composition

Abstract

The invention relates to compositions comprising Component A: Polyalkylene terephthalate in an amount of between 1 and 85 wt%; Component B: at least one organic phosphinic salt of formula (I) and / or at least one organic diphosphinic salt of formula (II), in which R1, R2 are identical or different and stand for a linear or branched C1- C6-alkyl and / or for C6-C14-aryl, R3 stands for linear or branched C1-C10alkylene, C6-C10arylene or for C1-C6-alkyl-C6-C-10-arylene, or C6-C10-aryl-C1-C6alkylene, M is aluminium, zinc or titanium, m is an integer of 1 to 4; n is an integer of 1 to 3, and x is 1 or 2, wherein n, x and m in formula (II) may at the same time adopt only integer values such that the diphosphinic salt of formula (II) as a whole is uncharged; in an amount of between 3 and 30 wt%; Component C: phosphazene in an amount between 0.5 and 15 wt%; Component D: Reaction product with melamine derivative with phosphoric acids or condensed phosphoric acids or mixtures thereof, in an amount of between 0.5 and 20 wt%; Component E: Epoxy compound with at least two epoxy groups per molecule in an amount of between 0.1 and 7 wt%; Component G: Reinforcers in an amount of between 5 and 60 wt%; Component H: Dicarboxylic acid anhydride functionalized polyolefin in an amount of between 0.1 and 5 wt%; Component I: a metal carbonate in an amount of between 0.05 and 5 wt%; and optionally Component F: Copolyester comprising polyester hard segments, and soft segments derived from polyalkylene oxide glycol, wherein Component F is present in an amount of between 0 and 85 wt%; and / or Component J: further additives in an amount of between 0 and 30 wt%; wherein the weight percentage is with respect to the total weight of the composition; as well as products made therefrom.

Description

[0001] COMPOSITION

[0002] The invention relates to compositions and thermoplastic molding materials to be produced therefrom and products based on compositions comprising polyalkylene terephthalate, flame retardants and further additives, as well as products used for electric or electronical components in E-mobility.

[0003] US2022 / 0403159 relates to thermoplastic polymer compositions with increased electrical tracking resistance and discloses a composition with polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), glass fibers, DEPAL, Melamine cyanurate, polycarbodiimide UHMWSi, copolyester elastomer and further additives. A disadvantage of these compositions is that they contain melamine cyanurate and / or polycarbodiimide, which both are considered critical with regard of health and / or working hygiene. Melamine cyanurate is labelled as “suspected of damaging fertility (H361f)” and “May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure (H373)” and polycarbodiimides are critical with regard to the release of harmful isocyanate decomposition products when exposed to temperatures above 260°C which in the processing of polyalkylene terephthalate often is exceeded.

[0004] US2023 / 0144143 relates to thermoplastic polyester resin compositions containing PBT, Aluminium diethylphosphinate OP-1240, phosphonitrile acid phenyl ester FP-110, melamine cyanurate, dicyclopentadiene type novlac epoxy, acid- modified olefin resin and glass fibers. A disadvantage of these compositions is that melamine cyanurate is as well employed. Moreover, the flame retardancy is still insufficient, as the compositions reached only VO at 1.6 mm, whereas nowadays VO is required for even thinner samples, namely at 0.8 mm.

[0005] It is thus an object of the present invention to provide compositions that comprise polyalkylene terephthalate while exhibiting good flame retardant properties, a high comparative tracking index (CTI) and sufficient hydrolysis resistance. Surprisingly this has been achieved by a composition comprising:

[0006] Component A: Polyalkylene terephthalate in an amount of between 1 and 85 wt%;

[0007] Component B: at least one organic phosphinic salt of formula (I) and / or at least one organic diphosphinic salt of formula (II),

[0008] in which

[0009] R1 , R2 are identical or different and stand for a linear or branched C1- C6-alkyl and / or for C6-C14-aryl,

[0010] R3 stands for linear or branched C1-C10-alkylene, C6-C10-arylene or for C1-C6-alkyl-C6-C-10-arylene, or C6-C10-aryl-C1-C6-alkylene, M is aluminium, zinc or titanium, m is an integer of 1 to 4; n is an integer of 1 to 3, and x is 1 or 2, wherein n, x and m in formula (II) may at the same time adopt only integer values such that the diphosphinic salt of formula (II) as a whole is uncharged; wherein Component B is present in an amount of between 3 and 30 wt%;

[0011] Component C: Phosphazene or derivative thereof in an amount between 0.5 and 15 wt%;

[0012] Component D: Reaction product of a melamine derivative with phosphoric acids or condensed phosphoric acids or mixtures thereof, wherein Component D is present in an amount of between 0.5 and 20 wt%;

[0013] Component E: Epoxy compound having at least two epoxy groups per molecule, wherein Component E is present in an amount of between 0.1 and 7 wt%; Component G: Reinforcers in an amount of between 5 and 60 wt%;

[0014] Component H: Dicarboxylic acid anhydride functionalized polyolefin, wherein Component H is present in an amount of between 0.1 and 5 wt%;

[0015] Component I: a metal carbonate in an amount of between 0.05 and 5 wt%; and optionally

[0016] Component F: Copolyester comprising polyester hard segments, and soft segments derived from polyalkylene oxide glycol, wherein Component F is present in an amount of between 0 and 85 wt%; and / or

[0017] Component J: one or more further additives in a total amount of between 0 and 30 wt%; wherein the weight percentages of Components A to J are with respect to the total weight of the composition.

[0018] Preferably, the sum of Components A through J generally add up to 100 wt%. Likewise the optional total amount of the one or more further additives, referred to as Components J, does not add up to more than 30wt% of the total weight of the composition.

[0019] Good flame retardant properties according to this invention is herein understood as a LIL94 V0 performance at wall thickness of 0.8 mm or even thinner, according to Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Standard of Safety,, "Test for Flammability of Plastic Materials in Devices and Appliances", p. 14 to p . 19, Northbrook 1998. High comparative tracking index according to this invention is herein understood a CTI of at least 550, preferably a CTI of at least 600 according to IEC 60112, and Proof Tracking Index (PTI) according to IEC60112 can be considered as an alternative testing procedure to prove requested achievable voltage.

[0020] Surprisingly, the composition according to the invention may exhibit good mechanical properties, such as tensile strain of at least 1.8%.

[0021] Sufficient hydrolysis resistance according to this invention is herein understood for example in a retention of IZOD impact performance (ISO180-1 U) after storage at 100°C and 100% relative humidity (r.h.) for 240hours (h) of at least 40%, preferably of at least 45% and / or in a retention of at least 70%, preferably of at least 75% with respect to the initial tensile strength after storage for 1008 hours at 85°C and 85% relative humidity. This has been exemplified by examples. Also surprisingly, the object was achieved without the need of using either melamine cyanurate or polycarbodiimide. A good flowability of the melt is seen as a further advantageous property according to this invention, because better flow facilitates processing and widens the number of possible applications. A good flowability is herein understood for example an MVR according to ISO1133-1 of at least 15cm3 / 10min, preferably of at least 20cm3 / 10min, tested at a temperature of 260°C with a load of 5.0 kg of the composition after 5min of dwell time. Especially preferred according to this invention are compositions that only show a minor melt viscosity increase at longer dwell times under elevated temperatures as noticeable for example in a decreasing MVR at 260°C and 5kg weight, when the dwell time in the MVR cylinder is increased from 5 min to 20min, even more preferred are compositions that exhibit no melt viscosity increase at longer dwell times under elevated temperatures. Melt viscosity increase at longer dwell times under elevated temperatures according to this invention can be for example quantified in percentage being:

[0022] (MVR@20 min I MVR@5 min) * 100%

[0023] Minor viscosity increase is herein understood to be at least 45%. No viscosity increase is understood to be 100%. Severe viscosity decrease should also be avoided, as this may point towards strong degradation, thus the ratio preferably is at most 300%, more preferably at most 200%.

[0024] Weight percentages (wt%) are expressed with respect to the total weight of the composition, unless expressly indicated otherwise.

[0025] When ranges are expressed as “ranges from X to Y” or “ranges from between X and Y” it is understood that the values X and Y are within the claimed range and are thus expressly part of the invention.

[0026] The composition according to the invention is preferably halogen-free, as this is advantageous for the CTI performance.

[0027] A. Polyalkylene terephthalate

[0028] The composition comprises a polyalkylene terephthalate as Component A.

[0029] The polyalkylene terephthalate as Component A in accordance with the invention may be produced by various methods, may be synthesized from a variety of building blocks, and, in a specific application scenario, alone or in combination, may be endowed with processing aids, stabilizers, and / or polymeric alloying co-components.

[0030] Polyalkylene terephthalate preferred as Component A can be produced from terephthalic acid and / or reactive derivatives thereof, and aliphatic diols having 2 to 10 carbon atoms by known methods (Kunststoff-Handbuch, vol. 3 / 1 , p. 12 ff, Karl Hanser Verlag, Munich 1992).

[0031] Polyalkylene terephthalate preferred as Component A comprises at least 80 mol percent, preferably at least 90 mol percent, based on the dicarboxylic acid, of terephthalic acid and at least 80 mol percent, preferably at least 90 mol percent, based on the diol component, of 1 ,4-cyclohexanedimethanol and / or propane-1 , 3-diol (in the case of polypropylene terephthalate), ethane diol and / or butane-1 ,4-diol .

[0032] Polyalkylene terephthalate preferred as Component A may next to terephthalic acid include up to 20 mol percent of other aromatic dicarboxylic acids having 8 to 14 carbon atoms or aliphatic dicarboxylic acids having 4 to 12 carbon atoms, more particularly of phthalic acid, isophthalic acid, naphthalene-2,6-dicarboxylic acid, 4,4'- biphenyldicarboxylic acid, succinic acid, adipic acid, sebacic acid, azelaic acid, cyclohexanediacetic acid, cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid.

[0033] The polyalkylene terephthalate as Component A generally has an intrinsic viscosity in the range from 30 to 150 cm3 / g, preferably in the range from 40 to 130 cm3 / g, particularly preferably in the range from 50 to 100 cm3 / g, measured in each case in phenol / o-dichlorobenzene (1 :1 part by weight) at 25 °C. The intrinsic viscosity IV, also referred to as Staudinger Index or limiting viscosity, is proportional, according to the Mark-Houwink equation, to the average molecular mass, and is the extrapolation of the viscosity number VN for the case polymer concentrations, extrapolated to zero. It can be estimated from series of measurements or through the use of suitable approximation methods (e.g. Billmeyer). The VN [ml / g] is obtained from the measurement of the solution viscosity in a capillary viscometer, for example an Ubbelohde viscometer. The solution viscosity is a measure of the average molecular weight of a plastics material. Determination is made on dissolved polymer, with various solvents (formic acid, m-cresol, tetrachloroethane, phenol, 1 ,2-dichlorobenzene, etc.) and concentrations being used. The viscosity number VN makes it possible to monitor the processing and performance characteristics of plastics. Thermal stressing of the polymer, ageing processes, or the action of chemicals, weather and light may be investigated by means of comparative measurements. The method is standardized for common polymers; in the context of the present invention according to DIN ISO 1628-5 for polyesters

[0034] Preferably, the polyalkylene terephthalate comprises polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and / or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). This has the advantage of melting point ranges and glass transition temperatures of the composition that are beneficial for many applications, especially in the field of electrical insulation materials in the area of E-mobility. More preferably, the polyalkylene terephthalate comprises PBT, and even more preferred the polyalkylene terephthalate essentially consists of PBT.

[0035] Component A is present in the composition according to the invention in a wide range of amounts, such as for example between 1 and 85 wt%, with respect to the total weight of the composition. Preferably, Component A is present in an amount of between 25 and 70 wt%, and more preferred in an amount of between 30 and 60 wt%, wherein wt% is with respect to the total weight of the composition.

[0036] The amount of Component A may depend on the optional presence of Component F and the soft segment content of Component F. In case Component F is present and is a copolyester with relatively low amount of soft segment in the copolyester, such as for example an amount of soft segment between 5 and 30 wt% with respect to the total weight of the copolyester, and the amount of Component F being relatively high, such as for example between 30 and 85 wt%, with respect to the total weight of the composition, then the amount of Component A may be relatively low, such as for example between 1 and 35 wt%, with respect to the total weight of the composition, preferably between 1 and 20 wt% and even more preferred between 1 and 15 wt%.

[0037] Vice versa and preferred, if Component F is present, and is a copolyester with relatively high amount of soft segment in the copolyester, such as for example an amount of soft segment between above 30 and 80 wt% with respect to the total weight of the copolyester, and the amount of Component F being relatively low, such as for example between 0.1 and 20 wt%, with respect to the total weight of the composition, the amount of Component A may be relatively high, such as for example between 25 and 85 wt%, with respect to the total weight of the composition, preferably between 28 and 75 wt%, and even more preferred 32 and 60 wt%.

[0038] B. Organic phosphinic salt

[0039] The organic phosphinic salts of formula (I) hereinabove and / or organic diphosphinic salts of formula (II) hereinabove for use according to the invention as Component B are also referred to in the context of the present invention as phosphinates.

[0040] In formulae (I) or (II) M preferably stands for aluminium. In formulae (I) and (II) R1 and R2 are preferably identical or different and represent linear or branched CI-C6 alkyl and / or phenyl. R1 and R2 are particularly preferably identical or different and represent methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl and / or phenyl.

[0041] R3 in formula (II) preferably represents methylene, ethylene, N-propylene, isopropylene, n-butylene, tert-butylene, n-pentylene, n-octylene, n-dodecylene, phenylene, naphthylene, methylphenylene, ethylphenylene, tert-butylphenylene, methylnaphthylene, ethylnaphthylene, tert-butylnaphthylene, phenylmethylene, phenylethylene, phenylpropylene or phenylbutylene. R3 particularly preferably represents phenylene or naphthylene. Suitable phosphinates are described in WO-A 97 / 39053, the content of which in relation to the phosphinates is encompassed by the present application. Particularly preferred phosphinates in the context of the present invention are aluminium and zinc salts of dimethylphosphinate, of ethylmethylphosphinate, of diethylphosphinate and of methyl-n-propylphosphinate and also mixtures thereof. m in formula (I) preferably stands for 2 and 3, particularly preferably for 3. n in formula (II) preferably stands for 1 and 3, particularly preferably for 3. x in formula (II) preferably stands for 1 and 2, particularly preferably for 2. Component B is very particularly preferably a non-meltable metal phosphinate, i.e. the metal phosphinate decomposes before reaching its melting point.

[0042] Especially preferably employed as Component B is aluminium tris(diethylphosphinate) [CAS No. 225789-38-8], which is supplied, for example, by Clariant International Ltd. Muttenz, Switzerland under the Exolit® OP1230 or Exolit® OP1240 trade name.

[0043] Component B is present in an amount of between 3 and 30 wt%, preferably in an amount of between 5 and 25 wt%, and even more preferred in an amount of between 10 and 20 wt%, wherein wt% is with respect to the total weight of the composition. This has the advantage that in the more preferred amount sufficient flame retardant properties are easier to combine with sufficient mechanical performance.

[0044] C. Phosphazene

[0045] The composition according to the invention comprises a phosphazene or derivative thereof, also referred to as Component C. Aryloxyphosphazene oligomers and / or spiroaryloxyphosphazene oligomers like for example spirocyclic 2,2'-dioxybiphenyl phopsphazene oligomers are preferred and phenoxyphosphazene oligomers are particularly preferred. The phosphazenes and the production thereof are described for example in EP0728811A1 and US6093759A, the content of which in relation to the phosphazenes is hereby encompassed in the present application.

[0046] Phosphazene as Component C, which can be used in the present invention includes linear phosphazenes represented by formula (III) shown below and / or cyclic phosphazenes represented by formula (IV) shown below, which are described, e.g., in Studies in Inorganic Chemistry 6 Phosphorus, 3rd Ed., Elsevier. wherein n is an integer of 1 to 15, preferably an integer of 1 to 10; and R represents a functional group arbitrarily selected from an alkyl group, an aryl group, an alkoxy group, an aryloxy group, an amino group or a hydroxyl group, preferably R being phenoxy, wherein the alkoxy or aryloxy group may be substituted with an alkyl group, an aryl group, an amino group and / or a hydroxyl group.

[0047] Specific examples of phosphazene which can be used in the present invention are propoxyphosphazene, phenoxyphosphazene, methylphenoxyphosphazene, aminophosphazene, and fluoroalkylphosphazenes. Phenoxyphosphazene is particularly preferred for ease in synthesis and easy availability. The phosphazene may be used either individually or as a mixture of two or more thereof. A mixture of a cyclic phosphazene and a linear phosphazene may also be employable. The functional groups represented by R per molecule of the phosphazene to be used in the present invention may be all the same or be made up of two or more different kinds of functional groups. A phosphazene prepared by substituting a part of the molecule with a phenoxy group followed by substituting another part of the molecule with a propoxy group, i.e., phenoxypropoxyphosphazene may be mentioned as an example of such a mixed substituted phosphazene. Commercially available phosphazene is generally synthesized by substituting chlorophosphazene with an alcohol or a phenol compound.

[0048] Especially very particularly preferably employed as Component C are cyclic phenoxyphosphazenes such as 2,2,4,4,6,6-hexahydro-2,2,4,4,6,6- hexaphenoxytriazatriphosphorines [CAS No. 1184-10-7] and / or [Octaphenoxycyclotetraphosphazene, CAS No. 992-79-0] represented by formula (IV) in which n=2 and R=phenoxy and / or mixtures thereof. Suitable especially very particularly preferred mixtures of inventive cyclic phenoxyphosphazenes are for example included in Rabitle® FP110 [CAS No. 1203646-63-2] from Fushimi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Kagawa, Japan. Cyclic phenoxyphosphazenes are beneficial for improving flame retardant properties without particularly negatively affecting mechanical properties in combination with presence of Component B and C. Surprisingly, inventors found that the higher molecular weight of Octaphenoxycyclotetraphosphazene [CAS No. 992-79-0] as compared to Hexaphenoxyphosphazene [CAS No. 1184-10-7] is beneficial for high temperature applications, such as for example as less blooming and / or less discoloration may then be observed.

[0049] Phosphazene as Component C, is present in an amount of between 0.5 and 15 wt%, preferably between 1 and 10 wt%, and more preferred between 2 and 6 wt%, with respect to the total weight of the composition. Presence of over 15 wt% of phosphazene as Component C, is not only economically disadvantageous but results in reduction in impact resistance and heat resistance of the resulting resin composition. If the amount of phosphazene as Component C, is less than 0.5 wt%, the composition has reduced flame retardance and / or less hydrolysis stability.

[0050] D. Reaction product of a melamine derivative with phosphoric acids or condensed phosphoric acids or mixtures thereof

[0051] As Component D in the composition according to the invention and / or molding compounds / articles of manufacture producible therefrom comprise at least one reaction product of a melamine derivative with phosphoric acids or condensed phosphoric acids or mixtures thereof.

[0052] With “a melamine derivative” is herein understood to be at least one derivative, and thus explicitly includes more than one derivative such as mixtures of at least two or even more melamine derivatives.

[0053] Melamine derivative preferred for use in Component D are melamine, condensation products of melamine, in particular melem, melam and / or melon, and derivatives of these compounds, in particular their nitrogen-substituted species as well as mixtures thereof. Very preferred are the inventive melamine derivatives with phosphoric acids or condensed phosphoric acids as Component D containing less than 0.1 wt% of free melamine with respect to the total weight of Component D. Phosphoric acids / condensed phosphoric acids for use in Component D in the context of the invention include in particular phosphoric acid, diphosphoric acid, metaphosphoric acid and polyphosphoric acid.

[0054] Preferred reaction products of melamine derivatives with phosphoric acids or condensed phosphoric acid are dimelamine phosphate, dimelamine pyrophosphate, melamine phosphate, melamine pyrophosphate, melamine polyphosphate, melam polyphosphate, melon polyphosphate and melem polyphosphate such as are described in WO98 / 39306A for example. It is very particularly preferable when Component D is melamine polyphosphate (MPP). Melamine polyphosphate is commercially available in a very wide variety of product qualities. Examples thereof include Melapur® 200 / 70 (BASF, Ludwigshafen, Germany) and Budit® 342 (Budenheim, Budenheim, Germany).

[0055] Component D is present in the composition according to the invention in an amount of between 0.5 and 20 wt%, preferably between 1 and 15 wt% and even more preferred between 1 and 10 wt%, and most preferred between 2 and 7 wt%, with respect to the total weight of the composition. Presence of over 20 wt% of Component D results in reduction in impact resistance and tensile strain of the resulting resin composition. If the amount of Component D is less than 0.5 wt%, the composition has reduced flame retardance.

[0056] E. Epoxy compound

[0057] The composition according to the invention comprises an epoxy compound having at least two epoxy groups per molecule, also referred to as Component E, and also referred to as epoxy compound. The epoxy compound having at least two epoxy groups per molecule opens the advantageous option of cross-linking. The epoxy compound may also have more than two epoxy groups per molecule.

[0058] The production of the epoxy compounds having at least two epoxy groups per molecule to be employed as Component E is known to those skilled in the art. Preferred epoxy compounds are those derived from polyglycols ethers or poly(beta- methylglycidyl) ethers, preferably obtainable by reaction of a compound having at least two free alcoholic or phenolic hydroxyl groups and / or by reaction of phenolic hydroxyl groups with epichlorohydrin.

[0059] Suitable polyglycidyl ethers or poly(beta-methylglycidyl) ethers are for example derived from acyclic alcohols, in particular ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol and higher poly(oxyethylene) glycols, propane-1, 2-diol or poly(oxypropylene) glycols, propane-1, 3-diol, butane-1,4-diol, poly(oxytetramethylene) glycols, pentane-1,5-diol, hexane-1,6-diol, hexane-2,4,6-triol, glycerol, 1,1,1-trimethylpropane, bistrimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol, sorbitol, and from polyepichlorohydrins.

[0060] Also suitable are polyglycidyl ethers or poly(beta-methylglycidyl) ethers derived from cycloaliphatic alcohols, in particular 1,3- or 1,4-dihydroxycyclohexane, bis(4-hydroxycyclohexyl)methane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxycyclohexyl)propane or 1,1- bis(hydroxymethyl)cyclohex-3-ene, or they comprise aromatic nuclei based on N,N- bis(8, 2-hydroxyethyl)aniline or p,p'-bis(2-hydroxyethylamino)diphenylmethane.

[0061] Further suitable epoxy compounds are compounds based on epoxidized mononuclear phenols or on epoxidized polynuclear phenols. Suitable mononuclear phenols are resorcinol or hydroquinone. Preferred polynuclear phenols are bis(4- hydroxyphenyl)methane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, 2,2-bis(3,5-dibromo-4- hydroxyphenyl)propane or 4,4'-dihydroxydiphenylsulfone, wherein 2,2-bis(4- hydroxyphenyl)propane is particularly preferred.

[0062] Preferred epoxy compounds are condensation products of phenols with formaldehyde are phenol novolacs. Epoxy compounds very particularly preferably to be employed as Component E according to the invention are those which are based on polynuclear phenols. These may be produced for example by a process according to US2002 / 0128428A1, wherein variants having an epoxy equivalent determinable according to ISO 3001 in the range from 300 to 2000 grams per mole are in turn preferred. Variants having an epoxy equivalent determinable according to ISO 3001 in the range from 450 to 1500 grams per mole are particularly preferred and variants having an epoxy equivalent determinable according to ISO 3001 in the range from 450 to 750 grams per mole are very particularly preferred.

[0063] Epoxy compounds having at least 2 epoxy groups per molecule, also preferred as Component E, or thus alternatively employable according to the invention may contain in any desired combination and frequency the epoxy-containing unit (V): and / or the unit (VI) and / or the unit wherein R9, R10independently of one another represent H or Ci-Cs-alkyl,

[0064] R11represents Ci-Cs-alkyl,

[0065] X and Y each represent integers in the range from 0 to 20, with the proviso that either X or Y is 1 at least once,

[0066] Z represents an integer in the range from 2 to 20 and

[0067] R* represents H or Ci-Cs-alkyl, wherein the units designated X,Y,Z may occur repeatedly and in any desired sequence.

[0068] The chain terminus of the epoxy compounds may thus formed by the end groups R* which independently of one another represent H or Ci-Cs-alkyl. It is preferable to employ an epoxy compound as Component E conforming to formula (VIII) wherein R9, R10independently of one another represent H or Ci-Ce-alkyl, R11represents Ci-Ce-alkyl,

[0069] X and Y each represent integers in the range from 0 to 20, with the proviso that either X or Y is 1 at least once, Z represents an integer in the range from 2 to 20 and R* represents H or Ci-Cs-alkyl, wherein the units designated X,Y,Z may occur repeatedly and in any desired sequence.

[0070] Particularly preferred, the Component E is selected from epoxy compounds based on glycidyl methacrylate-modified styrene-containing polymers obtainable by polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate with styrene and optionally acrylic acid and / or methacrylic acid based on DE10316615A1, wherein one or more acrylic acid esters may be employed instead of or in addition to acrylic acid and one or more methacrylic acid esters may be employed instead of or in addition to methacrylic acid. Preferred esters are those based on methyl, ethyl, propyl, n-butyl, t-butyl, 2-ethylhexyl and / or benzyl. Such Components E are also commercially available. These are known in particular under the name Joncryl® from BASF AG, specifically Joncryl® ADR4400.

[0071] Further preferred Component E is selected from epoxy compounds based on glycidyl methacrylate- and / or glycidyl acrylate-modified ethylene-acrylate copolymers obtainable by polymerization of ethylene, glycidyl methacrylate and / or glycidyl acrylate and acrylic acid and / or methacrylic acid, wherein one or more acrylic acid esters may be employed instead of or in addition to acrylic acid and one or more methacrylic acid esters may be employed instead of or in addition to methacrylic acid. Preferred esters are those based on methyl, ethyl, propyl, n-butyl, t-butyl, 2-ethylhexyl and / or benzyl. These are also commercially available. These are in particular random terpolymers of ethylene, methyl acrylate and glycidyl methacrylate which are known under the name Lotader® from Arkema, Colombes, France, especially Lotader® AX8700 and Lotader® AX8900. It is also possible to replace ethylene, completely or partially, with other olefins, in particular alpha-olefins, preferably having 2 to 10 carbon atoms. Preferred olefins are selected from the group comprising ethene, propene, 1 -butene, 1 -pentene, 1 -hexene, 1 -octene, 3-methyl-1 -pentene. Particularly preferred olefins are ethene and propene, very particular preference being given to ethene.

[0072] Further preferably or alternatively Component E is an epoxidized fatty acid esters of glycerol, in particular epoxidized vegetable oils. These are obtainable by epoxidation of reactive olefin groups of triglycerides of unsaturated fatty acids. Epoxidized fatty acid esters of glycerol may be produced starting from unsaturated fatty acid esters of glycerol, preferably from vegetable oils, and organic peroxycarboxylic acids, the so-called Prilezhaev reaction. Processes for producing epoxidized vegetable oils are described for example in Smith, March, March's Advanced Organic Chemistry, 5thedition, Wiley-lnterscience, New York, 2001. Preferred epoxidized fatty acid esters of glycerol are vegetable oils. An epoxidized fatty acid ester of glycerol particularly preferred for use as Component E according to the invention is epoxidized linseed oil [CAS No. 8016-11-3] and / or epoxidized soybean oil [CAS No. 8013-07-8], as these are bio-based and readily available.

[0073] Epoxy compounds having 2 terminal epoxy functions are particularly preferred as Component E such as oligomeric reaction products of bisphenol A with epichlorohydrin. It is particularly preferable to employ as Component E an organic, halogen-free, oligomeric reaction product of formula (IX) from the reaction of bisphenol A with epichlorohydrin, in which a represents an integer in the range from 0 to 12, preferably in which a represents an integer in the range from 1 to 8, particularly preferably in which a represents an integer in the range from 1 to 6, very particularly preferably in which a represents an integer in the range from 2 to 4 and especially particularly preferably in the range from 2 to 3, wherein a represents the average number of repeating units.

[0074] These compounds are particularly preferred as this exhibits advantageous compatibility with Component B and Component D. According to their stoichiometry such reaction products of formula (IX) exhibit an average rounded molecular weight determinable according to EN ISO 10927 of 900 to 1500 g / mol for the particularly preferred range with a in the range from 2 to 4.

[0075] An epoxy compound employable as Component E according to the invention preferably has a Mettler softening point determinable according to DIN 51920 in the range from 0 degrees centigrade to 150 degrees centigrade, particularly preferably in the range from 50 degrees centigrade to 120 degrees centigrade, very particularly preferably in the range from 60 degrees centigrade to 110 degrees centigrade and in particular in the range from 75 degrees centigrade to 95 degrees centigrade The Mettler softening point is the temperature at which the sample flows out of a cylindrical nipple having an outflow opening of 6.35 mm in diameter, thus interrupting a light gate which lies 19 mm below. To this end, the sample is heated in air under constant conditions.

[0076] Especially particularly preferred among the recited epoxy compounds to be employed as Component E according to the invention are oligomeric reaction products of bisphenol A with epichlorohydrin of general formula (IX) [CAS No. 25068-38-6] having an epoxy equivalent determinable according to ISO 3001 in the range from 450 to 600 grams per mole and a softening point determinable according to DIN 51920 in the range from 75 degrees centigrade (°C) to 95 degrees centigrade. These are obtainable for example as Araldite® GT7071 or Araldite® GT7072 from Huntsman Advanced Materials, Everberg, Belgium. Preferably, Component E is present in an amount of 0.5 to 5 wt% and more preferred in an amount of 1 to 4 wt%, with respect to the total weight of the composition.

[0077] Combinations of the above mentioned epoxy compounds are also suitable to be employed as Component E. The weight percentages of the individual epoxy compounds then have to be added for the total weight percentage of Component E.

[0078] Alternatively preferred, Component E is a combination of epoxy compounds based on glycidyl methacrylate-modified styrene-containing polymers and / or glycidyl methacrylate and / or epoxidized linseed oil.

[0079] Further preferred, Component E comprises at least an epoxidized fatty acid ester of glycerol, preferably an epoxidized vegetable oil, and an oligomeric reaction product of bisphenol A with epichlorohydrin of general formula (IX) [CAS No. 25068-38- 6] having an epoxy equivalent determinable according to ISO 3001 in the range from 450 to 600 grams per mole and a softening point determinable according to DIN 51920 in the range from 75 degrees centigrade (°C) to 95 degrees centigrade. More preferably, Component E comprises an epoxidized linseed oil [CAS No. 8016-11-3] and / or epoxidized soybean oil [CAS No. 8013-07-8], and the oligomeric reaction product of bisphenol A. Even more preferred, Component E consists of an epoxidized linseed oil [CAS No. 8016-11-3] and / or epoxidized soybean oil [CAS No. 8013-07-8], and the oligomeric reaction product of bisphenol A. And advantage of these particular mixtures of Component E is that the melt viscosity for example tested with MVR (ISO 1133-1) does less increase at long dwell times under high temperatures such as for example at 260 °C. Surprisingly, the inventors have found that with Component E comprising at least an epoxidized fatty acid ester of glycerol, in particular epoxidized vegetable oils, and an oligomeric reaction product of bisphenol A with epichlorohydrin of general formula (IX) [CAS No. 25068-38-6] having an epoxy equivalent determinable according to ISO 3001 in the range from 450 to 600 grams per mole and a softening point determinable according to DIN 51920 in the range from 75 degrees centigrade (°C) to 95 degrees centigrade, Component H may be present in lower amounts such as for example between 0.1 and 4 wt%, preferably between 0.1 and1.5 wt%. Surprisingly, Component H may even be absent. A lower amount of Component H, or even its absence, results in a better self-extinguishing performance, for example demonstrated in the after burning time in LIL94 V test. This has been exemplified by examples.

[0080] Component E is present in the composition according to the invention in an amount of between 0.1 and 7 wt%, preferably between 0.3 and 5 wt% and even more preferred between 1 and 4 wt%, with respect to the total weight of the composition. Presence of over 7 wt% of Component E results in unwanted increase in viscosity of the resulting composition. If the amount of Component E is less than 0.1 wt%, the composition may have insufficient stability at elevated humid conditions like for example at 85 °C and 85% relative humidity. If more than one component E is present, the above amounts relate to the total amount of Components E.

[0081] Preferably Component E is halogen-free, as this has the advantage that less halogens may be present in the composition and / or parts made therefrom. However, it may be that Component E contains a halogen, such as for example tetrabromobisphenol A epoxy oligomer, which can also be employed.

[0082] F. Copolyester

[0083] The composition according to the invention may optionally comprise a copolyester, hereafter also referred to as Component F. A copolyester is herein understood to be a thermoplastic polymer with elastomeric properties comprising polyester hard segments, and soft segments derived from polyalkylene oxide glycol. The polyester hard segments are generally composed of monomer units derived from at least one alkylene diol and at least one aromatic or cycloaliphatic dicarboxylic acid.

[0084] The hard segments typically consist of a polyester having a melting temperature or glass temperature, where applicable, well above room temperature, and may be as high as 300 °C or even higher. Preferably the melting temperature or glass temperature is at least 150 °C, more preferably at least 170 °C or even at least 190 °C. Still more preferably the melting temperature or glass temperature of the hard segments is in the range of between 200 and 280 °C, or even between 220 and 250 °C. The soft segment typically consists of segments having a glass transition temperature well below room temperature. Preferably the glass temperature of the amorphous polymer is at most 0 °C, more preferably at most -10 °C or even at most -20 °C. Still more preferably the glass temperature of the soft segments is in the range of between -20 and -90 °C, or even between -30 and -80 °C.

[0085] The aromatic dicarboxylic acid in the hard segments of the copolyester suitably is selected from the group consisting of terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, phthalic acid, 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid and 4,4-diphenyldicarboxylic acid, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the aromatic dicarboxylic acid comprises terephthalic acid, more preferably consists for at least 50 mole %, still more preferably at least 90 mole %, or even fully consists of terephthalic acid, relative to the total molar amount of dicarboxylic acid.

[0086] The alkylene diol in the hard segments of the copolyester suitably is selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, 1,2- hexane diol, 1,6-hexamethylene diol, 1,4-butane diol, benzene dimethanol, cyclohexane diol, cyclohexane dimethanol, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the alkylene diol comprises ethylene glycol and / or 1 ,4 butane diol, more preferably consists for at least 50 mole %, still more preferably at least 90 mole %, or even fully consists of ethylene glycol and / or 1,4 butane diol, relative to the total molar amount of alkylene diol.

[0087] The hard segments of the copolyester most preferably comprise or even consist of polybutylene terephthalate segments.

[0088] The amount of hard segments in the copolyester may vary and may for example be between 20 and 97 wt% with respect to the total weight of the copolyester, preferably between 25 and 90 wt%, even more preferred between 30 and 80 wt%, and most preferred between 30 and 60 wt%, with respect to the total weight of the copolyester.

[0089] Suitably, soft segments derived from polyalkylene oxide glycol is a homopolymer or copolymer on the basis of oxiranes, oxetanes and / or oxolanes. Examples of suitable oxiranes, where upon the polyalkylene oxide glycol may be based, are ethylene oxide and propylene oxide. The corresponding polyalkylene oxide glycol homopolymers are known by the names polyethylene glycol, polyethylene oxide, or polyethylene oxide glycol (also abbreviated as PEG or PEG), and polypropylene glycol, polypropylene oxide or polypropylene oxide glycol (also abbreviated as PPG or PPG), respectively. An example of a suitable oxetane, where upon the polyalkylene oxide glycol may be based, is 1,3-propanediol. The corresponding polyalkylene oxide glycol homopolymer is known by the name of poly(trimethylene)glycol. An example of a suitable oxolane, where upon the polyalkylene oxide glycol may be based, is tetrahydrofuran. The corresponding polyalkylene oxide glycol homopolymer is known by the name of poly(tetramethylene)glycol (PTMG) or polytetrahydrofuran (PTHF). The polyalkylene oxide glycol copolymer can be random copolymers, block copolymers or mixed structures thereof. Suitable copolymers are, for example, ethylene oxide I polypropylene oxide block-copolymers, (or EO / PO block copolymer), in particular ethylene-oxide-terminated polypropylene oxide glycol.

[0090] The polyalkylene oxide can also be based on the etherification product of alkylene diols or mixtures of alkylene diols or low molecular weight poly alkylene oxide glycol or mixtures of the aforementioned glycols.

[0091] The amount of soft segments in the copolyester may vary and usually depends on the overall softness of the copolyester as well as the number average molecular weight of the soft segment and may for example be between 3 and 80 wt% with respect to the total weight of the copolyester, preferably between 10 and 75 wt%, even more preferred between 20 and 70 wt%, and most preferred between 50 and 70 wt%, with respect to the total weight of the copolyester. The amount of soft segment in the copolyester may be determined by N MR- methods as known in the art.

[0092] Preferably, the amount of hard segments and soft segments in the copolyester add up to 100 wt% with respect to the total weight of the copolyester.

[0093] The number average molecular weight (Mn) of the soft segment usually lies preferably between 500 g / mol and 2500 g / mol, more preferably between 1000 g / mol and 2200 g / mol and even more preferred between 1500 g / mol and 2100 g / mol. The number average molecular weight of the soft segment may be determined by NMR- methods as known in the art. Component F may optionally be present between 0 and 85 wt% with respect to the total weight of the composition. The amount of Component F may depend on the amount of soft segments present in the copolyester. In case the amount of soft segments is low in the copolyester, for example between 3 and 30 wt% with respect to the total weight of copolyester, the amount of Component F may preferably be between 30 and 85 wt% with respect to the total weight of the composition. In case the amount of soft segments is high in the copolyester, for example between above 30 and 80 wt% with respect to the total weight of copolyester, the amount of Component F may preferably be between 0.1 and 20 wt%, more preferably between 1 and 10 wt% and most preferred between 2 and 7 wt%, with respect to the total weight of the composition. Presence of Component F in the preferred amounts has the advantage that mechanical performance is advantageous, especially with regard to elongation at break.

[0094] Preferably Component F may be a copolyester with hard segments comprising or even consisting of polybutylene terephthalate segments and soft segments of comprising or even consisting of poly(tetramethylene)glycol (PTMG), wherein the PTMG has a number average weight (Mn) of between 1500 and 2100 g / mol and is present in the copolyester in an amount of between 50 and 70 wt% with respect to the total weight of the copolyester. Examples of suitable copolyesters for example include Arnitel® EM400 obtainable from Envalior Deutschland GmbH, Hytrel® 4068 or Hytrel® 4069 obtainable from Celanese Inc.

[0095] G. Reinforcers

[0096] The composition according to the invention comprises reinforcers, hereafter also referred to as Component G. With reinforcers herein is explicitly included fillers. It is preferable to employ at least one reinforcer from the group of mica, silicate, quartz, in particular quartz flour, wollastonite, nepheline syenite, kaolin, amorphous silicas, chalk, feldspar, glass fibres, glass beads, glass flakes and / or fibrous fillers and / or reinforcers based on carbon fibres as Component G.

[0097] Particularly preferred, glass fibres are used as Component G. A distinction is made between chopped fibres, also known as short fibres, having a length in the range from 0.1 to 1 mm, long fibres having a length in the range from 1 to 50 mm and continuous fibres having a length L greater than 50 mm. Short fibres are used in injection molding technology and can be processed directly by means of an extruder. Long fibres can likewise still be processed in extruders. Said fibres are widely used in fibre spraying. Continuous fibres are used in the form of rovings or fabric in fibre- reinforced plastics. Articles of manufacture comprising continuous fibres achieve the highest stiffness and strength values. Also suitable are ground glass fibres, the length of these after grinding typically being in the range from 70 to 200 micro m.

[0098] It is preferable in accordance with the invention to employ as Component G chopped long glass fibres having an initial length in the range from between 1 and 50 mm, particularly preferably in the range from between 1 and 10 mm, very particularly preferably in the range from between 2 and 7 mm. Initial length refers to the average length of the glass fibres as present prior to compounding. The glass fibres preferred for use as Component G as a consequence of processing, in particular compounding in the molded compound or in the manufactured article, may have a smaller length than the original glass fibres prior to compounding and / or processing. Thus, the arithmetic mean of the glass fibre length after processing may for example be between 150 micro m and 300 micro m.

[0099] The glass fibre length and glass fibre length distribution are determined in the context of the present invention, in the case of processed glass fibres, analogously to ISO 22314, which first stipulates ashing of the samples at 625 degrees centigrade Subsequently, the ash is placed onto a microscope slide covered with demineralized water in a suitable crystallizing dish, and the ash is distributed in an ultrasound bath without action of mechanical forces. The next step involves drying in an oven at 130 degrees centigrade, followed by the determination of the glass fibres length with the aid of light microscopy images. For this purpose, at least 100 glass fibres are measured from three images, and so a total of 300 glass fibres are used to ascertain the length. The glass fibre length either can be calculated as the arithmetic mean I, according to the equation (1) where lj=length of the ith fibre and n=number of fibres measured, and represented appropriately as a histogram, or else, in the case of an assumed normal distribution of the measured glass fibre lengths I, it can be determined by means of the Gaussian function in accordance with the equation (2) In this equation, lcand s are specific parameters of the normal distribution: k is the mean and s is the standard deviation. Glass fibres not incorporated into a polymer matrix are analyzed with respect to their lengths by the above methods, but without processing by ashing and separation from the ash.

[0100] Glass fibres preferred for use as Component G in accordance with the invention preferably have a fibre diameter in the range from between 7 and 18 micro m, particularly preferably in the range from between 9 and 15 micro m. The glass fibres preferred for use as Component G are preferably added as continuous fibres or as chopped or ground glass fibres.

[0101] The reinforcers for use as Component G, in particular glass fibres, are preferably treated with a suitable sizing system and / or an adhesion promoter and / or adhesion promoter system, particularly preferably a silane-based one. Very particularly preferred silane-based adhesion promoters are silane compounds of general formula (X)

[0102] (X-(CH2)q)k-Si-(O-CrH2r+i)4- k (X) in which the substituents are defined as follows: q: an integer from 2 to 10, preferably from 3 to 4, r: an integer from 1 to 5, preferably from 1 to 2, k: an integer from 1 to 3, preferably 1.

[0103] Especially preferred adhesion promoters are silane compounds from the group of aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, aminobutyltrimethoxysilane, aminopropyltriethoxysilane, aminobutyltriethoxysilane and the corresponding silanes comprising a glycidyl group as the substituent X.

[0104] For the treatment of the glass fibres, silane compounds are preferably employed for surface coating in amounts in the range from between 0.05 percent and 2 percent by weight, particularly preferably in the range from between 0.25 percent and 1 .5 percent by weight and most preferred in the range from between 0.5 percent and 1 percent by weight, based on 100 percent by weight of the glass fibres.

[0105] Reinforcers as Component G, is present in an amount of between 5 and 60 wt%, preferably between 7 and 50 wt%, and more preferred between 8 and 40 wt%, and most preferred between 10 and 35 wt%, with respect to the total weight of the composition. Presence of over 60 wt% of reinforces as Component G, results in high shear stress and degradation of the polymers. If the amount of reinforcers is below 5 wt%, the final compound may have insufficient stiffness.

[0106] H. Dicarboxylic acid anhydride functionalized polyolefin

[0107] The composition according to the invention comprises a dicarboxylic acid anhydride functionalized polyolefin based compatibilizer based on a polyolefin functionalized with at least one functional group, also referred to as Component H. Suitable polyolefins include homo- and copolymers of one or more olefin polymers that can be grafted with a functional group. Examples of suitable olefin polymers are ethylene polymers, propylene polymers, and styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers or the hydrogenated form thereof. Examples of suitable ethylene polymers are all thermoplastic homopolymers of ethylene and copolymers of ethylene with as comonomer one or more alpha-olefins with 3-10 C atoms, in particular propylene, isobutene, 1-butene, 1-hexene, 4-methyl-1 -pentene and 1-octene which can be manufactured with the known catalysts such as for example Ziegler-Natta, Phillips and metallocene catalysts. The quantity of comonomer lies as a rule in the range of 0 to 50 weight percent, and preferably in the range of 5 to 35 weight percent. Such ethylene polymers are for instance known as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and linear very low- density polyethylene (VL(L)DPE). Suitable polyethylene polymers have a density in the range of 800 to 970 kg / m3. Examples of suitable propylene polymers are homopolymers of propylene and copolymers of propylene with ethylene, in which the portion of ethylene amounts to at most 30 weight percent and preferably at most 25 weight percent.

[0108] Preferred dicarboxylic acid anhydride functionalized polyolefin are based on homopolymers of propylene and / or copolymers of propylene with ethylene, in which the portion of ethylene amounts to at most 30 weight percent and preferably at most 25 weight percent with respect to the total weight of the copolymer. Particularly preferred dicarboxylic acid anhydride functionalized polyolefin are based on homopolymers of propylene, as this has the advantage that the flame retardancy is less negatively affected.

[0109] Preferably, the dicarboxylic acid anhydride functionalized polyolefin is a maleic anhydride (MAH)-grafted polyolefin. More preferably, the dicarboxylic acid anhydride functionalized polyolefin is selected from a maleic anhydride-modified polyethylene, a maleic anhydride-modified polypropylene, a maleic anhydride-modified propylene copolymer, and a maleic anhydride-modified ethylene copolymer and more particularly preferably the dicarboxylic acid anhydride functionalized polyolefin is a maleic anhydride-modified polypropylene.

[0110] Advantageously, the dicarboxylic acid anhydride functionalized polyolefin has a density in the range of 800 to 970 kg / m3, preferably in the range 820 to 970 kg / m3, preferably in the range 830 to 960 kg / m3, preferably in the range of 840 to 950 kg / m3, more preferably in the range of 860 to 950 kg / m3, more preferably in the range of 880 to 940 kg / m3, and even more preferably in the range of 890 to 930 kg / m3, as measured according to the ISO norm ISO 1183.

[0111] Preferably, the content of dicarboxylic acid anhydride in the dicarboxylic acid anhydride functionalized polyolefin lies in the range of 0.05 to 3.0 wt%, more preferably in the range of 0.2 to 2.5 wt%, even more preferably in the range of 0.5 to 2.0 weight percent and most preferred in the range of 0.9 to 1 .3 wt%, wherein weight percent is relative to the total weight of the dicarboxylic acid anhydride functionalized polyolefin.

[0112] In particular, the content of maleic anhydride (MAH) in the dicarboxylic acid anhydride functionalized polyolefin lies in the range of 0.05 to 3.0 weight percent, preferably in the range of 0.2 to 2.5 weight percent, more preferably in the range of 0.5 to 2 weight percent and even more preferably in the range of 0.9 to 1.3 weight percent wherein weight percent is relative to the total weight of the dicarboxylic acid anhydride functionalized polyolefin. The content of the MAH herein refers to the dicarboxylic acid anhydride functionalized polyolefin as such, thus prior to mixing it with other components. The amount of MAH in the composition according to the invention may differ from the content of MAH prior to mixing and potential chemical interaction with other components. The MAH content may be measured by infra-red spectroscopy. For this purpose films of the dicarboxylic acid anhydride functionalized polyolefin are prepared by melt-pressing and FT-IR spectra are recorded on said films using a Perkin Elmer Spectrum One FT-IR spectrometer. Peak height measurements is done on the absorbance spectra. Correction for differences in film thickness is done by normalizing the spectra using a vibration signal of the MAH-modified polyolefin, being the 722 cm-1peak. For the determination of the peak height at 722 cm-1(H1), a baseline is drawn between 2000 and 640 cm-1. For the determination of the peak height at 1862 cm-1(H2), a baseline is drawn between 1910 and 1640 cm-1. The weight percentage of MAH on the sample is calculated with the following equation (3):

[0113] MAH (weight percent)=4.2176*(H2 / H1) (3) Said dicarboxylic acid anhydride functionalized polyolefins may be prepared according to methods known per se for this purpose, for example as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,236,917 and 5,194,509 and 4,950,541. Additionally, said dicarboxylic acid anhydride functionalized polyolefins are also commercially available under various tradenames, such as PA-Bond® obtainable from Mitsui & Co Deutschland GmbH, Dusseldorf, Germany, Fusabond® obtainable from Dow Deutschland GmbH, Wiesbaden, Germany, Exxelor® obtainable from Exxon Mobil Chemical, Cologne, Germany or Tafmer® obtainable from Mitsui Chemicals Europe GmbH, Dusseldorf, Germany.

[0114] Component H is present in the composition according to the invention in an amount of between 0.1 wt% and 5 wt%, preferably between 0.5 and 4 wt% and even more preferred between 1 and 3 wt%, with respect to the total weight of the composition. Presence of over 5 wt% of Component H results in unwanted decrease in flame retardant behaviour. If the amount of Component H is less than 0.1 wt%, the composition may have insufficient comparative tracking index properties. Surprisingly, Component H may even be absent when Component E comprises at least an epoxidized fatty acid ester of glycerol, preferably an epoxidized vegetable oil, and an oligomeric reaction product of bisphenol A with epichlorohydrin of general formula (IX) [CAS No. 25068-38-6] having an epoxy equivalent determinable according to ISO 3001 in the range from 450 to 600 grams per mole and a softening point determinable according to DIN 51920 in the range from 75 degrees centigrade (°C) to 95 degrees centigrade as elaborated above. l. Metal carbonate

[0115] The composition according to the invention comprises a metal carbonate, herein also referred to as Component I, wherein the metal preferably is selected from sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, barium and zinc, particularly preferably calcium, as this improves hydrolytic stability, which is exemplified by examples. Preferably, the metal carbonate has a median particle size in the range from between 0.1 micro m and 30 micro m, particularly preferably in the range from between 0.3 micro m and 20 micro m, more particularly preferably in the range from between 0.3 micro m and 10 micro m and very particularly preferably in the range from between 0.5 micro m and 3.5 micro m. The top cut, here defined as d98 is preferably below 100 micro m, particularly preferably 30 micro m and very particularly preferably below 20 micro m. The preferred particle sizes result in advantageous properties with regard to sufficient hydrolysis resistance and good mechanical properties.

[0116] Preferably, calcium carbonate [CAS No. 1317-65-3] may be used in the form of naturally occurring sources like for example chalk, limestone or marble or in the form of calcium carbonate produced synthetically by known industrial methods like for example by using lime-soda process or Solvay process. The median particle size [d50] of the calcium carbonate is preferably in the range from between 0.1 micro m and 30 micro m, particularly preferably in the range from between 0.3 micro m and 20 micro m, more particularly preferably in the range from between 0.3 micro m and 10 micro m and very particularly preferably in the range from between 0.5 micro m and 3.5 micro m. The top cut, here defined as d98 is preferably below 100 micro m, particularly preferably 30 micro m and very particularly preferably below 20 micro m. The preferred particle sizes result in advantageous properties with regard to sufficient hydrolysis resistance and good mechanical properties.

[0117] The median particle size is determined in the context of the present invention by laser diffractometry in analogy to standard ISO 13320. The figures for the particle size distribution and for the particle sizes are based here on so-called surface-based particle sizes, in each case prior to incorporation into the composition.

[0118] The calcium carbonate suitable for the invention may be untreated including uncoated, or may have been treated with inorganic and / or organic surface treatments. Examples of suitable surface treatments are for example taught in W02020 / 254112 A1. Advantages to use coated calcium carbonates for example are better flowability of the powder and improved compatibility with the inventive polyester polymer.

[0119] Preferably, the calcium carbonate is uncoated, as this may further improve hydrolytic stability of the composition.

[0120] Suitable mineral calcium carbonates are available, for example, from Omya International AG, Offringen, Sitzerland under the trade name Hydrocarb OG or Omyacarb 2T-VA.

[0121] Component I is present in the composition according to the invention in an amount of between 0.05 wt% and 5 wt%, more preferably between 0.3 and 3 wt% and even more preferred between 0.5 and 2.5 wt%, with respect to the total weight of the composition. Presence of over 5 wt% of Component I due to the higher content of inorganic solids results in unwanted decrease in mechanical properties like for example tensile strain at break. If the amount of Component I is less than 0.05 wt%, the composition may have disadvantages in hydrolytic stability due to insufficient neutralization of acidic components. J. Further additives

[0122] The composition preferably comprises less than 0.1 wt% of melamine cyanurate, as melamine cyanurate is suspected to negatively influence fertility and / or may damage organs. Advantageously the composition can be substantially free of melamine cyanurate. The composition further is preferably substantially free from carbodiimide, as carbodiimide may release harmful isocyanate decomposition products at elevated processing conditions of the polyesters.

[0123] With “substantially free” is herein understood that the composition comprises less than 0.01 wt% of the mentioned substance, with respect to the total weight of the composition.

[0124] The composition according to the invention may contain one or more further additives different from Component B to Components I described above, in amounts that do not heavily interfere with the flame retardant and / or mechanical properties; and / or are beneficial to support the inventive tasks.

[0125] Further additives different from Component B to Component I may include for example lubricants and mold-release agents, UV stabilizers, colorants, further chainextension additives, antioxidants, plasticizers, flow improver, heat stabilizers, further stabilizers, antioxidants, gamma-ray stabilizers, further hydrolysis stabilizers, further elastomer modifiers, antistatics, nucleating agents, processing aids, laser light absorbing pigments suitable for laser marking, acid scavenger, anti-drip agents further halogen-free flame retardants and, if required for the application, also halogencontaining flame retardants and their synergists.

[0126] The additives may be used alone or in admixture such as for example in the form of masterbatches.

[0127] Preferred lubricants and mold-release agents are those selected from the group of the long-chain fatty acids, the salts of long-chain fatty acids, the ester derivatives of long-chain fatty acids, and also montan waxes.

[0128] Preferred long-chain fatty acids are stearic acid or behenic acid. Preferred salts of the long-chain fatty acids are calcium or zinc stearate. Preferred ester derivatives of long-chain fatty acids are those based on pentaerythritol, more particularly C16-C18 fatty acid esters of pentaerythritol [CAS No. 68604-44-4] or [CAS No. 85116-93-4],

[0129] Montan waxes in the context of the present invention are mixtures of straightchain saturated carboxylic acids having chain lengths of from 28 to 32 carbon atoms. It is particularly preferable in accordance with the invention to employ lubricants and / or mold-release agents from the group of esters of saturated or unsaturated aliphatic carboxylic acids having 8 to 40 carbon atoms with aliphatic saturated alcohols having 2 to 40 carbon atoms and metal salts of saturated or unsaturated aliphatic carboxylic acids having 8 to 40 carbon atoms, wherein pentaerythritol tetrastearate, calcium stearate [CAS No. 1592-23-0] and / or ethylene glycol dimontanate, here in particular Licowax® E [CAS No. 74388-22-0] from Clariant, Muttenz, Basel, are very particularly preferred and pentaerythritol tetrastearate [CAS No. 115-83-3], for example available as Loxiol® P861 from Emery Oleochemicals GmbH, Dusseldorf, Germany, is especially very particularly preferred.

[0130] UV stabilizers may be used with preference are substituted resorcinols, salicylates, benzotriazoles, triazine derivatives or benzophenones.

[0131] Colorants may be used with preference are organic pigments, preferably phthalocyanines, quinacridones, perylenes and dyes, preferably nigrosin and / or anthraquinones, and also inorganic pigments, especially titanium dioxide, barium sulfate, ultramarine blue, iron oxide, zinc sulfide, and / or carbon black.

[0132] Titanium dioxide [CAS No. 13463-67-7] may be preferred for use in accordance with the invention as a pigment. The titanium dioxide preferably has a median particle size d50 in the range of between 90 nm and 2000 nm, particularly preferably in the range of between 200 nm and 800 nm. The median particle size d50 is the value determined from the particle size distribution at which 50 percent by weight of the particles have an equivalent sphere diameter smaller than this d50 value. Examples of commercially available titanium dioxide include Kronos® 2230, Kronos® 2233, Kronos® 2225 and Kronos® v1p7000 from Kronos, Dallas, USA. According to the invention the titanium dioxide may be preferred for use as pigment. Titanium dioxide is preferably employed in amounts in the range from between 0.1 and 20 wt%, particularly preferably in amounts in the range from between 0.5 and 15 wt% parts and very particularly preferably in amounts in the range from between 1 and 5 wt% with respect to the total weight of the composition.

[0133] A particularly preferred inorganic pigment according to the invention is barium sulfate. Barium sulfate [CAS No. 7727-43-7] may be used in the form of naturally occurring baryte or in the form of barium sulfate produced synthetically by known industrial methods. A customary method of production for barium sulfate is for example the precipitation of barium sulfide or barium chloride with sodium sulfate. The median particle size [d50] here is preferably in the range from between 0.1 micro m and 50 micro m, particularly preferably in the range from between 0.5 micro m and 10 micro m and very particularly preferably in the range from between 0.6 micro m and 2 micro m. The barium sulfate here may be untreated or may have been endowed with inorganic and / or organic surface treatments. Examples of inorganic or organic surface treatments and also methods for application thereof to the surface are for example taught in W02008 / 023074 A1. Suitable synthetic barium sulfates are available, for example, from Sachtleben Chemie GmbH, Duisburg, Germany under the trade names Blanc fixe F and Blanc Fixe Super F.

[0134] Further suitable barium sulfate qualities are, for example, Albasoft® 90 and Albasoft® 100 available from Sachtleben Minerals GmbH, Hausach, Germany.

[0135] Barium sulfate as Component J may be present in the composition according to the invention in an amount of between 0.1 and 10 wt%, preferably between 0.5 and 7 wt% and even more preferred between 1 and 5 wt%, with respect to the total weight of the composition. Presence of over 10 wt% of barium sulfate results in unwanted increase in density and decrease in mechanical properties of the resulting resin composition.

[0136] As Component J, di- or polyfunctional branching or chain-extending additives, different from Component E and Component H, containing at least two and not more than 15 branching or chain-extending functional groups per molecule may preferably be employed. Suitable branching or chain-extending additives include low molecular weight or oligomeric compounds which have at least two and not more than 15 branching or chain-extending functional groups per molecule, and which are able to react with primary and / or secondary amino groups, and / or amide groups and / or carboxylic acid groups. Chain-extending functional groups different from those in Component E and H may for example be isocyanates, alcohols, blocked isocyanates, oxazolines, oxazines, oxazolones and carbodiimides. Isocyanates, blocked isocyanates and carbodiimides, however, are preferably avoided as further chainextending additives for above mentioned reasons regarding health and critical working hygiene. However, if required for the application carbodiimides may also be employed as chain-extending additives. In this case preferred carbodiimides are oligomeric or polymeric carbodiimides as described in EP2365028 A1 and particularly preferred carbodiimides are cyclic carbodiimides as described in EP2360208 B1 and EP258397 B1 , in concentrations preferably between 0.1 wt% and 2.0 wt% with respect to the total weight of the composition.

[0137] Plasticizers may be preferred for use as Component J are dioctyl phthalate, dibenzyl phthalate, butyl benzyl phthalate, hydrocarbon oils or N-(n-butyl)benzene sulfonamide.

[0138] Flow improver preferred for use as Component J are copolymers of at least one a-olefin with at least one methacrylic ester or acrylic ester of an aliphatic alcohol. Particularly preferred here are copolymers where the a-olefin is constructed from ethene and / or propene and the methacrylic ester or acrylic ester comprises as its alcohol component linear or branched alkyl groups having 6 to 20 C atoms. Very particular preference is given to 2-ethylhexyl acrylate. Copolymers suitable as flow assistants in accordance with the invention feature low molecular weight in addition to the composition. Accordingly, preference is given especially to copolymers having an MFI measured at 190 degrees centigrade under a load of 2.16 kg of at least 100 g / 10 min, preferably of at least 150 g / 10 min, particularly preferably of at least 300 g / 10 min. The MFI, melt flow index, serves to characterize the flow of a melt of a thermoplastic and is subject to the standards ISO 1133 or ASTM D 1238. The MFI, and all figures relating to the MFI in the context of the present invention, relate or were measured or determined in a standard manner according to ISO 1133 at 190 degrees centigrade with a test weight of 2.16 kg. Copolymers of an a-olefin and an acrylic ester of an aliphatic alcohol are preferred in accordance with the invention. A copolymer of only ethene and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate is particularly preferred in accordance with the invention.

[0139] Heat stabilizers preferred for use as Component J may be selected from the group of sulfur-containing stabilizers, especially sulfides, dialkylthiocarbamates or thiodipropionic acids, and also those selected from the group of the iron salts and the copper salts, in the latter case especially copper(l) iodide, being used preferably in combination with potassium iodide and / or sodium hypophosphite Na^PCh, and also sterically hindered amines, especially tetramethylpiperidine derivatives, aromatic secondary amines, especially diphenylamines, hydroquinones, substituted resorcinols, salicylates, benzotriazoles and benzophenones, and also sterically hindered phenols and aliphatically or aromatically substituted phosphites, and also differently substituted representatives of these groups.

[0140] Among the diphenylamine based heat stabilizers, Bis[4-(2-phenyl-2- propyl)phenyl]amine [CAS No.10081 -67-1] is particularly preferred as Component J which can be obtained, for example, as Naugard™ 445 from Akrochem Corp., Akron, OH, USA. According to the invention, it is preferably used in an amount of between 0.05 wt% and 2 wt%, particularly preferred between 0.1 and 1 wt% and even more preferred between 0.2 and 0.7 wt%, with respect to the total weight of the composition, as this has a positive effect on the heat stability of the composition according to the invention.

[0141] Among the sterically hindered phenols as heat stabilizers as Component J preference is given to employing those having at least one 3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-5- methylphenyl building block and / or at least one 3,5-di(tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) building block, particular preference being given to 1,6-hexanediol bis[3-(3,5-di-tert- butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate] [CAS No. 35074-77-2] (Irganox® 259 from BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany), pentaerythritol tetrakis [3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4- hydroxyphenyl)propionate] [CAS No. 6683-19-8] (Irganox® 1010 from BASF SE) and 3, 9-bis[2-[3-(3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)propionyloxy]-1,1 -dimethylethyl]- 2,4,8, 10-tetraoxaspiro[5.5]undecanes [CAS No. 90498-90-1] (ADK Stab® AO 80). ADK Stab® AO 80 is commercially available from Adeka-Palmerole SAS, Mulhouse, France.

[0142] Among the aliphatically or aromatically substituted phosphites for use, preference is given to bis(2,4-dicumylphenyl)pentaerythritol diphosphite [CAS No. 154862-43-8], which is available for example from Dover Chemical Corp., Dover, USA under the trade name Doverphos(R) S9228, and tetrakis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)-1 , 1 -biphenyl-4,4'-diyl bisphosphonite [CAS No. 38613-77-3], which can be obtained, for example, as Hostanox(R) P-EPQ from Clariant International Ltd., Muttenz, Switzerland.

[0143] Also employable further stabilizers as Component J are inorganic phosphate salts from the group of metal hydrogen phosphates, metal dihydrogen phosphates, metal dihydrogen pyrophosphates and / or metal pyrophosphates, wherein metal here stands for sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, copper and / or aluminium. The corresponding hydrates are also included here according to the invention. It is preferable here to employ inorganic phosphate salts having a pH in the range from 2 to 6, particularly preferably in the range from 2 to 4, the reported values for pH being based here on aqueous medium at 20 degrees centigrade and a concentration of 1 g per litre. Preferably employed from the group of metal dihydrogen pyrophosphates and metal pyrophosphates are sodium dihydrogen pyrophosphate [CAS No. 7758-16-9], calcium dihydrogen pyrophosphate [CAS No. 14866-19-4], magnesium pyrophosphate [CAS No. 13446-24-7], calcium pyrophosphate [CAS No. 7790-76-3] and zinc pyrophosphate [CAS No. 7446-26-6], Preferably employed from the group of metal hydrogen phosphates are calcium hydrogen phosphate [CAS No. 7757-93-9], calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate [CAS No.7789-77-7], magnesium hydrogen phosphate [CAS No. 7757-86-0] and zinc hydrogen phosphate [CAS No.7664-38-2], From the group of metal dihydrogen phosphates especially preferred for use it is preferable to employ aluminium dihydrogen phosphate [CAS No. 13530-50-2], magnesium bis(dihydrogen phosphate) [CAS No.13092-66-5], calcium bis(dihydrogen phosphate) [CAS No. 7758-23-8], zinc bis(dihydrogen phosphates) [CAS No.13598-37-3], zinc bis(dihydrogen phosphate) dihydrate [CAS No. 13986-21-5], sodium dihydrogen phosphate [CAS No. 7558-80-7] and sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate [CAS No. 13472-35-0],

[0144] Nucleating agents preferred for use as Component J are sodium or calcium phenylphosphinate, aluminium oxide, silicon dioxide or talc [CAS No.14807-96-6], preference being given to talc. It is particularly preferable to employ microcrystalline talc. Talc is a sheet silicate having the chemical composition Mg3[Si40io(OH)2], which, depending on the modification, crystallizes as talc-1 A in the triclinic crystal system or as talc-2M in the monoclinic crystal system (http: / / de.wikipedia.org / wiki / Talkum). Talc [CAS No. 14807-96-6] for use in accordance with the invention is commercially available, for example, under the name Mistron® R10 from Imerys Talc Group, Toulouse, France).

[0145] Anti-drip agents preferred for use as Component J are in particular tetrafluoroethylene polymers. The tetrafluoroethylene polymers may be employed in pure form or else in combination with other resins, preferably styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN), or acrylates, preferably methyl methacrylate and / or butyl acrylate. An especially preferably suitable example of tetrafluoroethylene-styrene-acrylonitrile resins is, for example, Cycolac® INP 449 [CAS No. 1427364-85-9] from Sabie Corp., Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; an especially preferably suitable example of tetrafluoroethylene-acrylate resins is, for example, Metablen A3800 [CAS No. 639808-21-2] from Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan. Anti-drip agents comprising tetrafluoroethylene polymers are used in accordance with the invention as Component J preferably in amounts in the range from 0.01 to 3 wt%, particularly preferably in the range from 0.1 to 1 wt% and very particularly preferably in the range from 0.3 to 0.7 wt% with respect to the total weight of the composition.

[0146] Further flame retardants different from Component B, Component C and Component D preferred for use as Component J may be selected out of the group of further nitrogen-containing flame retardants, further phosphorus containing flame retardants and - if required by the application - halogen-containing flame retardants.

[0147] Among the further nitrogen-containing flame retardants different from Component C and D for use as Component J, preference is given to those nitrogencontaining flame retardants that contain less than 0,1% of free melamine and are different from melamine cyanurate. Examples are reaction products of trichlorotriazine, piperazine and morpholine as per CAS No. 1078142-02-5, in particular MCA PPM Triazin HF from MCA Technologies GmbH, Biel-Benken, Switzerland. Preferred examples are employing reaction products of melamine with acids different from cyanuric acid, for example melamine-intercalated aluminium, zinc or magnesium salts of condensed phosphates, as described in WO2012 / 025362 A1 , bismelamine zincodiphosphate (EP 2 609 173 A1) and / or bismelamine aluminotriphosphate (EP 2 609 173 A1).

[0148] In case melamine cyanurate [CAS No. 37640-57-6] is necessarily required by the application, even though suspected to cause the above described health hazards, the concentration may be above 0.1 wt%. In this case melamine cyanurate is preferably used in amounts in the range from 1 to 15 wt%, particularly preferably in the range from 2 to 10 wt% and very particularly preferably in the range from 0.3 to 0.7 wt% with respect to the total weight of the composition. An example thereof is, inter alia, Melapur® MC25 from BASF, Ludwigshafen, Germany.

[0149] Among the further phosphorus-containing flame retardants different from Component B, C and D for use as Component J, preference is given to employing phosphorus compounds from the group of the inorganic metal phosphinates, in particular aluminium phosphinate and zinc phosphinate, of the mono- and oligomeric phosphoric and phosphonic esters, resorcinol bis(diphenyl phosphate) (RDP), bisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate) (BDP) including oligomers, polyphosphonates, in particular bisphenol A-diphenyl methyl phosphonate copolymers, for example Nofia™ HM1100 [CAS No. 68664-06-2] from FRX Polymers, Chelmsford, USA), and also derivatives of the 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene 10-oxides (DOPO derivatives), phosphonate amines, metal phosphonates, in particular aluminium phosphonate and zinc phosphonate and phosphine oxides.

[0150] If required for the application halogen-containing flame retardants may also be employed as Component J. These include commercially available organic halogen compounds with or without synergists. Halogenated, in particular brominated compounds preferably include ethylene-1, 2-bistetrabromophthalimide, decabromodiphenylethane, tetrabromobisphenol A oligocarbonate, polypentabromobenzyl acrylate, brominated polystyrene and brominated polyphenylene ethers. Preferred flame retardant synergist to be used preferably with halogen-containing flame retardants is antimony trioxide [CAS-No. 1309-64-4]

[0151] Other flame retardants or flame retardant synergists different from Component B, C and D not specifically mentioned here may also be employed as Component J. Also suitable are flame retardant synergists from the group of the oxygen-, nitrogen- or sulfur-containing metal compounds different from Component I in which metal is zinc, molybdenum, calcium, titanium, magnesium or boron, preferably zinc oxide, zinc borate, zinc stannate, zinc hydroxystannate, zinc sulfide, molybdenum oxide, magnesium carbonate, calcium oxide, titanium nitride, boron nitride, magnesium nitride, zinc nitride, calcium borate, magnesium borate or mixtures thereof.

[0152] Further flame retardant additives that are preferred for use as Component J are suitable are char formers, particularly preferably poly(2,6-diphenyl-1,4-phenyl) ether, in particular poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene) ether [CAS No. 25134-01-4], phenolformaldehyde resins, polycarbonates, polyimides, polysulfones, polyethersulfones or polyether ketones.

[0153] The one or more further additives, also referred to as Component J may be present in a total amount of between 0 and 30 wt% with respect to the total amount of the composition.

[0154] In a preferred embodiment the invention relates to a composition wherein Component A is PBT in an amount of between 32 and 60 wt%;

[0155] Component B is aluminium tris(diethylphosphinate) in an amount of between 10 and 20 wt%;

[0156] Component C is a phenoxyphosphazene in an amount of between 2 and 6 wt%; Component D is melamine polyphosphate in an amount of between 2 and 7 wt%; Component E is a Bisphenol-A Epoxy-Oligomer in an amount of 1 and 4 wt%; Component G is glass fibers in an amount of between 10 and 35 wt%;

[0157] Component H is maleic anhydride-modified polypropylene in an amount of between 1 and 3 wt%; and

[0158] Component I is calcium carbonate in an amount of between 0.5 and 2.5 wt%, preferably wherein the calcium carbonate has a median particle size in the range from between 0.3 micro m and 10 micro m, more preferably in the range from 0.5 and 3.5 micro m; wherein the amounts are with respect to the total weight of the composition, unless denoted otherwise.

[0159] In another preferred embodiment the invention relates to a composition wherein Component A is PBT in an amount of between 32 and 60 wt%;

[0160] Component B is aluminium tris(diethylphosphinate) in an amount of between 10 and 20 wt%;

[0161] Component C is a phenoxyphosphazene in an amount of between 2 and 6 wt%; Component D is melamine polyphosphate in an amount of between 2 and 7 wt%; Component E is a Bisphenol-A Epoxy-Oligomer in an amount of 1 and 4 wt%; Component F is a copolyester with hard segments of PBT in an amount of between 30 and 60 wt% and the soft segments of poly(tetramethylene)glycol (PTMG) in an amount of 40 and 70 wt%, wherein the amounts are with respect to the total weight of the copolyester, and wherein Component F is present in an amount of between 2 and 7 wt% wherein the amount is with respect to the total weight of the composition;

[0162] Component G is glass fibers in an amount of between 10 and 35 wt%;

[0163] Component H is maleic anhydride-modified polypropylene in an amount of between 1 and 3 wt%; and

[0164] Component I is calcium carbonate in an amount of between 0.5 and 2.5 wt%, preferably wherein the calcium carbonate has a median particle size in the range from between 0.3 micro m and 10 micro m, more preferably in the range from 0.5 and 3.5 micro m; wherein the amounts are with respect to the total weight of the composition, unless denoted otherwise.

[0165] In yet another preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a composition wherein

[0166] Component A is PBT in an amount of between 32 and 60 wt%;

[0167] Component B is aluminium tris(diethylphosphinate) in an amount of between 10 and 20 wt%;

[0168] Component C is a phenoxyphosphazene in an amount of between 2 and 6 wt%; Component D is melamine polyphosphate in an amount of between 2 and 7 wt%; Component E is a Bisphenol-A Epoxy-Oligomer in an amount of 1 and 4 wt%; Component G is glass fibers in an amount of between 10 and 35 wt%;

[0169] Component H is maleic anhydride-modified polypropylene in an amount of between 1 and 3 wt%; and

[0170] Component I is calcium carbonate in an amount of between 0.5 and 2.5 wt%, preferably wherein the calcium carbonate has a median particle size in the range from between 0.3 micro m and 10 micro m, more preferably in the range from 0.5 and 3.5 micro m; and Component J comprises barium sulfate in an amount of between between 1 and 5 wt%; wherein the amounts are with respect to the total weight of the composition, unless denoted otherwise. In a yet further another preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a composition wherein

[0171] Component A is PBT in an amount of between 32 and 60 wt%;

[0172] Component B is aluminium tris(diethylphosphinate) in an amount of between 10 and 20 wt%;

[0173] Component C is a phenoxyphosphazene in an amount of between 2 and 6 wt%;

[0174] Component D is melamine polyphosphate in an amount of between 2 and 7 wt%;

[0175] Component E is a Bisphenol-A Epoxy-Oligomer in an amount of 1 and 4 wt%;

[0176] Component F is a copolyester with hard segments of PBT in an amount of between 30 and 60 wt% and the soft segments of poly(tetramethylene)glycol (PTMG) in an amount of 40 and 70 wt%, wherein the amounts are with respect to the total weight of the copolyester, and wherein Component F is present in an amount of between 2 and 7 wt% wherein the amount is with respect to the total weight of the composition;

[0177] Component G is glass fibers in an amount of between 10 and 35 wt%;

[0178] Component H is maleic anhydride-modified polypropylene in an amount of between 1 and 3 wt%; and

[0179] Component I is calcium carbonate in an amount of between 0.5 and 2.5 wt% preferably wherein the calcium carbonate has a median particle size in the range from between 0.3 micro m and 10 micro m, more preferably in the range from 0.5 and 3.5 micro m; and Component J comprises barium sulfate in an amount of between between 1 and 5 wt%; wherein the amounts are with respect to the total weight of the composition, unless denoted otherwise.

[0180] In a yet further another more preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a composition wherein

[0181] Component A is PBT in an amount of between 32 and 60 wt%;

[0182] Component B is aluminium tris(diethylphosphinate) in an amount of between 10 and 20 wt%;

[0183] Component C is a phenoxyphosphazene in an amount of between 2 and 6 wt%; Component D is melamine polyphosphate in an amount of between 2 and 7 wt%; Component E comprises an epoxidized linseed oil and / or epoxidized soybean oil, and the oligomeric reaction product of bisphenol A in a total amount of between 1 and 4 wt%;

[0184] Component F is a copolyester with hard segments of PBT in an amount of between 30 and 60 wt% and the soft segments of poly(tetramethylene)glycol (PTMG) in an amount of 40 and 70 wt%, wherein the amounts are with respect to the total weight of the copolyester, and wherein Component F is present in an amount of between 2 and 7 wt% wherein the amount is with respect to the total weight of the composition;

[0185] Component G is glass fibers in an amount of between 10 and 35 wt%;

[0186] Component H is maleic anhydride-modified polypropylene in an amount of between 0 and 1.5 wt%; and

[0187] Component I is calcium carbonate in an amount of between 0.5 and 2.5 wt% preferably wherein the calcium carbonate has a median particle size in the range from between 0.3 micro m and 10 micro m, more preferably in the range from 0.5 and 3.5 micro m; wherein the amounts are with respect to the total weight of the composition, unless denoted otherwise.

[0188] In a yet further another more preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a composition wherein

[0189] Component A is PBT in an amount of between 32 and 60 wt%;

[0190] Component B is aluminium tris(diethylphosphinate) in an amount of between 10 and 20 wt%;

[0191] Component C is a phenoxyphosphazene in an amount of between 2 and 6 wt%; Component D is melamine polyphosphate in an amount of between 2 and 7 wt%; Component E comprises an epoxidized linseed oil and / or epoxidized soybean oil, and the oligomeric reaction product of bisphenol A in a total amount of between 1 and 4 wt%;

[0192] Component F is a copolyester with hard segments of PBT in an amount of between 30 and 60 wt% and the soft segments of poly(tetramethylene)glycol (PTMG) in an amount of 40 and 70 wt%, wherein the amounts are with respect to the total weight of the copolyester, and wherein Component F is present in an amount of between 2 and 7 wt% wherein the amount is with respect to the total weight of the composition;

[0193] Component G is glass fibers in an amount of between 10 and 35 wt%;

[0194] Component H is maleic anhydride-modified polypropylene in an amount of between 0 and 1.5 wt%; and

[0195] Component I is calcium carbonate in an amount of between 0.5 and 2.5 wt% preferably wherein the calcium carbonate has a median particle size in the range from between 0.3 micro m and 10 micro m, more preferably in the range from 0.5 and 3.5 micro m; and Component J comprises barium sulfate in an amount of between 1 and 5 wt%; wherein the amounts are with respect to the total weight of the composition, unless denoted otherwise.

[0196] Preparation of the composition

[0197] The composition of the invention can be prepared by usual means, which includes for example compounding on an extruder, such as for example a twin-screw extruder. The individual components may be dosed separately or together. Preferably Component A is dosed in a main feeder preferably as granules, and Components B, C and D in a side feeder that is located between the main feeder and the nozzles. Particularly preferred, Component C is premixed with Component B and Component D to avoid sticking of Component C in dosage channels. Mixing of the individual ingredients is preferably performed at temperature in the range from 230 to 310 degrees centigrade, preferably in the range from 240 to 290 degrees centigrade, particularly preferably in the range from 250 to 270 degrees centigrade, whereby Component A is molten. Especially preferably, a twin-screw extruder is used for this purpose. After mixing, the mixture may additionally be discharged in the form of a strand, cooled until pelletizable and pelletized, before being subjected as a matrix material to injection molding or extrusion, preferably injection molding.

[0198] The present invention also relates to a method for producing articles of manufacture comprising the above disclosed composition, preferably for the electrical or electronics industry, particularly preferably electronic or electrical assemblies and components, by mixing compositions according to the invention to form a molding compound.

[0199] In a preferred method, the pellet material comprising the composition according to the invention is dried, preferably at temperatures in the range around 120 degrees centigrade in a vacuum drying cabinet or in a dry air drier, for a duration preferably between 2 and 4 hours, before being subjected as matrix material to injection molding or an extrusion process in order to produce articles of manufacture according to the invention.

[0200] The methods of injection molding and of extrusion of thermoplastic molding compounds are known to those skilled in the art.

[0201] Methods according to the invention for producing articles of manufacture by extrusion or injection molding of the composition according to the invention, operate at melt temperatures preferably in the range from 230 degrees centigrade to 310 degrees centigrade, more preferably in the range from 240 degrees centigrade to 290 degrees centigrade, particularly preferably in the range from 250 degrees centigrade to 270 degrees centigrade, and optionally, in addition, at pressures of not more than 2500 bar, preferably at pressures of not more than 2000 bar, particularly preferably at pressures of not more than 1500 bar and very particularly preferably at pressures of not more than 750 bar.

[0202] Applications

[0203] The invention also relates to products made of the composition, such as for example injection molded parts, blow molded parts, preferably for the electrical or electronics industry or for electrical or electronic devices in automotive industry. Particularly preferred are components out of the inventive composition to be used in high-voltage components in E-mobility, especially particularly preferred are parts to be used as covers for electrics or electronics, control devices, connectors, covers / housings for fuses, relays, battery cell modules, fuse holders, fuse plugs, terminals, cable holders or sheatings and bus bars. An advantage in using the inventive composition in these applications is that the composition surprisingly combines good flame retardant properties, a high comparative tracking index (CTI) and good mechanical properties, such as for example a high elongation at break (eab) and sufficient hydrolysis resistance.

[0204] High-voltage components are herein understood components that preferably operate under voltages of > 60 V and < 1 500 V (direct current) or > 30 V and < 1 000 V (alternating current), preferably components in electric vehicles subjected to an operating voltage of not less than 30 V (direct current) or not less than 20 V (alternating current), particularly preferably - as per voltage class B of ISO6469-3:2018 - an operating voltage of greater than 60 V direct current or more than 30 V alternating current.

[0205] The invention further relates to compositions exhibiting a LIL94 V-0 at 0.8 mm according to LIL94 standard, a CTI A of at least 550, preferably at least 600, according to IEC60112, alternatively proven using proof tracking index PTI A 550 or PTI A 600, respectively, according to I EC60112:2003 Chapter 10, using test solution A, and good stability against hydrolytic degradation shown for example in a retention of IZOD impact performance (ISO180-1 U) after storage at 100°C and 100% relative humidity (r.h.) for 240hours (h) of at least 40%, preferably of at least 45% and / or in a retention of tensile strength at break (ISO527) after storage at 85°C and 85% r.h. for 1008h of at least 70%, preferably at least 75%. Examples

[0206] In order to demonstrate the improvements in tracking resistance and mechanical properties described in accordance with the invention, corresponding molding compounds were first of all made up by compounding the individual ingredients as listed in Tables 1 to 3. To this end, the individual components were mixed in a twin- screw extruder (ZSK 26 Mega Compounder from Coperion Werner and Pfleiderer (Stuttgart, Germany)) at temperatures in the range from 250 to 270 degrees centigrade, discharged as a strand, cooled until pelletizable and pelletized. After drying, generally 4 hours at 120 degrees centigrade in a dry air drier, the pellet material was processed into test specimens. Tested pellets according to the inventions were substantially free of melamine cyanurate and carbodiimides.

[0207] Properties measured

[0208] The test specimens for the investigations listed in Tables 1 to 3 were molded on an Arburg 320-210-500 injection molding machine at a melt temperature of 260°C and a mold temperature of 80 °C :

[0209] - Test specimen 80 mm*10 mm*4 mm (as per ISO 178 or ISO180 / 1 U)

[0210] - ASTM-standard test specimens for LIL94V testing

[0211] - Test specimens 60 mm*40 mm*4 mm for measurement of tracking resistance to IEC60112

[0212] The tensile strain at break and tensile strength at break were obtained from tensile tests in accordance with ISO527 on test specimens according to ISO527 Type 1A.

[0213] Impact resistance was obtained by the IZOD method in accordance with ISO180-1 U on test specimens with dimensions of 80 mm*10 mm*4 mm using test bars with a residual moisture content below 0.02% (Karl-Fischer).

[0214] The flame retardancy was determined by the LIL94V method (Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Standard of Safety, "Test for Flammability of Plastic Materials for Parts in Devices and Appliances", p. 14 to p. 18 Northbrook 1998). The dimensions of the test specimens were 125 mm*13 mm*0.75 mm. In UL94 test the total afterflame time as one important criterion was added out of the afterflame time after first flame application (t1) and the afterflame time after second flame application (t2) for 5 specimens, respectively. Each set of 5 specimens was tested after two preconditioning procedures: Minimum 48h hours at 23°C and 50% r.h. (“2d-test”) and 168h at 70°C (“7d test”). For each set of 5 specimens, the total afterflame time t1 plus t2 for the 5 specimens had to be equal or less to 50s to fulfill the afterflame time criterion for an LIL94 V-0 classification. In the present invention, the mean value of the afterflame times of the “2d-test” and the “7d-test” was calculated to demonstrate the selfextinguishing behavior of the individual formulations in a simplified form. The smaller the value, the better is the self-extinguishing behavior in LIL94 test. The closer the value is at 50s or even above, the more difficult it is to pass LIL94 test in a robust way.

[0215] The Comparative Tracking Index at 600V (CTI A 600) in accordance with IEC 60112:2003 was proven at test specimens with dimensions of 60 mm*40 mm*4 mm by using the Proof Tracking Index (PTI) in accordance with IEC 60112:2003 chapter 10 by selecting 600V as a testing voltage and using test solution A.

[0216] For the comparative evaluation of hydrolysis stability two methods were used.

[0217] 1) Storage of test specimens with dimensions 80 mm* 10mm * 4mm in an autoclave (Varioklav 400E form SHP-Steriltechnik AG, Detzel SchloB, Germany) for 240 hours at 100°C and 100% r.h. The retention of mechanical impact properties is taken using IZOD impact test according to ISO180-1 U and dividing IZOD impact after storage by the initial IZOD impact value before storage. The higher the retention of the initial value, the better is the hydrolysis stability of the respective material.

[0218] 2) Storage of test specimens according to ISO527 Type 1A in a climate chamber (Binder KMF240, Binder GmbH, Tuttlingen, Germany) for 1008 hours at 85°C and 85% r.h. The retention of mechanical properties is taken using Tensile strength at break in tensile test according to ISO527 and dividing the tensile strength at brake after storage by the initial tensile strength at break value before storage. The higher the retention of the initial value, the better is the hydrolysis stability of the respective material.

[0219] The melt viscosity was determined as the melt volume-flow rate (MVR) in accordance with ISO1133-1 at a temperature of 260°C with a load of 5.0 kg on the granules of the composition, whereby a residence time of 5 minutes and 20 min respectively was used to compare the melt viscosity behavior after long dwell time as they may occur in some applications. A numeric value to judge the viscosity changes was calculated by dividing the value after 20min by the value after 5min. A ratio > 100 % indicated that the melt viscosity decreased after long dwell time while a ratio < 100% showed increase in melt viscosity after long dwell time. A ratio of 0% finally indicated that after 20min in MVR test the viscosity increased to a point where no melt left the MVR cylinder.

[0220] Ingredients

[0221] Component A: Linear polybutylene terephthalate (Pocan® B 1300, commercially available product of Envalior Deutschland GmbH, Dusseldorf, Germany) having an intrinsic viscosity of 93 cm3 / g (measured in phenol: 1,2-dichlorobenzene =1:1 at 25 degrees centigrade). The melting point determined as the melting peak for the 1st heating according to the abovementioned DSC method was 222 degrees centigrade Component B: Aluminium tris(diethylphosphinate), [CAS No. 225789-38-8] (Exolit® OP1240 from Clariant SE, Muttenz, Switzerland)

[0222] Component C: Phenoxyphosphazenes (Rabitle® FP110 [CAS No. 1203646-63-2] from Fushimi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Kagawa

[0223] Component D: Melamine polyphosphate [CAS No. 218768-84-4] (Melapur® 200 / 70 from BASF, Ludwigshafen, Germany)

[0224] Component E: Poly(bisphenol-A-co-epichlorhydrin) [CAS No. 25068-38-6] with a molecular weight > 1100 g / mol (Araldite® GT7071N from Huntsman Advanced Materials, Everberg, Belgium.)

[0225] Component E1 Epoxidized linseed oil [CAS-No. 8016-11-3] (Edenol B316 Spezial from Emery Oleochemicals GmbH, Dusseldorf, Germany)

[0226] Component F: Copolyester with a Shore D hardness according to ISO868 of 33 and a melt flow index of according to ISO1133 of 32g / 10min with 40 wt% hard segments being polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and 60 wt% soft segments being poly(tetramethylene)glycol (PTMG) having a Mn 2000 g / mol, wherein wt% is with respect to the total weight of the copolyester (Arnitel® obtainable from Envalior Deutschland GmbH, Dusseldorf, Germany)

[0227] Component G: Glass fibre sized with silane-containing compounds and having a diameter of 10 micro m (CS 7967D, available from Envalior Deutschland GmbH, Dusseldorf, Germany)

[0228] Component H: Polypropylene-graft-maleic anhydride [CAS No. 25722-45-6] with a melt flow rate of 150 g / 10min after a residence time of 5 minutes at 190°C and 2.16 kg weight according to ASTM D-1238 (PA-Bond 700ZV from Mitsui & Co Deutschland GmbH, Dusseldorf, Germany)

[0229] Component I: Calcium carbonate [CAS No. 1317-65-3] without surface treatment, having a mean particle size (d50) of 1.6 pm and a top cut (d98) of 6 pm;

[0230] Further additives, Component J, were the following: Component J 1 : Heat stabilizer: tetrakis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)-1 , 1 -biphenyl-4,4'- diylbisphosphonite [CAS No. 38613-77-3] (Hostanox® P-EPQ from Clariant International Ltd., Muttenz, Switzerland)

[0231] Component J2 Mold-release agent: pentaerythrityl tetrastearate (PETS) [CAS No. 115- 83-3] (Loxiol® VPG 861, from Cognis Deutschland GmbH, Dusseldorf, Germany)

[0232] Component J3: Barium sulfate [CAS No.7727-43-7] with a d50 of 1.2 micro m and a sieve residue of < 0.05 (20 micro m sieve).

[0233] Table 1 Composition and results

[0234] Table 1 shows that the Examples 1 and 2 provide all required properties, LIL94 VO at 0.75 mm, a PTI A passed at 600V and very good hydrolysis stability shown in a retention of IZOD impact above 40% after demanding storage at 100°C and 100% r.h.. Further, Example 2 shows the beneficial role of barium sulfate in keeping LIL94 V-0 performance even with significant reduction of flame retardant concentration (Component B, C and D) and without significant disadvantages for the other required properties according to the invention. In contrast, the Comparative Experiments A and B do not or only partially fulfill the requested property combinations. Comparative Experiment A without Component I not only fails in reaching LIL94 V-0 at 0.75 mm, but also does not reach PTIA 600 and is significantly below 40% in retention of IZOD impact after 240h at 100°C and 100% r.h.. Comparative Experiment B passes LIL94 V- 0 at 0.75 mm but fails requirements with regard to hydrolysis stability and PTIA. Table 2 Further Compositions and results n.m. is not measured

[0235] Table 2 shows results that in addition contain Component F. Examples 3 and 4 provide all required properties: Example 3 shows LIL94 VO at 0.75 mm, a PTI A that passed at 600V and very good hydrolysis stability shown in a retention of tensile strength above

[0236] 70% after 1008 hours at 85°C and 85% relative humidity and a retention of IZOD impact significantly clearly above 40% after storage at 100°C and 100% relative humidity. Example 4 moreover, shows the beneficial role of barium sulfate in keeping LIL94 V-0 performance even with significant reduction of flame retardant concentration (Component B, C and D) without major disadvantages for the other required properties according to the invention. In contrast, the Comparative Experiments C and D only partially fulfill the property combinations. Comparative Experiment C only using Component B as a flame retardant without Component C and Component D not only lacks in LIL94 V-0 performance but also has insufficient hydrolysis stability with a retention below 40% after storage for 240h at 100°C and 100% r.h.. Comparative Example D, using flame retardant package containing Component B, C and D but not having Component H present, does not pass PTI at required voltage of 600V.

[0237] Table 3 Compositions and results with mixtures of Component E

[0238] Table 3 shows additional advantages of the inventive compositions by using mixtures of different species of Component E, especially mixtures containing at least an epoxidized fatty acid esters of glycerol, in particular epoxidized vegetable oils like epoxidized linseed oil, and an inventive oligomeric reaction product of bisphenol A with epichlorohydrin of general formula (IX) [CAS No. 25068-38-6]:

[0239] In contrast to for example Example 3 that only contained oligomeric reaction product of bisphenol A with epichlorohydrin, using an inventive mixture of Component E species, resulted in less viscosity increase after 20min in MVR test. Instead, Example 5 showed an expected moderate decrease in viscosity and thus MVR increase. This is very beneficial for processes with longer dwell time, where a strong increase in viscosity may result in significant increase in filling pressure during injection molding. Example 6, compared to Example 5 using a higher amount of Component E and a lower amount of Component E1 indicated a shift towards higher viscosity increase after 20min in MVR test indicating the option to steer the viscosity behavior after long dwell times towards application needs by adapted ratios of Component E and Component E1.

[0240] Another advantage using mixtures of Component E was demonstrated comparing Example 5 and Example 7 with Comparative Experiment D. In contrast to Comparative Experiment D, the reduction of Component H (Example 7) or even the complete absence of Component H (Example 5) did not result in failing the PTI A 600 criterion. Since Component H tends to increase the after burning time in LIL94 test (see comparison of after burning times in Example 5 and Example 7), this gives the option to reduce Component H to a minimum or even be completely absent where appropriate.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Composition comprising:Component A: Polyalkylene terephthalate in an amount of between 1 and 85 wt%;Component B: at least one organic phosphinic salt of formula (I) and / or at least one organic diphosphinic salt of formula (II),in whichR1 , R2 are identical or different and stand for a linear or branched C1- C6-alkyl and / or for C6-C14-aryl,R3 stands for linear or branched C1-C10-alkylene, C6-C10-arylene or for C1-C6-alkyl-C6-C-10-arylene, or C6-C10-aryl-C1-C6-alkylene, M is aluminium, zinc or titanium, m is an integer of 1 to 4; n is an integer of 1 to 3, and x is 1 or 2, wherein n, x and m in formula (II) may at the same time adopt only integer values such that the diphosphinic salt of formula (II) as a whole is uncharged; wherein Component B is present in an amount of between 3 and 30 wt%;Component C: Phosphazene or derivative thereof in an amount between 0.5 and 15 wt%;Component D: Reaction product of a melamine derivative with phosphoric acids or condensed phosphoric acids or mixtures thereof, wherein Component D is present in an amount of between 0.5 and 20 wt%;Component E: Epoxy compound having at least two epoxy groups per molecule, wherein Component E is present in an amount of between 0.1 and 7 wt%;Component G: Reinforcers in an amount of between 5 and 60 wt%; Component H: Dicarboxylic acid anhydride functionalized polyolefin, wherein Component H is present in an amount of between 0.1 and 5 wt%;Component I: a metal carbonate in an amount of between 0.05 and 5 wt%; and optionallyComponent F: Copolyester comprising polyester hard segments, and soft segments derived from polyalkylene oxide glycol, wherein Component F is present in an amount of between 0 and 85 wt%; and / orComponent J: one or more further additives in a total amount of between 0 and 30 wt%; wherein the weight percentages of Components A to J are with respect to the total weight of the composition.

2. Composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein Component A consists of PBT.

3. Composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the metal carbonate as Component I comprises calcium carbonate in an amount of between 0.05 wt% and 5 wt%, preferably between 0.3 and 3 wt%, more preferably between 0.5 and 2.5 wt%, with respect to the total weight of the composition.

4. Composition according to claim 4, wherein the calcium carbonate has a median particle size (d50) of between 0.1 micro m and 30 micro meter.

5. Composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein Component B is aluminium tris(diethylphosphinate).

6. Composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein Component C is Phenoxyphosphazene.

7. Composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein Component E is a Bisphenol-A Epoxy-Oligomer.

8. Composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein Component J comprises barium sulfate in an amount of between 0.1 and 10 wt%, preferably between 0.5 and 7 wt% more preferably between 1 and 5 wt%, with respect to the total weight of the composition.

9. Composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises less than 0.1 wt% of melamine cyanurate, wherein the weight percentage is with respect to the total weight of the composition.

10. Composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition is substantially free from carbodiimide.

11. Composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein Component H comprises a maleic anhydride (MAH)-grafted polyolefin in an amount of between 0.1 and 5 wt%, with respect to the total weight of Component H, preferably wherein Component H comprises a maleic anhydride-modified polypropylene in an amount of between 1 and 3 wt%, and even more preferred wherein Component H consists of maleic anhydride- modified polypropylene.

12. Composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein Component G comprise glass fibers in an amount of between 5 and 60 w%, with respect to the total weight of the composition, preferably wherein Component G comprises glass fibers in an amount of between 10 and 35 w% with respect to the total weight of the composition.

13. Composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein Component A is PBT in an amount of between 32 and 60 wt%;Component B is aluminium tris(diethylphosphinate) in an amount of between 10 and 20 wt%;Component C is a phenoxyphosphazene in an amount of between 2 and 6 wt%;Component D is melamine polyphosphate in an amount of between 2 and 7 wt%;Component E is a Bisphenol-A Epoxy-Oligomer in an amount of 1 and 4 wt%; Component G is glass fibers in an amount of between 10 and 35 wt%;Component H is maleic anhydride-modified polypropylene in an amount of between 1 and 3 wt%;Component I is calcium carbonate in an amount of between 0.5 and 2.5 wt%,preferably wherein the calcium carbonate has a median particle size in the range from between 0.3 micro m and 10 micro m, more preferably in the range from 0.5 and 3.5 micro m; wherein the amounts are with respect to the total weight of the composition, unless denoted otherwise.

14. Composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein Component J comprises barium sulfate in an amount of between 0.1 and 10 wt%, preferably between 0.5 and 7 wt% and even more preferred between 1 and 5 wt%, with respect to the total weight of the composition.

15. Composition according to any one of claims 1-10, 12, 14, wherein Component E comprises at least an epoxidized fatty acid esters of glycerol, preferably an epoxidized vegetable oil, and an oligomeric reaction product of bisphenol A with epichlorohydrin of general formula (IX) [CAS No. 25068-38-6] having an epoxy equivalent determinable according to ISO 3001 in the range from 450 to 600 grams per mole and a softening point determinable according to DIN 51920 in the range from 75 degrees centigrade (°C) to 95 degrees centigrade; and wherein Component H is absent.

16. Products comprising a composition according to any one of the preceding claims, preferably high-voltage components used in E-mobility, preferably parts being covers for electrics or electronics, control devices, connectors, covers / housings for fuses, relays, battery cell modules, fuse holders, fuse plugs, terminals, cable holders, sheathings and / or bus bars.

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