E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
Ethylene acid copolymers, their ionomers, and their use in packaging films and injection molded articles

Abstract:

Provided are novel ethylene acid copolymers, their ionomers and their use in various articles, including packaging films and injection molded articles. The ethylene acid copolymers comprise copolymerized units of ethylene, about 10 to about 30 wt % of copolymerized units of a first .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 10 carbon atoms; and about 5 to about 15 wt % of copolymerized units of a derivative of a second .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 10 carbon atoms. Preferred derivatives include esters, and in particular alkyl esters. These ethylene acid copolymers and ionomers have improved optical properties when compared to conventional ethylene acrylic or methacrylic acid copolymers and their ionomers.