Isosorbide diesters, and their use as processing aids and plasticizers in ABS compositions

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composition comprising the following components: A) a polymer in an amount of 52.0% to 99.95% by weight, particularly 70.0% to 99.95% by weight, wherein the polymer is an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer or a mixture of polymers containing at least one acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer; B) at least one isosorbide diester in an amount of 0.05% to 30.0% by weight. The compositions of the present invention are particularly useful for producing molded articles obtained therefrom, in particular by injection molding.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to compositions containing an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer and a carboxylic acid ester of isosorbide, and, in particular, to the use of these compositions for the production of molded articles obtained from these compositions by injection molding. These compositions have improved rheological properties and improved processing behavior in the injection molding process. Furthermore, molded articles obtained from these compositions exhibit little to no visual defects known as sink marks, silver streaks, and burn marks. [Background technology]

[0002] Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer is based on three monomers: acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene. Due to its properties, a good balance of toughness, strength, and temperature resistance, its ease of molding, and high-quality surface finish, ABS has a very wide range of applications. These include electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), as well as a wide range of applications in automobiles, telecommunications equipment, and other general-purpose products.

[0003] ABS polymers are very often manufactured using an injection molding process, which involves injecting molten polymer into a mold and shaping it to the mold's form. Additives are commonly added to ABS polymers to improve the productivity and / or quality of those produced by injection molding. For example, pentaerythritol stearate is commonly used as a lubricant and release agent. Furthermore, hydrocarbon processing oils, phosphate esters (e.g., triphenyl phosphate, resorcinol bis(diphenyl phosphate), or oligomeric phosphates), long-chain fatty acid esters, and aromatic sulfonamides are commonly used in ABS polymers to reduce melt viscosity and processing temperature, or to improve release properties. However, despite the presence of such additives, molding of ABS polymers generally results in molded articles exhibiting visual defects such as sink marks, silver streaks, and burn marks, primarily related to the parameters of the injection molding process.

[0004] Every injection molding process produces a certain number of parts exhibiting visual defects, primarily depending on the process parameters, the shape of the part, and the properties of the polymer being molded. Even in a well-tuned process, this number is typically at least 5% of the total number of parts produced. In less successfully tuned processes, this number can be much higher, for example, exceeding 15%. Processing aids are needed to reduce the number of parts exhibiting visual defects or to completely eliminate the occurrence of visual defects on injection molded parts.

[0005] Furthermore, to improve the productivity of the injection molding process, it is generally desirable to increase the injection speed and shorten the cycle time. However, it is well known that if the injection speed of ABS polymer is too high, it can cause material degradation, resulting in appearance defects such as sink marks, silver streaks, poor gloss, or thermal decomposition. No additives or processing aids commonly used with ABS polymer in the injection molding process have been reported to be able to overcome this drawback.

[0006] Therefore, there is always a need to develop additives that can improve injection molding of ABS polymers.

[0007] Surprisingly, the inventors discovered that the presence of a specific amount of alkyl diester of 1,4:3,6-dianhydrohexitol, more specifically, alkyl diester of isosorbide, makes it possible to reduce the number of parts exhibiting at least one visual defect, or even suppress the appearance of visual defects in molded articles obtained from ABS polymer by injection molding.

[0008] In fact, while we do not wish to be bound by any particular theory, it has been found that whenever a certain amount of 1,4:3,6-dianhydrohexitol alkyl diester, more specifically isosorbide diester, is present, ABS polymers exhibit improved fluidity and better rheological properties.

[0009] As a further advantage, alkyl diesters of 1,4:3,6-dianhydrohexitol, particularly isosorbide diesters, have been shown to enable an increase in the injection rate and therefore the yield of ABS polymer in the injection molding process, while also allowing for the acquisition of molded articles free from surface defects such as burn marks, silver streaks, or sink marks.

[0010] Furthermore, the use of alkyl diesters of 1,4:3,6-dianhydrohexitol as additives for this purpose is all the more advantageous because these diesters are of a renewable source.

[0011] Therefore, the compositions of the present invention are advantageous in that they can improve the appearance of molded articles obtained from ABS polymers, particularly those processed by injection molding, by reducing and even suppressing the occurrence of visual defects such as sink marks, silver streaks, and burn marks.

[0012] They also enable improvements in both the productivity and quality of molded articles obtained from ABS polymers, particularly those processed by injection molding, by reducing both injection cycle time and molding defect rate (scrap rate). They enable a reduction in cycle time of at least 5%, and particularly 7 or 8%, compared to injection molding of ABS polymers without the 1,4:3,6-dianhydrohexitol alkyl diester.

[0013] Advantageously, the heat resistance of ABS polymers to which at least one alkyl diester of 1,4:3,6-dianhydrohexitol, particularly isosorbide diester, is added remains unchanged. [Overview of the project]

[0014] The present invention will be described in more detail and not limited to the following description.

[0015] Unless otherwise specified, percentages are expressed on a weight basis relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0016] Polymer composition Therefore, in a first embodiment, the present invention relates to a composition comprising the following components: A) A polymer in which 52.0% to 99.95% by weight, particularly 70.0% to 99.95% by weight, particularly 80.0% to 99.95% by weight, particularly 82.0% to 99.95% by weight, wherein the polymer is an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer, or a mixture of polymers containing at least one acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer. B) At least one alkyl diester of 1,4:3,6-dianhydrohexitol, particularly at least one isosorbide diester, in an amount of 0.05% to 30.0% by weight, especially 0.05% to 20.0% by weight, and especially 0.05% to 18.0% by weight.

[0017] In this regard, while we do not wish to be bound by any particular theory, the inventors have observed that when used in amounts of 0.05% by weight to about 5%, component B) acts as a processing aid for component A), that is, as a material that enables improvement of the processability of component A). When used in amounts exceeding about 5% by weight, particularly in amounts of 10.0% by weight to 20.0% by weight, component B) further enables plasticization of component A), that is, making component A) softer and more flexible.

[0018] In either case, when used as either a processing aid or a plasticizer, component B) can advantageously reduce or even suppress the appearance of visual defects in molded articles obtained from component A) that have been subjected not only to injection molding but also to extrusion, thermoforming and / or fused deposition modeling, i.e., 3D printing, preferably injection molding.

[0019] The composition of the present invention may further include the following component C, more specifically component C1 and / or component C2: C1) 0.0% to 3.0% by weight of one or more additives selected from the group consisting of heat stabilizers, antioxidants, mold release agents, flame retardants, UV absorbers, IR absorbers, antistatic agents, fluorescent whitening agents, colorants, and lubricants. C2) At least one filler in an amount of 0.0% to 30.0% by weight.

[0020] In some embodiments, the composition contains component A) in amounts of 70.0% to 75.0% by weight, 75.0% to 80.0% by weight, 80.0% to 85.0% by weight, 85.0% to 90.0% by weight, 90.0% to 95.0% by weight, or 95.0% to 99.5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0021] In some embodiments, the composition contains component A) in an amount of 95.0% to 99.75% by weight, particularly 98.0% to 99.6% by weight, and more specifically 99.0% to 99.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0022] In some embodiments, the composition comprises component B) at 0.05 wt% to 2.0 wt%, 2.0 wt% to 5.0 wt%, 5.0 wt% to 10.0 wt%, 10.0 wt% to 15.0 wt%, 15.0 wt% to 18.0 wt%, or 18.0 wt% to 20.0 wt%, or 20.0 wt% to 30.0 wt% based on the total weight of the composition.

[0023] In some embodiments, the composition comprises component B) at 0.05 wt% to 5.0 wt%, particularly 0.1 wt% to 2.5 wt%, more specifically 0.25 wt% to 1.0 wt% based on the total weight of the composition.

[0024] In some embodiments, the composition comprises component C1) at 0.0 wt% to 0.5 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 1.0 wt%, 1.0 wt% to 1.5 wt%, 1.5 wt% to 2.0 wt%, 2.0 wt% to 2.5 wt%, or 2.5 wt% to 3.0 wt% based on the total weight of the composition.

[0025] In some embodiments, the composition comprises component C1) at 0.0 wt% to 3.0 wt%, particularly 0.5 wt% to 2 wt%, more specifically 0.75 wt% to 1.0 wt% based on the total weight of the composition.

[0026] In some embodiments, the composition comprises component C2) at 0.0 wt% to 5.0 wt%, 5.0 wt% to 10.0 wt%, 10.0 wt% to 15.0 wt%, 15.0 wt% to 20.0 wt%, 20.0 wt% to 25.0 wt%, 25.0 wt% to 30.0 wt% based on the total weight of the composition.

[0027] In some embodiments, the composition comprises component C2) at 0.0 wt% to 30.0 wt%, particularly 5.0 wt% to 25.0 wt%, more specifically 10.0 wt% to 20.0 wt% based on the total weight of the composition.

[0028] In some embodiments, the composition may further comprise the following components: D) One or more plasticizers other than component B) at 5.0 wt% to 20.0 wt%.

[0029] Except for component (B), which in some embodiments may have plasticizing properties when used in a specific amount, particularly when present in an amount of at least 5.0% by weight, the compositions of the present invention do not contain any compound D), i.e., any further plasticizers.

[0030] In some embodiments, the sum of the weight percentages of component A), component B), and optionally component C1), component C2), and / or component D) is equal to 100% by weight. In some other embodiments, the sum of the weight percentages of component A), component B), and optionally component C1), and / or component C2) is equal to 100% by weight.

[0031] The composition of the present invention may consist of the following components: A) A polymer in an amount of 52.0% to 99.95% by weight, particularly 70.0% to 99.95% by weight, wherein the polymer is an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer, or a mixture of polymers containing at least one acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer. B) At least one isosorbide diester in an amount of 0.05% to 15.0% by weight, C1) 0.0% to 3.0% by weight of one or more additives selected from the group consisting of heat stabilizers, antioxidants, mold release agents, flame retardants, UV absorbers, IR absorbers, antistatic agents, fluorescent whitening agents, colorants, and lubricants. C2) At least one filler, in an amount of 0.0% to 30.0% by weight, particularly 0.0% to 12.0% by weight.

[0032] The composition of the present invention may consist of the following components: A) A polymer comprising 62.0% to 99.95% by weight, wherein the polymer is an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer, or a mixture of polymers containing at least one acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer; B) At least one isosorbide diester comprising 0.05% to 5.0% by weight. C1) 0.0% to 3.0% by weight of one or more additives selected from the group consisting of heat stabilizers, antioxidants, mold release agents, flame retardants, UV absorbers, IR absorbers, antistatic agents, fluorescent whitening agents, colorants, and lubricants. C2) At least one filler in an amount of 0.0% to 30.0% by weight.

[0033] The composition of the present invention may consist of the following components: A) A polymer comprising 66.0% to 99.95% by weight, wherein the polymer is an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer, or a mixture of polymers containing at least one acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer. B) 0.1% to 1.0% by weight of at least one isosorbide diester, C1) 0.0% to 3.0% by weight of one or more additives selected from the group consisting of heat stabilizers, antioxidants, mold release agents, flame retardants, UV absorbers, IR absorbers, antistatic agents, fluorescent whitening agents, colorants, and lubricants. C2) At least one filler in an amount of 0.0% to 30.0% by weight.

[0034] In some embodiments, the composition has a water content of less than 200 ppm, more preferably less than 150 ppm, and even more preferably less than 100 ppm.

[0035] Ingredient A In the context of the present invention, the term "ABS polymer" is understood to mean a copolymer comprising or consisting of the following three monomers: acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene. The ABS polymer may also contain additional comonomer units, in particular ethylenically unsaturated comonomers such as acrylates, methacrylates, or isoprene monomers. The additional comonomer units generally account for less than 5% by weight of the total weight of the ABS polymer. Specifically, preferred ABS polymers, according to the following general semi-structural chemical formulas of ABS polymers, include, in particular, those in which m is in the range of 0.5 to 99.5% by weight, n is in the range of 0.5 to 99.5% by weight, and o is in the range of 0.5 to 99.5% by weight, where weight percent is expressed relative to the total weight of the polymer. In some embodiments, the ABS polymer is in which m is in the range of 15 to 35% by weight, n is in the range of 5 to 30% by weight, and o is in the range of 40 to 60% by weight.

[0036] [ka]

[0037] A polymer mixture containing one or more ABS polymers in combination with one or more additional thermoplastic polymers of any choice can also be used as component A. Examples of suitable thermoplastic polymers include polycarbonate (PC), polyamide (PA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polymers.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the polymer mixture may contain at least 50% by weight, particularly at least 75% by weight, more specifically at least 85% by weight, more specifically at least 95% by weight, and even more specifically at least 98% by weight of ABS polymer, relative to the total weight of component A.

[0039] In some embodiments, the polymer mixture consists of a mixture of two or more ABS polymers.

[0040] In some other embodiments, component A is a single ABS polymer.

[0041] The applicant believes that the invention of this application should be tested on polymers containing only two of the three acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene monomers.

[0042] Component B The composition of the present invention comprises, as component B, at least one alkyl diester of 1,4:3,6-dianhydrohexitol, particularly at least one isosorbide diester.

[0043] 1,4:3,6-Dianehydrohexitol has the empirical formula C6H 10 It is a diol containing O4.

[0044] According to the present invention, three isomers of 1,4:3,6-dianhydrohexitol may be used: isosorbide, isomannide, and isoidide, or a mixture thereof, but isosorbide is preferred.

[0045] Diesters of 1,4:3,6-dianehydrohexitol based on various carboxylic acids are preferred. Mixtures can also be used instead of pure compounds.

[0046] As used herein, the term "isosorbide diester" means an alkyl diester of isosorbide.

[0047] The general formula for 1,4:3,6-dianehydrohexitol, which forms the basis of the alkyl diester used in the present invention, is as follows:

[0048] [ka]

[0049] More preferably, the isosorbide diester used in accordance with the present invention is based on D-isosorbide having the following formula:

[0050] [ka]

[0051] In the composition according to the present invention, at least one isosorbide diester may be a C2-C28 aliphatic diester of isosorbide, and in particular a C11-C17 aliphatic diester of isosorbide.

[0052] As used herein, the term “aliphatic” refers to a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon chain having 2 to 28 carbon atoms, particularly 12 to 18 carbon atoms.

[0053] In some embodiments, the isosorbide diester is a compound of formula (I),

[0054] [ka] In the formula, R1 and R2 may be the same or different, and are independently selected from C2-C28 aliphatic groups, particularly C2-C28 alkenyl groups or alkyl groups, preferably C12-C18 alkenyl groups or alkyl groups.

[0055] In some embodiments, R1 and R2 are both the same and are C12-C18 alkyl or alkenyl groups, preferably linear C12-C18 alkyl or alkenyl groups.

[0056] In some embodiments, R1 and R2 are n-heptadecyl (C17), respectively.

[0057] In some embodiments, the isosorbide diester results from the condensation of isosorbide with at least one fatty acid, in particular a saturated or mono- or polyunsaturated monocarboxylic acid having a chain length of 2 to 28 carbon atoms.

[0058] Suitable monocarboxylic acids are, for example, caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, margaric acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, lignoceric acid, palmitoleic acid, petroselinic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, timnodonic acid and cervonic acid.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, at least one fatty acid is lauric acid (C 11 H 23 COOH), myristic acid (C 13 H 27 COOH), palmitic acid (C 15 H 33 COOH), and stearic acid (C 17 H 35 COOH). In a very preferred embodiment, at least one fatty acid is stearic acid (C 17 H 35 COOH).

[0060] The isosorbide diester can be prepared, inter alia, according to the method disclosed in international application number PCT / EP2023 / 025204, which is a) a first step of esterifying 1,4:3,6-dianhydrohexitol with a fatty acid having a C12-C28 alkyl chain, said fatty acid being in excess and forming a crude reaction product comprising the C12-C28 alkyl diester of 1,4:3,6-dianhydrohexitol and unreacted fatty acid, and optionally b) a second step of esterifying the unreacted fatty acid with a primary diol or an aromatic diol. The resulting isosorbide diester can be isolated from the crude reaction product obtained in step b). Alternatively, the isosorbide diester may not be isolated from the crude reaction product but may be used within the crude reaction product.

[0061] Therefore, in some embodiments, at least one isosorbide diester (B) contained in the polymer composition of the present invention is part of the isosorbide diester composition, and by weight of the isosorbide diester composition, -35-90% by weight of isosorbide C12-C28 alkyl diester (BA), -10 to 50% by weight of primary diols, secondary diols, or aromatic diol diesters (BB), - Less than 6% by weight of isosorbide C12-C28 alkyl monoester (BC), - Contains less than 3% by weight of fatty acids (BD) having C12-C28 alkyl chains, The total content of isosorbide C12-C28 aliphatic diester (BA) and diester (BB) of primary diol, secondary diol, or aromatic diol is 80% to 99% by weight, preferably 90% to 99% by weight.

[0062] In some embodiments, the isosorbide diester composition is, by weight of the isosorbide diester composition, -35~90% by weight of isosorbide distearate (BA), -10 to 50% by weight of ethylene glycol distearate (BB), - Less than 6% by weight of isosorbide monostearate (BC), - A composition containing less than 3% by weight of stearic acid (BD).

[0063] In some embodiments, any step b) is not performed. Then, at least one isosorbide diester (B) contained in the polymer composition of the present invention is part of the isosorbide diester composition, and by weight of the isosorbide diester composition, -35-90% by weight of C12-C28 alkyl diesters of isosorbide (BA) - Less than 7% by weight of isosorbide C12-C28 alkyl monoesters (BC) - Contains less than 3% by weight of fatty acids (BD) having C12-C28 alkyl chains.

[0064] When an isosorbide diester composition is used, the weight percentage of component (B) of the polymer composition refers to the weight percentage of the isosorbide diester compound contained in the polymer, and not to the weight percentage of the isosorbide diester composition added to the polymer.

[0065] In some embodiments, the weight percentage of isosorbide diester (component B) relative to the total weight of polymer (component A) and isosorbide diester (component B) is in the range of 0.05% to 30.0%, particularly in the range of 0.05% to 10.0% by weight, or 0.05% to 5.0% by weight, or 0.05% to 2.5% by weight, or 0.05% to 2.0% by weight, or 0.1% to 2.0% by weight, or 0.2% to 2.0% by weight.

[0066] Component C The composition of the present invention may further contain, as component C, one or more additives selected from the group consisting of, in particular, heat stabilizers, antioxidants, mold release agents, flame retardants, UV absorbers, IR absorbers, antistatic agents, fluorescent whitening agents, colorants, lubricants, and fillers. These additives may be added individually or in mixtures.

[0067] Examples of suitable additives to be added to ABS polymer for injection molding can be found in P. Daniels, "Selecting Plasticizers for Polymers-Special Chem" -11-Plasticizers Use And Selection For Specific Polymers, Handbook of Plasticizers (Second Edition), 2012, Pages 307-419, or PYMoy, "Phosphate ester additives as melt flow modifiers in ABS", Journal of vinyl & additive technology, Vol.4, Issue 4, 1998, pp. 216-221.

[0068] Examples of suitable antioxidants that also act as heat stabilizers include, in particular, primary antioxidants and / or secondary antioxidants. Primary antioxidants may be sterically hindered phenols such as compounds Hostanox® O3, Hostanox® O10, Hostanox® O16, Ultranox® 210, Ultranox® 276, Dovernox® 10, Dovernox® 76, Dovernox® 3114, Irganox® 1010, Irganox® 1076, Ethanox® 330, or phosphonates such as Irgamod® 195. The secondary antioxidant may be a trivalent phosphorus compound such as Ultranox® 626, Doverphos® S-9228, Hostanox® P-EPQ, ADK STAB PEP-8, ADK STAB 3010, or Irgafos® 168.

[0069] Particularly suitable flame retardants include antimony trioxide, halogen or non-halogenated flame retardants (e.g., phosphorus compounds such as Exolit® OP), aluminum hydroxide, or magnesium hydroxide.

[0070] Suitable examples of UV absorbers include, in particular, benzophenone or benzotriazole (such as Tinuvin®), or hindered amines (Chimassorb®).

[0071] Suitable colorants include, in particular, HS-325 Sandoplast® RED BB (also known as Solvent Red 195), the anthraquinones HS-510 Sandoplast® Blue 2B, Polysynthren® Blue R, or Clariant® RSB Violet.

[0072] Suitable examples of fluorescent whitening agents include, in particular, 1,4-bis(2-benzoxazolyl)naphthalene or benzoxazole.

[0073] Suitable fillers include, in particular, carbon fibers, glass fibers, glass hollow spheres, wood fibers, talc, calcium carbonate, mica, silica, zeolite, or starch.

[0074] Suitable release agents include amide wax, montan wax, and PE wax.

[0075] Suitable examples of IR absorbers are dyes or pigments that have the ability to convert absorbed infrared radiation into heat, such as azo dyes, metal complex azo dyes, anthraquinone dyes, carbon black, graphite, titanium, chromium, or copper compounds.

[0076] Suitable examples of antistatic agents include alkyl sulfonates or ethoxylated amines.

[0077] Examples of suitable lubricants include montan wax, wax ester, oxidized PE wax, and polyol wax.

[0078] Preparation process of polymer composition according to the present invention In a second embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for preparing a polymer composition according to the present invention, wherein the process is: i) A step of providing or preparing a polymer, wherein the polymer is an ABS polymer or a mixture of polymers containing at least one acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer (component A), and ii) A step of incorporating at least one isosorbide diester (component B) and optionally one or more additives (component C or component D) into the polymer, thereby obtaining the polymer composition defined above.

[0079] The compositions of the present invention, comprising component A, component B, and optionally component C and / or component D, may also be prepared by the general methods incorporated in step ii), particularly by combining, mixing, and homogenizing the individual components, which is carried out in the molten material, especially by the application of shear force. Combining and mixing are optionally carried out before molten homogenization using a powder premix. It is also possible to use pellets of component B and component C or a pellet and powder premix.

[0080] Furthermore, premixes formed from solutions of mixed components in a suitable solvent can also be used, in which case homogenization is optionally carried out in solution, after which the solvent is removed. In particular, components B and C of the composition of the present invention can be incorporated into the polymer by well-known methods or as a masterbatch.

[0081] In some embodiments, step ii) is carried out simultaneously with step i). Thus, in some embodiments, at least one isosorbide diester, and optionally one or more additives, are incorporated into the polymer during the preparation of the polymer in step i), particularly before the polymerization of ABS is completed.

[0082] In some other embodiments, steps i) and ii) are carried out sequentially. Thus, in some embodiments, at least one isosorbide diester and optionally one or more additives are incorporated into the provided polymer or the prepared polymer after polymerization is complete.

[0083] Step ii) may be carried out using conventional equipment such as a mixer, kneader, or extruder, particularly equipped with a single-screw or twin-screw machine. Components A, B, and optionally C and / or D are generally dried before step ii).

[0084] In step ii), the mixing and co-mixing of the premix in the molten material may also be carried out in the plasticizing unit of the injection molding machine. In this case, the molten material is directly converted into a molded article in the next step.

[0085] On the one hand, the polymer, and on the other hand, at least one isosorbide diester, can be supplied to the inlet of the apparatus carried out in step ii) in either the same or different physical state, in particular in either a liquid or solid state.

[0086] In a preferred embodiment, step ii) is carried out in an extruder, yielding the composition of the present invention in the form of an extruded product. The extruded product may be cooled and crushed after being extruded into pellets or chips.

[0087] In some embodiments, the process of the present invention further comprises step iii) drying the composition obtained in step ii) until a composition having a water content of less than 200 ppm, more preferably less than 150 ppm, and even more preferably less than 100 ppm is obtained.

[0088] Extruded material containing the composition of the present invention In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to an extruder comprising the composition according to the present invention as defined above, and / or obtainable by the process according to the present invention as defined above.

[0089] The extruded material may be in the form of pellets or chips, among other things. The extruded material may also be in the form of ribbons obtained by a flat die located at the end of the extruder. The ribbons can be flattened into films or sheets, among other things, by passing them through a calender roll.

[0090] In some embodiments, the extruded material contains less than 200 ppm, more preferably less than 150 ppm, and even more preferably less than 100 ppm of water.

[0091] Use of compositions in injection molding processes In a further aspect, the present invention relates to the use of compositions or extruded products according to the present invention, particularly as raw materials, in injection molding processes, extrusion processes, fused deposition modeling processes, i.e., 3D printing processes, or thermoforming processes. Preferably, compositions according to the present invention are used in injection molding processes.

[0092] Therefore, extrusions produce molded articles, which are also called molded products or molded goods, or sometimes moldings.

[0093] molded article In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a molded article comprising a composition of the present invention or obtainable by injection molding of a composition or extruder according to the present invention.

[0094] As used herein, the terms “molded article,” “molded part,” or “molded product” refer to two-dimensional objects such as films or sheets, or three-dimensional objects such as hollow bodies or complete bodies.

[0095] The compositions of the present invention can be processed in conventional methods using standard machinery, such as an extruder or injection molding machine, to obtain any molded article, such as a film, sheet, or container.

[0096] In some embodiments, the molded articles of the present invention are floor covers, wall covers, hoses, profiles, roofing sheets, sealing sheets, cable or wire sheaths, tarpaulins, advertising banners, synthetic leather, packaging films, medical supplies, toys, seals, furnishings, equipment and electrical appliance control panels, pillar trims, dashboard components, door liners or handles, seat backs, seat belt components, electronic housings, computer keyboards, sports equipment, or gardening tools. In preferred embodiments, the molded articles of the present invention are electronic components, automotive parts, or toys.

[0097] Method of using the composition of the present invention In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for plasticizing an ABS polymer, the method comprising the following components: A) A polymer in an amount of 52.0% to 99.95% by weight, particularly 70.0% to 99.95% by weight, particularly 80.0% to 99.95% by weight, particularly 82.0% to 99.95% by weight, wherein the polymer is an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer, or a mixture of polymers containing at least one acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer, B) A step of combining with at least one isosorbide diester in an amount of 5% to 30.0% by weight, particularly 6 to 20.0% by weight, especially 7% to 18.0% by weight, especially 8% to 15% by weight, and especially 9% to 11% by weight.

[0098] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for removing at least one visual defect in a molded article made from an ABS polymer or a mixture of polymers containing at least one acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer, the method being: A) A polymer in an amount of 52.0% to 99.95% by weight, particularly 70.0% to 99.95% by weight, particularly 80.0% to 99.95% by weight, particularly 82.0% to 99.95% by weight, wherein the polymer is an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer, or a mixture of polymers containing at least one acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer, B) A step of combining at least one isosorbide diester in an amount of 0.05% to 30.0% by weight, particularly 0.05 to 20.0% by weight, especially 0.05% to 18.0% by weight, especially 0.05% to 10% by weight, especially 0.05% to 5.0% by weight, especially 0.1% to 2.5% by weight, and especially 0.25% to 1.0% by weight.

[0099] In some embodiments, the molded article is an injection-molded article.

[0100] In some embodiments, at least one visual defect is selected from silver streaks, sink marks, burn marks, and mixtures thereof.

[0101] Advantageously, the methods or uses of the present invention make it possible to eliminate at least one visual defect, in particular any visual defect, in a molded article made from the composition of the present invention. Thus, the present invention makes it possible to obtain a molded article free from visual defects.

[0102] Furthermore, the method or use according to the present invention makes it possible to reduce the number of molded articles exhibiting at least one visual defect compared to the use of an equivalent composition containing the same components except for isosorbide diester.

[0103] In some embodiments, the number of molded articles produced from the compositions of the present invention that exhibit a silver streak or sink mark is advantageously equal to less than 15%, less than 10%, less than 5%, less than 1%, or 0% of the total number of molded articles produced during a manufacturing campaign.

[0104] In other embodiments, the number of molded articles produced from the composition of the present invention that exhibit burn marks is less than 7%, or less than 6%, or less than 5%, or less than 4%, or less than 3%, or less than 2%, or less than 1%, or 0% of the total number of molded articles produced during the manufacturing campaign.

[0105] The present invention also relates to the use of a polymer as a processing aid for a polymer, wherein the polymer is an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer or a mixture of polymers containing at least one acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer (component A), wherein the weight percentage of the at least one 1,4:3,6-dianhydrohexitol alkyl diester (component B) to the total weight of the polymer (component A) and the 1,4:3,6-dianhydrohexitol alkyl diester (component B) is in the range of 0.05% to 5.0%, particularly 0.05% to 2.5% by weight, particularly 0.1% to 1.75% by weight, and particularly 0.5% to 1.0% by weight.

[0106] The present invention also relates to the use of the composition of the present invention for eliminating at least one visual defect in a manufacturing process, particularly an injection molding process, in particular in a processed polymer, and / or for increasing the injection molding rate of a polymer, wherein the polymer is an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer, or a mixture of polymers containing at least one acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer. [Examples]

[0107] Example 1: Preparation of the composition according to the present invention 1.A) Synthesis of isosorbide distearate 150 g of isosorbide (1 equivalent) and 876 g of stearic acid (C18, 3 equivalents) were introduced into a 2 L jacketed reactor. The reactor was heated to 90°C under a nitrogen sweep to melt the medium. Then, under nitrogen, 3 wt% methanesulfonic acid and 5 wt% hypophosphorous acid (color-reducing agent) were introduced relative to the isosorbide. The medium was heated to 160°C, and then a vacuum ramp (vacuum gradient) was applied from 100 mbar to 65 mbar over 2 hours.

[0108] Next, the medium was cooled to 100°C, and a stoichiometric amount of sodium hydroxide was added to neutralize the methanesulfonic acid and hypophosphorous acid. The reaction medium was thermally filtered (100°C) through a Beko KD3 filter. Then, a 0.0045m solution was prepared using a system with an internal condenser and therefore operating in a short-path configuration. 2 The crude reaction product was distilled using a scrape film distiller with a distillation area of ​​[specified area]. The crude reaction product was distilled under a pressure of 0.1 mbar, a jacket temperature of 190°C, and a feed rate of 1 kg / h. The diester composition was recovered from the distillation residue, and the distillate consisted of excess fatty acids.

[0109] The resulting diester composition contained 98.3% by weight of isosorbide distearate.

[0110] 1.B) Mixing by extrusion Isosorbide diester was added to ABS polymer (reference: Magnum 3453, commercially available from TRINSEO) by extrusion.

[0111] The mixture was produced using a TSA twin-screw extruder with a screw diameter of 26 mm and a length-to-diameter ratio of 40, equipped with a die for one 5 mm diameter rod and two K-Tron brand gravimetric feeders.

[0112] At the die's exit, the rod was cooled by passing through a water tank and then granulated.

[0113] Prior to extrusion, the ABS pellets were dried in a Morretto dryer at 80°C for 10 hours to obtain a residual moisture content of less than 150 ppm. This moisture content was controlled before extrusion using Brabender's Aquatrac-3E.

[0114] 1. The isosorbide distearate prepared in A was tested at a 0.5% by weight incorporation rate. For all tests, the temperature profile used in the extruder from feed to die was as follows: 25 / 215 / 220 / 230 / 235 / 240 / 230 / 220 / 215°C.

[0115] [Table 1] The parameters remained stable in all of these extrusion tests.

[0116] Example 2 Regarding extrusion, the resulting pellets were dried overnight in a Morretto desiccator at 80°C to obtain a residual moisture content of less than 150 ppm. This moisture content was checked using Aquatrac-3E (Brabender brand) before extrusion.

[0117] Injection molding was performed using a Victory Engel 80 injection molding machine equipped with a mold temperature controller and an Axxicon cassette system.

[0118] To control the stability of the injection process and the appearance of the parts, an ISO D2 plate was injected.

[0119] Injection-molded parts were manufactured using ABS "out of bag," extruded ABS, and 99.5% by weight ABS + 0.5% by weight isosorbide distearate prepared in 1.A of Example 1.

[0120] The temperatures used were as follows: -Temperature profile: 260-250-240-230℃ - Mold temperature: 70℃

[0121] For "out-of-bag" ABS and extruded ABS, the injection speed is 10 mm / s. Even at this speed, the parts exhibit cosmetic defects such as sink marks and silver streaks, and the cycle time is 59 seconds.

[0122] The injection speed was increased to 15 mm / s to inject 99.5 wt% ABS + 0.5 wt% isosorbide distearate into the plate, and the parts had no cosmetic defects. Furthermore, the cycle time was reduced to 54 seconds.

[0123] This example demonstrates the efficiency of isosorbide distearate used as a processing aid for injection molding of ABS polymers.

Claims

1. The following ingredients: A) A polymer in an amount of 52.0% to 99.95% by weight, particularly 70.0% to 99.95% by weight, wherein the polymer is an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer, or a mixture of polymers containing at least one acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer, B) A composition comprising 0.05% to 30.0% by weight of at least one isosorbide diester.

2. The aforementioned composition contains the following components: C1) One or more additives selected from the group consisting of heat stabilizers, antioxidants, mold release agents, flame retardants, UV absorbers, IR absorbers, antistatic agents, fluorescent whitening agents, colorants, and lubricants, in an amount of 0.0% to 3.0% by weight, C2) The composition according to claim 1, further comprising 0.0% to 30.0% by weight of at least one filler.

3. The aforementioned composition comprises the following components: A) A polymer in an amount of 52.0% to 99.95% by weight, particularly 70.0% to 99.95% by weight, wherein the polymer is an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer, or a mixture of polymers containing at least one acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer, B) At least one isosorbide diester in an amount of 0.05% to 15.0% by weight, C1) One or more additives selected from the group consisting of heat stabilizers, antioxidants, mold release agents, flame retardants, UV absorbers, IR absorbers, antistatic agents, fluorescent whitening agents, colorants, and lubricants, in an amount of 0.0% to 3.0% by weight, C2) The composition according to any one of claims 1 or 2, comprising at least one filler in an amount of 0.0% to 30.0% by weight, particularly 0.0% to 12.0% by weight.

4. The at least one isosorbide diester is an isosorbide diester of formula (I), 【Chemistry 1】 The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein R1 and R2 may be the same or different, and are independently selected from C2-C28 aliphatic groups, particularly C2-C28 alkenyl groups or alkyl groups, preferably C11-C17 alkenyl groups or alkyl groups.

5. The composition according to claim 4, wherein R1 and R2 are both the same and are a C11-C17 alkyl group or alkenyl group, preferably a linear C11-C17 alkyl group or alkenyl group.

6. The composition according to claim 5, wherein R1 and R2 are n-heptadecyl.

7. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the isosorbide diester is obtained by condensation of isosorbide with at least one fatty acid selected from the group consisting of caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, margaric acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, lignoceric acid, palmitoleic acid, petroseric acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, thymnodonic acid, and ceruvian acid.

8. The composition according to claim 7, wherein the at least one fatty acid is selected from lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, or stearic acid.

9. The composition according to claim 8, wherein the at least one fatty acid is stearic acid.

10. i) A step of providing or preparing a polymer, wherein the polymer is an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer, or a mixture of polymers containing at least one acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer, and ii) A process for preparing the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising the step of incorporating at least one isosorbide diester and optionally one or more additives into the polymer to obtain the composition defined in any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The process according to claim 10, wherein the at least one isosorbide diester and optionally the one or more additives are incorporated during the preparation of the polymer in step i).

12. Step ii) is the process according to claim 10, performed in an extruder.

13. An extruded or molded article comprising the composition described in any one of claims 1 to 10, or obtainable by the process described in any one of claims 10 to 12.

14. Use of the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or the extruded product according to claim 13, particularly as a raw material, in an injection molding process, a 3D printing process, or a thermoforming process.

15. Use of the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or the extruded product according to claim 13 in an injection molding process.

16. The above method consists of the following components: A) A polymer in an amount of 52.0% to 99.95% by weight, particularly 70.0% to 95.0% by weight, wherein the polymer is an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer, or a mixture of polymers containing at least one acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer, B) A method for plasticizing an ABS polymer, comprising the step of combining it with at least one isosorbide diester in an amount of 5.0% to 30.0% by weight, preferably 7.5% to 20.0% by weight.

17. A method for reducing or eliminating at least one visual defect in a molded article made of a polymer, wherein the polymer is an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer, or a mixture of polymers containing at least one acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer, and the method is A) A mixture of polymers containing 52.0% to 99.95% by weight, particularly 70.0% to 99.95% by weight, of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer, or at least one acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer, B) A method comprising the step of combining with at least one isosorbide diester in an amount of 0.05% to 30.0% by weight.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the at least one visual defect is selected from silver streaks, sink marks, burn marks, and mixtures thereof.

19. A method for increasing the injection molding speed of a polymer, wherein the polymer is an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer, or a mixture of polymers containing at least one acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer, and the method is A) A polymer in an amount of 52.0% to 99.95% by weight, particularly 70.0% to 99.95% by weight, wherein the polymer is an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer, or a mixture of polymers containing at least one acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer, B) A method comprising the step of combining with at least one isosorbide diester in an amount of 0.05% to 30.0% by weight.

20. The method according to any one of claims 17 or 19, further comprising the step of injection molding the combination obtained.

21. Use of the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, for use in a manufacturing process, in particular an injection molding process, in particular for eliminating at least one visual defect in the treated polymer and / or for increasing the injection molding rate of the polymer, wherein the polymer is an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer or a mixture of polymers containing at least one acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer.

22. Use of at least one isosorbide diester (component B) as a processing aid for a polymer, wherein the polymer is an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer or a mixture of polymers containing at least one acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer (component A), and the weight percentage of the at least one isosorbide diester (component B) relative to the total weight of the polymer (component A) and the isosorbide diester (component B) is in the range of 0.05% to 5.0% by weight, particularly 0.05% to 2.5% by weight, especially 0.05% to 2.0% by weight, particularly 0.1% to 2.0% by weight, specifically 0.2% to 2.0% by weight.

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