CA2084642A1 - Heat seamable roof sheeting with highly crystalline thermoplasticity promoters and method for covering roofs - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE

A heat scamable sheet material for roofing prepared from an uncured polymeric composition of matter which comprises 100 parts by weight of a polymer blend comprising from about 50 to 90 parts by weight of polyolefins having up to about 2 percent by weight crystallinity, which polyolefins are prepared from monomers having at least 2 carbon atoms, and mixtures thereof and from about 10 to 50 parts by weight of a highly crystalline thermoplasticity promoter selected from the group consisting of polymeric olefins prepared from monomers consisting of at least two carbon atoms;
from about 50 to 250 parts by weight of a filler selected from the group consisting of reinforcing and non-reinforcing materials and mixtures thereof per 100 parts of the polymer blend; and from about 20 to 150 parts by weight of a processing material and mixtures thereof, per 100 parts of the polymer blend. A method for covering a roof comprises the steps of applying layers of sheet material as described above to the roof being covered; overlapping adjacent edges of the layers; heating the overlapped areas to slightly above the softening point of the sheet material and seaming the overlapped areas using heat and sufficient pressure to provide an acceptable seam, the composition of matter having sufficient self-adhesion without the use of an adhesive.

Description

2 ~ 2 T SEAMABl,E lROOF SHEETlNG WlTlH lE3[~GHLY ' ' C~RYSTALLINE T~RM[OPL~3TIClTY PROMC)TERS
AND I\IET~IOD FOR CO~ERING ROOFS

TECH~CAL liIELD
The present invention relates generally to sheeting material used for roofing.
More particularly the sheeting material is comprised of ethylene-propylene-dienetelpolymers, referred to herein as EPDM and highly crystalline thermoplasticity promoters such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene ~LDPE) and other similar olefin type polymers as well as copolymers of ethylene/butene and ethylene/octene and the like and nnixtures thereof. A method is also provided for covering roofs which includes the step of employing the sheeting material of the present Invenhon.
BACKl~ROUND OF THE INVENTION
Polymeric roof sheeting is used as single ply roofing membrane for covering industrial and commercial flat roofs. Such membranes are generally applied to the roof surface in vulcanized or cured state.
Because of outstanding weathering resistance and flexibility, cured EPDM
based roof sheeting has been rapidly gaining acceptance. This material normally is prepared by vulcanizing the composition in the presence of sulfur or sulfur containing compounds such as mercaptans. Our earlier U.S. patent, No. 4,803,020 also teaches the use of radiation crosslinking promoters in an EPDM sheeting composition which can be cured by ionizing radiation.
Notwithstanding the usefulness of radiation curing and sulfur curing, a disadvantage of utilizing these elastomers is the lack of adhesion of EPDM, especially cured EPDM, to itself. This is a serious problem because in applying EPDM sheets to a roof, it is usually necessary to splice the cured EPDM sheets together. This splice or seam area is subjected to both short term and long term stresses such as those caused by roof movement, heavy winds, freeze-thaw cycling and thermal cycling. Such stresses may manifest themselves in shear forces or peel forces, i.e., the seam peels back under FIR.P.US0û59 2 ~ 7,i~ 1 severe skess conditions or results in a partially open seam (often referred to as a fish-mouth condition) under less severe conditions.
In view of the foregoing problem, it has been necessary to utilize an adhesive to bond the cured EPDM sheets together. As will be evident ~rom the above discussion, 5 an adhesive for bonding cured EPDM elastomer roofing sheets together must meet a number of requirements which are extremely difficult to satisfy. Thus, the adhesive must provide sufficient peel and adhesive strength to permit the splice formed by bonding the cured EPDM roofing sheets together to resist both the shoTt term and long term stresses such as those discussed hereinabove. Moreover, the adhesive must be 10 resistant to oxidation, hydrolysis and chemical attack from ponded water. Additionally, the adhesive must provide the important property often referred to in the adhesive art as "Quick Stick". The term "Quick Stick" means the characteristics of two sheets of material which have been coated with an adhesive composition to develop virtually immediate adhesive strength when placed in contact with each other.
Quick Stick is an extremely important property in an adhesive which is utilized to splice cured EPDM elastomer roofing sheets together. Thus, adhesive compositions presently known generally require anywhere from about two (2) to about seven (7) days at room temperature (i.e. 22C.) to attain maximum adhesive strength.
At higher ambient temperature, this time period may be somewhat less but at minimum 20 it will generally be at least 24 hours. The conventional procedure for splicing the EPDM roofing sheets together is to make the splice within a relatively short period of time after the adhesive coating has been applied to each sheet, generally within 30 minutes but often less. Accordingly, the adhesive composition must provide sufficient immediate adhesive strength or Quick Stick to permit the splice to withstand stresses 25 fTom winds, movement, handling by installers, etc. until the adhesive achieves its maximum strength which as indicated will generally take from two (2) to seven (7) days.
Commercial contact adhesives which are conventionally employed for bonding cured EPDM elastomer roo~lng sheets together generally consist of solutions of neoprene or neoprene-type or butyl or butyl-type polymers in aromatic or aromatic-30 aliphatic solvents containing 2-butanone often along with tackifying resins. However, such adhesives have not proven to be very satisfactory due to their lower than desirable FIR.P.US0059 - 3 - 2 ~ $ ~ 2 ~

peel adhesion strengths. Thus, the neoprene or butyl-type adhesives often provide peel adhesion values at 22C of only 1 to 2 pounds per linear inch.
Pressure sensitive and contact adhesive compositions containing neutralized, partially neutralized or unneutralized sulfonate elastomers, tackifying resins and organic S solvents or organic solvent mixtures are known in the prior art as shown by U.S. Pat.
No. 3,801,531 and 3,867,247.
U.S. Pa~. No. 3,B01,531 relates to pressure sensitive adhesive compositions which contain thiouronium derivatives of unsaturated elastomers or neutralized, partially neutralized or unneutralized sulfonated elastomers including sulfonated EPDM, tackifying resins including phenol formaldehyde or alkylphenol formaldehyde resins and organic solvents or organic solvent mixtures including a preferred 90:10 mixture of toluene and isopropyl alcohol. However, the patent does not disclose or suggest the use of alkylphenols or ethoxylated alkylphenols in such compositions.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,867,247 relates to adhesive contact cements which contain neutralized, partially neutralized or unneutrali~ed sulfonated butyl elastomers, tackifying resins including phenol formaldehyde or alkylphenol formaldehyde resins and organic solvents or organic solvent mixtures including a preferred 90:10 mixture of toluene and isopropyl alcohol. However, the patent does not disclose or suggest the use of alkylphenols or ethoxylated alkylphenols in such compositions.
The adhesive compositions described in the aforementioned patents suffer from a significant disadvantage which materially limits their usefulness as a contact adhesive for bonding cured EPDM elastomer roofing sheets together and that is their deficiency in Quick Stick properties.
One such adhesive system for EPDM elastomers that provides good Quick Stick is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,480,012, owned by the Assignee of record herein.
Such adhesives comprise a neutralized sulfonated EPI::M elastomeric terpolymer; an organic hydrocarbon solvent; a para-alkylated phenol formaldehyde tackifying resin and an alkylphenol or ethoxylated alkylphenol. While the use of such adhesive compositions is an effective means of joining and sealing the edges of elastomeric roofing material, if the use of adhesives could be eliminated, the additional labor material costs and related hardware necessary to apply the adhesive would effect a significant cost savings.

FIR.P.US0059 ~` ~ 4 ~ 1 2 Moreover, elimination of the need to cure the material prior to its application to a roof would also be advantageous. Also, a need for elastomeric roofing material with improved seam strength at elevated temperatures continues to exist.

S~JMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is thus an object of the present invention to provide heat seamable ~PDM
roof sheeting materials that show high seam strength at elevated temperatures.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a method for 10 covering roofs which employs a heat seamable EPD~ as roof sheeting materials.It is another object of the present invention to provide compositions which have sufficient crystallinity to show thermoplastic behavior during the formation of a seam using both heat and pressure.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide compositions 15 which demonstrate thermoplastic flow characteristics at elevated temperatures and elastomeric characteristics at ambient temperatures.
In general the present invention relates to a heat seamable sheet material for roofing prepared from a polymeric composition of matter comprising 100 parts by weight of a polymer blend comprising from about 50 to 90 parts by weight of a polymer 20 selected from the group consisting of polyolefins having up to about 2 percent by weight crystallinity, which polyolefins are prepared from monomers having at least 2 carbon atoms, and mixtures thereof and from about 10 to 53 parts by weight of a highly crystalline thermoplasticity promoter selected from the group consisting of polyolefin polymers prepared from monomers containing at least two carbon atoms; from about 50 25 to 250 parts by weight of a filler selected from the group consisting of reinforcing and non-reinforcing materials and mixtures thereof per 100 parts of the polymer blend; and from about 20 to 150 parts by weight of a processing material and mi~tures thereof per `100 parts of the polymer blend.
A method for covering a roof is also provided and comprises the steps of 30 applying layers of the sheet material described above roof being covered; overlapping adjacent edges of the layers; heating the overlapped areas to slightly above the softening FIR.P.US0059 - s - ~-~
2 ~
point of the sheet material; and seaming the overlapping areas using heat and under sufficient pressure to form an acceptable seam.
At least one or more of the foregoing objects which shall become apparent to those skilled in the art are described in greater detail with reference to the 5 specification which follows.

PREFERRED EMBOD~ NT OF THE INVENTION
As noted hereinabove, the roof sheeting materials of the present invention comprise EPDM terpolymers. The term EPDM is used in the sense of its definition as found in .~STM-D-1418-85 and is intended to mean a terpolymer of ethylene, propylene and a diene monomer with the residual unsaturation portion of the diene in the side chain. Illustrative methods for preparing such terpolymers are found in U.S. Pat. No.
3,280,082, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The preferred polymers having from about 35 to about 70 weight percent ethylene and up to about 12 weight percent of the diene with the balance of the polymer being propylene or some other similar olefin type polymer.
The diene monomer utilized in forming the EPDM terpolymer is preferably a non-conjugated diene. Illustrative examples of non-conjugated dienes which may be employed are dicyclopentadiene~ alkyldicyclopentadiene, 1,4-pentadiene, 1,4-hexadiene, 1,5-hexadiene, 1,4-heptadiene, 2-methyl-1,5-hexadiene, cyclooctadiene, 1,4-octadiene, 1,7-octadiene, S-ethylidene-2-norbornene,5-n-propylidene-2-norbornene,5-(2-methyl-2-~
butenyl)-2-norbornene and the like.
Particularly useful and preferred EPDM materials include Vistalon~ MD-744 (Exxon Chemical Co.); and Royalene~ 3180 (Uniroyal Chemical Co.). Vistalon~ MD-~5 744 has a Mooney Viscosity (MLJ4 at 125 C) of about 52; an E/P ratio of about 61139 weight percent and about 2.7 weight percent of unsaturation (ethylidene norbornene).
Royalene~ 3180 has a Mooney Viscosity (ML/4 at 125C) of about 46; an E/P ratio of about 65/35 weight percent and about 2.2 weight percent of unsaturation (ethylidene norbornene). Other useful EPDM terpolymers include Royalene~ 3093 (Uniroyal Chemical Company) having an E/P ratio of about 65l35 weight percent and Vistalon~

FIR. P.US0059 MD-727 (Exxon Chemical Company) having an E/P ratio of about 561M weight percentand about 1.7 weight percent of unsaturation (ethylidene norbornene).
Another typical EPDM is Nordel~ 1070 (duPont) an ethylene/propylene/
1,4-hexadiene terpolymer having an E/P ratio of about 58/42 and about 1.9 weight5 percent of unsaturation (1 ,4-hexadiene). This particular EPDM terpolymer has less than one weight percent crystallinity, from the ethylene component; an Mn as measured by GPC of at least about 87,000 and an Mw, as measured by GPC of at least about 188,000.
To be useful as a roofing material in the present invention it is necessary that10 the EPDM have an Mn as measured by GPC of at least about 3n,000 and an Mw, as measured by GPC of at least about 100,000.
Most importantly, the roof sheeting materials of the present invention include within the polymeric composition, a thermoplasticity promoter, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE) or other polyolefins prepared 15 from monomers containing at least two carbon atoms. Typical examples of commercially available thermoplasticity promoters that can be blended with EPDM have been set forth in Table I along with melting temperatures and percent of crystallinity.
The melt temperatures and amount of crystallinity were determined using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) technique.

FIR.P.US0059 ~ 7 ~

TABLE I
Crvstallinitv Enhancing Polvmers ETHYLENE HOMOPOLYMERS Tm, C 7'o crystallinity POLYWAX 2oooa 128 89.9 POLYWAX 30Q0b 121 93.2 LDPE 722C 112 39.1 LDPE 132d 109 27.7 LDPE 640e 113 39.9 LDPE 768f 119 45.8 LDPE CG-2523g 111 53.6 HDPE 12065h 134 66.8 HDPE 62013i 131 ~1.2 PETROLITE E-202Q~ 116 85.9 POLYPROPYLENE HOMOPOLYMERS
EASTOBOND D-7682-109Sk 153 4.7 A-FAX 5001 lS5 5.8 ETHYLENE/PROPYLENE COPOLYMERS
RLX-020m 152 35.8 ETHYLENE/OCTENE COPOLYMERS
ATTANE 4003n 123 36.9 ATTANE 4001 124 35.0 DOWLEX 2047AP 124 39.8 DOWLEX 2045q 124 42.2 DOWLEX 2038r 127 53.6 I)OWLEX 2027S 113 41.5 ETHYLENE/BUTENE COPOLYMER
GERS-1085t 71 2.3 FIR.P.US0059 ~ - 8 ~ L~ $ ~ ~

TABLE I (Continued) a) High melting polyethylene having a molecular weight of about 2000 (Petrolite) b) High melting polyethylene having a molecular weight of about 3000 (Petrolite) 5 c) Low density polyethylene resin, density 0.916 (Dow Chemical) d~ Low density polyethylene resin, density 0.919 (Dow Chemical) e) Low density polyethylene resin, density 0.922 (Dow Chemical) f~ Low deslsity polyethylene resin, density 0.930 (l)ow Chemical) g) Low density polyethylene resin, density 0.323 (Dow Chemical) 10 h) High density polyethylene resin, density 0.94 (Dow Chemical) i) High density polyethylene resin, density 0.94 (Dow Chemical) j) Petroleum-derived oxidized hydrocarbon having an acid number of 22 (Petrolite) k) Amorphous polypropylene (Eastman Chemical) 15 1) Amorphous polypropylene (Himont, USA, Inc.) m) Ethylene/propylene copolymer (2% Ethylene) molecular weight about 400,000 (Phillip's Petroleum) n) Ethylene-octene copolymer, density 0.905 (Dow Chemical) o) Ethylene-octene copolymer, density 0.912 (Dow Chemical) 20 p) Ethylene-octene copolymer, density 0.917 (Dow Chemical) q) Ethylene-octene copolymer, density 0.920 ~Dow Chemical) r) Ethylene-octene copolymer, density 0.935 (Dow Chemical) s) Ethylene-octene copolymer, density 0.941 (Dow Chemical) t) Ethylene-butene copolymer (about 82% ethylene), density 0.884 (Union Carbide Corporation) The highly crystalline thermoplasticity promoters listed in Table I are necessary, when the polymer blend comprises increasing amounts of EPDM terpolymer having less than 2 weight percent crystallinity. However, even if the EPDM terpolymer 30 selected is exclusively one having crystallinity greater than 2 percent by weight, the FIR.P.US0059 - 9 - ,~ l weight, the presence of a crystalline thermoplasticity promoter of the present invention provides increased adhesion, especially seam shear strength.
Particularly useful and preferred thermoplasticity promoters include HDPE
12065, HDPE 62013, LDPE CG-2523 and LDPE 768, all commercially available from S Dow Chemical. HDPE 12065 has a specific gravity of 0.94; a peak softening temperature of 134C and a crystallinity of 66.8 weight percent. HDPE 62013 has a specific gravity of 0.94; a peak softening temperature of 131C and a crystallinity of 61.2 weight percent; LDPE CG-2523 has a specific gravity of 0.923, a peak softening temperature of 111C and a crystallinity of 53.6 weight percent. L!l:)PE 768 has a specific gravity of 0.93, a peak softening ternperature of 119C and a crystallinity of 45.8 weight percent.
The composition or compound employed to form the roof sheeting material comprises about 50 to 90 parts by weight of BPDM, or other similar olefinic typeterpolymers, including mixtures of two or more types, to which is added from about 10 to 50 parts by weight of a highly crystalline thermoplasticity promoter selected from the group consisting of polymeric olefins prepared from monomers containing at least two carbon atoms, fillers and processing materials as well as optionally other components including curatives, all of which are discussed hereinbelow.
With respect first to the filler, suitable fillers are selected from the group consisting of reinforcing and non-reinforcing materials, and mixtures thereof, as are customarily added to rubber. Examples include such materials as carbon black, ground coal, calcium carbonate, clay, silica, cryogenically ground rubber and the like.Generally, preferred fillers include carbon blaf~k, ground coal and cryogenically ground rubber.
~5 Carbon black is used in an amount of about 20 parts to about 300 parts per 100 parts of polymer (phr), preferably in an amount of about 60 to about 150 phr. The preferred range of carbon black herein (60 to 150 phr) is about equal to the amount of carbon black normally used in preparing sulfur cured EPDM roof sheeting. The carbon black useful herein is any carbon black. Preferred are furnace blacks such as GPF
(general purpose furnace), FEF (fast extrusion furnace) and SRF (semi-reinforcing furnace).

FIR.P.US0059 -lo The ground coal employed as a filler in the compositions of the invention is a dry, finely divided black powder derived from a low volatile bituminous coal. The ground coal has a particle size ranging from a minimum of 0.~6 microns to a maximum of 2.55 microns with the average particle size of 0.69 + 0.46 as determined on 50 S particles using Transmission Electron Microscopy. The ground coal produces an aqueous slurry having a pH of about 7.0 when tested in accordance with ASTM D-1512.
A preferred ground coal of this type is designated Austin Black which has a specific gravity of about 1.22 + 0.03, an ash content of 4.5~% and a sulfur content of 0.65%.
Austin Black is commercially available from Coal Fillers, Inc., P.O. Box 1063, Bluefield, Virginia. Amounts range from about 5 to 65 phr with about 15 to 35 bèing preferred.
Finally, essentially any cryogenically ground rubber may be employed as a filler in the composition of the invention. The preferred cryogenically ground rubbers are cryogenically ground EPDM, butyl, neoprene and the like. A preferred cryogenically ground rubber is a cryogenically ground EPDM rubber. The preferredcryogenically ground EPDM rubber is a fine black rubbery powder having a specific gravity of about 1.129 + 0.015 and a particle size ranging from about 30 to about 300 microns with an average particle size ranging from about 50 to about 80 microns.Amounts range from about 5 to 40 phr with about 10 to 25 being preferred.
Mixtures of Austin black and cryogenically ground rubber useful herein may be utilized as a partial replacement for carbon black. Where mixtures of these two fillers are employed the relative amounts thereof can be widely varied; the overall total not exceeding about 60 phr. The ratio of Austin black to cryogenically ground rubber may range from a desired ratio of 2:1 to perhaps even a ratio of 3:1. Again, as noted 2~ hereinabove, other filler materials can be employed. Amounts thereof fall within the range of amounts normally employed in preparing sulfur cured conventional roof sheeting.
With respect to the processing oil, it is included to improve the processing behavior of the composition (i.e. reduce mixing time and increase calendering ra~e).
The processing oil is included in an amount ranging from about 20 parts to about 150 parts by weight of process oil per 100 parts EPDM ingredient, preferably in an amount FIR.P.US0059 ranging from about 60 parts to about 100 parts by weight. A preferred processing oil is a paraffinic oil, e.g. Sunpar 2280 which is available from the Sun Oil Company.
Other petroleum derived oils including naphthenic oils may be used.
Optional ingredients include, for example, other elastomers (e.g., butyl S elastomer, neutralized sulfonated EPDM, neutralized sulfonated butyl~ in place of minor amounts of the EPDM, secondary inorganic fillers (e.g., talc, mica, clay, silicates, whiting) with total secondary filler content usually ranging from about 10 to about 150 phr, and conventional arnounts of other conventional additives, such as zinc oxide, stearic acid, antioxidants, antiozonants, flame retardants, and the like.
The compounding ingredients can be admixed, utilizing an internal mixer (such as a Banbury mixer), an extruder, and/or a tw~roll mill, or other mixers suitable for forming a viscous relatively uniform admixtures. When utilizing a type B Banbury internal mixer, in a preferred mode, the dry or powdery materials such as carbon black are added first followed by the liquid process oil and ~mally the polymer (this type of mixing can be referred to as an upside-down mi~cing technique).
The resulting admixture is sheeted to thickness ranging from S to 200 mils, preferably from 35 to 60 mils, by conventional sheeting methods, for example, milling, calendering or extrusion. Preferably, the admixture is sheeted to at least 40 gauge (0.040 inches) which is the minimum thickness specified in standards set by the Roofing Council of the Rubber Manufacturers Association for non-reinforced black EPDM
rubber sheets for use in roofing applications. In many cases, the admixture is sheeted to 40-45 gauge, since this is the thickness for a large percentage of "single-ply" roofing membranes used commercially. The sheeting can be cut to desired length and widthdimensions at this time.
The method of the present invention is practiced by utilizing an EPDM sheet material as described herein. As the sheet is unrolled over the roof substructure in an otherwise conventional fashion, the seams of adjacent sheet layers are overlapped. The width of the seam can vary depending on the requirements specified by the architect, building contractor or roofing contractor and thus, do not constitute a limitation of the present invention.

FIR.P.US0059 - 12 - ~

Assuming an overlap of several inches, the next step is to apply heat and some pressure to the edge area to form the seam. Temperature is conveniently applied from about 80 to 550C. Generally, the seam area, comprisin~ overlapping edges of adjacent sheets, should be heated to slightly above the softening temperature of the sheet 5 material. Numerous techniques which utilize heat and pressure can be used to produce an effective seam as are known to those skilled in the art. Pressure can vary widely from a minimum of about 3 psi up ~o about 60 psi, typically so long as it is adequate to provide an acceptable seam.
In order to demonstrate practice of the present invention, several EPDM
10 compounds according to the present invention were prepared and subjected to both peel and shear adhesion tests, as will now be set forth in detail. The EPDM polymer selected was Vistalon~ MD-744 characterization of which is presented in Table IIhereinbelow.

FIR.P.US0059 -- 13 - 2 ~

TABLE II
Pol~mer Characterizafion StudY
Vistalon~ MD-744 ML/4 at 125C 52 Ethylene Content, weight % 61 Crystallinity, weight % < 1 Tg, C (by DSC) -56.4 Tm, C (by DSC) 41.6 Unsaturation, weight % 2.7 Type of Unsaturation ENBa Mn 73,200 Mw 360,400 MnJMw ratio 4.92 a) 5-ethylidene-2-norbornene The following examples represent heat seamable membrane compositions based upon the Vistalon~ MD-744, an EPDM terpolymer and commercially available from Exxon Chemical Co. and are submitted for the purpose of further illustrating the 20 nature of the present invention and are not to be considered as a limitation on the scope thereof.

FIR.P.USûO59 TABLE III
Heat Seamable Membranes: Blends of Amorphous EPDM and HDPE

Example No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Vistalon0 MD-744 100 90 80 70 60 50 HiStr GPF Black 110 110 110 110 110 110 Paraffinic Process Oil 70 70 70 70 70 70 TOTAL ~80 280 280 280 280 280 In the examples illustrated in Table III, Example No. 1 provides an EPDM
membrane based on Vistalon~ MD-744 (without HDPE) as the control. Example No. 1 features 100% Vistalon~ MD-744, an amorphous (non-crystalline) EPDM teIpolymer having a Mooney Viscosity (ML/~ at 125C) of about 52; an ethylene/propylene (E/P) ratio of 61/39 weight percent and 2.7 weight percent of unsaturation. Examples No. 2-6 were based on blends of Vistalon0 MD-744 and HDPE 12065, a highly crystalline homopolymer of polyethylene. Example No. 1 was prepared utilizing standard rubber mixing techniques and equipment by mixing together the following ingredients: 100 parts EPDM terpolymer, 110 phr HiStr GPF black and 70 phr paraffinic process oil.
The remaining examples No. 2-6 comprised 50 to 90 parts of the EPDM terpolymer, 10 to 50 phr HDPE 12065 and the same levels of carbon black and process oil used in the preparation of Example No. 1. Formulations for each appear in Table III, hereinabove with all parts per hundred parts of rubber hydrocarbon (phr) by weight, unless otherwise specified.
Physical testing data such as stress-strain properties, die C tear resistance and hardness data are provided in Table IV hereinbelow.

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For testing pu~oses, dumbbell shaped specimens were cut from individual milled 45 mil flat sheees according to ASTM D~12 (Method A-dumbbell and st~aight).
Modulus, tensile strength and elongation at break measurements were obtained using a table model Instron3 Tester, Model 1130, and the test results were calculated inS accordance with ASTM D~12. All dumbbell specimens were allowed to set for about 24 hours, following which testing was carried out at 23C. Shore "A" hardness testing was conducted at 23C in accordance with ASTM Method D-2240.
Tear properties of milled 45 mil flat rubber sheets cut with a die C (90 angle die) were deterrnined in accordance with ASTM Method D-624. Die C tear specimens were not nicked prior to testing. Tear resistance, in lbs/inch, was obtained using a table model Instron~ Tester, Model 1130 and the test results were calculated in accordance with ASTM Method D-624. Testing was again carried out at 23C.
The uncured black and oil filled roofing membrane formulations featuring HDPE 12065, a highly crystalline homopolymer of polyethylene, in Examples No. 2-6, were characterized, for the most part, as higher modulus compositions having unaged die C tear and hardness properties much higher than the 100% amorphous EPDM
control, Exarnple No. 1. Increases in modulus, tensile strength, die C tear and hardness properties resulted at the higher HDPE 12065 loadings.
Seam peel and shear adhesion tests were also conducted, utilizing the ~0 adhesion test pads discussed hereinbelow, and are reported in Tables V and VI, resp~ctively.

Detailed Peel and Shear Adhesion Test Procedure Each of the above rubber compounds was subjected to adhesion testing which necessitated the building of test pads comprising 6 x 6 inch sheets reinforced by a fiber reinforcement scrim, according to the following procedure:

1. A lO x 2~inch two roll mill was utilized to prepare a number of 6 x 6-inch sheets of rubber approximately 40 mils in thickness for building adhesion test pads.

FIR.P.US0059 -- r ~ 17 -2. In order to reinforce the uncured sheets o~ rubber, a 6 x ~inch sheet of PVC treated polyester scrim (10 x 10 epi cord construction) was inserted between two 6 x 6-inch sheets of rubber.

3. The rubber-scrim assembly was covered with a layer of a Mylar film and placed in the cavity of a metal curing mold (6 x 6 x 0.075-inch).

4. The rubber-scrim assembly was then pressed in a Mylar film for about five minutes at about 149C.

5. Two of the 6 x 6-inch scrim reinforced rubber pads were seamed together using a hand-held heating gun (Leister). Approximately 15 to 18 pounds force was supplied by means of a roller such as a standard two-inch wide metal roller. Satisfactory seams (either peel or shear) could be formed using only 3 to 4 pounds force and the standard two-inch wide rubber roller. The seams were allowed to equilibrate for 24 hours before testing.

6. A clicker machine with a one-inch wide die was utilized to prepare a number of test specimens for seam peel (Type B, 90 peel) and shear (Type A, 180 peel) adhesion testing.

7. Testing machine: Model 1130 Instron Universal Tester - a testing machine of the constant rate-ofjaw separation type. The machine was equipped with suitable grips capable of clamping the specimens firmly and without slippage throughout the tests.

8. The one-inch wide specimens were tested at the rate (both crosshead and chart speed) of two inches per minute using the adhesion test set forth in ASTM D-413 (machine method). Both peel and shear adhesion strength were determined at room temperature (i.e., 23C) FIR.P.US0059 --18- 2~

as well as occasionally at 70 and 93C. Specimens were allowed 15 minutes to preheat prior to testing at elevated temperatures.

9. Adhesion strength is defined as:
peel adhesion strength (Ibs./inch) = pounds force x sample width;
shear adhesion strength (Ibs./square inch) = pounds force x sample width.

Seam peel adhesion and seam shear strength for Examples l-6 were conducted according to the test procedure outlined hereinabove with actual measured values being reported in Tables V and VI, respectively.

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As can be determined from the adhesion data presented in Tables V and VI, seam peel adhesion and searn shear adhesion values were generally better for the heat seamable membranes (Examples No. 2-6) which featured blends of amorphous EPDM/H~PE 12065 as compared to the 100% arnoIphous EPDM control (Example 5 No. 1). Seam peel adhesion for Example No. 1 (control) as shown in Table V was 16 lbs/inch at 23C, whil~ seam shear strength at 23C in Table VI was >26 lbs/square inch. Examples No. 2-6 were based on blends of Vistalon~ MD-744 and HDPE 12065, a highly crystalline homopolymer of polyethylene. Both room temperature and hightemperature searn peel and shear adhesion results were improved by replacing from 10 to 50 parts by weight of amorphous EPDM, Vistalon~ MD-744 with an equal amount of HDPE 12065.
The membrane of the present invention ~Examples Nos. 2-6) exhibited rubber tearing to the fabric reinforcement and rubber-to-fabric failure during the seam peel strength test. In the seam shear strength test, the fabric reinforced membranes fail by stretching or necking and eventually break or tear adjacent to the weld seam.
The test samples listed in Tables V and VI were tested at a crosshead and chart speed of two inches per minute using a Model 1130 Instron~ Universal Tester in accordance with the adhesion test set forth in ASTM D-413. Seam peel and shear strengths were measured at room temperature (23C) as well as 70C and 93C.
In conclusion, it should be clear from the foregoing examples and specification disclosure that the use of highly crystalline thermoplasticity promoters together with EPDM terpolymers to prepare sheet material for roofing allows such sheet material to be seamed along the edge areas, using sufficient pressure and heat, so as to improve high temperature properties such as die C tear resistance, peel and seam shear strength. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific types of EPDM or thermoplasticity promoters exemplified herein or by the disclosure of other typical EPDM terpolymers provided herein, the examples having been provided merely to demonstrate the practice of the subject invention. Those skilled in the art may readily select other EPDM terpolymers, or other similar thermoplasticity promoters according to the disclosure made hereinabove. Similarly, the invention is not necessarily limited to` the particular fillers and processin~ material exemplified or the amounts ~hereof.

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In view of the properties described above, the compositions of the present invention are valuable in the production of roofing membranes. Roofing membranesformed from the compositions of the present invention may be produced by any method conventionally used for producing roofing membranes from filled polymer compositions.
5 For example, the membranes may be formed by a conventional calendering technique.
Other methods, including spray coating and roller die forming may also be used.
Roofing membranes formed from the compositions of the present invention may optionally be scrim reinforced.
Thus, it is believed that any of the variables disclosed herein can readily be 10 determined and controlled without departing from the scope of the invention herein disclosed and described. Moreover, the scope of the invention shall include all modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the attached claims.

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Claims (7)

1. A heat seamable sheet material for roofing prepared from an uncured polymeric composition of matter comprising:
100 parts by weight of a polymer blend comprising from about 50 to 90 parts by weight of a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyolefins having up to about 2 percent by weight crystallinity, said polyolefins being prepared from monomers having at least

2 carbon atoms and mixtures thereof; and from about 10 to 50 parts by weight of a highly crystalline thermoplasticity promoter selected from the group consisting of polyolefin polymers prepared from monomers containing at least two carbon atoms;
from about 50 to 250 parts by weight of a filler selected from the group consisting of reinforcing and non-reinforcing materials and mixtures thereof, per 100 parts of said polymer blend; and from about 20 to 150 parts by weight of a processing material and mixture thereof, per 100 parts of said polymer blend.

2. A heat seamable sheet material, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said polymer comprises EPDM having a weight average molecular weight of about 360,000 and about one percent by weight crystallinity.

3. A heat seamable sheet material, as set forth in claim 2, wherein said filler comprises about 110 parts by weight of carbon black and said composition of matter includes about 70 parts by weight of processing oil.

4. A heat seamable sheet material, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said thermoplasticity promoter comprises 50 parts by weight of high density polyethylene and exhibits a seam peel adhesion value of about 6 pounds/inch at temperatures up to 93°C.

FIR.P.US0059

5. A method for covering a roof with a heat seamable sheet material for roofing prepared from an uncured polymeric composition of matter comprising the steps of applying layers of self-adhering sheet material prepared from an uncured heat seamable polymeric composition of matter to the roof being covered;
overlapping adjacent edges of said layers;
heating the overlapped areas to slightly above the softening point of the sheet material and seaming the overlapped areas using heat and under sufficient pressure to provide an acceptable seam strength, said composition of matter having sufficient self-adhesion without the use of an adhesive and comprising 100 parts by weight of a polymer blend comprising from about 50 to 90 parts by weight of a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyolefins having up to about 2 percent by weight crystallinity, said polyolefins being prepared from monomers having at least 2 carbon atoms and mixtures thereof; and from about 10 to 50 parts by weight of a highly crystalline thermoplasticity promoter selected from the group consisting of polyolefin polymers prepared from monomers containing at least two carbon atoms;
from about 50 to 250 parts by weight of a filler selected from the group consisting of reinforcing and non-reinforcing materials and mixtures thereof per 100 parts of said polymer blend and from about 20 to 150 parts by weight of a processing material and mixtures thereof per 100 parts of said polymer blend.

6. A method, as set forth in claim 5, wherein the step of heating is conducted under a temperature of at least about 82°C.

7. A method, as set forth in claim 5, wherein said filler comprises about 110 parts by weight of carbon black and said composition of matter includes about 70 parts by weight of processing oil.

FIR.P.US0059