UV and thermally stable flame retardant glass filled polymer compositions and reinforced articles made therefrom

Abstract

The present invention relates to a polymer composition comprising a) a polypropylene resin; b) a mixture of a light stability additive and a thermal stability additive comprising: i) a high molecular weight hindered tertiary amine light stabilizer (t-HM-HALS) having a weight average molecular weight of at least 1600 g / mol; ii) the low molecular weight hindered secondary amine light stabilizer (s-LM-HALS) is a fatty acid ester of 2, 2, 6, 6-tetra-methyl-4-piperidinol or a fatty acid mixture thereof; and iii) an alkyl ester of 3, 5-dialkylated 4-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid or an alkyl ester of 3, 5-dialkylated 4-hydroxybenzoic acid n-alkyl ester; c) a mixture of antioxidant additives comprising: i) a phenolic antioxidant; and ii) a phosphite additive; d) a flame retardant composition, preferably comprising a mixture of: i) an organophosphate compound; ii) an organic phosphoric acid; and iii) zinc oxide; and e) a glass filler. The invention also relates to an article prepared therefrom.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a Chinese patent application with an application number of 201880035407.4, a filing date of June 26, 2018, and an invention title of "UV and Heat Stable Flame Retardant Glass Filled Polymer Compositions and Reinforced Articles Made Therefrom". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a flame retardant glass filled composition suitable for reinforcing articles under conditions of exposure to heat and / or UV. Background of the Invention

[0004] The present invention relates to the field of flame retardant glass reinforced polypropylene resin compositions, which provide heat resistance and resistance to ultraviolet radiation. Polypropylene resins are deteriorated by, for example, heat, light, and oxygen. The UV degradation of polypropylene results in a decrease in mechanical properties and is accompanied by appearance changes (color, gloss, etc.). Specifically, the mechanical strength may decrease and the polypropylene material may become colored. To prevent such deterioration of polypropylene compositions, many additives have been proposed, used alone or in various combinations. For polypropylene building and construction applications, visual and mechanical changes play an important role.

[0005] Phenolic antioxidant (PAO) additives are widely used to protect polypropylene against thermo-oxidative degradation during processing and under use conditions. Even though phenolic antioxidants provide good stability to polypropylene, most phenolic antioxidants exhibit the drawback of yellowing, which is due to their oxidation by air or NO x gas into colored quinone-type compounds. In addition, phenolic antioxidants often only have a limited effect when used alone.

[0006] Therefore, phenolic antioxidants have been used in combination with other compounds. For example, phenolic antioxidants have been used in combination with phosphites, which are known to enhance the effectiveness of phenolic antioxidants due to complementary and synergistic mechanisms of action (e.g., the decomposition of hydroperoxides formed in polymers at high temperatures and in the presence of oxygen). Phenolic antioxidants have also been combined with various light stabilizers to achieve high weather resistance. Examples of light stabilizers include benzophenones, benzotriazoles, and triazine-type ultraviolet absorbers, hindered hydroxybenzoates, and hindered amine compounds. Specifically, the use of hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS) has been increasing because they are non-coloring, exhibit a high light stabilizing effect, and can also improve heat resistance.

[0007] However, there remains a challenge in providing sufficient protection for polymer flame retardant systems exposed to both severe ultraviolet radiation and high heat in use conditions. For example, applications such as building and construction in particular have a need for high-performance stability formulations to meet the growing demands in these applications.

[0008] To meet the demanding heat and UV requirements, a combination of PAO and HALS has been used. However, the photo- and thermo-stability may be reduced due to the antagonistic interaction between the possible acidic components generated by the used phosphorus-based flame retardant system and the basic hindered secondary amines.

[0009] Since their emergence over half a century ago, fiber-reinforced plastics are composite materials with a wide range of industrial applications, such as in the aerospace, automotive, chip, construction, and structural industries. The reinforced articles can comprise any combination of individual materials, such as a thermoplastic polymer (matrix) in which fibers (reinforcing fibers) have been dispersed. A wide variety of organic fibers, including synthetic fibers such as polyamides, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyesters, natural fibers such as cotton, hemp, flax, jute, and inorganic fibers such as glass fibers and carbon fibers, are often used as the reinforcing fibers in composite materials.

[0010] The reinforced plastics industry has used different forms of glass fibers to reinforce polymer matrices to produce various products. Glass fibers are typically provided as multiple continuous, very long filaments and can be in the form of strands or bundles, rovings or yarns. A filament is an individual fiber of the reinforcing material. A bundle is a number of filaments bundled together. A yarn is an aggregate of filaments or bundles twisted together. A roving refers to an aggregate of bundles / strands wound into a package.

[0011] A method for producing a reinforced composition is described, for example, in WO2009 / 080281. In this publication, a method for producing a long glass fiber-reinforced thermoplastic polymer composition is described, which comprises the steps of: a) unwinding a package of at least one continuous glass multi-filament strand containing a sizing composition; b) applying an impregnating agent to the at least one continuous glass multi-filament strand to form an impregnated continuous multi-filament strand; c) applying a sheath of a thermoplastic polymer around the impregnated continuous multi-filament strand to form a sheathed continuous multi-filament strand; and d) cutting the sheathed continuous glass multi-filament strand into pellets. The pellets obtained by the above method contain multi-filament glass (strands) having a length equal to that of the pellets. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] One object of the present invention is to provide a reinforced composition that combines excellent UV resistance, flame retardancy, and (long-term) heat resistance. Another object of the present invention is to provide a flame-retardant reinforced composition having improved UV resistance and improved heat resistance. Another object of the present invention is to provide an article for outdoor use having improved UV resistance and improved long-term heat resistance and maintaining flame retardancy during its service life.

[0013] One or more of the above objects are achieved by a polymer composition according to the invention, which comprises a polypropylene resin, a mixture of stability additives and a mixture of antioxidants; the polymer composition and glass fibers form a composite composition (i.e., the composition according to the invention).

[0014] The present invention relates to a polymer composition comprising: a) a polypropylene resin; b) a mixture of a light stability additive and a heat stability additive, which comprises: i) a high molecular weight hindered tertiary amine light stabilizer (t-HM-HALS) having a weight average molecular weight of at least 1600 g / mol; ii) a low molecular weight hindered secondary amine light stabilizer (s-LM-HALS) which is a fatty acid ester of 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinol or a mixture of its fatty acids; and iii) an alkyl ester of 3,5-dialkylated 4-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid or a n-alkyl ester of 3,5-dialkylated 4-hydroxybenzoic acid; c) a mixture of antioxidant additives, which comprises: i) a phenolic antioxidant; and ii) a phosphite additive; d) a flame retardant composition, which preferably comprises a mixture of: i) an organophosphate compound; ii) an organic phosphoric acid; and iii) zinc oxide; and e) a glass filler; and f) optionally one or more additional additives.

[0015] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a composition according to claim 1, which comprises: a) 30-60 wt% of a polypropylene resin; b) 0.4-1.7 wt% of a mixture of a light stability additive and a heat stability additive, which comprises: i) a high molecular weight hindered tertiary amine light stabilizer (t-HM-HALS) having a weight average molecular weight of at least 1600 g / mol; ii) a low molecular weight hindered secondary amine light stabilizer (s-LM-HALS) which is a fatty acid ester of 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinol or a mixture of its fatty acids; and iii) an alkyl ester of 3,5-dialkylated 4-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid or a n-alkyl ester of 3,5-dialkylated 4-hydroxybenzoic acid; c) 0.01-1.0 wt% of a mixture of antioxidant additives, which comprises: i) a phenolic antioxidant; and ii) a phosphite additive; d) 10-35 wt% of a flame retardant composition, preferably comprising a mixture of: i) an organophosphate compound; ii) an organic phosphoric acid; and iii) zinc oxide; and e) at least 30 wt% of a glass filler; wherein wt% is based on the total weight of the composition. In one embodiment, the composition comprises at most 59 wt% of the polypropylene resin, for example at most 58 wt% or 57 wt% or even 55 wt% of the polypropylene resin. In one embodiment, the composition comprises at most 50 wt%, or at most 45 wt%, or at most 40 wt% of the polypropylene resin.

[0016] A method of providing a glass-filled composition according to the present invention, comprising the steps of: a) providing at least one continuous strip of glass filaments; b) applying an impregnating agent to the continuous strip obtained in step a) to obtain an impregnated continuous strip; c) applying a sheath of the composition around the impregnated continuous strip obtained in step b) to form a sheathed continuous strip of glass filaments. The sheathed continuous strip of glass filaments can be cut into pellets in step d).

[0017] The composition according to the present invention can be in the form of a sheathed continuous strip or pellets, having a certain axis; the strip or pellets comprise a core which extends axially and a polymer sheath which is applied around the core, wherein the core comprises a plurality of glass filaments which extend axially.

[0018] The present invention also relates to a reinforced article which is or can be obtained by molding the composition.

[0019] Corresponding embodiments can also be applied to other aspects according to the present invention.

[0020] Embodiments of the present invention include:

[0021] 1) A composition, which comprises:

[0022] a. 30 - 60 wt% of a polypropylene resin;

[0023] b. A mixture of 0.4 - 1.7 wt% of a light stability additive and a heat stability additive, which comprises:

[0024] i. A high molecular weight hindered tertiary amine light stabilizer (t-HM-HALS) with a weight average molecular weight of at least 1600 g / mol;

[0025] ii. A low molecular weight hindered secondary amine light stabilizer (s-LM-HALS) which is a fatty acid ester of 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinol or a mixture of its fatty acids; and

[0026] iii. An alkyl ester of 3,5-dialkylated 4-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid or a n-alkyl ester of 3,5-dialkylated 4-hydroxybenzoic acid;

[0027] c. A mixture of 0.01 - 1.0 wt% of an antioxidant additive, which comprises:

[0028] i. A phenolic antioxidant; and

[0029] ii. A phosphite additive;

[0030] d. 10 - 35 wt% of a flame retardant composition, preferably comprising a mixture of:

[0031] i. An organophosphate compound;

[0032] ii. Organophosphoric acid; and

[0033] iii. Zinc oxide; and

[0034] e. At least 30 wt% glass filler;

[0035] wherein wt% is based on the weight of the composition.

[0036] 2) The polymer composition according to embodiment 1, wherein the molecular weight (Mw) of the t-HM-HALS is 1800 - 5000 g / mol, preferably 2000 - 4000 g / mol.

[0037] 3) The polymer composition according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the s-LM-HALS is a mixture of fatty acid esters of 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinol.

[0038] 4) The polymer composition according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, further comprising: f) one or more additional additives, preferably in an amount of at most 5 wt%, based on the weight of the composition.

[0039] 5) The polymer composition according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the mixture of light stability additives comprises a n-alkyl 3,5-dialkylated 4-hydroxybenzoate, preferably n-hexadecyl 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate.

[0040] 6) The polymer composition according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the flame retardant composition comprises a mixture of an organophosphate compound, an organophosphoric acid, and zinc oxide; wherein the weight ratio of the phosphate compound to the phosphoric acid compound is from 1:0.01 to 1:2, and wherein the amount of zinc oxide present is 2 - 10 wt%, based on the weight of the flame retardant composition.

[0041] 7) The polymer composition according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the flame retardant composition is a mixture of piperazine pyrophosphate, phosphoric acid, and zinc oxide, more preferably a mixture of 50 - 60 wt% piperazine pyrophosphate, 35 - 45 wt% phosphoric acid, and 3 - 6 wt% zinc oxide, all based on the total weight of the flame retardant composition.

[0042] 8) The polymer composition according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the amount of the t-HM-HALS is 0.1 - 0.4 wt%, preferably 0.15 - 0.3 wt%, for example 0.2 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0043] 9) The polymer composition according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the amount of the s-LM-HALS is 0.2-0.8 wt%, for example 0.4-0.6 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0044] 10) The polymer composition according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the amount of the propionate or benzoate is 0.1-0.5 wt%, for example 0.2-0.4 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0045] 11) The polymer composition according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the polypropylene resin is a homopolymer of polypropylene.

[0046] 12) The polymer composition according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the polypropylene resin is a heterophasic polypropylene, and its composition is: i) a propylene-based matrix composed of a propylene homopolymer and / or a propylene-α-olefin copolymer, the matrix being composed of at least 70 wt%, preferably at least 90 wt% of propylene and at most 30 wt%, preferably at most 10 wt% of α-olefin, based on the total weight of the propylene-based matrix, and ii) a dispersed ethylene-α-olefin copolymer, which contains ethylene and at least one C3-C 10 α-olefin.

[0047] 13) The polymer composition according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the phenolic antioxidant is pentaerythritol tetra(3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate), and / or wherein the phosphite additive is tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite.

[0048] 14) A reinforced article prepared from the composition according to any one of the foregoing embodiments.

[0049] 15) The reinforced article according to embodiment 14, the article being an article suitable for construction and building, preferably selected from roof panels, building facades and structural beams.

[0050] List of Definitions

[0051] The following definitions are used in this specification and the claims to define the subject matter described. Other terms not mentioned below have meanings widely accepted in the art.

[0052] In this specification, a composite material means: comprising at least two individual materials. The pellets according to the present invention can be considered composite pellets. In this specification, a pellet means: a round or tubular solid object, such as a compress of a substance.

[0053] In this specification, a filament means a fine thread or a thread-like object or fiber;

[0054] Glass filaments mean filaments made of glass; and multi-filaments mean multiple filaments, for example in the form of a strip or a bundle. In this specification, a bundle means: multiple filaments held together or wrapped together. Detailed Description

[0055] In one embodiment, the composition further comprises: f) one or more additional additives, preferably 0 - 5 wt%, at most 5 wt%, for example 2 - 5 wt%, based on the weight of the composition.

[0056] In one embodiment, the total amount of a, b, c, d and e reaches 100 wt% of the weight of the composition. In one embodiment, the total amount of a, b, c, d, e and f reaches 100 wt% of the weight of the composition.

[0057] In one embodiment, the molecular weight (Mw) of t-HM-HALS is 1800 - 5000 g / mol, preferably 2000 - 4000 g / mol. In one embodiment, s-LM-HALS is a mixture of fatty acid esters of 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinol.

[0058] In one embodiment, the mixture of light stability additives comprises a n-alkyl 3,5-dialkylated 4-hydroxybenzoate, preferably n-hexadecyl 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate.

[0059] In one embodiment, the flame retardant composition comprises a mixture of an organophosphate compound, an organic phosphoric acid and zinc oxide; wherein the weight ratio of the phosphate compound to the phosphoric acid compound is 1:0.01 - 1:2, and wherein the amount of zinc oxide present is 2 - 10 wt%, based on the weight of the flame retardant composition.

[0060] In one embodiment, the flame retardant composition is a mixture of piperazine pyrophosphate, phosphoric acid and zinc oxide, more preferably a mixture of 50 - 60 wt% piperazine pyrophosphate, 35 - 45 wt% phosphoric acid and 3 - 6 wt% zinc oxide, all based on the total weight of the flame retardant composition.

[0061] In one embodiment, the amount of the t-HM-HALS is 0.1 - 0.4 wt%, preferably 0.15 - 0.3 wt%, for example 0.2 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition. In one embodiment, the amount of the s-LM-HALS is 0.2 - 0.8 wt%, for example 0.4 - 0.6 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0062] In one embodiment, the amount of the propionate or benzoate is 0.1 - 0.5 wt%, such as 0.2 - 0.4 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0063] In one embodiment, the composition comprises: a) 30 - 59 wt% of a polypropylene resin or 30 - 50 wt% of a polypropylene resin. In one embodiment, the composition comprises: e) 30 wt% - 50 wt% of a glass filler, such as 30 wt% - 40 wt% of a glass filler. In one embodiment, the composition comprises 20 - 30 wt% of a flame retardant composition.

[0064] In one embodiment, the polypropylene resin is a polypropylene homopolymer.

[0065] In one embodiment, the polypropylene resin is a heterophasic polypropylene, which is composed of: i) a propylene-based matrix composed of a propylene homopolymer and / or a propylene-α-olefin copolymer, said matrix being composed of at least 70 wt%, preferably at least 90 wt% of propylene and at most 30 wt%, preferably at most 10 wt% of an α-olefin, based on the total weight of the propylene-based matrix, and ii) a dispersed ethylene-α-olefin copolymer, which contains ethylene and at least one C3 - C10 α-olefin.

[0066] Phenolic antioxidant (PAO)

[0067] The thermoplastic composition of the present invention comprises 0.05 - 1 wt% of a phenolic antioxidant additive. The phenolic antioxidant additive may contain 1, 2 or more phenolic groups. These phenolic antioxidant additives may be sterically hindered phenolic additives. A non-limiting list of several different types of PAO is shown below.

[0068] In one embodiment, the phenolic antioxidant contains an alkyl ester (i.e., propionate) group. For example, the phenolic antioxidant may contain a C8 - 24 alkyl ester (i.e., propionate) group, preferably a C12 - 20 alkyl ester group, more preferably a C14 - 18 alkyl ester (i.e., propionate) group. The alkyl is preferably a linear alkyl. In other words, the phenolic antioxidant contains an alkyl propionate group. A non-limiting example of a phenolic antioxidant having one phenolic group is 3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) alkyl ester, such as 3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) propionate C 1-20 alkyl ester, preferably wherein the C 1-20 alkyl is methyl, octyl, isooctyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl, octadecyl and nonadecyl. More preferably, wherein the C 1-20 alkyl is C 8-18Alkyl groups, such as octyl, isooctyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, octadecyl. As commercial examples, octadecyl 3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate (available as 1076 from Songwon, or 1076 from BASF), isooctyl 3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate ( 1135 from BASF) can be mentioned.

[0069] Some other non-limiting examples of phenolic antioxidants having only one phenolic group / molecule are 2-acrylic acid, 2-isopentane 6[(3-isopentane-2-hydroxy-5-isopentane-phenyl)-ethyl]-4-isopentane phenyl ester; [1,1':3',1”-triphenyl]-2'-ol, 5'-(octadecyloxy)-2,6-diphenyl-4-octadecyl-epoxyphenol; 3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid, etc.

[0070] Non-limiting examples of phenolic antioxidants having two phenolic groups contain two C8-24 alkyl ester (i.e., propionate) groups, preferably C12-20 alkyl ester groups, more preferably C14-18 alkyl ester (i.e., propionate) groups. Examples thereof are triethylene glycol-bis-3-(tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)-propionate ( 245 from BASF) and 1,6-hexanediol-bis-3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate ( 259 from BASF).

[0071] Some other non-limiting examples of phenolic antioxidants having two phenolic groups / molecule are 2,2'-methylenebis(6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol); 2,2'-methylenebis(4-ethyl-6-tert-butylphenol); 2,2'-isobutylidenebis(4,6-dimethylphenol).

[0072] Some phenolic antioxidants containing more than 2 phenolic groups / molecule are pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate), tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)isocyanurate and 1,3,5-trimethyl-2,4,6-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)benzene. Such antioxidants improve the processability and long-term thermal stability of the resin composition of the present invention.

[0073] Any of these phenolic antioxidants is commercially available.

[0074] Some examples include 1010 (pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate, available from BASF), 1330 (1,3,5-trimethyl-2,4,6-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)benzene, available from BASF), O3 (butyric acid, 3,3-bis(3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)vinyl ester, available from Clariant), 3114 (1,3,5-tris(3’,5’-di-tert-butyl-4’-hydroxy-benzyl)-s-triazine-2,4,6-(1H,3H,5H)-trione, available from BASF).

[0075] In one embodiment, the phenolic antioxidant is pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate. In one embodiment, the phosphite additive is tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphite or bis(2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenyl)pentaerythritol diphosphite.

[0076] In one embodiment of the enhanced article, the article is an article suitable for construction and building, such as selected from roof panels, building facades and structural beams.

[0077] The composition of the present invention comprises a novel mixture of additives, which comprises a mixture of a light stability additive and a heat stability additive and a mixture of an antioxidant additive, at least one flame retardant additive and a glass filler.

[0078] Polypropylene resin

[0079] The polypropylene resin can be any type of polypropylene or a mixture of two or more thereof. As polypropylene, for example, a homopolymer of propylene, a heterophasic polypropylene composition, which is a heterophasic copolymer of propylene and ethylene and / or another α-olefin, or it can be a random polypropylene copolymer can be used. In one embodiment, the polypropylene resin is a copolymer. The polypropylene resin can be a single grade polypropylene, but it can also be a mixture of at least two different polypropylene grades.

[0080] In one embodiment, the polypropylene resin is a polypropylene homopolymer, for example, its melt flow index (MFI) is at least 0.1 g / 10 min, for example at least 0.2 g / 10 min, for example at least 1 g / 10 min, or for example 0.1 - 0.5 g / 10 min, 1 - 10 g / 10 min, or for example at least 20 g / 10 min to for example at most 200 g / 10 min, or for example at most 100 g / 10 min.

[0081] In one embodiment, the polypropylene resin is a heterophasic polypropylene copolymer composition having the following composition: i) a propylene-based matrix consisting of a propylene homopolymer and / or a propylene-α-olefin copolymer, said matrix consisting of at least 70 wt%, preferably at least 90 wt% propylene and at most 30 wt%, preferably at most 10 wt% α-olefin, based on the total weight of the propylene-based matrix, and ii) a dispersed ethylene-α-olefin copolymer comprising ethylene and at least one C3-C10 α-olefin.

[0082] An example of a suitable heterophasic propylene copolymer is a commercially available compound from SABIC having an MFI of 70 g / 10 min, a C2 / C3 (i.e., ethylene-propylene) rubber content (RC) of about 18 wt% and a C2 content (RCC2) of the rubber phase of about 54 wt%.

[0083] In one embodiment, the polypropylene resin is a random copolymer of propylene and ethylene, for example having a melt flow index (MFI) of at least 0.1 g / 10 min, for example at least 0.2 g / 10 min, for example at least 1 g / 10 min, or for example 0.1 - 0.5 g / 10 min, 1 - 10 g / 10 min, or for example at least 20 g / 10 min to for example at most 200 g / 10 min, or for example at most 100 g / 10 min.

[0084] The amount of ethylene incorporated into the random copolymer of propylene and ethylene can be, for example, 0.1 - 10 wt%, based on the random copolymer of propylene and ethylene, for example 2 - 7 wt%.

[0085] Mixture of light stability additive and heat stability additive

[0086] This mixture of light stability additives and heat stability additives comprises at least three different additives, each discussed in more detail below, which are low molecular weight HALS (s-LM-HALS), high molecular weight HALS (s-LM-HALS) and propionate or benzoate.

[0087] In one embodiment, the amount of the t-HM-HALS based on the total weight of the composition is 0.1 - 0.4 wt%, preferably 0.15 - 0.3 wt%, for example 0.2 wt%. In one embodiment, the amount of the s-LM-HALS based on the total weight of the composition is 0.2 - 0.8 wt%, for example 0.4 - 0.6 wt%. In one embodiment, the amount of the propionate or benzoate based on the total weight of the composition is 0.1 - 0.5 wt%, for example 0.2 - 0.4 wt%.

[0088] Hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS) are known; they are derivatives of 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine:

[0089]

[0090] High molecular weight hindered tertiary amine light stabilizer (t-HM-HALS)

[0091] The t-HM-HALS represents a hindered amine light stabilizer having a high molecular weight (for example, a molecular weight equal to or higher than 1000 g / mol) and having a tertiary amine structure. The tertiary amine structure represents such a structure in which the hindered amine is included in the main chain of the t-HM-HALS or in which the hindered amine is substituted with an alkyl group. According to the present invention, the molecular weight of the t-HM-HALS is at least 1750 g / mol, preferably 1800 - 5000 g / mol, more preferably 2000 - 4000 g / mol. Examples of the t-HM-HALS applicable to the present invention are as follows.

[0092] An example of t-HM-HALS is 1,5,8,12-tetra[4,6-bis(N-butyl-N-1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidylamino)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]-1,5,8,12-tetraazadodecane, whose M W is 2286 g / mol. This compound is commercially available, for example, as Chimassorb 119; CAS no. 106990-43-6).

[0093]

[0094] An example of t-HM-HALS is the polymer of succinic acid, dimethyl ester, and 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidineethanol, whose M W is 3100 - 4000 g / mol. This compound is commercially available, for example, as Tinuvin 622; CAS no. 65447-77-0).

[0095]

[0096] An example of t-HM-HALS is the polymer of 1,6-hexanediamine-N,N'-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl) with morpholine-2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine, whose Mw is 1700. This is commercially available from Cytec as Cyasorb UV3529.

[0097]

[0098] An example of t-HM-HALS is the polymer of 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid with β,β,β’,β’-tetramethyl-2,4,8,10-tetraoxaspiro[5,5]undecane-3,9-diyldiethanol, 1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl ester, [CAS no. 115055-30-6], with an MW of about 2000. This is commercially available under several trade names, such as ADK STAB LA63(P) from ADK Palmarole, or HALS 63 from Asahi Denka Kogyo, ADK Palmarole, or MARK LA63 from Asahi Denka Kogyo.

[0099]

[0100] Low molecular weight hindered secondary amine light stabilizers (s-LM-HALS)

[0101] s-LM-HALS refers to hindered amine light stabilizers having a low molecular weight (e.g., a molecular weight below 1000 g / mol) and having a secondary amine structure. The secondary amine structure means a structure in which the hindered amine has a hydrogen atom (N-H) attached. According to the present invention, s-LM-HALS is an ester of 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinol and a fatty acid or a mixture of esters of 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinol and one or more fatty acids. Preferably, s-LM-HALS is a mixture of an ester of 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinol and optionally one or more fatty acids.

[0102] s-LM-HALS can be added as such, or can be added in the form of s-LM-HALS in a carrier, such as in an amount of 50% s-LM-HALS and 50% carrier (e.g., polypropylene). Examples of s-LM-HALS suitable for the present invention are as follows.

[0103] An example of s-LM-HALS is an alkyl ester (e.g., stearate or palmitate) of 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidinol or a mixture of alkyl esters, which can be represented, for example, by the following formula. The Mw of this compound can be 423. This is commercially available under several trade names, such as CYASORB UV3853 (from Cytec Industries), DASTIB 845 (from Chemko Chemaza A.S. Stazske), Hostavin 845 (from Clariant), Hals 845 (from ADK Palmarole), Sabostab UV91 50PP (Cas no. 86403-32-9 or CAS 24860-22-8).

[0104]

[0105] Alkyl esters of 3,5-dialkylated 4-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid

[0106] The alkyl of the alkyl ester is linear or branched and optionally substituted. Preferably, the alkyl is tert-butyl. Preferably, the phenyl is 3,5-disubstituted, more preferably substituted with tert-butyl.

[0107] In one embodiment, the molecular weight of the alkyl ester of 3-alkylated 4-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid is 300 - 750 g / mol, for example about 530 g / ml. An example is octadecyl 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-phenylpropionate (stearyl ester of 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-propionic acid), also known as stearyl dibutylhydroxyphenylpropionate, which has an Mw of 531. This is commercially available as Irganox 1076; CAS no. 2082-79-3.

[0108]

[0109] n-alkyl esters of 3,5-di-alkylated-4-hydroxybenzoic acid

[0110] The alkyl of the alkyl ester is linear or branched and optionally substituted. Preferably, the alkyl is tert-butyl. Preferably, the phenyl is 3,5-disubstituted with tert-butyl. In one embodiment, the n-alkyl ester of 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoic acid is n-hexadecyl 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate (palmitic ester of 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-benzoic acid), which has an Mw of 474. This is commercially available as Cyasorb 2908 or CYAGARD UV2908, both from Cytec industries; CAS no. 67845-93-6.

[0111]

[0112] Mixture of antioxidant additives

[0113] This mixture of antioxidant additives contains at least two different additives (i.e., phenolic antioxidants and phosphite additives), each of which is discussed in more detail below. In one embodiment, the weight ratio of the phenolic antioxidant to the phosphite additive is from 1:2 to 2:1, for example 1:1.

[0114] Phenolic antioxidant (PAO)

[0115] An example of such a phenolic antioxidant additive is pentaerythritol tetra(3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate) (also commercially known as Irganox 1010 or Evernox 10 or Anox 20, present in an amount of 50% in Irganox B225 or Evernox B110 or Anox BB011).

[0116] Phosphite additives

[0117] Suitable phosphite additives are phosphites and phosphonates such as triphenyl phosphite, diphenylalkyl phosphite, phenyldialkyl phosphite, tris(nonylphenyl) phosphite, trilauryl phosphite, tris(octadecyl) phosphite, distearyl pentaerythritol diphosphite, tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite (also commercially known as Irgafos 168 or Everfos 168 or Alkanox 240, forming 50% of the B225 additive), diisodecyl pentaerythritol diphosphite, distearyl pentaerythritol diphosphite, bis(2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenyl) pentaerythritol diphosphite, bis(2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenyl) pentaerythritol diphosphate (also commercially known as ADK STAB PEP-36), tetra(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) 4,4'-biphenyldiphosphonate, bis(2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-methylphenyl) ethyl phosphite.

[0118] Thio synergist

[0119] A thio synergist may be present in the antioxidant mixture. The thio synergist may be selected, for example, from dilauryl thiodipropionate, distearyl thiodipropionate and dimyristyl thiodipropionate and bis(tridecyl) thiodipropionate.

[0120] Flame retardant composition

[0121] The polypropylene compound further comprises a flame retardant composition comprising a mixture of an organophosphate compound, an organophosphoric acid compound and zinc oxide. For the avoidance of doubt, the flame retardant composition is a halogen-free flame retardant composition.

[0122] In such a mixture, the weight ratio of the organophosphate compound to the phosphoric acid compound may be from 1:0.01 to 1:2. Preferably, the weight ratio is from 1:1 to 1:2.

[0123] The organophosphate compounds in the mixture can be selected from piperazine pyrophosphate, piperazine polyphosphate, and one or more combinations thereof. The phosphoric acid compounds in the mixture can be selected from phosphoric acid, melamine pyrophosphate, melamine polyphosphate, melamine phosphate, and one or more combinations thereof. Preferably, the phosphoric acid compound is melamine phosphate. The amount of zinc oxide can be 2-10 wt%, more preferably 3-6 wt%, based on the weight of the flame retardant composition.

[0124] The amount of the flame retardant composition is 10-35 wt%, based on the weight of the reinforced polypropylene composition. Applications that require compliance with the UL-94 5V rating will require a higher amount, such as 20-35 wt%. For the ULS-94 V0 rating, a lower amount can be sufficient.

[0125] An example of a suitable flame retardant composition is a mixture of 50-60 wt% piperazine pyrophosphate, 35-45 wt% phosphoric acid, and 3-6 wt% zinc oxide, all based on the total weight of the flame retardant composition. This mixture is commercially available, for example, as ADK STAB FP-2200 from Adeka Palmarole.

[0126] Additional additives

[0127] The polypropylene compound can further contain additional additives such as antioxidants, UV stabilizers, flame retardants, pigments (e.g., in the form of color masterbatches (CMB)), dyes, adhesion promoters such as modified polypropylene, especially maleated polypropylene, antistatic agents, mold release agents, nucleating agents, etc. The amount of such additional additives is, for example, at most 5 wt%, based on the weight of the reinforced composition (i.e., the pellets). For the avoidance of doubt, it should be understood that the term "sheath" is considered to be the layer that tightly encloses the core.

[0128] Glass filler

[0129] Glass filler is present in the composition according to the invention. It can be glass fiber. Examples of suitable glass fibers are long glass fibers (LGF) or short glass fibers (SGF).

[0130] The glass fibers used in the present invention typically have a diameter of 5-50 microns, preferably 10-30 microns, for example 15-25 microns. Thinner glass fibers generally result in a higher aspect ratio (length to diameter ratio) of the glass fibers in the final product prepared from the glass fiber-reinforced composition. In addition, thinner glass fibers may be more difficult to manufacture and / or handle. In the method according to the invention, it is preferred that the glass fibers are derived from glass multifilament rovings, also known as glass rovings.

[0131] Preferably, the glass multifilament yarn or roving contains from 500 to 10,000 glass filaments per yarn, more preferably from 2,000 to 5,000 glass filaments per yarn. The linear density of the glass multifilament yarn is preferably from 1,000 to 5,000 tex, corresponding to 1,000 to 5,000 g / 1,000 m. Preferably, the linear density is from 1,000 to 3,000 tex. Usually, the glass fiber has a circular cross-section, which means that the thickness defined above will represent the diameter. Rovings are usually commercially available and well known to those skilled in the art. Examples of suitable rovings are Advantex products, named for example SE4220, SE4230 or SE4535, and those obtained from Binani 3B Fibre Glass company, available as 1200 or 2400 tex, or TUFRov 4575, TUFRov 4588 obtained from PPG Fibre Glass. Most preferably, the linear density of the roving used is 3,000 tex. These commercially available rovings contain glass fibers to which a small amount of sizing composition has been applied; typically, the amount of such sizing composition is less than 2 wt%, based on the weight of the fibers.

[0132] In the case of using LGF, the glass fibers can be present in the composition as follows. The multi-filaments can be surrounded by a continuous sheath of the polymer composition according to the invention.

[0133] To improve the properties of the molded article, the continuous yarn is preferably treated with an impregnating agent before applying the sheath of the thermoplastic polymer; the impregnating agent is considered to be an additional additive in this specification. In one embodiment, wax is used as the impregnating agent for impregnating the glass fibers. In one embodiment, low molecular weight hydrocarbons are used. Examples of impregnating agents such as waxes, especially low molecular weight hydrocarbons, are known to those skilled in the art. Specific examples thereof can be found in WO2009 / 080281 (for example on pages 11 and 12) and the documents cited therein, the examples of which are incorporated herein by reference. In one embodiment, the impregnating agent is non-volatile, having a melting point at least 20 °C lower than the melting point of the thermoplastic matrix and being compatible with the thermoplastic polymer to be reinforced. In one embodiment, the viscosity of the impregnating agent (measured according to ISO3104:1994) is 2.5 - 100 cS at the application temperature.

[0134] In one embodiment, a sheath of a thermoplastic polymer comprising a mixture of the polypropylene resin, the light stability additive and the heat stability additive and the antioxidant additive is applied around the filaments. Preferably, the application is carried out by wire coating. The sheath method via wire coating is not carried out by wetting the fibers individually with the thermoplastic material, but by forming a continuous outer sheath (also referred to as a coating or skin) of the thermoplastic material around the surface of the continuous filament strip. In one embodiment, the obtained continuous strip of glass filaments with a sheath is cut into individual pellets, which comprise a core extending axially and surrounded by a polymer sheath. In one embodiment, the length of the pellets is 5 - 25 mm, preferably 8 - 20 mm. The continuous strip with a sheath is preferably cut or severed into individual pellets or granules of a desired length, for example about 12 mm. In one embodiment, the fibers of these pellets are generally parallel to each other and have the same length as the pellet. Any suitable method known in the art, such as using the equipment mentioned in EP0994978B1, can be used in the present invention. In one embodiment of the strip or pellet, the polymer sheath is at least substantially free of the filaments. In one embodiment of the strip or pellet, the polymer sheath comprises less than 5 wt% of the glass filaments, based on the total weight of the polymer sheath. In one embodiment of the strip or pellet, the polymer sheath comprises less than 2 wt% of the filaments, based on the total weight of the polymer sheath. This ensures the structure of the pellet, where the glass is in the core and there is hardly any glass in the thermoplastic sheath; this allows obtaining the best visual properties of the reinforced articles produced therefrom.

[0135] In one embodiment of the bar or pellet, the bar or pellet comprises at least 20 wt%, preferably at least 30 wt% and at most 80 wt% of glass filaments, based on the total weight of the bar or pellet. This ensures sufficient physical properties such as stiffness for the reinforced articles produced therefrom. In one embodiment of the bar or pellet, the radius of the core is 800 - 4000 microns. In one embodiment of the bar or pellet, the thickness of the polymer sheath is 500 - 1500 microns. This ensures sufficient physical properties for the reinforced articles produced therefrom. In one embodiment of the bar or pellet, the core accounts for 35 - 60% of the cross-sectional area of the bar or pellet, and the sheath accounts for 40 - 65% of the cross-sectional area of the bar or pellet. In one embodiment of the bar or pellet, the amount of polymer in the bar or pellet is 20 - 80 wt% of the total weight of the bar or pellet. This ensures sufficient physical properties for the reinforced articles produced therefrom. In one embodiment of the bar or pellet, the core comprises 2000 - 5000 filaments. In one embodiment of the bar or pellet, the diameter of the filaments is 5 - 50 microns. In one embodiment of the bar or pellet, the diameter of the filaments is 10 - 30 microns. In one embodiment of the bar or pellet, the diameter of the filaments is 15 - 25 microns. This ensures sufficient physical properties for the reinforced articles produced therefrom.

[0136] In one embodiment, a coupling agent (also referred to as an adhesion promoter) is present in the composition. The adhesion promoter preferably comprises a modified (functionalized) polymer and optionally a low molecular weight compound having reactive polar groups. Further preferred are modified polymers containing groups derived from polar compounds, in particular one or more selected from the following: acid anhydrides, carboxylic acids, carboxylic acid derivatives, primary and secondary amines, hydroxy compounds, oxazolines and epoxides, and ionic compounds. Specific examples of such polar compounds are unsaturated cyclic acid anhydrides and their aliphatic diesters, and their diacid derivatives. Specifically, maleic anhydride and compounds selected from the following can be used: C1-C 10 linear and branched dialkyl maleates, C1-C 10 linear and branched dialkyl fumarates, itaconic anhydride, itaconic acid C1-C 10 linear and branched dialkyl esters, maleic acid, fumaric acid, itaconic acid and mixtures thereof. A preferred adhesion promoter is maleic anhydride-functionalized polypropylene, such as maleic anhydride-grafted propylene polymer. A commercially available example of a suitable adhesion promoter is PO1020, which is available from ExxonMobil Chemical. Suitable examples of anti-scratch additives are erucamide, oleamide and polydimethylsiloxane.

[0137] In one embodiment, the gray value of the composition is at least 3, preferably at least 4, as determined according to the accelerated weathering test as described in the UV aging section herein.

[0138] Those skilled in the art, in practicing the claimed invention, can understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments by studying the present invention and the said claims. In the claims, the expression "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. One or more objectives of the present invention are achieved by the appended claims.

[0139] Examples

[0140] The present invention is further illustrated based on the following examples, which are merely exemplary and are not considered to limit the present invention.

[0141] As the material for the sheath, a polyolefin, namely an impact copolymer of polypropylene, is used, having a melt flow rate (measured at 230 °C / 2.16 kg according to ISO1133:2005) of 70 g / 10 min and a density of 0.905 g / cm 3 (measured according to ISO 1183-1:2004).

[0142] As the glass fiber, a commercially available roving suitable for coupling with polypropylene is used, having a diameter of 19 microns and 3000 tex (i.e., grams of mass / 1000 m). As additives, carbon black, antioxidants, UV stabilizers, and a sizing composition suitable for polypropylene and low Mw hydrocarbons are added.

[0143] Test method

[0144] Oven aging is carried out using a forced air circulation oven for thermal (artificial) aging provided by Binder, more specifically using chamber FP115. The oven aging test is carried out using ISO-527 / 1B(2012) bars, which are ground from injection molded isotropic specimens (270×310×3 mm) using an Arburg720S3200-1300 device. After oven aging, a tensile test according to ISO-527 / 1B(2012) and a Charpy impact according to ISO 179(2010) are carried out.

[0145] Accelerated UV aging has been carried out on injection molded samples (65×65×3.2 mm) on an Atlas weathering tester according to the PSA / Renault standards D27.1389 / D27.1911 using the following conditions.

[0146] Accelerated test device: Atlas Ci65A Weather-Ometer Test standard: D27.1389 / D27.1911 Test condition provisions: · Light source: Xenon arc lamp · Filter: Borosilicate S inside and outside · Radiation intensity (adjusted): <![CDATA[0.55 W / m 2 / nm (at 340 nm)]]> · Chamber air temperature: 50±2℃ · Black panel temperature (adjusted): 70±2℃ · Dry / wet cycle: 102 min dry / 18 min pre-water spray · Relative humidity (at the end of dry cycle): 50±5％ · Light / dark cycle: Continuous illumination

[0147] The gray scale evaluation is carried out in accordance with DIN 54001 (1982), DIN 54002 (1982) or ISO 105 - A02 (1993) for visual comparative evaluation (gray scale), which generates a numerical grade from 5 (no visual change) to 1 (very strong change). The higher the number, the better the result.

[0148] The color evaluation measurement is carried out using a Macbeth 741GL multi - angle spectrophotometer, which measures L*, a*, b* values (CIE), using a 70° specular geometry, a D65 light source and a 10° observation angle. The color measurement is in accordance with CIELAB (ASTM D 6290 - 05) and ASTM E313.

[0149] Examples (I1 and I2) and comparative examples (C1 and C2) of the present invention

[0150] For these examples, the composition is prepared using one or more of the following components and a Berstorff extruder, with a screw speed of 225 rpm, a throughput of 30 kg / h, and a specific energy of 0.128 - 0.136 kWh / kg. Table 1 discloses the components used and the amounts used.

[0151] As polypropylene, PP1 is used: This is a heterophasic propylene copolymer commercially available from SABIC, with an MFI of 70 g / 10 min, SABIC PP513 MNK10. As an adhesion promoter, PO1020 (AP1) is used. CMB is a colored (black) masterbatch, which is used to add color (black) to the composition.

[0152] As t - HM - HALS, 1,5,8,12 - tetra[4,6 - bis(N - butyl - N - 1,2,2,6,6 - pentamethyl - 4 - piperidinylamino)-1,3,5 - triazin - 2 - yl]-1,5,8,12 - tetraazadodecane (Chimassorb 119) (tHMHALS1) is used. As s - LM - HALS, bis(2,2,6,6 - tetramethyl - 4 - piperidinyl) sebacate (Tinuvin 770) (comparative HALS - not according to the present invention) is used; or a mixture of alkyl esters of 2,2,6,6 - tetramethyl - piperidinol (Cyasorb 3853PP); which is added in the form of a 50% s - LM - HALS compound and 50% polypropylene carrier (sLMHALS).

[0153] As the alkyl ester of 3,5-alkylated 4-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid, octadecyl 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-phenylpropionate (Irganox 1076) (HPPA1) is used. As the n-alkyl ester of 3,5-dialkylated 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, n-hexadecyl 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate (Cyasorb 2908) (HB1) is used.

[0154] As the phenolic antioxidant, pentaerythritol tetra(3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate) (Irganox 1010 or part of Irganox B225) (PAO1) is used. As the phosphite ester additive, tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite (Irgafos 168 or part of Irganox B 225) (PA1) is used.

[0155] Glass rovings with a diameter of 19 microns and 3000 tex (Glass 1) are used.

[0156] The pellets use highly branched polyethylene wax (Wax 1), which is prepared as described in WO2009 / 080281.

[0157] As the flame retardant composition, (ADK STAB FP-2200) (FR1) is used.

[0158] Table 1. Composition details of Comparative Examples (C1 and C2) and Examples of the Invention (I1 and I2)

[0159]

[0160] *SLMHALS is a masterbatch containing 50% s-LM-HALS and 50% carrier

[0161] Table 2. Appearance data after UV exposure under the test conditions of D27.1389 / D27.1911

[0162]

[0163] It can be concluded from Table 2 that the gray scale value of the examples of the invention is higher than that of the comparative examples. The ΔE value of the samples of the invention is lower than that of the comparative examples.

[0164] Attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR / ATR) is also used to determine the chemical changes caused by photooxidation. The infrared spectra are recorded using a Perkin Elmer 1740 / Spectrum One instrument equipped with a diamond crystal, and the spectral resolution is set at 4 cm -1 . All spectra are normalized by setting the absorption at 1460 cm -1 to a value of 0.1. Then the absorption at 1772 cm-1 absorption as a measure of the degree of oxidation in the surface layer of the specimen (N ox ). The degree of surface oxidation (N ox ) was determined during the accelerated UV aging process and the value corresponds to a test duration of 11000 hours. The results are shown in Table 3 below.

[0165] Table 3. FT-IR data on the degree of surface oxidation.

[0166] Examples <![CDATA[N ox > C1 >>0.025 C2 0.0249 I1 0.0052 I2 0.0037

Claims

1. A composition provided by a method comprising the following steps: a) Providing at least one continuous strip of glass filaments; b) Applying an impregnating agent to the continuous strip obtained in step a) to obtain an impregnated continuous strip; c) Applying a sheath of a polymer composition around the impregnated continuous strip obtained in step b) to form a sheathed continuous strip of glass filaments, wherein the composition comprises: a. 30 - 60 wt% of a polypropylene resin; b. 0.4 - 1.7 wt% of a mixture of a light stability additive and a heat stability additive, which comprises: i. A high molecular weight hindered tertiary amine light stabilizer (t-HM-HALS) having a weight average molecular weight of at least 1600 g / mol; ii. A low molecular weight hindered secondary amine light stabilizer (s-LM-HALS) which is a fatty acid ester of 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinol or a mixture of its fatty acids; and iii. An alkyl ester of 3,5-dialkylated 4-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid or a n-alkyl ester of 3,5-dialkylated 4-hydroxybenzoic acid; c. 0.01 - 1.0 wt% of a mixture of antioxidant additives, which comprises: i. A phenolic antioxidant; and ii. A phosphite additive; d. 10 - 35 wt% of a flame retardant composition, preferably comprising a mixture of: i. An organophosphate compound; ii. An organic phosphoric acid; and iii. Zinc oxide; and e. At least 30 wt% of a glass filler; wherein wt% is based on the weight of the composition.

2. A composition in the form of a sheathed continuous strip or pellets, said strip or pellets having an axis and comprising an axially extending core and a polymer sheath applied around said core, wherein said core comprises a plurality of axially extending glass filaments, wherein the composition comprises: a. 30 - 60 wt% of a polypropylene resin; b. 0.4 - 1.7 wt% of a mixture of a light stability additive and a heat stability additive, which comprises: i. A high molecular weight hindered tertiary amine light stabilizer (t-HM-HALS) having a weight average molecular weight of at least 1600 g / mol; ii. A low molecular weight hindered secondary amine light stabilizer (s-LM-HALS) which is a fatty acid ester of 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinol or a mixture of its fatty acids; and iii. An alkyl ester of 3,5-dialkylated 4-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid or a n-alkyl ester of 3,5-dialkylated 4-hydroxybenzoic acid; c. 0.01 - 1.0 wt% of a mixture of antioxidant additives, which comprises: i. A phenolic antioxidant; and ii. A phosphite additive; d. 10 - 35 wt% of a flame retardant composition, preferably comprising a mixture of: i. An organophosphate compound; ii. An organic phosphoric acid; and iii. Zinc oxide; and e. At least 30 wt% of a glass filler; wherein wt% is based on the weight of the composition.

3. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the molecular weight (Mw) of the t-HM-HALS is 1800 - 5000 g / mol, preferably 2000 - 4000 g / mol.

4. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the s-LM-HALS is a mixture of fatty acid esters of 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinol.

5. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, which further comprises: f) one or more additional additives, preferably in an amount of at most 5 wt%, based on the weight of the composition.

6. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mixture of light stability additives comprises a n-alkyl 3,5-dialkylated 4-hydroxybenzoate, preferably n-hexadecyl 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate.

7. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flame retardant composition comprises a mixture of an organophosphate compound, an organic phosphoric acid, and zinc oxide; wherein the weight ratio of the phosphate compound to the phosphoric acid compound is from 1:0.01 to 1:2, and wherein the zinc oxide is present in an amount of 2-10 wt%, based on the weight of the flame retardant composition.

8. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flame retardant composition is a mixture of piperazine pyrophosphate, phosphoric acid, and zinc oxide, more preferably a mixture of 50-60 wt% piperazine pyrophosphate, 35-45 wt% phosphoric acid, and 3-6 wt% zinc oxide, all based on the total weight of the flame retardant composition.

9. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the amount of the t-HM-HALS is 0.1-0.4 wt%, preferably 0.15-0.3 wt%, such as 0.2 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition.

10. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the amount of the s-LM-HALS is 0.2-0.8 wt%, such as 0.4-0.6 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition.

11. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the amount of the propionate or benzoate is 0.1-0.5 wt%, such as 0.2-0.4 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition.

12. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the polypropylene resin is a homopolymer of polypropylene.

13. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the polypropylene resin is a heterophasic polypropylene, and its composition is: i) a propylene-based matrix composed of a propylene homopolymer and / or a propylene-α-olefin copolymer, said matrix being composed of at least 70 wt%, preferably at least 90 wt% of propylene and at most 30 wt%, preferably at most 10 wt% of α-olefin, based on the total weight of the propylene-based matrix, and ii) a dispersed ethylene-α-olefin copolymer, which contains ethylene and at least one C3-C 10 α-olefin.

14. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the phenolic antioxidant is pentaerythritol tetra(3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate), and / or wherein the phosphite additive is tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite.

15. A reinforced article prepared from the composition according to any one of the preceding claims.

16. The reinforced article according to claim 15, wherein the article is an article suitable for construction and building, preferably selected from roof panels, building facades, and structural beams.

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