Functionalizing agents and polymer compositions

Abstract

The present invention provides a functional agent capable of suitably imparting a predetermined function (e.g., heat resistance) to a main polymer to be mixed, and a polymer composition having excellent functionality. [Solution] According to one aspect of the present invention, a functional agent is provided that is used by adding it to a main polymer, and contains a maleimide copolymer having (A) aromatic vinyl monomer units, (B) maleimide monomer units, and (C) vinyl cyanide monomer units, wherein (A) aromatic vinyl monomer units include α-substituted aromatic vinyl monomer units.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to functional agents and polymer compositions. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is inexpensive and possesses excellent chemical, physical, and mechanical properties. For this reason, PVC is produced in large quantities and used in a variety of applications. However, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has the disadvantage of lacking heat resistance (heat softening temperature). For example, the Vicat softening temperature of PVC, measured by the B50 method (load 50N, heating rate 50°C / hour) based on JIS K 7206:1999, is around 82°C. Furthermore, the softening temperature of PVC is usually further reduced by adding stabilizers and plasticizers during molding. One known method for improving the heat resistance of polyvinyl chloride is to mix a heat-resistant resin with polyvinyl chloride (see Patent Document 1), but this method is still insufficient. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-265373 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a functional agent that can suitably impart a predetermined function (for example, heat resistance) to a main polymer to be mixed, and a polymer composition that has been given excellent functionality. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a functional agent is provided that is used by adding it to a main polymer, and contains a maleimide copolymer having (A) aromatic vinyl monomer units, (B) maleimide monomer units, and (C) vinyl cyanide monomer units, wherein (A) aromatic vinyl monomer units include α-substituted aromatic vinyl monomer units.

[0006] According to this embodiment, the function of the main polymer (for example, heat resistance) can be sufficiently enhanced. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The following describes embodiments of the functionalizing agent and polymer composition. The various features shown in the embodiments below can be combined with each other. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the content of Y in X (mol%) refers to the amount of Y when the total amount of X is considered to be 100 mol%. 1. Functionalizing agents The functional agent in this embodiment is used by adding it to the main polymer. By adding and mixing the functional agent with the main polymer, a polymer composition can be obtained. This functional agent contains a maleimide copolymer. <Maleimide copolymer> The maleimide copolymer comprises (A) aromatic vinyl monomer units, (B) maleimide monomer units, and (C) vinyl cyanide monomer units. The monomer units contained in maleimide copolymers will be explained in detail below.

[0008] <<(A) Aromatic vinyl monomer units>> (A) Examples of aromatic vinyl monomer units include styrene units, o-methylstyrene units, m-methylstyrene units, p-methylstyrene units, 2,4-dimethylstyrene units, ethylstyrene units, p-tert-butylstyrene units, α-methylstyrene units, α-methyl-p-methylstyrene units, etc. (A) Aromatic vinyl monomer units may contain these units individually or in combination of two or more types. In particular, in this embodiment, the (A) aromatic vinyl monomer unit includes α-substituted aromatic vinyl monomer units (e.g., α-methylstyrene units, α-methyl-p-methylstyrene units). By having such (A) aromatic vinyl monomer units, the compatibility between the maleimide copolymer (functional agent) and the main polymer can be improved.

[0009] The content of (A) aromatic vinyl monomer units in the maleimide copolymer is preferably 40 mol% to 55 mol%, more preferably 42 mol% to 55 mol%, and even more preferably 44 mol% to 55 mol%. In this case, the balance between (A) aromatic vinyl monomer units and other monomer units in the maleimide copolymer is good, so the compatibility between the main polymer and the maleimide copolymer can be sufficiently increased, while improving the function of the main polymer based on the other monomer units (e.g., heat resistance). In addition, in this case, there is also the advantage that the reactivity of the monomers does not easily decrease during the production (synthesis) of the maleimide copolymer. Furthermore, if two or more aromatic vinyl monomer units are included, the content of aromatic vinyl monomer units refers to the total amount of the two or more aromatic vinyl monomer units.

[0010] (A) The content of α-substituted aromatic vinyl monomer units in the aromatic vinyl monomer units is preferably about 60 mol% or more, more preferably about 70 mol% or more, even more preferably about 80 mol% or more, particularly preferably about 90 mol% or more, and may be 100 mol%. By including α-substituted aromatic vinyl monomer units (especially α-methylstyrene units) in such amounts, the compatibility with the main polymer of the maleimide copolymer (functional agent) can be sufficiently improved. (A) Other monomer units besides the α-substituted aromatic vinyl monomer unit included in the aromatic vinyl monomer unit are preferably styrene units.

[0011] <<(B) Maleimide-based monomer units>> (B) Examples of maleimide monomer units include N-alkyl maleimide units such as N-methyl maleimide units, N-butyl maleimide units, N-hexyl maleimide units, and N-cyclohexyl maleimide units, as well as N-aryl maleimide units such as N-phenyl maleimide units, N-chlorophenyl maleimide units, N-methylphenyl maleimide units, N-methoxyphenyl maleimide units, and N-tribromophenyl maleimide units. (B) Maleimide monomer units may contain these units individually or in combination of two or more.

[0012] Among these, the (B) maleimide monomer unit is preferably an N-arylmaleimide unit, and more preferably an N-phenylmaleimide unit. By having such a (B) maleimide monomer unit, the maleimide copolymer (functional agent) can impart excellent heat resistance to the main polymer. In particular, if the maleimide copolymer has an N-phenylmaleimide unit, it can also improve the rigidity of the polymer composition. (B) Maleimide copolymers containing maleimide monomer units can be produced (synthesized) for example by (I) copolymerizing an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid monomer with another monomer and imidizing the copolymer with ammonia or a primary amine, or by (II) copolymerizing a maleimide monomer with another monomer.

[0013] The content of (B) maleimide monomer units in the maleimide copolymer is preferably 1 mol% to 30 mol%, more preferably 1 mol% to 20 mol%, and even more preferably 1 mol% to 15 mol%. In this case, the maleimide copolymer (functional agent) can sufficiently improve the heat resistance of the main polymer. In this case, it is also possible to prevent the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the maleimide copolymer from becoming extremely high, thereby suitably preventing or suppressing a decrease in processability between the maleimide copolymer and the main polymer, and a decrease in compatibility with the main polymer. As a result, the impact resistance of the polymer composition can be sufficiently improved.

[0014] <<(C) Vinyl cyanide monomer unit>> (C) Vinyl cyanide monomer units include, for example, acrylonitrile units, methacrylonitrile units, ethacrylonitrile units, fumaronitrile units, and the like. (C) Vinyl cyanide monomer units may contain these units alone or in combination of two or more. Among these, acrylonitrile units are preferred as the (C) vinyl cyanide monomer units. By having such (C) vinyl cyanide monomer units, the compatibility between the maleimide copolymer (functionalizing agent) and the main polymer can be improved.

[0015] The content of the (C) vinyl cyanide monomer units in the maleimide copolymer is not particularly limited because it is appropriately set according to the content of the (A) aromatic vinyl monomer units and the content of the (B) maleimide monomer units. The specific value of the content of the (C) vinyl cyanide monomer units in the maleimide copolymer is preferably about 25 mol% or more and 60 mol% or less, more preferably about 30 mol% or more and 55 mol% or less, and even more preferably about 35 mol% or more and 50 mol% or less. In this case, the maleimide copolymer (functionalizing agent) can sufficiently improve the compatibility with the main polymer. As a result, the polymer composition can exhibit excellent heat resistance and good impact resistance in a well-balanced manner.

[0016] <<(D) Unsaturated carboxylic anhydride monomer unit>> The maleimide copolymer preferably further has (D) unsaturated carboxylic anhydride monomer units. By having a predetermined amount of the (D) unsaturated carboxylic anhydride monomer units, the compatibility of the maleimide copolymer (functionalizing agent) with the main polymer can be further enhanced. As a result, the balance of heat resistance, impact strength, and processability of the polymer composition can be adjusted. (D) Unsaturated carboxylic acid anhydride-based monomer units include, for example, maleic anhydride units, itaconic anhydride units, citraconic anhydride units, aconitic anhydride units, and the like. The (D) unsaturated carboxylic acid anhydride-based monomer units may contain these units alone or may contain two or more kinds thereof.

[0017] Among these, the (D) unsaturated carboxylic acid anhydride-based monomer unit is preferably a maleic anhydride unit. Thereby, the above-described effects due to the maleimide copolymer having the (D) unsaturated carboxylic acid anhydride-based monomer unit can be sufficiently enhanced. The content of the (D) unsaturated carboxylic acid anhydride-based monomer unit in the maleimide copolymer is preferably about 0.1 mol% or more and 10 mol% or less, more preferably about 0.3 mol% or more and 8 mol% or less, and even more preferably about 0.5 mol% or more and 6 mol% or less. In this case, sufficient compatibility between the maleimide copolymer (functionalizing agent) and the main polymer can be maintained.

[0018] The total content of the (B) maleimide-based monomer unit and the (D) unsaturated carboxylic acid anhydride-based monomer unit in the maleimide copolymer is preferably 1 mol% or more and 40 mol% or less, more preferably about 1 mol% or more and 30 mol% or less, even more preferably about 1 mol% or more and 20 mol% or less, and particularly preferably about 1 mol% or more and 15 mol% or less. In this case, the compatibility between the maleimide copolymer (functionalizing agent) and the main polymer can be sufficiently maintained. Also, in this case, the reactivity of the monomers hardly decreases during the production (synthesis) of the maleimide copolymer.

[0019] <<Other monomer units>> In addition to the above monomer units, the maleimide copolymer may further have other monomer units. Other monomer units include, for example, acrylic acid ester monomer units such as methyl acrylate units, ethyl acrylate units, and butyl acrylate units; methacrylate ester monomer units such as methyl methacrylate units and ethyl methacrylate units; acrylamide units; and methacrylateamide units. These other monomer units may be included individually or in combination of two or more types. The composition of the maleimide copolymer described above can be analyzed by the method described in the examples below.

[0020] <Physical properties of maleimide copolymers> • Glass transition temperature (Tg) The glass transition temperature of the maleimide copolymer is preferably around 110°C to 160°C, more preferably around 120°C to 150°C, and even more preferably around 130°C to 140°C. In this case, the heat resistance-imparting effect of the maleimide copolymer (functional agent) on the main polymer can be further enhanced, and the processability of the maleimide copolymer and the main polymer can be well maintained. The glass transition temperature of the maleimide copolymer can be measured by the method described in the examples below.

[0021] ·Weight average molecular weight (Mw) The weight-average molecular weight of the maleimide copolymer is preferably around 100,000 or less, more preferably between 20,000 and 100,000, even more preferably between 30,000 and 80,000, and particularly preferably between 40,000 and 60,000. In this case, the impact resistance of the polymer composition can be sufficiently maintained while preventing or suppressing a decrease in the compatibility and processability of the maleimide copolymer (functional agent) with the main polymer. The weight-average molecular weight of the maleimide copolymer can be measured by the method described in the examples below. Methods for obtaining maleimide copolymers having a preferred weight-average molecular weight include adjusting the polymerization temperature, polymerization time, and the amount of polymerization initiator added, as well as adjusting the amount of solvent and chain transfer agent added. In addition, a method for reducing the molecular weight of the obtained copolymer by decomposition is also known.

[0022] • Melt viscosity The melt viscosity of the maleimide copolymer is preferably between 200 Pa·s and 100,000 Pa·s, more preferably between 200 Pa·s and 70,000 Pa·s, and even more preferably between 500 Pa·s and 70,000 Pa·s. In this case, the effect of imparting heat resistance to the main polymer of the maleimide copolymer (functional agent) can be sufficiently enhanced, and a decrease in compatibility with the main polymer can be prevented or suppressed. In this case, the dispersibility of the maleimide copolymer in the main polymer can also be improved. In this specification, the melt viscosity of maleimide copolymers is the value measured using a capillary rheometer 1D manufactured by Toyo Seiki Seisakusho Co., Ltd., with a capillary die of L=40 mm and D=1 mm.

[0023] The melt viscosity of maleimide copolymers can be controlled by adjusting the proportion of monomer units that make up the maleimide copolymer. For example, increasing the content of (C) vinyl cyanide monomer units or (B) maleimide monomer units in the maleimide copolymer can increase its melt viscosity. Furthermore, increasing the weight-average molecular weight of the maleimide copolymer can also increase its melt viscosity. These adjustment methods can also be used in combination.

[0024] • Acid value The acid value of the maleimide copolymer is preferably around 0 mg / g to 60 mg / g, 0 mg / g to 50 mg / g, 0 mg / g to 30 mg / g, or 0 mg / g to 20 mg / g, more preferably 0 mg / g to 11 mg / g, even more preferably 0 mg / g to 10 mg / g, and particularly preferably 0 mg / g to 8 mg / g. In this case, the balance of heat resistance, impact strength, and processability of the polymer composition can be further improved. The acid value of maleimide copolymers can be controlled by adjusting the proportion of monomer units that make up the maleimide copolymer. For example, the acid value can be lowered by reducing the content of (D) unsaturated carboxylic acid anhydride monomer units in the maleimide copolymer. In addition, in post-imidization methods described later, the acid value can also be lowered by increasing the amount of primary amine added.

[0025] The acid value can be determined, for example, in accordance with JIS K 0070:1992, by dissolving 1 g of maleimide copolymer in 50 mL of methyl ethyl ketone, adding 1 mL of 1.0 w / v% phenolphthalein ethanol solution, and titrating the solution with 0.1 mol / L potassium hydroxide solution, and calculating it using the following formula. Acid value (mg / g) = (Titration volume (mL) - Blank volume (mL)) × Potassium hydroxide concentration (mol / L) × 56.11 (Molar mass of potassium hydroxide g / mol) / Amount of maleimide copolymer (g)

[0026] <Manufacturing of maleimide copolymers> Polymerization methods for maleimide copolymers include, for example, solution polymerization and bulk polymerization. Among these methods, solution polymerization is preferred for maleimide copolymers. Solution polymerization allows for the acquisition of maleimide copolymers with a more uniform copolymer composition by performing polymerization while adding additives. The solvent used in solution polymerization is preferably non-polymerizable. Using a non-polymerizable solvent reduces the formation of by-products and minimizes adverse effects on the polymerization reaction.

[0027] Examples of such solvents include ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, and acetophenone; ethers such as tetrahydrofuran and 1,4-dioxane; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, xylene, and chlorobenzene; and N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone. Among these, methyl ethyl ketone and methyl isobutyl ketone are preferred solvents. Using such solvents facilitates solvent removal during the defoliation and recovery of maleimide copolymers. Furthermore, the polymerization process can be applied to any of the following methods: continuous polymerization, batch polymerization, or semi-batch polymerization.

[0028] There are no particular limitations on the method for producing maleimide copolymers, but radical polymerization is preferred. The polymerization temperature in radical polymerization is preferably in the range of 80°C to 150°C. Polymerization initiators that can be used include, for example, azo compounds such as azobisisobutyronitrile, azobiscyclohexanecarbonitride, azobismethylpropionitrile, and azobismethylbutyronitrile, as well as organic peroxides such as benzoyl peroxide, t-butyl peroxybenzoate, 1,1-bis(t-butylperoxy)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane, t-butylperoxyisopropyl monocarbonate, t-butylperoxy-2-ethylhexanoate, di-t-butyl peroxide, dicumyl peroxide, and ethyl-3,3-di-(t-butylperoxy)butyrate. These polymerization initiators may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0029] It is preferable to use azo compounds or organic peroxides with a 10-hour half-life temperature (T10) of approximately 70°C to 120°C, as this makes it easier to control the polymerization reaction rate and polymerization rate. The amount of polymerization initiator used is preferably 0.1% to 5.0% by mass, and more preferably 0.1% to 2.5% by mass, based on 100% by mass of the total monomer. By setting the amount of polymerization initiator within the above range, the polymerization rate can be suitably adjusted, making reaction control easier and allowing for the relatively easy acquisition of maleimide copolymers having the target molecular weight.

[0030] Chain transfer agents can be used in the production of maleimide copolymers. The chain transfer agent is not particularly limited, but examples include n-octyl mercaptan, n-dodecyl mercaptan, t-dodecyl mercaptan, α-methylstyrene dimer, ethyl thioglycolate, limonene, terpinolene, and the like. The amount of chain transfer agent used is preferably 0% to 0.8% by mass, and more preferably 0% to 0.5% by mass, relative to 100% by mass of the total monomer. By using the above range for the amount of chain transfer agent, a maleimide copolymer having the target molecular weight can be obtained relatively easily.

[0031] Methods for introducing maleimide monomer units into maleimide copolymers include copolymerizing maleimide monomers, aromatic vinyl monomers, and vinyl cyanide monomers (direct method), or prepolymerizing unsaturated carboxylic acid anhydride monomers, aromatic vinyl monomers, and vinyl cyanide monomers, and then reacting the unsaturated carboxylic acid anhydride group with ammonia or a primary amine to convert the unsaturated carboxylic acid anhydride monomers into maleimide monomer units (post-imidization method). The post-imidization method is preferred because it can reduce the amount of maleimide monomers remaining in the functional agent containing the maleimide copolymer.

[0032] Examples of primary amines used in the post-imidization method include alkylamines such as methylamine, ethylamine, n-propylamine, iso-propylamine, n-butylamine, n-pentylamine, n-hexylamine, n-octylamine, cyclohexylamine, and decylamine; chlor- or brom-substituted alkylamines; and aromatic amines such as aniline, toluidine, and naphthylamine. These primary amines may be used individually or in combination of two or more. From these, a primary amine (e.g., aniline, cyclohexylamine) is selected depending on the structure of the desired maleimide monomer unit.

[0033] The amount of primary amine used is not particularly limited, but it is preferably about 0.7 molar equivalents to 1.1 molar equivalents relative to the unsaturated carboxylic acid anhydride group, and more preferably about 0.85 molar equivalents to 1.05 molar equivalents. In this case, the thermal stability of the resulting maleimide copolymer is good, and the amount of unreacted primary amine can be reduced. Furthermore, extending the time of the post-imidization step can reduce the content of (D) unsaturated carboxylic acid anhydride monomer units in the maleimide copolymer.

[0034] When introducing maleimide monomer units by post-imidization, a catalyst may be used. The use of a catalyst can facilitate the dehydration and ring-closing reaction in the reaction between ammonia or primary amines and carboxylic acid anhydride groups, particularly in the reaction that converts carboxylic acid anhydride groups to maleimide groups. The catalyst is not particularly limited, but for example, a tertiary amine can be used. Examples of tertiary amines include trimethylamine, triethylamine, tripropylamine, tributylamine, N,N-dimethylaniline, and N,N-diethylaniline.

[0035] The amount of tertiary amine used is not particularly limited, but it is preferably about 0.01 molar equivalents or more relative to the carboxylic acid anhydride group. The temperature of the imidation reaction is preferably between 100°C and 250°C, and more preferably between 120°C and 200°C. In this case, the productivity can be improved by sufficiently increasing the reaction rate of the imidation reaction, and the deterioration of the physical properties of the resulting maleimide copolymer due to thermal degradation can be prevented or suppressed.

[0036] For removing volatile components such as the solvent used in solution polymerization and unreacted monomers from the polymerization solution after solution polymerization or post-imidization of maleimide copolymers (devolutation method), for example, a vacuum devolutation tank with a heater or a devolutation extruder with a vent can be used. The defolatable molten maleimide copolymer is transferred to a granulation process, where it is extruded in strand form through a porous die and processed into pellets using a cold-cut method, an air-hot-cut method, or a water-hot-cut method. Furthermore, if the main polymer is in powder form, it is preferable to grind the maleimide copolymer into a powder form before use. For grinding, for example, grinding equipment such as a turbo mill, turbo disc mill, turbo cutter, jet mill, impact mill, hammer mill, or vibratory mill can be used.

[0037] The polymerization solution may optionally contain heat stabilizers such as hindered phenol compounds, lactone compounds, phosphorus compounds, and sulfur compounds, light stabilizers such as hindered amine compounds and benzotriazole compounds, lubricants, plasticizers, colorants, antistatic agents, mineral oil, etc. These compounds may be used individually or in combination of two or more. The amount added is preferably less than 0.3 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of maleimide copolymer. The functional agent of this embodiment may consist solely of a maleimide copolymer, or it may contain a maleimide copolymer, the above-mentioned compound, and other compounds in place of or in addition to the above-mentioned compound.

[0038] In the latter case, for example, the functionalizing agent may further contain an aromatic vinyl monomer in an amount of approximately 60 ppm to 3000 ppm (preferably 100 ppm to 2000 ppm, more preferably 150 ppm to 1000 ppm). By including an aromatic vinyl monomer in such an amount in the functionalizing agent, it is possible to maintain high compatibility with the main polymer while preventing an extreme deterioration of the hue (YI) of the polymer composition. Such aromatic vinyl monomers may be unreacted monomers (residual monomers) when producing the maleimide copolymer, or they may be added separately after the production of the maleimide copolymer.

[0039] Furthermore, for example, the functionalizing agent may further contain an amine in an amount of 10 ppm to 3000 ppm (preferably 100 ppm to 2000 ppm, more preferably 500 ppm to 1000 ppm). By including aromatic vinyl monomers in such amounts in the functionalizing agent, it is possible to maintain high compatibility with the main polymer while preventing an extreme deterioration of the hue (YI) of the polymer composition. Such an amine may be an unreacted amine (residual amine) or a modified ammonia from the post-imidization method, or it may be added separately after the production of the maleimide copolymer.

[0040] 2. Polymer composition The polymer composition contains a main polymer and the functionalizing agents described above. The functional agent preferably has at least one of the following functions: a function to impart heat resistance to the main polymer (function as a heat-resistant agent), a function to impart thermal stability to the main polymer (function as a thermal stabilizer), a function to reduce the amount of gas generated from the polymer composition (function as a degassing agent), a function to lower the specific gravity of the polymer composition (function as a specific gravity lowering agent), and a function to improve the dispersibility between components other than the main polymer and the main polymer (function as a compatibilizer). The functional agent described above can suitably impart these functions to the main polymer. <Main polymer> The main polymer preferably contains at least one selected from the group consisting of chlorine-containing polymers and rubber-containing polymers. The above-mentioned functionalizing agents are preferred because they have high affinity (compatibility and processability) with these polymers.

[0041] <<Chlorine-containing polymer>> Chlorine-containing polymers are polymers obtained by polymerizing vinyl chloride monomer alone or vinyl chloride monomer with one or more monomers copolymerizable thereto, and chlorine-added polymers obtained by further adding chlorine to such polymers. Chlorine-containing polymers may also include mixtures of the above polymers and chlorine-added polymers. Monomers copolymerizable with vinyl chloride monomer are not particularly limited, but examples include vinyl esters, acrylic acid esters, methacrylic acid esters, fumarate esters, vinyl ethers, vinyl cyanides, α-olefins, styrenes, vinylidene chloride, vinylidene halides, vinyl halides (excluding vinyl chloride), phthalate esters, and the like.

[0042] Examples of vinyl esters include vinyl acetate and vinyl propionate. Examples of acrylic acid esters include methyl acrylate and butyl acrylate. Examples of methacrylic acid esters include methyl methacrylate and ethyl methacrylate. Examples of fumarate esters include butyl maleate and diethyl maleate. Examples of vinyl ethers include vinyl methyl ether, vinyl butyl ether, and vinyl octyl ether.

[0043] Examples of vinyl cyanides include acrylonitrile and methacrylonitrile. Examples of α-olefins include ethylene and propylene. Examples of styrenes include styrene, α-methylstyrene, vinyltoluene, t-butylstyrene, and chlorostyrene. Examples of vinylidene halides include vinylidene chloride. Examples of vinyl halides (excluding vinyl chloride) include vinyl bromide. Examples of phthalate esters include diallyl phthalate.

[0044] Among these, polyvinyl chloride obtained by polymerizing vinyl chloride monomers is preferred as the chlorine-containing polymer. The above-mentioned functionalizing agent can suitably impart heat resistance to the chlorine-containing polymer. The average degree of polymerization of the chlorine-containing polymer is preferably between 680 and 1900, and more preferably between 700 and 1700. A chlorine-containing polymer with such an average degree of polymerization can be uniformly dispersed with maleimide copolymers (functional agents) and its kneadability can be improved. <<Chlorine content of chlorine-containing polymers>> The chlorine content of the chlorine-containing polymer is preferably 50% to 60%, and more preferably 55% to 58%. A chlorine-containing polymer having such a chlorine content provides excellent moldability and impact resistance.

[0045] <<High chlorine content polymer>> The chlorine-containing polymer may include a chlorine-containing polymer with a high chlorine content, as long as it does not hinder the above-mentioned effects. For example, the polymer composition may contain a chlorine-containing polymer with a chlorine content of more than 60% in 100% by mass, preferably in an amount of less than 70% by mass, more preferably less than 60% by mass, and even more preferably less than 50% by mass. This can impart excellent processability, moldability, and impact resistance to the polymer composition. <<Manufacturing of chlorine-containing polymers>> The polymerization method for chlorine-containing polymers is not particularly limited, but for example, bulk polymerization, solution polymerization, emulsion polymerization, etc., can be used.

[0046] <<Rubber-containing polymer>> The rubber-containing polymer is not particularly limited, but examples include ethylene-propylene rubber, ethylene-butene rubber, polybutadiene, styrene-butadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBS resin), styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS resin), acrylonitrile-styrene-butadiene (ABS) resin, acrylonitrile-styrene-n-butyl acrylate (ASA) resin, methacrylate-styrene-n-butyl acrylate-butadiene (MBS) resin, methacrylate-acrylonitrile-styrene-butadiene (MABS) resin, styrene-isoprene rubber, hydrogenated styrene-isoprene rubber, polyurethane rubber, styrene-grafted ethylene-propylene-diene rubber, and the like. These rubber-containing polymers may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0047] <Mixing ratio of main polymer to functional agent in polymer composition> The blending ratio of the functionalizing agent is preferably 5 to 100 parts by mass, more preferably 5 to 80 parts by mass, and even more preferably 5 to 60 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of the main polymer. By setting the blending ratio of the main polymer to the functionalizing agent within the above range, sufficient heat resistance can be imparted to the main polymer (polymer composition), and deterioration of mold release properties can be prevented or suppressed.

[0048] <Polymer composition filler> The polymer composition may optionally contain fillers. This is expected to improve the flexural modulus of the molded article obtained from the polymer composition. Examples of fillers include silica, diatomaceous earth, alumina, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, iron oxide, tin oxide, antimony oxide, ferrites, calcium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, basic magnesium carbonate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, zinc carbonate, barium carbonate, dohnite, hydrotalcite, calcium sulfate, barium sulfate, gypsum fiber, calcium silicate, talc, clay, mica, montmorillonite, bentonite, activated clay, sepiolite, imogolite, sericite, glass fiber, glass beads, silica-based balloons, aluminum nitride, boron nitride, silicon nitride, carbon black, graphite, carbon fiber, carbon balloons, charcoal powder, various metal powders, potassium titanate, magnesium sulfate, lead zirconate titanate, aluminum borate, molybdenum sulfide, silicon carbide, stainless steel fiber, zinc borate, various magnetic powders, slag fiber, fly ash, dewatered sludge, or surface-treated versions thereof.

[0049] Among these, basic inorganic fillers such as calcium carbonate, calcium silicate, calcium hydroxide, calcium oxide, magnesium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium oxide, barium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide, zinc oxide, zinc hydroxide, iron oxide, and talc are preferred as fillers. These fillers may be used individually or in combination of two or more. Such fillers are preferred because they have a high effect in improving the mechanical properties and Vicat softening temperature of the polymer composition. The amount of filler added is preferably 1 to 100 parts by mass, more preferably 1 to 75 parts by mass, and even more preferably 1 to 50 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of the total of the main polymer and the functionalizing agent (hereinafter also referred to as "resin content"). By setting the amount of filler within the above range, the effect of improving the flexural modulus of the molded product is enhanced, and a decrease in the dispersibility of the filler in the polymer composition can be prevented or suppressed.

[0050] <Impact-resistant reinforcing agent for polymer compositions> The polymer composition may optionally contain an impact-resistant reinforcing agent. This is expected to improve the impact resistance of the molded article obtained from the polymer composition. Examples of impact-resistant reinforcing agents include ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) resin, MBS (methyl methacrylate-butadiene-styrene) resin, acrylic rubber, chlorinated polyethylene, and NBR (acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber).

[0051] Among these, MBS resin, acrylic rubber, and chlorinated polyethylene are preferred as impact-resistant reinforcing agents. These impact-resistant reinforcing agents may be used individually or in combination of two or more. Such impact-resistant reinforcing agents are preferred because they are highly effective in improving the impact resistance of molded products. The amount of impact-resistant reinforcing agent added is preferably 1 to 50 parts by mass, more preferably 1 to 40 parts by mass, and even more preferably 1 to 30 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of resin. By setting the amount of impact-resistant reinforcing agent within the above range, the effect of improving the impact resistance of the molded product is enhanced, and a decrease in the flexural modulus of the molded product can be prevented or suppressed.

[0052] <Processing aids for polymer compositions> The polymer composition may optionally contain processing aids. This is expected to promote gelation during processing and improve the moldability of molded articles obtained from the polymer composition. Examples of processing aids include acrylic copolymers. These processing aids may be used individually or in combination of two or more. The amount of processing aid added is preferably 0.01 parts by mass to 10 parts by mass, and more preferably 0.05 parts by mass to 5 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of resin. By setting the amount of processing aid added within the above range, the processability of the maleimide copolymer (functional agent) and the main polymer can be improved, and the deterioration of the mechanical properties of the polymer composition can be prevented or suppressed.

[0053] <Additives for polymer compositions> The polymer composition may contain the following additives, to the extent that they do not inhibit the above-mentioned effects. Examples of additives include reinforcing agents, lubricants, plasticizers, light stabilizers, heat stabilizers, UV absorbers, antioxidants, colorants (pigments, dyes), flame retardants, antistatic agents, and mineral oils. These additives may be used individually or in combination of two or more types. Examples of heat-resistant stabilizers include hindered phenol compounds, lactone compounds, phosphorus compounds, and sulfur compounds. Examples of light-stabilizing agents include hindered amine compounds and benzotriazole compounds.

[0054] <Physical properties of polymer compositions> The physical properties of the polymer composition can be measured by the methods described in the examples below. • Charpy impact strength The Charpy impact strength of the polymer composition is 5 kJ / m 2 Preferably, it should be around 7.5 kJ / m³. 2 It is more preferable that it be around 10 kJ / m 2 It is even more preferable that the values ​​be approximately as described above. The maximum Charpy impact strength of the polymer composition is typically 20 kJ / m². 2 It is approximately 5 kJ / m². The Charpy impact strength of the polymer composition is, for example, 5 kJ / m². 2 More than 20kJ / m 2 The following is possible. In this case, the molded article obtained from the polymer composition can be judged to have excellent impact resistance.

[0055] Vicat softening temperature The Vicat softening temperature of the polymer composition is preferably around 80°C or higher, more preferably around 82.5°C or higher, and even more preferably around 85°C or higher. The maximum Vicat softening temperature of the polymer composition is usually around 95°C. The Vicat softening temperature of the polymer composition can be, for example, between 80°C and 95°C. In this case, the molded article obtained from the polymer composition can be judged to have high heat resistance.

[0056] ·Hue (YI) The hue (YI) of the polymer composition is preferably around 55 or less, more preferably around 53 or less, and even more preferably around 51 or less. The minimum value of the hue (YI) of the polymer composition is usually around 30. The hue (YI) of the polymer composition can be, for example, between 30 and 55. In this case, it can be determined that the volatile content in the polymer composition is sufficiently low.

[0057] <Manufacturing of polymer compositions> ·Manufacturing method Polymer compositions can be produced, for example, by melt-kneading raw materials containing a main polymer and a functional agent using a melt-kneading apparatus. Suitable melt-kneading apparatuses include, for example, screw extruders such as single-screw extruders, mesh-type co-rotating or mesh-type opposite-rotating twin-screw extruders, non- or incomplete meshing twin-screw extruders, Henschel mixers, Banbury mixers, kneaders, and mixing rolls. Multiple of these may also be used in combination as a melt-kneading apparatus.

[0058] • Maximum Torque The maximum torque (peak) of the melt-kneading apparatus during the production of the polymer composition is preferably around 40 N·m to 55 N·m, more preferably around 42.5 N·m to 52.5 N·m, and even more preferably around 45 N·m to 50 N·m. In this case, the maximum torque of the melt-kneading apparatus is of an appropriate size, and therefore, it can be determined that the processability of the maleimide copolymer (functional agent) and the main polymer is good.

[0059] • Loss tangent (tanδ) peak shift The shift of the loss tangent (tanδ) peak of the polymer composition relative to the loss tangent (tanδ) peak of the main polymer is preferably around 5°C or more, more preferably around 7.5°C or more, and even more preferably around 10°C or more. The maximum value of the loss tangent peak shift of the polymer composition is usually around 20°C. The loss tangent peak shift of the polymer composition can be, for example, between 5°C and 20°C. When such a relatively large peak shift occurs, it can be determined that the compatibility between the main polymer and the maleimide copolymer (functional agent) is sufficiently high. The loss tangent (tanδ) peak shift of the polymer composition can be measured by the method described in the examples below.

[0060] <Molding of polymer compositions> The polymer composition can be molded into a molded product by methods such as injection molding, sheet extrusion molding, vacuum forming, blow molding, foam molding, or shape extrusion molding. During molding, the polymer composition is heated, and the heating temperature is preferably between 170°C and 200°C, and more preferably between 180°C and 200°C. The molded products obtained in this way can be used for applications such as rain gutters, rain gutter components, building material profiles, pipes, and fittings.

[0061] Furthermore, when mixing a chlorine-containing polymer (especially polyvinyl chloride) as the main polymer with acrylonitrile styrene-butadiene (ABS) resin, or when mixing a rubber-containing polymer (especially ABS resin) as the main polymer with polyamide or polycarbonate, adding a functionalizing agent allows for uniform dispersion and mixing. In other words, the functionalizing agent can function as a compatibilizer (dispersant). Furthermore, by adding a functionalizing agent to a chlorine-containing polymer (especially polyvinyl chloride) or a rubber-containing polymer (especially ABS resin) as the main polymer, thermal stability can be imparted to the chlorine-containing polymer or the rubber-containing polymer. In other words, the functionalizing agent can function as a thermal stabilizer.

[0062] Furthermore, by adding a functional agent to a chlorine-containing polymer (particularly polyvinyl chloride or chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) as the main polymer, the polymer composition can exhibit functions that reduce gas generation or lower its specific gravity. In other words, the functional agent can function as a degassing agent or a specific gravity reducer. Furthermore, they may be provided in the following embodiments.

[0063] (1) A functional agent used by adding to a main polymer, comprising a maleimide copolymer having (A) aromatic vinyl monomer units, (B) maleimide monomer units, and (C) vinyl cyanide monomer units, wherein the (A) aromatic vinyl monomer units include α-substituted aromatic vinyl monomer units.

[0064] (2) A functional agent as described in (1) above, wherein the glass transition temperature of the maleimide copolymer is 110°C or higher and 160°C or lower.

[0065] (3) A functional agent according to (1) or (2) above, wherein the weight-average molecular weight of the maleimide copolymer is 100,000 or less.

[0066] (4) A functional agent according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein the maleimide copolymer further comprises (D) an unsaturated carboxylic acid anhydride monomer unit.

[0067] (5) A functional agent according to (4) above, wherein the content of the (D) unsaturated carboxylic acid anhydride monomer unit in the maleimide copolymer is 0.1 mol% or more and 10 mol% or less.

[0068] (6) A functional agent according to any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein the content of the (B) maleimide monomer unit in the maleimide copolymer is 1 mol% or more and 30 mol% or less.

[0069] (7) A functional agent according to any one of (1) to (6) above, wherein the content of the (A) aromatic vinyl monomer unit in the maleimide copolymer is 40 mol% or more and 55 mol% or less.

[0070] (8) A functional agent according to any one of (1) to (7) above, wherein the content of the α-substituted aromatic vinyl monomer unit in the (A) aromatic vinyl monomer unit is 60 mol% or more.

[0071] (9) A functional agent according to any one of (1) to (8) above, wherein the functional agent further contains an aromatic vinyl monomer in an amount of 60 ppm to 3000 ppm.

[0072] (10) A function-imparting agent according to any one of (1) to (9) above, wherein the function-imparting agent further contains an amine in an amount of 10 ppm to 3000 ppm.

[0073] (11) A polymer composition comprising a main polymer and a functional agent described in any one of (1) to (10) above.

[0074] (12) A polymer composition according to (11) above, wherein the functional agent has at least one of the following functions: a function to impart heat resistance to the main polymer, a function to impart thermal stability to the main polymer, a function to reduce the amount of gas generated from the polymer composition, a function to lower the specific gravity of the polymer composition, and a function to improve the dispersibility between components other than the main polymer and the main polymer.

[0075] (13) A polymer composition according to (11) or (12) above, wherein the main polymer contains at least one selected from the group consisting of chlorine-containing polymers and rubber-containing polymers.

[0076] (14) In the polymer composition described in any one of (11) to (13) above, the Charpy impact strength of the polymer composition is 5 kJ / m 2 The above describes the polymer composition.

[0077] (15) A polymer composition according to any one of (11) to (14) above, wherein the Vicat softening temperature of the polymer composition is 80°C or higher.

[0078] (16) A polymer composition according to any one of (11) to (15) above, wherein the hue (YI) of the polymer composition is 55 or less.

[0079] (17) A polymer composition according to any one of (11) to (16) above, wherein the shift of the loss tangent (tanδ) peak of the polymer composition with respect to the loss tangent (tanδ) peak of the main polymer is 5°C or more. Of course, this is not always the case.

[0080] Finally, while various embodiments relating to this disclosure have been described, these are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Examples]

[0081] The functionalizing agents and polymer compositions will be described in more detail below using the following examples and comparative examples, but these are not limited to the following examples.

[0082] 1. Manufacture of functionalizing agents and polymer compositions (Examples 1 and 2) In an autoclave with an internal volume of approximately 120 liters and equipped with a stirrer, 23.9 parts by mass of acrylonitrile, 65.2 parts by mass of α-methylstyrene, 0.3 parts by mass of maleic anhydride, and 21.7 parts by mass of methyl ethyl ketone were charged. After replacing the gas phase with nitrogen gas, the mixture was heated to 92°C over 40 minutes while stirring. After raising the temperature to 92°C, a solution of 10.6 parts by mass of maleic anhydride and 0.5 parts by mass of t-butyl peroxy-2-ethylhexanoate dissolved in 32.2 parts by mass of methyl ethyl ketone was continuously added over 12 hours. After the addition was complete, the temperature was raised to 120°C and the reaction was allowed to continue for 1 hour to complete the polymerization.

[0083] Subsequently, 10.3 parts by mass of aniline and 0.2 parts by mass of triethylamine were added to the polymerization solution, and the reaction was carried out at 140°C for 15 hours. The imidization reaction solution after the reaction was fed into a vented screw extruder, and volatile components were removed to obtain a functional agent as a pelletized maleimide copolymer. The analytical results of the obtained maleimide copolymer are shown in Table 1 below. A polymer composition was produced by blending a functionalizing agent (maleimide copolymer), an impact-resistant reinforcing agent, and polyvinyl chloride (manufactured by Taiyo Vinyl Chloride Co., Ltd., "TH-1000"), which had been pre-mixed with stabilizers and lubricants in a Henschel mixer, in the proportions shown in Table 1 below, and then further mixing them in a Henschel mixer.

[0084] (Example 3) In an autoclave with an internal volume of approximately 120 liters and equipped with a stirrer, 27.0 parts by mass of acrylonitrile, 69.0 parts by mass of α-methylstyrene, 0.4 parts by mass of maleic anhydride, and 71.9 parts by mass of methyl ethyl ketone were charged. After replacing the gas phase with nitrogen gas, the mixture was heated to 92°C over 40 minutes while stirring. After raising the temperature to 92°C, a solution of 3.6 parts by mass of maleic anhydride and 0.5 parts by mass of t-butyl peroxy-2-ethylhexanoate dissolved in 12.2 parts by mass of methyl ethyl ketone was continuously added over 10 hours. After the addition was complete, the temperature was raised to 120°C and the reaction was allowed to continue for 1 hour to complete the polymerization.

[0085] Subsequently, 3.8 parts by mass of aniline and 0.1 parts by mass of triethylamine were added to the polymerization solution, and the reaction was carried out at 140°C for 15 hours. The imidization reaction solution after the reaction was fed into a vented screw extruder, and volatile components were removed to obtain a functional agent as a pelletized maleimide copolymer. The analytical results of the obtained maleimide copolymer are shown in Table 1 below. A polymer composition was produced by blending a functionalizing agent (maleimide copolymer), an impact-resistant reinforcing agent, and polyvinyl chloride (manufactured by Taiyo Vinyl Chloride Co., Ltd., "TH-1000"), which had been pre-mixed with stabilizers and lubricants in a Henschel mixer, in the proportions shown in Table 1 below, and then further mixing them in a Henschel mixer.

[0086] (Example 4) In an autoclave with an internal volume of approximately 120 liters and equipped with a stirrer, 25.4 parts by mass of acrylonitrile, 62.1 parts by mass of α-methylstyrene, 0.3 parts by mass of maleic anhydride, and 45.2 parts by mass of methyl ethyl ketone were charged. After replacing the gas phase with nitrogen gas, the mixture was heated to 92°C over 40 minutes while stirring. After raising the temperature to 92°C, a solution of 12.1 parts by mass of maleic anhydride and 0.8 parts by mass of t-butyl peroxy-2-ethylhexanoate dissolved in 37.8 parts by mass of methyl ethyl ketone was continuously added over 6 hours. After the addition was complete, the temperature was raised to 120°C and the reaction was allowed to continue for 1 hour to complete the polymerization.

[0087] Subsequently, 11.8 parts by mass of aniline and 0.2 parts by mass of triethylamine were added to the polymerization solution, and the reaction was carried out at 140°C for 15 hours. The imidization reaction solution after the reaction was fed into a vented screw extruder, and volatile components were removed to obtain a functional agent as a pelletized maleimide copolymer. The analytical results of the obtained maleimide copolymer are shown in Table 1 below. A polymer composition was produced by blending a functionalizing agent (maleimide copolymer), an impact-resistant reinforcing agent, and polyvinyl chloride (manufactured by Taiyo Vinyl Chloride Co., Ltd., "TH-1000"), which had been pre-mixed with stabilizers and lubricants in a Henschel mixer, in the proportions shown in Table 1 below, and then further mixing them in a Henschel mixer.

[0088] (Example 5) In an autoclave with an internal volume of approximately 120 liters and equipped with a stirrer, 16.1 parts by mass of acrylonitrile, 64.3 parts by mass of α-methylstyrene, 0.3 parts by mass of maleic anhydride, and 38.6 parts by mass of methyl ethyl ketone were charged. After replacing the gas phase with nitrogen gas, the mixture was heated to 92°C over 40 minutes while stirring. After raising the temperature to 92°C, a solution of 19.3 parts by mass of maleic anhydride and 0.8 parts by mass of t-butyl peroxy-2-ethylhexanoate dissolved in 58.1 parts by mass of methyl ethyl ketone was continuously added over 6 hours. After the addition was complete, the temperature was raised to 120°C and the reaction was allowed to continue for 1 hour to complete the polymerization.

[0089] Subsequently, 18.6 parts by mass of aniline and 0.3 parts by mass of triethylamine were added to the polymerization solution, and the reaction was carried out at 140°C for 15 hours. The imidization reaction solution after the reaction was fed into a vented screw extruder, and volatile components were removed to obtain a functional agent as a pelletized maleimide copolymer. The analytical results of the obtained maleimide copolymer are shown in Table 1 below. A polymer composition was produced by blending a functionalizing agent (maleimide copolymer), an impact-resistant reinforcing agent, and polyvinyl chloride (manufactured by Taiyo Vinyl Chloride Co., Ltd., "TH-1000"), which had been pre-mixed with stabilizers and lubricants in a Henschel mixer, in the proportions shown in Table 1 below, and then further mixing them in a Henschel mixer.

[0090] (Example 6) In an autoclave with an internal volume of approximately 120 liters and equipped with a stirrer, 19.5 parts by mass of acrylonitrile, 65.0 parts by mass of α-methylstyrene, 0.4 parts by mass of maleic anhydride, and 43.3 parts by mass of methyl ethyl ketone were charged. After replacing the gas phase with nitrogen gas, the mixture was heated to 92°C over 40 minutes while stirring. After raising the temperature to 92°C, a solution of 15.2 parts by mass of maleic anhydride and 0.5 parts by mass of t-butyl peroxy-2-ethylhexanoate dissolved in 45.2 parts by mass of methyl ethyl ketone was continuously added over 8 hours. After the addition was complete, the temperature was raised to 120°C and the reaction was allowed to continue for 1 hour to complete the polymerization.

[0091] Subsequently, 14.7 parts by mass of aniline and 0.2 parts by mass of triethylamine were added to the polymerization solution, and the reaction was carried out at 140°C for 15 hours. The imidization reaction solution after the reaction was fed into a vented screw extruder, and volatile components were removed to obtain a functional agent as a pelletized maleimide copolymer. The analytical results of the obtained maleimide copolymer are shown in Table 1 below. A polymer composition was produced by blending a functionalizing agent (maleimide copolymer), an impact-resistant reinforcing agent, and polyvinyl chloride (manufactured by Taiyo Vinyl Chloride Co., Ltd., "TH-1000"), which had been pre-mixed with stabilizers and lubricants in a Henschel mixer, in the proportions shown in Table 1 below, and then further mixing them in a Henschel mixer.

[0092] (Example 7) In an autoclave with an internal volume of approximately 120 liters and equipped with a stirrer, 23.9 parts by mass of acrylonitrile, 65.2 parts by mass of α-methylstyrene, 0.3 parts by mass of maleic anhydride, and 5.4 parts by mass of methyl ethyl ketone were charged. After replacing the gas phase with nitrogen gas, the mixture was heated to 92°C over 40 minutes while stirring. After raising the temperature to 92°C, a solution of 10.6 parts by mass of maleic anhydride and 0.5 parts by mass of t-butyl peroxy-2-ethylhexanoate dissolved in 60.3 parts by mass of methyl ethyl ketone was continuously added over 18 hours. After the addition was complete, the temperature was raised to 120°C and the reaction was allowed to continue for 1 hour to complete the polymerization.

[0093] Subsequently, 10.3 parts by mass of aniline and 0.2 parts by mass of triethylamine were added to the polymerization solution, and the reaction was carried out at 140°C for 15 hours. The imidization reaction solution after the reaction was fed into a vented screw extruder, and volatile components were removed to obtain a functional agent as a pelletized maleimide copolymer. The analytical results of the obtained maleimide copolymer are shown in Table 1 below. A polymer composition was produced by blending a functionalizing agent (maleimide copolymer), an impact-resistant reinforcing agent, and polyvinyl chloride (manufactured by Taiyo Vinyl Chloride Co., Ltd., "TH-1000"), which had been pre-mixed with stabilizers and lubricants in a Henschel mixer, in the proportions shown in Table 1 below, and then further mixing them in a Henschel mixer.

[0094] (Example 8) In an autoclave with an internal volume of approximately 120 liters and equipped with a stirrer, 16.2 parts by mass of acrylonitrile, 64.8 parts by mass of α-methylstyrene, 0.4 parts by mass of N-phenylmaleimide, and 48.6 parts by mass of methyl ethyl ketone were charged. After replacing the gas phase with nitrogen gas, the mixture was heated to 92°C over 40 minutes while stirring. After raising the temperature to 92°C, a solution of 18.6 parts by mass of N-phenylmaleimide and 0.5 parts by mass of t-butyl peroxy-2-ethylhexanoate dissolved in 55.1 parts by mass of methyl ethyl ketone was continuously added over 6 hours. After the addition was complete, the temperature was raised to 120°C and the reaction was allowed to continue for 1 hour to complete the polymerization.

[0095] Subsequently, the polymerization solution was fed into a vented screw extruder to remove volatile components and obtain a functional agent as a pelletized maleimide copolymer. The analysis results of the obtained maleimide copolymer are shown in Table 1 below. A polymer composition was produced by blending a functionalizing agent (maleimide copolymer), an impact-resistant reinforcing agent, and polyvinyl chloride (manufactured by Taiyo Vinyl Chloride Co., Ltd., "TH-1000"), which had been pre-mixed with stabilizers and lubricants in a Henschel mixer, in the proportions shown in Table 1 below, and then further mixing them in a Henschel mixer.

[0096] (Comparative example) In an autoclave with an internal volume of approximately 120 liters and equipped with a stirrer, 8.7 parts by mass of acrylonitrile, 77.6 parts by mass of styrene, 0.6 parts by mass of maleic anhydride, 0.3 parts by mass of α-methylstyrene dimer, and 51.9 parts by mass of methyl ethyl ketone were charged. After replacing the gas phase with nitrogen gas, the mixture was heated to 92°C over 40 minutes while stirring. After raising the temperature to 92°C, a solution of 13.1 parts by mass of maleic anhydride and 0.5 parts by mass of t-butyl peroxy-2-ethylhexanoate dissolved in 39.2 parts by mass of methyl ethyl ketone was continuously added over 5 hours. After the addition was complete, the temperature was raised to 120°C and the reaction was allowed to continue for 1 hour to complete the polymerization.

[0097] Subsequently, 13.0 parts by mass of aniline and 0.2 parts by mass of triethylamine were added to the polymerization solution, and the reaction was carried out at 140°C for 15 hours. The imidization reaction solution after the reaction was fed into a vented screw extruder, and volatile components were removed to obtain a pellet-shaped maleimide copolymer. The analytical results of the obtained maleimide copolymer are shown in Table 1 below. A polymer composition was prepared by blending a maleimide copolymer, an impact-resistant reinforcing agent, and polyvinyl chloride (manufactured by Taiyo Vinyl Chloride Co., Ltd., "TH-1000"), which had been pre-mixed with stabilizers and lubricants in a Henschel mixer, in the proportions shown in Table 1 below, and then further mixing them in a Henschel mixer.

[0098] 2. Measurement and Evaluation 2-1. Compositional analysis of maleimide copolymers For the maleimide copolymers obtained in each example and comparative example, the composition of each monomer unit was analyzed. 13 The measurement was performed using the 1C-NMR method under the following conditions. Instrument name: FT-NMR AVANCE300 (manufactured by BRUKER) Solvent: Deuterated chloroform Concentration: 14% by mass Temperature: 27℃ Total number of times: 8000

[0099] 2-2. Measurement of volatile content in maleimide copolymers (functional agents) As a pretreatment, the functionalizing agents obtained in each example and comparative example were weighed into a 50 mL Erlenmeyer flask in a range of 0.3 g to 0.4 g, and dissolved in 10 mL of dimethylformamide (DMF) containing an internal standard (cyclopentanol). Subsequently, the content of volatile components remaining in the functionalizing agent was measured under the following conditions. Device name: GC-12A (manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation) Detector: FID Column: 3m glass column (packing material: liquid phase PEG20M + TCEP (15 + 5)) Temperature: INJ 150℃, DET 150℃, Column 115℃ Injection volume: 1μL Furthermore, in all of the functionalizing agents, triethylamine was below the detection limit (less than 10 ppm).

[0100] 2-3. Measurement of the glass transition temperature (Tg) of maleimide copolymers For the maleimide copolymers obtained in each example and comparative example, the glass transition temperature was measured using a differential scanning calorimeter in accordance with JIS K 7121:2012 by the following method. Device name: DSC1 (manufactured by Mettler Toledo) Procedure: Under a nitrogen flow of 50 mL / min, the temperature was raised to 250°C at a heating rate of 10°C / min, maintained at 250°C for 10 minutes, then cooled to -60°C, and then raised to 250°C at a heating rate of 10°C / min. From the DSC curve obtained, the temperature at the intersection of a straight line extending the high-temperature side pace line toward the low-temperature side and a tangent line drawn at the point where the slope of the peak curve on the high-temperature side is maximum was defined as the glass transition temperature.

[0101] 2-4. Measurement of weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of maleimide copolymers The weight-average molecular weight of the maleimide copolymers obtained in each example and comparative example was measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) under the following measurement conditions, and the value was determined by converting it to polystyrene equivalent. Device name: SYSTEM-21 Shodex (manufactured by Showa Denko Corporation) Column: Three PL gel MIXED-B columns in series Temperature: 40℃ Detection: Differential refractive index Solvent: Tetrahydrofuran Concentration: 2% by mass Calibration curve: Created using standard polystyrene (PS) (manufactured by PL Co., Ltd.).

[0102] 2-5. Preparation of test specimens of polymer compositions First, roll sheets were prepared from the polymer compositions obtained in each example and comparative example using a test roll (Kansai Roll Co., Ltd., "φ6×L15 test roll"). Next, the obtained roll sheets were stacked and press-formed, and test specimens were prepared by punching. 2-6. Measurement of Maximum Torque The maximum torque [N·m] was measured as follows: First, 20 parts by mass of the functional additives obtained in each of the examples and comparative examples were added to 80 parts by mass of polyvinyl chloride (manufactured by Taiyo Vinyl Co., Ltd., "TH-1000") which had been previously mixed with additives such as stabilizers and lubricants using a Henschel mixer. Thereafter, the polyvinyl chloride and the functional additives were melt-kneaded using a Laboplast Mill (manufactured by Toyo Seiki Seisakusho Co., Ltd., "main body: 4C150 type, mixer: model R60") under the conditions of a filling amount of 60.0 g, a temperature of 190°C, and a rotation speed of 60 rpm. And the maximum torque (kneading torque) during melt-kneading was measured.

[0103] 2-7. Measurement of Charpy impact strength The Charpy impact strength [kJ / m 2 of the test pieces of each of the examples and comparative examples was measured under the conditions of a relative humidity of 50% and an ambient temperature of 23°C using notch specimens in accordance with JIS K 7111-1:2012, with the impact direction being edgewise. A digital impact tester (manufactured by Toyo Seiki Seisakusho Co., Ltd.) was used as the measuring machine. 2-8. Measurement of Vicat softening temperature The Vicat softening temperature [°C] of the test pieces of each of the examples and comparative examples was measured based on JIS K 7206:1999 using the B50 method (load 50 N, heating rate 50°C / hour) with test pieces having a size of 20 mm × 20 mm and a thickness of 4 mm. An HDT&VSPT test device (manufactured by Toyo Seiki Seisakusho Co., Ltd.) was used as the measuring machine.

[0104] 2-9. Measurement of hue (YI) The hue (YI) of the test pieces of each of the examples and comparative examples was measured using a color difference meter (manufactured by Kurashiki Boseki Co., Ltd., "COLOR-7e 2 "). 2-10. Measurement and evaluation of loss tangent (tanδ) peak shift The loss tangent peak shift [°C] of the test specimens for each example and comparative example was measured using a dynamic viscoelasticity analyzer ("RSA-G2" manufactured by TA Instruments Co., Ltd.). The measurement was performed on a test specimen with dimensions of 80 mm in length, 10 mm in width, and 0.7 mm in thickness, under the following conditions: chuck distance of 20 mm, strain of 0.1%, measurement frequency of 1 Hz, measurement temperature in the range of 40°C to 200°C, and heating rate of 4°C / min. The shift in the loss tangent peak of the test specimen was then evaluated according to the following criteria. A: The shift of the loss tangent peak for polyvinyl chloride was 10°C or more. B: The shift of the loss tangent peak for polyvinyl chloride was 5°C or more. C: The shift relative to the loss tangent peak of polyvinyl chloride was greater than 0°C and less than 5°C. D: No shift occurred in the loss tangent peak for polyvinyl chloride (at 0°C).

[0105] The results are shown in Table 1 below. [Table 1]

[0106] Furthermore, when mixing the polyvinyl chloride and ABS resin, or when mixing the ABS resin with polyamide or polycarbonate, the functional additives obtained in each of the above examples can be added to ensure uniform mixing. Furthermore, by adding the functionalizing agents obtained in each of the above examples to the polyvinyl chloride or ABS resin, heat resistance and thermal stability can be imparted to the polyvinyl chloride or ABS resin. Furthermore, by adding a functionalizing agent to polyvinyl chloride or chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, not only can heat resistance and thermal stability be imparted, but the function of reducing the amount of gas generated from the polymer composition containing these agents, or the function of lowering the specific gravity of the polymer composition, can also be exhibited.

Claims

1. A functional additive used by being added to the main polymer, It contains a maleimide copolymer having (A) aromatic vinyl monomer units, (B) maleimide monomer units, and (C) vinyl cyanide monomer units. The (A) aromatic vinyl monomer unit is a functional agent containing an α-substituted aromatic vinyl monomer unit.

2. In the functional agent according to claim 1, The maleimide copolymer has a glass transition temperature of 110°C or higher and 160°C or lower, and is used as a functional agent.

3. In the functional agent according to claim 1, The weight-average molecular weight of the maleimide copolymer is 100,000 or less, and it is a functionalizing agent.

4. In the functional agent according to claim 1, The maleimide copolymer further comprises (D) an unsaturated carboxylic acid anhydride monomer unit, and is a functional agent.

5. In the functional agent according to claim 4, A functional agent wherein the content of the (D) unsaturated carboxylic acid anhydride monomer unit in the maleimide copolymer is 0.1 mol% or more and 10 mol% or less.

6. In the functional agent according to claim 1, A functional agent wherein the content of the (B) maleimide monomer unit in the maleimide copolymer is 1 mol% or more and 30 mol% or less.

7. In the functional agent according to claim 1, A functional agent wherein the content of the (A) aromatic vinyl monomer unit in the maleimide copolymer is 40 mol% or more and 55 mol% or less.

8. In the functional agent according to claim 1, A functional agent wherein the content of the α-substituted aromatic vinyl monomer unit in the (A) aromatic vinyl monomer unit is 60 mol% or more.

9. In the functional agent according to claim 1, The aforementioned functional agent further contains an aromatic vinyl monomer in an amount of 60 ppm to 3000 ppm.

10. In the functional agent according to claim 1, The aforementioned functional agent further contains an amine in an amount of 10 ppm to 3000 ppm.

11. A polymer composition, The main polymer and, A polymer composition containing a functional agent according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. In the polymer composition according to claim 11, The functional agent has at least one of the following functions: a function to impart heat resistance to the main polymer, a function to impart thermal stability to the main polymer, a function to reduce the amount of gas generated from the polymer composition, a function to lower the specific gravity of the polymer composition, and a function to improve the dispersibility between components other than the main polymer and the main polymer.

13. In the polymer composition according to claim 11, The main polymer is a polymer composition containing at least one selected from the group consisting of chlorine-containing polymers and rubber-containing polymers.

14. In the polymer composition according to claim 11, The Charpy impact strength of the polymer composition is 5 kJ / m ２ The above describes the polymer composition.

15. In the polymer composition according to claim 11, The polymer composition has a Vicat softening temperature of 80°C or higher.

16. In the polymer composition according to claim 11, The polymer composition wherein the hue (YI) of the polymer composition is 55 or less.

17. In the polymer composition according to claim 11, A polymer composition in which the shift of the loss tangent (tanδ) peak of the polymer composition relative to the loss tangent (tanδ) peak of the main polymer is 5°C or higher.

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