Demolding aid for thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)

Abstract

The invention is directed to compositions comprising polybutylene terephthalate and a thermoplastic polyurethane with good mechanical properties and better demolding behavior, an intermediate product, their respective production processes and use.

Description

[0001] Demolding Aid for thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)

[0002] The current invention is directed to a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with good demolding behavior and good mechanical properties.

[0003] TPU is an excellent material that has excellent mechanical resistance, high abrasion resistance, and good elasticity. The material can be processed thermoplastic, e.g. by injection molding.

[0004] TPU has a certain solidification time during thermoplastic processing. This solidification time determines the demolding time in the injection molding process. TPU often solidifies slowly, the demolding times are long and the injection molding manufacturing process in injection molding is therefore less profitable.

[0005] Improving demolding is described in various disclosures such as e.g. US 10927253, EP0111682, or US 20080139774. A demolding aid very often affects the mechanical properties of the thermoplastic polyurethane in a negative way or has other disadvantages.

[0006] The problem to be solved was to develop a thermoplastic polyurethane that exhibits good mechanical properties and at the same time has a good demolding behavior.

[0007] It was surprisingly found that a thermoplastic polyurethane composition comprising a small amount of specific polybutylene terephthalate fulfills all these requirements.

[0008] A first aspect and embodiment 1 of the invention is directed to a composition (C1) comprising polybutylene terephthalate and a thermoplastic polyurethane, the thermoplastic polyurethane, preferably being the reaction product of the building components, diisocyanate, polyol and chain extender, wherein the polybutylene terephthalate is comprised in the composition (C1) between 0.01 weight-% and 10 weight-% referring to the total amount of the composition (C1) being 100 weight-%, preferably between 0.01 weight-% and 5 weight-%, more preferably between 0.01 weight-% and 3 weight-%, more preferably between 0.01 weight-% and 2.9 weight-%, more preferably between 0.01 weight-% and 2.5 weight %, more preferably between 0.01 weight-% and 2.0 weight %.

[0009] Another aspect of this inventions are pellets of a composition (C2) in which the polybutylene terephthalate is comprised in higher amounts as described above to produce the thermoplastic polyurethane as outlined herein. And yet another aspect of the invention is a process for producing a granulate either of the composition (C1) or the composition (C2). The small amount of polybutylene terephthalate in the composition allows a better demolding time.

[0010] The term composition indicates that the composition does not comprise polybutylene terephthalate and thermoplastic polyurethane only, but may comprise additional polymers, additives and / or auxiliaries. The term comprises means that the respective substance is comprised, but other substances may be comprised as well. In a preferred embodiment the term “comprising” has the meaning of “consisting of”.

[0011] It has been found that it is particularly advantageous that the number average molecular weight of the polybutylene terephthalate is between 1 x 103g / mol and 30 x 103g / mol, more preferably between 2 x 103g / mol and 20 x 103g / mol, more preferably between 2 x 103g / mol and 10 x 103g / mol.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment 2 according to the precedent embodiment or one of its preferred embodiments the number average molecular weight of the polybutylene terephthalate is between 1 x 103g / mol and 30 x 103g / mol, more preferably between 2 x 103g / mol and 20 x 103g / mol, more preferably between 2 x 103g / mol and 10 x 103g / mol.

[0013] The number average molecular weight of the polybutylene terephthalate preferably is determined by gel permeation chromatography, more preferably according to DIN EN ISO 13885- 2:2020 where instead of the solvent N, N-dimethyl acetamide (DMAC) hexafluoro isopropanol is used as solvent. The calibration takes place with polystyrene as standard. For determining the content of polybutylene terephthalate in the composition, the composition is extracted with N, N, dimethylformamide) DMF. The residue comprising the polybutylene terephthalate is dissolved in hexafluoro isopropanol (HFIP). This solvent preferably is used for further analyzing the characteristics of the polybutylene terephthalate.

[0014] The preferred molecular weights of the polybutylene terephthalate are behind the good demolding behavior and better handling of the composition.

[0015] Preferably, the thermoplastic polyurethane of the composition according to one of the precedent embodiments or one of its preferred embodiments is prepared by reacting an organic isocyanate, preferably an organic diisocyanate, with a polyol, the polyol preferably having two functional groups reactive with isocyanate, also referred to as polymer diol, and a chain extender. In a preferred embodiment 3 the thermoplastic polyurethane of the composition according to one of the precedent embodiments or one of its preferred embodiments is prepared by reacting an organic isocyanate, preferably an organic diisocyanate, with a polyol, the polyol preferably having two functional groups reactive with isocyanate, also referred to as polymer diol, and a chain extender. The compound reactive with isocyanate preferably has a number average molecular weight between 0.5 x 103g / mol and 100 x 103g / mol, more preferably between 0.5 x 103g / mol and 10 x 103g / mol. The chain extender preferably has a molecular weight between 0.05 x 103g / mol and 0.499 x 103g / mol. The reaction preferably takes place in the presence of a catalyst. The composition in preferred embodiments comprises an auxiliary, an additive, or a mixture thereof.

[0016] The weight-average molecular weight of thermoplastic polyurethane as outlined herein preferably is determined by gel permeation chromatography, preferably according to DIN EN ISO 13885-2:2020; whereas dimethylformamide (DMF) is used as solvent.

[0017] The components isocyanate, the polyol, and the chain extender are also addressed individually or together as building components. The building components, if applicable, including the catalyst and / or the auxiliary and / or the additive are also called input materials.

[0018] To adjust the hardness and melt flow index of the thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), the molar ratios of the quantities of the building components are varied, whereby the hardness and melt viscosity increase with increasing content of the isocyanate or, if a chain extender is applied, with increasing content of the isocyanate and the chain extender, while the melt flow index decreases.

[0019] Preferably, the composition has a hardness between 50 Shore A and 80 Shore D, preferably between 65 Shore A and 100 Shore A. The Shore hardness preferably is determined according to DIN ISO 7619-1 : 2016. In a preferred embodiment 4 the composition according to one of the precedent embodiments or one of its preferred embodiments preferably has a hardness between 50 Shore A and 80 Shore D, preferably between 65 Shore A and 100 Shore A. The Shore hardness preferably is determined according to DIN ISO 7619-1 : 2016.

[0020] The thermoplastic polyurethane of the composition according to any of the precedent embodiments or one of their preferred embodiments has a weight-average molecular weight of at least 0.04 x 106g / mol, more preferably at least 0.06 x 106g / mol, more preferably at least 0.07 x106g / mol, and more preferably at least 0.08 x106g / mol. The upper limit for the weight-average molecular weight of TPU is generally determined by the processability and the desired range of properties. Preferably the weight-average molecular weight does not exceed 0.5 x106g / mol, more preferably 0.4 x106g / mol, more preferably 0.25 x106g / mol, and more preferably 0.2 x106g / mol.

[0021] Preferably, the isocyanate is an organic isocyanate, more preferred is a diisocyanate In a preferred embodiment 5 the isocyanate of the thermoplastic polyurethane of the composition according to one of the precedent embodiments or one of its preferred embodiments is an organic isocyanate, more preferred is a diisocyanate. Further preferred the isocyanate is selected from the group consisting of aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, araliphatic and aromatic isocyanates, or is a mixture thereof.

[0022] More preferably, the isocyanate is selected from the group consisting of tri-, tetra-, penta-, hexa- , hepta- and / or octamethylene diisocyanate, 2-methyl-pentamethylene 1 ,5-diisocyanate, 2-ethyl- butylene-1 ,4-diisocyanate, 1 ,5-pentamethylene diisocyanate (PDI), 1 ,4- butylene-diisocyanate, 1-isocyanato-3,3,5-trimethyl-5-isocyanatomethyl-cyclohexane (isophorone diisocyanate, IPDI),

[0023] 1.4- bis(isocyanatomethyl)cyclohexane and / or 1 ,3-bis(isocyanatomethyl)cyclohexane (HXDI),

[0024] 2.4-paraphenylene diisocyanate (PPDI), 2, 4-tetramethylene xylene diisocyanate (TMXDI), 4,4'-, 2,4'- and 2,2'-dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate (H12MDI), 1 ,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI),1 ,4-cyclohexane diisocyanate, 1-methyl-2,4- and / or -2, 6-cyclohexane diisocyanate, 2,2'— diphenylmethane diisocyanate, 2,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), 1 ,5-naphthylene diisocyanate (NDI), 2,4- toluene diisocyanate, 2,6-toluene diisocyanate (TDI), 3,3'-dimethyl-diphenyl diisocyanate, 1 ,2-diphenylethane diisocyanate and / or phenylene diisocyanate, or is a mixture thereof. In a preferred embodiment 6 the isocyanate of the thermoplastic polyurethane of the composition according to one of the precedent embodiments or one of its preferred embodiments is selected from the group consisting of tri-, tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta- and / or octamethylene diisocyanate, 2-methyl-pentamethylene 1 ,5-diisocyanate, 2- ethyl-butylene-1 ,4-diisocyanate, 1 ,5-pentamethylene diisocyanate (PDI), 1 ,4- butylene-diisocyanate, 1-isocyanato-3,3,5-trimethyl-5-isocyanatomethyl-cyclohexane (isophorone diisocyanate, IPDI), 1 ,4- bis(isocyanatomethyl)cyclohexane and / or 1 ,3-bis(isocyanatomethyl)cyclohexane (HXDI), 2,4-paraphenylene diisocyanate (PPDI), 2, 4-tetramethylene xylene diisocyanate (TMXDI), 4,4'-, 2,4'- and 2,2'-dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate (H12MDI), 1 ,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI),1 ,4-cyclohexane diisocyanate, 1-methyl-2,4- and / or -2, 6-cyclohexane diisocyanate, 2,2'--diphenylmethane diisocyanate, 2,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, 4,4'-diphenyl- methane diisocyanate (MDI), 1 ,5-naphthylene diisocyanate (NDI), 2,4- toluene diisocyanate, 2,6-toluene diisocyanate (TDI), 3,3'-dimethyl-diphenyl diisocyanate, 1 ,2-diphenylethane diisocyanate and / or phenylene diisocyanate, or is a mixture thereof. Aliphatic isocyanates are preferred when stability against electromagnetic waves e.g. light is of importance, whereas aromatic polyisocyanate is preferred when high mechanical strength of the polyurethane, especially the thermoplastic polyurethane is required. A further advantage of aliphatic isocyanate is that it may be produced bio-based.

[0025] Further preferred, he isocyanate is diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) more preferably 2,2'- diphenylmethane, 2,4'- diphenylmethane or 4,4'-diphenylmethane, or comprises a mixture thereof, especially preferred comprises 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate. In a preferred embodiment 7 according to one of the precedent embodiments, or one of their preferred embodiments, the isocyanate is diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) more preferably 2,2'- diphenylmethane, 2,4'- diphenylmethane or 4,4'-diphenylmethane, or comprises a mixture thereof, especially preferred comprises 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate.

[0026] This isocyanate has very good mechanical properties.

[0027] Preferably, the polyol has on statistical average at least 1 .8 and at most 2.4 Zerewitinoff-active hydrogen atoms. In a preferred embodiment 8 according to one of the precedent embodiments, or one of their preferred embodiments, the polyol has on statistical average at least 1.8 and at most 2.4 Zerewitinoff-active hydrogen atoms. This number is also referred to as the functionality of the isocyanate-reactive compound and indicates the quantity of the isocyanate-reactive groups of the molecule calculated theoretically down to one molecule from a quantity of substance. The functionality preferably is between 1.8 and 2.2, and especially preferred 2.0. A polyol with the functionality of 2.0 is also referred to as polymer diol.

[0028] The polyol comprises a polyol, preferably selected from the group consisting of polyesterols, polyetherols or polycarbonate diols, or is a mixture thereof. More preferably the polyol is a diol also referred to as polymer diol. More preferred the polyol comprises a polyol selected from the group consisting of polyether diol and polyester diol, or a mixture thereof.

[0029] The polyol preferably has a number average molecular weight between 0.5 x103g / mol and 8 x103g / mol, more preferably between 0.7 x 103g / mol and 6.0 x 103g / mol, even more preferred between 0.8 x 103g / mol and 4.0 x 103g / mol. In a preferred embodiment 9 according to one of the precedent embodiments or one of their preferred embodiments, the polyol, preferably has a number average molecular weight between 0.5 x103g / mol and 8 x103g / mol, more preferably between 0.7 x 103g / mol and 6.0 x 103g / mol, even more preferred between 0.8 x 103g / mol and 4.0 x 103g / mol. The number-average molecular weight of the polyols as outlined herein preferably is determined by gel permeation chromatography, preferably according to DIN EN ISO 13885-2:2020; wherein instead of N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAC) dimethylformamide (DMF) is used as solvent.

[0030] The polyol is a single compound, preferably a polyol, or is a mixture of at least two polyols, in which case the mixture meets the requirements as preferred herein.

[0031] In one preferred embodiment the polyol is linear, in another preferred embodiment the polyol is branched.

[0032] The polyol preferably comprises a polyether diol, further preferred selected from the group of polyethanediol, poly-1 , 3-propanediol and poly-1 , 4-butane diol, or a mixture thereof, in particular the polyether is polytetrahydrofuran (PTHF), more preferred the polyetherpolyol, preferably the polytetrahydrofuran, has a number average molecular weight between 0.6 x 103g / Mol and 1.7 x 103g / Mol, more preferably between 0.8 x 103g / Mol and 1.4 x 103g / Mol, even between 0.9 x 103g / Mol and 1.1 x 103g / Mol, and most preferably 1.0 x 103g / Mol.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment 10 according to one of the precedent embodiments, or one of their preferred embodiments, the polyol comprises a polyether diol, further preferred selected from the group of polyethanediol, poly-1 , 3-propanediol and poly-1 , 4-butane diol, or a mixture thereof.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment 11 according to one of the precedent embodiment 10, or one of their preferred embodiments, the polyether is polytetrahydrofuran (PTHF), more preferred the polyetherpolyol, preferably the polytetrahydrofuran, has a number average molecular weight between 0.6 x 103g / Mol and 1.7 x 103g / Mol, more preferably between 0.8 x 103g / Mol and 1.4 x 103g / Mol, even between 0.9 x 103g / Mol and 1.1 x 103g / Mol, and most preferably 1.0 x 103g / Mol.

[0035] Preferably, the polyether is selected from poly 1 , 3-propanediol and poly 1 , 4-butane diol, or a mixture thereof. A particularly preferred poly 1 ,4-butanediol is PTHF, preferably having a number average molecular weight Mn between 500 g / mol and 3,0 x103g / mol, preferably between 0.6 x 103g / mol and 2,0 x 103g / mol, more preferably between 0.7 x 103g / mol and 1 ,8 x 103g / mol. In a preferred embodiment 12 according to one of the precedent embodiments 10 to 11 , or one of their preferred embodiments, the polyether is selected from poly 1 , 3-propanediol and poly 1 , 4-butane diol, or a mixture thereof. A particularly preferred poly 1 ,4-butanediol is PTHF, preferably having a number average molecular weight Mn between 500 g / mol and 3,0 x103 g / mol, preferably between 0.6 x 103g / mol and 2,0 x 103g / mol, more preferably between 0.7 x 103g / mol and 1 ,8 x 103g / mol. PTHF is commercially available under the tradename PolyTHF®.

[0036] Polyetherpolyol has the advantage that it is more stable against hydrolysis and thus will be applied in applications where this is a requirement.

[0037] According to a further preferred embodiment, the polyol comprises a polyester polyol. In a preferred embodiment 13 according to one of the precedent embodiments or one of their preferred embodiments the polyol comprises a polyester polyol. Preferably the polyester polyol is selected from the group consisting of reaction product of a polyhydric alcohol, the polymerization product of a lactone and the polymerization product of di-carboxylic acids with a polyhydric alcohol, or a mixture thereof. Preferred polyester polyols include the polymerization product of lactone or polycaprolactone and those obtained by the polymerization of a di-carboxylic acid with a polyhydric alcohol.

[0038] Preferably the polyester polyol is obtained by polymerizing a di-carboxylic acid with a polyhydric alcohol. Preferred di-carboxylic acid is at least one of the C4 to C12 di-carboxylic acids, or a mixture thereof. A preferred polyhydric alcohol is at least one of C2 to C14 diol, or a mixture thereof.

[0039] More preferably the C4 to C12 dicarboxylic acid is an aromatic dicarboxylic acid or is an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid. The aliphatic dicarboxylic acid preferably is selected from succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid and sebacic acid, or is a mixture thereof. In another preferred embodiment the di-carboxylic acid is selected from phthalic acid, isophthalic acid and terephthalic acid, or is a mixture thereof.

[0040] More preferably, the di-carboxylic acid is selected from the group consisting of succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, suberic acid, phthalic acid, isophthalic acid and terephthalic acid, or is a mixture thereof.

[0041] More preferably, the dicarboxylic acid it is selected from the group consisting of adipic acid, suberic acid and phthalic acid, or is a mixture thereof, most preferably the dicarboxylic acid is adipic acid.

[0042] Preferably the diol used for obtaining the polyester polyol is selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, 1 ,4-butanediol, 1 ,5-pentanediol, 1 ,6-hexanediol, 1 ,10-dec- anediol, 2,2-dimethyl-propane-1,3-diol, 1,3-propanediol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol and di-propyl- ene glycol, or is a mixture thereof. More preferably, the diol is selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1 ,10- decanediol, or a mixture thereof. Most preferably, the diol is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1 ,10-decanediol, or is a mixture thereof.

[0043] Preferably, the polyester diol comprises a polyester diol selected from the group of poly 1-2 ethylene glycol adipate diol, polypropylene adipate diol, polybutylene adipate diol, poly-hexylene adipate diol, an adipate diol based on 1,2-ethane diol and 1,4-butandiol, more preferred the adipate diol is based on 1,4-butane diol, 1 ,6-hexane diol, or a mixture thereof, most preferred the polymeric adipate diol is a polybutylene adipate diol. In a preferred embodiment 14 according to the precedent embodiment 13 or one of their preferred embodiments the polyester diol comprises a polyester diol selected from the group of poly 1-2 ethylene glycol adipate diol, polypropylene adipate diol, polybutylene adipate diol, poly-hexylene adipate diol, an adipate diol based on 1,2-ethane diol and 1,4-butandiol, more preferred the adipate diol is based on 1,4-bu- tane diol, 1,6-hexane diol, or a mixture thereof, most preferred the polymeric adipate diol is a polybutylene adipate diol.

[0044] Polyester polyols have less stability against hydrolysis and are preferred in applications where some kind of biodegradability is required.

[0045] According to a further embodiment, the polyol comprises a polycarbonate diol, preferably an aliphatic polycarbonate diol. In a preferred embodiment 15 according to one of the precedent embodiments, or one of their preferred embodiments, the polyol comprises a polycarbonate diol, preferably an aliphatic polycarbonate diol. A preferred polycarbonate diol is a polycarbonate diol based on alkane diol. In a preferred embodiment the production of polycarbonate diol is carried out by polycondensation of phosgene with diols or by ring-opening polymerization of cyclic carbonates, or by transesterification of carbonic acid diesters.

[0046] A preferred polycarbonate diol is a OH-difunctional polycarbonate diol, preferably an OH-difunc- tional aliphatic polycarbonate diol. More preferred the polycarbonate diol is based on butanediol, pentanediol or hexanediol. More preferred the polycarbonate diol is based on 1,4-butanediol, 1 ,5-Pentanediol, 1,6-Hexanediol, and 3-Methylpentane-(1 ,5)-diol, or a mixture thereof. More preferred the polycarbonate diol is based on 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, or a mixture thereof. Another preferred polycarbonate diol is based on a mixture of 1 ,4-butanediol and 1 ,6-hex- anediol, polycarbonate diol based on a mixture of 1 ,5-pentanediol and 1 ,6-hexanediol, and polycarbonate diol based on 1 ,6-hexanediol, or mixtures thereof.

[0047] Preferably, the polycarbonate diol has a number average molecular weight Mn in the between 0.5 x 103and 4.0 x 103g / mol, more preferred between 0.65 x 103g / mol and 3.0 x 103g / mol, more preferred between 0.8 x 103g / mol and 2.5 x 103g / mol. In a preferred embodiment 16 according to one of the precedent embodiments, or one of their preferred embodiments, the polycarbonate diol has a number average molecular weight Mn in the between 0.5 x 103and 4.0 x 103g / mol, more preferred between 0.65 x 103g / mol and 3.0 x 103g / mol, more preferred between 0.8 x 103g / mol and 2.5 x 103g / mol.

[0048] Polycarbonate diol has a better permeability for microwave, less dirt uptake and show better flame retardancy.

[0049] Preferably, the chain extender is aliphatic, araliphatic, aromatic, or cycloaliphatic, or is a mixture thereof. In a preferred embodiment 17 according to any of the precedent embodiments or one of their preferred embodiments, the chain extender is aliphatic, araliphatic, aromatic, or cycloaliphatic, or is a mixture thereof. The chain extender preferably has a molecular weight of 50 g / mol to 499 g / mol, preferably with 2 isocyanate-reactive compounds. These isocyanate reactive compounds are also referred to as functional groups. A preferred chain extender is a diamine or an alkane diol, or a mixture thereof, more preferred is an alkane diol. Further preferred the chain extender comprises 2 to 10 carbon atoms in the alkylene radical, more preferably 3 to 8 carbon atoms. The alkane diol preferably has only primary hydroxyl groups. Particularly preferred the alkane diol is selected from 1 ,2-ethylene glycol, 1 ,3-propanediol, 1 ,4-butanediol, 1 ,6-hexanediol, hydroquinone bis (beta-hydroxyethyl) ether (HQEE), di-, tri-, tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta-, octa-, nona- or deca-alkylene glycol, also preferred the corresponding oligo- and / or poly-alkylene glycol, or a mixture thereof.

[0050] Preferably, the chain extender is selected from ethane diol, propane diol, butane diol, hexane diol, or is a mixture thereof, more preferably is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-ethane diol, 1 ,3-propane diol, 1 ,4-butane diol, 1 ,6-hexane diol, or is a mixture thereof, more preferably the chain extender is selected from 1 ,4-butane diol and 1 ,3-propane diol, or is a mixture thereof, most preferably the chain extender is 1 ,4 butane diol. In a preferred embodiment 18 according to any of the precedent embodiments or one of their preferred embodiments, the chain extender is selected from ethane diol, propane diol, butane diol, hexane diol, or is a mixture thereof, more preferably is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-ethane diol, 1 ,3-propane diol, 1 ,4-butane diol, 1 ,6-hexane diol, or is a mixture thereof, more preferably the chain extender is selected from 1 ,4-butane diol and 1 ,3-propane diol, or is a mixture thereof, most preferably the chain extender is 1 ,4 butane diol.

[0051] The composition may also comprise a lubricant. In a preferred embodiment 19 according to any of the precedent embodiments or one of their preferred embodiments, the composition comprises a lubricant. The main role of the lubricant is decreasing the friction between the composition and processing machinery as well as the friction between the molecules of comprised in the composition. The lubricant improves the processing properties of the composition and the performance of products derived from the composition. The lubricant is either a single substance or a mixture of at least two substances.

[0052] Preferred lubricants are selected from the group consisting of a substance comprising an amide structure based on stearic acid, hydroxy stearic acid, adipate, palmitate, sebacate, and stearate, or a mixture thereof.

[0053] Preferably, the lubricant comprises a lubricant A and a lubricant B, preferably the lubricant A has a melting point below 130 °C and the lubricant B has a melting point beyond 130 ° C, preferable the melting point of lubricant A is between 50 °C and 130 °, more preferably between 100 °C and 125 °C and the melting point of lubricant B is beyond 130 °C and below 200 °C, more preferably beyond 135 °C and below 195 °C. In a preferred embodiment 20 according to the precedent embodiment 19 or one of its preferred embodiments, the lubricant comprises a lubricant A and a lubricant B, preferably the lubricant A has a melting point below 130 °C and the lubricant B has a melting point beyond 130 ° C, preferable the melting point of lubricant A is between 50 °C and 130 °, more preferably between 100 °C and 125 °C and the melting point of lubricant B is beyond 130 °C and below 200 °C, more preferably beyond 135 °C and below 195 °C.

[0054] Preferably, the lubricant A or the lubricant B or both comprise an amide structure, more preferably the lubricant A or the lubricant B or both comprise a N, N‘-ethylene bis amide structure. In a preferred embodiment 21 according to the precedent embodiment 20 or one of its preferred embodiments, the lubricant A or the lubricant B or both comprise an amide structure, more preferably the lubricant A or the lubricant B or both comprise a N, N‘-ethylene bis amide structure. Preferred examples are from ethylene bis-stearamide and N,N’-ethane-1 ,2-diylbisoctadec-9-en- amide. Ethylene bis-stearamide is commercially available as Loxiol EBS Spez P from Emery Oleochemicals GmbH, Paul-Thomas-Strasse 56, 40599 Dusseldorf, Germany. N,N’-ethane-1 ,2- diylbisoctadec-9-enamide is commercially available as Glycolube VL from BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany.

[0055] The composition may also comprise talcum. In a preferred embodiment 22 according to any of the precedent embodiments or one of their preferred embodiments, the composition comprises talcum.

[0056] Furthermore, the composition may comprise a catalyst. In a preferred embodiment 23 according to any of the precedent embodiments or one of their preferred embodiments, the composition comprises a catalyst. The catalyst is either a single catalyst or is a mixture of several catalysts.

[0057] The catalyst preferably accelerates the reaction between the NCO groups of the isocyanates and the hydroxyl groups of the polyol and of the chain extender. In a preferred embodiment the catalyst is selected from the group consisting of a tertiary amine and an organic metal compound, or is a mixture thereof.

[0058] A preferred organic metal compound is selected from the group consisting of titanic ester, iron compound, tin compound, and bismuth salt, or is a mixture thereof. A preferred iron compound is iron (III) acetylacetonate. A preferred tin compound is selected from the group consisting of tin diacetate, tin dioctoate, tin dilaurate, tin (II) neo-decanoate, and dialkyl tin salts of aliphatic carboxylic acids, or a mixture thereof.

[0059] Preferably, he catalyst is tin dioctoate, tin (II) neo-decanoate, or is a mixture thereof. In a preferred embodiment 24 according to the precedent embodiment 23 or one of its preferred embodiments, the catalyst is tin dioctoate, tin (II) neo-decanoate, or is a mixture thereof.

[0060] A preferred titanic ester is tetra-butyl orthotitanate.

[0061] In preferred bismuth salts, the bismuth is present in the oxidation states 2 or 3, more preferably 3, with preference being given to salts of carboxylic acids, preferably carboxylic acids having from 6 to 14 carbon atoms, particularly preferably from 8 to 12 carbon atoms. A very preferred bismuth salt is bismuth (III) neo-decanoate, bismuth 2-ethylhexanoate, or bismuth octanoate, or is a mixture thereof.

[0062] The catalyst is preferably used in an amount of from 0.0001 to 0.1 part by weight per 100 parts by weight of the polyol. Preference is given to using tin catalyst, in particular tin dioctoate. Preferably, he catalyst is tin dioctoate, tin (II) neo-decanoate, or is a mixture thereof. In a preferred embodiment 25 according to any of the precedent embodiments or one of their preferred embodiments, he catalyst is tin dioctoate, tin (II) neo-decanoate, or is a mixture thereof.

[0063] The composition may also comprise an auxiliary or additive. In preferred embodiment 26 according to one of the precedent embodiments or on of its preferred embodiments, an auxiliary or additive is comprised in the composition. The auxiliary or additive is a single substance, or a mixture of at least two substances. In a preferred embodiment the auxiliary or additive is selected from the group consisting of a surface-active substance, a filler, a flame retardant, a nucleating agent, an oxidation stabilizer, a lubricating aid, a demolding aid, a dye, a pigment, an inorganic filler an or an organic filler, a reinforcing agent, a plasticizer, an antistatic agent, a stabilizer, preferably a stabilizer against hydrolysis, light, heat or discoloration, an inorganic filler, an organic filler, a reinforcing agent, a plasticizer, or is a mixture thereof.

[0064] A stabilizer preferably is an additive which protects a plastic or a plastic composition against harmful environmental influences. A preferred example is a primary or secondary antioxidant, a sterically hindered phenol, a hindered amine light stabilizer, an UV absorber, a phosphite, a hydrolysis inhibitor, a quencher, and a flame retardant, or is a mixture thereof. Examples of commercial stabilizers are given in Plastics Additives Handbook, 5th Edition, H. Zweifel, ed., Hanser Publishers, Munich, 2001 ([1]), p.98-S136.

[0065] Preferably the II V absorber has a number average molecular weight greater than 0.3 x 103g / Mol, in particular greater than 0.39 x 103g / Mol. Furthermore, the preferred UV absorber has a molecular weight not exceeding 5 x 103g / Mol, particularly preferred not exceeding 2 x 103g / mol.

[0066] The UV absorber is preferably selected from the group consisting of cinnamates, oxanilides, benzophenones and benzotriazole, or is a mixture thereof, particularly suitable as UV absorbers is benzotriazole. Examples of particularly suitable UV-absorbers are Tinuvin® 213, Tinuvin® 234, Tinuvin® 312, Tinuvin® 571, Tinuvin® 384 and Eversorb® 82.

[0067] Preferably the UV absorbers is added in quantities of 0.01 wt.% to 5 wt.% based on the total weight of the composition, preferably 0.1 wt.% to 2.0 wt.%, in particular 0.2 wt.% to 0.5 wt.%. Often a UV stabilization based on an antioxidant and a UV absorber as described above is not sufficient to guarantee a good stability of the composition against the harmful influence of UV rays. In this case, in addition to the antioxidant and / or the UV absorber, or as single stabilizer, a hindered-amine light stabilizer (HALS) is added to the composition.

[0068] Examples of commercially available HALS stabilizers can be found in Plastics Additive Handbook, 5th edition, H. Zweifel, Hanser Publishers, Munich, 2001, pp. 123-136.

[0069] Particularly preferred hindered amine light stabilizers are bis-(1 ,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidyl) sebacat (Tinuvin® 765, Ciba Spezialitatenchemie AG) and the condensation product of 1-hy- droxyethyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-hydroxypiperidine and succinic acid (Tinuvin® 622). In particular, the condensation product of 1-hydroxyethyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-hydroxypiperidines and succinic acid (Tinuvin® 622) is preferred, if the titanium content of the finished product is less than 150 ppm by weight, preferably less than 50 ppm by weight, in particular less than 10 ppm by weight, based on the components used.

[0070] HALS compounds are preferably used in a concentration of from 0.01 wt.% to 5 wt.%, particularly preferably from 0.1 wt.% to 1 wt.%, in particular from 0.15 wt.% to 0.3 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0071] A particularly preferred UV stabilizer contains a mixture of a phenolic stabilizer, a benzotriazole and a HALS compound in the preferred amounts described above.

[0072] Further information on the above-mentioned auxiliaries and additives can be found in the technical literature, e.g. Plastics Additives Handbook, 5th edition, H. Zweifel, ed., Hanser Publishers, Munich, 2001.

[0073] Preferably, the composition according to the present invention is in the form of a granule or a powder. In a preferred embodiment 27 the composition according to one of the precedent embodiments or one of its preferred embodiments is in the form of a granule or a powder. The granule or powder in a preferred embodiment is a compact material. In another preferred embodiment the granule is expanded material, also referred to as foamed beads or foamed powder. Beads respectively expanded beads in a preferred embodiment refers to particles with a maximal extension between 1 mm and 5 cm. Powder in a preferred embodiment refers to particles with a maximum size of 1 mm. Preferably the size of the powder is between 1 x 10'6m and 1 mm. Another aspect of this invention and embodiment 28 therefore is a foamed bead or a foamed powder made of the composition according to one of the precedent embodiments or one of its preferred embodiments.

[0074] The production of foamed beads and also molded bodies produced therefrom are e.g. described in WO 94 / 20568, WO 2007 / 082838 A1 , WO2017030835, WO 2013 / 153190 A1 , WO2010010010, herein incorporated by reference.

[0075] The present invention is also directed to a pellet of a composition (C2) comprising a polybutylene terephthalate and a thermoplastic polymer, preferably a thermoplastic polyurethane, wherein the polybutylene terephthalate is comprised in the composition (C2) between 10 weight-% and 80 weight-% referring to the total amount of the composition (C2) being 100 weight-%, preferably between 20 weight-% and 70 weight-%, more preferably between 30 weight-% and 60 weight-%, more preferred between 40 weight-% and 50 weight-%.

[0076] Another aspect of the invention and embodiment 29 is a pellet of a composition (C2) comprising a polybutylene terephthalate and a thermoplastic polymer, preferably a thermoplastic polyurethane, wherein the polybutylene terephthalate is comprised in the composition (02) between 10 weight-% and 80 weight-% referring to the total amount of the composition (02) being 100 weight-%, preferably between 20 weight-% and 70 weight-%, more preferably between 30 weight-% and 60 weight-%, more preferred between 40 weight-% and 50 weight-%.

[0077] These pellets have the advantage allowing to bring polybutylene terephthalate into a thermoplastic polyurethane resulting in a composition (01) comprising the preferred concentration of polybutylene terephthalate in the embodiments as outlined above in a very easy way. The advantage lies in the manufacturing process. Polybutylene terephthalate, especially with low molecular weight, is very brittle and so a lot of fine dust is generated during the production of the composition, which is difficult to handle, as the abrasion dust clogs sieves and other plant components.

[0078] Preferably, the number average molecular weight of the polybutylene terephthalate is in the range as disclosed above. In a preferred embodiment 30 according to the embodiment 29, or one of its preferred embodiments the number average molecular weight of the polybutylene terephthalate is as described in embodiment 2. In a preferred embodiment 31 according to any of the precedent embodiments 29 to 30, or one of their preferred embodiments the thermoplastic polymer is selected from the group of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), ethylene-vinyl acetate-co-polymer (EVA), polyamide (PA), polylactide (PLA), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). More preferably the thermoplastic polymer is selected from the group of ethylene-vinyl acetate-co-polymer (EVA), polystyrene (PS), and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or is a mixture thereof. More preferred the thermoplastic polymer is thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

[0079] Preferably, the thermoplastic polymer is a thermoplastic polyurethane being the reaction product of the building components, diisocyanate, polyol and chain extender, more preferred as disclosed above. In a preferred embodiment 32 of the pellet according to the embodiments 29 to 31 , or one of their preferred embodiments the thermoplastic polymer is a thermoplastic polyure- than being the reaction product of the building components, diisocyanate, polyol and chain extender, more preferred as described and preferred in embodiments 3 to 26.

[0080] Preferably, the pellet comprises a lubricant as disclosed above, more preferable, the pellet comprises the lubricant in an amount between 5 weight-% and 30 weight-% referring to the total amount of the composition being 100 weight-%, preferably between 5 weight-% and 20 weight- %, more preferable between 10 weight-% and 15 weight-%. In a preferred embodiment 33 the pellet according to any of the precedent embodiments 29 to 32, or one of their preferred embodiments, comprises a lubricant, or preferably a lubricant as outlined in embodiments 19 to 21.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment 34 the pellet according to any of the precedent embodiments 29 to 33, or one of their preferred embodiments, the pellet comprises the lubricant in an amount between 5 weight-% and 30 weight-% referring to the total amount of the composition being 100 weight-%, preferably between 5 weight-% and 20 weight-%, more preferable between 10 weight-% and 15 weight-%. This high content of the lubricant allows sufficient lubricant in the final composition when added to a thermoplastic polyurethane composition.

[0082] Preferably, the pellet comprises talcum, preferably in an amount between 0.1 weight-% and 5 weight-% referring to the whole pellet, being 100 weight-%, more preferably between 1 weight- % and 3 weight-%. In a preferred embodiment 35 the pellet according to any of the precedent embodiments 29 to 34, or one of their preferred embodiments, the pellet comprises talcum, preferably in an amount between 0.1 weight-% and 5 weight-% referring to the whole pellet, being 100 weight-%, more preferably between 1 weight-% and 3 weight-%. The pellet may be in the form of a granule or a powder, more preferably being a compact material. In a preferred embodiment 36 the pellet according to one of the precedent embodiments 29 to 35 or one of their preferred embodiments the pellet is in the form of a granule or a powder, more preferably being a compact material. Preferably the granules have a maximal extension between 0.1 mm and 2 cm. Powder in a preferred embodiment refers to particles with a maximum size of 0.1 mm. Preferably the size of the powder is between 1 x 10'6m and 0.1 mm.

[0083] The present invention is also directed to the production of the composition as disclosed above, or a pellet as disclosed above comprising the following steps: a) heating a polybutylene terephthalate source in the presence of 1 ,4-butandiol to achieve a polybutylene terephthalate decomposition product; b) mixing the decomposition product with a thermoplastic polyurethane to a blend A to achieve a thermoplastic polyurethane composition (C1) as disclosed above or mixing the decomposition product with a thermoplastic polymer to a blend B; c) forming blend A to granules or forming blend B to granules as disclosed above.

[0084] Another aspect of the invention and embodiment 37 is the production of the composition according to any of the embodiments 1 to 28 or one of their preferred embodiments, or a pellet according to any of the embodiments 29 to 36 or one of their preferred embodiments comprising the following steps: a) heating a polybutylene terephthalate source in the presence of 1 ,4-butandiol to achieve a polybutylene terephthalate decomposition product; b) mixing the decomposition product with a thermoplastic polyurethane to a blend A to achieve a thermoplastic polyurethane composition (C1) according to any of embodiments 1 to 28 or mixing the decomposition product with a thermoplastic polymer to a blend B; c) forming blend A to granules or forming blend B to granules according to any of the embodiments 29 to 36.

[0085] For mixing the polybutylene thermoplastic polymer, respectively thermoplastic polyurethane and other input materials a suitable device for mixing is used, preferably an extruder, more preferably a twin screw extruder. Preferably, the polybutylene terephthalate decomposition product of step a) is derived from a polybutylene terephthalate with a viscosity number between 80 cm31 g and 200 cm3 / g. In a preferred embodiment 38 the polybutylene terephthalate decomposition product of step a) of embodiment 37 is derived from a polybutylene terephthalate with a viscosity number between 80 cm31 g and 200 cm31 g. The viscosity number preferably is determined in a solution with 0.005 g / ml polybutylene terephthalate dissolved in a mixture of phenol and 1 ,2-dichlorobenzene (1 :1) according to ISO 1628-1 (2021).

[0086] More preferable, e polybutylene terephthalate decomposition product has a number average molecular weight between 1 x 103g / mol and 30 x 103g / mol, more preferably between 2 x 103g / mol and 20 x 103g / mol, more preferably between 2 x 103g / mol and 10 x 103g / mol. In a preferred embodiment 39 the process according to any of the embodiments 37 to 38, or one of their preferred embodiments the polybutylene terephthalate decomposition product has a number average molecular weight between 1 x 103g / mol and 30 x 103g / mol, more preferably between 2 x 103g / mol and 20 x 103g / mol, more preferably between 2 x 103g / mol and 10 x 103g / mol.

[0087] A lubricant or talcum, or a mixture thereof, may be added in the step b to the blend A or to the blend B, or is added to the blend A or to the blend B after step b. In a preferred embodiment 40 the process according to any of the precedent embodiments 37 to 39, or one of their preferred embodiments a lubricant or talcum, or a mixture thereof, is added in the step b to the blend A or to the blend B, or is added to the blend A or to the blend B after step b.

[0088] Composition (C1) according to the invention or the pellet according to the present invention may advantageously be used for producing an article.

[0089] Another aspect of the invention and embodiment 41 is the use of the composition (C1) according to one of the embodiments 1 to 28 or its preferred embodiments, or the pellet according to any of the embodiments 29 to 36, or the composition (C1) or the pellet as obtained according to one of the embodiments 37 to 40 or one of their preferred embodiments for producing an article.

[0090] The composition in a preferred embodiment is injection molded, calendered, powder sintered, or extruded to form an article. Yet another aspect of the invention and embodiment 42 is the article produced with a composition according to one of the embodiments 1 to 28 or one of their preferred embodiments, or as obtained by the process according to one of the embodiments 37 to 40 or one of their preferred embodiments.

[0091] Preferably the article is selected from the group consisting of cable, cases, cell-phone, coating, covers, damping element, bellows, foil, fiber, film molded body, roofing or flooring for buildings or vehicles, non-woven fabric, gasket, packaging material, roll, shoe sole, middle sole of a shoe, hose, cable, cable connector, cable sheathing, pillow, laminate, phone, profile, strap, saddle, shoe upper, foam, by additional foaming of the preparation, plug connection, television, trailing cable, solar module, lining in automobiles, wiper blade, elevator load bearing members, roping arrangements, drive belts for machines, preferably passenger conveyer, handrails for passenger conveyers modifier for thermoplastic materials, which means substance that influences the properties of another material. Each of these articles itself is a preferred embodiment, also referred to as an application.

[0092] Another aspect of the invention and embodiment 43 is the use of the pellet according to one of the embodiments 29 to 36 or one of their preferred embodiments, or as obtained according to the process as described in the embodiments 37 to 40 or one of their preferred embodiments as deforming aid or solidification enhancer in a thermoplastic polyurethane, preferably a thermoplastic polyurethane with a Shore hardness between 50 Shore A and 80 Shore D, more preferably between 65 Shore A and 100 Shore A.

[0093] Preferred embodiments may be found in the claims and the description. Combinations of preferred embodiments do not go outside the scope of the present invention. Preferred embodiments of the components used are described below.

[0094] The present invention is further illustrated by the following set of embodiments and combinations of embodiments resulting from the dependencies and back-references as indicated. In particular, it is noted that in each instance where a range of embodiments is mentioned, for example in the context of a term such as "The composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 4", every embodiment in this range is meant to be explicitly disclosed for the skilled person, i.e. the wording of this term is to be understood by the skilled person as being synonymous to "The composition of any one of embodiments 1 , 2, 3 and 4". Further, it is explicitly noted that the following set of embodiments represents a suitably structured part of the general description directed to preferred aspects of the present invention, and, thus, suitably supports, but does not represent the claims of the present invention.

[0095] 1 . Composition (C1) comprising polybutylene terephthalate and a thermoplastic polyurethane, the thermoplastic polyurethane being the reaction product of the building components, diisocyanate, polyol and chain extender, wherein the polybutylene terephthalate is comprised in the composition (C1) between 0.01 weight-% and 10 weight- % referring to the total amount of the composition being 100 weight-%, preferably between 0.01 weight- % and 5 weight-%, more preferably between 0.01 weight-% and 3 weight-%, more preferably be-tween 0.01 weight-% and 2.9 weight-%, more preferably between 0.01 weight-% and 2.5 weight %, more preferably between 0.01 weight-% and 2.0 weight %.

[0096] 2. Composition according to embodiment 1 , wherein the number average molecular weight of the polybutylene terephthalate is between 1 x 103g / mol and 30 x 103g / mol, more preferably between 2 x 103g / mol and 20 x 103g / mol, more preferably between 2 x 103g / mol and 10 x 103g / mol.

[0097] 3. Composition according to any of the precedent embodiments comprising a lubricant.

[0098] 4. Composition according to embodiment 3, wherein the lubricant comprises a lubricant A and a lubricant B, preferably the lubricant A has a melting point below 130 °C and the lubricant B has a melting point beyond 130 ° C, preferable the melting point of lubricant A is between 50 °C and 130 °C, more preferably between 100 °C and 125 °C and the melting point of lubricant B is beyond 130 °C and below 200 °C, more preferably beyond 135 °C and below 195 °C.

[0099] 5. Composition according to the precedent embodiment 4, wherein the lubricant A or the lubricant B or both comprise an amide structure, more preferably the lubricant A or the lubricant B or both comprise a N, N‘-ethylene bis amide.

[0100] 6. Composition according to any of the precedent embodiments wherein the composition comprises talcum. 7. Pellet of a composition (C2) comprising a polybutylene terephthalate and a thermoplastic polymer, preferably a thermoplastic polyurethane, the thermoplastic polyurethane being the reaction product of the building components, diisocyanate, polyol and chain extender, wherein the polybutylene terephthalate is comprised in the composition (C2) between 10 weight-% and 80 weight-% referring to the total amount of the composition (C2) being 100 weight-%, preferably between 20 weight-% and 70 weight-%, more preferably between 30 weight-% and 60 weight-%, more preferred between 40 weight-% and 50 weight-%.

[0101] 8. Pellet according to embodiment 7, wherein the number average molecular weight of the poly-butylene terephthalate is between 1 x 103g / mol and 30 x 103g / mol, more preferably be-tween 2 x 103g / mol and 20 x 103g / mol, more preferably between 2 x 103g / mol and 10 x 103g / mol.

[0102] 9. Pellet according to embodiment 7 or 8 comprising a lubricant, wherein the lubricant is comprised in the composition (C2) in an amount between 5. weight-% and 30 weight-% referring to the total amount of the composition (C2) being 100 weight-%, preferably between 5. weight-% and 20 weight-%, more preferably between 10 weight-% and 15 weight-%.

[0103] 10. Pellet according to embodiment 9, wherein the lubricant comprises a lubricant A and a lubricant B, and the lubricant A has a melting point below 130 °C and the lubricant B has a melting point beyond 130 ° C, preferable the melting point of lubricant A is between 50 °C and 130 °, more preferably between 100 °C and 125 °C and the melting point of lubricant B is beyond 130 °C and below 200 °C, more preferably beyond 135 °C and below 195°C.

[0104] 11 . Pellet according to the precedent embodiment, wherein the lubricant A or the lubricant B or both comprise an amide structure, more preferably the lubricant A or the lubricant B or both comprise a N, N‘-ethylene bis amide.

[0105] 12. Pellet according to any of the embodiments 7 to 11 wherein the pellet comprises talcum, preferably in an amount between 0.1 weight-% and 5 weight-% referring to the whole particle, being 100 weight-%, more preferably between 1 weight-% and 3 weight-%.

[0106] 13. Pellet according to embodiments 7 to 12, wherein the number average molecular weight of the polybutylene terephthalate is between 1 x 103g / mol and 30 x 103g / mol, more preferably between 2 x 103g / mol and 20 x 103g / mol, more preferably between 2 x 103g / mol and 10 x 103g / mol. A process for the production of a composition according to any of embodiments 1 to 9 or a pellet according to any of the embodiments 10 to 20 comprising the following steps: a) heating a polybutylene terephthalate source in the presence of 1 ,4-butandiol to achieve a polybutylene terephthalate decomposition product; b) mixing the decomposition product with a thermoplastic polyurethane to a blend A to achieve a thermoplastic polyurethane composition (C1) according to any of embodiments 1 to 6 or mixing the decomposition product with a thermoplastic polymer to a blend B; c) forming the blend A to granules or forming blend B to pellets according to any of the embodiments 7 to 13. The use of the pellet according to one of the embodiments 7 to 13, or as obtained according to the process as described in embodiment 14 as deforming aid or solidification enhancer in a thermoplastic polyurethane, preferably a thermoplastic polyurethane with a Shore hardness between 50 Shore A and 80 Shore D, more preferably between 65 Shore A and 100 Shore A. Composition (C1) comprising polybutylene terephthalate and a thermoplastic polyurethane, the thermoplastic polyurethane being the reaction product of the building components, diisocyanate, polyol and chain extender, wherein the polybutylene terephthalate is comprised in the composition (C1) between 0.01 weight-% and 10 weight- % referring to the total amount of the composition being 100 weight-%, preferably between 0.01 weight- % and 5 weight-%, more preferably between 0.01 weight-% and 3 weight-%, more preferably between 0.01 weight-% and 2.9 weight-%, more preferably between 0.01 weight-% and 2.5 weight %, more preferably between 0.01 weight-% and 2.0 weight %. Composition according to embodiment 16, wherein the number average molecular weight of the polybutylene terephthalate is between 1 x 103g / mol and 30 x 103g / mol, more preferably between 2 x 103g / mol and 20 x 103g / mol, more preferably between 2 x 103g / mol and 10 x 103g / mol. Composition according to any one of embodiments 16 or 17, wherein the composition (C1) comprises a lubricant. 19. Composition (C1) comprising polybutylene terephthalate and a thermoplastic polyurethane, the thermoplastic polyurethane being the reaction product of the building components, diisocyanate, polyol and chain extender, wherein the polybutylene terephthalate is comprised in the composition (C1) between 0.01 weight-% and 10 weight- % referring to the total amount of the composition being 100 weight-%, preferably between 0.01 weight- % and 5 weight-%, more preferably between 0.01 weight-% and 3 weight-%, more preferably between 0.01 weight-% and 2.9 weight-%, more preferably between 0.01 weight-% and 2.5 weight %, more preferably between 0.01 weight-% and 2.0 weight %, wherein the number average molecular weight of the polybutylene terephthalate is between 1 x 103g / mol and 30 x 103g / mol, more preferably between 2 x 103g / mol and 20 x 103g / mol, more preferably between 2 x 103g / mol and 10 x 103g / mol.

[0107] 20. Composition according to embodiment 18 or 19, wherein the lubricant comprises a lubricant A and a lubricant B, preferably the lubricant A has a melting point below 130 °C and the lubricant B has a melting point beyond 130 ° C, preferable the melting point of lubricant A is between 50 °C and 130 °C, more preferably between 100 °C and 125 °C and the melting point of lubricant B is beyond 130 °C and below 200 °C, more preferably beyond 135 °C and below 195 °C.

[0108] 21. Composition according to embodiment 20, wherein the lubricant A or the lubricant B or both comprise an amide structure, more preferably the lubricant A or the lubricant B or both comprise a N, N‘-ethylene bis amide.

[0109] 22. Composition according to any one of embodiments 16 to 21, wherein the composition comprises talcum.

[0110] 23. Pellet of a composition (C2) comprising a polybutylene terephthalate and a thermoplastic polyurethane, the thermoplastic polyurethane being the reaction product of the building components, diisocyanate, polyol and chain extender, wherein the polybutylene terephthalate is comprised in the composition (C2) between 10 weight-% and 80 weight-% referring to the total amount of the composition (C2) being 100 weight-%, preferably between 20 weight-% and 70 weight-%, more preferably between 30 weight-% and 60 weight-%, more preferred between 40 weight-% and 50 weight-%.

[0111] 24. Pellet according to embodiment 23, wherein the number average molecular weight of the polybutylene terephthalate is between 1 x 103g / mol and 30 x 103g / mol, more preferably between 2 x 103g / mol and 20 x 103g / mol, more preferably between 2 x 103g / mol and 10 x 103g / mol. Pellet of a composition (C2) comprising a polybutylene terephthalate and a thermoplastic polyurethane, the thermoplastic polyurethane being the reaction product of the building components, diisocyanate, polyol and chain extender, wherein the polybutylene terephthalate is comprised in the composition (C2) between 10 weight- % and 80 weight-% referring to the total amount of the composition (C2) being 100 weight-%, preferably between 20 weight-% and 70 weight-%, more preferably between 30 weight-% and 60 weight-%, more preferred between 40 weight-% and 50 weight-%. wherein the number average molecular weight of the polybutylene terephthalate is between 1 x 103g / mol and 30 x 103g / mol, more preferably between 2 x 103g / mol and 20 x 103g / mol, more preferably between 2 x 103g / mol and 10 x 103g / mol. Pellet according to any one of embodiments 23 to 25, wherein composition (C2) comprises a lubricant, wherein the lubricant is comprised in the composition (C2) in an amount between 5 weight-% and 30 weight-% referring to the total amount of the composition (C2) being 100 weight-%, preferably between 5. weight-% and 20 weight-%, more preferably between 10 weight-% and 15 weight-%. Pellet according to embodiment 26, wherein the lubricant comprises a lubricant A and a lubricant B, and the lubricant A has a melting point below 130 °C and the lubricant B has a melting point beyond 130 ° C, preferable the melting point of lubricant A is between 50 °C and 130 °, more preferably between 100 °C and 125 °C and the melting point of lubricant B is beyond 130 °C and below 200 °C, more preferably beyond 135 °C and below 195°C. Pellet according to embodiment 27, wherein the lubricant A or the lubricant B or both comprise an amide structure, more preferably the lubricant A or the lubricant B or both comprise a N, N‘-ethylene bis amide. Pellet according to any one of embodiments 23 to 28 wherein the pellet comprises talcum, preferably in an amount between 0.1 weight-% and 5 weight-% referring to the whole particle, being 100 weight-%, more preferably between 1 weight-% and 3 weight-%. Pellet according to any one of embodiments 23 to 29, wherein the number average molecular weight of the polybutylene terephthalate is between 1 x 103g / mol and 30 x 103g / mol, more preferably between 2 x 103g / mol and 20 x 103g / mol, more preferably between 2 x 103g / mol and 10 x 103g / mol.

[0112] 31 . A process for the production of a composition (C1) according to any one of embodiments 16 to 6 or a pellet according to any one of embodiments 23 to 30 comprising the following steps: a) heating a polybutylene terephthalate source in the presence of 1 ,4-butandiol to achieve a polybutylene terephthalate decomposition product; b) mixing the decomposition product with a thermoplastic polyurethane to a blend A to achieve a thermoplastic polyurethane composition (C1) according to any of embodiments 16 to 22 or mixing the decomposition product with a thermoplastic polyurethane to a blend B; c) forming the blend A to granules or forming blend B to pellets according to any of the embodiments 23 to 30.

[0113] 32. A process for the production of a composition (C1) according to any one of embodiments 16 to 22 comprising the following steps: a) heating a polybutylene terephthalate source in the presence of 1 ,4-butandiol to achieve a polybutylene terephthalate decomposition product; b) mixing the decomposition product with a thermoplastic polyurethane to a blend A to achieve a thermoplastic polyurethane composition (C1) according to any of embodiments 16 to 22; c) forming the blend A to granules.

[0114] 33. A process for the production of a pellet according to any one of embodiments 23 to 30 comprising the following steps: a) heating a polybutylene terephthalate source in the presence of 1 ,4-butandiol to achieve a polybutylene terephthalate decomposition product; b) mixing the decomposition product with a thermoplastic polyurethane to a blend B; c) forming the blend B to pellets according to any of the embodiments 23 to 30.

[0115] 34. The use of the pellet according to one of the embodiments 23 to 30, or as obtained according to the process according to any one of embodiments 31 to 33 as deforming aid or solidification enhancer in a thermoplastic polyurethane, preferably a thermoplastic polyurethane with a Shore hardness between 50 Shore A and 80 Shore D, more preferably between 65 Shore A and 100 Shore A. The following examples illustrate the invention.

[0116] Examples

[0117] Example 1 - Materials

[0118] 1 ,4-Butanediol: Butane-1,4-diol, CAS number: 110-63-4, BASF SE, 67056 Ludwigshafen, GERMANY.

[0119] Elastollan 1170A10: Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with a Shore hardness of 70A from BASF Polyurethanes GmbH, 49448 Lemforde, Germany, based on polytetrahydrofuran polyol (PTHF) with a molecular weight of 1000 g / mol, 1,4-butanediol, diphenylmethan-4,4-diisocya- nate.

[0120] Elastollan 1185A10: Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with a Shore hardness 85A from BASF Polyurethanes GmbH, 49448 Lemforde, Germany, based on polytetrahydrofuran polyol (PTHF) with a molecular weight of 1000 g / mol, 1,4-butanediol, diphenylmethan-4,4-diisocya- nate.

[0121] Elastollan 1195A10: Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with a Shore hardness 95A from BASF Polyurethanes GmbH, 49448 Lemforde, is based on polytetrahydrofuran polyol (PTHF) with a molecular weight of 1000 g / mol, 1,4-butanediol, diphenylmethan-4,4'-diisocyanate.

[0122] Elastollan C78A10: Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with a Shore hardness 78A der BASF Polyurethanes GmbH, 49448 Lemforde, is based on polyesterol with a molecular weight of 2000 g / mol, 1,4-Butandiol, Diphenylmethan-4,4'-diisocyanat.

[0123] Talc 100: Talcum from BASF SE, 67056 Ludwigshafen, Germany.

[0124] Glycolube VL: N,N'-ethane-1,2-diylbisoleamide from BASF SE, 67056 Ludwigshafen, Germany.

[0125] Loxiol EBS Spez P: Ethylene-bis-stearamide from Emery Oleochemicals GmbH, Paul- Thomas-Strasse 56, 40599 Dusseldorf, Germany. Ultradur B4500 NAT: Polymer based on polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), BASF SE, 67056 Ludwigshafen, GERMANY. Viscosity number, Solution 0,005g / ml in Phenol / 1 ,2-Dichlorbenzol (1 :1): 130 cm3 / g ISO 1628-1 (2021).

[0126] Example 2 - Preparation of PBT decomposition products

[0127] The following table 1 lists compositions of trials 1 to 5 in which the individual feedstocks are given in proportions by weight (GT). The compositions were each produced with a twin-shaft extruder type ZE 40 A from Berstorff with a process part length of 35 D, divided into 10 housings. The molar weights obtained vary with the amount of 1 ,4-butanediol, the melt temperature and the residence time.

[0128] Table 1 : Ultradur B4500 NAT is degraded with 1 ,4-butanediol. The solution viscosities were determined in 10% hexafluoro-isopropanol (HFIP) at 23°C and a shear rate of 100 [1 / s], The GPC measurement was performed with HFIP. by gel permeation chromatography according to DIN EN ISO 13885-2:2020 where instead of the solvent N, N-dimethyl acetamide (DMAC) hexafluoro isopropanol is used, and the calibration took place with polystyrene as standard.

[0129] Example 3 - Preparation of masterbatch pellets The following table lists composition of the masterbatch pellets in which the individual feedstocks are given in proportions by weight (GT). The mixtures were each produced with a twin-shaft extruder type ZE 40 A from KrausMaffei Berstorff GmbH, Hannover, Germany, with a process part length of 35 D, divided into 10 housings and processed into granules with underwater a granulation device.

[0130] Table 2: Recipe of the masterbatch pellets 1 and 2.

[0131] Example 4 - Injection moulding

[0132] Granules of the masterbatch pellets of Example 3 were dried at 90°C for 3 hours, mixed with granules of the thermoplastic polyurethane outlined in Example 1 , extruded and injection molded to test bodies. The test bodies had a cup shaped structure with an outer diameter 80 mm, height of 40 mm and a wall thickness 5 mm. For the injection molding a DEMAG Ergo- tech 200 / 500-610 was used, screw diameter 50 mm, locking force 700kN. Details of the injection molding are given in the following tables 3 to 8. The demolding force was determined using a calibrated load cell.

[0133] Table 3: Injection molding conditions for Elastollan C78A10

[0134] Table 4 - Compositions based on Elastollan C78A10:

[0135] It is shown for the Elastollan C78A10 that the addition of the masterbatch pellets leads to shorter cooling times, shorter cycle times, and lower demolding forces.

[0136] Table 5: Injection molding conditions for Elastollan 1195A10 Table 6: Compositions based on Elastollan 1195A10.

[0137] It is shown for Elastollan 1195A10 that the addition of the additives from the master batches leads to shorter cooling times, shorter cycle times, and lower demolding forces.

[0138] Table 7 - Injection molding conditions for Elastollan 1170A10

[0139] Table 8 - Compositions based on Elastollan 1170A10:

[0140] It is shown for Elastollan 1170A10 that the addition of the concentration leads to shorter cooling times, shorter cycle times, and lower demolding forces.

[0141] Literature cited

[0142] US 10927253

[0143] EP 0111682 US 20080139774

[0144] Plastics Additives Handbook, 5th Edition, H. Zweifel, ed., Hanser Publishers, Munich, 2001 ([1]),

[0145] P.98-S136

[0146] WO 94 / 20568

[0147] WO 2007 / 082838 A1 WO20 17030835

[0148] WO 2013 / 153190 A1

[0149] WO 2010 / 010010 A1

Claims

Claims1 . Composition (C1) comprising polybutylene terephthalate and a thermoplastic polyurethane, the thermoplastic polyurethane being the reaction product of the building components, diisocyanate, polyol and chain extender, wherein the polybutylene terephthalate is comprised in the composition (C1) between 0.01 weight-% and 10 weight- % referring to the total amount of the composition being 100 weight-%, preferably between 0.01 weight- % and 5 weight-%, more preferably between 0.01 weight-% and 3 weight-%, more preferably between 0.01 weight-% and 2.9 weight-%, more preferably between 0.01 weight-% and 2.5 weight %, more preferably between 0.01 weight-% and 2.0 weight %.

2. Composition according to claim 1 , wherein the number average molecular weight of the polybutylene terephthalate is between 1 x 103g / mol and 30 x 103g / mol, more preferably between 2 x 103g / mol and 20 x 103g / mol, more preferably between 2 x 103g / mol and 10 x 103g / mol.

3. Composition according to any one f claims 1 or 2, wherein the composition (C1) comprises a lubricant.

4. Composition according to claim 3, wherein the lubricant comprises a lubricant A and a lubricant B, preferably the lubricant A has a melting point below 130 °C and the lubricant B has a melting point beyond 130 ° C, preferable the melting point of lubricant A is between 50 °C and 130 °C, more preferably between 100 °C and 125 °C and the melting point of lubricant B is beyond 130 °C and below 200 °C, more preferably beyond 135 °C and below 195 °C.

5. Composition according to claim 4, wherein the lubricant A or the lubricant B or both comprise an amide structure, more preferably the lubricant A or the lubricant B or both comprise a N, N‘-ethylene bis amide.

6. Composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the composition comprises talcum.

7. Pellet of a composition (C2) comprising a polybutylene terephthalate and a thermoplastic polyurethane, the thermoplastic polyurethane being the reaction product of the building components, diisocyanate, polyol and chain extender, wherein the polybutylene tereph-thalate is comprised in the composition (C2) between 10 weight- % and 80 weight-% referring to the total amount of the composition (C2) being 100 weight-%, preferably between 20 weight-% and 70 weight-%, more preferably between 30 weight-% and 60 weight-%, more preferred between 40 weight-% and 50 weight-%.

8. Pellet according to claim 7, wherein the number average molecular weight of the polybutylene terephthalate is between 1 x 103g / mol and 30 x 103g / mol, more preferably between 2 x 103g / mol and 20 x 103g / mol, more preferably between 2 x 103g / mol and 10 x 103g / mol.

9. Pellet according to claim 7 or 8, wherein composition (C2) comprises a lubricant, wherein the lubricant is comprised in the composition (C2) in an amount between 5 weight-% and 30 weight-% referring to the total amount of the composition (C2) being 100 weight-%, preferably between 5. weight-% and 20 weight-%, more preferably between 10 weight-% and 15 weight-%.

10. Pellet according to claim 9, wherein the lubricant comprises a lubricant A and a lubricant B, and the lubricant A has a melting point below 130 °C and the lubricant B has a melting point beyond 130 ° C, preferable the melting point of lubricant A is between 50 °C and 130 °, more preferably between 100 °C and 125 °C and the melting point of lubricant B is beyond 130 °C and below 200 °C, more preferably beyond 135 °C and below 195°C.11 . Pellet according to claim 10, wherein the lubricant A or the lubricant B or both comprise an amide structure, more preferably the lubricant A or the lubricant B or both comprise a N, N‘-ethylene bis amide.

12. Pellet according to any one of claims 7 to 11 wherein the pellet comprises talcum, preferably in an amount between 0.1 weight-% and 5 weight-% referring to the whole particle, being 100 weight-%, more preferably between 1 weight-% and 3 weight-%.

13. Pellet according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the number average molecular weight of the polybutylene terephthalate is between 1 x 103g / mol and 30 x 103g / mol, more preferably between 2 x 103g / mol and 20 x 103g / mol, more preferably between 2 x 103g / mol and 10 x 103g / mol.

14. A process for the production of a composition (C1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 or a pellet according to any one of claims 7 to 13 comprising the following steps:a) heating a polybutylene terephthalate source in the presence of 1 ,4-butandiol to achieve a polybutylene terephthalate decomposition product; b) mixing the decomposition product with a thermoplastic polyurethane to a blend A to achieve a thermoplastic polyurethane composition (C1) according to any of claims 1 to 6 or mixing the decomposition product with a thermoplastic polyurethane to a blend B; c) forming the blend A to granules or forming blend B to pellets according to any of the claims 7 to 13.

15. The use of the pellet according to one of the claims 7 to 13, or as obtained according to the process according to claim 14 as deforming aid or solidification enhancer in a thermoplastic polyurethane, preferably a thermoplastic polyurethane with a Shore hardness between 50 Shore A and 80 Shore D, more preferably between 65 Shore A and 100 Shore A.

Images