Method for modifying graft polyolefins, compositions and articles comprising polyolefins thus modified

Abstract

Process for modifying a polyolefin grafted with acid or anhydride groups, by at least partial neutralization of these groups with at least one neutralizing agent comprising an organic salt (1) that releases an organic acid (I) during the neutralization, according to which the organic acid (I) derived from the neutralization of the grafted polyolefin is reacted with at least one inorganic salt (2). Modified polyolefin (that can be) obtained by the process described above. Polymeric composition containing (A) at least one polymer, and (B) at least one modified polyolefin (that can be) obtained by the process above. Article comprising the modified polyolefin or the composition described above.

1 - 25 . (canceled) 
   
   
       26 . A modified polyolefin having a plurality of at least one of grafted acid groups and grafted anhydride groups that are at least partially neutralized by metal ions,
 wherein the modified polyolefin further has:
 a content of products insoluble in xylene at 130° C. of less than 1%; 
 an exponential increase in elongation viscosity as a function of time; and 
 an MFI of ≦6 dg/min; and 
   wherein the modified polyolefin is obtained by a process comprising:
 at least partially neutralizing at least one of acid groups and anhydride groups grafted onto a first polyolefin with at least one neutralizing agent comprising an organic salt (1), wherein the organic salt (1) releases an organic acid (I) during the neutralizing, 
 reacting the organic acid (I) released during the neutralizing of the first polyolefin with at least one inorganic salt (2) to form an inorganic acid (II) and an organic salt (3), and 
 eliminating the inorganic acid (II) by decomposition to form a gas. 
   
   
   
       27 . The modified polyolefin according to  claim 26 , having a yellowness index measured according to ASTM D-1925 and ASTM E-313 of less than 40. 
   
   
       28 . The modified polyolefin according to  claim 26  having no odor. 
   
   
       29 . A polymeric composition, comprising:
 (A) at least one second polymer; and   (B) at least one modified polyolefin according to  claim 26 .   
   
   
       30 . A polymeric composition, comprising:
 (A) at least one second polymer; and   (B) at least one modified polyolefin according to  claim 28 .   
   
   
       31 . The modified polyolefin of  claim 26 , wherein the first polymer is selected from the group consisting of an ethylene polymer grafted with maleic anhydride and a propylene polymer grafted with maleic anhydride. 
   
   
       32 . The modified polyolefin according to  claim 26 , wherein the first polymer is at least one selected from the group consisting of a non-functionalized ethylene polymer and a non-functionalized propylene polymer. 
   
   
       33 . The composition according to  claim 29 , wherein the weight of (A) relative to the total weight of the composition is greater than 75%. 
   
   
       34 . An article comprising the composition according to  claim 29 . 
   
   
       35 . The article according to  claim 34 , selected from the group consisting of a glass fiber, a natural fiber, a metal wire sized with a layer of the modified polyolefin, a metal surface coated with a layer of the modified polyolefin and a non-metal surface coated with the modified polyolefin. 
   
   
       36 . The article according to  claim 34 , selected from the group consisting of a tube, a film, a sheet, a fiber, a foam and a blow-molded hollow body. 
   
   
       37 . A part for an automotive vehicle made from the modified polyolefin according to  claim 26 , wherein the part is selected from the group consisting of a fuel tank, a fuel pipe, a bumper and a dashboard. 
   
   
       38 . A modified polyolefin comprising at least one of grafted acid groups and grafted anhydride groups,
 wherein the modified polyolefin is obtained by a process that includes at least partially neutralizing the grafted acid groups and grafted anhydride groups with at least one neutralizing agent comprising an organic salt (1) that releases an organic acid (I) during the neutralization and wherein the organic acid (I) derived from the neutralization of the grafted acid groups and grafted anhydride groups is reacted with at least one inorganic salt (2),   wherein the grafted acid and anhydride groups are neutralized by metal ions, and   wherein the modified polyolefin has:
 a content of products insoluble in xylene at 130° C. of less than 1%; 
 an exponential increase in elongational viscosity as a function of time; and 
 an MFI of less than or equal to 6 dg/min.