch testing on scratch resistant articles prepared by direct addition of slip agent and nucleating agent.
[0020] FIGs. 2 thorough 7 illustrate exemplary snippets showing results of the scratch testing on various scratch resistant articles prepared in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0022] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the “invention” may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the “invention” will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[0023] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0024] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0025] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[0026] The term “Polyolefin” as used herein throughout the present disclosure denotes the group of polymers typically formed by the polymerization of olefin monomeric units (or monomers) having a general formula CnH2n. Examples of the polyolefins include low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), very-low-density polyethylene (VLDPE), ultra-low-density polyethylene (ULDPE), medium-density polyethylene (MDPE), polypropylene (PP), polymethylpentene (PMP), polybutene-1 (PB-1); ethylene-octene copolymers, stereo-block polypropylene, olefin block copolymers, propylene–butane copolymers, polyisobutylene (PIB), poly(a-olefin), ethylene propylene rubber (EPR) and EPDM rubber, but not limited thereto.
[0027] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of masterbatch compositions. More particularly, the present disclosure provides a masterbatch composition for improving scratch resistance of polyolefins, particularly, of polypropylenes. Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a scratch resistant polypropylene article.
[0028] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a masterbatch composition for improving scratch resistance of polypropylene, said masterbatch composition comprising: (a) a polymer carrier in an amount ranging from 60% to 90% by weight of the masterbatch composition, said polymer carrier being polypropylene; (b) a nucleating agent in an amount ranging from 5% to 20% by weight of the masterbatch composition, said nucleating agent selected from the group comprising: Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Benzoate, Lithium Benzoate, ADK STAB NA-27, Hyperform® HPN®-20E, Hyperform® HPN®-500ei and Hyperform® HPN®--900ei; and (c) a slip agent in an amount ranging from 5% to 20% by weight of the masterbatch composition said slip agent being Finaslip-Ezy.
[0029] In an embodiment, the masterbatch composition comprises: (a) a polymer carrier in an amount ranging from 75% to 85% by weight of the masterbatch composition, said polymer carrier being polypropylene; (b) a nucleating agent in an amount ranging from 5% to 15% by weight of the masterbatch composition, said nucleating agent selected from the group comprising: Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Benzoate, Lithium Benzoate, ADK STAB NA-27, Hyperform® HPN®-20E, Hyperform® HPN®-500ei and Hyperform® HPN®--900ei; and (c) a slip agent in an amount ranging from 5% to 15% by weight of the masterbatch composition said slip agent being Finaslip-Ezy.
[0030] In an embodiment, said polypropylene has melt flow index of about 11.9 gm/10 minutes. In an embodiment, said polypropylene has Tg of about -4.7 °C when measured using DSC. In an embodiment, said polypropylene has Tc of about 117.3 °C when measured using DSC.
[0031] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of producing a masterbatch composition for producing Scratch Resistant Polypropylene, said method comprising melt mixing of a polymer carrier in an amount ranging from 60% to 90% by weight of the masterbatch composition with a nucleating agent in an amount ranging from 5% to 20% by weight of the masterbatch composition and a slip agent in an amount ranging from 5% to 20% by weight of the masterbatch composition, wherein said polymer carrier is polypropylene, said nucleating agent is selected from selected from the group comprising: NA-27, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Benzoate, Lithium Benzoate, HPN-20E, HPN-500ei and HPN-900ei, and said slip agent is Finaslip-Ezy.
[0032] Further aspect of the present disclosure provides a scratch resistant polypropylene article, said scratch resistant polypropylene article comprising: (a) a polypropylene polymer in an amount ranging from 80% to 99.9% by weight of the Scratch Resistant Polypropylene composition; and (b) a masterbatch composition in an amount ranging from 0.1% to 2% by weight of the Scratch Resistant Polypropylene composition, said masterbatch composition comprising: (i) a polymer carrier in an amount ranging from 60% to 90% by weight of the masterbatch composition, said polymer carrier being polypropylene; (ii) a nucleating agent in an amount ranging from 5% to 20% by weight of the masterbatch composition, said nucleating agent selected from the group comprising: NA-27, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Benzoate, Lithium Benzoate, HPN-20E, HPN-500ei and HPN-900ei; and (iii) a slip agent in an amount ranging from 5% to 20% by weight of the masterbatch composition, said slip agent being Finaslip-Ezy.
[0033] In an embodiment, the masterbatch comprises: (a) a polymer carrier in an amount ranging from 75% to 85% by weight of the masterbatch composition, said polymer carrier being polypropylene; (b) a nucleating agent in an amount ranging from 5% to 15% by weight of the masterbatch composition, said nucleating agent selected from the group comprising: Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Benzoate, Lithium Benzoate, ADK STAB NA-27, Hyperform® HPN®-20E, Hyperform® HPN®-500ei and Hyperform® HPN®--900ei; and (c) a slip agent in an amount ranging from 5% to 15% by weight of the masterbatch composition said slip agent being Finaslip-Ezy.
[0034] In an embodiment, said polypropylene polymer carrier has melt flow index of about 11.9 gm/10 minutes. In an embodiment, said polypropylene polymer carrier has Tg of about -4.7 °C when measured using DSC. In an embodiment, said polypropylene polymer carrier has Tc of about 117.3 °C when measured using DSC.
[0035] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.
EXAMPLES
[0036] MASTERBATCH COMPOSITIONS
[0037] Different masterbatch compositions were prepared by melt mixing appropriate amounts of a polymer carrier i.e. polypropylene homopolymer (HM012T) with a nucleating agent (viz. Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Benzoate, Lithium Benzoate, ADK STAB NA-27, Hyperform® HPN®-20E, Hyperform® HPN®-500ei andHyperform® HPN®--900ei as indicated in the parenthesis in Table 1 below) and a slip agent (Finaslip-Ezy). Amounts of the each of the components are shown in Table 1 below.
Table 1: Masterbatch compositions
S.No Samples (Masterbatch) HM012T (g) Slip Agent NA
g phr g phr
1 SNMB (NA-27) 50 6 12 5 10
2 SSBMB (Na benzoate) 50 6 12 5 10
3 SLBMB (Li benzoate) 50 6 12 5 10
4 SPBMB (K benzoate) 50 6 12 5 10
5 SHP2MB (HPN20E) 50 6 12 5 10
6 SHP5MB (HP500ei) 50 6 12 5 10
7 SHP9MB (HP900ei) 50 6 12 5 10

[0038] PREPARATION OF MASTERBATCH COMPOSITIONS
[0039] For preparing each of the masterbatch compositions provided in Table 1 above, the polymer carrier was first heated to a temperature of about 230°C to obtain a molten polymer carrier, to which each of the nucleating agent and the slip agent are sequentially added under stirring (stirrer speed of about 50 rpm) maintaining temperature of the mixture at about 230°C for about 15 minutes to obtain a uniform mixture. The mixture was then removed and kept to reach at an ambient temperature (about 35°C) to obtain the masterbatch. Characteristics viz. Density, Tm, Tc and moisture content of each of the resultant masterbatch compositions are provided in Table 2A-2C below.
Table 2A: Density of masterbatch compositions
S.No Sample Density (g/cc)
1 SNMB 0.87
2 SSBMB 0.88
3 SLBMB 0.87
4 SPBMB 0.87
5 SHP2MB 0.87
6 SHP5MB 0.85
7 SHP9MB 0.84

Table 2B: Tm and Tc of masterbatch compositions (by DSC)
S.No Sample Tm (°C) Tc (°C)
1 SNMB 163.9 128.9
2 SSBMB 161.3 117.2
3 SLBMB 162.8 121.2
4 SPBMB 162.9 120.1
5 SHP2MB 163.9 128.7
6 SHP5MB 163.6 129.7
7 SHP9MB 164.3 128.4

Table 2C: Moisture Content of masterbatch compositions
S.No Sample Gravimetric (%) KF-Titrator (ppm)
1 SNMB 0.5 1696.2
2 SSBMB 0.8 989.9
3 SLBMB 0.7 966.9
4 SPBMB 0.8 1885.5
5 SHP2MB 0.8 3406.7
6 SHP5MB 0.7 4328.5
7 SHP9MB 0.6 4344.7

[0040] PREPARATION OF SCRATCH RESISTANT POLYPROPYLENE ARTICLE (FORMULATIONS – SNMBT, SNMBF and SNMBR)
[0041] 2.5 gm of masterbatch composition (SNMB, provided at S. No. 1 in Table 1) prepared above was melt mixed with 1000 gm of polypropylene homopolymer (HM012T) to prepare a Scratch Resistance Polypropylene (SRPP) article (indicated as SNMBT). The article was then subjected to testing for measurement of its characteristics viz. Melt Flow Index (MFI), Tg, Tm, Shore D hardness, Tensile strength, elongation HDT and VICAT. Comparative data showing characteristics of the polypropylenehomopolymer (HM012T) vis-à-vis that of the article (SNMBT) are provided in the Table 3 below.
Table 3A: MFI of Scratch Resistance Polypropylene (SRPP) article
S.No Sample MFI (g/10min )
1 HM012T 11.9
2 SNMBT 15.4

Table 3B: Tg of Scratch Resistance Polypropylene (SRPP) article (by DMA)
S.No Sample Tg (°C)
1 HM012T 8.9
2 SNMBT 8.4

Table 3C: Hardness of Scratch Resistance Polypropylene (SRPP) article
S.No Sample Shore D
1 HM012T 68
2 SNMBT 63

Table 3D: Characteristics of Scratch Resistance Polypropylene (SRPP) article (by DSC)
S.No Sample Tg (°C) Tm (°C) Hm (J/g) Tc (°C) Hc (J/g)
1 HM012T -4.7 165.6 85.9 117.3 91.5
2 SNMBT -7.2 165.2 109.1 126.0 105.2

Table 3E: Tensile strength of Scratch Resistance Polypropylene (SRPP) article
S.No Sample Tensile Strength (MPa) Elongation (%)
1 HM012T 33.4 16.8
3 SNMBT 34.4 17.4

Table 3F: HDT/VICAT of Scratch Resistance Polypropylene (SRPP) article
S.No Sample HDT (°C) VICAT (°C)
1 HM012T 57.9 153.9
3 SNMBT 56.7 152.5

[0042] Similarly, 2.5 gm of masterbatch composition (SNMB, provided at S. No. 1 in Table 1) prepared above was melt mixed with 1000 gm of different grades of polypropylene homopolymers viz. HM012T, HF010 and HR003 to prepare Scratch Resistance Polypropylene (SRPP) articles (indicated as SNMBT, SNMBF and SNMBR, respectively).
[0043] COMPARATIVE DATA FOR ARTICLES PREPARED BY MIXING MASTERBATCH COMPOSITION VERSUS ARTICLES PREPARED BY DIRECTLY MIXING NUCLEATING AGENT AND SLIP AGENT
[0044] ARTICLES PREPARED BY DIRECT MIXING
[0045] For comparison, scratch resistant polypropylene articles (NSAPP-1 and NSAPP-2) were prepared by direct mixing of appropriate amounts of a nucleating agent (ADK STAB NA-27) and a slip agent (Finaslip-Ezy) with 1000 gm of polypropylene homopolymer (HM012T), details whereof are provided in Table 4 below.
Table 4: Composition of articles prepared by direct mixing
S.No Sample PP (g) NA SLIP AGENT
g ppm g phr
1 HM012T 1000 0 0 0 0
2 NSAPP-1 1000 0.25 250 3 0.3
3 NSAPP-2 1000 0.25 250 6 0.6

[0046] The articles (NSAPP-1 and NSAPP-2) were then subjected to testing for measurement of its characteristics viz. Melt Flow Index (MFI), Tg, Tc, Tm, Shore D hardness, Tensile strength, elongation Flexural strength, HDT, VICAT and impact resistance. Comparative data showing characteristics of the polypropylenehomopolymer (HM012T) vis-à-vis that of the article (NSAPP-1 and NSAPP-2) are provided in the Table 5A-5G below.
Table 5A: MFI of Scratch Resistance Polypropylene (SRPP) article
S.No Sample MFI (g/10min )
1 HM012T 11.9
2 NSAPP-1 12.9
3 NSAPP-2 12.5

Table 5B: Tg of Scratch Resistance Polypropylene (SRPP) article (by DMA)
S.No Sample Tg (°C)
1 HM012T 8.9
2 NSAPP-1 8.3
3 NSAPP-2 6.7

Table 5C: Characteristics of Scratch Resistance Polypropylene (SRPP) article (by DSC)
S.No Sample Tg (°C) Tm (°C) Hm (J/g) Tc (°C) Hc (J/g)
1 HM012T -4.7 165.6 85.9 117.3 91.5
2 NSAPP-1 -7.1 164.7 101.1 125.9 104.2
3 NSAPP-2 -7.9 165.0 99.8 125.4 102.8

Table 5D: HDT/VICAT of Scratch Resistance Polypropylene (SRPP) article
S.No Sample HDT (°C) VICAT (°C)
1 HM012T 57.9 153.9
2 NSAPP-1 55.1 152.3
3 NSAPP-2 55.7 152.7

Table 5E: strength of Scratch Resistance Polypropylene (SRPP) article
S.No Sample Tensile Strength (MPa) Flexural Strength (MPa) Elongation (%)
1 HM012T 33.4 45.6 16.8
2 NSAPP-1 34.4 44.2 17.7
3 NSAPP-2 34.1 45.8 16.8

Table 5F: Impact Resistance of Scratch Resistance Polypropylene (SRPP) article
S.No Sample Impact Resistance (J/m)
1 HM012T 26.4
2 NSAPP-1 24.9
3 NSAPP-2 23.5

Table 5G: Hardness of Scratch Resistance Polypropylene (SRPP) article
S.No Sample Shore D
1 HM012T 68
2 NSAPP-1 66
3 NSAPP-2 66

[0047] COMPARATIVE SCRATCH RESISTANCE ACTIVITY
[0048] Each of the articles SNMBT, SNMBF and SNMBR prepared above by mixing PP with masterbatch compositions and the article NSAPP-1 prepared by directly mixing PP with the nucleating agent (ADK STAB NA-27) and the slip agent (Finaslip-Ezy) were then subjected to scratch testing, results whereof are provided in Table 6 below. FIG. 1 illustrates results of the scratch testing of Scratch Resistance Polypropylene (SRPP) articles prepared by direct addition of slip agent and nucleating agent (NSAPP-1 and NSAPP-2).
Table 6: Results of scratch testing at Load: 8.889 N & Speed: 10 mm/s
Base polymer Depth (µ) Width (µ) Scratch Hardness (kgf/mm2)
HM012T (T) 115.1 217.2 3.6
HF010 (F) 103.3 169.7 4.5
HR003 (R) 124.3 165.0 3.1
Direct mixing (Slip agent & NA)
NSAPP-1 94.1 176.6 5.4
Master batch (Slip agent & NA)
SNMBT 91.8 165.0 5.7
SNMBF 89.5 177.8 6.0
SNMBR 69.7 120.9 9.9

[0049] It was surprising to note that that in comparison to the article prepared by direct mixing (i.e. NSAPP-1), each of the articles (SNMBT, SNMBF and SNMBR) prepared by mixing the masterbatch composition with different grades of PP exhibited reduction in scratch depth and scratch width with increase in scratch hardness, and in turn, found to be having superior scratch resistance.
[0050] PREPARATION OF SCRATCH RESISTANT POLYPROPYLENE ARTICLES
[0051] Further scratch resistant polypropylene articles were prepared by melt-mixing 2.5 or 5 gm of masterbatch compositions provided in Table 1 above with 1000 gm of polypropylene homopolymer (HM012T), details wherefor are provided in Table 7A and 7B below:
Table 7A: Compositions of scratch resistant polypropylene articles
S.No Sample HM012T
(g) SSBMB SLBMB SPBMB
g phr g phr g phr
1 HM012T 1000 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 SSBMBT-1 1000 2.5 0.25 0 0 0 0
3 SSBMBT-2 1000 5 0.5 0 0 0 0
4 SLBMBT-1 1000 0 0 2.5 0.25 0 0
5 SLBMBT-2 1000 0 0 5 0.5 0 0
6 SPBMBT-1 1000 0 0 0 0 2.5 0.25
7 SPBMBT-2 1000 0 0 0 0 5 0.5

Table 7B: Compositions of scratch resistant polypropylene articles
S.No Sample HM012T
(g) SHP2MB SHP5MB SHP9MB
g phr g phr g phr
1 HM012T 1000 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 SHP2MBT-1 1000 2.5 0.25 0 0 0 0
3 SHP2MBT-2 1000 5 0.5 0 0 0 0
4 SHP5MBT-1 1000 0 0 2.5 0.25 0 0
5 SHP5MBT-2 1000 0 0 5 0.5 0 0
6 SHP9MBT-1 1000 0 0 0 0 2.5 0.25
7 SHP9MBT-2 1000 0 0 0 0 5 0.5

[0052] Each of the resultant articles were subjected to testing for measurement of its characteristics viz. Melt Flow Index (MFI), Tg, Tc, Tm, Shore D hardness, Tensile strength, elongation Flexural strength, HDT, VICAT, impact resistance etc. and data therefor are provided in Table 8A-8G and Table 9A-9H below. Further, each of the articles were subjected to scratch testing, results whereof are illustrated in FIGs. 2 through 7.

Table 8A: MFI of Scratch Resistance Polypropylene (SRPP) article
S.No Sample MFI (g/10min )
1 HM012T 11.9
2 SSBMBT-1 11.6
3 SSBMBT-2 11.9
4 SLBMBT-1 12.9
5 SLBMBT-2 15.4
6 SPBMBT-1 13.4
7 SPBMBT-2 13.5

Table 8B: Characteristics of Scratch Resistance Polypropylene (SRPP) article (by DSC)
S.No Sample Tg (°C) Tm (°C) Hm (J/g) Tc (°C) Hc (J/g)
1 HM012T -4.7 165.6 85.9 117.3 91.5
2 SSBMBT-1 -5.7 162.8 104.9 114.7 100.9
3 SSBMBT-2 -6.2 162.4 102.6 114.0 99.5
4 SLBMBT-1 -6.2 164.1 107.5 119.6 102.9
5 SLBMBT-2 -6.2 163.8 105.8 119.8 103.1
6 SPBMBT-1 -5.9 164.3 100.0 116.8 98.9
7 SPBMBT-2 -5.8 163.8 106.9 118.4 104.3

Table 8C: Tensile strength of Scratch Resistance Polypropylene (SRPP) article
S.No Sample Tensile Strength (MPa) Elongation @ yield (%)
1 HM012T 33.4 16.8
2 SSBMBT-1 32.4 17.9
3 SSBMBT-2 32.1 18.6
4 SLBMBT-1 31.9 18.9
5 SLBMBT-2 32.7 18.4
6 SPBMBT-1 33.2 18.6
7 SPBMBT-2 33.1 18.4

Table 8D: Shrinkage of Scratch Resistance Polypropylene (SRPP) article
S.No Sample Shrinkage (%)
1 HM012T 0.70
2 SSBMBT-1 0.59
3 SSBMBT-2 0.58
4 SLBMBT-1 0.50
5 SLBMBT-2 0.48
6 SPBMBT-1 0.67
7 SPBMBT-2 0.57

Table 8E: Hardness of Scratch Resistance Polypropylene (SRPP) article
S.No Sample Shore D
1 HM012T 68
2 SSBMBT-1 66
3 SSBMBT-2 66
4 SLBMBT-1 67
5 SLBMBT-2 67
6 SPBMBT-1 66
7 SPBMBT-2 67

Table 8F: Impact strength of Scratch Resistance Polypropylene (SRPP) article
S.No Sample Impact Strength (J/m)
1 HM012T 26.4
2 SSBMBT-1 23.7
3 SSBMBT-2 25.3
4 SLBMBT-1 22.2
5 SLBMBT-2 24.8
6 SPBMBT-1 24.6
7 SPBMBT-2 24.1

Table 8G: HDT/VICAT of Scratch Resistance Polypropylene (SRPP) article
S.No Sample HDT (°C) VICAT (°C)
1 HM012T 57.9 153.9
2 SSBMBT-1 54.5 152.5
3 SSBMBT-2 54.4 152.6
4 SLBMBT-1 52.7 152.3
5 SLBMBT-2 54.2 152.2
6 SPBMBT-1 54.2 152.6
7 SPBMBT-2 54.3 152.4

Table 9A: MFI of Scratch Resistance Polypropylene (SRPP) article
S.No Sample MFI (g/10min )
1 HM012T 11.9
2 SHP2MBT-1 12.7
3 SHP2MBT-2 14.9
4 SHP5MBT-1 13.3
5 SHP5MBT-2 13.1
6 SHP9MBT-1 13.7
7 SHP9MBT-2 13.6

Table 9B: Tensile strength of Scratch Resistance Polypropylene (SRPP) article
S.No Sample Tensile Strength (MPa) Elongation @ yield (%)
1 HM012T 33.4 16.8
2 SHP2MBT-1 35.6 16.8
3 SHP2MBT-2 35.4 16.8
4 SHP5MBT-1 35.2 17.0
5 SHP5MBT-2 34.4 16.5
6 SHP9MBT-1 35.4 16.7
7 SHP9MBT-2 36.1 16.5

Table 9C: Shrinkage of Scratch Resistance Polypropylene (SRPP) article
S.No Sample Shrinkage (%)
1 HM012T 0.70
2 SHP2MBT-1 0.37
3 SHP2MBT-2 0.47
4 SHP5MBT-1 0.55
5 SHP5MBT-2 0.61
6 SHP9MBT-1 0.50
7 SHP9MBT-2 0.42

Table 9D: Characteristics of Scratch Resistance Polypropylene (SRPP) article (by DSC)
S.No Sample Tg (°C) Tm (°C) Tc (°C) OIT (°C) OOT (°C)
1 HM012T -4.7 165.6 117.3 5.2 220.8
2 SHP2MBT-1 -6.8 164.2 123.5 3.9 222.9
3 SHP2MBT-2 -7.8 164.3 124.1 3.8 215.0
4 SHP5MBT-1 -6.8 164.6 124.8 4.8 219.4
5 SHP5MBT-2 -7.5 164.6 124.9 5.4 221.9
6 SHP9MBT-1 -7.1 165.1 123.9 6.2 220.5
7 SHP9MBT-2 -7.7 164.4 124.0 5.8 218.0

Table 9E: Flexural strength of Scratch Resistance Polypropylene (SRPP) article
S.No Sample Flexural Strength (MPa)
1 HM012T 33.4
2 SHP2MBT-1 43.3
3 SHP2MBT-2 41.8
4 SHP5MBT-1 41.7
5 SHP5MBT-2 40.2
6 SHP9MBT-1 43.2
7 SHP9MBT-2 42.5

Table 9F: Impact strength of Scratch Resistance Polypropylene (SRPP) article
S.No Sample Impact Strength (J/m)
1 HM012T 26.4
2 SHP2MBT-1 24.4
3 SHP2MBT-2 25.4
4 SHP5MBT-1 23.9
5 SHP5MBT-2 22.5
6 SHP9MBT-1 23.6
7 SHP9MBT-2 23.6

Table 9G: Hardness of Scratch Resistance Polypropylene (SRPP) article
S.No Sample Shore D Rockwell (HRL)
1 HM012T 68 60
2 SHP2MBT-1 70 62
3 SHP2MBT-2 70 71
4 SHP5MBT-1 69 65
5 SHP5MBT-2 68 66
6 SHP9MBT-1 69 70
7 SHP9MBT-2 69 69

Table 9H: HDT/VICAT of Scratch Resistance Polypropylene (SRPP) article
S.No Sample HDT (°C) VICAT (°C)
1 HM012T 57.9 153.9
2 SHP2MBT-1 57.2 153.6
3 SHP2MBT-2 57.4 153.3
4 SHP5MBT-1 56.7 152.8
5 SHP5MBT-2 56.3 152.8
6 SHP9MBT-1 57.5 153.3
7 SHP9MBT-2 58.4 153.2

[0053] Although the subject matter has been described herein with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, other embodiments are possible. As such, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred embodiment contained therein. Furthermore, precise and systematic details on all above aspects are currently being made. Work is still underway on this invention. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art to make various changes, modifications and alterations to the invention described herein. To the extent that these various changes, modifications and alterations do not depart from the scope of the present invention, they are intended to be encompassed therein.

ADVANTAGES
[0054] The present disclosure provides a masterbatch composition for improving scratch resistance of polypropylene that alleviates one or more shortcomings of the state-of-art.
[0055] The present disclosure provides a masterbatch composition for improving scratch resistance of polypropylene that does not necessitate reactive grafting, usage of acidic monomers or fillers.
[0056] The present disclosure provides a masterbatch composition for improving scratch resistance of polypropylene that is easy to manufacture and economical.
[0057] The present disclosure provides a masterbatch composition that is universal in nature and can be readily mixed in suitable proportion with wide grades of polypropylenes.