Scuff resistant compositions comprising ethylene acid copolymers and polyamides

Abstract

Disclosed are compositions of ethylene acid copolymers and polyamides that are useful for fabricating films, sheets and molded articles for scuff and scratch resistant material and their application as decorative and protective films, comprising (1) from about 30 to about 65 weight % of a polyamide; and (2) from about 70 to about 35 weight % of a copolymer of (a) ethylene; (b) from about 5 weight % to about 15 weight % of an alpha,ss unsaturated C3-C8 carboxylic acid; (c) from about 0.5 weight % to about 12 weight % of at least one comonomer that is an ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid; and (d) from 0 weight % to about 30 weight % of monomers selected from alkyl acrylate and alkyl methacrylate, wherein the alkyl groups have from one to twelve carbon atoms; at least partially neutralized by one or more alkali metal, transition metal, or alkaline earth metal cations. Articles prepared from these compositions, such as films, show high toughness, good mechanical properties, excellent scratch and scuff resistance and, most importantly, good optical properties. More particularly, the compositions of ethylene copolymers and polyamides of the present invention can be used as protective coatings or layers on scuff- and scratch-exposed objects.

Description

field of invention [0001] The present invention relates to compositions of ethylene acid copolymers and polyamides for the preparation of films, sheets and molded articles of scuff and scratch resistant material, and their use as decorative and protective films. More particularly, the present invention relates to articles prepared from these compositions having transparent decorative and protective surfaces which exhibit enhanced scratch and scuff resistance. Background technique [0002] As a result of several new approaches, polymer films are more frequently replacing coatings for surface decoration and protection. For example, polymer film decoration increasingly offers design freedom, is low cost, and is more environmentally compatible than conventional coating methods. The surfaces of many sporting and industrial articles are designed with protective and decorative films. Many applications require new materials with excellent processability, me...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Blending polyamides and ionomers such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 3,317,631 generally results in blends with good scratch resistance and other surface properties, but very poor optical properties (ie, opacity)