Combined flame retardant and orange colorant for use with thermoplastic resins

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a novel flame retardant and colorant additive composition for thermoplastic polymers, the additive composition comprising at least one phosphorus-containing flame retardant and an orange colorant as described herein. The additive composition of the present disclosure is useful for a wide range of thermoplastic applications, particularly in thermoplastic polymers processed and / or used at high temperatures. The resulting thermoplastic composition has a ΔE of <20, preferably ΔE<10, and more preferably ΔE<5, from color numbers beginning with "2" on the RAL color chart. Use of the additive composition improves the processing of thermoplastic resins.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to flame retardant and orange colorant additive compositions for thermoplastic polymers, and compositions combining a flame retardant, a colorant, and one or more thermoplastic polymers. [Background technology]

[0002] During the melt processing of thermoplastic resins, various additives are often added to serve various purposes, such as antioxidants, lubricants, stabilizers, and flame retardants. While essential for providing flame retardancy to thermoplastic resins, flame retardant additives can affect the stability of thermoplastic resins during melt processing, such as by increasing polymer degradation and / or discoloration. For example, these types of effects have been discussed and reported in the literature for certain phosphorus-containing flame retardants, such as those described for phosphinate flame retardants in U.S. Patent Nos. 7,255,814 and 9,534,109.

[0003] E-mobility is increasingly a leading trend in the industry, where high-voltage cables and plastic parts used in this segment typically have a warning color coding, often orange. Therefore, experts in the flame retardant industry are looking for non-halogenated flame retardant systems that do not have the negative impact of orange dyes or pigments. More importantly, the orange color must not impair other associated properties, such as process stability, flame retardancy, and mechanical and / or electrical properties. Meeting these objectives with commercially available flame retardants has proven difficult.

[0004] US 2022 / 0153962 describes a high-voltage component, particularly for electric mobility, containing a thermoplastic polymer composition based on polyamide and 10,10'-oxybis-12H-phthaloperin-12-one (CAS No. 203576-97-0) for signal orange. Although not exemplified, a flame retardant is an optional component for the thermoplastic component; a preferred flame retardant is aluminum tris(diethylphosphinate) (CAS No. 225789-38-8), e.g., Exolit® OP1230 or Exolit® OP1240 from Clariant International Ltd., Muttenz, Switzerland. However, the application does not disclose an additive composition for adding to a thermoplastic resin containing a flame retardant and a colorant that are combined before being added to the polyamide.

[0005] When the present inventors added the colorants disclosed in US 2022 / 0153962 to Exolit OP1312 (the preferred phosphorus-containing flame retardant taught) in glass-filled PA66, it destabilized the injection molding process. Additionally, the orange dye imparted a dark, dull, reddish color, as opposed to the bright orange. Therefore, there is a need for phosphorus-containing flame retardants that are compatible with 10,10'-oxybis-12H-phthaloperin-12-one and other orange colorants in polyamides. There is a need to combine phosphorus-based flame retardants and colorants, as well as other thermoplastic additives, in a stable additive composition that can be utilized with a variety of thermoplastic polymers, not just polyamides.

[0006] The present disclosure utilizes a newer class of phosphorus-containing flame retardants in additive compositions for thermoplastic polymers that stabilize the injection molding process and result in bright orange colored thermoplastics. The phosphorus-containing flame retardants of the present disclosure, which are also described in Applicant's co-pending patent application numbers PCT / US2019 / 067184, PCT / US2019 / 067221, and PCT / US2019 / 067230, offer the added benefit of being formulated into high temperature thermoplastic polymers, such as high temperature polyamides and polyterephthalate esters, without degradation due to the high temperature stability of these phosphorus-containing flame retardants.

[0007] Our co-pending patent applications PCT / US2021 / 037706, PCT / US2021 / 037716, and PCT / US2022 / 050062 describe such flame retardants along with stabilizers and synergists for use in thermoplastic resins, but do not disclose how the thermal stability and / or processability of such systems are affected by colorants. Unexpectedly, the flame retardant additive compositions previously disclosed by the applicant are compatible with orange dyes, such as 10,10'-oxybis-12H-phthaloperin-12-one, to provide orange flame-retardant thermoplastic compositions with improved processability during extrusion and injection molding processes without negative effects on flame retardant performance. Furthermore, the additive compositions produce thermoplastic resins with a bright orange hue.

[0008] The presently disclosed colorant-containing additive compositions are therefore useful in a wide range of thermoplastic applications, particularly in thermoplastic polymers used in e-mobility applications that are processed and / or used at high temperatures. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 7,255,814 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 9,534,109 [Patent Document 3] PCT / US2019 / 067184 [Patent Document 4] PCT / US2019 / 067221 [Patent Document 5] PCT / US2019 / 067230 [Patent Document 6] PCT / US2021 / 037706 [Patent Document 7] PCT / US2021 / 037716 [Patent Document 8] PCT / US2022 / 050062 [Patent Document 9] WO 2020 / 132075 [Patent Document 10] WO 2021 / 076169 [Patent Document 11] U.S. Patent No. 9,534,108 [Patent Document 12] U.S. Patent No. 9,745,449 [Patent Document 13] U.S. Patent No. 9,752,011 [Patent Document 14] U.S. Patent No. 9,758,640 [Patent Document 15] U.S. Patent No. 9,765,204 [Patent Document 16] WO 2021 / 132095 [Patent Document 17] U.S. Patent No. 5,466,805 [Patent Document 18] U.S. Patent No. 5,530,130 [Patent Document 19] U.S. Patent No. 5,955,614 [Patent Document 20] EP 1 118 640 A1 [Non-patent literature]

[0010] [Non-Patent Document 1] https: / / de.wikipedia.org / wiki / RAL-Farbe#Orange [Non-patent document 2] https: / / de.wikipedia.org / wiki / Lab-Farbraum [Non-patent document 3] https: / / de.wikipedia.org / wiki / Delta_E Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The present disclosure provides a flame retardant and colorant additive composition for thermoplastic polymers, comprising: (A) Empirical formula (I):

[0012] [ka]

[0013] where R is an alkyl or aryl group, M is a metal, and y is 2 or 3, so that M (+)y is a metal cation, where (+)y represents the charge formally assigned to the cation, and a, b, and c represent the ratio of their corresponding components to each other in the compound, satisfying the charge balance equation 2(a)+c=b(y), and a and c are not zero. and at least one phosphorus-containing flame retardant of (B) Orange colorant The present invention provides a flame retardant and colorant additive composition comprising:

[0014] In certain preferred embodiments, R is unsubstituted alkyl, y is 3, and a and c are not zero. More preferably, a is 1, b is 1, c is 1, and M is Al or Fe. Most preferably, M is Al and the flame retardant has the empirical formula (II):

[0015] [ka]

[0016] and most preferably, where R is methyl or ethyl.

[0017] The flame retardant and colorant additive composition may further comprise (C) at least one flame retardant synergist and / or additional flame retardant. The additive composition may additionally comprise (D) one or more stabilizers.

[0018] In some embodiments, (C) the at least one flame retardant synergist and / or additional flame retardant comprises a nitrogen-containing flame retardant synergist, such as melam polyphosphate or melamine. In some embodiments, component (C) comprises polydibromostyrene.

[0019] In certain embodiments, the (D) stabilizer is selected from zinc borate or zinc stannate. In some embodiments, the (D) stabilizer comprises a carbodiimide, such as an aromatic polycarbodiimide.

[0020] In some embodiments, the flame retardant and colorant additive composition comprises 20 wt % to 99.95 wt %, e.g., 40 wt % to 95 wt % or 50 wt % to 90 wt %, based on the total weight of the additive composition, of at least one phosphorus-containing flame retardant (A); 0.01 wt % to 50 wt %, e.g., 0.05 wt % to 25 wt %, 0.1 wt % to 20 wt %, or 0.5 wt % to 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the additive composition, of at least one colorant (B); 0 wt % to 80 wt %, e.g., 10 wt % to 60 wt %, or 20 wt % to 50 wt %, based on the total weight of the additive composition, of at least one flame retardant synergist and / or additional flame retardant (C); and 0 wt % to 35 wt %, e.g., 0 wt % to 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the additive composition, of one or more stabilizers (D).

[0021] The present disclosure additionally provides a method for improving the processing of thermoplastic resins by adding to the thermoplastic polymer a flame retardant and colorant additive composition comprising or consisting of (A) and (B). The additive composition used in the method may further comprise or consist of any combination of (C) and (D) with (A) and (B).

[0022] The present disclosure provides: (i) at least one thermoplastic polymer; (ii) at least one phosphorus-containing flame retardant of empirical formula (I) above, and (iii) Orange colorant The present invention further provides a flame retardant thermoplastic composition comprising:

[0023] In some embodiments, the at least one thermoplastic polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyesters and polyamides. In some of those embodiments, the at least one thermoplastic polymer comprises or consists of polyamide 6,6 (PA 66) and / or polyamide-6 (PA 6).

[0024] Preferably, the flame retardant (II) is of formula (II) where R is methyl or ethyl, and the orange colorant is a perinone such as Solvent Orange 11 or Solvent Orange 60.

[0025] In some embodiments, the at least one thermoplastic polymer (i) is present in the flame-retardant thermoplastic composition in an amount of 30 wt% to 95 wt%, e.g., 40 wt% to 90 wt%, or 50 wt% to 90 wt%, based on the total weight of the flame-retardant thermoplastic composition. In certain embodiments, the phosphorus-containing flame retardant (ii) is present in an amount of 1 wt% to 30 wt%, e.g., 3 wt% to 20 wt%, based on the total weight of the flame-retardant thermoplastic composition. The at least one orange colorant (iii) is present in the flame-retardant thermoplastic composition in an amount of 0.01 wt% to 5 wt%, e.g., 0.05 wt% to 2.5 wt%, 0.1 wt% to 2.0 wt%, 0.2 wt% to 1.0 wt%, or 0.2 wt% to 0.5 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0026] The flame retardant thermoplastic composition may further comprise (iv) at least one inorganic filler (e.g., glass fiber), (v) at least one flame retardant synergist and / or additional flame retardant, and / or (vi) at least one stabilizer, and / or (vii) one or more further additives to improve the properties of the thermoplastic composition.

[0027] In some embodiments, (v) the at least one flame retardant synergist and / or additional flame retardant comprises a nitrogen-containing flame retardant synergist, such as melam polyphosphate or melamine. In some embodiments, component (v) comprises polydibromostyrene.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the (vi) stabilizer is selected from zinc borate or zinc stannate. In some embodiments, the (vi) stabilizer comprises a carbodiimide, such as an aromatic polycarbodiimide.

[0029] The at least one inorganic filler in the flame retardant thermoplastic composition is present in an amount of from 1 wt % to 50 wt %, e.g., from 5 wt % to 50 wt %, from 10 wt % to 40 wt %, or from 15 wt % to 30 wt %, based on the total weight of the flame retardant thermoplastic composition. (vi) The at least one stabilizer is often present in an amount of from 0.01 wt % to 5 wt %, based on the total weight of the flame retardant thermoplastic composition.

[0030] In some preferred embodiments, the flame-retardant thermoplastic composition comprises at least one thermoplastic polymer (i) in an amount of 40 wt% to 90 wt%, at least one phosphorus-containing flame retardant (ii) in an amount of 3 wt% to 20 wt%, an orange colorant (iii) in an amount of 0.01 wt% to 5 wt%, at least one inorganic filler (iv) in an amount of 10 wt% to 40 wt%, and at least one flame-retardant synergist and / or additional flame retardant (v) in an amount of 5 wt% to 25 wt%, all based on the total weight of the flame-retardant thermoplastic composition. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises at least one stabilizer (vi) in an amount of 0.01 wt% to 5 wt%, all based on the total weight of the flame-retardant thermoplastic composition.

[0031] The foregoing summary is not intended to be in any way limiting of the scope of the invention as claimed. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Unless otherwise specified, the words "a" or "an" in this application mean "one or more than one."

[0033] In this application, the term "alkyl" includes "arylalkyl", unless the context indicates otherwise.

[0034] The term "aryl" in this application includes "alkylaryl" unless the context indicates otherwise.

[0035] The term "phosphonic acid," as used herein, unless the context indicates otherwise, refers to alkyl- or aryl-substituted phosphonic acids.

[0036] The term "pyrophosphate," as used herein, unless the context indicates otherwise, refers to alkyl- or aryl-substituted pyrophosphates.

[0037] The present disclosure provides a flame retardant and colorant additive composition for thermoplastic polymers, comprising: (A) Empirical formula (I):

[0038] [ka]

[0039] where R is an alkyl or aryl group, M is a metal, and y is 2 or 3, so that M (+)y is a metal cation, where (+)y represents the charge formally assigned to the cation, and a, b, and c represent the ratio of their corresponding components to each other in the compound, satisfying the charge balance equation 2(a)+c=b(y), and a and c are non-zero. and at least one phosphorus-containing flame retardant of (B) Orange colorant The present invention provides a flame retardant and colorant additive composition comprising:

[0040] At least one phosphorus-containing flame retardant (component (A)) of the present disclosure has the following empirical formula:

[0041] [ka]

[0042] where R is an alkyl or aryl group, M is a metal, and y is 2 or 3, so that M (+)y is a metal cation, where (+)y represents the charge formally assigned to the cation, and a, b, and c represent the ratio of their corresponding components to each other in the compound, satisfying the charge balance equation 2(a)+c=b(y), and a and c are non-zero. Often, a is 1 or 2, b is 1 to 4, e.g., 1 or 2, and c is 1 or 2, and the product is charge-balanced. Examples of suitable metals (M) include, but are not limited to, Al, Ga, Sb, Fe, Co, B, Bi, Mg, Ca, and Zn.

[0043] As is common with inorganic coordination compounds, formula (I) is empirical or idealized, and thus the compound may be a coordination polymer, a complex salt, a salt in which the valence of certain atoms is shared, etc. For example, in many embodiments, empirical formula (I) represents a monomer unit (i.e., a coordinating entity) of a coordination polymer, and the extended coordination polymer structure thereby forms the phosphorus-containing flame retardant of the present disclosure.

[0044] In certain embodiments, y in formula (I) is 2 (i.e., M (+)y is a di-cationic metal). In certain embodiments, the di-cationic metal M is Mg, Ca, or Zn. In other embodiments, y in formula (I) is 3 (i.e., M (+)y is a tri-cationic metal), a is 1, b is 1, and c is 1. In certain embodiments, the tri-cationic metal M is selected from Al, Ga, Sb, Fe, Co, B, and Bi. In certain embodiments, the tri-cationic metal M is Al, Fe, Ga, Sb, or B.

[0045] In one example, M is Al, y is 3, and the phosphorus-containing flame retardant has the empirical formula:

[0046] [ka]

[0047] It has.

[0048] As set forth herein, the absence of subscripts a, b, and c in the empirical formula indicates that each subscript is 1, representing a 1:1:1 ratio of di-anionic pyrophosphate ligand, metal atom, and mono-anionic pyrophosphate ligand. In many embodiments, empirical formula (II) represents the repeating monomer unit (i.e., coordinating entity) of a coordination polymer, and the extended coordination polymer structure thereby forms the phosphorus-containing flame retardant of the present disclosure.

[0049] Often, R is C 1~12 Alkyl, C 6~10 Aryl, C 7~18 Alkylaryl, or C 7~18 and arylalkyl, wherein the alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, or arylalkyl is unsubstituted or is selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, amino, C 1~4 Alkylamino, Di-C 1~4 Alkylamino, C 1~4 Alkoxy, carboxy or C 2~5 In some embodiments, the alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, or arylalkyl is substituted by an unsubstituted C 1~12 Alkyl, C6 aryl, C 7~10 Alkylaryl, or C 7~10 Arylalkyl, e.g., C 1~6 Alkyl, phenyl, or C 7~9 In some embodiments, R is substituted or unsubstituted C 1~6 Alkyl, C6 aryl, C 7~10 Alkylaryl or C 7~12 Arylalkyl, e.g., C 1~4 Alkyl, C6 aryl, C 7~9 Alkylaryl, or C 7~10 In many embodiments, R is an unsubstituted C 1~12 Alkyl, e.g., C 1~6 In many embodiments, lower alkyl phosphonic acids are used, such as methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, isopropyl-, butyl-, t-butyl-, etc.

[0050] R as alkyl can be a straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl group having a specific number of carbons, including, for example, unbranched alkyls such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexylheptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, and branched alkyls such as isopropyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, t-butyl, ethylhexyl, t-octyl, etc. For example, R as alkyl can be selected from methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, and t-butyl. In many embodiments, R is methyl, ethyl, propyl, or isopropyl, e.g., methyl or ethyl.

[0051] Often, when R is aryl, it is phenyl. Examples of R as alkylaryl include phenyl substituted with one or more alkyl groups, such as groups selected from methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, t-butyl, etc. Examples of R as arylalkyl include, for example, benzyl, phenethyl, styryl, cumyl, phenpropyl, etc.

[0052] In many embodiments, R is selected from methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, phenyl, and benzyl. In certain embodiments, R is methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, or butyl, and M is Al, Fe, Zn, or Ca.

[0053] In certain preferred embodiments, R is unsubstituted alkyl, y is 3, and a and c are not zero. More preferably, a is 1, b is 1, c is 1, and M is Al or Fe. Most preferably, M is Al.

[0054] The phosphorus-containing flame retardant of the present disclosure has a high phosphorus content (i.e., a higher ratio of phosphorus atoms to metal atoms (P to M)) compared to phosphorus-containing flame retardants described in the art. For example, tri-cationic metals (e.g., aluminum) and di-cationic metals (e.g., zinc) are known to form tri- and di-substituted charge-balanced compounds, respectively. As seen in the art, tris-phosphonate aluminum salts having a phosphorus-to-aluminum ratio of 3:1 and di-phosphonate zinc salts having a phosphorus-to-zinc ratio of 2:1 are known flame retardants. However, in accordance with the pyrophosphate ligand formation of the present disclosure, the phosphorus-to-metal ratio in the flame retardant product is higher. For example, as demonstrated in the examples disclosed herein, the phosphorus-to-aluminum ratio or phosphorus-to-iron ratio in the resulting flame retardant product was 4:1.

[0055] The phosphorus-containing flame retardants of the present disclosure can be a mixture of compounds of empirical formula (I).

[0056] The phosphorus-containing flame retardants of empirical formulas (I) and (II) can be prepared by the process as disclosed in WO 2020 / 132075 or WO 2021 / 076169. Additionally, the phosphorus-containing flame retardants of empirical formula (I) can be prepared by preparing a metal phosphonic acid solution and reacting a reaction mixture of an alkyl- or aryl-substituted pyrophosphate with the metal phosphonic acid solution at a reaction temperature of 130° C. to 240° C., preferably 190° C. to 210° C., more preferably 195° C. to 205° C., for a sufficient amount of time to produce the phosphorus-containing flame retardant. The process typically includes preparing the alkyl- or aryl-substituted pyrophosphate and then adding it to the reaction mixture along with the metal phosphonic acid solution.

[0057] The pyrophosphate prepared and / or used in the process has the following formula:

[0058] [ka]

[0059] wherein R is as described above, preferably unsubstituted alkyl, such as methyl or ethyl. It can be expressed as:

[0060] The process for preparing unsubstituted or alkyl- or aryl-substituted pyrophosphate may include adding a catalyst to unsubstituted or substituted phosphonic acid and heating for a sufficient amount of time to produce unsubstituted or substituted pyrophosphate. Heating temperatures of 105°C or higher are used. In certain embodiments, if the temperature to which the unsubstituted or substituted phosphonic acid is heated is about 240°C or higher and a vacuum or nitrogen purge is utilized, a catalyst may not be necessary to produce the pyrophosphate. The nitrogen flow rate is typically about 2 L / min to about 6 L / min, most preferably about 5 L / min. Alternatively, if a vacuum of less than 10 Torr is applied, a catalyst may not be necessary.

[0061] The phosphonic acid used to form the pyrophosphate is preferably an unsubstituted C 1~12 Alkyl, e.g., C 1~6 It is alkyl, more preferably methyl or ethyl.

[0062] The catalyst used to prepare pyrophosphate may be any Lewis acid that facilitates dehydration. The catalyst may be present in the reaction in an amount typically ranging from about 0.001 mol% to about 0.5 mol%, preferably from about 0.01 mol% to 0.1 mol%, based on the weight of the reactants.

[0063] In preparing the metal phosphonic acid solution, the phosphonic acid used is as described above. The metal phosphonic acid solution can be prepared from a mixture containing (a) an alkyl- or aryl-substituted phosphonic acid, (b) a solvent for the phosphonic acid, and (c) a metal or a suitable metal compound, which are reacted at a temperature above the melting point of the phosphonic acid but below the boiling point of the phosphonic acid to ensure that the solution is maintained and that metal phosphonate salts are not formed. That is, the metal phosphonic acid should not contain a precipitate. Typically, components (a), (b), and (c) are mixed at a temperature ranging from 100°C to 280°C. Often, the weight ratio of phosphonic acid (a) to solvent (b) ranges from about 1:3 to 1:50, more preferably from about 1:2.5 to 1:25, and most preferably about 1:2.75.

[0064] The metal of the metal phosphonate solution should be capable of being oxidized and has the formula M (+)y where M is the metal, (+)y represents the charge of the metal cation, and y is 3. Suitable metal compounds can be represented by the formula M p (+)y X q where M is the metal, (+)y represents the charge of the metal cation, y is 3, X is an anion, and the values ​​for p and q provide a charge-balanced metal compound.

[0065] Suitable solvents may be organic or inorganic. Examples of suitable solvents for phosphonic acids include, but are not limited to, water, sulfones, sulfoxides, halogenated (e.g., chlorinated) hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, and ethers.

[0066] The reaction mixture is heated or reacted at a reaction temperature for a sufficient amount of time to produce the phosphorus-containing flame retardant. Often, the flame retardant product precipitates from the reaction mixture, so the reaction is carried out for a sufficient time to achieve such precipitation. After reacting, the product reaction mixture is cooled to ensure that the pyrophosphate remains in liquid form. Excess pyrophosphate, and solvent, if present in the product reaction mixture, can be removed and optionally recovered by filtration / washing. The recovered excess pyrophosphate and / or solvent can be recycled, for example, back to the reactor where the metal phosphonic acid solution reacts with the pyrophosphate. The flame retardant product is often isolated by filtration, optionally followed by additional post-treatment (e.g., washing, drying, sieving, etc.). The resulting crystalline flame retardant product, generally in the form of a powder or small particles, is easily processable, i.e., no grinding, milling, or other such physical processes are required or necessary prior to use.

[0067] The phosphorus-containing flame retardants of the present disclosure have the empirical formula (IX):

[0068] [ka]

[0069] wherein R is H, an alkyl group, an aryl group, an alkylaryl group, or an arylalkyl group; a, b, c, and d represent the ratio of their corresponding components to one another in the compound; a is generally a number from 0 to 8, for example, from 0 to 6, from 0 to 4, or from 0 to 2; c is generally a number from 0 to 10, for example, from 0 to 8, from 0 to 6, from 0 to 4, or from 0 to 2; d is generally a number from 1 to 6, for example, from 1 to 4, or from 1 to 2; M is a metal; y is a number from 2 to 5, for example, 2, 3, or 4, often 2 or 3; M (+)y is a metal cation, where (+)y represents the charge formally assigned to the cation. The compound may further contain a compound of formula (I) or a mixture of different compounds. The values ​​of a, b, c, d, and y can vary and satisfy the charge balance equation 2(a)+c+d=b(y), where only one of a or c can be 0. In many embodiments, c is not zero. In instances where a di-anionic phosphonate ligand is present in the compound, the charge balance equation becomes 2(a)+c+d+2(d)=b(y). The value for b is limited only in that it must satisfy the preceding equation, but in many embodiments, b is a number from 1 to 4, e.g., 1 or 2. In some embodiments, a is 0, 1, or 2 (e.g., 0 or 1), c is 1 or 2, and d is 0, 1, or 2 (e.g., 0 or 1), and the product is charge balanced. Often, c in the above formula (IX) is not zero (eg, c is 1 to 10, 1 to 8, 1 to 6, 1 to 4, or 1 or 2).

[0070] When a compound of empirical formula (IX) or a mixture of different compounds is present, the compound or mixture of compounds of formulas (I) and / or (II) typically comprises all, substantially all, or at least a majority of the flame retardant product, e.g., at least 75%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, or more by weight of the flame retardant product, or any range therebetween. In certain embodiments, the at least one phosphorus-containing flame retardant (component (A)) of the present disclosure consists of a compound or mixture of compounds of formula (I) and / or (II).

[0071] Compounds of formula (IX) can be prepared according to various methods, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 9,534,108; 9,745,449; 9,752,011; 9,758,640; and 9,765,204; and WO2021 / 132095.

[0072] The composition further comprises (B) an orange colorant, preferably a solvent dye.

[0073] In the context of the present invention, orange is taken to mean the color in the RAL color system according to https: / / de.wikipedia.org / wiki / RAL-Farbe#Orange that has a color number starting with "2" in the RAL color chart. In particular, orange shades are distinguished according to Table 1:

[0074] [Table 1]

[0075] Table 1 shows the instrument-independent CIE L for each RAL value. * a * b * Color value indicates: L * represents the brightness, and a * =D65 and b * = 10°. The color model is EN ISO / CIE 11664-4 "Colorimetry - Part 4: CIE 1976 L * a * b * It is standardized in the "Color Space" * a * b * For more information on color spaces (e.g. CIELAB), see: https: / / de.wikipedia.org / wiki / Lab-Farbraum. Each color in the color space is represented by a Cartesian coordinate system {L * , a * , b *} is defined by the color locus. * b * The coordinate plane was constructed using opponent color theory. Green and red are a * At both ends of the shaft, b * The axis runs from blue to yellow. The complementary shades are opposite each other at an angle of 180°; the midpoint between them (the coordinate origin a * =0, b * =0) is gray.

[0076] L *The axis represents the brightness (luminance) of the color on a scale from 0 to 100. On the chart, it is the starting point a * b * It stands perpendicular to the plane. It can also be called the neutral gray axis because the black (L * =0) and White (L * = 100). * The axis describes the green or red category of color, with negative values ​​representing green and positive values ​​representing red. * The axis describes the blue or yellow division of the color, with negative values ​​representing blue and positive values ​​representing yellow.

[0077] a * The values ​​range from approximately -170 to +100, * The values ​​range from -100 to +150, with the maximum value being achieved only at medium luminance for certain shades. The CIELAB color solid has its greatest extent in the medium luminance region, but this varies in height and size depending on the color range.

[0078] The present invention provides a polymer composition having a L color in the RAL color chart. * a * b * Coordinates and color numbers starting with "2" * a * b * It encompasses orange-like shades having a color distance between the coordinates of ΔE<20, preferably ΔE<10, more preferably ΔE<5.

[0079] Suitable orange colorants are perinone-type dyes. Examples of perinone dyes suitable for dyeing plastics are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,466,805; 5,530,130; and 5,955,614, the contents of which are incorporated herein.

[0080] In certain embodiments, 10,10'-oxybis-12H-phthaloperin-12-one, also known as Solvent Orange 11, of formula (X) [CAS number 203576-97-0] meets the required requirements.

[0081] [ka]

[0082] 10,10'-oxybis-12H-phthaloperin-12-one can be prepared by the synthetic route specified in Example 3) of EP 1 118 640 A1 or can be obtained from Angene International Limited, UK Office, Churchill House, London, or Lanxess Deutschland GmbH, Cologne. 10,10'-oxybis-12H-phthaloperin-12-one can be used directly in powder form or else in the form of a masterbatch, compact or concentrate, preference being given to masterbatches, and especially to the use of the flame retardants and other components described herein.

[0083] In one particularly preferred embodiment, the orange colorant is Macrolex® Orange HT from Lanxess Deutschland GmbH, Cologne.

[0084] In other embodiments, the orange colorant can be 12H-phthaloperin-12-one [CAS number 6925-69-5], known as Solvent Orange 60, available, for example, as Macrolex® Orange 3G from Lanxess Deutschland GmbH, Cologne.

[0085] Most preferably, the orange colorant is Macrolex® Orange HT from Lanxess Deutschland GmbH, Cologne.

[0086] The thermoplastic resins containing the additive composition for electromobility are preferably colored orange, the corresponding shades in the RAL color system being color numbers RAL 2001, RAL 2003, RAL 2004, RAL 2007, RAL 2008, RAL 2009, RAL 2010 and RAL 2011, with particular preference given to the corresponding shades in the RAL color system being color numbers RAL 2003, RAL 2008 and RAL 2011.

[0087] Acceptable "similar shades" according to the present invention are L * a * b * A shade whose color distance in the system from a color number beginning with "2" on the RAL color chart has a ΔE of <20, preferably ΔE<10, more preferably ΔE<5. For an explanation of ΔE as defined in EN ISO 11664-4, see for example: https: / / de.wikipedia.org / wiki / Delta_E

[0088] The flame retardant and colorant additive composition may further comprise at least one flame retardant synergist and / or additional flame retardant (component (C)).

[0089] Examples of suitable flame retardant synergists include condensation products of melamine (e.g., melam, melem, melon), melamine cyanurate, reaction products of melamine with polyphosphoric acid (e.g., dimelamine pyrophosphate, melamine polyphosphate), reaction products of condensation products of melamine with polyphosphoric acid (e.g., melem polyphosphate, melam polyphosphate, melon polyphosphate), melamine-poly(metal phosphate) (e.g., melamine-poly(zinc phosphate)), triazine-based compounds such as trichlorotriazine, reaction products of piperazine and morpholine such as poly-[2,4-(piperazin-1,4-yl)-6-(morpholin-4-yl)-1,3,5-triazine] / piperazine (e.g., MCA® PPM Triazine HF), metal hypophosphites such as aluminum hypophosphite (e.g., Italmatch Phoslite® IP-A), calcium hypophosphite (e.g., Italmatch Phoslite® HF), and the like. IP-C); organic phosphinates, such as aluminum dialkylphosphinates, e.g., aluminum diethylphosphinate (Exolit OP); and aluminum dihydrogen phosphite, other flame retardants, such as 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO), di-DOPO, or DOPO derivatives. In many embodiments, nitrogen-containing synergists are used. Suitable nitrogen-containing synergists include, for example, melamine derivatives, such as melamine and its condensation products (melam, melem, melon, or similar compounds with higher condensation levels), melamine cyanurate, and phosphorus / nitrogen compounds, such as dimethicone phosphate. The flame retardant and stabilizer additive composition may be selected from the group consisting of melamine, dimelamine pyrophosphate, melamine phosphate, melamine pyrophosphate, melamine polyphosphate, melam polyphosphate, melon polyphosphate, and melem polyphosphate, and mixed polysalts thereof. Examples of additional flame retardants suitable for the flame retardant and stabilizer additive composition include halogenated flame retardants, alkyl or aryl phosphine oxide flame retardants, alkyl or aryl flame retardant phosphates, alkyl or aryl phosphonates, alkyl or aryl phosphinates, and salts of alkyl or aryl phosphinic acids.

[0090] The additive composition may additionally include one or more stabilizers (component (D)).

[0091] Examples of suitable stabilizers include carbodiimides, metal hydroxides, oxides, oxide hydrates, borates, molybdates, carbonates, sulfates, phosphates, silicates, siloxanes, stannates, mixed oxide-hydroxides, oxide-hydroxide-carbonates, hydroxide-silicates, hydroxide-borates, preferably when the metal is zinc, magnesium, calcium or manganese, often zinc. In many embodiments, the stabilizer is selected from zinc borate, zinc stannate, zinc molybdate complexes (e.g., Kemgard 911B), zinc molybdate / magnesium hydroxide complexes (e.g., Kemgard MZM), zinc molybdate / magnesium silicate complexes (Kemgard 911C), calcium / zinc molybdate complexes (e.g., Kemgard 911A), and zinc phosphate complexes (e.g., Kemgard 981), polysiloxanes, montmorillonite, kaolinite, halloysite, and hydrotalcite.

[0092] In certain embodiments, the stabilizer (D) includes at least one carbodiimide (i.e., a compound containing the functionality -N=C=N-). In certain of these embodiments, the at least one carbodiimide is an aromatic carbodiimide. Preferably, the carbodiimide is polymerizable, meaning that the compound contains repeating -N=C=N- groups in its chemical structure. Often, the polymerizable carbodiimide contains 2 to 500 -N=C=N- groups per mole, for example, 2 to 100 -N=C=N- groups per mole, for example, up to 20 such groups or up to 10 groups per mole. In many embodiments, the carbodiimide is a polymerizable aromatic carbodiimide. Carbodiimide compounds, including polymerizable carbodiimides, are known and can be produced according to known processes.

[0093] Preferably, the carbodiimide has the general formula (III), (IV) or (V) as follows:

[0094] [ka]

[0095] (In the formula, R 1 and R 2 are independently hydrogen or C l ~C l0 -Alkyl, C6-C 12 -Aryl, C7-C 13 -Aralkyl or C7~C 13 -alkylaryl, a and b are, independently of each other, integers from 1 to 5; c and d are, independently of each other, integers from 0 to 10;

[0096] [ka]

[0097] (In the formula, R 4 is the NCO, R 5 , R 6 , R 7 , R 8 , R 9 , R 10 , R 11 , R 12 are independently hydrogen or C1 to C 10 -Alkyl, C6-C 12 -Aryl, C7-C 13 -Aralkyl or C7~C 13 -alkylaryl, g is an integer from 0 to 5; h is an integer from 1 to 100; or

[0098] [ka]

[0099] wherein m is an integer from 1 to 5000, preferably from 2 to 500, for example from 3 to 20 or from 4 to 10; R 3 is arylene, alkyl-substituted arylene, alkylaryl-substituted arylene, or aralkyl-substituted arylene, for example, R 3 is arylene, C1~C 12 -Alkyl-substituted arylene, C7-C 18 -Alkylaryl-substituted arylene, C7-C 18 -aralkyl-substituted arylene and C1-C containing a total of 7 to 30 carbon atoms 12 -alkyl-substituted C1-C8-alkylene-bridged arylene; R' is aryl, alkylaryl, aralkyl or R 3 -NCO, R" is -N=C=N-aryl, -N=C=N-alkylaryl, -N=C=N-aralkyl, or -NCO.

[0100] In certain embodiments, R3 is an arylene having one or more aliphatic and / or alicyclic substituents having at least two carbon atoms, preferably a branched or cyclic aliphatic moiety having at least three carbon atoms in one ortho position, preferably both ortho positions, relative to the aromatic carbon atom bearing the N=C=N- group. For example, in some embodiments, R 3 teeth,

[0101] [ka]

[0102] (In the formula, R 13 , R 14 and R 15 are independently C1-C3 alkyl, for example, independently methyl, ethyl, or isopropyl. is.

[0103] In many embodiments, the polymerizable aromatic carbodiimide has the formula (VI):

[0104] [ka]

[0105] (In the formula, R 13 , R 14 and R 15 are independently C1-C3 alkyl, and R 16 is -NCO, n is 0 to 200, e.g., 1 to 100, 1 to 20, or 1 to 10. Often, R 13 , R 14 and R 15 is independently methyl, ethyl, or isopropyl. In many embodiments, R 13 , R 14 and R 15 are each isopropyl. In other embodiments, each benzene ring bears only one methyl group.

[0106] Other suitable examples of particular carbodiimides are those of formulae (VII) and (VIII):

[0107] [ka]

[0108] wherein R=NCO; n is an integer between 1 and 200, often between 1 and 20. is.

[0109] The quantitative proportions of components (A), (B), (C), and (D) in the flame retardant and colorant additive composition may vary and will generally depend, for example, on the intended use, processing conditions, etc. In many embodiments, the flame retardant and colorant additive composition comprises 20 wt % to 99.95 wt %, e.g., 40 wt % to 95 wt % or 50 wt % to 90 wt %, based on the total weight of the additive composition, of at least one phosphorus-containing flame retardant (A); 0.01 wt % to 50 wt %, e.g., 0.05 wt % to 25 wt %, 0.1 wt % to 20 wt %, or 0.5 wt % to 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the additive composition, of at least one colorant (B); 0 wt % to 80 wt %, e.g., 10 wt % to 60 wt %, or 20 wt % to 50 wt %, based on the total weight of the additive composition, of at least one flame retardant synergist and / or additional flame retardant (C); and 0 wt % to 35 wt %, e.g., 0 wt % to 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the additive composition, of one or more stabilizers (D).

[0110] The present disclosure provides: (i) at least one thermoplastic polymer; (ii) at least one phosphorus-containing flame retardant of empirical formula (I) above, and (iii) orange colorant, as described above The flame retardant thermoplastic composition may further comprise (iv) at least one inorganic filler (e.g., glass fiber), (v) at least one flame retardant synergist and / or additional flame retardants, (vi) one or more stabilizers, and / or (vii) further additives to improve the properties of the thermoplastic composition.

[0111] The at least one thermoplastic polymer (i) is often present in the flame-retardant thermoplastic composition in an amount of 30 wt% to 95 wt%, for example, 40 wt% to 90 wt%, or 50 wt% to 90 wt%, based on the total weight of the flame-retardant thermoplastic composition. The at least one thermoplastic polymer may be a thermoplastic polyester, polyamide, polystyrene, including high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), polyolefin, polycarbonate, polyurethane, polyphenylene ether, or other thermoplastic polymer. In many embodiments, the thermoplastic polymer comprises a polyester (e.g., polyalkylene terephthalate) or polyamide. In many embodiments, the thermoplastic polymer comprises a polyamide. More than one thermoplastic polymer (thermoplastic polymer blend) may be used, such as a polyphenylene ether / styrene resin blend, polyvinyl chloride / acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or other impact-modified polymer, e.g., ABS containing methacrylonitrile and α-methylstyrene, and polyester / ABS or polycarbonate / ABS. The thermoplastic polymer may be unreinforced or reinforced, for example, glass-reinforced, such as glass-filled polyester (e.g., glass-filled polyalkylene terephthalate) or glass-filled polyamide.

[0112] Examples of thermoplastic polyesters include homopolyesters and copolyesters obtained by polycondensation of an acid component and a diol component. For example, suitable polyesters can be selected from polybutylene terephthalate and polyethylene terephthalate.

[0113] The diol component may contain one or more of the following glycols: ethylene glycol, trimethylene glycol, 2-methyl-1,3-propane glycol, 1,4-butylene glycol, hexamethylene glycol, decamethylene glycol, cyclohexanedimethanol, or neopentylene glycol. The acid component may contain one or more of the following acids: terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, 2,7-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, 1,5-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, 4,4'-diphenyldicarboxylic acid, 4,4'-diphenoxyethanedicarboxylic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, sebacic acid, adipic acid, and polyester-forming derivatives thereof.

[0114] In many embodiments, the thermoplastic polyester is selected from poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(1,3-trimethylene terephthalate), poly(1,4-butylene terephthalate), and blends thereof. For example, a thermoplastic polyester blend may contain about 1 to about 99 parts by weight of one polyester and about 99 to about 1 part by weight of a different polyester, based on 100 parts by weight of both components combined. Poly(1,4-butylene terephthalate) may be obtained by polymerizing a diol component consisting of at least 70 mol%, e.g., at least 80 mol%, 1,4-butylene glycol and an acid component consisting of at least 70 mol%, e.g., at least 80 mol%, terephthalic acid and / or its polyester-forming derivatives.

[0115] Thermoplastic polyamides include polyamides derived from diamines and dicarboxylic acids, polyamides obtained from aminocarboxylic acids, including in combination with diamines and / or dicarboxylic acids, and polyamides derived from lactams, including in combination with diamines and / or dicarboxylic acids. Examples of suitable polyamides include aliphatic polyamides such as polyamide-4,6, polyamide-6, polyamide-6,6, polyamide-6,10, polyamide-6,12, polyamide-11, and polyamide-12; polyamides obtained from aromatic dicarboxylic acids such as terephthalic acid and / or isophthalic acid and aliphatic diamines such as hexamethylenediamine or nonamethylenediamine; polyamides obtained from aliphatic dicarboxylic acids such as adipic acid and / or azelaic acid and aromatic diamines such as meta-xylylenediamine; polyamides obtained from both aromatic and aliphatic dicarboxylic acids such as terephthalic acid and adipic acid and aliphatic diamines such as hexamethylenediamine; polyamides obtained from adipic acid, azelaic acid, and 2,2-bis-(p-aminocyclohexyl)propane; and polyamides obtained from terephthalic acid and 4,4'-diaminodicyclohexylmethane. Mixtures and / or copolymers of two or more of each of the aforementioned polyamides or prepolymers thereof may also be used.

[0116] Polyamides can be prepared by any known method, for example, by polymerization of monoaminomonocarboxylic acids or lactams thereof having at least two carbon atoms between the amino and carboxylic acid groups, polymerization of substantially equimolar proportions of diamines containing at least two carbon atoms between the amino and dicarboxylic acid groups, or polymerization of monoaminocarboxylic acids or lactams thereof as defined above together with substantially equimolar proportions of diamines and dicarboxylic acids. The dicarboxylic acids can be used in the form of their functional derivatives, such as salts, esters, or acid chlorides.

[0117] Polyamides having a melting point of at least 280°C are widely used to produce molding compositions that allow the production of moldings, for example for the electrical and electronic equipment industry, with excellent dimensional stability at high temperatures and very good flame retardant properties. Molding compositions of this type are required, for example, in the electronics industry to produce components that are mounted on printed circuit boards according to the so-called surface mount technology (SMT). In this application, these components must be able to withstand temperatures of up to 270°C for short periods without dimensional changes.

[0118] Such high-temperature polyamides include certain polyamides made from alkyl diamines and diacids, such as polyamides 4 and 6. Additionally, many high-temperature polyamides are aromatic and semi-aromatic polyamides, i.e., homopolymers, copolymers, terpolymers, or higher polymers derived from monomers containing aromatic groups. Aromatic or semi-aromatic polyamides can be used, or blends of aromatic and / or semi-aromatic polyamides can be used. Blends with aliphatic polyamides can also be used.

[0119] Examples of suitable high temperature aromatic or semi-aromatic polyamides include polyamide-4,T, poly(m-xylylene adipamide) (polyamide-MXD,6), poly(dodecamethylene terephthalamide) (polyamide-12,T), poly(decamethylene terephthalamide) (polyamide-10,T), poly(nonamethylene terephthalamide) (Polyamide-9,T), hexamethylene adipamide / hexamethylene terephthalamide copolyamide (Polyamide-6,T / 6,6), hexamethylene terephthalamide / 2-methylpentamethylene terephthalamide copolyamide (Polyamide-6,T / D,T); hexamethylene adipamide / hexamethylene terephthalamide / hexamethylene isophthalamide copolyamide (Polyamide-6,6 / 6,T / 6,I); poly(caprolactam-hexamethylene terephthalamide) (Polyamide-6 / 6,T); hexamethylene terephthalamide / hexamethylene isophthalamide (Polyamide-6,T / 6,I) copolymer; and the like.

[0120] Certain embodiments of the present invention therefore relate to compositions comprising polyamides that melt at high temperatures, for example, at or above 280° C., at or above 300° C., or at or above 320° C. In some embodiments, the polyamide has a melting temperature of 280° C. to 340° C., for example, polyamide 4, 6 or aromatic and semi-aromatic polyamides described above.

[0121] Preferred polyamides are polyamide-6, polyamide-6,6, polyamide-11, polyamide-12, polyphthalamides such as polyamide-4,T, polyamide-6,T / 6,6, and polyamide-6,6 / 6,T / 6,1 copolymers, glass-filled polyamides thereof, and blends thereof. For example, a thermoplastic polyamide blend may contain about 1 to 99 parts by weight of one polyamide and about 99 to about 1 part by weight of a different polyamide, based on 100 parts by weight of both components combined.

[0122] In some embodiments, the polymer is a thermoplastic elastomer (e.g., a thermoplastic polyolefin or a thermoplastic polyurethane). In some embodiments, the thermoplastic elastomer is a thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0123] The at least one phosphorus-containing flame retardant (ii) is as described above and is present in the flame retardant thermoplastic composition in a flame retardant-effective amount. Often, the phosphorus-containing flame retardant of the present disclosure is present in an amount of 1 wt % to 30 wt %, for example, 3 wt % to 20 wt %, based on the total weight of the flame retardant thermoplastic composition.

[0124] The at least one orange colorant (iii) in the flame retardant thermoplastic composition is as described above and is often present in the flame retardant thermoplastic composition in an amount of 0.01 wt % to 5 wt %, e.g., 0.05 wt % to 2.5 wt %, 0.1 wt % to 2.0 wt %, or 0.2 wt % to 1.0 wt %, or 0.2 wt % to 0.5 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0125] At least one inorganic filler (iv) may be present in the flame-retardant thermoplastic composition. As known in the art, inorganic fillers can reduce the molding shrinkage coefficient and linear expansion coefficient of the resulting molded article and improve high and low thermal shock properties. Various fillers in fibrous or non-fibrous (e.g., powder, plate) form can be used depending on the desired article. Some examples of fibrous fillers, which are types of inorganic fillers, include glass fiber, glass fiber with a non-circular cross section, such as flat fiber, carbon fiber, silica fiber, silica alumina fiber, zirconia fiber, boron nitride fiber, silicon nitride fiber, boron fiber, potassium titanate fiber, and even metal fibrous materials, such as stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, copper, and brass. Typical fibrous fillers are glass fiber or carbon fiber. Alternatively, the inorganic filler may be a powdered filler such as carbon black, graphite, silica, quartz powder, glass beads, glass powder, calcium silicate, kaolin, talc, clay, diatomaceous earth, silicates such as wollastonite, metal oxides such as iron oxide, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, and alumina, metal hydroxides, metal carbonates such as calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate, metal sulfates such as calcium sulfate and barium sulfate, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, boron nitride, and various metal powders. Other examples of inorganic fillers include plate-like fillers such as mica, glass flakes, and various metal foils. These inorganic fillers can be used alone or in combination. When used, the inorganic filler is preferably pretreated with a size or surface treatment agent, if necessary.

[0126] When present, the amount of the at least one inorganic filler in the flame retardant thermoplastic composition is often from 1 wt % to 50 wt %, e.g., from 5 wt % to 50 wt %, from 10 wt % to 40 wt %, or from 15 wt % to 30 wt %, based on the total weight of the flame retardant thermoplastic composition.

[0127] The flame-retardant thermoplastic composition may further comprise at least one flame retardant synergist and / or additional flame retardant (v). Illustrative flame retardant synergists and additional flame retardants are described above. When present, the amount of the at least one flame retardant synergist and / or additional flame retardant (v) is often 1 wt % to 25 wt %, for example, 5 wt % to 25 wt %, based on the total weight of the flame-retardant thermoplastic composition.

[0128] The flame-retardant thermoplastic composition may further comprise at least one stabilizer (vi). Illustrative additional stabilizers are described above. When present, the amount of the at least one stabilizer is often 0.01 wt % to 5 wt %, based on the total weight of the flame-retardant thermoplastic composition.

[0129] Other components or additives (vii) can be present in the flame retardant thermoplastic composition and are typically used in an amount less than 10 weight percent, e.g., less than 5 weight percent, of the flame retardant thermoplastic composition, and include, but are not limited to, antioxidants, UV stabilizers, lubricants, impact modifiers, plasticizers, other stabilizers or acid scavengers, heat stabilizers, pigments, dyes, optical brighteners, antistatic agents, anti-drip agents such as PTFE, and other additives used to improve the properties of the resin.

[0130] In many embodiments, the flame retardant thermoplastic composition comprises at least one thermoplastic polymer (i) in an amount of 30 wt % to 95 wt %, at least one phosphorus-containing flame retardant (ii) in an amount of 1 wt % to 30 wt %, an orange colorant (iii) in an amount of 0.001 wt % to 5 wt %, at least one inorganic filler (iv) in an amount of 0 wt % to 50 wt %, and at least one flame retardant synergist and / or additional flame retardant (v) in an amount of 0 wt % to 25 wt %, all based on the total weight of the flame retardant thermoplastic composition. In many embodiments, the flame retardant thermoplastic composition comprises at least one thermoplastic polymer (i) in an amount of 40 wt % to 90 wt %, at least one phosphorus-containing flame retardant (ii) in an amount of 3 wt % to 20 wt %, an orange colorant (iii) in an amount of 0.01 wt % to 5 wt %, e.g., 0.05 wt % to 2.5 wt %, 0.1 wt % to 2.0 wt %, or 0.2 wt % to 1.0 wt %, or 0.2 wt % to 0.5 wt %, at least one inorganic filler (iv) in an amount of 0 wt % to 50 wt %, e.g., 10 wt % to 40 wt %, and at least one flame retardant synergist and / or additional flame retardant (v) in an amount of 0 wt % to 25 wt %, e.g., 5 wt % to 25 wt %, all based on the total weight of the flame retardant thermoplastic composition. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises at least one stabilizer (vi) in an amount of 0 wt % to 5 wt %, for example, 0.01 wt % to 5 wt %, based on the total weight of the flame retardant thermoplastic composition.

[0131] Preparation of Flame Retardant and Colorant Additive Compositions The present invention is not limited by any particular method of mixing components (A), (B), (C), and (D) of the flame retardant and colorant additive composition of the present disclosure. For example, at least one phosphorus-containing flame retardant (A) and orange colorant (B), optionally with at least one flame retardant synergist and / or additional flame retardant (C) and / or one or more stabilizers (D), can be mixed / blended by conventional mixing techniques, such as tumble mixing, convection mixing, fluidized bed mixing, high shear mixing, etc. Conventional processing agents, such as dispersants, antistatic agents, binders, coupling agents, etc., can also be used.

[0132] Preparation of flame retardant thermoplastic compositions The present invention is not limited by any particular method for blending the components of the flame-retardant thermoplastic composition of the present disclosure. Any suitable compounding and blending technique known in the art may be used. For example, one method involves blending the thermoplastic polymer and additives in powder or granular form and melt-mixing the blend (e.g., using a twin-screw extruder). The thermoplastic polymer, flame retardant, colorant, synergist, and other additives are typically pre-dried before melt-mixing. The extruded blend can be pulverized into granular pellets or other suitable shapes by standard techniques. Other melt-mixing process equipment, such as a kneader mixer or bowl mixer, can be used to compound the flame-retardant additive and any additional ingredients with the thermoplastic polymer. In either case, generally suitable machine temperatures can range from about 200° to 330° C., depending on the specific type of thermoplastic polymer selected.

[0133] The flame-retardant thermoplastic composition can be molded in any suitable equipment for such purposes, such as an injection molding machine. After pelletization, the granular pellets are typically pre-dried before being molded in an injection molding machine suitable for such purposes. Often, the process temperature ranges from about 200° to 330° C., depending on the molding characteristics of the particular thermoplastic polymer, the loading level of additives and / or reinforcing fillers, and other factors such as mold cavity thickness and gate size. Those skilled in the art can make appropriate adjustments in the molding process to accommodate composition or tooling differences.

[0134] Further non-limiting disclosure is provided in the examples that follow. [Example]

[0135] Example 1 flame retardants Methylphosphonic acid (MPA) (3678.8 g, 38.3 mol, 30 equivalents, 75% aqueous solution) and alumina (130.2 g, 1.28 mol, 1 equivalent) were mixed at room temperature, resulting in a limited exotherm (approximately 2°C increase). The pot temperature was set to 165°C, with the stirrer at 200 rpm and atmospheric pressure, and a nitrogen purge (4 L / min). When no distillate was observed in the condenser, 1.0 g of seed material, a flame-retardant product produced from MPA and alumina as described herein, was optionally added. The reaction mixture was heated at 165°C for 3 hours. The resulting reaction mixture, containing a white slurry product, was then cooled to approximately 130°C and poured into 1.5 L of water in a beaker cooled in an ice-water bath. The white slurry was then filtered, washed with water (500 mL x 3), and dried to give microcrystals in 92% yield. The product has the following empirical formula:

[0136] [ka]

[0137] The aluminum to phosphorus ratio was 4:1 according to ICP elemental analysis.

[0138] The above empirical product formula represents the repeating monomer units (i.e., coordination entities) of the coordination polymer that form the pure crystalline product.

[0139] Example 2 flame retardants A 1 L flask was charged with 800 mL of xylene and equipped with a Dean-Stark trap. The solution was heated to 115 °C and methylphosphonic acid (MPA) (33.89 g, 0.35 mol) was added. The acid was allowed to dissolve and the temperature was increased so that the solution began to reflux. Alumina (4.01 g, 0.039 mol) was added in portions over 3 hours. Reflux was maintained at 142 °C overnight. The resulting solid product was isolated by filtration, washed with DMF (100 mL) and EtO (2 × 50 mL), and dried to give a fine powder (18.86 g, 71% yield). The product had the following empirical formula:

[0140] [ka]

[0141] The phosphorus to aluminum ratio was 4:1 according to the method described above.

[0142] The above empirical product formula represents the repeating monomer units (i.e., coordination entities) of the coordination polymer that form the pure crystalline product.

[0143] Example 3 flame retardants Methylphosphonic acid (MPA) (2216 g, 23.1 mol, 15 equivalents, aqueous solution) and aluminum trihydroxide (120 g, 1.5 mol, 1 equivalent) were mixed at room temperature. The pot temperature was set to 165°C, and the stirrer was operated at 200 rpm at atmospheric pressure with a nitrogen purge (4 L / min). When no distillate water was observed in the condenser, 1.0 g of seed material, a flame-retardant product produced from MPA and aluminum trihydroxide as described herein, was optionally added. The reaction mixture was heated at 165°C for 3 hours. The resulting reaction mixture containing a white slurry product was then cooled to approximately 130°C and poured into 1.5 L of water in a beaker cooled in an ice-water bath. The white slurry was filtered, washed with water (500 mL x 3), and dried to give microcrystals in approximately 100% yield. The product had the following empirical formula:

[0144] [ka]

[0145] The aluminum to phosphorus ratio was 4:1 according to ICP elemental analysis.

[0146] The above empirical product formula represents the repeating monomer units (i.e., coordination entities) of the coordination polymer that form the pure crystalline product.

[0147] Example 4 flame retardants

[0148] [ka]

[0149] Methylphosphonic acid (MPA) (1412.6 g, 14.7 mol, 30 equivalents, 75% aqueous solution) and iron oxide (78.2 g, 0.49 mol, 1 equivalent) were mixed at room temperature. The pot temperature was set to 130°C for approximately 12 hours, and the agitator was operated at 250 rpm under atmospheric pressure with a nitrogen purge (4 L / min). The reaction mixture was subsequently heated to 165°C for 12 hours. The resulting reaction mixture, containing an off-white slurry product, was then cooled to approximately 130°C and poured into 1.5 L of water in a beaker cooled in an ice-water bath. The off-white slurry was filtered, washed with water (500 mL x 3), and dried to give fine off-white crystals in 92% yield. The product had the following empirical formula:

[0150] [ka]

[0151] The iron content was 4:1 according to ICP elemental analysis.

[0152] The above empirical product formula represents the repeating monomer units (i.e., coordination entities) of the coordination polymer that form the pure crystalline product.

[0153] Example 5 flame retardants

[0154] [ka]

[0155] Methylphosphonic acid (MPA) (1727 g, 18.4 mol, 15 equivalents, 75% aqueous solution) was cooled to 5°C in an ice-water bath under a nitrogen flow (1 L / min). Aluminum isopropoxide (250 g, 1.2 mol, 1 equivalent) was added portionwise while maintaining the pot temperature below 10°C. The pot temperature was then set to 165°C, and the stirrer was operated at 250 rpm. At 165°C, 4.5 g of seed material, a flame-retardant product formed from MPA and aluminum isopropoxide as described herein, was optionally added, and the reaction mixture was held at 165°C for 3 hours. The resulting reaction mixture, containing a white slurry product, was then cooled to approximately 130°C and poured into 1.5 L of water in a beaker cooled in an ice-water bath. The white slurry was filtered, washed with water (500 mL x 3), and dried to give microcrystals in 44% yield. The product has the following empirical formula:

[0156] [ka]

[0157] The aluminum to phosphorus ratio was 4:1 according to ICP elemental analysis.

[0158] The above empirical product formula represents the repeating monomer units (i.e., coordination entities) of the coordination polymer that form the pure crystalline product.

[0159] Example 6 flame retardants

[0160] [ka]

[0161] Ethylphosphonic acid (EPA) (55.0 g, 0.50 mol, 30 equivalents) and alumina (1.70 g, 17 mmol, 1 equivalent) were mixed with 50 mL of water at room temperature. The pot temperature was set to 165°C with a stirrer at 250 rpm under atmospheric pressure and a nitrogen purge (4 L / min). The reaction mixture was heated at 165°C for 3 hours. The resulting reaction mixture containing a white slurry product was then cooled to approximately 130°C and poured into 100 mL of water in a beaker cooled in an ice-water bath. The white slurry was filtered, washed with water (50 mL x 3), and dried to give microcrystals in 76% yield. The product had the following empirical formula:

[0162] [ka]

[0163] The aluminum to phosphorus ratio was 4:1 according to ICP elemental analysis.

[0164] The above empirical product formula represents the repeating monomer units (i.e., coordination entities) of the coordination polymer that form the pure crystalline product.

[0165] Example 7 flame retardants

[0166] [ka]

[0167] A three-necked 250 mL flask was charged with 114.6 g of methylphosphonic acid, which was then heated. At 105 °C, the methylphosphonic acid melted, and vigorous stirring was initiated under a N blanket. The methylphosphonic acid was heated to 240 °C, and 7.78 g of alumina was added as quickly as possible without causing a large exotherm. The slurry was cooled until it was just above the melting point of the excess methylphosphonic acid, approximately 110 °C, and then added to 250 mL of HO, ensuring that the rate of addition did not cause excessive vapor formation. The resulting mixture was swirled to break up any large agglomerates that may have formed, and the product was isolated by filtration, washed with an additional 750 mL of HO, and dried to give 45.08 g of product as fine, colorless crystals in 87% yield. The empirical product formula above represents the repeating monomer units (i.e., coordinating entities) of the coordination polymer that formed the pure, crystalline product.

[0168] Example 8 flame retardants

[0169] [ka]

[0170] A three-necked 250 mL flask was charged with 149.8 g of ethylphosphonic acid and heated to a melt temperature of 62°C. Vigorous stirring was initiated under a N2 blanket, and the ethylphosphonic acid was heated to 240°C. 6.9 g of alumina was added as quickly as possible without causing a large exotherm. The slurry was cooled to approximately 80°C and then added to 250 mL of HO, ensuring that the rate of addition did not cause excessive vapor formation. The resulting mixture was swirled to break up any large agglomerates that may have formed, and the product was isolated by filtration, washed with an additional 750 mL of HO, and dried to give 49.07 g of product as fine, colorless crystals in 84% yield. The empirical product formula above represents the repeating monomer units (i.e., coordinating entities) of the coordination polymer that formed the pure, crystalline product.

[0171] Example 9 flame retardants

[0172] [ka]

[0173] A resin kettle was charged with 83 g of methylphosphonic acid and heated to 120 °C. An intermediate material prepared from 50 g of methylphosphonic acid and 35.4 g of aluminum tris(isopropoxide) was added to the resin kettle as a syrup in the presence of water. The resulting solution, containing a 5:1 molar ratio of methylphosphonic acid:aluminum methylphosphonic acid intermediate, was heated to 240 °C with mechanical stirring. After a solid formed, stirring was continued at 240 °C for approximately 30 minutes. 500 mL of HO was added, and the mixture was stirred for 16 hours to create a homogeneous slurry. As above, the product was isolated by filtration, washed with an additional 750 mL of HO, and dried to give 64.3 g of product as fine, colorless crystals in 93% yield. The empirical product formula above represents the repeating monomer units (i.e., coordinating entities) of the coordination polymer that formed the pure, crystalline product.

[0174] Example 10 flame retardants

[0175] [ka]

[0176] A three-necked, 1-L flask was charged with 1305 g of methylphosphonic acid, which was then heated. At 105°C, the methylphosphonic acid melted, and vigorous stirring was initiated under vacuum. The methylphosphonic acid was heated to 180°C, and 61 g of alumina was added as quickly as possible without causing a large exotherm or excessive foaming. The slurry was cooled until it was just above the melting point of the excess methylphosphonic acid, approximately 110°C, and then added to 1 L of HO, ensuring that the rate of addition did not cause excessive vapor formation. The resulting mixture was swirled to break up any large agglomerates that may have formed, and the product was isolated by filtration, washed with an additional 1.5 L of HO, and dried to give 408 g of product as fine, colorless crystals in 84% yield. The empirical product formula above represents the repeating monomer units (i.e., coordinating entities) of the coordination polymer that formed the pure, crystalline product.

[0177] The products from each of Examples 7-10 had a P to Al ratio of 4:1 (ICP elemental analysis).

[0178] Example 11 flame retardants

[0179] [ka]

[0180] A 1 L reaction vessel was charged with 1412.6 g of methylphosphonic acid, which was then heated to 165° C. under a nitrogen purge (4 L / min) and stirring at 250 rpm. 78.2 g of iron oxide was added in small portions without causing a large exotherm. The reaction mixture was heated at 165° C. for approximately 24 hours. The resulting reaction mixture, containing an off-white slurry product, was then cooled to approximately 130° C. and poured into 1.5 L of water in a beaker cooled in an ice-water bath. The product was isolated by filtration, washed with an additional 500 mL of water, and dried to give fine off-white crystals in 83% yield. The product had the following empirical formula:

[0181] [ka]

[0182] The iron content was 4:1 according to ICP elemental analysis.

[0183] The above empirical product formula represents the repeating monomer units (i.e., coordination entities) of the coordination polymer that form the pure crystalline product.

[0184] Example 12 Preparation of methyl pyrophosphate

[0185] [ka]

[0186] Methylphosphonic acid (MPA) (1920 g, 15 equiv., 75% fresh aqueous solution) and Al2O3 (0.8 g, 7.5 mmol, 0.05 mol% based on total MPA) were placed in a 2 L RBF at room temperature with a magnetic stir bar. It was carefully heated to remove the solvent water (pot set at 200 °C), and then vacuum was carefully applied to remove the water evolved from the reaction. The target endpoint was 33% conversion.

[0187] Hour 1, pot set @ 200°C, vacuum started @ 19.4 torr, finished @ 14.2 torr, conversion 34.1%

[0188] Example 13 - Aluminum in Methylphosphonic Acid Solution

[0189] [ka]

[0190] MPA (1024 g, 8 equivalents, 75% fresh aqueous solution) and Al2O3 (50.2 g, 0.50 mol total, 1.0 equivalent, combined with the catalyst amount from Example 2) were mixed in a 3 L reactor at room temperature. The pot temperature was set at 130 °C at 100 rpm without a nitrogen purge. The pot temperature stabilized near 110 °C for approximately 1 hour, during which time the white slurry became opaque and then a clear pale yellow solution. After the pot temperature stabilized at 130 °C, the reaction mixture was held at 130 °C overnight. The second morning, the water was removed by carefully pulling a vacuum while the pot temperature was set at 200 °C, and the house vacuum finally stabilized at 57 torr until no more distillate was coming off.

[0191] [ka]

[0192] Example 14 - Flame Retardant The methyl pyrophosphate product of Example 12 was preheated to 205°C, and seed material (1.9 g, 0.5 wt% of the theoretical amount of flame retardant) was added to it. The preheated methyl pyrophosphate was then poured into the 200°C solution of Example 13 at 300 rpm. After mixing, the reaction was held at 200°C for 5 minutes. The reaction mixture was then cooled to 130°C and slowly and carefully poured into 2.8 L of water in a 4 L beaker at room temperature and stirred at 250 rpm for 10 minutes. The white slurry was filtered and dried under house vacuum for 4 hours. The solid was then transferred to a beaker, stirred with 700 mL of water for 10 minutes, and sucked dry under house vacuum overnight. The crude yield was 83.0%, and the 100 mesh sieve yield at 99 minutes was 94.0%.

[0193] The resulting material had an acid # of <0.1 mg KOH / g sample and a P to Al ratio of 4:1 (ICP elemental analysis).

[0194] Example 15 - Flame Retardant MPA (1553 g, 12 equiv., 75% aqueous solution) was placed in a 3 L resin reactor. It was carefully heated (pot set at 200 °C, 150 RPM) to remove water, and the vacuum was carefully released when no distillate emerged. The target endpoint of conversion was 71% (P NMR, MPA set at 100%). Day 2, pot set at 200 °C, vacuum at 150 torr, 37.2% conversion; day 3, pot set at 200 °C, vacuum at 200 torr, 54.4% conversion; day 4, pot set at 200 °C, vacuum at 120 torr, 69.1% conversion to pyrophosphate. 1.

[0195] [ka]

[0196] Separately, MPA (768 g, 6 equiv., 75% fresh aqueous solution) and Al2O3 (51.0 g, 0.50 mol, 1.0 equiv.) were mixed at room temperature. The pot temperature was initially set to 130 °C at 250 rpm without nitrogen purge. The pot temperature stabilized near 110 °C for approximately 1 hour, during which time the white slurry became opaque and then a clear pale yellow solution. The pot temperature was then set to 200 °C. Water was removed by carefully pulling a vacuum, which was finally stabilized at 140 torr until no more distillate emerged. 2.

[0197] [ka]

[0198] Pyrophosphoric acid was preheated to 200°C and then mixed with the Al in MPA solution at 200°C and 250 RPM. No seeding material was required, and the slurry was allowed to stagnate. The reaction mixture was held at 200°C for 3 hours. The reaction mixture was then slowly and carefully poured into 2.8 L of water in a 4 L beaker at room temperature and stirred at 250 rpm for 10 minutes. The white slurry was filtered and dried under house vacuum for 4 hours. The solid was then transferred to a beaker, stirred with 700 mL of water for 10 minutes, and pulled dry under house vacuum overnight. The crude yield was 88.7%. SEM showed the product to be in the form of needles. The material was further dried in a 60°C oven and sieved through a 100-mesh sieve (67.5% @ 99 min; 97.2% @ 198 min). 3.

[0199] [ka]

[0200] Example 16 - Polymer Composition The flame retardants and colorants of the present disclosure combined were evaluated in polyamide-6,6 thermoplastic compositions. The components are listed below and shown in Table 2, including the ratios of the blend components. Thermoplastic polymers: Polyamide-6,6 (PolyNil® P-50 / 2 from Nilit) Inorganic fillers: Glass fiber (ChopVantage® 3540 from PPG) Phosphorus-containing flame retardants (Phos-FR): Phos-FR produced according to Example 7 above OP 1312 coloring agent Macrolex® Orange HT from LANXESS Flame retardant synergists: Melam or melamine polyphosphate (MPP) Stabilizers: Zinc borate

[0201] A Liestritz 18 mm twin-screw extruder was used to compound the formulations shown in Table 1 at 265°C and 200 rpm. A Vandorn 55 candence injection molding machine was used to prepare 0.8 mm (thick) samples for each formulation at 260-280°C and a mold temperature of 80°C. Each prepared formulation was evaluated for flame retardant activity under the UL-94 test, and the molecular weight of the polymer was determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC).

[0202] [Table 2]

[0203] As shown in Table 2, all formulations containing colorants exhibited V-0 performance under the UL-94 test. However, when the comparative flame retardant OP 1312 was used, the injection molding process was unstable. When orange colorant was added to the comparative flame retardant (Formulation 3), an even narrower process window was observed. In contrast, a much more stable injection molding process was observed for Formulations 1, 2, 5, and 6 containing flame retardants according to the present disclosure; specifically, Formulations 1 and 5 exhibited a more stable injection molding process than their counterparts, Formulations 2 and 6. All of this indicates less polymer degradation caused by the flame retardant additive and colorant. The inclusion of a colorant in Formulations 1 and 5 results in less energy consumption than formulations without it (Formulations 2 and 6) and also provides a wider process window for the injection molding process.

[0204] Example 17 - Polymer Composition The flame retardants and colorants of the present disclosure can be combined in polyamide-6 thermoplastic compositions, the components of which are listed below and shown in Table 2, including the ratios of the blend components. Thermoplastic polymers: Polyamide-6 (Durethan® B30S from LANXESS) Inorganic fillers: Glass fiber (ChopVantage® 3540 from PPG) Phosphorus-containing flame retardants (Phos-FR): Phos-FR produced according to Example 7 above Additional flame retardants: Polydibromostyrene (Firemaster® PBS-64HW from LANXESS) Carbodiimide: An aromatic polycarbodiimide of formula (VI) above (Stabaxol® P100 from LANXESS)

[0205] Using a twin screw extruder, the formulations shown in Table 3 can be compounded at 255-265°C. Using an injection molding machine, 1.6 mm (thick) samples are prepared for each formulation at 245-255°C and a mold temperature of 80°C.

[0206] [Table 3]

[0207] Example 18 - Polymer Composition Alternative polyamide-6,6 thermoplastic compositions are provided below. The ingredients are listed below and shown in Table 4, including the ratios of the blend components. Thermoplastic polymers: Polyamide-6,6 (PolyNil® P-50 / 2 from Nilit) Inorganic fillers: Glass fiber (ChopVantage® 3540 from PPG) Phosphorus-containing flame retardants (Phos-FR): Phos-FR produced according to Example 7 above Flame retardant synergists: Melam Heat stabilizer: Zinc stannate (Flamtard S from William Blythe) Carbodiimide: An aromatic polycarbodiimide of formula (VI) above (Stabaxol® P100 from LANXESS)

[0208] Using a twin screw extruder, the formulations shown in Table 4 are compounded at 265°C. Using an injection molding machine, 0.8 mm (thickness) samples are prepared for each formulation at 260-280°C and a mold temperature of 80°C.

[0209] [Table 4]

[0210] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the present disclosure that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. Accordingly, it is intended that the specification and examples be considered exemplary only, with the true scope of the invention being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. 1. A flame retardant and colorant additive composition for thermoplastic polymers, comprising: (A) Empirical formula (I): 【Chemistry 1】 where R is an alkyl or aryl group, M is a metal, and y is 2 or 3, so that M (+)y is a metal cation, where (+)y represents the charge formally assigned to the cation, and a, b, and c represent the ratio of their corresponding components to each other in the compound, satisfying the charge balance equation 2(a)+c=b(y), and a and c are non-zero. and at least one phosphorus-containing flame retardant of (B) Orange colorant 1. A flame retardant and colorant additive composition comprising:

2. 2. The flame retardant and colorant additive composition of claim 1, wherein in empirical formula (I), a is 1 or 2, b is 1 to 4, and c is 1 or 2.

3. 2. The flame retardant and colorant additive composition of claim 1, wherein y is 3, a is 1, b is 1, and c is 1.

4. 4. The flame retardant and colorant additive composition of claim 3, wherein M is selected from Al, Ga, Sb, Fe, Co, B, and Bi.

5. 5. The flame retardant and colorant additive composition of claim 4, wherein M is Al or Fe.

6. In the empirical formula (I), R is C 1～12 Alkyl, C 6～10 Aryl, C 7～18 Alkylaryl, or C 7～18 and arylalkyl, where alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, or arylalkyl is unsubstituted or substituted with halogen, hydroxyl, amino, C 1～4 Alkylamino, Di-C 1～4 Alkylamino, C 1～4 Alkoxy, carboxy or C 2～5 6. The flame retardant and colorant additive composition of any one of claims 1 to 5, which is substituted by alkoxycarbonyl.

7. R is unsubstituted C 1～12 Alkyl, C 6 Aryl, C 7～10 Alkylaryl, or C 7～10 7. The flame retardant and colorant additive composition of claim 6, wherein the alkyl group is arylalkyl.

8. R is unsubstituted C 1～6 7. The flame retardant and colorant additive composition of claim 6, wherein the alkyl group is alkyl.

9. 9. The flame retardant and colorant additive composition of claim 8, wherein R is selected from methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, and t-butyl.

10. 10. The flame retardant and colorant additive composition of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein M is Al, y is 3, a is 1, b is 1, and c is 1.

11. R is C 1～6 11. The flame retardant and colorant additive composition of claim 10, wherein the alkyl group is alkyl.

12. 12. The flame retardant and colorant additive composition of claim 11, wherein R is selected from methyl and ethyl.

13. 10. The flame retardant and colorant additive composition of claim 1, further comprising: (C) at least one flame retardant synergist and / or additional flame retardant.

14. 14. The flame retardant and colorant additive composition of claim 13, wherein component (C) comprises a nitrogen-containing flame retardant synergist.

15. 10. The flame retardant and colorant additive composition of claim 1, further comprising: (D) one or more stabilizers.

16. 16. A flame retardant thermoplastic composition comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer and the flame retardant and colorant additive composition of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the thermoplastic composition has a ΔE of <20, preferably ΔE<10, more preferably ΔE<5, from a color number starting with "2" on the RAL color chart.

17. 17. The flame retardant thermoplastic composition of claim 16, wherein the at least one thermoplastic polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyesters and polyamides.

18. 18. The flame retardant thermoplastic composition of claim 17, wherein the at least one thermoplastic polymer is a polyamide selected from the group consisting of polyamide-4,6, polyamide-6, polyamide-6,6, polyamide-6,10, polyamide-6,12, polyamide-11, polyamide-12, polyamide-4,T, polyamide-MXD,6, polyamide-12,T, polyamide-10,T, polyamide-9,T, polyamide-6,T / 6,6, polyamide-6,T / D,T, polyamide-6,6 / 6,T / 6,I, polyamide-6 / 6,T, polyamide-6,T / 6,I, and mixtures thereof.

19. 17. The flame retardant thermoplastic composition of claim 16, further comprising at least one inorganic filler.

20. 20. The flame retardant thermoplastic composition of claim 19, wherein the inorganic filler comprises glass fibers.

21. 16. A method for improving the processing of a thermoplastic polymer, comprising adding the flame retardant and colorant additive composition of any one of claims 1 to 15 to the thermoplastic polymer.

22. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the thermoplastic polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyesters and polyamides.

23. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the thermoplastic polymer is a polyamide selected from the group consisting of polyamide-4,6, polyamide-6, polyamide-6,6, polyamide-6,10, polyamide-6,12, polyamide-11, polyamide-12, polyamide-4,T, polyamide-MXD,6, polyamide-12,T, polyamide-10,T, polyamide-9,T, polyamide-6,T / 6,6, polyamide-6,T / D,T, polyamide-6,6 / 6,T / 6,I, polyamide-6 / 6,T, polyamide-6,T / 6,I, and mixtures thereof.

24. 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising adding at least one inorganic filler to the thermoplastic polymer.

25. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the inorganic filler comprises glass fiber.

26. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the processing is an injection molding process.

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