Carbon black-containing masterbatch, thermoplastic resin composition containing same, and molded article thereof

Abstract

To provide a carbon black-containing master batch which enables easy manufacture of a molded product which is excellent in black color development property, appearance characteristics with no spitting and weather resistance, a thermoplastic resin composition using the carbon black-containing master batch, and a molded product of the same.SOLUTION: A carbon black-containing master batch (B) contains 100 pts.mass of the total of 5-70 pts.mass of carbon black (b-1) having a number average particle diameter of 10-20 nm of primary particles, 10-93 pts.mass of a hard copolymer (b-2) containing an aromatic vinyl-based monomer unit and a vinyl cyanide-based monomer unit, and 2-20 pts.mass of a dispersant (b-3), wherein its particle size is 150-300 μm. A thermoplastic resin composition contains the carbon black-containing master batch (B) and a thermoplastic resin (A). A molded product is obtained by molding the thermoplastic resin composition.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a carbon black-containing masterbatch, a thermoplastic resin composition containing the carbon black-containing masterbatch, and a molded article thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] Resin parts used in the automotive field and the like are often colored. In recent years, from the viewpoint of reducing production costs, there has been a demand for resins that can be sufficiently colored without painting by simply kneading with a colorant, and improvements in performance other than mechanical properties are also required. In particular, for unpainted resins that can be colored by simply kneading with a colorant, the same performance as when painted is required and is considered important in terms of color development, weather resistance, and molded appearance.

[0003] Methacrylic resins are sometimes used for plastic parts in the automotive industry because of their excellent weather resistance and color development without painting. ABS resins are also sometimes used for their impact resistance.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 proposes adding carbon black with a specific primary particle size to an ABS resin containing a graft copolymer and a polymer. Patent Document 2 also proposes adding carbon black with a specific primary particle size to a methacrylic resin and a graft copolymer, and describes that by making the carbon black into a master batch with a diluting resin and kneading it with the methacrylic resin and the graft copolymer, the dispersibility of the carbon black can be improved, thereby enhancing the color development of the resulting molded product. Patent Document 3 proposes a method for producing a masterbatch for coloring resin in which there are no coarse pigment particles and the pigment is uniformly dispersed in the masterbatch resin, in which a resin and a colorant such as carbon black are kneaded together, the kneaded mixture is finely pulverized, and the finely pulverized mixture is kneaded again. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 09-241474 [Patent Document 2] JP 2019-147890 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2008-285649 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in the thermoplastic resin compositions obtained by the methods described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the surface gloss of the molded article is improved and excellent color development is also exhibited, but because of the excellent surface gloss and color development, poor appearance due to small foreign matter (hereinafter referred to as "lumps") is conspicuous, and the compositions are insufficient for high-quality applications such as automobile exterior materials. Moreover, even when the masterbatch technology described in Patent Document 3 was adopted, the poor appearance due to the lumps could not be improved.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a carbon black-containing masterbatch which enables easy production of a molded article which has excellent black coloring properties, excellent appearance properties free of blemishes, and also excellent weather resistance, and a thermoplastic resin composition which uses the carbon black-containing masterbatch, and a molded article thereof. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] Means for Solving the Problems The present inventors have conducted extensive research to find a solution to the above problems, and as a result, have found that the above problems can be solved by providing a carbon black-containing masterbatch that contains carbon black having a specific primary particle size, a hard copolymer containing aromatic vinyl monomer units and vinyl cyanide monomer units, and a dispersant in prescribed ratios, and that has a particle size within a specific range. That is, the present invention relates to the following.

[0009] [1] A carbon black-containing master batch (B) containing 5 to 70 parts by mass of carbon black (b-1) having a number average particle size of primary particles of 10 to 20 nm, 10 to 93 parts by mass of a rigid copolymer (b-2) containing an aromatic vinyl monomer unit and a vinyl cyanide monomer unit, and 2 to 20 parts by mass of a dispersant (b-3) in a total of 100 parts by mass, wherein the particle size of the carbon black-containing master batch (B) is 150 to 300 μm.

[0010] [2] The carbon black-containing masterbatch (B) according to [1], wherein the dispersant (b-3) is at least one selected from the group consisting of higher fatty acids, acid esters, acid amides, and higher alcohols.

[0011] [3] The carbon black-containing masterbatch (B) according to [2], wherein the dispersant (b-3) is ethylene bisstearamide.

[0012] [4] A thermoplastic resin composition comprising the carbon black-containing masterbatch (B) according to any one of [1] to [3] and a thermoplastic resin (A).

[0013] [5] The thermoplastic resin composition according to [4], wherein the carbon black-containing masterbatch (B) is contained in an amount of 0.1 to 10 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the thermoplastic resin (A).

[0014] [6] The thermoplastic resin composition according to [4] or [5], wherein the thermoplastic resin (A) contains a graft copolymer (C) obtained by graft polymerizing a vinyl monomer including at least one of an aromatic vinyl monomer and a vinyl cyanide monomer in the presence of a rubber-like polymer, and a methacrylic resin (D).

[0015] [7] The thermoplastic resin composition according to [6], wherein the rubber-like polymer is an acrylic rubber-like polymer.

[0016] [8] The thermoplastic resin composition according to [6] or [7], containing 15 to 70 parts by mass of the graft copolymer (C) and 30 to 85 parts by mass of the methacrylic resin (D) per 100 parts by mass of all resin components in the thermoplastic resin composition.

[0017] [9] A molded article obtained by molding the thermoplastic resin composition according to any one of [4] to [8]. Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the thermoplastic resin composition in which the carbon black-containing masterbatch (B) of the present invention is blended with the thermoplastic resin (A), it is possible to easily produce a molded product which has excellent black coloring properties, particularly jet blackness, and appearance properties free of blemishes, as well as excellent weather resistance. The molded product of the present invention has excellent black coloring properties, particularly jet blackness, and an appearance without blemishes, and also has excellent weather resistance, and is therefore useful as various industrial materials such as automobile interior and exterior materials, office equipment parts, home appliance parts, medical equipment parts, and electronic equipment parts, and is particularly suitable for applications where the product has excellent surface appearance even without painting and a luxurious feel is important. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the preferred embodiments. In the present invention, "(meth)acrylic acid" means one or both of "acrylic acid" and "methacrylic acid". In addition, the term "unit" refers to a structural portion derived from a compound (monomer) before polymerization contained in a polymer, for example, "aromatic vinyl monomer unit" refers to a structural portion derived from an aromatic vinyl monomer and contained in the rigid copolymer (b-2). The content ratio of each monomer unit in a polymer corresponds to the content ratio of the monomer in the monomer mixture used to produce the polymer.

[0020] <Masterbatch containing carbon black (B)> The carbon black-containing masterbatch (B) of the present invention will be described below.

[0021] The carbon black-containing master batch (B) of the present invention contains 5 to 70 parts by mass of carbon black (b-1) having a number average particle size of primary particles of 10 to 20 nm, 10 to 93 parts by mass of a rigid copolymer (b-2) containing an aromatic vinyl monomer unit and a vinyl cyanide monomer unit, and 2 to 20 parts by mass of a dispersant (b-3) so that the total amount of these is 100 parts by mass, and the carbon black-containing master batch (B) has a particle size of 150 to 300 μm.

[0022] (Carbon black (b-1)) Carbon black (b-1) is a small particle size carbon black having a number average particle size of primary particles in the range of 10 to 20 nm, and serves as a black colorant. The number average particle size of the primary particles of carbon black (b-1) is preferably 10 to 15 nm. By setting the number average particle size of the primary particles of the carbon black (b-1) to the above lower limit or more, the dispersibility of the carbon black (b-1) can be improved. By setting the number average particle size of the primary particles of the carbon black (b-1) to the above upper limit or less, the black color development of the molded article can be improved.

[0023] The dispersion state of the carbon black (b-1) is preferably a primary dispersion from the viewpoint of high black color development. Here, the primary dispersion refers to a state in which the carbon black (b-1) particles are primary particles, that is, unit particles are dispersed without agglomerating with other particles.

[0024] Examples of the carbon black (b-1) include channel black, furnace black, lamp black, thermal black, ketjen black, and naphthalene black.

[0025] The carbon black (b-1) may be one whose particle surface has been subjected to a secondary treatment. Examples of the secondary treatment include providing surface functional groups by oxidation treatment, graphitization by a crystal structure by heat treatment in an inert atmosphere, activation treatment with water vapor or carbon dioxide gas, etc. The oxidation treatment includes treatment with any of ozone, nitric acid, nitrous acid, sodium hypochlorite, and hydrogen peroxide. The oxidation treatment generates acidic functional groups such as carboxyl groups and phenolic hydroxyl groups on the carbon black surface, improving the wettability and dispersibility of the carbon black surface.

[0026] The carbon black (b-1) may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds. In addition, so long as the carbon black-containing master batch (B) of the present invention contains carbon black (b-1) having a number average particle diameter of primary particles within the range of 10 to 20 nm, it may contain a small amount of carbon black having a number average particle diameter of primary particles outside the above range (for example, 3 parts by mass or less per 100 parts by mass of the resin component in the carbon black-containing master batch (B)).

[0027] (Hard copolymer (b-2)) The hard copolymer (b-2) is a hard copolymer containing an aromatic vinyl monomer unit and a vinyl cyanide monomer unit, and is obtained by copolymerizing an aromatic vinyl monomer, a vinyl cyanide monomer, and other vinyl monomers copolymerizable therewith, which are used as necessary.

[0028] Examples of the aromatic vinyl monomer include styrene, α-methylstyrene, and p-methylstyrene, and styrene is particularly preferred. The aromatic vinyl monomer may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

[0029] Examples of the vinyl cyanide monomer include acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, etc., and acrylonitrile is particularly preferred. The vinyl cyanide monomer may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

[0030] Examples of other copolymerizable vinyl monomers include (meth)acrylic acid ester monomers, (meth)acrylic acid monomers, N-substituted maleimide monomers, etc. These other vinyl monomers may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0031] As the hard copolymer (b-2), it is particularly preferable to use a copolymer of an aromatic vinyl monomer and a vinyl cyanide monomer, and the content of other copolymerizable vinyl monomer units in the hard copolymer (b-2) is preferably 20 mass% or less.

[0032] The ratio of the aromatic vinyl monomer unit and the cyanide vinyl monomer unit contained in the hard copolymer (b-2) is preferably 50 to 90 mass% of the aromatic vinyl monomer unit and 10 to 50 mass% of the cyanide vinyl monomer unit in the total of 100 mass%, more preferably 62 to 78 mass% of the aromatic vinyl monomer unit and 22 to 38 mass% of the cyanide vinyl monomer unit. If the content ratio of the aromatic vinyl monomer unit is not less than the above lower limit and the content ratio of the cyanide vinyl monomer unit is not more than the above upper limit, the dispersibility of the carbon black (b-1) in a specific primary particle size range is better, and if the content ratio of the aromatic vinyl monomer unit is not more than the above upper limit and the content ratio of the cyanide vinyl monomer unit is not less than the above lower limit, the particle size of the carbon black-containing master batch (B) is likely to be stable.

[0033] The mass average molecular weight (Mw) of the rigid copolymer (b-2) is preferably 50,000 to 200,000, more preferably 60,000 to 180,000, and even more preferably 80,000 to 120,000. The molecular weight distribution (mass average molecular weight (Mw) / number average molecular weight (Mn)) is preferably in the range of 1.8 to 2.2, and more preferably 1.9 to 2.1. When the mass average molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of the rigid copolymer (b-2) are within the above-mentioned ranges, the carbon black (b-1) can be finely dispersed in the carbon black-containing master batch (B) and can be uniformly dispersed in the thermoplastic resin composition, thereby more reliably suppressing the occurrence of bumps.

[0034] The molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of the rigid copolymer (b-2) can be adjusted by the type of chain transfer agent used in producing the rigid copolymer (b-2), the polymerization method, and the like.

[0035] The values ​​of the mass average molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of the rigid copolymer (b-2) can be determined as the mass average molecular weight by stirring the rigid copolymer (b-2) in acetone, dissolving the resulting acetone soluble matter in tetrahydrofuran (THF), introducing the solution into a gel permeation chromatography (GPC) apparatus, and measuring the molecular weight of the acetone soluble matter using a calibration curve prepared using standard polystyrene with known molecular weights.

[0036] The polymerization method for producing the rigid copolymer (b-2) may be emulsion polymerization, suspension polymerization, solution polymerization, bulk polymerization, or the like, and is not particularly limited. However, suspension polymerization and solution polymerization are preferably used because they use less emulsifiers.

[0037] (Dispersant (b-3)) The dispersant (b-3) preferably contains at least one selected from higher fatty acids, acid esters, acid amides, and higher alcohols, and particularly preferably contains ethylene bisstearic acid amide.

[0038] Examples of higher fatty acids include arachidonic acid, isostearic acid, undecylenic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid, behenic acid, myristic acid, lauric acid, lanolin fatty acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, etc. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Examples of acid esters include ceyl myristate, stearyl stearate, behenyl behenate, pentaerythritol distearate, pentaerythritol tetrastearate, pentaerythritol tetrabehenate, polyoxyethylene, hydrogenated castor oil, etc. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0039] Examples of acid amides include stearic acid monoamide, oleic acid monoamide, erucic acid monoamide, ethylene bisstearic acid amide, ethylene bisoleic acid amide, etc. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0040] Examples of higher alcohols include lauryl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, etc. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0041] By using these dispersants (b-3), the carbon black (b-1) can be finely dispersed in the carbon black-containing master batch (B), and further, the carbon black can be uniformly dispersed in the thermoplastic resin composition containing the carbon black-containing master batch (B). This makes it possible to reliably suppress the occurrence of lumps. Among these, ethylene bisstearic acid amide is preferred because it can improve the dispersibility of the carbon black (b-1).

[0042] (Bulk mixing ratio of (b-1) to (b-3)) The carbon black-containing master batch (B) of the present invention contains 5 to 70 parts by mass of carbon black (b-1) having a number average particle size of primary particles of 10 to 20 nm, 10 to 93 parts by mass of a hard copolymer (b-2) containing an aromatic vinyl monomer unit and a cyanide vinyl monomer unit, and 2 to 20 parts by mass of a dispersant (b-3) (wherein the total of the carbon black (b-1), the hard copolymer (b-2), and the dispersant (b-3) is 100 parts by mass). Preferably, the content ratio is 10 to 60 parts by mass of carbon black (b-1), 30 to 87 parts by mass of hard copolymer (b-2), and 3 to 10 parts by mass of dispersant (b-3), and more preferably 30 to 55 parts by mass of carbon black (b-1), 37 to 66 parts by mass of hard copolymer (b-2), and 4 to 8 parts by mass of dispersant (b-3).

[0043] By using the carbon black (b-1), the hard copolymer (b-2), and the dispersant (b-3) in the above-mentioned specific blending ratio, the carbon black (b-1) can be finely dispersed in the carbon black-containing masterbatch (B), and further, the carbon black can be uniformly dispersed in the thermoplastic resin composition containing the carbon black-containing masterbatch (B). This makes it possible to reliably suppress the occurrence of bumps.

[0044] (Particle size) The particle size of the carbon black-containing masterbatch (B) of the present invention refers to the particle size determined by sieving. Specifically, a particle size that passes through a sieve with an opening of 300 μm (mesh: 50) but does not pass through a sieve with an opening of 150 μm (mesh: 100) is referred to as 150 to 300 μm. The particle size of the carbon black-containing masterbatch (B) of the present invention is in the range of 150 to 300 μm, which means that it passes through a sieve with an opening of 300 μm (mesh: 50) but does not pass through a sieve with an opening of 150 μm (mesh: 100), thereby improving color development and suppressing the occurrence of bumps.

[0045] The carbon black-containing masterbatch (B) of the present invention has a preferred particle size of 160 to 300 μm, which is a particle size that passes through a sieve with an opening of 300 μm (mesh: 50) but does not pass through a sieve with an opening of 160 μm (mesh: 93), and more preferably has a particle size of 180 to 250 μm, which is a particle size that passes through a sieve with an opening of 250 μm (mesh: 60) but does not pass through a sieve with an opening of 180 μm (mesh: 83).

[0046] (Method for producing carbon black-containing masterbatch (B)) In a method for producing the carbon black-containing masterbatch (B) of the present invention, the carbon black (b-1), the rigid copolymer (b-2), and the dispersant (b-3) may be premixed in a mixer, and then melt-kneaded using a kneader, and then directly pulverized into particles of a specific size in a pulverizer. Alternatively, the mixture may be first pelletized, then subjected to a pulverizer, and then particles of the specific particle size may be taken out using a vibrating sieve.

[0047] As the mixer, for example, a Henschel mixer, a V-type blender, a tumbler mixer, or the like can be used. As the kneader, for example, a single screw extruder, a twin screw extruder, a Banbury mixer, a pressure kneader, a mixing roll, etc. can be used. Among these, a single screw extruder or a twin screw extruder can be preferably used. Furthermore, it is preferable to install a 60 mesh or 100 mesh filter in the resin flow path of the die head part, since it is effective in kneading the resin during kneading. Such meshes can be used singly or in combination of multiple sheets.

[0048] Furthermore, when crushing, any large particles can simply be put through the crusher again, and any fine particles can be reused when kneading again in the extruder, so they are not wasted. In addition, the steps from mixing to kneading and sieving can be carried out continuously by combining a cooling device or the like.

[0049] <Thermoplastic resin composition> The thermoplastic resin composition of the present invention contains the above-mentioned carbon black-containing masterbatch (B) of the present invention and a thermoplastic resin (A).

[0050] (Mixing ratio of carbon black-containing master batch (B) and thermoplastic resin (A)) The blending ratio of the carbon black-containing masterbatch (B) to the thermoplastic resin (A) in the thermoplastic resin composition of the present invention is preferably 0.1 to 10 parts by mass, more preferably 0.3 to 8 parts by mass, even more preferably 0.5 to 5 parts by mass, and most preferably 0.8 to 3 parts by mass, of the carbon black-containing masterbatch (B) per 100 parts by mass of the thermoplastic resin (A). Regarding black color development, it is necessary to consider the blending amount depending on the content of carbon black (b-1) contained in the carbon black-containing master batch (B); however, from the viewpoints of black color development, particularly jet blackness, and suppressing bumps in the appearance of a molded product, it is preferable to set the blending amount to the above ratio.

[0051] (Thermoplastic resin (A)) The thermoplastic resin (A) contained in the thermoplastic resin composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include acrylonitrile-styrene copolymers (AS resins), acrylonitrile-α-methylstyrene copolymers (αSAN resins), styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers, acrylonitrile-styrene-N-substituted maleimide terpolymers, styrene-maleic anhydride-N-substituted maleimide terpolymers, polycarbonate resins, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT resins), polyethylene terephthalate (PET resins), polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene and other polyolefins, styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), styrene-butadiene ( Examples of suitable elastomers include styrene-based elastomers such as SBR, hydrogenated SBS, and styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS), various olefin-based elastomers, various polyester-based elastomers, polystyrene, methyl methacrylate-styrene copolymer (MS resin), acrylonitrile-styrene-methyl methacrylate copolymer, polyacetal resin, modified polyphenylene ether (modified PPE resin), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS resin), polyethersulfone (PES resin), polyetheretherketone (PEEK resin), polyarylate, liquid crystal polyester resin, and polyamide resin (for example, nylon). These thermoplastic resins (A) may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0052] A more preferred embodiment of the thermoplastic resin (A) is a combination of the graft copolymer (C) and methacrylic resin (D) shown below. By containing the graft copolymer (C) and the methacrylic resin (D) as the thermoplastic resin (A), the effect of black coloring (jet blackness) can be more effectively exhibited, and also effects such as scratch resistance can be more effectively exhibited.

[0053] The preferred embodiment will be described below, but the thermoplastic resin composition of the present invention is not limited to one containing the graft copolymer (C) and the methacrylic resin (D) as the thermoplastic resin (A), and may contain the above-mentioned various thermoplastic resins other than the graft copolymer (C) and the methacrylic resin (D). However, from the viewpoint of effectively obtaining the above-mentioned effect by containing the graft copolymer (C) and the methacrylic resin (D) as the thermoplastic resin (A), the content of the thermoplastic resin other than the graft copolymer (C) and the methacrylic resin (D) is preferably 30 parts by mass or less, more preferably 10 parts by mass or less, and particularly preferably 0 parts by mass, i.e., not contained, relative to 100 parts by mass of the total thermoplastic resin components in the thermoplastic resin composition.

[0054] (Graft Copolymer (C)) The graft copolymer (C) is a copolymer obtained by graft polymerizing a vinyl monomer containing at least one of an aromatic vinyl monomer and a vinyl cyanide monomer in the presence of a rubber-like polymer.

[0055] The graft copolymer (C) includes the following grafted and non-grafted materials. The grafted material is a copolymer in which a branch polymer formed by polymerizing a vinyl monomer including at least one of an aromatic vinyl monomer and a vinyl cyanide monomer is bonded to a trunk polymer made of a particulate rubber-like polymer. The non-grafted material is a polymer formed by polymerizing a vinyl monomer including at least one of an aromatic vinyl monomer and a vinyl cyanide monomer. Hereinafter, the polymer of the vinyl monomer, including the branch polymer portion and the non-grafted polymer, will be referred to as "vinyl polymer".

[0056] In the graft copolymer (C), the mass ratio of the rubbery polymer to the vinyl polymer is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the rubbery polymer is 10 to 80 mass% and the vinyl polymer is 20 to 90 mass% relative to the total mass (100 mass%) of the rubbery polymer and the vinyl polymer, and it is particularly preferable that the rubbery polymer is 20 to 70 mass% and the vinyl polymer is 30 to 80 mass%. When the mass ratio of the rubbery polymer to the vinyl polymer is within the above range, the impact resistance of the obtained molded article is more excellent.

[0057] In addition, it is difficult to specify how the rubber polymer and the vinyl polymer are polymerized in the graft copolymer (C). That is, it is impossible or impractical to directly specify the graft copolymer (C) based on its structure or properties (impossible or impractical circumstances).

[0058] Examples of the rubbery polymer constituting the graft copolymer (C) include diene-based rubbery polymers, acrylic-based rubbery polymers, olefin-based rubbery polymers, silicone-based rubbery polymers, etc. One type of rubbery polymer may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0059] Among the above rubbery polymers, acrylic rubbery polymers are preferred in that they have high weather resistance and enhance the affinity of the graft copolymer (C) to the methacrylic resin (D).

[0060] The volume average particle size of the rubber-like polymer is not particularly limited, but is preferably from 0.1 μm to 1 μm, and more preferably from 0.1 μm to 0.5 μm. The volume average particle size of the rubber-like polymer can be measured by an optical method, such as a laser diffraction scattering method or a dynamic light scattering method.

[0061] The acrylic rubber-like polymer is a polymer of an alkyl (meth)acrylate ester, i.e., an acrylic polymer having an alkyl (meth)acrylate unit. The acrylic rubber-like polymer may further have other monomer units other than the alkyl (meth)acrylate ester monomer units.

[0062] Examples of the (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester monomer include acrylic acid alkyl ester and methacrylic acid alkyl ester. The alkyl group in the (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester monomer preferably has 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and more preferably 1 to 8 carbon atoms.

[0063] Examples of the alkyl acrylate include methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, n-propyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, etc. Examples of the alkyl methacrylate include hexyl methacrylate, 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate, n-lauryl methacrylate, etc. The (meth)acrylic acid alkyl esters may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds. Among the above-mentioned (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester monomers, n-butyl acrylate is particularly preferred since it further improves the impact resistance of the resulting molded article.

[0064] In the (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester-based polymer, the content of the (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester monomer unit is preferably 80 to 100 mass %, more preferably 90 to 100 mass %, based on the total mass of all units constituting the (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester-based polymer.

[0065] The other monomer is not particularly limited as long as it is copolymerizable with the (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester monomer, and examples thereof include aromatic vinyl monomers (e.g., styrene, α-methylstyrene, p-methylstyrene, etc.), vinyl cyanide monomers (e.g., acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, etc.), acid group-containing monomers (e.g., unsaturated compounds having a carboxy group such as (meth)acrylic acid, itaconic acid, crotonic acid, etc.), etc. These other monomers may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0066] The (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester polymer can be obtained by polymerizing a monomer component containing one or more types of (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester monomers. The method of polymerizing the monomer components is not particularly limited and can be carried out according to a known method, but it is preferable to polymerize the monomer components by emulsion polymerization. In emulsion polymerization, the monomer components are emulsified in water with an emulsifier to prepare an emulsion, and a radical polymerization initiator is added to radically polymerize the monomer components. By this emulsion polymerization, a latex containing an acrylic rubber-like polymer made of a (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester polymer can be produced.

[0067] When radically polymerizing a monomer component containing one or more (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester monomers, either one or both of a graft crosslinking agent and a crosslinking agent may be used, if necessary. Examples of the graft crosslinking agent or crosslinking agent include allyl methacrylate, triallyl cyanurate, triallyl isocyanurate, divinylbenzene, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, propylene glycol dimethacrylate, 1,3-butylene glycol dimethacrylate, 1,4-butylene glycol dimethacrylate, etc. These graft crosslinking agents or crosslinking agents may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0068] The emulsifier used in emulsion polymerization may be a known emulsifier, such as an alkali metal salt of oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, or rosin acid, or an alkali metal salt of alkenyl succinic acid, or an anionic emulsifier such as an alkyl sulfate, sodium alkylbenzene sulfonate, sodium alkyl sulfosuccinate, or sodium polyoxyethylene nonylphenyl ether sulfate, or the like. Among the emulsifiers, various carboxylates such as sodium sarcosinate, potassium fatty acid, sodium fatty acid, dipotassium alkenyl succinate, and rosinate are preferred because they provide excellent stability of the latex during radical polymerization and can increase the polymerization rate. Furthermore, dipotassium alkenyl succinate is preferred because it can suppress gas generation when the thermoplastic resin composition containing the graft copolymer (C) is molded at high temperature. The emulsifiers may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

[0069] The emulsifier may be added all at once before polymerization, or may be added continuously or intermittently during polymerization. The amount of emulsifier and the method of use thereof may affect the particle size of the acrylic rubber-like polymer, so it is preferable to select an appropriate amount and method of use.

[0070] Examples of the radical polymerization initiator added when polymerizing the monomer component include a thermal decomposition initiator and a redox type initiator. Examples of the thermal decomposition initiator include potassium persulfate, sodium persulfate, and ammonium persulfate. Examples of the redox type initiator include a combination of an organic peroxide, such as cumene hydroperoxide, sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate, and an iron salt. These radical polymerization initiators may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0071] During polymerization, a chain transfer agent may be added to adjust the molecular weight. Examples of the chain transfer agent include mercaptans (e.g., t-dodecyl mercaptan, n-octyl mercaptan, etc.), terpinolene, α-methylstyrene dimer, etc.

[0072] During emulsion polymerization, an alkali or an acid may be added to adjust the pH, and an electrolyte may be added as a viscosity reducer.

[0073] The vinyl polymer constituting the graft copolymer (C) is a polymer formed by polymerizing a vinyl monomer having a polymerizable unsaturated double bond. The graft copolymer (C) contains at least one of an aromatic vinyl monomer and a vinyl cyanide monomer as a vinyl monomer, and may contain an alkyl (meth)acrylate as the vinyl monomer.

[0074] Examples of aromatic vinyl monomers include styrene, α-methylstyrene, and p-methylstyrene. Examples of vinyl cyanide monomers include acrylonitrile and methacrylonitrile. Examples of (meth)acrylic acid alkyl esters include methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, isobutyl acrylate, and t-butyl acrylate. The vinyl monomers may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0075] As the vinyl monomer, it is preferable to use styrene and acrylonitrile in combination, since the impact resistance of the resulting molded article is further improved. That is, it is preferable that the vinyl polymer formed by graft polymerization has a styrene unit and an acrylonitrile unit.

[0076] The ratio of styrene units and acrylonitrile units contained in the vinyl polymer is preferably 50 to 85% by mass of styrene units and 15 to 50% by mass of acrylonitrile units, and more preferably 65 to 82% by mass of styrene units and 18 to 35% by mass of acrylonitrile units, out of a total of 100% by mass. If the content of styrene units is equal to or higher than the lower limit and the content of acrylonitrile units is equal to or lower than the upper limit, the resin performance such as impact resistance and fluidity is better expressed, and if the content of styrene units is equal to or lower than the upper limit and the content of acrylonitrile units is equal to or higher than the lower limit, heat resistance is maintained, compatibility with the methacrylic resin (D) is improved, and color development can be improved.

[0077] In addition, when the vinyl polymer contains a (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester unit, the content ratio thereof is preferably 20 mass % or less, particularly 10 mass % or less, based on 100 mass % of all monomer units constituting the vinyl polymer. The inclusion of a (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester unit improves the dispersibility of the graft polymer, but if the content ratio is too high, the color-developing effect of the carbon black-containing master batch (B) tends to be lost.

[0078] The method of graft polymerization to obtain the graft copolymer (C) is not particularly limited, but emulsion polymerization is preferred because it is possible to control the reaction to proceed stably. Specifically, the method includes a method of charging a vinyl monomer all at once into a rubber-like polymer latex and then polymerizing it; a method of first charging a part of the vinyl monomer into the rubber-like polymer latex and polymerizing it as needed while dropping the rest into the polymerization system; a method of dropping the entire amount of the vinyl monomer into the rubber-like polymer latex and polymerizing it as needed, and the like. The polymerization of the vinyl monomer may be carried out in one stage or in two or more stages. When the polymerization is carried out in two or more stages, it is also possible to change the type and composition ratio of the vinyl monomer in each stage.

[0079] Emulsion polymerization is usually carried out using a radical polymerization initiator and an emulsifier. For example, a vinyl monomer is added to a rubber polymer latex containing a rubber polymer, water, and an emulsifier, and the vinyl monomer is radically polymerized in the presence of the radical polymerization initiator.

[0080] When carrying out the radical polymerization, various known chain transfer agents may be added in order to control the molecular weight and graft ratio of the resulting graft copolymer (C).

[0081] The polymerization conditions for the radical polymerization are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include polymerization conditions of 50 to 100° C. for 1 to 10 hours.

[0082] Examples of the radical polymerization initiator include peroxides, azo initiators, redox initiators which are a combination of an oxidizing agent and a reducing agent, etc. Among these, redox initiators are preferred, and sulfoxylate initiators which are a combination of ferrous sulfate, disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate, and hydroperoxide are particularly preferred.

[0083] The emulsifier is not particularly limited, but various carboxylates such as sodium sarcosinate, potassium fatty acid, sodium fatty acid, dipotassium alkenyl succinate, and rosin acid soap are preferred because they provide excellent stability of the latex during radical polymerization and can increase the polymerization rate. Among these, dipotassium alkenyl succinate is preferred because it can suppress gas generation when the resulting graft copolymer (C) and a thermoplastic resin composition containing the same are molded at high temperature.

[0084] The graft copolymer (C) obtained by carrying out the graft polymerization as described above is usually in the form of a latex. Methods for recovering the graft copolymer (C) from its latex include, for example, a wet method in which the latex of the graft copolymer (C) is poured into hot water in which a coagulant is dissolved to coagulate it into a slurry form; and a spray-dry method in which the latex of the graft copolymer (C) is sprayed into a heated atmosphere to recover the graft copolymer (C) semi-directly.

[0085] The coagulant used in the wet method includes inorganic acids such as sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, and nitric acid; and metal salts such as calcium chloride, calcium acetate, and aluminum sulfate, and is selected according to the emulsifier used in the polymerization. For example, when only a carboxylic acid soap such as a fatty acid soap or a rosin acid soap is used as the emulsifier, one or more of the above-mentioned coagulants can be used. When an emulsifier that shows stable emulsifying power even in the acidic range, such as sodium alkylbenzenesulfonate, is used as the emulsifier, a metal salt is suitable as the coagulant.

[0086] When the wet method is used, a slurry-like graft copolymer (C) is obtained. Methods for obtaining a dry graft copolymer (C) from this slurry-like graft copolymer (C) include a method in which the remaining emulsifier residue is first dissolved in water and washed, and then the slurry is dehydrated using a centrifuge or a press dehydrator, etc., and then dried using a flash dryer, etc.; and a method in which dehydration and drying are simultaneously performed using a squeeze dehydrator, extruder, etc. By such a method, a powder or particulate dried graft copolymer (C) is obtained.

[0087] The washing conditions are not particularly limited, but washing is preferably performed under conditions in which the amount of emulsifier residue contained in 100% by mass of the graft copolymer (C) after drying is in the range of 0.5 to 2% by mass. If the amount of emulsifier residue in the graft copolymer (C) is 0.5% by mass or more, the fluidity of the obtained graft copolymer (C) and the thermoplastic resin composition containing the same tends to be improved. On the other hand, if the amount of emulsifier residue in the graft copolymer (C) is 2% by mass or less, gas generation during high-temperature molding of the thermoplastic resin composition can be suppressed. It is also possible to directly send the graft copolymer (C) discharged from the squeeze dehydrator or extruder to an extruder or molding machine that produces a thermoplastic resin composition without recovering it, and to make a molded product.

[0088] When the thermoplastic resin composition of the present invention contains the graft copolymer (C), the content thereof is preferably 15 to 70 parts by mass, more preferably 20 to 60 parts by mass, further preferably 25 to 50 parts by mass, and most preferably 30 to 40 parts by mass, based on 100 parts by mass of all resin components in the thermoplastic resin composition. When the content of the graft copolymer (C) is equal to or more than the lower limit, the mechanical properties of the obtained molded article can be improved. When the content of the graft copolymer (C) is equal to or less than the upper limit, the color development of the obtained molded article can be improved.

[0089] (Methacrylic resin (D)) The methacrylic resin (D) is a resin obtained by polymerizing a methacrylic acid ester monomer or a methacrylic monomer mixture containing a methacrylic acid ester monomer and a copolymerizable monomer other than a methacrylic acid ester monomer.

[0090] Examples of the methacrylic acid ester monomer include methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, n-propyl methacrylate, i-propyl methacrylate, n-butyl methacrylate, i-butyl methacrylate, t-butyl methacrylate, amyl methacrylate, isoamyl methacrylate, octyl methacrylate, 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate, decyl methacrylate, lauryl methacrylate, cyclohexyl methacrylate, benzyl methacrylate, phenyl methacrylate, etc. The methacrylic acid ester monomer may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0091] The content of the methacrylic acid ester monomer in the methacrylic monomer mixture is preferably 50 to 100% by mass, more preferably 60 to 99.5% by mass. If the content of the methacrylic acid ester monomer in the methacrylic monomer mixture is equal to or more than the lower limit, the color development and weather resistance of the obtained molded product can be further improved.

[0092] The other copolymerizable monomer is not particularly limited, but may include an aromatic vinyl monomer, a vinyl cyanide monomer, an acrylic acid ester monomer, a (meth)acrylic acid monomer, and an N-substituted maleimide monomer.

[0093] Examples of aromatic vinyl monomers include styrene, α-methylstyrene, and p-methylstyrene. Examples of vinyl cyanide monomers include acrylonitrile and methacrylonitrile. Examples of the acrylate monomer include methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate, 3-hydroxypropyl acrylate, and the like. The (meth)acrylic acid monomer includes acrylic acid and methacrylic acid. Examples of the N-substituted maleimide monomer include N-substituted arylmaleimides, N-substituted alkylmaleimides, and N-substituted cycloalkylmaleimides. Examples of the N-substituted arylmaleimides include N-phenylmaleimide and No-chlorophenylmaleimide. Examples of the N-substituted alkylmaleimides include N-methylmaleimide, N-ethylmaleimide, N-propylmaleimide, N-butylmaleimide, and Nt-butylmaleimide. An example of the N-substituted cycloalkylmaleimides is N-cyclohexylmaleimide.

[0094] The above-mentioned other copolymerizable monomers may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

[0095] The method for producing the methacrylic resin (D) is not particularly limited, and includes known methods such as emulsion polymerization, suspension polymerization, bulk polymerization, solution polymerization, etc. Suspension polymerization or bulk polymerization is preferred from the viewpoint of increasing the heat resistance of the thermoplastic resin composition containing the methacrylic resin (D) and the resulting molded article.

[0096] The mass average molecular weight (Mw) of the methacrylic resin (D) is preferably 50,000 to 300,000, and more preferably 80,000 to 200,000. When the mass average molecular weight of the methacrylic resin (D) is within the above range, the impact resistance and molded appearance of the obtained thermoplastic resin composition and molded article tend to be better. The mass average molecular weight of the methacrylic resin (D) is measured by the following method. Methacrylic resin (D) is stirred in acetone, and the resulting acetone-soluble portion is dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (THF). The solution is introduced into a gel permeation chromatography (GPC) apparatus, and the molecular weight of the acetone-soluble portion is measured using a calibration curve prepared using standard polystyrene of known molecular weight, to determine the average molecular weight on a mass basis.

[0097] When the thermoplastic resin composition of the present invention contains a methacrylic resin (D), the content thereof is preferably 30 to 85 parts by mass, more preferably 40 to 80 parts by mass, even more preferably 50 to 75 parts by mass, and most preferably 60 to 70 parts by mass, relative to 100 parts by mass of all resin components in the thermoplastic resin composition, in order to provide an excellent balance between color development and impact resistance of the resulting molded article.

[0098] (Other additives) The thermoplastic resin composition of the present invention may contain other additives in addition to the thermoplastic resin (A) and the carbon black-containing masterbatch (B). Examples of other additives include various stabilizers such as antioxidants and light stabilizers, plasticizers, release agents, lubricants, pigments other than carbon black, dyes, antistatic agents, flame retardants, inorganic fillers, metal powders, and the like. The content of each additive is preferably 0.1 to 5 parts by mass, more preferably 0.3 to 2 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of the resin component. When the content of each additive (G) is equal to or more than the lower limit, the effect of adding each additive can be fully exerted. When the content of each additive is equal to or less than the upper limit, the amount of additive that is wasted is reduced, which is economical.

[0099] (Method of producing thermoplastic resin composition) The thermoplastic resin composition of the present invention can be produced by adding and mixing the carbon black-containing masterbatch (B), the thermoplastic resin (A), and other additives that are used as necessary. It is preferable that the components are thoroughly mixed using a mixer to prepare a mixture, and then this mixture is melt-kneaded using a kneader.

[0100] As the mixer, for example, a Henschel mixer, a V-type blender, a tumbler mixer, or the like can be used. As the kneader, for example, a single screw extruder, a twin screw extruder, a Banbury mixer, a pressure kneader, a mixing roll, etc. can be used. Among these, a single screw extruder or a twin screw extruder can be preferably used. Furthermore, it is preferable to install a 60 mesh or 100 mesh filter in the resin flow path of the die head part, since it is effective in kneading the resin during kneading. Such meshes can be used singly or in combination of multiple sheets. After the melt-kneading, the resulting melt-kneaded product is preferably cooled and then pelletized using a pelletizer.

[0101] <Molded products> The molded article of the present invention is obtained by molding the thermoplastic resin composition of the present invention. The molded article of the present invention is obtained by molding the thermoplastic resin composition of the present invention by a known molding method.

[0102] Examples of the molding method include injection molding, press molding, extrusion molding, vacuum molding, and blow molding.

[0103] The molded article of the present invention is made of the thermoplastic resin composition of the present invention, and therefore retains the performance of the thermoplastic resin (A) such as impact resistance and heat resistance, and furthermore, contains the carbon black-containing masterbatch (B) of the present invention, and is excellent in black coloring, particularly jet blackness, weather resistance, and molded appearance. Such molded articles of the present invention are suitable for use as interior and exterior materials for automobiles, office equipment parts, home appliance parts, medical equipment parts, electronic equipment parts, building materials, daily necessities, etc. EXAMPLES

[0104] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples and comparative examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples. In the following examples, "%" and "parts" mean "% by mass" and "parts by mass" unless otherwise specified.

[0105] [Manufacturing of carbon black-containing master batches] The carbon black-containing master batches used in the examples and comparative examples were produced using the following carbon black, hard copolymer and dispersant.

[0106] <Carbon black> (b-1-1): Mitsubishi Carbon Black #2600B manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation Number average particle size of primary particles: 13 nm (b-1-2): Mitsubishi Carbon Black #2900B manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation Number average particle size of primary particles: 15 nm (b-1-3): Mitsubishi Carbon Black #750B manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation Number average particle size of primary particles: 22 nm

[0107] <Hard copolymer> (b-2): Acrylonitrile obtained by suspension polymerization of 29 parts of acrylonitrile and 71 parts of styrene. Tolyl-styrene copolymer Mw: 112,000 Mw / Mn: 2.1 <Dispersant> (b-3): Kao Wax EB-G made by Kao Leochemical Ethylenebisstearamide

[0108] <Production of carbon black-containing masterbatch (B-1)> As shown in Table 1, 10 parts of carbon black (b-1-1), 85 parts of hard copolymer (b-2), and 5 parts of dispersant (b-3) were mixed in a twin-screw extruder at a mixing ratio of 160°C and pelletized. Next, the obtained pellets were cooled to room temperature and then pulverized using a pulverizer (Mini Speed ​​Mill, Model: MS-05, manufactured by LaboNext Co., Ltd.), and then sieved using a vibrating sieve, with the proportion of particle sizes remaining on each sieve being shown as a distribution in Table 1. The proportion of these particle sizes within the range of 150 to 300 μm was used as a carbon black-containing master batch (B-1).

[0109] <Production of carbon black-containing masterbatches (B-2) to (B-10)> The mixture was pelletized in the same manner as in the production method for the carbon black-containing master batch (B-1) with the blending ratio based on each composition shown in Table 1. The mixture was then crushed and sieved to obtain carbon black-containing master batches (B-2) to (B-10) each having a mass ratio within each particle size range.

[0110] [Table 1]

[0111] [Thermoplastic resin (A)] As the thermoplastic resin (A), a graft copolymer produced by the following method and a commercially available methacrylic resin were used.

[0112] <Production of Graft Copolymer (C-1)> A mixture consisting of 190 parts of ion-exchanged water, 0.6 parts of dipotassium alkenyl succinate, 50 parts of n-butyl acrylate, 0.6 parts of allyl methacrylate, and 0.1 parts of t-butyl hydroperoxide was added to a reactor equipped with a reagent injection vessel, a cooling tube, a jacket heater, and a stirrer. The atmosphere was replaced with nitrogen by passing a nitrogen stream through the reactor, and the internal temperature was raised to 55°C. When the internal temperature reached 55°C, an aqueous solution consisting of 0.0001 parts of ferrous sulfate heptahydrate, 0.0003 parts of disodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, 0.2 parts of sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate, and 10 parts of ion-exchanged water was added to initiate radical polymerization. After the polymerization heat was confirmed, the jacket temperature was set to 75°C, and the polymerization was continued until the polymerization heat was no longer confirmed, and this state was maintained for another hour. The volume average particle diameter of the obtained acrylic rubber-like polymer was 120 nm. The volume average particle diameter was a value measured by dynamic light scattering. To the obtained rubber-like polymer latex, an aqueous solution consisting of 0.001 parts of ferrous sulfate heptahydrate, 0.003 parts of disodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetate, 0.3 parts of sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate, and 10 parts of ion-exchanged water was added. Then, a mixed liquid consisting of 15 parts of acrylonitrile, 35 parts of styrene, and 0.225 parts of t-butyl hydroperoxide was added dropwise over 100 minutes to polymerize. After the dropwise addition, the temperature was kept at 80°C for 30 minutes, and then 0.05 parts of cumene hydroperoxide was added, and the temperature was kept at 75°C for another 30 minutes, followed by cooling to obtain a latex of graft copolymer (C-1). Next, 100 parts of a 1.5% aqueous sulfuric acid solution was heated to 80° C., and 100 parts of the latex of the graft copolymer (C-1) was gradually dropped thereinto to coagulate it. The precipitate was then separated, dehydrated, washed, and dried to obtain a powdery graft copolymer (C-1).

[0113] <Production of Graft Copolymer (C-2)> Graft copolymer (C-2) was obtained in the same manner as in the production of graft copolymer (C-1), except that 50 parts of n-butyl acrylate was changed to 8 parts of butadiene rubber and 42 parts of n-butyl acrylate.

[0114] <Methacrylic resin> (D-1): Polymethyl methacrylate Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation Acrypet VH5 Methyl methacrylate units: 98% Methyl acrylate units: 2% Mw: 6,900 (D-2): Polymethyl methacrylate Polyimilex PML203 manufactured by Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd. Methyl methacrylate units: 80% N-phenylmaleimide units: 10% N-cyclohexylmaleimide units: 10% Mw: 200,000

[0115] The dyes used in Comparative Example 5 are as follows: <dye> E-1: Plast Black DA-423 manufactured by Arimoto Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.

[0116] [Example 1] As shown in Table 2, 2.0 parts of carbon black-containing master batch (B-1), 30 parts of graft copolymer (C-1), and 70 parts of methacrylic resin (D-1) were blended, and further, 0.2 parts of magnesium stearate (manufactured by NOF Corp.), 0.2 parts of antioxidant (ADEKA Corp. ADK STAB AO-60), and 0.4 parts of light stabilizer (ADEKA Corp. ADK STAB LA-57) were mixed using a Henschel mixer. The obtained mixture was melt-kneaded at 250 ° C. using a screw-type extruder (manufactured by Japan Steel Works, Ltd., TEX-30α type twin-screw extruder) with a 60 mesh attached to the resin flow path of the die head. The melt-kneaded product thus obtained was cooled and then pelletized using a pelletizer to obtain a pellet-shaped thermoplastic resin composition.

[0117] [Examples 2 to 11, Comparative Examples 1 to 5] A pellet-shaped thermoplastic resin composition was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the formulation was changed as shown in Table 2. In Table 2, 0.2 parts of magnesium stearate (manufactured by NOF Corporation), 0.2 parts of antioxidant (ADK STAB AO-60 manufactured by ADEKA Corporation), and 0.4 parts of light stabilizer (ADK STAB LA-57 manufactured by ADEKA Corporation) are omitted.

[0118] [evaluation] The thermoplastic resin composition of each example was molded as described below, and the impact resistance, color tone, appearance (lumps) and weather resistance of the molded product were evaluated. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0119] <Impact resistance evaluation> A test piece was prepared from the pelletized thermoplastic resin composition using an injection molding machine (Toshiba Machine Co., Ltd., "IS55FP-1.5A") in accordance with ISO 3167. The Charpy impact strength of the test piece was measured in accordance with ISO 179-1:2000 under conditions of a notched condition at 23°C. The higher the Charpy impact strength, the better the impact resistance.

[0120] <Evaluation of molded product appearance (lumps)> Using an injection molding machine (manufactured by Japan Steel Works, Ltd.), a test piece (molded product 1) measuring 100 mm square and 3 mm thick was produced from the thermoplastic resin composition. The surfaces of five of these test pieces were observed with a CCD camera, and the number of bumps of 0.1 mm or more present among the five pieces was counted and evaluated according to the following criteria. The fewer the number of bumps, the better the appearance of the molded product. (Evaluation Results) ◎: Excellent, with 0 to 5 lumps. ○: Can be used with 6 to 12 pieces. △: There are problems with 13 to 20 items. ×: 21 or more lumps, poor appearance.

[0121] <Evaluation of color development> A colorimeter (SCE method) was used to measure the color tone (L*) of the molded product 1. The smaller the L* value, the darker the molded product is and the better its color development.

[0122] <Weather resistance evaluation> Using a "Sunshine Super Long Life Weather Meter WEL-SUN-DCH" manufactured by Suga Test Instruments Co., Ltd., molded item 1 was exposed for 1000 hours under an environment of 63°C and cycle conditions of 60 minutes (rainfall: 12 minutes). The degree of discoloration (ΔE) of molded item 1 before and after 1000 hours of exposure was measured using a color difference meter. The smaller the ΔE value, the better the weather resistance.

[0123] [Table 2]

[0124] As shown in Table 2, the thermoplastic resin compositions of the present invention obtained in the respective Examples gave molded articles excellent in color development, weather resistance, and molded appearance. On the other hand, the comparative examples were inferior in one or more of the items of color development, weather resistance, and molded appearance. Specifically, in the thermoplastic resin composition of Comparative Example 1, the particle size of the carbon black-containing master batch (B-8) was small, and thus the carbon black was seen to be dispersed as particles in the resin. In the thermoplastic resin composition of Comparative Example 2, the particle size of the carbon black-containing master batch (B-9) was large, and so the carbon black was also seen to be dispersed as particles in the resin. In the thermoplastic resin composition of Comparative Example 3, the carbon black containing masterbatch (B-10) used had a primary particle number average particle size of more than 20 nm, so even though it was a masterbatch, the color development of the molded article was low. The thermoplastic resin composition of Comparative Example 4 contained carbon black (b-1-1) as it was, and therefore the color development and appearance (lumps) of the molded article were poor. In the thermoplastic resin composition of Comparative Example 5, since the composition was colored with a dye, the weather resistance of the molded article was poor. [Industrial Applicability]

[0125] According to the thermoplastic resin composition of the present invention, a molded article having excellent black coloring, weather resistance, molded appearance, and impact resistance can be obtained. In particular, the color tone of the molded article and the balance of the appearance of the molded article are so excellent that they cannot be obtained with conventionally known thermoplastic resin compositions. Therefore, the molded article of the present invention is highly useful as various industrial materials such as interior and exterior materials for automobiles, parts for office equipment, parts for home appliances, parts for medical equipment, and parts for electronic equipment.

Claims

1. The carbon black-containing master batch (B) contains 5 to 70 parts by mass of carbon black (b-1) having a number average particle size of primary particles of 10 to 20 nm, 10 to 93 parts by mass of a rigid copolymer (b-2) containing an aromatic vinyl monomer unit and a vinyl cyanide monomer unit, and 2 to 20 parts by mass of a dispersant (b-3), totaling 100 parts by mass, and the carbon black-containing master batch (B) has a particle size of 150 to 300 μm.

2. The carbon black-containing masterbatch (B) according to claim 1, wherein the dispersant (b-3) is at least one selected from the group consisting of higher fatty acids, acid esters, acid amides, and higher alcohols.

3. The carbon black-containing masterbatch (B) according to claim 2, wherein the dispersant (b-3) is ethylene bisstearic acid amide.

4. A thermoplastic resin composition comprising the carbon black-containing masterbatch (B) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and a thermoplastic resin (A).

5. The thermoplastic resin composition according to claim 4, wherein the carbon black-containing masterbatch (B) is contained in an amount of 0.1 to 10 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the thermoplastic resin (A).

6. The thermoplastic resin composition according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the thermoplastic resin (A) contains a graft copolymer (C) obtained by graft polymerizing a vinyl monomer containing at least one of an aromatic vinyl monomer and a vinyl cyanide monomer in the presence of a rubber-like polymer, and a methacrylic resin (D).

7. 7. The thermoplastic resin composition according to claim 6, wherein the rubbery polymer is an acrylic rubbery polymer.

8. The thermoplastic resin composition according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the graft copolymer (C) is contained in an amount of 15 to 70 parts by mass, and the methacrylic resin (D) is contained in an amount of 30 to 85 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of all resin components in the thermoplastic resin composition.

9. A molded article obtained by molding the thermoplastic resin composition according to any one of claims 4 to 8.

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