Article comprising polymer composition having specific combination of high light transmittance and high thermal deformation temperature

Abstract

Described are films and / or sheets comprising a polymer and / or a polymer composition having a heat deflection temperature (HDT) of at least 90 DEG C and a light transmittance of greater than 90% for light having a wavelength of 550 nm using 3.2 mm thick platelets.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to films and / or sheets composed of polyester compositions having a specific combination of light transmittance and heat distortion temperature (HTD), the polyester compositions comprising at least one polyester made from terephthalic acid, its esters, or mixtures thereof; 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol; and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol. Background Art

[0002] Poly(1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol terephthalate (PCT), a polyester based solely on terephthalic acid, its esters, or mixtures thereof; and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol are known in the art and are commercially available. This polyester crystallizes rapidly upon cooling of the melt and is therefore difficult to form into amorphous articles by methods known in the art, such as extrusion, injection molding, and the like. To slow the crystallization rate of PCT, copolyesters containing additional dicarboxylic acids or diols, such as isophthalic acid or ethylene glycol, can be prepared. These ethylene glycol- or isophthalic acid-modified PCTs are also known in the art and commercially available.

[0003] One common copolyester used to produce film, sheet, and molded articles is made from terephthalic acid, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, and ethylene glycol. While these copolyesters are useful in many end-use applications, they exhibit deficiencies in properties such as glass transition temperature and impact strength when sufficient modifying ethylene glycol is included in the formulation to provide a long crystallization half-life. For example, copolyesters made from terephthalic acid, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, and ethylene glycol with a sufficiently long crystallization half-life can provide amorphous products that exhibit a higher ductile-to-brittle transition temperature, which is considered undesirable, and a lower glass transition temperature than the compositions disclosed herein.

[0004] Polycarbonate of 4,4'-isopropylidene diphenol (bisphenol A polycarbonate) has been used as a replacement for polyesters known in the art and is a well-known engineering molding plastic. Bisphenol A polycarbonate is a transparent, high-performance plastic with excellent physical properties such as dimensional stability, high heat resistance, and good impact strength. While bisphenol A polycarbonate has many good physical properties, its melt viscosity is relatively high, resulting in poor melt processability, and the polycarbonate exhibits poor chemical resistance. Thermoforming is also difficult.

[0005] Therefore, for applications requiring a certain high light transmittance, there is a need for films and / or sheets comprising polyester compositions or polyesters that have a combination of high glass transition temperature or heat distortion temperature, high impact strength, and high light transmittance while maintaining processability on standard equipment used in the industry. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Specific films and / or sheets containing terephthalic acid residues, its esters, or mixtures thereof; 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; and 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues, and having a specific combination of intrinsic viscosity and glass transition temperature, are believed to outperform polyesters and polycarbonates known in the art in terms of high light transmittance while also maintaining high impact strength, chemical resistance, and thermal properties. These films and / or sheets are believed to have acceptable heat resistance, yet higher light transmittance and higher impact strength than optical polycarbonates, and can be processed on standard industrial equipment.

[0007] Polyesters containing 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol (TMCD) and having relatively high Tgs have been widely described in the art. However, for applications requiring specific optical properties (such as high light transmittance), currently available commercially available (high-Tg) TMCD-containing polyesters have limited light transmittance, at least within certain wavelengths. Most polymers, including polyesters, typically experience increased color development (or yellowing) due to exposure to high temperatures during the manufacturing and / or molding process. Therefore, color modification using color-modifying additives is often required to achieve a less yellow, more aesthetically pleasing color, particularly for transparent applications. Such additives can reduce light transmittance, at least within certain wavelengths.

[0008] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a film or sheet comprising a polymer composition comprising a polymer having a heat deflection temperature (HDT) of at least 90° C. at 1.8 MPa according to ASTM D648 and a light transmittance of greater than 90% for light having a wavelength of 550 nm according to ASTM 1003 using a 3.2 mm thick plaque. In an embodiment, the polymer and / or polymer composition has a light transmittance of greater than 90% for light having a wavelength of 460 to 700 nm or 475 to 700 nm according to ASTM 1003 using a 3.2 mm thick plaque. In an embodiment, the polymer and / or polymer composition has a notched Izod impact of at least 500, or at least 550, or at least 600 J / m at 23° C. according to ASTM D256. In one embodiment, the polymer is a polyester. In an embodiment, the polymer composition may contain small amounts of color-modifying additives (or colorants), provided that such colorants do not cause the light transmittance to decrease below a specified light transmittance, such as the light transmittance discussed above. In an embodiment, the polymer composition does not include a color-modifying additive.

[0009] In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a film or sheet comprising a polyester composition comprising at least one polyester comprising:

[0010] (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

[0011] i) 70 to 100 mole percent of terephthalic acid residues;

[0012] ii) 0 to 30 mol % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 20 carbon atoms; and

[0013] iii) 0 to 10 mol % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

[0014] (b) a diol component comprising:

[0015] i) 1 to 99 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues; and

[0016] ii) 1 to 99 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,

[0017] wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid components is 100 mole %, and

[0018] The total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %; and

[0019] wherein the polyester has an intrinsic viscosity of 0.35 to less than 0.70 dL / g as measured in 60 / 40 (weight / weight) phenol / tetrachloroethane at a concentration of 0.5 g / 100 ml at 25°C; and wherein the polyester has a Tg greater than 106°C and up to 200°C, or from 110 to 200°C, and a light transmittance greater than 90% for light having a wavelength of 550 nm using a 3.2 mm thick plaque according to ASTM 1003.

[0020] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a film or sheet comprising a polyester composition comprising at least one polyester comprising:

[0021] (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

[0022] i) 70 to 100 mole percent of terephthalic acid residues;

[0023] ii) 0 to 30 mol % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 20 carbon atoms; and

[0024] iii) 0 to 10 mol % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

[0025] (b) a diol component comprising:

[0026] i) 20 to 40 mole percent of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues; and

[0027] ii) 60 to 80 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,

[0028] wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid components is 100 mole %, and

[0029] The total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %; and

[0030] wherein the polyester has an intrinsic viscosity of 0.35 to 1.2 dL / g as measured in 60 / 40 (w / w) phenol / tetrachloroethane at a concentration of 0.5 g / 100 ml at 25°C; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of 110 to 140°C and a light transmittance greater than 90% at a wavelength of 550 nm using a 3.2 mm thick plaque according to ASTM 1003.

[0031] In one aspect, polyester compositions suitable for use in the films or sheets of the present invention comprise at least one polycarbonate.

[0032] In one aspect, polyester compositions suitable for use in the films or sheets of the present invention are free of polycarbonate.

[0033] In one aspect, polyesters suitable for use in the films or sheets of the present invention contain less than 15 mole percent ethylene glycol or from 0.10 to 15 mole percent ethylene glycol residues, such as, for example, from 0.01 to less than 15 mole percent ethylene glycol residues.

[0034] In one aspect, polyesters suitable for use in the films or sheets of the present invention are free of ethylene glycol.

[0035] In one aspect, the polyester compositions suitable for use in the films or sheets of the present invention contain at least one thermal stabilizer or a reaction product thereof.

[0036] In one aspect, polyesters suitable for use in the films or sheets of the present invention are free of branching agents, or alternatively, a branching agent is added prior to or during polymerization of the polyester.

[0037] In one aspect, polyesters suitable for use in the films or sheets of the present invention contain branching agents, regardless of the method or order of addition.

[0038] In one aspect, polyesters suitable for use in the films or sheets of the present invention are not made from 1,3-propylene glycol or 1,4-butanediol, alone or in combination. In other aspects, 1,3-propylene glycol or 1,4-butanediol, alone or in combination, can be used to make polyesters suitable for use in the films or sheets of the present invention.

[0039] In one aspect of the present invention, the mole percent of cis-2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol suitable for use in certain polyesters suitable for use in the films or sheets of the present invention is greater than 50 mole percent, or greater than 55 mole percent, of cis-2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, or greater than 70 mole percent of cis-2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol; wherein the total mole percent of cis-2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and trans-2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol equals a total of 100 mole percent.

[0040] In one aspect of the invention, the mole percent of isomers of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol suitable for use in certain polyesters suitable for use in the films or sheets of the invention is 30 to 70 mole percent cis-2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 30 to 70 mole percent trans-2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, or 40 to 60 mole percent cis-2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 40 to 60 mole percent trans-2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, wherein the total mole percent of cis-2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and trans-2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol equals a total of 100 mole percent.

[0041] In one aspect, the polyester compositions useful in the present invention can be used to make various types of films and / or sheets, including but not limited to extruded films and / or sheets, calendered films and / or sheets, compression molded films and / or sheets, and solution cast films and / or sheets. Methods for making the films and / or sheets include but are not limited to extrusion, calendering, compression molding, and solution casting.

[0042] In one aspect, certain polyesters useful in the present invention can be amorphous or semi-crystalline. In one aspect, certain polyesters useful in the present invention can have a relatively low degree of crystallinity. Thus, certain polyesters useful in the present invention can have a substantially amorphous morphology, meaning that the polyester comprises substantially disordered polymer regions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] By referring to the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the present invention and working examples, the present invention can be more easily understood. According to the purpose of the present invention, certain embodiments of the present invention are described in the summary of the invention of the present invention, and are further described below. In addition, other embodiments of the present invention are also described herein.

[0044] Provided are films and / or sheets comprising a polymer having a relatively high heat distortion temperature and high light transmittance over a broad range of optical wavelengths. In an embodiment, the polymer has a heat distortion temperature (HDT) of at least 90° C. at 1.8 MPa according to ASTM D648 and a light transmittance of greater than 90% for light having a wavelength of 550 nm according to ASTM 1003 using a 3.2 mm thick sheet. In an embodiment, the polymer has a light transmittance of greater than 90% for light within the entire wavelength band of 460 to 700 nm or 475 to 700 nm according to ASTM 1003 using a 3.2 mm thick sheet. In an embodiment, the polymer has a light transmittance of greater than 90% for light having a wavelength of 550 nm according to ASTM 1003 using a 3.2 mm thick sheet. In an embodiment, the polymer has a light transmittance of greater than 90.5% for light having a wavelength of 500 to 700 nm or 525 to 700 nm according to ASTM 1003 using a 3.2 mm thick sheet. In an embodiment, the polymer has a light transmittance of greater than 91% for light at a wavelength of 600 nm or 610 nm using a 3.2 mm thick plaque according to ASTM 1003. In an embodiment, the polymer has a light transmittance of greater than 91% for light over the entire wavelength band of 575 to 700 nm, or 600 to 700 nm, or 610 to 700 nm using a 3.2 mm thick plaque according to ASTM 1003. In an embodiment, the polymer has a notched Izod impact at 23° C. of at least 500, or at least 550, or at least 600 J / m according to ASTM D256.

[0045] In an embodiment, the polymer comprises one or more polyesters.In an embodiment, the film and / or sheet comprises a polyester having a composition as described herein having a combination of high heat distortion temperature and high light transmittance.

[0046] In some embodiments of the present invention, in addition to high light transmittance, the polyester also has a unique combination of properties: good impact strength, heat resistance, chemical resistance, density, and / or a combination of properties: good impact strength, heat resistance and processability, and / or a combination of one or more of these properties.

[0047] As used herein, the term "polyester" includes copolyesters and is understood to mean a synthetic polymer prepared by reacting one or more difunctional carboxylic acids and / or polyfunctional carboxylic acids with one or more difunctional hydroxyl compounds and / or polyfunctional hydroxyl compounds. Typically, the difunctional carboxylic acid is a dicarboxylic acid, and the difunctional hydroxyl compound is a dihydric alcohol, such as, for example, diols and glycols. As used in this application, the term "diol" includes but is not limited to diols, diols and / or polyfunctional hydroxyl compounds, such as branching agents. Alternatively, the difunctional carboxylic acid is a hydroxycarboxylic acid, such as, for example, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and the difunctional hydroxyl compound is an aromatic core with two hydroxyl substituents, such as, for example, hydroquinone. As used herein, the term "residue" means any organic structure incorporated into a polymer by polycondensation and / or esterification of the corresponding monomers. As used herein, the term "repeat unit" means an organic structure having a dicarboxylic acid residue and a diol residue bonded by a carbonyloxy group. Thus, for example, a dicarboxylic acid residue can be derived from a dicarboxylic acid monomer or its associated acyl halide, ester, salt, anhydride, or mixtures thereof. Thus, as used herein, the term dicarboxylic acid is intended to include dicarboxylic acids and any derivatives of dicarboxylic acids, including their associated acyl halide, ester, half-ester, salt, half-salt, anhydride, mixed anhydride, or mixtures thereof, which can be used in the reaction process with a diol to prepare a polyester. In addition, as used in this application, the term "diacid" includes polyfunctional acids, such as branching agents. As used herein, the term "terephthalic acid" is intended to include terephthalic acid itself and its residues and any derivatives of terephthalic acid, including its associated acyl halide, ester, half-ester, salt, half-salt, anhydride, mixed anhydride, or mixtures thereof, or residues thereof, which can be used in the reaction process with a diol to prepare a polyester.

[0048] In one embodiment, terephthalic acid can be used as the starting material. In another embodiment, dimethyl terephthalate can be used as the starting material. In another embodiment, a mixture of terephthalic acid and dimethyl terephthalate can be used as the starting material and / or intermediate material.

[0049] Polyesters suitable for use in the films or sheets of the present invention are generally prepared from dicarboxylic acids and diols, which react in substantially equal proportions and are incorporated into the polyester polymer as their respective residues. Thus, polyesters suitable for use in the films or sheets of the present invention may contain substantially equal molar proportions of acid residues (100 mole %) and diol (and / or polyfunctional hydroxy compound) residues (100 mole %), such that the total moles of repeating units equal 100 mole %. Thus, the mole percentages provided herein may be based on the total moles of acid residues, the total moles of diol residues, or the total moles of repeating units. For example, a polyester containing 30 mole % of isophthalic acid based on the total acid residues means that the polyester contains 30 mole % of isophthalic acid residues out of a total of 100 mole % of acid residues. Thus, for every 100 moles of acid residues, there are 30 moles of isophthalic acid residues. In another example, a polyester containing 30 mole percent 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol based on total diol residues means that the polyester contains 30 mole percent 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues out of a total of 100 mole percent diol residues. Thus, for every 100 moles of diol residues, there are 30 moles of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues.

[0050] In other aspects of the invention, polyesters suitable for use in the films and / or sheets of the invention have a Tg, including, but not limited to, 90 to 200°C; 90 to 190°C; 90 to 180°C; 90 to 170°C; 90 to 160°C; 90 to 155°C; 90 to 150°C; 90 to 145°C; 90 to 140°C; 90 to 138°C; 90 to 135°C; 90 to 130°C; 90 to 125°C; 90 to 120°C; 90 to 115°C; 90 to 110°C; 90 to 105°C; 90 to 100°C; 90 to 95°C; 95 to 200°C; 95 to 190°C; 95 to 180°C; 95 to 170°C; 95 to 160°C; 95 to 155°C; 95 to 150°C; 95 to 1 45°C; 95 to 140°C; 95 to 138°C; 95 to 135°C; 95 to 130°C; 95 to 125°C; 95 to 120°C; 95 to 115°C; 95 to 110°C; 95 to 105°C; 95 to less than 105°C; 95 to 100°C; 100 to 200°C; 100 to 190°C; 100 to 180°C; 100 to 170℃; 100 to 160℃; 100 to 155℃; 100 to 150℃; 100 to 145℃; 100 to 140℃; 100 to 138℃; 100 to 135℃; 100 to 130℃; 100 to 125℃; 100 to 120℃; 100 to 115℃; 100 to 110℃; 105 to 200℃; 105 to 190°C; 105 to 180°C; 105 to 170°C; 105 to 160°C; 105 to 155°C; 105 to 150°C; 105 to 145°C; 105 to 140°C; 105 to 138°C; 105 to 135°C; 105 to 130°C; 105 to 125°C; 105 to 120°C; 105 to 115°C; 1 05 to 110°C; greater than 105 to 125°C; greater than 105 to 120°C; greater than 105 to 115°C; greater than 105 to 110°C; 110 to 200°C; 110 to 195°C; 110 to 190°C; 110 to 185°C; 110 to 180°C; 110 to 175°C; 110 to 170°C; 110 to 165°C; 1 10 to 160°C; 110 to 155°C; 110 to 150°C; 110 to 145°C; 110 to 138°C; 110 to 140°C; 110 to 135°C; 110 to 130°C; 110 to 125°C; 110 to 120°C; 110 to 115°C; 115 to 200°C; 115 to 195°C; 115 to 190°C; 115 to 185°C; 115 to 180°C; 115 to 175°C; 115 to 170°C; 115 to 165°C; 115 to 160°C; 115 to 155°C; 115 to 150°C; 115 to 145°C; 115 to 140°C; 115 to 138°C; 115 to 135°C; 115 to 125°C; 115 to 120°C;120 to 200°C; 120 to 195°C; 120 to 190°C; 120 to 185°C; 120 to 180°C; 120 to 175°C; 120 to 170°C; 120 to 165°C; 120 to 160°C; 120 to 155°C; 120 to 150°C; 120 to 145°C; 120 to 140°C; 120 to 138°C; 120 to 135°C; 125 to 180°C; 125 to 170°C; 125 to 160°C; 125 to 155°C; 125 to 150°C; 125 to 145°C; 125 to 140°C; 125 to 138°C; 125 to 135°C; 135 to 1 80℃; 127 to 180℃; 127 to 170℃; 127 to 160℃; 127 to 150℃; 127 to 145℃; 127 to 140℃; 127 to 138℃; 127 to 135℃; 130 to 200℃; 130 to 195℃; 130 to 190℃; 130 to 185℃; 130 to 180℃; 130 to 175℃; 130 to 170℃; 130 to 165℃; 130 to 160℃; 130 to 155℃; 130 to 150℃; 130 to 145℃; 130 to 140℃; 130 to 138℃; 130 to 135℃; 135 to 170℃; 135 to 160°C; 135 to 155°C; 135 to 150°C; 135 to 145°C; 135 to 140°C; 135 to 135°C; 140 to 200°C; 140 to 195°C; 140 to 190°C; 140 to 185°C; 140 to 180°C; 140 to 170°C; 140 to 165°C; 140 to 160°C; 140 to 155°C; 140 to 150°C; 140 to 145°C; 148 to 200°C; 148 to 190°C; 148 to 180°C; 148 to 170°C; 148 to 160°C; 148 to 155°C; 148 to 150°C; 150 to 200°C; 150 to 195°C; 150 to 190°C; 150 to 185°C; 150 to 180°C; 150 to 175°C; 150 to 170°C; 150 to 165°C; 150 to 160°C; 150 to 155°C; 155 to 200°C; 150 to 190°C; 150 to 180°C; 150 to 170°C; 150 to 160; 155 to 190°C; 155 to 180°C; 155 to 170°C; and 155 to 165°C; greater than 124°C up to 200°C; greater than 125°C up to 200°C; greater than 126°C up to 200°C; greater than 148°C up to 200°C.

[0051] In certain aspects of the present invention, the diol component of the polyester suitable for use in the film or sheet of the present invention includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following range combinations: 1 to 99 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 1 to 99 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 95 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 5 to 99 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 90 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 10 to 99 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 85 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 15 to 99 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 80 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 20 to 99 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, 1 to 75 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 25 to 99 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 70 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 30 to 99 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 65 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 35 to 99 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 60 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 40 to 99 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 55 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 45 to 99 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 50 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 50 to 99 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 45 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 55 to 99 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 40 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 60 to 99 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 35 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 65 to 99 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 30 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 70 to 99 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 25 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 75 to 99 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 20 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 80 to 99 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 15 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 85 to 99 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 10 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 90 to 99 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol;and 1 to 5 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 95 to 99 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.

[0052] In other aspects of the present invention, the diol component of the polyester suitable for use in the film or sheet of the present invention includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following range combinations: 5 to less than 50 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and greater than 50 to 95 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 5 to 45 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 55 to 95 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 5 to 40 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol diol and 60 to 95 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 5 to 35 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 65 to 95 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 5 to less than 35 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and greater than 65 to 95 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 5 to 30 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 70 to 95 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 5 to 25 mole % % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 75 to 95 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 5 to 20 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 80 to 95 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 5 to 15 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 85 to 95 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 5 to 10 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 90 to 95 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; greater than 5 to less than 10 mole percent of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and less than 90 to greater than 95 mole percent of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 5.5 to 9.5 mole percent of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 94.5 to 90.5 mole percent of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; and 6 to 9 mole percent of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 94 to 91 mole percent of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.

[0053] In other aspects of the present invention, the diol component of the polyester suitable for use in the film or sheet of the present invention includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following range combinations: 10 to 100 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 0 to 90 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 10 to 95 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 5 to 90 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 10 to 95 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 5 to 90 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 10 to 90 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 10 to 90 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol. ,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 10 to 85 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 15 to 90 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 10 to 80 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 20 to 90 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, 10 to 75 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 25 to 90 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 10 to 70 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 30 to 90 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 10 to 65 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 35 to 90 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 10 to 60 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 40 to 90 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 10 to 55 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 45 to 90 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 10 to 50 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 50 to 90 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 10 to less than 50 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and greater than 50 to 90 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 10 to 45 mol % of 2,2, 4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 55 to 90 mole percent of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 10 to 40 mole percent of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 60 to 90 mole percent of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 10 to 35 mole percent of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 65 to 90 mole percent of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 10 to less than 35 mole percent of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and greater than 65 to 90 percent of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 10 to 30 mole percent of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 70 to 90 mole percent of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol;10 to 25 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 75 to 90 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 10 to 20 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 80 to 90 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; and 10 to 15 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 85 to 90 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.

[0054] In other aspects of the present invention, the diol component of the polyester suitable for use in the film or sheet of the present invention includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following range combinations: 14 to 99 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 1 to 86 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 14 to 95 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 5 to 86 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 14 to 90 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 10 to 86 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 14 to 85 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 15 to 86 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol. ,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 14 to 86 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 14 to 86 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, 14 to 75 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 25 to 86 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 14 to 70 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 30 to 86 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 14 to 65 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 35 to 86 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 14 to 60 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 40 to 86 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 14 to 55 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 45 to 86 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 14 to 50 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 50 to 86 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 14 to less than 50 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and greater than 50 to 86 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 14 to 45 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 55 to 86 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 14 to 40 mol % of 2,2, 4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 60 to 86 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 14 to 35 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 65 to 86 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 14 to 30 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 70 to 86 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 14 to 24 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 76 to 86 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; and 14 to 25 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 75 to 86 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.

[0055] In other aspects of the present invention, the diol component of the polyester suitable for use in the film or sheet of the present invention includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following range combinations: 15 to 99 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 1 to 85 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 15 to 95 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 5 to 85 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 15 to 90 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 10 to 85 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 15 to 85 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 15 to 85 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol. ,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 15 to 86 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 15 to 86 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, 15 to 75 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 25 to 85 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 15 to 70 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 30 to 85 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 15 to 65 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 35 to 85 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 15 to 60 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 40 to 85 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 15 to 55 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 45 to 85 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 15 to 50 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 50 to 85 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 15 to less than 50 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and greater than 50 to 85 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 15 to 45 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 55 to 85 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 15 to 40 mol % of 2,2, 4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 60 to 85 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 15 to 35 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 65 to 85 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 15 to 30 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 70 to 85 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 15 to 25 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 75 to 85 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; and 15 to 24 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 76 to 85 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.

[0056] In other aspects of the present invention, the diol component of the polyester suitable for use in the film or sheet of the present invention includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following range combinations: 20 to 99 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 1 to 80 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 20 to 95 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 5 to 80 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 20 to 90 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 10 to 80 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 20 to 85 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 20 to 80 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 20 to 80 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, 20 to 75 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 25 to 80 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 20 to 70 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 30 to 80 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 20 to 65 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 35 to 80 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 20 to 6 0 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 40 to 80 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 20 to 55 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 45 to 80 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 20 to 50 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 50 to 80 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 20 to less than 50 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and greater than 50 to 80 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 20 to 45 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol butanediol and 55 to 80 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 20 to 40 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 60 to 80 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 20 to 35 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 65 to 80 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 20 to 30 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 70 to 80 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; and 20 to 25 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 75 to 80 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.

[0057] In other aspects of the present invention, the diol component of the polyester suitable for use in the film or sheet of the present invention includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following range combinations: 25 to 99 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 1 to 75 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 25 to 95 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 5 to 75 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 25 to 90 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 10 to 75 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 25 to 85 mol% of 2,2,4, 4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 15 to 75 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 25 to 80 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 20 to 75 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, 25 to 75 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 25 to 75 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 25 to 70 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 30 to 75 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 25 to 65 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 35 to 75 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 25 to 60 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 40 to 75 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 25 to 55 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 45 to 75 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 25 to 50 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 50 to 75 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 25 to less than 50 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and greater than 50 to 75 mol % % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 25 to 45 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 55 to 75 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 25 to 40 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 60 to 75 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 25 to 35 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 65 to 75 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; and 25 to 30 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 70 to 75 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.

[0058] In other aspects of the present invention, the diol component of the polyester suitable for use in the film or sheet of the present invention includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following range combinations: 30 to 99 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 1 to 70 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 30 to 95 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 5 to 70 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 30 to 90 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 10 to 70 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; to 85 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 15 to 70 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 30 to 80 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 20 to 70 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, 30 to 75 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 25 to 70 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 30 to 70 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 30 to 70 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 30 to 65 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 35 to 70 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 30 to 60 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 40 to 70 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 30 to 55 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 45 to 70 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 30 to 50 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 50 to 70 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 30 to Less than 50 mole percent of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and greater than 50 to 70 mole percent of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 30 to 45 mole percent of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 55 to 70 mole percent of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 30 to 40 mole percent of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 60 to 70 mole percent of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 30 to 35 mole percent of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 65 to 70 mole percent of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.

[0059] In other aspects of the present invention, the diol component of the polyester suitable for use in the film or sheet of the present invention includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following range combinations: 35 to 99 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 1 to 65 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 35 to 95 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 5 to 65 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 35 to 90 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 10 to 65 mol% of 1 ,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 35 to 85 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 15 to 65 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 35 to 80 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 20 to 65 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, 35 to 75 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 25 to 65 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 35 to 70 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol 35 to 60 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 40 to 65 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 35 to 55 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 45 to 65 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 35 to 50 mol % of 2,2,4,4 -Tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 50 to 65 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 35 to less than 50 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and greater than 50 to 65 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 35 to 45 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 55 to 65 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 35 to 40 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 60 to 65 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.

[0060] In other aspects of the present invention, the diol component of the polyester suitable for use in the film or sheet of the present invention includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following range combinations: 40 to 99 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 1 to 60 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 40 to 95 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 5 to 60 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 40 to 90 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 10 to 60 mol% of 1 ,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 40 to 85 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 15 to 60 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 40 to 80 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 20 to 60 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, 40 to less than 80 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and greater than 20 to 60 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 40 to 75 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol butanediol and 25 to 60 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 40 to 70 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 30 to 60 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 40 to 65 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 35 to 60 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 40 to 60 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 40 to 60 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 40 to 55 mol% of 2,2,4,4 -tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 45 to 60 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 40 to less than 50 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and greater than 50 to 60 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 40 to 50 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 50 to 60 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; and 40 to 45 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 55 to 60 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.

[0061] In addition to the diols listed above, polyesters suitable for use in the polyester compositions of the present invention can also be made from 1,3-propylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, or mixtures thereof. It is contemplated that compositions suitable for use in the films or sheets of the present invention made from 1,3-propylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, or mixtures thereof can have at least one of the Tg ranges described herein, at least one of the intrinsic viscosity ranges described herein, and / or at least one of the diol or diacid ranges described herein. Additionally or alternatively, polyesters suitable for use in the film or sheet of the present invention prepared from 1,3-propylene glycol or 1,4-butanediol or mixtures thereof may also be prepared from 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol in at least one of the following amounts: 0.1 to 99 mol %; 0.1 to 95 mol %; 0.1 to 90 mol %; 0.1 to 85 mol %; 0.1 to 80 mol %; 0.1 to 75 mol %; 0.1 to 70 mol %; 0.1 to 60 mol %; 0.1 to 50 mol %; 0.1 to 40 mol %; 0.1 to 35 mol %; 0. 1 to 30 mol%; 0.1 to 25 mol%; 0.1 to 20 mol%; 0.1 to 15 mol%; 0.1 to 10 mol%; 0.1 to 5 mol%; 1 to 99 mol%; 1 to 95 mol%; 1 to 90 mol%; 1 to 85 mol%; 1 to 80 mol%; 1 to 70 mol%; 1 to 60 mol%; 1 to 50 mol%; 1 to 40 mol%; 1 to 35 mol%; 1 to 30 mol%; 1 to 25 mol%; 1 to 20 mol%; 1 to 15 mol%; 1 to 10 mol%; 1 to 5 mol%; 5 to 99 mol% %; 5 to 95 mol%; 5 to 90 mol%; 5 to 85 mol%; 5 to 80 mol%; 5 to 75 mol%; 5 to 70 mol%; 5 to 60 mol%; 5 to 50 mol%; 5 to 40 mol%; 5 to 35 mol%; 5 to 30 mol%; 5 to 25 mol%; 5 to 20 mol%; and 5 to 15 mol%; 5 to 10 mol%; 10 to 99 mol%; 10 to 95 mol%; 10 to 90 mol%; 10 to 85 mol%; 10 to 80 mol%; 10 to 75 mol%; 10 to 70 mol%; 1 0 to 60 mol %; 10 to 50 mol %; 10 to 40 mol %; 10 to 35 mol %; 10 to 30 mol %; 10 to 25 mol %; 10 to 20 mol %; 10 to 15 mol %; 20 to 99 mol %; 20 to 95 mol %; 20 to 90 mol %; 20 to 85 mol %; 20 to 80 mol %; 20 to 75 mol %; 20 to 70 mol %; 20 to 60 mol %; 20 to 50 mol %; 20 to 40 mol %; 20 to 35 mol %; 20 to 30 mol %; and 20 to 25 mol %.

[0062] In other aspects, polyesters suitable for use in polyester compositions can include a diol component containing isosorbide residues. In certain embodiments of this aspect, the polyester composition can include: a dicarboxylic acid component comprising: 90 to 100, or 95 to 100, or 100 mole percent of terephthalic acid residues; and a diol component comprising: i) 10 to 35 mole percent, or 15 to 35 mole percent, or 15 to 25 mole percent of isosorbide residues; ii) 40 to 80 mole percent, or 50 to 75 mole percent, or 60 to 75 mole percent of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues; and iii) 5 to 30 mole percent, or 7 to 25 mole percent, or 8 to 16 mole percent of ethylene glycol residues.

[0063] For certain embodiments of the present invention, the polyesters suitable for use in the films or sheets of the present invention may exhibit any of the following inherent viscosities: 0.35 to less than 0.70 dL / g; 0.35 to 0.68 dL / g; 0.35 to less than 0.68 dL / g; 0.35 to 0.65 dL / g.; 0.40 to 0.70 dL / g; 0.40 to less than 0.70 dL / g; 0.40 to 0.68 dL / g; 0.40 to less than 0.68 dL / g; 0.40 to 0.65 dL / g.; 0.45 to less than 0.70 dL / g; 0.45 to 0.68 dL / g; 0.45 to less than 0.68 dL / g; 0.45 to 0.65 dL / g; 0.50 to less than 0. 0.70 dL / g; 0.50 to 0.68 dL / g; 0.50 to less than 0.68 dL / g; 0.50 to 0.67 dL / g; 0.50 to 0.66 dL / g; 0.50 to 0.65 dL / g; 0.55 to less than 0.70 dL / g; 0.55 to 0.68 dL / g; 0.55 to less than 0.68 dL / g; 0.55 to 0.65 dL / g; 0.58 to less than 0.70 dL / g; 0.58 to 0.68 dL / g; 0.58 to less than 0.68 dL / g; or 0.58 to 0.65 dL / g, as measured in 60 / 40 (weight / weight) phenol / tetrachloroethane at 25°C at a concentration of 0.5 g / 100 ml.

[0064] For embodiments of the present invention in which the inherent viscosity of the polyesters suitable for use in the films or sheets of the present invention is in the range of 0.35 to 0.75 or more dL / g, these polyesters may also exhibit any of the following inherent viscosities: 0.35 to less than 0.75 dL / g; 0.35 to 0.72 dL / g; or 0.35 to 0.70 dL / g, as measured in 60 / 40 (weight / weight) phenol / tetrachloroethane at a concentration of 0.5 g / 100 ml at 25°C.

[0065] For embodiments of the present invention, polyesters suitable for use in the films or sheets of the present invention may exhibit at least one of the following inherent viscosities: 0.10 to 1.2 dL / g; 0.10 to 1.1 dL / g; 0.10 to 1 dL / g; 0.10 to less than 1 dL / g; 0.10 to 0.98 dL / g; 0.10 to 0.95 dL / g; 0.10 to 0.90 dL / g; 0.10 to 0.85 dL / g; 0.10 to 0.80 dL / g; 0.10 to 0.75 dL / g g; 0.10 to less than 0.75 dL / g; 0.10 to 0.72 dL / g; 0.10 to 0.70 dL / g; 0.10 to less than 0.70 dL / g; 0.10 to 0.68 dL / g; 0.10 to less than 0.68 dL / g; 0.10 to 0.65 dL / g; 0.10 to 0.6 dL / g; 0.10 to 0.55 dL / g; 0.10 to 0.5 dL / g; 0.10 to 0.4 dL / g; 0.10 to 0.35 dL / g; 0. 20 to 1.2 dL / g; 0.20 to 1.1 dL / g; 0.20 to 1 dL / g; 0.20 to less than 1 dL / g; 0.20 to 0.98 dL / g; 0.20 to 0.95 dL / g; 0.20 to 0.90 dL / g; 0.20 to 0.85 dL / g; 0.20 to 0.80 dL / g; 0.20 to 0.75 dL / g; 0.20 to less than 0.75 dL / g; 0.20 to 0.72 dL / g; 0.20 to 0.70 dL / g ; 0.20 to less than 0.70 dL / g; 0.20 to 0.68 dL / g; 0.20 to less than 0.68 dL / g; 0.20 to 0.65 dL / g; 0.20 to 0.6 dL / g; 0.20 to 0.55 dL / g; 0.20 to 0.5 dL / g; 0.20 to 0.4 dL / g; and 0.20 to 0.35 dL / g, as measured in 60 / 40 (weight / weight) phenol / tetrachloroethane at a concentration of 0.5 g / 100 ml at 25°C.

[0066] For embodiments of the present invention wherein the intrinsic viscosity is within the range of 0.35 to 1.2 dL / g, the polyesters suitable for use in these films or sheets of the present invention may also exhibit any of the following intrinsic viscosities: 0.35 to 1.2 dL / g; 0.35 to 1.1 dL / g; 0.35 to 1 dL / g; 0.35 to less than 1 dL / g; 0.35 to 0.98 dL / g; 0.35 to 0.95 dL / g; 0.35 to 0.9 dL / g; 0.35 to 0.85 dL / g; 0.35 to 0.8 dL / g; 0.35 to 0.75 dL / g; 0.35 to less than 0.75 dL / g; 0.35 to 0.72 dL / g; 0.40 to 1.2 dL / g; 0.40 to 1.1 dL / g; 0.40 to 1 dL / g; 0.40 to less than 1 dL / g; 0.40 to 0.98 dL / g; 0.40 to 0.95 dL / g; 0.40 to 0.9 dL / g; 0.40 to 0.85 dL / g; 0.40 to 0.8 dL / g; 0.40 to 0.75 dL / g; 0.40 to less than 0.75 dL / g; 0.40 to 0.72 dL / g; greater than 0.42 to 1.2 dL / g; greater than 0.42 to 1.1 dL / g; greater than 0.42 to 1 dL / g; greater than 0.42 to less than 1 dL / g; greater than 0.42 to 0.98 dL / g; greater than 0.42 to 0.95 dL / g; greater than 0.42 to 0.9 dL / g; Greater than 0.42 to 0.85 dL / g; Greater than 0.42 to 0.80 dL / g; Greater than 0.42 to 0.75 dL / g; Greater than 0.42 to less than 0.75 dL / g; 0.42 to 0.70 dL / g; 0.42 to less than 0.70 dL / g; Greater than 0.42 to 0.72 dL / g; Greater than 0.42 to 0.70 dL / g; Greater than 0.42 to 0.68 dL / g; Greater than 0.42 to less than 0.68 dL / g; 0.42 to 0.68 dL / g; Greater than 0.42 to 0.65 dL / g; 0.45 to 1.2 dL / g; 0.45 to 1.1 dL / g; 0.45 to 1 dL / g; 0.45 to 0.98 dL / g; 0.45 to 0 0.95 dL / g; 0.45 to 0.9 dL / g; 0.45 to 0.85 dL / g; 0.45 to 0.80 dL / g; 0.45 to 0.75 dL / g; 0.45 to less than 0.75 dL / g; 0.45 to 0.72 dL / g; 0.45 to 0.70 dL / g; 0.50 to 1.2 dL / g; 0.50 to 1.1 dL / g; 0.50 to 1 dL / g; 0.50 to less than 1 dL / g; 0.50 to 0.98 dL / g; 0.50 to 0.95 dL / g; 0.50 to 0.9 dL / g; 0.50 to 0.85 dL / g; 0.50 to 0.80 dL / g.; 0.50 to 0.75 dL / g; 0.50 to less than 0.75 dL / g; 0.50 to 0.72 dL / g; 0.50 to 0.70 dL / g; 0.55 to 1.2 dL / g; 0.55 to 1.1 dL / g; 0.55 to 1 dL / g; 0.55 to less than 1 dL / g; 0.55 to 0.98 dL / g; 0.55 to 0.95 dL / g; 0.55 to 0.9 dL / g g; 0.55 to 0.85 dL / g; 0.55 to 0.80 dL / g; 0.55 to 0.75 dL / g; 0.55 to less than 0.75 dL / g; 0.55 to 0.72 dL / g; 0.55 to 0.70 dL / g; 0.58 to 1.2 dL / g; 0.58 to 1.1 dL / g; 0.58 to 1 dL / g; 0.58 to less than 1 dL / g; 0.58 to 0.98 dL / g; 0.58 to 0.95 dL / g; 0.58 to 0.9 dL / g; 0.58 to 0.85 dL / g; 0.58 to 0.80 dL / g; 0.58 to 0.75 dL / g; 0.58 to less than 0.75 dL / g; 0.58 to 0.72 dL / g ; 0.58 to 0.70 dL / g; 0.60 to 1.2 dL / g; 0.60 to 1.1 dL / g; 0.60 to 1 dL / g; 0.60 to less than 1 dL / g; 0.60 to 0.98 dL / g; 0.60 to 0.95 dL / g; 0.60 to 0.90 dL / g; 0.60 to 0.85 dL / g; 0.60 to 0.80 dL / g; 0.60 to 0.75 dL / g; 0.60 to less than 0.75 dL / g; 0.60 to 0.72 dL / g; 0.60 to 0.70 dL / g; 0.60 to less than 0.70 dL / g; 0.60 to 0.68 dL / g; 0.60 to less than 0.68 dL / g; 0.60 to 0.65 dL / g; 0.65 to 1.2 dL / g; 0.65 to 1.1 dL / g; 0.65 to 1 dL / g; 0.65 to less than 1 dL / g; 0.65 to 0.98 dL / g; 0.65 to 0.95 dL / g; 0.65 to 0.90 dL / g; 0.65 to 0.85 dL / g; 0.65 to 0.80 dL / g; 0 .65 to 0.75 dL / g; 0.65 to less than 0.75 dL / g; 0.65 to 0.72 dL / g; 0.65 to 0.70 dL / g; 0.65 to less than 0.70 dL / g; 0.68 to 1.2 dL / g; 0.68 to 1.1 dL / g; 0.68 to 1 dL / g; 0.68 to less than 1 dL / g; 0. 68 to 0.98 dL / g; 0.68 to 0.95 dL / g; 0.68 to 0.90 dL / g; 0.68 to 0.85 dL / g; 0.68 to 0.80 dL / g; 0.68 to 0.75 dL / g; 0.68 to less than 0.75 dL / g; 0.68 to 0.72 dL / g; greater than 0.70 dL / g to 1.2dL / g; greater than 0.76dL / g to 1.2dL / g; greater than 0.76dL / g to 1.1dL / g; greater than 0.76dL / g to 1dL / g; greater than 0.76dL / g to less than 1dL / g; greater than 0.76dL / g to 0.98dL / g; greater than 0.76dL / g to 0.95dL / g; greater than 0.76dL / g to 0.90dL / g; greater than 0.80dL / g to 1.2dL / g; greater than 0.80dL / g to 1.1 dL / g; greater than 0.80 dL / g to 1 dL / g; greater than 0.80 dL / g to less than 1 dL / g; greater than 0.80 dL / g to 1.2 dL / g; greater than 0.80 dL / g to 0.98 dL / g; greater than 0.80 dL / g to 0.95 dL / g; greater than 0.80 dL / g to 0.90 dL / g, as measured in 60 / 40 (weight / weight) phenol / tetrachloroethane at a concentration of 0.5 g / 100 ml at 25°C.

[0067] It is contemplated that compositions useful in the films or sheets of the present invention may have at least one of the inherent viscosity ranges described herein and at least one of the monomer ranges for compositions described herein, unless otherwise specified. It is also contemplated that compositions useful in the films or sheets of the present invention may have at least one of the Tg ranges described herein and at least one of the monomer ranges for compositions described herein, unless otherwise specified. It is also contemplated that compositions useful in the films or sheets of the present invention may have at least one of the Tg ranges described herein, at least one of the inherent viscosity ranges described herein, and at least one of the monomer ranges for compositions described herein, unless otherwise specified.

[0068] For the desired polyester suitable for use in the film or sheet of the present invention, the molar ratio of cis / trans 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol can be varied, depending on the respective pure forms or mixtures thereof. In certain embodiments, the mole percentage of cis- and / or trans-2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol is greater than 50 mole% cis and less than 50 mole% trans; or greater than 55 mole% cis and less than 45 mole% trans; or 30 to 70 mole% cis and 70 to 30% trans; or 40 to 60 mole% cis and 60 to 40 mole% trans; or 50 to 70 mole% trans and 50 to 30% cis or 50 to 70 mole% cis and 50 to 30% trans; or 60 to 70 mole% cis and 30 to 40 mole% trans; or greater than 70 mole% cis and up to 30 mole% trans; wherein the sum of the mole percentages of cis- and trans-2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol equals 100 mole%. The molar ratio of cis / trans 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol may vary within the range of 50 / 50 to 0 / 100, for example, between 40 / 60 and 20 / 80.

[0069] In certain embodiments, terephthalic acid or its esters (such as, for example, dimethyl terephthalate) or a mixture of terephthalic acid and its esters constitutes most or all of the dicarboxylic acid component of the polyester suitable for use in forming the film or sheet of the present invention. In certain embodiments, terephthalic acid residues may constitute part or all of the dicarboxylic acid component of the polyester suitable for use in forming the film or sheet of the present invention, and the concentration of terephthalic acid residues is at least 70 mol%, such as at least 80 mol%, at least 90 mol%, at least 95 mol%, at least 99 mol% or even 100 mol%. In certain embodiments, higher amounts of terephthalic acid residues can be used in order to prepare polyesters with higher impact strength suitable for use in the film or sheet. In one embodiment, dimethyl terephthalate is part or all of the dicarboxylic acid component of the polyester suitable for use in the film or sheet of the present invention. For the purposes of this disclosure, the terms terephthalic acid and "dimethyl terephthalate" are used interchangeably herein. In all embodiments, a range of 70 to 100 mole percent; or 80 to 100 mole percent; or 90 to 100 mole percent; or 99 to 100 mole percent; or 100 mole percent of terephthalic acid and / or dimethyl terephthalate may be used.

[0070] In an embodiment, at least a portion of the terephthalic acid and / or dimethyl terephthalate used as the starting material has recycled content derived directly or indirectly from recycled waste. In an embodiment, the recycled content can be obtained from waste plastics containing terephthalic acid residues, such as recycled monomers obtained by a solvolysis (e.g., methanolysis) process. In an embodiment, the terephthalic acid residues present in the polyester (according to any embodiment herein) contain at least 50 mole%, or at least 75 mole%, or 100 mole% recycled content. In an embodiment, the dicarboxylic acid component of the polyester comprises monomer residues having at least 50 mole% recycled content, or at least 75 mole% recycled content, or 100 mole% recycled content.

[0071] In an embodiment, the polyester comprises a diol component comprising CHDM and / or EG residues. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the CHDM and / or EG used as starting materials has recycled content derived directly or indirectly from recycled waste. In an embodiment, the recycled content can be obtained from waste plastics containing CHDM and / or EG residues, such as recycled monomers obtained by a solvent decomposition (e.g., methanol decomposition) process. In an embodiment, the CHDM and / or EG residues present in the PCTG polyester (according to any embodiment herein) contain at least 50 mole %, or at least 75 mole %, or 100 mole % recycled content. In an embodiment, the diol component of the PCTG polyester comprises monomer residues having at least 50 mole % recycled content, or at least 75 mole % recycled content, or 100 mole % recycled content.

[0072] The polyesters (as described herein) may have (or include) recycled content provided by chemical recycling, wherein waste materials are broken down into small molecules and then used to make the polyester, for example, a waste stream (e.g., containing waste plastics) is gasified to produce syngas, which is then used in one or more reaction schemes to make the polyester.

[0073] A mass balance approach can also be used to provide recycled content polyesters having (or comprising) recycled content. In the mass balance approach, a recycled content value is determined and then applied to the polyester or associated with the polyester. A "recycled content value" is a unit of measurement representing the amount of material derived from recycled waste (e.g., recycled plastics). A specific recycled content value can be determined by a mass balance approach or a mass ratio or percentage or any other unit of measurement, and can be determined according to any system for tracking, allocating, and / or crediting recycled content in various compositions. The recycled content value can be deducted from the recycled content inventory and applied to a product or composition (e.g., polyester) to attribute the recycled content to the product or composition (e.g., polyester). The recycled content value can come from waste materials (e.g., mixed waste plastics) and can be applied to the polyester based on a mass balance approach that takes into account the stoichiometry and efficiency of the process used to prepare the polyester.

[0074] The recycled content in the polyester can be derived at least in part from recycled polyester of the same type, thereby providing a circular recycling solution. The circular recycling solution can include determining a recycled content value (or credit) for the same type of waste polyester and applying at least a portion of that recycled value or credit to new polyester (e.g., through a mass balance approach), or can be a closed-loop process for providing recycled polyester, wherein at least a portion of the raw materials utilized in the process / reaction scheme for producing the polyester are obtained from the same polyester type. In one aspect, the closed-loop process is based on chemical recycling rather than mechanical recycling.

[0075] In certain aspects, the closed loop can include a scrap vapor delivery article that is used as a feedstock to provide recycled content to a regenerated vapor delivery article containing a recycled content polyester composition (as described herein). A closed loop process differs from an open loop process in that the recycled article produced in the open loop process is different from the scrap article that is recycled as a feedstock. The match between the recycled article produced in the closed loop system and the recycled material does not have to be identical in composition, for example, the recycled article can have a different polymer formulation but a similar polyester base with the same type of monomer residues. The process of providing recycled content can be operated as both a closed loop process and an open loop process.

[0076] In various aspects, the polyester compositions used to prepare articles (as described herein) contain at least 10, or at least 15, or at least 20, or at least 25, or at least 30, or at least 40, or at least 50, or at least 55, or at least 60, or at least 65, or at least 70, or at least 75, or at least 80, or at least 85, or at least 90, or at least 95, or 100 weight percent recycled content (by any of the methods (or combination of methods) for providing recycled content described herein).

[0077] In addition to terephthalic acid residues, the dicarboxylic acid component of the polyester suitable for use in the film or sheet of the present invention can also include up to 30 mol %, up to 20 mol %, up to 10 mol %, up to 5 mol % or up to 1 mol % of one or more modified aromatic dicarboxylic acids. Another embodiment contains 0 mol % of modified aromatic dicarboxylic acids. Therefore, if present, it is expected that the starting value of the range of the amount of one or more modified aromatic dicarboxylic acids can be any one of these front end values, including, for example, 0.01 to 30 mol %, 0.01 to 20 mol %, 0.01 to 10 mol %, 0.01 to 5 mol % and 0.01 to 1 mol %. In one embodiment, the modified aromatic dicarboxylic acids that can be used in the present invention 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 that can be used for polyesters suitable for use in the film or sheet of the present invention 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 esters thereof. In one embodiment, the modified aromatic dicarboxylic acid is isophthalic acid.

[0078] The carboxylic acid component of the polyester suitable for use in the film or sheet of the present invention can further be modified with up to 10 moles, such as up to 5 moles or up to 1 mole of one or more aliphatic dicarboxylic acids containing 2-16 carbon atoms such as for example malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid and dodecanedioic acid dicarboxylic acids. Some embodiments may also include 0.01 mole % or more, such as 0.1 mole % or more, 1 mole % or more, 5 mole % or more or 10 mole % or more of one or more modified aliphatic dicarboxylic acids. Another embodiment contains the modified aliphatic dicarboxylic acid of 0 mole %. Therefore, if present, it is expected that the amount of one or more modified aliphatic dicarboxylic acids can be within the scope of any one of these aforementioned endpoint values, including for example 0.01 mole % to 15 mole % and 0.1 mole % to 10 mole %. The total mole % of dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole %.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol may be cis, trans, or a mixture thereof, such as in a cis / trans ratio of 60:40 to 40:60. In another embodiment, trans-1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol may be present in an amount of 60 mol% to 80 mol%.

[0081] The diol component of the polyester portion of the polyester composition suitable for use in the film or sheet of the present invention may contain 25 mole percent or less of one or more modified diols other than 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol or 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol. In one embodiment, the polyester suitable for use in the film or sheet of the present invention may contain less than 15 mole percent of one or more modified diols. In another embodiment, the polyester suitable for use in the film or sheet of the present invention may contain 10 mole percent or less of one or more modified diols. In another embodiment, the polyester suitable for use in the film or sheet of the present invention may contain 5 mole percent or less of one or more modified diols. In another embodiment, the polyester suitable for use in the film or sheet of the present invention may contain 3 mole percent or less of one or more modified diols. In another embodiment, the polyester suitable for use in the film or sheet of the present invention may contain 0 mole percent of modified diols. Certain embodiments may also contain 0.01 mol % or more, e.g., 0.1 mol % or more, 1 mol % or more, 5 mol % or more, or 10 mol % or more of one or more modified glycols. Thus, if present, it is contemplated that the amount of one or more modified glycols may be within the range of any of these aforementioned endpoints, including, for example, 0.01 to 15 mol % and 0.01 to 10 mol %.

[0082] The modified diols suitable for use in the polyesters suitable for use in the films or sheets of the present invention refer to diols other than 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, and may contain 2 to 16 carbon atoms. Examples of suitable modified diols include, but are not limited to, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, neopentyl glycol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, p-xylene glycol, or mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the modified diol is ethylene glycol. In another embodiment, the modified diols include, but are not limited to, 1,3-propylene glycol and / or 1,4-butanediol. In another embodiment, ethylene glycol is excluded as a modified diol. In another embodiment, 1,3-propylene glycol and 1,4-butanediol are excluded as modified diols. In another embodiment, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol is excluded as a modifying diol.

[0083] Based on the total mole % of diol or diacid residues, the polyester suitable for use in the polyester composition of the film or sheet of the present invention can contain 0 to 10 mole %, for example, 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 %, or 0.1 to 0.5 mole %; respectively, 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 a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the branching monomer or branching agent can be added before and / or during and / or after the polymerization of the polyester. Thus, the one or more polyesters suitable for use in the film or sheet of the present invention can be linear or branched. The polycarbonate can also be straight-chain or branched. In certain embodiments, the branching monomer or branching agent can be added before and / or during and / or after the polymerization of the polycarbonate.

[0084] 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 to 0.7 mole percent 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 polyester reaction mixture or blended with the polyester in the form of a concentrate, for example, as described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,654,347 and 5,696,176, the disclosures of which regarding branching monomers are incorporated herein by reference.

[0085] The glass transition temperature (Tg) can be measured using a TA DSC 2920 from Thermal Analyst Instrument at a scanning rate of 20°C / min.

[0086] The polyesters suitable for use in the films or sheets of the present invention can be amorphous or semi-crystalline. In one aspect, certain polyesters suitable for use in the films or sheets of the present invention can have a relatively low degree of crystallinity. Thus, certain polyesters suitable for use in the films or sheets of the present invention can have a substantially amorphous morphology, meaning that the polyester comprises substantially disordered polymer regions.

[0087] In one embodiment, the crystallization half-time of the "amorphous" polyester suitable for use in the film or sheet of the present invention may be greater than 5 minutes at 170°C, or greater than 10 minutes at 170°C, or greater than 50 minutes at 170°C, or greater than 100 minutes at 170°C. In one embodiment, the crystallization half-time may be greater than 1,000 minutes at 170°C. In one embodiment of the present invention, the crystallization half-time of the polyester suitable for use in the film or sheet of the present invention may be greater than 10,000 minutes at 170°C. As used herein, the crystallization half-time of the polyester of the film or sheet of the present invention may be measured using methods well known to those skilled in the art. For example, the crystallization half-time of the polyester, t 1 / 2 The transmittance of a sample can be measured over time on a temperature-controlled hot stage using a laser and a light detector. max This is accomplished by heating the sample to the desired temperature and then cooling it to the desired temperature. The sample can then be maintained at the desired temperature by a hot stage while transmittance measurements are taken over time. Initially, the sample may be visually transparent with high transmittance, but become opaque as the sample crystallizes. The crystallization half-life is the time it takes for the transmittance to be halfway between the initial transmittance and the final transmittance. max Defined as the temperature required to melt the crystalline domains of the sample (if any). The sample can be heated to T max , in order to condition the samples before crystallization half-time measurement. The absolute T for each composition max The temperature is different. For example, PCT may need to be heated to a temperature above 290°C to melt the crystalline domains.

[0088] In one embodiment, the polyesters useful in the film or sheet have a melt viscosity of less than 30,000 poise as measured on a rotational melt rheometer at 1 rad / sec at 290°C. In another embodiment, the polyesters useful in the film or sheet of the present invention have a melt viscosity of less than 20,000 poise as measured on a rotational melt rheometer at 1 rad / sec at 290°C.

[0089] In one embodiment, the polyesters suitable for use in the film or sheet of the present invention have a melt viscosity of less than 15,000 poise as measured at 290°C at 1 rad / sec on a rotational melt rheometer.

[0090] In one embodiment, the polyesters useful in the film or sheet of the present invention have a melt viscosity of less than 10,000 poise as measured at 290°C on a rotational melt rheometer at 1 rad / sec. In another embodiment, the polyesters useful in the film or sheet of the present invention have a melt viscosity of less than 6,000 poise as measured at 290°C on a rotational melt rheometer at 1 rad / sec. Viscosity at rad / sec is related to processability. Typical polymers have a viscosity of less than 10,000 poise when measured at their processing temperature, as measured at 1 rad / sec. Polyesters are not typically processed above 290°C. Polycarbonates are typically processed at 290°C. Typical 12 melt flow rate polycarbonate has a viscosity of 7000 poise at 1 rad / sec at 290°C.

[0091] Polyesters of the present invention suitable for use in film or sheet may have one or more of the following properties: Notched Izod impact strength, as described in ASTM D256, is a common measure of toughness. In one embodiment, the polyesters suitable for use in the films or sheets of the present invention exhibit an impact strength of at least 500 J / m (9.4 ft-lb / in) at 23°C using a 10 mil notch on a 3.2 mm (1 / 8 inch) thick rod as measured according to ASTM D256; in one embodiment, the polyesters suitable for use in the films or sheets of the present invention exhibit a notched Izod impact strength of at least 550 J / m (10.6 ft-lb / in) at 23°C using a 10 mil notch on a 3.2 mm (1 / 8 inch) thick rod as measured according to ASTM D256; in one embodiment, the polyesters suitable for use in the films or sheets of the present invention exhibit a notched Izod impact strength of at least 600 J / m (11.5 ft-lb / in) at 23°C using a 10 mil notch on a 3.2 mm (1 / 8 inch) thick rod as measured according to ASTM D256.

[0092] In one embodiment, the polyesters suitable for use in the films or sheets of the present invention may exhibit at least one of the following densities: a density of less than 1.2 g / ml at 23°C; a density of less than 1.18 g / ml at 23°C; a density of 0.8 to 1.3 g / ml at 23°C; a density of 0.80 to 1.2 g / ml at 23°C; a density of 0.80 to less than 1.2 g / ml at 23°C; a density of 1.0 to 1.3 g / ml at 23°C; a density of 1.0 to 1.2 g / ml at 23°C; a density of 1.0 to 1.1 g / ml at 23°C; a density of 1.13 to 1.3 g / ml at 23°C; a density of 1.13 to 1.2 g / ml at 23°C, as measured at 23°C using a gradient density column.

[0093] In one embodiment, the polyesters suitable for use in the films or sheets of the present invention can be visually clear. The term "visually clear" is defined herein as being visibly free of cloudiness, haziness, and / or turbidity upon visual inspection. In one embodiment, when the polyesters suitable for use in the films or sheets of the present invention are blended with a polycarbonate, including but not limited to bisphenol A polycarbonate, the blend can be visually clear.

[0094] In one embodiment, the polyesters useful in the films or sheets of the present invention and / or the polyester compositions of the present invention (with or without colorants) may have color values ​​L*, a*, and b* that can be measured using a Hunter Lab Ultrascan Spectra Colorimeter manufactured by Hunter Associates Lab Inc., Reston, Va. The color measurements are the average of the values ​​measured on pellets of the polyester or on plaques or other articles injection molded or extruded therefrom. They are measured using the L*a*b* color system of the CIE (International Commission on Illumination), where L* represents the photometric coordinate, a* represents the red / green coordinate, and b* represents the yellow / blue coordinate. In certain embodiments, the polyesters useful in the films or sheets of the present invention may have a b* value of from -10 to less than 10, and an L* value of from 50 to 98, or from 70 to 98, or from 80 to 98. In other embodiments, the b* value of polyesters suitable for use in the films or sheets of the present invention may exist in one of the following ranges: -10 to 9; -10 to 8; -10 to 7; -10 to 6; -10 to 5; -10 to 4; -10 to 3; -10 to 2; -5 to 9; -5 to 8; -5 to 7; -5 to 6; -5 to 5; -5 to 4; -5 to 3; -5 to 2; -5 to 1; 0 to 9; 0 to 8; 0 to 7; 0 to 6; 0 to 5; 0 to 4; 0 to 3; 0 to 2; 0 to 1; 1 to 10; 1 to 9; 1 to 8; 1 to 7; 1 to 6; 1 to 5; 1 to 4; 1 to 3; and 1 to 2. In other embodiments, the L* value of the polyesters suitable for use in the films or sheets of the present invention may exist in one of the following ranges: 50 to 60; 50 to 70; 50 to 80; 50 to 90; 50 to 98; 60 to 70; 60 to 80; 60 to 90; 60 to 98; 70 to 80; 70 to 90; 70 to 98; 79 to 90; 79 to 98; 80 to 90; 80 to 98; 90 to 98.

[0095] In some embodiments, the use of polyester compositions suitable for use in films or sheets of the present invention minimizes and / or eliminates drying steps prior to melt processing and / or thermoforming.

[0096] The polyester portion of the polyester composition suitable for use in the film or sheet of the present invention can be prepared by methods known in the literature, such as, for example, in homogeneous solution, in the melt, by transesterification, and by a two-phase interface process. 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 a polyester. For methods of preparing polyesters, see U.S. Patent No. 3,772,405, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0097] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for preparing a polyester suitable for use in the film or sheet of the present invention. The method comprises:

[0098] (I) heating a mixture comprising monomers suitable for use in any of the polyesters of the present invention at a temperature of 150 to 240° C. in the presence of a catalyst for a time sufficient to prepare an initial polyester;

[0099] (II) heating the initial polyester of step (I) at a temperature of 240 to 320° C. for 1 to 4 hours; and

[0100] (III) Removal of any unreacted diol.

[0101] Catalysts suitable for use in this method include, but are not limited to, organozinc or tin compounds. The use of catalysts of this type is well known in the art. Examples of catalysts suitable for use in polyesters suitable for use in the films or sheets of the present invention include, but are not limited to, zinc acetate, butyltin tri-2-ethylhexanoate, dibutyltin diacetate, and / or dibutyltin oxide. Other catalysts may include, but are not limited to, those based on titanium, zinc, manganese, lithium, germanium, and cobalt. The amount of catalyst may be based on the catalyst metal and based on the weight of the final polymer in the range of 10 ppm to 20,000 ppm, or 10 to 10,000 ppm, or 10 to 5000 ppm, or 10 to 1000 ppm, or 10 to 500 ppm, or 10 to 300 ppm, or 10 to 250. The method can be carried out in batches or in a continuous process.

[0102] Typically, step (I) can be continued until 50% by weight or more of the 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol has reacted. Step (I) can be carried out at a pressure ranging from atmospheric pressure to 100 psig. The term "reaction product" used in conjunction with any catalyst useful in the present invention refers to any product of a polycondensation or esterification reaction using the catalyst and any monomer used to prepare polyester, as well as the product of a polycondensation or esterification reaction between the catalyst and any other type of additive.

[0103] Typically, step (II) and step (III) can be performed simultaneously. These steps can be performed by methods known in the art, such as by placing the reaction mixture under a pressure ranging from 0.002 psig to less than atmospheric pressure, or by blowing hot nitrogen over the mixture.

[0104] The present invention further relates to a polymer blend suitable for use in a film or sheet. The blend may comprise:

[0105] (a) 5 to 95 weight percent of at least one of the above polyesters; and

[0106] (b) 5 to 95 weight percent of at least one polymer component.

[0107] Some examples of polymer components of suitable polyester compositions that can be used in the films or sheets of the present invention include, but are not limited to, polyesters other than the polyesters described herein, such as PCTA or PCTG; polycarbonates such as (polycarbonate available from General Electric); or a mixture of the foregoing polymers. The blend can be prepared by conventional processing techniques known in the art, such as melt blending or solution blending. In one embodiment, polycarbonate is absent from the polyester composition suitable for use in the film or sheet of the present invention. If polycarbonate is used in the blend in the polyester composition suitable for use in the film or sheet of the present invention, the blend can be visually transparent. However, the polyester composition suitable for use in the film or sheet of the present invention also contemplates the exclusion of polycarbonate as well as the inclusion of polycarbonate.

[0108] Polycarbonates suitable for use in the films or sheets of the present invention can be prepared according to known procedures, for example, by reacting a dihydroxy aromatic compound with a carbonate precursor (such as phosgene, a haloformate or a carbonate ester), a molecular weight regulator, an acid acceptor, and a catalyst. Methods for preparing polycarbonates are known in the art and are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,452,933, the disclosure of which regarding the preparation of polycarbonates is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0109] Examples of suitable carbonate precursors include, but are not limited to, phosgene, phosgene, or mixtures thereof; diphenyl carbonate; bis(halophenyl)carbonates, such as bis(trichlorophenyl)carbonate, bis(tribromophenyl)carbonate, and the like; bis(alkylphenyl)carbonates, such as bis(tolyl)carbonate; bis(naphthyl)carbonate; bis(chloronaphthyl)carbonate, or mixtures thereof; and bishaloformates of dihydric phenols.

[0110] Examples of suitable molecular weight regulators include, but are not limited to, phenol, cyclohexanol, methanol, alkylated phenols (such as octylphenol, p-tert-butylphenol), etc. In one embodiment, the molecular weight regulator is phenol or an alkylated phenol.

[0111] The acid acceptor can be an organic acid acceptor or an inorganic acid acceptor. Suitable organic acid acceptors can be tertiary amines, and include, but are not limited to, materials such as pyridine, triethylamine, dimethylaniline, tributylamine, etc. The inorganic acid acceptor can be a hydroxide, carbonate, bicarbonate, or phosphate of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal.

[0112] Catalysts that can be used include, but are not limited to, catalysts that generally facilitate polymerization of monomers with phosgene. Suitable catalysts include, but are not limited to, tertiary amines such as triethylamine, tripropylamine, N,N-dimethylaniline, quaternary ammonium compounds such as, for example, tetraethylammonium bromide, cetyltriethylammonium bromide, tetra-n-heptylammonium iodide, tetra-n-propylammonium bromide, tetramethylammonium chloride, tetramethylammonium hydroxide, tetra-n-butylammonium iodide, benzyltrimethylammonium chloride, and quaternary phosphonium compounds such as, for example, n-butyltriphenylphosphonium bromide and methyltriphenylphosphonium bromide.

[0113] The polycarbonates useful in the polyester compositions useful in the films or sheets of the present invention may also be copolyestercarbonates, such as those described in U.S. Patents 3,169,121; 3,207,814; 4,194,038; 4,156,069; 4,430,484; 4,465,820; and 4,981,898, each of which is incorporated herein by reference for its disclosure of copolyestercarbonates.

[0114] Copolyestercarbonates suitable for use in the films or sheets of the present invention are commercially available and / or can be prepared by methods known in the art. For example, they are generally obtainable by reacting a mixture of at least one dihydroxyaromatic compound with phosgene and at least one dicarboxylic acid chloride, especially isophthaloyl chloride, terephthaloyl chloride, or both.

[0115] In addition, the polyester compositions and polymer blend compositions containing polyesters suitable for use in the films or sheets of the present invention may also contain 0.01 to 25 wt%, or 0.01 to 20 wt%, or 0.01 to 15 wt%, or 0.01 to 10 wt%, or 0.01 to 5 wt% of conventional additives such as colorants, dyes, release agents, flame retardants, and stabilizers (including but not limited to UV stabilizers, heat stabilizers, and / or their reaction products), based on the total weight of the polyester composition, provided that the type and / or amount of such additives does not cause the polyester composition to have a transmittance less than the desired / specified % for a given wavelength or wavelength range. For example, UV additives can be incorporated into the manufactured article by adding to the body, by applying a hard coat, or by coextruding a cover layer. Residues of such additives are also contemplated as part of the polyester composition suitable for use in the films or sheets of the present invention.

[0116] In certain embodiments, the polyesters suitable for use in the films or sheets of the present invention 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. The amount of chain extender used may vary depending on the specific monomer composition used and the desired physical properties, but is generally from about 0.1 weight percent to about 10 weight percent, preferably from about 0.1 to about 5 weight percent, based on the total weight of the polyester.

[0117] Thermal stabilizers are compounds that stabilize polyesters during their manufacture and / or post-polymerization, including but not limited to phosphorus compounds, including but not limited to phosphoric acid, phosphorous acid, phosphonic acid, phosphinic acid, phosphinous acid, and various esters and salts thereof. These may be present in the polyester compositions suitable for use in the present invention. Esters may be alkyl, branched alkyl, substituted alkyl, difunctional alkyl, alkyl ether, aryl, and substituted aryl groups. In one embodiment, the number of ester groups present in a particular phosphorus compound may vary from zero to a maximum value permissible based on the number of hydroxyl groups present on the thermal stabilizer used. The term "thermal stabilizer" is intended to include reaction products thereof. The term "reaction product" used in conjunction with a thermal stabilizer suitable for use in the film or sheet of the present invention refers to any product of a polycondensation or esterification reaction between a thermal stabilizer and any monomer used to prepare the polyester, as well as the product of a polycondensation or esterification reaction between a catalyst and any other type of additive. Thermal stabilizers can be used to prepare polyesters suitable for use in the film or sheet of the present invention.

[0118] In another embodiment, the present invention is also directed to articles comprising films and / or sheets comprising the polyester compositions described herein.

[0119] Methods of forming polyester into films and sheets are well known in the art. The films and / or sheets useful in the present invention can have any thickness that will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. In one embodiment, the film of the present invention has a thickness of no more than 40 mils. In one embodiment, the film of the present invention has a thickness of no more than 35 mils. In one embodiment, the film of the present invention has a thickness of no more than 30 mils. In one embodiment, the film of the present invention has a thickness of no more than 25 mils. In one embodiment, the film of the present invention has a thickness of no more than 20 mils.

[0120] In one embodiment, the sheet of the present invention has a thickness of not less than 20 mils. In another embodiment, the sheet of the present invention has a thickness of not less than 25 mils. In another embodiment, the sheet of the present invention has a thickness of not less than 30 mils. In another embodiment, the sheet of the present invention has a thickness of not less than 35 mils. In another embodiment, the sheet of the present invention has a thickness of not less than 40 mils.

[0121] The present invention further relates to films and / or sheets comprising the polyester compositions of the present invention. Methods for forming polyesters into films and / or sheets are well known in the art. Examples of films and / or sheets of the present invention include, but are not limited to, extruded films and / or sheets, calendered films and / or sheets, compression molded films and / or sheets, and solution cast films and / or sheets. Methods for making films and / or sheets include, but are not limited to, extrusion, calendering, compression molding, and solution casting. Examples of potential articles made from the films and / or sheets include, but are not limited to, uniaxially stretched films, biaxially stretched films, laminates, laminates, and / or multi-wall films or sheets.

[0122] In embodiments, articles comprising the polymer compositions described herein, formed from films and / or sheets, or otherwise directly molded (e.g., by injection molding), include articles for use in light transmission sensitive applications. Such articles may include consumer and industrial electronics, light guides and light pipes, automotive plastics, and lenses.

[0123] Examples of end-use applications for the film or sheet include, but are not limited to: nameplates, membrane switch overlays; point-of-sale displays; flat-panel or in-mold decorative panels on washing machines; flat-panel touch screens on refrigerators; flat-panels on ovens; automotive interior trim; automotive instrument panels; cell phone covers; heating and ventilation control displays; automotive console panels; automotive gear shift panels; control displays or warning signals on automotive instrument panels; facings, dials, or displays on household appliances; facings, dials, or displays on washing machines; facings, dials, or displays on dishwashers; keypads for electronic devices; keypads for mobile phones, PDAs, or remote controls; displays for electronic devices; displays for handheld electronic devices such as phones and PDAs; panels and casings for mobile phones or standard phones; logos on electronic devices; and logos for handheld phones.

[0124] Multi-wall film or sheet refers to a sheet of extruded material that is composed of multiple layers interconnected by vertical ribs. Examples of multi-layer films or sheets include, but are not limited to, greenhouses and commercial canopies.

[0125] Examples of extruded articles include, but are not limited to, films for graphic arts, applications, outdoor signs, skylights, films for plastic glass laminates, and liquid crystal display (LCD) films including, but not limited to, diffuser sheets, compensation films, and protective films.

[0126] In embodiments, articles comprising the copolyester compositions according to the present invention may include lens applications, including lenses for electronic devices such as cameras, printers, or AR / VR headsets, or lenses for glasses; light guide plates (LGPs), including LGPs for keyboards, displays, or LED panel lights; or other light-transmitting applications such as lamp covers, diffusers, and optical fibers.

[0127] As used herein, the abbreviation "wt" means "weight."

[0128] The following examples further illustrate the preparation and evaluation of polyesters and / or polyester compositions and are intended to illustrate the present invention only and are not intended to limit the scope thereof. Unless otherwise indicated, parts are by weight, temperatures are in degrees Celsius or are room temperature, and pressures are at or near atmospheric pressure.

[0129] Example

[0130] Measurement method

[0131] The intrinsic viscosity of the polyesters was measured at a concentration of 0.5 g / 100 ml in 60 / 40 (w / w) phenol / tetrachloroethane at 25°C.

[0132] Unless otherwise stated, the glass transition temperature (T g ) was measured according to ASTM D3418 using a TA DSC 2920 instrument from Thermal Analyst Instruments at a scan rate of 20°C / min.

[0133] The diol content and cis / trans ratio of the compositions were determined by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. All NMR spectra were recorded on a JEOL Eclipse Plus 600 MHz NMR spectrometer using chloroform-trifluoroacetic acid (70-30 v / v) for polymers and 60 / 40 (wt / wt) phenol / tetrachloroethane (deuterated chloroform was added for locking) for oligomeric samples. Peak assignments for 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol resonances were made by comparison with model mono- and dibenzoates of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol. These model compounds closely resemble the resonance positions in the polymers and oligomers.

[0134] Density was measured at 23°C using a gradient density column.

[0135] The melt viscosities reported herein were measured using a Rheology Dynamic Analyzer (RDA II). Melt viscosity was measured as a function of shear rate over a frequency range of 1 to 400 rad / sec and at the reported temperature. Zero shear melt viscosity (η o ) is the melt viscosity at zero shear rate estimated by extrapolating data from models known in the art. This step is automatically performed by the Rheology Dynamic Analyzer (RDA II) software.

[0136] The polymer was dried in a vacuum oven at temperatures ranging from 80 to 100°C for 24 hours and then injection molded on a Boy 22S molding machine to produce 1 / 8 x 1 / 2 x 5-inch and 1 / 4 x 1 / 2 x 5-inch flexible bars. These bars were cut into 2.5-inch lengths and notched with a 10-mil notch at 1 / 2-inch width according to ASTM D256. The average Izod impact strength at 23°C was determined by measuring five specimens.

[0137] In addition, five specimens were tested at different temperatures at 5°C increments to determine the brittle to ductile transition temperature. The brittle to ductile transition temperature is defined as the temperature at which 50% of the specimens fail in a brittle manner, as specified in ASTM D256.

[0138] The color values ​​reported herein were measured using a HunterLab Ultrascan Spectra Colorimeter manufactured by Hunter Associates Lab Inc., Reston, Va. The color measurements are the average of the values ​​measured on pellets of the polyester or on slabs or other articles injection molded or extruded therefrom. They are measured using the L*a*b* color system of the CIE (International Commission on Illumination) (translation), where L* represents the photometric coordinate, a* represents the red / green coordinate, and b* represents the yellow / blue coordinate.

[0139] Additionally, 10 mil films were compression molded using a Carver press at 240°C.

[0140] Unless otherwise stated, the cis / trans ratio of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol used in the following examples is approximately 30 / 70 and can range from 35 / 65 to 25 / 75. Unless otherwise stated, the cis / trans ratio of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol used in the following examples is approximately 50 / 50.

[0141] The following abbreviations apply throughout the working examples:

[0142]

[0143] Example 1

[0144] TX2001 commercial copolyester product is available from Eastman Chemical Company. TX2001 contains certain colorants that are added during the manufacturing process to control color and to offset / mask color changes that occur due to heating and molding conditions or end-use environmental conditions.

[0145] A developmental copolyester (D42729) was prepared having a similar copolyester composition (and structure) as TX2001, i.e., having the same types and mole % of acid and diol monomer residues, and using similar catalyst systems and reaction conditions, but with the colorant feed turned off.

[0146] LC1700 commercial optical grade PC was obtained from Idemitsu Chemicals. Thermal and physical property testing was performed on TX2001, D42729, and LC1700. The tests performed and the results are shown in Table 1 below.

[0147] Table 1 Mechanical and thermal properties

[0148]

[0149] Looking at Table 1, we can see that the D42729 material has similar properties to the TX2001 material, but with higher transmittance and lower haze.

[0150] Example 2

[0151] The three materials in Example 1 were tested for changes in transmittance as a function of wavelength using 2 mm and 3.2 mm thick panels. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0152] Table 2 - Transmittance % vs. Wavelength

[0153]

[0154]

[0155]

[0156] Looking at Table 2, it can be seen that D42729 has a higher % transmittance at the tested wavelengths compared to one of the other materials. Compared to TX2001, the D42729 material has a significant increase in transmittance across most of the visible spectrum, especially in the wavelength range of 475nm to 650nm.

[0157] Example 3

[0158] Additional samples of the three materials in Example 1 were tested for percent transmittance as a function of wavelength using 3.2 mm thick panels. Transmittance values ​​for the optical PC material are the average of five samples, for the D42729 material are the average of three samples, and for the TX2001 material are the average of two samples (one sample had a higher overall transmittance than the other during manufacturing, reflecting variations within acceptable specifications). The results are shown in Table 3.

[0159] Table 3. Transmittance vs. Wavelength

[0160]

[0161] Inspection of Table 3 reveals that D42729 has a higher % transmittance at the tested wavelengths above 400 nm than either of the other materials. Compared to TX2001, the D42729 material has a significant increase in transmittance at wavelengths between 450 nm and 610 nm.

[0162] The invention has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments disclosed herein, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A film or sheet comprising a polymer composition having a heat deflection temperature (HDT) of at least 90° C. at 1.8 MPa according to ASTM D648 and a light transmittance of greater than 90% at a wavelength of 550 nm using a 3.2 mm thick plate according to ASTM 1003.

2. The film or sheet of claim 1, wherein the polymer composition is a polyester composition comprising at least one polyester comprising: (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising: i) 70 to 100 mole percent of terephthalic acid residues; ii) 0 to 30 mol % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 20 carbon atoms; and iii) 0 to 10 mol % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 16 carbon atoms; and (b) a diol component comprising: i) 1 to 99 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues; and ii) 1 to 99 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues, wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid components is 100 mole %, and The total mole % of the diol component is 100 mole %; and wherein the polyester has an intrinsic viscosity of 0.35 to 1.2 dL / g as measured in 60 / 40 (w / w) phenol / tetrachloroethane at a concentration of 0.5 g / 100 ml at 25°C; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of 110 to 200°C.

3. The film or sheet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the polymer composition is a polyester composition comprising at least one polyester comprising: (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising: i) 70 to 100 mole percent of terephthalic acid residues; ii) 0 to 30 mol % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 20 carbon atoms; and iii) 0 to 10 mol % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 16 carbon atoms; and (b) a diol component comprising: i) 20 to 40 mole percent of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues; and ii) 60 to 80 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues, wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid components is 100 mole %, and The total mole % of the diol component is 100 mole %; and wherein the polyester has an intrinsic viscosity of 0.35 to 1.2 dL / g, as measured in 60 / 40 (weight / weight) phenol / tetrachloroethane at a concentration of 0.5 g / 100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of 110 to 140° C. and a light transmittance of greater than 90% at a wavelength of 550 nm using a 3.2 mm thick plaque according to ASTM 1003.

4. The film or sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the polyester has an intrinsic viscosity of 0.40 to 0.70 dL / g.

5. The film or sheet of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the polymer has a heat distortion temperature (HDT) of at least 90°C at 1.8 MPa according to ASTM D648 and a light transmittance of greater than 90% at a wavelength of 550 nm using a 3.2 mm thick plaque according to ASTM 1003.

6. The film or sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the polymer has a transmittance of greater than 90% for light in the entire wavelength band of 460 to 700 nm or 475 to 700 nm using a 3.2 mm thick plate according to ASTM 1003.

7. The film or sheet of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the polymer has a notched Izod impact at 23°C of at least 500, or at least 550, or at least 600 J / m according to ASTM D256.

8. The film or sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the polymer composition has a heat distortion temperature (HDT) of at least 90°C at 1.8 MPa according to ASTM D648 and a light transmittance of greater than 90% for light having a wavelength of 550 nm using a 3.2 mm thick plaque according to ASTM 1003.

9. The film or sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the polymer composition has a light transmittance greater than 90% for light in the entire wavelength band of 460 to 700 nm or 475 to 700 nm using a 3.2 mm thick plate according to ASTM 1003.

10. The film or sheet of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the polymer composition has a notched Izod impact at 23°C of at least 500, or at least 550, or at least 600 J / m according to ASTM D256.

11. The film or sheet of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the polymer is a polyester and wherein the dicarboxylic acid component of the polyester comprises monomer residues having at least 25 mole % recycled content, or at least 50 mole % recycled content, or at least 75 mole % recycled content.

12. An article made of the film or sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The article of claim 12, wherein the article is selected from articles for light transmission sensitive applications.

14. The article of claim 13, wherein the article is selected from the group consisting of consumer and industrial electronics, light guides and light pipes, and automotive plastics and lenses.

15. The article of claim 14, wherein the article is a light guide plate and is a component of a keyboard.

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