Polyvinyl chloride or polyolefin melt processable compositions containing polytetrafluoroethylene micropowder

Abstract

The use of polytetrafluoroethylene micropowders having a particle size of generally less than about 20 microns as an additive for polyvinyl chloride or polyolefin unexpectedly produces compositions which are melt processable. Other unexpected properties include that the micropowder is deformable under shear and acts as a flame retardant.

1 - 15 . (canceled)  
     
     
         15 . A compounded polyolefin composition, comprising: 
 a polyolefin homopolymer or copolymer;    a PTFE micropowder having a particle size of from about 0.5 to about 20 microns; and    optionally a flame retardant, or a smoke suppressant, or a combination thereof,    said composition being melt processable.    
     
     
         16 . A compounded polyolefin composition according to  claim 15 , wherein said polyolefin homopolymer or copolymer is derived from one or more olefin monomers having from 2 to about 5 carbon atoms, and wherein the amount of said PTFE micropowder is from about 10 to about 100 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of said polyolefin homopolymer or copolymer.  
     
     
         17 . A compounded polyolefin composition according to  claim 16 , wherein said polyolefin is said homopolymer, wherein said PTFE micropowder has a particle size from about 1 to about 8 microns and a melt temperature of about 350° C. or less, wherein the amount of said PTFE micropowder is from about 10 to about 75 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of said polyolefin homopolymer, and wherein the amount of any compatibilizing agent is generally less than about 10 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of said polyolefin homopolymer.  
     
     
         18 . A compounded polyolefin composition according to  claim 17 , wherein said polymer is polyethylene, or polypropylene, wherein said PTFE micropowder has a melt temperature from about 320° C. to about 340° C. and a particle size of from about 1 to about 6 microns, wherein the amount of said PTFE micropowder is from about 10 to about 50 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of said polyolefin, and including said flame retardant, or including said smoke suppressant, or both.  
     
     
         19 - 28 . (canceled)  
     
     
         29 . A compounded polyolefin composition according to  claim 18 , having a melt processable temperature of about 150° C. to about 260° C., and wherein the amount of said flame retardant, or said smoke suppressant, or both is from about 1 to about 100 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of said polyolefin.  
     
     
         30 . A compounded polyolefin composition according to  claim 29 , having a melt processable temperature of about 160° C. to about 220° C., and wherein the amount of said flame retardant, or said smoke suppressant, or both is from about 10 to about 60 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of said polyolefin.