FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to the introduction of polar groups into poly(dicyclopentadiene) resins by olefin metathesis using ruthenium-based catalysts.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Metathesis is generally thought of as the interchange of radicals between two compounds during a chemical reaction. There are several varieties of metathesis reactions, such as ring opening metathesis, acyclic diene metathesis, ring closing metathesis, and cross metathesis. These reactions, however, have had limited success with the metathesis of functionalized olefins.

[0003] Methods for the production of polyolefins with end-functionalized groups are typically multi-step processes that often create unwanted by-products and waste of reactants and energy.

[0004] R. T. Mathers and G. W. Coates Chem. Commun., 2004, pp. 422-423 disclose examples of using cross-metathesis to functionalize polyolefins containing pendant vinyl groups to form polar- functionalized products with a graft-type structure.

[0005] D. Astruc et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2008, 130, pp. 1495-1506, and D. Astruc et al. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2005, 44, pp. 7399-7404 disclose examples of using cross metathesis to functionalize non-polymeric molecules containing vinyl groups.

[0006] For reviews of methods to form end-functionalized polyolefins, see: (a) S. B. Amin and T. J. Marks, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2008, 47, pp. 2006-2025; (b) T. C. Chung Prog. Polym. Scl, 2002, 27, pp. 39-85; and (c) R. G. Lopez, F. DAgosto, C. Boisson Prog. Polym. Set, 2007, 32, pp. 419-454.

[0007] U.S. Patent No. 8,399,725 discloses certain vinyl terminated oligomers and polymers that are functionalized, optionally, for use in lubricant applications.

[0008] U.S. Patent No. 8,372,930 discloses certain vinyl terminated oligomers and polymers that are functionalized in U.S. Patent No. 8,399,725.

[0009] U.S. Patent No. 8,283,419 discloses end functionalized polyolefins prepared from vinyl terminated polyolefins by cross metathesis.

[0010] Additional references of interest include U.S. Patent Nos. 4,988,764; 6,225,432; 6,1 11,027; 7, 183,359; 6, 100,224; 5,616, 153; PCT Publication Nos. WO 03/025084; WO 03/025038; WO 03/025037; WO 03/025036; and WO 99/016845. [0011] Thus, metathesis reactions can provide functionalized polyolefins that have end- functionalization. However, to date it has not been feasible to polymerize polyolefins having end-functionalization to each other.

[0012] Thus, a need exists for a method to prepare polyolefins that utilize end- functionalization to provide new polymers with unique physical properties.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] This invention relates to the reaction product obtained by contacting a polymer comprising units derived from dicyclopentadiene and a vinyl monomer or vinylene monomer in the presence of a metathesis catalyst, where the vinyl monomer or vinylene monomer is represented by the formula: wherein

each X is, independently,-C0 ₂ R, -CONR ₁ R ₂ , CN, a Q to a C ₂₀ alkyl group;

R is a Ci to a C _2Q alkyl group or an aromatic group;

each Ri and R ₂ is, independently, a hydrogen, a Cj to a C _2Q alkyl group, or an aromatic group;

each R ₅ is, independently, a hydrogen atom or a Q to a C _4Q alkyl group;

each Ar is, independently, an aromatic group; and

each n is, independently, from 0 to 40.

[0014] This inventions relates to the reaction product obtained by contacting a polymer comprising units derived from dicyclopentadiene and a vinyl terminated macromonomer in the presence of a metathesis catalyst.

[0015] This invention relates to a composition comprising one or more of the formulae:

(I),

wherein,

optionally, one or more positions on the polymeric backbone (^AAW) can be substituted with an aromatic group;

each X is, independently,-C0 ₂ , -CONR^, -CH ₂ C0 ₂ R, -CH^O R^, CN, a C _{ to a C ₂ o alkyl group or the residual terminal portion of a vinyl terminated macromonomer (VTM);

wherein,

R is a Ci to a C ₂ Q alkyl group or an aromatic group;

each R ₁ and R ₂ is, independently, a hydrogen, a C _j to a C ₂ Q alkyl group, or an aromatic group; and

each R ₅ is, independently, a hydrogen atom or a Q to a C ₄ Q alkyl group.

[0016] Hydrocarbon resins are attractive in the marketplace due to their low cost, and numerous end applications. However, the lack of polarity in these resins limits their: (1) compatibility with polar polymers (e.g., vinyl acetates), (2) adhesion to polar surfaces (e.g., glass, cardboard, other natural fibers), and (3) ability to disperse fillers (e.g., minerals, carbon black), among other deficiencies. Converting this low-cost feed into a higher-value product via economic, catalytic processes is therefore an attractive target.

[0017] Polymerization of dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) is performed commercially today. These materials, prior to hydrogenation, contain a highly-strained cyclic olefins. This strain energy can be used to drive ring-opening cross metathesis (ROCM) reactions. Modern Ru- based olefin metathesis catalysts are known for their high tolerance to polar functional groups, and are therefore well-suited to this challenge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0018] Figure 1 is a representative depiction of the mass spectra for Examples 1 through 8.

[0019] Figure 2 is a mass spectra showing one repeat unit for Examples 1 and 2.

[0020] Figure 3 is a mass spectra showing one repeat unit for Examples 3 and 4.

[0021] Figure 4 is a mass spectra showing one repeat unit for Examples 5 and 6.

[0022] Figure 5 is a mass spectra showing one repeat unit for Examples 7 and 8.

[0023] Figure 6 is a tabular form of the major peak assignments in a repeating unit of a m/z from 924 to 990 for Examples 1 through 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] This inventions relates to the reaction product obtained by contacting a polymer comprising units derived from dicyclopentadiene and a vinyl monomer or vinylene monomer in the presence of a metathesis catalyst, where the vinyl monomer or vinylene monomer is represented by the formula:

wherein

each X is, independently,-C0 ₂ R, -CONR ₁ R ₂ , CN, a Q to a C ₂ o alkyl group;

R is a Ci to a C ₂ Q alkyl group or an aromatic group;

each R ₁ and R ₂ is, independently, a hydrogen, a C _j to a C ₂ Q alkyl group, or an aromatic group;

each R ₅ is, independently, a hydrogen atom or a Q to a C40 alkyl group;

each Ar is, independently, an aromatic group; and

each n is, independently, from 0 to 40.

[0025] The phrase "units derived from dicyclopentadiene" includes units derived from substituted DCPD such as methyl DCPD or dimethyl DCPD. Other terms used throught are as commonly known in the art or described in "FU CTIONALIZED RESINS OBTAINED

VIA OLEFIN METATHESIS", U.S.S.N. , filed the same day as the current case.

[0026] Preferably, the inventions also relates to the reaction product obtained by contacting a polymer comprising units derived from dicyclopentadiene and a vinyl terminated macromonomer in the presence of a metathesis catalyst.

[0027] Preferably the inventive polymer comprise units derived from dicyclopentadiene (also referred to as the "DCPD polymer") has an Mw of from 150 to 10,000 g/mol (as determined by GPC), preferably from 200 to 5,000 g/mol, preferably from 300 to 1000 g/mol.

[0028] Preferably the DCPD polymer comprises up to 100 mol% units derived from dicyclopentadiene, alternately from 5 to 90 mol% units derived from DCPD, alternately from 5 to 70 mol% unites derived from DCPD. Preferably, the DCPD polymer is preferably made from a monomer mixture comprising from 15% to 70% piperylene components, from 5% to 70% cyclic components (such as DCPD), and from 10% to 30% aromatic, preferably styrenic components. Alternatively, or additionally, the DCPD polymer comprises an interpolymer of from 30% to 60% units derived from at least one piperylene component, from 10% to 50% units derived from at least one cyclic pentadiene component, and from 10% to 25% units derived from at least one styrenic component. The monomer mixture or the interpolymer may optionally comprise up to 5% isoprene, up to 10% amylene components, up to 5% indenic components, or any combination thereof. The monomer mixture is contacted with heat or a carbocationic catalyst to interpolymerize the monomers as disclosed in WO 2012/050658.

[0029] Preferably, the DCPD polymer has a refractive index greater than 1.5.

[0030] Preferably, the DCPD polymer has a softening point of 80°C or more (Ring and

Ball, as measured by ASTM E-28) preferably from 80°C to 150°C, preferably 100°C to

130°C. Preferably the resins is liquid and has a softening point of between 10°C and 70°C.

[0031] Preferably the DCPD polymer has a glass transition temperature (Tg) (as measured by ASTM E 1356 using a TA Instruments model 2920 machine) of from -65°C to

30°C.

[0032] Preferably, the DCPD polymer has a Brookfield Viscosity (ASTM D-3236) measured at the stated temperature (typically from 120°C to 190°C) using a Brookfield Thermosel viscometer and a number 27 spindle of 50 to 25,000 mPa»s at 177°C.

[0033] Preferably the DCPD polymer comprises olefinic unsaturation, e.g., at least 1 mol% olefinic hydrogen, based on the total moles of hydrogen in the interpolymer as determined by ^H-NMR. Preferably, the DCPD polymer comprises from 1 to 20 mol% aromatic hydrogen, or preferably from 2 to 15 mol% aromatic hydrogen, or more preferably from 2 to 10 mol% aromatic hydrogen, preferably at least 8 mol% aromatic hydrogen, based on the total moles of hydrogen in the polymer.

[0034] Preferably, the DCPD polymer is the polymer described in WO 2012/050658 Al .

[0035] This invention also relates to a composition comprising one or more of the formulae:

wherein,

optionally, one or more positions on the polymeric backbone can be substituted with an aromatic group;

each X is, independently,-C02R, -CO R R2, CN, a Q to a C20 alkyl group or, the residual terminal portion of a vinyl terminated macromonomer (VTM) with the provisio that, if a VTM is present, the residual terminal portion of a VTM is for formulae (I) and

(Π);

wherein,

R is a Q to a C20 alkyl group or an aromatic group;

each R ₁ and R2 is, independently, a hydrogen, a C _j to a C20 alkyl group, or an aromatic group;

each R ₅ is, independently, a hydrogen atom or a Q to a C40 alkyl group;

each Ar is, independently, an aromatic group; and

each n is, independently, from 0 to 40.

[0036] Preferably, the present invention provides composition comprising one or more of the formulae:

wherein,

«ΛΛΛΛΛΛΛ^ represents the polymeric backbone;

optionally, one or more positions on the polymeric backbone can be substituted with an aromatic group;

each X is, independently,-C02R, -CO R R2, CN, a Q to a C20 alkyl group or, the residual terminal portion of a vinyl terminated macromonomer (VTM) with the provisio that, if a VTM is present, the residual terminal portion of a VTM is for formulae (V) and

(VI);

wherein,

R is a Ci to a C20 alkyl group or an aromatic group;

each R ₁ and R2 is, independently, a hydrogen, a C _j to a C20 alkyl group, or an aromatic group;

each R ₅ is, independently, a hydrogen atom or a Q to a C40 alkyl group;

each Ar is, independently, an aromatic group; and

each n is, independently, from 0 to 40.

Process to Functionalize DCPD Monomers and Polymers

[0037] This invention relates to a process to produce functionalized DCPD polymer comprising contacting DCPD polymer and a vinyl monomer or vinylene monomer in the presence of a metathesis catalyst, where the vinyl monomer or vinylene monomer is represented by the formula:

wherein

each X is, independently,-C0 ₂ R, -CONR ₁ R ₂ , CN, a Q to a C ₂₀ alkyl group;

R is a Ci to a C ₂ Q alkyl group or an aromatic group;

each R ₁ and R ₂ is, independently, a hydrogen, a C _j to a C ₂ Q alkyl group, or an aromatic group;

each R ₅ is, independently, a hydrogen atom or a Q to a C40 alkyl group;

each Ar is, independently, an aromatic group; and

each n is, independently, from 0 to 40.

[0038] Preferably, this invention also relates to the reaction product obtained by contacting a polymer comprising units derived from dicyclopentadiene and a vinyl terminated macromonomer in the presence of a metathesis catalyst.

[0039] The reactants (including the DCPD polymer) are typically combined in a reaction vessel at a temperature of 20°C to 200°C (preferably 50°C to 160°C, preferably 60°C to 140°C) and a pressure of 0 to 1000 MPa (preferably 0.5 to 500 MPa, preferably 1 to 250 MPa) for a residence time of 0.5 seconds to 10 hours (preferably 1 second to 5 hours, preferably 1 minute to 1 hour).

[0040] Typically, 0.00001 to 1.0 moles, preferably 0.0001 to 0.05 moles, preferably 0.0005 to 0.01 moles of catalyst are charged to the reactor per mole of DCPD polymer charged.

[0041] Typically, 0.01 to 10 moles of a vinyl monomer, VTM, or vinylene monomer, preferably 0.05 to 5.0 moles, preferably from 0.5 to 2.0 moles of vinyl monomer, VTM, or vinylene monomer are charged to the reactor per mole of DCPD polymer charged.

[0042] The process is typically a solution process, although it may be a bulk or high pressure process. Homogeneous processes are preferred. (A homogeneous process is defined to be a process where at least 90 wt% of the product is soluble in the reaction media.)

A bulk homogeneous process is particularly preferred. (A bulk process is defined to be a process where reactant concentration in all feeds to the reactor is 70 vol% or more.)

Alternately, no solvent or diluent is present or added in the reaction medium, (except for the small amounts used as the carrier for the catalyst or other additives, or amounts typically found with the reactants; e.g., propane in propylene). [0043] Suitable diluents/solvents for the process include non-coordinating, inert liquids. Examples include straight and branched-chain hydrocarbons, such as isobutane, butane, pentane, isopentane, hexanes, isohexane, heptane, octane, dodecane, and mixtures thereof; cyclic and alicyclic hydrocarbons, such as cyclohexane, cycloheptane, methylcyclohexane, methylcycloheptane, and mixtures thereof such as can be found commercially (Isopar™); perhalogenated hydrocarbons, such as perfluorinated C4 0 alkanes, chlorobenzene, and aromatic and alkyl-substituted aromatic compounds such as benzene, toluene, mesitylene, and xylene. Preferably, aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents are preferred, such as isobutane, butane, pentane, isopentane, hexanes, isohexane, heptane, octane, dodecane, and mixtures thereof; cyclic and alicyclic hydrocarbons, such as cyclohexane, cycloheptane, methylcyclohexane, methylcycloheptane, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the solvent is not aromatic, preferably aromatics are present in the solvent at less than 1 wt%, preferably at 0.5 wt%, preferably at 0 wt% based upon the weight of the solvents.

[0044] Preferably, the process is a slurry process. As used herein the term "slurry polymerization process" means a polymerization process where a supported catalyst is employed and monomers are polymerized on the supported catalyst particles. At least 95 wt% of polymer products derived from the supported catalyst are in granular form as solid particles (not dissolved in the diluent).

[0045] Preferably, the feed concentration for the process is 60 vol% solvent or less, preferably 40 vol% or less, preferably 20 vol% or less.

[0046] The process may be batch, semi-batch or continuous. As used herein, the term continuous means a system that operates without interruption or cessation. For example, a continuous process to produce a polymer would be one where the reactants are continually introduced into one or more reactors and polymer product is continually withdrawn.

[0047] Useful reaction vessels include reactors (including continuous stirred tank reactors, batch reactors, reactive extruder, pipe or pump).

[0048] Preferably, the productivity of the process is at least 200 g of DCPD polymer per mmol of catalyst per hour, preferably at least 5,000 g/mmol/hour, preferably at least 10,000 g/mmol/hr, preferably at least 300,000 g/mmol/hr.

[0049] This invention further relates to a process, preferably an in-line process, preferably a continuous process, to produce functionalized DCPD polymers, comprising introducing a DCPD into a reactor and heating the DCPD to polymerize it, obtaining a reactor effluent containing DCPD polymers, optionally removing (such as flashing off) solvent, unused monomer and/or other volatiles, obtaining DCPD polymers, introducing DCPD polymers, vinyl, vinylene or VTM monomer and a metathesis catalyst into a reaction zone (such as a reactor, an extruder, a pipe and/or a pump), obtaining a reactor effluent containing functionalized DCPD polymers, optionally removing (such as flashing off) solvent, unused monomer and/or other volatiles, (such as those described herein), and obtaining functionalized DCPD polymers (such as those described herein).

[0050] A "reaction zone" also referred to as a "polymerization zone" is defined as an area where activated catalysts and monomers are contacted and a polymerization reaction takes place. When multiple reactors are used in either series or parallel configuration, each reactor is considered as a separate polymerization zone. For a multi-stage polymerization in both a batch reactor and a continuous reactor, each polymerization stage is considered as a separate polymerization zone.

[0051] A "vinyl terminated macromonomer," as used herein, refers to one or more of compounds as first described in US 2009/0318644, and also in US 8,399,724, which may have the following characteristics:

(i) a vinyl terminated polymer having at least 5% allyl chain ends (preferably 15%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 98%, or 99%);

(ii) a vinyl terminated polymer having an Mn of at least 160 g/mol, preferably at least 200 g/mol (measured by ^l R NMR) comprising of one or more C ₄ to C ₄ Q higher olefin derived units, where the higher olefin polymer comprises substantially no propylene derived units; and wherein the higher olefin polymer has at least 5% allyl chain ends;

(iii) a copolymer having an Mn of 300 g/mol or more (measured by !fi NMR) comprising (a) from 20 mol% to 99.9 mol% of at least one C5 to C ₄ Q higher olefin, and (b) from 0.1 mol% to 80 mol% of propylene, wherein the higher olefin copolymer has at least 40% allyl chain ends;

(iv) a copolymer having an Mn of 300 g/mol or more (measured by NMR), and comprises (a) from 80 mol% to 99.9 mol% of at least one C ₄ olefin, (b) from 0.1 mol% to 20 mol% of propylene; and wherein the vinyl terminated macromonomer has at least 40% allyl chain ends relative to total unsaturation;

(v) a co-oligomer having an Mn of 300 g/mol to 30,000 g/mol (measured by NMR) comprising 10 mol% to 90 mol% propylene and 10 mol% to 90 mol% of ethylene, wherein the oligomer has at least X% allyl chain ends (relative to total unsaturations), where: 1) X = (-0.94*(mol% ethylene incorporated) + 100), when 10 mol% to 60 mol% ethylene is present in the co-oligomer, 2) X = 45, when greater than 60 mol% and less than 70 mol% ethylene is present in the co-oligomer, and 3) X = (1.83* (mol% ethylene incorporated) -83), when 70 mol% to 90 mol% ethylene is present in the co-oligomer;

(vi) a propylene oligomer, comprising more than 90 mol% propylene and less than 10 mol% ethylene wherein the oligomer has: at least 93% allyl chain ends, a number average molecular weight (Mn) of 500 g/mol to 20,000 g/mol, an isobutyl chain end to allylic vinyl group ratio of 0.8: 1 to 1.35: 1.0, less than 100 ppm aluminum, and/or less than 250 regio defects per 10,000 monomer units;

(vii) a propylene oligomer, comprising: at least 50 mol% propylene and from 10 mol% to 50 mol% ethylene, wherein the oligomer has: at least 90% allyl chain ends, an Mn of 150 g/mol to 20,000 g/mol, preferably 10,000 g/mol, and an isobutyl chain end to allylic vinyl group ratio of 0.8: 1 to 1.2: 1.0, wherein monomers having four or more carbon atoms are present at from 0 mol% to 3 mol%;

(viii) a propylene oligomer, comprising: at least 50 mol% propylene, from 0.1 mol% to 45 mol% ethylene, and from 0.1 mol% to 5 mol% C ₄ to olefin, wherein the oligomer has: at least 90% allyl chain ends, an Mn of 150 g/mol to 10,000 g/mol, and an isobutyl chain end to allylic vinyl group ratio of 0.8: 1 to 1.35: 1.0;

(ix) a propylene oligomer, comprising: at least 50 mol% propylene, from 0.1 mol% to 45 mol% ethylene, and from 0.1 mol% to 5 mol% diene, wherein the oligomer has: at least 90% allyl chain ends, an Mn of 150 g/mol to 10,000 g/mol, and an isobutyl chain end to allylic vinyl group ratio of 0.7: 1 to 1.35: 1.0;

(x) a homo-oligomer, comprising propylene, wherein the oligomer has: at least 93% allyl chain ends, an Mn of 500 g/mol to 70,000 g/mol, alternately to 20,000 g/mol, an isobutyl chain end to allylic vinyl group ratio of 0.8: 1 to 1.2: 1.0, and less than 1400 ppm aluminum;

(xi) vinyl terminated polyethylene having: (a) at least 60% allyl chain ends; (b) a molecular weight distribution of less than or equal to 4.0; (c) a g'( _v i _s ) of greater than 0.95; and (d) an Mn ( ^l R NMR) of at least 20,000 g/mol; and

(xii) vinyl terminated polyethylene having: (a) at least 50% allyl chain ends; (b) a molecular weight distribution of less than or equal to 4.0; (c) a g'( _v i _s ) of 0.95 or less; (d) an Mn (!H NMR) of at least 7,000 g/mol; and (e) a Mn (GPC)/Mn ( ^l R NMR) in the range of from 0.8 to 1.2.

[0052] It is understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that when the VTM's, as described here, are reacted with another material the "vinyl" (e.g. the allyl chain end) is involved in the reaction and has been transformed. Thus, the language used herein describing that a fragment of the final product (typically referred to as PO in the formulae herein) is the residual portion of a vinyl terminated macromonomer (VTM) having had a terminal unsaturated carbon of an allylic chain and a vinyl carbon adjacent to the terminal unsaturated carbon, is meant to refer to the fact that the VTM has been incorporated in the product. Similarly stating that a product or material comprises a VTM means that the reacted form of the VTM is present, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise (such as a mixture of ingredients that do not have a catalytic agent present.)

[0053] Desirably, the vinyl terminated macromonomer has an Mn of at least 200 g/mol, (e.g., 200 g/mol to 100,000 g/mol, e.g., 200 g/mol to 75,000 g/mol, e.g., 200 g/mol to 60,000 g/mol, e.g., 300 g/mol to 60,000 g/mol, or e.g., 750 g/mol to 30,000 g/mol) (measured by ^l R NMR) and comprises one or more (e.g., two or more, three or more, four or more, and the like) C ₄ to C ₄ o (e.g., C ₄ to C30, C ₄ to C20, or C ₄ to C^, e-g-, butene, pentene, hexene, heptene, octene, nonene, decene, undecene, dodecene, norbornene, norbornadiene, dicyclopentadiene, cyclopentene, cycloheptene, cyclooctene, cyclooctadiene, cyclododecene, 7-oxanorbornene, 7-oxanorbornadiene, substituted derivatives thereof, and isomers thereof) olefin derived units, where the vinyl terminated macromonomer comprises substantially no propylene derived units (e.g., less than 0.1 wt% propylene, e.g., 0 wt%); and wherein the vinyl terminated macromonomer has at least 5% (at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%; at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95%) allyl chain ends (relative to total unsaturation); and optionally, an allyl chain end to vinylidene chain end ratio of 1 : 1 or greater (e.g., greater than 2: 1, greater than 2.5: 1, greater than 3: 1, greater than 5: 1, or greater than 10: 1); and even further optionally, e.g., substantially no isobutyl chain ends (e.g., less than 0.1 wt% isobutyl chain ends). Desirably, the vinyl terminated macromonomers may also comprise ethylene derived units, e.g., at least 5 mol% ethylene (e.g., at least 15 mol% ethylene, e.g., at least 25 mol% ethylene, e.g., at least 35 mol% ethylene, e.g., at least 45 mol% ethylene, e.g., at least 60 mol% ethylene, e.g., at least 75 mol% ethylene, or e.g., at least 90 mol% ethylene). Such vinyl terminated macromonomers are further described in U.S. Patent No. 8,426,659.

[0054] Desirably, the vinyl terminated macromonomers may have an Mn (measured by ^l K NMR) of greater than 200 g/mol (e.g., 300 g/mol to 60,000 g/mol, 400 g/mol to 50,000 g/mol, 500 g/mol to 35,000 g/mol, 300 g/mol to 15,000 g/mol, 400 g/mol to 12,000 g/mol, or 750 g/mol to 10,000 g/mol), and comprise: (a) from 20 mol% to 99.9 mol% (e.g., from 25 mol% to 90 mol%, from 30 mol% to 85 mol%, from 35 mol% to 80 mol%, from 40 mol% to 75 mol%, or from 50 mol% to 95 mol%) of at least one C ₅ to C40 (e.g., to C20) higher olefin;

(b) from 0.1 mol% to 80 mol% (e.g., from 5 mol% to 70 mol%, from 10 mol% to 65 mol%, from 15 mol% to 55 mol%, from 25 mol% to 50 mol%, or from 30 mol% to 80 mol%) of propylene; and

wherein the vinyl terminated macromonomer has at least 40% allyl chain ends (e.g., at least 50% allyl chain ends, at least 60% allyl chain ends, at least 70% allyl chain ends, or at least 80% allyl chain ends, at least 90% allyl chain ends, at least 95% allyl chain ends) relative to total unsaturation; and, optionally, an isobutyl chain end to allyl chain end ratio of less than 0.70: 1, less than 0.65: 1, less than 0.60: 1, less than 0.50: 1, or less than 0.25: 1; and further optionally, an allyl chain end to vinylidene chain end ratio of greater than 2: 1 (e.g., greater than 2.5: 1, greater than 3: 1, greater than 5: 1, or greater than 10: 1); and even further optionally, an allyl chain end to vinylene ratio is greater than 1 : 1 (e.g., greater than 2: 1 or greater than 5: 1). Such macromonomers are further described in US 8,399,724.

Vinyl and Vinylene Monomers

[0055] Vinyl and vinylene monomers useful herein include those represented by the formula:

wherein

each X is, independently,-C02R, -CONR R2, CN, a Cj to a C20 alkyl group, preferably methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tetradecyl, hexadecyl, or octadecyl;

R is a to a C20 alkyl group or an aromatic group, preferably methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tetradecyl, hexadecyl, or octadecyl;

each R ₁ and R2 is, independently, a hydrogen, a C _j to a C20 alkyl group, or an aromatic group, preferably methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tetradecyl, hexadecyl, octadecyl, phenyl, benzyl;

each R ₅ is, independently, a hydrogen atom or a to a C _4Q alkyl group, preferably methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tetradecyl, hexadecyl, or octadecyl;

each Ar is, independently, an aromatic group, preferably phenyl or benzyl; and

each n is, independently, from 0 to 40, preferably 1 to 30, preferably 5 to 20.

[0056] Preferably, the monomer can a vinyl terminated macromonomer (VTM) as described herein.

Alkene Metathesis Catalysts

[0057] An alkene metathesis catalyst is a compound that catalyzes the reaction between a first olefin (typically vinyl) with a second olefin (typically vinyl or vinylene) to produce a product, typically with the elimination of ethylene.

[0058] Preferably, the alkene metathesis catalyst useful herein is represented by the Formula (I):

where:

M is a Group 8 metal, preferably Ru or Os, preferably Ru;

X and X ¹ are, independently, any anionic ligand, preferably a halogen (preferably chlorine), an alkoxide or a triflate, or X and X ¹ may be joined to form a dianionic group and may form single ring of up to 30 non-hydrogen atoms or a multinuclear ring system of up to 30 non-hydrogen atoms;

L and L ¹ are, independently, a neutral two electron donor, preferably a phosphine or a N- heterocyclic carbene, L and L ¹ may be joined to form a single ring of up to 30 non- hydrogen atoms or a multinuclear ring system of up to 30 non-hydrogen atoms;

L and X may be joined to form a multidentate monoanionic group and may form single ring of up to 30 non-hydrogen atoms or a multinuclear ring system of up to 30 non- hydrogen atoms;

L ¹ and X ¹ may be joined to form a multidentate monoanionic group and may form single ring of up to 30 non-hydrogen atoms or a multinuclear ring system of up to 30 non- hydrogen atoms;

R and R ¹ are, independently, hydrogen or Q to C30 substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbyl

(preferably a to C30 substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or a substituted or unsubstituted C ₄ to C30 aryl);

R ¹ and L ¹ or X ¹ may be joined to form single ring of up to 30 non-hydrogen atoms or a multinuclear ring system of up to 30 non-hydrogen atoms; and

R and L or X may be joined to form single ring of up to 30 non-hydrogen atoms or a multinuclear ring system of up to 30 non-hydrogen atoms.

[0059] Preferred alkoxides include those where the alkyl group is a phenol, substituted phenol (where the phenol may be substituted with up to 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 to hydrocarbyl groups) or a to C^o hydrocarbyl, preferably a Q to alkyl group, preferably methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, or phenyl.

[0060] Preferred inflates are represented by the Formula (II):

O Formula (II)

where R ² is hydrogen or a Q to C30 hydrocarbyl group, preferably a to alkyl group, preferably methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, or phenyl.

[0061] Preferred N-heterocyclic carbenes are represented by the Formula (III) or the Formula (IV):

Formula (III) or Formula (IV) each R ⁴ is independently a hydrocarbyl group or substituted hydrocarbyl group having 1 to 40 carbon atoms, preferably methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl (including isobutyl and n-butyl), pentyl, cyclopentyl, hexyl, cyclohexyl, octyl, cyclooctyl, nonyl, decyl, cyclodecyl, dodecyl, cyclododecyl, mesityl, adamantyl, phenyl, benzyl, tolulyl, chlorophenyl, phenol, substituted phenol, or CH ₂ C(CH ₃ ) ₃ ; and

each R ⁵ is hydrogen, a halogen, or a Q to hydrocarbyl group, preferably hydrogen, bromine, chlorine, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, or phenyl.

[0062] Desirably, one of the N groups bound to the carbene in formula (III) or (IV) may be replaced with an S, O, or P atom, preferably an S atom.

[0063] Other useful N-heterocyclic carbenes include the compounds described in Hermann, W. A. Chem. Eur. J., 1996, 2, pp. 772 and 1627; Enders, D. et al. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 1995, 34, p. 1021 ; Alder R. W., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 1996, 35, p. 1121; and Bertrand, G. et al, Chem. Rev., 2000, 100, p. 39.

[0064] Preferably, the alkene metathesis catalyst is one or more of tricyclohexylphosphine[ 1,3 -bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene] [3 -phenyl- 1H- inden- 1 -ylidene]ruthenium(II) dichloride, tricyclohexylphosphine[3 -phenyl- lH-inden- 1 - ylidene][l,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-4,5-dihydro-imidazol -2-ylidene]ruthenium(II) dichloride, tricyclohexylphosphine[l,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-4,5-di hydroimidazol-2- ylidene] [(phenylthio)methylene]ruthenium(II) dichloride, bis(tricyclohexylphosphine)-3 - phenyl- lH-inden-l-ylideneruthenium(II) dichloride, l,3-Bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-4,5- dihydroimidazol-2-ylidene[2-(i-propoxy)-5-(N,N- dimethylaminosulfonyl)phenyl]methyleneruthenium(II) dichloride, and [1,3-Bis(2,4,6- trimethylphenyl)-2-imidazolidinylidene]-[2-[[(4-methylphenyl )imino]methyl]-4- nitrophenolyl]-[3-phenyl-lH-inden-l-ylidene]ruthenium(II) chloride. Preferably, the catalyst is l,3-Bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-4,5-dihydroimidazol-2-ylidene [2-(i-propoxy)-5-(N,N- dimethy laminosulfony l)pheny 1] methyleneruthenium(II) dichloride and/or

Tricyclohexylphosphine[3-phenyl-lH-inden-l-ylidene][l,3-b is(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-4,5- dihydroimidazol-2-ylidene]ruthenium(II) dichloride.

[0065] Preferably, the alkene metathesis catalyst is represented by Formula (I) above, where: M is Os or Ru; R ¹ is hydrogen; X and X ¹ may be different or the same and are any anionic ligand; L and L ¹ may be different or the same and are any neutral electron donor; and R may be hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, or substituted or unsubstituted aryl. R is preferably hydrogen, Q to C20 alkyl, or aryl. The C^ to C20 alkyl may optionally be substituted with one or more aryl, halide, hydroxy, Q to C20 alkoxy, or C2 to C20 alkoxycarbonyl groups. The aryl may optionally be substituted with one or more C^ to C20 alkyl, aryl, hydroxyl, Ci to C5 alkoxy, amino, nitro, or halide groups. L and L ¹ are preferably phosphines of the formula PR ³ ' R ⁴ ' R ⁵ ', where R ³ ' is a secondary alkyl or cycloalkyl, and R ⁴ ' and R ⁵ ' are aryl, to primary alkyl, secondary alkyl, or cycloalkyl. R ⁴ ' and R ⁵ ' may be the same or different. L and L ¹ are preferably the same and are - P(cyclohexyl)3, -P (cyclopentyl)3, or -P(isopropyl)3. X and X ¹ are most preferably the same and are chlorine.

[0066] Preferably of the present invention, the ruthenium and osmium carbene compounds have the Formula (V):

_R 10

X

c

X ¹

L ¹

Formula (V)

where M is Os or Ru, preferably Ru; X, X ^l , L, and L ¹ are as described above; and R ⁹ and R ¹⁰ may be different or the same and may be hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, or substituted or unsubstituted aryl. The R ⁹ and R ¹⁰ groups may optionally include one or more of the following functional groups: alcohol, thiol, ketone, aldehyde, ester, ether, amine, imine, amide, nitro, carboxylic acid, disulfide, carbonate, isocyanate, carbodiimide, carboalkoxy, and halogen groups. Such compounds and their synthesis are described in U.S. Patent No. 6, 11 1, 121.

[0067] Preferably, the alkene metathesis catalyst useful herein may be any of the catalysts described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6, 1 11,121 ; 5,312,940; 5,342,909; 7,329,758; 5,831, 108; 5,969, 170; 6,759,537; 6,921,735; and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005-0261451 Al, including, but not limited to, benzylidene-bis(tricyclohexylphosphine)dichlororuthenium, benzy lidene [1,3- bis (2 ,4, 6-trimethy lpheny l)-2 - imidazolidinylidene]dichloro(tricyclohexylphosphine)rutheniu m, dichloro(o- isopropoxyphenylmethylene)(tricyclohexylphosphine)ruthenium( II), (l,3-Bis-(2,4,6- trimethylphenyl)-2-imidazolidinylidene)dichloro(o-isopropoxy phenylmethylene)ruthenium, l,3-Bis(2-methylphenyl)-2-imidazolidinylidene]dichloro(2-iso propoxyphenylmethylene) ruthenium(II), [l,3-Bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-2-imidazolidinylidene]dichlo ro[3-(2- pyridinyl)propylidene]ruthenium(II), [l,3-Bis(2-methylphenyl)-2- imidazolidinylidene]dichloro(phenylmethylene) (tricyclohexylphosphine)ruthenium(II), [1,3- Bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-2-imidazolidinylidene]dichloro(3- methyl-2-butenylidene) (tricyclohexylphosphine)ruthenium(II), and [ 1 ,3 -Bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-2- imidazolidinylidene]dichloro(benzylidene)bis(3-bromopyridine )ruthenium(II).

[0068] Preferably, the alkene metathesis catalyst is represented by the formula:

where:

M* is a Group 8 metal, preferably Ru or Os, preferably Ru;

X* and X ¹ * are, independently, any anionic ligand, preferably a halogen (preferably ), an alkoxide or an alkyl sulfonate, or X and X ¹ may be joined to form a dianionic group and may form single ring of up to 30 non-hydrogen atoms or a multinuclear ring system of up to 30 non-hydrogen atoms;

L* is N, O, P, or S, preferably N or O;

R* is hydrogen or a Ci to C30 hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl, preferably methyl; R ¹ *, R ² *, R ³ *, R ⁴ *, R ⁵ *, R ⁶ *, R ⁷ *, and R ⁸ * are, independently, hydrogen or a C _{ to C ₃₀ hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl, preferably methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl, preferably R ¹ *, R ² *, R ³ *, and R ⁴ * are methyl;

each R ⁹ * and R ¹³ * are, independently, hydrogen or a to C30 hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl, preferably a C2 to hydrocarbyl, preferably ethyl;

R ¹⁰ *, R ^{1 1} *, R ¹² * are, independently hydrogen or a Q to C30 hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl, preferably hydrogen or methyl;

each G, is, independently, hydrogen, halogen or to C30 substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbyl (preferably a to C30 substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or a substituted or unsubstituted C ₄ to C30 aryl);

where any two adjacent R groups may form a single ring of up to 8 non-hydrogen atoms or a multinuclear ring system of up to 30 non-hydrogen atoms.

[0069] Preferably, any two adjacent R groups may form a fused ring having from 5 to 8 non hydrogen atoms. Preferably the non-hydrogen atoms are C and/or O. Preferably the adjacent R groups form fused rings of 5 to 6 ring atoms, preferably 5 to 6 carbon atoms. By adjacent is meant any two R groups located next to each other, for example R ³ * and R ⁴ * can form a ring and/or R ^{1 1} * and R ¹² * can form a ring.

[0070] Preferably, the metathesis catalyst compound comprises one or more of: 2-(2,6- diethylphenyl)-3,5,5,5-tetramethylpyrrolidine[2-(i-propoxy)- 5-( ,N- dimethylaminosulfonyl)phenyl]methylene ruthenium dichloride; 2-(mesityl)-3, 3,5,5- tetramethylpyrrolidine[2-(i-propoxy)-5-(N,N-dimethylaminosul fonyl)phenyl]methylene ruthenium dichloride; 2-(2-isopropyl)-3,3,5,5-tetramethylpyrrolidine[2-(i-propoxy) -5-(N,N- dimethylaminosulfonyl)phenyl]methylene ruthenium dichloride; 2-(2,6-diethyl-4- fluorophenyl)-3,3,5,5-tetramethylpyrrolidine[2-(i-propoxy)-5 -( ,N- dimethylaminosulfonyl)phenyl]methylene ruthenium dichloride, or mixtures thereof.

[0071] For further information on such alkene metathesis catalysts, please see U.S. Patent No. 8,063,232.

[0072] The above named catalysts are generally available for Sigma-Aldrich Corp. (St. Louis, MO) or Strem Chemicals, Inc. (Newburyport, MA).

[0073] Preferably of the present invention, the invention relates to a metathesis catalyst comprising: a Group 8 metal complex represented by the formula (H):

wherein

M" is a Group 8 metal (preferably M is ruthenium or osmium, preferably ruthenium);

each X" is independently an anionic ligand (preferably selected from the group consisting of halides, alkoxides, aryloxides, and alkyl sulfonates, preferably a halide, preferably chloride); R" ¹ and R" ² are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a Ci to C30 hydrocarbyl, and a C _[ to C30 substituted hydrocarbyl (preferably R" ¹ and R" ² are independently selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, tert-butyl, sec-butyl, pentyl, cyclopentyl, hexyl, cyclohexyl, heptyl, octyl, cyclooctyl, and substituted analogs and isomers thereof, preferably selected from the group consisting of tert- butyl, sec -butyl, cyclohexyl, and cyclooctyl);

R" ³ and R" ⁴ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, Ci to C^ hydrocarbyl groups, substituted to hydrocarbyl groups, and halides (preferably R" ³ and R" ⁴ are independently selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, tert-butyl, sec -butyl, pentyl, cyclopentyl, hexyl, cyclohexyl, heptyl, octyl, cyclooctyl, and substituted analogs and isomers thereof, preferably selected from the group consisting of tert-butyl, sec -butyl, cyclohexyl, and cyclooctyl); and

L" is a neutral donor ligand, preferably L" is selected from the group consisting of a phosphine, a sulfonated phosphine, a phosphite, a phosphinite, a phosphonite, an arsine, a stibine, an ether, an amine, an imine, a sulfoxide, a carboxyl, a nitrosyl, a pyridine, a thioester, a cyclic carbene, and substituted analogs thereof; preferably a phosphine, a sulfonated phosphine, an N-heterocyclic carbene, a cyclic alkyl amino carbene, and substituted analogs thereof (preferably L" is selected from a phosphine, an N-heterocyclic carbene, a cyclic alkyl amino carbene, and substituted analogs thereof).

[0074] A "cyclic carbene" may be defined as a cyclic compound with a neutral dicoordinate carbon center featuring a lone pair of electrons. Such cyclic carbenes may be represented by the formula (IV) below:

(iv)

where

n is a linking group comprising from one to four ring vertices selected from the group consisting of C, Si, N, P, O, and S, with available valences optionally occupied by H, oxo, hydrocarbyl, or substituted hydrocarbyl groups; preferably, n comprises two ring vertices of carbon with available valences occupied by H, oxo, hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl groups; preferably n is C2H2, C2H4, or substituted versions thereof;

each E is independently selected from the group comprising C, N, S, O, and P, with available valences optionally occupied by Lx, Ly, Lz, and Lz'; preferably, at least one E is a C; preferably, one E is a C and the other E is a N; preferably, both E's are C; and

Lx, Ly, Lz, and Lz' are independently selected from the group comprising hydrogen, hydrocarbyl groups, and substituted hydrocarbyl groups; preferably, Lx, Ly, Lz, and Lz' are independently selected from the group comprising a hydrocarbyl group and substituted hydrocarbyl group having 1 to 40 carbon atoms; preferably, Lx, Ly, Lz, and Lz' are independently selected from the group comprising C^Q alkyl, substituted C^Q alkyl, C2 0 alkenyl, substituted C2 0 alkenyl, C2 0 alkynyl, substituted C2 0 alkynyl, aryl, and substituted aryl; preferably, Lx, Ly, Lz, and Lz' are independently selected from the group comprising methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl (including isobutyl and n-butyl), pentyl, cyclopentyl, hexyl, cyclohexyl, octyl, cyclooctyl, nonyl, decyl, cyclodecyl, dodecyl, cyclododecyl, mesityl, adamantyl, phenyl, benzyl, tolulyl, chlorophenyl, 2,6-diethylphenyl, 2,6- diisopropylphenyl, 2-isopropylphenyl, 2-ethyl-6-methylphenyl, 3,5-ditertbutylphenyl, 2- tertbutylphenyl, and 2,3,4,5,6-pentamethylphenyl. Useful substituents include C^ _Q alkyl, C2.10 alkenyl, C2.10 alkynyl, aryl, C^Q alkoxy, C2.10 alkenyloxy, C2.10 alkynyloxy, aryloxy, C2.10 alkoxycarbonyl, C^ _Q alkylthio, C^ _Q alkylsulfonyl, fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, oxo, amino, imine, nitrogen heterocycle, hydroxy, thiol, thiono, phosphorous, and carbene groups. Other useful cyclic carbenes are described in "FU CTIONALIZED

RESINS OBTAINED VIA OLEFIN METATHESIS", U.S. S.N. , filed the same day as the current case.

[0075] Preferably, the Group 8 metal complex is selected from:

[(HP(tert-butyl)2)2Ru(C ₅ H ₈ )Cl2],

[(H ₂ P(tert-butyl))2Ru(C ₅ H ₈ )Cl2],

[(HP(cyclohexyl)2)2Ru(C ₅ H ₈ )Cl2],

[(H ₂ P(cyclohexyl))2Ru(C ₅ H ₈ )Cl2],

[(HP(cyclopentyl)2)2Ru(C ₅ H ₈ )Cl2],

[(H ₂ P(cyclopentyl))2Ru(C ₅ H ₈ )Cl2],

[(HP(n-butyl) ₂ ) ₂ Ru(C ₅ H ₈ )Cl2],

[(H ₂ P(n-butyl))2Ru(C ₅ H ₈ )Cl2],

[(HP(sec-butyl)2)2Ru(C ₅ H ₈ )Cl2],

[(H ₂ P(sec-butyl))2Ru(C ₅ H ₈ )Cl2], and

fluoride and bromide derivatives thereof (preferably, wherein the (¾ in the above list is replaced with F2, Br2, C1F, ClBr, or FBr). The catalysts may be supported such as by silica and other common supports as is well known in the art.

DCPD Polymers

[0076] Preferred cyclopentadiene-based hydrocarbon resins for use as DCPD polymers in the invention include thermally polymerized hydrocarbon tackifier resin which is a copolymer of a feedstock comprising a mixture of a vinyl aromatic stream containing styrene, alkyl substituted derivatives of styrene (such as alpha-methyl styrene), indene and alkyl substituted derivatives of indene; a cyclodiene stream comprising monomers, dimers and codimers of cyclopentadiene and alkyl substituted derivatives of cyclopentadiene; and optionally a C4-C5 acyclic diene stream.

[0077] In particular, the present invention can utilize a thermally polymerized, hydrocarbon tackifier resin which is a copolymer of a feedstock which comprises 100 parts of a vinyl aromatic stream containing styrene and indene and alkyl substituted derivatives thereof; 10 to 1000 parts of a cyclodiene stream comprising monomers, dimers and codimers of cyclopentadiene and alkyl substituted derivatives of cyclopentadiene; and optionally 0 to 100 parts of a C4-C5 acyclic diene stream.

[0078] A typical vinyl aromatic stream used to produce resins useful in the present invention has a composition of 7 wt% styrene, 30 wt% alkyl substituted derivatives of styrene, 13 wt% indene, 9 wt% alkyl substituted derivatives of indene, and 41 wt% non- reactive aromatic components. The vinyl aromatic stream is obtained by steam cracking petroleum refinery streams and separating the fraction boiling in the range of 135°C to 220°C by fractional distillation.

[0079] A useful cyclodiene stream to make resins useful in the present invention comprises monomers, dimers and codimers of cyclopentadiene, and alkyl substituted derivatives of cyclopentadiene. This component of the feedstock is obtained by steam cracking petroleum refinery streams, separating a C^-C^ fraction boiling in the range of 30°C to 80°C, heat soaking to dimerize and codimerize the cyclopentadiene and alkyl substituted cyclopentadienes and distilling to remove unreacted C5-C6 components.

[0080] Two components of the feedstock, the vinyl aromatic stream and the cyclodiene stream, are combined in a mixture having 100 parts vinyl aromatic components and 10 to 1000 parts cyclodiene component. A preferred mixture of vinyl aromatic and cyclodiene components is 100 parts vinyl aromatic component to 50-80 parts cyclodiene component, preferably 60-70 parts, preferably 66 parts. The feed mixture may also include a non-reactive polymerization diluent, such as toluene. The feed mixture may optionally contain up to 100 parts of an acyclic diene component. The resin feedstock mixture may be thermally polymerized at a temperature between 160°C and 320°C, preferably from 250°C to 290°C, for a period of 10 to 500 minutes, preferably 60-180 minutes. The resin solution that results from the thermal polymerization is stripped of solvent and unreacted monomers by heating to a temperature of from 150°C to 300°C, with or without the injection of steam. The resultant resin typically exhibits the following properties: softening point from 80°C to 200°C, weight average molecular weight (Mw) by GPC from 300-1000, number average molecular weight (Mn) from 100-500, and dark color.

[0081] The resin, or final product, is then typically hydrogenated to a level where the resultant resin contains 1% to 20% aromatic hydrogens as measured by ^H-NMR. Hydrogenation may be by any means known in the art, such as is shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,820,749, and in European Patent Nos. EP 0 516 733 and EP 0 046 634. Following hydrogenation, the resin can be stripped to softening points ranging from 70°C to 200°C, preferably 70°C to 130°C. The resultant hydrogenated resins preferably exhibit the following properties: weight average molecular weight (Mw) by GPC from 300-1000 g/mol, number average molecular weight (Mn) from 100-500 g/mol, a Mw/Mn ratio of 2, and a Saybolt color of 23 -30.

[0082] The presence of the olefinic diluent allows the hydrogenation reactor to achieve a desirable rapid increase in temperature early in the hydrogenation run. The rapid increase in temperature results from the rapid exothermic hydrogenation reaction of converting the olefinic diluent to a paraffin. The amount of olefinic diluent used should be such that the exothermic reaction increases the hydrogenation reactor temperature by 40°C to 140°C. Preferably, the temperature increase should be in the range of 80°C to 110°C. The desired peak temperature in the hydrogenation reactor should be in the range of 280°C to 320°C when the olefinic diluent is used in a hydrogenation reactor having an inlet temperature ranging from 180°C to -240°C. The olefinic diluent may be any olefin, preferably a mono- olefin, having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably 5 to 12 carbon atoms. The solvent diluent may be any saturated hydrocarbon solvent, preferably aliphatic or cycloaliphatic in nature. The solution that results from the hydrogenation process is stripped of solvent and oligomeric material by heating to temperatures of from 150°C to 350°C, with or without the injection of steam.

[0083] Metathesis products prepared herein can further be hydrogenated after completion or during reaction conditions.

[0084] The hydrogenation may be achieved in the presence of any of the known catalysts commonly used for hydrogenating petroleum resins. The catalysts which may be used in the hydrogenation step include the Group 10 metals such as nickel, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, cobalt and platinum, the Group 6 metals such as tungsten, chromium and molybdenum, and the Group 1 1 metals such as rhenium, manganese and copper. These metals may be used singularly or in a combination of two or more metals, in the metallic form or in an activated form, and may be used directly or carried on a solid support such as alumina or silica-alumina. A preferred catalyst is one comprising sulfided nickel-tungsten on a gamma-alumina support having a fresh catalyst surface area ranging from 120 to 300 m 2/g and containing from 2% to 10% by weight nickel and from 10% to 25% by weight tungsten as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,629,766. The hydrogenation is carried out with a hydrogen pressure of 20-300 atmospheres, preferably 150-250 atmospheres.

[0085] Examples of hydrocarbon resins useful in this invention include Escorez® 8000 series resins sold by ExxonMobil Chemical Company in Baton Rouge, La. Further examples of hydrocarbon resins useful in this invention include Arkon® series resins sold by Arakawa Europe in Germany. Yet more examples of hydrocarbon resins useful in this invention include the Eastotac® series of resins sold by Eastman Chemical Company in Longview, Tex.

[0086] Preferably, the dicyclopentadiene monomer and/or the DCPD polymer used herein preferably has a low sulfur content. For example the DCPD may have less than 300 ppm sulfur, preferably less than 250 ppm sulfur, preferably less than 100 ppm sulfur, preferably less than 50 ppm sulfur, preferably less than 40 ppm sulfur, preferably less than 30 ppm sulfur, preferably less than 20 ppm sulfur.

[0087] Preferably, the DCPD monomer that is used to make the DCPD polymer used herein comprises less than 300 ppm sulfur, preferably less than 250 ppm sulfur, preferably less than 100 ppm sulfur, preferably less than 50 ppm sulfur, preferably less than 40 ppm sulfur, preferably less than 30 ppm sulfur, preferably less than 20 ppm sulfur.

Hot Melt Adhesives

[0088] Preferably, the compositions of this invention can be used in a hot melt adhesive composition. Hot melt adhesives exist as a solid at ambient temperature and can be converted into a tacky liquid by the application of heat. Hot melt adhesives are typically applied to a substrate in molten form.

[0089] The adhesive composition includes the inventive polymer described herein. The polymer may be functionalized with maleic acid or maleic anhydride. Additional components may be combined with the polymers or formulations of the polymers to form the adhesive composition.

[0090] In one aspect, the adhesive composition can include one or more tackifiers. The tackifiers can include aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resin, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes and modified terpenes, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin acids, hydrogenated rosin esters, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof, for example. The adhesive composition may include from 0 to 90 percent by weight of the one or more tackifiers. More preferably, the adhesive composition includes 5 to 60 percent by weight of the one or more tackifiers, preferably 10 to 40 percent by weight, preferably 10 to 20 percent by weight.

[0091] In another aspect, the adhesive composition can include one or more waxes, such as polar waxes, non-polar waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, oxidized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, hydroxystearamide waxes, functionalized waxes, polypropylene waxes, polyethylene waxes, wax modifiers, and combinations thereof, for example. The adhesive composition may include from 0 to 75 percent by weight the one or more waxes. More preferably, the adhesive composition includes 1 to 15 percent by weight of the one or more waxes.

[0092] In yet another aspect, the adhesive composition can include 60 percent by weight or less, 30 percent by weight or less, 20 percent by weight or less, 15 percent by weight or less, 10 percent by weight or less or 5 percent by weight or less of one or more additives. The one or more additives can include plasticizers, oils, stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, dyestuffs, antiblock additives, polymeric additives, defoamers, preservatives, thickeners, rheology modifiers, humectants, fillers, solvents, nucleating agents, surfactants, chelating agents, gelling agents, processing aids, cross-linking agents, neutralizing agents, flame retardants, fluorescing agents, compatibilizers, antimicrobial agents, and water, for example.

[0093] Exemplary oils may include aliphatic naphthenic oils, white oils, and combinations thereof, for example. The phthalates may include di-iso-undecyl phthalate (DIUP), di-iso-nonylphthalate (DINP), dioctylphthalates (DOP), combinations thereof, or derivatives thereof. Exemplary polymeric additives include homo poly-alpha-olefins, copolymers of alpha-olefins, copolymers and terpolymers of diolefins, elastomers, polyesters, block copolymers including diblocks and triblocks, ester polymers, alkyl acrylate polymers, and acrylate polymers. Exemplary plasticizers may include mineral oils, polybutenes, phthalates, and combinations thereof.

Blends of Functionalized Polyolefins

[0094] Desirably, the functionalized (and optionally derivitized) DCPD polymer produced by this invention may be blended with of one or more other polymers, including but not limited to, thermoplastic polymer(s) and/or elastomer(s). Typically the functionalized DCPD is present at from 0.1 wt% to 99 wt% (typically 1 wt% to 60 wt%, preferably 5 wt% to 40 wt%, and ideally 10 wt% to 45 wt%) based upon the weight of the blend and the other polymers are present at 99.9 wt% to 1 wt% (typically 99 wt% to 40 wt%, preferably 95 wt% to 60 wt%, preferably 90 wt% to 65 wt%).

[0095] By thermoplastic polymer(s) is meant a polymer that can be melted by heat and then cooled without appreciable change in properties. Thermoplastic polymers typically include, but are not limited to, polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters, polycarbonates, polysulfones, polyacetals, polylactones, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resins, polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene sulfide, styrene-acrylonitrile resins, styrene maleic anhydride, polyimides, aromatic polyketones, or mixtures of two or more of the above. Preferred polyolefins include, but are not limited to, polymers comprising one or more linear, branched or cyclic C2 to C40 olefins, preferably polymers comprising propylene copolymerized with one or more C3 to C40 olefins, preferably a C3 to C20 alpha-olefin, more preferably C3 to alpha-olefins. More preferred polyolefins include, but are not limited to, polymers comprising ethylene including but not limited to ethylene copolymerized with a C3 to C40 olefin, preferably a C3 to C20 alpha-olefin, more preferably propylene and/or butene.

[0096] By elastomers is meant all natural and synthetic rubbers, including those defined in ASTM D1566. Examples of preferred elastomers include, but are not limited to, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber, styrenic block copolymer rubbers (including SI, SIS, SB, SBS, SIBS, and the like, where S=styrene, I=isoprene, and B=butadiene), butyl rubber, halobutyl rubber, copolymers of isobutylene and para- alkylstyrene, halogenated copolymers of isobutylene and para-alkylstyrene, natural rubber, polyisoprene, copolymers of butadiene with acrylonitrile, polychloroprene, alkyl acrylate rubber, chlorinated isoprene rubber, acrylonitrile chlorinated isoprene rubber, polybutadiene rubber (both cis and trans).

[0097] Preferably, the functionalized (and optionally derivitized) polyolefins produced herein may further be combined with one or more of polybutene, ethylene vinyl acetate, low density polyethylene (density 0.915 to less than 0.935 g/cm ³ ) linear low density polyethylene, ultra low density polyethylene (density 0.86 to less than 0.90 g/cm ³ ), very low density polyethylene (density 0.90 to less than 0.915 g/cm ³ ), medium density polyethylene (density 0.935 to less than 0.945 g/cm ³ ), high density polyethylene (density 0.945 to 0.98 g/cm ³ ), ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene methyl acrylate, copolymers of acrylic acid, polymethylmethacrylate or any other polymers polymerizable by a high-pressure free radical process, polyvinylchloride, polybutene-1, isotactic polybutene, ABS resins, ethylene- propylene rubber (EPR), vulcanized EPR, EPDM, block copolymer, styrenic block copolymers, polyamides, polycarbonates, PET resins, crosslinked polyethylene, copolymers of ethylene and vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polymers of aromatic monomers such as polystyrene, poly-1 esters, polyacetal, polyvinylidine fluoride, polyethylene glycols and/or polyisobutylene. Preferred polymers include those available from ExxonMobil Chemical Company in Baytown, Texas under the tradenames EXCEED™ and EXACT™.

[0098] Tackifiers may be blended with the functionalized (and optionally derivitized) polyolefins produced herein and/or with blends of the functionalized (and optionally derivitized) polyolefins produced by this inventions (as described above). Examples of useful tackifiers include, but are not limited to, aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resin, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes and modified terpenes, and hydrogenated rosin esters. Preferably, the tackifier may be hydrogenated. Desirably the tackifier has a softening point (Ring and Ball, as measured by ASTM E-28) of 80°C to 140°C, preferably 100°C to 130°C. The tackifier, if present, is typically present at 1 wt% to 50 wt%, based upon the weight of the blend, more preferably 10 wt% to 40 wt%, even more preferably 20 wt% to 40 wt%.

[0099] Preferably, the functionalized (and optionally derivitized) polyolefins of this invention, and/or blends thereof, further comprise typical additives known in the art such as fillers, cavitating agents, antioxidants, surfactants, adjuvants, plasticizers, block, antiblock, color masterbatches, pigments, dyes, processing aids, UV stabilizers, neutralizers, lubricants, waxes, and/or nucleating agents. The additives may be present in the typically effective amounts well known in the art, such as 0.001 wt% to 10 wt%. Preferred fillers, cavitating agents and/or nucleating agents include titanium dioxide, calcium carbonate, barium sulfate, silica, silicon dioxide, carbon black, sand, glass beads, mineral aggregates, talc, clay and the like. Preferred antioxidants include phenolic antioxidants, such as Irganox 1010, Irganox, 1076 both available from Ciba-Geigy. Preferred oils include paraffinic or naphthenic oils such as Primol 352, or Primol 876 available from ExxonMobil Chemical France, S.A. in Paris, France. More preferred oils include aliphatic naphthenic oils, white oils, or the like.

[00100] Preferably, the functionalized (and optionally derivitized) polyolefins produced herein are combined with polymers (elastomeric and/or thermoplastic) having functional groups such as unsaturated molecules-vinyl bonds, ketones or aldehydes under conditions such that they react. Reaction may be confirmed by an at least 20% (preferably at least 50%, preferably at least 100%) increase in Mw as compared to the Mw of the functionalized polyolefin prior to reaction. Such reaction conditions may be increased heat (for example, above the Tm of the functionalized polyolefin), increased shear (such as from a reactive extruder), presence or absence of solvent. Conditions useful for reaction include temperatures from 150°C to 240°C and where the components can be added to a stream comprising polymer and other species via a side arm extruder, gravimetric feeder, or liquids pump. Useful polymers having functional groups that can be reacted with the functionalized polyolefins produced herein include polyesters, polyvinyl acetates, nylons (polyamides), polybutadiene, nitrile rubber, hydroxylated nitrile rubber. Preferably, the functionalized (and optionally derivitized) polyolefin of this invention may be blended with up to 99 wt% (preferably up to 25 wt%, preferably up to 20 wt%, preferably up to 15 wt%, preferably up to 10 wt%, preferably up to 5 wt%), based upon the weight of the composition, of one or more additional polymers. Suitable polymers include polyethylenes, polybutene-1 non-EP rubber elastomers, including (but not limited to) polyisobutylene, butyl rubber, halobutyl rubber, copolymers of isobutylene and para-alkylstyrene, halogenated copolymers of isobutylene and para-alkylstyrene, natural rubber, polyisoprene, copolymers of butadiene with acrylonitrile, polychloroprene, alkyl acrylate rubber, chlorinated isoprene rubber, acrylonitrile chlorinated isoprene rubber, and polybutadiene rubber (both cis and trans); low-crystallinity propylene/olefin copolymers, preferably random copolymers, such as Vistamaxx™ propylene based elastomers; olefin block copolymers, including those described in WO 2005/090425, WO 2005/090426, and WO 2005/090427; polyolefins that have been post-reactor functionalized with maleic anhydride (so-called maleated polyolefins); Styrenic Block Copolymers (SBCs); Engineering Thermoplastics, such as polycarbonates, polyamides, polyesters, etc.; and EP rubbers, including copolymers of ethylene and propylene, and optionally one or more diene monomer(s), where the ethylene content is from 35 mol% to 85 mol%, the total diene content is 0 mol% to 5 mol%, and the balance is propylene with a minimum propylene content of 15 mol%. Applications

[00101] The functionalized DCPD polymers of this invention (and blends thereof as described above) may be used in any known thermoplastic or elastomer application. Examples include uses in molded parts, films, tapes, sheets, tubing, hose, sheeting, wire and cable coating, adhesives, shoe soles, bumpers, gaskets, bellows, films, fibers, elastic fibers, nonwovens, spun bonds, corrosion protection coatings and sealants. The functionalized DCPD polymers of the invention can also be used as protective films, such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 7,323,239 and also as rosin tackifiers and as heat sealable films such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 4,921,749.

[00102] Preferably the functionalized DCPD polymers can be used as a compatibilizer for particulate materials, such as carbon black, silica, glass, etc. or other high surface tension materials when the material is being blended into another polymer (such as polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, butyl rubber, SBR, natural rubber, and other polymers named as PM1 to PM10 above).

EXPERIMENTAL

Product Characterization

[00103] Products were characterized by ^l R NMR and ¹³ C NMR as follows:

!H NMR

[00104] Unless otherwise stated, ^l R NMR data was collected at either 25°C or 120°C (for purposes of the claims, 120°C shall be used) in a 5 mm probe using a spectrometer with a ^l R frequency of at least 400 MHz. Data was recorded using a maximum pulse width of 45°, 8 seconds between pulses and signal averaging 32 transients.

1 ³ C NMR

[00105] Unless otherwise stated, ¹³ C NMR data was collected at 120°C using a spectrometer with a ¹³ C frequency of at least 100 MHz. A 90 degree pulse, an acquisition time adjusted to give a digital resolution between 0.1 and 0.12 Hz, at least a 10 second pulse acquisition delay time with continuous broadband proton decoupling using swept square wave modulation without gating was employed during the entire acquisition period. The spectra were acquired with time averaging to provide a signal to noise level adequate to measure the signals of interest. Samples were dissolved in tetrachloroethane-d2 (TCE) at concentrations between 10 to 40 wt% prior to being inserted into the spectrometer magnet.

[00106] Prior to data analysis spectra were referenced by setting the chemical shift of the TCE solvent signal to 74.39 ppm. Mass Spec Analysis of Products from Examples 1-8

[00107] Experiments were conducted on a twelve-tesla Bruker Apex Qe Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR) mass spectrometer (Bruker Daltonics Inc., Billerica, MA, USA). With the FTICR mass spectrometer, the mass to charge ratio of ions is accurately measured by obtaining the cyclotron frequency of the excited ions in the FTICR cell. The highest mass resolution of FT-ICR is one million to provide accurate mass measurements, and high mass accuracy can be obtained with an error of less than 1 ppm.

[00108] Atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI) was used on FTICR to efficiently ionize the non-polar polymerized DCPD molecules by forming radical cations. The APPI source is equipped with a Krypton discharge Lamp at 10.6 eV for ionization. APPI is a soft ionization technique which does not introduce fragmentation, so that all the observed peaks are corresponding to parent ions.

[00109] Samples were first dissolved in toluene at concentration of 1000 ppm. The sample solution was introduced into the APPI source at a flow rate of 120 μΕ/h. The following parameters were used: desolvation temperature at 450°C; dry gas temperature at 200°C; dry gas flow at 5 L/min; nebulizing gas at 4 L/min. Each of the mass spectra was obtained by summing up 48 scans. Bruker Data Analysis (DA) software was used to process the data.

[00110] All molecular weights are g/mol unless otherwise noted.

Examples

[00111] The ruthenium catalyst used in Examples 1-8 is l,3-Bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)- 4,5-dihydroimidazol-2-ylidene[2-(i-propoxy)-5-(TSi,N-dimethy laminosulfonyl)phenyl] methyleneruthenium(II) dichloride.

Example 1. (Preparation of Resin A)

[00112] A 5 gallon batch reactor was charged with DCPD monomer (45 lb, hydrocarbon resin grade DCPD obtained from Texmark CXI, having less than 20 ppm sulfur), and dissolved in toluene. The reactor was sealed, and the pressure was increased to 50 psi using N2. Stirring was initiated, and the reactor was heated to 272°C. After 1.5 hours at 272°C, the reactor was cooled to ambient temperature and the product was removed. 600 g of the isolated mixture was transferred into a glass reactor, and volatiles were removed under a flow of steam. e

[00113] In the glovebox a 20 niL vial was charged with Resin A (0.2 g), toluene (2.0 mL), and a stirbar. With stirring, the solution was heated to 60°C. After all of Resin A had dissolved, methyl acrylate (55 mg) was added, followed by the ruthenium catalyst (12 mg). After stirring at 60°C for 18 h, the mixture was cooled to 25°C, and volatiles were removed under a flow of nitrogen.

Example 3.

[00114] In the glovebox a 20 mL vial was charged with Resin A (0.2 g), toluene (2.0 mL), and a stirbar. With stirring, the solution was heated to 60°C. After all of Resin A had dissolved, acrylonitrile (34 mg) was added, followed by the ruthenium catalyst (12 mg). After stirring at 60°C for 18 h, the mixture was cooled to 25°C, and volatiles were removed under a flow of nitrogen.

[00115] In the glovebox a 20 mL vial was charged with Resin A (0.2 g), toluene (2.0 mL), and a stirbar. With stirring, the solution was heated to 60°C. After all of Resin A had dissolved, acrylamide (46 mg) was added, followed by the ruthenium catalyst (12 mg). After stirring at 60°C for 18 h, the mixture was cooled to 25°C, and volatiles were removed under a flow of nitrogen.

Example 5. [00116] In the glovebox a 20 niL vial was charged with Resin A (0.6 g), toluene (6.0 mL), and a stirbar. With stirring, the solution was heated to 60°C. After all of Resin A had dissolved, 1-octene (480 mg) was added, followed by the ruthenium catalyst (36 mg). After stirring at 60°C for 18 h, the mixture was cooled to 25°C, and volatiles were removed under a flow of nitrogen. The vial was removed from the glovebox, and the residue was triturated with MeOH. The precipitate that formed was isolated by filtration, washed with additional MeOH, and dried under reduced pressure.

Example 6. No Incorporation of

Acid Groups

Example 1

[00117] In the glovebox a 20 mL vial was charged with Resin A (0.6 g), toluene (6.0 mL), and a stirbar. With stirring, the solution was heated to 60°C. After all of Resin A had dissolved, acrylic acid (140 mg) was added, followed by the ruthenium catalyst (36 mg). After stirring at 60°C for 18 h, the mixture was cooled to 25°C, and volatiles were removed under a flow of nitrogen. The vial was removed from the glovebox, and the residue was triturated with MeOH. The precipitate that formed was isolated by filtration, washed with additional MeOH, and dried under reduced pressure. The vial was removed from the glovebox, and the residue was triturated with MeOH. The precipitate that formed was isolated by filtration, washed with additional MeOH, and dried under reduced pressure.

Example 7. Example 1

[00118] In the glovebox a 20 mL vial was charged with Resin A (0.6 g), toluene (6.0 mL), and a stirbar. With stirring, the solution was heated to 60°C. After all of Resin A had dissolved, styrene (0.23 mL) was added, followed by the ruthenium catalyst (36 mg). After stirring at 60°C for 18 h, the mixture was cooled to 25°C, and volatiles were removed under a flow of nitrogen. The vial was removed from the glovebox, and the residue was triturated with MeOH. The precipitate that formed was isolated by filtration, washed with additional MeOH, and dried under reduced pressure.

Example 8. No Incorporation of

Aryl Groups

Example 1

[00119] In the glovebox a 20 niL vial was charged with Resin A (0.6 g), toluene (6.0 mL), and a stirbar. With stirring, the solution was heated to 60°C. After all of Resin A had dissolved, a-methylstyrene (0.25 mL) was added, followed by the ruthenium catalyst (36 mg). After stirring at 60°C for 18 h, the mixture was cooled to 25°C, and volatiles were removed under a flow of nitrogen. The vial was removed from the glovebox, and the residue was triturated with MeOH. The precipitate that formed was isolated by filtration, washed with additional MeOH, and dried under reduced pressure.

Example 9. (Control Adhesive Blend)

[00120] Resin A from Example 1 (0.2 g) was blended with 1.0 g of a propylene hexene copolymer ("PH-1 ") and Polywax™ 3000 (0.1 g), a polyethylene wax available from Baker Hughes. Polywax™ 3000 is a synthetic wax that is a fully saturated homopolymers of ethylene that have high degrees of linearity and crystallinity. This synthetic wax has a density of 0.98 g/cm ³ and a narrow molecular weight distribution. Properties of PH-1 and Polywax 3000 are further shown in the following table.

[00121] Number average molecular weight (M _n ) and weight average molecular weight (M _w ) were determined using a Polymer Laboratories Model 220 high temperature SEC with on-line differential refractive index (DRI), light scattering, and viscometer detectors. It used three Polymer Laboratories PLgel 10 m Mixed-B columns for separation using a flow rate of 0.54 ml/min and a nominal injection volume of 300 μί. The detectors and columns are contained in an oven maintained at 135°C. The light scattering detector is a high temperature miniDAWN (Wyatt Technology, Inc.). The primary components are an optical flow cell, a 30 mW, 690 nm laser diode light source, and an array of three photodiodes placed at collection angles of 45°, 90°, and 135°. The stream emerging from the SEC columns is directed into the miniDAWN optical flow cell and then into the DRI detector. The DRI detector is an integral part of the Polymer Laboratories SEC. The viscometer is a high temperature viscometer purchased from Viscotek Corporation and comprising four capillaries arranged in a Wheatstone bridge configuration with two pressure transducers. One transducer measures the total pressure drop across the detector, and the other, positioned between the two sides of the bridge, measures a differential pressure. The viscometer is inside the SEC oven, positioned after the DRI detector. The details of these detectors as well as their calibrations have been described by, for example, T. Sun, P. Brant, R. R. Chance, and W. W. Graessley, in Macromolecules, Volume 34, Number 19, pp. 6812-6820, (2001). Solvent for the SEC experiment was prepared by adding 6 grams of butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT) as an antioxidant to a 4 liter bottle of 1 ,2,4 trichlorobenzene (TCB) (Aldrich Reagent grade) and waiting for the BHT to solubilize. The TCB mixture was then filtered through a 0.7 micron glass pre-filter and subsequently through a 0.1 micron Teflon filter. There was an additional online 0.7 micron glass pre-filter/0.22 micron Teflon filter assembly between the high pressure pump and SEC columns. The TCB was then degassed with an online degasser (Phenomenex, Model DG-4000) before entering the SEC. Polymer solutions were prepared by placing dry polymer in a glass container, adding the desired amount of TCB, then heating the mixture at 160°C with continuous agitation for 2 hours. All quantities were measured gravimetrically. The TCB densities used to express the polymer concentration in mass/volume units were 1.463 g/ml at 25 oC and 1.324 g/ml at 135°C. The injection concentration ranged from 1.0 to 2.0 mg/ml, with lower concentrations being used for higher molecular weight samples.

[00122] The values of T _g , T _c , T _m , and H _f are based on DSC second melt.

[00123] The above mixture of Resin A Example 1 , PH- 1 , and Polywax™ 3000 was dissolved in hot toluene (50 mL) and stirred until the mixture became homogeneous. Volatiles were then removed under a stream of N ₂ , and then the resin was dried in a vacuum oven.

Example 10. (Modified Adhesive Blend)

[00124] The functionalized material from Example 2 (0.2 g) was blended with PH- 1 (1.0 g) and Polywax 3000 (0.1 g). The mixture was dissolved in hot toluene (50 mL) and stirred until the mixture became homogeneous. Volatiles were then removed under a stream of N ₂ , and then the resin was dried in a vacuum oven. The GPC data (40°C in THF) for the un- functionalized and the functionalized materials are compared in the next table. Resin Λ i ^' uiiclioiiali/eri

Material

M _n (g/mol) 546 683

M _w (g/mol) 989 2874

M _w /M _n 1.81 4.21

M _z (g/mol) 2308 16682

Example 11. (Brookfield viscosity, set time, and Fiber Tear Test of Examples 9 & 10)

[00125] Brookfield viscosity was measured using a Brookfield digital viscometer and a number 27 spindle according to ASTM D-3236 at either 177°C or 190°C (whichever temperature is specified). In order to measure set time and substrate fiber tear, adhesive test specimens are created by bonding the substrates together with a dot of 0.3 grams of molten adhesive and compressing the bond with a 500-gram weight. The dot size is controlled by the adhesive volume such that the compressed disk which forms gives a uniform circle just inside the dimensions of the substrates.

[00126] Set time (also referred to as adhesive set time or dot set time) is defined as the time it takes for a compressed adhesive substrate construct to fasten together enough to give substrate fiber tear when pulled apart, and, thus, the bond is sufficiently strong to remove the compression. These set times are measured by trial and error by placing a molten dot of adhesive on to a file folder substrate (a typical manila letter size (1/3 cut) stock having a minimum of 10% post-consumer recycle paper content provided by Smead Paper, stock number 153L, UPC number 10330) taped to a flat table. Three seconds later, a file folder tab (2.5 cm x 7.6 cm (1 inch by 3 inch)) is placed upon the dot and compressed with a 500-gram weight. The weight is allowed to sit for a predetermined time period from 0.5 to 10 seconds. The construct thus formed is pulled apart to check for a bonding level good enough to produce substrate fiber tear. The procedure is repeated several instances while holding the compression for different periods, and the set time is recorded as the minimum time required for this good bonding to occur. Standards are used to calibrate the process.

[00127] Once a construct is produced it can be subjected to various insults to assess the effectiveness of the bond. Once a bond to a substrate fails a simple way to quantify the effectiveness of the adhesive is to estimate the area of the adhesive dot that retained substrate fibers as the construct failed along the bond line. This estimate is called percent substrate fiber tear. An example of good adhesion, after conditioning a sample for 15 hours at -18°C and attempting to destroy the bond, would be an estimate of 90% to 100% substrate fiber tear. It is likely that 0% substrate fiber tear under those conditions would signal a loss of adhesion.

[00128] The specimens for adhesion to a paper substrate for fiber tear testing are prepared using the same procedure as that described above. All substrate fiber tears were performed at conditions of 25°C, 2°C, and -18°C, wherein the specimens are aged at such conditions for 12 hours. The bonds are separated by hand and a determination made as to the type of failure observed. The amount of substrate fiber tear is expressed herein as a percentage. All of the fiber tear tests are conducted using the paper substrate of a paperboard 84C (generic corrugated cardboard 200# stock provided by Huckster Packaging Supply, 61 11 Griggs Road, Houston TX 77023).

[00129] The performance of the two adhesive blends is shown in the table below.

[00130] Example 10 shows a good Fiber Tear result at -18°C so that it is suitable to be used as a freezer packaging adhesive compared to Example 9. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the extra polar interactions between the functionalized material in Example 10 and the cardboard substrate enhance this low-temperature adhesion. Note that both Examples 9 and 10 have T _g values higher than -18°C, the normal freezer temperature. Besides PH-1, it is expected that C3/C2 copolymers, other propylene-based polymers, ethylene-based polymers, etc., can be used as the base polymer of the adhesive blend with the functionalized material of this invention.