Special plastic films for the production of security documents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a security document (A) having a first outer side (AS1) and a second outer side (AS2) opposite the first outer side (AS1), comprising at least (A1) a first polymer film (A1), (A2) a second polymer film (A2), (A3) optionally at least one further polymer film (A3), (A4) a security feature (A4), and (A5) optionally fibers, in particular structural fibers, wherein at least one of the polymer films selected from the group consisting of the first polymer film (A1), the second polymer film (A2), optionally at least one further polymer film (A3), or a combination of at least two of them, comprises or consists of at least one thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and forms at least one of the outer sides (AS1) or (AS2). A method for producing such a security document and its use are also disclosed.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a security document (A) comprising at least two polymer films (A1) and (A2), optionally a further polymer film (A3), a security feature (A4) and optionally fibres (A5), wherein at least two outer surfaces of the security document are formed by a polymer comprising or consisting of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). [Background technology]

[0002] Printing substrates for value documents, such as banknotes, are constantly being developed so that they can meet the equally increasing demands for durability, efficiency, anti-counterfeiting and sustainability. In order to extend the service life of security documents, such as banknotes but also passports, there is a growing trend to replace paper security documents, especially banknotes, with banknotes made of polymer film. Banknotes based on plastic film contribute to the sustainability of payment instruments by increasing the service life of banknotes or other security documents by two to three times and by increasing the reusability of materials. As a result, significantly less energy, material and natural resources are required for the production of banknotes and other security documents. Furthermore, the longer the service life of banknotes and other security documents, the more significant cost savings can be achieved. Thus, for example, in Australia, banknotes have been introduced since 1988, on which polymer film serves as the printing substrate.

[0003] The production of banknotes from polymer films today almost exclusively uses films based on polyolefins that are biaxially oriented after extrusion (BOPP), as described in US Pat. No. 5,879,028. As a result of the process, these films can only be produced as transparent films. The film is then coated to obtain a white opaque color and improve the printability of the film. In a few exceptions, the production of banknotes uses composites of film with paper or other materials, for example cotton fibers, as described in WO 06066431. The outer paper layer forms a substitute for the white coating of the BOPP film. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 5,879,028 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 06066431 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Considering the anti-counterfeiting properties, BOPP polymer banknotes have some substantial disadvantages compared to security paper banknotes: It is not possible to incorporate features used in paper substrates and recognized by consumers, such as flecking fibres (also added to anti-counterfeiting stamps and visible as small red glowing fibres under UV light), planchettes (incorporating coloured discs similar to flecking fibres. Planchettes can also be metallic or transparent, they can also fluoresce under UV light or be made from iridescent materials that show a colour change. Special planchettes for use in driver's licenses react to manipulation attempts by bleeding a signal colour) or security threads of BOPP polymer banknotes, because these are destroyed after the film is stretched longitudinally and transversely.

[0006] A further disadvantage is the fact that BOPP is a polymer that is used in similar qualities in countless products of everyday use, such as packaging films, transparent films, sealing films, etc., and is therefore easily available for potential counterfeiters to imitate. The fact that the substrate used is a stretched film is a disadvantage, especially when the substrate is exposed to high temperatures, as can easily occur in everyday use.

[0007] Biaxially oriented polypropylene exhibits a very high shrinkage rate at high temperatures. Thus, for example, it has been found that at temperatures above about 100° C., polymer banknotes made of biaxially oriented polypropylene undergo a shrinkage in length and width of up to 20% of their original length and width. These polymer banknotes also undergo different degrees of shrinkage in length and width, thus resulting in distortion of the banknote and thus of the printed image generally applied thereto. A further disadvantage of hitherto known polymer banknotes, in particular polymer banknotes based on biaxially oriented polyolefins, is that the above-mentioned shrinkage is irreversible. Near the top of a hot stove or under halogen lamps, such polymer banknotes are very likely to shrink irreversibly.

[0008] Complex and cost-intensive manufacturing processes are necessary, especially to achieve the desired opacity of the film and the necessary surface energy to allow the absorption of printing inks. Tear propagation resistance is also particularly low in BOPP films. Minimal tearing of the banknote immediately leads to failure of the banknote.

[0009] Both polyolefin-based films and composite films exhibit the above-mentioned deficiencies and therefore there is a need to minimize or even eliminate these deficiencies. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The object of the present invention is to develop a process of the type in question and a polymeric printing substrate of the type in question, such that the drawbacks of the prior art are at least partially overcome, in particular to increase the anti-counterfeiting properties of security documents, e.g. in the form of security elements such as banknotes or passports.

[0011] A further object of the present invention is to provide a security document that meets current demands regarding durability, efficiency, in particular resource efficiency, counterfeit resistance and sustainability, none of which are met satisfactorily by the current prior art.

[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a security document having sufficient surface energy to allow absorption of printing ink.

[0013] A further object of the invention is to provide an optimized, in particular more cost-effective, process for security documents having the enumerated advantages. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] A first aspect of the invention relates to a security document (A) having a first outer surface (AS1) and a second outer surface (AS2) opposite the first outer surface (AS1), (A1) a first polymer film (A1); (A2) a second polymer film (A2); and (A3) optionally at least one further polymer film (A3), (A4) security features (A4); (A5) Optionally with fibers, especially structural fibers At least A security document (A), wherein at least one of the polymer films selected from the group consisting of the first polymer film (A1), the second polymer film (A2), optionally at least one further polymer film (A3), or a combination of at least two of these, comprises a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or consists of at least one TPE, and forms at least one of the outer surfaces (AS1) or (AS2).

[0015] The security document may have any shape that a person skilled in the art would choose for a security document. It is preferred if the security document has a sheet-like area in the form of a square, rectangle, circle, oval or polyhedron, particularly preferably in the form of a square or rectangle.

[0016] The security document preferably has a thickness in the range of 40 to 250 μm, more preferably in the range of 50 to 200 μm, more preferably in the range of 60 to 150 μm, more preferably in the range of 70 to 100 μm.

[0017] The aspect ratio of the thickness to the area of ​​the security document is preferably in the range of 1:100000 to 1:1000, more preferably in the range of 1:50000 to 1:500, and particularly preferably in the range of 1:10000 to 1:100.

[0018] The thickness of the first polymer film (A1) is preferably within the range of 10 to 100 μm, more preferably within the range of 12 to 90 μm, more preferably within the range of 15 to 50 μm, and even more preferably within the range of 20 to 40 μm.

[0019] The thickness of the second polymer film (A2) is preferably within the range of 20 to 150 μm, more preferably within the range of 30 to 100 μm, more preferably within the range of 40 to 90 μm, and even more preferably within the range of 50 to 80 μm.

[0020] The thickness of the further polymer film (A3) is preferably in the range of 10 to 100 μm, more preferably in the range of 12 to 90 μm, more preferably in the range of 15 to 50 μm, and even more preferably in the range of 20 to 40 μm.

[0021] At least one polymer film selected from the group consisting of the first polymer films (A1), (A2) and (A3) preferably has a length in the range of 1 to 100 cm, more preferably in the range of 2 to 80 cm, and particularly preferably in the range of 5 to 50 cm, in each case.

[0022] At least one polymer film selected from the group consisting of the first polymer films (A1), (A2) and (A3) preferably has a width in the range of 1 to 100 cm, more preferably in the range of 2 to 80 cm, and particularly preferably in the range of 5 to 50 cm, in each case.

[0023] It is preferred that the polymer films (A1) and (A2), preferably (A3), are also superimposed within their area ranges.

[0024] The security document (A) may be any security document used by a person skilled in the art to introduce a security feature. The security document (A) is preferably selected from the group consisting of a banknote, a birth certificate, a tax stamp, a visa page of a passport, a hinge for a data page of a passport, a carrier layer of an electromagnetic shield of a passport, or a combination of at least two of these.

[0025] Both outer surfaces (AS1) and (AS2) preferably comprise a TPE. Both outer surfaces (AS1) and (AS2) preferably consist of a TPE. Both outer surfaces (AS1), (AS2) are preferably each formed from a polymer film (A1). It is further preferred if the polymer film (A2) forms the core of a film structure of at least three layers, the outer surfaces (AS1) and (AS2) of which are each formed from a polymer film (A1).

[0026] It is preferred when at least one of the polymer films (A1), (A2) and optionally (A3), in particular the first polymer film (A1), comprises a material suitable for establishing an adhesive strength to the respective adjacent polymer film, i.e. the second polymer film (A2) or further polymer film (A3), which is greater than the breaking elongation of at least one of the polymer films (A1), (A2) or (A3). The adhesive strength is higher than the breaking stress of the respective polymer film when one of the polymer films (A1), (A2) or (A3) cannot be separated from the respective adjacent polymer film without residue. This should be understood to mean that when separating the first polymer film (A1) from the second polymer film (A2) or separating the second polymer film (A2) from the further polymer film (A3), at least one of the polymer films (A1), (A2) or (A3) suffers a cohesive failure and does not suffer an adhesive failure in which the adhesive force is less than the breaking stress of the polymer film. In contrast to adhesive failure, which represents the separation of the security document (A) at the adhesive interface between the respective films and allows for residue-free separation of the films from one another, cohesive failure occurs within the layers and leaves behind a residue of polymeric material on each of the films that are separated.

[0027] Therefore, this sufficiently high adhesive strength contributes to preventing counterfeiting of the security document (A).

[0028] It is preferred if the polymer films (A1), (A2) and optionally (A3) have an adhesive strength to their respective adjacent polymer films of at least 2 N / cm, more preferably at least 3 N / cm, particularly preferably at least 5 N / cm. It is preferred if the polymer films (A1), (A2) and optionally (A3) have an adhesive strength to their respective adjacent polymer films in the range of 2 to 20 N / cm, more preferably at least 3 to 15 N / cm, particularly preferably at least 5 to 10 N / cm, measured at a tensile angle of 180° according to ASTM D903-1998.

[0029] The fibres (A5) are preferably structural fibres. Structural fibres are fibres which reinforce the surrounding material in its structure, in particular in properties such as brittleness and flexibility. It is preferred if the material of the fibres (A5) is selected from the group consisting of glass fibres, carbon fibres, silicone fibres, mineral fibres, natural fibres such as hemp fibres or bamboo fibres, or a combination of at least two of these. It is preferred if the security document (A) comprises fibres (A5) in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 10% by weight, more preferably in the range from 0.2 to 8% by weight, particularly preferably in the range from 0.5 to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the security document (A). It is preferred if the first polymer film (A1) or the second polymer film (A2), independently of each other, comprises fibres (A5) in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 15% by weight, more preferably in the range from 0.2 to 10% by weight, particularly preferably in the range from 0.5 to 8% by weight, based on the total weight of the security document (A).

[0030] It is preferred if the security document (A) comprises an embossing. The embossing is preferably a security feature (A4). It is preferred if at least one security feature (A4) is at least partially introduced as an embossing (P) into the polymer film (A1) comprising or consisting of TPE, optionally into one of (A2) or (A3).

[0031] It is preferred if the embossing (P) has a resolution of at least 1500 dpi, preferably in the range from 1500 to 2500 dpi. It is preferred if the lines of the embossing (P) have a width in the range from 100 to 1000 μm, particularly preferably from 110 to 500 μm and very particularly preferably from 120 to 200 μm. It is preferred if the lines of the embossing (P) have a depth in the range from 50 to 500 μm, particularly preferably from 55 to 300 μm and very particularly preferably from 60 to 100 μm.

[0032] The embossing (P) is preferably introduced on the outer surface (AS1) or (AS2) of the security document (A) to ensure that it is visible and tangible from the outside. The contour of the embossing (P) preferably extends outwards. Alternatively or additionally, the embossing (P) may be introduced on an inner surface, for example one of the inner surfaces of a passport. In order for the embossing (P) to have the effect of a security feature, the embossing (P) should be introduced in such a way that an observer can detect it when inspecting the security document (A) and preferably also feel it.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the security document (A), the TPE has a hardness in the range of 45-95 Shore D, preferably in the range of 50-85 Shore D.

[0034] It is preferred that the polymer film (A1) arranged on the outer faces (AS1) and (AS2) of the security document (A) comprises a TPE having a hardness in the range from 45 to 85 Shore D, preferably from 50 to 80 Shore D and very particularly preferably from 55 to 70 Shore D.

[0035] It is preferred if the at least one polymer film (A2), which is preferably arranged on the core of the security document (A) and which is preferably surrounded on both sides by the at least one polymer film (A1), comprises a TPE having a hardness in the range from 55 to 95 Shore D, preferably from 65 to 90 Shore D, very particularly preferably from 70 to 85 Shore D.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the security document (A), the TPE is selected from the group consisting of copolyester elastomers (TPC), thermoplastic polyamide elastomers (TPA), in particular polyether block amides (PEBA), olefin-based thermoplastic elastomers (TPO), in particular PP / EPDM, thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), thermoplastic polycarbonates (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), in particular polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), thermoplastic styrene block copolymers (TPS), in particular styrene-butadiene block copolymers (SBC), or mixtures of at least two of these. TPEs are elastomers that behave like classical representatives of elastomers at room temperature, but become deformable when heated. They are usually copolymers consisting of a soft elastomeric component and a hard thermoplastic component.

[0037] Suitable copolyester elastomers TPC (segmented polyester elastomers), hereinafter also referred to simply as copolyesters, are formed, for example, from a plurality of repeating short-chain ester units and long-chain ester units linked by ester bonds, the short-chain ester units making up about 15-80% by weight of the copolyester and conforming to the following formula (I): [ka] During the ceremony, R is a divalent radical of a dicarboxylic acid having a molecular weight of less than about 350 g / mol; D is a divalent radical of an organic diol having a molecular weight of less than about 250 g / mol; The long chain ester units constitute about 20 to 85% by weight of the copolyester; It preferably accounts for 30 to 70% by weight, particularly preferably 35 to 60% by weight, and preferably satisfies the following formula II: [ka] During the ceremony, R is a divalent radical of a dicarboxylic acid having a molecular weight of less than about 350 g / mol; G is a divalent radical of a long-chain glycol having an average molecular weight of about 350 to 6000 g / mol.

[0038] Useful copolyesters can be prepared by copolymerizing a) one or more dicarboxylic acids, b) one or more linear long chain glycols, and c) one or more low molecular weight diols.

[0039] The dicarboxylic acids for preparing the copolyesters are aromatic acids having 8 to 16 carbon atoms, in particular phenylenedicarboxylic acids such as phthalic acid, terephthalic acid and isophthalic acid. Low molecular weight diols for the reaction to form the short-chain ester units of the copolyester belong to the classes of acyclic, alicyclic and aromatic dihydroxy compounds. Preferred diols have 2 to 15 carbon atoms, such as ethylene, propylene, tetramethylene, isobutylene, pentamethylene, 2,2-dimethyltrimethylene, hexamethylene and decamethylene glycols, dihydroxycyclohexane, cyclohexanedimethanol, resorcinol, hydroquinone, etc. Bisphenols for this purpose include bis(p-hydroxy)diphenyl, bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)methane, bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)ethane and bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)propane.

[0040] The long chain glycols used to prepare the soft segments of the copolyester preferably have a molecular weight of about 600 to 3000 g / mol. These include poly(alkylene ether) glycols in which the alkylene group has 2 to 9 carbon atoms.

[0041] Glycol esters of poly(alkylene oxide) dicarboxylic acids or polyester glycols can also be used as the long chain glycol.

[0042] Long chain glycols also include polyformals obtained by reacting formaldehyde with glycols. Polythioether glycols are also suitable. Polybutadiene glycol and polyisoprene glycol, their copolymers, and the saturated hydrogenation products of these materials are satisfactory long chain polymeric glycols.

[0043] Processes for synthesizing such copolyesters are known from DE 2239271 A1, DE 2213128 A1, DE 2449343 A1 and US 3023192 A1. Examples of suitable TPCs include polyether elastomers Hytrel® from DuPont™ (Germany) and polyether elastomers Keyflex® from LG Chemicals (Europe), representatives of which preferably have a hardness in the range from 45 to 95 Shore D.

[0044] The thermoplastic polyamide elastomer (TPA) may be any TPA that one skilled in the art would select for this purpose. The TPA is preferably a polyether block amide (PEBA). A suitable PEBA is, for example, one whose polymer chain is formed from repeating units conforming to formula (III): [ka] During the ceremony, A is a polyamide chain derived from a polyamide having two carboxyl end groups via loss of the latter, B is a polyoxyalkylene glycol chain derived from a polyoxyalkylene glycol having a terminal OH group via loss of the latter, n is the number of units forming the polymer chain, where the end group is preferably an OH group or a radical of the compound that terminates the polymerization.

[0045] Dicarboxylic polyamides with terminal carboxyl groups can be obtained in a known manner, for example by polycondensation of one or more lactams and / or one or more amino acids or by polycondensation of dicarboxylic acids with diamines, in each case preferably with an excess of organic dicarboxylic acids with terminal carboxyl groups. These carboxylic acids become constituents of the polyamide chain during the polycondensation and undergo addition, in particular at the ends of this chain, thus obtaining polyamides with μ-dicarboxylic acid functions. The dicarboxylic acids are used in excess, since they also act as chain terminators.

[0046] The polyamides can be derived from lactams and / or amino acids having a hydrocarbon chain of 4 to 14 carbon atoms, for example from caprolactam, enantholactam, dodecalactam, undecanolactam, decanolactam, 11-aminoundecanoic acid or 12-aminododecanoic acid.

[0047] Examples of polyamides formed by polycondensation of dicarboxylic acids and diamines include condensation products of hexamethylenediamine with adipic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, and 1,12-dodecanedioic acid, and condensation products of nonamethylenediamine with adipic acid, preferably representative examples of which have a hardness in the range of 45 to 95 Shore D.

[0048] Dicarboxylic acids suitable for the synthesis of polyamides, used both for attaching one carboxyl group to each end of the polyamide chain and as chain terminators, include those having 4 to 20 carbon atoms, in particular alkanedioic acids, such as succinic acid, adipic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, undecanedioic acid or dodecanedioic acid, and also cycloaliphatic or aromatic dicarboxylic acids, such as terephthalic acid or isophthalic acid or cyclohexane-1,4-dicarboxylic acid.

[0049] The polyoxyalkylene glycols having terminal OH groups are unbranched or branched and contain an alkylene group having at least two carbon atoms. They are preferably polyoxyethylene, polyoxypropylene and polyoxytetramethylene glycols and copolymers thereof.

[0050] The average molecular weight of these OH-terminated polyoxyalkylene glycols can vary over a wide range and is advantageously between 100 and 6000 g / mol, in particular between 200 and 3000 g / mol.

[0051] The weight fraction of the polyoxyalkylene glycol is 5 to 85% by weight, preferably 10 to 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the polyoxyalkylene glycol and the dicarboxylic acid polyamide used to prepare the PEBA polymer.

[0052] Processes for the synthesis of such PEBA polymers are known from FR 7418913, DE 2802989, DE 2837687, DE 2523991, EP 095893, DE 2712987 and DE 2716004.

[0053] In contrast to the above, PEBA polymers having a random structure are preferentially suitable. To prepare these polymers, 1. one or more polyamide-forming compounds from the group of aminocarboxylic acids or lactams having at least 10 carbon atoms, 2. α,ω-dihydroxypolyoxyalkylene glycol, 3. At least one organic dicarboxylic acid; A mixture of In a 1:(2+3) weight ratio of 30:70 to 98:2, where the hydroxyl and carbonyl groups are present in equivalent amounts in (2+3), the polyamide-forming compounds of group 1 are heated under autogenous pressure to a temperature of 23-30°C in the presence of 2-30% by weight of water based on the polyamide-forming compounds of group 1, followed by removal of the water and then subjected to further treatment at 250-280°C in the absence of oxygen, at normal or reduced pressure.

[0054] The TPO may be any TPO that a person skilled in the art would choose for the security document (A) according to the invention. Examples of TPO are the thermoplastic olefins of the product line KEYFLEX® from LG Chemicals (Europe), such as KEYFFLEX® TP-1045D. The TPO is preferably PP / EPDM. Examples of these TPO types are Santoprene® from Advanced Elastomer Systems Ltd., a subsidiary of ExxonMobil Chemical Europe (Belgium), Saxomer® TPE-O from PCW GmbH (Germany), Elastron TPO from Elastron (Turkey / Germany), preferably these representatives have a hardness in the range of 45 to 95 Shore D.

[0055] The thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) may be any TPU that a person skilled in the art would choose for the security document (A) according to the invention.

[0056] A preferred process for making a thermoplastically processable polyurethane polymer comprises reacting the following components: (A) one or more substantially linear polyols, the total amount of which is component (A) having an average molecular weight in the range of 500 to 5000 g / mol; (B) one or more organic polyisocyanates, preferably organic diisocyanates; (C) one or more linear diols having a molecular weight of 62 to 500 g / mol; (D) optionally in the presence of one or more catalysts; (E) optionally in the presence of one or more additives, auxiliary substances and / or additive substances; and (F) optionally in the presence of one or more monofunctional chain terminators; The process preferably comprises or consists of the following steps:

[0057] 1) providing and reacting a mixture consisting of the total amount of component (A), a partial amount of component (B), and optionally a partial or total amount of component (D), component (E) and / or component (F) to obtain an NCO-functional prepolymer, wherein in process step 1) the molar ratio of component (B) to component (A) is in the range of 1.1:1.0 to 5.0:1.0; 2) reacting the NCO-functional prepolymer from process step 1) with the total amount of component (C), optionally in the presence of further portions of component (D), component (E) and / or component (F), to obtain an OH-functional prepolymer; 3) reacting the OH-functional prepolymer with the remaining amount of component (B) and any remaining amounts of components (D), (E) and / or (F) to obtain a thermoplastically processable polyurethane, wherein the molar ratio of component (B) to the sum of components (A) and (C) is in the range of 0.9:1.0 to 1.2:1.0 throughout all process steps.

[0058] The preferred process makes it possible to produce thermoplastic polyurethanes with good processing properties and good mechanical properties over a hardness range of about 45 to about 95 Shore D, as well as to achieve a good bond between the hard and soft phases of the TPU, thus resulting in an optimally high molecular weight and therefore very good mechanical properties of the produced workpieces.

[0059] In the context of the present invention, the word "a" in relation to a countable parameter is to be understood as the number "1" only if this is explicitly stated (e.g. by the expression "exactly one"). For example, when referring below to a "polyol", the word "a" is to be understood to mean simply the indefinite article and not the number "1", and thus this also encompasses embodiments comprising a mixture of at least two polyols.

[0060] "Substantially" in this context should be understood to mean that at least 95 mol%, preferably at least 98 mol%, particularly preferably at least 99 mol%, even more preferably at least 99.5 mol%, even more preferably at least 99.8 mol%, and most preferably 100 mol% of the total amount of polyol substances of component A) consists of linear polyols.

[0061] The hardness of the thermoplastically processable polyurethane may be adjusted from 45 Shore D to 95 Shore D by selecting the molar ratio of component A) to component C).

[0062] The amounts of reactants for the formation of the NCO-functional prepolymer in step 1) are selected such that the NCO / OH ratio of the polyisocyanate to the polyol in step 1) is from 1.1:1 to 5.0:1.

[0063] The components are thoroughly mixed and the NCO prepolymer reaction of step 1) is preferably allowed to reach complete conversion (based on the polyol component).

[0064] This is followed by the incorporation of at least component (C) as a chain extender (step 2) to obtain a substantially OH-functional prepolymer.

[0065] Subsequently, in step 3), the remaining amount of component (B) is added while maintaining the NCO / OH ratio at 0.9:1 to 1.2:1. It is preferred if step 3) uses the same component (B) as in step 1).

[0066] It is preferred if process step 2) is carried out with a molar ratio of NCO-functional prepolymer to component (C) of less than 1.0, so that component (C) is present in molar excess.

[0067] Suitable components (A) include all linear polyols known to the person skilled in the art and having an average molecular weight of more than 500 g / mol. Suitable components (A) include in particular the following linear polyols: a) polyester polyols, b) polyether polyols, c) polyether esters, d) polycarbonate polyols, e) polyether carbonates or a mixture of at least two of the polyols a) to e).

[0068] Suitable polyesterdiols a) can be prepared, for example, from dicarboxylic acids and polyhydric alcohols having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms. Examples of useful dicarboxylic acids include aliphatic dicarboxylic acids such as succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid and sebacic acid, dodecanedioic acid, and aromatic dicarboxylic acids such as phthalic acid, isophthalic acid and terephthalic acid. The dicarboxylic acids can be used individually or as mixtures, for example in the form of a mixture of succinic acid, glutaric acid and adipic acid. For the preparation of polyesterpolyols, it may be advantageous in some cases to use not dicarboxylic acids but corresponding dicarboxylic acid derivatives, for example carboxylic acid diesters, carboxylic acid anhydrides or carbonyl chlorides having 1 to 4 carbon atoms in the alcohol group. Examples of polyhydric alcohols are glycols having 2 to 12, preferably 2 to 6, carbon atoms, such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, butane-1,4-diol, pentane-1,5-diol, hexane-1,6-diol, decane-1,10 diol, dodecane-1,12 diol, 2,2-dimethylpropane-1,3-diol, propane-1,3-diol, propane-1,2-diol, dipropylene glycol, etc. Depending on the desired properties, the polyhydric alcohols may be used alone or, optionally, mixed with one another. Also suitable are condensation products of hydroxycarboxylic acids, such as hydroxycaproic acid, and polymerization products of lactones, such as optionally substituted caprolactones. The polyester polyols preferably used are ethanediol polyadipate, butane-1,4-diol polyadipate, hexane-1,6-diol polyadipate, ethanediol butane-1,4-diol polyadipate, hexane-1,6-diol neopentyl glycol polyadipate, hexane-1,6-diol butane-1,4-diol polyadipate and polycaprolactone. The polyester diols have a molecular weight in the range of 500 to 5000 g / mol, preferably in the range of 600 to 3500 g / mol, particularly preferably in the range of 800 to 3000 g / mol. These can be used alone or mixed with each other.

[0069] Suitable polyether diols b) can be prepared by reacting one or more alkylene oxides having 2 to 4 carbon atoms in the alkylene radical with a starter molecule containing two active hydrogen atoms in bond form. Examples of alkylene oxides include ethylene oxide, 1,2-propylene oxide, epichlorohydrin and 1,2-butylene oxide and 2,3-butylene oxide. It is preferred to use ethylene oxide, propylene oxide and mixtures of 1,2-propylene oxide with ethylene oxide. The alkylene oxides can be used individually or in succession or as mixtures. Examples of starter molecules considered include water, amino alcohols, such as N-alkyldiethanolamines, such as N-methyldiethanolamine, and diols, such as ethylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, butane-1,4-diol and hexane-1,6-diol. It may also be possible to use mixtures of starter molecules. Other suitable polyether diols are hydroxyl-containing polymerization products of tetrahydrofuran. It is also possible to use trifunctional polyethers in a weight proportion of 0 to 30%, based on the difunctional polyethers, but up to such an amount that a thermoplastically processable product is formed. Suitable polyether diols have number average molecular weights M of 500 to 5000 g / mol, preferably 750 to 5000 g / mol, very particularly preferably 900 to 4200 g / mol. n These can be used either individually or in a mixed form with one another.

[0070] Suitable polyetheresters c) can be prepared, for example, by reaction of short-chain polyetherdiols, such as polytetrahydrofuran having a molecular weight of 250 to 1000 g / mol, with organic dicarboxylic acids, such as succinic acid or adipic acid. The polyetherester diols have a molecular weight of 600 to 5000 g / mol, preferably 700 to 4000 g / mol, particularly preferably 800 to 3000 g / mol. These can be used alone or mixed with one another.

[0071] Suitable polycarbonate diols d) can be prepared, for example, by the reaction of short-chain diols, such as butane-1,4-diol or hexane-1,6-diol, with diphenyl carbonate or dimethyl carbonate with the aid of a catalyst and removal of phenol or methanol. The polycarbonate diols have a number average molecular weight of 500 g / mol to 5000 g / mol, preferably 750 to 5000 g / mol, particularly preferably 1000 to 4500 g / mol.

[0072] Suitable polyether carbonate diols e) can be prepared, for example, by the reaction of short-chain polyether diols, such as polytetrahydrofuran, having a molecular weight of 250 to 1000 g / mol, with diphenyl or dimethyl carbonate, with the aid of a catalyst, and with the elimination of phenol or methanol. Polyether carbonate diols can further be prepared by copolymerization of alkylene oxides, such as ethylene oxide or propylene oxide or mixtures thereof, with carbon dioxide, using suitable catalysts, such as double metal cyanide catalysts. The polyether carbonate diols have a number average molecular weight of 500 to 8000 g / mol, preferably 750 to 6000 g / mol, more preferably 1000 to 4500 g / mol.

[0073] Preferred organic polyisocyanates of component (B) used in steps 1) and 3) are aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, araliphatic, heterocyclic and aromatic polyisocyanates as described in Justus Liebigs Annalen der Chemie, 562, p. 75-136.

[0074] Specific examples include aliphatic diisocyanates such as 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate, alicyclic diisocyanates such as isophorone diisocyanate, 1,4-cyclohexane diisocyanate, 1-methyl-2,4-cyclohexane diisocyanate and 1-methyl-2,6-cyclohexane diisocyanate, and the corresponding isomer mixtures, 4,4'-dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate, 2,4'-dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate and 2,2'-dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate, and the corresponding isomer mixtures, aromatic diisocyanates such as 2,4-tolyl diisocyanate, 2,4'-tolyl diisocyanate, 2,2'-tolyl diisocyanate, and the corresponding isomer mixtures. Examples of such diisocyanates include rylene diisocyanate, a mixture of 2,4-tolylene diisocyanate and 2,6-tolylene diisocyanate, 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, 2,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate and 2,2'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, a mixture of 2,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate and 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, urethane modified liquid 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate and 2,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, 4,4'-diisocyanato-1,2-diphenylethane and 1,5-naphthylene diisocyanate. Preference is given to using 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate, isophorone diisocyanate, 4,4'-dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate, diphenylmethane diisocyanate isomer mixtures having a 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate content of >96% by weight, in particular 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate and 1,5-naphthylene diisocyanate. These diisocyanates can be used alone or mixed with one another. They may also be used together with up to 15% by weight (based on the total amount of diisocyanates) of polyisocyanates, such as triphenylmethane 4,4',4"-triisocyanate or polyphenylpolymethylene polyisocyanates.

[0075] It is preferred if the component (B) used is a diphenylmethane diisocyanate isomer mixture having a 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate content of more than 96% by weight, based on the total weight of component (B), preferably 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate.

[0076] The component (B) used is preferably 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate.

[0077] Suitable components (C) (chain extenders) include all linear diols known to the skilled artisan and having a molecular weight between 62 g / mol and 500 g / mol. The diols and / or their precursor compounds may be obtained from fossil or biological sources. Suitable diols are preferably aliphatic diols having 2 to 14 carbon atoms, such as ethanediol, butane-1,4-diol, hexane-1,6-diol, octane-1,8-diol, decane-1,10 diol, dodecane-1,12 diol, diethylene glycol and dipropylene glycol. However, diesters of terephthalic acid with glycols having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, such as bis-ethylene glycol terephthalate or bis-butane-1,4-diol terephthalate, hydroxyalkylene ethers of hydroquinone, such as 1,4-di(hydroxyethyl)hydroquinone and ethoxylated bisphenols, are also suitable. Particular preference is given to using ethanediol, butane-1,4-diol, hexane-1,6-diol and 1,4-di(hydroxyethyl)hydroquinone as short-chain diols. Mixtures of the abovementioned chain extenders can also be used. It is also possible to add small amounts of diamines and / or triols.

[0078] It is preferred if the component (C) used is one or more diols selected from the group consisting of ethane-1,2-diol, butane-1,4-diol, hexane-1,6-diol, 1,4-di(β-hydroxyethyl)hydroquinone or a mixture of at least two of these, preferably ethane-1,2-diol, butane-1,4-diol or a mixture of these, particularly preferably ethane-1,2-diol is used as component (C).

[0079] Catalysts (D) that can be used include conventional catalysts known from polyurethane chemistry. Suitable catalysts include conventional tertiary amines known per se, such as triethylamine, dimethylcyclohexylamine, N-methylmorpholine, N,N'-dimethylpiperazine, 2-(dimethylaminoethoxy)ethanol, diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, etc., and also in particular organometallic compounds, such as titanate esters, iron compounds, bismuth compounds, tin compounds, such as tin diacetate, tin dioctanoate, tin dilaurate, or dialkyltin salts of aliphatic carboxylic acids, such as dibutyltin diacetate, dibutyltin dilaurate, etc. Preferred catalysts are organometallic compounds, in particular titanate esters, iron compounds or tin compounds. Dibutyltin dilaurate, tin dioctoate and titanate esters are very particularly preferred.

[0080] Further details of the manufacturing process and preferred embodiments for suitable TPUs can be found in EP 3838961.

[0081] It is preferred if the TPE comprises in the range of 10 to 100% by weight, more preferably in the range of 20 to 95% by weight, more preferably in the range of 30 to 90% by weight, particularly preferably in the range of 40 to 85% by weight, based on the total weight of the TPE, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), preferably produced by the process described above.

[0082] The polymer film (A1) preferably comprises a TPU having a Shore D hardness in the range of 45 to 85 Shore D, preferably in the range of 50 to 80 Shore D and very particularly preferably in the range of 55 to 70 Shore D. The polymer film (A1) preferably comprises a TPU, preferably produced by the process described above, in a range of 10 to 100% by weight, more preferably in the range of 20 to 95% by weight, based on the total weight of the polymer film (A1).

[0083] The polymer film (A2) preferably comprises a TPU having a hardness in the range of 55 to 95 Shore D, preferably in the range of 65 to 90 Shore D and very particularly preferably in the range of 70 to 85 Shore D. The polymer film (A2) preferably comprises a TPU, preferably produced by the process described above, in a range of 10 to 100 wt.-%, more preferably in the range of 20 to 95 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the polymer film (A2).

[0084] Examples of TPU types suitable for the polymer film (A1) and the polymer film (A2) include Estane® from Lubrizol, Elastollan® from BASF AG (Germany), Desmopan® from Covestro Deutschland AG (Germany), preferably having a hardness of 45 to 95 Shore D.

[0085] The thermoplastic polycarbonate (PC) can be any elastomeric PC that a person skilled in the art would choose for this purpose. The PC is preferably made according to the polycarbonates described in WO 2018 / 11436, in particular the polycarbonate blends as described in the last paragraph on page 3 to the third paragraph on page 16.

[0086] The polyethylene terephthalate (PET) can be any PET that a person skilled in the art would use in a security document (A) according to the present invention. The PET is preferably polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), such as Eastar® from EASTMAN Chemical GmbH (Germany).

[0087] The thermoplastic styrene block copolymer (TPS) can be any styrene block copolymer that a person skilled in the art would use for a security document (A) according to the invention. Preferred TPS are styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS), styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene block copolymer (SEPS), styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer (SIS), styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene (SEEPS) and methyl methacrylate-butadiene-styrene (MBS). Examples of SBS product lines include Styroflex® from BASF AG (Germany) and THERMOLAST® from Kraiburg Holding (Germany). Examples of SBES product lines include Saxomer® TPE-S from PCW GmbH (Germany), preferably its representatives with a hardness of 45 to 95 Shore D.

[0088] TPE preferably contains additives that are customary for plastics. Typical examples of additives are lubricants, such as fatty acid esters, their metal soaps, fatty acid amides and silicone compounds, antiblocking agents, inhibitors, stabilizers against hydrolysis, light, heat and discoloration, flame retardants, dyes, pigments, inorganic or organic fillers, and reinforcing agents. Further information on the listed auxiliary and additive substances can be found in specialist literature, for example in JH Saunders, KC Frasch: “High Polymers”, volume XVI, Polyurethane, part 1 and 2, Interscience Publishers 1962 and 1964, R. Gachter, H. Muller (Ed.): Taschenbuch der Kunststoff-Additive, 3rd edition, Hanser Verlag, Munich 1989, or DE-A2901774.

[0089] In a preferred embodiment of the security document (A), the outer faces (AS1) and (AS2) of the security document (A) consist of a polymer film (A1), (A2) or (A3) comprising or consisting of TPU.

[0090] It is preferred if the first polymer film (A1) forms the first outer surface (AS1) and preferably also the outer surface (AS2) of the security document (A). The second polymer film (A2) preferably forms the core of the security document (A).

[0091] In a preferred embodiment of the security document (A), at least all the polymer films (A1), (A2) and optionally (A3) are exclusively made of polymers. It is preferred if all the polymer films (A1), (A2) and optionally (A3) are made of TPE. It is very particularly preferred if all the polymer films (A1), (A2) and optionally (A3) are made of TPUs selected independently of one another. It is preferred if the complete security document (A) is made of polymers, except for the security features (A4) and the fibers (A5).

[0092] In a preferred embodiment of the security document (A), at least one of the polymer films selected from the group consisting of the first polymer film (A1), the second polymer film (A2) or both comprises a TPE in an amount ranging from 50 to 100% by weight, preferably from 60 to 90% by weight, particularly preferably from 70 to 80% by weight, based on the total weight of the respective polymer film (A1) or (A2). It is particularly preferred if the polymer film (A1) consists of a TPE. It is particularly preferred if the polymer film (A2) consists of a TPE.

[0093] In a preferred embodiment of the security document (A), at least one of the polymer films selected from the group consisting of the first polymer film (A1), the second polymer film (A2) or both polymer films (A1) and (A2) comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), copolyesters or mixtures of at least two of these or mixtures of TPU with a further TPE in an amount in the range from 50 to 100% by weight, preferably from 60 to 90% by weight, particularly preferably from 70 to 80% by weight, based on the total weight of the respective polymer film (A1) or (A2).

[0094] In a preferred embodiment of the security document (A), the security document (A) comprises at least one further polymer film (A3), which comprises a TPE in an amount ranging from 50 to 100% by weight, preferably from 60 to 90% by weight, particularly preferably from 70 to 80% by weight, based on the total weight of the respective polymer film (A3). It is particularly preferred if the at least one further polymer film (A3) consists of a TPE. It is very particularly preferred if the at least one polymer film (A3) consists of a TPU.

[0095] It is particularly preferred when at least one further polymer film (A3) has the same composition as the polymer film (A1) or (A2).It is very particularly preferred when all three polymer films (A1), (A2) and (A3) comprise at least 50% by weight of TPE, preferably at least 80% by weight, particularly preferably 100% by weight, and TPE is preferably one of the above TPEs, particularly preferably at least one TPU.It is particularly preferred when the further polymer film (A3) has the same composition as the first polymer film (A1).

[0096] In a preferred embodiment of the security document (A), the security feature (A4) is selected from the group consisting of a hologram, a print, a security thread, a fluorescent fiber, a dye, a security pigment, carbon black, metallic or non-metallic micro- or nanoparticles, magnetic particles, embossing, or a combination of at least two of these. It is preferred if the security feature (A4) is arranged in or on the second polymer layer (A2) or at least one further polymer layer (A3). It is preferred if the security feature (A4) is embedded in the security document (A) such that it is not accessible from outside the security document (A). It is preferred if the security feature (A4) is embedded in the security document (A) such that it is only accessible by destruction of the security document (A). The hologram can be any holographic structure known to the person skilled in the art. It is preferred if the hologram is embossed in one of the polymer films (A1), (A2) or optionally (A3). However, the hologram may also be composed of small flakes, each of which contains a hologram and is mixed with the polymer film (A1), (A2) or optionally (A3) during production. The printing may be any type of printing known to those skilled in the art. It is preferred if the printing in or on one of the polymer films (A1), (A2) or optionally (A3) is selected from letterpress printing, such as flexographic printing, lithographic printing, such as offset printing, gravure printing and screen printing. The printing is preferably selected from the group consisting of screen printing, inkjet printing, pad printing, laser printing, pad printing, block printing, embossing printing, distortion printing and non-impact printing, such as direct thermal printing, thermal transfer printing, 3D printing, thermosublimation printing, laser marking or a combination of at least two of these.

[0097] The security feature (A4) is preferably in the form of an embossing. In a preferred embodiment of the security document (A), the security document (A) comprises at least one security feature (A4) in the form of an embossing (P) and at least one further security feature (A4). The embossing (P) may take any form that a person skilled in the art would choose for this purpose. The embossing (P) preferably has a shape selected from the group consisting of logos and scripts, such as, for example, names. The embossing (P) preferably has a shape that serves to individualize or personalize the security document (A).

[0098] It is preferred if the depth of the embossing (P) is in the range from 50 to 500 μm, particularly preferably from 55 to 300 μm, very particularly preferably from 60 to 100 μm. In order to protect the embossing (P) from manipulation or destruction, the outer surface (AS1) or (AS2) in which the embossing (P) has been introduced is protected by a further layer.

[0099] The security thread can be any thread that a person skilled in the art would use to secure a document. It is preferred if the security thread is a thread preferably formed from a polymer or natural raw material such as cotton, wool, hemp or similar natural fibers and comprising a UV fluorescent material. It is preferred if the security thread exhibits a structure or color that is easily detectable by an observer, especially under UV light, without obscuring other, especially informative, data contained in the security document. It is preferred if the security document (A) comprises an amount of security thread in the range of 0.1 to 10% by weight, more preferably in the range of 0.2 to 8% by weight, particularly preferably in the range of 0.5 to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the security document (A).

[0100] The fluorescent fibres can be any fibres that can be doped with a fluorescent dye. It is preferred if the fibres are polymer fibres with a length in the range of 1-10 mm and a diameter in the range of 20-80 μm. It is preferred if the security document (A) comprises fluorescent fibres in an amount in the range of 0.1-10% by weight, more preferably in the range of 0.2-8% by weight, particularly preferably in the range of 0.5-5% by weight, based on the total weight of the security document (A). Examples of such fibres are flaking fibres or planchettes. Flaking fibres are added to stamps, for example to prevent counterfeiting, and are detectable under a UV lamp as small red luminescent fibres. Planchettes, like flaking fibres, incorporate coloured discs. Planchettes can also be metallic or transparent, they can also fluoresce under UV light or be made from iridescent materials that show a colour change. Special planchettes, for example for use in driver's licenses, react to manipulation attempts by bleeding a signal colour.

[0101] The dye, particularly a dye that is fluorescent in UV light, can be any dye that one skilled in the art would use to secure a document. Dyes are preferably allophycocyanin, berberine, brilliant sulfaflavin, quinine, coumarins, e.g. 4-methylumbelliferone, 1,3,2-dioxaborines (complexes of boric acid derivatives and 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds), fluoresceins (e.g. 5-octadecanoylaminofluorescein, 6-carboxy-4',5'-dichloro-2',7'-dimethoxyfluorescein-N-succinimidyl ester), fluorescent proteins (GFP, YFP, RFP), indocyanine green, sodium diurinate, Nile Blue / Nile Red, porphyrins based on N,N-dialkylanilines (heme, chlorophyll, etc.), quaternary compounds (secondary acid dyes), rhodamines, stilbenes, synthetic fluorescent labels and markers, e.g. ATTO dyes (ATTO-TEC GmbH, Siegen), Alexa Fluor (Molecular Probes, Invitrogen Corp.) and cyanine (Cy3, Cy5, etc.), or a mixture of at least two thereof.

[0102] It is preferred if the security document (A) comprises the dye in an amount in the range of 0.1 to 10% by weight, more preferably in the range of 0.2 to 8% by weight, particularly preferably in the range of 0.5 to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the security document (A). Examples of suitable dyes are marking agents, IR or UV dyes, fluorescent dyes.

[0103] The security pigment can be any security pigment that a person skilled in the art would use to secure a document. In contrast to the pigments described simply to color one of the polymer films (A1), (A2) or (A3), the security pigment is a pigment that is characteristically added to the respective polymer layer (A1), (A2) or (A3). Thus, the security pigment itself may have a specific property that is detected by a specific instrument such as a scanner, or the security pigment may be added in this way within the polymer film (A1), (A2) or (A3). The security pigment is preferably selected from the group of rare earths consisting of gadolinium oxysulfide, yttrium oxysulfide, lanthanum oxysulfide, gadolinium oxide, samarium oxide, lutetium oxide, terbium oxide, yttrium oxide, lanthanum oxide, europium oxide, dysprosium oxide, praseodymium oxide, erbium oxide, holmium oxide, cerium oxide, neodymium oxide, ytterbium oxide, phosphorus-containing ferromagnetic pigments, especially pigments consisting essentially of iron and cobalt. It is preferred if the security document (A) comprises the pigment in an amount in the range of 0.1 to 10% by weight, more preferably in the range of 0.2 to 8% by weight, particularly preferably in the range of 0.5 to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the security document (A).

[0104] It is preferred if the security document (A) comprises carbon black. It is preferred if the security document (A) comprises an amount of carbon black in the range of 0.1 to 10% by weight, more preferably in the range of 0.2 to 8% by weight, particularly preferably in the range of 0.5 to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the security document (A). If part of the security document (A) is subsequently treated with a laser, for example due to the carbon black content not allowing non-destructive modification, an identifier such as a number can be burned into the security document (A).

[0105] The metallic or non-metallic micro- or nanoparticles can be any type of metallic or non-metallic micro- or nanoparticles that a person skilled in the art would use to protect documents. It is preferred if the metallic or non-metallic micro- or nanoparticles are selected from the group consisting of rare earth metal oxides or sulfides, micro-holograms from Viavi's product line Charms, and microcrystals from Optaglio's product line OVDots.

[0106] It is preferred if the security document (A) comprises metallic or non-metallic micro- or nanoparticles in an amount in the range of 0.1 to 10% by weight, more preferably in the range of 0.2 to 8% by weight, particularly preferably in the range of 0.5 to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the security document (A).

[0107] The magnetic particles can be any type of magnetic particles that a person skilled in the art would use to secure documents. It is preferred if the magnetic particles are selected from the group consisting of the oxides of gadolinium, terbium, yttrium, lanthanum, europium, dysprosium, praseodymium, erbium, holmium, neodymium, ytterbium. It is preferred if the security document (A) comprises an amount of magnetic particles in the range of 0.1 to 10% by weight, more preferably in the range of 0.2 to 8% by weight, particularly preferably in the range of 0.5 to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the security document (A).

[0108] In a preferred embodiment of the security document (A), at least one of the polymer films (A1), (A2) or optionally (A3), preferably the security document (A), has at least one of the following properties:

[0109] a. a tear propagation resistance in the range of 50 to 400 N / mm, more preferably 60 to 350 N / mm, particularly preferably 70 to 300 N / mm, determined according to DIN 53363:2003-10; b. a tensile strength, determined according to ISO 527-3:1995, in the range of 20 to 200 MPa, more preferably 25 to 170 MPa, particularly preferably 30 to 150 MPa; c. Light transmittance in the range of 0 to 85%, preferably 1 to 50%, particularly preferably 5 to 30%, determined according to ISO 13468-2:2019; d. A content of security pigment in the range of 0.1 to 10% by weight based on the total weight of the security document (A); e. a crease recovery angle in the range of 120 to 170 °, more preferably 130 to 160 °, particularly preferably 140 to 150 ° according to DIN 53890 / 91; f. Vicat softening temperature according to DIN EN ISO 306 of 30 to 180 ° C, particularly preferably 40 to 175 ° C, particularly preferably 50 to 170 ° C; g. A nominal elongation at break, measured according to DIN EN ISO 527-1:2012, of at least 60%, preferably in the range from 60 to 800%, particularly preferably from 100 to 500%, very particularly preferably from 130 to 250%.

[0110] It is preferred if the security document (A) has a property or a combination of properties selected from the group consisting of:

[0111] a.,b.,c.,d.,e.,f.,g.,a.+b.,a.+c.,a+d.,a.+e.,a.+f.,a.+g.,b.+c.,b.+d.,b.+e.,b.+f.,b.+g.,c.+d.,c.+e.,c.+f.,c.+g.,d.+e.,d.+f.,d.+g.,e.+g.,f.+g.,a.+b.+c.,a.+b.+d.,a.+b.+e.,a.+b.+f.,a.+b.+g.,a.+c.+d.,a.+c.+e.,a.+c.+f.,a.+c.+g.,a.+d.+e.,a.+d.+f.,a.+d.+g.,a.+e.+f.,a.+e.+g.,a.+f.+g.,b.+c.+d.,b.+c.+e.,b.+c.+f.,b.+c.+g.,b.+d.+e.,b.+d.+f.,b.+d.+g.,b.+e.+f.,b.+e.+g.,b.+f.+g.,c.+d.+e.,c.+d.+f.,c.+d.+g.,c.+e.+f.,c.+e.+g.,d.+e.+f.,d.+e.+g.,e.+f.+g.,a.+b.+c.+d.,a.+b.+c.+e.,a.+b.+c.+f.,a.+b.+c.+g.,a.+b.+d.+e.,a.+b.+d.+f.,a.+b.+d.+g.,a.+b.+e.+f.,a.+b.+e.+g.,a.+b.+f.+g.,a.+c.+d.+e.,a.+c.+d.+f.,a.+c.+d.+g.,a.+c.+e.+f.,a.+c.+e.+g.,a.+c.+f.+g.,a.+d.+e.+f.,a.+d.+e.+g.,a.+d.+f.+g.,a.+e.+f.+g.,b.+c.+d.+e.,b.+c.+d.+f.,b.+c.+d.+g.,b.+d.+e.+f.,b.+d.+e.+g.,b.+d.+f.+g.,b.+e.+f.+g.,c.+d.+e.+f.,c.+d.+e.+g.,c.+d.+f.+g.,c.+e.+f.+g.,d.+e.+f.+g.,a.+b.+c.+d.+e.,a.+b.+c.+d.+f.,a.+b.+c.+d.+g.,a.+b.+c.+e.+f.,a.+b.+c.+e.+g.,a.+b.+c.+f.+g.,a.+b.+d.+e.+f.,a.+b.+d.+e.+g.,a.+b.+d.+f.+g.,a.+b.+e.+f.+g.+g.,a.+c.+d.+e.+f.,a.+c.+d.+e.+g.,a.+c.+d.+f.+g.,a.+c.+e.+f.+g.,a.+d.+e.+f.+g.,b.+c.+d.+e.+f.,b.+c.+d.+e.+g.,b.+c.+d.+f.+g.,b.+c.+e.+f.+g.,c.+d.+e.+f.,+g.,a.+b.+c.+d.+e.+fa+b.+c.+d.+e.+g.,a.+b.+c.+e.+f.+g.,b.+c.+d.+e.+f.+g.,a.+b.+c.+d.+e.+f.+g. It is particularly preferred if the security document (A) has the characteristics of a. and g. .

[0112] It is preferred that the polymer film (A1), (A2) or (A3) further comprises a UV stabilizer as an additive, in an amount of 0.1 to 15% by weight, more preferably 1 to 10% by weight, and particularly preferably 2 to 7% by weight, based on the total weight of the respective polymer film (A1), (A2) or (A3).

[0113] A further aspect of the invention is a process for producing a security document (A) having a first outer surface (AS1) and a second outer surface (AS2) opposite the first outer surface (AS1), comprising: i) providing a first polymer (A1′); ii) providing a second polymer (A2'); iii) optionally providing a further polymer (A3'); iv) melting the polymer from steps i), ii) and optionally iii); v) combining the polymer melts from step iv) to form either a first polymer film (A1) from a first polymer (A1'), a second polymer film (A2) from a second polymer (A2'), and optionally a further polymer film (A3) as a coextrudate from the first polymer (A1') or from a further polymer (A3'), or to form a laminate from the separate polymer films (A1), (A2) and optionally (A3) in each case formed from the melt of step iv); vi) introducing a security feature (A4) selected from the group consisting of a hologram, a print, a security thread, a fluorescent fiber, a dye, a pigment, carbon black, metallic or non-metallic micro- or nanoparticles, magnetic particles, an embossing, or a combination of at least two of these, into or on one of the polymer films (A1), (A2) or (A3) to obtain a security document (A); vii) Optionally, the polymer layer (A6) is thickened to at least 1 mm 2 and bonding, preferably ultrasonically, vibrationally or laser-welding, to one of the outer layers (AS1) or (AS2) over an area of Including, The outer surfaces (AS1) and (AS2) are formed by one of the polymer films (A1), (A2) or (A3), each comprising or consisting of a TPE.

[0114] The feeding of the first polymer (A1') in step i), the second polymer (A2') in step ii) and / or optionally the further polymer (A3') in step iii) can be carried out in any manner known to the skilled artisan. It is preferred if the feeding in steps i), ii) and / or iii) is carried out by introducing pellets of the respective polymer into an extruder or another device in which the polymers can then be melted.

[0115] Step iv) comprises melting the polymers from steps i), ii) and optionally iii), preferably by heating the extruder with the extruder screw switched on. Step v) comprises combining the polymer melts from step iv), preferably by means of a suitable die. Alternatively, the melts from step iv) may be continuously applied to the substrate.

[0116] The melts of step v) are preferably coextruded through a die in the form of an extrusion melt or formed as individual polymer films by casting. It is preferred if the melts are extruded in step v).

[0117] If the melts are each formed separately into a polymer film (A1), (A2) or (A3), they are preferably joined by lamination to obtain a security document (A) in the form of a laminate. If in step v) the melts are extruded together using a die, this forms a security document (A) in the form of an extruded or coextruded film after cooling of the melts. The viscosity of the melt is preferably in a range suitable for polymer processing, in particular flat film production, between 20 and 2000 Pa·s, preferably in the range of 50 to 1000 Pa·s, particularly preferably in the range of 75 to 500 Pa·s. It is immaterial whether the polymer melt is a polymer with a defined melting point Tm or a defined melting interval Tm±ΔT or a polymer without a defined melting point. In extrusion, in particular when exiting the die, if the polymer is heated sufficiently above the melting point Tm or the glass transition temperature Tg, the viscosity of the polymer is preferably sufficiently reduced to allow processing to obtain a polymer film.

[0118] During the extrusion of the melt in step v), it is preferred to introduce at least one further film between the individual melts as security feature (A4) in step vi). The at least one feed film preferably has a thickness in the range of 5 to 35 μm, more preferably 7 to 25 μm, particularly preferably 10 to 20 μm. This at least one further film may be introduced over the entire width of the melt in step v) or over only a part of the melt. It is preferred if the at least one further film has a width that corresponds to 30 to 100%, more preferably 40 to 90%, particularly preferably 50 to 80% of the width of the melt. The at least one further film is preferably used to introduce a security feature (A4).

[0119] After extruding the melt of polymers (A1'), (A2') and optionally (A3') into a film through a die, the extruded film is preferably guided over two rolls. It is preferred if one or both rolls have a ductile surface. This allows a more uniform pressure distribution over the entire width of the extrudate. This can be particularly advantageous if the thin film fed to the roll nip, which serves as the security feature (A4), has recesses or printed symbols of up to 20 μm color layer thickness in areas where the pressure on the rolls may vary due to a shortage or excess of material. The ductile rolls are able to compensate for this pressure difference and thus result in improved adhesion even in these areas. Such rolls are, for example, PTFE-coated or PTFE-sheathed rubber rolls or silicone-coated rolls.

[0120] Step vi) preferably comprises introducing a first security feature (A4) in the form of an embossment (P) into the formed security document (A) by embossing. The embossing is preferably carried out by means of a metal embossing punch, for example in the form of a cylinder or a flat metal sheet. The embossing stamp is pressed against the security document (A) at a temperature in the range of 15 to 80° C. and with a pressure of 40 to 800 N / cm, such that the embossment (P) is visible and tangible on the outer surface (AS1) or (AS2) of the security document (A) on one of the polymer films (A1) or (A3). 2 The multilayer film is pressed onto one side with a pressure of 100 .mu.m.

[0121] As mentioned above, a security feature (A4) or a combination of security features (A4) can be incorporated into the resulting security document (A). Examples include preferably flaking fibers, planchettes, metal fibers, marking agents, IR or UV dyes, security pigments, fluorescent dyes, effect pigments or security threads, which security features (A4) are added as additives to the pelletized polymer mixture in step i) or to the melt in step iv) or are introduced by scattering in the vicinity of the roll nip or are sprayed onto the melt tail in step v) or when the security thread or security film is guided into the roll nip. It is likewise possible to provide a thin feed film with security features (A4). This allows security features already known from the field of paper banknotes to be used without further modification, as described in DE-A-69833653, in particular claim 1, or in CN-A-704788, p. 7. Security features known from paper documents include security threads, OVDs, flicking fibres, security pigments, iridescent coatings, chips, in particular RFID chips, magnetic strips.

[0122] Alternatively, it is preferable to use a gravure roll as one of the rolls.

[0123] The extrusion is preferably carried out on the basis of a simple melt of reacted polymers. Alternatively, it may be preferred to use a prepolymer as described in CN Patent No. 704788 as a starting material to form one of the polymer films (A1), (A2) or optionally (A3). The prepolymer is preferably fed before or after the roll nip into a further melt of polymer that forms another of the polymer films (A1), (A2) or optionally (A3). The prepolymer is then subjected to chemical or physical hardening and / or reaction and / or gelation. The present invention further relates to a multilayer substrate as may be produced by the above-mentioned process or as actually produced by the above-mentioned process.

[0124] Immediately after the introduction of the melt, it is preferable to apply a linear pressure between the roll pair in the range of 0 to 500 N / cm, more preferably 250 to 450 N / cm. The roll pair is preferably kept at a temperature higher than room temperature, preferably in the range of 50 to 180°C, more preferably 60 to 120°C, particularly preferably 70 to 100°C. The roll temperature should ideally not exceed the melting temperature or glass transition point of the materials used in the resulting polymer film (A1), (A2) or optionally (A3). It is preferable to adopt a roll temperature just below the glass transition point Tg and / or melting point Tm of the lowest melting polymer. If the melt of step v) is composed of reacted polymers, the roll temperature may also be just above the melting temperature or above the glass transition point.

[0125] The introduction of the security feature (A4) in step vi) can be carried out by any method known to the skilled person. It is preferred if the introduction of the security feature (A4) in step vi) is carried out by a means selected from the group consisting of mixing security threads, fluorescent fibers, dyes, pigments, carbon black, metallic or non-metallic micro- or nanoparticles, magnetic particles, embossing, or a combination of at least two of these, with the respective polymer (A1'), (A2') or (A3'), preferably with its melt in step iv), introducing a hologram into the coextruded film or laminate from step v), or printing the coextruded film or laminate from step v) by a process known to the skilled person for printing such coextruded films or laminates. The printing in step vi) can be preferably carried out by a process selected from the group consisting of inkjet printing, screen printing, laser jet printing, laser gravure printing, or a combination of at least two of these.

[0126] Alternatively or additionally, the introduction of a security feature (A4) may take place in the form of an embossing in one of the polymer layers (A1), (A2) or (A3).

[0127] The fibers (A5) may be introduced into, between or on the melt. They may also be applied as separate plies to the formed multilayer film or may be bonded thereto. It is preferred if the fibers (A5) are introduced into the melt of the polymers (A1') or (A3').

[0128] At least 1mm 2The optional joining of a further polymer layer (A6) to one of the outer layers (AS1) or (AS2) in step vii) over an area of ​​100 mm can be carried out by any joining method known to the skilled artisan for joining polymer films. The joining is preferably selected from ultrasonic welding, vibration welding, laser welding or a combination of at least two of these. The polymer layer (A6) is for example the data page of a passport.

[0129] The configuration of the polymer films (A1), (A2) and optionally (A3) corresponds to the polymer films specified in connection with the security document (A) according to the invention: in particular the composition, thickness, length and width, as well as the shape and properties are the same as those described above for the polymer films (A1), (A2) and optionally (A3).

[0130] It is preferred if all polymer films (A1), (A2) and (A3) consist exclusively of polymer. It is preferred if the complete security document (A), except for the security feature (A4) and optionally the fibres (A5), consists exclusively of polymer.

[0131] One advantage of the method according to the invention for producing security documents (A) is the high flexibility in terms of changing the polymers to be processed. A change of material is possible in the shortest possible time frame, thus also facilitating the production of smaller batch sizes. Furthermore, the polymer pellets can be easily mixed before extrusion with marking agents in the form of security features (A4), such as dyes, security pigments, fluorescent dyes, effect pigments, interference pigments, metallic pigments, reactive dyes, and further additives, such as UV absorbers, stabilizers, and further additives, in particular those already described in connection with the security documents (A) according to the invention, preferably in the form of a masterbatch, which allows for easy individualization, protection from environmental influences, and further safeguarding of the security document (A). The selection and amounts of the different security features (A4) are clear from the above with respect to the security documents (A) according to the invention and apply analogously to the process according to the invention.

[0132] As with the security document (A) according to the invention, preferred materials therefor are in particular plastics from the group of thermoplastic elastomers, for example thermoplastic polyurethanes, copolyesters, polyether block amides, thermoplastic polyolefins, styrene block copolymers and mixtures of at least two of the listed polymers. Due to their chemical structure, they show particularly good compatibility in extrusion, coextrusion and the production of blends. After combination during extrusion, lamination or coating, they therefore show a particularly intimate bond, firstly due to good cohesion and secondly due to good compatibility of the individual components. Further advantageous properties of the polymeric materials for the security document (A) according to the invention are high chemical resistance to acids, bases, solvents, bleaches, etc., high thermal and UV stability, high opacity, high flexural fatigue strength and high softening temperature.

[0133] Film laminates produced by extrusion lamination are typically formed in such a way that the thin film to be laminated, e.g. film (A1) consisting of polymer (A1'), runs over a roughened heated or cooled metal roll, and the melt of the second polymer, e.g. (A2'), from the slot die is pressed by a rubber-sheathed roughened roll against the first metal roll, thus forcing the polymer melt onto the supplied film. The texture of the roughened surface of the roll is transferred to the molten polymer and the supplied film for lamination. The temperature-controlled roll pair is cooled below the solidification temperature of the polymer to prevent the film from adhering to the rubber roll. Since the polymer (A1'), (A2') or optionally (A3') is in direct contact in molten form with the supplied thin film (A1), (A2) or optionally (A3), the heat effect on the supplied film is short-lived and therefore hardly harmful. The supplied polymer film, e.g. polymer film (A1), preferably comprises TPU, to which the melt of PC is applied. It is possible to operate at relatively high melt temperatures in the range of 200-250 °C. This has the advantage that the high temperature of the melt allows a lower melt viscosity to be achieved and therefore results in a better and faster joining of the plastic layers, allowing the closer bond required for the security document (A). This at the same time allows for faster process speeds.

[0134] It is preferred if the roll pair comprises a temperature-controllable roll with a matte surface which is to some extent transferred to the extruded layer composite during extrusion. Instead of a roll pair consisting of one rubber roll and one metal roll, it is also possible to use two metal rolls. A matte surface should be understood to mean in particular one having a roughness in the range of 10 to 30 μm.

[0135] When using two metal rolls, it is preferable that one of the two metal rolls is thin-walled and under hydraulic pressure from the inside, so that the metal roll acts like a rubber roll, since in the case of thickening, such as printing with a thick color layer, the rubber roll may be subject to local deformations.

[0136] Metal rolls with a surface polished to a high gloss produce films with a correspondingly smooth surface. These films are not suitable for security printing, since they stick to each other and are very difficult to print at high speeds. These films are typically separated with ionized compressed air before being fed to the printing press. An alternative to polished rolls are rolls with only locally polished areas that can later be found in specific places on the security document (A), for example a banknote.

[0137] For example, in the production of a security document (A) by co-extrusion of at least three polymer films (A1), (A2) and (A3) of symmetrical structure with, for example, an inner polymer film (A2) of polymer (A2') and outer polymer films (A1) and (A3') of polymers (A1') and (A3'), respectively, the polymers (A1') and (A3') are particularly preferably identical, and the softening temperature of the outer polymer (A1') or (A3') is preferably lower than that of the inner polymer (A2'). Alternatively, the outer polymer (A1') or (A3') has a lower melt viscosity than the inner polymer (A2') under given processing conditions. This makes it possible to optimize the printability of the resulting security document (A) by appropriately selecting the outer polymer. For the inner polymer film (A2), it is preferable to select the polymer (A2') for optimized mechanical properties of the film. Such multi-layer polymer plies are preferably composed of a majority of compatible, i.e., readily co-extrudable, polymers, such as thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs), copolyesters, polyether block amides, thermoplastic polyolefins, styrenic block copolymers, and mixtures of at least two of these.

[0138] During the manufacturing process of the security document (A), it is preferred to incorporate additional material between the polymeric film (A1) or (A3) and (A2). As security feature (A4), it is preferred to feed a security thread into the roll nip, which ensures that it is incorporated between the individual plies. The thread is ideally provided with adhesive, which is not uncommon for security threads, and is therefore adhered to one of the outer polymeric films (A1) or (A3) via a temperature-controlled roll.

[0139] In a preferred embodiment of the process, at least one of the polymers selected from the group consisting of polymer (A1'), polymer (A2') and optionally polymer (A3') is a polymer selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic polyamide elastomers, olefin-based thermoplastic elastomers, preferably PP / EPDM, thermoplastic styrene block copolymers (SBS, SEBS, SEPS, SEEPS and MBS), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), copolyester elastomers, polyether block amides, copolyesters, polycarbonates, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) or a mixture of at least two of these, preferably TPU. Examples of these materials have already been mentioned in the description of the security document (A) according to the invention and apply analogously to the materials used in the process according to the invention.

[0140] It is preferred if the second polymer film (A2) comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of TPE, copolyester, polyether block amide or a mixture of at least two of these in an amount in the range of 50 to 100% by weight, preferably 60 to 90% by weight, particularly preferably 70 to 80% by weight, based on the total weight of the polymer film (A2).

[0141] It is preferred if the first polymer film (A1) contains the TPE in an amount in the range of 50 to 100% by weight, preferably 60 to 90% by weight, particularly preferably 70 to 80% by weight, based on the total weight of the polymer film (A1).

[0142] Furthermore, at least one of the polymers (A1'), (A2') or (A3') comprises further additives for various purposes, such as UV protection, easier processing, coloring, etc. Examples of conventional additives include in particular those mentioned in connection with the security document (A) according to the invention.

[0143] 1. Antioxidants 1.1 Alkylated monophenols, such as 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol, 2-tert-butyl-4,6-dimethylphenol, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-ethylphenol, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-n-butylphenol, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-i-butylphenol, 2,6-di-cyclopentyl-4-methylphenol, 2-(α-methylcyclohexyl)-4,6-dimethylphenol, 2,6-di-octadecyl-4-methylphenol, 2,4,6-tricyclohexylphenol, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methoxymethylphenol.

[0144] 1.2 Alkylated hydroquinones, such as 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methoxyphenol, 2,5-di-tert-butyl-hydroquinone, 2,5-di-tert-amyl-hydroquinone, 2,6-diphenyl-4-octadecyloxyphenyl.

[0145] 1.3 Hydroxylated thiodiphenyl ethers, such as 2,2'-thio-bis-(6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol), 2,2'-thio-bis-(4-octylphenol), 4,4'-thio-bis-(6-tert-butyl-3-methylphenol), 4,4'-thio-bis-(6-tert-butyl-2-methylphenol).

[0146] 1.4 Alkylidene bisphenols, such as 2,2'-methylene-bis-(6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol), 2,2'-methylene-bis-(6-tert-butyl-4-ethylphenol), 2,2'-methylene-bis-(4-methyl-6(α-methylcyclohexyl)-phenol), 2,2'-methylene-bis-(4-methyl-6-cyclohexylphenol), 2,2'-methylene-bis-(6-nonyl-4-methylphenol), 2,2' -Methylene-bis-(4,6-di-tert-butylphenol), 2,2'-ethylidene-bis-(4,6-di-tert-butylphenol), 2,2'-ethylidene-bis-(6-tert-butyl-4-isobutylphenol), 2,2'-methylene-bis-[6-(α-methylbenzyl)-4-nonylphenol], 2,2'-methylene-bis-[6-(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)-4-nonylphenol], 4,4'-methylene-bis-(2, 6-di-tert-butylphenol), 4,4'-methylene-bis-(6-tert-butyl-2-methylphenol), 1,1-bis-(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methylphenyl)-butane, 2,6-di-(3-tert-butyl-5-methyl-2-hydroxybenzyl)-4-methylphenol, 1,1,3-tris-(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methylphenyl)butane, 1,1-bis-(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methylphenyl)butane tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methylphenyl)-3-n-dodecylmercaptobutane, ethylene glycol bis[3,3-bis-(3'-tert-butyl-4'-hydroxyphenyl)-butyrate], di-(3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)-dicyclopentadiene, di-[2-(3'-tert-butyl-2'-hydroxy-5'-methylbenzyl)-6-tert-butyl-4-methyl-phenyl]terephthalate.

[0147] 1.5 Benzyl compounds such as 1,3,5-tri-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)-2,4,6 trimethylbenzene, di-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)-sulfide, isooctyl 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl-mercaptoacetate, bis-(4-tert-butyl-3-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylbenzyl)-dithiol terephthalate, 1,3,5-tris-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)isocyanurate, 1,3,5-tris-(4-tert-butyl-3-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylbenzyl)isocyanurate, dioctadecyl 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl-phosphonate, calcium salt of the monoethyl ester of 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylphosphonic acid. 1.6 Acylaminophenols, such as 4-hydroxylaurylanilide, 4-hydroxystearylanilide, 2,4-bis-octylmercapto-6-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanilino)-s-triazine, N-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-octylcarbamate.

[0148] 1.7 Esters of β-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionic acid with mono- or polyhydric alcohols, for example methanol, octadecanol, hexane-1,6-diol, neopentyl glycol, thiodiethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, pentaerythritol, tris-hydroxyethyl isocyanurate, di-hydroxyethyl oxalamide.

[0149] 1.8 Esters of β-(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)-propionic acid with mono- or polyhydric alcohols, for example methanol, octadecanol, hexane-1,6-diol, neopentyl glycol, thiodiethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, pentaerythritol, trishydroxyethyl isocyanurate, dihydroxyethyl oxalamide.

[0150] 1.9 Amides of β-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionic acid, for example, N,N'-di-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylpropionyl)-hexamethylenediamine, N,N'-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylpropionyl)-trimethylenediamine, N,N'-di-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylpropionyl)-hydrazine.

[0151] 2.UV absorbers and light stabilizers 2.1 2-(2'-Hydroxyphenyl)-benzotriazoles, such as the 5'-methyl, 3',5'-di-tert-butyl, 5'-tert-butyl, 5'-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl), 5-chloro-3',5'-di-tert-butyl, 5-chloro-3'-tert-butyl-5'-methyl, 3'-sec-butyl-5'-tert-butyl, 4'-octoxy,3',5'-di-tert-amyl and 3',5'-bis-(α,α-dimethylbenzyl) derivatives.

[0152] 2.2 2-Hydroxybenzophenones, such as the 4-hydroxy, 4-methoxy, 4-octoxy, 4-decyloxy, 4-dodecyloxy, 4-benzyloxy, 4,2',4'-trihydroxyoxy and 2'-hydroxy-4,4'-dimethoxy derivatives.

[0153] 2.3 Esters of optionally substituted benzoic acids, such as 4-tert-butylphenyl salicylate, phenyl salicylate, octylphenyl salicylate, dibenzoylresorcinol, bis(4-tert-butylbenzoyl)-resorcinol, benzoylresorcinol, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate, hexadecyl 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate.

[0154] 2.4 Acrylates, for example ethyl α-cyano-β,β-diphenylacrylate or isooctyl α-cyano-β,β-diphenylacrylate, methyl α-carbomethoxycinnamate, methyl α-cyano-β-methyl-p-methoxycinnamate or butyl α-cyano-β-methyl-p-methoxycinnamate, methyl α-carbomethoxy-p-methoxy-cinnamate, N-(β-carbomethoxy-β-cyanovinyl)-2-methyl-indoline.

[0155] 2.5 Nickel compounds, for example nickel complexes of 2,2'-thio-bis-[4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)-phenol], such as the 1:1 or 1:2 complexes, which may have additional ligands, for example n-butylamine, triethanolamine or N-cyclohexyldiethanolamine, nickel dibutyldithiocarbamate, nickel salts of monoalkyl 4-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylbenzyl-phosphonates, for example the nickel salts of methyl or ethyl 4-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylbenzyl-phosphonate, nickel complexes of ketoximes, for example nickel complexes of 2-hydroxy-4-methyl-phenyl-undecylketonoxime, nickel complexes of 1-phenyl-4-lauroyl-5-hydroxypyrazole, which may have additional ligands.

[0156] 2.6 Sterically hindered amines, for example, bis-(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidyl) sebacate, bis-(1,2,2,6,6 pentamethylpiperidyl) sebacate, n-butyl-3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl-malonic acid bis-(1,2,2,6,6 pentamethylpiperidyl) ester, condensation products of 1-hydroxyethyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-hydroxypiperidine with succinic acid, N,N'-(2,2,6,6- Condensation products of tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-hexamethylenediamine with 4-tert-octylamino-2,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazine, tris-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)nitrotriacetate, tetrakis-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid, 1,1'-(1,2-ethanediyl)-bis-(3,3,5,5-tetramethylpiperazinone).

[0157] 2.7 Oxalamides, such as 4,4'-di-octyloxy-oxanilide, 2,2'-di-octyloxy-5,5'-di-tert-butyl-oxanilide, 2,2'-di-dodecyloxy-5,5'-di-tert-butyl-oxanilide, 2-ethoxy-2'-ethyl-oxanilide, N,N'-bis-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-oxalamide, 2-ethoxy-5-tert-butyl-2'-ethyl-oxanilide and mixtures thereof with 2-ethoxy-2'-ethyl-5,4'-di-tert-butyl-oxanilide, mixtures of o- and p-methoxy- and o- and p-ethoxy-disubstituted oxanilides.

[0158] 3. Metal deactivators, such as N,N'-diphenyloxalamide, N-salicylal-N'-salicyloylhydrazine, N,N'-bis-salicyloylhydrazine, N,N'-bis-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylpropionyl)hydrazine, 3-salicyloylamino-1,2,4-triazole, bis-benzylidene-oxalyl dihydrazide.

[0159] 4. Phosphites and phosphonites, such as triphenyl phosphite, diphenyl alkyl phosphites, phenyl dialkyl phosphites, tri-(nonylphenyl) phosphite, trilauryl phosphite, trioctadecyl phosphite, distearyl pentaerythritol diphosphite, tris-(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite, diisodecyl pentaerythritol diphosphite, di-(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) pentaerythritol diphosphite, tristearyl sorbitol triphosphite, tetrakis-(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)-4,4'-biphenylene diphosphonite, 3,9-bis-(2,4-di-tert-butylphenoxy-2,4,8,10 tetraoxa-3,9-diphosphaspiro[5,5]undecane.

[0160] 5. Peroxide destroying compounds, such as esters of β-thiodipropionic acid, such as the lauryl, stearyl, myristyl or tridecyl ester, mercaptobenzimidazole, zinc salts of 2-mercaptobenzimidazole, zinc dithiocarbamate, dioctadecyl disulfide, pentaerythritol tetrakis-(β-dodecylmercapto)-propionate.

[0161] 6. Polyamide stabilizers, such as copper salts and divalent manganese salts in combination with iodides and / or phosphorus compounds.

[0162] 7. Basic co-stabilizers, such as melamine, polyvinylpyrrolidone, dicyandiamide, triallyl cyanurate, urea derivatives, amines, polyamides, polyurethanes, alkali and alkaline earth metal salts of higher fatty acids, such as Ca stearate, Zn stearate, Mg stearate, Na ricinoleate, K palmitate, antimony catecholate or tin catecholate.

[0163] 8. Nucleating agents, such as 4-tert-butylbenzoic acid, adipic acid, diphenylacetic acid.

[0164] 9. Fillers and reinforcing agents, such as calcium carbonate, silicates, glass fibers, asbestos, talc, kaolin, mica, barium sulfate, metal oxides and hydroxides, carbon black, graphite.

[0165] 10. Other additives, such as plasticizers, lubricants, emulsifiers, pigments, optical brighteners, flame retardants, antistatic agents, foaming agents.

[0166] The polymers (A1'), (A2') and / or (A3') are obtained by mixing the correspondingly selected additives mentioned above with the starting materials for the polymers (A1'), (A2') and / or (A3'). It is preferred when the polymers (A1'), (A2') and / or (A3') comprise one or more of the additives mentioned above in each case in an amount ranging from 0.01 to 10% by weight, more preferably from 0.05 to 5% by weight, particularly preferably from 0.1 to 3% by weight, based on the total weight of the respective polymer (A1'), (A2') and / or (A3'). The mixing can be carried out in any manner by known techniques, for example via a kneader or screw extruder. The further processing is carried out by known techniques of thermoplastic processing, for example by extrusion or injection molding.

[0167] In a preferred embodiment of the process, a further layer is applied to at least one surface (AS1) or (AS2) of the security document (A), the further layer being preferably paper, a fibre composite, a textile or a combination of at least two of these. This makes it possible to provide a security document (A) which is used, for example, as an "end page" of a passport. An end page refers to the outermost page sewn together with a further film which is joined to the passport cover.

[0168] Further aspects of the invention relate to the use of a security document (A) according to the invention or produced according to a process according to the invention as a carrier layer for a banknote, a birth certificate, a tax stamp, a visa page of a passport, a hinge for a data page of a passport, an electromagnetic shield for a passport. Preferably, the security document (A) is used for the production of a banknote or a visa page of a passport.

[0169] [Example] Preparation of masterbatch containing 30% TiO2. Masterbatch: High concentration TiO2 masterbatch blended The preparation of the masterbatches for the production of the polymer films (A1) or (A3) was carried out using a conventional twin-screw mixing extruder (ZSK 32) at processing temperatures of 190-250° C., which are customary for TPU.

[0170] a) A masterbatch a) having the following composition was compounded and pelletized: 70% by weight of Desmopan™ 9365D from Covestro Deutschland AG (Germany) 30% by weight of Kronos 2260 TiO2 from Kronos Titan GmbH (Germany) b) A masterbatch b) having the following composition was compounded and pelletized: 70% by weight of Desmopan™ 9385D from Covestro Deutschland AG (Germany) 30% by weight of Kronos® 2260 TiO2 from Kronos Titan GmbH (Germany) c) A masterbatch c) having the following composition was compounded and pelletized: 14% by weight of Desmopan™ 9365D from Covestro Deutschland AG (Germany) 56% by weight of Tritan (registered trademark MX710) manufactured by EASTMAN Chemical GmbH (Germany) 30% by weight of Kronos 2260 TiO2 from Kronos Titan GmbH (Germany)

[0171] The equipment used to produce the extruded or coextruded film comprises: an extruder a) for a monolayer film made of (A1') or two extruders a) and b) for the coextrusion of polymers (A1') and (A2'), the extruder comprising at least one screw of diameter 60 mm (D) and length 33D, the screw having a degassing zone, Melt pumps, Crosshead, Multi-layer blocks, 450mm wide slot die, A three-roll smooth calender with a horizontal roll arrangement, the third roll being pivotable by + / - 45° relative to the horizontal rolls; Roll conveyors, Thickness measuring means, - Double-sided application means for protective film; -Removal machine, · Winding station.

[0172] Example 1) Preparation of a single-layer TPU film having a thickness of 80 μm, not according to the present invention (ni)

[0173] The pellets of masterbatch a) from example 1) were conveyed from the dryer to the filling hopper of the extruder a).

[0174] Furthermore, pellets of the plastic Desmopan® 9365D from Covestro Deutschland AG were conveyed to the filling hopper of the extruder a).

[0175] The following weight ratios of masterbatch a) and Desmopan® 9365D in the filling hopper were established: 50% by weight of masterbatch a) white; - 50% by weight of Desmopan(TM) 9365D.

[0176] In the plasticization system, i.e. the barrel and screw of the extruder, the mixture of masterbatch a) and Desmopan® 9365D was melted at a processing temperature of 190-250°C, in particular 210-240°C, customary for TPU, and at a pressure of 10-1500 bar, preferably 500 bar. The resulting melt is conveyed from the screw to a slot die and then to a smooth calender. The final shaping and cooling of the film took place in a smooth calender (consisting of three rolls). For surface embossing, a matte steel roll and a matte silicone rubber roll were used. The rubber rolls used to texture the film surface are disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,368,240 of Nauta Roll Corporation. The film was then transported through a take-off machine, after which the film was wound into a roll.

[0177] Example 2) Preparation of a white TPU film of the present invention, thickness 80 μm Extruded Film Manufacturing Pellets of the masterbatch a) from example 1) were conveyed from the dryer to the filling hopper a) of the extruder a).Furthermore, pellets of the plastic Desmopan® 9365D from Covestro Deutschland AG were conveyed to the filling hopper a) of the extruder a).

[0178] The pellets of the masterbatch b) from example 1) were conveyed from the dryer to the filling hopper b) of the extruder b).

[0179] The following weight ratios of masterbatch a) and Desmopan® 9365D in the filling hopper a) were established: 50% by weight of masterbatch a) white; - 50% by weight of Desmopan(TM) 9365D.

[0180] The filling hopper b) of the extruder b) also contained pellets of the plastic Desmopan® 9385D manufactured by Covestro Deutschland AG.

[0181] The following weight ratios of masterbatch b) and Desmopan® 9385D in the filling hopper b) were established: - 50% by weight of masterbatch b) white; - 50% by weight of Desmopan(TM) 9385D.

[0182] In the barrel / screw plasticizing system of the extruder, the materials were melted and conveyed at processing temperatures of 190-250 ° C, in particular 210-240 ° C, customary for most TPEs, especially TPUs, and at pressures of 10-1500 bar, preferably 500 bar. The materials from extruder a) and extruder b) were combined in the form of a multilayer block in a slot die to form a three-layer structure of the extruded film. The material from extruder a) formed the two outer layers (first polymer film (A1) and further polymer film (A3)), both 15 μm thick, while the melt from extruder b) formed the middle layer in the form of a second polymer film (A2) 50 μm thick. For this purpose, the melt from extruders a) and b) is conveyed through a slot die to a smooth calender. The final shaping and cooling of the film took place in a smooth calender (consisting of three rolls). For surface embossing, a matte steel roll and a matte silicone rubber roll were used. The rubber rolls used to texture the film surface are disclosed in Nauta Roll Corporation's U.S. Patent No. 4,368,240. The film was then transported through a take-up machine, which then wound the film into a roll.

[0183] Example 3: Preparation of a white TPU film of the present invention having a thickness of 80 μm and comprising a core layer of a TPU copolyester blend and a TPU outer layer. The pellets were charged into the extruder as in Example 2 in the following ratios: The following weight ratios of masterbatch a) and Desmopan® 9365D in the filling hopper a) were established: 50% by weight of masterbatch a) white; - 50% by weight of Desmopan(TM) 9365D.

[0184] In addition, the following pellet mixture c) was conveyed to the filling hopper b) of the extruder b): - 20% by weight of Desmopan(TM) 9365D. -80% by weight of Tritan® MX710.

[0185] The following weight ratios of masterbatch c) to mixture c) in the filling hopper b) were established: -50% by weight of masterbatch c) White - 50% by weight pellet mixture c)

[0186] A melt of the polymer mixture was then prepared and processed into a security document in an extruder as described in Example 2.

[0187] Example 4) Preparation of a colorless TPU film of the present invention having a thickness of 80 μm from TPU Extruded Film Manufacturing Desmopan™ 9365D pellets were conveyed from the dryer to the charging hopper a) of the extruder a).

[0188] Desmopan™ 9385D pellets were conveyed to the filling hopper b) of the extruder b).

[0189] A melt of the polymer mixture was then prepared and processed into a security document in an extruder as described in Example 2.

[0190] Example 5: Preparation of a colorless TPU film of the present invention having a thickness of 80 μm and comprising a core layer of a TPU copolyester blend Extruded Film Manufacturing Desmopan™ 9365D pellets were conveyed from the dryer to the filling hopper a) of the extruder a) as polymer (A1′). The following pellet mixture b) was conveyed to the filling hopper b) of the extruder b) as polymer (A2′): 20% by weight of Desmopan™ 9365D 80% by weight of Tritan® MX710

[0191] A melt of the polymer mixture was then prepared and processed into a security document in an extruder as described in Example 2.

[0192] Example 6: Preparation of a multi-layer colorless TPU film with a thickness of 80 μm containing a core layer of copolyester Extruded Film Manufacturing Desmopan™ 9365D pellets were conveyed from the dryer to the charging hopper a) of the extruder a). Tritan™ MX710 pellets were conveyed from the dryer to the charging hopper b) of the extruder b).

[0193] A melt of the polymer mixture was then prepared and processed into a security document in an extruder as described in Example 2.

[0194] Example 7: Preparation of a multi-layered white TPU film with a thickness of 80 μm containing a core layer of copolyester and UV stabilizers and antistatic agents in the outer layers of the extruded film. Extruded Film Manufacturing The pellets of masterbatch a) were conveyed from the dryer to the filling hopper a). The following materials were further mixed with the materials in the filling hopper a): 2% by weight of the UV stabilizer Tinuvin® P from BASF AG (Germany) 10% by weight of the antistatic agent Irgastat® P 18 from BASF AG (Germany) The mixture in the filling hopper a) was conveyed to the extruder a).

[0195] The materials Tritan® MX710 and the masterbatch b) were charged into the charging hopper b) of the extruder b). The following mix ratios were established: 50% by weight Tritan® MX710 50% by weight of masterbatch b) The mixture in the filling hopper b) was conveyed to the extruder b).

[0196] A melt of the polymer mixture was then prepared and processed into a security document in an extruder as described in Example 2.

[0197] Example 8: Preparation of a multi-layered white TPU film 80 μm thick containing a core layer of copolyester and a UV fluorescent security feature (A4) on the outer layer of the extruded film Extruded Film Manufacturing The following materials were conveyed to the filling hopper a) of the extruder a), the masterbatch a) of example 1) and Desmopan™ 9365D were conveyed from the dryer: 45% by weight of masterbatch a) White 45% by weight of Desmopan™ 9365D from Covestro Deutschland AG (Germany) 5% by weight of Lumogen® UV 560 from BASF AG (Germany) as a security feature (A4) The mixture in the filling hopper a) was conveyed to the extruder a).

[0198] The materials Tritan® MX710 and the masterbatch d) from example 1) were charged into the charging hopper b) of the extruder b). The following mixing ratios were established: 50% by weight Tritan® MX710 50% by weight of masterbatch b) The mixture in the filling hopper b) was conveyed to the extruder b).

[0199] A melt of the polymer mixture was then prepared and processed into a security document in an extruder as described in Example 2.

[0200] Example 9: Production of multilayer films by extrusion lamination In a temperature-controlled metal-rubber roll pair with a matte texture on both sides of the roll, two TPU films made of Desmopan™ 9365D from Covestro Deutschland AG were fed into the roll nip as polymer films (A1) and (A3) with a thickness of 30 μm. Each of the polymer films (A1) and (A3) contained an inward-facing security feature (A4) area in the form of a hologram strip applied in the form of a polyester film with a thickness of 20 μm. A molten tail of Desmopan™ 9385D from Covestro Deutschland AG was introduced between the roll pair on the side of the polymer films (A1) and (A3) containing the security feature (A4) through a slot die at 220° C. at standard pressure. The roll pair was brought together so that the films (A1) and (A3) were in contact with the molten tail. The input of the molten tail was such that a layer (A2) with a thickness of about 50 μm was formed between the polymer films (A1) and (A3). The temperature of the roll pair was 75°C, the process speed was 15 m / min, and a three-layer laminate was obtained that was not capable of non-destructive separation. The surface of the film was matt. The process speed could be increased to different values ​​allowing a thickness of the film (A2) of up to 80 μm without changing the quality of the laminate. Similarly, the input could be reduced to about 40 μm without changing the quality of the laminate. As before, good quality films with embedded security features were produced.

[0201] The results for various properties of some of the polymer films are summarized in Table 1.

[0202] [Table 1]

[0203] Measurements of banknotes not according to the invention were carried out on British 5 pound banknotes. As is evident from table 1, security documents (A) produced according to the invention from examples 2, 4 and 5 show very high tear propagation resistance coupled with good relaxation properties after creasing, with 1 representing creases protruding from the level base by up to 0.1 mm, 2 0.1-0.2 mm, 3 0.2-0.3 mm, 4 0.3-0.4 mm and 5 0.4-0.5 mm, representing good surface energy and variable adjustment of light transmission. In this respect, non-inventive films made of BOPP do not show good tear propagation resistance even in coated form and can only be made opaque by a separate coating step. The creasing behavior is also not as good as the inventive examples. Example 1, i.e. a monolayer film made of TPU, showed poor dimensional stability since at the same elongation of 10% it already showed significantly lower stresses than inventive examples 2, 4 and 5. This particularly positive property is also reflected in the measured nominal elongation at break, which for the inventive examples 2, 4 and 5 is 4 to 5 times higher than for the non-inventive examples.

[0204] figure 1-2 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the security document (A) and its manufacturing process, but they should not be considered as limiting. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0205] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 shows a security document (A) in the form of a banknote without security features (A4). [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a process for producing a security document (A) according to the invention.

[0206] FIG. 1 shows a photograph of four different banknotes. On the left is a printed banknote 1 from the prior art in the form of a HK$10 banknote. Next to it on the right is an unprinted banknote 2, i.e. a banknote substrate, made of three layers of extrudate, with an outer TPU having a Shore hardness of 65D and a core of a TPU copolyester core having a Shore hardness of 85D, this banknote substrate corresponding to Example 5. To the right of the banknote substrate 2 is an unprinted banknote substrate 3 made of three layers of extrudate, with an outer TPU having a Shore hardness of 65D and a core of a TPU copolyester core having a Shore hardness of 85D, this banknote substrate corresponding to Example 4. On the far right is an unprinted banknote substrate 4 made of three layers of extrudate, with an outer TPU with TiO2 pigment having a Shore hardness of 65D and a core of a TPU with TiO2 pigment having a Shore hardness of 85D, this banknote substrate corresponding to Example 2. All banknotes / banknote substrates were subjected to a crease test. The test involved manually creasing the banknote and then unfolding it onto a smooth surface. A visual evaluation was performed after 72 hours. It is clear that banknote substrate 2 has the fewest creases and behaves similarly to prior art banknote 1. Banknote substrates 3 and 4 contain many fine creases and have a less attractive feel to the hand than example 2, while still exhibiting bending properties typical of banknotes that facilitate handling.

[0207] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a process for producing a security document (A). In step i) 10, a first polymer (A1') was provided. In step ii) 12, a second polymer (A2') was provided. Optional step iii) is not shown here. In step iv) 14, the polymers from step i) 10 and step ii) 12 were melted in an extruder, respectively. The melting was carried out at a temperature of 250° C. and at standard pressure. In step v) 16, the polymer melt from step iv) was formed as a co-extrudate by forming a first polymer film (A1) and a further polymer film (A3) from the first polymer (A1') and a second polymer film (A2) from the second polymer (A2'). This was done by passing the melt from the extruder through a die onto two metal rolls. Step vi) In parallel with the melt flow from the extruder in 18, a security thread was introduced between the melt of polymer (A1') and the melt of polymer (A2').

Claims

1. A security document (A) having a first outer surface (AS1) and a second outer surface (AS2) opposite said first outer surface (AS1), (A1) a first polymer film (A1); (A2) a second polymer film (A2); and (A3) optionally at least one further polymer film (A3), (A4) Security feature (A4); and (A5) optionally with fibers, especially structural fibers At least 1. A security document (A) wherein at least one of the polymer films selected from the group consisting of said first polymer film (A1), said second polymer film (A2), optionally said at least one further polymer film (A3), or a combination of at least two of these, comprises or consists of at least one thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and forms at least one of said outer surfaces (AS1) or (AS2).

2. A security document (A) according to claim 1, wherein said TPE has a hardness in the range of 45 to 95 Shore D.

3. 3. Security document (A) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said TPE is selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic polyamide elastomers, olefin-based thermoplastic elastomers, preferably PP / EPDM, thermoplastic styrene block copolymers (SBS, SEBS, SEPS, SEEPS and MBS), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), copolyester elastomers, polyether block amides, copolyesters, polycarbonates, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), or a mixture of at least two of these.

4. 3. Security document (A) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer surfaces (AS1) and (AS2) of the security document (A) consist of a polymer film (A1), (A2) or (A3) comprising or consisting of TPU.

5. 3. A security document (A) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least all polymer films (A1), (A2) and (A3) consist exclusively of polymer, preferably said complete security document (A) consisting exclusively of polymer with the exception of said security features (A4) and said fibres (A5).

6. 3. A security document (A) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the security document (A) comprises at least one further polymer film (A3), the at least one further polymer film (A3) comprising a TPE in an amount in the range of 50 to 100 wt.-%, preferably 60 to 90 wt.-%, particularly preferably 70 to 80 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the respective polymer film (A3).

7. 3. Security document (A) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the polymer films selected from the group consisting of the first polymer film (A1), the second polymer film (A2) or both polymer films (A1) and (A2) comprises a TPE in an amount ranging from 50 to 100% by weight, preferably from 60 to 90% by weight, particularly preferably from 70 to 80% by weight, based on the total weight of the respective polymer film (A1) or (A2).

8. 3. The security document (A) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the polymer films selected from the group consisting of the first polymer film (A1), the second polymer film (A2), or both, comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), copolyesters, or mixtures of at least two thereof, or mixtures of TPU with a further TPE, in an amount in the range of 50 to 100% by weight, preferably 60 to 90% by weight, particularly preferably 70 to 80% by weight, based on the total weight of the respective polymer film (A1) or (A2).

9. 3. The security document (A) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said security feature (A4) is selected from the group consisting of a hologram, a print, a security thread, a fluorescent fiber, a dye, a security pigment, carbon black, metallic or non-metallic micro- or nanoparticles, magnetic particles, embossing, or a combination of at least two of these.

10. The security document (A) has the following characteristics: a. Tear propagation resistance in the range of 50 to 400 N / mm determined according to DIN 53363:2003-10; b. a tensile strength in the range of 20 to 200 MPa determined according to ISO 527-3:1995; c. Light transmission in the range of 0 to 85% as determined in accordance with ISO 13468-2:2019; d) a content of security pigment in the range of 0.1 to 10% by weight based on the total weight of said security document (A); e. a fold recovery angle in the range of 120 to 170°, more preferably 130 to 160°, particularly preferably 140 to 150° according to DIN 53890 / 91; f. Vicat softening temperature according to DIN EN ISO 306 of 60 to 105°C, particularly preferably 65 to 85°C; g. A nominal elongation at break of at least 60%, preferably in the range of 60 to 800%, measured according to DIN EN ISO 527-1:2012 3. A security document (A) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising at least one of:

11. 1. A process for producing a security document (A) having a first outer surface (AS1) and a second outer surface (AS2) opposite said first outer surface (AS1), comprising: i) providing a first polymer (A1′); ii) providing a second polymer (A2′); iii) optionally providing a further polymer (A3′); iv) melting the polymer from steps i), ii) and optionally iii); v) combining the polymer melts from step iv) to form a first polymer film (A1) from the first polymer (A1′), a second polymer film (A2) from the second polymer (A2′), and optionally a further polymer film (A3) from the first polymer (A1′) or from a further polymer (A3′) as a coextrudate, or to form a laminate from the separate polymer films (A1), (A2) and optionally (A3) in each case formed from the melts of step iv), vi) introducing into or onto one of said polymer films (A1), (A2) or (A3) a security feature (A4) selected from the group consisting of a hologram, a print, a security thread, a fluorescent fiber, a dye, a pigment, carbon black, metallic or non-metallic micro- or nanoparticles, magnetic particles, an embossing, or a combination of at least two of these, to obtain said security document (A); vii) Optionally, the polymer layer (A6) is at least 1 mm thick. ２ and bonding, preferably ultrasonically, vibrationally or laser-welding, to one of said outer layers (AS1) or (AS2) over an area of Including, A process wherein said outer surfaces (AS1) and (AS2) are formed by one of said polymer films (A1), (A2) or (A3) each comprising or consisting of a TPE.

12. 12. The process according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the polymers selected from the group consisting of polymer (A1'), polymer (A2'), and optionally polymer (A3') is a polymer selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic polyamide elastomer, olefin-based thermoplastic elastomer, preferably PP / EPDM, thermoplastic styrene block copolymer, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), copolyester elastomer, polyether block amide, copolyester, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), or a mixture of at least two thereof, preferably TPU.

13. 13. The process according to claim 11 or 12, wherein a further layer is applied to at least one surface (AS1) or (AS2) of said security document (A), said further layer being preferably paper, a fibre composite, a textile or a combination of at least two of these.

14. 13. Use of said security document (A) manufactured according to claim 1 or 2 or according to the process according to claim 11 or 12 as a carrier layer for banknotes, birth certificates, revenue stamps, tax stamps, visa pages of passports, hinges for data pages of passports, electromagnetic shielding of passports.

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