WO2025125045A1 - Articles containing polyethylene based ionomers - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an article comprising an ethylene polymer, wherein the ethylene polymer comprises or consists of: a) polymeric units derived from ethylene; b) polymeric units derived from a cationic monomer; c) polymeric units derived from at least one anionic monomer; (i) wherein the total content of polymeric units derived from the cationic monomer and the anionic monomer (IPC) ranges from ≥ 2.5 and ≤ 9.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the ethylene polymer; (ii) wherein the melt flow index (MFI₂) of the ethylene polymer ranges from ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 20.0 dg/min, where MFI₂ is the melt flow index determined in accordance with ISO1133-1:2011 at 190 ºC and measured at 2.16 kg; and (iii) wherein the value of MFI₂/IPC is ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 8.0 where IPC and MFI₂ are as defined herein.

Description

POLY0104-WO-ORD 1 ARTICLES POLYETHYLENE BASED IONOMERS FIELD OF INVENTION [0001] The invention relates to an article comprising an ethylene polymer derived from ethylene and specific cationic and anionic monomers. The invention further relates to the process of preparing such an article and to the use of the article. BACKGROUND [0002] For many products such as in automotive, consumer goods and packaging application – a key design requirement for the manufacture of such products is light weighting while having the desired tensile properties. Yet another requirement in recent years have been to develop material which can be recycled relatively easily. [0003] Light weighting may be achieved by using suitable polymers such as polyethylene for forming such articles. Polyethylene or ethylene polymer, is a versatile polymer and finds application in a wide range of application from films to pipes to cable insulation. Products prepared from polyethylene can impart the desired light weighting and has been used in the past as a substitute to metal, rubber and can be easily recycled by conventional mechanical and chemical processing. Although, ethylene polymers impart the desired light weighting, such polymers may not always provide the necessary tensile properties such as tensile stress at break, tensile strain at break and modulus of elasticity (Young’s modulus). Often to achieve these properties, fillers such as talc or carbon black or reinforcing fibers such as glass or carbon fibers have to be incorporated into the ethylene polymers. [0004] However, the addition of such fillers not only render the polymer expensive to produce but often the presence of such fillers while improving certain mechanical properties come at the cost of the deterioration of certain other properties such as colour stability and transparency. In certain situations, the inclusion of such fillers in polymers may invite health regulatory hurdles when articles made from such polymers are commercially sold. [0005] Another possible way to increase mechanical properties in polymers is by cross- linking the polymeric chain. For example, XLPE (crosslinked polyethylene), is obtained by free radical reaction using dicumyl peroxide as initiator forming a chemically bonded molecular POLY0104-WO-ORD 2 network. This reaction generates by-products, as water, methane and alpha-methyl styrene, which render the XLPE product to be unsuitable for food contact packaging application. [0006] Moreover, articles or products such as cross-linked polymer are difficult to recycle rendering them less suitable to be used when there is an ever increasing demand for circularity and sustainability of products. Further, it is also desired to improve tensile properties of films containing recycled polymers without compromising on its tensile properties. [0007] Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide for an article which can be prepared from an ethylene polymer which can impart suitable tensile properties without the need of incorporating fillers or cross-linking the ethylene polymer. DESCRIPTION [0008] Accordingly, the objective of the present invention is achieved by an article comprising an ethylene polymer wherein the ethylene polymer comprises or consists of: (a) polymeric units derived from ethylene; and (b) polymeric units derived from a cationic monomer represented by formula (I) ^

hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1-10 carbon atoms, preferably 1-5 carbon atoms; ^ ‘X’ is independently selected from ‘O’ or ‘NH’, preferably ‘X’ is ‘O’; ^ R₂ is an alkyl group having 1-40 carbon atoms, preferably 1-5 carbon atoms; ^ R3 and R4 are each independently selected from hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1-10 carbon atoms, preferably 1-5 carbon atoms; and ^ R₅ is independently selected from hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1-20 carbon atoms, preferably 1-5 carbon atoms, ^ preferably wherein each of R3 and R4 is an alkyl group having 1-5 carbon atoms and R₅ is hydrogen; and POLY0104-WO-ORD 3 (c) polymeric units derived from least one anionic monomer selected from the formula below, ^ where

from hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1-10 carbon atoms, preferably 1-5 carbon atoms; ^ R8 and R10 are each independently selected from alkyl group having 1-40 carbon atoms; ^ ‘Y’, ‘V’ and ‘W’ is independently selected from ‘O’ or ‘NH’; ‘n’ is a number ranging from 1 to 20, preferably 1-10, preferably 1-5; ‘Z’ is independently selected from -SO3 or - C(O)O; POLY0104-WO-ORD 4 ^ preferably wherein the anionic monomer is (II) where R₆ is an alkyl group having 1-5 carbon atoms, and

^ the cationic monomer is where ‘X’ is ‘O’, and each of R2, R3 and R4 is an

and R5 is hydrogen; (i) wherein the total content of polymeric units derived from the cationic monomer and the anionic monomer (IPC) ranges from ≥ 2.5 and ≤ 9.0 wt.%, preferably ≥ 3.0 and ≤ 8.5 wt.%, preferably ≥ 3.0 and ≤ 7.5 wt.%, preferably ≥ 4.0 and ≤ 7.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the ethylene polymer; (ii) wherein the melt flow index (MFI₂) of the ethylene polymer ranges from ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 20.0 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 15.0 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 14.0 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.05 and ≤ 5.0 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 5.0 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 3.0 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 2.0 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 0.5 dg/min, where MFI₂ is the melt flow index determined in accordance with ISO1133-1:2011 at 190 ºC and measured at 2.16 kg; and (iii) wherein the value of MFI₂/IPC is ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 8.0, preferably ≥ 0.001 and ≤ 6.0, preferably ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 4.7, preferably ≥ 0.02 and ≤ 4.0, preferably ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 1.0, preferably ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 0.4, preferably ≥ 0.02 and ≤ 1.0, preferably ≥ 0.02 and ≤ 0.8, preferably ≥ 0.2 and ≤ 0.8, where IPC and MFI2 are as defined herein. [0009] Preferably, the article comprises an ethylene polymer wherein the ethylene polymer comprises or consists of: (a) polymeric units derived from ethylene; and (b) polymeric units derived from a cationic monomer represented by formula (I): POLY0104-WO-ORD 5 ^

hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1-10 carbon atoms, preferably 1-5 carbon atoms; ^ ‘X’ is independently selected from ‘O’ or ‘NH’, preferably ‘X’ is ‘O’; ^ R2 is an alkyl group having 1-40 carbon atoms, preferably 1-5 carbon atoms; ^ R₃ and R₄ are each independently selected from hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1-10 carbon atoms, preferably 1-5 carbon atoms; and ^ R5 is independently selected from hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1-20 carbon atoms, preferably 1-5 carbon atoms, ^ preferably wherein each of R3 and R4 is an alkyl group having 1-5 carbon atoms and R5 is hydrogen; and (c) polymeric units derived from at least one anionic monomer selected from the formula below,

POLY0104-WO-ORD 6 ^ where

from hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1-10 carbon atoms, preferably 1-5 carbon atoms; ^ R8 and R10 are each independently selected from alkyl group having 1-40 carbon atoms; ^ ‘Y’, ‘V’ and ‘W’ is independently selected from ‘O’ or ‘NH’; ‘n’ is a number ranging from 1 to 20, preferably 1-10, preferably 1-5; ‘Z’ is independently selected from -SO3 or - C(O)O; ^ preferably wherein the anionic monomer is (II) where R6 is an alkyl group having 1-5 carbon atoms, and

^ the cationic monomer is where ‘X’ is ‘O’, and each

of R2, R3 and R4 is an and R5 is hydrogen; POLY0104-WO-ORD 7 (i) wherein the total content of derived from the cationic monomer and the anionic monomer (IPC) ranges from ≥ 2.5 and ≤ 9.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the ethylene polymer; (ii) wherein the melt flow index (MFI₂) of the ethylene polymer ranges from ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 20.0 dg/min, where MFI2 is the melt flow index determined in accordance with ISO1133-1:2011 at 190 ºC and measured at 2.16 kg; and (iii) wherein the value of MFI₂/IPC is ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 8.0, where IPC and MFI₂ are as defined herein. [0010] Preferably, wherein the article comprises > 80.0 wt.% of the ethylene polymer, with regard to the total weight of the article. [0011] Preferably, R8 and R10 are each independently selected from alkyl group having 1- 20, preferably 1-10, preferably 1-5 carbon atoms. [0012] Preferably, the article comprises ≥ 88.0 wt.%, preferably ≥ 90.0 wt.%, preferably ≥ 95.0 wt.%, preferably ≥ 95.0 wt.% and ≤ 100.0 wt.%, of the ethylene polymer, with regard to the total weight of the article. [0013] The polymeric units derived from the cationic monomer and the anionic monomer may be derived from specific ion pair compounds, which is copolymerized with ethylene. It is particularly preferred the article is substantially free of fillers selected from talc, carbon black, reinforcing fibers. It is particularly preferred that the ethylene polymer is free of substantially free of fillers selected from talc, carbon black, reinforcing fibers. [0014] The term substantially free as used herein means that the concentration of fillers such as talc, carbon black, reinforcing fibers is less than 100 ppm by weight, preferably 50 ppm by weight, preferably 0 ppm by weight of the article or the ethylene polymer. [0015] The inventors surprisingly found that even without using traditional fillers that are typically used to improve tensile and other mechanical properties in a polymer or even without crosslinking the ethylene polymer, the article prepared from the ethylene polymer demonstrated excellent tensile properties. In another aspect of the invention, the invention relates to the use of the ethylene polymer defined in the invention for improving the tensile property of a multi-layered sheet or film, preferably wherein the tensile property is any one of tensile modulus, tensile stress at break, and tensile strain at break. POLY0104-WO-ORD 8 [0016] In particular, the inventors found that by polymerizing the ethylene polymer with the ionomers in a high pressure reactor at a temperature of ≥ 150 ºC and ≤ 255 ºC, at a pressure of ≥ 190 MPa and ≤ 210 MPa and in presence of one or more free-radical initiator present at a concentration of ≥ 0.27 milli mol.% and ≤ 0.6 milli mol.% and a chain transfer agent (CTA) in an amount of > 0.01 and < 0.1 mol%, preferably ≥ 0.05 and ≤ 0.1 mol%, with regard to total amount of ethylene monomer in the high pressure reactor, resulted in ethylene polymers with specific melt flow index and ionomer content which helped in imparting the desired properties. [0017] It is particularly preferred that the ethylene polymer is free of cross-linking. The term free of cross-linking means that the ethylene polymer chains are not cross-linked using cross- linking agents such as cross-linking by peroxide or azo compounds. [0018] In an aspect of the invention, the invention is directed to the use of the article for improving the tensile property of a multi-layered sheet or film. The tensile property for example are tensile modulus, tensile stress at break, and tensile strain at break. [0019] For example, the article of the present invention is selected to have: (a) a tensile modulus of ≥ 550 MPa and ≤ 1100 MPa, when determined in accordance with ISO 527-1; and (b) a tensile stress at break of ≥ 150 MPa and ≤ 300 MPa, when determined in accordance with ISO 527-1; and (c) a tensile strain at break of ≥ 600 % and ≤ 1500 %, when determined in accordance with ISO 527-1. [0020] The article may be any suitable article that may be prepared by extruding the ethylene polymer. The extrusion process may also include the process of reactive extrusion, co- extrusion, extrusion coating, cast film extrusion. Preferably the article is selected from a packaging article, a container, a tube, a hygiene product, an automotive component, a sheet, a hinge component, cable insulation layer, cable jacket, a layer in coextruded multi-layered film or sheet, a multi-layered film or sheet, preferably the article is a multi-layered film or sheet. [0021] Preferably, the article comprises the ethylene polymer, the ethylene polymer comprises or consists of: (a) polymeric units derived from ethylene; (b) polymeric units derived from the anionic monomer represented by the formula: POLY0104-WO-ORD 9

atoms; and (c) polymeric units derived from the cationic monomer represented by the formula: where ‘X’ is ‘O’, and each of R2, R3 and R4 is an alkyl group

(i) wherein the total content of polymeric units derived from the cationic monomer and the anionic monomer (IPC) ranges from ≥ 2.5 and ≤ 9.0 wt.%, preferably ≥ 3.0 and ≤ 8.5 wt.%, preferably ≥ 3.0 and ≤ 7.5 wt.%, preferably ≥ 4.0 and ≤ 7.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the ethylene polymer; (ii) wherein the melt flow index (MFI2) of the ethylene polymer ranges from ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 20.0 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 15.0 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 14.0 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.05 and ≤ 5.0 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 3.0 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 2.0 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 0.5 dg/min where MFI2 is the melt flow index determined in accordance with ISO1133-1:2011 at 190 ºC and measured at 2.16 kg; and (iii) wherein the value of MFI2/IPC is ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 8.0, preferably ≥ 0.001 and ≤ 6.0, preferably ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 4.7, preferably ≥ 0.02 and ≤ 4.0, preferably ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 1.0, preferably ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 0.4, preferably ≥ 0.02 and ≤ 1.0, preferably ≥ 0.02 and ≤ 0.8, preferably ≥ 0.2 and ≤ 0.8, where IPC and MFI2 are as defined herein. POLY0104-WO-ORD 10 [0022] Preferably, the article the ethylene polymer comprises or consists of: (a) polymeric units derived from ethylene; (b) polymeric units derived from the anionic monomer represented by the formula:

having 1-5 carbon atoms; and (c) polymeric units derived from the cationic monomer represented by the formula: where ‘X’ is ‘O’, and each of R2, R3 and R4 is an alkyl group

(i) wherein the total content of polymeric units derived from the cationic monomer and the anionic monomer (IPC) ranges from ≥ 2.5 and ≤ 9.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the ethylene polymer; (ii) wherein the melt flow index (MFI₂) of the ethylene polymer ranges from ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 20.0 dg/min, where MFI2 is the melt flow index determined in accordance with ISO1133-1:2011 at 190 ºC and measured at 2.16 kg; and (iii) wherein the value of MFI₂/IPC is ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 8.0, where IPC and MFI₂ are as defined herein. [0023] Preferably, the article comprising the ethylene polymer comprises or consists of: (a) polymeric units derived from ethylene; POLY0104-WO-ORD 11 (b) polymeric units derived from anionic monomer represented by the formula:

having 1-5 carbon atoms; and (c) polymeric units derived from the cationic monomer represented by the formula: where ‘X’ is ‘O’, and each of R₂, R₃ and R₄ is an alkyl group

(i) wherein the total content of polymeric units derived from the cationic monomer and the anionic monomer (IPC) ranges from ≥ 2.5 and ≤ 9.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the ethylene polymer; (ii) wherein the melt flow index (MFI2) of the ethylene polymer ranges from ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 20.0 dg/min, where MFI₂ is the melt flow index determined in accordance with ISO1133-1:2011 at 190 ºC and measured at 2.16 kg; and (iii) wherein the value of MFI2/IPC is ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 8.0, where IPC and MFI2 are as defined herein. [0024] Preferably, the cationic monomer and the anionic monomer is present in a stoichiometric ratio of 1:1. POLY0104-WO-ORD 12 [0025] Accordingly, the selection of MFI₂ and the content of cationic monomer and the anionic monomer (IPC) has to be selected such that the value of MFI2/IPC is between ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 8.0. [0026] Preferably, the article comprising the ethylene polymer comprises or consists of: (a) polymeric units derived from ethylene; (b) polymeric units derived from the anionic monomer represented by the formula:

having 1-5 carbon atoms; and (c) polymeric units derived from the cationic monomer represented by the formula: where ‘X’ is ‘O’, and each of R2, R3 and R4 is an alkyl group

(i) wherein the total content of polymeric units derived from the cationic monomer and the anionic monomer (IPC) ranges from ≥ 3.0 and ≤ 8.5 wt.%, preferably ≥ 3.0 and ≤ 7.5 wt.%, preferably ≥ 4.0 and ≤ 7.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the ethylene polymer; (ii) wherein the melt flow index (MFI2) of the ethylene polymer ranges ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 3.0 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 2.0 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 0.5 dg/min where MFI₂ is the melt flow index determined in accordance with ISO1133-1:2011 at 190 ºC and measured at 2.16 kg; and POLY0104-WO-ORD 13 (iii) wherein the value of MFI₂/IPC 0.01 and ≤ 1.0, preferably ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 0.4, preferably ≥ 0.02 and ≤ 1.0, preferably ≥ 0.02 and ≤ 0.8, preferably ≥ 0.2 and ≤ 0.8, where IPC and MFI₂ are as defined herein. [0027] Preferably, the article comprising the ethylene polymer comprises or consists of: (a) polymeric units derived from ethylene; (b) polymeric units derived from the anionic monomer represented by the formula:

having 1-5 carbon atoms; and (c) polymeric units derived from the cationic monomer represented by the formula: where ‘X’ is ‘O’, and each of R2, R3 and R4 is an alkyl group

(i) wherein the total content of polymeric units derived from the cationic monomer and the anionic monomer (IPC) ranges from ≥ 3.0 and ≤ 8.5 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the ethylene polymer; (ii) wherein the melt flow index (MFI₂) of the ethylene polymer ranges from ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 14.0 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.05 and ≤ 5.0 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 3.0 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 2.0 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 0.5 dg/min where MFI2 is the melt flow index determined in accordance with ISO1133-1:2011 at 190 ºC and measured at 2.16 kg; and POLY0104-WO-ORD 14 (iii) wherein the value of MFI₂/IPC 0.01 and ≤ 4.7, preferably ≥ 0.02 and ≤ 4.0, preferably ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 1.0, preferably ≥ 0.02 and ≤ 0.8, preferably ≥ 0.2 and ≤ 0.8, where IPC and MFI₂ are as defined herein. [0028] Preferably, wherein the article comprises > 80.0 wt.% of the ethylene polymer, with regard to the total weight of the article. [0029] Preferably, R2 is ethyl, R5 is hydrogen and R3 and R4 are methyl group. Preferably, R₂ is ethyl, R₅ is hydrogen and R₃ and R₄ are methyl group. Preferably, R₂ is ethyl, R₅ is hydrogen and R3 is t-butyl and R4 is a hydrogen. Preferably, R2 is ethyl and R3, R4 and R5 are hydrogen. [0030] The value of MFI2/IPC is indicative of the fact that a suitable selection of an ethylene polymer needs to be made - having a certain combination of melt flow index combined with the amount of polymeric units derived from the anionic and cationic monomer. Therefore, only a specific ethylene polymers having only a certain combination of melt flow index (MFI2) and content of polymeric units derived from ion pair compound, would have the desired tensile properties. [0031] The ethylene polymer has (i) total content of polymeric units derived from the cationic monomer and the anionic monomer (IPC) ranging from ≥ 2.5 and ≤ 9.0 wt.%, preferably ≥ 3.0 and ≤ 8.5 wt.%, preferably ≥ 3.0 and ≤ 7.5 wt.%, preferably ≥ 4.0 and ≤ 7.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the ethylene polymer; and (ii) a total content of polymeric units derived from ethylene ranging from ≥ 91.0 and ≤ 97.5 wt.%, preferably ≥ 91.5 and ≤ 97.0 wt.%, preferably ≥ 92.5 and ≤ 97.0 wt.%, preferably ≥ 93.0 and ≤ 96.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the ethylene polymer. [0032] Preferably the ethylene polymer has (i) total content of polymeric units derived from the cationic monomer and the anionic monomer (IPC) ranging from ≥ 3.0 and ≤ 7.5 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the ethylene polymer; and (ii) a total content of polymeric units derived from ethylene ranging from ≥ 92.5 and ≤ 97.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the ethylene polymer. [0033] Preferably the ethylene polymer has (i) total content of polymeric units derived from the cationic monomer and the anionic monomer (IPC) ranging from ≥ 4.0 and ≤ 7.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the ethylene polymer; and (ii) a total content of polymeric units POLY0104-WO-ORD 15 derived from ethylene ranging from ≥ 93.0 96.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the ethylene polymer. [0034] Preferably (a) wherein the melt flow index (MFI₂) of the ethylene polymer ranges from ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 14.0 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 3.0 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 2.0 dg/min; and (b) wherein the total content of polymeric units derived from the cationic monomer and the anionic monomer (IPC) ranges from ≥ 3.0 and ≤ 7.5 wt.%, preferably ≥ 4.0 and ≤ 7.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the ethylene polymer; and (c) wherein the value of MFI₂/IPC is ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 4.7, preferably ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 1.0, preferably ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 0.4, where IPC and MFI2 are as defined herein. [0035] Preferably, (a) the melt flow index (MFI₂) of the ethylene polymer ranges from ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 14.0 dg/min; and (b) wherein the total content of polymeric units derived from the cationic monomer and the anionic monomer (IPC) ranges from ≥ 3.0 and ≤ 7.5 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the ethylene polymer; and (c) wherein the value of MFI₂/IPC is ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 4.7, where IPC and MFI₂ are as defined herein. [0036] Preferably, (a) the melt flow index (MFI2) of the ethylene polymer ranges from ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 2.0 dg/min; and (b) wherein the total content of polymeric units derived from the cationic monomer and the anionic monomer (IPC) ranges from ≥ 3.0 and ≤ 7.5 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the ethylene polymer; and (c) wherein the value of MFI2/IPC is ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 1.0, where IPC and MFI2 are as defined herein. [0037] Preferably, (a) the melt flow index (MFI₂) of the ethylene polymer ranges from ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 14.0 dg/min; and (b) wherein the total content of polymeric units derived from the cationic monomer and the anionic monomer (IPC) ranges from ≥ 3.0 and ≤ 7.5 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the ethylene polymer; and (c) wherein the value of MFI₂/IPC is ≥ 0.026 and ≤ 4.7, where IPC and MFI₂ are as defined herein.

POLY0104-WO-ORD 16 [0038] It is particularly preferred that the anionic monomer is where R₆ is an alkyl group having 1-5 carbon atoms, and

the cationic monomer is where ‘X’ is ‘O’, and each of R₂, R₃

and R4 is an alkyl hydrogen, (a) wherein the melt flow index (MFI₂) of the ethylene polymer ranges from ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 3.0 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 2.0 dg/min; and (b) wherein the total content of polymeric units derived from the cationic monomer and the anionic monomer (IPC) ranges from ≥ 3.0 and ≤ 7.5 wt.%, preferably ≥ 4.0 and ≤ 7.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the ethylene polymer; and (c) wherein the value of MFI₂/IPC is ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 1.0, preferably ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 0.3, where IPC and MFI₂ are as defined herein. [0039] Preferably, (a) wherein the melt flow index (MFI2) of the ethylene polymer ranges from ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 3.0 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 2.0 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 0.5 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.09 and ≤ 0.5 dg/min; and (b) wherein the total content of polymeric units derived from the cationic monomer and the anionic monomer (IPC) ranges from ≥ 3.0 and ≤ 7.5 wt.%, preferably ≥ 4.0 and ≤ 7.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the ethylene polymer; and (c) wherein the value of MFI₂/IPC is ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 0.4, preferably ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 0.3, preferably ≥ 0.02 and ≤ 0.2, where IPC and MFI2 are as defined herein. POLY0104-WO-ORD 17 [0040] Preferably, the anionic monomer is (II) where R₆ is an alkyl group having 1-5 carbon atoms, and

the cationic monomer is where ‘X’ is ‘O’, and each of R2, R3 and R4 is an alkyl

R5 is hydrogen, (a) wherein the melt flow index (MFI₂) of the ethylene polymer ranges from ≥ 0.09 and ≤ 0.5 dg/min; and (b) wherein the total content of polymeric units derived from the cationic monomer and the anionic monomer (IPC) ranges from ≥ 3.0 and ≤ 7.5 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the ethylene polymer; and (c) wherein the value of MFI2/IPC is > 0.02 and < 0.4, where IPC and MFI₂ are as defined herein. [0041] Preferably, the anionic monomer is (II) where R₆ is an alkyl group having 1-5 carbon atoms, and

the cationic monomer is where ‘X’ is ‘O’, and each of

R2, R3 and R4 is an alkyl R5 is hydrogen, (a) wherein the POLY0104-WO-ORD 18 melt flow index (MFI₂) of the ethylene ranges from ≥ 0.09 and ≤ 0.5 dg/min; and (b) wherein the total content of polymeric units derived from the cationic monomer and the anionic monomer (IPC) ranges from ≥ 4.0 and ≤ 7.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the ethylene polymer; and (c) wherein the value of MFI₂/IPC is > 0.01 and < 0.2, where IPC and MFI2 are as defined herein. [0042] Preferably, the article comprises ≥ 88.0 wt.%, preferably ≥ 90.0 wt.%, preferably ≥ 95.0 wt.%, preferably ≥ 95.0 wt.% and ≤ 100.0 wt.%, of the ethylene polymer, with regard to the total weight of the article; and/or the article is substantially free of fillers selected from talc, carbon black, and reinforcing fibers. Non-limiting examples of reinforcing fibers include glass including short glass fiber, carbon fiber. Preferably, the article comprises ≤ 12.0 wt.%, preferably ≤ 10.0 wt.%, preferably ≤ 5.0 wt.%, preferably ≥ 0 wt.% and ≤ 5.0 wt.%, with respect to the total weight of the article, of additives selected from color pigment, UV stabilisers, anti-oxidant stabilisers and combinations thereof. Cationic monomer [0043] The cationic monomer represented by formula (I) may be derived from the quaternarized form of a free base selected from the group consisting of: 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl acrylate, 2-(diethylamino)ethyl acrylate, 2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate, 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate, 2-(tert-butylamino)ethyl methacrylate, N-[3-(hexahydro-1 H-azepin-1 -yl)-1,1-dimethylpropyl]-2-propenamide, N-[2-(tetrahydro-1 ,4-oxazepin-4(5H)-yl)ethyl]- 2-propenamide, N-[2-[methyl(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)amino]ethyl]- 2-propenamide, N-[3-(hexahydro-4-methyl-1 H-1 ,4-diazepin-1 -yl)propyl]- 2-propenamide, N-[1 -methyl-2-(methylamino)propyl]- 2-propenamide, N-[2-(methylamino)propyl]- 2-propenamide, N-[2-methyl-2-(methylamino)propyl]- 2-propenamide, POLY0104-WO-ORD 19 N-[1 -methyl-2-(methylamino)ethyl]- propenamide, N-[1 -methyl-3-(methylamino)butyl]- 2-propenamide, and N-[1 -methyl-2-(methylamino)propyl]- 2-propenamide. [0044] Preferably wherein the cationic monomer of formula (I) is derived from the quaternarized form of the free base selected from the group consisting of 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl acrylate, 2-(diethylamino)ethyl acrylate, 2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate, 2- (dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate, and 2-(tert-butylamino)ethyl methacrylate. [0045] The term “quaternarized form of the free base” means the quaternary compound formed from the free base. Anionic monomer [0046] The anionic monomer may be derived from the deprotonated form of a free acid selected from the group consisting of: acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, 2-methyl-2-[(1 -oxo-2-propen-1 -yl)amino]- 1 -propanesulfonic acid, 2-methyl-1 -[(1 -oxo-2-propen-1 -yl)amino]- 1 -propanesulfonic acid, 1 -[(1 -oxo-2-propen-1 -yl)amino]-2-butanesulfonic acid 2-[(2-methyl-1 -oxo-2-propen-1 -yl)amino]-2-propanesulfonic acid, 1 -[(1 -oxo-2-propen-1 -yl)amino]-ethanesulfonic acid, 2-(phosphonooxy)ethylester-2-propenoic acid, 2-propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, 2-(phosphonooxy)ethyl ester, 2-methyl-, 1 -methyl-3-(phosphonooxy)propyl ester-2-propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, 1 -[(phosphonooxy)methyl]propyl ester-2-propenoic acid, 2-methyl-N-[7-(phosphonooxy)heptyl]- 2-propenamide, 4-(phosphonooxy)butyl ester-2-propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, 12-(phosphonooxy)dodecyl ester-2-propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, 10-(phosphonooxy)decyl ester-2-propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, 6-(phosphonooxy)hexyl ester-2-propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, 3-(phosphonooxy)propyl ester-2-propenoic acid, POLY0104-WO-ORD 20 2-methyl-, 1 -methyl-2- ethyl ester-2-propenoic acid, 3-(phosphonooxy)propyl ester-2-propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, 4-(phosphonooxy)butyl ester-2-propenoic acid, 2-oxo-2-[[[(1 -oxo-2-propen-1 -yl)amino]methyl]amino]-ethanesulfonic acid, and 2-[[[(2-methyl-1 -oxo-2-propen-1 -yl)amino]methyl]amino]-2-oxo-ethanesulfonic acid. [0047] Preferably, the anionic monomer is derived from the deprotonated form of any one of acrylic acid, or methacrylic acid. [0048] Preferably, the anionic monomer is derived from the deprotonated form of any one of acrylic acid, or methacrylic acid; and wherein the cationic monomer is derived from the quaternarized form of the free base selected from the group consisting of 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl acrylate, 2-(diethylamino)ethyl acrylate, 2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate, 2- (dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate, and 2-(tert-butylamino)ethyl methacrylate. [0049] Preferably, the cationic monomer is derived from the quaternarized form of 2- (dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate and the anionic monomer is derived from the deprotonated form of methacrylic acid. [0050] Preferably, the cationic monomer is derived from the quaternarized form of 2- (dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate and the anionic monomer is derived from the deprotonated form of methacrylic acid (a) wherein the melt flow index (MFI2) of the ethylene polymer ranges from ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 20.0 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 15.0 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 14.0 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.05 and ≤ 5.0 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 3.0 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 2.0 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 0.5 dg/min where MFI2 is the melt flow index determined in accordance with ISO1133-1:2011 at 190 ºC and measured at 2.16 kg; and (b) wherein the total content of polymeric units derived from the cationic monomer and the anionic monomer (IPC) ranges from ≥ 2.5 and ≤ 9.0 wt.%, preferably ≥ 3.0 and ≤ 8.5 wt.%, preferably ≥ 3.0 and ≤ 7.5 wt.%, preferably ≥ 4.0 and ≤ 7.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the ethylene polymer; and (c) wherein the value of MFI2/IPC is ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 8.0, preferably ≥ 0.001 and ≤ 6.0, preferably ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 4.7, preferably ≥ 0.02 and ≤ 4.0, preferably ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 1.0, preferably ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 0.4, preferably ≥ 0.02 and ≤ 1.0, preferably ≥ 0.02 and ≤ 0.8, preferably ≥ 0.2 and ≤ 0.8, where IPC and MFI2 are as defined herein. POLY0104-WO-ORD 21 [0051] Preferably, the cationic is derived from the quaternarized form of 2- (dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate and the anionic monomer is derived from the deprotonated form of methacrylic acid; and (a) wherein the melt flow index (MFI₂) of the ethylene polymer ranges from ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 3.0 dg/min; preferably ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 0.5 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.09 and ≤ 0.5 dg/min; and (b) wherein the total content of polymeric units derived from the cationic monomer and the anionic monomer (IPC) ranges from ≥ 3.0 and ≤ 7.5 wt.%, preferably ≥ 4.0 and ≤ 7.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the ethylene polymer; and (c) wherein the value of MFI2/IPC is ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 1.0, preferably ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 0.4, preferably ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 0.3, preferably > 0.01 and < 0.2, preferably ≥ 0.02 and ≤ 0.2, where IPC and MFI2 are as defined herein. [0052] Preferably, the cationic monomer is derived from the quaternarized form of 2- (dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate and the anionic monomer is derived from the deprotonated form of methacrylic acid; and (a) wherein the melt flow index (MFI2) of the ethylene polymer ranges from ≥ 0.09 and ≤ 0.5 dg/min; and (b) wherein the total content of polymeric units derived from the cationic monomer and the anionic monomer (IPC) ranges from ≥ 4.0 and ≤ 7.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the ethylene polymer; and (c) wherein the value of MFI2/IPC is > 0.01 and < 0.2, where IPC and MFI₂ are as defined herein. Preparation of the ethylene polymer [0053] The ethylene polymer is obtained by copolymerizing ethylene with cationic monomer and the anionic monomer. It is preferred that the cationic monomer and the anionic monomer is in the form of ion pair compound, with the opposite charges counter balancing each other. The term “ion pair compound” as used herein means ion pair compound according to patent application WO2021009274A1. [0054] The molar ratio of cationic monomer and the anionic monomer that may be copolymerized with ethylene can be in amount of 10:1 to 1:10, preferably 2:1 to 1:2, more preferably 1.5:1 to 1:1.5, more preferably 1.1:1 to 1:1.1. Preferably molar ratio of cationic monomer and the anionic monomer is in the ratio of 3:1 to 1:1, more preferably 2.5:1 to 1.5:1, more preferably 2.1:1 to 1.9:1. POLY0104-WO-ORD 22 [0055] It is preferred that the cationic monomer and the anionic monomer are present in the ethylene polymer in a stoichiometric amount. Preferably the cationic monomer and the anionic monomer are present in a stoichiometric amount with a stoichiometric ratio of 1:1 or 1:2 depending on the ion pair formed. [0056] For example, the cationic monomer and the anionic monomer can be of the form given as the form below: with the cationic monomer is represented by the

methacrylate and the anionic monomer is represented by the deprotonated form of methacrylic acid. [0057] The ionic pair compound may also be represented by the formula below: with the cationic monomer represented by the quaternary form

and the anionic monomer is represented by the deprotonated form of methacrylic acid. [0058] The ionic pair compound may also be represented by the formula below: with the cationic monomer represented by the

methacrylate and the anionic monomer is represented by the deprotonated form of methacrylic acid. [0059] The ion pair compound may be denoted as: O _O O O _O O

[0060] Alternatively, the ion pair compound may be represented by – POLY0104-WO-ORD 23

[0061] Preferably the ethylene polymer used in the present application is obtained by copolymerizing ethylene and an ion pair compound consisting of a cation of formula (I) and an acid anion of formula (II). [0062] The ion pair compound according to the invention can be dissolved in various types of common polar organic solvents such as isopropanol, acetonitrile, ethyl acetate and injected in the polymerization reactor as a solution. Process of polymerization and preparation [0063] The copolymerization may be performed under known processes. However, the present inventors found that the ethylene polymer as used in the article according to the invention is obtained when the polymerization is carried out using a combination of suitable amounts of free- radical initiator, chain transfer agent and conducting the polymerization at a suitable temperature. [0064] Preferably, the ethylene polymer according to the invention are produced in a high- pressure free-radical polymerization process. An advantage of polymerization in such high-pressure free-radical process is that the polymerization may be performed without the need for a catalyst being present. This allows for the use of certain comonomers such as polar comonomers which are ordinarily not suitable as comonomers in the production of ethylene copolymers via catalytic processes such as with the use of Ziegler-Natta type catalysts. [0065] A further advantage of preparing the ethylene polymer in a high-pressure free- radical polymerization process is that the resultant polymer has a certain degree of long-chain branching. [0066] In order to qualify for certain applications, including extrusion coating application, ethylene polymers are required to have a certain degree of such long-chain branching. The presence of such long-chain branching is understood to contribute to the desired melt processing POLY0104-WO-ORD 24 properties. Accordingly, it is preferred that ethylene copolymer according to the present invention is prepared via a high-pressure free-radical polymerisation process. [0067] The pressure in such high-pressure free-radical polymerization process is preferably in the range of ≥ 180 MPa and ≤ 350 MPa, preferably ≥ 190 MPa and ≤ 210 MPa, preferably ≥ 200 MPa and ≤ 300 MPa. Preferably, the pressure in such high-pressure free-radical polymerization process is in the range of ≥ 190 MPa and ≤ 210 MPa. [0068] The temperature in such high-pressure free-radical polymerization process preferably is in the range of ≥ 100 and ≤ 350 °C, preferably ≥ 150 and ≤ 310 °C, preferably ≥ 190 and ≤ 260 °C, more preferable ≥ 200 and ≤ 255 °C. Preferably, the temperature in such high- pressure free-radical polymerization process is in the range of ≥ 150 ºC and ≤ 255 ºC, preferably ≥ 170 ºC and ≤ 190 ºC. [0069] Such high-pressure free-radical polymerization process may for example be performed in a tubular reactor or an autoclave reactor. Tubular reactor may for example be a reactor such as described in Nexant PERP Report 2013-2, ’Low Density Polyethylene’, pages 31-48. [0070] Such tubular reactor may for example be operated at pressures ranging from 150 to 300 MPa. The tubular reactor may have a tube length of for example ≥ 1000 m and ≤ 5000 m. The tubular reactor may for example have a ratio of length to inner diameter of ≥ 1000:1, alternatively ≥ 10000:1, alternatively ≥ 25000:1, such as ≥ 10000:1 and ≤ 50000:1, alternatively ≥ 25000:1 and ≤ 35000:1. The residence time in the tubular reactor may for example be ≥ 30 s and ≤ 300 s, alternatively ≥ 60 s and ≤ 200 s. [0071] Such tubular reactors may for example have an inner tubular diameter of ≥ 0.01 m and ≤ 0.20 m, alternatively ≥ 0.05 m and ≤ 0.15 m. The tubular reactor may for example have one or more inlet(s) and one or more outlet(s). The feed composition may for example be fed to the tubular reactor at the inlet of the tubular reactor. The stream that exits the tubular reactor from the outlet may for example comprise the ethylene copolymer. The stream that exits the tubular reactor from the outlet may for example comprise unreacted feed composition. Such unreacted feed compositions may be recycled back into the tubular reactor via one or more inlet. [0072] The high-pressure free-radical polymerization process is performed in the presence of one or more free-radical initiator. Preferably, the free-radical initiator is selected from organic peroxides and/or azo compounds. POLY0104-WO-ORD 25 [0073] Preferably the free radical composition is selected from 2,5-dimethyl-2,5- di(tert-butylperoxy)hexane, t-butyl peroxy pivalate (t-BPP) and/or t-butyl peroxy benzoate (t-BPB). [0074] Such initiators may for example be fed to the tubular reactor in a pure form or as a solution in a solvent. As solvent, for example a C₂-C₂₀ normal paraffin or C₂-C₂₀ isoparaffin may be used. For example, such solution may comprise ≥ 2.0% and ≤ 65.0 % by weight of initiator, alternatively ≥5.0% and ≤40.0% by weight, alternatively ≥10.0% and ≤30.0% by weight, compared to the total weight of the solution. [0075] Such initiators may for example be introduced into the polymerization reactor in quantities of ≤ 300 ppm, preferably ≤ 200 ppm, compared to the total weight of the materials fed to the polymerization reactor. [0076] In addition, further modifiers may be fed to the tubular or the autoclave reactor. Examples of such modifiers may include inhibitors, scavengers and/or chain transfer agents, such as alcohols, aldehydes, ketones and aliphatic hydrocarbons. Such modifiers may for example be fed to the tubular reactor or the autoclave in a pure form or as a solution in a solvent. [0077] The high-pressure free-radical polymerization process is performed in the presence of one or more free-radical initiator. Preferably, the free-radical initiator is selected from organic peroxides and/or azo compounds. [0078] Preferably the process for preparing the article of the present invention, comprises the step of: (a) polymerizing ethylene with the cationic monomer represented by formula (I) and with the one or more anionic monomer represented by formula (II), (III), (IV) and (V) to obtain the ethylene polymer; and (b) extruding the ethylene polymer to obtain the article; wherein the polymerization is carried out in a high pressure reactor: ^ at a temperature of ≥ 100 and ≤ 350 °C, preferably ≥ 150 and ≤ 310 °C, preferably ≥ 190 and ≤ 260 °C, more preferable ≥ 200 and ≤ 255 °C; and ^ at a pressure of ≥ 190 MPa and ≤ 210 MPa; and ^ in presence of one or more free-radical initiator present in an amount of ≥ 0.27 milli mol.% and ≤ 0.6 milli mol.%, with regard to total amount of ethylene monomer in the high pressure reactor; and POLY0104-WO-ORD 26 ^ in presence of one or more chain (CTA) present in an amount of > 0.01 and < 0.1 mol%, preferably ≥ 0.05 and ≤ 0.1 mol%, with regard to total amount of ethylene monomer in the high pressure reactor. [0079] Preferably, the polymerization is performed in the presence of a chain transfer agent (CTA) selected from the group consisting of methanol, propanal, propionaldehyde, n-heptane, propane, isopropanol and acetone. [0080] The quantity of the chain transfer agent is preferably in the range between 0.01 and 2.0 mole.%, preferably between 0.01 and 0.1 mole.%, compared to the total weight of the ethylene monomer fed to the polymerization reactor. [0081] Preferably, the polymerization is carried out in the presence of chain transfer agent (CTA) present in an amount of > 0.01 and < 0.1 mol%, preferably ≥ 0.05 and ≤ 0.1 mol%, with regard to the total amount of ethylene monomer in the high-pressure reactor. [0082] Preferably, the article is an extrusion coated article, a film, an automobile component, a high pressure pipe, a molded article, a 3D printed article, a metal article or a polymer alloy and combinations thereof. Preferably, the article is a film. [0083] The condition for extrusion of the ethylene polymer may be carried out by any known extrusion process for example as that given in "Film Extrusion Manual", (TAPPI PRESS, 2005, ISBN 1 -59510-075-X, Editor Butler, pages 413-435). For example, extrusion process may include co-extrusion. In the process of coextrusion, the various resins may be first melted in separate extruders and then brought together in a feed block. The feed block is a series of flow channels which bring the layers together into a uniform stream. From this feed block, this multi-layer material then flows through an adapter and out a film die. The blown film die may be an annular die. The die diameter may be a few centimeters to more than three meters across. [0084] The molten plastic is pulled upwards from the die by a pair of nip rolls high above the die (from for example 4 meters to more than 20 meters). Changing the speed of these nip rollers will change the gauge (wall thickness) of the film. Around the die an air-ring may be provided. The air exiting the air-ring cools the film as it travels upwards. In the center of the die there may be an air outlet from which compressed air can be forced into the center of the extruded circular profile, creating a bubble. This expands the extruded circular cross section by some ratio (a multiple of the die diameter). This ratio, called the "blow-up ratio" can be just a few percent to for example more POLY0104-WO-ORD 27 than 300 percent of the original diameter. The rolls flatten the bubble into a double layer of film whose width (called the "layflat") is equal to ½ of the circumference of the bubble. This film may then be spooled or printed on, cut into shapes, and heat sealed into bags or other items. [0085] Alternatively, cast film extrusion may be used. The process of cast film extrusion can be in accordance with “Processing Plastics” by Roy J. Crawford, Peter J. Martin, in Plastics Engineering (Fourth Edition), 2020. [0086] If the ethylene polymer is subjected to extrusion coating such the conditions may be used as described in the publication Crystalline Olefin Polymers, Part II, by R. A. V. Raff and K. W. Doak (Interscience Publishers, 1964), pages 478 to 484, or in Vieweg, Schley and Schwarz: Kunststoff Handbuch, Band IV, Polyolefine, Carl Hanser Verlag (1969), 20, pages 412 to 420. [0087] In an aspect of the present invention, the invention relates to an article obtained by or obtainable by the process of the present invention. [0088] The invention will now be demonstrated with the following non-limiting examples. EXAMPLES [0089] Purpose: To evaluate the tensile performance of specific ethylene polymers as defined in accordance with the present invention. [0090] Material: The ethylene polymer were prepared involving copolymerizing ethylene and an ion pair compound of a quaternary compound derived from 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (cationic monomer) and deprotonated methacrylic acid (MA). The properties of the ethylene polymer samples were modified with the amount of polymeric units derived from ethylene and the ion pair compound (IPC) i.e cationic monomer and anionic monomer. [0091] The samples IE1-IE5 represents the inventive sample specimens, in accordance with the present invention while samples CE1 to CE6 derived from the ethylene polymer having properties outside the scope of the invention. Preparation of the ion pair compound comprising the cationic monomer an anionic monomer: [0092] In a round bottom flask having an ice bath, which contained methacrylic acid (510.9 g, 5.935 mol), 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (1000 mL, 5.935 mol) was added dropwise to it while maintaining the temperature below 20 °C. No purification was required and the ion pair compound was obtained at a quantitative yield (1.44 kg, 100%). POLY0104-WO-ORD 28 Preparation of ethylene polymer [0093] For each of the samples of ion pair compounds the following process was followed to prepare the ethylene polymer: The ion pair compound sample so obtained, was dissolved in methanol (50 wt%) and mixed under high-pressure (2000 bars) with ethylene through a static mixer. Consequently, the peroxide initiator, Luperox®11M75 (1.5 g/L), and propanal as chain transfer agent CTA were added to the mixture and the mixture was heated at 60 °C before being injected in a reactor set at a temperature between 180 °C to 270 °C to obtain the ethylene polymer having polymeric units derived from ethylene and ion pair compound i.e. cationic and anionic monomeric units. [0094] The melt flow index and the final content of the comonomer was controlled by adjusting the various process parameters including (i) temperature of reaction inside the reactor with the adjustment made between the monomers, (ii) concentration of chain transfer agent (CTA), and (iii) peroxide initiators added in the reactor. The table below (Table 1) shows the value of the different processing conditions. The total content of polymeric units (IPC) derived from the cationic monomer and the anionic monomer and melt flow index (MFI2) for the ethylene polymer was determined. [0095] The reaction scheme may be shown by the diagram below -

and the anionic monomer present in the ethylene polymer were determined using known techniques such as elemental analysis or ¹H NMR. [0097] The table below provides the reaction condition used for preparing the samples- Table 1 POLY0104-WO-ORD 29 Sample No Total amount of Temperature Total CTA added anionic and cationic (bar) (°C) concentration in reactor monomer added during of Peroxide (mol.%) polymerization Initiator (mole%) added (mmol%) CE1 0 2000 250 0.238 0.070 CE2 0 2000 270 0.479 0.070 CE3 0.05 2000 270 1.040 0.069 CE4 0.1 2000 250 0.839 0.069 CE5 0.1 2000 270 1.719 0.069 CE6 0.2 2000 180 0.995 0.070 IE1 0.05 2000 180 0.338 0.069 IE2 0.05 2000 200 0.477 0.070 IE3 0.05 2000 250 0.440 0.070 IE4 0.1 2000 180 0.547 0.070 IE5 0.1 2000 200 0.578 0.070 [0098] After the polymerization step, cast film extruder was used to prepare films for testing using Xplore equipment. Extruder temperature was set from 155 to 170 °C and films with a thickness of 50 mm were prepared for each sample IE1-IE5, CE1-CE6. Tensile Performance [0099] The ethylene polymer samples obtained were compression molded and the tensile tests were performed on them. [00100] Tensile test was carried out in accordance with ISO 527-1. In particular, the tensile tests were performed with a Zwick type Z020 tensile tester equipped with a 1 kN load cell. The tests were performed on film strips with dimensions of 40 mm (length) x 5 mm (height) x 0.05 mm (width). A grip-to-grip separation of 20 mm was used. The samples were pre-stressed to 0.1 N and then loaded with a constant crosshead speed of 500 mm^min . [00101] The Melt Flow Index (MFI₂) is determined in accordance with ISO1133-1:2011 at 190 ºC and measured at 2.16 kg. The term Melt Flow Index and Melt Flow Rate (MFR) can be used interchangeably for the purposes of the present invention. [00102] The results from the above tests are reported below - Table 2. Tensile test 23POLY0104-WO-ORD 30 Sample Total amount of Name polymeric units derived from Value of Tensile Modulus Tensile Stress at Tensile Strain at the cationic and MFI₂ MFI₂/IPC (MPa) Break (MPa) Break (%) anionic monomer IPC (wt.%) CE1 0 2 0 490 30 650 CE2 0 24 0 300 20 570 CE3 2.8 64 22.86 500 125 1020 CE4 2.8 25 8.93 605 131 1180 CE5 2.4 143 59.58 420 115 1080 CE6 10 8.3 0.83 380 172 990 IE1 4.2 0.1 0.02 925 230 880 IE2 3.8 1 0.26 850 168 750 IE3 3.3 12 3.63 775 195 1150 IE4 6.6 0.4 0.06 725 205 805 IE5 5.7 1.6 0.28 600 175 1000 [00103] From the samples that were prepared from ethylene polymers in accordance with the invention IE1-IE5, showed improved balance of tensile properties over that of the samples marked as comparative. The inventive samples satisfied the criteria of: 5 (a) a tensile modulus of ≥ 550 MPa and ≤ 1100 MPa, when determined in accordance with ISO 527-1; and (b) a tensile stress at break of ≥ 150 MPa and ≤ 300 MPa, when determined in accordance with ISO 527-1; and (c) tensile strain at break of ≥ 600 % and ≤ 1500 %, when determined in accordance with ISO 10 527-1. [00104] From the samples that were prepared from ethylene polymers in accordance with the invention IE1-IE5, showed improved balance of tensile properties over that of the samples marked as comparative. In particular, the balance of properties was particularly significant for the samples IE1 and IE4 with the desired levels of tensile stress at break while maintaining tensile POLY0104-WO-ORD 31 modulus and tensile strain. Advantageously, properties were obtained without the need of using mechanical fillers such as carbon black, glass and other equivalent fillers.

Claims

POLY0104-WO-ORD 32 1. An article comprising an ethylene polymer wherein the ethylene polymer comprises or consists of: (a) polymeric units derived from ethylene; and (b) polymeric units derived from a cationic monomer represented by formula (I) ^

hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1-10 carbon atoms, preferably 1-5 carbon atoms; ^ ‘X’ is independently selected from ‘O’ or ‘NH’, preferably ‘X’ is ‘O’; ^ R₂ is an alkyl group having 1-40 carbon atoms, preferably 1-5 carbon atoms; ^ R3 and R4 are each independently selected from hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1-10 carbon atoms, preferably 1-5 carbon atoms; and ^ R5 is independently selected from hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1-20 carbon atoms, preferably 1-5 carbon atoms, ^ preferably wherein each of R₃ and R₄ is an alkyl group having 1-5 carbon atoms and R5 is hydrogen; and (c) polymeric units derived from at least one anionic monomer selected from the formula below,

POLY0104-WO-ORD 33 ^ where

from hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1-10 carbon atoms; ^ R₈ and R₁₀ are each independently selected from alkyl group having 1-40 carbon atoms; ^ ‘Y’, ‘V’ and ‘W’ is independently selected from ‘O’ or ‘NH’; ‘n’ is a number ranging from 1 to 20; ‘Z’ is independently selected from -SO₃ or -C(O)O; ^ preferably wherein the anionic monomer is (II) where R₆ is an alkyl group having 1-5 carbon atoms, and

POLY0104-WO-ORD 34 ^ the cationic monomer is where ‘X’ is ‘O’, and each

of R₂, R₃ and R₄ is an and R₅ is hydrogen; (i) wherein the total content of polymeric units derived from the cationic monomer and the anionic monomer (IPC) ranges from ≥ 2.5 and ≤ 9.0 wt.%, preferably ≥ 3.0 and ≤ 8.5 wt.%, preferably ≥ 3.0 and ≤ 7.5 wt.%, preferably ≥ 4.0 and ≤ 7.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the ethylene polymer; (ii) wherein the melt flow index (MFI2) of the ethylene polymer ranges from ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 20.0 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 15.0 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 14.0 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.05 and ≤ 5.0 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 5.0 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 3.0 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 2.0 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 0.5 dg/min where MFI₂ is the melt flow index determined in accordance with ISO1133- 1:2011 at 190 ºC and measured at 2.16 kg; and (iii) wherein the value of MFI2/IPC is ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 8.0, preferably ≥ 0.001 and ≤ 6.0, preferably ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 4.7, preferably ≥ 0.02 and ≤ 4.0, preferably ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 1.0, preferably ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 0.4, preferably ≥ 0.02 and ≤ 1.0, preferably ≥ 0.02 and ≤ 0.8, preferably ≥ 0.2 and ≤ 0.8, where IPC and MFI2 are as defined herein. 2. The article according to claim 1, (a) wherein the melt flow index (MFI₂) of the ethylene polymer ranges from ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 14.0 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 3.0 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 2.0 dg/min; and (b) wherein the total content of polymeric units derived from the cationic monomer and the anionic monomer (IPC) ranges from ≥ 3.0 and ≤ 7.5 wt.%, preferably ≥ 4.0 and ≤ 7.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the ethylene polymer; and (c) wherein the value of MFI2/IPC is ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 4.7, preferably ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 1.0, preferably ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 0.4, where IPC and MFI₂ are as defined herein. POLY0104-WO-ORD 35 3. The article according to claims 1-2, wherein the anionic monomer is (II) where R6 is an alkyl group having 1-5 carbon atoms, and

the cationic monomer is where ‘X’ is ‘O’, and each

of R₂, R₃ and R₄ is an R₅ is hydrogen, (a) wherein the melt flow index (MFI2) of the ethylene polymer ranges from ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 3.0 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 2.0 dg/min; and (b) wherein the total content of polymeric units derived from the cationic monomer and the anionic monomer (IPC) ranges from ≥ 3.0 and ≤ 7.5 wt.%, preferably ≥ 4.0 and ≤ 7.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the ethylene polymer; and (c) wherein the value of MFI2/IPC is ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 1.0, preferably ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 0.3, where IPC and MFI₂ are as defined herein. 4. The article according to any one of claims 1-3, (a) wherein the melt flow index (MFI2) of the ethylene polymer ranges from ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 3.0 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 2.0 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 0.5 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.09 and ≤ 0.5 dg/min; and (b) wherein the total content of polymeric units derived from the cationic monomer and the anionic monomer (IPC) ranges from ≥ 3.0 and ≤ 7.5 wt.%, preferably ≥ 4.0 and ≤ 7.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the ethylene polymer; and (c) wherein the value of MFI₂/IPC is ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 0.4, preferably ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 0.3, preferably ≥ 0.02 and ≤ 0.2, where IPC and MFI2 are as defined herein. POLY0104-WO-ORD 36 5. The article according to 1-4, wherein the anionic monomer is (II) where R₆ is an alkyl group having 1-5 carbon atoms, and

the cationic monomer is where ‘X’ is ‘O’, and each of R2, R3 and R4 is an

R5 is hydrogen, (a) wherein the melt flow index (MFI₂) of the ethylene polymer ranges from ≥ 0.09 and ≤ 0.5 dg/min; and (b) wherein the total content of polymeric units derived from the cationic monomer and the anionic monomer (IPC) ranges from ≥ 4.0 and ≤ 7.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the ethylene polymer; and (c) wherein the value of MFI2/IPC is > 0.01 and < 0.2, where IPC and MFI₂ are as defined herein. 6. The article according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the cationic monomer represented by formula (I) is derived from the quaternarized form of a free base selected from the group consisting of: 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl acrylate, 2-(diethylamino)ethyl acrylate, 2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate, 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate, 2-(tert-butylamino)ethyl methacrylate, N-[3-(hexahydro-1 H-azepin-1 -yl)-1,1-dimethylpropyl]-2-propenamide, N-[2-(tetrahydro-1 ,4-oxazepin-4(5H)-yl)ethyl]- 2-propenamide, N-[2-[methyl(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)amino]ethyl]- 2-propenamide, N-[3-(hexahydro-4-methyl-1 H-1 ,4-diazepin-1 -yl)propyl]- 2-propenamide, N-[1 -methyl-2-(methylamino)propyl]- 2-propenamide, POLY0104-WO-ORD 37 N-[2-(methylamino)propyl]- 2- N-[2-methyl-2-(methylamino)propyl]- 2-propenamide, N-[1 -methyl-2-(methylamino)ethyl]- 2-propenamide, N-[1 -methyl-3-(methylamino)butyl]- 2-propenamide, and N-[1 -methyl-2-(methylamino)propyl]- 2-propenamide, preferably wherein the cationic monomer of formula (I) is derived from the quaternarized form of the free base selected from the group consisting of 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl acrylate, 2-(diethylamino)ethyl acrylate, 2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate, 2- (dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate, and 2-(tert-butylamino)ethyl methacrylate. 7. The article according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the anionic monomer is derived from the deprotonated form of a free acid selected from the group consisting of: acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, 2-methyl-2-[(1 -oxo-2-propen-1 -yl)amino]- 1 -propanesulfonic acid, 2-methyl-1 -[(1 -oxo-2-propen-1 -yl)amino]- 1 -propanesulfonic acid, 1 -[(1 -oxo-2-propen-1 -yl)amino]-2-butanesulfonic acid 2-[(2-methyl-1 -oxo-2-propen-1 -yl)amino]-2-propanesulfonic acid, 1 -[(1 -oxo-2-propen-1 -yl)amino]-ethanesulfonic acid, 2-(phosphonooxy)ethylester-2-propenoic acid, 2-propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, 2-(phosphonooxy)ethyl ester, 2-methyl-, 1 -methyl-3-(phosphonooxy)propyl ester-2-propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, 1 -[(phosphonooxy)methyl]propyl ester-2-propenoic acid, 2-methyl-N-[7-(phosphonooxy)heptyl]- 2-propenamide, 4-(phosphonooxy)butyl ester-2-propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, 12-(phosphonooxy)dodecyl ester-2-propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, 10-(phosphonooxy)decyl ester-2-propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, 6-(phosphonooxy)hexyl ester-2-propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, 3-(phosphonooxy)propyl ester-2-propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, 1 -methyl-2-(phosphonooxy)ethyl ester-2-propenoic acid, POLY0104-WO-ORD 38 3-(phosphonooxy)propyl ester-2- acid, 2-methyl-, 4-(phosphonooxy)butyl ester-2-propenoic acid, 2-oxo-2-[[[(1 -oxo-2-propen-1 -yl)amino]methyl]amino]-ethanesulfonic acid, and 2-[[[(2-methyl-1 -oxo-2-propen-1 -yl)amino]methyl]amino]-2-oxo-ethanesulfonic acid; preferably wherein the anionic monomer is derived from the deprotonated form of any one of acrylic acid, or methacrylic acid. 8. The article according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the anionic monomer is derived from the deprotonated form of any one of acrylic acid, or methacrylic acid; and wherein the cationic monomer is derived from the quaternarized form of the free base selected from the group consisting of 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl acrylate, 2-(diethylamino)ethyl acrylate, 2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate, 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate, and 2-(tert-butylamino)ethyl methacrylate. 9. The article according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the cationic monomer is derived from the quaternarized form of 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate and the anionic monomer is derived from the deprotonated form of methacrylic acid. 10. The article according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the cationic monomer is derived from the quaternarized form of 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate and the anionic monomer is derived from the deprotonated form of methacrylic acid; and (a) wherein the melt flow index (MFI2) of the ethylene polymer ranges from ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 3.0 dg/min; preferably ≥ 0.08 and ≤ 0.5 dg/min, preferably ≥ 0.09 and ≤ 0.5 dg/min; and (b) wherein the total content of polymeric units derived from the cationic monomer and the anionic monomer (IPC) ranges from ≥ 3.0 and ≤ 7.5 wt.%, preferably ≥ 4.0 and ≤ 7.0 wt.%, with regard to the total weight of the ethylene polymer; and (c) wherein the value of MFI₂/IPC is ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 1.0, preferably ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 0.4, preferably ≥ 0.01 and ≤ 0.3, preferably > 0.01 and < 0.2, preferably ≥ 0.02 and ≤ 0.2, where IPC and MFI2 are as defined herein. POLY0104-WO-ORD 39 11. The article according to any one of 1-10, wherein the article is selected to have: (a) a tensile modulus of ≥ 550 MPa and ≤ 1100 MPa, when determined in accordance with ISO 527-1; and (b) a tensile stress at break of ≥ 150 MPa and ≤ 300 MPa, when determined in accordance with ISO 527-1; and (c) a tensile strain at break of ≥ 600 % and ≤ 1500 %, when determined in accordance with ISO 527-1. 12. The article according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein the article comprises ≥ 88.0 wt.%, preferably ≥ 90.0 wt.%, preferably ≥ 95.0 wt.%, preferably ≥ 95.0 wt.% and ≤ 100.0 wt.%, of the ethylene polymer, with regard to the total weight of the article; and/or the article is substantially free of fillers selected from talc, carbon black, reinforcing fibers. 13. The article according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the ethylene polymer is free of cross-linking, preferably wherein the article is selected from a packaging article, a container, a tube, a hygiene product, an automotive component, a sheet, a hinge component, cable insulation layer, cable jacket, a layer in coextruded multi-layered film or sheet, a multi-layered film or sheet, preferably the article is a multi-layered film or sheet. 14. A process for preparing the article as claimed in any one of claims 1-13, wherein the process comprises the step of: (a) polymerizing ethylene with the cationic monomer represented by formula (I) and with the one or more anionic monomer represented by formula (II), (III), (IV) and (V) to obtain the ethylene polymer; and (b) extruding the ethylene polymer to obtain the article; wherein the polymerization is carried out in a high pressure reactor: ^ at a temperature of ≥ 100 and ≤ 350 °C, preferably ≥ 150 and ≤ 310 °C, preferably ≥ 190 and ≤ 260 °C, more preferable ≥ 200 and ≤ 255 °C; and POLY0104-WO-ORD 40 ^ at a pressure of ≥ 190 MPa ≤ 210 MPa; and ^ in presence of one or more free-radical initiator present in an amount of ≥ 0.27 milli mol.% and ≤ 0.6 milli mol.%, with regard to total amount of ethylene monomer in the high pressure reactor; and ^ in presence of one or more chain transfer agent (CTA) present in an amount of > 0.01 and < 0.1 mol%, preferably ≥ 0.05 and ≤ 0.1 mol%, with regard to total amount of ethylene monomer in the high pressure reactor. 15. Use of the ethylene polymer defined in any one of claims 1-13 for improving the tensile property of a multi-layered sheet or film, preferably wherein the tensile property is any one of tensile modulus, tensile stress at break, and tensile strain at break.