Polymer composition suitable for injection molding comprising particles and colorant, method for preparation thereof and use thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a polymer composition suitable for injection molding comprising polymer particles and a colorant. In particular, the present invention relates to a polymer (meth) acrylic composition comprising polymer particles and a colorant mixture, which is suitable for injection molding compounds with high gloss. The invention also relates to the use of such a polymer or polymer (meth) acrylic composition comprising polymer particles and a colorant mixture in lighting applications and injection molding. The invention also relates to a method for preparing a polymer composition or a (meth) acrylic composition suitable for injection molding compounds having a high gloss surface, comprising polymer particles and a colorant mixture.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention application with application number "201980086213.1" and invention name "Polymer composition suitable for injection molding containing particles and colorants, preparation method and use thereof". [Technical field]

[0002] The present invention relates to a polymer composition suitable for injection molding comprising polymer particles and a colorant.

[0003] In particular, the present invention relates to polymer (meth)acrylic compositions comprising polymer particles and a colorant mixture suitable for injection molding compounds having high gloss.

[0004] The invention also relates to the use of such polymer compositions or polymer (meth)acrylic compositions comprising a mixture of polymer particles and a colorant in lighting applications and injection molding.

[0005] The present invention also relates to a process for preparing a polymeric or (meth)acrylic composition comprising polymer particles and a colorant mixture suitable for an injection molding compound having a high gloss surface. [Background Technology]

[0006] Thermoplastic polymers, especially (meth)acrylic polymers, are widely used, including in lighting applications. This is mainly due to their properties as highly transparent polymer materials with excellent resistance to UV radiation and weathering. Therefore, (meth)acrylic polymers are used, for example, in lamps, lamps, lampshades, displays, lighting shelves, surfaces and lighting signs.

[0007] Lighting applications have various requirements on the light transmission and diffusion capabilities of (meth)acrylic polymers or compositions based on (meth)acrylic polymers. These compositions based on (meth)acrylic polymers usually contain more or less spherical particles, which are also polymer particles or other organic or inorganic particles.

[0008] In addition, there is also great interest in polymer compositions having a good compromise between light transmission and diffusion properties and having a glossy surface appearance, hiding the light source and transmitting and diffusing light or colored light when the light source is switched on. The last point is particularly important for lighting applications, where for example a sign is required to be visible during the day when the light source is switched off or does not need to be switched on, and visible at night or in semi-darkness when the light source is switched on.

[0009] This compromise is based on the correct or optimal amount of the respective particles in the polymer composition and their particle size and the correct or optimal amount of the colorant in the polymer composition.

[0010] Therefore, it is important to have a polymer composition comprising polymer particles and a colorant, which can be used in lighting devices including LEDs, can conceal the light source, and when the light source is turned on, light or colored light is transmitted and diffused. The surface of the converted polymer composition should be very shiny and obtainable in a simple way.

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide polymer compositions comprising polymer particles and colorants having a high gloss surface suitable for lighting applications.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a polymer composition comprising polymer particles and a colorant for lighting applications and having a high gloss surface, by using which aspect contrast and / or color contrast is produced independently of the color of the lighting source.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a polymer composition comprising polymer particles and a colorant, so that when the composition is used as a cover in a lighting application and a light source is illuminated, a lighting device including the composition as a cover can transmit light in the entire wavelength range of visible light and the composition has a high gloss surface.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a lighting device comprising a light source and a polymer composition comprising polymer particles and a colorant as a cover of the light source, which is hidden when the light source is lit and can transmit light in the entire wavelength range of visible light and has a high-gloss surface.

[0015] [Background of the invention] Prior art

[0016] Diffusion of light is often increased by adding scattering particles to the composition, which increases relative diffusion power and hiding power.

[0017] Document EP1864274 discloses a lighting device combining an LED and a diffusion sheet, wherein the lighting device comprises at least one light emitting diode and at least one cover made of transparent plastic, in which particles scattering the light emitted by the light emitting diode are dispersed.

[0018] Document EP1927098 discloses a lighting device combining a white LED and a diffuser, wherein the lighting device comprises at least one white light emitting diode and at least one cover made of transparent plastic, in which particles scattering the light emitted by the light emitting diode are dispersed.

[0019] Document US2016 / 0245954 discloses an optical diffuser blend material for LED lighting. The diffuser blend comprises a mixture of inorganic particles and organic particles.

[0020] Document WO 2004 / 098857 discloses an injection molding process for producing light-diffusing molded articles. The molding compound comprises a polymethyl methacrylate matrix and spherical plastic particles with a particle size of 1-24 μm.

[0021] The prior art does not disclose a polymer composition comprising both polymer particles and a colorant mixture suitable for lighting applications or lighting devices, while having a very glossy surface, wherein the lighting applications or lighting devices comprise a polymer composition that can hide a light source and transmit and diffuse optical or colored light when the light source is turned on. [Summary of the invention]

[0022] Surprisingly, it has been found that a polymer composition PC1 comprising:

[0023] a) polymer P1,

[0024] b) polymer particles PP1 having a weight average particle size between 0.5 μm and 20 μm,

[0025] c) Colorants CA1 to CA n ,

[0026] It is characterized in that the colorant is colorant CA1 to CA n mixtures in composition PC1, where n>1;

[0027] The polymer composition PC1 has sufficient hiding power in lighting applications and provides uniform light diffusion and a high gloss surface.

[0028] Surprisingly, it has been found that a polymer composition PC1 comprising:

[0029] a) polymer P1,

[0030] b) polymer particles PP1 having a weight average particle size between 0.5 μm and 20 μm,

[0031] c) Colorants CA1 to CA n ,

[0032] It is characterized in that the colorant is colorant CA1 to CA n mixtures in composition PC1, where n>1;

[0033] The polymer composition PC1 is suitable for covers in lighting applications, providing sufficient hiding power, uniform light diffusion and a high gloss surface.

[0034] Surprisingly, it has been found that a polymer composition PC1 comprising:

[0035] a) polymer AP1,

[0036] b) polymer particles PP1 having a weight average particle size between 0.5 μm and 20 μm,

[0037] c) Colorants CA1 to CA n ,

[0038] It is characterized in that the colorant is colorant CA1 to CA n mixtures in composition PC1, where n>1;

[0039] The polymer composition PC1 can be used in lighting applications to provide sufficient hiding power, uniform light diffusion and a high gloss surface.

[0040] A process has also been found for obtaining a polymer composition PC1 comprising:

[0041] a) polymer P1,

[0042] b) polymer particles PP1 having a weight average particle size between 0.5 μm and 20 μm,

[0043] c) Colorants CA1 to CA n ,

[0044] It is characterized in that the colorant is colorant CA1 to CA n mixtures in composition PC1, where n>1;

[0045] The method comprises the following steps

[0046] i) Provide:

[0047] a) (meth) acrylic polymer AP1,

[0048] b) polymer particles PP1 having a weight average particle size between 0.5 μm and 20 μm,

[0049] c) Colorants CA1 to CA n

[0050] ii) Blending the three components a), b) and c)

[0051] The result is a polymer composition that provides adequate hiding power, uniform light diffusion and a high gloss surface in lighting applications.

[0052] The present invention discloses the following technical contents.

[0053] Scheme 1. A polymer composition PC1 comprising:

[0054] a) polymer P1,

[0055] b) polymer particles PP1 having a weight average particle size between 0.5 μm and 20 μm,

[0056] c) Colorants CA1 to CA n ,

[0057] It is characterized in that the colorant is colorant CA1 to CA n Mixtures in composition PC1 where n>1.

[0058] Scheme 2. The polymer composition PC1 according to Scheme 1, characterized in that the polymer P1 is a (meth)acrylic polymer AP1.

[0059] Option 3. The polymer composition PC1 according to Option 1 or 2, characterized in that the mixture of colorants has a grey color.

[0060] Scheme 4. A polymer composition PC1 according to any one of Schemes 1 to 3, characterized in that, in the CIELAB system, the mixture of colorants has the following values: 20<L*<80, -20<a*<20, -20<b*<20, more preferably 30<L*<70, -10<a*<10, -10<b*<10, and even more preferably 30<L*<70, -5<a*<5, -5<b*<5.

[0061] Aspect 5. The polymer composition PC1 according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, characterized in that, if blended only with polymer P1 or (meth)acrylic polymer AP1, the mixture of colorants produces uniform light transmission in the wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm.

[0062] Option 6. A polymer composition PC1 according to any one of Options 1 to 4, characterized in that the amount of the mixture of colorants in the composition is selected so that if the mixture of colorants is blended only with polymer P1 or (meth)acrylic polymer AP1, a transmittance between 10% and 30% is produced in the wavelength range of 400nm-700nm.

[0063] Scheme 7. The polymer composition PC1 according to any one of Schemes 1 to 6, characterized in that the colorants CA1 to CA n Colorants CA1 to CA n and the value of n is 1<n<10.

[0064] Scheme 8. The polymer composition PC1 according to any one of Schemes 1 to 7, characterized in that the colorants CA1 to CA n It is a derivative of methane, pyrazolone, quinolinephthalone, pyrene, azo, anthraquinone, and coumarin.

[0065] Scheme 9. The polymer composition PC1 according to any one of Schemes 1 to 7, characterized in that the colorants CA1 to CA n Selected from

[0066] 2,4-Dihydro-5-methyl-2-phenyl-4-(phenylazo)-3H-pyrazol-3-one;

[0067] 12H-phthaloylpyrene-12-one, CAS number [6925-69-5];

[0068] 8,9,10,11-Tetrachloro-12H-phthaloyl-12-one;

[0069] 3-Hydroxy-N-(o-tolyl)-4-[(2,4,5-trichlorophenyl)azo]naphthalene-2-carboxamide;

[0070] 1,4-diamino-2,3-diphenoxyanthraquinone;

[0071] 1-Hydroxy-4-(p-tolylamino)anthracene-9,10-dione;

[0072] 1,4-Bis(2,4,6-trimethylanilino)-9,10-anthraquinone;

[0073] 1,4-Bis(p-tolylamino)anthraquinone.

[0074] Scheme 10. The polymer composition PC1 according to any one of Schemes 1 to 9, characterized in that the colorants CA1 to CA n , so that for a 2 mm thick and containing colorants CA1 to CA n The sheet of the (meth)acrylic polymer AP1 has a light transmittance in the wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm of between 5% and 40%, more preferably between 10% and 30%.

[0075] Option 11. The polymer composition PC1 according to Option 10 is characterized in that the change in transmittance varies within a range of less than 30% of the absolute value.

[0076] Scheme 12. The polymer composition PC1 according to any one of Schemes 1 to 11, characterized in that the colorants CA1 to CA n , so that one colorant CA1 is red or yellow or orange or green or blue or violet, and another colorant CA2 is red or yellow or orange or green or blue or violet, but has a different color from colorant CA1; and possibly another colorant CA3 is red or yellow or orange or green or blue or violet, but has a different color from colorants CA1 and CA2; and so on, up to colorant Cn.

[0077] Embodiment 13. The polymer composition PC1 according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12, characterized in that n is between 1 and 9.

[0078] Embodiment 14. The polymer composition PC1 according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12, characterized in that n is between 2 and 6.

[0079] Scheme 15. The polymer composition PC1 according to any one of Schemes 1 to 14, characterized in that the colorants CA1 to CA n The amount is between 10 ppm by weight and 10 000 ppm by weight, relative to the polymer P1.

[0080] Aspect 16. A polymer composition PC1 according to any one of aspects 1 to 15, characterized in that the polymer composition PC1 comprises at least one additional colorant CB, which is different from the colorants CA1 to CA1 already present in the polymer composition PC1. n Any of the different.

[0081] Aspect 17. The polymer composition PC1 according to any one of Aspects 1 to 16, characterized in that the colorant is a mixture of a pigment and a dye.

[0082] Aspect 18. The polymer composition PC1 according to any one of aspects 1 to 16, characterized in that the colorant is a mixture of dyes.

[0083] Aspect 19. The polymer composition PC1 according to any one of aspects 1 to 16, characterized in that the colorant is a mixture of pigments.

[0084] Aspect 20. The polymer composition PC1 according to any one of Aspects 2 to 19, characterized in that the (meth)acrylic polymer AP1 is a (meth)acrylic block copolymer MBC or a (meth)acrylic polymer MP1.

[0085] Aspect 21. The polymer composition PC1 according to any one of Aspects 1 to 20, characterized in that the polymer particles PP1 are polymer silicone particles.

[0086] Item 22. The polymer composition PC1 according to item 21, characterized in that the polymer silicone particles PP1 have a refractive index between 1.30 and 1.45, preferably between 1.35 and 1.45, advantageously between 1.36 and 1.44.

[0087] Scheme 23. A polymer composition PC1 according to any one of Schemes 21 to 22, characterized in that the polymer silicone particles PP1 have a weight-average particle size preferably between 1 μm and 9 μm, more preferably between 1 μm and 8 μm, still more preferably between 1 μm and 7 μm, even more preferably between 1 μm and 6 μm, advantageously between 1 μm and 5 μm, and more advantageously between 1 μm and 4 μm.

[0088] Aspect 24. The polymer composition PC1 according to any one of Aspects 1 to 20, characterized in that the polymer particles PP1 are polymer (meth)acrylic particles.

[0089] Scheme 25. A method for preparing a polymer composition PC1 according to any one of Schemes 1 to 24, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps:

[0090] i) Provide:

[0091] a) polymer P1,

[0092] b) polymer particles PP1 having a weight average particle size between 0.5 μm and 20 μm,

[0093] c) Colorants CA1 to CA n

[0094] ii) The three components a), b) and c) are blended.

[0095] Option 26. The method according to Option 25, characterized in that blending is performed by compounding or mixing.

[0096] Scheme 27. The method according to Scheme 25, characterized in that colorants CA1 to CA n masterbatch or liquid colorant.

[0097] Item 28. A method for manufacturing an object by transforming and / or processing the polymer composition PC1 according to any one of items 1 to 24.

[0098] Option 29. The method according to Option 28, characterized in that the conversion is carried out by injection molding.

[0099] Solution 30. A method for manufacturing a lighting device, the method comprising the following steps:

[0100] i) providing a polymer composition PC1 according to any one of Schemes 1 to 24

[0101] ii) Manufacturing a cover for the lighting device comprising the polymer composition PC1

[0102] iii) combining the cover with a light source.

[0103] Item 31. Use of the polymer composition PC1 according to any one of items 1 to 24 in lighting applications or lighting devices.

[0104] Item 32. Use of the polymer composition PC1 according to any one of items 1 to 24 for manufacturing an object or a molded object.

[0105] Option 33. The use according to Option 32, characterized in that the object is a cover or a plate for a light-emitting device.

[0106] Item 34. An object made from the polymer composition PC1 according to any one of items 1 to 24.

[0107] Embodiment 35. A lighting device comprising the polymer composition PC1 according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 24.

[0108] Embodiment 36. The lighting device according to embodiment 35 comprises an LED as a light source.

[0109] Option 37. A lighting device according to Option 36, characterized in that the LED is a white LED. [Drawings]

[0110] Figure 1 The light transmittance of a 3 mm thick sheet of the (meth)acrylic polymer AP1 in the wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm is shown. [Detailed description of the invention]

[0112] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a polymer composition PC1 comprising:

[0113] a) polymer P1,

[0114] b) polymer particles PP1 having a weight average particle size between 0.5 μm and 20 μm,

[0115] c) Colorants CA1 to CA n ,

[0116] It is characterized in that the colorant is colorant CA1 to CA n Mixtures in composition PC1 where n>1.

[0117] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a polymer composition PC1 comprising:

[0118] a) (meth) acrylic polymer AP1,

[0119] b) polymer particles PP1 having a weight average particle size between 0.5 μm and 20 μm,

[0120] c) Colorants CA1 to CAn ,

[0121] It is characterized in that the colorant is colorant CA1 to CA n Mixtures in composition PC1 where n>1.

[0122] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a process for preparing a polymer composition PC1, said composition PC1 comprising:

[0123] a) polymer P1,

[0124] b) polymer particles PP1 having a weight average particle size between 0.5 μm and 20 μm,

[0125] c) Colorants CA1 to CA n ,

[0126] It is characterized in that the colorant is colorant CA1 to CA n mixtures in composition PC1, where n>1;

[0127] The method comprises the following steps

[0128] i) Provide:

[0129] a) polymer P1,

[0130] b) polymer particles PP1 having a weight average particle size between 0.5 μm and 20 μm,

[0131] c) Colorants CA1 to CA n

[0132] ii) The three components a), b) and c) are blended.

[0133] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a polymer composition PC1 in lighting applications, said polymer composition PC1 comprising:

[0134] a) polymer P1,

[0135] b) polymer particles PP1 having a weight average particle size between 0.5 μm and 20 μm,

[0136] c) Colorants CA1 to CA n ,

[0137] It is characterized in that the colorant is colorant CA1 to CA n Mixtures in composition PC1 where n>1.

[0138] According to a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to a lighting device comprising a polymer composition PC1, said polymer composition PC1 comprising:

[0139] a) polymer P1,

[0140] b) polymer particles PP1 having a weight average particle size between 0.5 μm and 20 μm,

[0141] c) Colorants CA1 to CA n ,

[0142] It is characterized in that the colorant is colorant CA1 to CA n Mixtures in composition PC1 where n>1.

[0143] According to yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a lighting device, the method comprising the following steps:

[0144] i) providing a polymer composition PC1 comprising

[0145] a) Polymer P1

[0146] b) polymer particles PP1 having a weight average particle size between 0.5 μm and 20 μm,

[0147] c) Colorants CA1 to CA n ,

[0148] It is characterized in that the colorant is colorant CA1 to CA n A mixture in composition PC1, wherein n>1,

[0149] ii) preparing a cover for a lighting device comprising the polymer composition PC1,

[0150] iii) combining the cover with a light source.

[0151] The term "alkyl (meth)acrylate" is used to denote both alkyl acrylate and alkyl methacrylate.

[0152] The term "copolymer" is used to denote a polymer composed of at least two different monomers.

[0153] The term "part(s)" used herein means "part(s) by weight".

[0154] The term "thermoplastic polymer" is used to refer to a polymer that becomes liquid or becomes more liquid or less viscous when heated and can assume new shapes through the application of heat and pressure.

[0155] The term "(meth)acrylic polymer" used in the present invention means a polymer in which the weight ratio of acrylic or methacrylic monomers in the (meth)acrylic polymer is at least 50 wt%.

[0156] The term "PMMA" used in the present invention means a homopolymer or copolymer of methyl methacrylate (MMA), and in the case of a copolymer of MMA, the weight ratio of MMA in PMMA is at least 50 wt%.

[0157] The term "masterbatch" is used to understand a composition comprising a high concentration of an additive in a carrier material. The additive is dispersed in the carrier material.

[0158] The term "high gloss" is used to understand a gloss greater than 70 GU, preferably greater than 75 GU, advantageously greater than 80 GU, measured at 60° according to ASTM D523.

[0159] The range of x to y mentioned in the present invention is meant to include the upper and lower limits of the range, equivalent to at least x and at most y.

[0160] The range between x and y mentioned in the present invention means excluding the upper limit and the lower limit of the range, which is equivalent to being greater than x and less than y.

[0161] As for the polymer composition PC1 according to the invention, it comprises a polymer P1, polymer particles PP1 having a weight average particle size between 0.5 μm and 20 μm, and colorants CA1 to CA n , characterized in that the colorant is colorant CA1 to CA n A mixture in the composition PC1 where n>1. In other words, at least two different colorants CA1 and CA2 are present in the polymer composition PC1.

[0162] The polymer P1 may be selected from (meth)acrylic polymers, polycarbonates, polystyrenes, polyesters, polyvinyl chloride (PCV), cyclic olefin copolymers, styrene methyl methacrylate (SMMA), styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and blends thereof.

[0163] Preferably, polymer P1 is selected from (meth)acrylic polymers, such that polymer P1 is a (meth)acrylic polymer AP1.

[0164] In a first preferred embodiment, the polymer composition PC1 comprises a) a) a (meth) acrylic polymer AP1, b) polymer particles PP1 having a weight average particle size between 0.5 μm and 20 μm, and c) colorants CA1 to CA n, characterized in that the particles PP1 represent between 0.05 wt% and 50 wt% of the polymer composition PC1 comprising components a), b) and c). However, the weight proportion of the particles of component b) is calculated only on the basis of the sum of the two components a) and b). More preferably according to the first preferred embodiment, the particles PP1 represent between 0.06 wt% and 40 wt%, still more preferably between 0.075 wt% and 30 wt%, advantageously between 0.1 wt% and 20 wt% of the composition PC1, calculated only on the basis of the sum of the two components a) and b).

[0165] The light transmittance of the composition comprising a) and b) is at least 80% for a sheet 3 mm thick. The light transmittance is measured according to standard ASTM D1003.

[0166] In a second preferred embodiment, the polymer composition PC1 comprises at least one additional colorant CB which is different from the colorants CA1 to CA n Any of .

[0167] In a third preferred embodiment, the polymer composition PC1 comprises a) a) a (meth) acrylic polymer AP1, b) polymer particles PP1 having a weight average particle size between 0.5 μm and 20 μm, and c) colorants CA1 to CA n and at least one additional colorant CB which is different from the colorants CA1 to CA already present in the polymer composition PC1. n Any of , characterized in that the particles PP1 represent between 0.05 wt % and 50 wt % of the polymer composition PC1 comprising components a), b) and c), calculated only on the sum of the two components a) and b).

[0168] The (meth)acrylic polymer AP1 is a (meth)acrylic block copolymer MBC or a (meth)acrylic polymer MP1.

[0169] In a first preferred embodiment, the (meth)acrylic polymer AP1 is a (meth)acrylic polymer composition MP1.

[0170] The (meth)acrylic polymer composition MP1 comprises polymer chains comprising at least 50 wt% of monomers from the group consisting of acrylic and / or methacrylic monomers. The (meth)acrylic polymer may also be a mixture of two or more (meth)acrylic polymers MP1 to MPx.

[0171] The acrylic and / or methacrylic monomers are selected from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, esters of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid, alkyl acrylic monomers, alkyl methacrylic monomers and mixtures thereof.

[0172] Preferably, the monomer is selected from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, alkyl acrylic monomers, alkyl methacrylic monomers and mixtures thereof, wherein the alkyl group has 1 to 22 carbons and is linear, branched or cyclic; the alkyl group preferably has 1 to 12 carbons and is linear, branched or cyclic.

[0173] Advantageously, the (meth)acrylic monomer is selected from methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, methacrylic acid, acrylic acid, n-butyl acrylate, isobutyl acrylate, n-butyl methacrylate, isobutyl methacrylate, cyclohexyl acrylate, cyclohexyl methacrylate, isobornyl acrylate, isobornyl methacrylate and mixtures thereof.

[0174] Other comonomers may be copolymerized with the acrylic and / or methacrylic monomers, as long as the (meth)acrylic polymer AP1 contains at least 50 wt% of monomers from acrylic and / or methacrylic monomers in its polymer chain. Other comonomers may be selected from styrenic monomers such as styrene or styrene derivatives, acrylonitrile, vinyl esters such as vinyl acetate. The amount of these comonomers is 0 wt% to 50 wt%, preferably 0 wt% to 40 wt%, more preferably 0 wt% to 30 wt%, advantageously 0 wt% to 20 wt%.

[0175] In a first preferred embodiment, the (meth)acrylic polymer composition MP1 is a homopolymer or copolymer of methyl methacrylate (MMA), comprising at least 50 wt%, preferably at least 60 wt%, advantageously at least 70 wt%, more advantageously at least 80 wt% of methyl methacrylate.

[0176] The copolymer of methyl methacrylate (MMA) comprises between 50 wt% and 99.9 wt% of methyl methacrylate and between 0.1 wt% and 50 wt% of at least one monomer having at least one ethylenic unsaturation copolymerizable with methyl methacrylate.

[0177] These monomers are well known and mention may be made in particular of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid and alkyl (meth)acrylates, in which the alkyl group has 1 to 12 carbon atoms. Mention may be made, by way of example, of methyl acrylate and ethyl, butyl or 2-ethylhexyl (meth)acrylate. Preferably, the comonomer is an alkyl acrylate, in which the alkyl group has 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

[0178] According to a first more preferred embodiment, the copolymer of methyl methacrylate (MMA) comprises 80 wt% to 99.8 wt%, advantageously 90 wt% to 99.7 wt%, more advantageously 90 wt% to 99.5 wt% of methyl methacrylate and 0.2 wt% to 20 wt%, advantageously 0.3 wt% to 10 wt%, more advantageously 0.5 wt% to 10 wt% of at least one monomer having at least one ethylenic unsaturation copolymerizable with methyl methacrylate. Preferably, the comonomer is selected from methyl acrylate or ethyl acrylate or a mixture thereof.

[0179] The (meth)acrylic polymer composition MP1 has a melt flow index (MFI) according to ISO 1133 (230° C. / 3.8 kg) between 0.1 g / 10 min and 20 g / 10 min. Preferably, the melt flow index is between 0.2 g / 10 min and 18 g / 10 min, more preferably between 0.3 g / 10 min and 16 g / 10 min, advantageously between 0.4 g / 10 min and 13 g / 10 min.

[0180] The refractive index of the (meth)acrylic polymer composition MP1 is between 1.46 and 1.52, preferably between 1.47 and 1.52, and more preferably between 1.48 and 1.52.

[0181] The (meth)acrylic polymer composition MP1 has a light transmittance according to ASTM D-1003 (3 mm thick sheet) of at least 85%, preferably at least 86%, more preferably at least 87%.

[0182] The (meth)acrylic polymer composition MP1 has a Vicat softening temperature of at least 90° C. The Vicat softening temperature is measured according to ISO 306:2013 (B50 method).

[0183] The composition according to the present invention may further comprise a (meth)acrylic polymer MP2 in addition to the (meth)acrylic polymer MP1. The (meth)acrylic polymer MP1 and the (meth)acrylic polymer MP2 form a mixture or a blend. The mixture or the blend consists of at least one homopolymer and at least one copolymer of MMA, or a mixture of at least two homopolymers or at least two copolymers of MMA having different average molecular weights, or a mixture of at least two copolymers of MMA having different monomer compositions.

[0184] According to a second preferred embodiment, the (meth)acrylic polymer AP1 is a (meth)acrylic block copolymer MBC.

[0185] The (meth)acrylic block copolymer MBC comprises at least one block having a glass transition temperature below 20°C, preferably below 10°C, more preferably below 0°C, advantageously below -5°C and more advantageously below -10°C.

[0186] Preferably, the (meth)acrylic block copolymer MBC comprises at least one block which is a (meth)acrylic block. This means that at least 50 wt% of the monomers in this block are polymerized alkyl (meth)acrylate monomers.

[0187] Most preferably, the (meth)acrylic block copolymer MBC comprises at least 50 wt% of monomers that are polymerized alkyl (meth)acrylate monomers within the (meth)acrylic block copolymer MBC.

[0188] The (meth)acrylic block copolymer MBC has the general formula (A) n B, where:

[0189] n is an integer greater than or equal to 1,

[0190] A is: an acrylic or methacrylic homopolymer or copolymer having a Tg greater than 50°C, preferably greater than 80°C, or polystyrene, or an acrylic / styrene or methacrylic / styrene copolymer. Preferably, A is selected from methyl methacrylate (MMA), phenyl methacrylate, benzyl methacrylate or isobornyl methacrylate. Preferably, block A is PMMA or PMMA modified with an acrylic or methacrylic comonomer;

[0191] B is an acrylic or methacrylic homopolymer or copolymer having a Tg of less than 20°C, preferably comprising a monomer selected from methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate (BuA), ethylhexyl acrylate, styrene (Sty) or butyl methacrylate, more preferably butyl acrylate, said monomer accounting for at least 50 wt %, preferably 70 wt % of B.

[0192] Advantageously, the (meth)acrylic block copolymer MBC is amorphous.

[0193] Preferably, in block A, the monomer is selected from methyl methacrylate (MMA), phenyl methacrylate, benzyl methacrylate, isobornyl methacrylate, styrene (Sty) or α-methylstyrene or a mixture thereof. More preferably, block A is PMMA or PMMA copolymerized with an acrylic or methacrylic comonomer, or is polystyrene (PS) or PS modified with a styrene comonomer.

[0194] Block B preferably comprises a monomer selected from methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate (BuA), ethylhexyl acrylate or butyl methacrylate and mixtures thereof, more preferably butyl acrylate, said monomer comprising at least 50 wt % of block B, preferably 70 wt %.

[0195] In addition, blocks A and / or B may contain other acrylic or methacrylic comonomers with various chemical functional groups known to those skilled in the art, such as acid, amide, amine, hydroxyl, epoxy or alkoxy functional groups. Block A may incorporate groups, such as acrylic acid or methacrylic acid (MAA), in order to increase its temperature stability.

[0196] Comonomers such as styrene may also be incorporated into block B to provide a refractive index mismatch with block A.

[0197] Preferably, the thermoplastic acrylic block copolymer has a structure selected from the group consisting of: ABA, AB, A3B and A4B.

[0198] The (meth)acrylic block copolymer MBC can be, for example, one of the following triblock copolymers: pMMA-pBuA-pMMA, p(MMAcoMAA)-pBuA-p(MMAcoMAA), p(MMAcoMAA)-p(BuAcoSty)-p(MMAcoMAA) and p(MMAcoAA)-pBuA-p(MMAcoAA). In a first preferred embodiment, the (meth)acrylic block copolymer MBC is p(MMAcoMAA)-p(BuAcoSty)-p(MMAcoMAA).

[0199] It is known to those skilled in the art that PMMA type polymers may contain a small amount of acrylate comonomers to improve their temperature stability. Small means less than 9 wt %, preferably less than 7 wt %, more preferably less than 6 wt % of the polymer.

[0200] Block B accounts for 10% to 85%, preferably 15% to 80%, of the total weight of the block copolymer MBC.

[0201] The weight average molar mass of block B is between 10000 g / mol and 500000 g / mol, preferably 20000 g / mol-300000 g / mol. The weight average molar mass can be measured by size exclusion chromatography (SEC).

[0202] (Meth)acrylic block copolymers can be obtained by controlled radical polymerization (CRP) or by anionic polymerization; the most suitable method will be selected according to the type of copolymer to be prepared.

[0203] Preferably, for (A) nFor (meth)acrylic block copolymers of type B, this will be CRP, especially in the presence of nitroxides, for ABA type structures, such as triblock copolymers MAM, anionic or nitroxide radical polymerization. Controlled radical polymerization is described in the literature for obtaining block copolymers, namely in WO 03 / 062293.

[0204] The (meth)acrylic block copolymer MBC can be converted into the form of an object by extrusion or injection molding.

[0205] According to a third preferred embodiment, the (meth)acrylic polymer AP1 is a blend of a (meth)acrylic block copolymer MBC and a (meth)acrylic polymer MP1.

[0206] As regards the polymer particles PP 1, their weight average particle size is between 0.5 μm and 20 μm, preferably between 1 μm and 19 μm, more preferably between 1 μm and 18 μm, advantageously between 1 μm and 17 μm, most advantageously between 1 μm and 15 μm.

[0207] The polymer particles PP1 may also be a mixture of different kinds of particles. They may be particles of the same chemical nature with different weight average particle sizes, as long as the weight average particle sizes are in the interval between 0.5 μm and 20 μm. Or they may be particles of different chemical nature with the same or different weight average particle sizes, as long as the weight average particle sizes are in the interval between 0.5 μm and 20 μm.

[0208] As regards the polymer particles PP1, they may be chosen from silicone particles, (meth)acrylic particles, styrenic particles and mixtures thereof. The particles may be crosslinked or partially crosslinked. The polymer particles PP1 may be a mixture of different kinds of particles.

[0209] As regards the polymer silicone particles as polymer particles PP1, they have a weight average particle size between 1 μm and 20 μm. In a first preferred embodiment, the silicone particles PP1 comprise polysiloxane chains having a silicon-oxygen backbone.

[0210] The polymeric silicone particles PP1 have a refractive index between 1.30 and 1.45, preferably between 1.35 and 1.45, advantageously between 1.36 and 1.44.

[0211] In a first preferred embodiment, the weight average particle size of the polymer silicone particles PP1 is preferably between 1 μm and 15 μm, more preferably between 1 μm and 8 μm, still more preferably between 1 μm and 7 μm, even more preferably between 1 μm and 6 μm, advantageously between 1 μm and 5 μm, more advantageously between 1 μm and 4 μm.

[0212] The bulk density of the polymer silicone particles PP1 powder is between 0.1 g / ml and 0.5 g / ml, preferably between 0.15 g / ml and 0.47 g / ml.

[0213] The polymeric silicone particles PP1 can be prepared, for example, according to US 2008 / 124549.

[0214] The polymeric silicone particles may also be a blend of two or more different silicone particles PP1a, PP1b, . . . , as long as all silicone particles have the above-mentioned properties.

[0215] In this first preferred embodiment, if the polymer particles PP1 are polymeric silicone particles, the polymer particles PP1 represent between 0.06 wt % and 10 wt %, still more preferably between 0.075 wt % and 5 wt %, advantageously between 0.1 wt % and 3 wt % of the composition PC1, calculated solely on the sum of the two components a) and b).

[0216] Commercially available silicone particles are from the ShinEtsu Silicone powder KMP series, such as KMP-600 or KMP-601, from DOW CORNING, such as 30-424 additive silicone powder, from the MOMENTIVE Tospear 1 series, such as Tospear 120, Tsopear 130 or Tospear 1240.

[0217] As for the polymer (meth)acrylic particles as polymer particles PP1, they have a weight average particle size between 1 μm and 20 μm and contain at least 50 wt% of monomers from acrylic and / or methacrylic monomers in the polymer chain of the polymer particles PP1.

[0218] In a first preferred embodiment, the polymeric (meth)acrylic particles PP1 are homopolymers or copolymers of methyl methacrylate (MMA), comprising at least 50 wt%, preferably at least 60 wt%, advantageously at least 65 wt%, more advantageously at least 70 wt% of methyl methacrylate.

[0219] The weight average particle size of the polymer (meth)acrylic particles PP1 is preferably between 1 μm and 19 μm, more preferably between 2 μm and 15 μm, advantageously between 2 μm and 10 μm.

[0220] Preferably, the polymer (meth)acrylic particles PP1 are crosslinked. The weight proportion of the crosslinking agent in the (meth)acrylic particles PP1 is less than 5 wt %. The crosslinking agent is preferably selected from organic compounds having at least one acrylic or methacrylic functional group and a second double bond that can also be polymerized.

[0221] The refractive index of the polymer (meth)acrylic particles PP1 is between 1.49 and 1.56, preferably between 1.50 and 1.55.

[0222] The polymer (meth)acrylic particles PP1 can be prepared according to suspension polymerization.

[0223] The polymer (meth)acrylic particles may also be a blend of two or more different (meth)acrylic particles PP1a, PP1b, ... as long as all particles have the above-mentioned properties.

[0224] The polymer composition PC1 according to the invention does not contain polymer particles having a weight average particle size greater than 20 μm. For the sake of clarity, the polymer particles PP1 having a weight average particle size between 0.5 μm and 20 μm may have a certain percentage of particles greater than 20 μm due to the particle size distribution. However, the weight average particle size of the polymer particles PP1 is less than 20 μm and there is no other population of other particles having a weight average particle size greater than 20 μm in the composition PC1. If a mixture of particles is present, this also applies to mixtures of different particles, all with a weight average particle size less than 20 μm.

[0225] In a first preferred embodiment, the polymer particles PP1 are selected from silicone particles.

[0226] About colorants CA or CA1 to CA n , which can be a pigment or a dye or a mixture of a pigment and a dye. The pigment can be an inorganic pigment or an organic pigment.

[0227] In a first preferred embodiment, the colorants CA or CA1 to CA n It is a mixture of pigments and dyes.

[0228] In a second preferred embodiment, the colorants CA or CA1 to CA n It is a mixture of dyes.

[0229] In a third preferred embodiment, the colorants CA or CA1 to CA n It is a mixture of pigments.

[0230] Colorant CA is colorant CA1 to CA n A mixture of wherein n>1. Preferably, the value of n is 1<n<10, more preferably 1<n<9, and more preferably n is a natural number.

[0231] In a first even more preferred embodiment, the value of n is 1<n<8.

[0232] In a second even more preferred embodiment, the value of n is 2<n<9.

[0233] In a third even more preferred embodiment, the value of n is 2<n<8.

[0234] In a fourth even more preferred embodiment, the value of n is 1<n<6.

[0235] In a fifth even more preferred embodiment, the value of n is 2<n<6.

[0236] Colorants CA1 to CA n A colorant CA1 is selected to be red or yellow or orange or green or blue or violet, another colorant CA2 is red or yellow or orange or green or blue or violet, but has a different color from colorant CA1; and possibly another colorant CA3 is red or yellow or orange or green or blue or violet, but has a different color from colorants CA1 and CA2; and so on, until colorant CA n .

[0237] In a first preferred embodiment, the colorants CA1 to CA n All have different colors.

[0238] Colorants CA1 to CA n A mixture of preferably produces a gray color. Colorants CA1 to CA n The mixture preferably has the following values: 20<L*<80, -20<a*<20, -20<b*<20, more preferably 30<L*<70, -10<a*<10, -10<b*<10, and even more preferably 30<L*<70, -5<a*<5, -5<b*<5.

[0239] In the CIELAB system, three values, L, a*, b*, are used to characterize primary colors. L represents lightness and extends from 0 (black) to 100 (white). The a* value measures the redness and greenness of a color: colors that tend toward green have negative a* values, while colors that tend toward red have positive a* values. The b* value measures the blueness and yellowness of a color: colors that tend toward yellow have positive b* values, while colors that tend toward blue have negative b* values. L, a*, b* values ​​are measured using a spectrocolorimeter (particularly according to the ASTM E308 standard).

[0240] Select colorants CA1 to CA n A mixture of the (meth)acrylic polymer AP1 such that, when blended with a transparent material such as polymer P1, a sheet made of the transparent material with the colorant absorbs in a uniform manner over the entire visible spectrum between 400 nm and 700 nm. Uniform means that the variation in transmittance is small and varies only within an interval of less than 30% of the absolute value. Preferably, the variation is less than 25%, advantageously less than 20%. This is particularly true for the example of the (meth)acrylic polymer AP1. Figure 1The highest value is 19% and the lowest value is 9%, which results in a 10% change in the absolute value of the transmittance.

[0241] For colorants CA1 to CA n The sheet of (meth)acrylic polymer AP1 having a thickness of 2 mm preferably has a light transmittance between 5% and 40%, more preferably between 10% and 30%, in the wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm.

[0242] Colorants for polymers are known and can be selected, for example, from the product ranges of pigments and dyes from the companies Lanxess, Clariant, Synthesia or BASF. Dyes such as Yellow 6G Gran, Yellow 3G Gran, Yellow G Gran, Yellow E2R Gran, Orange 3G Gran, Orange R Gran, Red E2G Gran, Red A, Red EG Gran, Red B, Red 5B Gran, Violet 3RGran, Violet B Gran, Blue 3R, Blue RR Gran, Green 5B Gran, and Green G. There are Dyes and Polymeric colorants such as Yellow 3G, Yellow2G, Orange 3G, Red 2G, Red G, RED PFS, RED BB, Red Violet R, Violet RSB, Blue 2B, Green GSB, Green G, Yellow GG, Yellow NG, Red GFP, Violet G, Blue R, Blue RLS, Brown3RL, and Brown R.

[0243] The colorant is, for example, a derivative of methane, pyrazolone, quinophtalone, perinone, azo, anthraquinone, or coumarin.

[0244] Colorants can be, for example:

[0245] 2,4-Dihydro-5-methyl-2-phenyl-4-(phenylazo)-3H-pyrazol-3-one, CAS No. [4314-14-1];

[0246] 12H-phthaloperin-12-one, CAS No. [6925-69-5];

[0247] 8,9,10,11-Tetrachloro-12H-phthaloyl-12-one, CAS number [20749-68-2];

[0248] 3-Hydroxy-N-(o-tolyl)-4-[(2,4,5-trichlorophenyl)azo]naphthalene-2-carboxamide, CAS No. [6535-46-2];

[0249] 1,4-Diamino-2,3-diphenoxyanthraquinone, CAS No. [6408-72-6];

[0250] 1-Hydroxy-4-(p-tolylamino)anthracene-9,10-dione, CAS No. [81-48-3];

[0251] 1,4-Bis(2,4,6-trimethylanilino)-9,10-anthraquinone, CAS No. [116-75-6];

[0252] 1,4-Bis(p-tolylamino)anthraquinone[128-80-3].

[0253] Relative to polymer P1, the colorants CA1 to CA n The amount of each colorant is selected so that the colorants CA1 to CA n The mixture preferably has a grey color as defined above and is such that the colorants CA1 to CA n When blended with a transparent material such as polymer P1, the sheet made of the transparent material with the colorant absorbs in a uniform manner over the entire visible spectrum between 400 nm and 700 nm, also as defined above.

[0254] The amount of colorant is selected according to its relative color (tinting) strength. This value can be found in commercial brochures or material data sheets (according to DIN 53235 and expressed as SD 1 / 3 - reduced hue to international standard depth 1 / 3).

[0255] Regarding the colorant CB, in the polymer composition PC1 of the second preferred embodiment or the polymer composition PC1 of the third preferred embodiment, it can be a pigment or a dye or a mixture of a pigment and a dye. The pigment can be an inorganic pigment or an organic pigment. The colorant CB can be selected from the colorants CA1 to CA2. n Same colorant.

[0256] As regards the process for preparing the polymer composition PC1 according to the invention, it comprises the steps of providing and blending components a), b) and c).

[0257] More particularly, the present invention relates to a process for preparing a polymer composition PC1 comprising:

[0258] a) polymer P1,

[0259] b) polymer particles PP1 having a weight average particle size between 0.5 μm and 20 μm,

[0260] c) Colorants CA1 to CA n ,

[0261] It is characterized in that the colorant is colorant CA1 to CA n mixtures in composition PC1, where n>1;

[0262] The method comprises the following steps

[0263] i) Provide:

[0264] a) polymer AP1,

[0265] b) polymer particles PP1 having a weight average particle size between 0.5 μm and 20 μm, and

[0266] c) Colorants CA1 to CA n

[0267] ii) The three components a), b) and c) are blended.

[0268] The blending can be carried out in any order: first component b) is added to component a) and then component c), or first component c) is added to component a) and then component b), or components b) and c) are added together simultaneously.

[0269] Colorant CB is optionally added.

[0270] Preferably, the blending step ii) of the process is performed by compounding or mixing.

[0271] Components a), b) and c) and preferred embodiments thereof are as defined above.

[0272] The method for preparing the polymer composition PC1 preferably uses colorants CA1 to CA n The masterbatch or liquid colour comprises between 100 ppm and 50 wt% of a colourant.

[0273] In a first preferred embodiment of the process for preparing the polymer composition PC1 a masterbatch is used.

[0274] In a second preferred embodiment of the preparation of the polymer composition PC1 a liquid color is used. An example of a liquid color concentrate is given in document US 2009 / 0156732.

[0275] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing an object by transforming and / or processing the polymer composition PC1 according to the invention.

[0276] The transformation can be carried out by injection molding, co-injection molding, a combination of injection molding and surface molding, extrusion, co-extrusion or extrusion / blow molding. Preferably, the transformation is carried out by injection molding or extrusion. Advantageously, the transformation is carried out by injection molding.

[0277] The conversion process has no influence on the luminescence effect of the polymer composition comprising polymer particles and colorant, ie the hue contrast and / or color contrast which is independent of the color of the illumination source by using the polymer composition.

[0278] In a first preferred embodiment of the method for producing an object, the production is by injection molding. A molded object is obtained.

[0279] The method for producing a molded object according to the present invention comprises the following steps

[0280] - Melting of polymer composition PC1 comprising polymer P1, polymer particles PP1 and colorant

[0281] - Injecting the molten composition into the mold

[0282] - applying pressure to the mould, at least until the mould is completely filled with the molten composition.

[0283] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to the use of the polymer composition PC1 for manufacturing an object or a moulded object.

[0284] The composition PC1 according to the invention can be used for manufacturing an object or a molded object or an article, or as a part of an article. Preferably, the object or molded object or article or part of an article made from the composition according to the invention has a thickness greater than 50 μm, more preferably greater than 100 μm, even more preferably greater than 500 μm.

[0285] The composition PC1 obtained by the process according to the invention can be used to be transformed directly into an article or an object, or can be a part of an article or an object.

[0286] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to an object or a moulded object made from the polymer composition PC1 according to the invention.

[0287] The object or molded object of the invention may be in the form of a sheet, block, film, tube or profiled element. Preferably, the molded object is a sheet which may be flat or slightly curved or curved.

[0288] Examples of objects or molded objects or articles are covers or panels for lighting devices.

[0289] In one embodiment, the molded object is a cover of a light source. The thickness of the cover is generally between 0.001 cm and 15 cm, preferably between 0.01 cm and 10 cm, more preferably between 0.05 cm and 7 cm, more preferably between 0.1 cm and 5 cm, even more preferably between 0.2 cm and 4 cm.

[0290] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, the composition obtained from the polymer composition PC1 according to the present invention can be used as a cover for a point light source. The light source plus the cover forms a lighting device. The cover can be a single layer, or can be a multilayer structure. The distance separating the cover from the light source is between 0.1 cm and 50 cm, preferably between 1 cm and 40 cm, preferably between 2 cm and 20 cm, and even more preferably between 3 cm and 20 cm.

[0291] In yet another embodiment, a lighting device comprises the polymer composition PC1 according to the invention.

[0292] The light emitting device or lighting device comprises a light source. Preferably, the light source is an LED. The light source can be a white or colored LED.

[0293] For a lighting device comprising the polymer composition PC1 according to the first preferred embodiment of the composition PC1, the light source may be white or colored.

[0294] For a lighting device comprising the polymer composition PC1 according to the second or third preferred embodiment of the composition PC1, the light source is preferably a white light source.

[0295] The lighting device according to the present invention has various applications, for example:

[0296] - Indoor lighting (ambient lighting, living room lights, office lights, etc.);

[0297] - Outdoor lighting (street lights, park or garden lights);

[0298] - lighting or displays for household appliances;

[0299] - lighting or display for electrical and electronic products;

[0300] - Advertising displays;

[0301] - illuminated signs (in this case, the cover may in particular have the form of letters, numbers, symbols or any other signs);

[0302] -Industrial lighting;

[0303] - Interior automotive lighting (marker lighting, ambient lighting, indicator signs, instrument panels, interior displays);

[0304] -Exterior automotive lighting, for example, the light emitting devices may be headlights, daytime running lights (DRL), fog lights, tail lights, turn indicators, brake lights, signal lights and exterior displays.

[0305] [method]

[0306] The optical properties of the polymers were measured according to the following methods: Transmittance and haze were measured according to standard ASTM D1003 with 2 mm thick sheets for molded samples. A Haze-Gard Plus device from BYK-Gardner was used. Gloss was measured according to ASTM D523.

[0307] The refractive index is measured using a refractometer.

[0308] Particle size: Particle size was measured by laser diffraction using a Coulter counter.

[0309] The three values ​​L, a*, b* were measured by color spectroscopy in reflection when the light source was off and in transmission when the light source was on. A color spectrometer "Color Sphere" from BYK-Gardner was used. [Specific implementation method]

[0310] As the (meth)acrylic polymer AP1a, a methyl methacrylate copolymer having a melt flow index of 8 g / 10 min was used, and as the (meth)acrylic polymer AP1b, a methyl methacrylate copolymer having a melt flow index of 2.8 g / 10 min was used, both of which were referred to as polymer P1.

[0311] As first polymer particles PP1a, DC30-424 silicone particles from DOW were used. The weight average particle size was between 1 μm and 3 μm, and a batch with a weight average particle size of 2 μm was used.

[0312] As the second polymer particles PP1b, and Paraloid EXL5137 from Haas. The weight average particle size is between 4 μm and 6 μm, and a batch with a weight average particle size of 5 μm is used.

[0313] As comparative polymer particles, (meth)acrylic particles MP1a were used in the comparative examples. Commercial products from ALTUGLAS BS110 were used, with a weight average particle size of typically between 35 μm and 60 μm, and batches with a weight average particle size of 50 μm were used.

[0314] Colorants: Colorants were added in the form of masterbatches: MBgris and MB Red 18242. MBgris is a masterbatch with a grey color, which contains three colorants CA1 to CA1.

[0315] Colorant CA1: Red Solvent 135 from BASF, CAS [20749-68-2], 8,9,10,11-tetrachloro-12H-phthaloyl-12-one.

[0316] Colorant CA2: Solvent Green 28 from BASF, CAS [28198-05-2], 1,4-bis[(4-butylphenyl)amino]-5,8-dihydroxy-anthracene-9,10-dione.

[0317] Colorant CA3: Violet solvent 13, CAS [81-48-3], 1-hydroxy-4-(p-tolylamino)anthracene-9,10-dione.

[0318] Colorants CA1 to CA3 were blended together in a masterbatch MB1 at a weight level of 2500 ppm total colorants. This masterbatch MB1 is gray and has a light transmittance of between 10% and 20% in the wavelength interval of 400nm-700nm for a 3mm thick sheet if blended with only (meth)acrylic polymer AP1a or AP1b at 3.7phr. For (meth)acrylic polymer AP1a, this is Figure 1 Shown in.

[0319] Examples 1 and 2 had the compositions given in Table 1 blended with 3.7 phr (for Example 1) and 5.55 phr (for Example 2) of gray masterbatch MB1. Comparative Examples 1 and 2 had the compositions given in Table 1 blended with 3.7 phr of gray masterbatch MB1.

[0320] Table 1 - Exemplary compositions of polymer compositions PC1 according to the invention and comparative compositions

[0321] <![CDATA[Ex1 i) ]]> Ex2 <![CDATA[CEx1 i) ]]> CEx2 AP1 99.7 99.65 88 88 PP1a 0.3 0.45 - - PP1b - - - 5 MP1a - - 18 13

[0322] i) Ex = Example, CEx = Comparative Example

[0323] The composition of each sample was converted into 100 mm x 100 mm sheets with a thickness of 2 mm (for example 2 and all comparative examples) and 3 mm (only for example 1). The conversion was carried out by injection moulding.

[0324] Measure transmittance and reflectance.

[0325] Table 2 - Transmission mode of 2mm or 3mm thick sample sheets

[0326]

[0327] Table 3-Reflectivity of 2mm or 3mm thick sample sheets

[0328]

[0329] Table 4-Color shift of 2mm or 3mm thick sample sheets

[0330] Ex*1 Ex*2 CEx1 CEx2 ΔL*(D65 / 2°) 13.8 12.8 32.3 28.6 Δa*(D65 / 2°) -0.6 -0.5 -0.6 -0.3 Δb*(D65 / 2°) 1.3 1.4 1.4 2.2 .

[0331] The color shift in Table 4 was calculated by subtracting the value obtained from the reflectance from the value obtained from the transmittance. The value represents the visual observation when the light is turned off or on.

[0332] For Examples 1 and 2, and also for Comparative Examples CEx1 and CEx2, a significant variation of the lightness value L* is observed, as well as a very low variation of the color components a* and b*. This corresponds to a change from dark to light.

[0333] Injection molded sheets prepared from the compositions of Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Examples of 2 mm and 3 mm thickness were also compared to overmoulded injected samples. The same samples of 2 mm thickness were also injection molded and overmoulded with 1 mm of pure (meth)acrylic resin V825T from ALTUGLAS.

[0334] The gloss at 60° is measured according to standard ASTM D523.

[0335] Table 5-Glossiness of 2mm or 3mm thick sample sheets at 60°

[0336]

[0337] The comparative examples in Table 5 show a much lower gloss. In order to obtain a high gloss, the samples had to be overmolded. With the composition according to the invention, a high gloss was obtained directly after injection molding.

[0338] The composition according to the invention allows the production of high-gloss surfaces for compositing which, for lighting applications, have a hue contrast and / or a color contrast that is independent of the color of the light source by means of one simple process step.

Claims

1. Polymer composition PC1, which comprises: a) Polymer P1, b) Polymer particles PP1 with a weight-average particle size between 0.5 μm and 20 μm, c) Colorants CA1 to CA n , It is characterized in that The colorant is colorant CA1 to CA n Mixtures in composition PC1 where n>1.

2. The polymer composition PC1 according to claim 1, characterized in that wherein the polymer P1 is a (meth)acrylic polymer AP1.

3. The polymer composition PC1 according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The mixture of colorants has a grey color.

4. The polymer composition PC1 according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that In the CIELAB system, the mixture of colorants has the following values: 20 < L* < 80, -20 < a* < 20, -20 < b* < 20, more preferably 30 < L* < 70, -10 < a* < 10, -10 < b* < 10, even more preferably 30 < L* < 70, -5 < a* < 5, -5 < b* < 5.

5. The polymer composition PC1 according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that If blended only with polymer P1 or (meth)acrylic polymer AP1, the mixture of colorants produces uniform light transmission in the wavelength range of 400 nm - 700 nm.

6. The polymer composition PC1 according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The amount of the mixture of colorants in the composition is selected such that if the mixture of colorants is blended only with polymer P1 or (meth)acrylic polymer AP1, a light transmittance between 10% and 30% is produced in the wavelength range of 400 nm - 700 nm.

7. The polymer composition PC1 according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The colorants CA1 to CA n Colorants CA1 to CA n A mixture of, and n is 1 <n<10。 8. The polymer composition PC1 according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The colorants CA1 to CA n It is a derivative of methane, pyrazolone, quinolinephthalone, pyrene, azo, anthraquinone, and coumarin.

9. The polymer composition PC1 according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The colorants CA1 to CA n Selected from 2,4-Dihydro-5-methyl-2-phenyl-4-(phenylazo)-3H-pyrazol-3-one; 12H-Perylene-12-one, CAS No. [6925-69-5]; 8,9,10,11-Tetrachloro-12H-perylene-12-one; 3-Hydroxy-N-(o-tolyl)-4-[(2,4,5-trichlorophenyl)azo]naphthalene-2-carboxamide; 1,4-Diamino-2,3-diphenoxyanthraquinone; 1-Hydroxy-4-(p-tolylamino)anthracene-9,10-dione; 1,4-Bis(2,4,6-trimethylanilino)-9,10-anthraquinone; 1,4-Bis(p-tolylamino)anthraquinone.

10. The polymer composition PC1 according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that Select the colorants CA1 to CA n , so that for a 2 mm thick and containing colorants CA1 to CA n The sheet of the (meth)acrylic polymer AP1 has a light transmittance in the wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm of between 5% and 40%, more preferably between 10% and 30%.

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