Polymer composition and polymer molded article made therefrom

Abstract

The objective is to provide a polymer composition that crystallizes extremely quickly, improving productivity and processability, and a polymer molded article thereof. [Solution] A polymer composition is used that comprises at least one polyester (A) selected from aliphatic polyesters and aliphatic aromatic polyesters and a fatty acid bisamide (B), wherein the polymer composition has repeating structural units derived from succinic acid as aliphatic dicarboxylic acid units, and the repeating structural units derived from succinic acid account for 50 mol% or more and 99 mol% or less of the total amount of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid units and aromatic dicarboxylic acid units.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to polymer compositions and polymer molded articles made therefrom. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, concern for global environmental issues has increased, and measures are beginning to be taken in various ways. However, our lives continue to involve mass production, mass consumption, and mass disposal. As a result, the large amount of solid waste generated from consumption has become a major social problem. Currently, measures such as landfill, incineration, and recycling are being taken depending on the situation, but landfills are reaching their limits. In addition, some solid waste inevitably cannot be collected and tends to be left in the natural environment, and this tendency is even greater in oceans and forests, which are difficult for humans to reach. In this context, biodegradable aliphatic polyesters are attracting attention as polymers that minimize environmental impact from the standpoint of protecting the global environment. Due to their properties, biodegradable polymers decompose in nature into carbon dioxide and water, so even if left in nature, they have a small environmental impact.

[0003] Due to the growing awareness of environmental issues as described above, attempts are being made to develop various applications for biodegradable polymers, specifically polymer molded products using aliphatic polyesters such as polybutylene succinate (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as "PBS"). These polymer molded products decompose in the soil even after disposal, thus reducing environmental pollution.

[0004] However, biodegradable aliphatic polyesters such as PBS have the disadvantage of slower crystallization compared to general-purpose PP and PE. Slow crystallization negatively impacts processability during molding and productivity. Specifically, in the case of extrusion lamination, poor release from the cooling roll increases the product loss rate due to reduced adhesion to the substrate, and in injection molding, poor mold release extends the cycle time and leads to a decrease in production efficiency.

[0005] In contrast, for example, Patent Document 1 describes that by adding polyethylene wax or the like as a crystal nucleating agent to PBS and controlling the semi-crystallization time at a temperature of 100°C within a certain range, it is possible to improve the processing stability of the film, such as its release properties from the roll, while maintaining transparency, and reducing roll contamination, odor and smoke during processing. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-162428 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Incidentally, the composition described in Patent Document 1 is known to shorten the semi-crystallization time when using an aliphatic polyester and a nucleating agent. However, since Patent Document 1 specifies the semi-crystallization time at 100°C, PBS copolymers such as polybutylene succinate adipate (PBSA), which have a low melting point of 84°C, do not show a peak in semi-crystallization time even when held at 100°C, and are therefore only applicable to some aliphatic polyesters. On the other hand, PBS copolymers are known to be more biodegradable than PBS alone, decomposing quickly in nature and contributing more to reducing environmental impact. However, PBS copolymers have worse processability, such as release properties in extrusion lamination and mold release during injection molding, as well as lower productivity compared to PBS alone, and conventionally known crystal nucleating agents have not been able to achieve sufficient results.

[0008] This invention has been made in view of the problems of the prior art described above, and aims to provide a polymer composition that crystallizes extremely quickly and can improve productivity and processability, and a polymer molded article thereof. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The inventors of the present invention conducted intensive research to solve the above problems and found that by using a composition to which fatty acid bisamide (B) is added, crystallization is extremely fast, and processability such as release roll properties of extruded laminates and mold release during injection molding, as well as productivity, can be improved, leading to the completion of the present invention.

[0010] In other words, the present invention is summarized in the following [1] to

[18] . [1] A polymer composition comprising at least one polyester (A) selected from aliphatic polyesters and aliphatic aromatic polyesters and a fatty acid bisamide (B), wherein the aliphatic polyester has repeating structural units derived from aliphatic diols and repeating structural units derived from aliphatic dicarboxylic acids as its main structural units, and the aliphatic aromatic polyester has repeating structural units derived from aliphatic diols, repeating structural units derived from aliphatic dicarboxylic acids, and repeating structural units derived from aromatic dicarboxylic acids as its main structural units, and has repeating structural units derived from succinic acid as the repeating structural units derived from aliphatic dicarboxylic acids, and the amount of repeating structural units derived from succinic acid relative to the total amount of repeating structural units derived from aliphatic dicarboxylic acids and repeating structural units derived from aromatic dicarboxylic acids is 50 mol% or more and 99 mol% or less of the polymer composition.

[0011] [2] The polymer composition according to [1], wherein the polyester (A) is an aliphatic polyester, and the polymer composition is melted at 200°C and held for 3 minutes, and the melt is cooled at a rate of 100°C / min, and the semi-crystallization time of the polyester (A) in isothermal crystallization held at the following X (°C) is 1 second or more and 115 seconds or less. X(°C) = Tm-25. X: Round to one significant digit and make sure it is a multiple of 10. Tm: Melting point of aliphatic polyester.

[0012] [3] The polymer composition according to [1], wherein the repeating structural unit derived from the aliphatic diol comprises a 1,4-butanediol unit. [4] The polymer composition according to [1], wherein the repeating structural unit derived from the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid includes a repeating structural unit derived from an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid having 4 to 13 carbon atoms. [5] The polymer composition according to [1], wherein the repeating structural unit derived from the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid includes at least one of a repeating structural unit derived from adipic acid, a repeating structural unit derived from sebacic acid, and a repeating structural unit derived from azelaic acid. [6] The polymer composition according to [1], wherein the repeating structural unit derived from the aromatic dicarboxylic acid includes a repeating structural unit derived from terephthalic acid.

[0013] [7] The polymer composition according to [5], wherein the repeating structural unit derived from the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid includes a repeating structural unit derived from adipic acid and / or a repeating structural unit derived from sebacic acid. [8] The polymer composition according to [1], wherein the fatty acid bisamide (B) is a fatty acid bisamide having a total carbon number of 15 to 60. [9] The polymer composition according to [1], wherein the polymer composition contains 0.01 to 10% by mass of the fatty acid bisamide (B).

[10] The polymer composition according to [9], wherein the polymer composition contains 0.05 to 5% by mass of the fatty acid bisamide (B).

[0014]

[11] The polymer composition according to [1], wherein the fatty acid bisamide (B) comprises at least one selected from methylenebisstearate, ethylenebiscaprate, ethylenebislaurate, ethylenebisstearate, ethylenebisisostearate, ethylenebishydroxystearate, ethylenebisbehenamide, hexamethylenebisstearate, hexamethylenebisbehenamide, hexamethylenebishydroxystearate, N,N'-distearyladipamide, N,N'-distearylsebacinamide, saturated fatty acid bisamide, ethylenebisoleamide, hexamethylenebisoleamide, N,N'-dioleyladipamide, unsaturated fatty acid bisamide, and m-xylylenebisstearate.

[0015]

[12] The polymer composition according to [1], wherein the fatty acid bisamide (B) comprises at least one selected from methylenebisstearate, ethylenebislaurate, ethylenebisstearate, ethylenebisisostearate, ethylenebishydroxystearate, hexamethylenebisstearate, N,N'-distearyladipamide, and ethylenebisoleamide.

[0016] A molding material comprising the polymer composition described in

[13] [1]. A molded product made from the molding material described in

[14] and

[13] . A film molded product in which the molded product described in

[15]

[14] is selected from packaging film, shopping bags, plastic bags, compost bags, cups, packaging paper, and mulch film. A sheet molded product in which the molded product described in

[16]

[14] is selected from coffee capsules, seedling pots, young tree sheets, and trays. A tubular molded product in which the molded product described in

[17]

[14] is selected from straws, cotton swabs, and balloon sticks. An injection-molded product in which the molded product described in

[18]

[14] is selected from coffee capsules, cutlery, and trays. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, when a film is formed by melt extrusion, it exhibits excellent release properties, reducing product loss due to decreased adhesion to the substrate. In injection molding, it is possible to shorten the cycle time and improve the film production speed by reducing mold release. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] The present invention is not limited to the following description and can be modified and implemented as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. In this specification, when "~" is used to enclose numerical values ​​or physical properties, it is intended to include the lower and upper limits. In this specification, “mass%”, “mass ppm”, and “parts by mass” are synonymous with “weight%”, “weight ppm”, and “parts by weight”. Furthermore, in this specification, the expression "A or B" may be interpreted as "at least one selected from the group consisting of A and B." Furthermore, although this specification describes multiple embodiments, various conditions in each embodiment can be applied to each other to the extent applicable.

[0019] The present invention relates to a polymer composition comprising at least one polyester (A) selected from aliphatic polyesters and aliphatic aromatic polyesters and a fatty acid bisamide (B).

[0020] <Polyester (A)> In the polymer composition of the present invention, the polyester (A) is at least one resin selected from aliphatic polyesters and aliphatic aromatic polyesters (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "aliphatic polyester, etc."), and any known polyester can be used as long as it does not significantly impair the effects of the present invention. Furthermore, one type of polyester may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in any combination and ratio. In addition, the polyester is preferably biodegradable, and more preferably manufactured using raw materials obtained from biomass resources in part or all.

[0021] The polyester (A) is preferably one in which the molar ratio of aliphatic polyester is the maximum ratio to the overall structure. For example, polyester (A) consisting only of aliphatic polyester, or aliphatic aromatic polyester having a partially aromatic structure in addition to aliphatic polyester can be used. More specifically, aliphatic polyester, aliphatic aromatic polyester, and mixtures thereof can be used. Among these, a high proportion of aliphatic polyester is preferable because it provides good moldability and adhesion to the substrate, and it is especially preferable to consist only of aliphatic polyester. However, in this case, a mixture of multiple types of aliphatic polyester can also be used as the aliphatic polyester.

[0022] [Aliphatic polyester] Specifically, examples of aliphatic polyesters include those whose main components are aliphatic diols and aliphatic dicarboxylic acids, and those whose main component is aliphatic oxycarboxylic acids, such as polylactic acid and polycaprolactam. However, in the present invention, a polyester is used whose main components are repeating structural units derived from aliphatic diols and repeating structural units derived from aliphatic dicarboxylic acids. In other words, the polymer composition of the present invention uses an aliphatic polyester comprising a diol unit (aliphatic diol unit), which is a structural unit formed from an aliphatic diol or a derivative thereof, and a dicarboxylic acid unit (aliphatic dicarboxylic acid unit), which is a structural unit formed from an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid or a derivative thereof.

[0023] [Aliphatic aromatic polyester] In the present invention, the aliphatic aromatic polyester used is a polyester whose main constituent units are repeating structural units derived from aliphatic diols, repeating structural units derived from aliphatic dicarboxylic acids, and repeating structural units derived from aromatic dicarboxylic acids. In other words, the polymer composition of the present invention uses an aliphatic aromatic polyester consisting of diol units (aliphatic diol units), which are structural units formed from aliphatic diols or their derivatives; dicarboxylic acid units (aliphatic dicarboxylic acid units), which are structural units formed from aliphatic dicarboxylic acids or their derivatives; and dicarboxylic acid units (aromatic dicarboxylic acid units), which are structural units formed from aromatic dicarboxylic acids or their derivatives. Note that "aliphatic diol units" may sometimes be simply referred to as "diol units." Furthermore, aliphatic dicarboxylic acid units and aromatic dicarboxylic acid units may sometimes be collectively referred to as "dicarboxylic acid units."

[0024] Furthermore, the aliphatic diol units, aliphatic dicarboxylic acid units, and aromatic dicarboxylic acid units used in aliphatic polyesters, etc., are optional as long as they do not significantly impair the effects of the present invention. In addition, these aliphatic diol units, aliphatic dicarboxylic acid units, and aromatic dicarboxylic acid units may be used individually or in combination of two or more in any combination and ratio.

[0025] [Aliphatic diol units] The aliphatic diol unit is preferably formed from an aliphatic diol represented by the following formula (I) or a derivative thereof (hereinafter, aliphatic diols and their derivatives are appropriately referred to as "diol components" or "aliphatic diol components"). HO-R 1 -OH (I) (In equation (I), R 1 (This represents a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group which may have an oxygen atom in its chain.) In equation (I), R 1is a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group which may have an oxygen atom in the chain, and may be a linear aliphatic hydrocarbon group or a cyclic aliphatic (alicyclic) hydrocarbon group. It may or may not have a branched chain.

[0026] R 1 The number of carbon atoms is arbitrary as long as the effects of the present invention are not significantly impaired. However, when R 1 is a linear aliphatic hydrocarbon group, the number of carbon atoms of R 1 is usually 2 or more, and usually 10 or less, preferably 6 or less. On the other hand, when R 1 is an alicyclic hydrocarbon group, the number of carbon atoms of R 1 is usually 3 or more, and usually 10 or less, preferably 8 or less. Examples of the derivative of the diol of formula (I) include ester compounds with acetic acid and the like.

[0027] Specific examples of the aliphatic diol and its derivative represented by the above formula (I) include ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,4-cyclohexanediol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol and the like. Among them, 1,4-butanediol is particularly preferable from the viewpoint of the physical properties of the resulting aliphatic polyester.

[0028] [Aliphatic dicarboxylic acid unit] As the above aliphatic dicarboxylic acid unit, those formed from an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid represented by the following formula (II) or its derivative (hereinafter, the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid and its derivative are appropriately referred to as "aliphatic dicarboxylic acid component") are preferable. HOOC-(R 2 )n-COOH (II) (In formula (II), R 2 represents a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group, and n represents 0 or 1.) In formula (II), R 2This is a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group, which may be a linear aliphatic hydrocarbon group or an alicyclic hydrocarbon group. It may also have a branched chain or not. R 2 The number of carbon atoms is also arbitrary as long as it does not significantly impair the effects of the present invention, but is usually 2 or more and usually 48 or less. However, R 2 If R is a chain-like aliphatic hydrocarbon group, 2 Preferably, it is a divalent linear aliphatic hydrocarbon group represented by -(CH2)m-. m is usually an integer of 1 or more, usually 36 or less, preferably 25 or less, and more preferably 13 or less.

[0029] Also, R 2 If R is an alicyclic hydrocarbon group, 2 The number of carbon atoms is usually 3 or more, preferably 4 or more, and usually 10 or less, preferably 8 or less. Examples of derivatives of the dicarboxylic acid of formula (II) above include lower alcohol esters and acid anhydrides of the dicarboxylic acid of formula (II) above. Among these, lower alcohol esters or acid anhydrides having 1 to 4 carbon atoms are preferred.

[0030] Specific examples of dicarboxylic acids represented by formula (II) above and their derivatives include oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, heptanediic acid, octanedioic acid, nonanediic acid, decanediic acid, undecanediic acid, dodecanediic acid, tridecanediic acid, tetradecanediic acid, pentadecanediic acid, hexadecanedioic acid, octadecanediic acid, eicosanedioic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, 1,6-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, and dimer acids, which are typically linear or alicyclic dicarboxylic acids with 2 to 48 carbon atoms. Derivatives of these include esters with lower alcohols such as dimethyl esters and diethyl esters, and acid anhydrides such as succinic anhydride and adipic anhydride. In particular, from the standpoint of the physical properties of the resulting aliphatic polyester, aliphatic dicarboxylic acids having 4 to 13 carbon atoms are preferred. Examples include succinic acid, adipic acid, sebacic acid, azelaic acid or their acid anhydrides, and esters of these with lower alcohols. Succinic acid, succinic anhydride, adipic acid, sebacic acid, azelaic acid and / or mixtures thereof are especially preferred.

[0031] The aliphatic dicarboxylic acids and their derivatives represented by the above formula (II) may be derived from petroleum or plants. Plant-derived materials are particularly preferred because they can contribute to reducing CO2 emissions. For example, succinic acid or its acid anhydride converted from plant materials, and esters with lower alcohols are preferred as raw materials for the dicarboxylic acids and their derivatives.

[0032] [Aromatic dicarboxylic acid units] As the aromatic dicarboxylic acid unit mentioned above, in formula (II) above, "(R 2 This is a dicarboxylic acid unit in which ")n" is replaced with an aromatic compound. Specific examples of this aromatic dicarboxylic acid and its derivatives include terephthalic acid and its derivatives. In the following, aromatic dicarboxylic acids or their derivatives used as aromatic dicarboxylic acid units will be referred to as "aromatic dicarboxylic acid components." Furthermore, aliphatic dicarboxylic acid components and aromatic dicarboxylic acid components may be collectively referred to as "dicarboxylic acid components." The aromatic dicarboxylic acid components constituting the aromatic dicarboxylic acid units, which constitute the aliphatic-aromatic polyester resin of the present invention, are not particularly limited, but from the perspective of balancing cost, mechanical properties, thermophysical properties and biodegradability, aromatic dicarboxylic acid components having 4 to 14 carbon atoms, particularly 4 to 12 carbon atoms, especially 4 to 8 carbon atoms, and among these, 4 to 6 carbon atoms are preferred. Specifically, examples include terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, franzicarboxylic acid, naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, diphenyldicarboxylic acid, and their lower alkyl esters. These may also be acid anhydrides. Among these, terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, franzicarboxylic acid, or their lower alkyl (e.g., alkyl with 1 to 4 carbon atoms) esters are preferred, and terephthalic acid or its lower alkyl (e.g., alkyl with 1 to 4 carbon atoms) esters are particularly preferred. These aromatic dicarboxylic acid components may be used individually or as a mixture of two or more.

[0033] [Aliphatic polyesters, etc. (at least one resin selected from aliphatic polyesters and aliphatic aromatic polyesters)] In the polymer composition of the present invention, the aliphatic polyester and the like, which are suitable as biodegradable polymers, may contain other constituent units other than the aliphatic diol units, aliphatic dicarboxylic acid units, and aromatic dicarboxylic acid units, as long as the effects of the present invention are not significantly impaired. Other constituent units besides aliphatic diol units, aliphatic dicarboxylic acid units, and aromatic dicarboxylic acid units include, for example, aliphatic oxycarboxylic acid units. These aliphatic oxycarboxylic acid units are not particularly limited as long as they are formed from aliphatic oxycarboxylic acids and their derivatives (hereinafter referred to as "aliphatic oxycarboxylic acid components") having one hydroxyl group and one carboxylic acid group in the molecule; both cyclic and linear units can be used.

[0034] Examples of aliphatic oxycarboxylic acid components include α,ω-hydroxycarboxylic acid and α-hydroxycarboxylic acid, but derivatives such as esters, lactones, lactides, or oxycarboxylic acid polymers of these oxycarboxylic acids may also be used. Specific examples of lactones include lactones such as ε-caprolactone, β-propiolactone, γ-butyrolactone, δ-valerolactone, and enantractone; and methylated lactones such as 4-methylcaprolactone, 2,2,4-trimethylcaprolactone, and 3,3,5-trimethylcaprolactone.

[0035] Examples of oxycarboxylic acids include aliphatic oxycarboxylic acids represented by the following formula (III). HO-R 3 -COOH (III) (In equation (III), R 3 This is R in equation (II) above. 2 (Represents a substituent similar to the above.) Among the aliphatic oxycarboxylic acids represented by the above formula (III), the aliphatic oxycarboxylic acid represented by the following formula (IV) is preferred. HO-CHR 4 -COOH (IV) (In equation (IV), R 4 (This represents a hydrogen atom or a straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms.) In particular, the aliphatic oxycarboxylic acid represented by the following formula (V) is preferred because it exhibits an effect of improving polymerization reactivity. HO-CH(C p H 2p+1 )-COOH (V) (In equation (V), p represents 0 or an integer between 1 and 10, preferably 0 or an integer between 1 and 5.)

[0036] Specific examples of oxycarboxylic acids, particularly aliphatic oxycarboxylic acids, include lactic acid, glycolic acid, 2-hydroxy-n-butyric acid, 2-hydroxycaproic acid, 2-hydroxy-3,3-dimethylbutyric acid, 2-hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid, 2-hydroxyisocaproic acid, 4-hydroxycyclohexanecarboxylic acid, and 4-hydroxymethylcyclohexanecarboxylic acid. Furthermore, derivatives of these, such as lower alkyl esters and intramolecular esters, can also be cited. Among these, lactic acid or glycolic acid is preferred, and lactic acid is particularly preferred because it exhibits a particularly significant increase in polymerization rate during use and is readily available. In terms of lactic acid form, an aqueous solution of 30-95% by mass is preferred because it is readily available. These aliphatic oxycarboxylic acid components may be used individually, or two or more may be used in any combination and ratio.

[0037] When aliphatic polyesters and the like contain aliphatic oxycarboxylic acid units, the amount used is arbitrary as long as it does not significantly impair the effects of the present invention. However, the amount is usually 0.1 parts by mass or more, preferably 1.0 part by mass or more, more preferably 2.0 parts by mass or more, and usually 100 parts by mass or less, preferably 50 parts by mass or less, more preferably 20 parts by mass or less, per 100 parts by mass of the total amount of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid units and aromatic dicarboxylic acid units. If the amount is below the lower limit of the above range, the additive effect on imparting flexibility and improving polymerization reactivity may not be observed, and if it is above the upper limit, odor may become a problem when molding with the polymer composition of the present invention, or the release properties may worsen due to a lower crystallization temperature.

[0038] Furthermore, it is preferable to include at least one polyfunctional component unit having three or more functional groups in the aliphatic polyester, etc., selected from the group consisting of three or more aliphatic polyhydric alcohol units, aliphatic polyhydric carboxylic acid units, and aliphatic polyoxycarboxylic acid units. This improves the melt tension of the aliphatic polyester, etc., and improves the processability into laminates. Note that one type of polyfunctional component unit may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in any combination and ratio.

[0039] The trifunctional aliphatic oxycarboxylic acid units that form polyfunctional component units are (i) A type having two carboxyl groups and one hydroxyl group in the same molecule, (ii) A type having one carboxyl group and two hydroxyl groups in the same molecule, Although they are divided into two types, both types can be used. Specific examples of type (i) include constituent units formed from malic acid, etc., and specific examples of type (ii) include constituent units formed from glyceric acid, etc.

[0040] Similarly, the tetrafunctional aliphatic oxycarboxylic acid units that form polyfunctional component units are (i) A type that shares three carboxyl groups and one hydroxyl group in the same molecule, (ii) A type that shares two carboxyl groups and two hydroxyl groups in the same molecule, (iii) A type that shares three hydroxyl groups and one carboxyl group within the same molecule. They are divided into two types, but both types can be used. Specific examples include units formed from citric acid and tartaric acid.

[0041] When using polyfunctional component units, the amount used is arbitrary as long as it does not significantly impair the effects of the present invention. However, per 100 moles of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid units, the amount used is usually 0.001 moles or more, preferably 0.01 moles or more, more preferably 0.1 moles or more, and usually 5 moles or less, preferably 2.5 moles or less, more preferably 1 mole or less. If the amount falls below the lower limit of this range, when manufacturing molded products such as films from the polymer composition of the present invention by extrusion lamination (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "extrusion lamination"), problems arise such as a large neck-in of the molten film during manufacturing (a phenomenon in which the width of the molten film coming out of the T-die of the extruder narrows in the space before it comes into contact with the substrate, and is indicated by the difference between the width of the molten film at the T-die exit and the width of the laminate film laminated on the substrate), or a large difference in thickness between the film thickness at the edges and the center, making it difficult to obtain a stable product. In addition, when injection molding is performed, appearance defects such as flow marks (a phenomenon in which patterns remain on the surface of the molded product where molten resin has flowed) occur. Furthermore, exceeding the upper limit may increase the likelihood of gelation during the reaction, significantly increase the load on the motors of the extruder or injection molding machine, and result in poor moldability.

[0042] In the polymer composition of the present invention, the method for producing aliphatic polyesters and the like can be any known method for producing polyesters. Furthermore, the polycondensation reaction in this case can be carried out under any appropriate conditions that have been used conventionally, and is not particularly limited. In addition, the degree of polymerization can usually be further increased by performing a reduced pressure operation after the esterification reaction has proceeded. When manufacturing aliphatic polyesters, etc., and reacting an aliphatic diol component that forms a diol unit with an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid component and an aromatic dicarboxylic acid component that form a dicarboxylic acid unit, the amounts of the diol component (aliphatic diol component) and the dicarboxylic acid component (aliphatic dicarboxylic acid component and aromatic dicarboxylic acid component) used are set so that the manufactured aliphatic polyester has the desired composition. Typically, the diol component (aliphatic diol component) and the dicarboxylic acid component (aliphatic dicarboxylic acid component and aromatic dicarboxylic acid component) are in substantially equimolar amounts. However, in this case, the amount of diol component used is usually in excess of 1 to 20 mol% due to distillation during the esterification reaction.

[0043] <Ratio of succinic acid units to other aliphatic dicarboxylic acid units in aliphatic polyesters> The ratio (molar ratio) of repeating structural units derived from succinic acid (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "succinic acid units") and repeating structural units derived from aliphatic dicarboxylic acids other than succinic acid (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "aliphatic dicarboxylic acid units") that constitute the dicarboxylic acid units of the aliphatic polyester resin of the present invention is preferably 50 mol% or more, more preferably 60 mol% or more, and particularly preferably 70% or more. Furthermore, 99 mol% or less is good, 95 mol% or less is preferred, 90 mol% or less is particularly preferred, and 89 mol% or less is especially preferred. By keeping it within this range, the resin can exhibit excellent properties in terms of biodegradability, heat resistance, flexibility, etc.

[0044] <Ratio of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid units to aromatic dicarboxylic acid units in aliphatic aromatic polyesters> The ratio (molar ratio) of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid units to aromatic dicarboxylic acid units constituting the dicarboxylic acid units of the aliphatic-aromatic polyester resin of the present invention is preferably 50 mol% or more. It is also preferable that it be 99 mol% or less, and preferably 60 mol% or less. The aliphatic dicarboxylic acid units of the present invention are succinic acid units, and by keeping the ratio within this range, the resin can exhibit excellent properties such as biodegradability, heat resistance, and flexibility.

[0045] When incorporating components other than essential components (optional components), such as aliphatic oxycarboxylic acid units or polyfunctional component units, into an aliphatic polyester suitable for the present invention, the corresponding compounds (monomers or oligomers) are subjected to the reaction so that the aliphatic oxycarboxylic acid units and polyfunctional component units also achieve the desired composition. In this case, there are no restrictions on the timing or method of introducing the above-mentioned optional components into the reaction system; it is optional as long as an aliphatic polyester suitable for the present invention can be produced.

[0046] For example, the timing and method of introducing an aliphatic oxycarboxylic acid into the reaction system are not particularly limited as long as they occur before the polycondensation reaction between the diol component and the dicarboxylic acid component. (1) A method of mixing the catalyst after it has been dissolved in an aliphatic oxycarboxylic acid solution in advance. (2) A method of introducing the catalyst into the system and mixing it at the same time as the raw materials are being charged. These are some examples. The timing of introducing the compound that forms the polyfunctional component unit may be at the same time as the other monomers and oligomers in the early stages of polymerization, or it may be introduced after the transesterification reaction but before the start of reduced pressure. However, introducing it at the same time as the other monomers and oligomers is preferable in terms of simplifying the process.

[0047] Aliphatic polyesters and the like are usually manufactured in the presence of a catalyst. As the catalyst, any catalyst that can be used in the manufacture of known polyesters can be arbitrarily selected as long as it does not significantly impair the effects of the present invention. For example, metal compounds such as germanium, titanium, zirconium, hafnium, antimony, tin, magnesium, calcium, and zinc are preferred. Among these, germanium compounds and titanium compounds are particularly preferred.

[0048] Examples of germanium compounds that can be used as catalysts include organic germanium compounds such as tetraalkoxygermanium, and inorganic germanium compounds such as germanium oxide and germanium chloride. Among these, germanium oxide, tetraethoxygermanium, and tetrabutoxygermanium are preferred due to their price and availability, and germanium oxide is particularly preferred.

[0049] Examples of titanium compounds that can be used as catalysts include organotitanium compounds such as tetraalkoxytitanium, tetrapropyl titanate, tetrabutyl titanate, and tetraphenyl titanate. Among these, tetrapropyl titanate and tetrabutyl titanate are preferred due to their price and availability. Furthermore, the use of other catalysts in combination is not prohibited as long as it does not impair the objective of the present invention. Note that one catalyst may be used alone, or two or more catalysts may be used in any combination and ratio.

[0050] The amount of catalyst used is arbitrary as long as it does not significantly impair the effects of the present invention, but is usually 0.0005% by mass or more, more preferably 0.001% by mass or more, and usually 3% by mass or less, preferably 1.5% by mass or less, relative to the amount of monomer used. If the amount is below the lower limit of this range, the effect of the catalyst may not be observed, and if it is above the upper limit, the manufacturing cost may increase, the resulting polymer may become significantly discolored, or its hydrolysis resistance may decrease.

[0051] The timing of catalyst introduction is not particularly limited as long as it is before polycondensation, but it may be introduced at the time of raw material charging or at the start of reduced pressure. It is preferable to introduce the catalyst at the time of raw material charging simultaneously with monomers or oligomers that form aliphatic oxycarboxylic acid units, such as lactic acid or glycolic acid, or to dissolve the catalyst in an aqueous solution of aliphatic oxycarboxylic acid and introduce it. In particular, the method of dissolving the catalyst in an aqueous solution of aliphatic oxycarboxylic acid and introducing it is preferred because it increases the polymerization rate.

[0052] The reaction conditions such as temperature, polymerization time, and pressure used in the production of aliphatic polyesters are arbitrary as long as they do not significantly impair the effects of the present invention. However, the reaction temperature for the esterification and / or transesterification reaction between the dicarboxylic acid component and the diol component is usually 150°C or higher, preferably 180°C or higher, and usually 260°C or lower, preferably 250°C or lower. The reaction atmosphere is usually an inert atmosphere such as nitrogen or argon. Furthermore, the reaction pressure is usually atmospheric pressure to 10 kPa, with atmospheric pressure being preferred. The reaction time is usually 1 hour or higher, usually 10 hours or lower, preferably 6 hours or lower, and more preferably 4 hours or lower. If the reaction temperature is too high, excessive formation of unsaturated bonds may occur, leading to gelation caused by these unsaturated bonds, which can make it difficult to control polymerization.

[0053] Furthermore, the esterification reaction and / or polycondensation reaction after the transesterification reaction between the dicarboxylic acid component and the diol component requires a pressure, with a lower limit of typically 0.01 × 10⁻⁶. 3 Pa or higher, preferably 0.03 × 10⁻⁶ 3 Pa or higher, with an upper limit of normally 1.4 x 10 3 Pa or less, preferably 0.4 × 10 3 It is desirable to carry out the reaction under a vacuum of Pa or less. The reaction temperature should have a lower limit of 150°C or higher, preferably 180°C or higher, and an upper limit of 260°C or lower, preferably 250°C or lower. Furthermore, the reaction time should have a lower limit of 2 hours or higher, an upper limit of 15 hours or lower, preferably 10 hours or lower. If the reaction temperature is too high, excessive formation of unsaturated bonds may occur, leading to gelation caused by these unsaturated bonds, making it difficult to control polymerization.

[0054] In the polymer composition of the present invention, it is preferable to use an aliphatic polyester, and it is particularly preferable to use at least one selected from polybutylene succinate, polybutylene succinate adipate, and polybutylene succinate sebacate. When manufacturing aliphatic polyesters, chain extenders such as carbonate compounds and diisocyanate compounds can also be used. The amount is usually 10 mol% or less, preferably 5 mol% or less, and more preferably 3 mol% or less, of the total monomer units constituting the aliphatic polyester, for carbonate bonds and urethane bonds. However, when using aliphatic polyesters in the laminate of the present invention, the presence of diisocyanates and carbonate bonds may inhibit biodegradability. Therefore, the amount used is less than 1 mol% for carbonate bonds, preferably 0.5 mol% or less, more preferably 0.1 mol% or less, and 0.55 mol% or less, preferably 0.3 mol% or less, more preferably 0.12 mol% or less, and even more preferably 0.05 mol% or less, of urethane bonds, relative to the total monomer units constituting the aliphatic polyester. Converted to 100 parts by mass of aliphatic polyester, this is 0.9 parts by mass or less, preferably 0.5 parts by mass or less, more preferably 0.2 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.1 parts by mass or less. The amount of carbonate bonds and urethane bonds are 1 H-NMR and 13 The amount is calculated by NMR measurements such as 13C-NMR. If the upper limit of urethane bonding is exceeded, during extrusion lamination or injection molding, the decomposition of urethane bonding may cause problems such as smoke and odor from molten resin coming out of the die or gate exit, and film breakage due to foaming may occur in the molten film, making stable molding impossible.

[0055] Examples of the aforementioned carbonate compounds include diphenyl carbonate, ditrile carbonate, bis(chlorophenyl) carbonate, m-cresyl carbonate, dinaphthyl carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, dibutyl carbonate, ethylene carbonate, diamyl carbonate, and dicyclohexyl carbonate. In addition, carbonate compounds derived from hydroxy compounds such as phenols and alcohols, consisting of the same or different hydroxy compounds, can be used.

[0056] Examples of the aforementioned diisocyanate compounds include known diisocyanates such as 2,4-tolylene diisocyanate, a mixture of 2,4-tolylene diisocyanate and 2,6-tolylene diisocyanate, 1,5-naphthylene diisocyanate, xylylene diisocyanate, hydrogenated xylylene diisocyanate, hexamethylene diisocyanate, isophorone diisocyanate, 4,4'-dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate, tetramethylxylylene diisocyanate, 2,4,6-triisopropylphenyl diisocyanate, 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, and tolidine diisocyanate.

[0057] The production of high molecular weight aliphatic polyesters and the like using these chain extenders (coupling agents) can be carried out using conventional techniques. After the polycondensation is complete, the chain extender is added to the reaction system in a uniform molten state without a solvent and reacted with the polyester obtained by polycondensation. In the polymer composition of the present invention, the melting point of the aliphatic polyester is not particularly limited, but is preferably 80°C to 180°C. If the melting point is too low, the heat resistance will be insufficient when hot food or beverages are placed inside paper cups and paper trays, and there is a risk of melting. Conversely, if the melting point is too high, it is undesirable because the heat sealing temperature will need to be set high when the molded product obtained from the polymer composition of the present invention is processed into cups, sacks, trays, bags, etc.

[0058] In the polymer composition of the present invention, the crystallization temperature of aliphatic polyesters, etc., is preferably 30°C or higher at the lower limit, and more preferably 50°C or higher. The upper limit is preferably 110°C or lower, and more preferably 100°C or lower. If the temperature falls below the lower limit, problems such as sticking to the cooling roll may occur when extruding films, etc., and to avoid this, the temperature of the cooling roll must be set to a low temperature. In secondary processing such as automatic packaging machines and cup making machines, it may take time for adhesion to occur, and in injection molding, the rigidity of the molded product may be insufficient, and the required hardness of products such as cups may not be maintained. On the other hand, if the temperature is 98°C or higher, in the case of extrusion lamination, the solidification of the molten film may begin in the air gap from the die exit to contact with the substrate, which may weaken the adhesion to the substrate, and in the case of injection molding, the solidification of the molded material may be too fast, causing short shots (molding defects in which the manufactured molded product is not completely filled).

[0059] In the polymer composition of the present invention, the number-average molecular weight (Mn) of aliphatic polyester, etc., is arbitrary as long as it does not significantly impair the effects of the present invention, but is usually 10,000 or more, preferably 30,000 or more, and usually 200,000 or less. If the number-average molecular weight falls below the lower limit of the above range, the melting characteristics during the manufacture of molded articles using the polymer composition of the present invention may be poor. For example, in extrusion lamination, neck-in may increase, and in injection molding, the solidification of the molded article will be slower, requiring a longer cooling time, which may increase the cycle time. On the other hand, if it exceeds the upper limit, the melt viscosity will increase, increasing the motor load of the extruder, which may make it difficult to manufacture films by extrusion melt molding and injection molding. The method for measuring the number-average molecular weight (Mn) is the GPC measurement method using chloroform as the solvent at a measurement temperature of 40°C. The number-average molecular weight is a converted value using monodisperse polystyrene.

[0060] In the polymer composition of the present invention, the melt flow rate (MFR; 190°C, 2.16 kg load) of aliphatic polyesters and the like that are preferably used is normally lower than 0.1 g / 10 min or more, preferably 1 g / 10 min or more, more preferably 3 g / 10 min or more, and even more preferably 4 g / 10 min or more. It is also 40 g / 10 min or less, preferably 35 g / 10 min or less. If the melt flow rate falls below the lower limit of the above range, the motor load during the manufacture of molded articles using the polymer composition of the present invention increases significantly, and the processing machine may stop. On the other hand, if it exceeds the upper limit, the stability of the molten film may deteriorate (increased neck-in, occurrence of surging) when molding at high temperatures of 230°C or higher.

[0061] Furthermore, the melt flow rate (MFR; 190°C, 2.16 kg load) of aliphatic polyester and the like that exits the die in a molten state is normally lower than 0.1 g / 10 min or more, preferably 1 g / 10 min or more, more preferably 3 g / 10 min or more, and even more preferably 4 g / 10 min or more. It is also 40 g / 10 min or less, preferably 35 g / 10 min or less. If the melt flow rate falls below the lower limit of the above range, the motor load in the production of films by extrusion melt molding using the polymer composition of the present invention increases significantly, and the processing machine may stop. On the other hand, if it exceeds the upper limit, the stability of the molten film may deteriorate (increased neck-in, occurrence of surging) when molding at high temperatures of 230°C or higher.

[0062] Furthermore, in the polymer composition of the present invention, unsaturated bonds can be included in the aliphatic polyester or the like, which is preferably used. Unsaturated bonds include not only double bonds but also triple bonds. Examples of structural units having such unsaturated bonds include unsaturated dicarboxylic acids and unsaturated diols. Representative examples of unsaturated dicarboxylic acids include maleic acid, fumaric acid, itaconic acid, citraconic acid, 3,6-endomethylene-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-cis-phthalic acid (nadic acid), and dimer acid.

[0063] Unsaturated bonding groups generated during the polymer manufacturing process are also useful. Although the generation mechanism is not clear, possible causes include the formation of terminal vinyl groups through thermal decomposition of the main chain, and the formation of unsaturated bonds through dehydration of malic acid and other polyfunctional components added, resulting in their conversion to fumaric acid or maleic acid. These unsaturated bonds may be present individually or in any proportion of two or more types within the polymer.

[0064] In the polymer composition of the present invention, the amount of unsaturated bonds contained in the aliphatic polyester used is usually 100 μmol / g or less, preferably 80 μmol / g or less, more preferably 60 μmol / g or less, even more preferably 30 μmol / g or less, and most preferably 20 μmol / g or less. It is also usually 3 μmol / g or more, more preferably 5 μmol / g or more. If the amount of unsaturated bonds is below the lower limit, it becomes difficult to efficiently branch when branching occurs, and the melt tension cannot be increased. Conversely, if it exceeds the upper limit, significant gelation occurs, and it may become impossible to manufacture a laminate. The amount of unsaturated bonds is 1 H-NMR and 13 It is calculated by NMR measurements such as 13C-NMR.

[0065] Furthermore, in the polymer composition of the present invention, the amount of urethane bonds in the aliphatic polyester used is preferably 0.9% by mass or less, more preferably 0.5% by mass or less, even more preferably 0.2% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.1% by mass or less. In particular, it is preferable that the aliphatic polyester is substantially free of urethane bonds. If the amount of urethane bonds is too high, thermal decomposition of the urethane bonds tends to cause phenomena such as smoke generation and foaming, making it difficult to mold. For example, if we take aliphatic polyesters as an example, we can mention PTTMCC's BioPBS(registered trademark) FZ series, FD series, etc.

[0066] <Other polymers> Other polymers that may be included in the polymer composition of the present invention in an amount that does not hinder the effects of the present invention include, for example, biodegradable polymers such as polybutylene adipate terephthalate, polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoate, ultra-low density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-propylene rubber, polyvinyl acetate, polybutene, and the like. Furthermore, biodegradable polymers such as polyamide polymers such as 4-nylon, polyamino acid polymers such as polyaspartic acid, polyether polymers such as polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, polysaccharides such as cellulose and pullulan, and polyvinyl alcohol polymers can be used. When using these other polymers, one or more polymers can be used in any combination and ratio. In particular, it is preferable to use biodegradable polymers in combination in that the biodegradation rate of the laminate of the present invention is increased and the shape disintegration after decomposition is improved.

[0067] When polymers other than aliphatic polyesters are used in combination, the proportion of aliphatic polyester should be 50 parts by mass or more, preferably 70 parts by mass or more, per 100 parts by mass of the total polymer components. This is because increasing the amount of aliphatic polyesters will increase the biodegradation rate of the laminate of the present invention and improve its shape-disintegration properties after decomposition.

[0068] <Fatty acid bisamide> The polymer composition of the present invention incorporates fatty acid bisamide (B) to control the semi-crystallization time during the production of molded articles using the polymer composition and to improve processability during molding. This is expected to shorten the semi-crystallization time and improve release properties.

[0069] In the polymer composition of the present invention, a fatty acid bisamide (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "fatty acid bisamide (B)") having a total of 15 to 60 carbon atoms can be used as a suitably used fatty acid bisamide. By using a fatty acid bisamide with a carbon number within this range, the crystallization of the resulting polymer composition can be made extremely fast, and it is possible to improve processability such as release rollability during extrusion lamination and mold release during injection molding, as well as productivity.

[0070] Specific examples of the fatty acid bisamide (B) include saturated fatty acid bisamides such as methylenebisstearate, ethylenebiscaprate, ethylenebislaurate, ethylenebisstearate, ethylenebisisostearate, ethylenebishydroxystearate, ethylenebisbehenamide, hexamethylenebisstearate, hexamethylenebisbehenamide, hexamethylenebishydroxystearate, N,N'-distearyladipamide, and N,N'-distearylsebacinamide; unsaturated fatty acid bisamides such as ethylenebisoleamide, hexamethylenebisoleamide, and N,N'-dioleyladipamide; and m-xylylenebisstearate. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more. Among these, using at least one selected from methylenebisstearate, ethylenebislaurate, ethylenebisstearate, ethylenebisisostearate, ethylenebishydroxystearate, hexamethylenebisstearate, N,N'-distearyladipamide, and ethylenebisoleamide allows for even faster crystallization of the resulting polymer composition, resulting in improved processability such as release properties during extrusion lamination and mold release during injection molding, as well as increased productivity.

[0071] <Other crystallization nucleating agents> In addition to the fatty acid bisamides mentioned above, other nucleating agents such as organic carboxylic acid metal salts, organic sulfonates, carboxylic acid amides, organic polymers, ionomers, phosphorus compound metal salts, 2,2-methylbis(4,6-di-t-butylphenyl) sodium; polyethylene wax, and inorganic nucleating agents may also be used in combination.

[0072] Examples of the aforementioned metal salts of organic carboxylates include benzoates, terephthalates, aliphatic carboxylates, salicylates, and dibenzoate compounds. Examples of the aforementioned benzoates include sodium benzoate, potassium benzoate, lithium benzoate, calcium benzoate, magnesium benzoate, barium benzoate, aluminum benzoate, sodium β-naphthalate, and sodium cyclohexanecarboxylate, while examples of the aforementioned terephthalates include lithium terephthalate, sodium terephthalate, and potassium terephthalate. Furthermore, examples of aliphatic carboxylates include calcium oxalate, sodium laurate, potassium laurate, sodium myristate, potassium myristate, calcium myristate, sodium octacosanoate, calcium octacosanoate, sodium stearate, potassium stearate, lithium stearate, calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, barium stearate, sodium montanaate, calcium montanaate, sodium tolulate, etc. Examples of salicylates include sodium salicylate, potassium salicylate, zinc salicylate, etc. Examples of dibenzoate compounds include aluminum dibenzoate, potassium dibenzoate, lithium dibenzoate, etc.

[0073] Examples of the aforementioned organic sulfonates include sodium p-toluenesulfonate and sodium sulfisophthalate. Examples of the carboxylic acid amides include saturated fatty acid amides such as stearic acid amide, palmitic acid amide, and behenic acid amide; unsaturated fatty acid amides such as oleic acid amide, erucic acid amide, and linoleic acid amide; hydroxystearic acid amide; and tris(t-butylamide) trimesic acid. Examples of the aforementioned organic polymers include low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyisopropylene, polybutene, poly-4-methylpentene, polyvinylcycloalkane, polyvinyltrialkylsilane, and high-melting-point polylactic acid. Examples of the ionomer include sodium salts or potassium salts of polymers having carboxyl groups, such as sodium salts of ethylene-acrylic acid or methacrylic acid copolymers, and sodium salts of styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers. Examples of the aforementioned phosphorus compound metal salts include benzylidene sorbitol and its derivatives, and sodium-2,2'-methylenebis(4,6-di-t-butylphenyl) phosphate.

[0074] Furthermore, specific examples of inorganic nucleating agents that may be used in combination as crystal nucleating agents in the polymer composition of the present invention include talc, kaolin, montmorillonite, synthetic mica, clay, zeolite, silica, graphite, carbon black, zinc oxide, magnesium oxide, titanium oxide, calcium sulfide, boron nitride, calcium carbonate, barium sulfate, aluminum oxide, neodymium oxide, and metal salts of phenylphosphonate. In addition, these inorganic nucleating agents may be modified with organic substances to improve their dispersibility in the polymer composition.

[0075] In the polymer composition of the present invention, the average particle size of the nucleating agent is arbitrary as long as it does not significantly impair the effects of the present invention. It is usually 50 μm or less, preferably 20 μm or less. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of secondary aggregation and handling workability, it is usually 0.1 μm or more, preferably 0.5 μm or more. If the average particle size exceeds the upper limit of the above range, it is not desirable as it is ineffective in shortening the semi-crystallization time. Also, if the average particle size of the nucleating agent falls below the lower limit of the above range, it is not desirable because the manufacturing cost will be high and handling will be difficult.

[0076] The content of the fatty acid bisamide (B) in the polymer composition of the present invention is preferably 0.01% by mass or more, and more preferably 0.05% by mass or more. It is also preferably 10% by mass or less, more preferably 5% by mass or less, more preferably 4% by mass or less, and particularly preferably 3% by mass or less. By keeping the content within this range, the crystallization of the resulting polymer composition can be made extremely fast, and it is possible to improve processability such as the release properties of extruded laminations and mold release during injection molding, as well as productivity. On the other hand, if the content falls below the lower limit of this range, there is a risk that the effect of raising the crystallization temperature will not be observed, or that the release properties and mold release during molding will deteriorate, and if it exceeds the upper limit, there is a risk that the manufacturing cost will become too high, or that smoke generation during molding and contamination of rolls and molds will become a problem.

[0077] Furthermore, when the crystal nucleating agent is used together with the fatty acid bisamide (B) in the polymer composition of the present invention, the content of the crystal nucleating agent excluding the fatty acid bisamide (B) is preferably 10% by mass or less, and more preferably 5% by mass or less. In particular, the content of this crystal nucleating agent is more preferably less than that of the fatty acid bisamide (B), even more preferably 0.01% by mass or less, and particularly preferably 0.05% by mass or less. By keeping the content within this range, the crystallization of the resulting polymer composition can be made extremely fast, and the processability, such as the release properties of extruded laminations and mold release during injection molding, as well as productivity, can be further improved. On the other hand, if the content exceeds the upper limit of this range, the manufacturing cost may become too high, and problems such as smoke generation during molding and contamination of rolls and molds may occur.

[0078] <Other additives> The polymer composition of the present invention may contain additives such as antioxidants, lubricants, and modifiers, to the extent that they do not significantly impair the effects of the present invention. Examples include ultraviolet absorbers, light stabilizers (lightfasteners), antistatic agents, antiblocking agents, mold release agents, antifogging agents, crystal nucleating agents, plasticizers, colorants, fillers, compatibilizers, and flame retardants. In particular, it is preferable to contain 10 ppm or more of one or more of the following additives: heat stabilizers, light stabilizers, antistatic agents, compatibilizers, crystal nucleating agents, and fillers.

[0079] <Method for producing polymer compositions> The polymer composition of the present invention can be manufactured using all conventionally known mixing / kneading techniques. As for mixers, horizontal cylindrical, V-shaped, double cone mixers, ribbon blenders, super mixers, and various continuous mixers can be used. As for kneaders, batch kneaders such as rolls and internal mixers, single-stage and double-stage continuous kneaders, twin-screw extruders, single-screw extruders, and the like can be used.

[0080] Methods of compounding include heating and melting aliphatic polyesters, then adding nucleating agents, various additives, fillers, and thermoplastic polymers to the mixture. Blending oils may also be used to uniformly disperse the aforementioned additives. Furthermore, the melt flow rate (MFR; 190°C, 2.16 kg load) of the polymer composition of the present invention is preferably 1 g / 10 min or more and 40 g / 10 min or less. The lower limit of the MFR of the polymer composition is more preferably 3 g / 10 min or more, and particularly preferably 4 g / 10 min or more. The upper limit of the MFR of the polymer composition is more preferably 35 g / 10 min or less. Setting the MFR of the polymer composition within this range is effective in suppressing surging during extrusion lamination, suppressing deterioration of release roll properties, and improving mold release during injection molding, thereby improving processability.

[0081] <Relationship between semi-crystallization time and nucleating agent> In the polymer composition, when an aliphatic polyester is used as the aliphatic polyester, the semi-crystallization time of the polyester (A) in isothermal crystallization, where the polymer composition is melted at 200°C and held for 3 minutes, and the melt is cooled at a rate of 100°C / min and held at the following X (°C), is preferably 1 second or more, and more preferably 10 seconds or more. It is also preferably 115 seconds or less, and more preferably 100 seconds or less. X(°C) = Tm-25. X: Round to one significant digit and make sure it is a multiple of 10. Tm: Melting point of aliphatic polyester.

[0082] By setting the predetermined semi-crystallization time within the aforementioned range, the crystallization of the resulting polymer composition can be made even faster, resulting in improved processability, such as mold release during injection molding, and increased productivity. The semi-crystallization time is the time required for a polymer composition to reach half of its final degree of crystallinity. When a nucleating agent is mixed during melt crystallization, the nucleating agent acts as a starting point for crystal nuclei, improving the rate of crystal nucleation and crystal growth in the polymer composition, and consequently shortening the semi-crystallization time.

[0083] <Method for manufacturing molded products> The polymer composition of the present invention can be used as a molding material. Methods for producing polymer molded articles using this polymer composition include extruding a polymer composition containing the polymer composition of the present invention described above, other polymers added as needed, and desired additives such as lubricants, antioxidants, and modifiers, using an extruder with a hanger coat type T-die (extrusion coating method), or forming the polymer composition of the present invention described above into a film or sheet by inflation molding or T-die film molding. From the viewpoint of productivity and the physical properties of the resulting polymer molded article, the extrusion coating method is particularly preferred. When using the extrusion coating method, a melt extrusion coating / laminating apparatus normally used for melt extrusion coating / laminating of thermoplastic synthetic polymers such as polyethylene can be used. Furthermore, polymer compositions containing the polymer composition of the present invention described above, along with other polymers added as needed, and desired additives such as lubricants, antioxidants, and modifiers, can be injection molded using an injection molding machine. When using an injection molding machine, an injection molding machine for thermoplastic polymers such as polypropylene can be used.

[0084] <Molded products> The polymer composition of the present invention is used to form films and sheets, and as molded articles obtained from the polymer composition of the present invention, films and sheets are particularly preferred. It can be formed into a film by various molding methods applicable to general-purpose plastics. Regarding the molding method, the effects of the present invention are particularly evident when molded by the extrusion molding or inflation molding described above. More specifically, examples include a method in which a film-like, sheet-like, or cylindrical object extruded to a predetermined thickness from a T-die, I-die, or round die is cooled and solidified using a cooling roll, water, compressed air, etc. When the polymer molded article of the present invention is a film, the thickness is not particularly limited, but is generally preferably 5 μm or more, more preferably 8 μm or more, and even more preferably 15 μm or more. The upper limit is preferably 500 μm or less, more preferably 300 μm or less, and even more preferably 200 μm or less. If the upper limit is exceeded, the curling of the laminated product and the release properties tend to deteriorate, and if it falls below the lower limit, although it depends on the performance of the extruder, the discharge may not be stable and thickness unevenness may occur.

[0085] The films and sheet-like molded articles obtained in this manner may then be subjected to uniaxial or biaxial stretching by methods such as the roll method, tenter method, or tubular method. When stretching, the stretching temperature is usually in the range of 30°C to 110°C, and the stretching ratio is in the range of 0.6 to 10 times in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. After stretching, heat treatment may be performed by methods such as blowing hot air, irradiating with infrared rays, irradiating with microwaves, or contacting with a heat roll.

[0086] Examples of film and sheet molded products obtained by this method include packaging films, shopping bags, plastic bags, compost bags, cups, individual packaging paper, mulch films, and other film and sheet molded products such as coffee capsules, seedling pots, young tree sheets, and trays.

[0087] Furthermore, the tubular molded articles of the present invention can be obtained by molding an aliphatic polyester resin composition. Examples of molding methods include injection molding, extrusion molding and co-extrusion molding (film molding, lamination molding, pipe molding, wire / cable molding, and shaped material molding using inflation or T-die methods), hot press molding, hollow molding (various blow molding methods), thermoforming (vacuum forming, pressure forming), plastic processing, powder molding (rotational molding), and various nonwoven fabric molding methods (dry method, adhesive method, entanglement method, spunbond method, etc.). Among these, extrusion molding is preferably applied.

[0088] Examples of tubular molded products obtained by this method include straws, cotton swabs, and balloon sticks.

[0089] Furthermore, the injection-molded articles of the present invention are obtained by injection molding the polymer composition of the present invention. Examples of injection molding methods include multi-material injection molding, in-mold molding, hot and cool molding, injection compression molding, foam molding, sandwich injection molding, gas-assisted injection molding, mold assembly, and injection molding of hollow products.

[0090] Examples of injection-molded products obtained using this method include coffee capsules, cutlery, and trays. [Examples]

[0091] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below using examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples as long as it does not exceed its gist. The various manufacturing conditions and evaluation result values ​​in the following examples are meant as preferred upper or lower limits in the embodiments of the present invention, and the preferred range may be defined by a combination of the aforementioned upper or lower limits and the values ​​of the following examples or the values ​​of the examples themselves.

[0092] <Raw materials used> The raw materials used in the examples and comparative examples were polymers polymerized as follows or commercially available products. In the following, "PBS" refers to "polybutylene succinate," "PBSA" refers to "polybutylene succinate / adipate," and "PBSSe" refers to "polybutylene succinate / sebacate."

[0093] <Aliphatic Polyester A-1> In a reaction vessel equipped with a stirrer, nitrogen inlet, heating device, thermometer, and vacuum port, 57.8 parts by mass of succinic acid, 12.3 parts by mass of sebacic acid, 64.4 parts by mass of 1,4-butanediol, and 0.125 parts by mass of trimethylolpropane were added as raw materials. The molar ratio of succinic acid to sebacic acid was 89:11, and the molar ratio of 1,4-butanediol to the total amount of succinic acid and sebacic acid was 1.30.

[0094] While stirring the contents of the container, nitrogen gas was introduced into the container, and the system was subjected to a nitrogen atmosphere by vacuum displacement. Next, the raw materials were dissolved at 160°C. After confirming that the raw materials were completely dissolved and the distillate temperature reached 50°C, the temperature was raised from 160°C to 230°C over 1 hour while stirring the system, and the esterification reaction was continued at 230°C under atmospheric pressure for 1 hour. Five minutes before the end of the esterification reaction, 0.60 parts by mass of a titanium-based catalyst solution were added. After the esterification reaction, the temperature was raised from 230°C to 250°C over 30 minutes, and at the same time, the pressure was reduced to 0.07 × 10³ Pa or less over 85 minutes. Polymerization was continued while maintaining the heated and reduced-pressure state, and the polymerization was stopped when the desired viscosity was reached, yielding aliphatic polyester A-1.

[0095] <Aliphatic Polyester A-2> In the example of producing aliphatic polyester A-1, 44.9 parts by mass of succinic acid, 27.1 parts by mass of sebacic acid, 60.2 parts by mass of 1,4-butanediol, 0.125 parts by mass of trimethylolpropane, and 0.60 parts by mass of catalyst solution were used, and the procedure was carried out in the same manner as above, except that the molar ratio of succinic acid to sebacic acid was 74:26, to produce aliphatic polyester A-2 (amount of succinic acid units in total dicarboxylic acid units: 74 mol%, amount of sebacic acid units: 26 mol%, MFR: 5.0 g / 10 min, melting point: 85°C).

[0096] <Commercially available product> (PBSA, PBS) • PBSA (FD92PM)... "BioPBS (registered trademark) FD92PM" manufactured by PTTMCC Biochem (succinic acid units in total dicarboxylic acid units: 74 mol%, adipic acid units: 26 mol%, MFR: 5.0 g / 10 min, melting point: 84°C) • PBSA (FD72PM)... "BioPBS (registered trademark) FD72PM" manufactured by PTTMCC Biochem (succinic acid content in total dicarboxylic acid units: 74 mol%, adipic acid content: 26 mol%, MFR: 25.0 g / 10 min, melting point: 87°C) • PBS (FZ71PM)... "BioPBS (registered trademark) FZ71PM" manufactured by PTTMCC Biochem (succinic acid content in total dicarboxylic acid units: 100 mol%, MFR: 22 g / 10 min, melting point: 115°C) • PBS (FZ91PM)... "BioPBS (registered trademark) FZ91PM" manufactured by PTTMCC Biochem (succinic acid content in total dicarboxylic acid units: 100 mol%, MFR: 5.0 g / 10 min, melting point: 115°C)

[0097] (Crystallizing agent) • EBS…Ethylene bis-stearamide, manufactured by Kao Corporation: Kao Wax EB-FF • Erucic acid amide… Manufactured by Nippon Seika Co., Ltd., L-type agent • Polyethylene wax…Honeywell Acumist B6 • Talc 1… Talc, manufactured by Fuji Talc Industry Co., Ltd.: MG115 • Talc 2… Talc, manufactured by Nippon Talc Co., Ltd.: Micro Ace K-1

[0098] (Antioxidant) • Yirganox 1010…BASF: Yirganox 1010, Pentaerythritol Tetrakis[3-(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate]

[0099] <Evaluation of physical properties> The evaluation methods for various physical properties and characteristics in the examples and comparative examples are as follows. (Measurement of semi-crystallization time) 3.0 to 5.0 mg of the polyester polymer composition was placed in an aluminum pan for DSC measurement and heated and melted at 200°C for 3 minutes under a nitrogen atmosphere using a differential scanning calorimetry system (DSC8500, PerkinElmer Japan). Subsequently, it was rapidly cooled to X°C at 100°C / min, and the time taken for half of the crystallization to be completed at X°C was calculated by performing isothermal crystallization measurement at X(°C) using the following formula 1, and this was defined as the semi-crystallization time. X(℃)=Tm-25 (Formula 1) X: Round to one significant digit and make sure it is a multiple of 10. Tm: Melting point of aliphatic polyester resin

[0100] Next, the injection molding process and processing stability during cooling are as follows. (Processing stability during cooling) Pellets are fed into a hopper, which is the material input port. The fed pellets are melted in a cylinder and sent to the injection section. The material then flows from the nozzle of the injection section through a conduit called a spool inside the mold, through a runner, and into the molding section of the mold. After the material cools and solidifies, the movable part of the mold opens, and the molded product is discharged to the outside. Specifically, dry-blended pellets were fed into the hopper of an injection molding machine (clamping force 18t, manufactured by Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.: SE18D), and a 1mm thick flat molded product was obtained through the injection molding process. The molding conditions were a cylinder temperature of 160°C and a mold temperature of 35°C, with the cooling time changed to 4, 6, 8, 10, 12.5, 15, 20, and 30 seconds. After the material cooled, the degree of adhesion of the molded product to the fixed side when the movable part of the mold opened and the shape of the solidified spool were evaluated. ○: The molded product is not caught on the mold's fixed side, and there is no spool breakage. △: The molded part is held in place by the fixed side of the mold, but there is no spool breakage. ×: The spool deforms because it is forcibly removed from the mold during demolding. ××: When the mold opens, the spool portion breaks.

[0101] (Separation properties) The processing steps and cooling stability of the extruded laminate molding process are as follows: Pellets are fed into the hopper, which is the material input port. The fed pellets are melted in the cylinder of a single-screw extruder and extruded at 250°C using a hanger-coat type T-die. Specifically, the dry-blended pellets were extruded at 250°C using a 300mm wide hanger-coat type T-die in a single-screw extruder with a screw diameter of Φ50mm. After the molten film stabilized, smoke and odor were observed as described above. Next, the molten film was fed through the paper at a low speed, and the take-up speed was adjusted to 15 m / min, 20 m / min, 25 m / min, and 30 m / min to check the release properties. The cooling temperature was set to 40°C, and a semi-matte type cooling roll and an air knife were used. During lamination, smoke and odor, the appearance of the molten film, and roll contamination were observed. The degree of adhesion from the cooling roll was observed according to the following criteria. ○: The resin is released smoothly from the cooling roll, resulting in a clean appearance. △: The resin is slightly difficult to separate from the cooling roll, causing a noise when released. Also, there are grooves in the molded product. ×: The resin does not detach from the cooling roll, making operation impossible.

[0102] (Smoke and odor) A sensory evaluation of the smoke emitted from the die outlet and the odor was conducted. The evaluation criteria were as follows. ○: It produces little smoke and has no irritating odor that is noticeable to the nose or eyes. △: There is some smoke and a slight irritating odor that may be noticeable to the nose and eyes, but it is not at a level that would cause problems during work. ×: It emits smoke and has an irritating odor that is noticeable to the nose and eyes.

[0103] (Appearance of the molten film (transparency of the molten film)) In the aforementioned processing process, the stability of the molten film at the die exit and the appearance of the extruded laminated film were checked. The evaluation criteria were as follows: ○: No surging failures occur, and the molten film is stable with no gel and is transparent. △: There is a slight gel-like substance, but it is transparent and does not pose any problems during processing. ×: The molten film is not transparent.

[0104] (Roll stains) In the aforementioned processing process, the degree of contamination of the cooling roll after film formation was evaluated. The evaluation criteria were as follows. ○: After 1 hour of processing, only a small amount of white powdery substance adhered to the roll, and it did not negatively affect the processability. △: After 1 hour of processing, there is a significant amount of white powdery substance adhering to the roll, but this does not negatively affect the processability. ×: If a large amount of white powdery substance adheres to the roll after 1 hour of processing, and the white powdery substance has migrated to the film surface.

[0105] [Example 1] Aliphatic polyester A-1: ​​99.8 parts by mass, EBS: 0.1 parts by mass as a crystal nucleating agent, and Irganox 1010: 0.1 parts by mass as an antioxidant were dry blended, and the mixture was extruded into strands at a kneading temperature of 150°C using a twin-screw extruder with a screw diameter of Φ30 mm. Pelletizers were obtained, and the semi-crystallization time was measured. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0106] [Example 2] In Example 1, the mixture was kneaded and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1, except that aliphatic polyester A-2 was used instead of aliphatic polyester A-1. The results are shown in Table 1. [Example 3] In Example 1, the mixture was kneaded and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1, except that PBSA (FD92PM) was used instead of aliphatic polyester A-1. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0107] [Example 4] In Example 1, the mixture was kneaded and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1, except that PBSA (FD92PM): 49.9 parts by mass and PBS (FZ91PM): 49.9 parts by mass were used instead of aliphatic polyester A-1. The results are shown in Table 1. [Example 5] In Example 4, the mixture was kneaded and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 4, except that 49.5 parts by mass of PBSA (FD92PM), 49.4 parts by mass of PBS (FZ91PM), and 1.0 part by mass of EBS as a crystal nucleating agent were used. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0108] [Comparative Example 1] In Example 1, the mixture was kneaded and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1, except that 0.1 parts by mass of erucic acid amide was used instead of 0.1 parts by mass of EBS. The results are shown in Table 1. [Comparative Example 2] In Example 2, the mixture was kneaded and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 2, except that 0.1 parts by mass of erucic acid amide was used instead of 0.1 parts by mass of EBS. The results are shown in Table 1. [Comparative Example 3] In Example 3, the mixture was kneaded and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 3, except that 0.1 parts by mass of erucic acid amide was used instead of 0.1 parts by mass of EBS. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0109] [Comparative Example 4] In Example 3, the mixture was kneaded and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 3, except that 0.1 parts by mass of polyethylene wax was used instead of 0.1 parts by mass of EBS. The results are shown in Table 1. [Comparative Example 5] In Example 3, the mixture was kneaded and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 3, except that 0.1 parts by mass of EBS were not added. The results are shown in Table 1. [Comparative Example 6] In Example 4, the mixture was kneaded and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 4, except that 0.1 parts by mass of EBS were not added. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0110] [Table 1]

[0111] [Example 6] 97 parts by mass of PBS (FZ71PM) were dry-blended with 2.0 parts by mass of EBS as a nucleating agent and 1.0 part by mass of Irganox 1010 as an antioxidant. The mixture was extruded into strands using a twin-screw extruder at a mixing temperature of 150°C, and pellets were obtained using a pelletizer to obtain a masterbatch (MB-A). Next, the obtained MB-A: 2.5 parts by mass, PBS (FZ71PM): 7.5 parts by mass, and PBSA (FD72PM): 90 parts by mass were used to mold and evaluate the process stability as described above. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0112] [Example 7] In Example 6, molding and evaluation were performed in the same manner as in Example 6, except that PBSA (FD72PM): 90 parts by mass, PBS (FZ71PM): 5.0 parts by mass, and MB-A: 5.0 parts by mass were dry-blended. The results are shown in Table 2. [Example 8] In Example 6, the mixture was molded and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 6, except that instead of PBS (FZ71PM): 7.5 parts by mass and MB-A: 2.5 parts by mass, PBSA (FD72PM) was dry-blended with 90 parts by mass and MB-A: 10 parts by mass. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0113] [Comparative Example 7] 98 parts by mass of PBS (FZ71PM) and 2.0 parts by mass of Irganox 1010 as an antioxidant were dry-blended, and the mixture was extruded into strands using a twin-screw extruder at a mixing temperature of 150°C. Pelletizers were then used to obtain a masterbatch (MB-B). Molding and evaluation were performed in the same manner as in Example 7, except that MB-B: 5.0 parts by mass was dry-blended instead of MB-A: 5.0 parts by mass in Example 7. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0114] [Comparative Example 8] 97 parts by mass of PBS (FZ71PM), 2.0 parts by mass of erucic acid amide, and 1.0 part by mass of Irganox 1010 as an antioxidant were dry blended, and the mixture was extruded into strands using a twin-screw extruder at a mixing temperature of 150°C. Pelletizers were then used to obtain a masterbatch (MB-C). Molding and evaluation were performed in the same manner as in Example 7, except that MB-C: 5.0 parts by mass was dry-blended instead of MB-A: 5.0 parts by mass in Example 7. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0115] [Comparative Example 9] In Comparative Example 8, the molding and evaluation were performed in the same manner as in Comparative Example 8, except that the amount of MB-C added was changed from 5.0 parts by mass to 10 parts by mass, and the amount of PBS (FZ71PM) added was changed from 5.0 parts by mass to none. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0116] [Comparative Example 10] 98 parts by mass of PBS (FZ71PM), 1.0 part by mass of polyethylene wax, and 1.0 part by mass of Irganox 1010 as an antioxidant were dry blended, and the mixture was extruded into strands using a twin-screw extruder at a mixing temperature of 150°C. Pelletizers were then used to obtain a masterbatch (MB-D). In Comparative Example 9, the molding and evaluation were performed in the same manner as in Comparative Example 9, except that 10 parts by mass of MB-D were dry-blended instead of 10 parts by mass of MB-C. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0117] [Comparative Example 11] 59 parts by mass of PBS (FZ71PM) and 1:40 parts by mass of talc were dry-blended with 1.0 part by mass of Irganox 1010 as an antioxidant. The mixture was extruded into strands using a twin-screw extruder at a mixing temperature of 150°C, and pellets were obtained using a pelletizer to obtain a masterbatch (MB-E). In Comparative Example 9, the mixture was molded and evaluated in the same manner as in Comparative Example 9, except that 10 parts by mass of MB-E were dry-blended instead of 10 parts by mass of MB-C. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0118] [Table 2]

[0119] [Example 9] A dry blend of 93 parts by mass of aliphatic polyester A-1 with 5.0 parts by mass of EBS as a crystal nucleating agent and 2.0 parts by mass of Irganox 1010 as an antioxidant was performed. The mixture was extruded into strands using a twin-screw extruder at a kneading temperature of 150°C, and pellets were obtained using a pelletizer to obtain a masterbatch (MB-F). The prepared MB-F was dry-blended with 2.0 parts by mass of aliphatic polyester A-1:100 parts by mass, and the release properties, smoke and odor, appearance of the molten film, and roll contamination during lamination were observed using the method described above. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0120] [Comparative Example 12] In Example 9, the molding and evaluation were performed in the same manner as in Example 9, except that instead of 100 parts by mass of aliphatic polyester A-1 and 2.0 parts by mass of MB-F, 97 parts by mass of aliphatic polyester A-1 and 5.0 parts by mass of MB-B were dry-blended. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0121] [Comparative Example 13] In Example 9, 5.0 parts by mass of erucic acid amide was used as the crystal nucleating agent instead of 5.0 parts by mass of EBS to obtain a masterbatch (MB-G). Molding and evaluation were performed in the same manner as in Example 9, except that 2.0 parts by mass of MB-G was dry-blended instead of 2.0 parts by mass of MB-F. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0122] [Comparative Example 14] In Example 9, instead of 93 parts by mass of aliphatic polyester A-1 and 5.0 parts by mass of EBS as a nucleating agent, 88 parts by mass of aliphatic polyester A-1 and 2 parts by mass of talc were used to obtain a masterbatch (MB-H). Molding and evaluation were performed in the same manner as in Example 9, except that 2.0 parts by mass of MB-H were dry-blended instead of 2.0 parts by mass of MB-F. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0123] [Comparative Example 15] In Example 9, instead of 93 parts by mass of aliphatic polyester A-1, 5.0 parts by mass of EBS, and 2.0 parts by mass of Irganox 1010, 93 parts by mass of PBS, 2.0 parts by mass of polyethylene wax, and 5.0 parts by mass of Irganox 1010 were used to obtain a masterbatch (MB-I). Molding and evaluation were performed in the same manner as in Example 9, except that 2.0 parts by mass of MB-I was dry-blended instead of 2.0 parts by mass of MB-F. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0124] [Table 3]

[0125] (result) The results shown in Table 1 indicate that by mixing with conventionally known nucleating agents, the use of fatty acid bisamide accelerates the semi-crystallization time. In other words, the nucleating agent acts as the starting point for crystal nuclei. As a result, the nucleation rate and crystal growth rate of the polymer composition are improved. As a result, as shown in Tables 2 and 3, crystallization is accelerated, improving mold release in injection molding and cooling roll release in extruded lamination, and significantly improving production efficiency by reducing processing stability and cycle time.

Claims

1. A polymer composition comprising at least one polyester (A) selected from aliphatic polyesters and aliphatic aromatic polyesters and a fatty acid bisamide (B), The aliphatic polyester has as its main constituent units repeating units derived from aliphatic diols and repeating units derived from aliphatic dicarboxylic acids. The aliphatic aromatic polyester mainly consists of repeating structural units derived from aliphatic diols, repeating structural units derived from aliphatic dicarboxylic acids, and repeating structural units derived from aromatic dicarboxylic acids. The repeating structural unit derived from the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid is a repeating structural unit derived from succinic acid, A polymer composition in which repeating units derived from succinic acid are present in an amount of 50 mol% or more and 99 mol% or less relative to the total amount of repeating units derived from aliphatic dicarboxylic acid and repeating units derived from aromatic dicarboxylic acid.

2. The aforementioned polyester (A) is an aliphatic polyester, The polymer composition according to claim 1, characterized in that the polymer composition is melted at 200°C and held for 3 minutes, and the resulting melt is cooled at a rate of 100°C / min, and the isothermal crystallization time of the polyester (A) held at the following X (°C) is 1 second or more and 115 seconds or less. X (°C) = Tm-25. X: Round to one significant digit and make it a multiple of 10. Tm: Melting point of aliphatic polyester.

3. The polymer composition according to claim 1, wherein the repeating structural unit derived from the aliphatic diol includes a 1,4-butanediol unit.

4. The polymer composition according to claim 1, wherein the repeating structural unit derived from the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid includes a repeating structural unit derived from an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid having 4 to 13 carbon atoms.

5. The polymer composition according to claim 1, wherein the repeating structural unit derived from the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid comprises at least one repeating structural unit derived from adipic acid, a repeating structural unit derived from sebacic acid, and a repeating structural unit derived from azelaic acid.

6. The polymer composition according to claim 1, wherein the repeating structural unit derived from the aromatic dicarboxylic acid includes a repeating structural unit derived from terephthalic acid.

7. The polymer composition according to claim 5, wherein the repeating structural units derived from the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid include repeating structural units derived from adipic acid and / or repeating structural units derived from sebacic acid.

8. The polymer composition according to claim 1, wherein the fatty acid bisamide (B) is a fatty acid bisamide having a total of 15 to 60 carbon atoms.

9. The polymer composition according to claim 1, wherein the polymer composition contains 0.01 to 10% by mass of the fatty acid bisamide (B).

10. The polymer composition according to claim 9, comprising 0.05 to 5% by mass of the fatty acid bisamide (B) in the polymer composition.

11. The polymer composition according to claim 1, wherein the fatty acid bisamide (B) comprises at least one selected from methylenebisstearate, ethylenebiscaprate, ethylenebislaurate, ethylenebisstearate, ethylenebisisostearate, ethylenebishydroxystearate, ethylenebisbehenamide, hexamethylenebisstearate, hexamethylenebisbehenamide, hexamethylenebishydroxystearate, N,N'-distearyladipamide, N,N'-distearylsebacinamide, saturated fatty acid bisamide, ethylenebisoleamide, hexamethylenebisoleamide, N,N'-dioleyladipamide, unsaturated fatty acid bisamide, and m-xylylenebisstearate.

12. The polymer composition according to claim 1, wherein the fatty acid bisamide (B) comprises at least one selected from methylenebisstearate, ethylenebislaurate, ethylenebisstearate, ethylenebisisostearate, ethylenebishydroxystearate, hexamethylenebisstearate, N,N'-distearyladipamide, and ethylenebisoleamide.

13. A molding material comprising the polymer composition described in claim 1.

14. A molded article made from the molding material described in claim 13.

15. A film molded article, wherein the molded article described in claim 14 is selected from packaging film, shopping bags, plastic bags, compost bags, cups, packaging paper, and mulch film.

16. A sheet molded product in which the molded product described in claim 14 is selected from coffee capsules, seedling pots, young tree sheets, and trays.

17. A tubular molded article, wherein the molded article described in claim 14 is selected from a straw, a cotton swab, and a balloon stick.

18. An injection-molded product in which the molded product according to claim 14 is selected from coffee capsules, cutlery, and trays.

Images