Title of Invention

MULTI-LAYERED STRUCTURE CONTAINING A BARRIER POLYMER OPTIONALLY REINFORCED AGAINST IMPACTS

Abstract The invention relates to a multilayer structure comprising (from the inside towards the outside): • a layer C1 comprising at least one functionalized fluoropolymer, optionally blended with at least one compatible fluoropolymer; • a layer C2 comprising at least one adhesive tie; • a layer C3 comprising at least one polyolefin, preferably a polyethylene; • a layer C4 comprising at least one adhesive tie; and • a barrier layer C5 comprising at least one barrier polymer, optionally impact-modified, the layers being placed against each other in the order indicated. It also relates to the use of this multilayer structure to store or transfer fuel.
Full Text Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a multilayer structure comprising a layer made from a
barrier polymer and a polyolefin layer that may take the form of a film, pipe,
tube, container or tank. In the case of a pipe, tube, container or tank, it may be
used to transfer fluids such as a fuel (e.g. a fuel). The barrier polymer may be
impact-modified.
The Technical Problem
Polyolefins are often used for manufacturing structures such as pipes, tubes or
containers, but for many uses they have barrier properties, for example towards
a fuel, that are often very inadequate. This is why it is common to combine a
polyolefin layer with a layer of a barrier polymer such as EVOH. The polyolefin
has a tendency to swell when in contact with a fuel (whether this is in contact
with the innermost or outermost layer), which tends to affect the mechanical
properties of the structure and also its dimensional stability. The structure must
also have low temperature impact strength and retain good mechanical
properties at high temperatures.
The Applicant has developed a multilayer structure that solves the problems
posed, that is to say in particular that it:
- has good low temperature strength;
- retains good mechanical properties at high temperatures;
- has a low permeability to fuel; and
- retains these properties even in contact with fuel.
The Prior Art
Applications EP 1 537 989 and EP 1 541 343 describe a multilayer structure
based on a fluoropolymer onto which an unsaturated monomer has been
radiation-grafted. The pipe comprises a modified fluoropolymer layer and a
polyolefin layer. There is no mention of EVOH.

Application EP 1 637 319 describes a multilayer structure comprising a barrier
polymer layer and a tie layer comprising a polyethylene bearing epoxy
functional groups and a viscous polymer. The barrier polymer may be a PVDF
onto which an unsaturated monomer has been radiation-grafted. There is no
mention of EVOH.
International Application WO 2005/018927 describes a flexible pipe comprising
an inner fluoropolymer layer, an intermediate layer made from a thermoplastic
polymer such as, for example PE or PA and an outer fluoropolymer layer. An
adhesive tie layer may be placed between the fluoropolymer layer or layers and
the thermoplastic polymer layer.
Brief Description of the Invention
The invention relates to a multilayer structure comprising a layer of a barrier
polymer, that is optionally impact-modified, and a polyolefin layer.
It may be in film, pipe, tube, container or tank form. In the case of a pipe, tube,
container or tank, thanks to its barrier properties, it may be used to store or
transfer a fuel.
More precisely, the invention concerns a multilayer structure comprising (from
the inside towards the outside):
• a layer C1 comprising at least one functionalized fluoropolymer,
optionally blended with at least one compatible fluoropolymer;
• a layer C2 comprising at least one adhesive tie;
• a layer C3 comprising at least one polyolefin, preferably a
polyethylene;
• a layer C4 comprising at least one adhesive tie; and
• a barrier layer C5 comprising at least one barrier polymer, optionally
impact-modified,
the layers being placed against each other in the order indicated.

Detailed Description of the Invention
Regarding the polyolefin, this is a polyethylene or a polypropylene. The term
polyethylene encompasses ethylene homopolymers and copolymers. It may be,
for example, an HDPE, an LLDPE or an LDPE. It could also be a polyethylene
obtained by a single-site catalysis (for example of metallocene type), for
example an ethylene-octene copolymer of the ENGAGE®type.
The term polypropylene encompasses propylene homopolymers and
copolymers. It may be an isotactic or syndiotactic polypropylene. The term
polyolefin also encompasses EPR (Ethylene-Propylene Rubber) or EPDM
(Ethylene-Propylene-Diene-Monomer) type copolymers.
Preferably, a PE 100 type polyethylene will be chosen for the polyolefin, that is
to say a PE which, when it is in the form of a pipe with specific dimensions
withstands a test pressure for a period of 5000 hours under vacuum (see
standards ISO 1167, ISO 9080 and ISO 12162). A definition of PE 100 can also
be found in the International Application WO 2000/060001. This type of PE has
indeed a good mechanical strength and a low tendency to swell in the presence
of fuel, especially fuel.
Regarding the fluoropolymer, this denotes any polymer having in its chain
more than 50%, preferably more than 75%, by weight of at least one
fluoromonomer chosen from the compounds containing a vinyl group capable of
opening in order to be polymerized and that contains, directly attached to this
vinyl group, at least one fluorine atom, one fluoroalkyl group or one fluoroalkoxy
group.
As examples of the fluoromonomer, mention may be made of: vinyl fluoride;
vinylidene fluoride (VDF, CH2=CF2); trifluoroethylene (VF3);
chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE); 1,2-difluoroethylene; tetrafluoroethylene (TFE);
hexafluoropropylene (HFP); perfluoro(alkyl vinyl) ethers such as
perfluoro(methyl vinyl) ether (PMVE), perfluoro(ethyl vinyl) ether (PEVE) and

perfluoro(propyl vinyl) ether (PPVE); perfluoro-1,3-dioxole; perfluoro-2,2-
dimethyl-1,3-dioxole (PDD); the product of formula
CF2=CFOCF2CF(CF3)OCF2CF2X in which X is SO2F, C02H, CH2OH, CH2OCN
or CH2OPO3H; the product of formula CF2=CFOCF2CF2SO2F; the product of
formula F(CF2)nCH2OCF=CF2 in which n is 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5; the product of formula
R1CH2OCF=CF2 in which R1 is hydrogen or F(CF2)Z and z is equal to 1, 2, 3 or
4; the product of formula R3OCF=CH2 in which R3 is F(CF2)Z- and z is 1, 2, 3 or
4; perfluorobutylethylene (PFBE); 3,3,3-trifluoropropene and 2,trifluoromethyl-
3,3,3 -trifluoroprop-1-ene.
The fluoropolymer may be a homopolymer or a copolymer, it may also comprise
unfluorinated monomers such as ethylene or propylene.
By way of example, the fluoropolymer is chosen from:
homopolymers and copolymers of vinylidene fluoride (PVDF)
preferably containing at least 50% by weight of VDF, the copolymer being
chosen from chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE), hexafluoropropylene (HFP),
trifluoroethylene (VF3) and tetrafluoroethylene (TFE);
ethylene/TFE copolymers (ETFE);
homopolymers and copolymers of trifluoroethylene (VF3); and
copolymers, and especially terpolymers, combining the residues
of chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE), tetrafluoroethylene (TFE), hexafluoro-
propylene (HFP) and/or ethylene units and optionally VDF and/or VF3 units.
Advantageously, the fluoropolymer is a PVDF homopolymer or copolymer. This
is because this fluoropolymer has a good chemical resistance, especially to UV
radiation and to chemicals, and it is easily converted by extrusion (more easily
than PTFE or ETFE type copolymers). Preferably, the PVDF contains, by
weight, at least 50% of VDF, more preferentially at least 75% and even more
preferentially at least 85%. The comonomer is advantageously HFP.

Advantageously, the PVDF has a viscosity ranging from 100 Pa.s to 4000 Pa.s,
preferably from 300 to 1200 Pa.s, the viscosity being measured at 230°C, at a
shear rate of 100 s"1 using a capillary rheometer. This is because these PVDFs
are well suited to extrusion and injection moulding.
Regarding the functionalized fluoropolymer, this is a fiuoropolymer bearing
at least one polar group chosen from the following chemical groups: carboxylic
acid, carboxylic acid salt, carbonate, carboxylic acid anhydride, epoxide,
carboxylic acid ester, silyl, alkoxysilane, carboxylic acid amide, hydroxy and
isocyanate. It may be a copolymer comprising at least one fluoromonomer and
at least one unsaturated monomer bearing a polar group as is defined. The
function of the polar group is to improve the adhesion of the fluoropolymer. The
term "functionalized" denotes, more generally in the present application, for a
polymer, the fact that this polymer bears a polar group as is defined.
It is possible to obtain the functionalized fluoropolymer by copolymerizing or by
grafting an unsaturated polar monomer. The functionalized fluoropolymer may
be obtained by copolymerizing at least one fluoromonomer with at least one
unsaturated polar monomer (described later on) and optionally with at least one
other comonomer. For example, the functionalized polymer may be a PVDF
comprising monomer units of VDF and of a monoesterified unsaturated diacid
or of vinylene carbonate such as is described in document US 5 415 958.
Another example of a functionalized fluoropolymer is that of a PVDF comprising
monomer units of VDF and of itaconic or citraconic anhydride such as is
described in document US 6 703 465 B2. The functionalized fluoropolymer may
be prepared by an emulsion, suspension or solution process.
The functionalized fluoropolymer may also be obtained by radical grafting of at
least one unsaturated polar monomer (described later on) onto a fluoropolymer.
The grafting may be carried out in that the melt state in the presence of a
radical initiator. For example, in International Application WO 2001/081077,
Example 5 describes the preparation of an ETFE onto which maleic anhydride

is grafted. The grafting is carried out in the melt state at 300°C in an extruder in
the presence of terf-butyl hydroperoxide.
Grafting may also be carried out by irradiation of a blend, in the melt state, of a
fluoropolymer and an unsaturated polar monomer. In this case, it will be called,
to simplify matters, a radiation-grafted fluoropolymer. The fluoropolymer is first
melt-blended with the unsaturated polar monomer. It is possible to use the
melt-blending techniques known from the prior art, for example using an
extruder or kneader. Preferably, an extruder will be used to convert the blend
into granules. Grafting therefore takes place on a blend (in the bulk) and not at
the surface of a powder such as is described, for example, in document
US 5 576 106.
Next, the blend of the fluoropolymer and of the unsaturated polar monomer is
irradiated (□ or n radiation) in the solid state using an electron or photon source
with a radiation dose between 10 and 200 kGray, preferably between 10
and 150 kGray. The blend may, for example, be packaged in polyethylene
bags, the air expelled and then the bags sealed. Advantageously, the dose is
between 2 and 6 Mrad and preferably between 3 and 5 Mrad. Irradiation using a
cobalt-60 bomb is particularly preferred.
The amount of unsaturated polar monomer that is grafted is between, by
weight, 0.1 and 5% (that is to say that the grafted unsaturated polar monomer
corresponds to 0.1 to 5 parts per 99.9 to 95 parts of fluoropolymer),
advantageously from 0.5 to 5%, preferably from 0.9 to 5%. This amount
depends on the initial amount of unsaturated polar monomer in the blend to be
irradiated. It also depends on the effectiveness of the grafting, therefore on the
duration and the energy of the irradiation.
The unsaturated polar monomer that has not been grafted and also the
residues released by the grafting, especially HF, may then be optionally
removed. This last step may be made necessary if the ungrafted unsaturated

polar monomer is likely to destroy the adhesion or else for toxicology problems.
This operation may be carried out according to the techniques known to a
person skilled in the art. Vacuum degassing may be applied, optionally at the
same time as heating. It is also possible to dissolve the modified fluoropolymer
in a suitable solvent such as, for example, N-methylpyrrolidone, then to
precipitate the polymer into a non-solvent, for example into water or else into an
alcohol, or else to wash the radiation-grafted fluoropolymer using a solvent that
is inert towards the fluoropolymer and the grafted functional groups. For
example, when maleic anhydride is grafted, it may be washed with
chlorobenzene.
This is one of the advantages of this radiation-grafting method, being able to
obtain higher contents of grafted unsaturated polar monomer than with the
conventional grafting methods using a radical initiator. Thus, typically, with the
radiation-grafting method it is possible to obtain contents greater than 1% (1
part of unsaturated monomer per 99 parts of fluoropolymer), even greater than
1.5%, which is not possible with a conventional grafting method in an extruder.
On the other hand, the radiation grafting is carried out "cold", typically at
temperatures below 100°C, even below 50°C, so that the blend to be irradiated
is not in the melt state as for a conventional grafting method in an extruder. One
essential difference is therefore that, in the case of a semicrystalline
fluoropolymer (as is the case with PVDF for example), the grafting takes place
in the amorphous phase and not in the crystalline phase whereas a
homogenous grafting is produced in the case of grafting in an extruder in the
melt state. The unsaturated polar monomer is therefore not distributed over the
fluoropolymer chains in the same way in the case of radiation grafting as in the
case of grafting in an extruder. The radiation-grafted fluorinated product
therefore has a different distribution of the unsaturated polar monomer over the
fluoropolymer chains relative to a product that would be obtained by grafting in
an extruder.

In the blend to be irradiated, the amount of fluoropolymer is, by weight, between
80 and 99.9% per 0.1 to 20% respectively of unsaturated polar monomer.
Preferably, the amount of fluoropolymer is from 90 to 99% per 1 to 10%
respectively of unsaturated polar monomer.
During this grafting step, it is preferable to avoid the presence of oxygen.
Nitrogen or argon flushing of the blend to be irradiated is therefore possible for
removing the oxygen. The radiation-grafted fluoropolymer has the very good
chemical and oxidation resistance, and also the good thermomechanical
behaviour of the fluoropolymer before its modification.
Regarding the functionalized polyolefin, this is preferably a copolymer of
ethylene and/or propylene and at least one unsaturated polar monomer.
Preferably, the unsaturated polar monomer is chosen from:
- C1-C8 alkyl (meth)acrylates, especially methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl,
2-ethylhexyl, isobutyl orcyclohexyl (meth)acrylates;
- unsaturated carboxylic acids, their salts and their anhydrides,
especially acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleic anhydride, itaconic
anhydride or citraconic anhydride;
- unsaturated epoxides, especially aliphatic glycidyl esters and ethers
such as allyl glycidyl ether, vinyl glycidyl ether, glycidyl maleate and
glycidyl itaconate, glycidyl acrylate and glycidyl methacrylate, and
also alicyclic glycidyl esters and ethers; and
- vinyl esters of saturated carboxylic acids, especially vinyl acetate,
vinyl propionate or vinyl butyrate.
The term "copolymer" is meant in the broad sense as described, for example, in
the IUPAC nomenclature guide by E.S. Wilks or in IUPAC Basic Definitions of
Terms Relating to Polymers, Pure Appl. Chem. 40,477-491 (1974). It also
encompasses grafted copolymers.

The functionalizecl polyolefin may be obtained by copolymerizing ethylene and
at least one unsaturated polar monomer chosen from the previous list. The
functionalized polyolefin may be a copolymer of ethylene and a polar monomer
from the previous list or else a terpolymer of ethylene and of two unsaturated
polar monomers chosen from the previous list. The copolymerization is carried
out at high pressures greater than 1000 bar according to the process known as
the high-pressure process (for example, described in documents FR-A-
2498609, EP-A-0 174 244 or EP-A-0 177 378).
The functionalized polyolefin obtained by copolymerization comprises, by
weight, from 50 to 99.9% of ethylene, preferably from 60 to 99.9%, even more
preferentially from 65 to 99% and from 0.1 to 50%, preferably from 0.1 to 40%,
even more preferentially from 1 to 35% of at least one polar monomer from the
previous list.
For example, the functionalized polyolefin may comprise ethylene and an
unsaturated epoxide, preferably glycidyl (meth)acrylate, and optionally a C1-C8
alkyl (meth)acrylate or a vinyl ester of a saturated carboxylic acid. The content
of unsaturated epoxide, especially of glycidyl (meth)acrylate, is between 0.1 and
50%, advantageously between 0.1 and 40%, preferably between 1 and 35%,
even more preferentially between 1 and 20%. It could be, for example,
functionalized polyolefins sold by Arkema under the references LOTADER
AX8840 (8% of glycidyl methacrylate, 92% of ethylene, melt flow index of 5
according to ASTM D1238), LOTADER AX8900 (8% of glycidyl methacrylate,
25% of methyl acrylate, 67% of ethylene, melt flow index of 6 according to
ASTM D1238), and LOTADER AX8950 (9% of glycidyl methacrylate, 15% of
methyl acrylate, 76% of ethylene, melt flow index of 85 according to ASTM
D1238).
The functionalized polyolefin may also comprise ethylene and an unsaturated
acid anhydride, preferably maleic anhydride, and optionally a C1-C8 alkyl
(meth)acrylate or a vinyl ester of a saturated carboxylic acid. The content of

unsaturated acid anhydride, especially of maleic anhydride, is between 0.1 and
50%, advantageously between 0.1 and 40%, preferably between 1 and 35%,
even more preferentially between 1 and 10%. It could be, for example,
functionalizecl polyolefins sold by Arkema under the references LOTADER 2210
(2.6% maleic anhydride, 6% butyl acrylate and 91.4% ethylene, melt flow index
of 3 according to ASTM D1238), LOTADER 3340 (3% maleic anhydride, 16%
butyl acrylate and 81% ethylene, melt flow index of 5 according to ASTM
D1238), LOTADER 4720 (0.3% maleic anhydride, 30% ethyl acrylate and
69.7% ethylene, melt flow index of 7 according to ASTM D1238), LOTADER
7500 (2.8% maleic anhydride, 20% butyl acrylate and 77.2% ethylene, melt flow
index of 70 according to ASTM D1238), OREVAC 9309, OREVAC 9314,
OREVAC 9307Y, OREVAC 9318, OREVAC 9304 or OREVAC 9305.
Functionalized polyolefin also denotes a polyolefin onto which an unsaturated
polar monomer from the previous list is grafted by a radical route. The polyolefin
is chosen from the previous list. Grafting takes place in an extruder or in
solution in the presence of a radical initiator. As examples of radical initiators,
the following could also be used: tert-butyl hydroperoxide, cumene
hydroperoxide, diisopropylbenzene hydroperoxide, di-tert-butyl peroxide,
tert-butylcumyl peroxide, dicumyl peroxide, 1,3-bis(tert-
butylperoxyisopropyl)benzene, benzyl peroxide, isobutyryl peroxide, bis(3,5,5-
trimethylhexanoyl) peroxide or methyl ethyl ketone peroxide. Grafting of an
unsaturated polar monomer onto a polyolefin is known to a person skilled in the
art, for more details, reference can be made for example to documents EP
689 505, US 523 5149, EP 658 139, US 675 0288 B2, US652 8587 B2. The
polyolefin onto which the unsaturated polar monomer is grafted may be a
polyethylene, especially high density polyethylene (HDPE) or low density
polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), or very low
density polyethylene (VLDPE). The polyethylene may be obtained using a
Ziegler-Natta or Phillips type catalyst or else a metallocene-type catalyst or
even by the high-pressure process. The polyolefin may also be a polypropylene,
especially an isotactic or syndiotactic polypropylene. It could for example be

functionalized polyolefins sold by Arkema under the references OREVAC
18302, 18334, 18350, 18360, 18365, 18370, 18380, 18707, 18729, 18732,
18750, 18760, PP-C, CA100.
The polymer onto which the unsaturated polar monomer is grafted may also be
a copolymer of ethylene and at least one unsaturated polar monomer chosen
from:
- C1-C8 alkyl (meth)acrylates, especially methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, 2-
ethylhexyl, isobutyl, or cyclohexyl (meth)acrylates; and
- vinyl esters of saturated carboxylic acids, especially vinyl acetate or
vinyl propionate.
It could for example be functionalized polyolefins sold by Arkema under the
references OREVAC 18211, 18216 or 18630.
Regarding the unsaturated polar monomer, this has a C=C double bond and
also at least one polar group chosen from the following groups:
- carboxylic acid,
- carboxylic acid salt,
- carboxylic acid anhydride,
- epoxide,
- carboxylic acid ester,
- silyl,
- alkoxysilane,
- carboxylic acid amide,
- hydroxy, and
- isocyanate.
Blends of several unsaturated monomers can also be envisaged.
Unsaturated carboxylic acids having from 4 to 10 carbon atoms and their
functional derivatives, particularly their anhydrides, are the particularly preferred
unsaturated monomers. As examples of unsaturated monomers, mention is

made of methacrylic acid, acrylic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, itaconic acid,
citraconic acid, undecylenic acid, aliylsuccinic acid, 4-cyclohexene-1,2-
dicarboxylic acid, 4-methyl-4-cyclohexene-1,2-dicarboxylic acid,
bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2,3-dicarboxylic acid, x-methylbicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-
2,3-dicarboxylic acid, zinc, calcium or sodium undecylenate, maleic anhydride,
itaconic anhydride, citraconic anhydride, dichloromaleic anhydride,
difluoromaleic anhydride, crotonic anhydride, glycidyl acrylate or methacrylate,
allyl glycidyl ether, vinylsilanes such as vinyltrimethoxysilane,
vinyltriethoxysilane, vinyltriacetoxysilane and D-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxy-
silane.
Other examples of unsaturated polar monomers include C1-C8 alkyl esters or
glycidyl ester derivatives of unsaturated carboxylic acids such as methyl
acrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl acrylate, ethyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate,
butyl methacrylate, glycidyl acrylate, glycidyl methacrylate, monoethyl maleate,
diethyl maleate, monomethyl fumarate, dimethyl fumarate, monomethyl
itaconate, and diethyl itaconate; amide derivatives of unsaturated carboxylic
acids such as acrylamide, methacrylamide, maleamide, malediamide, N-
ethylmaleamide, N,N-diethylmaleamide, N-butylmaleamide, N,N-
dibutylmaleamide, fumaramide, fumardiamide, N-ethylfumaramide, N,N-
diethylfumaramide, N-butylfumaramide and N,N-dibutylfumaramide; imide
derivatives of unsaturated carboxylic acids such as maleimide, N-
butylmaleimide and N-phenylmaleimide; and metal salts of unsaturated
carboxylic acids such as sodium acrylate, sodium methacrylate, potassium
acrylate, potassium methacrylate and zinc, calcium or sodium undecylenate.
Preferably, the unsaturated polar monomer does not have more than one C=C
double bond, as this leads to crosslinking of the fluoropolymer. Diacrylates or
triacrylates are examples of unsaturated monomers having more than one C=C
double bond. From this point of view, maleic anhydride and also the zinc,
calcium and sodium undecylenates make good graftable compounds because

they have a low tendency to homopolymerize or even to give rise to
crosslinking.
Advantageously, maleic anhydride is used. This is because this monomer offers
the following advantages:
- it is solid and can easily be introduced with the fluoropolymer
granules before the melt blending;
- it enables good adhesion properties to be obtained;
- it is particularly reactive towards many chemical functional groups,
especially epoxide or hydroxyl functional groups;
- unlike other unsaturated monomers such as (meth)acrylic acid or
acrylic esters, it does not homopolymerize and does not have to be
stabilized.
Regarding the barrier polymer, this term denotes a polymer that has a low
permeability towards fuels and especially alcoholic fuels. Its permeability is
preferably less than 150 g.mm/m2.day for the M15 fuel at 60°C. Examples of
barrier polymers are the following:
- polyphenylene sulphide (PPS);
- polybutylene naphthalate (PBN);
- polybutyl terephthalate (PBT);
- EVOH;
- polydimethylketene;
- nylon MDX6; and
- polyglycolic acid (PGA).
Regarding the EVOH, this thus denotes an ethylene-saponified vinyl acetate
copolymer comprising from 20 to 70 mol%, advantageously from 25 to 60
mol%, preferably from 25 to 40 mol% of ethylene. Preferably, the degree of
saponification of its vinyl acetate component is at least 85% in mols, preferably
at least 90%, even more preferentially at least 95%. The ethylene contents and
the degree of saponification can be determined, for example, by proton NMR.

Advantageously, the EVOH has a melt flow index between 0.5 and 100,
preferably between 5 and 30 g/10 min (230°C/2.26 kg). It is understood that the
EVOH may contain small amounts of other comonomer ingredients, including
α-olefins such as propylene, isobutene, a-octene, unsaturated carboxylic acids
or their salts, partial alkyl esters, complete alkyl esters, etc. It is also possible to
combine two types of EVOH to improve the barrier and/or mechanical
properties.
Regarding the impact-modified barrier polymer, this is a blend comprising at
least one barrier polymer and at least one impact modifier. The amount of
impact modifier is between, by weight, 1 and 35% per 65 to 99% respectively of
barrier polymer. The function of the impact modifier is to increase the impact
strength of the barrier polymer. Another function is to make it possible to
improve the deformation of the multilayer structure, especially at low
temperature. The pipe may thus be deformed without having any cracking, in
particular during an impact (e.g. of the type described in the standard UL-971
entitled "Nonmetallic Underground Piping For Flammable Liquids").
A person skilled in the art knows how to choose the impact modifier as a
function of the barrier polymer. For example, in the case of EVOH, as was
already taught in International Application WO 2005/014282, the impact
modifier may be chosen from:
a) functionalized ethylene/alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers;
b) elastomers, preferably EPRs, EPDMs and NBRs, these elastomers
possibly being functionalized; and
c) linear or star S-B-S block copolymers that are optionally hydrogenated
(they are then denoted by S-EB-S), these copolymers possibly being
functionalized.
Regarding a), the functional groups may be borne by an unsaturated monomer
bearing at least one acid, acid anhydride or epoxide functional group. The

amount of the unsaturated monomer may be up to 15% by weight of the
copolymer and the amount of ethylene at least 50% by weight.
For example, it is a copolymer of ethylene, an alkyl (meth)acrylate and an
unsaturated carboxylic anhydride. Preferably, the alkyl (meth)acrylate is such
that the alkyl has 2 to 10 carbon atoms. The alkyl (meth)acrylate may be
chosen from methyl methacrylate, ethyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, isobutyl
acrylate or 2-ethylhexyl acrylate. The melt flow index may range, for example,
from 0.1 to 50 g/10 min (at 190°C under 2.16 kg).
For example, it is a copolymer of ethylene, an alkyl (meth)acrylate and an
unsaturated epoxide. Preferably, the alkyl (meth)acrylate is such that the alkyl
has 2 to 10 carbon atoms. The melt flow index may range, for example, from
0.1 to 50 g/10 min (at 190°C under 2.16 kg). Examples of the alkyl acrylate or
methacrylate that can be used are, in particular, methyl methacrylate, ethyl
acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, isobutyl acrylate or 2-ethylhexyl acrylate. Examples of
unsaturated epoxides that can be used are in particular:
- aliphatic glycidyl esters and ethers such as allyl glycidyl ether, vinyl
glycidyl ether, glycidyl maleate and glycidyl itaconate, glycidyl acrylate
and glycidyl methacrylate; and
- alicyclic glycidyl esters and ethers such as 2-cyclohexene-1-yl glycidyl
ether, diglycidyl cyclohexene-4,5-dicarboxylate, glycidyl
cyclohexene-4-carboxylate, glycidyl 5-norbornene-2-methyl-2-carboxy-
late and diglycidyl enafoc/sbicyclo[2.2.1] hept-5-ene-2,3-dicarboxylate.
Regarding c), S-B-S triblocks are described in Ullmann's "Encyclopaedia of
Industrial Chemistry", Vol.A26, pages 655 - 659. As examples of S-B-S
triblocks, mention may be made of the linear copolymers in which each block is
linked to the other by means of a covalent bond or an intermediate molecule
linked to one of the blocks by a covalent bond and to the other block by another
covalent bond.

The S block comprises at least 80% of at least one vinyl aromatic compound
such as, for example, styrene, α-methylstyrene or vinyltoluene.
The monomer used to synthesize the elastomeric B block may be a diene
chosen from butadiene, isoprene, 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene, 1,3-pentadiene or
2-phenyl-1,3-butadiene. B is advantageously chosen from polydienes,
especially polybutadiene, polyisoprene and their random copolymers, or else
from partially or completely hydrogenated polydienes. Among the
polybutadienes, those whose glass transition temperature (Tg) is the lowest are
advantageously used, for example poly(1,4-butadiene) having a Tg (around
-90°C) below that of poly(1,2-butadiene) (around 0°C). The B blocks may also
be partially or completely hydrogenated. This hydrogenation is carried out
according to the standard techniques. Preferably, the B blocks are mostly made
from poly(1,4-butadiene).
The linear S-B-S triblock has a number-average molecular weight which may be
between 10 000 g/mol and 500 000 g/mol, preferably between 20 000 and
200 000 g/mol. The S-B-S triblock is advantageously made from a B weight
fraction between 5 and 95% and preferably between 15 and 85%.
As another example of S-B-S triblocks, mention may be made of star S-B-S
triblocks. The term "triblock" is not in agreement with the number of blocks, but
the term "star S-B-S triblocks" is clear to a person skilled in the art. As
examples of star triblocks, mention may be made of those of formula:

in which n is equal to 1, 2 or 3 and S1 and B1 represent the blocks. The S1
blocks represent polymerized styrene and B1 blocks represent polymerized

butadiene, polymerized isoprene or a polymerized blend of butadiene and
isoprene. The B1 blocks may be hydrogenated (they are then, for example,
S-EB-S). Y denotes a polyfunctions entity resulting, for example, from
polyfunctional coupling agents that are used in the manufacture of the star block
copolymers. Such agents and also these block copolymers are described in
US 3 639 521.
The preferred star block copolymers contain 15 to 45% by weight, and better
still 25 to 35%, of styrene units. The molecular weight is at least 140 000 and
better still at least 160 000 g/mol.
The particularly preferred star block copolymers are those described in
EP 451 920. These copolymers are based on styrene and isoprene, the
molecular weight of the polystyrene blocks is at least 12 000 and the
polystyrene content is at most 35 wt% of the total weight of the block
copolymer.
The preferred linear block copolymers have a molecular weight between 70 000
and 145 000 and contain 12 to 35% by weight of polystyrene. The particularly
preferred linear block copolymers are those based on styrene and isoprene
described in European Patent EP 451 919. These copolymers have polystyrene
blocks with a molecular weight between 14 000 and 16 000 and a polystyrene
content between 25 and 35% by weight of the block copolymer. The molecular
weight is between 80 000 and 145 000, and better still between 100 000 and
145 000.
It is also possible to use a blend of linear S-B-S triblocks and star S-B-S
triblocks. These linear or star S-B-S triblocks are available commercially under
the trademarks FINAPRENE®, FINACLEAR®, KRATON® and STYROLUX®.
Examples of EVOH, whether impact-modified or not

An example of EVOH that is beneficial for the invention is the grade SOARNOL
DC 3203 F sold by Nippon Gohsei. This grade has the following characteristics:
ethylene content (mol%): 32;
melt flow index (210°C/2.16 kg): 3.2 g/10 min;
melting point: 183°C;
crystallization temperature: 160°C; and
oxygen permeability: 0.5 cc. 20 um/m2.day.atm.
An example of impact-modified EVOH is obtained by blending 80% (by weight)
of SOARNOL DT 2903 sold by Nippon Gohsei with 20% of maleicized EPR
EXXELOR VA 1803 sold by Exxon Mobil Chemicals. SOARNOL DT 2903 has
the following characteristics:
ethylene content (mol%): 29;
melt flow index (210°C/2.16 kg): 3.2 g/10 min;
melting point: 188°C;
crystallization temperature: 163°C; and
oxygen permeability: 0.4 cc. 20 μm/m2.day.atm.
The mechanical properties of the blend, tested on injection-moulded test pieces,
are the following:

The addition of maleicized EPR makes it possible to reduce the modulus and to
increase the low temperature elongation at break and also the impact strength
of the EVOH.
Another example of impact-modified EVOH comprises:
• an EVOH;

• a functionalized impact modifier (content from 1 to 30%), preferably an
ethylene-propylene copolymer onto which maleic anhydride has been
grafted (mEPR), a polyolefin onto which maleic anhydride has been
grafted or else a copolymer of ethylene, ethyl acrylate, and maleic
anhydride;
• optionally an unfunctionalized polyolefin (PE, PP, EPR); and
• optionally a polyamide or a copolyamide or blend being finely dispersed
in the EVOH (for example PA-6).
Regarding a first embodiment of the multilayer structure, this comprises
(from the inside towards the outside):
• a layer C1 comprising at least one functionalized fluoropolymer,
optionally blended with at least one compatible fluoropolymer;
• a layer C2 comprising at least one adhesive tie;
• a layer C3 comprising at least one polyolefin, preferably a
polyethylene;
• a layer C4 comprising at least one adhesive tie; and
• a barrier layer C5 comprising at least one barrier polymer, optionally
impact-modified,
the layers being placed against each other in the order indicated.
Layer C1
The role of C1 is to chemically protect the other layers. C1 also has a barrier
function. The amount of functionalized fluoropolymer ranges, by weight, from 1
to 99%, preferably from 50 to 90%, per 99 to 1%, preferably 50 to 10%, of
compatible fluoropolymer.
Laver C2
The role of C2 is to promote the adhesion between C1 and C3. Preferably, in
order to obtain good adhesion, the adhesive tie from C2 comprises at least one
thermoplastic polymer bearing chemical functional groups that react with the
unsaturated polar monomer of the functionalized fluoropolymer (hereinafter, to

simplify matters, they will be referred to as "reactive chemical functional
groups"). For example, if the functionalized fluoropolymer bears acid and/or
anhydride functional groups, the polymer of the adhesive tie from C2 may bear
epoxide or hydroxy functional groups. Similarly, if the functionalized
fluoropolymer bears epoxide and/or hydroxy functional groups, the polymer of
the adhesive tie from C2 may bear acid and/or anhydride functional groups.
So that there is good adhesion with C3, the adhesive tie (and therefore
especially the thermoplastic polymer) from C2 must also preferably be
compatible with the polyolefin. This is why the polymer bearing reactive
chemical functional groups is preferably chosen from functionalized polyolefins.
By way of example, in the case where the polyolefin from C3 is a polyethylene it
is possible to use, for the thermoplastic polymer bearing reactive functional
groups, a polyethylene onto which an unsaturated polar monomer has been
grafted. It could also be a copolymer of ethylene and an unsaturated polar
monomer and optionally an alkyl (meth)acrylate. As another example, if the
polyolefin from C3 is a polypropylene, it could be possible to use a
polypropylene onto which an unsaturated polar monomer has been grafted.
The polymer bearing reactive chemical functional groups may optionally be
blended with a compatible and viscous polyolefin in order to form the adhesive
tie from C2. The term "viscous polyolefin" is understood to mean a polyolefin
having a melt flow index between 0.1 and 1 g/10min (190°C/2.16 kg). The
Applicant has thus observed that with certain blends, it is possible to obtain a
very strong adhesion between C1 and C3 (therefore a peel strength between
these layers between 10 and 100 N/cm) and also to avoid the extrusion flaws
(e.g. extrusion waviness). An example of such an adhesive tie comprises, by
weight, from 1 to 80%, advantageously from 10 to 50%, preferably from 10 to
40% of at least one polymer bearing reactive chemical functional groups and
from 99 to 20%, advantageously from 90 to 50%, preferably from 90 to 60% of
at least one compatible polyolefin having a flow index between 0.1 and
1 g/10min(190°C/2.16kg).

Layer C4
The role of C4 is to promote the adhesion between C3 and C5. The adhesive tie
from C4 comprises at least one thermoplastic polymer bearing chemical
functional groups that react with the functional groups present on the barrier
polymer from C5 and/or optionally with those present on the impact modifier of
the barrier polymer from C5. For example, in the case where the barrier polymer
is an EVOH, the thermoplastic polymer from C4 may be a polyethylene
functionalized by carboxylic acid anhydride groups, preferably maleic anhydride.
For example, it could be a polyethylene onto which maleic anhydride has been
grafted.
So that there is good adhesion with C3, the adhesive tie from C4 must also
preferably be compatible with the polyolefin. This is why the polymer bearing
reactive chemical functional groups is preferably chosen from functionalized
polyolefins. By way of example, in the case where the polyolefin from C3 is a
polyethylene it is possible to use, for the thermoplastic polymer bearing reactive
functional groups, a polyethylene onto which an unsaturated polar monomer
has been grafted. It could also be a copolymer of ethylene and an unsaturated
polar monomer and optionally an alkyl (meth)acrylate. As another example, if
the polyolefin from C3 is a polypropylene, it could be possible to use a
polypropylene onto which an unsaturated polar monomer has been grafted.
According to a variant of this first embodiment, it is possible to remove C4 if the
thermoplastic polymer bearing reactive chemical functional groups is blended
with the polyolefin from C3. The multilayer structure then comprises in the order
(from the inside towards the outside):
• a layer C1 comprising at least one functionalized fluoropolymer,
optionally blended with at least one compatible fluoropolymer;
• a layer C2 comprising at least one adhesive tie;
• a layer C3 comprising at least one polyolefin, preferably a
polyethylene, as a blend with a thermoplastic polymer bearing

chemical functional groups that react with the functional groups
present on the barrier polymer from C5 and/or optionally with those
present on the impact modifier of the barrier polymer from C5; and
• a barrier layer C5 comprising at least one barrier polymer, optionally
impact-modified,
the layers being placed against each other in the order indicated.
Preferably, the amount of the thermoplastic polymer varies, by weight, from 0.1
to 50%, advantageously from 1 to 50%, per 99.9 to 50%, advantageously from
99 to 50% respectively of polyolefin.
Regarding a second embodiment of the multilayer structure, this comprises
(from the inside towards the outside):
• a layer C'1 comprising at least one functionalized fluoropolymer,
optionally blended with at least one compatible fluoropolymer;
• a barrier layer C'2 comprising at least one barrier polymer, optionally
impact-modified;
• a layer C'3 comprising at least one polyolefin, preferably a
polyethylene, as a blend with a thermoplastic polymer bearing
chemical functional groups that react with the functional groups
present on the barrier polymer(s) and/or optionally with those present
on the impact modifier of the barrier polymer from C'2 and C'4; and
• a barrier layer C'4 comprising at least one barrier polymer, optionally
impact-modified,
the layers being placed against each other in the order indicated.
Layer C'1
This has the same characteristics as those given for C1. The unsaturated polar
monomer of the functionalized fluoropolymer reacts with the chemical functional
groups of the barrier polymer from C'2 and optionally with those of the impact
modifier from C'2.

Layer C'2
The fact of having two barrier layers C'2 and C'4 reduces the overall
permeability of the multilayer structure. The deformation resistance of a
multilayer structure in pipe form is improved when the barrier polymer from C 2
is impact-modified. The impact strength of the pipe is also improved when the
barrier polymer from C 4 is impaetnodified.
Preferred embodiments
According to one preferred embodiment of the first embodiment and its variant
and also of the second embodiment:
• the functionalized fluoropolymer is a functionalized PVDF;
• the fluoropolymer that is optionally blended with the functionalized
fluoropolymer is a PVDF;
• the polyolefin from C3 or C'3 is a polyethylene;
• the adhesive tie from C4 is a thermoplastic polymer bearing chemical
functional groups that react with the functional groups present on the
barrier polymer from C5 and/or optionally with those present on the
impact modifier of the barrier polymer from C5; and
• the barrier polymer from C5, C'2 and C'4 is an EVOH;
• the thermoplastic polymer from C2, C3, C4 and C'3 is a functionalized
polyolefin.
Preferably, the functionalized fluoropolymer is a PVDF onto which an acid
anhydride, preferably maleic anhydride, has been radiation-grafted. This
fluoropolymer extrudes very well and in addition has excellent adhesion.
Furthermore, the combination of a PVDF with EVOH makes the multilayer
structure a barrier against a large number of molecules, which makes it able to
be used for many types of fuels. EVOH also has a good
permeability/coextrudability trade-off relative to other barrier polymers (such as
for example PPS).

For the two embodiments of the invention and their variants, it is also possible
to envisage placing a layer of at least one fluoropolymer against the layer
comprising at least one functionalized fluoropolymer. This layer is then the
internal layer in contact with the fluid which is stored or transferred.
Examples of multilayer structures
One example of a multilayer structure comprises (from the inside towards the
outside):
• a layer comprising a PVDF onto which maleic anhydride has been
radiation-grafted, optionally as a blend with a compatible PVDF;
• a layer comprising an adhesive tie;
• a layer comprising a polyethylene;
• a layer comprising a polyethylene onto which maleic anhydride has
been grafted; and
• a layer comprising an impact-modified EVOH,
the layers being placed against each other in the order indicated.
Another example of a multilayer structure comprises (from the inside towards
the outside):
• a layer comprising a PVDF onto which maleic anhydride has been
radiation-grafted, optionally as a blend with a compatible PVDF;
• a layer comprising an impact-modified EVOH;
• a layer comprising a polyethylene;
• a layer comprising a polyethylene onto which maleic anhydride has
been grafted; and
• a layer comprising an impact-modified EVOH,
the layers being placed against each other in the order indicated.
The PVDF may be a homopolymer or a copolymer. Preferably, the adhesive tie
is a polyethylene bearing chemical functional groups that react with maleic
anhydride. It is preferably a polyethylene bearing epoxide functional groups.
Preferably, the polyethylene is a PE 100.

According to a third embodiment, the multilayer structure comprises (from the
inside towards the outside):
• a barrier layer C*1 comprising at least one barrier polymer, optionally
impact-modified;
• a layer C*2 comprising at least one adhesive tie;
• a layer C*3 comprising at least one polyolefin;
• a layer C*4 comprising at least one adhesive tie; and
• a barrier layer C*5 comprising at least one barrier polymer, optionally
impact-modified,
the layers being placed against each other in the order indicated.
Layer C*1
This has the same characteristics as those described for C1.
Layers C*2 and C*4
The adhesive tie from C*2 and/or C*4 preferably comprises a thermoplastic
polymer bearing chemical functional groups that react with those of the barrier
polymer and/or optionally those of the impact modifier. The thermoplastic
polymer is, in addition, compatible with the polyolefin.
According to one preferred embodiment of the third embodiment:
• the barrier polymer is an EVOH; and
• the thermoplastic polymer from C*2 and C*4 is a functionalized
polyolefin.
One example of a multilayer structure comprises (from the inside towards the
outside):
• a layer comprising an impact-modified EVOH;
• a layer comprising a polyethylene onto which maleic anhydride has
been grafted;
• a layer comprising a polyethylene;

• a layer comprising a polyethylene onto which maleic anhydride has
been grafted; and
• a layer comprising an impact-modified EVOH,
the layers being placed against each other in the order indicated.
Presence of additives in the layers
In all the multilayer structures that have just been described, each of the layers
may optionally comprise one or more additives chosen from dyes and/or
pigments, antioxidants, UV stabilizers, flame retardants, mineral fillers, etc. In
particular, each of the layers may be rendered conductive using a conductive
filler that is able to dissipate electrical charges, such as a carbon black or
carbon nanotubes. These are more particularly for the layer in contact with the
fluid to be transferred or stored. Preferably, the resistivity of the layer that has
been rendered conductive is less than 106 □.cm.
Thicknesses of the layers
Preferably, layers C3 or C'3 or C*3 that comprise the polyolefin have a
thickness ranging from 1 to 10 mm so as to provide the structure with an overall
rigidity, good mechanical behaviour and also good hydrostatic pressure
behaviour. The other layers have a thickness which may range preferably from
25 to 1000 urn.
The multilayer structure may be in the form of a film, pipe, tube, container or
tank. The layer in contact with the fluid to be transported or stored is layer C1,
C'1 or C*1 or else the fluoropolymer layer that is placed against C1 or C'1. This
structure has as permeability less than or equal to 1 g/m2.day according to the
standard UL-971.
The multilayer structure and the polymer blends are produced using known
techniques for converting plastics. Advantageously, an extruder is used to
produce the blends. In order to manufacture a pipe or a tube, the coextrusion
technique may be used that relies on the use of as many extruders as there are

superposed layers. In the case of a tank or a hollow body, blow moulding of
hollow bodies may be used.
Applications
The multilayer structure in pipe, tube, container or tank form has advantageous
barrier properties towards various fuels (petrol, diesel, alcoholic petrol, alcohol,
etc.) for storing or transferring a fuel. It may be, for example, a tube supplying
fuel from the tank to the engine or, in a filling station, a tube supplying fuel from
the storage tank to the vehicle or to the fuel pump. The fuel may be a petrol, a
diesel or an alcoholic petrol currently produced in certain countries such as
Brazil (of the flex-fuel or biodiesel type comprising a high methanol and/or
ethanol content).
For safety and environmental protection reasons, automotive manufacturers
impose, on pipes for transporting fuel, both mechanical characteristics such as
burst strength and flexibility with good low temperature (-40°C) and high
temperature (125°C) impact strength, and also very low permeability to
hydrocarbons and to their additives, in particular alcohols such as methanol and
ethanol. These pipes must also have a good resistance to fuels and to engine
lubricating oils. Among the characteristics of the specifications, five are
particularly difficult to obtain jointly in a simple manner:
- low-temperature (-40°C) impact strength- the pipe does not brake;
- resistance to fuels;
- high-temperature (125°C) resistance;
- very low permeability to fuel ( having an outside diameter of 50 mm); and
- good dimensional stability of the pipe when using it with fuel.
Examples
The following products were used:
EVOH: SOARNOL.® DT 2903 from Nippon Gohsei.

Impact EVOH: EVOH impact-modified by maleicized EPR. For this EVOH is
blended with maleicized EPR using a Werner 40 twin-screw extruder at a
temperature of 240°C (15% EPR).
LOTADER® 8840: copolymer of glycidyl methacrylate (8 wt%) and ethylene
(92 wt%), having a melt flow index of 6 (190°C/2.16 kg).
OREVAC® 18334: polyethylene onto which maleic anhydride is grafted, having
a melt flow index of 1 (190°G 2.16 kg).
PVDF-1: KYNAR® 720 onto which maleic anhydride has been radiation-grafted
(see below), having a melt flow index of 13 (230°C/ 5 kg), diluted to 30% by
weight in ungrafted KYNAR® 720 (70% unmodified KYNAR + 30% modified
KYNAR).
PVDF-2: KYNAR FLEX® 2750 onto which maleic anhydride has been radiation-
grafted (see below), having a flow index of 11 (230°C/5 kg), diluted to 50% in
ungrafted KYNAR® 2750 (50% unmodified KYNAR + 50% modified KYNAR).
PE-100: sold by Borealis, having a melt flow index of 0.3 (190°C/2.16 kg).
maleicized EPR: EXXELOR® VA 1803 sold by Exxon Mobil Chemicals, having
a melt flow index of 3 (230°C/2.16kg).
M15 fuel: 42.5% toluene + 42.5% isooctane + 15% methanol;
M85 fuel: 7.5% toluene + 7.5% isooctane + 85% methanol.
Grafting onto KYNAR® 720 is carried out by first melt-blending the KYNAR® 720
(homopolymer having a melt volume rate of 10 cm3/10 min at 230°C under 5 kg)
with 2 wt% of maleic anhydride. The blend is prepared using a twin-screw
extruder at 230°C and 150 rpm at athroughput of 10 kg/h. After the extrusion
step, 1.8% of maleic anhydride remains in the product, the rest being lost during
the extrusion step. The product thus prepared is bagged in impermeable
aluminium bags. These bags are then irradiated with 3 Mrad using a cobalt
bomb. A grafting level of 40% is determined, this level is verified after a
solubilization/precipitation step. The PVDF grafted by maleic anhydride is then
placed under vacuum overnight at 130°C in order to evacuate the residual
maleic anhydride and the hydrofluoric acid released during the radiation. This

product is then diluted by blending 30% of this product with 70% of KYNAR®
720, thus the PVDF-1 is obtained.
Grafting onto KYNAR FLEX® 2750 is carried out by first melt-blending the
KYNAR® 2750 (homopolymer having a melt volume rate of 10 cm3/10 min at
230°C under 5 kg) with 2 wt% of maleic anhydride. The blend is prepared using
a twin-screw extruder at 230°C and 150 rpm at a throughput of 10kg/h. After
the extrusion step, 1.95% of maleic anhydride remains in the product, the rest
being lost during the extrusion step. The product thus prepared is bagged in
impermeable aluminium bags. These bags are then irradiated with 2 Mrad using
a cobalt bomb. A grafting level of 40% is determined, this level is verified after a
solubilization/precipitation step. The KYNAR FLEX® grafted by maleic anhydride
is then placed under vacuum overnight at 130°C in order to evacuate the
residual maleic anhydride and the hydrofluoric acid released during the
radiation. This product is then diluted by blending 50% of this product with 50%
of KYNARFLEX® 2750, thus the PVDF-2 is obtained.
Example 1: 5-laver structure according to the first embodiment
On a McNeil type extruder, a 5-layer pipe was coextruded having an outside
diameter of 50 mm and an inside diameter of 40 mm. The 5 layers were the
following, with from the inside towards the outside:
- PVDF-1 (300 μm);
- LOTADER 8840 (50 μm);
- PE 100 (4.3 mm);
- ORE VAC 18334 (50 μm); and
- 90% EVOH + 10% maleicized EPR (300 μm).
This coextrusion was carried out with a head temperature of 240 °C. The
adhesion measured was greater than 30 N/cm between each of the layers.
The pipe had a permeability to M15 at 28°C of 0.1 g/m2.day and also a
permeability to M85 of 0.08 g/mz.day. This pipe was tested during a drop-weight

experiment (height of 1.8 m, -30°C, weight of 0.5 kg), no apparent cracking
could be observed although 10 pipes were tested.
Example 2: 4-laver structure according to the variant of the first
embodiment
The pipe was produced under the same conditions as for Example 1. The 4
layers were the following, with from the inside towards the outside:
- PVDF-1 (300 μm);
- LOTADER 8840 (50 μm);
- 70 wt% PE-100 + 30 wt% OREVAC 18334 (4.35 mm); and
- Impact EVOH (300 μm).
The adhesion measured was greater than 30 N/cm between each of the layers.
The pipe had a permeability to M15 at 28°C of 0.15 g/m2.day and also a
permeability to M85 of 0.12 g/m2.day. The pipe was tested during a drop-weight
experiment (height of 1.8 m, -30°C, weight of 0.5 kg), no apparent cracking
could be observed although 10 pipes were tested.
Example 3: 4-laver structure according to the second embodiment
The pipe was produced under the same conditions as for Example 1. The 4
layers were the following, with from the inside towards the outside:
- PVDF-1 (300 μm);
- Impact EVOH (300 μm);
- 70% PE-100 + 30% OREVAC 18334 (4.2 mm); and
- Impact EVOH (300 μm).
The adhesion measured was greater than 30 N/cm between each of the layers.
The tube had a permeability to M15 at 28°C of 0.08 g/m2.day and also a
permeability to M85 of 0.05 g/m2.day. This pipe was tested during a drop-weight
experiment (height of 1.8 m, -30° C, weight of 0.5 kg), no apparent cracking
could be observed although 10 pipes were tested.

Example 4:4-laver structure according to the second embodiment
The pipe was produced under the same conditions as for Example 1. The 4
layers were the following, with from the inside towards the outside:
- PVDF-2 (300 μm);
- Impact EVOH (300 μm);
- 70% PE-100 + 30% OREVAC 18334 (4.2 μm); and
- Impact EVOH (300 μm).
The adhesion measured was greater than 30 N/cm between each of the layers.
The tube had a permeability to M15 at 28 °C of 0.12 g/m2.day and also a
permeability to M85 of 0.08 g/m2.day. This pipe was tested during a drop-weight
experiment (height of 1.8 m, -30°C, weight of 0.5 kg), no apparent cracking
could be observed although 10 pipes were tested.
Example 5: 5-laver structure according to the third embodiment
The pipe was produced under the same conditions as for Example 1. The 5
layers were the following, with from the inside towards the outside:
- Impact EVOH (300 μm);
- OREVAC 18334 (50 μm);
- PE-100(4.3μm);
- OREVAC 18334 (50 μm); and
- Impact EVOH (300 μm).
The adhesion measured was greater than 30 N/cm between each of the layers.
The pipe had a permeability to M15 at 28°C of 0.17 g/m2.day and also a
permeability to M85 of 0.14 g/m2.day. This pipe was tested during a drop-weight
experiment (height of 1.8 m, -30°C, weight of 0.5 kg), no apparent cracking
could be observed although 10 pipes were tested.

CLAIMS
1. Multilayer structure comprising (from the inside towards the outside):
• a layer C1 comprising at least one functionalized fluoropolymer,
optionally blended with at least one compatible fluoropolymer;
• a layer C2 comprising at least one adhesive tie;
• a layer C3 comprising at least one polyolefin, preferably a
polyethylene;
• a layer C4 comprising at least one adhesive tie; and
• a barrier layer C5 comprising at least one barrier polymer, optionally
impact-modified,
the layers being placed against each other in the order indicated.
2. Multilayer structure according to Claim 1, in which the adhesive tie from
C4 comprises at least one thermoplastic polymer bearing chemical
functional groups that react with the functional groups present on the
barrier polymer from C5 and/or optionally with those present on the
impact modifier of the barrier polymer from C5.
3. Multilayer structure according to Claim 2, in which the thermoplastic
polymer from C4 is a functionalized polyolefin.
4. Multilayer structure comprising (from the inside towards the outside):

• a layer C1 comprising at least one functionalized fluoropolymer,
optionally blended with at least one compatible fluoropolymer;
• a layer C2 as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 4;
• a layer C3 comprising at least one polyolefin, preferably a
polyethylene, as a blend with a thermoplastic polymer bearing
chemical functional groups that react with the functional groups
present on the barrier polymer from C5 and/or optionally with those
present on the impact modifier of the barrier polymer from C5; and

• a barrier layer C5 comprising at least one barrier polymer, optionally
impact-modified,
the layers being placed against each other in the order indicated.
5. Multilayer structure according to one of Claims 1 to 4, in which the
adhesive tie from C2 comprises at least one thermoplastic polymer
bearing chemical functional groups that react with the unsaturated polar
monomer of the functionalized fluoropolymer.
6. Multilayer structure according to Claim 5, in which the polymer bearing
reactive chemical functional groups is a functionalized polyolefin.
7. Multilayer structure according to one of Claims 4 to 6, in which the
polymer bearing reactive chemical functional groups is blended with a
compatible and viscous, that is to say having a flow index between 0.1
and 1 g/10 min (190°C/2.16 kg) polyolefin.
8. Multilayer structure according to Claim 4, in which the thermoplastic
polymer from C3 is a functionalized polyolefin.
9. Multilayer structure comprising (from the inside towards the outside):

• a layer C 1 comprising at least one functionalized fluoropolymer,
optionally blended with at least one compatible fluoropolymer;
• a barrier layer C 2 comprising at least one barrier polymer, optionally
impact-modified;
• a layer C 3 comprising at least one polyolefin, preferably a
polyethylene, as a blend with a thermoplastic polymer bearing
chemical functional groups that react with the functional groups
present on the barrier polymer(s) and/or optionally with those present
on the impact modifier of the barrier polymer from C'2 and C'4; and
• a barrier layer C 4 comprising at least one barrier polymer, optionally
impact-modified,

the layers being placed against each other in the order indicated.
10. Multilayer structure according to Claim 9, in which the unsaturated polar
monomer of the functionalized fluoropolymer from C 1 reacts with the
chemical functional groups of the barrier polymer from C 2 and optionally
with those of the impact modifier from C 2.
11. Multilayer structure according to Claim 9 or 10, in which the
thermoplastic polymer from C 3 is a functionalized polyolefin.
12. Multilayer structure according to one of Claims 1 to 11, in which:

• the functionalized fluoropolymer is a functionalized PVDF;
• the fluoropolymer that is optionally blended with the functionalized
fluoropolymer is a PVDF;
• the polyolefin from C3 or C'3 is a polyethylene;
• the adhesive tie from C4 is a thermoplastic polymer bearing chemical
functional groups that react with the functional groups present on the
barrier polymer from C5 and/or optionally with those present on the
impact modifier of the barrier polymer from C5; and
• the barrier polymer from C5, C'2 and C'4 is an EVOH,
the thermoplastic polymer from C2, C3, C4 and C'3 is a functionalized
polyolefin.
13. Multilayer structure according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, in which the
functionalized fluoropolymer is obtained by radical grafting of at least one
unsaturated polar monomer onto a fluoropolymer.
14. Multilayer structure according to Claim 13, in which the fluoropolymer,
onto which the unsaturated polar monomer is grafted, is a PVDF.

Multilayer structure according to Claim 14, in which the unsaturated
monomer is a carboxylic acid having from 4 to 10 carbon atoms or a
functional derivative of a carboxylic acid, preferably an acid anhydride.
Multilayer structure comprising (from the inside towards the outside):
• a barrier layer C*1 comprising at least one barrier polymer, optionally
impact-modified;
• a layer C*2 comprising at least one adhesive tie;
• a layer C*3 comprising at least one polyolefin;
• a layer C*4 comprising at least one adhesive tie; and
• a barrier layer C*5 comprising at least one barrier polymer, optionally
impact-modified,
the layers being placed against each other in the order indicated.
Multilayer structure according to Claim 16, in which the adhesive tie from
C*2 and/or from C*4 preferably comprises a thermoplastic polymer
bearing chemical functional groups that react with those of the barrier
polymer and/or optionally those of the impact modifier.
Multilayer structure according to Claim 17, in which the thermoplastic
polymer from C*2 and/or from C*4 is a functionalized polyolefin.
Multilayer structure according to any one of Claims 1 to 18, in which the
barrier polymer is chosen from:
- polyphenylene sulphide (PPS);
- polybutylenenaphthalate(PBN);
- polybufyl terephthalate (PBT);
- EVOH;
- polydimethylketene;
- nylon MDX6; and
- polyglycolic acid (PGA).

20. Multilayer structure comprising (from the inside towards the outside):
• a layer comprising a PVDF onto which maleic anhydride has been
radiation-grafted, optionally as a blend with a compatible PVDF;
• a layer comprising an adhesive tie;
• a layer comprising a polyethylene;
• a layer comprising a polyethylene onto which maleic anhydride has
been grafted; and
• a layer comprising an impact-modified EVOH,
the layers being placed against each other in the order indicated.
21. Multilayer structure comprising (from the inside towards the outside):
• a layer comprising a PVDF onto which maleic anhydride has been
radiation-grafted, optionally as a blend with a compatible PVDF;
• a layer comprising an impact-modified EVOH;
• a layer comprising a polyethylene;
• a layer comprising a polyethylene onto which maleic anhydride has
been grafted; and
• a layer comprising an impact-modified EVOH,
the layers being placed against each other in the order indicated.
22. Multilayer structure comprising (from the inside towards the outside):
• a layer comprising an impact-modified EVOH;
• a layer comprising a polyethylene onto which maleic anhydride has
been grafted;
• a layer comprising a polyethylene;
• a layer comprising a polyethylene onto which maleic anhydride has
been grafted; and
• a layer comprising an impact-modified EVOH,
the layers being placed against each other in the order indicated.
23. Multilayer structure according to any one of Claims 1 to 22, in pipe, tube,
container or tank form.

24. Multilayer structure according to any one of Claims 1 to 22, in film form.
25. Use of a multilayer structure as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 23, to
store or transfer a fuel.

The invention relates to a multilayer structure comprising (from the inside
towards the outside):
• a layer C1 comprising at least one functionalized fluoropolymer, optionally blended with at least one compatible fluoropolymer;
• a layer C2 comprising at least one adhesive tie;
• a layer C3 comprising at least one polyolefin, preferably a polyethylene;
• a layer C4 comprising at least one adhesive tie; and
• a barrier layer C5 comprising at least one barrier polymer, optionally impact-modified,
the layers being placed against each other in the order indicated. It also relates to the use of this multilayer structure to store or transfer fuel.

Documents:

1414-KOLNP-2009-(08-05-2013)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

1414-KOLNP-2009-(24-01-2014)-ANNEXURE TO FORM 3.pdf

1414-KOLNP-2009-(24-01-2014)-CLAIMS.pdf

1414-KOLNP-2009-(24-01-2014)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

1414-KOLNP-2009-(24-01-2014)-FORM-1.pdf

1414-KOLNP-2009-(24-01-2014)-FORM-13.pdf

1414-KOLNP-2009-(24-01-2014)-FORM-2.pdf

1414-KOLNP-2009-(24-01-2014)-FORM-5.pdf

1414-KOLNP-2009-(24-01-2014)-OTHERS.pdf

1414-KOLNP-2009-(24-01-2014)-PETITION UNDER RULE 137-1.pdf

1414-KOLNP-2009-(24-01-2014)-PETITION UNDER RULE 137.pdf

1414-kolnp-2009-abstract.pdf

1414-KOLNP-2009-ASSIGNMENT.pdf

1414-KOLNP-2009-CLAIMS-1.1.pdf

1414-KOLNP-2009-CLAIMS-1.2.pdf

1414-kolnp-2009-claims.pdf

1414-KOLNP-2009-CORRESPONDENCE 1.3.pdf

1414-KOLNP-2009-CORRESPONDENCE-1.2.pdf

1414-kolnp-2009-correspondence.pdf

1414-kolnp-2009-description (complete).pdf

1414-KOLNP-2009-ENGLISH TRANSLATION.pdf

1414-kolnp-2009-form 1.pdf

1414-KOLNP-2009-FORM 13.pdf

1414-kolnp-2009-form 18.pdf

1414-KOLNP-2009-FORM 3.1.pdf

1414-kolnp-2009-form 3.pdf

1414-kolnp-2009-form 5.pdf

1414-kolnp-2009-international publication.pdf

1414-KOLNP-2009-PA.pdf

1414-kolnp-2009-pct request form.pdf

1414-KOLNP-2009-REPLY TO EXAMINATION REPORT.pdf

1414-kolnp-2009-specification.pdf


Patent Number 261193
Indian Patent Application Number 1414/KOLNP/2009
PG Journal Number 24/2014
Publication Date 13-Jun-2014
Grant Date 11-Jun-2014
Date of Filing 16-Apr-2009
Name of Patentee ARKEMA FRANCE
Applicant Address 420, RUE D'ESTIENNE D'ORVES, F-92700 COLOMBES
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 LAPPRAND, AUDE 77B AVENUE PHILIPPE AUGUSTE,75011 PARIS,FRANCE
2 BONNET, ANTHONY 54 ROUTE DHEYRIEUX,69720 SAINT LAURENT DE MURE,FRANCE
PCT International Classification Number B60K 15/03
PCT International Application Number PCT/FR2007/052311
PCT International Filing date 2007-11-07
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 0654757 2006-11-07 France