AU2004202463B2

AU2004202463B2 - Process for grafting a fluoropolymer and multilayer structures comprising this grafted polymer

Info

Publication number: AU2004202463B2
Application number: AU2004202463A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Anthony Bonnet; Fabrice Chopinez; Thierry Pascal; Barbara Ramfel; Karine Triballier; Michael Werth
Original assignee: Atofina SA
Current assignee: Arkema France SA
Priority date: 2003-06-06
Filing date: 2004-06-03
Publication date: 2006-03-16
Anticipated expiration: 2024-06-03
Also published as: ATE556099T1; JP4801885B2; AU2004202463A1; EP1484346B1; KR20040105589A; SG118270A1; JP2005015793A; MXPA04005437A; JP2008239998A; EP1484346A1; JP5215049B2; KR100588272B1; CN100376624C; ES2384972T3; FR2856404A1; FR2856404B1; CN1572822A; TW200500385A; DK1484346T3; CA2470355A1

Abstract

Grafting an unsaturated monomer onto a fluoropolymer comprises mixing the molten fluoropolymer with the monomer, forming the mixture into films, sheets, granules or powder, exposing the products to gamma or beta radiation (1-15 Mrad) in the absence of oxygen and optionally removing any ungrafted monomer. Independent claims are also included for: (1) structures comprising at least one layer of a grafted fluoropolymer produced as above and at least one layer of another material; and (2) bulk-grafted fluoropolymer.

Description

P001 Section 29 Regulation 3.2(2)

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Application Number: Lodged: Invention Title: Process for grafting a fluoropolymer and multilayer structures comprising this grafted polymer The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: PROCESS FOR GRAFTING A FLUOROPOLYMER AND MULTILAYER STRUCTURES COMPRISING THIS GRAFTED POLYMER [Field of the invention] Fluoropolymers, for example those based on vinylidene fluoride CF2=CH2 (VDF) such as PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), are known to offer excellent mechanical stability properties, very great chemical inertness and good ageing resistance. These qualities are exploited for various fields of application. For example, mention may be made of the manufacture of extruded or injection-moulded parts for the chemical engineering industry or for microelectronics, the use in the form of impermeable ducts for transporting gases or hydrocarbons, the production of films or coatings for protection in the architectural field, and the production of protective elements for electrical engineering uses.

However, this chemical inertness of fluoropolymers means that it is difficult to bond them or combine them with other materials. The present invention discloses a process in which a reactive functional group is fixed onto a fluoropolymer. This fluoropolymer thus modified may be easily bonded to or combined with other materials.

The process of the invention consists in melt-blending the fluoropolymer with the functional monomer that it is desired to graft onto the said fluoropolymer and then the mixture obtained, being in divided form such as granules, is irradiated in order to graft the functional monomer onto the fluoropolymer.

[Prior art and technical problem] Patent EP 214880 discloses a process for manufacturing polyvinylidene fluoride copolymers by grafting a monomer onto the polyvinylidene fluoride by means of ionizing radiation, which process comprises the following steps: a) immersing a polyvinylidene fluoride powder or film in a solution of a monomer chosen from the group comprising acrylamide, styrene, methylstyrene, allyl glycidyl ether, 2-vinylpyridine, 4-vinylpyridine, dimethylaminoethyl acrylate, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, dimethylaminopropyl acrylate, dimethylaminopropyl methacrylate, diethylaminoethyl acrylate, diethylaminoethyl methacrylate, diethylaminopropyl acrylate, diethylaminopropyl methacrylate, dimethylaminopropyl methacrylamide, N-vinylpyrrolidone, N-vinylcaprolactam, acyloxy styrenes and hydroxystyrenes, vinyl sulphonic acid and its derivatives, acrylic acid and methacrylic acid, in order to impregnate the polyvinylidene fluoride powder or film with the said monomer; b) irradiating the impregnated powder or film by means of ionizing radiation in the absence of oxygen; and c) then subjecting the grafted copolymer obtained to a chemical reaction in order to confer an ionic character on it when the grafted monomer does not have an ionic character.

Patent Application WO 00/17889 discloses power cable jackets comprising, in succession, a layer formed from an ethylene/alkyl acrylate/maleic anhydride terpolymer and a layer of a VDF/HFP fluorocopolymer. To improve the adhesion of these layers, the assembly is subjected to ionizing radiation.

Patent US 5 576 106 discloses a process for grafting an unsaturated functional monomer onto the surface of a powdered fluoropolymer. Powdered maleic anhydride is blended with the fluoropolymer and then they are put in a polyethylene bag and, after the air contained in the bag has been expelled, the bag containing the powder blend is subjected to radiation of between 3 and 6 Mrad. According to a variant, the maleic anhydride is dissolved in acetone, the solution is mixed with the powdered fluoropolymer and then the acetone is evaporated. The material is then irradiated as above. The grafted fluoropolymer is then used in multilayer structures. In all the examples, only fluoroelastomers are used.

The peel force between a layer of fluoropolymer grafted according to the above prior art and another material is insufficient for many applications, particularly in structures that include polyolefins.

It has now been found that if the fluoropolymer and the functional monomer that it is desired to graft onto the said fluoropolymer are melt blended and then the blend obtained, either in divided form, such as granules, or in film or sheet form, is irradiated, grafting through the mass of the fluoropolymer is obtained. This grafted fluoropolymer used in multilayer structures allows very high peel forces to be obtained.

L

[Brief description of the invention] The present invention relates to a process for grafting an unsaturated monomer onto a fluoropolymer, in which: a) the fluoropolymer is melt blended with the unsaturated monomer; b) the blend obtained in a) is made in the form of films, sheets, granules or powder; c) the products from step b) are exposed, in the absence of air, to photon or electron (13) irradiation with a dose of between 1 and 15 Mrad; and d) the product obtained at c) is optionally treated in order to remove all or part of the unsaturated monomer that has not been grafted onto the fluoropolymer.

The grafted fluoropolymer thus obtained can be used as such or as a blend either with the same fluoropolymer but not grafted or with another fluoropolymer or with another polymer such as, for example, an acrylic polymer. As examples of acrylic polymers, mention may be made of PMMA and impact modifiers of the core/shell type.

The invention also relates to structures that include at least one layer of this grafted fluoropolymer and at least one layer of another material.

The invention also relates to the use of these structures for obtaining a barrier effect.

These structures are barriers to many fluids and in particular to petrol and to airconditioning fluids.

These structures may be formed into bottles, tanks, containers, pipes, hoses and vessels of all sorts. They may also be converted into films with which packaging is made.

The combined use of a fluoropolymer impermeable to apolar fluids and of a polyolefin impermeable to polar fluids is particularly beneficial as it allows a barrier to be obtained that is very effective against petrols containing liquids such as M15 (42.5% isooctane, 42.5% toluene and 15% methanol by volume) or TFl (45% toluene, isooctane and 10% ethanol).

The invention also relates to structures in which the fluoropolymer is used to protect substrates.

In the above structures, the grafted fluoropolymer may be used on its own or as a blend, as mentioned above.

The invention also relates to the bulk-grafted fluoropolymer. It relates to the bulk-grafted fluoropolymer as a blend either with the same fluoropolymer but not grafted, or with another fluoropolymer or with another polymer such as, for example, an acrylic polymer. As examples of acrylic polymers, mention may be made of PMMA and impact modifiers of the core/shell type.

[Detailed description of the invention] The term fluoropolymer thus denotes any polymer that has in its chain at least one monomer chosen from compounds containing a vinyl group capable of opening in order to be polymerized and that contains, directly attached to this vinyl group, at least one fluorine atom, at least one fluoroalkyl group or at least one fluoroalkoxy group.

As examples of monomers, mention may be made of vinyl fluoride; vinylidene fluoride (VDF); trifluoroethylene (VF3); chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE); 1,2difluoroethylene; tetrafluoroethylene (TFE); hexafluoropropylene (HFP); perfluoro(alkyl vinyl) ethers, such as perfluoro(methyl vinyl) ether (PMVE), perfluoro(ethyl vinyl) ether (PEVE) and perfluoro(propyl vinyl) ether (PPVE); perfluoro(1,3-dioxole); perfluoro(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxole) (PDD); the product of formula CF 2

=CFOCF

2

CF(CF

3

)OCF

2

CF

2 X in which X is S02F, C02H, CH 2 0H, or CH 2 0PO 3 H; the product of formula CF 2

=CFOCF

2

CF

2

SO

2 F; the product of formula F(CF 2 )nCH20CF=CF 2 in which n is 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5; the product of formula

RICH

2 0CF=CF 2 in which R 1 is hydrogen or F(CF 2 )z and z is 1, 2, 3 or 4; the product of formula R 3 0CF=CH 2 in which R 3 is F(CF 2 and z is 1, 2, 3 or 4; perfluorobutylethylene (PFBE); 3,3,3-trifluoropropene and 2-trifluoromethyl-3,3,3trifluoro-1 -propene.

The fluoropolymer may be a homopolymer or a copolymer; it may also contain non-fluorinated monomers such as ethylene.

For example, the fluoropolymer is chosen from: homopolymers and copolymers of vinylidene fluoride (VDF) preferably containing at least 50% by weight of VDF, the comonomer being chosen from chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE), hexafluoropropylene (HFP), trifluoroethylene (VF3) and tetrafluoroethylene (TFE); homopolymers and copolymers of trifluoroethylene (VF3); and copolymers, and especially terpolymers, that combine the residues of the chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE), tetrafluoroethylene (TFE), hexafluoropropylene (HFP) and/or ethylene units and optionally VDF and/or VF3 units.

Mention may also be made of ethylene/tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) copolymers.

Advantageously, the fluoropolymer is polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) homopolymer or copolymer. Preferably, the PVDF contains at least 50%, more preferably at least 75% and even better at least 85% VDF by weight. The comonomer is advantageously HFP.

Advantageously, the PVDF has a viscosity ranging from 100 Pa.s to 2000 Pa.s, the viscosity being measured at 230 0 C with a shear rate of 100 s' using a capillary rheometer. These PVDFs are in fact well suited to extrusion and injection moulding.

Preferably, the PVDF has a viscosity ranging from 300 Pa.s to 1200 Pa.s, the viscosity being measured at 230 0 C with a shear rate of 100 s l using a capillary rheometer.

Thus, PVDFs sold under the brand KYNAR® 710 or 720 are perfectly suitable for this formulation.

As example of the unsaturated grafting monomer, mention may be made of carboxylic acids and their derivatives, acid chlorides, isocyanates, oxazolines, epoxides, amines and hydroxides.

Examples of unsaturated carboxylic acids are those having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, such as acrylic, methacrylic, maleic, fumaric and itaconic acids. The functional derivatives of these acids comprise, for example, anhydrides, ester derivatives, amide derivatives, imide derivatives and metal salts (such as alkali metal salts) of unsaturated carboxylic acids. Mention may also be made of undecylenic acid.

Unsaturated dicarboxylic acids having 4 to 10 carbon atoms and their functional derivatives, particularly their anhydrides, are particularly preferred grafting monomers.

These grafting monomers comprise, for example, maleic, fumaric, itaconic, citraconic, allylsuccinic, cyclohex-4-ene-l,2-dicarboxylic, 4-methylcyclohex-4-ene-1,2dicarboxylic, bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2,3-dicarboxylic and x-methylbicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2,3-dicarboxylic acids and maleic, itaconic, citraconic, allylsuccinic, cyclohex-4-ene-l,2-dicarboxylic, 4-methylenecyclohex-4-ene- 1,2-dicarboxylic, bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2,3-dicarboxylic and x-methylbicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2,2-dicarboxylic anhydrides.

Examples of other grafting monomers comprise Ci-C 8 alkyl esters or glycidyl ester derivatives of unsaturated carboxylic acids, such as methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl acrylate, ethyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate, butyl methacrylate, glycidyl acrylate, glycidyl methacrylate, monoethyl maleate, diethyl maleate, monomethyl fumarate, dimethyl fumarate, monomethyl itaconate and diethyl itaconate; amide derivatives of unsaturated carboxylic acids, such as acrylamide, methacrylamide, the monoamide of maleic acid, the diamide of maleic acid, the N-monoethylamide of maleic acid, the N,N-diethylamide of maleic acid, the N-monobutylamide of maleic acid, the N,N-dibutylamide of maleic acid, the monoamide of fumaric acid, the diamide of fumaric acid, the N-monoethylamide of fumaric acid, the N,N-diethylamide of fumaric acid, the N-monobutylamide of fumaric acid and the N,N-dibutylamide of fumaric acid; imide derivatives of unsaturated carboxylic acids, such as maleimide, N-butylmaleimide and N-phenylmaleimide; and metal salts of unsaturated carboxylic acids, such as sodium acrylate, sodium methacrylate, potassium acrylate and potassium methacrylate.

Advantageously, maleic anhydride is used.

Step a) is carried out in any mixing device, such as extruders or mixers used in the thermoplastics industry.

Regarding the proportions of the fluoropolymer and the unsaturated monomer, the proportion of fluoropolymer is advantageously, by weight, from 90 to 99.9% for 0.1 to 10% of unsaturated monomer, respectively. Preferably, the proportion of fluoropolymer is from 95 to 99.9% for 0.1 to 5% of unsaturated monomer, respectively.

After step a) it is observed that the fluoropolymer/unsaturated monomer blend has lost about 10 to 50% of the unsaturated monomer that had been introduced at the start of step This proportion depends on the volatility and the nature of the unsaturated monomer. In fact, the monomer is vented in the extruder or the mixer and is recovered in the venting circuits.

With regard to step the products recovered after step b) are advantageously packaged in polyethylene bags, the air is expelled and then the bags are closed. As regards the method of irradiation, it is equally possible to use electron irradiation, more commonly known as beta irradiation, and photon irradiation, more commonly known as gamma irradiation. Advantageously, the dose is between 2 and 6 Mrad and preferably between 3 and 5 Mrad.

With regard to step the ungrafted monomer may be removed by any means.

The proportion of grafted monomer with respect to the monomer present at the start of step c) is between 50 and 100%. A washing operation with solvents inert with respect to the fluoropolymer and to the grafted functional groups may be carried out. For example, when maleic anhydride is used for the grafting, chlorobenzene may be used for the washing. It is also possible, more simply, to vacuum degas the product recovered in step c).

The invention also relates to structures. As examples of structures according to the invention, mention may be made of that comprising, in succession: an inner layer in contact with the fluid to be transported or stored, consisting of the fluoropolymer grafted according to the invention and, directly attached to the latter, either an outer polyolefin layer or a polyolefin layer and an outer polyamide layer. A tie may be placed between the polyolefin layer and the polyamide layer. This structure is useful for motor-vehicle petrol tanks. According to a variant, this structure includes a layer of fluoropolymer, preferably PVDF (or ETFE), deposited beside the grafted fluoropolymer. That is to say the structure comprises, in succession, a layer of fluoropolymer, preferably PVDF (or ETFE), a layer consisting of the fluoropolymer grafted according to the invention and, directly attached to the latter, either an outer polyolefin layer or a polyolefin layer and an outer polyamide layer. The layer of grafted fluoropolymer is a tie layer between the PVDF (or ETFE) layer and the polyolefin layer.

According to another variant, the grafted fluoropolymer layer is a blend either with the same fluoropolymer, but not grafted, or with another fluoropolymer or with another polymer such as, for example, an acrylic polymer. As examples of acrylic polymers, mention may be made of PMMA and impact modifiers of the core/shell type.

In the above structures, it is possible to place, between the grafted fluoropolymer 3 0 layer and the polyolefin layer, a layer of functionalized polyolefin having functional groups capable of reacting with the functional groups grafted onto the fluoropolymer.

For example, if maleic anhydride has been grafted onto the fluoropolymer, the functionalized polyolefin layer consists of a copolymer of ethylene with glycidyl methacrylate and optionally with an alkyl acrylate, optionally in a blend with polyethylene.

In the above structures, the inner layer in contact with the fluid to be transported or stored may contain carbon black, carbon nanotubes or any other additive capable of making it conductive in order to prevent static electricity from building up.

As another example of structures according to the invention, mention may be made of that comprising, in succession: a layer consisting of the fluoropolymer grafted according to the invention, placed between two polyolefin layers. This structure is useful for motor-vehicle petrol tanks.

In the above structures, it is possible to place, between the grafted fluoropolymer layer and one or both polyolefin layers, a layer of functionalized polyolefin having functional groups capable of reacting with the functional groups grafted onto the fluoropolymer. For example, if maleic anhydride has been grafted onto the fluoropolymer, the layer of functionalized polyolefin consists of a copolymer of ethylene with glycidyl methacrylate and optionally with an alkyl acrylate, optionally in a blend with polyethylene. According to another variant, the grafted fluoropolymer layer is a blend either with the same fluoropolymer, but not grafted, or with another fluoropolymer or with another polymer such as, for example, an acrylic polymer. As examples of acrylic polymers, mention may be made of PMMA and impact modifiers of the core/shell type.

As another example of structures according to the invention, mention may be .made of that comprising, in succession: an inner layer in contact with the fluid to be transported or stored, consisting of the fluoropolymer grafted according to the invention and, directly attached to the latter, an outer polyamide layer. This structure is useful for motor-vehicle fuel pipes or hoses.

According to a variant, this structure includes a layer of fluoropolymer, preferably PVDF (or ETFE), placed beside the grafted fluoropolymer. That is to say the structure comprises, in succession, a layer of fluoropolymer, preferably PVDF (or ETFE), a layer consisting of the fluoropolymer grafted according to the invention and, directly attached to the latter, an outer polyamide layer. The layer of grafted fluoropolymer is a tie layer between the PVDF or (ETFE) layer and the polyamide layer. According to another variant, the grafted fluoropolymer layer is a blend either with the same fluoropolymer, but not grafted, or with another fluoropolymer or with another polymer such as, for example, an acrylic polymer. As examples of acrylic polymers, mention may be made of PMMA and impact modifiers of the core/shell type.

According to another embodiment, the structure of the invention comprises a layer consisting of a grafted fluoropolymer according to the invention placed between two polyamide layers. This structure is useful as a petrol hose. According to an advantageous embodiment, the grafted fluoropolymer layer is a blend either with the same fluoropolymer, but not grafted, or with another fluoropolymer or with another polymer such as, for example, an acrylic polymer. As examples of acrylic polymers, mention may be made of PMMA and impact modifiers of the core/shell type.

In the above structures, it is possible to place, between the grafted fluoropolymer layer and the polyamide layer, a layer of functionalized polymer having functional groups capable of reacting with the functional groups grafted onto the fluoropolymer, this functionalized polymer being compatible with the polyamide.

As another example of structures according to the invention, mention may be made of that comprising, in succession: an outer layer of grafted fluoropolymer of the invention and, directly attached to the latter, a layer of a substrate. The grafted fluoropolymer layer is used as a layer for protecting the substrate. The substrate may be a component of the body of a motor vehicle or an architectural component. According to a variant, this structure includes a layer of fluoropolymer, preferably PVDF, placed beside the grafted fluoropolymer. That is to say the structure comprises, in succession, a layer of fluoropolymer, preferably PVDF, a layer consisting of the fluoropolymer grafted according to the invention and, directly attached to the latter, a layer of a substrate. The layer of grafted fluoropolymer is a tie layer between the PVDF layer and the substrate layer. According to another variant, the grafted fluoropolymer layer is a blend either with the same fluoropolymer, but not grafted, or with another fluoropolymer or with another polymer such as, for example, an acrylic polymer. As examples of acrylic polymers, mention may be made of PMMA and impact modifiers of the core/shell type.

In the above structures, it is possible to place, between the grafted fluoropolymer layer and the substrate layer, a layer of functionalized polymer having functional groups capable of reacting with the functional groups grafted onto the fluoropolymer, this polymer being compatible with the substrate.

The grafted fluoropolymer or PVDF used as layer for protecting a substrate may contain the usual UV stabilizers and/or radiation-absorbent fillers.

These structures may be manufactured by standard techniques, such as extrusion, coextrusion, coextrusion blow moulding, coating, extrusion coating.

The invention also relates to the bulk-grafted fluoropolymer.

[Examples] The following fluoropolymer was used: Kynar® 720: A PVDF homopolymer from Atofina, having an MVI (melt volume index) of 10 cm 3 /10 min (230'C/5 kg).

Example 1: (according to the invention) A blend of Kynar 720 PVDF from Atofina and 2% by weight of maleic anhydride was prepared. This blend was prepared using a twin-screw extruder at 230°C and 150 rpm with an output of 10 kg/h. After the extrusion step, 1.8% of maleic anhydride remained in the product, the rest being lost during the extrusion step. The product thus prepared was put into sealed aluminium bags. These bags were then irradiated to 3 Mrad. A 40% degree of grafting was determined this was checked after a dissolution/precipitation step. The MA-g-PVDF product (maleic-anhydride-grafted PVDF) was then placed under vacuum overnight at 130 0 C in order to remove the residual maleic anhydride and the hydrofluoric acid liberated during irradiation.

A three-layer structure was produced by the compression moulding, at 220 0

C

under 1 bar, of an MA-g-PVDF layer A (thickness: 500 jIm) bonded to a layer B of a blend of 50% by weight of Lotader® 8840 (thickness: 100 jm), which is an ethylene/glycidyl methacrylate copolymer of 5 g/10 min MFI at 190 0 C/2.16kg (containing 92% ethylene and 8% glycidyl methacrylate by weight), and (ii) 50% of Stamylex® 1016 F polyethylene (an LLDPE of 1.1 g/10 min MFI at 190 0 C/2.16 kg) which was itself bonded to a layer C consisting of MS201N High-density PE (0.950 density; 8 g/10 min MFI at 190 0 C/2.16 kg) (thickness: 500 /im).

At t 0, an adhesive strength of 30 N/cm was measured at the A/B interface, and the B/C interface could not be peeled. The structure was immersed in M15 fuel at 0 C. After 15 days, the structure showed no delamination and a force of 15 N/cm was measured at the A/B interface. After the A/B/C structure was vacuum-dried for one week at 60 0 C, the peel force between A and B was again measured, namely 30 N/cm.

Example 2: (comparative example) A blend of Kynar 720 PVDF from Atofina and 2% by weight of maleic anhydride was prepared. This blend was prepared using a twin-screw extruder at 230 0

C

and 150 rpm with an output of 10 kg/h. After the extrusion step, 1.8% of maleic anhydride remained in the product, the rest being lost during the extrusion step. The product thus prepared was put into aluminium sealed bags.

A three-layer structure was produced by the compression moulding, at 220°C under 1 bar, of an MA PVDF layer A (thickness: 500 tm) bonded to a layer B of a blend of 50% by weight of Lotader® 8840 (thickness: 100 im) which is an ethylene/glycidyl methacrylate copolymer of 5 g/10 min MFI at 190 0 C/2.16 kg (92% ethylene and 8% glycidyl methacrylate by weight), and (ii) 50% of Stamylex® 1016 F polyethylene, which was itself bonded to a layer C consisting of MS201N High-density PE (thickness: 500 pm).

At t 0, an adhesive strength of 1 N/cm was measured at the A/B interface and the B/C interface could not be peeled. The structure was immersed in M15 fuel at 60 0

C.

After 15 days, the structure exhibited delamination at the A/B interface.

Example 3: (according to the invention) A blend of Kynar 720 PVDF from Atofina and 0.5% by weight of maleic anhydride was prepared. This blend was prepared using a twin-screw extruder at 230 0

C

and 150 rpm with an output of 10 kg/h. After the extrusion step, 0.45% of maleic anhydride remained in the product, the rest being lost during the extrusion step. The product thus prepared was put into sealed aluminium bags. These bags were then 12 irradiated to 3 Mrad. A 50% degree of grafting was determined this was checked after a dissolution/precipitation step. The MA-g-PVDF product was then placed under vacuum overnight at 130'C in order to remove the residual maleic anhydride and the hydrofluoric acid liberated during irradiation.

A three-layer structure was produced by the compression moulding, at 220°C under 1 bar, of an MA-g-PVDF layer A (thickness: 500 jm) bonded to a layer B of a blend of 50% by weight of Lotader 8840 (thickness: 100 which is an ethylene/glycidyl methacrylate copolymer of 5 g/10 min MFI at 190 0 C/2.16kg (containing 92% ethylene and 8% glycidyl methacrylate by weight), and (ii) 50% of Stamylex® 1016 F polyethylene which was itself bonded to a layer C consisting of MS201N High-density PE (thickness: 500 itm).

At t 0, an adhesive strength of 25 N/cm was measured at the A/B interface, and the B/C interface could not be peeled. The structure was immersed in M15 fuel at After 15 days, the structure showed no delamination and a force of 14 N/cm was measured at the A/B interface. After the A/B/C structure was vacuum-dried for one week at 60 0 C, the peel force between A and B was again measured, namely 25 N/cm.

Example 4: (according to the invention) A blend of Kynar 720 PVDF from Atofina and 2% by weight of maleic anhydride was prepared. This blend was prepared using a twin-screw extruder at 230 0

C

and 150 rpm with an output of 10 kg/h. After the extrusion step, 1.8% of maleic anhydride remained in the product, the rest being lost during the extrusion step. The product thus prepared was put into sealed aluminium bags. These bags were then irradiated to 3 Mrad. A 40% degree of grafting was determined this was checked after a dissolution/precipitation step. The MA-g-PVDF polymer was then extruded under vacuum in order to allow devolatilization of the ungrafted species.

A three-layer structure was produced by the compression moulding, at 220 0

C

under 1 bar, of an MA-g-PVDF layer A (thickness: 500 tm) bonded to a layer B of a blend of 50% by weight of Lotader 8840 (thickness: 100 which is an ethylene/glycidyl methacrylate copolymer of 5 g/10 min MFI at 190 0 C/2.16kg (containing 92% ethylene and 8% glycidyl methacrylate by weight), and (ii) 50% of Stamylex® 1016 F polyethylene which was itself bonded to a layer C consisting of MS201N High-density PE (thickness: 500 pm).

At t 0, an adhesive strength of 30 N/cm was measured at the A/B interface, and the B/C interface could not be peeled. The structure was immersed in M15 fuel at 60 0 C. After 15 days, the structure showed no delamination and a force of 15 N/cm was measured at the A/B interface. After the A/B/C structure was vacuum-dried for one week at 60 0 C, the peel force between A and B was again measured, namely 30 N/cm.

Example 5: (comparative example): A powder blend, consisting of Kynar 720 PVDF (2000 g) with maleic anhydride g) was prepared. The blending was carried out in a turbolator for 10 minutes. The blend was put into a sealed bag. The bag was sealed, taking care to expel as much air as possible from the bag. The sealing of the bag was checked, as neither air nor dust must be able to escape from the bag. The latter underwent beta irradiation to 6 Mrad (10 MeV beta). The powder, infrared-analysed after heating in an oven overnight at 130 0 C, had a degree of grafting below the detection limit 0.05%. The maleic anhydride had not grafted onto the outermost surface of the PVDF powder.

Example 6: (according to the invention) A blend of Kynar 720 PVDF from Atofina and 0.5% by weight of maleic anhydride was prepared. This blend was prepared using a twin-screw extruder at 230°C and 150 rpm with an output of 10 kg/h. After the extrusion step, 0.45% of maleic anhydride remained in the product, the rest being lost during the extrusion step. The product thus prepared was put into sealed aluminium bags. These bags were then irradiated to 3 Mrad. A 50% degree of grafting was determined this was checked after a dissolution/precipitation step. The MA-g-PVDF product was then placed under vacuum overnight at 130 0 C in order to remove the residual maleic anhydride and the hydrofluoric acid liberated during irradiation.

A five-layer structure was reduced by the compression moulding, at 220°C under 1 bar, of a C/B/A/B/C structure, with the layer A consisting of MA-g-PVDF (thickness: 200 Am), the layer B consisting of a blend of 50% by weight of Lotader® 8840 (thickness: 100 Am) which is an ethylene/glycidyl methacrylate copolymer of 5 g/10min MFI at 190 0 C/2.16kg (92% ethylene and 8% glycidyl methacrylate by weight), and (ii) 50% of Stamylex® 1016 F polyethylene and the layer C consisting of MS201N high-density PE (1000 At t 0, an adhesive strength of 70 N/cm was measured at the A/B interface, and the B/C interface could not be peeled. The structure was immersed in M15 fuel at 0 C. After 22 days, the structure showed no delamination and a force of 20 N/cm was measured at the A/B interface. After the C/B/A/B/C structure was vacuum-dried for one week at 60 0 C, the peel force between A and B was again measured, namely 70 N/cm.

Example 7: (according to the invention) A blend of Kynar 720 PVDF from Atofina and 2% by weight of maleic anhydride was prepared. This blend was prepared using a twin-screw extruder at 230°C and 150 rpm with an output of 10 kg/h. After the extrusion step, 1.8% of maleic anhydride remained in the product, the rest being lost during the extrusion step. The product thus prepared was put into sealed aluminium bags. These bags were then irradiated to 3 Mrad. A 40% degree of grafting was determined this was checked after a dissolution/precipitation step. The MA-g-PVDF product was then extruded under vacuum in order to allow devolatilization of the ungrafted species.

A three-layer structure was then coextruded, this consisting of an MA-g-PVDF layer A (thickness: 150 bonded to a layer B of a blend of 50% by weight of Lotader® 8840 (thickness: 50 lm), which is an ethylene/glycidyl methacrylate copolymer of 5 g/10min MFI at 190 0 C/2.16kg (92% ethylene and 8% glycidyl methacrylate by weight), and (ii) 50% of Stamylex® 1016 F polyethylene, which was itself bonded to a layer C consisting of 2040 ML55 high-density PE (thickness: 800 Am).

14a Comprises/comprising and grammatical variations thereof when used in this specification are to be taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

Claims

1. Process for grafting an unsaturated monomer onto a fluoropolymer, in which: a) the fluoropolymer is melt blended with the unsaturated monomer; b) the blend obtained in a) is made in the form of films, sheets, granules or powder; c) the products from step b) are exposed, in the absence of air, to photon or electron irradiation with a dose of between 1 and 15 Mrad; and d) the product obtained at c) is optionally treated in order to remove all or part of the unsaturated monomer that has not been grafted onto the fluoropolymer.

2. Process according to Claim 1, in which the fluoropolymer is PVDF.

3. Process according to Claim 2, in which the PVDF contains at least 85% VDF by weight.

4. Process according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the unsaturated monomer is maleic anhydride.

5. Process according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the proportion of fluoropolymer is, by weight, from 90 to 99.9% for 0.1 to 10% of unsaturated monomer, respectively.

6. Process according to Claim 5, in which the proportion of fluoropolymer is from 95 to 99.9% for 0.1 to 5% of unsaturated monomer, respectively.

7. Process according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the irradiation dose is between 2 and 6 Mrad.

8. Structures comprising at least one layer of the grafted fluoropolymer prepared according to the process of any one of the preceding claims and at least one layer of another material.

9. Bottles, tanks, containers, pipes, hoses, vessels, films and packaging manufactured with the structures of Claim 8. Structure comprising an inner layer in contact with the fluid to be transported or stored, consisting of the grafted fluoropolymer manufactured according to any one of Claims 1 to 7 and, directly attached to the latter, an outer polyolefin layer.

11. Structure comprising an inner layer in contact with the fluid to be transported or stored, made of the grafted fluoropolymer manufactured according to any one of Claims 1 to 7 and, directly attached to the latter, a polyolefin layer and an outer polyamide layer.

12. Structure according to Claim 10 or 11, in which a PVDF (or ETFE) layer is placed beside the grafted fluoropolymer layer.

13. Structure according to either of Claims 10 and 11, in which a layer of functionalized polymer having functional groups capable of reacting with the functional groups grafted onto the fluoropolymer is placed between the grafted fluoropolymer layer and the polyolefin layer.

14. Structure comprising a layer consisting of the grafted fluoropolymer manufactured according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, placed between two polyolefin layers. Structure according to Claim 14, in which a layer of functionalized polyolefin having functional groups capable of reacting with the functional groups grafted onto the fluoropolymer is placed between the grafted fluoropolymer layer and one or both polyolefin layers.

16. Structure comprising an inner layer in contact with the fluid to be transported or stored, consisting of the grafted fluoropolymer manufactured according to any one of Claims 1 to 7 and, directly attached to the latter, an outer polyamide layer.

17. Structure according to Claim 16, in which a PVDF (or ETFE) layer is placed beside the grafted fluoropolymer layer.

18. Structure according to Claim 16, comprising a grafted fluoropolymer layer placed between two polyamide layers.

19. Structure according to any one of Claims 16 to 18, in which a layer of functionalized polymer having functional groups capable of reacting with the functional groups grafted onto the fluoropolymer is placed between the grafted fluoropolymer layer and the polyamide layer, this functionalized polymer being compatible with the polyamide. Structure according to any one of Claims 10 to 19, in which the inner layer in contact with the fluid to be transported or stored may contain carbon black, carbon nanotubes or any other additive capable of making it conductive in order to prevent static electricity from building up.

21. Structure comprising an outer layer consisting of the grafted fluoropolymer manufactured according to any one of Claims 1 to 7 and, directly attached to the latter, a layer of a substrate.

22. Structure according to Claim 21, in which a PVDF layer is placed beside the grafted fluoropolymer layer.

23. Structure according to Claim 21 or 22, in which a layer of functionalized polymer having functional groups capable of reacting with the functional groups grafted onto the fluoropolymer is placed between the grafted fluoropolymer layer and the substrate layer, this functionalized polymer being compatible with the substrate.

24. Structure according to any one of Claims 10 to 23, in which the grafted fluoropolymer layer is a blend either with the same fluoropolymer, but not grafted, or with another fluoropolymer or with another polymer such as, for example, an acrylic polymer.

25. Bulk-grafted fluoropolymer produced by the process of Claim 1.

26. Polymer according to Claim 25, in which the fluoropolymer is PVDF.

27. Polymer according to Claim 25, in which the PVDF contains at least VDF by weight.

28. Polymer according to any one of Claims 25 to 27, in which the unsaturated monomer is maleic anhydride.

29. Polymer according to any one of Claims 25 to 28, in which the proportion of fluoropolymer is, by weight, from 90 to 99.9% for 0.1 to 10% of unsaturated monomer, respectively. 18 Polymer according to Claim 29, in which the proportion of fluoropolymer is from 95 to 99.9% for 0.1 to 5% of unsaturated monomer, respectively.

31. A process for grafting an unsaturated monomer onto a fluoropolymer as described with reference to any one of examples 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7.

32. A structure comprising at least one layer of a grafted fluoropolymer prepared as described with reference to any one of examples 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7.

33. A bulk-grafted fluoropolymer prepared as described with reference to any one of examples 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7. DATED this 3rd day of June, 2004 ATOFINA WATERMARK PATENT TRADE MARK ATTORNEYS 290 BURWOOD ROAD HAWTHORN VICTORIA 3122 AUSTRALIA P24148AU00