Thermoplastic molding compositions for extrusion processes

Abstract

The invention relates to a thermoplastic molding composition (M) comprising: (A) 30 to 100 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic molding composition (M), of at least one thermoplastic polymer blend as component (A) comprising or consisting of: (A-1) 90.1 to 99.45 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer blend (A), of at least one semi-aromatic polyester as component (A-1), (A-2) 0.5 to 4.9 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer blend (A), of at least one unmodified polyolefin having a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of from 85,000 to 900,000 g / mol as component (A-2); (A-3) 0.05 to 5 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer blend (A), of at least one epoxy-containing vinylaromatic copolymer as component (A- 3); wherein the sum of the proportions of components (A-1), (A-2), and (A-3) add up to 100 wt.-%; and (B) 0 to 70 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic molding composition (M), of one or more further additives and processing aids as component (B); wherein the sum of the proportions of components (A) and (B) add up to 100 wt.-%. The invention further relates to a process for producing the thermoplastic molding composition (M), the use of the thermoplastic molding composition (M), molded articles (F) comprising the thermoplastic molding composition (M) and a process for producing the molded articles (F).

Description

[0001] 240799W001

[0002] Thermoplastic molding compositions for extrusion processes

[0003] Description

[0004] The present invention relates to a thermoplastic molding composition comprising at least one semi-aromatic polyester, at least one unmodified polyolefin, at least one epoxy-containing vinylaromatic copolymer, and optionally one or more further additives and processing aids. The molding composition according to the invention can advantageously be used in injection molding processes or extrusion molding processes, in particular for the production of polymer fibers and polymer filaments. The invention further relates to a process for producing the thermoplastic molding composition, the use of the thermoplastic molding composition, molded articles comprising the thermoplastic molding composition and a process for producing the molded articles.

[0005] Polyester-based materials are known for their outstanding chemical resistance, allowing them to withstand a wide range of aggressive chemicals and solvents without degradation or damage. Polyesters are typically resistant to acids, alkalis, oils, fats, and many other chemical substances, making it suitable for various industrial applications such as chemical storage, container construction and filtration applications. The chemical resistance of polyesters contributes to the durability and reliability of products used in environments with aggressive chemical conditions.

[0006] Thermoplastic polyester-based compositions are commonly processed through injection molding or extrusion processes. The resulting articles are often used in applications that require good mechanical properties and excellent chemical resistance. In order to obtain good results in injection molding or extrusion processes, a combination of good fracture elongation, high impact strength, and superior heat deflection temperature / heat resistance is of particular importance.

[0007] For extrusion processes, thermoplastic polymers are therefore typically used in blends that show a good combination of flowability, melt stability and viscosity. In order to meet the requirements of the extrusion process, these thermoplastic polymer blends must, inter alia, have certain rheological properties. Important properties are a good flowability combined with a sufficient melt strength. Formulations that combine these advantages together with excellent processability are therefore of great interest.

[0008] Thermoplastic polyester-based compositions for extrusion processes are described in the art.

[0009] WO 2020 / 208053 A1 discloses polybutylene terephthalate molding compositions comprising a) 50 to 95 wt.-% of polybutylene terephthalate as component A, b) 5 to 50 wt.-% of a thermoplastic polymer having a melting point below 220 °C as component B, c) 0 to 45 wt.-% of filler as component C, d) 0 to 20 wt.-% of further additives as component D, wherein the 240799W001

[0010] 2 total of components A to D is 100 wt.-%. The molding compositions may be used in thermoforming processes and exhibit reduced necking upon elongation of sheets or films of the polybutylene terephthalate molding composition.

[0011] JPH04-275362 discloses a resin composition that contains (a) 50 to 95 wt.-% of polyester, (b) 1 to 49 wt.-% of polypropylene resin containing more than 2 wt.-% of polypropylene modified with unsaturated carboxylic acid, (c) 1 to 30 wt.-% of epoxy group containing ethylenic copolymer; and (d) styrenic block copolymer which is used in 1 to 15 parts by weight per 100parts by weight of total of (a), (b) and (c). However, the polypropylene resins claimed in this publication are modified with carboxylic acids to improve the compatibility with the polyester resin.

[0012] WO 2021 / 148258 A 1 discloses a poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT)-based composition, comprising a) PBT, and b) another thermoplastic polymer from the group consisting of polypropylene (PP), and / or at least one polyester which is selected from the group consisting of liquid crystal polyester (LCP), poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) including low melting point polyester, poly(butylene naphthalate) (PBN) and poly(ethylene naphthalate) (PEN). The PBT- based composition is taught to exhibit an increased electrolyte resistance, in particular in battery applications, especially in Li-ion batteries. However, in the compositions of WO 2021 / 148258 A1 typically comprise polypropylene in amounts of more than 15 wt.-%.

[0013] WO 2023 / 88806 A1 discloses thermoplastic mixtures, containing: A) 30 to 100 wt.% of a thermoplastic blend consisting of: A-1) 65 to 75 wt.% of a polyester, A-2) 5 to 25 wt.% of a HD or LD polyethylene, A-3) 3 to 10 wt.% of an ionomer composed of at least one copolymerisate of: 3-1) 30 to 99 wt.% of ethylene, 3-2) 0 to 60 wt.% of one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of 1-octene, 1-butene, and propylene, and 3-3) 0.01 to 50 wt.% of one or more functional monomers selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acids, carboxylic acid anhydrides and carboxylic acid esters, with the proviso that the proportion of carboxylic acids equals 30 to 100 wt.%, the proportion of carboxylic acid anhydrides and / or carboxylic acid esters equals 0 to 70 wt.% in a complementary manner, and a proportion of the hydrogen of the carboxyl groups of the carboxylic acids equaling at least 20 mol.% of the total number of carboxyl groups is replaced with a metal selected from the group consisting of sodium, potassium, and zinc, wherein the sum of the proportions of the components 3-1, 3-2 and 3-3 equals 100 wt.%, A-4) 0.5 to 5 wt.% of an epoxidized oil or oil mixture, wherein the at least partially unsaturated fatty acids have in the underlying fatty acid esters of the oil or oil mixtures 12 to 22 carbon atoms, wherein the sum of the proportions of the components A-1 , A-2, A-3 and A-4 equals 100 wt.% of component A), B) 0 to 70 wt.% of additional additives, wherein the sum of the proportions of the components A) and B) equals 100 wt.%.

[0014] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide polyester-based thermoplastic molding compositions that exhibit good mechanical properties, particularly high elongation at break, alongside with high heat resistance and excellent chemical resistance, especially 240799W001

[0015] 3 against fats, lubricants, and oils. These formulations offer distinct advantages over known polyester-based thermoplastic molding compositions. By achieving this combination of properties, the present invention provides improved materials for a wide range of applications, in injection molding applications and extrusion application, especially filament extrusion or fiber extrusion for filter applications.

[0016] It has been found be the present inventors that the above-mentioned properties are met by a thermoplastic polyester composition, which comprises small amounts of specific polyolefin components and epoxy-containing vinylaromatic copolymers. In particular, the invention relates to a thermoplastic molding composition (M) comprising or consisting of:

[0017] (A) 30 to 100 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic molding composition (M), of at least one thermoplastic polymer blend as component (A) comprising or consisting of:

[0018] (A-1) 90.1 to 99.45 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer blend (A), of at least one semi-aromatic polyester as component (A-1),

[0019] (A-2) 0.5 to 4.9 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer blend

[0020] (A), of at least one unmodified polyolefin having a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of from 85,000 to 900,000 g / mol as component (A-2) selected from the group of:

[0021] (A-2.1) polyethylene homopolymers as component (A-2.1);

[0022] (A.2.2) polypropylene homopolymers as component (A-2.2);

[0023] (A-2.3) polypropylene copolymers as component (A-2.3); and mixtures of components (A-2.1), (A-2.2) and / or (A-2.3);

[0024] (A-3) 0.05 to 5 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer blend

[0025] (A), of at least one epoxy-containing vinylaromatic copolymer as component (A- 3); wherein the sum of the proportions of components (A-1), (A-2), and (A-3) add up to 100 wt.-%; and

[0026] (B) 0 to 70 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic molding composition (M), of one or more further additives and processing aids as component (B); wherein the sum of the proportions of components (A) and (B) add up to 100 wt.-%.

[0027] A further object of the invention is a process for producing a thermoplastic molding composition (M) according to the invention, wherein the process comprises at least the step of melt-mixing components (A-1), (A-2), (A-3), and optionally component(s) (B).

[0028] In a further aspect, the invention relates to the use of a thermoplastic molding composition (M) according to the invention for injection molding applications and extrusion applications.

[0029] In yet another aspect, the invention relates to molded articles (F) comprising or consisting of the thermoplastic molding composition (M) according to the invention, preferably in the form of polymer fibers or polymer filaments. 240799W001

[0030] 4

[0031] A further aspect of the invention relates to a process for producing a molded article (F) according to the invention, wherein the process comprises at least the following process steps:

[0032] (i) providing of the thermoplastic molding composition (M) according to the invention; and

[0033] (ii) melt-extrusion of the thermoplastic molding composition (M).

[0034] The aspects and embodiments of the invention are explained in further detail in the following.

[0035] Thermoplastic polymer blend (Component A)

[0036] According to the invention, the thermoplastic molding composition (M) comprises 30 to 100 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic molding composition (M), of at least one thermoplastic polymer blend as component (A) comprising or consisting of:

[0037] (A-1) 90.1 to 99.45 wt.-%, preferably 91.2 to 98.95 wt.-%, more preferably 92.5 to 98.45 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer blend (A), of at least one semi-aromatic polyester as component (A-1),

[0038] (A-2) 0.5 to 4.9 wt.-%, preferably 1 .0 to 4.8 wt.-%, more preferably 1.5 to 4.5 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer blend (A), of at least one unmodified polyolefin as component (A-2);

[0039] (A-3) 0.05 to 5 wt.-%, preferably 0.05 to 4.0 wt.-%, more preferably 0.05 to 3.0 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer blend (A), of at least one epoxycontaining vinylaromatic copolymer as component (A-3); wherein the sum of the proportions of components (A-1), (A-2), and (A-3) add up to 100 wt.- %.

[0040] Preferably, component (A) exhibits an elongation at break, determined according to ISO 527- 2:2012 at 50 mm / min of at least 120 %, more preferably of at least 130 %, and in particular of at least 140 %.

[0041] Preferably, component (A) exhibits a Charpy impact strength at -30°C, determined according to ISO 179 / 2 of at least 150 kJ / m2, more preferably of at least 160 kJ / m2, and in particular of at least 170 kJ / m2.

[0042] Preferably, component (A) exhibits a Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT B), determined according to ISO 75 at 0.45 MPa of at least 125°C, preferably at least 130°C.

[0043] It has been found by the present inventors that thermoplastic polymer blends (A) meeting the above-mentioned properties with respect to elongation at break, Charpy impact strength and Heat Deflection Temperature are particularly suitable for extrusion and injection molding processes and show good long term stability in chemical media, especially in contact with oil and fats. 240799W001

[0044] 5

[0045] Semi-aromatic polyester (Component A-1)

[0046] According to the invention, the thermoplastic polymer blend (A) comprises at least one semiaromatic polyester (A-1). Suitable semi-aromatic polyesters (A-1) are generally based on repeating units of at least one benzenedicarboxylic acid and derivatives thereof and repeating units of at least one aliphatic dihydroxy compound.

[0047] According to the invention, the term repeating units of benzenedicarboxylic acid and derivatives thereof includes repeating units derived from benzenedicarboxylic acids, their esters, or other ester-forming derivatives. The aromatic ring may also be substituted, for example by halogen such as chlorine and bromine or by Ci-Ce-alkyl groups such as methyl, ethyl, iso- and n-propyl and n-, iso- or tert-butyl or (iso-)hexyl groups. Preferred are semiaromatic polyesters (A-1) comprising repeating units of terephthalic acid and isophthalic acid or mixtures thereof, in particular terephtalic acid. According to one embodiment, up to 60 mol %, preferably not more 25 than 10 mol %, of repeating units of terephthalic acid may be replaced by isophthalic acid, 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid or aliphatic or cycloaliphatic dicarboxylic acids, such as adipic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, dodecanedioic acids and cyclohexanedicarboxylic acids, in particular by repeating units of isophthalic acid. Preferred semi-aromatic polyesters (A-1) are semi-aromatic polyesters having 2 to 10 carbon atoms in the diol component.

[0048] Among the repeating units derived from aliphatic dihydroxy compounds, preference is given to diols having 2 to 8 or 2 to 6 carbon atoms, in particular 1 ,2-ethanediol, 1 ,3-propanediol, 1 ,4- butanediol, 1 ,6-hexanediol, 1 ,4-hexanediol, 1 ,4-cyclohexanediol, 1 ,4-cyclohexanedimethanol and neopentyl glycol or mixtures thereof.

[0049] Particularly preferred semi-aromatic polyesters (A-1) include semi-aromatic polyesters deriving from alkanediols having 2 to 6 carbon atoms. Among these, particular preference is given to polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene terephthalate (PTT) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) or mixtures thereof. Also preferred are PET and / or PBT comprising up to 1 wt.-%, preferably up to 0.75 wt.-%, of 1 ,6-hexanediol and / or 2-methyl-1 ,5- pentanediol as further monomer units.

[0050] The melt volume-flow rate (MVR), determined according to ISO 1133-1 at 250 °C / 2.16 kg, of the semi-aromatic polyesters (A-1) is generally in the range from 5 to 120 cm3 / 10 min, more preferably between 5 and 30 cm3 / 10 min and most preferably between 5 and 25 cm3 / 10 min.

[0051] Especially preferred are semi-aromatic polyesters (A-1) whose carboxyl end group content is 0 to 100 mmol / kg, preferably 10 to 50 mmol / kg and in particular 15 to 40 mmol / kg of polyester. Such polyesters may be produced for example by the process of DE-A 4401 055. The carboxyl end group content is typically determined by titration methods (for example potentiometry). 240799W001

[0052] 6

[0053] Especially preferred thermoplastic molding compositions (M) comprise as component (A-1) a semiaromatic polyester (A-1) selected from PET, PTT and PBT or a mixture of semi-aromatic polyesters (A-1) selected from PET, PTT and PBT.

[0054] The semi-aromatic polyesters (A-1) are known per se and are described in the literature. These semi-aromatic polyesters (A-1) may be produced by polycondensation reactions of benzenedicarboxylic acids, their esters, or other ester-forming derivatives with aliphatic dihydroxy compounds, in a manner known per se.

[0055] It is further also possible to employ recyclates, in particular PET recyclates (also known as scrap PET) optionally in admixture with other semi-aromatic polyesters such as PBT and / or PTT. Recyclates are generally understood as meaning:

[0056] 1) so-called “post-industrial recyclates”: these are production wastes in the polycondensation or in the processing for example of sprues in injection molding, startup scrap in injection molding or extrusion or edge offcuts from extruded sheets or films.

[0057] 2) so-called “post-consumer recyclate”: these are plastic articles that are collected and processed by the end consumer after use. The quantitatively predominant articles are blowmolded PET bottles for mineral water, soft drinks and juices.

[0058] Both types of recyclate may be in the form of regrind or in the form of pellets. In the latter case, the raw recyclates are melted and pelletized in an extruder after separation and cleaning. This typically facilitates the handling, the pourability and the meterability for further processing steps.

[0059] Both pelletized recyclate and recyclate in the form of regrind may be used, wherein the maximum edge length should be 10 mm, preferably less than 8 mm. Suitable semi-aromatic polyesters are commercially available from BASF SE under the tradename Ultradur®, e.g., Ultradur® B6550.

[0060] Component (A-1) is typically present in the thermoplastic polymer blend (A) in an amount of from 90.1 to 99.45 wt.-%, preferably 91.2 to 98.95 wt.-%, in particular 92.5 to 98.45 wt.-%, based on the thermoplastic polymer blend (A).

[0061] Component A-2

[0062] According to the invention, the thermoplastic polymer blend (A) comprises at least one unmodified polyolefin as component (A-2) having a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of from 85,000 to 900,000 g / mol selected from polyethylene homopolymers (A-2.1), polypropylene homopolymers (A-2.2), polypropylene copolymers (A-2.3), and mixtures thereof.

[0063] Preferably, component (A-2) is selected from polypropylene homopolymers, poly(propylene- ethylene) copolymers, i.e. a copolymer of ethylene and propylene, in particular a random 240799W001

[0064] 7 copolymer of ethylene and propylene, which may be branched or linear, and mixtures of the afore-mentioned.

[0065] According to the invention the terms “polyethylene” polyethylene”, “polyethylene homopolymers” and “ethylene homopolymer” is used interchangeably and denotes a homopolymer of ethylene, i.e. a homopolymer consisting of repeating units derived from ethylene. The polyethylene (A-2.1) may also be a mixture of ethylene homopolymers of different structure (i.e. linear or branched) and / or different chain length. The polyethylene (A- 2.1) preferably has a conventional melt mass-flow rate (MFR measured at 190°C, 2.16 kg, determined according to ISO 1133-1) of from 0.1 g / 10 min to 100 g / 10 min, more preferably from 2 g / 10 min to 50 g / 10 min. The weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of the polyethylene (A-2.1) is from 85,000 to 900,000 g / mol, preferably from 95,000 to 750,000 g / mol (determined by means of high-temperature GPC in trichlorobenzene against a polystyrene standard at 130°C). The density of the polyethylene (A-2.1) is preferably from 0.850 g / cm3to 0.925 g / cm3, more preferably from 0.870 g / cm3to 0.925 g / cm3(measured by immersion methods according to DIN EN ISO 1183-1).

[0066] According to the invention the terms “polypropylene”, “polypropylene homopolymers” and “propylene homopolymer” is used interchangeably and denotes a homopolymer of propylene, i.e. a homopolymer consisting of repeating units derived from propylene. The polypropylene (A-2.2) may be have a linear polymer chain or have branches, in particular linear branches. The polypropylene (A-2.2) may also be a mixture of homopolypropylene of different structure (i.e. linear or branched) and / or different chain length. The polypropylene (A-2.2) preferably has a conventional melt mass-flow rate (MFR measured at 230°C, 2.16 kg, determined according to ISO 1133-1) of from 0.1 g / 10 min to 100 g / 10 min, more preferably from 2 g / 10 min to 50 g / 10 min. The weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of the polypropylene (A-2.2) is from 85,000 to 900,000 g / mol, preferably from 95,000 to 750,000 g / mol (determined by means of high-temperature GPC in trichlorobenzene against a polystyrene standard at 135°C). The density of the polypropylene (A-2.2) is preferably from 0.850 g / cm3to 0.925 g / cm3, preferably from 0.870 g / cm3to 0.925 g / cm3(measured by immersion methods according to DIN EN ISO 1183-1).

[0067] According to the invention the terms “copolypropylene”, “polypropylene copolymer” and “propylene copolymers” is used interchangeably and denotes a copolymer of propylene and at least one alpha-olefin different from propylene, i.e. a copolymer comprising repeating units derived from propylene and repeating units derived from at least one alpha-olefin different from propylene, preferably selected from ethylene and alpha-olefins comprising 4 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably ethylene and alpha-olefins comprising 4 to 10 carbon atoms. The copolypropylene (A-2.3) is preferably a random copolymer or a mixture of random copolymers of different structure (i.e. linear or branched) and / or different chain length. In a preferred embodiment, the copolyproyplene (A-2.3) comprises or consists of repeating units derived from propylene and ethylene and up to 2 wt.-% of other C4-C20 alkenes, preferably selected 240799W001

[0068] 8 from 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, methyl-1-butene, methyl-1-pentene, 1-octenes, 1- decene and mixtures thereof. A preferred copolypropylene (A-2.3) is copoly(propylene- ethylene), i.e. a copolymer of propylene and ethylene, preferably a random copolymer of propylene and ethylene. Preferably, this copoly(propylene-ethylene) (A-2.3) comprises 75 to 98 wt.-%, more preferably from 85 to 95 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the copoly(propylene-ethylene) (A-2.3), of repeating units derived from propylene and from 2 to 25 wt.-%, more preferably from 5 to 15 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the copoly(propylene- ethylene) (A-2.3), of repeating units derived from ethylene. The copolypropylene (A-2.3) preferably has a conventional melt mass-flow rate (MFR measured at 230°C, 2.16 kg determined according to ISO 1133-1) of from 0.1 g / 10 min to 100 g / 10 min, more preferably from 2 g / 10 min to 50 g / 10 min. The weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of the copolypropylene (A-2.3) is preferably from 85,000 to 900,000 g / mol, more preferably from 95,000 to 750,000 g / mol (determined by means of high-temperature GPC in trichlorobenzene against a polystyrene standard at 135°C). The density of the copolypropylene (A-2.3) is preferably from 0.850 g / cm3to 0.925 g / cm3, preferably from 0.870 g / cm3to 0.925 g / cm3(measured by immersion methods according to DIN EN ISO 1183-1).

[0069] The thermoplastic polymer blend (A-2) preferably has a conventional melt mass-flow rate (MFR measured at 230°C, 2.16 kg) of from 0.1 g / 10 min to 100 g / 10 min, more preferably from 2 g / 10 min to 50 g / 10 min. The weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of the thermoplastic polymer blend (A-2) is from 85,000 to 900,000 g / mol, preferably from 95,000 to 750,000 g / mol (determined by means of high-temperature GPC in trichlorobenzene against a polystyrene standard at 135°C). The density of the thermoplastic polymer blend (A-2) is preferably from 0.850 g / cm3to 0.925 g / cm3, preferably from 0.870 g / cm3to 0.925 g / cm3(measured by immersion methods according to DIN EN ISO 1183-1).

[0070] The polyolefins (A-2) used according to the invention are obtainable by polymerization of at least one of the monomers ethylene and / or propylene and optionally alpha-olefins. Methods for this are known to the person skilled in the art.

[0071] According to the invention, the thermoplastic polymer blend (A-2) may comprise

[0072] (A-2.1) 0 to 100 wt.-%, preferably 0 to 50 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer blend (A-2), of one or more polyethylene homopolymers as component (A- 2.1);

[0073] (A.2.2) 0 to 100 wt.-%, preferably 0 to 50 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer blend (A-2), of one or more polypropylene homopolymers as component (A-2.2); and

[0074] (A-2.3) 0 to 100 wt.-%, preferably 50 to 100 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer blend (A-2), of one or more polypropylene copolymers as component (A-2.3); wherein the sum of the proportions of components (A-2.1), (A-2.2), and (A-2.3) add up to 100 wt.-%. 240799W001

[0075] 9

[0076] According to one embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer blend (A-2) comprises 100 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer blend (A-2), of one or more polyethylene homopolymer(s) as component (A-2.1).

[0077] According to one embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer blend (A-2) comprises 100 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer blend (A-2), of one or more polypropylene homopolymer(s) as component (A-2.2).

[0078] According to one preferred embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer blend (A-2) comprises 100 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer blend (A-2), of one or more polypropylene copolymer(s) as component (A-2.3).

[0079] Component (A-2) is typically present in the thermoplastic polymer blend (A) in an amount of from 0.5 to 5.0 wt.-%, preferably 1.0 to 4.8 wt.-%, in particular 1.5 to 4.5 wt.-%, based on the thermoplastic polymer blend (A).

[0080] It has been found that the presence of modified polyolefins, in particular polyolefins or polypropylene resins modified with carboxylic acids or carboxylic acid anhydrides is not required. Thus, according to one embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer blend (A-2) does not comprise substantial amounts of modified polyolefins, i.e. less than 1 wt.-% based on the thermoplastic polymer blend (A-2), in particular less than 0.1 wt.-%. Accordingly, the thermoplastic molding composition (M) does not comprise substantial amounts of modified polyolefins.

[0081] Epoxy-containing vinylaromatic copolymer (Component A-3)

[0082] According to the invention, the thermoplastic polymer blend (A) comprises at least one epoxy- containing vinylaromatic copolymer (component A-3). The epoxy-containing vinylaromatic copolymer (component A-3) preferably comprises repeating units derived from vinylaromatic monomers and acrylic monomers.

[0083] The vinylaromatic monomers may preferably be selected from styrene and styrene derivatives which are substituted in the alpha, beta, ortho, meta, and / or para position with at least one alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Preferably, the vinylaromatic monomers may be selected from styrene and styrene derivatives, which are substituted in the alpha, and / or para position, preferably in the alpha position, with at least one alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, preferably 1 carbon atom. Preferably, the vinylaromatic monomer is selected from styrene and alpha-methylstyrene, in particular styrene.

[0084] Examples of suitable esters include methyl, ethyl, propyl, n-butyl, i-butyl, 2-ethylhexyl, octyl and decyl acrylates and the corresponding esters of methacrylic acid. Of these, particular preference is given to methyl, ethyl, propyl, n-butyl and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate / methacrylate. 240799W001

[0085] 10

[0086] The epoxy functionality may be introduced by monomers comprising epoxy groups. Suitable monomers containing epoxy groups include glycidyl methacrylate and glycidyl acrylate. The repeating units which bear epoxy groups are preferably glycidyl (meth)acrylates. Copolymers having a glycidyl methacrylate content of greater than 20 wt.-%, more preferably greater than 30 wt.-% and even more preferably greater than 50 wt.-%, based on the of the copolymer will be found particularly advantageous.

[0087] Preferably, the epoxy-containing copolymer (component A-3) is a random or block copolymer represented by the following formula (I): wherein R1 , R2, R3, R4, and R5 are independently selected from hydrogen atom, alkyl groups having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 3 carbon atoms;

[0088] R6 is independently selected from alkyl groups having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 3 carbon atoms; and x, y, and z are integers from 1 to 20.

[0089] R1 is preferably selected from -H or -CHs, preferably -H.

[0090] R2 is preferably selected from H.

[0091] R3 is preferably selected from -H or -CHs, preferably -H.

[0092] R4 is preferably selected from -H or -CH3.

[0093] R5 is preferably selected from -H or -CH3.

[0094] R6 is preferably selected from -CH3

[0095] Preferred epoxy-containing vinylaromatic copolymers (A-3) are based on styrene, acrylic ester and / or methacrylic ester, and are preferably poly(styrene-glycidylether-methyl methacrylates). The epoxy equivalent weight (EEW) in the epoxy-containing copolymer (component A-3) is preferably in the range from 150 to 3,000 g / mol, more preferably in the range from 150 to 1500 g / mol, for example in the range from 150 to 1000 g / mol, or in the range from 150 to 750 g / mol. More preferably, the EEW is in the range of from 200 to 650 g / mol, in particular in the range from 200 to 500 g / mol. Epoxy equivalent weight (EEW) is defined as: the number of grams of epoxy-containing copolymer (component A-3) required to give 1 mole of epoxy groups and is determined according to ASTM D1652. 240799W001

[0096] 11

[0097] The weight-average molecular weight Mw of the the epoxy-containing copolymer (component A-3) is preferably in the range from 2,000 to 25,000 g / mol and particularly in the range from 3,000 to 8,000 g / mol. The number average molecular weight Mn of the polymers is preferably in the range from 400 to 6,000 g / mol and particularly in the range from 1 ,000 to 4,000 g / mol. The polydispersity (Q=Mw / Mn) is generally between 1.5 and 5. Molecular weights of the epoxy- containing copolymer (component A-3) are determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) on aqueous solutions of polymers buffered to pH 7 using hydroxyethyl methacrylate copolymer networks as stationary phase and sodium polyacrylate standards.

[0098] The epoxy-containing vinylaromatic copolymers (A-3) may be prepared by random or block copolymerization reactions of reaction mixtures comprising the monomers described above in a radical polymerization reaction, ionic polymerization reaction or catalyzed polymerization reaction.

[0099] Component (A-3) is typically present in the thermoplastic polymer blend (A) in an amount of from 0.05 to 5.0 wt.-%, preferably 0.05 to 4.0 wt.-%, in particular 0.05 to 3.0 wt.-%, based on the thermoplastic polymer blend (A). It has been found that the claimed amount of component (A-3) improves the melt-stability of the thermoplastic polymer blend (A).

[0100] Epoxy-containing copolymers of the abovementioned type are commercially available, for example from BASF Resins B.V. under the Joncryl® ADR brand. Joncryl® ADR 4468 and Joncryl® ADR 4400 are particularly useful.

[0101] Additives and processing aids (Components B)

[0102] According to the invention, the thermoplastic molding composition (M) may further comprise 0 to 70 wt.-%, based on 100 wt.-% of the sum of components (A) and (B), of further additives distinct form components (A-1) to (A-3) as component (B). In particular, the thermoplastic molding composition (M) may comprise up to 50 wt.-%, of further additives and processing aids distinct from components (A-1) to (A-3) based on 100 wt.-% of the sum of components (A) and (B).

[0103] In general, all known additives and processing aids typically used in polyester-based thermoplastic molding compositions are suitable to be used as component (B). These are generally known to the skilled person. As component (B) the thermoplastic molding composition (M) according to the invention may comprise customary processing aids such as stabilizers, oxidation retarders, agents to counteract thermal degradation and ultraviolet light degradation, glidants and mold release agents, nucleating agents such as sodium phenylphosphinate, aluminum oxide, silicon dioxide, nylon 22 and colorants such as dyes and pigments or plasticizers etc. Also other polymers, in particular impact-modifiers or polyesters different from component (A-1) may be included. 240799W001

[0104] 12

[0105] According to one embodiment of the invention, the thermoplastic molding composition (M) may optionally comprise at least one epoxidized oil or oil mixture as component (B) to further improve the processabiltiy of the thermoplastic molding composition (M). In the epoxidized oil or oil mixture the at least partially unsaturated fatty acids in the parent fatty acid esters of the oil or oil mixture have from 12 to 22 carbon atoms. Such oils as starting materials for the epoxidation can be of petrochemical, vegetable or animal origin and can be present both in pure form and mixed with one another and accordingly added to the thermoplastic polymer blend (A) as pure epoxidized oils or else mixtures of such epoxidized oils.

[0106] Various oils and mixtures thereof which can be subjected to epoxidation are described in US 9,034,965 B2, in column 2, line 33, to column 3, line 12, which are also suitable to be used as component (B) according to the invention.

[0107] Epoxidized oils suitable as components (B) include epoxidized oils based on vegetable oils selected from the group consisting of soybean oil, linseed oil, rapeseed oil, castor oil, cottonseed oil, olive oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, corn oil and hemp oil and are preferably used. Epoxidized oils based on vegetable oils selected from the group consisting of soybean oil, linseed oil, rapeseed oil and castor oil are particularly suitable.

[0108] The epoxidized oils (B) and mixtures thereof are typically employed in amounts of 0 to 5 wt.-% based on the thermoplastic polymer blend (A), often in amounts of from 0 to 4 wt.-%, e.g. 0.001 to 5 wt.-% or 0.01 to 4 wt.-%.

[0109] The thermoplastic molding composition (M) according to the invention may comprise 0 to 5 wt.-% of talc as the preferred nucleating agent. This is preferably employed in amounts of 0.001 to 4 wt.-%, in particular of 0.01 to 1 wt.-%.

[0110] Talc is a hydrated magnesium silicate in which other trace elements such as for example Mn, Ti, Cr, Ni, Na and K may be present and OH groups may be replaced by fluoride.

[0111] It is particularly preferable to employ talc, which, to an extent of 100%, has particle sizes of less than 20 pm. The particle size distribution is typically determined by sedimentation analysis and is preferably <20 pm: 100 wt.-%, <10 pm: 99 wt.-%, <5 pm: 85 wt.-%, <3 pm: 60 wt.-%, <2 pm: 43 wt.-%. Such products are commercially available as Micro-Talc I.T. extra.

[0112] Examples of oxidation retarders and heat stabilizers are sterically hindered phenols and / or phosphites, hydroquinones, aromatic secondary amines such as diphenylamines, various substituted representatives of these groups and mixtures thereof in concentrations of up to 1 wt.-% based on the weight of the thermoplastic molding materials. 240799W001

[0113] 13

[0114] Examples of UV stabilizers, which are generally employed in amounts of up to 2 wt.-% based on the molding material, include various substituted resorcinols, salicylates, benzotriazoles and benzophenones.

[0115] Inorganic and organic pigments and dyes such as nigrosin and anthraquinones may be added as colorants. Particularly suitable colorants are recited in EP 1 722 984 B1 , EP 1 353 986 B1 or DE 10054859 A1 for example.

[0116] As additives of components (B) (“lubricants, glidants and mold release agents”) the thermoplastic molding composition (M) according to the invention may comprise esters or amides of saturated or unsaturated aliphatic carboxylic acids having 10 to 40, preferably 16 to 22, carbon atoms with aliphatic saturated alcohols or amines having 2 to 40, preferably 2 to 6, carbon atoms.

[0117] The carboxylic acids may be mono- or dibasic. Examples include pelargonic acid, palmitic acid, lauric acid, margaric acid, dodecanedioic acid, behenic acid, and particularly preferably stearic acid, capric acid and montanic acid (mixture of fatty acids having from 30 to 40 carbon atoms).

[0118] The aliphatic alcohols may be mono- to tetrahydric. Examples of alcohols include n-butanol, n-octanol, stearyl alcohol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, neopentyl glycol, and pentaerythritol, preference being given here to glycerol and pentaerythritol.

[0119] The aliphatic amines may be mono- to trifunctional. Examples thereof are stearylamine, ethylenediamine, propylenediamine, hexamethylenediamine, and di(6-aminohexyl)amine, wherein ethylenediamine and hexamethylenediamine are particularly preferred. Preferred esters or amides are correspondingly glyceryl distearate, glyceryl tristearate, ethylenediamine distearate, glyceryl monopalmitate, glyceryl trilaurate, glyceryl monobehenate and pentaerythrityl tetrastearate.

[0120] It is also possible to use mixtures of different esters or amides or esters combined with amides in any desired mixing ratio.

[0121] Polyether polyols or polyester polyols esterified or etherified with monobasic or polybasic carboxylic acids, preferably fatty acids, are also suitable. Suitable products are commercially available, for example as Loxiol® EP 728 from Henkel KGaA.

[0122] Preferred ethers deriving from alcohols and ethylene oxide have the general formula:

[0123] RO(CH2CH2O)nH 240799W001

[0124] 14 in which R is an alkyl group having 6 to 40 carbon atoms and n is an integer of greater than or equal to 1. An especially preferred R is a saturated Ci6 to Cis-fatty alcohol where n is about 50, which is commercially available as Lutensol® AT 50 from BASF.

[0125] Further examples of such additives (“lubricants, glidants and mold release agents”) are long- chain fatty acids (for example stearic acid or behenic acid), salts thereof (for example Ca or Zn stearate) or montan waxes (mixtures of straight-chain, saturated carboxylic acids having chain lengths of 28 to 32 carbon atoms) and Ca or Na montanate and low molecular weight polyethylene or polypropylene waxes.

[0126] The abovementioned additives of component (B) (“lubricants, glidants and mold release agents”) are typically employed in amounts of up to 1 wt.-% based on the total mixture.

[0127] Examples of plasticizers as additives of component (B) are dioctyl phthalate, dibenzyl phthalate, butylbenzyl phthalate, hydrocarbon oils and N-(n-butyl)benzenesulfonamide.

[0128] The molding materials according to the invention may also comprise 0 to 2 wt.-% of fluorine- containing ethylene polymers. These are polymers of ethylene having a fluorine content of 55 to 76 wt.-%, preferably 70 to 76 wt.-%.

[0129] Examples thereof include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), tetrafluoroethylenehexafluoropropylene copolymers or tetrafluoroolefinic copolymers comprising smaller proportions (generally up to 50 wt.-%) of copolymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomers. These are described, for example, by Schildknecht in “Vinyl and Related Polymers”, Wiley- Verlag, 1952, pages 484 to 494, and by Wall in “Fluoropolymers” (Wiley Interscience, 1972).

[0130] These fluorine-containing ethylene polymers are homogeneously distributed in the molding materials and preferably have a particle size d50 (number average) in the range from 0.05 to 10 pm, in particular from 0.1 to 5 pm. These small particle sizes are particularly preferably achievable through the use of aqueous dispersions of fluorine-containing ethylene polymers and the incorporation thereof into a polymer melt.

[0131] Further customary additives (B) include for example amounts of up to 40 wt.-%, preferably up to 15 wt.-%, of elastomeric polymers (often also referred to as impact modifiers, elastomers or rubbers).

[0132] Examples of impact modifiers include rubbers, which may have functional groups. Mixtures of two or more different impact-modifying rubbers may also be employed.

[0133] Rubbers that enhance the toughness of the molding materials generally comprise an elastomeric proportion having a glass transition temperature of less than -10 °C, preferably of less than -30 °C, and comprise at least one functional group capable of reacting with the 240799W001

[0134] 15 polyamide. Suitable functional groups include, for example, carboxylic acid, carboxylic anhydride, carboxylic ester, carboxylic amide, carboxylic imide, amino, hydroxyl, epoxide, urethane or oxazoline groups, preferably carboxylic anhydride groups.

[0135] Suitable rubbers include core-shell graft rubbers. These are graft rubbers produced in emulsion, which are composed of at least one hard and one soft constituent. A hard constituent is typically a polymer having a glass transition temperature of at least 25 °C, while a soft constituent is a polymer having a glass transition temperature of not higher than 0 °C These products have a structure composed of a core and at least one shell, the structure being the result of the order in which the monomers are added. The soft constituents are generally derived from butadiene, isoprene, alkyl acrylates, alkyl methacrylates or siloxanes and optionally further comonomers. Suitable siloxane cores may be produced, for example, starting from cyclic oligomeric octamethyltetrasiloxane or tetravinyltetramethyltetrasiloxane. These may be reacted, for example, with gamma-mercaptopropylmethyldimethoxysilane in a ringopening cationic polymerization, preferably in the presence of sulfonic acids, to form the soft siloxane cores. The siloxanes may also be crosslinked by, for example, conducting the polymerization reaction in the presence of silanes having hydrolyzable groups such as halogen or alkoxy groups such as tetraethoxysilane, methyltrimethoxysilane or phenyltrimethoxysilane. Suitable comonomers here include, for example, styrene, acrylonitrile and crosslinking or grafting monomers having more than one polymerizable double bond such as diallyl phthalate, divinylbenzene, butanediol diacrylate or triallyl (iso)cyanurate. The hard constituents are generally derived from styrene, alpha-methylstyrene and copolymers thereof, preferred comonomers being acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile and methyl methacrylate.

[0136] Preferred core-shell graft rubbers comprise a soft core and a hard shell or a hard core, a first soft shell and at least one further hard shell. The incorporation of functional groups such as carbonyl, carboxylic acid, acid anhydride, acid amide, acid imide, carboxylic ester, amino, hydroxyl, epoxy, oxazoline, urethane, urea, lactam or halobenzyl groups is here preferably effected by the addition of suitably functionalized monomers during the polymerization of the last shell. Suitable functionalized monomers include, for example, maleic acid, maleic anhydride, mono- or diesters of maleic acid, tert-butyl (meth)acrylate, acrylic acid, glycidyl (meth)acrylate and vinyloxazoline. The proportion of monomers having functional groups is generally 0.1 to 25 wt.-%, preferably 0.25 to 15 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the coreshell graft rubber. The weight ratio of soft to hard constituents is generally 1 :9 to 9: 1 , preferably 3:7 to 8:2.

[0137] Such rubbers are known per se and for example described in the publication EP 0 208 187. The incorporation of oxazine groups for functionalization may be effected, for example, according to EP 0 791606.

[0138] A further group of suitable impact modifiers are thermoplastic polyester elastomers. Polyester elastomers are segmented copolyether esters comprising long-chain segments, generally 240799W001

[0139] 16 derived from poly(alkylene) ether glycols, and short-chain segments deriving from low molecular weight diols and dicarboxylic acids. Such products are known per se and described in the literature, for example in U.S. Pat. No. 3,651 ,014. Corresponding products are also commercially available under the names Hytrel™ (Du Pont), Arnitel™ (Akzo) and Pelprene™ (Toyobo Co. Ltd.).

[0140] It will be appreciated that it is also possible to use mixtures of different rubbers.

[0141] Further additives (B) may include polyesters different from component (A-1) or polycarbonates.

[0142] Thermoplastic Molding Composition (M)

[0143] The thermoplastic molding composition (M) according to the invention comprises or consists of:

[0144] (A) 30 to 100 wt.-%, preferably 40 to 100 wt.-%, more preferably 50 to 100 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic molding composition (M), of the at least one thermoplastic polymer blend as component (A); and

[0145] (B) 0 to 70 wt.-%, preferably 0 to 60 wt.-%, more preferably 0 to 50 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic molding composition (M), of one or more further additives and processing aids as component (B); wherein the sum of the proportions of components (A) and (B) add up to 100 wt.-%.

[0146] According to one embodiment, the thermoplastic molding composition (M) comprises no substantial amounts of further additives and processing aids as component (B), i.e. less than 0.001 wt.-%, based on the total weigh weight of the thermoplastic molding composition (M). Preferably, in this embodiment, the thermoplastic molding composition (M) according to the invention (substantially) consists of the at least one thermoplastic polymer blend as component (A).

[0147] According to an alternative, preferred embodiment, the thermoplastic molding composition (M) comprises at least 0.001 wt.-%, often at least 0.01 wt.-%, for example at least 0.5 wt.-%, and up to 20 wt.-%, often up to 15 wt.-%, for example up to 10 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic molding composition (M), of one or more further additives and processing aids as component (B). Accordingly, in this embodiment, the thermoplastic molding composition (M) according to the invention comprises or consists of the at least one thermoplastic polymer blend as component (A) and additives and processing aids as component (B). In one embodiment, the thermoplastic molding composition (M) according to the invention consists of the at least one thermoplastic polymer blend as component (A) and additives and processing aids as component (B). 240799W001

[0148] 17

[0149] Preferably, the thermoplastic molding composition (M) exhibits an elongation at break, determined according to ISO 527-2:2012 at 50 mm / min of at least 120 %, more preferably of at least 130 %, and in particular of at least 140 %.

[0150] Preferably, the thermoplastic molding composition (M) exhibits a Charpy impact strength at - 30°C, determined according to ISO 179 / 2 of at least 150 kJ / m2, more preferably of at least 160 kJ / m2, and in particular of at least 170 kJ / m2.

[0151] Preferably, the thermoplastic molding composition (M) exhibits a Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT B), determined according to ISO 75 at 0.45 MPa of at least 125°C, preferably at least 130°C.

[0152] It has been found by the present inventors that thermoplastic molding compositions (M) meeting the above-mentioned properties with respect to elongation at break, Charpy impact strength and Heat Deflection Temperature are particularly suitable for extrusion and injection molding processes and show good long term stability in chemical media, especially in contact with oil and fats.

[0153] Process for producing the thermoplastic molding composition (M)

[0154] A further object of the invention is a process for producing a thermoplastic molding composition (M) according to the invention, wherein the process comprises at least the step of melt-mixing components (A-1), (A-2), (A-3), and optionally component(s) (B).

[0155] The thermoplastic molding composition (M) according to the invention may be produced by processes known per se by mixing the starting components (A-1), (A-2), and (A-3) and optionally component (B) in customary mixing apparatuses such as (twin-)screw extruders, Brabender mills or Banbury mills and subsequently extruded. After extrusion the extrudate may be cooled and comminuted. It is also possible to premix individual components and then add the remaining starting materials individually and / or likewise in admixture. Components (A-2), and (A-3), and optionally (B) may be added in form of one or more master batches, preferably using a polymer compatible with component (A-1) as matrix. For example, master batches comprising 30 to 90 wt.-%, preferably 50 to 85 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the master batch, of a semi-aromatic polyester, and 10 to 70 wt.-%, preferably 15 to 50 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the master batch of at least one of component(s) ((A-2), and (A-3), and optionally (B), or mixtures of at least two of the afore-mentioned, may be used. The mixing temperatures are generally around 230 to 320 °C. In particular, individual components can also be added as “hot feed” or directly into the feed section of the extruder. The skilled person is aware that the thermoplastic polymer blend (A) may be obtained by the same methods without adding component (B). Accordingly, the thermoplastic molding composition (M) may be obtained by mixing the thermoplastic polymer blend (A) and optionally component(s) (B). 240799W001

[0156] 18

[0157] Use of the thermoplastic molding composition (M)

[0158] The invention also relates to the use of a thermoplastic molding composition (M) according to the invention for injection molding applications and extrusion applications.

[0159] The thermoplastic molding composition (M) may be used for the preparation of molded articles and extrusion applications including films, coating films, sheets, profiles, fibers and bristles etc.. According to one embodiment, the thermoplastic molding composition (M) may be preferably used for the extrusion processes for the preparation of polymer fibers or polymer filaments, which are particularly suitable for filter applications. Within the meaning of this invention, the terms “fiber” and “filament” are used interchangeably and do not restrict the scope of these terms with respect to the length or diameter (thickness) of the fiber or filament.

[0160] The thermoplastic molding composition (M) exhibits high melt stability during extrusion, which enables an extrusion process, in particular for filament extrusion, e.g. in 3D printing applications. It can therefore be advantageously used as filament or fiber material.

[0161] Molded article (F)

[0162] The invention also relates to molded articles (F) comprising or consisting of the thermoplastic molding composition (M) according to the invention. Molded articles according to the invention include films, coating films, sheets, profiles, fibers and bristles. In a preferred embodiment, the molded article (F) comprises or consists of polymer fibers, e.g. filter devices comprising polymer fibers or polymer filaments comprising or consisting of the thermoplastic molding composition (M) according to the invention.

[0163] Process for producing the molded article (F)

[0164] The molded articles (F) may be prepared by a process comprises at least the following process steps:

[0165] (i) providing of the thermoplastic molding composition (M) according to the invention; and

[0166] (ii) melt-extrusion of the thermoplastic molding composition (M).

[0167] The melt-extrusion step (ii) may include an injection molding step or an filament extrusion step. Injection molding is preferably used for producing films, coating films, sheets, and profiles comprising the thermoplastic molding composition (M). Filament extrusion is preferably used for producing bristles, polymer fibers or polymer filaments.

[0168] The melt-extrusion step (ii) is typically achieved using a (twin-screw) extruder equipped with a suitable die. The thermoplastic molding composition (M) is melted in the extruder. Preferably, 240799W001

[0169] 19 the melt temperature is around 230 to 320 °C. The substantially liquid polymer melt is then extruded through the die to obtain the molded article after cooling.

[0170] Suitable processes are known in the art.

[0171] The aspects and embodiments of the invention are explained in further detail in the following.

[0172] The invention is further illustrated by the following examples and claims.

[0173] Experimental Examples

[0174] Examples and Comparative Examples were made using the following materials in the proportions given in Table 1 :

[0175] A-1 Poly(butylene terephthalate) having a melt volume-flow rate (MVR) of 18 to 22 cm3 / 10 min (measured according to ISO 1133-1 at 250°C under 2.16 kg load), available as Ultradur® B4520 (BASF SE).

[0176] A-2 Polypropylene having a melt mass-flow rate (MFR) of 23 to 28 g / 10 min (measured according to ISO 1133-1 at 230°C under 2.16 kg load), Moplen® HP561 R (Lyondell Basel I).

[0177] A-3 Epoxy-containing styrene copolymer, available as Joncryl® ADR 4400 (SK Functional Polymer).

[0178] Thermoplastic molding compositions were produced using a Berstorff ZE-25 twin screw extruder with vacuum degassing, at an average throughput of 16 kg / h. A screw speed of 175 rpm was set and the melt temperature was maintained at 260 °C. After extrusion the strands were cooled with water and palletized into granules. The samples were injection molded using an Arburg Allrounder 470H at 260°C melt temperature, with a mold temperature of 60°C. This process yielded tensile bars according to ISO 527-2 / 1 A with a thickness of 4.0 mm.

[0179] Elongation at break was determined according to ISO 527-2:2012 at 50 mm / min. Measurements were made on 10 tensile bars for each composition. The measurement values given in Table 2 are the mean values for each composition.

[0180] Charpy impact strength was determined at 23°C and -30°C according to ISO 179 / 2. Measurements were made on 10 test specimens for each composition. The measurement values given in Table 2 are the mean values for each composition.

[0181] Heat deflection temperature (HDT B) was determined according to ISO 75. Measurements were made on 4 test specimens for each composition. The measurement values given in Table 2 are the mean values for each composition. 240799W001

[0182] 20

[0183] Tensile stress at break was determined according to ISO 527. Measurements were made on 10 tensile bars for each composition. The measurement values given in Table 3 are the mean values for each composition.

[0184] E-Modulus (in MPa) was determined according to ISO 527. Measurements were made on 10 tensile bars for each composition. The measurement values given in Table 4 are the mean values for each composition.

[0185] Viscosity number (VN) was determined according to DIN EN ISO 1628-5: 2015.

[0186] Table 1. Composition of inventive compositions E1 and E2, as well as comparative compositions CE3 to CE8.

[0187] Table 2. Elongation at break, Charpy impact strength and heat deflection temperature (HDT) for inventive compositions E1 and E2, as well as comparative compositions CE3 to CE8. 240799W001

[0188] 21

[0189] * n.b. = no break; p.b. = partial break; t.b. = total break. The percentage values indicate with “n.b.” give the percentage of test samples, which showed no break. The percentage values indicated with “p.b.” give the percentage of test samples, which showed partial break at the reported value, which is the mean value for all test samples, which showed a partial break (given in kJ / m2). The percentage values indicated with “t.b.” give the percentage of test samples, which showed total break at the reported value, which is the mean value for all test samples which showed a total break (given in kJ / m2).

[0190] As can be seen, the inventive compositions E1 and E2 exhibit superior elongation at break compared to the comparative compositions CE3 to CE8. At the same time, the inventive compositions E1 and E2 exhibit superior or comparable Charpy impact strength and heat deflection temperatures. Especially for the elongation at break, lowering the amount of polypropylene as in CE3 and CE4 leads to lower elongation values. Also concentrations above 5 wt% of component A-2, as i.e. mentioned in WO 2020 / 208053, have a negative impact on the elongation at break (cf. CE5 and CE6).

[0191] Additionally, a comparison between the inventive composition E2, and the comparative compositions CE4 and CE7 shows, that all three components A-1 to A-3 are necessary to achieve good elongation at break combined with high Charpy impact strength and high heat deflection temperatures.

[0192] Overall, the inventive compositions E1 and E2 exhibit a unique combination of properties, which cannot be achieved by the comparative compositions CE3 to CE8.

[0193] Long-term stability at elevated temperatures

[0194] Inventive composition E2 and Comparative composition CE6 were tested for their long-term stability in motor oils at elevated temperatures. Test specimen (tensile bars prepared as described above) were stored at 100°C, 140°C and 150°C, respectively, for 0 to 84 days in Shell Helix Ultra® Professional AV-L 0W-30, a commercial motor oil available from Shell®. The test specimen were then evaluated with respect to tensile stress at break (cf. Table 3), E- modulus (cf. Table 4) and viscosity number (VN) (Table 5). The test results are given in the following Tables 3 to 5.

[0195] Table 3. Tensile stress at break (in MPa), determined according to ISO 527, after prolonged exposure to motor oil at elevated temperatures. 240799W001

[0196] 22

[0197] Table 4. E-Modulus (in MPa), determined according to ISO 527, after prolonged exposure to motor oil at elevated temperatures.

[0198] Table 5. Viscosity number (VN) in cm3 / g determined according to DIN EN ISO 1628-5: 2015 after prolonged exposure to motor oil at elevated temperatures.

[0199] As can be seen from the experimental data summarized in Tables 3 to 5, the thermoplastic molding compositions according to the present invention exhibit superior mechanical properties also after prolonged exposure to motor oil (Shell Helix Ultra® Professional AV-L 0W- 30) at elevated temperatures. The molding compositions according to the present invention show improved mechanical performance compared to the comparative examples combined with excellent chemical stability especially in oils or fatty substances.

[0200] It can be seen that the inventive composition E2 exhibits a unique combination of properties, which cannot be achieved by the comparative composition CE6.

[0201] The molding compositions according to the present invention can be used in injection molding or extrusion molding processes, in particular for the preparation of polymer fibers and polymer 240799W001

[0202] 23 filaments. The obtained polymer fibers and polymer filaments are particularly suitable for filter applications.

Claims

240799W00124Patent Claims1. Thermoplastic molding composition (M) comprising:(A) 30 to 100 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic molding composition (M), of at least one thermoplastic polymer blend as component (A) comprising or consisting of:(A-1) 90.1 to 99.45 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer blend (A), of at least one semi-aromatic polyester as component (A-1),(A-2) 0.5 to 4.9 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer blend (A), of at least one unmodified polyolefin having a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of from 85,000 to 900,000 g / mol as component (A- 2) selected from the group of:(A-2.1) polyethylene homopolymers as component (A-2.1);(A.2.2) polypropylene homopolymers as component (A-2.2);(A-2.3) polypropylene copolymers as component (A-2.3); and mixtures of components (A-2.1), (A-2.2) and / or (A-2.3);(A-3) 0.05 to 5 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer blend (A), of at least one epoxy-containing vinylaromatic copolymer as component (A-3); wherein the sum of the proportions of components (A-1), (A-2), and (A-3) add up to 100 wt.-%; and(B) 0 to 70 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic molding composition (M), of one or more further additives and processing aids as component (B); wherein the sum of the proportions of components (A) and (B) add up to 100 wt.-%.

2. Thermoplastic molding composition (M) according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one semi-aromatic polyester component (A-1) is selected from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene terephthalate (PTT), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and mixtures thereof.

3. Thermoplastic molding composition (M) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one unmodified polyolefin component (A-2) is selected from polypropylene homopolymers (A-2.2), polypropylene copolymers (A-2.3), and mixtures thereof.

4. Thermoplastic molding composition (M) according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the polypropylene copolymer (A-2.3) is selected from copolymers of propylene and ethylene.

5. Thermoplastic molding composition (M) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the thermoplastic molding composition (M) further comprises at least one epoxidized oil or oil mixture as component (B).240799W001256. Thermoplastic molding composition (M) according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one unmodified polyolefin as component (A-2) has a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of from 95.000 to 750.000 g / mol.

7. Thermoplastic molding composition (M) according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one unmodified polyolefin as component (A-2) has a density of from 0.850 g / cm3to 0.925 g / cm3.

8. Thermoplastic molding composition (M) according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one epoxy-containing vinylaromatic copolymer (A-3) is selected from poly(styrene- glycidylether-methyl methacrylates).

9. Process for producing a thermoplastic molding composition (M) according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the process comprises at least the step of melt-mixing components (A-1), (A-2), (A-3), and optionally component(s) (B).

10. Use of a thermoplastic molding composition (M) according to any of claims 1 to 9 for injection molding applications and extrusion applications.

11. Use according to claim 10, wherein the molding composition (M) is used for the preparation of polymer fibers or polymer filaments12. Molded article (F) comprising or consisting of the thermoplastic molding composition (M) according to any of claims 1 to 9.

13. Molded article (F) according to claim 12, wherein the molded article is a polymer fiber or polymer filament comprising or consisting of the thermoplastic molding composition (M) according to any of claims 1 to 9.

14. Process for producing a molded article (F) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the process comprises at least the following process steps:(i) providing of the thermoplastic molding composition (M) according to the invention; and(ii) melt-extrusion of the thermoplastic molding composition (M).

15. Process according to claim 14, wherein the melt-extrusion step (ii) comprises a filament extrusion step or a fiber extrusion step.

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