Molded article having a metallic appearance

Abstract

The invention relates to a molded article having a sufficiently metallic appearance and a sufficiently high degree of brightness.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a molded article having both a sufficient metallic appearance and a sufficient degree of brightness, and a method for preparing the molded article. Background Technology

[0002] Articles made from thermoplastic materials are widely used in consumer products, such as packaging for hair care products (e.g., shampoos), beauty care products (e.g., cosmetics), fabric care products (e.g., liquid detergents), food, and household products. A metallic finish (or “metallic effect”) is perceived by consumers as a premium look. It is increasingly popular for molded plastic articles. To achieve a metallic finish, conventional manufacturing processes employ post-molding finishing techniques, such as vacuum metallization, sputtering, spraying, or painting, to form a metallic coating on the molded plastic article. However, these post-molding finishing processes can lead to a range of problems, including environmental pollution, safety hazards, inconsistent quality, non-recyclability, and poor durability. In particular, products treated with these post-molding finishing processes have a high defect rate. Moreover, the coating material can peel off in the presence of certain chemicals or due to the rotation of the hinges on these products. Furthermore, scratch resistance may be insufficient for transportation and handling. Cost is another drawback, as such processes are quite expensive.

[0003] Recently, alternative technologies for providing a metallic appearance have been developed. Specifically, metallic particles can be added as pigments or masterbatches to thermoplastic materials before molding, allowing them to be distributed throughout the molded article formed from the thermoplastic material, thus creating a metallic effect. On the one hand, if there are too few metallic particles in the molded article, it will not appear "metallic" enough to convey a sense of quality to consumers. On the other hand, molded articles can have an improved metallic appearance due to the addition of more metallic particles, but the article may begin to exhibit a darker tone that is less appealing to consumers. This point of tension is particularly evident in extrusion blow-molded (EMB) articles, which generally have a less smooth surface due to light diffusion and absorption compared to injection stretch blow-molded (ISBM) articles, and this less smooth surface tends to appear even darker.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a molded article, especially an extruded blow-molded (EBM) article, characterized by having both an aesthetically pleasing and consumer-attractive metallic appearance and a sufficient degree of brightness. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Surprisingly, the inventors discovered that when metal sheets are added to thermoplastic materials in a specific weight ratio along with reflective and translucent solid particles (e.g., mica, glass fiber, SiO2, Al2O3, etc.), the molded articles exhibit an unexpectedly improved degree of brightness and a sufficiently metallic appearance.

[0006] The present invention relates to a molded article having at least one component comprising at least one layer, the at least one layer comprising: a) 50% to 99.98% by weight of a thermoplastic material; b) 0.01% to 40% by weight of a metal sheet; and c) 0.01% to 40% by weight of a solid particle, wherein the solid particle is characterized by a specular reflectance of 0.4 to 0.8 and a light transmittance of 40% to 95%, and wherein the weight ratio of the solid particle to the metal sheet ranges from 0.1 to 50.

[0007] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing molded articles, the method comprising the following steps:

[0008] a) A blend is formed by mixing a molten thermoplastic material, a metal sheet, and solid particles, wherein the blend comprises 50% to 99.98% by weight of the molten thermoplastic material, 0.01% to 40% by weight of the metal sheet, and 0.01% to 40% by weight of the solid particles; wherein the solid particles are characterized by a specular reflectance of 0.4 to 0.8 and a light transmittance of 40% to 95%; and wherein the weight ratio of the solid particles to the metal sheet ranges from 0.1 to 50.

[0009] b) Extruding or injecting the blend, alone or together with one or more other blends, to form a preform or preform; and

[0010] c) Blow molding the preform or preform within a mold to form a molded article.

[0011] The molded article has at least one component, the at least one component comprising at least one layer formed from the blend.

[0012] These and other features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1A This is a microscopic view of the metal sheet and mica sheet used in this invention in light reflection mode.

[0014] Figure 1BThese are microscopic views of the metal sheet and mica sheet used in this invention in light transmission mode. Detailed Implementation

[0015] definition

[0016] Unless otherwise specified, all percentages are weight percentages based on the weight of the composition. Unless otherwise specifically stated, all ratios are weight ratios. All numerical ranges are narrower ranges including endpoints; the upper and lower limits of the described ranges are interchangeable to further form ranges not explicitly described. The number of significant digits does not limit the quantity indicated or the precision of the measurement. All measurements are understood to have been performed at approximately 25°C and ambient conditions, where “ambient conditions” means conditions at approximately one atmosphere and approximately 50% relative humidity.

[0017] As used herein, "article" refers to a single molded object, such as a bottle, fitting, inverted bottle, handle, tube, etc. Preferably, the article is a container, and non-limiting examples of containers include bottles, inverted bottles, wide-mouth bottles, cups, lids, etc. The term "container" is used broadly to include elements of a container, such as the container's closure or dispenser. The composition contained in such a container can be any of a variety of compositions, including but not limited to detergents (e.g., laundry detergents, fabric softeners, dishwashing liquids, skin and hair care products), beverages, powders, paper products (e.g., tissues, wipes), beauty care compositions (e.g., cosmetics, lotions), pharmaceutical products, oral care products (e.g., toothpaste, mouthwash), etc. The container can be used to store, transport, or dispense the composition contained therein. Non-limiting volumes that can be contained in the container are 10 ml, 100 ml, 500 ml, or 1000 ml to 1500 ml, 2000 ml, or 4000 ml.

[0018] As used herein, “layer” refers to a macroscopic layer of material forming an article. Typically, macroscopic layers have thicknesses of approximately 0.01 mm, 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, or 0.5 mm to approximately 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 3.5 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, 20 mm, or 30 mm. “by weight of a single layer” means that the percentage of the component is based on the weight of the layer in which the component exists, not on the weight of the entire article (unless, of course, the entire article is formed from a single layer).

[0019] As used herein, the term "flake" (or "flakes") refers to particles having an aspect ratio of at least 2, preferably at least 5, more preferably at least 10, and most preferably at least 20.

[0020] As used in this article, the term "aspect ratio" refers to the ratio of an object's average maximum diameter to its average thickness.

[0021] As used herein, when used in claims, the articles including “a” and “an” should be understood to refer to one or more substances protected or described in the claims.

[0022] As used herein, the terms “comprise,” “comprises,” “include,” and “contain” are non-restrictive and can include other steps and components that do not affect the result. These terms encompass the terms “composed of” and “substantially composed of.”

[0023] Products

[0024] Surprisingly, the inventors of this invention have discovered that when metal sheets and solid particles (i.e., solid sheets that are reflective and translucent) having specific specular reflectivity and transmittance are added together in a specific weight ratio to a thermoplastic material, the molded articles according to this disclosure can have both a sufficiently metallic appearance and an improved degree of brightness.

[0025] In particular, according to one aspect of the invention, a molded article is provided having at least one component comprising at least one layer, the at least one layer comprising: a) 50% to 99.98% by weight of a thermoplastic material; b) 0.01% to 40% by weight of a metal sheet; and c) 0.01% to 40% by weight of a solid particle, wherein the solid sheet is characterized by a specular reflectance of 0.4 to 0.8 and a light transmittance of 40% to 95%, and wherein the weight ratio of the solid particle to the metal sheet ranges from 0.1 to 50.

[0026] Unbound by any theory, it is believed that such reflective and translucent solid particles can better guide / direct light reflected by metallic flakes to provide an improved degree of brightness (measured by L45 and / or L110 values, preferably L110 values) without significantly sacrificing the metallic appearance of the article (measured by the dynamic color index). The weight ratio of such solid particles to metallic flakes is important for achieving the desired balance between metallic appearance and brightness. For example, if the weight ratio is less than 0.1, there is too much metallic flake in the molded article, which can result in a high metallic but dark appearance. However, if the weight ratio is greater than 50, there is too little metallic flake in the molded article, which results in a high degree of brightness but a pasty (rather than metallic) appearance.

[0027] Preferably, the weight ratio of the solid particles to the metal sheet in the at least one layer ranges from 0.5 to 40, preferably from 1 to 30, and more preferably from 2 to 15. For example, the at least one layer may contain 0.1% to 25% by weight, preferably from 0.2% to 15%, and more preferably from 0.5% to 10% by weight of the solid particles. The at least one layer may contain 0.02% to 15%, preferably from 0.1% to 10%, more preferably from 0.2% to 2%, and most preferably from 0.5% to 1% by weight of the metal sheet.

[0028] The at least one layer may contain 70% to 99.9%, preferably 90% to 99.8%, more preferably 95% to 99.6% of the thermoplastic material by weight.

[0029] The term "article" refers to an article, package, or container formed by a molding process. Such packaging or containers may be suitable for containing various compositions, including but not limited to detergents (e.g., laundry care, dish care, skin and hair care), beverages, powders, paper materials (e.g., tissues, wipes), beauty care compositions (e.g., cosmetics, lotions), pharmaceutical products, or oral care products (e.g., toothpaste, mouthwash). The compositions may be liquids, semi-liquids, solids, gels, emulsions, aerosols, foams, gases, or combinations thereof. Articles may be used to store, transport, or dispense compositions contained therein, such as fittings, handles, tubes, etc. Other molded articles may include, for example, bottles, caps, pumps, boxes, wide-mouth jars, and cups. Articles may be formed from intermediate forms that can be further processed, such as preforms or preforms. Specifically, the article can be formed from a preform for EBM (i.e., the preform is molded by an extrusion process, then cooled and placed by a blow molding process) or a preform for ISBM (i.e., the preform is molded by an injection molding process, then cooled and placed by a stretch blow molding process).

[0030] Articles of manufacture according to this disclosure may comprise at least one layer, such as one, two, or three layers. In some embodiments, the layers may not be laminated. If the molded article comprises more than one layer, the at least one layer as described above is preferably an outer layer or an intermediate layer covered by a transparent outer layer.

[0031] The thickness of a single layer of the article can be from about 0.1 mm to about 50 mm, preferably from about 0.3 mm to about 30 mm, more preferably from about 0.5 mm to about 20 mm, and most preferably from about 0.6 mm to about 10 mm, for example, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1.0 mm, 3.0 mm, 5.0 mm, 7.0 mm, 9.0 mm or any range thereto.

[0032] The articles according to this disclosure have a sufficient metallic appearance, preferably but not necessarily characterized by a dynamic color index of 5 to 30, more preferably 6 to 25, more preferably 7 to 20, even more preferably 8 to 15, and most preferably 10 to 14. The articles of this disclosure (compared to similar articles containing only metallic flakes but not solid flakes) also have improved brightness, preferably but not necessarily characterized by an L110 value of 30 to 70, more preferably 35 to 65, and even more preferably 40 to 60. Since the dynamic color index and L110 value that satisfy consumers can vary widely depending on the color of the article, comparative values ​​of these parameters should be considered more than absolute values ​​when demonstrating that one article is superior to another.

[0033] The articles according to this disclosure can be extruded blow molded (EBM) articles, injection molded (IM) articles, injection blow molded (IBM) articles, or injection stretch blow molded (ISBM) articles. Preferably, the articles are EBM articles, where the challenge of dark appearance is particularly severe. However, similar technical benefits of improved brightness can also be observed in IM, IBM, or ISBM articles.

[0034] thermoplastic materials

[0035] The thermoplastic resin suitable for practice in this invention may be selected from: the thermoplastic material comprising: polypropylene (PP), including chlorinated polypropylene (CPP); polyethylene (PE), including high-density polyethylene (HDPE), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), medium-density polyethylene (MDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), etc.; ethylene-propylene copolymer, polymethylpentene (PMP), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), polyvinyl chloride (PVDC), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile benzene Ethylene (AS), Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), Polyacrylonitrile (PAN), Styrene-butadiene copolymer (SBC), Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), Polyamide (PA), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Diol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), Polycyclohexanediol terephthalate (PCT), Diol-modified PCT copolymer (PCTG), Copolyester of cyclohexanediol and terephthalic acid (PCTA), Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), Polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), Polycarbonate (PC), Polypropylene carbonate (PPC), Poly-L-valley Amino acids (PGA), cellulose plastics, polylactide (PLA), polybutylene adipate / terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polybutylene adipate succinate (PBSA), polycaprolactone (PCL), thermoplastic starch (TPS), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), chitosan, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and their copolymers, ethylene-methyl methacrylate copolymers containing zinc (Zn), sodium (Na), lithium (Li) or other metal ions, thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) including but not limited to styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers (SBS) and styrene-isoprene-styrene copolymers. (SIS), styrene-ethylene-butene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS), styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene copolymer (SEPS), thermoplastic olefin (TPO), thermoplastic vulcanized rubber (TPV), thermoplastic polybutadiene (TPB), thermoplastic polyisoprene (TPI), thermoplastic polyvinyl chloride (TPVC), thermoplastic chlorinated polyethylene (TCPE), thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU), thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE), thermoplastic polyamide elastomer (TPAE), thermoplastic fluoride (TPF), thermoplastic vulcanized silicone (TPSiV), copolymers thereof, or any combination thereof.

[0036] In some embodiments, the articles according to the invention may comprise polyethylene terephthalate (PET), glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene carbonate (PPC), poly-L-glutamic acid (PGA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polycyclohexanediol terephthalate (PCT), glycol-modified PCT copolymer (PCTG), copolyester of cyclohexanediol and terephthalic acid (PCTA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBCT), acrylonitrile styrene (AS), styrene-butadiene copolymer (SBC), or polyolefins, such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLPDE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), and combinations thereof.

[0037] In some embodiments, the articles according to the invention may comprise polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or any combination thereof, preferably PP, PE (e.g., HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE), PS, or any combination thereof, more preferably PP, PE, or any combination thereof.

[0038] The thermoplastic materials used to manufacture the molded articles of the present invention may be natural materials, or they may be recycled materials or a combination / blend of both natural and recycled materials.

[0039] solid particles

[0040] If the solid particles used in this invention are reflective and translucent, they are characterized by: (1) a specular reflectance of 0.4 to 0.8, preferably 0.5 to 0.7, for example 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, or any range therebetween; and (2) a light transmittance of 40% to 95%, preferably 50% to 90%, for example 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, or any range therebetween. Importantly, the solid particles used in this invention have the aforementioned specular reflectance and light transmittance to ensure that the resulting molded article has a sufficiently metallic appearance and improved brightness. In contrast, metal sheets are highly reflective but not translucent. Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the white mica sheet used in the examples of this disclosure is reflective in light reflection mode (although not as reflective as a metal sheet) and translucent in light transmission mode.

[0041] Solid particles may contain materials selected from mica, glass fiber, SiO2, Al2O3, and combinations thereof.

[0042] The solid particles may have any shape, such as spheres, cubes, rectangles, ellipses, tubes, flattened shapes, etc. Preferably, the solid particles are sheets having an aspect ratio of at least 2, preferably 2 to 1,000, more preferably 3 to 200, even more preferably 4 to 100, and most preferably 5 to 50, for example 6, 8, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 or any range thereof.

[0043] Preferably, the solid particles are mica flakes. More preferably, the mica flakes contain a mixture selected from KAl2[AlSi3O] 10 Materials such as [OH]2, KMg3[AlSi3O10][F,OH]2, and combinations thereof. Mica flakes may have one or more surface coatings formed of metal oxides with high or low refractive indices. Such coatings may contain materials selected from TiO2, Fe2O3, ZrO2, Al2O3, Cr2O3, and any combination thereof. The coating process is carried out by a wet chemical method controlling the desired optical thickness of the coating. If coating is applied, it is important to ensure that the coating is not too thick, such that it reduces the transmittance of the mica flakes to below 40%.

[0044] Examples of mica flakes suitable for use in this invention are those containing KAl2[AlSi3O] 10 White mica with a substrate of [OH]2 and a TiO2 coating. Another example of mica flakes suitable for use in this invention is mica containing KMg3[AlSi3O]2. 10 Gold mica with a substrate of [F,OH]2 without any coating. Other coated / uncoated gold or silver mica flakes may also be used.

[0045] The mica flakes are characterized by an average maximum diameter of 1µm to 100µm, preferably 2µm to 50µm, more preferably 3µm to 40µm, and most preferably 5µm to 30µm, such as 6µm, 8µm, 10µm, 15µm, 18µm, 20µm, 22µm, 24µm, 28µm, or any range therebetween. The mica flakes are also characterized by an average thickness of 0.01µm to 20µm, preferably 0.05µm to 10µm, more preferably 0.1µm to 5µm, and most preferably 0.5µm to 2µm, such as 0.6µm, 0.8µm, 1µm, 1.2µm, 1.4µm, 1.6µm, 1.8µm, or any range therebetween. The mica flakes are further characterized by an aspect ratio of 2 to 1,000, preferably 3 to 200, more preferably 4 to 100, and most preferably 5 to 50, for example 6, 8, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 or any range therebetween.

[0046] Metal sheet

[0047] The metal sheet of the present invention may comprise a metal and / or its oxide, preferably aluminum and / or its oxide, silver and / or its oxide, copper and / or its oxide, gold and / or its oxide, palladium and / or its oxide, chromium and / or its oxide, or any combination thereof, more preferably aluminum and / or its oxide. Furthermore, the metal sheet may comprise a core and an organic coating outside the core, wherein the core may comprise a metal and / or its oxide, and the organic coating may comprise silicone, PE wax, PP wax, styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer, terpene resin, stearate, mineral oil, siloxane, or any combination thereof. Preferably, the coating may comprise PE wax, PP wax, siloxane, or any combination thereof.

[0048] In some implementations, the metal sheet can be combined with various colorants and pigments, including yellow, gold, red, green, blue, etc., as well as some special effect masterbatches, including pearlescent agents or other additives.

[0049] The metal sheet of the present invention is preferably characterized by having an average maximum diameter of 1µm to 100µm, more preferably 3µm to 50µm, more preferably 5µm to 30µm, and most preferably 7µm to 20µm, for example 5µm, 6µm, 7µm, 8µm, 9µm, 10µm, 12µm, 14µm, 16µm, 18µm or any range therebetween. The metal sheet is further characterized by an average thickness of 0.01µm to 10µm, preferably 0.05µm to 1µm, more preferably 0.10µm to 0.50µm, and most preferably 0.15µm to 0.35µm, such as 0.10µm, 0.12µm, 0.14µm, 0.16µm, 0.18µm, 0.20µm, 0.22µm, 0.24µm, 0.26µm, 0.28µm, or any range therebetween. The metal sheet is further characterized by an aspect ratio ranging from 3 to 1,000, preferably 5 to 500, more preferably 10 to 200, and most preferably 30 to 100, such as 10, 15, 18, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 80, 90, or any range therebetween.

[0050] adjuvants

[0051] The article comprises about 0.1%, 0.3%, 0.5%, or 1% to about 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% of auxiliary agents based on the weight of the article or its layers. The amount of auxiliary agents present in the article is relatively low to ensure structural integrity and allow for easy and efficient recycling.

[0052] Various additives are applicable herein. In one embodiment, the additive may be an internal lubricant and / or a peroxide. In particular, the layer also contains 0.1% to 5% by weight of an internal lubricant, preferably ethylene bis(stearamide) and / or a peroxide. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, the addition of an internal lubricant and / or a peroxide will facilitate the formation of a three-layer structure by reducing the viscosity of the resin.

[0053] In other embodiments, certain adjuvants may be preferred due to other properties, including but not limited to: physical state at ambient temperature (i.e., liquid or solid or gas), odor properties, commercial availability, cost, etc.

[0054] Preferably, the auxiliary agent is selected from alcohols, oils, siloxane fluids, water, and combinations thereof.

[0055] In one embodiment, the auxiliary agent is an alcohol, preferably selected from glycols, triols, and combinations thereof. More preferably, the alcohol is selected from ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, butanediol, glycerol, poly(propylene glycol), derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof. Most preferably, the auxiliary agent is glycerol.

[0056] In another embodiment, the adjuvant is an oil selected from vegetable oils, animal oils, petroleum-derived oils, and combinations thereof. For example, the adjuvant may be an animal oil selected from tallow, lard, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the adjuvant is a vegetable oil selected from sesame oil, soybean oil, peanut oil, olive oil, castor oil, cottonseed oil, palm oil, canola oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, corn oil, tall oil, rice bran oil, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0057] In another embodiment, the auxiliary is a siloxane fluid and may be a linear or branched polymer or copolymer. For example, the siloxane fluid may be a diorganosiloxane having one or more side or end groups selected from hydroxyl, vinyl, amine, phenyl, ethyl, and mixtures thereof. Other suitable siloxane fluids include polydimethylsiloxane homopolymers, copolymers consisting essentially of dimethylsiloxane units and methylphenylsiloxane units, and copolymers consisting essentially of diphenylsiloxane units and methylphenylsiloxane units. Mixtures of two or more such siloxane fluid polymers and copolymers may be used.

[0058] In one embodiment, the auxiliary agent is a siloxane fluid, preferably polydimethylsiloxane.

[0059] In some other embodiments, the articles of the present invention may comprise colorants (e.g., pigments, dyes, or combinations thereof), titanium dioxide, pearlescent agents, fillers, curing agents, antistatic agents, UV stabilizers, antioxidants, antiblocking agents, catalytic stabilizers, nucleating agents, or combinations thereof.

[0060] Preferred products with different colors

[0061] The molded articles of the present invention may have different colors, and the composition and preferred composition of such colored molded articles may vary slightly.

[0062] For example, when the molded article is pink, it can be a multi-layered article having an inner layer, an intermediate layer, and an outer layer. Preferably, the molded article includes an outer layer (or an intermediate layer covered by a transparent outer layer), the outer layer comprising:

[0063] a) PE, preferably HDPE;

[0064] b) Coloring agents;

[0065] c) 0.01% to 0.03% by weight of the outer layer of aluminum flakes, wherein the aluminum flakes have an average maximum diameter of 10µm to 35µm; and

[0066] d) 0.5% to 2% mica flakes by weight of the outer layer, wherein the mica flakes comprise KAl2[AlSi3O] 10 Coatings of [OH]2 and TiO2.

[0067] When the molded article is orange, it can be a multi-layered article having an inner layer, an intermediate layer, and an outer layer. Preferably, the molded article includes an outer layer (or an intermediate layer covered by a transparent outer layer), the outer layer comprising:

[0068] a) PE, preferably HDPE;

[0069] b) Coloring agents;

[0070] c) 0.01% to 0.03% by weight of the outer layer of aluminum flakes, wherein the aluminum flakes have an average maximum diameter of 10µm to 35µm; and

[0071] d) 0.5% to 2% mica flakes by weight of the outer layer.

[0072] When the molded article is blue, it can be a multi-layered article having an inner layer, an intermediate layer, and an outer layer. Preferably, the molded article includes an outer layer (or an intermediate layer covered by a transparent outer layer), the outer layer comprising:

[0073] a) PE, preferably HDPE;

[0074] b) Coloring agents;

[0075] c) 0.3% to 0.5% by weight of the layer of aluminum flakes, wherein the aluminum flakes have an average maximum diameter of 10µm to 35µm; and

[0076] d) 0.1% to 0.3% mica flakes by weight of the layer, wherein the mica flakes comprise KAl2[AlSi3O] 10 Coatings of [OH]2 and TiO2.

[0077] When the molded article has a silver color, the molded article may consist of a single layer, the single layer comprising:

[0078] a) PE, preferably HDPE;

[0079] c) 0.2% to 0.4% by weight of the layer of aluminum flakes, wherein the aluminum flakes have an average maximum diameter of 10µm to 35µm; and

[0080] d) 0.5% to 0.7% mica flakes by weight of the layer, wherein the mica flakes comprise KAl2[AlSi3O] 10 Coatings of [OH]2 and TiO2.

[0081] Preparation method

[0082] One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for preparing articles by extrusion blow molding (EBM), injection molding (IM), injection blow molding (IBM), or injection stretch blow molding (ISBM). Preferably, the method for preparing the articles of the present invention is an EBM process.

[0083] Preferably, the metal flakes and solid flakes, as described above, are first combined with a carrier (e.g., a thermoplastic material) to form a masterbatch. More preferably, the masterbatch is formed by: mixing the thermoplastic material and additives at ambient temperature; extruding the mixture of thermoplastic material, metal flakes, and solid flakes in an extruder (e.g., a twin-screw extruder) to form granules; and then cooling these granules in a water bath to form a blend, i.e., the masterbatch. The step of mixing the thermoplastic material, metal flakes, and solid flakes is preferably operated at ambient temperature to minimize chemical adhesion between the metal flakes and solid flakes and the thermoplastic material. The masterbatch is then further mixed with more of the same thermoplastic material to form a blow-molded blend. The masterbatch may contain certain auxiliary components (e.g., colorants). For example, the masterbatch is typically a color masterbatch used to provide color to containers.

[0084] Alternatively, metal sheets and solid sheets are added directly to the thermoplastic material, i.e., without forming a masterbatch. The combination of metal sheets and solid sheets with the thermoplastic material is preferably uniformly mixed to form a blow molding compound.

[0085] Next, the blow-molded blend can be blown using any blow molding process such as EBM, IM, IBM, or ISBM. In the EBM process, the blow-molded blend is melted and extruded into a preform, followed by a blow molding process. In the ISBM or IBM process, the blow-molded blend is melted and injected into a preform, followed by a blow molding or stretch blow molding process. The EBM process is preferred. In multilayer execution, depending on the type of blow molding, containers comprising multiple layers are made from multiple layer preforms or preforms.

[0086] In the preferred EBM process, the extrusion temperature is preferably in the range of 160°C to 210°C for HDPE (e.g., 210°C, 190°C, 180°C, 170°C, 160°C, or any value between them), and preferably in the range of 150°C to 180°C for PP (e.g., 180°C, 170°C, 160°C, 155°C, 150°C), wherein the extrusion rate is approximately 20 rpm to 40 rpm for HDPE and approximately 40 rpm to 60 rpm for PP. The blow molding die temperature is preferably in the range of 200°C to 220°C for HDPE and preferably in the range of 170°C to 190°C for PP. The die temperature is approximately room temperature.

[0087] Test methods

[0088] Test 1: Specular Reflectivity

[0089] The specular reflectance of the sample solid particles was measured by weighing 0.01 g of sample particles and dispersing them in 100 mL of ethanol. 0.04 mL of the dispersion was added to a 75 mm solution using a syringe. Extract such dispersions onto a 25mm glass slide. Leave the slide containing such dispersions in ambient air for approximately 5 minutes to allow the ethanol to evaporate.

[0090] Area is 25mm A 25 mm aluminum foil with a roughness of 0.37 µm was used as the reference sample for specular reflectance calculation. The aluminum foil was transferred to an optical microscope (e.g., Olympus BX51) for image acquisition. Image acquisition settings included: top light mode; eyepiece x10; objective lens x50; exposure time: 1 / 150 s; contrast: normal; sharpness: normal.

[0091] The acquired images are saved in TIFF format at 8 bits and a resolution of 1360. 1024 pixels. The image captured from the aluminum foil should have appropriate exposure and contrast, with an average gray level of approximately 210-240. The Al specular reflectance gray level is determined by taking a 10µm sample from the image. The average gray level of a 10µm rectangular area was measured. The average Al specular reflectance gray level was calculated by averaging five repeated areas.

[0092] Following the same image acquisition settings as those used for aluminum foil, a glass slide containing the dried dispersion was transferred to an optical microscope. The specular reflectance grayscale level of the sample solid particles was measured by taking the average grayscale level of the region within the particle covering at least 2 / 3 of the particle area.

[0093] The specular reflectance (SRR) of a particle is calculated as follows:

[0094] SRR = Specular reflectance of particles (gray level) / Average Al (spectral reflectance (gray level))

[0095] The final specular reflectance of the sample solid particles was calculated by taking the average specular reflectance of five particles.

[0096] Experiment 2: Transmittance Measurement

[0097] The transmittance of the sample solid particles was measured by weighing 0.01 g of such sample solid particles and then dispersing them in 100 mL of ethanol. 0.04 mL of the dispersion was added to a 75 mm solution using a syringe. Extract such dispersions onto a 25mm glass slide. Leave the slide containing such dispersions in ambient air for approximately 5 minutes to allow the ethanol to evaporate.

[0098] The slide was then transferred to an optical microscope (e.g., microscope BX53) for image acquisition. Image acquisition settings included: backlight mode; eyepiece x10; objective lens x40; exposure time: 160µs; contrast: 3; binary: 1; gain: 0.5.

[0099] The acquired images were saved in TIFF format at 8 bits with a resolution of 77.5 nm / pixel. The acquired images should have appropriate exposure and contrast, with the background (grain-free area) having a grayscale level of approximately 210–240. The background grayscale level was determined by taking 10µm of the background region from the image. The average gray level is measured over a rectangular area of ​​10µm. The average background gray level is calculated by averaging five repeated background gray levels.

[0100] The transmission gray level of the sample solid particles is measured by taking the average gray level of the region covering at least 2 / 3 of the particle area.

[0101] The transmittance of the solid particles in the sample was calculated as follows:

[0102] Transmittance = Transmitted gray level of particles / Average background gray level

[0103] The final transmittance of the sample solid particles was calculated by taking the average transmittance of five particles.

[0104] Test 3: Measurement of L15 / L45 / L110 and Dynamic Color Index

[0105] L15, L45, L110, and the dynamic color index (FI) values ​​can be measured according to ASTM E2539. Suitable measuring devices include the MA98 multi-angle photometer from X-rite Company.

[0106] L 15° L15 describes the luminosity measured at an angle of 15° from the reflection direction to the normal, and L 110° Or L110 is the luminosity measured at an angle of 110° from the reflection direction to the normal. 45° L45 is the luminance measured at the normal. Both L45 and L110 can be used to estimate whiteness or luminance in the diffuse direction. In this disclosure, L110 is primarily used to estimate the luminance of the molded article.

[0107] The dynamic color index, or "FI," is a characterization of changes in color luminance and is a very important measure of the metallic appearance. Specifically, FI indicates the change in lightness at different scattering angles. It can be mathematically calculated using the following formula:

[0108] ;

[0109] The incident light at a 45° angle to the surface and the specular reflection are symmetrical on the opposite side of the normal perpendicular to the surface. The dynamic color index (FI) indicates how L changes with different viewing angles, and a higher FI indicates greater contrast between dark and bright areas, and therefore a more significant effect.

[0110] Example

[0111] The embodiments described herein are intended to illustrate the invention, but are not intended to limit or restrict the scope of the invention.

[0112] Example 1: Improved brightness (L110) of molded articles with added mica flakes

[0113] Two (2) molded articles (including article 1 of the present invention and comparative article A) were prepared by conventional EBM process as shown in Table 1 below.

[0114] Table 1

[0115]

[0116] Article 1 of the present invention is prepared using 83% PP-RP 5052 resin (obtained from Lyondellbasell, Polymirae Co., Ltd., Yeosu, South Korea) and 17% masterbatch containing both aluminum flakes (obtained from Shinemax Advanced Materials Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China) and mica flakes (obtained from Shanghai Jinzhu Color Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China) to produce a final 0.6% by weight of metallic flakes and 3% by weight of mica flakes (5X) in the finished product. Comparative article A is prepared using 98% PP resin and 2% masterbatch containing only aluminum flakes to produce a final 0.6% by weight of metallic flakes in the finished product. Both article 1 of the present invention and comparative article A are single-layer articles. The final compositions of article 1 of the present invention and comparative article A, as well as their corresponding FI and L110 values ​​(measured according to the method described in Test 3) indicating their respective metallic appearance and brightness, are shown in Table 2 below.

[0117] Table 2

[0118]

[0119] The above results indicate that, surprisingly and unexpectedly, the sufficiently metallic appearance of the molded article containing both metal flakes and mica flakes according to the present invention (e.g., article 1 of the present invention) is comparable to that of the molded article containing only metal flakes (e.g., comparative article A), but article 1 of the present invention exhibits significantly improved brightness due to the addition of 5X mica flakes.

[0120] Example 2: Mica / metal content and weight ratio for metallic appearance (FI) and brightness (L11) of HDPE EBM products Impact

[0121] Nineteen (19) molded HDPE articles (including articles 2-13 of the present invention (containing both aluminum flakes and mica flakes) and comparative articles B to F (containing only mica flakes or only aluminum flakes)) were prepared using the conventional EBM process shown in Table 3 below.

[0122] Table 3

[0123]

[0124] These molded products were all single-layer bottles made from a masterbatch containing 83% HDPE 5502 resin (obtained from Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP, USA) and 17% aluminum F-09 flakes (obtained from Shinemax Advanced Materials Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China) and / or mica flakes (obtained from Shanghai Jinzhu Color Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China). The final weight percentages of aluminum and mica flakes in the finished products, as well as their corresponding FI and L110 values ​​(measured according to the method described in Test 3) indicating their respective metallic appearance and brightness, are shown in Table 4 below.

[0125] Table 4

[0126]

[0127] The above results indicate that, surprisingly and unexpectedly, the sufficiently metallic appearance of the molded articles of the present invention containing both metal flakes and mica flakes (e.g., articles 2-13 of the present invention) is comparable (and sometimes even better) to that of similar molded articles containing only metal flakes (e.g., comparative articles C to H), but all of the molded articles of the present invention exhibit a significantly improved brightness due to the addition of mica flakes. However, complete removal of the metal flakes results in molded articles with a low metallic appearance that is too white / pasty (e.g., comparative article B). The balance between metallic appearance and brightness appears to be particularly optimal when the mica / metal weight ratio is within certain ranges (e.g., 1-20 or 2-10).

[0128] Example 3: The effect of mica / metal content and weight ratio on the metallic appearance (FI) and brightness (L11) of PP EBM products Influence

[0129] Seven (7) molded PP articles (including articles 14-19 of the present invention (containing both aluminum flakes and mica flakes) and comparative article I (containing only aluminum flakes)) were prepared by the conventional EBM process shown in Table 1 above.

[0130] These molded products are all single-layer bottles prepared using 8%–98% PP-RP 5052 resin (obtained from Lyondellbasell, Polymirae Co., Ltd., Yeosu, South Korea) and various amounts of aluminum F-09 flakes (obtained from Shinemax Advanced Materials Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China) and / or mica flakes (obtained from Shanghai Jinzhu Color Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China). The final weight percentage of aluminum flakes and mica flakes in the finished product, as well as their corresponding FI and L110 values ​​(measured according to the method described in Test 6) indicating their respective metallic appearance and brightness, are shown in Table 5 below.

[0131] Table 5

[0132]

[0133] The above results indicate that, surprisingly and unexpectedly, the sufficiently metallic appearance of the molded articles of the present invention containing both metal flakes and mica flakes (e.g., articles 14-19 of the present invention) is comparable (and sometimes even better) to that of similar molded articles containing only metal flakes (e.g., comparative article I), but all of the molded articles of the present invention exhibit a significantly improved brightness due to the addition of mica flakes. The balance between metallic appearance and brightness appears to be particularly optimal when the mica / metal weight ratio is within certain specific ranges (e.g., 2.5-10).

[0134] Example 4: Improved brightness (L110) of colored articles with added mica flakes

[0135] Four (4) molded HDPE articles of different colors were prepared by conventional EBM process as shown in Table 3 above (including articles 20-21 of the present invention (containing both metal flakes and mica flakes) and comparative articles J to K (containing only metal flakes)).

[0136] These molded articles are all single-layer bottles prepared using 96%–99% HDPE 5502 resin (obtained from Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP, USA) and various amounts of aluminum F-09 flakes (obtained from Shinemax Advanced Materials Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China), copper / zinc alloy flakes (bronze powder 5000) (obtained from AVM Metal Powders nv, Belgium, Europe), and / or mica flakes (obtained from Shanghai Jinzhu Color Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China). Article 20 of the present invention and comparative article J are both deep blue containing 3% deep blue pigment. Article 21 of the present invention and comparative article K have a copper hue due to the copper flakes contained therein. The final weight percentages of aluminum flakes, copper flakes, and mica flakes in the finished products, as well as their corresponding FI and L110 values ​​(measured according to the method described in Test 6) indicating their respective metallic appearance and brightness, are shown in Table 6 below.

[0137] Table 6

[0138]

[0139] The above results indicate that, despite being dark in color, the molded articles of the present invention containing both metal flakes and mica flakes (e.g., articles 20-21 of the present invention) still exhibit improved brightness compared to similar molded articles containing only metal flakes (e.g., comparative articles J to K), while maintaining a high metallic appearance comparable to (and actually better than) that of comparative articles J to K.

[0140] Example 5: Reduced metallic appearance (FI) of molded articles with added TiO2 flakes

[0141] Two (2) molded articles, L and M, were prepared using the conventional EBM process shown in Table 3 above.

[0142] These molded products are all single-layer bottles made using 97–98% HDPE 5502 resin (obtained from Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP, USA) and various amounts of aluminum F-09 flakes (obtained from Shinemax Advanced Materials Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China) and / or TiO2 flakes (obtained from Shanghai Jinzhu Color Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China). The final weight percentages of aluminum flakes and TiO2 in the finished products, as well as their corresponding FI and L110 values ​​(measured according to the method described in Test 3) indicating their respective metallic appearance and brightness, are shown in Table 7 below.

[0143] Table 7

[0144]

[0145] The above results indicate that adding TiO2 flakes (instead of mica flakes) to molded articles containing metal flakes significantly reduces the metallic appearance, although it does increase brightness. TiO2 flakes are neither reflective (having a light reflectance of less than 0.2) nor translucent (i.e., having a light transmittance of only 20% or less), and therefore cannot be used to practice the present invention.

[0146] Example 6: Exemplary molded articles with different lamination structures

[0147] The following are various exemplary molded articles with different lamination structures according to the present invention. For simplicity, this document only provides the relevant content of metal / mica flakes and their corresponding positions in the molded articles:

[0148] Table 8

[0149]

[0150] Example 7: Improved brightness (L110) of injection molded articles with added mica flakes

[0151] Two (2) injection molded articles (including article 14 of the present invention and comparative article N) were prepared by conventional IM process as shown in Table 9 below.

[0152] Table 9

[0153]

[0154] Article 14 of the present invention is prepared using 83% PP-344RK resin (obtained from North Huajin Chemicalindustries group Cooperation in Panjin, China) and 17% masterbatch containing both aluminum flakes (obtained from Shinemax Advanced Materials Co., Ltd. in Shenzhen, China) and mica flakes (obtained from Shanghai Jinzhu Color Co., Ltd. in Shanghai, China) to produce a final 0.6% by weight of metal flakes and 3% by weight of mica flakes (5X) in the finished product. Comparative article N is prepared using 98% PP-344RK resin and 2% masterbatch containing only aluminum flakes to produce a final 2% by weight of metal flakes in the finished product. Both article 14 of the present invention and comparative article N are single-layer articles. The final compositions of article 14 of the present invention and comparative article N, as well as their corresponding FI and L110 values ​​(measured according to the method described in Test 3) indicating their respective metallic appearance and brightness, are shown in Table 10 below.

[0155] Table 10

[0156]

[0157] The above results indicate that, compared with IM articles containing only metal flakes (e.g., comparative article N), similar benefits (i.e., a high metallic appearance and improved brightness) are also observed in IM articles containing both metal flakes and mica flakes (e.g., article 14 of the present invention) according to the present invention.

[0158] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be construed as strictly limited to the precise numerical values ​​cited. Rather, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to represent the stated value and a range around which it is functionally equivalent. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to represent “approximately 40 mm”.

[0159] Unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited, every reference cited herein, including any cross-references or related patents or patent applications, and any patent application or patent claiming priority to or benefiting from it, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Reference to any reference is not an endorsement of it as prior art to any disclosed or protected art herein, nor is it an endorsement of any such invention, either on its own or in combination with any one or more references. Furthermore, where any meaning or definition of a term in this invention conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in referenced documents, the meaning or definition given to that term in this invention shall prevail.

[0160] While specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described by way of example, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that all such changes and modifications falling within the scope of the invention be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A molded article having at least one component, the at least one component comprising at least one layer, the at least one layer comprising: a) 50% to 99.98% thermoplastic material by weight of the layer; b) 0.01% to 40% by weight of the layer; and c) 0.01% to 40% of solid particles by weight of the layer. The solid particles are characterized by a specular reflectance of 0.4 to 0.8 and a light transmittance of 40% to 95%, and the weight ratio of the solid particles to the metal sheet ranges from 2 to 15. The metal sheet is characterized by having an average maximum diameter of 7µm to 25µm and an average thickness of 0.05µm to 1µm. The solid particles are mica flakes, which contain KAl2[AlSi3O] 10 ][OH]2.

2. The molded article according to claim 1, wherein the solid particles are characterized by a specular reflectance of 0.5 to 0.7 and a light transmittance of 50% to 90%.

3. The molded article according to claim 2, wherein the mica sheet further comprises a coating of TiO2, Fe2O3, ZrO2, Al2O3 and / or Cr2O3.

4. The molded article according to claim 1, wherein the at least one layer comprises 0.1% to 25% mica flakes by weight.

5. The molded article according to claim 4, wherein the mica sheet is characterized in that: ● The average maximum diameter is between 1µm and 100µm; and / or ● Average thickness of 0.01µm to 20µm; and / or ● Aspect ratio of 2 to 1,000.

6. The molded article of claim 1, wherein the metal sheet comprises a metal and / or its oxide; wherein the metal is selected from aluminum, copper, zinc, silver, gold, palladium, chromium, and any combination and / or alloy thereof.

7. The molded article of claim 6, wherein the metal sheet comprises aluminum and / or its oxides.

8. The molded article of claim 6, wherein the metal sheet further comprises an organic coating; wherein the organic coating comprises silicone, polyethylene (PE) wax, polypropylene (PP) wax, styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer, terpene resin, stearate, mineral oil, siloxane, or any combination thereof.

9. The molded article according to claim 8, wherein the organic coating comprises silicone, PE wax, PP wax, siloxane or any combination thereof.

10. The molded article of claim 1, wherein the at least one layer comprises 0.02% to 15% by weight of a metal sheet.

11. The molded article according to claim 10, wherein the metal sheet is characterized in that: ● The average thickness is 0.10µm to 0.50µm; and / or ● Aspect ratio of 2 to 1,000.

12. The molded article of claim 1, wherein the at least one layer comprises 70% to 99.9% by weight of the thermoplastic material.

13. The molded article according to claim 12, wherein the thermoplastic material is selected from: polypropylene (PP), chlorinated polypropylene (CPP), polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), medium-density polyethylene (MDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), ethylene-propylene copolymer, polymethylpentene (PMP), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), polyvinyl chloride (PVDC), polystyrene (PS), and acrylonitrile benzene. Ethylene (AS), Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), Polyacrylonitrile (PAN), Styrene-butadiene copolymer (SBC), Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), Polyamide (PA), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Diol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), Polycyclohexanediol terephthalate (PCT), Diol-modified PCT copolymer (PCTG), Copolyester of cyclohexanediol and terephthalic acid (PCTA), Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), Polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), Polycarbonate (PC), Polypropylene carbonate (PPC), Poly... -Glutamic acid (PGA), cellulose plastics, polylactide (PLA), polybutylene adipate / terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polybutylene adipate succinate (PBSA), polycaprolactone (PCL), thermoplastic starch (TPS), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), chitosan, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and copolymers thereof, ethylene methacrylate copolymers containing metal ions selected from zinc (Zn), sodium (Na), lithium (Li) and combinations thereof, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers (SBS), styrene-isoprene- Styrene copolymers (SIS), styrene-ethylene-butene-styrene block copolymers (SEBS), styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene copolymers (SEPS), thermoplastic olefins (TPO), thermoplastic vulcanized rubber (TPV), thermoplastic polybutadiene (TPB), thermoplastic polyisoprene (TPI), thermoplastic polyvinyl chloride (TPVC), thermoplastic chlorinated polyethylene (TCPE), thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPU), thermoplastic polyester elastomers (TPEE), thermoplastic polyamide elastomers (TPAE), thermoplastic fluorides (TPF), thermoplastic vulcanized silicone (TPSiV), and any combination thereof.

14. The molded article according to claim 13, wherein the thermoplastic material is selected from PP, PE, HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE, PS, and any combination thereof.

15. The molded article according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the molded article is pink and includes an outer layer comprising: a) PE; b) Coloring agents; c) 0.01% to 0.03% by weight of the outer layer of aluminum flakes, wherein the aluminum flakes have an average maximum diameter of 10µm to 35µm; and d) 0.5% to 2% mica flakes by weight of the outer layer, wherein the mica flakes comprise KAl2[AlSi3O] 10 Coatings of [OH]2 and TiO2.

16. The molded article according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the molded article is orange and includes an outer layer comprising: a) PE; b) Coloring agents; c) 0.01% to 0.03% by weight of the outer layer of aluminum flakes, wherein the aluminum flakes have an average maximum diameter of 10µm to 35µm; and d) 0.5% to 2% mica flakes by weight of the outer layer.

17. The molded article according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the molded article is blue and includes an outer layer comprising: a) PE; b) Coloring agents; c) 0.3% to 0.5% by weight of the layer of aluminum flakes, wherein the aluminum flakes have an average maximum diameter of 10µm to 35µm; and d) 0.1% to 0.3% mica flakes by weight of the layer, wherein the mica flakes comprise KAl2[AlSi3O] 10 Coatings of [OH]2 and TiO2.

18. The molded article according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the molded article is silver in color and consists of a single layer, the single layer comprising: a) PE; c) 0.2% to 0.4% by weight of the layer of aluminum flakes, wherein the aluminum flakes have an average maximum diameter of 10µm to 35µm; and d) 0.5% to 0.7% mica flakes by weight of the layer, wherein the mica flakes comprise KAl2[AlSi3O] 10 Coatings of [OH]2 and TiO2.

19. The molded article according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the molded article is selected from extruded blow-molded articles, injection-molded articles, injection blow-molded articles and injection stretch blow-molded articles.

20. The molded article of claim 19, wherein the molded article is an extruded blow-molded article.

21. A method for preparing a molded article, the method comprising the following steps: d) Mixing a molten thermoplastic material, metal flakes, and solid particles to form a blend, wherein the blend comprises 50% to 99.98% by weight of the molten thermoplastic material, 0.01% to 40% by weight of the metal flakes, and 0.01% to 40% by weight of the solid particles; wherein the solid particles are characterized by a specular reflectance of 0.4 to 0.8 and a light transmittance of 40% to 90%; and wherein the weight ratio of the solid particles to the metal flakes ranges from 2 to 15; the metal flakes are characterized by an average maximum diameter of 7 µm to 25 µm and an average thickness of 0.05 µm to 1 µm; the solid particles are mica flakes containing KAl2[AlSi3O] 10 [OH]2; e) Extruding or injecting the blend, alone or together with one or more other blends, to form a preform or preform; and f) Blow molding the preform or preform within a mold to form a molded article. The molded article has at least one component, the at least one component comprising at least one layer formed from the blend.

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