Crosslinkable polymeric compositions with amine-functionalized interpolymers, methods for making the same, and articles made therefrom

A crosslinkable polymeric composition, consisting of:

• (a) an ethylene-based amine-functionalized interpolymer having incorporated therein at least one type of amine-containing monomer, wherein said ethylene-based amine-functionalized interpolymer comprises an ethylene/aminoacrylate copolymer, wherein said ethylene/aminoacrylate copolymer comprises a copolymer of low-density polyethylene grafted with an aminoacrylate monomer selected from the group consisting of 2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate, 2-(t-butylamino)ethyl methacrylate, and mixtures thereof;
• (b) an organic peroxide;
• and
• (c) optionally, one or more additives;
• wherein said ethylene-based amine-functionalized interpolymer is present in an amount ranging from 80 to 99 weight percent, based on the entire crosslinkable polymeric composition weight;
• wherein said organic peroxide is present in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 5 weight percent, based on the entire crosslinkable polymeric composition weight;
• and
• wherein said one or more additives are selected from the group consisting of:
• antioxidants, crosslinking coagents, processing aids, fillers, coupling agents, ultraviolet absorbers or stabilizers, antistatic agents, nucleating agents, slip agents, plasticizers, lubricants, viscosity control agents, tackifiers, anti-blocking agents, surfactants, extender oils, acid scavengers, flame retardants, and metal deactivators;
• wherein the crosslinkable polymeric composition has an initial cure potential (CP0) when crosslinked immediately upon preparation of the crosslinkable polymeric composition and measured as maximum torque (in-lbs) by moving die rheometer at 182° C.,
• wherein the crosslinkable polymeric composition has a heat-aged cure potential CP14 when crosslinked after aging the crosslinkable polymeric composition at 70° C. and ambient pressure for 14 days and measured as maximum torque (in-lbs) by moving die rheometer at 182° C., and
• wherein the crosslinkable polymeric composition has a ratio of CP14 to CP0 of at least 0.6.