Thermoplastic vulcanizate composition, method of producing the same, and articles made therefrom

A process for making a thermoplastic vulcanizate composition consisting of first and second components, the process comprising:

• selecting a first component consisting of propylene/α-olefin copolymer comprising from 1 to 20 percent by weight of units derived from α-olefin and characterized by a g′ ratio of less than 1, measured at interpolymer number average molecular weight (Mn), an MFR (2.16 kg @ 230° C.) greater than or equal to 0.01, a density greater than or equal to 0.850 g/cc, and a molecular weight distribution, Mw/Mn, less than or equal to 3.5;
• selecting a second component consisting of an ethylene-propylene-diene-rubber having a density from 0.85 to 0.88 g/cc, I2 from 0.001 to 5 g/10 min, and a Mooney viscosity from 5 to 400;
• and
• mixing the first and second components under dynamic vulcanization conditions to form the thermoplastic vulcanizate composition;
• wherein the thermoplastic vulcanizate composition has a tensile strength at break of greater than or equal to 8 MPa and tear strength at 23° C. of at least 190 lb-f/in.

A thermoplastic vulcanizate composition consisting of:

• from 5 wt % to 95 wt %, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic vulcanizate composition, of a propylene/ethylene copolymer comprising from 1 to 20 percent by weight of units derived from ethylene and characterized by a g′ ratio of less than 1, measured at interpolymer number average molecular weight (Mn), an MFR (2.16 kg @ 230° C.) greater than or equal to 0.01, a density greater than or equal to 0.850 g/cc, and a molecular weight distribution, Mw/Mn, less than or equal to 3.5;
• from 5 wt % to 95 wt %, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic vulcanizate composition, of an ethylene-propylene-diene-rubber having a density from 0.85 to 0.88 g/cc, I2 from 0.001 to 5 g/10 min, and a Mooney viscosity from 5 to 400, and combinations thereof;
• and
• optionally, one or more additives selected from the group consisting of, colored pigments, stabilizers, antidegradants, flame retardants, processing aids, adhesives, tackifiers, plasticizers, waxes, and discontinuous fibers;
• wherein the thermoplastic vulcanizate composition has a tensile strength at break of greater than or equal to 8 MPa and tear strength at 23° C. of at least 190 lb-f/in.