Fluidity improver, resin composition, and molded article

Abstract

Provided is a fluidity improver for a thermoplastic resin, the fluidity improver containing one or more compounds represented by general formula (1). In general formula (1), R1 represents an alkyl group having 26 to 40 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 26 to 40 carbon atoms, or a group represented by general formula (2), and n represents an integer of 1 or 2. When n is 2, the plurality of R1 moieties may be the same as or different from each other. In general formula (2), R2 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, R3 represents an alkylene group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, m represents an integer so that the number average molecular weight of the group represented by general formula (2) becomes 100 to 10,000, and * indicates a bond.

Description

Flowability improver, resin composition, and molded article

[0001] The present invention relates to a flowability improver for thermoplastic resins, a resin composition containing the flowability improver and a molded article thereof, a method for producing the molded article, use of a compound having a specific structure for producing the flowability improver, and a method for improving the flowability of a thermoplastic resin.

[0002] Due to their excellent heat resistance and mechanical properties, thermoplastic resins are widely used in optical components, machine components, electronic and electrical components, automotive parts, bottles, building materials, and more. However, manufacturing parts using these thermoplastic resins requires high-temperature molding, which is known to cause thermal oxidative degradation of the resin, resulting in a decrease in molecular weight and mechanical properties. In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for smaller and lighter products, particularly in applications such as office automation equipment and home appliances, and this has led to a demand for thinner resin components. In particular, when molding thin-walled components, high fluidity is required for the resin when melted. Increased fluidity of the resin when melted reduces the shear stress of the molten resin at high shear rates, thereby reducing the load during extrusion and offering benefits such as faster molding cycles, suppressing surface roughness (melt fracture) of the extruded resin, and reducing energy consumption during molding. It also enables lower processing temperatures, which has benefits such as suppressing thermal oxidative degradation of the resin and reducing energy consumption during molding. To meet this demand for improved resin fluidity, a technique of adding a flow improver to the thermoplastic resin is known.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a flowability improver containing dialkyl acid phosphate, and describes an example in which the addition of this flowability improver improved the melt flowability of polycarbonate resins and polyester resins. Patent Document 2 proposes a polycarbonate resin composition with excellent weld appearance, and describes an example in which the addition of a flowability improver that is a copolymer of an aromatic vinyl monomer and phenyl methacrylate improved the melt flowability of polycarbonate resins. Patent Document 3 discloses a technology using a fluorine-containing polymer as a processing aid, namely, an extrudable composition comprising a thermoplastic hydrocarbon polymer, a poly(oxyalkylene) polymer, and a fluorocarbon polymer.

[0004] JP 2023-026250 A JP 2009-120789 A US4855360A

[0005] However, the flowability improver described in Patent Document 1 has room for improvement in heat resistance, and there are cases where the color tone of the resin cannot be maintained due to the thermal history during processing. Furthermore, the techniques described in Patent Documents 2 and 3 do not have a sufficient effect of improving flowability.

[0006] Furthermore, among thermoplastic resins, polyethylene resins have had the problem that it is sometimes difficult to improve the fluidity even with the conventional techniques described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 and the like.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a flowability improver that has an excellent effect of improving flowability and can effectively suppress deterioration in the color tone of a resin, or to provide a flowability improver that has an excellent effect of improving flowability for a polyethylene resin.

[0008] As a result of investigations, the present inventors have found that adding an agent containing a compound having a specific structure to a thermoplastic resin sufficiently improves the fluidity of the resin without deteriorating the color tone of the resin, and have thus completed the present invention.

[0009] According to the present invention, there is provided a flowability improver for a thermoplastic resin, which comprises one or more compounds represented by the following general formula (1): In general formula (1), R１ represents an alkyl group having 26 to 40 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 26 to 40 carbon atoms, or a group represented by the following general formula (2), and n represents an integer of 1 or 2. When n is 2, there are multiple R １ may be the same or different. In general formula (2), R ２ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, R ３ represents an alkylene group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, m represents an integer such that the number average molecular weight of the group represented by general formula (2) is 100 to 10,000, and * represents a bond.

[0010] In the flow improver of the present invention, R in the general formula (1) １ is preferably a group represented by the general formula (2). In the flow improver of the present invention, R ２ is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

[0011] In the flowability improver of the present invention, m in the general formula (2) is preferably an integer such that the number average molecular weight of the group represented by the general formula (2) is 400 to 5,000.

[0012] In the flow improver of the present invention, R in the general formula (1) １ is preferably an alkyl group having 28 to 36 carbon atoms.

[0013] The flow improver of the present invention preferably contains an acidic phosphoric acid monoester in which n is 1 in the general formula (1) and an acidic phosphoric acid diester in which n is 2 in the general formula (1).

[0014] In the flowability improver of the present invention, the content ratio of the acidic phosphoric acid monoester to the acidic phosphoric acid diester is preferably 100:1 to 100:10,000 by mass (acidic phosphoric acid monoester:acidic phosphoric acid diester).

[0015] Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a resin composition containing a thermoplastic resin and the flowability improver. In the resin composition of the present invention, it is preferable that the thermoplastic resin contains one or more selected from a polycarbonate resin, a polyester resin, a styrene-based resin, and a polyolefin resin. In the resin composition of the present invention, it is also preferable that the thermoplastic resin contains one or more selected from a styrene-based resin and a polyolefin resin.

[0016] The resin composition of the present invention preferably further contains a fibrous filler. The resin composition of the present invention preferably contains a recycled resin.

[0017] The present invention also provides a molded article obtained from the resin composition. The present invention also provides a method for producing a molded article, the method comprising a step of molding the resin composition. The present invention also provides use of a compound represented by the following general formula (1) for producing a flowability improver for a thermoplastic resin. In general formula (1), R １ represents an alkyl group having 26 to 40 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 26 to 40 carbon atoms, or a group represented by the following general formula (2), and n represents an integer of 1 or 2. When n is 2, there are multiple R １ may be the same or different. In general formula (2), R ２ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, R ３ represents an alkylene group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, m represents an integer such that the number average molecular weight of the group represented by general formula (2) is 100 to 10,000, and * represents a bond. Furthermore, according to the present invention, there can be provided a method for improving the fluidity of a thermoplastic resin, which comprises adding a compound represented by the following general formula (1) to the thermoplastic resin: In general formula (1), R １represents an alkyl group having 26 to 40 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 26 to 40 carbon atoms, or a group represented by the following general formula (2), and n represents an integer of 1 or 2. When n is 2, there are multiple R １ may be the same or different. In general formula (2), R ２ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, R ３ represents an alkylene group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, m represents an integer such that the number average molecular weight of the group represented by general formula (2) is 100 to 10,000, and * represents a bond.

[0018] According to the present invention, there is provided a flowability improver that exhibits excellent flowability improving performance while effectively suppressing deterioration in the color tone of the resin, or that exhibits excellent flowability improving effect for polyethylene resins. Furthermore, according to the present invention, there are provided a resin composition containing the flowability improver, and a molded article obtained from the resin composition.

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. <Use of a flowability improver, a compound represented by general formula (1), and a method for improving the flowability of a thermoplastic resin>

[0020] The flowability improver of the present invention is an agent to be added to a thermoplastic resin. Examples of the thermoplastic resin include those exemplified as the thermoplastic resin contained in the resin composition described below. The flowability improver of the present invention contains, as an active ingredient, one or more compounds represented by the following general formula (1): In general formula (1), R １ represents an alkyl group having 26 to 40 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 26 to 40 carbon atoms, or a group represented by the following general formula (2), and n represents an integer of 1 or 2. When n is 2, two R １ may be the same or different. In general formula (2), R ２ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, R ３ represents an alkylene group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, m represents an integer such that the number average molecular weight of the group represented by general formula (2) is 100 to 10,000, and * represents a bond.

[0021] R in general formula (1) １ Examples of the alkyl group having 26 to 40 carbon atoms that R can take include linear or branched alkyl groups such as a hexacosyl group, an octacosyl group, a triacontyl group, a dotriacontyl group, a hextriacontyl group, a tetracontyl group, a 2-decylhexadecyl group, a 2-dodecylhexadecyl group, a 2-decyloctadecyl group, a 2-tetradecyloctadecyl group, a 2-hexadecyloctadecyl group, a 2-tetradecyleicosyl group, and a 2-hexadecyleicosyl group. １ Examples of the alkenyl group having 26 to 40 carbon atoms that may be represented by include linear, branched, or cyclic alkenyl groups such as a hexacosenyl group, an octacosenyl group, a triacontenyl group, a dotriacontenyl group, a hexatriacontenyl group, a tetracontenyl group, a 2-dodecylhexadecenyl group, a 2-dodecyloctadecenyl group, a 3-cyclohexenyl group, a 2,5-cyclohexadienyl-1-methyl group, and a 4,8,12-tetradecatrienylallyl group. The position of the double bond in the alkenyl group may be the α-position, an internal position, or the ω-position.

[0022] R in general formula (2) ２ Examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms that may be taken by include linear or branched alkyl groups such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, tert-pentyl, hexyl, isohexyl, tert-hexyl, heptyl, isoheptyl, tert-heptyl, octyl, isooctyl, tert-octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, nonyl, isononyl, decyl, isodecyl, 2-propylheptyl, undecyl, isoundecyl, dodecyl, isododecyl, tridecyl, isotridecyl, tetradecyl, hexadecyl, and octadecyl.

[0023] R in general formula (2) ２As the group, an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms is preferred, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms is more preferred, a methyl group or an ethyl group is even more preferred, and a methyl group is particularly preferred. This improves the heat resistance and fluidity improving performance of the flowability improver of the present invention.

[0024] R in general formula (2) ３ Examples of alkylene groups having 2 to 6 carbon atoms that R can take include linear or branched alkylene groups such as ethylene, 1,2-propylene, 1,3-propylene, 1,2-butylene, 1,3-butylene, 1,4-butylene, 1,5-pentylene, and 1,6-hexylene. ３ As the alkylene group, an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms is preferred, an alkylene group having 2 to 3 carbon atoms is more preferred, and an ethylene group is even more preferred. This improves the heat resistance and fluidity improving performance of the flowability improver of the present invention.

[0025] In general formula (2), m is an integer such that the number average molecular weight of the group represented by general formula (2) is 100 or more, preferably an integer such that the number average molecular weight of the group represented by general formula (2) is 400 or more, more preferably an integer such that the number average molecular weight of the group represented by general formula (2) is 800 or more, even more preferably an integer such that the number average molecular weight of the group represented by general formula (2) is 1,000 or more, and particularly preferably an integer such that the number average molecular weight of the group represented by general formula (2) is 1,500 or more. This results in the flowability improver of the present invention having an even better balance between heat resistance and flowability improving performance. On the other hand, m in the general formula (2) is an integer such that the number average molecular weight of the group represented by the general formula (2) is 10,000 or less, preferably an integer such that the number average molecular weight of the group represented by the general formula (2) is 5,000 or less, more preferably an integer such that the number average molecular weight of the group represented by the general formula (2) is 4,500 or less, even more preferably an integer such that the number average molecular weight of the group represented by the general formula (2) is 3,500 or less, and particularly preferably an integer such that the number average molecular weight of the group represented by the general formula (2) is 2,500 or less. This further improves the heat resistance and fluidity improving performance of the flowability improver of the present invention.

[0026] The number average molecular weight (Mn) of the group represented by general formula (2) can be measured by the following method. <Method for measuring the number average molecular weight of the group represented by general formula (2)> In a chromatogram obtained by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) measurement of the compound represented by general formula (1), the number average molecular weight (Mn) of the acidic phosphate monoester is determined using a calibration curve prepared using polystyrene or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) standard substances for the peak derived from the acidic phosphate monoester. １ ) is calculated. １ The number average molecular weight (Mn) of the group represented by general formula (2) is calculated from the following formula (i): Mn = Mn １ −80 (i)

[0027] The GPC measurement conditions may be, for example, as follows: Column: SHODEX LF-804 Mobile phase: chloroform Detector: differential refractive index detector Flow rate: 0.5 mL / min Column temperature: 40°C

[0028] R in general formula (1) １ As the group, an alkyl group having 26 to 40 carbon atoms or a group represented by general formula (2) is preferred, and a group represented by general formula (2) is more preferred, in terms of achieving an excellent balance between the heat resistance and fluidity improving performance of the flowability improver of the present invention.

[0029] R in general formula (1) １ From the viewpoint of the heat resistance of the flow improver, R preferably has 26 or more carbon atoms, more preferably 28 or more, and particularly preferably 30 or more. From the viewpoint of the flow improver performance, R preferably has 40 or less carbon atoms, more preferably 36 or less. １ When R is an alkyl group, the above range of carbon atoms is preferred. １ From the viewpoint of the heat resistance of the flowability improver of the present invention, the alkyl group is preferably an alkyl group having 26 or more carbon atoms, more preferably an alkyl group having 28 or more carbon atoms, and even more preferably an alkyl group having 30 or more carbon atoms. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of flowability improvement performance, an alkyl group having 40 or less carbon atoms is preferred, and an alkyl group having 36 or less carbon atoms is more preferred.

[0030] The compound represented by general formula (1) may be an acidic phosphate monoester in which n in general formula (1) is 1, or an acidic phosphate diester in which n in general formula (1) is 2. While an acidic phosphate monoester or an acidic phosphate diester may be used alone, it is preferable to contain an acidic phosphate monoester and an acidic phosphate diester in terms of the heat resistance and fluidity improving performance of the flow improver of the present invention. In this case, the content ratio of the acidic phosphate monoester to the acidic phosphate diester, in terms of mass ratio (acidic phosphate monoester:acidic phosphate diester), is preferably 100:1 to 100:10,000, more preferably 100:3 to 100:500, even more preferably 100:5 to 100:100, and particularly preferably 100:40 to 100:100. This further improves the heat resistance and fluidity improving performance of the flow improver of the present invention. The mass ratio of the acidic phosphate monoester to the acidic phosphate diester can be measured by analysis using a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer.

[0031] When n in the general formula (1) is 2, two R １ may be the same or different, but are preferably the same. This further improves the heat resistance and fluidity improving performance of the flow improver of the present invention. As a method for producing the compound represented by general formula (1), a conventionally known method can be used. For example, １ It can be obtained by reacting the corresponding alcohol with diphosphorus pentoxide.

[0032] When the flow improver contains an acidic phosphoric acid monoester where n=1 and an acidic phosphoric acid diester where n=2 as the compound represented by the general formula (1), R １ and acidic phosphate diester R １ and R of the acidic phosphate monoester are both alkyl groups, or １ and acidic phosphate diester R １ and R of the acidic phosphoric acid monoester are preferably groups represented by general formula (2). １ and acidic phosphate diester R １When both R and R are alkyl groups, the difference in the number of carbon atoms between them is preferably 5 or less, more preferably 3 or less, and particularly preferably 1 or less. １ and acidic phosphate diester R １ When both R and R are groups represented by general formula (2), it is preferable that their number molecular weights are close to each other. For example, the difference in number molecular weight between the two is preferably 500 or less, more preferably 300 or less, particularly preferably 100 or less, and even more preferably 50 or less. １ and acidic phosphate diester R １ The difference in the number of carbon atoms and molecular weight is due to the difference in the number of R １ At least one of the two R of the acidic phosphate diester is satisfied. １ It is more preferable to satisfy both of the above.

[0033] More specifically, the compound represented by the general formula (1) contained in the flow improver of the present invention includes compounds represented by the following formulas (3) and (4), although the present invention is not limited to these compounds. In formulas (3) and (4), n represents an integer of 1 or 2. In formula (3), m represents an integer such that the number-average molecular weight of the structural portion in the brackets is 100 to 10,000. The compound represented by general formula (1) contained in the flow improver of the present invention is preferably one or more compounds selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (3) and compounds represented by formula (4). Among these, one or more compounds selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (3) are more preferred, and compounds represented by formula (3) in which m represents an integer such that the number-average molecular weight of the structural portion in the brackets is 400 to 5,000 are even more preferred. This results in an excellent balance between heat resistance and flow improvement effect of the flow improver of the present invention.

[0034] The flowability improver of the present invention may contain a single compound represented by the general formula (1), or may contain a mixture of two or more compounds represented by the general formula (1). The flowability improver of the present invention preferably contains 50% by mass or more of the compound represented by the general formula (1), more preferably 60% by mass or more, even more preferably 70% by mass or more, even more preferably 80% by mass or more, particularly preferably 90% by mass or more, and may even be 100% by mass. In addition, components other than the compound represented by the general formula (1) that the flowability improver of the present invention may contain include unreacted substances during the synthesis of the compound, and may also contain other optional components that can be blended into the resin composition described below, if necessary.

[0035] According to the present disclosure, the flowability improver of the present invention exhibits excellent effects of imparting fluidity to resins and maintaining their color tone. The reason for this effect is unclear, but is presumed to be as follows. The compound represented by the general formula (1) has a highly polar phosphate group and a phosphate ester group, as well as a less polar hydrocarbon group and a polyoxyalkylene chain. Due to this structure, the compound is not completely miscible with the resin during melt processing, acting as an external lubricant and reducing the shear stress the resin receives from the wall of the processing machine, thereby exhibiting an excellent flowability improving effect. Furthermore, the compound represented by the general formula (1) has high thermal stability and does not thermally decompose during melt processing of the resin, thereby exhibiting its function without causing discoloration of the resin. Furthermore, while resins may be hydrolyzed due to the catalytic action of metal components during melt processing, the compound represented by the general formula (1) has a phosphate group in its structure, which captures trace amounts of metal components present in the resin and suppresses hydrolysis of the resin, thereby exhibiting an excellent color tone maintaining effect. Furthermore, when the compound represented by the general formula (1) is added to a resin, the deterioration of the physical properties of the resin, such as impact resistance, due to decomposition of the resin, is unlikely to occur.

[0036] <Resin Composition> The resin composition of the present invention contains a thermoplastic resin and the above-mentioned fluidity improver. The content of the fluidity improver in the resin composition of the present invention is preferably 0.01 parts by mass or more, more preferably 0.03 parts by mass or more, even more preferably 0.08 parts by mass or more, and particularly preferably 0.15 parts by mass or more, relative to 100 parts by mass of the resin composition. This allows the resin composition of the present invention to more effectively exhibit its excellent fluidity improving effect. On the other hand, the content of the fluidity improver is preferably 10 parts by mass or less, more preferably 7 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 4 parts by mass or less, relative to 100 parts by mass of the resin composition. This suppresses bleeding on the surface of the molded article, allowing a molded article with a good appearance to be obtained. Furthermore, the content of the fluidity improver is preferably 0.01 parts by mass or more, more preferably 0.03 parts by mass or more, even more preferably 0.08 parts by mass or more, and particularly preferably 0.15 parts by mass or more, relative to 100 parts by mass of the thermoplastic resin. This allows the resin composition of the present invention to more effectively exhibit its excellent fluidity improving effect. On the other hand, the content of the flowability improver is preferably 10 parts by mass or less, more preferably 7 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 4 parts by mass or less, relative to 100 parts by mass of the thermoplastic resin. This suppresses bleeding on the surface of the molded article, allowing a molded article with good appearance to be obtained. In this specification, the amount of the compound represented by general formula (1) can be considered as the amount of the flowability improver.

[0037] Examples of the thermoplastic resin include polyolefin resins, styrene-based resins, polyester resins, polycarbonate resins, polysulfide resins, polyamide resins, polyether resins, halogen-containing resins, etc. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0038] Further examples of the thermoplastic resin include thermoplastic resins such as petroleum resins, coumarone resins, polyvinyl acetate, acrylic resins, polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl formal, polyvinyl butyral, polyurethane, cellulose resins, polyimide resins, polysulfones, and liquid crystal polymers, and blends thereof.

[0039] The thermoplastic resin may be an elastomer. Examples of thermoplastic elastomers include isoprene rubber, butadiene rubber, ethylene-propylene rubber, ethylene-propylene-diene rubber, acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer rubber, styrene-butadiene copolymer rubber, olefin-based elastomers, styrene-based elastomers, polyester-based elastomers, nitrile-based elastomers, nylon-based elastomers, vinyl chloride-based elastomers, polyamide-based elastomers, and polyurethane-based elastomers. The thermoplastic elastomer may be used in combination with a thermoplastic non-elastomer. When used in combination, the amount of the thermoplastic elastomer is, for example, preferably 1 to 100 parts by mass, more preferably 11 to 67 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of the thermoplastic non-elastomer.

[0040] Examples of the polyolefin resin include α-olefin polymers such as polypropylene, high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene, polybutene-1, poly3-methylpentene, poly4-methylpentene, ethylene / propylene block copolymers, and ethylene / propylene random copolymers. Examples of the styrene-based resin include crystalline polystyrene-based resins and amorphous styrene-based resins. Examples of crystalline polystyrene resins include syndiotactic polystyrene and isotactic polystyrene. Examples of amorphous polystyrene-based resins include rubber-modified polystyrene-based resins and non-rubber-modified amorphous polystyrene-based resins. Rubber-modified polystyrene-based resins are also called styrene-based elastomers, and examples include acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymers (ABS resins) and methyl methacrylate-butadiene-styrene copolymers (MBS resins). Examples of non-rubber-modified amorphous polystyrene-based resins include methyl methacrylate-styrene copolymers (MS resins) and acrylonitrile-methyl acrylate-styrene copolymers (AAS resins). The styrene resin is preferably a rubber-modified polystyrene resin.

[0041] Examples of the polysulfide resin include polyphenylene sulfide. Examples of the polyamide resin include polyhexamethylene adipamide. Examples of the polyester resin include polyalkylene terephthalate, polyalkylene naphthalate, and degradable aliphatic polyester. Examples of polyalkylene terephthalate include polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polytetramethylene terephthalate, and polycyclohexanedimethylene terephthalate. Examples of polyalkylene naphthalate include polyethylene naphthalate and polybutylene naphthalate. Examples of degradable aliphatic polyester include polyhydroxybutyrate, polycaprolactone, polybutylene succinate, polyethylene succinate, polylactic acid, polymalic acid, polyglycolic acid, polydioxane, and poly(2-oxetanone).

[0042] The polycarbonate resin is a resin having a carbonate bond and is obtained, for example, by the polymerization reaction of a divalent hydroxy aromatic compound with a carbonate precursor. Examples of the divalent hydroxy aromatic compound include dihydroxybenzenes, bishydroxyaryls, bis(hydroxyaryl)alkanes, dihydroxyaryl ketones, dihydroxyaryl ethers, dihydroxyaryl sulfur compounds, and phenolphthalein. Examples of dihydroxybenzenes include resorcinol and hydroquinone. Examples of bishydroxyaryls include 4,4'-dihydroxydiphenyl. Examples of bis(hydroxyaryl)alkanes include bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)methane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane, 1,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenoxy)ethane, and 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane. Examples of dihydroxyaryl ketones include bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ketone and bis(4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)ketone. Examples of dihydroxyaryl ethers include 4,4'-dihydroxydiphenyl ether, 4,4'-dihydroxy-3,3'-dimethylphenyl ether, and 4,4'-dihydroxy-2,5-dihydroxydiphenyl ether. Examples of dihydroxyaryl sulfur compounds include 4,4'-thiodiphenol, bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)sulfide, 4,4'-dihydroxy-3,3'-dimethyldiphenyl sulfide, 4,4'-dihydroxy-3,3'-dimethyldiphenyl sulfoxide, 4,4'-dihydroxy-3,3'-dimethyldiphenyl sulfoxide, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)sulfone, 4,4'-dihydroxydiphenyl sulfone, and 4,4'-dihydroxy-3,3'-dimethyldiphenyl sulfone. These compounds may be used alone or in combination, and may also be used in combination with a polyvalent hydroxy aromatic compound having three or more hydroxy groups.

[0043] Specific preferred examples of the carbonate precursor include phosgene, carbonic acid diesters, diphenyl carbonate, dihaloformates of dihydric phenols, and mixtures thereof.

[0044] Among these thermoplastic resins, one or more selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate resins, polyester resins, styrene-based resins, and polyolefin resins are preferred in order to more effectively demonstrate the fluidity improving performance of the flowability improver. When the thermoplastic resin contains one or more selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate resins, polyester resins, styrene-based resins, and polyolefin resins, the proportion of one or more selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate resins, polyester resins, styrene-based resins, and polyolefin resins in the thermoplastic resin is preferably 50% by mass or more, more preferably 70% by mass or more. In particular, the thermoplastic resin preferably contains one or more selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate resins, polyester resins, and polyolefin resins in order to more effectively demonstrate the fluidity improving performance of the flowability improver. In particular, the thermoplastic resin preferably contains one or more selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate resins, polyester resins, and polyolefin resins in the thermoplastic resin, and in particular, the proportion of one or more selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate resins, polyester resins, and polyolefin resins in the thermoplastic resin is preferably 50% by mass or more, more preferably 70% by mass or more. It is also preferred to use one or more non-elastomers selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate resins, polyester resins, and polyolefin resins in combination with a thermoplastic elastomer (particularly a styrene-based elastomer), and it is particularly preferred to use a polycarbonate resin in combination with a styrene-based elastomer. When used in combination, the preferred quantitative ratio of the thermoplastic elastomer to the thermoplastic non-elastomer is as described above.

[0045] Among the thermoplastic resins, it is also preferable to contain one or more selected from the group consisting of styrene-based resins and polyolefin resins, as this allows the flowability improver to more effectively exhibit its flowability improving properties. In particular, it is preferable that the proportion of one or more selected from the group consisting of styrene-based resins in the thermoplastic resin is 25% by mass or more. Furthermore, it is more preferable that the proportion of one or more selected from the group consisting of polyolefin resins in the thermoplastic resin is 50% by mass or more, and even more preferable that it is 70% by mass or more. For the styrene-based resin, the flowability improver can particularly effectively exhibit the effect of exhibiting excellent flowability improving properties while effectively suppressing deterioration of the resin color tone. Furthermore, while polyethylene resin, one type of polyolefin resin, has sometimes been difficult to improve in flowability using conventional techniques, the flowability improver can also exhibit excellent flowability improving properties for polyethylene resin.

[0046] When the resin composition of the present invention contains a polyester resin, the polyester resin is preferably a polyalkylene terephthalate, more preferably one or more selected from polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate, in order to more effectively exhibit flowability improving performance. When the resin composition of the present invention contains a polyolefin resin, the polyolefin resin is preferably one or more selected from polypropylene, high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene, ethylene / propylene block copolymer, and ethylene / propylene random copolymer, in order to more effectively exhibit flowability improving performance, more preferably one or more selected from polypropylene, high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, and linear low-density polyethylene. For polypropylene among polyolefin resins, the flowability improver can be particularly effective in exhibiting excellent flowability improving performance while effectively suppressing deterioration of the color tone of the resin.

[0047] These thermoplastic resins can be used regardless of molecular weight, degree of polymerization, polymerization method, density, softening point, proportion of insoluble matter in solvent, degree of stereoregularity, presence or absence of catalyst residue, types and blending ratios of raw material monomers, type of polymerization catalyst, etc. The thermoplastic resin may also be alloyed.

[0048] The content of the thermoplastic resin in the resin composition of the present invention is preferably 90 parts by mass or more, more preferably 93 parts by mass or more, and even more preferably 95 parts by mass or more, relative to 100 parts by mass of the resin composition of the present invention. This allows the inherent physical properties of the thermoplastic resin to be fully exhibited. On the other hand, the content of the thermoplastic resin in the resin composition of the present invention is preferably 99.9 parts by mass or less, more preferably 99.7 parts by mass or less, even more preferably 99.5 parts by mass or less, and particularly preferably 99 parts by mass or less, relative to 100 parts by mass of the resin composition of the present invention. This allows the resin composition of the present invention to contain a flowability improver in an amount necessary to exhibit flowability.

[0049] The thermoplastic resin may be a recycled resin. The recycled resin is a resin regenerated from a used resin product. This reduces carbon dioxide emissions and conserves resources, thereby reducing the environmental impact.

[0050] The resin composition of the present invention may contain other optional components in addition to the flowability improver. The timing of mixing the flowability improver and other optional components with the thermoplastic resin is not particularly limited. For example, two or more components selected from the components other than the thermoplastic resin may be premixed and then blended with the thermoplastic resin, or each component other than the thermoplastic resin may be blended sequentially with the thermoplastic resin. When premixing multiple components, each component may be pulverized and then mixed, or mixed and then pulverized. When the thermoplastic resin is a polymer alloy, each component other than the thermoplastic resin may be added to a compound resin that has already been alloyed, or may be added during the alloying process. The flowability improver and thermoplastic resin may be mixed by mixing the entire amount of the thermoplastic resin to be mixed with the flowability improver. Alternatively, the flowability improver and a portion of the thermoplastic resin may be premixed to prepare a masterbatch, and then the masterbatch may be mixed with the remaining thermoplastic resin. The masterbatch may also contain the other optional components. The content of the flow improver in the masterbatch can be 1 part by mass or more, and can be 10 parts by mass or more and 90 parts by mass or less, per 100 parts by mass of the masterbatch.

[0051] Other optional components that can be blended into the resin composition of the present invention will be described below. It is preferable to add a phenolic antioxidant, a phosphorus-based antioxidant, a thioether-based antioxidant, an ultraviolet absorber, a hindered amine-based light stabilizer, or the like to the resin composition of the present invention as needed to stabilize the resin composition.

[0052] Examples of the phenolic antioxidant include 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-cresol, 2,6-diphenyl-4-octadecyloxyphenol, distearyl(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)phosphonate, 1,6-hexamethylenebis[(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid amide], 4,4'-thiobis(6-tert-butyl-m-cresol), 2,2'-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol), 2,2'-methylenebis(4-ethyl-6- tert-butylphenol), 4,4'-butylidenebis(6-tert-butyl-m-cresol), 2,2'-ethylidenebis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenol), 2,2'-ethylidenebis(4-sec-butyl-6-tert-butylphenol), 1,1,3-tris(2-methyl-4-hydroxy-5-tert-butylphenyl)butane, 1,3,5-tris(2,6-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-4-tert-butylbenzyl)isocyanurate, 1,3,5-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl) diethyl) isocyanurate, 1,3,5-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)-2,4,6-trimethylbenzene, 2-tert-butyl-4-methyl-6-(2-acryloyloxy-3-tert-butyl-5-methylbenzyl)phenol, stearyl (3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate, tetrakis[3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)methyl propionate]methane, thiodiethylene glycol bis[(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4- hydroxyphenyl)propionate], 1,6-hexamethylenebis[(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate], bis[3,3-bis(4-hydroxy-3-tert-butylphenyl)butylic acid]glycol ester, bis[2-tert-butyl-4-methyl-6-(2-hydroxy-3-tert-butyl-5-methylbenzyl)phenyl]terephthalate, 1,3,5-tris[(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionyloxyethyl]isocyanurate, 3,Examples of suitable phenolic antioxidants include 9-bis[1,1-dimethyl-2-{(3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)propionyloxy}ethyl]-2,4,8,10-tetraoxaspiro[5,5]undecane and triethylene glycol bis[(3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)propionate]. These phenolic antioxidants may be used alone or in combination of two or more. From the viewpoint of antioxidant effect, the content of the phenolic antioxidant is preferably 0.001 to 10 parts by mass, and more preferably 0.05 to 5 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of the thermoplastic resin.

[0053] Examples of the phosphorus-based antioxidant include tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphite, trisnonylphenyl phosphite, tris[2-tert-butyl-4-(3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-5-methylphenylthio)-5-methylphenyl]phosphite, tridecyl phosphite, octyldiphenyl phosphite, didecylmonophenyl phosphite, bis(tridecyl)pentaerythritol diphosphite, and bis(nonylphenyl)pentaerythritol. diphosphite, bis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)pentaerythritol diphosphite, bis(2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenyl)pentaerythritol diphosphite, bis(2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenyl)pentaerythritol diphosphite, bis(2,4-dicumylphenyl)pentaerythritol diphosphite, tetrakis(tridecyl)isopropylidenediphenol diphosphite, tetrakis(tridecyl)-4,4'- n-Butylidenebis(2-tert-butyl-5-methylphenol)diphosphite, hexakis(tridecyl)-1,1,3-tris(2-methyl-4-hydroxy-5-tert-butylphenyl)butane triphosphite, tetrakis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)biphenylene diphosphonite, 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide, 2,2'-methylenebis(4,6-tert-butylphenyl)-2-ethylhexylphosphite phosphite, 2,2'-methylenebis(4,6-tert-butylphenyl)-octadecyl phosphite, 2,2'-ethylidenebis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenyl)fluorophosphite, tris(2-[(2,4,8,10-tetrakis-tert-butyldibenzo[d,f][1,3,2]dioxaphosphepin-6-yl)oxy]ethyl)amine, phosphite of 2-ethyl-2-butylpropylene glycol and 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenol, and the like. These phosphorus-based antioxidants may be used alone or in combination of two or more.From the viewpoint of antioxidant effect, the content of the phosphorus-based antioxidant is preferably 0.001 to 10 parts by mass, and more preferably 0.05 to 5 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of the thermoplastic resin.

[0054] Examples of the thioether-based antioxidant include dialkyl thiodipropionates such as dilauryl thiodipropionate, dimyristyl thiodipropionate, and distearyl thiodipropionate, and pentaerythritol tetrakis(β-alkylmercaptopropionates). These thioether-based antioxidants may be used alone or in combination of two or more. From the viewpoint of antioxidant effect, the content of the thioether-based antioxidant is preferably 0.001 to 10 parts by mass, and more preferably 0.05 to 5 parts by mass, relative to 100 parts by mass of the thermoplastic resin.

[0055] Examples of the ultraviolet absorber include 2-hydroxybenzophenones such as 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, 2-hydroxy-4-octoxybenzophenone, and 5,5'-methylenebis(2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone); 2-(2'-hydroxy-5'-methylphenyl)benzotriazole, 2-(2'-hydroxy-3',5'-di-tert-butylphenyl)-5-chlorobenzotriazole, and 2-(2'-hydroxy-3'-tert-butylphenyl)-5-chlorobenzotriazole. 2-(2'-hydroxyphenyl)benzotriazoles such as 2-(2'-hydroxy-5'-tert-octylphenyl)-5-chlorobenzotriazole, 2-(2'-hydroxy-5'-tert-octylphenyl)benzotriazole, 2-(2'-hydroxy-3',5'-dicumylphenyl)benzotriazole, 2,2'-methylenebis(4-tert-octyl-6-(benzotriazolyl)phenol), and 2-(2'-hydroxy-3'-tert-butyl-5'-carboxyphenyl)benzotriazole; phenyl salicylate , resorcinol monobenzoate, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl-3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate, 2,4-di-tert-amylphenyl-3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate, hexadecyl-3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate, and other benzoates; substituted oxanilides such as 2-ethyl-2'-ethoxyoxanilide and 2-ethoxy-4'-dodecyloxanilide; ethyl-α-cyano-β,β-diphenylacrylate and triaryltriazines such as 2-(2-hydroxy-4-octoxyphenyl)-4,6-bis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)-s-triazine, 2-(2-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-4,6-diphenyl-s-triazine, and 2-(2-hydroxy-4-propoxy-5-methylphenyl)-4,6-bis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)-s-triazine. These ultraviolet absorbers may be used alone or in combination of two or more.From the viewpoint of ultraviolet absorbing effect, the content of the ultraviolet absorber is preferably 0.001 to 30 parts by mass, more preferably 0.05 to 10 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of the thermoplastic resin.

[0056] Examples of the hindered amine light stabilizer include 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl stearate, 1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl stearate, 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl benzoate, bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)sebacate, bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)sebacate, tetrakis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylate, tetrakis(1,2,2 ,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)-1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylate, bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl) bis(tridecyl)-1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylate, bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl) bis(tridecyl)-1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylate, bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl) bis(tridecyl)-1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylate, bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)-2-butyl-2-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)malonate, 1-(2-hydroxybenzyl)- polycondensation product of 1,6-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinol) / diethyl succinate, polycondensation product of 1,6-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidylamino)hexane / 2,4-dichloro-6-morpholino-s-triazine, polycondensation product of 1,6-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidylamino)hexane / 2,4-dichloro-6-tert-octylamino-s-triazine, polycondensation product of 1,5,8,12-tetrakis[2,4-bis(N-butyl-N-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)amino]hexane / 2,4-dichloro-6-tert-octylamino-s-triazine, 1,5,8,12-tetraazadodecane, 1,5,8,12-tetrakis[2,4-bis(N-butyl-N-(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)amino)-s-triazin-6-yl]-1,5,8-12-tetraazadodecane, 1,6,11-tris[2,4-bis(N-butyl-N-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)amino)-s-triazin-6-yl]aminoundecane, 1,6,11-tris[2,4-bis(N-butyl-N-(1,2,2,6,Examples of the hindered amine light stabilizer include bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-octyloxy-4-piperidyl)amino)-s-triazin-6-yl)aminoundecane, bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-octyloxy-4-piperidyl)decanedioate, bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-undecyloxypiperidin-4-yl)carbonate, and TINUVIN NOR 371 manufactured by BASF. These hindered amine light stabilizers may be used alone or in combination of two or more. From the viewpoint of light stabilization effect, the content of the hindered amine light stabilizer is preferably 0.001 to 30 parts by mass, and more preferably 0.05 to 10 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of the thermoplastic resin.

[0057] When the resin composition of the present invention contains a polyolefin resin, it is preferable to further add a known neutralizing agent to the resin composition of the present invention as necessary to neutralize residual catalyst in the polyolefin resin. Examples of the neutralizing agent include fatty acid metal salts such as calcium stearate, lithium stearate, and sodium stearate; fatty acid amide compounds such as ethylene bis(stearamide), ethylene bis(12-hydroxystearamide), and stearamide; and inorganic compounds such as hydrotalcite. These neutralizing agents may be used alone or in combination of two or more. From the viewpoint of neutralization effect, the content of the neutralizing agent is preferably 0.001 to 3 parts by mass, more preferably 0.01 to 1 part by mass, per 100 parts by mass of the polyolefin resin.

[0058] The resin composition of the present invention preferably further contains a fibrous filler, if necessary. This can improve the physical properties of the resin. Various inorganic fibrous fillers and organic fibrous fillers can be used as the fibrous filler. Examples of inorganic fibrous fillers include glass fibers, asbestos fibers, carbon fibers such as carbon nanofibers, graphite fibers, metal fibers, potassium titanate whiskers, aluminum borate whiskers, magnesium whiskers, silicon whiskers, wollastonite, sepiolite, asbestos, slag fibers, zonolite, elestadite, gypsum fibers, silica fibers, silica-alumina fibers, zirconia fibers, boron nitride fibers, silicon nitride fibers, and boron fibers. Examples of organic fibrous fillers include polyester fibers, nylon fibers, acrylic fibers, cellulose fibers such as cellulose nanofibers, acetate fibers, kenaf, ramie, cotton, jute, hemp, sisal, flax, linen, silk, Manila hemp, sugarcane, wood pulp, paper waste, waste paper, wool, bamboo fibers, etc. As the fibrous filler, glass fibers, carbon fibers, and cellulose fibers are preferred, and glass fibers and cellulose fibers are more preferred, from the viewpoint of the effect of improving the resin properties.

[0059] The fibrous filler may contain a sizing agent for sizing the fibers. Examples of sizing agents include polypropylene resin, polyurethane resin, polyester resin, acrylic resin, epoxy resin, starch, vegetable oil, etc. The content of the fibrous filler in the resin composition of the present invention is preferably 1 to 50 parts by mass, more preferably 5 to 40 parts by mass, and even more preferably 10 to 30 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of the total mass of the resin composition, from the viewpoint of improving processability and resin physical properties.

[0060] If necessary, the resin composition of the present invention may further contain additives that are commonly used in thermoplastic resins, such as crosslinking agents, antistatic agents, antifogging agents, anti-plate-out agents, surface treatment agents, plasticizers, lubricants, reinforcing agents, nucleating agents, flame retardants, flame retardant assistants, fluorescent agents, antifungal agents, bactericides, foaming agents, metal deactivators, mold release agents, silicone oils, silane coupling agents, fillers, hydrotalcites, metal soaps, pigments, dyes, etc., within the range that does not impair the effects of the present invention.

[0061] The form of the resin composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of the handleability of the resin composition, it is preferably in the form of pellets, powder, granules, or flakes, and more preferably in the form of pellets. The resin composition of the present invention can be used alone or in combination with compositions other than the present invention, additive components, or mixtures thereof for molding, etc. The resin composition of the present invention can also be used as a masterbatch.

[0062] <Molded Article, Method for Producing Molded Article> The molded article of the present invention can be obtained by molding the resin composition of the present invention by a known method. The method for producing a molded article of the present invention includes a step of molding the resin composition of the present invention (molding step). The molding method is not particularly limited, and examples include extrusion molding, calendar molding, injection molding, roll molding, compression molding, and blow molding. These molding methods can be used to produce molded articles of various shapes, such as resin plates, sheets, films, pellets, and irregularly shaped articles.

[0063] The resin composition of the present invention and molded articles thereof can be used in a wide range of industrial fields, including electricity, electronics, and communications, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, mining, construction, food, textiles, clothing, medicine, coal, petroleum, rubber, leather, automobiles, precision instruments, wood, building materials, civil engineering, furniture, printing, and musical instruments. More specifically, they can be used in office automation equipment such as printers, personal computers, word processors, keyboards, PDAs (personal digital assistants), telephones, copiers, facsimiles, ECRs (electronic cash registers), calculators, electronic organizers, cards, holders, and stationery, home appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators, vacuum cleaners, microwave ovens, lighting fixtures, game consoles, irons, and kotatsu tables, audio-visual equipment such as TVs, VTRs, video cameras, radio-cassette players, tape recorders, minidiscs, CD players, speakers, and liquid crystal displays, and electrical and electronic components and communication equipment such as connectors, relays, capacitors, switches, printed circuit boards, coil bobbins, semiconductor encapsulating materials, LED encapsulating materials, electric wires, cables, transformers, deflection yokes, distribution boards, and clocks. The resin composition of the present invention and its molded article can also be used for optical materials such as optical disks, CD disks, DVD disks, and lenses, or as a glass substitute. Furthermore, the resin composition of the present invention and its molded article can be used for seats (padding, surface, etc.), belts, ceiling coverings, convertible tops, armrests, door trims, rear package trays, carpets, mats, sun visors, wheel covers, mattress covers, airbags, insulating materials, hand straps, hand straps, wire covering materials, electrical insulating materials, paints, coating materials, covering materials, flooring materials, partition walls, carpets, wallpaper, wall coverings, exterior materials, interior materials, roofing materials, deck materials, wall materials, It is used for a variety of purposes, including materials for automobiles, vehicles, ships and aircraft, such as pillars, floor boards, fence materials, frames and moldings, window and door profiles, shingles, paneling, terraces, balconies, soundproofing boards, heat insulating boards, window materials, etc., as well as materials for buildings, houses and construction and civil engineering materials; clothing, curtains, sheets, plywood, synthetic fiber boards, carpets, entrance mats, sheets, buckets, hoses, containers, glasses, bags, cases, goggles, skis, rackets, tents, musical instruments, and other daily necessities and sporting goods.

[0064] <Others> The present disclosure includes the following aspects.

[0065] [1] A flowability improver for a thermoplastic resin, comprising one or more compounds represented by the following general formula (1): In general formula (1), R １ represents an alkyl group having 26 to 40 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 26 to 40 carbon atoms, or a group represented by the following general formula (2), and n represents an integer of 1 or 2. When n is 2, there are multiple R １ may be the same or different. In general formula (2), R ２ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, R ３ represents an alkylene group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, m represents an integer such that the number average molecular weight of the group represented by general formula (2) is 100 to 10,000, and * represents a bond. [2] R in the general formula (1) １ [3] The flowability improver according to [1], wherein R in the general formula (2) is a group represented by ２ [4] The fluidity improver according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein m in the general formula (2) is an integer such that the number average molecular weight of the group represented by the general formula (2) is 400 to 5,000. [5] The fluidity improver according to [1] or [2], wherein R in the general formula (1) is an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. １ is an alkyl group having 28 to 36 carbon atoms. [6] The fluidity improver according to any one of [1] to [5], which contains an acidic phosphoric acid monoester in which n in general formula (1) is 1 and an acidic phosphoric acid diester in which n in general formula (1) is 2. [7] The fluidity improver according to [1] to [6], which contains the acidic phosphoric acid monoester and the acidic phosphoric acid diester in a mass ratio (acidic phosphoric acid monoester:acidic phosphoric acid diester) of 100:1 to 100:10,000. [8] The fluidity improver according to [1], which contains, as the compound represented by general formula (1), one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by the following formula (3) and compounds represented by the following formula (4), preferably one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by the following formula (3): In formulas (3) and (4), n represents an integer of 1 or 2. In formula (3), m represents an integer such that the number-average molecular weight of the structural portion in the square brackets is 100 to 10,000, preferably 400 to 5,000. [9] A resin composition containing a thermoplastic resin and the flowability improver described in any one of [1] to [8].

[10] The resin composition described in [9], wherein the thermoplastic resin contains one or more selected from a polycarbonate resin, a polyester resin, a styrene-based resin, and a polyolefin resin.

[11] The resin composition described in [9], wherein the thermoplastic resin contains one or more selected from a styrene-based resin and a polyolefin resin.

[12] The resin composition described in any one of [9] to

[11] , further containing a fibrous filler.

[13] The resin composition described in any one of [9] to

[12] , wherein the thermoplastic resin contains a recycled resin.

[14] A molded article obtained from the resin composition described in any one of [9] to

[13] .

[15] A method for producing a molded article, comprising a step of molding the resin composition according to any one of [9] to

[13] .

[16] Use of a compound represented by the following general formula (1) for producing a flowability improver for a thermoplastic resin: In general formula (1), R １ represents an alkyl group having 26 to 40 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 26 to 40 carbon atoms, or a group represented by the following general formula (2), and n represents an integer of 1 or 2. When n is 2, there are multiple R １ may be the same or different. In general formula (2), R ２ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, R ３ represents an alkylene group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, m represents an integer such that the number average molecular weight of the group represented by general formula (2) is 100 to 10,000, and * represents a bond.

[17] A method for improving the fluidity of a thermoplastic resin, which comprises adding a compound represented by the following general formula (1) to the thermoplastic resin: In general formula (1), R １ represents an alkyl group having 26 to 40 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 26 to 40 carbon atoms, or a group represented by the following general formula (2), and n represents an integer of 1 or 2. When n is 2, there are multiple R １may be the same or different. In general formula (2), R ２ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, R ３ represents an alkylene group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, m represents an integer such that the number average molecular weight of the group represented by general formula (2) is 100 to 10,000, and * represents a bond.

[0066] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. The numerical values ​​of the compositions in Tables 1 to 6 are in parts by mass.

[0067] <Production Example 1: Flow Improver (A)-1> 455 g of 2-tetradecyl octadecanol and 440 g of orthoxylene were added to a flask equipped with a stirrer and a condenser, and the mixture was purged with nitrogen under reduced pressure. The mixture was then heated to 90°C in an oil bath with stirring. 45 g of diphosphorus pentoxide was then added, and the mixture was heated to 110°C and reacted for 4 hours. After completion of the reaction, the solvent was distilled off under reduced pressure, and the mixture was cooled to room temperature to obtain flow improver (A)-1: an acidic phosphate ester of 2-tetradecyl octadecanol. The content ratio of the acidic phosphate monoester to the acidic phosphate diester in flow improver (A)-1 was 58:42 by mass.

[0068] <Production Example 2: Flow Improver (A)-2> 449 g of methoxypolyethylene glycol (number average molecular weight: 400) and 440 g of orthoxylene were added to a flask equipped with a stirrer and a condenser, and the mixture was purged with nitrogen under reduced pressure. The mixture was then heated to 90°C in an oil bath while stirring. 51 g of diphosphorus pentoxide was then added, and the mixture was heated to 110°C and reacted for 4 hours. After completion of the reaction, the solvent was distilled off under reduced pressure, and the mixture was cooled to room temperature to obtain flow improver (A)-2: an acidic phosphate ester of methoxypolyethylene glycol (number average molecular weight: 400). The content ratio of the acidic phosphate monoester to the acidic phosphate diester in flow improver (A)-2 was 55:45 by mass.

[0069] <Production Example 3: Flow Improver (A)-3> 478 g of methoxypolyethylene glycol (number average molecular weight: 1,000) and 440 g of orthoxylene were added to a flask equipped with a stirrer and a condenser, and the mixture was purged with nitrogen under reduced pressure. The mixture was then heated to 90°C in an oil bath with stirring. 23 g of diphosphorus pentoxide was then added, the mixture was heated to 110°C, and reacted for 4 hours. After completion of the reaction, the solvent was distilled off under reduced pressure, and the mixture was cooled to room temperature to obtain flow improver (A)-3: an acidic phosphate ester of methoxypolyethylene glycol (number average molecular weight: 1,000). The content ratio of the acidic phosphate monoester to the acidic phosphate diester in flow improver (A)-3 was 57:43 by mass.

[0070] Production Example 4: Flowability Improver (A)-4 489 g of methoxypolyethylene glycol (number average molecular weight: 2,000) and 440 g of orthoxylene were added to a flask equipped with a stirrer and a condenser, and the mixture was purged with nitrogen under reduced pressure. The mixture was then heated to 90°C in an oil bath with stirring. Thereafter, 11 g of diphosphorus pentoxide was added, and the mixture was heated to 110°C and reacted for 4 hours. After completion of the reaction, the solvent was distilled off under reduced pressure, and the mixture was cooled to room temperature to obtain flowability improver (A)-4: an acidic phosphate ester of methoxypolyethylene glycol (number average molecular weight: 2,000). The content ratio of the acidic phosphate monoester to the acidic phosphate diester in flowability improver (A)-4 was 59:41 by mass.

[0071] Production Example 5: Flow Improver (A)-5 494 g of methoxypolyethylene glycol (number average molecular weight: 4,000) and 440 g of orthoxylene were added to a flask equipped with a stirrer and a condenser, and the mixture was purged with nitrogen under reduced pressure. The mixture was then heated to 90°C in an oil bath with stirring. 6 g of diphosphorus pentoxide was then added, the mixture was heated to 110°C, and reacted for 4 hours. After completion of the reaction, the solvent was distilled off under reduced pressure, and the mixture was cooled to room temperature to obtain flow improver (A)-5: an acidic phosphate ester of methoxypolyethylene glycol (number average molecular weight: 4,000). The content ratio of the acidic phosphate monoester to the acidic phosphate diester in flow improver (A)-5 was 63:37 by mass.

[0072] Production Example 6: Comparative Flow Improver (B)-2 443 g of 2-decyltetradecanol and 440 g of orthoxylene were added to a flask equipped with a stirrer and a condenser, and the mixture was purged with nitrogen under reduced pressure. The mixture was then heated to 90°C in an oil bath with stirring. 57 g of diphosphorus pentoxide was then added, and the mixture was heated to 110°C and reacted for 4 hours. After completion of the reaction, the solvent was distilled off under reduced pressure, and the mixture was cooled to room temperature to obtain Comparative Flow Improver (B)-2: an acidic phosphate ester of 2-decyltetradecanol. The content ratio of the acidic phosphate monoester to the acidic phosphate diester in Comparative Flow Improver (B)-2 was 58:42 by mass.

[0073] In the above Production Examples 1 to 6, the content ratio (mass ratio) of the acidic phosphoric acid monoester and the acidic phosphoric acid diester is ３１ The measurement was carried out using P-NMR under the following conditions. ３１ The mass ratio was calculated from the integral ratio of the peak (1.7 ppm to 2.5 ppm) derived from the acidic phosphate monoester and the peak (0.4 ppm to 1.2 ppm) derived from the acidic phosphate diester in the P-NMP spectrum, and the amount of each phosphate. ３１ P-NMR measurement conditions] Apparatus: Ascend 400 (manufactured by Bruker Corporation) Solvent: deuterated chloroform Number of accumulations: 256

[0074] Details of the components in Tables 1 to 6 are shown below. The comparative flow improvers (B)-1, (B)-3, and (B)-4 below correspond to the additives described in Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3, respectively. PC resin: polycarbonate (manufactured by Mitsubishi Engineering Plastics, product name: Iupilon S-1000F) PBT resin: polybutylene terephthalate (manufactured by Toray, product name: Toraycon 1200M) ABS resin: acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (manufactured by Nippon A&L, product name: Clalastic AT-05) PE resin No. 1: linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE resin) (MFR = 1 g / 10 min (compliant with ISO 1133, 190°C / 2.16 kg)) PE resin No. 2: High density polyethylene (HDPE resin) (MFR = 1 g / 10 min (ISO 1133 compliant, 190 ° C / 2.16 kg)) PP resin: Homopolypropylene (MFR = 8 g / 10 min (ISO 1133 compliant, 230 ° C / 2.16 kg)) CNF-MB: Polypropylene masterbatch containing 40 mass % cellulose nanofiber (manufactured by GS Alliance) Flow improver (A)-1: Acidic phosphate ester flow improver produced in Production Example 1. (A)-2: Acidic phosphate ester flow improver produced in Production Example 2. (A)-3: Acidic phosphate ester flow improver produced in Production Example 3. (A)-4: Acidic phosphate ester flow improver produced in Production Example 4. (A)-5: Acidic phosphate ester flow improver (comparison) produced in Production Example 5. (B)-1: Comparative flow improver of a mixture of monostearyl acid phosphate and distearyl acid phosphate. (B)-2: Comparative flow improver of an acidic phosphate ester produced in Production Example 6. (B)-3: Styrene-phenyl methacrylate copolymer. (B)-4: Fluoropolymer processing aid (product name: FX5922, manufactured by 3M Company). Comparative flow improver (B)-5: calcium stearate Comparative flow improver (B)-6: erucamide Phenol-based antioxidant: pentaerythritol tetrakis[3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate] Phosphorus-based antioxidant: tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphite Neutralizer: calcium stearate

[0075] <Method for producing resin composition and molded article (PC resin)> The components shown in Table 1 (Table 1A, Table 1B) were dry-blended, and then heated and melted at 280°C using a twin-screw extruder (device name: 2D30W, manufactured by Toyo Seiki Seisakusho, Ltd.) to obtain a pellet-shaped resin composition. The obtained resin composition was molded using an injection molding machine (device name: NEX80, manufactured by Nissei Plastic Industrial Co., Ltd.) at a cylinder temperature of 280°C and a mold temperature of 80°C to obtain a plate-shaped molded article (60 mm x 30 mm x 2 mm) and a rod-shaped molded article (80 mm x 10 mm x 4 mm).

[0076] <Method for producing resin composition and molded article (PBT resin)> The components listed in Table 2 were dry-blended, and then heated and melted at 250°C using a twin-screw extruder (device name: 2D30W, manufactured by Toyo Seiki Seisakusho, Ltd.) to obtain a pellet-shaped resin composition. The obtained resin composition was molded using an injection molding machine (device name: NEX80, manufactured by Nissei Plastic Industrial Co., Ltd.) at a cylinder temperature of 250°C and a mold temperature of 60°C to obtain a plate-shaped molded article (60 mm x 30 mm x 2 mm) and a rod-shaped molded article (80 mm x 10 mm x 4 mm).

[0077] <Method for producing resin composition and molded article (PC resin / ABS resin)> The components listed in Table 3 were dry-blended, and then heated and melted at 250°C using a twin-screw extruder (device name: 2D30W, manufactured by Toyo Seiki Seisakusho, Ltd.) to obtain a pellet-shaped resin composition. The obtained resin composition was molded using an injection molding machine (device name: NEX80, manufactured by Nissei Plastic Industrial Co., Ltd.) at a cylinder temperature of 250°C and a mold temperature of 50°C to obtain a plate-shaped molded article (60 mm x 30 mm x 2 mm) and a rod-shaped molded article (80 mm x 10 mm x 4 mm).

[0078] <Method for preparing resin composition (LLDPE resin)> The components shown in Table 4 were dry-blended, and then the mixture was heated, melted, and kneaded at 180°C using a twin-screw extruder (device name: TEX28V, manufactured by The Japan Steel Works, Ltd.) to obtain a pellet-shaped resin composition.

[0079] <Method for preparing resin composition (HDPE resin)> The components shown in Table 5 were dry-blended, and then the mixture was heated, melted, and kneaded at 210°C using a twin-screw extruder (device name: TEX28V, manufactured by The Japan Steel Works, Ltd.) to obtain a pellet-shaped resin composition.

[0080] <Method for producing resin composition and molded article (PP resin)> The components listed in Table 6 were dry-blended and then heated and melt-kneaded at 190°C using a twin-screw extruder (device name: TEX28V, manufactured by The Japan Steel Works, Ltd.) to obtain a pellet-shaped resin composition. The obtained resin composition was molded using an injection molding machine (device name: EC-100, manufactured by Toshiba Machine) under conditions of a cylinder temperature of 190°C and a mold temperature of 40°C to obtain a plate-shaped molded article (60 mm x 30 mm x 2 mm).

[0081] <Colorability Evaluation: Yellowness Index> The heat resistance of the flowability improver was evaluated based on the colorability of the composition. The plate-shaped test specimen obtained above was used to measure the yellowness index (Y.I.) using a multi-light source spectrophotometer, ColorEye 7000A (manufactured by X-Rite), and the colorability was evaluated. A high Y.I. indicates that the composition was colored yellowish, indicating poor heat resistance. The results are shown in Tables 1 to 3 and 6.

[0082] <Method for evaluating mechanical properties> Impact strength was measured using the rod-shaped test pieces obtained above and a Charpy impact tester manufactured by Toyo Seiki Seisakusho, Ltd., in accordance with ISO 179 at 23°C. Note that for some molded products, notches were made in the molded products before measurement. The results are shown in Tables 1 to 3.

[0083] <Flowability Evaluation 1: MFR> Flowability was evaluated by measuring the melt flow rate (MFR). Using the pelletized resin composition obtained during the production of the molded article, MFR was measured according to a measurement method in accordance with ISO 1133. Specifically, a thermal flow evaluation device (device name: L-227-41, manufactured by Tateyama Kagaku High-Technologies Corporation) was used to measure the mass (g) of the resin composition flowing out of an orifice with a diameter of 2.095 mm and a length of 8.000 mm in 10 minutes, and this was taken as the MFR (g / 10 min). The measurement conditions for each resin were as follows: PC resin (Table 1): temperature 300°C, load 12 N; PBT resin (Table 2): temperature 250°C, load 21.6 N; PC resin / ABS resin (Table 3): temperature 250°C, load 21.6 N. The results are shown in Tables 1 to 3.

[0084] <Fluidity Evaluation 2: Shear Stress> The fluidity of the pellet-shaped resin compositions obtained above was evaluated by measuring the shear stress at a specific shear rate. Using a capillary rheometer (device name: Capilograph, manufactured by Toyo Seiki Seisakusho), the shear stress was measured when each resin composition in a molten state passed through a capillary with a length of 20 mm and a diameter of 1 mm. The smaller the shear stress, the better the fluidity. The measurement conditions for each resin composition are as follows. The results are shown in Tables 4 and 5. Resin compositions in Table 4: 180°C, shear rate 483 sec －１ Resin composition in Table 5: 210°C, shear rate 2000 sec －１

[0085] <Fluidity Evaluation 3: Spiral Flow Test> Using an injection molding machine (device name: SE75EV-A, manufactured by Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.), the pellet-shaped resin composition obtained above was injection molded at 190°C, and the flow length of the obtained test piece was measured in a 1 mm thick spiral flow mold to evaluate the fluidity. A longer flow length indicates better fluidity when melted. The results are shown in Table 6.

[0086]

[0087]

[0088]

[0089]

[0090]

[0091]

[0092]

[0093] Table 1A shows the evaluation results of molded articles (Examples 1-1 to 1-12) containing flowability improvers (A)-1 to (A)-5 of the present invention added to PC resin, and a molded article (Comparative Example 1-1) containing no flowability improver added. Table 1B shows the evaluation results of molded articles (Comparative Examples 1-2 to 1-7) containing a comparative flowability improver added. Comparison of Examples 1-1 to 1-12 with Comparative Example 1-1 revealed that the addition of the flowability improver of the present invention increased the MFR value without worsening the color tone, thereby fully demonstrating its effectiveness as a flowability improver. Additionally, the molded articles of Examples 1-1 to 1-12 had higher impact strength than the molded articles of Comparative Examples 1-2 to 1-7. On the other hand, the addition of comparative flowability improvers (B)-1 and (B)-2 (Comparative Examples 1-2 to 1-5) worsened the color tone of the molded articles. The addition of comparative flowability improver (B)-3 (Comparative Examples 1-6 to 1-7) did not increase the MFR value. Similarly, it was found that when the flow improver of the present invention was added to the compositions in Tables 2 and 3, the color tone of the molded product was not deteriorated and the MFR value was increased, and the effect of the flow improver was sufficiently obtained.

[0094] Tables 4 and 5 show the evaluation results of pellets to which the fluidity improver (A)-4 of the present invention was added to PE resin (Examples 4-1, 4-2, 5-1, 5-2), pellets to which no fluidity improver was added (Comparative Examples 4-1, 5-1), and pellets to which a comparative fluidity improver was added (Comparative Examples 4-2 to 4-6, 5-2 to 5-6). In all compositions, the pellets to which the fluidity improver of the present invention was added had reduced shear stress compared to pellets to which the fluidity improver of the present invention was not added and pellets to which a comparative fluidity improver was added, and it was found that the effect of the fluidity improver was fully obtained.

[0095] Table 6 shows the evaluation results of molded articles (Examples 6-1 to 6-2) containing the flowability improver (A)-4 of the present invention added to PP resin, molded articles (Comparative Examples 6-5 and 6-6) containing no flowability improver, and molded articles (Comparative Examples 6-1 to 6-4) containing a comparative flowability improver. The compositions of Examples 6-1 to 6-2 improved the flow length in the spiral flow test without worsening the color tone of the molded articles, demonstrating that the effects of the flowability improver were fully achieved. The compositions of Comparative Examples 6-1 to 6-2 improved the flow length in the spiral flow test, but significantly worsened the color tone.

[0096] The above results demonstrate that the flowability improver of the present invention exhibits excellent flowability improving performance while effectively suppressing deterioration in the color tone of the resin, or exhibits excellent flowability improving effect on polyethylene resins.

Claims

1. A flowability improver for thermoplastic resins, comprising one or more compounds represented by the following general formula (1): In general formula (1), R １ represents an alkyl group having 26 to 40 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 26 to 40 carbon atoms, or a group represented by the following general formula (2), and n represents an integer of 1 or 2. When n is 2, there are multiple R １ may be the same or different. In general formula (2), R ２ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, R ３ represents an alkylene group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, m represents an integer such that the number average molecular weight of the group represented by general formula (2) is 100 to 10,000, and * represents a bond.

2. R in the general formula (1) １ The flowability improver according to claim 1, wherein: is a group represented by the general formula (2).

3. R ​​in the general formula (2) ２ The flow improver according to claim 2, wherein is an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

4. The flowability improver according to claim 2, wherein m in the general formula (2) is an integer that results in a number average molecular weight of the group represented by the general formula (2) of 400 to 5,000.

5. R in the general formula (1) １ 2. The flow improver according to claim 1, wherein is an alkyl group having 28 to 36 carbon atoms.

6. The flow improver according to claim 1, which contains an acidic phosphate monoester in which n in general formula (1) is 1 and an acidic phosphate diester in which n in general formula (1) is 2.

7. The flowability improver according to claim 6, wherein the content ratio of the acidic phosphate monoester to the acidic phosphate diester is 100:1 to 100:10,000 by mass (acidic phosphate monoester:acidic phosphate diester).

8. A resin composition comprising a thermoplastic resin and the flowability improver according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The resin composition according to claim 8, wherein the thermoplastic resin comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate resin, polyester resin, styrene-based resin and polyolefin resin.

10. The resin composition according to claim 8, wherein the thermoplastic resin contains at least one selected from the group consisting of styrene-based resins and polyolefin resins.

11. The resin composition according to claim 8, further comprising a fibrous filler.

12. The resin composition according to claim 8, wherein the thermoplastic resin contains recycled resin.

13. A molded article obtained from the resin composition according to claim 8.

14. A method for producing a molded product, comprising the step of molding the resin composition according to claim 8.

15. Use of a compound represented by the following general formula (1) for producing a flow improver for a thermoplastic resin: In general formula (1), R １ represents an alkyl group having 26 to 40 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 26 to 40 carbon atoms, or a group represented by the following general formula (2), and n represents an integer of 1 or 2. When n is 2, there are multiple R １ may be the same or different. In general formula (2), R ２ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, R ３ represents an alkylene group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, m represents an integer such that the number average molecular weight of the group represented by general formula (2) is 100 to 10,000, and * represents a bond.

16. A method for improving the fluidity of a thermoplastic resin, which comprises adding a compound represented by the following general formula (1) to the thermoplastic resin: In general formula (1), R １ represents an alkyl group having 26 to 40 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 26 to 40 carbon atoms, or a group represented by the following general formula (2), and n represents an integer of 1 or 2. When n is 2, there are multiple R １ may be the same or different. In general formula (2), R ２ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, R ３ represents an alkylene group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, m represents an integer such that the number average molecular weight of the group represented by general formula (2) is 100 to 10,000, and * represents a bond.

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