 thermoplastic polymeric composition
专利摘要:
thermoplastic polymer composition. the present invention relates to a thermoplastic polymer composition comprising a thermoplastic polymer and a nucleating agent. the nucleating agent comprises a compound according to the structure of formula (i), formula (ii), or formula (iii). 公开号:BR112012009135B1 申请号:R112012009135 申请日:2010-10-20 公开日:2019-12-17 发明作者:M Acevedo Cristina；Wang Daike；L Dotson Darin；Li Jiang；Xu Jiannong；Willem Johan M Hanssen Robbie；R Trenor Scott 申请人:Milliken & Co； IPC主号:
专利说明:
Descriptive Report of the Invention Patent for THERMOPLASTIC POLYMERIC COMPOSITION. TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This application relates to agents for thermoplastic polymers, thermoplastic polymer compositions comprising such nucleating agents, articles made from such thermoplastic polymer compositions, and methods of making and modeling such thermoplastic polymer compositions. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Various nucleating agents for thermoplastic polymers are known in the art. These nucleating agents generally function by forming nuclei or providing sites for the formation and / or growth of crystals in the thermoplastic polymer, as it solidifies from the molten state. The cores or sites provided by the nucleating agent allow crystals to form within the cooling polymer at a higher temperature and / or at a faster rate than the crystals will form in the virgin, non-nucleated thermoplastic polymer. These effects can then allow processing of a nucleated thermoplastic polymeric composition at cycle times that are shorter than that of the virgin, non-nucleated thermoplastic polymer. The cores or sites provided by the nucleating agent can also reduce the size of the spherulites formed on cooling the polymer, which is believed to improve the optical properties (for example, reduces fog levels) exhibited by articles formed from the polymer. [0003] While polymer nucleating agents can function in a similar way, not all nucleating agents are created equal. For example, a nucleating agent can be effective in increasing the peak polymer recrystallization temperature of a thermoplastic polymer and producing a part Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 5/87 2/73 molded showing isotropic shrinkage, relatively low, however such a nucleating agent can negatively affect the optical properties (for example, fog and / or clarity) of the thermoplastic polymer, rendering the nucleating agent ineffective for use in the production of articles that must present low fog and / or high clarity. In addition, while nucleating agents for polyethylene polymers are known in the art, relatively few of these nucleating agents were known to remove the optical properties of the polyethylene polymer to any appreciable degree. [0004] Given the complicated interrelation of these properties and the fact that many nucleating agents behave less than ideally for at least one of the properties, there remains a need for nucleating agents that are capable of producing thermoplastic polymer compositions exhibiting a combination most desirable of high peak polymer crystallization temperature, improved optical properties, and high rigidity. In particular, there remains a need for nucleating agents that are capable of improving the optical properties (e.g., mist and / or clarity) of polyethylene polymers without negatively impacting the polymer crystallization temperature and bending properties exhibited by such polymers. Applicants believe that the nucleating agents and thermoplastic polymer compositions described in the present application satisfy such a need. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] As noted above, the present invention generally relates to nucleating agents, thermoplastic polymer compositions comprising such nucleating agents, articles (e.g., shaped articles) made from such thermoplastic polymer compositions, and methods of making and modeling such poPetition compositions 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 6/87 3/73 thermoplastic polymer. The nucleating agents and thermoplastic polymer compositions according to the invention are believed to be particularly well suited for the production of thermoplastic polymer articles (e.g., modeled thermoplastic polymer articles) exhibiting a desired combination of physical properties. In particular, articles produced using the invention's nucleating agents and thermoplastic polymer compositions are believed to be a desired combination of peak polymer crystallization temperature, hardness, and optical properties (e.g., haze and / or clarity ) when compared to articles made of non-nucleated thermoplastic polymer. Applicants believe that this combination of physical properties indicates that the nucleating agents and thermoplastic polymer compositions according to the invention are well suited for use in the production of thermoplastic polymer articles. [0006] In a first embodiment, the invention provides a thermoplastic polymeric composition comprising a thermoplastic polymer and a nucleating agent. The nucleating agent comprises a compound according to the structure of one of the Formula (I), Formula (II), or Formula (III) below [ M i '] Jq /'] r 1, K J b Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 7/87 4/73 [0007] In the structures of formulas (I), (II), and (III), x is a positive integer. R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R10, R11, R12, R13, R14, R15, and R16 are substituents independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, C1-C9 alkyl groups, C1-C9 alkenyl groups, C1 groups -C9 alkynyl, C1-C9 alkoxy groups, C1-C9 hydroxyalkyl groups, alkyl ether groups, amine groups, C1-C9 alkylamine groups, halogens, aryl groups, alkylaryl groups, and twin or vicinal carboxylic groups having up to nine carbon atoms. Each Mi is a cation selected from the group consisting of transition metal cations. The y variable is the cation valence, M1. Variable b can be zero or a positive integer. When the value of b is one or greater, each Q1 is a negatively charged counterion, and a variable is the valence of the negatively charged counterion. In all structures, the values of x, y, z, a, and b satisfy the equation x + (ab) = yz. [0008] In a second embodiment, the invention provides a thermoplastic polymeric composition comprising a polyethylene polymer and a nucleating agent. The nucleating agent comprises a compound according to the structure of a Formula (I), (II), z [ Q 1 a -] b O I [Mi ' + ] Mb (II) Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 8/87 5/73 z M b [0009] In the structures of formulas (I), (II), and (III), x is a positive integer. R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R10, R11, R12, R13, R14, R15, and R16 are substituents independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, C1-C9 alkyl groups, C1-C9 alkenyl groups, C1 groups -C9 alkynyl, C1-C9 alkoxy groups, C1-C9 hydroxyalkyl groups, alkyl ether groups, amine groups, C1-C9 alkylamine groups, halogens, aryl groups, alkylaryl groups, and twin or vicinal carboxylic groups having up to nine carbon atoms. Each Mi is a cation selected from the group consisting of metal cations and organic cations. The y variable is the cation valence, M1. Variable b can be zero or a positive integer. When the value of b is one or greater, each Q1 is a negatively charged counterion, and a variable is the valence of the negatively charged counterion. In all structures, the values of x, y, z, a, and b satisfy the equation x + (ab) = yz. [00010] The invention also provides methods for making such a thermoplastic polymer composition and methods for using the thermoplastic polymer composition to form thermoplastic polymer articles. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [00011] In a first embodiment, the invention provides a thermoplastic polymeric composition comprising a thermoplastic polymer and a nucleating agent. The thermoplastic polymer of the thermoplastic polymer composition can be any suitable thermoplastic polymer. As updated here, the term thermoplastic polymer is used to refer to a polymeric material that will melt on exposure to sufficient heat to form a flowable liquid and return to a solidified state on sufficient cooling. In your Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 9/87 6/73 solidified state, such thermoplastic polymers have crystalline or semicrystalline morphology. Such thermoplastic polymers include, but are not limited to, polyolefins (for example, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polybutylenes, and any combination thereof), polyamides (for example, nylon), polyurethanes, polyesters (for example, polyethylene terephthalate), and and any combination thereof. [00012] In certain embodiments, the thermoplastic polymer can be a polyolefin, such as a polypropylene, a polyethylene, a polybutylene, and a poly (4-methyl-1-pentane). In a possibly preferred embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer is a polyolefin selected from the group consisting of polypropylene homopolymers (e.g., atactic polypropylene, isotactic polypropylene, and syndiotactic polypropylene), polypropylene copolymers (e.g., random polypropylene copolymers), copolymers of polypropylene. impact of polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene copolymers, polybutylene, poly (4-methyl-1 pentane), and mixtures thereof. Suitable polypropylene copolymers include, but are not limited to, random copolymers made from the polymerization of propylene in the presence of a comonomer selected from the group consisting of ethylene, but-1-ene (ie, 1-butene), and hex -1-ene (i.e., 1-hexane). In such random polypropylene copolymers, the comonomer can be present in any suitable amount, but is typically present in an amount less than about 10% by weight (for example, about 1 to about 7% by weight). Suitable polypropylene impact copolymers include, but are not limited to, those produced by the addition of a copolymer selected from the group consisting of ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR), ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM), polyethylene, and plastomers to a polypropylene homopolymer or random polypropylene copolymer. In such Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 10/87 7/73 polypropylene impact copolymers, the copolymer can be present in any suitable amount, but is typically present in an amount of about 5 to about 25% by weight. [00013] In another possibly preferred embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer can be a polyethylene. Suitable polyethylenes include, but are not limited to, low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, and combinations thereof. In certain possibly preferred embodiments, the thermoplastic polymer is selected from the group consisting of medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, and mixtures thereof. In another possibly preferred embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer is a high density polyethylene. [00014] The high density polyethylene polymer suitable for use in the invention generally has a density greater than about 0.940 g / cm 3 . There is no upper limit to the proper density of the polymer, however high density polyethylene polymers typically have a density that is less than about 0.980 g / cm 3 (for example, less than about 0.975 g / cm 3 ). [00015] The high density polyethylene polymer suitable for use in the invention can be homopolymers or copolymers of ethylene with one or more α-olefins. Suitable α-olefins include, but are not limited to, 1-butene, 1-hexane, 1-octene, 1-decene, and 4methyl-1-pentane. The comonomer can be present in the copolymer in any suitable amount, such as an amount of about 5% by weight or less (for example, about 3% by mol or less). As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the amount of suitable comonomer for the copolymer is largely regulated by the end use for the copolymer and the required or desired polymer properties dictated by that end use. Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 11/87 8/73 [00016] The high density polyethylene polymer suitable for use in the invention can be produced by any suitable process. For example, polymers can be produced by a free radical process using many high pressures as described, for example, in United States Patent No. 2,816,883 (Larchar et al.), But polymers are typically produced in a process low pressure catalytic. In this regard, the term low pressure is used to indicate processes carried out at pressures less than 6.9 MPa (eg 1,000 psig), such as 1.4-6.9 MPa (200-1000 psig). Examples of suitable low pressure catalytic processes include, but are not limited to, suitable polymerization processes (i.e., processes in which polymerization is carried out using a solvent for the polymer), suspension polymerization processes (i.e., processes in which the polymerization is carried out using a liquid hydrocarbon in which the polymer does not dissolve or swell), gas phase polymerization processes (for example, processes in which the polymerization is carried out without the use of a liquid medium or diluent), or a reactor polymerization process in stages. Suitable gas phase polymerization processes also include so-called condensed or super-condensed processes in which a liquid hydrocarbon is introduced into the fluidized bed to increase the absorption of heat production during the polymerization process. In this condensed and super-condensed process, the liquid hydrocarbon is typically condensed in the recycling stream and reused in the reactor. Stepped reactor processes can use a combination of suspension process reactors (tanks or loops) that are connected in series, in parallel, or a combination of series or parallel so that the catalyst (for example, corm catalyst) is exposed to more than one set of reaction conditions. PROPETITION 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 12/87 9/73 step reactor processes can also be performed by combining two loops in series, combining one or more tanks and loops in series, using multiple gas phase reactors in series, or a combination of handle gas. Because of their ability to expose the catalyst to different sets of reactor conditions, stepped reactor processes are often used to produce multimodal polymers, such as those described below. Suitable processes also include those in which the use of a prepolymerization step is carried out. In this prepolymerization step, the catalyst is typically exposed to the catalyst and ethylene under mild conditions in a separate, smaller reactor, and the polymerization reaction is allowed to proceed until the catalyst comprises a relatively small amount (for example, about 5% about 30% of the total weight) of the resulting composition. This prepolymerized catalyst is then introduced into the large-scale reactor where the polymerization is to be used. [00017] The high density polyethylene polymer suitable for use in the invention can be produced using any suitable catalyst or combinations of catalysts. Suitable catalysts include transition metal catalysts, such as supported reduced molybdenum oxide, cobalt molybdate in alumina, chromium oxide, and transition metal halides. Chromium oxide catalysts are typically produced by impregnating a chromium compound over a pore, a high surface area oxide vehicle, such as silica, and then calcining it in dry air at 500-900 ° C. This converts the chromium into a hexavalent surface chrome ester or dichromatic ester. Chromium oxide catalysts can be used in conjunction with metal alkyl catalysts, such as alkyl boron, alkyl aluminum, alkyl zinc, and alkyl lithium. The supports for chromium oxide include silica, silica-titania, silica-alumina, aluPetition 870190098922, from 10/03/2019, p. 13/87 10/73 mine, and aluminophosphates. Other examples of chromium oxide catalysts include those catalysts produced by depositing a compound of a lower valent organocromo such as bis (arene) Cr 0 alkyl, Cr 3+ and Cr 2+, Cr alkyls stabilized beta 2+ and Cr4 + , and bis (cyclopentadienyl) Cr 2+ , on a chromium oxide catalyst, such as those described above. Suitable transition metal catalysts also include supported chromium catalysts such as those based on chromocene or a silylchromate (e.g., bi (trisphenylfilyl) chromate). These chromium catalysts can be supported on a suitable high surface area support such as those described above for chromium oxide catalysts, with silica typically being used. The supported chromium catalysts can also be used in conjunction with cocatalysts, such as the metal alkyl catalysts listed above for chromium oxide catalysts. Suitable transition metal halide catalysts include titanium (III) halides (eg titanium (III) chloride), titanium (IV) halides (eg titanium (IV) chloride), vanadium halides, zirconium halides, and combinations thereof. These transition metal halides are often supported on a high surface area solid, such as magnesium chloride. The transition metal halide catalysts are typically used in conjunction with an alkyl aluminum catalyst such as trimethyl aluminum (i.e., Al (CH3) 3) or triethyl aluminum (i.e., Al (C2H5) 3). These transition metal halides can also be used in stepped reactor processes. Suitable catalysts also include metallocene catalysts, such as cyclopentadienyl titanium halides (eg, cyclopentadienyl titanium chlorides), cyclopentadienyl zirconium halides (eg, cyclopentadienyl zirconium chlorides), cyclopentadienyl hafnium halides (eg, cyclopentadienyl chloride halides ), and combinations thereof. Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 14/87 11/73 Metallocene catalysts based on transition metals complexed with indeline or fluorenyl binders are also known and can be used to produce high density polyethylene polymers suitable for use in the invention. Catalysts typically contain multiple linkers, and the linkers can be substituted with several groups (for example, n-butyl group) or linked with bridge groups, such as —CH2CH2— or> SiPh2. Metallocene catalysts are typically used in conjunction with a catalyst, such as methyl aluminoxane (i.e., (Al (CH3) xOy) n. Other catalysts include those described in United States Patent No. 5,919,983 (Rosen et al.) , United States Patent No. 6,107,230 (McDaniel et al.), United States Patent No. 6,632,894 (McDaniel et al.), And United States Patent No. 6,300,271 (McDaniel et al.). Single site catalysts suitable for use in the production of high density polyethylene include diimine complexes, such as those described in United States Patent No. 5,891,963 (Brookhart et al.). [00018] The high density polyethylene polymer suitable for use in the invention can have any suitable molecular weight (e.g., average weight molecular weight). For example, the weight average molecular weight of high density polyethylene can be from 20,000 g / mol to about 1,000,000 g / mol or more. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the appropriate average weight molecular weight of high density polyethylene will depend, at least in part, on the particular application or end use for which the polymer is intended. For example, a high density polyethylene polymer intended for blow molding applications can have an average molecular weight of about 100,000 g / mol to about 1,000,000 g / mol. A high density polyethylene polymer intended for pipe or film applications can have a weight Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 15/87 12/73 molecular weight average of about 100,000 g / mol to about 500,000 g / mol. A high density polyethylene polymer intended for injection molding applications can have an average molecular weight of about 20,000 g / mol to about 80,000 g / mol. A high density polyethylene polymer intended for wire insulation applications, cable insulation applications, tape applications, or filament applications can have an average molecular weight of about 80,000 g / mol to about 400,000 g / mol. A high density polyethylene polymer intended for rotomodeling applications can have an average molecular weight of about 50,000 g / mol to about 150,000 g / mol. [00019] The high density polyethylene polymer suitable for use in the invention can also have any suitable polydispersity, which is defined as the value obtained by dividing the average molecular weight of the polymer by the average molecular weight of the polymer. For example, the high density polyethylene polymer can have a polydispersity greater than 2 to about 100. As understood by one skilled in the art, the polydispersity of the polymer is strongly influenced by the catalyst system used to produce the polymer, with the metallocene and other single-site catalysts generally producing polymers with relatively low polydispersity and low molecular weight distributions and the other transition metal catalysts (e.g., chromium catalysts) producing polymers with greater polydispersity and broader molecular weight distributions. The high density polyethylene polymer suitable for use in the invention may also have a multimodal (e.g., bimodal) molecular weight distribution. For example, the polymer can have a first fraction having a relatively low molecular weight and a second fraction having a relatively high molecular weight. The difference between the average molecular weight Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 16/87 13/73 weight of the fractions in the polymer can be any suitable amount. In fact, it is not necessary for the difference between the molecular weight average weights to be too large for two distinct molecular weight fractions to be resolved using gel permeation chromatography (GPC). However, in certain multimodal polymers, the difference between the average molecular weight of the fractions can be very large so that two or more distinct peaks can be resolved from the GPC curve for the polymer. In this regard, the term distinct does not necessarily mean that the portions of the GPC curve corresponding to each fraction do not overlap, but is merely meant to indicate that a distinct peak for each fraction can be solved from the GPC curve. for the polymer. Multimodal polymers suitable for use in the invention can be produced using any suitable process. As noted above, multimodal polymers can be produced using stepped reactor processes. A suitable example would be a stepwise solution process incorporating a series of agitated tanks. Alternatively, multimodal polymers can be produced in a single reactor using a combination of catalysts, each of which is designed to produce a polymer having a different average weight molecular weight. [00020] The high density polyethylene polymer suitable for use in the invention can have any suitable melt index. For example, the high density polyethylene polymer can have a melt index of about 0.01 dg / min to about 40 dg / min. As in the case of the average weight molecular weight, those skilled in the art understand that the suitable melt index for the high density polyethylene polymer will depend, at least in part, on the particular application or end use for which the polymer is intended. Thus, for example, a high density polyethylene polymer dispensed 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 17/87 14/73 for blow molding applications can have a melt index of about 0.01 dg / min to about 1 dg / min. A high density polyethylene polymer intended for tube applications or film applications can have a melt index of about 0.02 dg / min to about 0.8 dg / min. A high density polyethylene polymer intended for injection molding applications can have a melt index of about 2 dg / min to about 80 dg / min. A high density polyethylene polymer intended for rotomodeling applications can have a melt index of about 0.5 dg / min to about 10 dg / min. A high density polyethylene polymer intended for tape applications can have a melt index of about 0.2 dg / min to about 4 dg / min. A high density polyethylene polymer intended for filament applications can have a melt index of about 1 dg / min to about 20 dg / min. The melt index of the polymer is measured using ASTM Standard D1238-04c. [00021] The high density polyethylene polymer suitable for use in the invention generally does not contain high amounts of long chain branching. The term long chain branch is used to refer to branches that are attached to the polymer chain and are of sufficient length to affect the polymer rheology (for example, branches of about 130 carbons or more in length). If desired for the application in which the polymer is to be used, the high density polyethylene polymer may contain small amounts of long chain branching. However, the high density polyethylene polymer suitable for use in the invention typically contains very little long chain branching (for example, less than about 1 long chain branch per 10,000 carbons, less than about 0.5 branching lengths). long chain per 10,000 carbons, less than about 0.1 long chain branches per 10,000 carbons, or less than about 0.01 Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 18/87 15/73 long chain branches per 10,000 carbons). [00022] Medium density polyethylene polymers suitable for use in the invention generally have a density of about 0.926 g / cm 3 to about 0.940 g / cm 3 . The term medium density polyethylene is used to refer to ethylene polymers that have a density between that of high density polyethylene and linear low density polyethylene and contain relatively short branches, at least when compared to the long branches present in polyethylene polymers. low density produced by the polymerization of ethylene free radical at high pressures. [00023] Medium density polyethylene polymers suitable for use in the invention are generally copolymers of ethylene and at least one α-olefin, such as 1-butene, 1-hexane, 1-octene, 1decene, and 4-methyl-1 -pentane. The α-olefin comonomer can be present in any suitable amount, but is typically present in an amount less than about 8% by weight (for example, less than about 5% by mol). As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the amount of comonomer suitable for the copolymer is largely regulated by the end use for the copolymer and the required or desired polymer properties dictated by that end use. [00024] Medium density polyethylene polymers suitable for use in the invention can be produced by any suitable process. Similar to high density polyethylene polymers, medium density polyethylene polymers are typically produced in low pressure catalytic processes such as any of the processes described above in relation to the high density polyethylene polymer suitable for use in the invention. Examples of suitable processes include, but are not limited to, gas phase polymerization processes, polymerization processes 870190098922, from 10/03/2019, pg. 19/87 16/73 solution solution, suspension polymerization processes, and step reactor processes. Suitable step reactor processes can incorporate any suitable combination of the gas phase, solution, and suspension polymerization processes described above. As in the case of high density polyethylene polymers, step reactor processes are often used to produce multimodal polymers. [00025] Medium density polyethylene polymers suitable for use in the invention can be produced using any suitable catalyst or combinations of catalysts. For example, polymers can be produced using Ziegler catalysts, such as transition metal (e.g., titanium) halides or esters used in combination with organoaluminum compounds (for example, triethyl aluminum). These Ziegler catalysts can be supported on, for example, magnesium chloride, silica, alumina, or magnesium oxide. Medium density polyethylene polymers suitable for use in the invention can also be produced using so-called dual Ziegler catalysts, which contain a kind of catalyst for dimerizing ethylene in 1-butene (for example, a combination of a titanium ester and triethylaluminium) and another catalyst for copolymerization of ethylene and the generated 1-butene (for example, titanium chloride supported on magnesium chloride). Medium density polyethylene polymers suitable for use in the invention can also be produced using chromium oxide catalysts, such as those produced by depositing a chromium compound on a silica-titania support, oxidizing the resulting catalyst in a mixture of oxygen and air, and then reducing the catalyst with carbon monoxide. These chromium oxide catalysts are typically used in conjunction with cocatalysts such as trialkylboro or trialkyl aluminum compounds. Catalysts 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 20/87 17/73 chromium oxide catalysts can also be used in conjunction with a Ziegler catalyst, such as a catalyst based on titanium halide or titanium ester. Medium density polyethylene polymers suitable for use in the invention can also be produced using supported chromium catalysts such as those described above in the description of catalysts suitable for making high density polyethylene. Medium density polyethylene polymers suitable for use in the invention can also be produced using metallocene catalysts. Several different types of metallocene catalysts can be used. For example, the metallocene catalyst may contain a bis (metallocene) complex of zirconium, titanium, or hafnium with two rings of cyclopentadienyl and methylaluminoxane. As in the case of catalysts used in the production of high density polyethylene, the binders can be replaced with various groups (for example, n-butyl group) or linked with bridge groups. Another class of metallocene catalysts that can be used is composed of zirconium or titanium bis (metallocene) complexes and anions of perfluorinated boronaromatic compounds. A third class of metallocene catalysts that can be used is referred to as constrained geometry catalysts and contain derivatives of titanium or zirconium monocyclopentadienyl in which one of the carbon atoms in the cyclopentadienyl ring is attached to the metal atom by a bridge group. These complexes are activated by reacting them with methylaluminoxane or forming ionic complexes with non-coordinating bonds, such as B (C6F5) 4 - or B (C6F5) 3CH3 - . A fourth class of metallocene catalysts that can be used are metallocene-based complexes of a transition metal, such as titanium, containing a cyclopentadienyl linker in combination with another linker, such as a phosphinimine or —O — SYR3. This class of metallocene catalysts is also activated with methylalumiPetition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 21/87 18/73 noxane or a boron compound. Other catalysts suitable for use in the preparation of linear low density polyethylene suitable for use in the invention include, but are not limited to, catalysts described in United States Patent No. 6,649,558. [00026] Medium density polyethylene polymers suitable for use in the invention may have any suitable compositional uniformity, which is a term used to describe the uniformity of branching in the polymer copolymer molecules. Many medium density polyethylene polymers, commercially available, have a relatively low compositional uniformity in which the high molecular weight fraction of the polymer contains relatively little of the α-olefin comonomer and has relatively little branching at the same time as the low fraction The molecular weight of the polymer contains a relatively high amount of the αolefin comonomer and has a relatively large amount of branching. Alternatively, another set of medium density polyethylene polymers has relatively low compositional uniformity in which the high molecular weight fraction of the polymer contains a relatively high amount of the α-olefin comonomer at the same time as the low molecular weight fraction of the polymer contains relatively little of the α-olefin comonomer. The compositional uniformity of the polymer can be measured using any suitable method, such as temperature elution fraction. [00027] Medium density polyethylene polymers suitable for use in the invention can have any suitable molecular weight. For example, the polymer can have a weight average molecular weight of about 50,000 g / mol to about 200,000 g / mol. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the average molecular weight of suitable weight of medium density polyethylene will depend, at least in part, on the particular application or end use for which polPetition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, pg. 22/87 Mere 19/73 is intended. [00028] Medium density polyethylene polymers suitable for use in the invention may also have any suitable polydispersity. Many commercially available medium density polyethylene polymers have a polydispersity of about 2 to about 30. Medium density polyethylene polymers suitable for use in the invention may also have a multimodal (e.g., bimodal) molecular weight distribution. For example, the polymer can have a first fraction having a relatively low molecular weight and a second fraction having a relatively high molecular weight. As in the case of the high density polyethylene polymer suitable for use in the invention, the difference between the average molecular weight of the fractions in the multimodal medium density polyethylene polymer can be any suitable amount. In fact, it is not necessary for the difference between the molecular weight average weights to be too large for two distinct molecular weight fractions to be resolved using gel permeation chromatography (GPC). However, in certain multimodal polymers, the difference between the average molecular weight of the fractions can be very large so that two or more distinct peaks can be resolved from the GPC curve for the polymer. In this regard, the term distinct does not necessarily mean that the portions of the GPC curve corresponding to each fraction do not overlap, but is merely meant to indicate that a distinct peak for each fraction can be solved from the GPC curve. for the polymer. Multimodal polymers suitable for use in the invention can be produced using any suitable process. As noted above, multimodal polymers can be produced using stepped reactor processes. A suitable example would be a stepwise solution process incorporating a series of agitated tanks. Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 23/87 20/73 Alternatively, multimodal polymers can be produced in a single reactor using a combination of catalysts, each of which is designed to produce a polymer having a different weight average molecular weight [00029] The medium density polyethylene polymers suitable for use in invention may have any suitable melt index. For example, the medium density polyethylene polymer can have a melt index of about 0.01 dg / min to about 200 dg / min. As in the case of the average weight molecular weight, those skilled in the art understand that the suitable melt index for the medium density polyethylene polymer will depend, at least in part, on the particular application or end use for which the polymer is intended. Thus, for example, a medium density polyethylene polymer intended for blow molding applications or pipe applications can have a melt index of about 0.01 dg / min to about 1 dg / min. A medium density polyethylene polymer intended for film applications can have a melt index of about 0.5 dg / min to about 3 dg / min. A medium density polyethylene polymer intended for injection molding applications can have a melt index of about 6 dg / min to about 200 dg / min. A medium density polyethylene polymer intended for rotomodeling applications can have a melt index of about 4 dg / min to about 7 dg / min. A medium density polyethylene polymer intended for wire and cable insulation applications can have a melt index of about 0.5 dg / min to about 3 dg / min. The melt index of the polymer is measured using ASTM Standard D1238-04c. [00030] Medium density polyethylene polymers suitable for use in the invention generally do not contain a significant amount of long chain branching. For example, medium density polyethylene polymers suitable for use in the invention gePetition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 24/87 21/73 generally contain less than about 0.1 long chain branches per 10,000 carbon atoms (for example, less than about 0.002 long chain branches per 100 ethylene units) or less than about 0, 01 long chain branches for 10,000 carbon atoms. [00031] Linear low density polyethylene polymers suitable for use in the invention generally have a density of 0.925 g / cm 3 or less (e.g., about 0.910 g / cm 3 to about 0.925 g / cm 3 ). The term linear low density polyethylene is used to refer to polymers of lower density of ethylene having relatively short branches, at least when compared to the long branches present in low density polyethylene polymers produced by the free radical polymerization of ethylene at high pressures . [00032] Linear low density polyethylene polymers suitable for use in the invention are generally copolymers of ethylene and at least one α-olefin, such as 1-butene, 1-hexane, 1octene, 1-decene, and 4-methyl- 1-pentane. The α-olefin comonomer can be present in any suitable amount, but is typically present in an amount less than about 6 mol% (for example, about 2 mol% to about 5 mol%). As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the amount of comonomer suitable for the copolymer is largely regulated by the end use for the copolymer and the required or desired polymer properties dictated by that end use. [00033] Linear low density polyethylene polymers suitable for use in the invention can be produced by any suitable process. Similar to high density polyethylene polymers, linear low density polyethylene polymers are typically produced in low-catalytic processes 870190098922, from 10/03/2019, pg. 25/87 22/73 are such as any of the processes described above in relation to the high density polyethylene polymer suitable for use in the invention. Suitable processes include, but are not limited to, gas phase polymerization processes, solution polymerization processes, suspension polymerization processes, and stepped reactor processes. Suitable step reactor processes can incorporate any suitable combination of the gas phase, solution, and suspension polymerization processes described above. As in the case of high density polyethylene polymers, step reactor processes are often used to produce multimodal polymers. [00034] Linear low density polyethylene polymers suitable for use in the invention can be produced using any suitable catalyst or combinations of catalysts. For example, polymers can be produced using Ziegler catalysts, such as transition metal (e.g., titanium) halides or esters used in combination with organoaluminum compounds (for example, triethyl aluminum). These Ziegler catalysts can be supported on, for example, magnesium chloride, silica, alumina, or magnesium oxide. Linear low density polyethylene polymers suitable for use in the invention can also be produced using so-called dual Ziegler catalysts, which contain a kind of catalyst for dimerizing ethylene in 1butene (for example, a combination of a titanium ester and triethylaluminium) ) and another catalyst for copolymerization of ethylene and the 1butene generated (for example, titanium chloride supported on magnesium chloride). Linear low density polyethylene polymers suitable for use in the invention can also be produced using chromium oxide catalysts, such as those produced by depositing a chromium compound on a silicon support. Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. . 26/87 23/73 ca-titânia, oxidizing the resulting catalyst in a mixture of oxygen and air, and then reducing the catalyst with carbon monoxide. These chromium oxide catalysts are typically used in conjunction with cocatalysts such as trialkylboro or trialkyl aluminum compounds. Chromium oxide catalysts can also be used in conjunction with a Ziegler catalyst, such as a catalyst based on titanium halide or titanium ester. Linear low density polyethylene polymers suitable for use in the invention can also be produced using supported chromium catalysts such as those described above in the description of catalysts suitable for making high density polyethylene. Linear low density polyethylene suitable for use in the invention can also be produced using metallocene catalysts. Several different types of metallocene catalysts can be used. For example, the metallocene catalyst may contain a bis (metallocene) complex of zirconium, titanium, or hafnium with two rings of cyclopentadienyl and methylaluminoxane. As in the case of catalysts used in the production of high density polyethylene, the binders can be replaced with various groups (for example, n-butyl group) or linked with bridge groups. Another class of metallocene catalysts that can be used is composed of zirconium or titanium bis (metallocene) complexes and anions of perfluorinated boronaromatic compounds. A third class of metallocene catalysts that can be used is referred to as constrained geometry catalysts and contains derivatives of titanium or zirconium monocyclopentadienyl in which one of the carbon atoms in the cyclopentadienyl ring is attached to the metal atom by a bridge group. These complexes are activated by reacting them with methylaluminoxane or forming ionic complexes with non-coordinating bonds, such as B (C6F5) 4 - or B (C6F5) 3CH3 - . A fourth class of catalysts for Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 27/87 24/73 metallocene that can be used are metallocene-based complexes of a transition metal, such as titanium, containing a cyclopentadienyl linker in combination with another linker, such as a phosphinimine or —O — SYR3. This class of metallocene catalyst is also activated with methylaluminoxane or a boron compound. Other catalysts suitable for use in the preparation of linear low density polyethylene suitable for use in the invention include, but are not limited to, the catalysts described in United States Patent No. 6,649,558. [00035] Linear low density polyethylene polymers suitable for use in the invention may have any suitable compositional uniformity, which is a term used to describe the uniformity of branching in the polymer copolymer molecules. Many commercially available linear low density polyethylene polymers have relatively low compositional uniformity in which the high molecular weight fraction of the polymer contains relatively little of the α-olefin comonomer and has relatively little branching at the same time as the low weight fraction The molecular weight of the polymer contains a relatively high amount of the α-olefin comonomer and has a relatively large amount of branching. Alternatively, another set of linear low density polyethylene polymers has relatively low compositional uniformity in which the high molecular weight fraction of the polymer contains a relatively high amount of the α-olefin comonomer at the same time as the low molecular weight fraction of the polymer contains relatively little of the αolefin comonomer. The compositional uniformity of the polymer can be measured using any suitable method, such as temperature elution fraction. [00036] Linear low density polyethylene polymers Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 28/87 25/73 suitable for use in the invention can have any suitable molecular weight. For example, the polymer can have a weight average molecular weight of about 20,000 g / mol to about 250,000 g / mol. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the average molecular weight of suitable linear low density polyethylene will depend, at least in part, on the particular application or end use for which the polymer is intended. [00037] Linear low density polyethylene polymers suitable for use in the invention can also have any suitable polydispersity. Many commercially available linear low density polyethylene polymers have a relatively low molecular weight distribution and thus relatively low polydispersity, such as about 2 to about 5 (for example, about 2.5 to about 4.5 or about from 3.5 to about 4.5). Linear low density polyethylene polymers suitable for use in the invention may also have a multimodal (e.g., bimodal) molecular weight distribution. For example, the polymer can have a first fraction having a relatively low molecular weight and a second fraction having a relatively high molecular weight. As in the case of the high density polyethylene polymer suitable for use in the invention, the difference between the average molecular weight of the fractions in the multimodal linear low density polyethylene polymer can be any suitable amount. In fact, it is not necessary for the difference between the molecular weight average weights to be too large for two distinct molecular weight fractions to be resolved using gel permeation chromatography (GPC). However, in certain multimodal polymers, the difference between the average molecular weight of the fractions can be very large so that two or more distinct peaks can be resolved from the GPC curve for the polymer. In this regard, the term Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 29/87 26/73 distinct does not necessarily mean that the portions of the GPC curve corresponding to each fraction do not overlap, but is merely to indicate that a distinct peak for each fraction can be solved from the GPC curve for the polymer. Multimodal polymers suitable for use in the invention can be produced using any suitable process. As noted above, multimodal polymers can be produced using stepped reactor processes. A suitable example would be a stepwise solution process incorporating a series of agitated tanks. Alternatively, multimodal polymers can be produced in a single reactor using a combination of catalysts, each of which is designed to produce a polymer having a different average weight molecular weight [00038] Linear low density polyethylene polymers suitable for use in the invention can have any suitable melt index. For example, the linear low density polyethylene polymer can have a melt index of about 0.01 dg / min to about 200 dg / min. As in the case of the average weight molecular weight, those skilled in the art understand that the suitable melt index for the linear low density polyethylene polymer will depend, at least in part, on the particular application or end use for which the polymer is intended . Thus, for example, a linear low density polyethylene polymer intended for blow molding applications or pipe applications can have a melt index of about 0.01 dg / min to about 1 dg / min. A linear low density polyethylene polymer intended for film applications can have a melt index of about 0.5 dg / min to about 3 dg / min. A linear low density polyethylene polymer for injection molding applications can have a melt index of about 6 dg / min to about 200 dg / min. A polymer of low polyethylene 870190098922, of 10/3/2019, p. 30/87 27/73 x the linear density intended for rotomodeling applications can have a melt index of about 4 dg / min to about 7 dg / min. A linear low density polyethylene polymer intended for wire and cable insulation applications can have a melt index of about 0.5 dg / min to about 3 dg / min. The melt index of the polymer is measured using ASTM Standard D1238-04c. [00039] Linear low density polyethylene polymers suitable for use in the invention generally do not contain a significant amount of long chain branching. For example, linear low density polyethylene polymers suitable for use in the invention generally contain less than about 0.1 long chain branches per 10,000 carbon atoms (for example, less than about 0.002 long chain branches per 100 units of ethylene) or less than about 0.01 long chain branches per 10,000 carbon atoms. [00040] Low density polyethylene polymers suitable for use in the invention generally have a density less than 0.935 g / cm 3 and, in contrast to high density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene and linear low density polyethylene, have a relatively large amount of long chain branching in the polymer. [00041] Low density polyethylene polymers suitable for use in the invention can be ethylene homopolymers or ethylene copolymers and a polar comonomer. Suitable polar comonomers include, but are not limited to, vinyl acetate, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, and acrylic acid. These comonomers can be present in any suitable amount, with comonomer contents as high as 20% by weight being used for certain applications. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the amount of comonomer suitable for the polymer is amPetition 870190098922, from 10/03/2019, p. 31/87 28/73 solely regulated by the end use for the polymer and the required or desired polymer properties dictated by that end use. [00042] Low density polyethylene polymers suitable for use in the invention can be produced using any suitable process, but typically the polymers are produced by polymerization initiated by high pressure ethylene free radical (for example, about 81 to about 276 MPa) and high temperature (for example, about 130 to about 330 ° C). Any free radical initiator can be used in such processes, with peroxides and oxygen being the most common. The free radical polymerization mechanism gives rise to the short chain branching in the polymer and also to the relatively high degree of long chain branching that distinguishes low density polyethylene from other ethylene polymers (for example, high density polyethylene and low polyethylene linear density). The polymerization reaction is typically carried out in an autoclave reactor (for example, a stirred autoclave reactor), an autoclave reactor, or a combination of such reactors positioned in series. [00043] Low density polyethylene polymers suitable for use in the invention can have any suitable molecular weight. For example, the polymer can have an average molecular weight of about 30,000 g / mol to about 500,000 g / mol. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the appropriate average weight molecular weight of low density polyethylene will depend, at least in part, on the particular application or end use for which the polymer is intended. For example, a low density polyethylene polymer intended for blow molding applications can have an average molecular weight of about 80,000 g / mol to about 200,000 g / mol. A low density polyethylene polymer intended for pipe applications can have an average molecular weight of Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 32/87 29/73 weight from about 80,000 g / mol to about 200,000 g / mol. A low density polyethylene polymer intended for injection molding applications can have an average molecular weight of about 30,000 g / mol to about 80,000 g / mol. A low density polyethylene polymer for film applications can have an average molecular weight of about 60.00 g / mol to about 500,000 g / mol. [00044] Low density polyethylene polymers suitable for use in the invention can have any suitable melt index. For example, the low density polyethylene polymer can have a melt index of about 0.2 to about 100 dg / min. As noted above, the melt index of the polymer is measured using ASTM Standard D1238-04c. [00045] As noted above, one of the main distinctions between low density polyethylene and other ethylene polymers is a relatively high long chain branching grain within the polymer. Low density polyethylene polymers suitable for use in the invention may have any suitable amount of long chain branches, such as about 0.01 or more long chain branches per 10,000 carbon atoms, about 0.1 or more branches long-chain per 10,000 carbon atoms, about 0.5 or more long-chain branches per 10,000 carbon atoms, about 1 or more long-chain branches per 10,000 carbon atoms, or about 4 or more chain branches long for 10,000 carbon atoms. While there is a strict limit on the maximum extent of long chain branching that can be present in low density polyethylene polymers suitable for use in the invention, the long chain branching in low density polyethylene polymers is less than that about 100 long chain branches per 10,000 atoms Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 33/87 30/73 carbon. [00046] The thermoplastic polymeric composition also comprises a nucleating agent. As updated here, the term nucleating agent is used to refer to compounds or additives that form nuclei or provide sites for the formation and / or growth of crystals in a polymer as it solidifies from a molten state. The nucleating agent comprises a compound according to the structure of one of the formulas (I), (II), or (III) below B R1 O II Θ ONLY II The R 15 R10 R i2 R R 13 R 14 M z M b (III) [00047] In each of the Formula (I), Formula (II), and Formula (III) structures, x is a positive integer. Ri, R2, R3, R4, R5, R10, R11, R12, R13, R14, R15, and R16 are substituents independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, C1-C9 alkyl groups, C1-C9 alkenyl groups, C1-C9 alkynyl groups, C1-C9 alkoxy groups, C1- groups C9 hydroxyalkyl, alkyl ether groups, amine groups, C1-C9 alkylamine groups, halogens, aryl groups, alkylaryl groups, and twin or vicinal carboxylic groups having up to nine carbon atoms. Each Mi is a cation, and the variable y is the valence of the cation. THE Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 34/87 Variable 31/73 b can be zero or a positive integer. When the value of b is one or greater, each Qi is a negatively charged counterion, and a variable is the valence of the negatively charged counterion. In all structures, the values of x, y, z, a, and b satisfy the equation x + (ab) = yz. [00048] As noted above, Ri, R2, R3, R4, R5, R10, R11, R12, R13, R14, R15, and R16 are substituents independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, C1-C9 alkyl groups, C1 -C9 alkenyl groups, C1-C9 alkynyl groups, C1-C9 alkoxy groups, C1-C9 hydroxyalkyl groups, alkyl ether groups, amine groups, C1-C9 alkylamine groups, halogens, aryl groups, alkylaryl groups, and twin or vicinal carboxylic groups having up to nine carbon atoms. In certain possibly preferred embodiments, the substituents attached to the aromatic rings are relatively small, so R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R10, R11, R12, R13, R14, R15, and R16 are substituents independently selected from the group consisting of in hydrogen, hydroxyl, C1-C6 alkyl groups, C1-C6 alkenyl groups, C1-C6 alkynyl groups, C1-C6 alkoxy groups, C1-C6 hydroxyalkyl groups, C1C6 alkyl ether groups, and halogens. In certain other possibly preferred embodiments, the aromatic rings are unsubstituted, except for the sulfonate group, meaning that R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R10, R11, R12, R13, R14, R15, and R16 are each hydrogen. [00049] As noted above, M1 represents a cation. Suitable cations include, but are not limited to, alkali metal cations (eg, sodium), alkaline earth metal cations (eg, calcium), transition metal cations (eg, zinc), metal cations group 13 (for example, aluminum), and organic cations (for example, piperazinium cations). As updated here, the term transition metal is used to refer to those elements in block d of the periodic table of elements, which correspond to Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 35/87 32/73 group 3 to 12 in the periodic table of elements. In those embodiments in which the thermoplastic polymeric composition comprises any suitable thermoplastic polymer, Mi is preferably selected from the group consisting of transition metal cations. In a more specific embodiment of such compositions, Mi is preferably zinc. [00050] In those embodiments in which the thermoplastic polymer comprises a polyethylene polymer, Mi is preferably selected from the group consisting of metal cations and organic cations. In a more specific embodiment of such compositions, Mi is preferably a metal cation selected from the group consisting of alkali metal cations, alkaline earth metal cations, transition metal cations, and group 13 metal cations. more specific embodiment of such compositions, Mi is preferably a metal cation selected from the group consisting of aluminum, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and zinc. In yet another more specific embodiment of such compositions, Mi is preferably an organic cation (for example, a piperazinium cation). [00051] In the structures of formulas (I) and (II), Qi can represent a negatively charged counterion. The negatively charged counterion can be any suitable anion including, but not limited to, halides (e.g., chloride), hydroxide, and oxide anions. [00052] In a potentially referred to embodiment of the thermoplastic polymer composition, the nucleating agent comprises a compound according to the structure of Formula (I) in which R1-R5 are each hydrogen and Mi is zinc. In addition, in this embodiment, x is 2, y is 2, z is 1, and b is 0. In this embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer can be any of the thermoplastic polymers described above, with a polyethylene polymer, such as a polyethylene polymer of high density, being particularly preferred. [00053] In another potentially preferred embodiment of the composition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 36/87 33/73 tion of thermoplastic polymer, the nucleating agent comprises a compound according to the structure of Formula (I) in which R1-R5 are each hydrogen and Mi is magnesium. In addition, in this embodiment, x is 2, y is 2, z is 1, and b is 0. In this embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer is preferably a polyethylene polymer, with a high density polyethylene polymer being particularly preferred. [00054] In another potentially preferred embodiment of the thermoplastic polymer composition, the nucleating agent comprises a compound according to the structure of Formula (I) in which R1-R5 is each hydrogen and M1 is calcium. In addition, in this embodiment, x is 2, y is 2, z is 1, and b is 0. In this embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer is preferably a polyethylene polymer, with a high density polyethylene polymer being particularly preferred. [00055] In another potentially preferred embodiment of the thermoplastic polymer composition, the nucleating agent comprises a compound according to the structure of Formula (I) in which R1-R5 is each hydrogen and Mi is aluminum. In addition, in this mode, x is 2, y is 3, z is 1, b is 1, and Q1 is a hydroxide anion. In this embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer is preferably a polyethylene polymer, with a high density polyethylene polymer being particularly preferred. [00056] In another potentially preferred embodiment of the thermoplastic polymer composition, the nucleating agent comprises a compound according to the structure of Formula (I) in which R1-R5 is each hydrogen and M1 is sodium. Furthermore, in this embodiment, x is 1, y is 1, z is 1, and b is 0. In this embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer is preferably a polyethylene polymer, with a high density polyethylene polymer being particularly preferred. [00057] In another potentially preferred embodiment of the thermoplastic polymer composition, the nucleating agent comprises a Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 37/87 34/73 compound according to the structure of Formula (I) in which R1-R5 are each hydrogen and Mi is a piperazinium cation. In addition, in this embodiment, x is 2, y is 2, z is 1, and b is 0. In this embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer is preferably a polyethylene polymer, with a high density polyethylene polymer being particularly preferred. [00058] In another potentially preferred embodiment of the thermoplastic polymer composition, the nucleating agent comprises a compound according to the structure of Formula (I) in which R1, R2, R4, and R5 are each hydrogen, R3 is methyl, and Mi is calcium. In addition, in this embodiment, x is 2, y is 2, z is 1, and b is 0. In this embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer is preferably a polyethylene polymer, with a high density polyethylene polymer being particularly preferred. [00059] In another potentially preferred embodiment of the thermoplastic polymer composition, the nucleating agent comprises a compound according to the structure of Formula (I) in which R1, R2, R4, and R5 are each hydrogen, R3 is methyl, and Mi is sodium. Furthermore, in this embodiment, x is 1, y is 1, z is 1, and b is 0. In this embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer is preferably a polyethylene polymer, with a high density polyethylene polymer being particularly preferred. [00060] In another potentially preferred embodiment of the thermoplastic polymer composition, the nucleating agent comprises a compound according to the structure of Formula (I) in which R1, R2, R4, and R5 are each hydrogen, R3 is methyl, and M1 is zinc. In addition, in this embodiment, x is 2, y is 2, z is 1, and b is 0. In this embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer is preferably a polyethylene polymer, with a high density polyethylene polymer being particularly preferred. [00061] In another potentially preferred modality of the composition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 38/87 35/73 tion of thermoplastic polymer, the nucleating agent comprises a compound according to the structure of Formula (I) in which Ri, R2, R4, and R5 are each hydrogen, R3 is ethyl, and Mi is zinc. In addition, in this embodiment, x is 2, y is 2, z is 1, and b is 0. In this embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer is preferably a polyethylene polymer, with a high density polyethylene polymer being particularly preferred. [00062] In another potentially preferred embodiment of the thermoplastic polymer composition, the nucleating agent comprises a compound according to the structure of Formula (I) in which R1, R2, R4, and R5 are each hydrogen, R3 is ethyl, and M1 is calcium. In addition, in this embodiment, x is 2, y is 2, z is 1, and b is 0. In this embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer is preferably a polyethylene polymer, with a high density polyethylene polymer being particularly preferred. [00063] In another potentially preferred embodiment of the thermoplastic polymer composition, the nucleating agent comprises a compound according to the structure of Formula (I) in which one of R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 is isopropyl, the residue of R1 , R2, R3, R4, and R5 are each hydrogen, and M1 is calcium. In addition, in this embodiment, x is 2, y is 2, z is 1, and b is 0. In this embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer is preferably a polyethylene polymer, with a high density polyethylene polymer being particularly preferred. In a more specific and potentially preferred embodiment of such a thermoplastic polymer composition, the nucleating agent comprises a compound according to the structure of Formula (I) in which R1, R2, R4, and R5 are each hydrogen, R3 is isopropyl, and M1 it's calcium. [00064] In another potentially preferred embodiment of the thermoplastic polymer composition, the nucleating agent comprises a compound according to the structure of Formula (I) in which two of R1, R2, Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 39/87 36/73 Rs, R4, and R5 are methyl, the residue of Ri, R2, R3, R4, and R5 is each hydrogen, and Mi is calcium. In addition, in this embodiment, x is 2, y is 2, z is 1, and b is 0. In this embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer is preferably a polyethylene polymer, with a high density polyethylene polymer being particularly preferred. In a more specific and potentially preferred embodiment of such a thermoplastic polymer composition, the nucleating agent comprises a compound according to the structure of Formula (I) in which R2, R3, and R5 are each hydrogen, Ri and R4 are each methyl, and Mi is calcium. [00065] In another potentially preferred embodiment of the thermoplastic polymer composition, the nucleating agent comprises a compound according to the structure of Formula (I) in which two of Ri, R2, Rs, R4, and R5 are methyl, the residue of Ri , R2, R3, R4, and R5 are each hydrogen, and Mi is sodium. Furthermore, in this modality, x is i, y is i, z is 1, and b is 0. In this embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer is preferably a polyethylene polymer, with a high density polyethylene polymer being particularly preferred. In a more specific and potentially preferred embodiment of such a thermoplastic polymer composition, the nucleating agent comprises a compound according to the structure of Formula (I) in which R2, R3, and R5 are each hydrogen, Ri and R4 are each methyl, and Mi is sodium. [00066] In another potentially preferred embodiment of the thermoplastic polymer composition, the nucleating agent comprises a compound according to the structure of Formula (III) in which Ri0-Ri6 are each hydrogen and Mi is calcium. Furthermore, in this modality, x is 2, y is 2, z is i, and b is 0. In this embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer is preferably a polyethylene polymer, with a high density polyethylene polymer being particularly preferred. [00067] In another potentially preferred embodiment of the thermoplastic polymer composition, the nucleating agent comprises a Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 40/87 37/73 compound according to the structure of Formula (III) in which R10-R16 are each hydrogen and Mi is magnesium. In addition, in this embodiment, x is 2, y is 2, z is 1, and b is 0. In this embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer is preferably a polyethylene polymer, with a high density polyethylene polymer being particularly preferred. [00068] In another potentially preferred embodiment of the thermoplastic polymer composition, the nucleating agent comprises a compound according to the structure of Formula (III) in which R10-R16 is each hydrogen and M1 is aluminum. In addition, in this mode, x is 2, y is 3, z is 1, b is 1, and Q1 is a hydroxide anion. In this embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer is preferably a polyethylene polymer, with a high density polyethylene polymer being particularly preferred. [00069] In another potentially preferred embodiment of the thermoplastic polymer composition, the nucleating agent comprises a compound according to the structure of Formula (III) in which R10-R16 is each hydrogen and M1 is zinc. In addition, in this embodiment, x is 2, y is 2, z is 1, and b is 0. In this embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer is preferably a polyethylene polymer, with a high density polyethylene polymer being particularly preferred. [00070] The compounds of formulas (I), (II), and (III) can be synthesized using any suitable technique, many of which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, if the acid used in the preparation of the compound is commercially available, the compound can be prepared by reacting the acid with a suitable base (for example, a base comprising the desired metal cation and a Lowry-Bronsted base) in a suitable medium (for example, an aqueous medium). If the acid (s) to be used in the preparation of the compounds is not commercially available, the acid (s) can be synthesized using known techniques Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 41/87 38/73 in the art. Once the desired acid is obtained, the compound can be produced as described above (for example, by reacting the acid with a suitable base in an appropriate medium). [00071] The nucleating agent can be present in the thermoplastic polymeric composition in an appropriate amount. The nucleating agent can be present in the thermoplastic polymer composition in an amount of about 50 parts per million (ppm) or more, about 100 ppm or more, about 250 ppm or more, or about 500 ppm or more, with based on the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition. The nucleating agent is typically present in the thermoplastic polymeric composition in an amount of about 10,000 ppm or less, about 7,500 ppm or less, about 5,000 ppm or less, or about 4,000 ppm or less, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition. Thus, in certain embodiments of the thermoplastic polymer composition, the nucleating agent is present in the thermoplastic polymer composition in an amount of about 50 to about 10,000 ppm, about 100 to about 7,500 ppm (for example, about 100 about 5,000 ppm), about 250 ppm to about 5,000 ppm (for example, about 250 ppm to about 4,000 ppm), or about 500 ppm to about 5,000 ppm (for example, about 500 to about 4,000 ppm), based on the total weight of the polymer composition. [00072] The thermoplastic polymeric composition of the invention can also be provided in the form of a master batch composition designed for addition or reduction in a virgin thermoplastic polymer. In such an embodiment, the thermoplastic polymeric composition will generally contain a greater amount of the nucleating agent when compared to a thermoplastic polymeric composition intended for use in forming an article of manufacture without further dilution or addition to a virgin thermoplastic polymer. For example, the Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 42/87 The nucleating agent may be present in such a thermoplastic polymeric composition in an amount of about 1% by weight to about 10% by weight (e.g., about 1% by weight to about 5% by weight or about 2% by weight to about 4% by weight), based on the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition. [00073] The thermoplastic polymeric composition of the invention can contain other polymer additives in addition to the aforementioned nucleating agent. Suitable additional polymer additives include, but are not limited to, antioxidants (for example, phenolic antioxidants, phosphide antioxidants, and combinations thereof), anti-blocking agents (for example, amorphous silica and diatomaceous earth), pigments (for example, organic pigments and inorganic pigments) and other dyes (for example, polymeric paints and dyes), fillers and reinforcing agents (for example, glass, glass fibers, talc, calcium carbonate, and fibrillar magnesium oxysulfate monocrystals), agents nucleating agents, purifying agents, acid scavengers (for example, metal salts of fatty acids, such as stearic acid metal salts), polymer processing additives (for example, fluoropolymer polymer processing additives), polymer cross-linking agents, sliding agents (for example, fatty acid amide compounds derived from the reaction between a fatty acid and ammonia or an amine-containing compound), fatty acid ester compounds (for example, fatty acid ester compounds derived from the reaction between a fatty acid and a hydroxyl-containing compound, such as glycerol, diglycerol, and combinations thereof), and combinations of the above. [00074] As noted above, the thermoplastic polymeric composition of the invention may contain other nucleating agents in addition to those compounds according to the structure of Formula (I) or Formula (II). Suitable nucleating agents include, but are not limited to, 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, pg. 43/87 40/73 used in 2,2'-methylene-bis- (4,6-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphate salts (for example, 2,2'-methylene-bis- (4,6-di-tert -butylphenyl) sodium phosphate or 2,2'-methylene-bis- (4,6-di-tert-butylphenyl) aluminum phosphate), bicycles [2,2,1] heptane-2,3-dicarboxylate salts ( for example, disodium bicyclo [2,2,1] heptane2,3-dicarboxylate or calcium [2,2,1] heptane-2,3-dicarboxylate), cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate salts (for example , calcium cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate, monobasic aluminum cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate, dilute cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate, or strontium cyclohexane-1,2dicarboxylate), and combinations thereof. For bicycles [2,2,1] heptane-2,3-dicarboxylate salts and cyclohexane-1,2dicarboxylate salts, the carboxylate moieties can be arranged in the cis or trans configuration, with the cis configuration being preferred. [00075] As noted above, the thermoplastic polymeric composition of the invention can also contain a purifying agent. Suitable purifying agents include, but are not limited to, trisamides and acetal compounds which are the condensation product of a polyhydric alcohol and an aromatic aldehyde. Suitable trisamide purifying agents include, but are not limited to, benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid amide derivatives, V- (3,5-bis-formylamino-phenyl) -formamide derivatives (e.g. V- [3,5-bis (2,2-dimethyl-propionylamino) -phenyl] -2,2-dimethyl-propionamide), 2-carbamoyl-malonamide derivatives (for example, V, M'-bis- (2 -methyl-cyclohexyl) 2- (2-methyl-cyclohexylcarbamoyl) -malonamide), and combinations thereof. As noted above, the purifying agent can be an acetal compound which is the condensation product of a polyhydric alcohol and an aromatic aldehyde. Suitable polyhydric alcohols include acyclic polyols such as xylitol and sorbitol, as well as acyclic deoxy polyols (e.g. 1,2,3-tridesoxynonitol or 1,2,3tridesoxinon-1-enitol). Suitable aromatic aldehydes typically contain a single aldehyde group with the remaining positions on the ring Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 44/87 41/73 aromatic being unsubstituted or substituted. Consequently, suitable aromatic aldehydes include benzaldehyde and substituted benzaldehydes (for example, 3,4-dimethyl-benzaldehyde or 4-propyl-benzaldehyde). The acetal compound produced by the aforementioned reaction can be a monoacetal, diacetal, or triacetal compound (i.e., a compound containing one, two, or three acetal groups, respectively), with diacetal compounds being preferred. Cleaning agents based on appropriate acetal include, but are not limited to, cleansing agents described in U.S. Patent Nos 5,049,605; 7,157,510; and 7,262,236. [00076] The thermoplastic polymeric composition of the invention can be produced by any suitable method or process. For example, the thermoplastic polymeric composition can be produced by simply mixing the individual components of the thermoplastic polymeric composition (for example, thermoplastic polymer, nucleating agent, and other additives, if any). The thermoplastic polymeric composition can also be produced by mixing the individual components under conditions of high intensity or high shear mixing. The thermoplastic polymeric composition of the invention can be provided in any form suitable for use in other processing to produce an article of manufacture of the thermoplastic polymer composition. For example, thermoplastic polymer compositions can be provided in the form of a powder (e.g., free flowing powder), flake, pellet, granule, tablet, agglomerate, and the like. [00077] The thermoplastic polymeric composition of the invention is believed to be useful in the production of manufacturing thermoplastic polymer articles. The thermoplastic polymeric composition of the invention can be formed into a thermoplastic polymer article manufactured by any suitable technique, such as injection molding (for example, Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 45/87 42/73 example, multicomponent modeling, supermodeling, or 2K modeling), rotational injection molding, blow molding (for example, extrusion blow molding, injection blow molding, or stretch injection blow molding), extrusion (for example, sheet extrusion, film extrusion, cast film extrusion, tube extrusion, or foam extrusion), thermoforming, rotomodeling, film blowing (blown film), film casting (fused film), and the like . Thermoplastic polymer articles made using the thermoplastic polymeric composition of the invention can be composed of multiple layers (e.g., multiple blown layers or fused films or injection molded articles in multiple layers), with one or any number of multiple layers containing a composition thermoplastic polymeric invention. [00078] The thermoplastic polymeric composition of the invention can be used to produce any article of manufacture. Suitable articles of manufacture include, but are not limited to, medical devices (for example, pre-filled syringes for replica applications, intravenous delivery containers, and blood collection apparatus), food packaging, liquid containers (for example , beverage containers, medications, personal care compositions, shampoos, and the like), clothing cases, microwave-treatable items, shelf, cabinet doors, auto parts, sheets, pipes, tubes, rotationally modeled parts, parts blow molded, films, fibers, and the like. [00079] The following examples also illustrate the theme described above, however, they certainly should not be interpreted as in any way limiting the scope of the same. EXAMPLE 1 [00080] This example demonstrates the production of a composite compound 870190098922, from 10/03/2019, pg. 46/87 43/73 form the structure of Formula (I), which is suitable for use as a nucleating agent according to the invention. Approximately 250 grams (1.4 mol) of benzenesulfonic acid monohydrate was added to a beaker containing approximately 1,000 mL of distilled water. Approximately 57.8 grams (0.7 mol) of zinc oxide was then added to the beaker. The resulting solution was stirred at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes. The water was removed from the mixture using a rotary evaporator. The resulting solid product, which was determined to be zinc benzenesulfonate, was then dried in an oven overnight at a temperature of approximately 110 ° C. The solid was ground to a powder suitable for use as a nucleating agent for thermoplastics. EXAMPLE 2 [00081] This example demonstrates the production of a compound according to the structure of Formula (I), which is suitable for use as a nucleating agent according to the invention. Approximately 200 grams (1.14 mol) of benzenesulfonic acid monohydrate was added to a beaker containing approximately 1,000 mL of distilled water. Approximately 33 grams (0.57 mol) of magnesium hydroxide was then added to the beaker. The resulting solution was stirred at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes. The water was removed from the mixture using a rotary evaporator. The resulting solid product, which was determined to be magnesium benzenesulfonate, was then dried in an oven overnight at a temperature of approximately 110 ° C. The solid was ground to a powder suitable for use as a nucleating agent for thermoplastics. EXAMPLE 3 [00082] This example demonstrates the production of a composite compound 870190098922, from 10/03/2019, pg. 47/87 44/73 form the structure of Formula (I), which is suitable for use as a nucleating agent according to the invention. Approximately 50 grams (0.28 mol) of benzenesulfonic acid monohydrate was added to a beaker containing approximately 500 mL of distilled water. Approximately 10.5 grams (0.14 mol) of calcium hydroxide was then added to the beaker. The resulting solution was stirred at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes. The water was removed from the mixture using a rotary evaporator. The resulting solid product, which was determined to be sodium benzenesulfonate, was then dried in an oven overnight at a temperature of approximately 110 ° C. The solid was ground to a powder suitable for use as a nucleating agent for thermoplastics. EXAMPLE 4 [00083] This example demonstrates the production of a compound according to the structure of Formula (III), which is suitable for use as a nucleating agent according to the invention. About 10.2 grams (0.04 mol) of sodium 2-naphthalenesulfonate was added to a beaker containing approximately 200 mL of distilled water. Approximately 4 grams (0.013 mol) of aluminum sulfate was then added to the beaker. The resulting mixture was stirred for approximately 120 minutes at the same time as being cooled by an ice water bath. The precipitate that formed during the reaction was collected from the mixture through filtration. The resulting solid product, which was determined to contain aluminum 2naphthalenesulfonate hydroxide (basic aluminum 2-naphthalenesulfonate), was then dried in an oven overnight at a temperature of approximately 110 ° C. The solid was ground to a powder suitable for use as a nucleating agent for thermoplastics. Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 48/87 45/73 EXAMPLE 5 [00084] This example demonstrates the production of a compound according to the structure of Formula (III), which is suitable for use as a nucleating agent according to the invention. About 10.2 grams (0.04 mol) of sodium 2-naphthalenesulfonate was added to a beaker containing approximately 500 mL of distilled water. Approximately 2.7 grams (0.002 mol) of zinc chloride were then added to the beaker. The resulting mixture was stirred for approximately 120 minutes at the same time as being cooled by an ice water bath. The precipitate that formed during the reaction was collected from the mixture through filtration. The resulting solid product, which was determined to contain zinc 2naphthalenesulfonate, was then dried in an oven overnight at a temperature of approximately 110 ° C. The solid was ground to a powder suitable for use as a nucleating agent for thermoplastics. EXAMPLE 6 [00085] This example demonstrates the production of a compound according to the structure of Formula (III), which is suitable for use as a nucleating agent according to the invention. About 10.2 grams (0.04 mol) of sodium 2-naphthalenesulfonate was added to a beaker containing approximately 500 mL of distilled water. Approximately 2.9 grams (0.02 mol) of anhydrous calcium chloride were then added to the beaker. The resulting mixture was stirred for approximately 120 minutes at the same time as being cooled by an ice water bath. The precipitate that formed during the reaction was collected from the mixture through filtration. The resulting solid product, which was determined to contain calcium 2naphthalenesulfonate, was then dried in an oven overnight at a temperature of approximately 110 ° C. The only- Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 49/87 46/73 was ground to a powder suitable for use as a nucleating agent for thermoplastics. EXAMPLE 7 [00086] This example demonstrates the production of a compound according to the structure of Formula (III), which is suitable for use as a nucleating agent according to the invention. About 10.2 grams (0.04 mol) of sodium 2-naphthalenesulfonate was added to a beaker containing approximately 500 mL of distilled water. Approximately 2.4 grams (0.02 mol) of magnesium sulfate was then added to the beaker. The resulting mixture was stirred for approximately 120 minutes at the same time as being cooled by an ice water bath. The precipitate that formed during the reaction was collected from the mixture through filtration. The resulting solid product, which was determined to contain magnesium 2naphthalenesulfonate, was then dried in an oven overnight at a temperature of approximately 110 ° C. The solid was ground to a powder suitable for use as a nucleating agent for thermoplastics. EXAMPLE 8 [00087] This example demonstrates the production of a compound according to the structure of Formula (I), which is suitable for use as a nucleating agent according to the invention. About 7.5 grams (0.04 mol) of 4-ethylbenzenesulfonic acid were added to a beaker containing approximately 300 mL of distilled water. Approximately 1.5 grams (0.02 mol) of calcium hydroxide was then added to the beaker. The resulting solution was stirred at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes. The water was removed from the mixture using a rotary evaporator. The resulting solid product, which was determined to be calcium 4-ethylbenzenesulfonate, was then dried in an oven Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 50/87 47/73 overnight at a temperature of approximately 110 ° C. The solid was ground to a powder suitable for use as a nucleating agent for thermoplastics. EXAMPLE 9 [00088] This example demonstrates the production of a compound according to the structure of Formula (I), which is suitable for use as a nucleating agent according to the invention. About 7.5 grams (0.04 mol) of 4-ethylbenzenesulfonic acid were added to a beaker containing approximately 300 mL of distilled water. Approximately 1.6 grams (0.02 mol) of zinc oxide was then added to the beaker. The resulting solution was stirred at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes. The water was removed from the mixture using a rotary evaporator. The resulting solid product, which was determined to be zinc 4-ethylbenzenesulfonate, was then dried in an oven overnight at a temperature of approximately 110 ° C. The solid was ground to a powder suitable for use as a nucleating agent for thermoplastics. EXAMPLE 10 [00089] This example demonstrates the production of a compound according to the structure of Formula (I), which is suitable for use as a nucleating agent according to the invention. Approximately 15.00 grams (0.0772 mol) of p-toluenesulfonic acid was added to a beaker containing approximately 200 ml of deionized water. Approximately 3.1880 grams (0.0773 mol) of sodium hydroxide was then added to the beaker. The resulting solution was stirred at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes. The water was removed from the mixture using a rotary evaporator. The resulting solid product was then dried in an oven overnight at a temperature of approximately 105 ° C. O Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 51/87 48/73 solid, which was determined by FTIR analysis to be sodium ptoluenesulfonate, was ground to a powder suitable for use as a nucleating agent for thermoplastics. EXAMPLE 11 [00090] This example demonstrates the production of a compound according to the structure of Formula (I), which is suitable for use as a nucleating agent according to the invention. Approximately 20.00 grams (0.0952 mol) of cumenesulfonic acid (ie, a mixture of isopropylbenzenesulfonic acid isomers) was added to a beaker containing approximately 200 ml of deionized water. Approximately 3.9287 grams (0.0953 mol) of sodium hydroxide was then added to the beaker. The resulting solution was stirred at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes. The water was removed from the mixture using a rotary evaporator. The resulting solid product was then dried in an oven overnight at a temperature of approximately 105 ° C. The solid, which was determined by FTIR analysis to be sodium cumenesulfonate (i.e., a mixture of isopropylbenzenesulfonate isomers), was ground into a powder suitable for use as a nucleating agent for thermoplastics. EXAMPLE 12 [00091] This example demonstrates the production of a compound according to the structure of Formula (I), which is suitable for use as a nucleating agent according to the invention. Approximately 20.06 grams (0.0987 mol) of xylenesulfonic acid (ie, a mixture of dimethylbenzenesulfonic acid isomers) was added to a beaker containing approximately 200 ml of deionized water. Approximately 4.0986 grams (0.0994 mol) of sodium hydroxide was then added to the beaker. The resulting solution was stirred at room temperature for approximately 30 miPetition 870190098922, from 10/03/2019, pg. 52/87 49/73 nutos. The water was removed from the mixture using a rotary evaporator. The resulting solid product was then dried in an oven overnight at a temperature of approximately 105 ° C. The solid, which was determined by FTIR analysis to be sodium xylenesulfonate (i.e., a mixture of isomers of sodium dimethylbenzenesulfonate), was ground into a powder suitable for use as a nucleating agent for thermoplastics. EXAMPLE 13 [00092] This example demonstrates the production of a compound according to the structure of Formula (I), which is suitable for use as a nucleating agent according to the invention. Approximately 15.00 grams (0.0772 mol) of p-toluenesulfonic acid was added to a beaker containing approximately 200 ml of deionized water. Approximately 3.0107 grams (0.0386 mol) of calcium hydroxide was then added to the beaker. The resulting solution was stirred at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes. The water was removed from the mixture using a rotary evaporator. The resulting solid product was then dried in an oven overnight at a temperature of approximately 105 ° C. The solid, which was determined by FTIR analysis to be calcium ptoluenesulfonate, was ground into a powder suitable for use as a nucleating agent for thermoplastics. EXAMPLE 14 [00093] This example demonstrates the production of a compound according to the structure of Formula (I), which is suitable for use as a nucleating agent according to the invention. Approximately 20.01 grams (0.0953 mol) of cumenesulfonic acid (ie, a mixture of isopropylbenzenesulfonic acid isomers) was added to a beaker containing approximately 200 ml of deionized water. Approximately 3.7140 grams (0.0953 mol) of hydroxide Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 53/87 50/73 of calcium was then added to the beaker. The resulting solution was stirred at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes. The water was removed from the mixture using a rotary evaporator. The resulting solid product was then dried in an oven overnight at a temperature of approximately 105 ° C. The solid, which was determined by FTIR analysis to be calcium ptoluenesulfonate (i.e., a mixture of isopropylbenzenesulfonate isomers), was ground into a powder suitable for use as a nucleating agent for thermoplastics. EXAMPLE 15 [00094] This example demonstrates the production of a compound according to the structure of Formula (I), which is suitable for use as a nucleating agent according to the invention. Approximately 20.00 grams (0.0984 mol) of xylenesulfonic acid (ie, a mixture of dimethylbenzenesulfonic acid isomers) was added to a beaker containing approximately 200 ml of deionized water. Approximately 3.8367 grams (0.0492 mol) of calcium hydroxide was then added to the beaker. The resulting solution was stirred at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes. The water was removed from the mixture using a rotary evaporator. The resulting solid product was then dried in an oven overnight at a temperature of approximately 105 ° C. The solid, which was determined by FTIR analysis to be calcium xylenesulfonate (i.e., a mixture of calcium dimethylbenzenesulfonate isomers), was ground into a powder suitable for use as a nucleating agent for thermoplastics. EXAMPLE 16 [00095] This example demonstrates the production of a compound according to the structure of Formula (I), which is suitable for use as a nucleating agent according to the invention. About Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 54/87 51/73 15.00 grams (0.0772 mol) of p-toluenesulfonic acid were added to a beaker containing approximately 200 ml of deionized water. Approximately 3.1421 grams (0.0386 mol) of zinc oxide was then added to the beaker. The resulting solution was stirred at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes. The water was removed from the mixture using a rotary evaporator. The resulting solid product was then dried in an oven overnight at a temperature of approximately 105 ° C. The solid, which was determined by FTIR analysis to be zinc p-toluenesulfonate, was ground into a powder suitable for use as a nucleating agent for thermoplastics. EXAMPLE 17 [00096] This example demonstrates the production of a compound according to the structure of Formula (I), which is suitable for use as a nucleating agent according to the invention. Approximately 15.01 grams (0.0715 mol) of cumenesulfonic acid (ie, a mixture of isopropylbenzenesulfonic acid isomers) was added to a beaker containing approximately 200 ml of deionized water. Approximately 2.9063 grams (0.0357 mol) of zinc oxide was then added to the beaker. The resulting solution was stirred at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes. The water was removed from the mixture using a rotary evaporator. The resulting solid product was then dried in an oven overnight at a temperature of approximately 105 ° C. The solid, which was determined by FTIR analysis to be zinc cumenesulfonate (i.e., a mixture of zinc isopropylbenzenesulfonate isomers), was ground into a powder suitable for use as a nucleating agent for thermoplastics. EXAMPLE 18 [00097] This example demonstrates the production of a composite compound 870190098922, from 10/03/2019, pg. 55/87 52/73 forms the structure of Formula (I), which is suitable for use as a nucleating agent according to the invention. Approximately 15.04 grams (0.0740 mol) of xylenesulfonic acid (ie, a mixture of dimethylbenzenesulfonic acid isomers) was added to a beaker containing approximately 200 ml of deionized water. Approximately 3.0025 grams (0.0369 mol) of zinc oxide was then added to the beaker. The resulting solution was stirred at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes. The water was removed from the mixture using a rotary evaporator. The resulting solid product was then dried in an oven overnight at a temperature of approximately 105 ° C. The solid, which was determined by FTIR analysis to be zinc xylenesulfonate (i.e., a mixture of zinc dimethylbenzenesulfonate isomers), was ground into a powder suitable for use as a nucleating agent for thermoplastics. EXAMPLE 19 [00098] This example demonstrates the production of a compound according to the structure of Formula (I), which is suitable for use as a nucleating agent according to the invention. About 17.6 grams (0.1 mol) of benzenesulfonic acid monohydrate and approximately 4.5 grams (0.05 mol) of piperazine were added to a beaker containing approximately 200 ml of deionized water. The resulting solution was stirred at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes. The water was removed from the mixture using a rotary evaporator. The resulting solid product was then dried in an oven overnight at a temperature of approximately 100 ° C. The solid, which was determined to be piperazinium benzenesulfonate, was ground to a powder suitable for use as a nucleating agent for thermoplastics. EXAMPLE 20 Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 56/87 [00099] This example demonstrates the production of a compound according to the structure of Formula (I), which is suitable for use as a nucleating agent according to the invention. Approximately 20 grams (0.11 mol) of benzenesulfonic acid monohydrate was added to a beaker containing approximately 200 mL of distilled water. Approximately 10 grams of a 50% (weight / weight) sodium hydroxide solution was then added to the beaker. The resulting solution was stirred at room temperature for approximately 60 minutes. The water was removed from the mixture using a rotary evaporator. The resulting solid product, which was determined to be sodium benzenesulfonate, was then dried in an oven overnight at a temperature of approximately 110 ° C. The solid was ground to a powder suitable for use as a nucleating agent for thermoplastics. EXAMPLE 21 [000100] This example demonstrates the production of a compound according to the structure of Formula (I), which is suitable for use as a nucleating agent according to the invention. Approximately 20 grams (0.11 mol) of benzenesulfonic acid monohydrate was added to a beaker containing approximately 200 mL of distilled water. Approximately 3.0 grams (0.04 mol) of aluminum hydroxide was then added to the beaker. The resulting solution was stirred at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes. The water was removed from the mixture using a rotary evaporator. The resulting solid product, which was determined to be aluminum benzenesulfonate hydroxide (basic aluminum benzenesulfonate), was then dried in an oven overnight at a temperature of approximately 110 ° C. The solid was ground to a powder suitable for use as a nucleating agent for thermoplastics. Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 57/87 54/73 EXAMPLE 22 [000101] This example demonstrates the production of thermoplastic polymer compositions according to the invention and the nucleation capabilities of certain metal salts of aromatic sulfonic acids. The zinc benzenesulfonate produced in Example 1 was combined with a polypropylene homopolymer to produce a thermoplastic polymeric composition according to the invention (Sample 22). The thermoplastic polymer composition contained approximately 2,000 grams of a polypropylene homopolymer having a melt flow index of approximately 12 g / 10 min, approximately 500 parts per million (ppm) of a primary antioxidant (Ciba antioxidant Irganox® 1010), approximately 1,000 ppm of secondary antioxidant (Ciba's Irgafos® 168 antioxidant), approximately 800 ppm of calcium stearate, and approximately 2,000 ppm of zinc benzenesulfonate (ZnBSA). A comparative thermoplastic polymer composition (Comparative Sample 1) was produced using the same polypropylene composition homopolymer without any added nucleating agent. [000102] The thermoplastic polymeric composition according to the invention (ie Sample 22) was produced by dry mixing the above-mentioned components in a Henschel mixer at about 1,500 rpm and extruded through a single helix extruder at a temperature approximately 200-230 ° C. The extrudate was then pelleted. The thermoplastic pelleted polymer composition of the invention was then molded by injection to form plates suitable for use in conducting the tests described below. The comparative thermoplastic polymeric composition (Comparative Sample 1) was also modeled by injection to form similar plates suitable for testing. [000103] The peak polymer recrystallization temperature (Tc) Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 58/87 55/73 for thermoplastic polymer compositions was measured using a differential scanning calorimeter according to ASTM Standard D 794-85. In particular, the sample was taken from the target plate and heated at a rate of 20 ° C / min from a temperature of 60 ° C to 220 ° C, held at 220 ° C for two minutes, and cooled at a rate of approximately 20 ° C / min for a temperature of 60 ° C. The temperature at which the peak polymer crystal reform took place (which corresponds to the peak polymer recrystallization temperature) was recorded for each sample and is reported in Table 1 below. [000104] The haze of the thermoplastic polymer compositions was measured according to ASTM Standard D 1003-92. The results of these measurements are also reported in Table 1 below. Table 1. Peak polymer mist and recrystallization temperature measurements for Sample 22 and Comparative sample 1 (C.S. 1). Sam-tra Additive Additive Concentration(ppm) Mist(%) Tc(° C) C.S. 1 - - 56.0 110.0 22 ZnBSA 0.2 34.5 120.7 [000105] As seen from dads those presented in Table 1, the thermoplastic polymeric composition according to the invention showed significant improvements in both optical properties (for example, lower fog value) and peak polymer recrystallization temperature relative to the virgin polypropylene homopolymer. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, higher peak polymer recrystallization temperatures such as those exhibited by the thermoplastic polymer composition of the invention will typically allow the use of shorter cycle times in modeling operations due to the fact that the polymer does not need be cooled both before it can be removed from the mold without deformation. In addition, the lower mist values shown Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 59/87 56/73 by the thermoplastic polymeric composition of the invention indicate that this polymeric composition will also be useful in the production of modeled thermoplastic articles with improved optical properties. EXAMPLE 23 [000106] This example demonstrates the production of thermoplastic polymer compositions according to the invention and the nucleation capabilities of certain metal salts of aromatic sulfonic acids. The metal salts produced in examples 1 to 21 were separately combined with a high density polyethylene polymer to produce twenty-one thermoplastic polymer compositions according to the invention (i.e., samples 23A to 23U). The high density polyethylene polymer had a density of approximately 0.952 g / cm 3 and a melt flow index of 19 g / 10 min, as measured according to ASTM Standard D1238-04c using a weight of 2.16 kg. A comparative thermoplastic polymer composition (Comparative Sample 2) was produced using the high density polyethylene polymer alone (i.e., without any nucleating agent). Four additional comparative thermoplastic polymer compositions (Comparative samples 3 to 6) were produced by combining the same high density polyethylene polymer with a sodium 1dodecanesulfonate (NaDDS in Comparative Sample 3), sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (NaDDBS in Comparative Sample 4) , zinc benzenesulfonate dihydrate (ZnBSD in Comparative Sample 5), or talc (Comparative Sample 6). The amount of nucleating agent contained in each sample is shown in Table 2 below. [000107] To test for shrinkage, flexural modulus, and / or plate fog, the thermoplastic polymeric composition was produced by first combining the polyethylene polymer and the nucleating agent in a powdered form and then mixing the two for at least at least approximately 5 minutes using a KitchenAid® stand miPetição 870190098922, from 10/03/2019, pg. 60/87 57/73 xer. The resulting mixture was then melted, extruded in a single helix extruder to produce a pelletized thermoplastic polymer composition. Each pelletized thermoplastic polymeric composition was then formed into a piece suitable for physical testing by means of injection molding or compression modeling. The parts formed from the thermoplastic polymer compositions were then subjected to the test described below. For example, the selected thermoplastic polymer compositions were formed into plates having a thickness of approximately 30 mil (0.762 mm) and used to measure the mist presented by the thermoplastic polymer compositions. [000108] To test the film mist, the thermoplastic polymeric composition was produced by first combining polyethylene polymer with the nucleating agent and then mixing the two for approximately two minutes in a high density mixer. The resulting mixture was then extruded into a fused film in a Randcastle extruder with the freezing roller of the extruder assembly at a temperature of approximately 80 ° C. The resulting molten film had an average thickness of approximately 35 µm. The resulting films were also used to ensure the peak polymer recrystallization temperature of those thermoplastic polymer compositions that were not formed in test pieces as described in the preceding paragraph. [000109] The peak polymer recrystallization temperature (Tc) for thermoplastic polymer compositions was measured using a differential scanning calorimeter according to ASTM Standard D 794-85. In particular, the sample was taken from the target part and heated at a rate of 20 ° C / min from a temperature of 60 ° C to 220 ° C, held at 220 ° C for two minutes, and cooled at a rate of approximately 10 ° C / min for a temperature of Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 61/87 58/73 60 ° C. The temperature at which the peak polymer crystal reform took place (which corresponds to the peak polymer recrystallization temperature) was recorded for each sample. The change in peak polymer recrystallization temperature (ATc) presented by the thermoplastic polymer composition relative to the virgin polyethylene polymer is reported in Table 2 below. [000110] The bending properties for the selected parts were measured in the machine direction (MD) according to ASTM Standard D790. The bending module for the tested parts is reported as the 1% secant module in Table 2 below. Table 2. Selected physical properties of parts produced using samples 23A-23U, Comparative Sample 2 (CS 2), Comparative Sample 3 (CS 3), Comparative Sample 4 (CS 4), Comparative Sample 5 (CS 5), and Comparative Sample 6 (CS 6). Sample Nucleating agent Film Mist(%) Plate fog (%) ATc(° C) Flexural modulus (MPa) Type Charge(ppm) C.S. 2 - - 40.1 97.9 - 760 23A Ex. 1 1,000 10.9 57.7 +1.3 997 23B Ex. 2 1,000 19.4 84.3 +2.7 965 23C Ex. 3 2,000 12.5 84.5 +1.3 913 23D Ex. 4 2,000 20.7 - +3.0 - 23E Ex. 5 1,000 15.1 - +2.5 897 23F Ex. 6 1,000 11.5 81 +2.3 941 23G Ex. 7 2,000 14.1 - +2.1 - 23H Ex. 8 1,000 40.1 99.6 +1.5 968 23I Ex. 9 1,000 28.3 99.1 0 - 23J Ex. 10 2,000 43.1 93.3 0 - 23K Ex. 11 2,000 45.3 - +0.3 - Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 62/87 59/73 Sam-tra Nucleating agent Film Mist(%) Plate fog (%) ATc(° C) Flexural modulus (MPa) Type Charge(ppm) 23L Ex. 12 2,000 30.4 - +0.2 - 23M Ex. 13 2,000 44.2 94.6 0 - 23N Ex. 14 2,000 38.7 - +1.7 - 23O Ex. 15 1,000 12.6 90.0 +0.9 - 23P Ex. 16 1,000 12.2 74.5 +1.3 989 23Q Ex. 17 2,000 47.9 - 0 - 23R Ex. 18 2,000 40.0 - 0 - 23S Ex. 19 2,000 11.8 - +4.3 - 23T Ex. 20 2,000 16.0 84.5 +1.0 - 23U Ex. 21 2,000 16.2 - +0.8 - C.S. 3 NaDDS 2,000 41.9 99 0 - C.S. 4 NaDDBS 2,000 37.0 99 0 - C.S. 5 ZnBSD 2,000 42.7 90.6 0 - C.S. 6 Baby powder 1,000 34.0 91.5 +2.0 - [000111] As can be seen from the data presented in Table 2, many of the thermoplastic polymer compositions containing polyethylene according to the invention have lower fog values (in the film, plate, or both) than the virgin polyethylene polymer . In particular, samples 23A, 23B, 23C, 23D, 23E, 23F, 23G, 23O, 23P, 23S, 23T, and 23U show marked improvements in the fog values presented by films made using such thermoplastic polymer compositions relative to the films made using virgin polyethylene polymer. Sample 23A also shows a significant improvement in mist values presented by plates made using the thermoplastic polymeric composition relative to plates made using virgin polyethylene polymer. Improvements in Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 63/87 60/73 optical properties observed by those thermoplastic polymer compositions are believed to be important, given the relative lack of additives that are capable of producing significant improvements in the optical properties of articles made of polyethylene polymers. [000112] Many of the thermoplastic polymer compositions containing polyethylene according to the invention also have higher peak polymer recrystallization temperatures than the virgin polyethylene polymer. For example, each of samples 23A, 23B, 23C, 23D, 23E, 23F, 23G, 23O, 23P, 23S, 23T, and 23U show improvements in peak polymer recrystallization temperature over virgin polyethylene polymer. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, higher peak polymer recrystallization temperatures typically allow for the use of shorter cycle times in modeling operations due to the fact that the polymer does not need to be cooled so much before it can be removed from the mold. without deformation. In addition, while some of the increases in peak polymer recrystallization temperature may be modest compared to the increases shown by the other known nucleating agents, even a modest improvement in peak polymer recrystallization temperature is believed to be significant. when coupled with the significant improvement in optical properties observed for each of these polymer compositions. [000113] The data presented in Table 2 also show that the thermoplastic polymer compositions of the invention show appreciable improvements in bending methods over the virgin polyethylene polymer. For example, each of samples 23A, 23B, 23C, 23E, 23F, and 23P showed at least an 18% increase in bending methods over virgin polyethylene polymer. As in the case of improvements in polycrystallization temperature of polyPetition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, pg. 64/87 61/73 peak number discussed above, these improvements in bending methods are believed to be significant when coupled with a significant improvement in optical properties observed for each of these polymer compositions. [000114] An examination of the comparative samples also shows that these thermoplastic polymer compositions do not have the desired composition of properties (for example, lower fog values and higher peak polymer recrystallization temperatures) generally presented by thermoplastic polymer compositions in accordance with with the invention. For example, Comparative Sample 3 shows that metal salts of alkyl sulfonic acids do not have the desired nucleation properties generally observed with respect to metal salts of aromatic sulfonic acids, such as those covered by the present invention. Comparative Sample 4 also shows that metal salts of aromatic sulfonic acids that are substituted with one or more relatively large substituents (for example, a C12 alkyl group) do not have the desired nucleating properties generally observed for metal salts of sulfonic acids aromatics that are unsubstituted or substituted with relatively small substituents. Comparative Sample 5 also shows that metal salts of aromatic sulfinic acids do not have the desired nucleation properties generally observed with respect to metal salts of aromatic sulfonic acids, such as those covered by the present invention. EXAMPLE 24 [000115] This example demonstrates some of the physical properties shown by a high density polyethylene polymer that has been nucleated with a nucleating agent according to the invention. Three polymer compositions (i.e. samples 24A, 24B, and 24C) were prepared 870190098922, from 10/03/2019, p. 65/87 62/73 were prepared respectively comprising 500 ppm, 1,000 ppm, and 2,000 ppm of zinc benzenesulfonate in a commercially available high density polyethylene polymer having a density of approximately 0.952 g / cm 3 and a melt flow index approximately 19 dg / minute. The polymer compositions were then injection molded into containers using a 300 ton Netstal injection molding machine. For comparison purposes, the containers were also modeled using the same high density polyethylene polymer, commercially available without a nucleating agent being added (Comparative Sample 24). The optical properties of the containers were then measured on the side walls, and the bending and impact properties were measured using samples taken from the bottom portion of the containers. The hardness-impact balance of the samples was calculated by multiplying the flexural modulus (expressed in MPa) and the Gardner impact resistance (expressed in J). The standard deviation of the hardness-impact balance was calculated using the following equation: í ÍGflex | f σ ί ηραίΐ á S / I / flex / impact / [000116] The values obtained for the samples are reported in tables 3 to 6 below. Table 3. Flexion module of samples 24A to 24C and Comparative Sample 24. Sample Load (ppm) Flexural modulus (MPa) Standard deviation(MPa) Comparative 24 - 1115 11 24A 500 1161 6 24B 1,000 1199 4 24C 2,000 1211 2 Table 4. Gardner impact resistance of samples 24A-24C and Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 66/87 63/73 Comparative Sample 24. Sample Charge(ppm) Gardner impact resistance (J) Standard deviation(J) Comparative 24 - 12 0.39 24A 500 14.1 0.47 24B 1,000 11.2 0.28 24C 2,000 10.8 0.16 Table 5. Hardness-impact balance of samples 24A to 24C and Comparative Sample 24. Sample Charge(ppm) Impact hardness balance (MPa * J) Standard deviation(MPa * J) Comparative 24 - 13715 455.4 24A 500 16370 552.2 24B 1,000 13429 338.7 24C 2,000 13079 195.0 Table 6. Optical properties of samples 24A-24C and Sample Comparative 24. 1 mm Thick 1.5 mm thickfrog Sample Charge(ppm) Mist(%) Clarity(%) Mist(%) Clarity(%) Comparative 24 - 100.0 34.8 100.0 2.9 24A 500 79.7 97.4 91.4 96.7 24B 1,000 76.7 97.9 89.2 97.2 24C 2,000 77.3 97.3 89.4 97.0 EXAMPLE 25 [000117] This example demonstrates some of the physical properties shown by a linear low density polyethylene polymer that has been nucleated with a nucleating agent according to InPetition 870190098922, of 03/10/2019, pg. 67/87 64/73 vention. Three polymer compositions (i.e., samples 25A, 25B, and 25C) were prepared respectively by composing 500 ppm, 1,000 ppm, and 2,000 ppm zinc benzenesulfonate in a low-density linear polymer, commercially available having a density of approximately 0.917 g / cm 3 and a melt flow index of approximately 24 dg / minute. The polymer compositions were then molded by injection into containers in a 300 ton Netstal injection molding machine. For comparison purposes, the containers were also modeled using the same high density polyethylene polymer, commercially available without a nucleating agent being added (Comparative Sample 25). The optical properties of the containers were then measured on the side walls, and the bending and impact properties were measured using samples taken from the bottom portion of the containers. The hardness-impact balance of the samples and the standard deviation of the hardness-impact balance were calculated as described above in Example 24. The values obtained for the samples are reported in tables 7 to 10 below. Table 7. Flexion module of samples 25A to 25C and Comparative Sample 25. Sample Load (ppm) Bending module(MPa) Standard deviation(MPa) C.S. 25 - 266 1 25A 500 300 2 25B 1,000 323 5 25C 2,000 334 3 Table 8. Gardner impact resistance of samples 25A-25C and Comparative Sample 25. Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 68/87 65/73 Sample Load (ppm) Gardner Impact Resistance (J) Standard Deviation (J) C.S. 25 - 6 0.43 25A 500 9 0.22 25B 1,000 9 0.14 25C 2,000 9.2 0.17 Table 9. Balance of hardness-impact of samples 25A-25C and Comparative Sample 25. Sample Charge(ppm) Hardness balance-impact (MPa * J) Standard deviation(MPa * J) C.S.25 - 1543 114.5 25A 500 2700 68.4 25B 1,000 2907 63.8 25C 2,000 3073 63.1 Table 10. Optical properties of samples 25A to 25C and Sample Comparative 25. 1 mm Thick 1.5mm Thickness Sample Charge(ppm) Mist(%) Clarity(%) Mist(%) Clarity(%) C.S. 25 - 79.7 95.4 71.7 11.8 25A 500 76.9 95.9 97.3 92.6 25B 1,000 62.8 76.1 98.6 95.5 25C 2,000 62.0 73.2 97.7 98.0 EXAMPLE 26 [000118] This example demonstrates some of the physical properties shown by a linear low density polyethylene polymer that has been nucleated with a nucleating agent according to the invention. Two polymer compositions (ie samples 26A and 26B) were prepared respectively comprising 500 ppm and 1,000 Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 69/87 66/73 ppm of zinc benzenesulfonate in a low density linear polymer, commercially available having a density of approximately 0.918 g / cm 3 and a melt flow index of approximately 1 dg / minute. For comparison purposes, a third polymer composition (i.e., Comparative Sample 26Y) was prepared by composing approximately 1,000 ppm of HYPERFORM® 20E (available from Milliken & Company) in the same linear low density polyethylene. The polymer compositions were then used to produce blown films in a Future Design film line with the following structure: 4 inch matrix, 2.0 mm matrix opening, BUR 2.5, DDR 21, and 29 kg / hours of production. For comparison purposes, the blown film (i.e., Comparative Sample 26X) was also produced using the virgin linear low density polyethylene polymer (i.e., the polymer without any nucleating agent). Wear resistance, dart drop impact, Young's modulus, and haze of the resulting films were measured and are reported in tables 11 to 14. Table 11. Wear resistance of samples 26A and 26B and comparative samples 26X and 26Y. Machine Steering Transverse Direction Sam-tra Charge(ppm) Wear resistance (g) DetourStandard (g) Wear resistance(g) DetourPattern(g) C.S.26X - 705.6 90.7 997.1 52.7 C.S.26Y 1,000 617.0 46.9 981.8 78.2 26A 500 852.5 85.4 1043.2 64.6 26B 1,000 820.5 64.2 965.1 53.0 Table 12. Dart drop impact of samples 26A and 26B and Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 70/87 67/73 comparative samples 26X and 26Y. Sample Load (ppm) Dart drop impact (g) Standard Deviation (g) C.S. 26X - 225.5 1.2 C.S. 26Y 1,000 227.0 1.5 26A 500 330.2 1.1 26B 1,000 315.5 1.1 Table 13. Young's modulus of samples 26A and 26B and comparative samples 26X and 26Y. Machine Direction Transverse Direction Sam-tra Charge(ppm) Module ofYoung(MPa) DetourPattern(MPa) Module ofYoung(MPa) DetourPattern(MPa) C.S.26X - 151.2 14.5 218.5 25.1 C.S.26Y 1,000 166.1 17.2 234.3 19.5 26A 500 141.1 10.1 179.1 9.1 26B 1,000 145.3 2.5 160.8 19.6 Table 14. Mist from samples 26A and 26B and comparative samples 26X and 26Y. Sample Load (ppm) Mist (%) Standard deviation (%) C.S. 26X - 18.1 0.7 C.S. 26Y 1,000 10.2 0.2 26A 500 10.3 0.7 26B 1,000 10.5 0.4 EXAMPLE 27 [000119] This example demonstrates some of the physical properties shown by a high density polyethylene polymer that has been Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 71/87 68/73 nucleated with a nucleating agent according to the invention. A polymer composition (i.e., Sample 27A) was prepared by composing approximately 2,000 ppm zinc benzenesulfonate in a commercially available high density polyethylene polymer having a density of approximately 0.962 g / cm 3 and a flow rate of fusion of approximately 0.9 dg / minute. For comparison purposes, a second polymer composition (i.e., Comparative Sample 27Y) was prepared by composing approximately 2,000 ppm of HYPERFORM® 20E (available from Milliken & Company) in the same high density polyethylene polymer. The polymer compositions were then used to produce blown films on a Future Design film line with the following structure: 4-inch die, 2.0 mm die opening, BUR 2.3, DDR 21, and 29 kg / hours of production. For comparison purposes, the blown film (i.e., Comparative Sample 27X) was also produced using virgin high density polyethylene polymer (i.e., the polymer without any nucleating agent). The dart drop impact of the resulting films was measured and is reported in Table 15. Table 15. Dart drop impact of samples 27A and comparative samples 27X and 27Y. Sample Charge(ppm) Dart drop impact (g) Standard Deviation (g) C.S. 27X - 59.0 1.1 C.S. 27Y 2,000 n, d, 1.3 27A 2,000 73.9 0.8 [000120] Comparative Sample dart drop impact 27Y also proved to be low in determining the use of the test method. Consequently, the value for Comparative Sample 27Y is reported as n.d. Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 72/87 69/73 EXAMPLE 28 [000121] This example demonstrates some of the physical properties shown by a high density polyethylene polymer that has been nucleated with a nucleating agent according to the invention. A polymer composition (ie, Sample 28A) was prepared by composing approximately 3% by weight of zinc benzenesulfonate in a commercially available high density polyethylene polymer having a density of approximately 0.952 g / cm 3 and an index of fusion flow of approximately 19 dg / minute. For comparison purposes, a second polymer composition (i.e., Comparative Sample 28Y) was prepared by composing approximately 3% by weight of HYPERFORM® 20E (available from Milliken & Company) in the same high density polyethylene polymer. The polymer compositions were then reduced by a ratio of approximately 3% to another commercially available high density polymer having a density of approximately 0.953 g / cm 3 and a melt flow index of approximately 6 dg / min and mixtures of resulting polymer were injection molded. The resulting parts were then tested to determine their multiaxial impact at temperatures of 23 ° C and -30 ° C, resistance to stress in production, flexural rope module, shrinkage in the machine direction (ie, with flow), and shrinkage in the transverse direction (ie, cross flow). The measured values for each sample and the virgin high density polyethylene polymer (Comparative Sample 28X) are reported in Table 16 below. Table 16. Selected physical properties of Sample 28A and comparative samples 28X and 28Y. Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 73/87 70/73 C.S. 28X C.S. 28Y 28A Property Multiaxial impact (2.2 m / s at 23 ° C) 17.99 J 17.00 J 17.24 J 5 Ductile 5 Ductile 5 Ductile Multiaxial impact (2.2 m / s at -30 ° C) 21.24 J 20.49 J 20.33 J 5 Ductile 5 Ductile 5 Ductile Tensile Strength in Production 0.22 kg / cm 2 (3.161 psi) (21.79 MPa) 0.24 kg / cm 2 (3.444 psi) (23.75 MPa) 0.24 kg / cm 2 (3.445 psi) (23.75 MPa) Flexural rope module 9.62 kg / cm 2 (136.877 psi) (943.734 MPa) 9.11 kg / cm 2 (129.682 psi) (894.126 MPa) 9.55 kg / cm 2 (135.850 psi) (922.863 MPa) Shrinkage ofM.D. 2.69% 2.35% 2.21% Shrinkage ofT.D. 2.71% 1.81% 2.17% EXAMPLE 29 [000122] This example demonstrates some of the physical properties shown by a high density polyethylene polymer that has been nucleated with a nucleating agent according to the invention. A polymer composition (i.e., Sample 29A) was prepared by composing approximately 3% by weight of zinc benzenesulfonate in a commercially available high density polyethylene polymer having a density of approximately 0.952 g / cm 3 and an index of fusion flow of approximately 19 dg / minute. For comparison purposes, a second polymer composition (i.e., Comparative Sample 29Y) was prepared by composing approximately 3% by weight of HYPERFORM® 20E (available from Milliken & Company) in the same high density polyethylene polymer. At Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 74/87 71/73 polymer compositions were then reduced in a ratio of approximately 3% to another commercially available high density polymer having a melt flow index of approximately 35 dg / min and the resulting polymer mixtures were modeled by injection. The resulting parts were then tested to determine their multiaxial impact at temperatures of 23 ° C and -30 ° C, resistance to stress in production, flexural rope module, shrinkage in the machine direction (ie with flow), and shrinkage in the transverse direction (ie, cross flow). The measured values for each sample and the virgin high density polyethylene polymer (Comparative Sample 29X) are reported in table 17 below. Table 17. Selected physical properties of Sample 29A and comparative samples 29X and 29Y. C.S. 29X C.S. 29Y 29A Property Multiaxial impact (2.2 m / s at 23 ° C) 6.31 J 15.55 J 16.02 J 5 Fragile 5 Ductile 5 Ductile Multiaxial impact (2.2 m / s at -30 ° C) 7.86 J 19.79 J 20.40 J 5 Fragile 5 Ductile 5 Ductile Tensile Strength in Production 0.21 kg / cm 2 (3.005 psi) (20.72 MPa) 0.24 kg / cm 2 (3.466 psi) (23.90 MPa) 0.22 kg / cm 2 (3.246 psi) (22.38 MPa) Flexural rope module 8.4 kg / cm 2 (119.517 psi) (824.041 MPa) 9.22 kg / cm 2 (131.205 psi) (904.627 MPa) 9.84 kg / cm 2 (139.981 psi) (965.135 MPa) Shrinkage ofM.D. 2.48% 1.8% 1.81% Shrinkage ofT.D. 2.38% 1.72% 2.32% Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 75/87 72/73 [000123] All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were presented in their entirety on here. [000124] The use of the terms a and an and o (a) and similar referents in the context of describing the subject of this application (especially in the context of the following claims) should be interpreted as covering both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise way indicated here or clearly contradicted by the context. The terms comprising, having, including, and containing are to be interpreted as unlimited terms (that is, it means including, but not limited to,) unless otherwise noted. The recitation of ranges of values here is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value included within the range, unless otherwise indicated here, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited here . All methods described here can be performed in any order unless otherwise indicated here or otherwise clearly contradicted by the context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (for example, such as) provided here, is understood to be merely better to clarify the subject of the application and not to propose a limitation on the scope of the subject unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be interpreted as indicating any element not claimed as essential to the practice of the theme described here. [000125] The preferred embodiments of the subject of this application are described here, including the best way known by the inventors to carry out the claimed subject. The variations of those preferred modalities may become evident to those skilled in the art in Law Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 76/87 73/73 of the foregoing description. The inventors, except those skilled in the art, employ such variations where appropriate, and the inventors intend that the theme described here be practiced in a manner other than as specifically described here. Consequently, this description includes all modifications and equivalents of the theme recited in the attached claims regarding this matter as permitted by applicable law. In addition, any combination of the elements described above in all possible variations thereof is covered by the present description unless otherwise indicated here or otherwise clearly contradicted by the context.
权利要求:
Claims (17) [1] 1. Thermoplastic polymer composition characterized by the fact that it comprises: (a) a thermoplastic polymer; and (b) the nucleating agent, the nucleating agent comprising a compound conforming to the structure of one of the Formula (I), Formula (II), or Formula (III) below O II O ONLY R R2 R3 O R5 R4 (I) M [ Q i a '] LJ z J b R10 O - S - O r i2 Ri ο Θ R 16 R 15 R 13 R 14 (II) X is an integer where xz 1 J b positive; R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R10, R11, R12, R13, Ri4, R15, and Ri6 are substituents independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, C1C9 alkyl groups, C1-C9 alkenyl groups, C1-C9 alkynyl groups, C1C9 alkoxy groups, C1-C9 groups hydroxyalkyl, alkyl ether groups, amine groups, C1-C9 alkylamine groups, halogens, aryl groups, alkylaryl groups, and twin or vicinal carboxylic groups having up to nine carbon atoms; each M1 is a cation selected from the group consisting of transition metal cations; y is the valence of the metal cation; b is Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 78/87 [2] 2/5 zero or a positive integer; when b is one or greater, each Qi is a negatively charged counterion and a is the valence of the negatively charged counterion; and the values of x, y, z, a, and b satisfy the equation x + (ab) = yz. 2. Thermoplastic polymer composition according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that Mi is a zinc cation. [3] 3. Thermoplastic polymer composition according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that Ri, R2, R3, R4, R5, R10, R11, R12, R13, Ri4, R15, and Ri6 are each hydrogen. [4] 4. Thermoplastic polymeric composition according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the nucleating agent is present in the thermoplastic polymeric composition in an amount of 100 to 5,000 parts per million (ppm), based on the total weight of the thermoplastic polymeric composition. [5] 5. Thermoplastic polymer composition characterized by the fact that it comprises: (a) a polyethylene polymer; and (b) a nucleating agent, the nucleating agent comprising a compound conforming to the structure of one of the Formula (I), Formula (II), or Formula (III) below [ M i y + ] Jqi ' - ] x M z M b Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 79/87 3/5 O M [Qi a -] LJ z LJ b (III) where x is a positive integer; Ri, R2, R3, R4, R5, R10, R11, R12, R13, R14, R15, and Ri6 are substituents independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, C1C9 alkyl groups, C1-C9 alkenyl groups, C1-C9 alkynyl groups, C1C9 alkoxy groups, C1-C9 groups hydroxyalkyl, alkyl ether groups, amine groups, C1-C9 alkylamine groups, halogens, aryl groups, alkylaryl groups, and twin or vicinal carboxylic groups having up to nine carbon atoms; each M1 is a cation selected from the group consisting of metal cations and organic cations; y is the cation valence, M1 b is zero or a positive integer; when b is one or greater, each Q1 is a negatively charged counterion and a is the valence of the negatively charged counterion; and the values of x, y, z, a, and b satisfy the equation x + (ab) = yz. [6] 6. Thermoplastic polymer composition according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that M1 is a metal cation selected from the group consisting of alkali metal cations, alkaline earth metal cations, transition metal cations, and group 13 metal. [7] 7. Thermoplastic polymer composition according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that the metal cation is selected from the group consisting of aluminum, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and zinc. [8] 8. Thermoplastic polymeric composition according to any of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R10, R11, R12, R13, R14, R15, and R16 are each hydrogen. [9] 9. Thermoplastic polymer composition according to Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 80/87 4/5 claim 5, characterized by the fact that the compound according to the structure of Formula (I), Ri, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are each hydrogen, and Mi is selected from the group consisting of aluminum, calcium, magnesium, sodium and zinc. [10] 10. Thermoplastic polymer composition according to claim 5, characterized in that the compound according to the structure of Formula (I), R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are each hydrogen, and M1 is zinc. [11] 11. Thermoplastic polymeric composition according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the compound according to the structure of Formula (I), R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are each hydrogen, and Mi is a piperazinium cation. [12] 12. Thermoplastic polymeric composition according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the compound according to the structure of Formula (I), R1, R2, R4, and R5 are each hydrogen, R3 is methyl, and M1 is zinc. [13] 13. Thermoplastic polymer composition according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the compound according to the structure of Formula (III), R10, R11, R12, R13, R14, R15, and R16 are each hydrogen, and M1 is selected of the group consisting of aluminum, calcium, magnesium, sodium and zinc. [14] 14. Thermoplastic polymeric composition according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the compound according to the structure of Formula (III), R10, R11, R12, R13, R14, R15, and R16 are each hydrogen, and M1 is zinc . [15] 15. Thermoplastic polymer composition according to any of claims 5 to 14, characterized in that the polyethylene polymer is selected from the group consisting of medium density polyethylenes, high density polyethylenes, and mixtures thereof. Petition 870190098922, of 10/03/2019, p. 81/87 5/5 [16] 16. Thermoplastic polymer composition according to claim 15, characterized by the fact that the polyethylene polymer is a high density polyethylene. [17] 17. Thermoplastic polymeric composition according to any of claims 5 to 16, characterized in that the nucleating agent is present in the thermoplastic polymeric composition in an amount of 100 to 5,000 parts per million (ppm), based on the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition.
类似技术:
公开号 | 公开日 | 专利标题 BR112012009135B1|2019-12-17|thermoplastic polymeric composition EP3049469B1|2018-05-30|Nucleating agent for thermoplastic polymer composition BR112016006209B1|2021-06-01|THERMOPLASTIC POLYMER COMPOSITION EP3049388B1|2019-08-07|Nucleating agent for thermoplastic polymer composition US8779045B2|2014-07-15|Thermoplastic polymer composition US9580575B2|2017-02-28|Polyethylene articles BR112020003650A2|2020-09-01|polypropylene composition BRPI0615488A2|2011-05-17|propylene polymers having wide molecular weight distribution ES2556057T3|2016-01-12|Polypropylene composition with low load content and balanced properties profile BRPI0616556A2|2011-06-21|process for nucleation of polypropylene resins BRPI1011055B1|2020-09-29|POLYMERIC COMPOSITIONS OF PROPYLENE WO2013096312A1|2013-06-27|Use of nucleation to improve blown film bubble stability in icp resins BR112016006201B1|2020-11-24|thermoplastic polymer composition BR112019027563A2|2020-07-07|process for preparing a polypropylene composition BR112021009762A2|2021-08-17|extrusion compositions, articles of manufacture prepared therefrom, masterbatch compositions and articles of manufacture prepared therefrom EP3728461B1|2022-02-23|Heterophasic polypropylene composition BR112020008996A2|2020-10-13|additive composition and polymeric compositions comprising the same BR112020023709A2|2021-02-09|composition of random c2c3 copolymer JP2021155613A|2021-10-07|Propylene-based resin composition and injection molded product using the same BR112020008768A2|2020-10-13|process for preparing a polypropylene composition BR112020017945A2|2020-12-22|POLYPROPYLENE COMPOSITION BR112017017069B1|2021-09-28|HETEROPHASIC POLYMER COMPOSITION US20220033629A1|2022-02-03|Thermoplastic polymer composition and method for molding the same BR112021005854A2|2021-07-27|polypropylene composition and molded article BRPI0717679A2|2013-10-29|POLYLEPHYNIC COMPOSITIONS.
同族专利:
公开号 | 公开日 IN2012DN02092A|2015-08-21| EP2491079B1|2016-07-20| US20110092625A1|2011-04-21| BR112012009135A2|2016-08-30| CN102575060A|2012-07-11| US8198351B2|2012-06-12| EP2491079A1|2012-08-29| WO2011050042A1|2011-04-28|
引用文献:
公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题 US2816883A|1951-08-02|1957-12-17|Du Pont|Product and process of polymerizing ethylene| GB1104662A|1965-01-22|1968-02-28|Ici Ltd|Polyolefines shaping method| JPH0315667B2|1981-05-27|1991-03-01|Sumitomo Kagaku Kogyo Kk| DE3854716T2|1987-12-08|1996-07-25|Idemitsu Petrochemical Co|Process for producing thermoplastic resin composition.| GB8905796D0|1988-03-29|1989-04-26|Ici Plc|Composition and use| US5049605A|1989-09-20|1991-09-17|Milliken Research Corporation|Bis sorbitol acetals and compositions containing same| DE69418154T2|1993-06-30|1999-11-25|New Japan Chem Co Ltd|THERMOPLASTIC RESIN COMPOSITION AND METHOD FOR MOLDING THE SAME| US5880241A|1995-01-24|1999-03-09|E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company|Olefin polymers| EP0889912B1|1996-03-27|2000-07-12|The Dow Chemical Company|Highly soluble olefin polymerization catalyst activator| US5998576A|1996-08-08|1999-12-07|New Japan Chemical Co., Ltd.|Rosin-based molecular crystals, nucleating agent for polyolefin and polyolefin resins composition and moldings thereof| US5922793A|1996-12-27|1999-07-13|Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company|Modifying agents for polyolefins| ES2206946T3|1997-10-03|2004-05-16|New Japan Chemical Co.,Ltd.|DIACETAL COMPOSITIONS, PROCEDURE FOR THEIR PREPARATION, NUCLEATION AGENT FOR POLYOLEFINS CONTAINING IT, COMPOSITIONS OF POLYOLEFINE RESINS AND MOLDINGS.| US6107230A|1998-05-18|2000-08-22|Phillips Petroleum Company|Compositions that can produce polymers| US6300271B1|1998-05-18|2001-10-09|Phillips Petroleum Company|Compositions that can produce polymers| CA2243783C|1998-07-21|2007-06-05|Nova Chemicals Ltd.|Bis-phosphinimine catalyst| US6632894B1|1999-12-30|2003-10-14|Phillips Petroleum Company|Organometal catalyst compositions| JP4158004B2|2000-06-02|2008-10-01|新日本理化株式会社|Porous polypropylene film, method for producing the same, and absorbent article using the film| MXPA03007501A|2001-02-21|2003-12-04|New Japan Chem Co Ltd|Successively biaxial-oriented porous polypropylene film and process for production thereof.| US7262236B2|2004-04-26|2007-08-28|Milliken & Company|Acetal-based compositions| US20070036960A1|2005-08-09|2007-02-15|Lambert William S|Film and methods of making film| US8431212B2|2005-08-31|2013-04-30|Toray Industries, Inc.|Laminate sheet of polylactic acid-based resin and thermoformed plastic thereof| TWI421166B|2006-05-16|2014-01-01|Toray Industries|Biaxial alignment white polypropylene film, reflector and receiving sheet for thermal transfer recording| CN101659613A|2008-08-29|2010-03-03|住友化学株式会社|Amorphous compound and stabilizer for polymers containing the amorphous compound|US9371442B2|2011-09-19|2016-06-21|Nova ChemicalsS.A.|Polyethylene compositions and closures made from them| US9783663B2|2012-12-14|2017-10-10|Nova ChemicalsS.A.|Polyethylene compositions having high dimensional stability and excellent processability for caps and closures| EP2935433B1|2012-12-21|2019-09-18|Milliken & Company|Additive composition and process for using the same| US9969859B2|2012-12-21|2018-05-15|Dow Global Technology Llc|HDPE-based buffer tubes with improved excess fiber length in fiber optic cables| US9994695B2|2014-11-25|2018-06-12|Milliken & Company|Process for extruding polypropylene| US9994692B2|2014-11-25|2018-06-12|Milliken & Company|Process for extruding polypropylene| WO2016135590A1|2015-02-24|2016-09-01|Nova ChemicalsS.A.|Bottle cap| US9758653B2|2015-08-19|2017-09-12|Nova ChemicalsS.A.|Polyethylene compositions, process and closures| CA2914315A1|2015-12-09|2017-06-09|Nova Chemicals Corp.|Hot fill process with closures made from high density unimodal polyethylene| CA2914354A1|2015-12-10|2017-06-10|Nova Chemicals Corp.|Hot fill process with closures made from bimodal polyethylene compositions| CA2914353A1|2015-12-10|2017-06-10|Nova Chemicals Corp.|Hot fill process with closures made from high density polyethylene compositions| MX2018007480A|2015-12-21|2018-08-01|Dow Global Technologies Llc|Polyethylene formulations with improved barrier and toughness for molding applications.| CA2931488A1|2016-05-30|2017-11-30|Nova Chemicals Corporation|Closure having excellent organoleptic performance| US9783664B1|2016-06-01|2017-10-10|Nova ChemicalsS.A.|Hinged component comprising polyethylene composition| CA2933778A1|2016-06-22|2017-12-22|Nova Chemicals Corporation|Hinged component made from high density unimodal polyethylene| CA2942493A1|2016-09-20|2018-03-20|Nova Chemicals Corporation|Nucleated polyethylene blends and their use in molded articles| CA3022700A1|2017-11-27|2019-05-27|Nova Chemicals Corporation|Bottle closure assembly comprising a polyethylene composition having good dimensional stability| CA3022996A1|2017-12-04|2019-06-04|Nova Chemicals Corporation|Bottle closure assembly comprising a polyethylene composition| CA3024024A1|2017-12-19|2019-06-19|Nova Chemicals Corporation|Bottle closure assembly comprising a high density polyethylene| CA3024454A1|2017-12-19|2019-06-19|Nova Chemicals Corporation|Bottle closure assembly comprising a polyethylene copolymer with good organoleptic properties| CA3023423A1|2017-12-19|2019-06-19|Nova Chemicals Corporation|Bottle closure assembly comprising a polyethylene homopolymer composition| US20210189212A1|2018-05-14|2021-06-24|3M Innovative Properties Company|Control cure thermally-conductive gap filler materials| CA3026098A1|2018-12-03|2020-06-03|Nova Chemicals Corporation|Narrow polyethylene homopolymer compositions having good barrier properties| CA3026095A1|2018-12-03|2020-06-03|Nova Chemicals Corporation|Polyethylene homopolymer compositions having good barrier properties| CA3028148A1|2018-12-20|2020-06-20|Nova Chemicals Corporation|Polyethylene copolymer compositions and articles with barrier properties| CA3028157A1|2018-12-20|2020-06-20|Nova Chemicals Corporation|Polyethylene copolymer compositions and their barrier properties| CA3032082A1|2019-01-31|2020-07-31|Nova Chemicals Corporation|Polyethylene compositions and articles with good barrier properties| WO2021144615A1|2020-01-17|2021-07-22|Nova ChemicalsS.A.|Polyethylene copolymer compositions and articles with barrier properties| WO2021186283A1|2020-03-19|2021-09-23|Nova ChemicalsS.A.|Multilayer film structure|
法律状态:
2018-04-10| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according art. 34 industrial property law| 2019-03-06| B06T| Formal requirements before examination| 2019-07-09| B06A| Notification to applicant to reply to the report for non-patentability or inadequacy of the application according art. 36 industrial patent law| 2019-10-22| B09A| Decision: intention to grant| 2019-12-17| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 20/10/2010, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
优先权:
[返回顶部]
申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题 US58288309A| true| 2009-10-21|2009-10-21| US12/908,114|US8198351B2|2009-10-21|2010-10-20|Thermoplastic polymer composition| PCT/US2010/053345|WO2011050042A1|2009-10-21|2010-10-20|Thermoplastic polymer composition| 相关专利
Sulfonates, polymers, resist compositions and patterning process
Washing machine
Washing machine
Device for fixture finishing and tension adjusting of membrane
Structure for Equipping Band in a Plane Cathode Ray Tube
Process for preparation of 7 alpha-carboxyl 9, 11-epoxy steroids and intermediates useful therein an
国家/地区
|