Copolyester blow molded article with transparent viewing strip

Abstract

Blow molded articles having a transparent viewing bar made from a copolyester composition comprising terephthalic acid, 1, 4-cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM), ethylene glycol (EG), residues of neopentyl glycol (NPG), and / or residues of 2, 2, 4, 4-tetramethyl-1, 3-cyclobutanediol (TMCD), having certain advantages and improved properties over certain ranges of compositions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to blow molded articles made from copolyester compositions comprising residues of terephthalic acid, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM), ethylene glycol (EG), neopentyl glycol (NPG) and / or 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol (TMCD) having certain advantages and improved properties within certain composition ranges. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to blow molded articles made from copolyesters comprising a transparent view stripe. Background Art

[0002] Historically, opaque extrusion blow molded articles with clear viewing strips have been made primarily from polymers such as polyolefins and styrene-based polymers. However, the packaging market is currently moving toward making these types of articles from polyesters rather than other polymers such as polypropylene (PP) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and styrene. In the present disclosure, it has been discovered that polyester compositions can replace PP / HDPE and styrene in extrusion blow molded articles that are mostly opaque and have a clear viewing strip.

[0003] This trend is due to the demand to increase the recycled content in packaging products and / or make them more recyclable to avoid landfill or incineration. In addition, the use of polyester can bring enhanced aesthetics and physical properties to these products and containers. Generally, PP and HDPE containers lack good aesthetics. They usually have a dull surface, and the clear viewing bar is usually blurred.

[0004] Opaque containers with clear view strips are often made by extrusion blow molding processes. Extrusion blow molding processes require increased melt strength compared to polyesters such as PET, which are commonly used in soft drink and water bottles. In some applications, these types of extrusion blow molded articles must be able to achieve containers that provide UV blocking and dishwasher compatibility. These requirements limit the viable polyester compositions.

[0005] The physical requirements for this specific application are that the bottle must pass a drop test when filled with liquid and must have good aesthetics (high gloss finish, clear / transparent / non-haze viewing strip).

[0006] The present disclosure addresses a long-standing commercial need for blow molded articles having clear side view panels produced from copolyester thermoplastic materials having the following desirable properties: (1) increased melt strength, (2) good processability, (3) good impact properties and / or toughness, (4) good aesthetics, and in some applications (5) dishwasher compatibility, and (6) UV blocking properties. Good aesthetics is measured by having a high gloss surface, high clarity, and a clear / transparent side view panel with low haze. It is also desirable that these articles be made from materials that can be easily recycled, contain recycled materials, and / or are made from materials that are not considered to be harmful to the environment, either as a raw material or as a final polymer material (styrene, polystyrene, polyolefins, etc.), as is the case with polyesters. Summary of the invention

[0007] One embodiment of the present disclosure is a multi-layer extrusion blow molded article having a transparent viewing panel, comprising at least one opaque layer comprising at least one polyester composition comprising:

[0008] (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

[0009] (i) from about 90 mole % to about 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;

[0010] (ii) from about 0 mole % to about 10 mole % of aromatic and / or aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 20 carbon atoms; and

[0011] (b) a diol component comprising or consisting essentially of:

[0012] (i) 25 mol % to 100 mol % of ethylene glycol residues; and

[0013] (ii) 0 to 75 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues; and

[0014] (iii) 0 mol% to 10 mol% of other modifying diol residues selected from one or more of the following: diethylene glycol, NPG, TMCD, MPDiol, isosorbide, butanediol, propylene glycol;

[0015] (c) optionally, at least one branching agent in an amount of 0 mol % to 1.0 mol %; and

[0016] (d) at least one additive selected from one or more of colorants, pigments, dyes, fillers, opacifiers, talc, titanium dioxide, and calcium carbonate, in an amount of 0.1 wt % to 10 wt %; and

[0017] wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid components is 100 mole %, and wherein the total mole % of the diol components is 100 mole %; and wherein the polyester has an intrinsic viscosity of 0.50 to 1.30 dL / g as measured in 60 / 40 (wt / wt) phenol / tetrachloroethane at a concentration of 0.25 g / 50 ml at 25° C.; and

[0018] At least one transparent layer comprising at least one polyester composition comprising:

[0019] (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

[0020] (i) from about 90 mole % to about 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;

[0021] (ii) from about 0 mole % to about 10 mole % of aromatic and / or aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 20 carbon atoms; and

[0022] (b) a diol component comprising or consisting essentially of:

[0023] (i) 25 mol % to 100 mol % of ethylene glycol residues; and

[0024] (ii) 0 to 75 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues; and

[0025] (iii) 0 mol% to 10 mol% of other modifying diol residues selected from one or more of the following: diethylene glycol, NPG, TMCD, MPDiol, isosorbide, butanediol, propylene glycol;

[0026] (c) optionally, at least one branching agent in an amount of 0 mol % to 1.0 mol %; and

[0027] wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid components is 100 mole %, and wherein the total mole % of the diol components is 100 mole %; and

[0028] wherein the polyester has an inherent viscosity of 0.50 to 1.30 dL / g as measured in 60 / 40 (wt / wt) phenol / tetrachloroethane at a concentration of 0.25 g / 50 ml at 25°C; and wherein the transparent viewing panel has a haze value of less than 10% when measured on a 16 mil thick film as measured by ASTM D1003 Method A.

[0029] One embodiment of the present disclosure is a multi-layer extrusion blow molded article having a transparent viewing panel, comprising at least one opaque layer comprising at least one polyester composition comprising:

[0030] (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

[0031] (i) from about 90 mole % to about 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;

[0032] (ii) from about 0 mole % to about 10 mole % of aromatic and / or aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 20 carbon atoms; and

[0033] (b) a diol component comprising or consisting essentially of:

[0034] (i) 25 mol % to 100 mol % of ethylene glycol residues; and

[0035] (ii) 0 mol % to 75 mol % TMCD residues; and

[0036] (iii) 0 mol% to 10 mol% of other modifying diol residues selected from one or more of the following: diethylene glycol, NPG, CHDM, MPDiol, isosorbide, butanediol, propylene glycol;

[0037] (c) optionally, at least one branching agent in an amount of 0 mol % to 1.0 mol %; and

[0038] (d) at least one additive selected from one or more of colorants, pigments, dyes, fillers, opacifiers, talc, titanium dioxide, and calcium carbonate, in an amount of 0.1 wt % to 10 wt %; and

[0039] wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid components is 100 mole %, and wherein the total mole % of the diol components is 100 mole %; and wherein the polyester has an intrinsic viscosity of 0.50 to 1.30 dL / g as measured in 60 / 40 (wt / wt) phenol / tetrachloroethane at a concentration of 0.25 g / 50 ml at 25° C.; and

[0040] At least one transparent layer comprising at least one polyester composition comprising:

[0041] (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

[0042] (i) from about 90 mole % to about 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;

[0043] (ii) from about 0 mole % to about 10 mole % of aromatic and / or aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 20 carbon atoms; and

[0044] (b) a diol component comprising or consisting essentially of:

[0045] (i) 25 mol % to 100 mol % of ethylene glycol residues; and

[0046] (ii) 0 mol % to 75 mol % TMCD residues; and

[0047] (iii) 0 mol% to 10 mol% of other modifying diol residues selected from one or more of the following: diethylene glycol, NPG, CHDM, MPDiol, isosorbide, butanediol, propylene glycol;

[0048] (c) optionally, at least one branching agent in an amount of 0 mol % to 1.0 mol %;

[0049] wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid components is 100 mole %, and wherein the total mole % of the diol components is 100 mole %; and

[0050] wherein the polyester has an intrinsic viscosity of 0.50 to 1.30 dL / g as measured in 60 / 40 (wt / wt) phenol / tetrachloroethane at a concentration of 0.25 g / 50 ml at 25°C; wherein the article is opaque and has a clear viewing panel and wherein the clear viewing panel has a haze value of less than 10% when measured on a 16 mil thick film as measured by ASTM D1003 Method A.

[0051] One embodiment of the present disclosure is a multi-layer extrusion blow molded article having a transparent viewing panel, comprising at least one opaque layer comprising at least one polyester composition comprising:

[0052] (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

[0053] (i) from about 90 mole % to about 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;

[0054] (ii) from about 0 mole % to about 10 mole % of aromatic and / or aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 20 carbon atoms; and

[0055] (b) a diol component comprising (consisting essentially of):

[0056] (i) 25 mol % to 100 mol % CHDM residues; and

[0057] (ii) 0 mol % to 75 mol % TMCD residues; and

[0058] (iii) 0 mol% to 10 mol% of other modifying diol residues selected from one or more of the following: ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, NPG, TMCD, MPDiol, isosorbide, butanediol, propylene glycol;

[0059] (c) optionally, at least one branching agent in an amount of 0 mol % to 1.0 mol %;

[0060] (d) at least one additive selected from one or more of colorants, pigments, dyes, fillers, opacifiers, talc, titanium dioxide, and calcium carbonate, in an amount of 0.1 wt % to 10 wt %; and

[0061] wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid components is 100 mole %, and wherein the total mole % of the diol components is 100 mole %; and wherein the polyester has an intrinsic viscosity of 0.50 to 1.30 dL / g as measured in 60 / 40 (wt / wt) phenol / tetrachloroethane at a concentration of 0.25 g / 50 ml at 25° C.; and

[0062] At least one transparent layer comprising at least one polyester composition comprising:

[0063] (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

[0064] (i) from about 90 mole % to about 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;

[0065] (ii) from about 0 mole % to about 10 mole % of aromatic and / or aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 20 carbon atoms; and

[0066] (b) a diol component comprising or consisting essentially of:

[0067] (i) 25 mol % to 100 mol % CHDM residues; and

[0068] (ii) 0 mol % to 75 mol % TMCD residues; and

[0069] (iii) 0 mol% to 10 mol% of other modifying diol residues selected from one or more of the following: ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, NPG, TMCD, MPDiol, isosorbide, butanediol, propylene glycol;

[0070] (c) optionally, at least one branching agent in an amount of 0 mol % to 1.0 mol %;

[0071] wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole %, and

[0072] wherein the total mole % of the diol component is 100 mole %; and

[0073] wherein the polyester has an inherent viscosity of 0.50 to 1.30 dL / g as measured in 60 / 40 (wt / wt) phenol / tetrachloroethane at a concentration of 0.25 g / 50 ml at 25°C; and wherein the transparent viewing panel has a haze value of less than 10% when measured on a 16 mil thick film as measured by ASTM D1003 Method A.

[0074] One embodiment of the present disclosure is a multilayer extrusion blow molded container comprising a cavity constructed and adapted to contain a liquid, the container having a horizontal perimeter and comprising an opaque wall portion and a transparent wall portion, the opaque wall portion comprising at least one layer extending around a majority of the perimeter and defining a major portion of the cavity, the transparent wall portion comprising at least one layer extending beyond the opaque wall portion and extending vertically along the opaque wall portion of the container in a manner such that the liquid in the cavity can be observed through the transparent wall portion, the at least one opaque layer comprising at least one polyester composition comprising:

[0075] (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

[0076] (i) from about 90 mole % to about 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;

[0077] (ii) from about 0 mole % to about 10 mole % of aromatic and / or aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 20 carbon atoms; and

[0078] (b) a diol component comprising or consisting essentially of:

[0079] (i) 25 mol % to 100 mol % of ethylene glycol residues; and

[0080] (ii) 0 to 75 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues; and

[0081] (iii) 0 to 10 mol% of other modifying diol residues selected from one or more of the following: diethylene glycol, NPG, TMCD, MPDiol, isosorbide, butanediol, propylene glycol; or

[0082] (b') a diol component comprising (consisting essentially of):

[0083] (i) 25 mol % to 100 mol % of ethylene glycol residues; and

[0084] (ii) 0 mol % to 75 mol % TMCD residues; and

[0085] (iii) 0 to 10 mol% of other modifying diol residues selected from one or more of the following: diethylene glycol, NPG, CHDM, MPDiol, isosorbide, butanediol, propylene glycol; or

[0086] (b") a diol component comprising or consisting essentially of:

[0087] (i) 25 mol % to 100 mol % CHDM residues; and

[0088] (ii) 0 mol % to 75 mol % TMCD residues; and

[0089] (iii) 0 to 10 mol% of other modifying diol residues selected from one or more of the following: ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, NPG, TMCD, MPDio1, isosorbide, butanediol, propylene glycol; and

[0090] (c) optionally, at least one branching agent in an amount of 0 mol % to 1.0 mol %; and

[0091] (d) at least one additive selected from one or more of colorants, pigments, dyes, fillers, opacifiers, talc, titanium dioxide, and calcium carbonate, in an amount of 0.1 wt % to 10 wt %; and

[0092] wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid components is 100 mole %, and wherein the total mole % of the diol components is 100 mole %; and wherein the intrinsic viscosity of the polyester is from 0.50 to 1.30 dL / g as measured in 60 / 40 (wt / wt) phenol / tetrachloroethane at a concentration of 0.25 g / 50 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the Tg of the polyester is 80° C. or higher;

[0093] and

[0094] The at least one transparent layer comprises at least one polyester composition comprising:

[0095] (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

[0096] (i) from about 90 mole % to about 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;

[0097] (ii) from about 0 mole % to about 10 mole % of aromatic and / or aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 20 carbon atoms; and

[0098] (b) a diol component comprising or consisting essentially of:

[0099] (i) 25 mol % to 100 mol % of ethylene glycol residues; and

[0100] (ii) 0 to 75 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues; and

[0101] (iii) 0 to 10 mol% of other modifying diol residues selected from one or more of the following: diethylene glycol, NPG, TMCD, MPDiol, isosorbide, butanediol, propylene glycol; or

[0102] (b') a diol component comprising or consisting essentially of:

[0103] (i) 25 mol % to 100 mol % of ethylene glycol residues; and

[0104] (ii) 0 mol % to 75 mol % TMCD residues; and

[0105] (iii) 0 to 10 mol% of other modifying diol residues selected from one or more of the following: diethylene glycol, NPG, CHDM, MPDiol, isosorbide, butanediol, propylene glycol; or

[0106] (b") a diol component comprising or consisting essentially of:

[0107] (i) 25 mol % to 100 mol % CHDM residues; and

[0108] (ii) 0 mol % to 75 mol % TMCD residues; and

[0109] (iii) 0 mol% to 10 mol% of other modifying diol residues selected from one or more of the following: ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, NPG, TMCD, MPDiol, isosorbide, butanediol, propylene glycol;

[0110] (c) optionally, at least one branching agent in an amount of 0 mol % to 1.0 mol %; and

[0111] wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid components is 100 mole %, and wherein the total mole % of the diol components is 100 mole %; and

[0112] wherein the polyester has an intrinsic viscosity of 0.50 to 1.30 dL / g as measured in 60 / 40 (wt / wt) phenol / tetrachloroethane at a concentration of 0.25 g / 50 ml at 25°C; and wherein the transparent viewing panel has a haze value of less than 10% when measured on a 16 mil thick film as measured by ASTM D1003 Method A; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of 80°C or greater.

[0113] In one aspect, the articles of the present disclosure may be recycled in a PET recycling stream.

[0114] In one embodiment, the articles of the present disclosure can be used as molded articles, hot fill containers, containers, packaging articles, jars, through handle bottles, containers and jugs, appliance parts, cosmetic jars, bottles, medical containers, personal care containers, cosmetic containers, molded articles, lids, medical devices, medical packaging, healthcare products, commercial catering products, containers, cups, storage boxes, bottles, water bottles, or any article designed to hold a liquid. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0115] By referring to the following detailed description of certain embodiments and working examples of the present disclosure, the present disclosure can be more easily understood. According to the purpose of the present disclosure, certain embodiments of the present disclosure are described in the summary of the invention of the present invention, and are further described below. In addition, other embodiments of the present disclosure are also described herein.

[0116] Extrusion blow molding is a common process for producing hollow articles from polymer materials. The typical extrusion blow molding manufacturing process includes: 1) melting the resin in an extruder; 2) extruding the molten resin through a die to form a parison with uniform wall thickness; 3) clamping a mold with the desired finished shape around the parison; 4) blowing air into the parison to stretch and expand the extrudate to fill the mold; 5) cooling the molded article; and 6) ejecting the article from the mold.

[0117] Hollow articles produced by extrusion blow molding are usually used to contain solid or liquid products. Therefore, the container must be tough enough to protect the product and prevent it from leaking or spilling after an accidental drop or impact. The toughness of blow molded products is related to several factors, including part design, wall thickness, container size and material. For filled products, container size has a great influence on toughness because the weight of the contents creates impact weight. Larger containers will accommodate heavier masses that will produce higher impact loads. In order to compensate for these higher impact loads, the wall thickness must be increased or a tougher material must be selected. Unfortunately, due to melt strength limitations and costs, increasing wall thickness is not always feasible. Therefore, the preferred solution is usually to extrude blow molded containers from tougher materials.

[0118] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to articles that can be recycled in a PET stream. In 2017, California Assembly Bill No. 906-Beverage containers: polyethylene terephthalate was signed into law and, for purposes of resin code labeling, it defines "polyethylene terephthalate" (PET) as a plastic that meets certain conditions, including restrictions on the chemical composition of the polymer and a peak melting temperature within a specified range. AB-906 added Section 18013 to the California Public Resources Code, which reads in part:

[0119] "Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)" refers to a plastic obtained by the reaction between terephthalic acid or dimethyl terephthalate and monoethylene glycol, and meets both of the following conditions:

[0120] a. The reacted terephthalic acid or dimethyl terephthalate and monoethylene glycol constitute at least 90% by mass of the monomers reacted to form the polymer.

[0121] b. The plastic exhibits a melting peak temperature between 225 degrees Celsius and 255 degrees Celsius as determined during the second thermal scan using Procedure 10.1 as described in ASTM International (ASTM) D3418, wherein the heating rate of the sample is 10 degrees Celsius per minute.”

[0122] Thus, copolyesters and the above blends that meet the two conditions listed in AB-906 may be accepted as "PET", and such materials may therefore be compatible with current PET recycling streams. The melting points of the blend compositions in the present disclosure make them acceptable as PET under this definition, and therefore compatible with current PET recycling streams.

[0123] During the recycling process, the PET flakes need to be dried to remove residual water that remains with the PET during the recycling process. Typically, PET is dried at temperatures above 200°C. At those temperatures, typical copolyester resins will soften and become sticky, often forming clumps with the PET flakes. These clumps must be removed prior to further processing. These clumps reduce the PET flake yield in the process and create additional processing steps.

[0124] In addition, it has been found that certain combinations of diol monomers in the resin composition can produce articles having good performance properties and can also be crystallized so as not to interfere with the recycling of PET flakes. These articles can be processed with recycled PET and ultimately become a component of the recyclable PET flakes leaving the recycling process.

[0125] As used herein, the term "container" is understood to mean a receptacle for holding or storing a material. Containers include, but are not limited to, bottles, bags, vials, tubes, jars, and cans. Applications of these types of containers in industry include, but are not limited to, medical, automotive, food, beverage, cosmetic, and personal care applications.

[0126] As used herein, the term "bottle" should be understood to mean a plastic-containing container capable of storing or containing a liquid.

[0127] In one embodiment, the present disclosure produces a bottle containing a through handle produced by an extrusion blow molding (EBM) process.

[0128] In one aspect, the present disclosure can be used as containers and bottles for various applications, such as cosmetics, including makeup, liquids, and creams; personal care; household detergents; hair care products, including shampoos and conditioners; cleaning products; lotions; soaps; automotive fluids, including oils and antifreeze; food and cooking products, including olive oil, spices, cooking oils, vegetable oils, soups, sauces, creams, and condiments; beverages; sports drinks; water bottles; juices; and milk.

[0129] As used herein, the term "polyester" is intended to include "copolyesters" and should be understood to mean a synthetic polymer prepared by the reaction of one or more difunctional carboxylic acids and / or polyfunctional carboxylic acids with one or more difunctional hydroxy compounds and / or polyfunctional hydroxy compounds (e.g., branching agents). Typically, the difunctional carboxylic acid can be a dicarboxylic acid, and the difunctional hydroxy compound can be a dihydric alcohol (dihydric alcohol), such as a glycol and a diol. As used herein, the term "diol" includes but is not limited to diols, diols and / or polyfunctional hydroxy compounds, such as branching agents. Alternatively, the difunctional carboxylic acid can be a hydroxycarboxylic acid, such as p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and the difunctional hydroxy compound can have an aromatic core with 2 hydroxy substituents, such as hydroquinone. As used herein, the term "residue" means any organic structure incorporated into a polymer by polycondensation and / or esterification of the corresponding monomer. As used herein, the term "repeat unit" means an organic structure having a dicarboxylic acid residue and a diol residue bonded by an ester group. Thus, for example, a dicarboxylic acid residue may be derived from a dicarboxylic acid monomer or its associated acyl halide, ester, salt, anhydride and / or mixtures thereof. In addition, as used herein, the term "diacid" includes polyfunctional acids, such as branching agents. Thus, as used herein, the term "dicarboxylic acid" is intended to include dicarboxylic acids and any derivatives of dicarboxylic acids that can be used in a reaction process with a diol to prepare a polyester, including its associated acyl halide, ester, half ester, salt, half salt, anhydride, mixed anhydride and / or mixtures thereof. As used herein, the term "terephthalic acid" is intended to include terephthalic acid itself and its residues that can be used in a reaction process with a diol to prepare a polyester, as well as any derivatives of terephthalic acid, including its associated acyl halide, ester, half ester, salt, half salt, anhydride, mixed anhydride and / or mixtures thereof or residues thereof.

[0130] The polyester used in the present disclosure can generally be prepared from a dicarboxylic acid and a diol, which react in substantially equal proportions and are incorporated into the polyester polymer as their corresponding residues. Thus, the polyester of the present disclosure can contain substantially equal molar proportions of acid residues (100 mole %) and diol (and / or multifunctional hydroxy compound) residues (100 mole %), such that the total mole number of repeating units is equal to 100 mole %. Thus, the mole percentages provided in the present disclosure can be based on the total mole number of acid residues, the total mole number of diol residues, or the total mole number of repeating units. For example, a polyester containing 10 mole % of isophthalic acid based on the total acid residues means that the polyester contains 10 mole % of isophthalic acid residues in a total of 100 mole % of acid residues. Thus, there are 10 moles of isophthalic acid residues in every 100 moles of acid residues. In another example, a polyester containing 25 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol based on total diol residues means that the polyester contains 25 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues out of a total of 100 mole % of diol residues. Thus, there are 25 moles of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues for every 100 moles of diol residues.

[0131] In certain embodiments, terephthalic acid or its ester (e.g., dimethyl terephthalate) or a mixture of terephthalic acid residues and their esters may constitute part or all of the dicarboxylic acid component used to form a polyester that can be used in the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, terephthalic acid residues may constitute part or all of the dicarboxylic acid component used to form a polyester that can be used in the present disclosure. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the terms "terephthalic acid" and "dimethyl terephthalate" are used interchangeably herein. In one embodiment, dimethyl terephthalate is part or all of the dicarboxylic acid component used to prepare a polyester that can be used in the present disclosure. In an embodiment, a range of 70 mol% to 100 mol%; or 80 mol% to 100 mol%; or 90 mol% to 100 mol%; or 99 mol% to 100 mol%; or 100 mol% of terephthalic acid and / or dimethyl terephthalate and / or a mixture thereof may be used.

[0132] In addition to terephthalic acid, the dicarboxylic acid component that can be used for polyester of the present disclosure can also include 30 mol %, 20 mol %, 10 mol %, 5 mol % or 1 mol % at most of one or more modified aromatic dicarboxylic acids. Another embodiment contains 0 mol % of modified aromatic dicarboxylic acid. Therefore, if present, it is expected that the amount of one or more modified aromatic dicarboxylic acids can be within the scope of any one of these aforementioned endpoint values, for example, the scope includes 0.01 mol % to 10 mol %, 0.01 mol % to 5 mol % and 0.01 mol % to 1 mol %. In one embodiment, the modified aromatic dicarboxylic acids that can be used for the present disclosure include but are not limited to those with up to 20 carbon atoms, and can be linear, para-oriented or symmetrical. Examples of modified aromatic dicarboxylic acids useful in the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, isophthalic acid, 4,4'-biphenyl dicarboxylic acid, 1,4-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid, 1,5-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid, 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid, 2,7-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid, and trans-4,4'-stilbene dicarboxylic acid and their esters. In one embodiment, the modified aromatic dicarboxylic acid is isophthalic acid.

[0133] The carboxylic acid component that can be used for polyester of the present disclosure can further be modified with up to 10 mol %, such as up to 5 mol % or up to 1 mol % of one or more aliphatic dicarboxylic acids containing 2-16 carbon atoms, for example cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid and / or dodecanedioic acid dicarboxylic acid. Some embodiments can also include 0.01 mol % to 10 mol %, such as 0.1 mol % to 10 mol %, 1 mol % to 10 mol %, 5 mol % to 10 mol % of one or more modified aliphatic dicarboxylic acids. Another embodiment contains 0 mol % of modified aliphatic dicarboxylic acids. The total mole % of dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mol %. In one embodiment, adipic acid and / or glutaric acid are provided in the modified aliphatic dicarboxylic acid component of polyester and can be used for the present disclosure.

[0134] Can use ester of terephthalic acid and other modified dicarboxylic acids or their corresponding ester and / or salt to replace dicarboxylic acid.Suitable example of dicarboxylic acid ester includes but not limited to dimethyl ester, diethyl ester, dipropyl ester, diisopropyl ester, dibutyl ester and diphenyl ester.In one embodiment, ester is selected from at least one of following: methyl ester, ethyl ester, propyl ester, isopropyl ester and phenyl ester.

[0135] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the residues derived from dicarboxylic acids and diols as described herein are derived from recycled monomeric species, such as recycled dimethyl terephthalate (rDMT), recycled terephthalic acid (rTPA), recycled dimethyl isophthalate (rDMI), recycled ethylene glycol (rEG), recycled cyclohexanedimethanol (rCHDM), recycled neopentyl glycol (rNPG), and recycled diethylene glycol (rDEG). Such recycled monomeric species can be obtained by known methanolysis or glycolysis reactions, which are used to depolymerize various post-consumer recycled polyesters and copolyesters. Similarly, recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (rPET) can be used as a raw material (for dicarboxylic acid and diol components) for making polyesters with recycled content of the present disclosure. Thus, in another embodiment, the polyester composition of the present disclosure comprises at least a portion of the dicarboxylic acid residues and / or diol residues derived from (i) a recycled monomer species selected from rDMT, rTPA, rDMI, rEG, rCHDM, rDEG, rNPG, and (ii) rPET.

[0136] In embodiments, the compositions are useful as polyester reactants or intermediates in reaction schemes to provide copolyester products containing recycled content. In embodiments, the recycled content of these recycled content compositions is derived from r-propylene, which in turn is derived from r-pyrolysis oil. In embodiments, such recycled content compositions may be selected from r-isobutyraldehyde, r-isobutyric acid, r-isobutyric anhydride, r-dimethyl ketene, rTMCDn, or r-TMCD.

[0137] In one embodiment, the diol component that can be used in the copolyester composition of the present disclosure may include 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol. In another embodiment, the diol component that can be used in the copolyester composition of the present disclosure includes 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol and 1,3-cyclohexanedimethanol. The molar ratio of cis / trans 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol can vary in the range of 50 / 50 to 0 / 100, for example, between 40 / 60 and 20 / 80.

[0138] In one embodiment, the total comonomer from diols and acids other than ethylene glycol (EG), terephthalic acid (TPA), or dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) useful in the copolyester compositions of the present disclosure is from 5 wt% to 15 wt%, or from 5 wt% to 10 wt%, or from 10 wt% to 15 wt%, or from 2 wt% to 15 wt%, or from 2 wt% to 10 wt%, or from 3 wt% to 15 wt%, or from 3 wt% to 10 wt%, or from 4 wt% to 15 wt%, or from 5 wt% to 10 wt%. % to 10 wt %, or 6 wt % to 15 wt %, or 6 wt % to 10 wt %, or 7 wt % to 15 wt %, or 7 wt % to 10 wt %, or 8 wt % to 15 wt %, or 8 wt % to 10 wt %, or 9 wt % to 15 wt %, or 9 wt % to 10 wt %, or 11 wt % to 15 wt %, 12 wt % to 15 wt %, or 13 wt % to 15 wt %, 14 wt % to 15 wt %, or 12 wt % to 16 wt %.

[0139] In one embodiment, the diol component that can be used for the copolyester composition of the present invention may contain 0 mol% to 10 mol% of neopentyl glycol based on the total mole % of the diol component of 100 mol%. In one embodiment, the diol component that can be used for the copolyester composition of the present invention may contain 0 mol% to 5 mol% of neopentyl glycol based on the total mole % of the diol component of 100 mol%. In one embodiment, the diol component that can be used for the copolyester composition of the present invention may contain 5 mol% to 10 mol% of neopentyl glycol based on the total mole % of the diol component of 100 mol%. In one embodiment, the diol component that can be used for the copolyester composition of the present invention may contain 1 mol% to 5 mol% of neopentyl glycol based on the total mole % of the diol component of 100 mol%. In one embodiment, the diol component that can be used for the copolyester composition of the present invention may contain 2 mol% to 5 mol% of neopentyl glycol based on the total mole % of the diol component of 100 mol%. In one embodiment, the diol component useful in the copolyester composition of the present disclosure may contain 3 to 5 mole % of neopentyl glycol based on the total mole % of the diol component which is 100 mole %.

[0140] In one embodiment, the glycol component useful in the copolyester composition of the present disclosure may contain, based on the total mole % of the glycol component being 100 mole %, 0 mole % to 5 mole %, or 0 mole % to 4 mole %, or 0 mole % to 3 mole %, or 0 mole % to 2 mole %, or 0 mole % to 1 mole %, or 0.01 mole % to 5 mole %, or 0.01 mole % to 4 mole %, or 0.01 mole % to 3 mole %, or 0.01 mole % to 2 mole %, or 0.01 mole % to 1 mole %, or 1 mole % to 10 mole %, 1 mole % to 5 mole %, or 2 mole % to 5 mole %, or 3 mole % to 5 mole %, or 4 mole % to 5 mole %. % to 8 mol %, or 3 mol % to 7 mol %, or 2 mol % to 10 mol %, or 2 mol % to 9 mol %, or 2 mol % to 8 mol %, or 3 mol % to 7 mol %, or 2 mol % to 10 mol %, or 2 mol % to 9 mol %, or 2 mol % to 8 mol %, or 2 mol % to 7 mol %, or 2 mol % to 5 mol %, or 1 mol % to 7 mol %, or 1 mol % to 5 mol %, or 1 mol % to 3 mol % neopentyl glycol residues.

[0141] In one embodiment, the diol component that can be used in the copolyester composition of the present disclosure may contain 0 mol % to 75 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol based on the total mole % of the diol component being 100 mol %. In one embodiment, the diol component that can be used in the copolyester composition of the present disclosure may contain 0.01 mol % to less than 75 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol based on the total mole % of the diol component being 100 mol %. In one embodiment, the diol component that can be used in the copolyester composition of the present disclosure may contain 0 mol % to 50 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol based on the total mole % of the diol component being 100 mol %. In one embodiment, the diol component that can be used in the copolyester composition of the present disclosure may contain 0.01 mol % to less than 50 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol based on the total mole % of the diol component being 100 mol %. In one embodiment, the diol component that can be used in the copolyester composition of the present disclosure may contain 0.01 mol% to 30 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol based on the total mol% of the diol component being 100 mol%. In one embodiment, the diol component that can be used in the copolyester composition of the present disclosure may contain 0.01 mol% to less than 25 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol based on the total mol% of the diol component being 100 mol%. In one embodiment, the diol component that can be used in the copolyester composition of the present disclosure may contain 25 mol% to 100 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol based on the total mol% of the diol component being 100 mol%.

[0142] In one embodiment, the glycol component useful in the copolyester composition of the present disclosure may contain, based on the total mole % of the glycol component being 100 mole %, 0 mole % to 75 mole %, or 0 mole % to 50 mole %, or 0 mole % to 40 mole %, or 0 mole % to 30 mole %, or 0 mole % to 25 mole %, or 0 mole % to 20 mole %, or 0 mole % to 10 mole %, or 0.01 mole % to 75 mole %, or 0.01 mole % to 50 mole %, or 0.01 mole % to 40 mole %, or 0.01 mole % to 30 mole %, or 0.01 mole % to 20 mole %, or 0.01 mole % to 10 mole %. % to 15 mol%, or 0.01 mol% to 14 mol%, or 0.01 mol% to 13 mol%, or 0.01 mol% to 12 mol%, or 0.01 mol% to 11 mol%, or 0.01 mol% to 10 mol%, or 0.01 mol% to 9 mol%, or 0.01 mol% to 8 mol%, or 0.01 mol% to 7 mol%, or 0.01 mol% to 6 mol%, or 0.01 mol% to 5 mol%, or 0.1 mol% to 50 mol%, or 0.1 mol% to 40 mol%, or 0.1 mol% to 30 mol%, or 0.1 mol% to 20 mol%, or 0.1 mol% to 10 mol %, or 25 mol % to 100 mol %, or 25 mol % to 75 mol %, or 25 mol % to 50 mol %, or 5 mol % to 50 mol %, 10 mol % to 50 mol %, or 20 mol % to 50 mol %, or 30 mol % to 50 mol %, or 40 mol % to 50 mol %, or 20 mol % to 40 mol %, or 30 mol % to 40 mol %, or 10 mol % to 40 mol %, 10 mol % to 30 mol %, or 10 mol % to 20 mol %, or 20 mol % to 30 mol %, or 2 mol % to 50 mol %, or 2 mol % to 40 mol %, or 2 mol % to 30 mol % %, or 2 mol % to 20 mol %, 3 mol % to 15 mol %, or 3 mol % to 14 mol %, or 3 mol % to 13 mol %, or 3 mol % to 12 mol %, or 3 mol % to 11 mol %, or 3 mol % to 10 mol %, or 3 mol % to 9 mol %, or 3 mol % to 8 mol %, or 3 mol % to 7 mol %, or 2 mol % to 10 mol %, or 2 mol % to 9 mol %, or 2 mol % to 8 mol %, or 2 mol % to 7 mol %, or 2 mol % to 5 mol %, or 1 mol % to 7 mol %, or 1 mol % to 5 mol %, or 1 mol % to 3 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues.

[0143] In one embodiment, the glycol component useful in the copolyester composition of the present disclosure may contain, based on the total mole % of the glycol component being 100 mole %, 0 to 75 mole %, or 0 to 35 mole %, or 0 to 30 mole %, or 0 to 25 mole %, or 0 to 20 mole %, or 0 to 10 mole %, or 0.01 to 35 mole %, or 0.01 to 30 mole %, or 0.01 to 25 mole %, or 0.01 to 20 mole %, or 0.01 mole % to 0.10 mole %. % to 15 mol%, or 0.01 mol% to 14 mol%, or 0.01 mol% to 13 mol%, or 0.01 mol% to 12 mol%, or 0.01 mol% to 11 mol%, or 0.01 mol% to 10 mol%, or 0.01 mol% to 9 mol%, or 0.01 mol% to 8 mol%, or 0.01 mol% to 7 mol%, or 0.01 mol% to 6 mol%, or 0.01 mol% to 5 mol%, or 0.1 mol% to 35 mol%, or 0.1 mol% to 30 mol%, or 0.1 mol% to 25 mol%. mol %, or 0.1 mol % to 20 mol %, or 0.1 mol % to 10 mol %, or 5 mol % to 35 mol %, 10 mol % to 35 mol %, or 20 mol % to 35 mol %, or 25 mol % to 35 mol %, 10 mol % to 30 mol %, or 10 mol % to 20 mol %, or 20 mol % to 30 mol %, or 2 mol % to 35 mol %, or 2 mol % to 25 mol %, or 2 mol % to 30 mol %, or 2 mol % to 20 mol %, 3 mol % to 15 mol %, or 3 mol % to 14 mol %, or 3 mol% to 13 mol%, or 3 mol% to 12 mol%, or 3 mol% to 11 mol%, or 3 mol% to 10 mol%, or 3 mol% to 9 mol%, or 3 mol% to 8 mol%, or 3 mol% to 7 mol%, or 2 mol% to 10 mol%, or 2 mol% to 9 mol%, or 2 mol% to 8 mol%, or 2 mol% to 7 mol%, or 2 mol% to 5 mol%, or 1 mol% to 7 mol%, or 1 mol% to 5 mol%, or 1 mol% to 3 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl.1,3-cyclobutanediol residues.

[0144] In one embodiment, the diol component that can be used in the copolyester composition of the present disclosure may contain 0 mol% to 75 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol based on the total mole % of the diol component being 100 mol%. In one embodiment, the diol component that can be used in the copolyester composition of the present disclosure may contain 0.01 mol% to less than 75 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol based on the total mole % of the diol component being 100 mol%. In one embodiment, the diol component that can be used in the copolyester composition of the present disclosure may contain 0 mol% to 30 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol based on the total mole % of the diol component being 100 mol%. In one embodiment, the diol component that can be used in the copolyester composition of the present disclosure may contain 0.01 mol% to less than 30 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol based on the total mol% of the diol component being 100 mol%. In one embodiment, the diol component that can be used in the copolyester composition of the present disclosure may contain 0.01 mol% to 25 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol based on the total mol% of the diol component being 100 mol%. In one embodiment, the diol component that can be used in the copolyester composition of the present disclosure may contain 0 mol% to less than 25 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol based on the total mol% of the diol component being 100 mol%.

[0145] It is understood that some other diol residues may be formed in situ during processing. The total amount of diethylene glycol residues may be present in the copolyesters useful in the present disclosure in any amount, whether formed in situ during processing or intentionally added, or both, for example, from 1 mol % to 10 mol %, or from 2 mol % to 10 mol %, or from 2 mol % to 9 mol %, or from 3 mol % to 9 mol %, or from 3 mol % to 10 mol %, or from 3 mol % to 9 mol %, or from 3 mol % to 8 mol %, or from 4 mol % to 10 mol %, or from 4 mol % to 9 mol %, or from 4 mol % to 8 mol %, or from 4 mol % to 7 mol %, or from 5 mol % to 10 mol %, or from 5 mol % to 9 mol %, or from 5 mol % to 8 mol %, or from 5 mol % to 7 mol % of diethylene glycol residues, based on the total mol % of the diol component being 100 mol %.

[0146] In one embodiment, the total amount of diethylene glycol residues present in the copolyesters useful in the present disclosure (whether formed in situ during processing or intentionally added, or both) can be 5 mol% or less, or 4 mol% or less, or 3.5 mol% or less, or 3.0 mol% or less, or 2.5 mol% or less, or 2.0 mol% or less, or 1.5 mol% or less, or 1.0 mol% or less, or from 1 mol% to 4 mol%, or from 1 mol% to 3 mol%, or from 1 mol% to 2 mol% of diethylene glycol residues, or from 2 mol% to 8 mol%, or from 2 mol% to 7 mol%, or from 2 mol% to 6 mol%, or from 2 mol% to 5 mol%, or from 3 mol% to 8 mol%, or from 3 mol% to 7 mol%, or from 3 mol% to 6 mol%, or from 3 mol% to 5 mol%, based on the total mol% of the glycol component being 100 mol%, or in some embodiments, there are no intentionally added diethylene glycol residues. In certain embodiments, the copolyester contains no added modifying glycol.In certain embodiments, the diethylene glycol residues in the copolyester may be 5 mole % or less.

[0147] For all embodiments, the remainder of the glycol component can comprise any amount of ethylene glycol residues based on the total mole % of the glycol component being 100 mole %. In one embodiment, the copolyesters useful in the present disclosure may contain 50 mol% or greater, or 55 mol% or greater, or 60 mol% or greater, or 65 mol% or greater, or 70 mol% or greater, or 75 mol% or greater, or 80 mol% or greater, or 85 mol% or greater, or 90 mol% or greater, or 95 mol% or greater, or 98 mol% or greater, or from 50 mol% to 90 mol%, or from 55 mol% to 90 mol%, or from 50 mol% to 80 mol%, or from 55 mol% to 80 mol%, or from 60 mol% to 80 mol%, or from 50 mol% to 75 mol%, or from 55 mol% to 75 mol%, or from 60 mol% to 75 mol%, or from 65 mol% to 75 mol% of ethylene glycol residues, based on the total mol% of the glycol component being 100%.

[0148] In one embodiment, the diol component of the copolyester composition useful in the present disclosure may contain up to 10 mol%, or up to 9 mol%, or up to 8 mol%, or up to 7 mol%, or up to 6 mol%, or up to 5 mol%, or up to 4 mol%, or up to 3 mol%, or up to 2 mol%, or up to 1 mol% or less of one or more other modifying diols (other modifying diols are defined as diols that are not ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, neopentyl glycol or 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol). In certain embodiments, the copolyesters useful in the present disclosure may contain 10 mol% or less of one or more other modifying diols; 5 mol% or less of one or more other modifying diols; 2 mol% or less of one or more other modifying diols; 1 mol% or less of one or more other modifying diols. In certain embodiments, the copolyesters useful in the present disclosure may contain 5 mol% or less of one or more other modifying diols. In certain embodiments, the copolyesters useful in the present disclosure may contain 3 mol % or less of one or more other modified diols. In another embodiment, the copolyesters useful in the present disclosure may contain 0 mol % of other modified diols. However, it is expected that some other diol residues may be formed in situ, and thus the amount of residues formed in situ is also an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0149] In an embodiment, if used, other modified diols for copolyesters as defined herein contain 2 to 16 carbon atoms. Examples of other modified diols include, but are not limited to, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, isosorbide, 1,4-butylene glycol, 1,5-pentanediol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol (MPDiol), 1,6-hexanediol, p-xylene glycol, polytetramethylene glycol, 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol (TMCD) and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, isosorbide is another modified diol. In another embodiment, other modified diols include, but are not limited to, at least one of 1,3-propylene glycol and 1,4-butylene glycol. In one embodiment, 1,3-propylene glycol and / or 1,4-butylene glycol can be excluded. If 1,4-butylene glycol or 1,3-butylene glycol is used, then in one embodiment, greater than 4 mol % or greater than 5 mol % can be provided. In one embodiment, the at least one other modifying diol is 1,4-butanediol, which is present in an amount from 1 mol % to 10 mol %.

[0150] In some embodiments, the copolyester compositions according to the present disclosure may optionally include 0 to 10 mole %, e.g., 0 to 5 mole %, 0 to 1 mole %, 0.01 to 5 mole %, 0.01 to 1 mole %, 0.05 to 5 mole %, 0.05 to 1 mole %, or 0.1 to 0.7 mole % of one or more residues of a branching monomer (also referred to herein as a branching agent) having 3 or more carboxyl substituents, hydroxyl substituents, or combinations thereof, based on the total mole percentage of the diol or diacid residues, respectively. In certain embodiments, branching monomers or branching agents may be added before and / or during and / or after the polymerization of the copolyester. In some embodiments, the copolyesters useful in the present disclosure may therefore be linear or branched.

[0151] Examples of branching monomers include, but are not limited to, polyfunctional acids or polyfunctional alcohols such as trimellitic acid, trimellitic anhydride, pyromellitic dianhydride, trimethylolpropane, glycerol, pentaerythritol, citric acid, tartaric acid, 3-hydroxyglutaric acid, and the like. In one embodiment, the branching monomer residues may comprise from 0.1 mol % to 0.7 mol % of one or more residues selected from at least one of trimellitic anhydride, pyromellitic dianhydride, glycerol, sorbitol, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, pentaerythritol, trimethylolethane, and / or trimesic acid. The branching monomers may be added to the copolyester reaction mixture or blended with the copolyester in the form of a concentrate, such as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,654,347 and 5,696,176, the disclosures of which regarding branching monomers are incorporated herein by reference.

[0152] The copolyesters useful in the present disclosure may include at least one chain extender. Suitable chain extenders include, but are not limited to, multifunctional (including but not limited to difunctional) isocyanates, multifunctional epoxides (including, for example, epoxidized phenolic resins), and phenoxy resins. In certain embodiments, the chain extender may be added at the end of the polymerization process or after the polymerization process. If added after the polymerization process, the chain extender may be incorporated by compounding or by addition during a conversion process such as injection molding or extrusion.

[0153] The amount of chain extender used can vary depending upon the particular monomer composition used and the physical properties desired, but is typically from about 0.1 weight percent to about 10 weight percent, such as from about 0.1 to about 5 weight percent, based on the total weight of the copolyester.

[0154] Unless otherwise stated, it is contemplated that copolyester compositions useful in the present disclosure may have at least one of the intrinsic viscosity ranges described herein and at least one of the monomer ranges for copolyester compositions described herein. Unless otherwise stated, it is also contemplated that copolyester compositions useful in the present disclosure may have at least one of the Tg ranges described herein and at least one of the monomer ranges for copolyester compositions described herein. Unless otherwise stated, it is also contemplated that copolyester compositions useful in the present disclosure may have at least one of the intrinsic viscosity ranges described herein, at least one of the Tg ranges described herein, and at least one of the monomer ranges for copolyester compositions described herein.

[0155] For embodiments of the present disclosure, the copolyester compositions useful in the present disclosure may exhibit at least one of the following inherent viscosities, as measured in 60 / 40 (weight / weight) phenol / tetrachloroethane at a concentration of 0.25 g / 50 ml at 25° C.: 0.50 to 1.3 dL / g; 0.50 to 1.25 dL / g; 0.50 to 1.2 dL / g; 0.50 to 1.0 dL / g; 0.50 to 0.90 dL / g; 0.50 to 0.80 dL / g; 0.55 to 0.80 dL / g; 0.58 to 0.80 dL / g; 0.60 to 0.80 dL / g; 0.65 to 0.80 dL / g; 0.70 to 0.80 dL / g; 0.50 to 0.75 dL / g; 0.55 to 0.75 dL / g; 0.58 to 0.75 dL / g; 0.60 to 0.75 dL / g; 0.60 to 0.70 dL / g; 0.58 to 0.70 dL / g; or 0.55 to 0.70 dL / g.

[0156] The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the copolyester composition was determined using a TA DSC 2920 from Thermal Analyst Instrument at a scanning rate of 20°C / min. The value of the glass transition temperature was determined during the second heating.

[0157] In certain embodiments, the molded articles of the present disclosure comprise a copolyester composition wherein the copolyester has a Tg of 70°C to 115°C; 70°C to 80°C; 70°C to 85°C; or 70°C to 90°C; or 70°C to 95°C; 70°C to 100°C; 70°C to 105°C; 70°C to 110°C; 80°C to 115°C; 80°C to 85°C; or 80°C to 90°C; or 80°C to 95°C; 80°C to 100°C; 80°C to 105°C; 80°C to 110°C; 90°C to 115°C; 90°C to 100°C; 90°C to 105°C; 90°C to 110°C. In certain embodiments, these Tg ranges may be met with or without the addition of at least one plasticizer during polymerization.

[0158] In one embodiment, the copolyester compositions useful for the present disclosure produce a clear or visually clear side viewing strip. The term "visually clear" is defined herein as being significantly free of color, haze, blur and / or turbidity when visually inspected. In one embodiment, the copolyester compositions useful for the present disclosure produce a transparent side viewing strip. The term "transparent" is defined herein as being significantly free of haze, haze and / or turbidity when visually inspected, such that observation can be made through the material. These terms are used interchangeably herein. In one aspect, the terms clear and / or transparent are defined as having low haze. In one embodiment, clear and / or transparent are defined as having a haze value of 20% or less. In one embodiment, clear and / or transparent are defined as having a haze value of 15% or less. In one embodiment, clear and / or transparent are defined as having a haze value of 10% or less. In one embodiment, clear and / or transparent are defined as having a haze value of 5% or less.

[0159] In one embodiment, the copolyesters can be produced by processes in homogeneous solutions, by transesterification processes in the melt, and by two-phase interface processes. Suitable methods include, but are not limited to, reacting one or more dicarboxylic acids with one or more diols at a temperature of 100° C. to 315° C. and a pressure of 0.1 to 760 mm Hg for a time sufficient to form the copolyester. For methods of producing copolyesters, see U.S. Pat. No. 3,772,405, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0160] Generally, the copolyesters can be prepared by condensing a dicarboxylic acid or a dicarboxylic acid ester with a diol in the presence of a catalyst in an inert atmosphere at elevated temperatures that are gradually increased during the condensation process (up to a temperature of about 225° C. to 310° C.), and conducting the condensation under reduced pressure during the later stages of the condensation, as described in further detail in U.S. Pat. No. 2,720,507, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0161] In some embodiments, during the process of preparing the copolyester composition that can be used for the present disclosure, certain agents that color the polymer can be added to the melt, including toners or dyes. In one embodiment, a bluing toner is added to the melt to reduce the b* of the resulting copolyester polymer melt phase product. Such bluing agents include blue inorganic and organic toners and / or dyes. In addition, red toners and / or dyes can also be used to adjust the a* color. Organic toners can be used, for example, blue and red organic toners, such as those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,372,864 and 5,384,377, which are incorporated by reference as a whole. Organic toners can be fed as premixed compositions. The premixed composition can be a neat blend of red and blue compounds, or the composition can be pre-dissolved or slurried in one of the copolyester raw materials (e.g., ethylene glycol).

[0162] The total amount of toner components added may depend on the amount of inherent yellow in the base copolyester and the efficacy of the toner. In one embodiment, a concentration of up to about 15 ppm of combined organic toner components and a minimum concentration of about 0.5 ppm may be used. In one embodiment, the total amount of bluing additive may be in the range of 0.5 to 10 ppm. In one embodiment, the toner may be added to the esterification zone or the polycondensation zone. Preferably, the toner is added to the esterification zone or to the early stages of the polycondensation zone, such as to a prepolymerization reactor. In some embodiments, the toner may be added as a composite masterbatch after polymerization.

[0163] In some embodiments, the copolyester composition may also contain 0.01% to 25% by weight of the overall composition of common additives such as colorants, toners, dyes, mold release agents, flame retardants, plasticizers, glass bubbles, glass fibers, natural fibers, nucleating agents, friction modifiers, stabilizers (including but not limited to UV stabilizers, heat stabilizers and / or reaction products thereof), fillers, and impact modifiers. Examples of commercially available impact modifiers include but are not limited to ethylene / propylene terpolymers; functionalized polyolefins such as those containing methyl acrylate and / or glycidyl methacrylate; styrene-based block copolymer impact modifiers; and various acrylic core / shell impact modifiers. Residues of such additives are also contemplated as part of the copolyester composition.

[0164] In some embodiments, the copolyester composition contains additives to achieve an opaque layer, such as colorants, pigments, dyes, fillers, opacifiers, talc, titanium dioxide, calcium carbonate. The opacifying additive is added in an amount of 0.1 wt % to 10 wt % based on the total weight of the composition.

[0165] Reinforcement can be added to the composition that can be used for the present disclosure.Reinforcement can include but is not limited to carbon filament, silicate, mica, clay, talc, titanium dioxide, wollastonite, glass flake, bead and fiber, natural fiber and polymer fiber and their combination.In one embodiment, reinforcement comprises glass, such as fiber glass filament, glass and talc mixture, glass and mica mixture, and glass and polymer fiber mixture.

[0166] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the copolyester composition further comprises recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) or recycled polyester. It is desirable to reincorporate recycled PET (rPET) or recycled polyester into new molded or extruded articles. The use of rPET or recycled polyester reduces the product environmental footprint and improves the overall life cycle analysis. The use of rPET or recycled polyester has economic advantages and will reduce the total amount of packaging-related products sent to landfills or that may end up polluting oceans or other bodies of water.

[0167] There is no limitation on the recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) or recycled polyester that can be used to prepare blends with the copolyester compositions of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the rPET or recycled polyester is recovered by mechanical means. In one embodiment, the rPET or recycled polyester is produced from monomers that are recovered by chemical means (produced by any known depolymerization process).

[0168] In one embodiment, the rPET may have minor modifications, such as with up to 5 mol % of isophthalic acid and / or up to 5 mol % of CHDM or other diols. In one embodiment, recycled PET (rPET) can be almost any "waste" industrial or post-consumer PET. In one embodiment, the rPET that can be used in the blended compositions of the present disclosure can be post-consumer recycled PET. In one embodiment, rPET is post-industrial recycled PET. In one embodiment, rPET is post-consumer PET from soft drink bottles. In one embodiment, scrap PET fibers, scrap PET films, and low-quality PET polymers are also suitable sources of rPET. In one embodiment, the recycled PET primarily comprises PET, but other copolyesters may also be used, particularly when they have a similar structure to PET, such as PET copolymers, etc. In one embodiment, rPET is clean. In one embodiment, rPET is substantially free of contaminants. In one embodiment, rPET may be in the form of flakes.

[0169] In one embodiment, the copolyester composition comprises 0 wt % to 50 wt % rPET. In one embodiment, the copolyester composition comprises 1 wt % to 40 wt % rPET. In one embodiment, the copolyester composition comprises 2 wt % to 30 wt % rPET. In one embodiment, the copolyester composition comprises 3 wt % to 20 wt % rPET. In one embodiment, the copolyester composition comprises 4 wt % to 15 wt % rPET. In one embodiment, the copolyester composition comprises 5 wt % to 10 wt % rPET.

[0170] In one embodiment, up to about 50% by weight of rPET may be incorporated into the copolyester compositions of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the rPET / copolyester blend is 15-50% by weight rPET. In one embodiment, the rPET / copolyester blend is 25-40% by weight rPET. In one embodiment, the rPET / copolyester blend is 20-30% by weight rPET. In one embodiment, the rPET / copolyester blend is 15-50% by weight rPET and 50-85% by weight of at least one copolyester.

[0171] The copolyester / rPET blends can be prepared by conventional processing techniques known in the art, such as melt blending, melt mixing, compounding via single screw extrusion, compounding via twin screw extrusion, batch melt mixing equipment, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the copolyester / rPET blends are compounded at a temperature of 220-320°C. In one embodiment, the copolyester / rPET blends are compounded at a temperature of 220-300°C. In one embodiment, the copolyester / rPET blends can be pre-dried at 60-160°C. In one embodiment, the copolyester / rPET blends are not pre-dried. In one embodiment, compounding can be performed under vacuum. In one embodiment, compounding is not performed under vacuum.

[0172] Examples of molded articles include, but are not limited to: containers, bottles, bottles with through handles, medical devices, medical packaging, healthcare products, commercial food service products such as containers, cups, storage boxes, bottles, appliance parts, utensils, water bottles.

[0173] In embodiments, the films and / or sheets of the present disclosure may have any thickness as desired for the intended application.

[0174] The present disclosure also relates to molded or shaped articles as described herein. Methods for molding the copolyester composition into molded or shaped articles include any known methods in the art. Examples of molded or shaped articles disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, thermoformed or thermoformable articles, injection molded articles, extrusion molded articles, injection blow molded articles, injection stretch blow molded articles, and extrusion blow molded articles. Methods for preparing molded articles include, but are not limited to, thermoforming, injection molding, extrusion, injection blow molding, injection stretch blow molding, and extrusion blow molding. The process disclosed herein may include any thermoforming process known in the art. The process disclosed herein may include any blow molding process known in the art, including, but not limited to, reheat blow molding, extrusion blow molding, extrusion stretch blow molding, injection blow molding, and injection stretch blow molding.

[0175] The present disclosure includes any extrusion blow molding (EBM) manufacturing process known in the art. Although not limited thereto, a typical description of an extrusion blow molding manufacturing process includes: 1) melting a composition in an extruder; 2) extruding the molten composition through a die to form a tube (i.e., a parison) of molten polymer; 3) clamping a mold having a desired finished shape around the parison; 4) blowing air into the parison to stretch and expand the extrudate to fill the mold; 5) cooling the molded article; 6) ejecting the article from the mold; and 7) removing excess plastic (commonly referred to as flash) from the article.

[0176] For example, in some embodiments, the polyester composition of the present disclosure can be dried in a dehumidifying dryer before molding to reduce the moisture content in the polyester to a level below 200 ppm. Suitable extruders should be equipped with screws designed for PET, PVC or PC, and the extrusion head should be designed for PET, PVC or PC. Hot knives can be used, preferably pre-extrusion, linear cutting or left-to-right, however front-to-back is also suitable for use and can also be used in some embodiments. The mold design requires good cooling and very intense pinching. Suitable processing temperatures include 230-260°C polymer melts, 220-250°C barrels and 230-260°C extrusion heads.

[0177] In one embodiment, the molded articles and parts of the present disclosure can have any thickness required for the intended end-use application. In one embodiment, the molded articles and parts of the present disclosure have a thickness of up to about 1 mm. In one embodiment, the molded articles and parts have a thickness of about 0.1 mm to 1 mm. In one embodiment, the molded articles and parts have a thickness of 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm. In one embodiment, the molded articles and parts have a thickness of 0.25 to 0.35 mm.

[0178] In one embodiment, the width of the side viewing strip can be any width required for the intended end-use application. In one embodiment, the width of the side viewing strip is up to about 10 mm. In one embodiment, the width of the side viewing strip is about 1.0 mm-10 mm. In one embodiment, the width of the side viewing strip is 2 mm-8 mm. In one embodiment, the width of the side viewing strip is 3 mm-6 mm. In one embodiment, the width of the side viewing strip is 6 mm-9 mm. In some embodiments, the transparent side viewing strip is marked to measure the contents.

[0179] The following examples further illustrate how the copolyesters of the present disclosure may be prepared and evaluated, and they are intended to be exemplary only and are not intended to limit the scope thereof. Unless otherwise indicated, parts are parts by weight, temperatures are in degrees Celsius (Celsius) or are room temperature, and pressures are at or near atmospheric pressure.

[0180] Example

[0181] The present disclosure may be further illustrated by the following examples of preferred embodiments thereof, but it should be understood that these examples are included for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0182] The following describes the process used for the examples.

[0183] View Strip: Two extruders are connected to an extrusion blow molding machine, a large horizontal extruder for opaque material and a smaller vertical extruder for transparent material. The opaque material is fed into the die to create a hanging parison. The molten transparent material is inserted into the hanging parison, creating a transparent strip in the parison. Once the parison reaches the proper length, the mold is closed and a hot knife cuts the material in the mold from the extruded parison. The material in the mold is then blown into the desired shape and ejected, and the remaining material that is not part of the design is removed.

[0184] Multilayer: An extruder corresponding to each layer is connected to the extrusion blow molding machine, up to 7 layers, and a smaller vertical extruder for transparent materials is connected to the extrusion blow molding machine. The opaque material is fed into the appropriate layer of a dedicated die head, thereby producing a multi-layer hanging parison. The molten transparent material is inserted into the hanging parison and a transparent strip is produced in the parison. Once the parison reaches the appropriate length, the mold is closed and a hot knife cuts the material in the mold from the extruded parison. The material in the mold is blown into the desired shape and ejected, removing the remaining material that is not part of the design.

[0185] Die diameter used (Muller): 25mm-650mm

[0186] Transparency is measured according to ASTM method D 1003. Molded articles prepared from the copolyester compositions of the present disclosure have diffuse transmittance values ​​of less than about 10%, or less than about 5%, and or less than about 2%.

[0187] Melt viscosity is measured according to ASTM D4440. A sweep frequency between 1 radian / second and 400 radian / second is employed. The melt viscosity at 1 radian / second is related to the "melt strength" of the polymer. The copolyesters of the present disclosure have a melt viscosity of at least 20,000 poise at the "minimum processing temperature".

[0188] Intrinsic viscosity (IV, dL / g) is measured using 0.5 g of polymer per 100 mL of a solvent consisting of 60 parts by weight of phenol and 40 parts by weight of tetrachloroethane at 25° C. The copolyesters of the present disclosure should have an intrinsic viscosity (IV) value of about 0.5 to about 1.3 dL / g.

[0189] According to ASTMD3418, the crystalline melting temperature is determined by differential scanning calorimetry. A 15.0 mg sample is sealed in an aluminum pan and heated to 290 ° C at a rate of 10 ° C / minute. The sample is then cooled to below its glass transition temperature at a rate of about 320 ° C / minute to produce an amorphous sample. The melting temperature Tm corresponds to the endothermic peak observed during the scan. It should be noted that some copolyesters do not show a melting temperature as defined by this method. The melting temperature of copolyesters helps to define the "minimum processing temperature" of copolyesters. In some embodiments, the copolyester composition of the present disclosure has a melting temperature (Tm) between about 225 ° C and 255 ° C, as measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) (ASTM D3418) at a scanning rate of 10 ° C / min.

[0190] Table 1

[0191] Composition High pressure HDT(℃) Melting point DSC (℃) CHDM-TMCD 85 not applicable CHDM-EG 63 not applicable EG-TMCD 85 not applicable RIC1 EG-CHDM 64 225

[0192] Table 1 shows that certain compositions of the present disclosure containing TMCD have higher HDT values ​​of 70°C or higher, so they will exhibit improved dishwasher durability. The HDT test is conducted according to ASTM D648 at 264 psi or 1.8 MPa. The EG-CHDM composition has an appropriate melting temperature to achieve RIC-1 compatibility.

[0193] Table 2

[0194]

[0195] Table 2 shows that the copolyester compositions of the present disclosure have zero shear viscosity in an appropriate range, thereby having good melt strength to achieve good EBM processability.

[0196] EBM process: For the CHDM-EG composition, a Bekum H-155 extrusion blow molding (EBM) machine was used, which was equipped with a 90 mm smooth barrel extruder (Extruder 1) with a HDPE feed screw and a screen changer with a 20 mesh screen, and a 20 mm grooved barrel vertical extruder (Extruder 2) and a BKZ120.1VS extrusion head with a 16 oz storage bottle mold and a blow pin with a front to back hot knife. The grooved feed section in the extruder is often used with HDPE to increase production, but the harder nature of the copolyester pellets may make this type of equipment difficult to use. Therefore, Extruder 2 must be starve fed to reduce torque and motor load. Other settings must be modified to allow high temperature deltas and lower screw speeds. All materials were dried overnight in a Whitmann Drymax Aton F70 dehumidifying dryer. CHDM-EG was dried at 60 °C, while CHDM-TMCD was dried at 77 °C.

[0197] The following are the molding parameters used with CHDM-EG. Extruder 1 was operated at 966 PSI pressure, 149.98 RPM motor speed, 5.5 RPM screw speed, and 45% load. The temperatures of zones 1 to 7 were 208°C, 219°C, 218°C, 211°C, 210°C, 210°C, and 210°C, respectively. The operating temperatures of the extrusion head were 222°C, 221°C, 221°C, and 221°C from zones 8 to 11, respectively. The Sight Stripe Adaptor was operated at a temperature of 221°C in zone 18. Extruder 2 was operated at a motor speed of 128.62 RPM, a screw speed of 8.1 RPM, and 70% load. The temperatures of zones 19 to 22 were 232°C, 232°C, 232°C, and 232°C, respectively.

[0198] The following are the molding parameters used with CHDM-TMCD. Extruder 1 was operated at 1165 PSI pressure, 169.68 RPM motor speed, 6.18 RPM screw speed, and 49.7% load. The temperatures of zones 1 to 7 were 233°C, 239°C, 239°C, 232°C, 232°C, 232°C, and 232°C, respectively. The operating temperatures of the extrusion head were 222°C, 221°C, 221°C, and 221°C from zones 8 to 11, respectively. The observation bar adapter was operated at a temperature of 221°C in zone 18. Extruder 2 was operated at a motor speed of 238.31 RPM, a screw speed of 14.98 RPM, and 61.58% load. The temperatures of zones 19 to 22 were 238°C, 238°C, 238°C, and 232°C, respectively.

[0199] The present invention is explained in more detail by the specific examples given below. It should be understood that these examples are illustrative embodiments and are not intended to be limiting of the present invention, but should be broadly interpreted within the scope and content of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A multilayer extrusion blow molded article having a transparent viewing panel, comprising at least one opaque layer, the opaque layer comprising at least one polyester composition comprising: (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising: (i) from about 90 mole % to about 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues; (ii) from about 0 mole % to about 10 mole % of aromatic and / or aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 20 carbon atoms; and (b) a diol component comprising: (i) 25 mol % to 100 mol % of ethylene glycol residues; and (ii) 0 to 75 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues; and (iii) 0 mol% to 10 mol% of other modifying diol residues selected from one or more of the following: diethylene glycol, NPG, TMCD, MPDiol, isosorbide, butanediol, propylene glycol; (c) optionally, at least one branching agent in an amount of 0 mol % to 1.0 mol %; and (d) at least one additive selected from one or more of colorants, pigments, dyes, fillers, opacifiers, talc, titanium dioxide, and calcium carbonate, in an amount of 0.1 wt % to 10 wt %; and wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid components is 100 mole %, and wherein the total mole % of the diol components is 100 mole %; and At least one transparent layer comprising at least one polyester composition comprising: (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising: (i) from about 90 mole % to about 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues; (ii) from about 0 mole % to about 10 mole % of aromatic and / or aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 20 carbon atoms; and (b) a diol component comprising: (i) 25 mol % to 100 mol % of ethylene glycol residues; and (ii) 0 to 75 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues; and (iii) 0 mol% to 10 mol% of other modifying diol residues selected from one or more of the following: diethylene glycol, NPG, TMCD, MPDio1, isosorbide, butanediol, propylene glycol; (c) optionally, at least one branching agent in an amount of 0 mol % to 1.0 mol %; and wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid components is 100 mole %, and wherein the total mole % of the diol components is 100 mole %; and wherein the polyester has an inherent viscosity of 0.50 to 1.30 dL / g as measured in 60 / 40 (wt / wt) phenol / tetrachloroethane at a concentration of 0.25 g / 50 ml at 25°C; and wherein the transparent viewing panel has a haze value of less than 10% when measured on a 16 mil thick film as measured by ASTM D1003 Method A.

2. A multi-layer extrusion blow molded article having a transparent viewing panel, comprising at least one opaque layer, the opaque layer comprising at least one polyester composition comprising: (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising: (i) from about 90 mole % to about 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues; (ii) from about 0 mole % to about 10 mole % of aromatic and / or aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 20 carbon atoms; and (b) a diol component comprising: (i) 25 mol % to 100 mol % of ethylene glycol residues; and (ii) 0 mol % to 75 mol % TMCD residues; and (iii) 0 mol% to 10 mol% of other modifying diol residues selected from one or more of the following: diethylene glycol, NPG, CHDM, MPDiol, isosorbide, butanediol, propylene glycol; (c) optionally, at least one branching agent in an amount of 0 mol % to 1.0 mol %; and (d) at least one additive selected from one or more of colorants, pigments, dyes, fillers, opacifiers, talc, titanium dioxide, and calcium carbonate, in an amount of 0.1 wt % to 10 wt %; and wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid components is 100 mole %, and wherein the total mole % of the diol components is 100 mole %; and At least one transparent layer comprising at least one polyester composition comprising: (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising: (i) from about 90 mole % to about 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues; (ii) from about 0 mole % to about 10 mole % of aromatic and / or aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 20 carbon atoms; and (b) a diol component comprising: (i) 25 mol % to 100 mol % of ethylene glycol residues; and (ii) 0 mol % to 75 mol % TMCD residues; and (iii) 0 mol% to 10 mol% of other modifying diol residues selected from one or more of the following: diethylene glycol, NPG, CHDM, MPDiol, isosorbide, butanediol, propylene glycol; (c) optionally, at least one branching agent in an amount of 0 mol % to 1.0 mol %; wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid components is 100 mole %, and wherein the total mole % of the diol components is 100 mole %; and wherein the polyester has an intrinsic viscosity of 0.50 to 1.30 dL / g as measured in 60 / 40 (wt / wt) phenol / tetrachloroethane at a concentration of 0.25 g / 50 ml at 25°C; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of 80°C or greater; and wherein the article is opaque and has a clear viewing panel and wherein the clear viewing panel has a haze value of less than 10% when measured on a 16 mil thick film as measured by ASTM D1003 Method A.

3. A multilayer extrusion blow molded article having a transparent viewing panel, comprising at least one opaque layer, the opaque layer comprising at least one polyester composition comprising: (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising: (i) from about 90 mole % to about 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues; (ii) from about 0 mole % to about 10 mole % of aromatic and / or aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 20 carbon atoms; and (b) a diol component comprising: (i) 25 mol % to 100 mol % CHDM residues; and (ii) 0 mol % to 75 mol % TMCD residues; and (iii) 0 mol% to 10 mol% of other modifying diol residues selected from one or more of the following: ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, NPG, TMCD, MPDio1, isosorbide, butanediol, propylene glycol; (c) optionally, at least one branching agent in an amount of 0 mol % to 1.0 mol %; (d) at least one additive selected from one or more of colorants, pigments, dyes, fillers, opacifiers, talc, titanium dioxide, and calcium carbonate, in an amount of 0.1 wt % to 10 wt %; and wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid components is 100 mole %, and wherein the total mole % of the diol components is 100 mole %; and wherein the Tg of the polyester is 80° C. or higher; as well as At least one transparent layer comprising at least one polyester composition comprising: (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising: (i) from about 90 mole % to about 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues; (ii) from about 0 mole % to about 10 mole % of aromatic and / or aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 20 carbon atoms; and (b) a diol component comprising: (i) 25 mol % to 100 mol % CHDM residues; and (ii) 0 mol % to 75 mol % TMCD residues; and (iii) 0 mol% to 10 mol% of other modifying diol residues selected from one or more of the following: ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, NPG, TMCD, MPDiol, isosorbide, butanediol, propylene glycol; (c) optionally, at least one branching agent in an amount of 0 mol % to 1.0 mol %; wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole %, and wherein the total mole % of the diol component is 100 mole %; and wherein the polyester has an intrinsic viscosity of 0.50 to 1.30 dL / g as measured in 60 / 40 (wt / wt) phenol / tetrachloroethane at a concentration of 0.25 g / 50 ml at 25°C; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of 80°C or greater; and wherein the transparent viewing panel has a haze value of less than 10% when measured on a 16 mil thick film as measured by ASTM D1003 Method A.

4. The article of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the polyester composition has a zero shear viscosity of 6000-9000 Pascal-seconds at 230°C or 2000-4000 Pascal-seconds at 260°C.

5. The article of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the transparent viewing panel has a haze value of less than 5%; or wherein the transparent viewing panel has a haze value of less than 3%.

6. The article of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the branching agent is present in an amount of 0 wt% to 0.6 wt%, based on the total weight of the polyester; or wherein the branching agent is present in an amount of 0 wt% to 0.2 wt%, based on the total weight of the polyester; and wherein the branching agent is selected from at least one of the following: trimellitic acid, trimellitic anhydride, trimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol and / or trimethylolethane.

7. The article of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the polyester has an intrinsic viscosity of 0.60 to 1.25 dL / g.

8. The article of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the article has a high pressure HDT of 70°C or more, or 80°C or more, or 85°C or more, or 90°C or more.

9. The article of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the polyester has a Tg of 75°C or higher, or 80°C or higher, or 90°C or higher, or 95°C or higher, or 100°C or higher, or 105°C or higher, or 110°C or higher.

10. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising at least one additive selected from the group consisting of colorants, release agents, phosphorus compounds, plasticizers, nucleating agents, friction modifiers, UV stabilizers, glass fibers, carbon fibers, natural fibers, impact modifiers, or mixtures thereof.

11. The article of any one of claims 1-10, which comprises a container; or which comprises a bottle.

12. The article of any one of claims 1-3, further comprising at least one polyester having recycled content.

13. The article according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the EG is recycled EG (rEG); and / or wherein the CHDM is rCHDM or CHDM produced from rDMT; and / or wherein the TMCD is rTMCD; and / or wherein the DEG is recycled DEG or the DEG is produced from rEG.

14. The article of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the transparent layer further comprises rPET.

15. The article of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the polyester has a total comonomer content of 0-10 wt% from diols and acids other than ethylene glycol (EG), terephthalic acid (TPA) or dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) or any combination thereof, the total comonomer content must be less than 10 wt%.

16. The article of claim 15, wherein the article has a melting temperature (Tm) of 225-255°C.

17. An article according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the article is recyclable in a PET recycling stream.

18. The article of any one of claims 1-17, wherein the article has a thickness of 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm.

19. The article of any one of claims 1-18, wherein the viewing strip has a thickness of 1 mm-10 mm.

20. A multilayer extrusion blow molded container comprising a cavity constructed and adapted to contain a liquid, the container having a horizontal perimeter and comprising an opaque wall portion and a transparent wall portion, the opaque wall portion comprising at least one layer extending around a majority of the perimeter and defining a major portion of the cavity, the transparent wall portion comprising at least one layer extending beyond the opaque wall portion and extending vertically along the opaque wall portion of the container in a manner that enables observation of the liquid in the cavity through the transparent wall portion, the at least one opaque layer comprising at least one polyester composition comprising: (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising: (i) from about 90 mole % to about 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues; (ii) from about 0 mole % to about 10 mole % of aromatic and / or aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 20 carbon atoms; and (b) a diol component comprising: (i) 25 mol % to 100 mol % of ethylene glycol residues; and (ii) 0 to 75 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues; and (iii) 0 to 10 mol% of other modifying diol residues selected from one or more of the following: diethylene glycol, NPG, TMCD, MPDiol, isosorbide, butanediol, propylene glycol; or (b') a diol component comprising: (i) 25 mol % to 100 mol % of ethylene glycol residues; and (ii) 0 mol % to 75 mol % TMCD residues; and (iii) 0 to 10 mol% of other modifying diol residues selected from one or more of the following: diethylene glycol, NPG, CHDM, MPDiol, isosorbide, butanediol, propylene glycol; or (b") a diol component comprising: (i) 25 mol % to 100 mol % CHDM residues; and (ii) 0 mol % to 75 mol % TMCD residues; and (iii) 0 to 10 mol% of other modifying diol residues selected from one or more of the following: ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, NPG, TMCD, MPDiol, isosorbide, butanediol, propylene glycol; and (c) optionally, at least one branching agent in an amount of 0 mol % to 1.0 mol %; and (d) at least one additive selected from one or more of colorants, pigments, dyes, fillers, opacifiers, talc, titanium dioxide, and calcium carbonate, in an amount of 0.1 wt % to 10 wt %; and wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid components is 100 mole %, and wherein the total mole % of the diol components is 100 mole %; and wherein the Tg of the polyester is 80° C. or higher; and The at least one transparent layer comprises at least one polyester composition comprising: (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising: (i) from about 90 mole % to about 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues; (ii) from about 0 mole % to about 10 mole % of aromatic and / or aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 20 carbon atoms; and (b) a diol component comprising: (i) 25 mol % to 100 mol % of ethylene glycol residues; and (ii) 0 to 75 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues; and (iii) 0 to 10 mol% of other modifying diol residues selected from one or more of the following: diethylene glycol, NPG, TMCD, MPDio1, isosorbide, butanediol, propylene glycol; or (b') a diol component comprising: (i) 25 mol % to 100 mol % of ethylene glycol residues; and (ii) 0 mol % to 75 mol % TMCD residues; and (iii) 0 to 10 mol% of other modifying diol residues selected from one or more of the following: diethylene glycol, NPG, CHDM, MPDiol, isosorbide, butanediol, propylene glycol; or (b") a diol component comprising: (i) 25 mol % to 100 mol % CHDM residues; and (ii) 0 mol % to 75 mol % TMCD residues; and (iii) 0 mol% to 10 mol% of other modifying diol residues selected from one or more of the following: ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, NPG, TMCD, MPDiol, isosorbide, butanediol, propylene glycol; (c) optionally, at least one branching agent in an amount of 0 mol % to 1.0 mol %; and wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid components is 100 mole %, and wherein the total mole % of the diol components is 100 mole %; and The inherent viscosity of the polyester is 0.50 to 1.30 dL / g, such as in 60 / 40 (weight / weight) phenol / tetrachloroethane at a concentration of 0.25 g / 50 ml at 25°C A=πr 2 and wherein the transparent viewing panel has a haze value of less than 10% when measured on a 16 mil thick film, as measured by ASTM D1003 Method A; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of 80°C or higher.

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