Polymeric composition having low emission with concomitantly improved hydrolysis resistance

Abstract

A first aspect of the invention is related to a polymeric composition comprising (i) a polymer component comprising at least a polybutylene terephthalate based polymer; (ii) at least one oxazoline compound; (iii) at least one carboxylic acid anhydride; and (iv) at least one epoxidised triglyceride R1-O-CH2-CH(-O-R2)-CH2-O-R3, wherein R1, R2, R3 are independently from each other selected from the group of carboxylates of C4 to C28 fatty acids, and which has an oxiran content of at least 1 weight-% based on the total weight of the epoxidised triglyceride being 100 weight-%. A second aspect of the invention is directed to a method for preparing a polymeric composition according to the first aspect of the invention. In a third aspect, the invention is related to a polymeric composition obtained or obtainable from the method of the second aspect of the invention. A fourth aspect is related to uses of the polymeric composition of the first aspect of the invention or of the third aspect of the invention.

Description

[0001] 231554

[0002] Polymeric Composition having Low Emission with Concomitantly Improved Hydrolysis Resistance

[0003] A first aspect of the invention is related to a polymeric composition comprising (i) a polymer component comprising at least a polybutylene terephthalate based polymer; (ii) at least one ox-azoline compound; (iii) at least one carboxylic acid anhydride; and (iv) at least one epoxidised triglyceride R1-O-CH2-CH(-O-R2)-CH2-O-R3, wherein R1, R2, R3are independently from each other selected from the group of carboxylates of C4 to C28 fatty acids, and which has an oxiran content of at least 1 weight-% based on the total weight of the epoxidised triglyceride being 100 weight-%. A second aspect of the invention is directed to a method for preparing a polymeric composition according to the first aspect of the invention. In a third aspect, the invention is related to a polymeric composition obtained or obtainable from the method of the second aspect of the invention. A fourth aspect is related to uses of the polymeric composition of the first aspect of the invention or of the third aspect of the invention.

[0004] Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) is a thermoplastic, mixed aromatic-aliphatic semi-crystalline polyester. It is desired in different applications for its impressive qualities, including high stiffness, rigidity, and dimensional stability. The presence of butylene moieties in the repeating unit allows PBT to have an excellent chemical resistance and fast crystallization. Alongside with a relatively low melt-viscosity, a high productivity in the injection-moulding process is possible. PBT can withstand service temperatures up to 200 °C and has desirable electrical properties, making it a preferred choice for technical parts, and also packaging items, that are subjected to demanding conditions. In some commercial products, PBT is blended with other materials such as polyethylene terephthalate) (PET), poly(bisphenol-A-carbonate) (PC), acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate (ASA) copolymer, or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) copolymer to modify its characteristics. PBT has also gained popularity in non-technical applications involving food or water contact. Its properties make it suitable for the use in the packaging industry, particularly for coffee capsules and food trays. However, one downside of PBT is the inherent presence of toxic tetrahydrofuran (THF) in the polymer, which is released in trace quantities over time.

[0005] PBT is a condensation polymer, wherein the repeating unit of the polyester PBT is constituted from the monomers terephthalic acid and 1,4-butanediol. A PBT-chain can be either terminated by a carboxylic acid, or hydroxyl end group. An excess of carboxyl end groups is undesired, because it would lead to a reduced stability toward e.g. acid-catalyzed hydrolysis. Catalysts typically used in synthesis are short chain alkyl titanates e.g., tetra -n-butyl titanate or tetra-isopropyl titanate. The catalysts are employed both for the transesterification in the first stage of reaction-and to catalyze the polymerization. Even if the reactants are chosen in amounts allowing for231554

[0006] 2

[0007] mainly hydroxyl end groups in the resulting PBT, these hydroxyl end groups are typically 4-hy-droxybutyl end groups, which inherently comprise THF and which tend to deliberate THF and thus form carboxyl end groups. This reaction is discussed to also be catalyzed by titanium species, remanent from the synthesis. Another process promoting hydrolytic decay is also potentially caused by residual active titanium catalyst: reversed transesterification can take place, where the initially polymer-bound alkoxy-group is transferred back to the catalytic titanium center, affording a carboxylic acid terminated end group. The resulting transition metal alkoxides have a more pronounced tendency toward hydrolysis under ambient conditions, than polyesters. Thereby, the residual catalyst is slowly deactivated. However, while catalyst is still present, the polymer decay is facilitated, and additional end groups are formed. Consequently, the THF formation will not come to rest, as each hydrolysis along the polymer chain affords new carboxylic acid and hydroxybutyl end groups. The former again accelerate the hydrolytic decay of the polymer, and the process perpetuates itself.

[0008] In the preparation of condensation polymers, end group control is typically not achieved, and the ratio of possible end groups cannot be readily tuned. During the production, polyesters already undergo thermal decay, affording increased carboxylic acid end groups, which can be e.g., countered by an adapted process design (see US 4,056,514 A). Furthermore, by adjusting monomer feed ratios or co-dosing of oligomers which can act as telechelics, the end groups of the polyester can be influenced (see WO 96 / 22318 A1). These methods require substantial adaptions to the production process, and the thereby realized alterations to the resin are not permanent. During subsequent polymer processing, the polymer is drastically altered, such that the end group distribution changes once more. Thus, it is necessary to target end groups during processing, such that the resin’s condition is stabilized for its service life. From literature, very few pathways can be extracted. It is only described that carboxyl end groups can be scavenged with epoxide derivatives, or conversely, generated by controlled thermal degradation (see Bikiaris Polym Deg Stab, 63, 1999213-218, or Bikiaris J Polym Sci: Polym Chem, 34,1337-1342, 1996). On side of the hydroxyl end groups, it is possible to saturate them using (blocked) isocyanates (see Xiang et al., Gongcheng Suliao Yingyong 5, 2004, 32, 13-16), or via transesterification with silane esters (see US 5,089,598 A).

[0009] Overall, PBT has the disadvantages that toxic tetra hydrofuran is generated from polybutylene terephthalate from its hydroxyl end groups and that it is very prone to hydrolysis.

[0010] The technical problem was thus the provision of a polymeric composition with PBT, which has at least a reduced THF emission and which is more stable against hydrolysis.231554

[0011] 3

[0012] 1staspect - Polymeric composition

[0013] According to a first aspect of the invention, a polymeric composition is provided, which comprises:

[0014] (i) a polymer component comprising at least a polybutylene terephthalate based polymer; (ii) at least one oxazoline compound;

[0015] (iii) at least one carboxylic acid anhydride; and

[0016] (iv) at least one epoxidised triglyceride R1-O-CH2-CH(-O-R2)-CH2-O-R3, wherein R1, R2, R3are independently from each other selected from the group of carboxylates of C4 to C28 fatty acids, and which has an oxiran content of at least 1 weight-% based on the total weight of the epoxidised triglyceride being 100 weight-%.

[0017] Preferably, the polymeric composition further comprises

[0018] (v) at least one zeolitic material.

[0019] For preparing the polymeric composition, the polybutylene terephthalate based polymer and the other components are melted together and mixed, wherein the polymeric composition can also be called a “blend”, i.e. a blend of (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), optionally (v), and optionally (vi), the latter described herein below in more detail.

[0020] Surprisingly, the inventive polymeric composition enables a significant reduction of THF emission and shows superior endurance toward hydrolytic decay, with still acceptable up to superior mechanical properties such as tensile strength.

[0021] Polymer component (i)

[0022] The polymeric composition comprises (i) a polymer component comprising at least a polybutylene terephthalate based polymer. Preferably, the polybutylene terephthalate based polymer is selected from the group consisting of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), poly(butanediol sebacate-butanediol) terephthalate (PBSeT) and mixtures of two or more thereof, wherein the polybutylene terephthalate based polymer more preferably comprises or is PBT.

[0023] Oxazoline compound of (ii)

[0024] The polymeric composition comprises (ii) at least one oxazoline compound. Preferably, the at least one oxazoline compound of (ii) has the formula (I)231554

[0025] 4

[0026]

[0027] , wherein

[0028] R4is a hydrogen atom;

[0029] R5is a hydrogen atom or a C1 to C5 alkyl group;

[0030] R6is a C1 to C5 alkyl chain or a C6 to C12 aryl group;

[0031] R7is a hydrogen atom or an oxazoline ring of formula (la)

[0032]

[0033] wherein R8, R9are each a hydrogen atom, the dotted line represents the bond to R6; and n is zero or 1.

[0034] In some preferred embodiments, the combination of n = 0 and R7= H (oxazoline) is excluded.

[0035] Preferably, in formula (I), R4, R5and optionally R8, R9are all hydrogen atoms.

[0036] Preferably, in formula (I), n is 1 and R6is a C6 to C12 aryl group, more preferably a phenyl group, and R7is a hydrogen atom; or n is preferably zero (and R6is consequently not present) and R7is an oxazoline ring of formula (la).

[0037] In some preferred embodiments of the polymeric composition, in formula (I) n is 1 and R6is a C6 to C12 aryl group, more preferably a phenyl group, and R7is an oxazoline ring of formula (la), wherein in formula (la), R8and R9are both hydrogen atoms.

[0038] Preferably, the at least one oxazoline compound of (ii) is selected from 1,3-bis(4,5-dihydro-2-oxazolyl)benzene, 1,4-bis(4,5-dihydro-2-oxazolyl)benzene and mixtures of these two, more preferably comprises or is, more preferably is, 1,3-bis(4,5-dihydro-2-oxazolyl)benzene.

[0039] The at least one oxazoline compound of (ii) may be used in pure form or in combination with a, preferably polymeric, carrier, for example, a PET carrier.

[0040] Carboxylic acid anhydride of (Hi)

[0041] The polymeric composition comprises (iii) at least one carboxylic acid anhydride. Preferably, the at least one carboxylic acid anhydride of (iii) has the formula (II)231554

[0042] 5

[0043]

[0044] , wherein

[0045] the dotted line indicates either a single or a double bond;

[0046] R10, R11are either independently of each other a hydrogen atom or a C1 to C5 alkyl group, or R10, R11together with the C atoms to which they are attached (*) form a ring system, preferably an aromatic C6 to C12 ring system, more preferably an aromatic C6 ring, which is unsubstituted or is annealed to a further anhydridic five membered ring system; and

[0047] m is zero or 1.

[0048] Preferably, R10, R11in formula (II) together with the C atoms to which they are attached (*) form a ring system, more preferably an aromatic C6 to C12 ring system, more preferably an aromatic C6 ring, which is unsubstituted or is annealed to a further anhydridic five membered ring system of formula (Ila)

[0049]

[0050] wherein p is zero or 1 and the dotted lines pointing outwards at the carbon atoms indicated with * indicate the annealing to the ring system, preferably to the aromatic C6 to C12 ring system, more preferably to the aromatic C6 ring and the dotted line between the carbon atoms indicated with * indicates either a single or double bond.

[0051] it is understood that when, for example, an aromatic C6 ring is indicated for an annealed structure, that the C atoms being part of the annealing bond belong to both, i.e. the aromatic C6 ring and also to the annealed ring(s).

[0052] Preferably, the at least one carboxylic acid anhydride of (iii) is selected from the group consisting of succinic anhydride, maleic anhydride, phthalic anhydride, pyromellitic bis-anhydride and mixtures of two or more thereof, wherein the at least one carboxylic acid anhydride of (iii) more preferably comprises or is, more preferably is, pyromellitic bis-anhydride.

[0053] The at least one carboxylic acid anhydride of (iii) may be used in pure form or in combination with a, preferably polymeric, carrier, for example, a PET carrier.231554

[0054] 6

[0055] Epoxidised triglyceride of (iv)

[0056] The polymeric composition comprises (iv) at least one epoxidised triglyceride R1-O-CH2-CH(-O-R2)-CH2-O-R3, wherein R1, R2, R3are independently from each other selected from the group of carboxylates of C4 to C28 fatty acids, and which has an oxiran content of at least 1 weight-% based on the total weight of the epoxidised triglyceride being 100 weight-%

[0057] Preferably, the at least one epoxidised triglyceride R1-O-CH2-CH(-O-R2)-CH2-O-R3of (iv) is selected from the group consisting of epoxidised soybean oil, vernonia oil, epoxidised palm oil, epoxidised corn oil, epoxidised linseed oil and mixtures of two or more thereof, more preferably comprise or is, more preferably is, epoxidised linseed oil.

[0058] Preferably, the at least one epoxidised triglyceride R1-O-CH2-CH(-O-R2)-CH2-O-R3of (iv) has an oxiran content in the range of from 1 to 20 weight-%, more preferably in the range of from 5 to 15 weight-%, based on the total weight of the epoxidised triglyceride being 100 weight-%.

[0059] Zeolitic material of (v)

[0060] Preferably, the polymeric composition further comprises (v) at least one zeolitic material.

[0061] Preferably, the at least one zeolitic material of (v) is an alumino silicate (zeolite A), more preferably a hydrophobic alumino silicate.

[0062] The, preferably hydrophobic, alumino silicate has preferably the framework type LTA, wherein details regarding this framework type are known to the skilled person and can be found, for example, in the Atlas of Zeolite Framework Types, 6thedition Elsevier, 2007 or online in the database of zeolite structures (https: / / europe.iza-structure.org / IZA-SC / framework.php?ID=138): In some preferred embodiments, the alumino silicate has the (water and sodium containing) composition Na-i2((AIO2)-i2(SiO2)-i2) 27 H2O and has a molecular weight (MW) of 2191 .05 g-mol"1, CAS no. 1318-02-1.

[0063] Further polymers / PET

[0064] In some preferred embodiments, the polymeric composition further comprises:

[0065] (vi) at least one further polymer different from the polybutylene terephthalate based polymer of (i), preferably at least one further polymer selected from the group consisting of polycar-231554

[0066] 7

[0067] bonate (PC), acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyurethane (PU) and a mixture of two or more thereof, wherein the at least one further polymer preferably comprises at least PET.

[0068] Preferably, at least 50 weight-%, more preferably at least 60 weight-%, more preferably at least 70 weight-%, of the polymer component of (i), based on the total weight of the polymer component of (i) being 100 weight-%, are the polybutylene terephthalate based polymer.

[0069] Amounts / ratios

[0070] In some preferred embodiments, the polymer of (I) and the oxazoline compound of (ii) are present in the polymeric composition in a weight-based ratio polymer : oxazoline compound in the range of from 100 : 0.001 to 100 : 10, more preferably in the range of from 10 : 0.1 to 500 : 1, more preferably in the range of from 10 : 0.1 to 200 : 1.

[0071] In some preferred embodiments, the at least one oxazoline compound of (ii) and the at least one carboxylic acid anhydride of (iii) are present in the polymeric composition in a weight based ratio oxazoline compound : carboxylic acid anhydride in the range of from 100 : 1 to 1 OO, more preferably in the range of from 50 : 1 to 1 : 1, more preferably in the range of from 15 : 1 to 2 : 1.

[0072] In some preferred embodiments, the at least one oxazoline compound of (ii) and the at least one epoxidised triglyceride of (iv) are present in the polymeric composition in a weight based ratio oxazoline compound : epoxidised triglyceride in the range of from 100 : 1 to 1 MOO, more preferably in the range of from 20 M to 1 : 1, more preferably in the range of from 10 M to 2 M.

[0073] In some preferred embodiments, the at least one oxazoline compound of (ii) and the at least one zeolitic material of (v) are present in the polymeric composition in a weight based ratio oxazoline compound : zeolitic material in the range of from 100 M to 1 MOO, more preferably in the range of from 20 M to 1 M , more preferably in the range of from 5 M to 1 M .

[0074] In some preferred embodiments, the polymer component comprising at least a polybutylene terephthalate based polymer of (i) and the at least one further polymer different from PBT of (vi) are present in the polymeric composition in a weight based ratio PBT : different polymer in the range of from 80 : 20 to 99 M, more preferably in the range of from 90 M0 to 98 : 2.

[0075] In some preferred embodiments, the polymeric composition comprises:

[0076] (i) polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), preferably in the range of from 88 to 99.5 weight-%;231554

[0077] 8

[0078] (ii) 1 ,3-bis(4,5-dihydro-2-oxazolyl)benzene, or 1 ,4-bis(4,5-dihydro-2-oxazolyl)benzene or a mixture of 1,3-bis(4,5-dihydro-2-oxazolyl)benzene, or 1,4-bis(4,5-dihydro-2-oxazolyl)ben- zene,, preferably in in the range of from 0.03 to 0.3 weight-%

[0079] (iii) pyromellitic bis-anhydride, preferably in in the range of from 0.09 to 0.98 weight-%;

[0080] (iv) epoxidised linseed oil, which has an oxiran content in the range of from 5 to 16 weight-% based on the total weight of the epoxidised linseed oil being 100 weight-%;

[0081] (v) optionally a zeolitic material, preferably in in the range of from 0.5 to 5.5 weight-%; and (vi) optionally at least one further polymer different from PBT, preferably PET, preferably in the range of from 0.5 to 5.5 weight-%;

[0082] wherein the total weight of the polymeric composition are 100 weight-%.

[0083] Total carbon emission

[0084] Preferably, the polymeric composition has a total carbon emission TCEpc compared to the total carbon emission of the polybutylene terephthalate based polymer of (i) in pure form TCEp in the range of from 0.5 x TCEp to 0.05 x TCEp, more preferably in the range of from 0.2 x TCEp to 0.1 x TCEp, each TCE preferably determined according to VDA 277 (1995-01).

[0085] Preferably, the polymeric composition has a total carbon emission TCEpc of less than 150 weight-ppm, more preferably of less than 100 weight-ppm, more preferably of less than 80 weight-ppm, more preferably of less than 70 weight-ppm, more preferably of less than 60 weight-ppm, preferably determined according to VDA 277 (1995-01).

[0086] “weight-ppm” corresponds to pg of volatile compounds per g of polymeric composition.

[0087] Hydrolysis resistance

[0088] Preferably, the polymeric composition has an ultimate tensile strength after hydrolytic ageing at 85 °C and at 85 % relative humidity for 2000 hours omax(pc) compared to tensile strength of the polybutylene terephthalate based polymer of (i) in pure form omax (p) of in the range from 0.7 x omax(p) to 0.85 x omax(p), wherein each omax is preferably determined according to DIN EN ISO 527:2019-12.

[0089] Preferably, the polymeric composition has an elastic modulus after hydrolytic ageing at 85 °C and at 85 % relative humidity for 2000 hours EM (pc) compared to the elastic modulus of the polybutylene terephthalate based polymer of (i) in pure form EM(p) of in the range from 0.7 x EM(p) to 0.85 x EM(p), wherein each elastic modulus is preferably determined according to DIN EN ISO 527:2019-12.Viscosity number

[0090] Preferably, the polymeric composition has a viscosity number VNpc compared to the viscosity number of the polybutylene terephthalate based polymer of (i) in pure form VNp in the range of from 0.9 x VNp to 1.4 x VNp, preferably in the range of from 0.95 x VNp to 1.3 x VNp, more preferably in the range of from 0.99 x VNp to 1.1 x VNp, wherein each viscosity number is preferably determined according to DIN EN ISO 307:2019-11.

[0091] 2ndaspect - Method for preparing a polymeric composition

[0092] A second aspect of the invention is directed to method for preparing a polymeric composition comprising

[0093] (i) a polymer component comprising at least a polybutylene terephthalate based polymer; (ii) at least one oxazoline compound;

[0094] (iii) at least one carboxylic acid anhydride; and

[0095] (iv) at least one epoxidised triglyceride R1-O-CH2-CH(-O-R2)-CH2-O-R3, wherein R1, R2, R3are independently from each other selected from the group of carboxylates of C4 to C28 fatty acids, and which has an oxiran content of at least 1 weight-% based on the total weight of the epoxidised triglyceride being 100 weight-%; and

[0096] (v) optionally at least one zeolitic material;

[0097] Wherein the method comprises the steps:

[0098] (A) Providing a polymer component comprising at least a polybutylene terephthalate based polymer;

[0099] (B) Compounding into the PBT of (A) in consecutive or arbitrary order (ii), (iii) and (iv) and optionally (v).

[0100] All details, embodiments and preferred embodiments described herein above in the section related to the polymer composition of the first aspect of the invention also apply for the method of the second aspect of the invention.

[0101] Preferably, compounding according to (B) is done at a temperature in the range of from 200 to 340°C, more preferably in the range of from 220 to 300°C, more preferably in the range of from 240 to 280°C. Preferably, compounding according to (B) is done in an extruder, more preferably in a twin-screw extruder, more preferably in a corotating twin-screw extruder. Preferably, wherein compounding according to (B) is done under degassing, more preferably using a degassing unit, which is preferably set at a pressure in the range of from -100 to -1000 hPa, preferably in the range of from -600 to -900 hPa.10

[0102] Preferably, the polybutylene terephthalate based polymer is selected from the group consisting of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), poly(butanediol sebacate-butanediol) terephthalate (PBSeT) and mixtures of two or more thereof, wherein the polybutylene terephthalate based polymer more preferably comprises or is PBT.

[0103] Preferably, the at least one oxazoline compound of (ii) has the formula (I)

[0104]

[0105] , wherein

[0106] R4is a hydrogen atom;

[0107] R5is a hydrogen atom or a C1 to C5 alkyl group;

[0108] R6is a C1 to C5 alkyl chain or a C6 to C12 aryl group;

[0109] R7is a hydrogen atom or an oxazoline ring of formula (la)

[0110]

[0111] wherein R8, R9are each a hydrogen atom, the dotted line represents the bond to R6; and n is zero or 1.

[0112] In some preferred embodiments, the combination of n = 0 and R7= H (oxazoline) is excluded.

[0113] Preferably, in formula (I), R4, R5and optionally R8, R9are all hydrogen atoms. Preferably, in formula (I), n is 1 and R6is a C6 to C12 aryl group, more preferably a phenyl group, and R7is a hydrogen atom; or wherein n is zero (and R6is consequently not present) and R7is an oxazoline ring of formula (la). Preferably, in formula (I), n is 1 and R6is a C6 to C12 aryl group, more preferably a phenyl group, and R7is an oxazoline ring of formula (la), wherein in formula (la), R8and R9are both hydrogen atoms.

[0114] Preferably, the at least one oxazoline compound of (ii) is selected from 1,3-bis(4,5-dihydro-2-oxazolyl)benzene, 1,4-bis(4,5-dihydro-2-oxazolyl)benzene and mixtures of these two, more preferably comprises or is, more preferably is, 1,3-bis(4,5-dihydro-2-oxazolyl)benzene. The at least one oxazoline compound of (ii) may be used in pure form or in combination with a, preferably polymeric, carrier, for example, a PET carrier.

[0115] Preferably, the at least one carboxylic acid anhydride of (iii) has the formula (II)

[0116] , wherein

[0117] the dotted line indicates either a single or a double bond;

[0118] R10, R11are either independently of each other a hydrogen atom or a C1 to C5 alkyl group, or R10, R11together with the C atoms to which they are attached (*) form a ring system, preferably an aromatic C6 to C12 ring system, more preferably an aromatic C6 ring, which is unsubstituted or is annealed to a further anhydridic five membered ring system; and

[0119] is zero or 1.

[0120] Preferably, formula (II) R10, R11together with the C atoms to which they are attached (*) form a ring system, preferably an aromatic C6 to C12 ring system, more preferably an aromatic C6 ring, which is unsubstituted or is annealed to a further anhydridic five membered ring system of formula (Ila)

[0121]

[0122] wherein p is zero or 1 and the dotted lines pointing outwards at the carbon atoms indicated with * indicate the annealing to the ring system, preferably to the aromatic C6 to C12 ring system, more preferably to the aromatic C6 ring and the dotted line between the carbon atoms indicated with * indicates either a single or double bond.

[0123] It is understood that when, for example, an aromatic C6 ring is indicated for an annealed structure, that the C atoms being part of the annealing bond belong to both, i.e. the aromatic C6 ring and also to the annealed ring(s).

[0124] Preferably, the at least one carboxylic acid anhydride of (iii) is selected from the group consisting of succinic anhydride, maleic anhydride, phthalic anhydride, pyromellitic bis-anhydride and mixtures of two or more thereof, wherein the at least one carboxylic acid anhydride of (iii) more preferably comprises or is, more preferably is, pyromellitic bis-anhydride. The at least one carboxylic acid anhydride of (iii) may be used in pure form or in combination with a, preferably polymeric, carrier, for example, a PET carrier.231554

[0125] 12

[0126] Preferably, the at least one epoxidised triglyceride R1-O-CH2-CH(-O-R2)-CH2-O-R3of (iv) is selected from the group consisting of epoxidised soybean oil, vernonia oil, epoxidised palm oil, epoxidised corn oil, epoxidised linseed oil and mixtures of two or more thereof, more preferably comprise or is, more preferably is, epoxidised linseed oil. Preferably, the at least one epoxidised triglyceride R1-O-CH2-CH(-O-R2)-CH2-O-R3of (iv) has an oxiran content in the range of from 1 to 20 weight-%, more preferably in the range of from 5 to 15 weight-%, based on the total weight of the epoxidised triglyceride being 100 weight-%.

[0127] Preferably, the at least one zeolitic material of (v) is an alumino silicate (zeolite A), more preferably a hydrophobic alumino silicate. The, preferably hydrophobic, alumino silicate has preferably the framework type LTA, wherein details regarding this framework type are known to the skilled person and can be found, for example, in the Atlas of Zeolite Framework Types, 6thedition Elsevier, 2007 or online in the database of zeolite structures (https: / / europe.iza-struc-ture.org / IZA-SC / framework. php?ID=138): In some preferred embodiments, the alumino silicate has the (water and sodium containing) composition Na-i2((AIO2)-i2(SiO2)-i2) 27 H2O and has a molecular weight (MW) of 2191,05 g mol-1., CAS no. 1318-02-1.

[0128] Preferably, the polymeric composition further comprises

[0129] (vi) at least one further polymer different from the polybutylene terephthalate based polymer of (i), preferably at least one further polymer selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyurethane (PU) and a mixture of two or more thereof, wherein the at least one further polymer preferably comprises at least PET.

[0130] Preferably, at least 50 weight-%, more preferably at least 60 weight-%, more preferably at least 70 weight-%, of the polymer component of (i), based on the total weight of the polymer component of (i) being 100 weight-%, are the polybutylene terephthalate based polymer.

[0131] Preferably, the polymer of (I) and the oxazoline compound of (ii) are present in the polymeric composition in a weight-based ratio polymer : oxazoline compound in the range of from 100 : 0.001 to 100 : 10, more preferably in the range of from 10 : 0.1 to 500 : 1, more preferably in the range of from 10 : 0.1 to 200 : 1. Preferably, the at least one oxazoline compound of (ii) and the at least one carboxylic acid anhydride of (iii) are present in the polymeric composition in a weight based ratio oxazoline compound : carboxylic acid anhydride in the range of from 100 : 1 to 1 OO, more preferably in the range of from 50 : 1 to 1 : 1, more preferably in the range of from 15 : 1 to 2 : 1. Preferably, the at least one oxazoline compound of (ii) and the at least one epoxidised triglyceride of (iv) are present in the polymeric composition in a weight based ratio231554

[0132] 13

[0133] oxazoline compound : epoxidised triglyceride in the range of from 100 : 1 to 1 OO, more preferably in the range of from 20 : 1 to 1 : 1, more preferably in the range of from 10 : 1 to 2 : 1. Preferably, the at least one oxazoline compound of (ii) and the at least one zeolitic material of (v) are present in the polymeric composition in a weight based ratio oxazoline compound : zeolitic material in the range of from 100 : 1 to 1 MOO, more preferably in the range of from 20 M to 1 M, more preferably in the range of from 5 M to 1 M. Preferably, the polymer component comprising at least a polybutylene terephthalate based polymer of (i) and the at least one further polymer different from PBT of (vi) are present in the polymeric composition in a weight based ratio PBT : different polymer in the range of from 80 : 20 to 99 M, more preferably in the range of from 90 M0 to 98 : 2.

[0134] In some preferred embodiments of the method, the polymeric composition comprises

[0135] (i) polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), more preferably in the range of from 88 to 99.5 weight- %;

[0136] (ii) 1 ,3-bis(4,5-dihydro-2-oxazolyl)benzene, or 1 ,4-bis(4,5-dihydro-2-oxazolyl)benzene or a mixture of 1,3-bis(4,5-dihydro-2-oxazolyl)benzene, or 1,4-bis(4,5-dihydro-2-oxazolyl)ben- zene, more preferably in in the range of from 0.03 to 0.3 weight-%

[0137] (iii) pyromellitic bis-anhydride, more preferably in in the range of from 0.09 to 0.98 weight-%; (iv) epoxidised linseed oil, which has an oxiran content in the range of from 5 to 16 weight-% based on the total weight of the epoxidised linseed oil being 100 weight-%;

[0138] (v) optionally a zeolitic material, preferably in in the range of from 0.5 to 5.5 weight-%; and (vi) optionally at least one further polymer different from PBT, preferably PET, preferably in the range of from 0.5 to 5.5 weight-%;

[0139] wherein the total weight of the polymeric composition are 100 weight-%.

[0140] 3rdaspect - Polymeric composition

[0141] A third aspect of the invention is directed to a polymeric composition obtained or obtainable from the method of the second aspect of the invention as described herein above. All details, embodiments and preferred embodiments disclosed herein above with respect to the polymeric composition of the first aspect of the invention and with respect to the method of the second aspect of the invention also apply for the polymeric composition of the third aspect of the invention.

[0142] 4thaspect - Uses

[0143] A fourth aspect of the present invention is directed to the use of the polymeric composition of the first aspect of the invention as described herein above or of the polymeric composition of the231554

[0144] 14

[0145] third aspect of the invention as described herein above for a motor vehicle part, preferably for a part of a car, more preferably for a part of an automotive interior component or air conditioning unit and / or for a part of a headlamp bezel.

[0146] The fourth aspect of the present invention is furthermore directed to the use of the polymeric composition of the first aspect of the invention as described herein above or of the polymeric composition of the third aspect of the invention as described herein above for food packaging and or packaging for medical equipment.

[0147] The fourth aspect of the present invention is furthermore directed to the use of the polymeric composition of the first aspect of the invention as described herein above or of the polymeric composition of the third aspect of the invention as described herein above for construction parts which are in contact with or which are intended to be in contact with drinking water, preferably construction parts selected from the group consisting of tap part, faucet part, and shower head.

[0148] The fourth aspect of the present invention is furthermore directed to the use of the polymeric composition of the first aspect of the invention as described herein above or of the polymeric composition of the third aspect of the invention as described herein above in the form of filaments for woven and / or nonwoven filters.

[0149] All details, embodiments and preferred embodiments disclosed herein above with respect to the polymeric composition of the first aspect of the invention, with respect to the method of the second aspect of the invention and with respect to the polymeric composition of the third aspect of the invention also apply for the uses of the fourth aspect of the invention.

[0150] The present invention is further illustrated by the following set of embodiments and combinations of embodiments resulting from the dependencies and back-references as indicated. In particular, it is noted that in each instance where a range of embodiments is mentioned, for example in the context of a term such as "The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 4", every embodiment in this range is meant to be explicitly disclosed for the skilled person, i.e. the wording of this term is to be understood by the skilled person as being synonymous to "The method of any one of embodiments 1, 2, 3 and 4". Further, it is explicitly noted that the following set of embodiments represents a suitably structured part of the general description directed to preferred aspects of the present invention, and, thus, suitably supports, but does not represent the claims of the present invention.

[0151] 1. A polymeric composition comprising15

[0152] (i) a polymer component comprising at least a polybutylene terephthalate based polymer;

[0153] (ii) at least one oxazoline compound;

[0154] (iii) at least one carboxylic acid anhydride; and

[0155] (iv) at least one epoxidised triglyceride R1-O-CH2-CH(-O-R2)-CH2-O-R3, wherein R1, R2, R3are independently from each other selected from the group of carboxylates of C4 to C28 fatty acids, and which has an oxiran content of at least 1 weight-% based on the total weight of the epoxidised triglyceride being 100 weight-%.

[0156] 2. The polymeric composition of embodiment 1 , further comprising

[0157] (v) at least one zeolitic material.

[0158] 3. The polymeric composition of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the polybutylene terephthalate based polymer is selected from the group consisting of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), poly(butanediol sebacate-bu- tanediol) terephthalate (PBSeT) and mixtures of two or more thereof, wherein the polybutylene terephthalate based polymer preferably comprises or is PBT.

[0159] 4. The polymeric composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the at least one oxazoline compound of (ii) has the formula (I)

[0160]

[0161] , wherein

[0162] R4is a hydrogen atom;

[0163] R5is a hydrogen atom or a C1 to C5 alkyl group;

[0164] R6is a C1 to C5 alkyl chain or a C6 to C12 aryl group;

[0165] R7is a hydrogen atom or an oxazoline ring of formula (la)

[0166]

[0167] wherein R8, R9are each a hydrogen atom, the dotted line represents the bond to R6; and n is zero or 1.

[0168] 5. The polymeric composition of embodiment 4, wherein in formula (I), R4, R5and optionally R8, R9are all hydrogen atoms.16

[0169] 6. The polymeric composition of embodiment 4 or 5, wherein in formula (I), n is 1 and R6is a C6 to C12 aryl group, preferably a phenyl group, and R7is a hydrogen atom; or wherein n is zero (and R6is consequently not present) and R7is an oxazoline ring of formula (la).

[0170] 7. The polymeric composition of embodiment 4 or 5, wherein in formula (I), n is 1 and R6is a C6 to C12 aryl group, preferably a phenyl group, and R7is an oxazoline ring of formula (la), wherein in formula (la), R8and R9are both hydrogen atoms.

[0171] 8. The polymeric composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the at least one oxazoline compound of (ii) is selected from 1,3-bis(4,5-dihydro-2-oxazolyl)benzene, 1,4- bis(4,5-dihydro-2-oxazolyl)benzene and mixtures of these two, preferably comprises or is, more preferably is, 1,3-bis(4,5-dihydro-2-oxazolyl)benzene.

[0172] 9. The polymeric composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the at least one carboxylic acid anhydride of (iii) has the formula (II)

[0173]

[0174] , wherein

[0175] the dotted line indicates either a single or a double bond;

[0176] R10, R11are either independently of each other a hydrogen atom or a C1 to C5 alkyl group, or R10, R11together with the C atoms to which they are attached (*) form a ring system, preferably an aromatic C6 to C12 ring system, more preferably an aromatic C6 ring, which is unsubstituted or is annealed to a further anhydridic five membered ring system; and

[0177] m is zero or 1.

[0178] 10. The polymeric composition of embodiment 9, wherein in formula (II) R10, R11together with the C atoms to which they are attached (*) form a ring system, preferably an aromatic C6 to C12 ring system, more preferably an aromatic C6 ring, which is unsubstituted or is annealed to a further anhydridic five membered ring system of formula (Ila)

[0179]

[0180] wherein p is zero or 1 and the dotted lines pointing outwards at the carbon atoms indicated with * indicate the annealing to the ring system, preferably to the aromatic C6 to C12 ring system, more preferably to the aromatic C6 ring and the dotted line between the carbon atoms indicated with * indicates either a single or double bond.

[0181] 11. The polymeric composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the at least one carboxylic acid anhydride of (iii) is selected from the group consisting of succinic anhydride, maleic anhydride, phthalic anhydride, pyromellitic bis-anhydride and mixtures of two or more thereof, wherein the at least one carboxylic acid anhydride of (iii) preferably comprises or is, more preferably is, pyromellitic bis-anhydride.

[0182] 12. The polymeric composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 11 , wherein the at least one epoxidised triglyceride R1-O-CH2-CH(-O-R2)-CH2-O-R3of (iv) is selected from the group consisting of epoxidised soybean oil, vernonia oil, epoxidised palm oil, epoxidised corn oil, epoxidised linseed oil and mixtures of two or more thereof, more preferably comprise or is, more preferably is, epoxidised linseed oil.

[0183] 13. The polymeric composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the at least one epoxidised triglyceride R1-O-CH2-CH(-O-R2)-CH2-O-R3of (iv) has an oxiran content in the range of from 1 to 20 weight-%, preferably in the range of from 5 to 15 weight-%, based on the total weight of the epoxidised triglyceride being 100 weight-%.

[0184] 14. The polymeric composition of any one of embodiments 2 to 13, wherein the at least one zeolitic material of (v) is an alumino silicate (zeolite A), preferably a hydrophobic alumino silicate.

[0185] 15. The polymeric composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 14, further comprising (vi) at least one further polymer different from the polybutylene terephthalate based polymer of (i), preferably at least one further polymer selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyurethane (PU) and a mixture of two or more thereof, wherein the at least one further polymer preferably comprises at least PET.

[0186] 16. The polymeric composition of embodiment 15, wherein at least 50 weight-%, preferably at least 60 weight-%, more preferably at least 70 weight-%, of the polymer component of (i), based on the total weight of the polymer component of (i) being 100 weight-%, are the polybutylene terephthalate based polymer.18

[0187] 17. The polymeric composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 16, wherein the polymer of (I) and the oxazoline compound of (ii) are present in the polymeric composition in a weight-based ratio polymer : oxazoline compound in the range of from 100 : 0.001 to 100 : 10, preferably in the range of from 10 : 0.1 to 500 : 1, more preferably in the range of from 10 : 0.1 to 200 : 1.

[0188] 18. The polymeric composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 17, wherein the at least one oxazoline compound of (ii) and the at least one carboxylic acid anhydride of (iii) are present in the polymeric composition in a weight based ratio oxazoline compound : carboxylic acid anhydride in the range of from 100 : 1 to 1 OO, preferably in the range of from 50 : 1 to 1 : 1, more preferably in the range of from 15 : 1 to 2 : 1.

[0189] 19. The polymeric composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 18, wherein the at least one oxazoline compound of (ii) and the at least one epoxidised triglyceride of (iv) are present in the polymeric composition in a weight based ratio oxazoline compound : epoxidised triglyceride in the range of from 100 : 1 to 1 MOO, preferably in the range of from 20 : 1 to 1 : 1, more preferably in the range of from 10 M to 2 M.

[0190] 20. The polymeric composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 19, wherein the at least one oxazoline compound of (ii) and the at least one zeolitic material of (v) are present in the polymeric composition in a weight based ratio oxazoline compound : zeolitic material in the range of from 100 M to 1 MOO, preferably in the range of from 20 M to 1 : 1, more preferably in the range of from 5 M to 1 M .

[0191] 21. The polymeric composition of any one of embodiments 12 to 20, wherein the polymer component comprising at least a polybutylene terephthalate based polymer of (i) and the at least one further polymer different from PBT of (vi) are present in the polymeric composition in a weight based ratio PBT : different polymer in the range of from 80 : 20 to 99 M, preferably in the range of from 90 M0 to 98 : 2.

[0192] 22. The polymeric composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 21 comprising

[0193] (i) polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), preferably in the range of from 88 to 99.5 weight-%;

[0194] (ii) 1,3-bis(4,5-dihydro-2-oxazolyl)benzene, or 1,4-bis(4,5-dihydro-2-oxazolyl)ben- zene ora mixture of 1,3-bis(4,5-dihydro-2-oxazolyl)benzene, or 1 ,4-bis(4,5-dihy- dro-2-oxazolyl)benzene,, preferably in in the range of from 0.03 to 0.3 weight-% (iii) pyromellitic bis-anhydride, preferably in in the range of from 0.09 to 0.98 weight- %;19

[0195] (iv) epoxidised linseed oil, which has an oxiran content in the range of from 5 to 16 weight-% based on the total weight of the epoxidised linseed oil being 100 weight-%;

[0196] (v) optionally a zeolitic material, preferably in in the range of from 0.5 to 5.5 weight- %; and

[0197] (vi) optionally at least one further polymer different from PBT, preferably PET, preferably in the range of from 0.5 to 5.5 weight-%;

[0198] wherein the total weight of the polymeric composition are 100 weight-%.

[0199] 23. The polymeric composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 22, having a total carbon emission TCEpc compared to the total carbon emission of the polybutylene terephthalate based polymer of (i) in pure form TCEp in the range of from 0.5 x TCEp to 0.05 x TCEp, preferably in the range of from 0.2 x TCEp to 0.1 x TCEp, each TCE preferably determined according to VDA 277 (1995-01).

[0200] 24. The polymeric composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 23, having a total carbon emission TCEpc of less than 150 weight-ppm, preferably of less than 100 weight-ppm, more preferably of less than 80 weight-ppm, more preferably of less than 70 weight-ppm, more preferably of less than 60 weight-ppm, preferably determined according to VDA 277 (1995-01).

[0201] 25. The polymeric composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 24, having an ultimate tensile strength after hydrolytic ageing at 85 °C and at 85 % relative humidity for 2000 hours Omax(pc) compared to tensile strength of the polybutylene terephthalate based polymer of (i) in pure form omax (p) of in the range from 0.7 x omax(p) to 0.85 x omax(p), wherein each Omax is preferably determined according to DIN EN ISO 527:2019-12.

[0202] 26. The polymer polymeric composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 25, having an elastic modulus after hydrolytic ageing at 85 °C and at 85 % relative humidity for 2000 hours EM (pc) compared to the elastic modulus of the polybutylene terephthalate based polymer of (i) in pure form EM(p) of in the range from 0.7 x EM(p) to 0.85 x EM(p), wherein each elastic modulus is preferably determined according to DIN EN ISO 527:2019-12.

[0203] 27. The polymeric composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 26, having a viscosity number VNpc compared to the viscosity number of the polybutylene terephthalate based polymer of (i) in pure form VNp in the range of from 0.9 x VNp to 1.4 x VNp, preferably in the range of from 0.95 x VNp to 1.3 x VNp, more preferably in the range of from 0.99 x231554

[0204] 20

[0205] VNp to 1.1 x VNp, wherein each viscosity number is preferably determined according to DIN EN ISO 307:2019-11.

[0206] 28. A method for preparing a polymeric composition comprising

[0207] (i) a polymer component comprising at least a polybutylene terephthalate based polymer;

[0208] (ii) at least one oxazoline compound;

[0209] (iii) at least one carboxylic acid anhydride; and

[0210] (iv) at least one epoxidised triglyceride R1-O-CH2-CH(-O-R2)-CH2-O-R3, wherein R1, R2, R3are independently from each other selected from the group of carboxylates of C4 to C28 fatty acids, and which has an oxiran content of at least 1 weight-% based on the total weight of the epoxidised triglyceride being 100 weight-%; and

[0211] (v) optionally at least one zeolitic material;

[0212] the method comprising the steps:

[0213] (A) Providing a polymer component comprising at least a polybutylene terephthalate based polymer;

[0214] (B) Compounding into the PBT of (A) in consecutive or arbitrary order (ii), (iii) and (iv) an optionally (v).

[0215] 29. The method of embodiment 28, wherein compounding according to (B) is done at a temperature in the range of from 200 to 340°C, preferably in the range of from 220 to 300°C, more preferably in the range of from 240 to 280°C.

[0216] 30. The method of embodiment 28 or 29, wherein compounding according to (B) is done in an extruder, preferably in a twin-screw extruder, more preferably in a corotating twin-screw extruder.

[0217] 31. The method of any one of embodiments 28 to 30, wherein compounding according to (B) is done under degassing, preferably using a degassing unit, which is preferably set at a pressure in the range of from -100 to -1000 hPa, preferably in the range of from -600 to - 900 hPa.

[0218] 32. The method of any one of embodiments 28 to 31 , wherein the polybutylene terephthalate based polymer is selected from the group consisting of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), poly(butanediol sebacate-butanediol) terephthalate (PBSeT) and mixtures of two or more thereof, wherein the polybutylene terephthalate based polymer preferably comprises or is PBT.231554

[0219] 21

[0220] 33. The method of any one of embodiments 28 to 32, wherein the at least one oxazoline compound of (ii) has the formula (I)

[0221]

[0222] , wherein

[0223] R4is a hydrogen atom;

[0224] R5is a hydrogen atom or a C1 to C5 alkyl group;

[0225] R6is a C1 to C5 alkyl chain or a C6 to C12 aryl group;

[0226] R7is a hydrogen atom or an oxazoline ring of formula (la)

[0227]

[0228] wherein R8, R9are each a hydrogen atom, the dotted line represents the bond to R6; and n is zero or 1.

[0229] 34. The method of any one of embodiments 28 to 33, wherein in formula (I), R4, R5and optionally R8, R9are all hydrogen atoms.

[0230] 35. The method of any one of embodiments 28 to 34, wherein in formula (I), n is 1 and R6is a C6 to C12 aryl group, preferably a phenyl group, and R7is a hydrogen atom; or wherein n is zero (and R6is consequently not present) and R7is an oxazoline ring of formula (la).

[0231] 36. The method of any one of embodiments 28 to 35, wherein in formula (I), n is 1 and R6is a C6 to C12 aryl group, preferably a phenyl group, and R7is an oxazoline ring of formula (la), wherein in formula (la), R8and R9are both hydrogen atoms.

[0232] 37. The method of any one of embodiments 28 to 36, wherein the at least one oxazoline compound of (ii) is selected from 1,3-bis(4,5-dihydro-2-oxazolyl)benzene, 1,4-bis(4,5-dihydro- 2-oxazolyl)benzene and mixtures of these two, preferably comprises or is, more preferably is, 1 ,3-bis(4,5-dihydro-2-oxazolyl)benzene.

[0233] 38. The method of any one of embodiments 28 to 37, wherein the at least one carboxylic acid anhydride of (iii) has the formula (II)231554

[0234] 22

[0235]

[0236] , wherein

[0237] the dotted line indicates either a single or a double bond;

[0238] R10, R11are either independently of each other a hydrogen atom or a C1 to C5 alkyl group, or R10, R11together with the C atoms to which they are attached (*) form a ring system, preferably an aromatic C6 to C12 ring system, more preferably an aromatic C6 ring, which is unsubstituted or is annealed to a further anhydridic five membered ring system; and

[0239] m is zero or 1.

[0240] 39. The method of any one of embodiments 28 to 38, wherein in formula (II) R10, R11together with the C atoms to which they are attached (*) form a ring system, preferably an aromatic C6 to C12 ring system, more preferably an aromatic C6 ring, which is unsubstituted or is annealed to a further anhydridic five membered ring system of formula (Ila)

[0241]

[0242] wherein p is zero or 1 and the dotted lines pointing outwards at the carbon atoms indicated with * indicate the annealing to the ring system, preferably to the aromatic C6 to C12 ring system, more preferably to the aromatic C6 ring and the dotted line between the carbon atoms indicated with * indicates either a single or double bond.

[0243] 40. The method of any one of embodiments 28 to 39, wherein the at least one carboxylic acid anhydride of (iii) is selected from the group consisting of succinic anhydride, maleic anhydride, phthalic anhydride, pyromellitic bis-anhydride and mixtures of two or more thereof, wherein the at least one carboxylic acid anhydride of (iii) preferably comprises or is, more preferably is, pyromellitic bis-anhydride.

[0244] 41. The method of any one of embodiments 28 to 40, wherein the at least one epoxidised triglyceride R1-O-CH2-CH(-O-R2)-CH2-O-R3of (iv) is selected from the group consisting of epoxidised soybean oil, vernonia oil, epoxidised palm oil, epoxidised corn oil, epoxidised linseed oil and mixtures of two or more thereof, more preferably comprise or is, more preferably is, epoxidised linseed oil.23

[0245] 42. The method of any one of embodiments 28 to 41 , wherein the at least one epoxidised triglyceride R1-O-CH2-CH(-O-R2)-CH2-O-R3of (iv) has an oxiran content in the range of from 1 to 20 weight-%, preferably in the range of from 5 to 15 weight-%, based on the total weight of the epoxidised triglyceride being 100 weight-%.

[0246] 43. The method of any one of embodiments 28 to 42, wherein the at least one zeolitic material of (v) is an alumino silicate (zeolite A), preferably a hydrophobic alumino silicate.

[0247] 44. The method of any one of embodiments 28 to 43, wherein the polymeric composition further comprises

[0248] (vi) at least one further polymer different from the polybutylene terephthalate based polymer of (i), preferably at least one further polymer selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyurethane (PU) and a mixture of two or more thereof, wherein the at least one further polymer preferably comprises at least PET.

[0249] 45. The method of any one of embodiments 28 to 44, wherein at least 50 weight-%, preferably at least 60 weight-%, more preferably at least 70 weight-%, of the polymer component of (i), based on the total weight of the polymer component of (i) being 100 weight-%, are the polybutylene terephthalate based polymer.

[0250] 46. The method of any one of embodiments 28 to 45, wherein the polymer of (I) and the oxa- zoline compound of (ii) are present in the polymeric composition in a weight-based ratio polymer : oxazoline compound in the range of from 100 : 0.001 to 100 : 10, preferably in the range of from 10 : 0.1 to 500 : 1, more preferably in the range of from 10 : 0.1 to 200 : 1.

[0251] 47. The method of any one of embodiments 28 to 46, wherein the at least one oxazoline compound of (ii) and the at least one carboxylic acid anhydride of (iii) are present in the polymeric composition in a weight based ratio oxazoline compound : carboxylic acid anhydride in the range of from 100 : 1 to 1 OO, preferably in the range of from 50 : 1 to 1 : 1, more preferably in the range of from 15 : 1 to 2 : 1.

[0252] 48. The method of any one of embodiments 28 to 47, wherein the at least one oxazoline compound of (ii) and the at least one epoxidised triglyceride of (iv) are present in the polymeric composition in a weight based ratio oxazoline compound : epoxidised triglyceride in the24

[0253] range of from 100 : 1 to 1 OO, preferably in the range of from 20 : 1 to 1 : 1, more preferably in the range of from 10 : 1 to 2 : 1.

[0254] 49. The method of any one of embodiments 28 to 48, wherein the at least one oxazoline compound of (ii) and the at least one zeolitic material of (v) are present in the polymeric composition in a weight based ratio oxazoline compound : zeolitic material in the range of from 100 : 1 to 1 MOO, preferably in the range of from 20 M to 1 : 1, more preferably in the range of from 5 M to 1 M .

[0255] 50. The method of any one of embodiments 28 to 49, wherein the polymer component comprising at least a polybutylene terephthalate based polymer of (i) and the at least one further polymer different from PBT of (vi) are present in the polymeric composition in a weight based ratio PBT : different polymer in the range of from 80 : 20 to 99 M, preferably in the range of from 90 M0 to 98 : 2.

[0256] 51. The method of any one of embodiments 28 to 50, wherein the polymeric composition comprises

[0257] (i) polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), preferably in the range of from 88 to 99.5 weight-%;

[0258] (ii) 1,3-bis(4,5-dihydro-2-oxazolyl)benzene, or 1,4-bis(4,5-dihydro-2-oxazolyl)ben- zene or a mixture of 1,3-bis(4,5-dihydro-2-oxazolyl)benzene, or 1 ,4-bis(4,5-dihy- dro-2-oxazolyl)benzene,, preferably in in the range of from 0.03 to 0.3 weight-% (iii) pyromellitic bis-anhydride, preferably in in the range of from 0.09 to 0.98 weight- %;

[0259] (iv) epoxidised linseed oil, which has an oxiran content in the range of from 5 to 16 weight-% based on the total weight of the epoxidised linseed oil being 100 weight-%;

[0260] (v) optionally a zeolitic material, preferably in in the range of from 0.5 to 5.5 weight- %; and

[0261] (vi) optionally at least one further polymer different from PBT, preferably PET, preferably in the range of from 0.5 to 5.5 weight-%;

[0262] wherein the total weight of the polymeric composition are 100 weight-%.

[0263] 52. A polymeric composition obtained or obtainable from the method of any one of embodiments 28 to 51.

[0264] 53. Use of the polymeric composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 27 or of the polymeric composition of embodiment 52 for a motor vehicle part, preferably for a part of a car, morepreferably for a part of an automotive interior component or air conditioning unit and / or for a part of a headlamp bezel.

[0265] 54. Use of the polymeric composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 27 or of the polymeric composition of embodiment 52 for food packaging and or packaging for medical equipment.

[0266] 55. Use of the polymeric composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 27 or of the polymeric composition of embodiment 52 for construction parts which are in contact with or which are intended to be in contact with drinking water, preferably construction parts selected from the group consisting of tap part, faucet part, and shower head.

[0267] 56. Use of the polymeric composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 27 or of the polymeric composition of embodiment 52 in the form of filaments for woven and / or nonwoven filters.

[0268] The present invention is further illustrated by the following reference examples, comparative examples, and examples.

[0269] Examples

[0270] 1. Materials and Methods

[0271] 7. Compounding and Parts Testing

[0272] Laboratory scale compounding was performed on a DSM Xplore conical twin-screw micro scale extruder. The parameters were Smelt = 260 °C, t = 3 min, r = 80 rpm. The materials in upscale experiments were prepared using a Krauss-Maffei ZE25 UTXi twin screw extruder Test specimens for testing tensile and impact strength were prepared on standard injection-moulding machinery.

[0273] 7.2. Emission Measurement via VDA 277 (1995-01)

[0274] The method VDA 277 (1995-01) was used for measuring total volatile emissions from plastic materials. The procedure involves placing about 2 g crushed plastic in a headspace-vial and tempering it for 5 h at 120 °C, before the headspace is injected into a gas chromatograph using a DB-wax column. The temperature program is specified as 5 min isothermal 50 °C, heating with 12 K min-1to 200 °C, followed by 4 min isothermal at 200 °C. Further details are given in the procedure (Verband der Automobilindustrie e.V. (VDA), VDA277 Nichtmetallische26

[0275] Werkstoffe der Kfz-lnnenausstattung. Bestimmung der Emission organischer Verbindungen, 1995).

[0276] The THF emission measurement via the VDA method was especially used in this context, as these values are directly and linearly correlated to the extractable THF content. VDA 277 (1995-01) is abbreviated herein below as VDA 277.

[0277] 1.3 Materials

[0278] Commercially available polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) was obtained from BASF SE (Ultradur® B4520 UN. The used Ultradur® B4520 UN had a viscosity number of ca. 130 mL / g, corresponding to a melt volume rate (MVR) of 20 mL / 10min when measured at 250 °C with 2.16 kg load. All substances were purchased from common commercial suppliers (Nexam Chemicals, Sigma-Aldrich, abcr.de or TCI Chemical) and were dried and used without further purification. ZECflair™100 was used as zeolitic material, CAS no. 1318-02-1, Vikoflex® 7190 was used as epoxided linseed oil with an oxiran content of 9.2 weight-%, CAS no. 8016-11-3.

[0279] 1.4 Further Testing Methods

[0280] Tensile testing (comprising tensile stress, elastic modulus, strain at break and elongation at break) was determined according to DIN EN ISO 527: 2019-12, Charpy impact resistance (both, noched and unnoched resistance were determined according to DIN EN ISO 179-2 - 2020-09.

[0281] Viscosity number (VN) was determined according to DIN EN ISO 307 :2019-11.

[0282] Carboxyl end group (CEG) content and hydroxyl end group content was determined potentiometrically according to the following experimental procedures

[0283] CEG:

[0284] Approximately 1 g of sample, weighed with an accuracy of 0.1 mg is added to a CSB reaction vessel with 15 ml of 1,2-dichlorobenzene. The CSB glass is equipped with an aircooler. In a stirring heating block, the sample is dissolved at 190 °C while stirring. Then, 20 ml of pyridine are added through the air cooler and stirred in a second stirring heating block at 95 °C for about 10 minutes. After a few minutes, polybutylene terephthalate precipitates very finely from the initially clear solution. 5 ml water are added through the air cooler. The CSB glass with the air cooler is removed from the stirring block and allowed to stir at room temperature. When the CSB glass reaches 50 °C, 50 ml of tetrahydrofuran are added through the air cooler. Continuous stirring is maintained. When the suspension reaches room temperature, 40 ml of ethanol are added through the air cooler while stirring. The solution is then potentiometrically titrated27

[0285] against the inflection point with a potassium ion selective solution.

[0286] OHN:

[0287] The sample, weighed with an accuracy of 0.1 mg, is added to a 150 ml CSB glass with 15 ml of 1,2-dichlorobenzene. The CSB glass is equipped with an air cooler. In the stirring heating block, the sample is dissolved at an appropriate temperature (e.g., stirring until 190 °C). After cooling to room temperature, 18 ml pyridine and 1.8 ml of acylation mixture are added using a dosimeter and stirred for 1 hour in the stirring heating block at 95 °C with the air cooler. 5 ml of water are added through the air cooler. The CSB glass is removed from the stirring heating block and allowed to stir at room temperature for at least 15 minutes. When the CSB glass reaches hand warmth, 50 ml THF are added through the air cooler. Then, it is potentiometrically titrated against the inflection point with 0.1 mol / l ethanolic potassium hydroxide standard solution. Under the same conditions, but without the sample, the effect of the acylation solution is determined.

[0288] 2 Experiments

[0289] 2.1 Oxazoline-Anhydride Additive System

[0290] In this first set of experiments, six different oxazoline derivatives and carboxylic acid anhydrides listed in Table 1 below were compounded into PBT. In addition, two annulated bis-oxazolines based on stilbene and thiophene were used as negative control, as ring opening is unfavoured here.

[0291] On part of the carboxylic acid anhydride, two cycloaliphatic derivatives (glutaric and succinic anhydride), as well as the (partially) unsaturated maleic and phthalic anhydride were tested along with the tetrafunctional pyromellitic anhydride. The torque development as read out from the screw force of the extruder during compounding was recorded to assess whether any chain extension occurred. By this, the scope of additives could be narrowed considerably.

[0292] Table 1

[0293] Oxazoline derivatives and carboxylic acid anhydride used

[0294]

[0295] 231554

[0296] 28

[0297]

[0298] weight-% indicated based on the underlying PBT having 100 weight-%

[0299] For the experiments, each oxazoline was kept constant and the carboxylic acid anhydride was systematically varied and Fig. 1a shows the normalized extruder screw force plots for all the experiments.

[0300] Employed amounts of 0.5 to 0.8 weight-% correspond to adjusted concentrations of 20 to 30 mmol kg-1. The monofunctional oxazoline derivatives (a), as well as the ones blocked by an an-nulated aromatic structure (e) and (f), were incapable of increasing the melt viscosity. This was in line with the theoretical consideration, that the oxazoline ring is prevented from opening to form the intermediate amide. Interestingly, for the monofunctional 2-phenyl-2-oxazoline (a), the normalized screw torque remained constant in combination with the multifunctional pyromellitic anhydride. Even though the oxazoline was mono-functional, the attack of 2-phenyl-2-oxazoline at the anhydride afforded new carboxylic acid moieties. These could subsequently form new ester linkages with terminal hydroxyl groups, thus counteracting the thermal degradation of the melt. As only the pyromellitic anhydride exhibited a functionality of four, over the bifunctionality of the other acid anhydrides, the effect was pronounced only here.

[0301] When using the 1,3-bis(4,5-dihydro-2-oxazolyl)benzene (c), the screened anhydride derivatives did not yield a drastic increase in melt viscosity. Except in combination with pyromellitic anhydride, where a modest melt strengthening was observable after 30 s. In the case of the unsubstituted 2,2’-bis(oxazoline) (b) and the linear 1,4-bis(4,5-dihydro-2-oxazolyl)benzene (d) drastic increases of the torque evolved. The chain extension was most pronounced in combination with231554

[0302] 29

[0303] pyromellitic anhydride, due to its tetra-functionality, compared to the other bifunctional anhydrides. The steep increase of extruder screw torque during the first 15 s indicated in both cases an equally fast reaction and the achieved high melt viscosity was well-retained during the further course of processing. Thus, only minor decay of the screw torque was recorded until 150 s. Because these results showed that the additive systems based on pyromellitic anhydride in conjunction with the three oxazoline derivatives discussed above was favorable, only these were considered from here on.

[0304] After eliciting the additive systems, volumetric measurements were used to determine the carboxylic end groups (CEG) and hydroxyl numbers (OHN) of the compounds. The evolution of end group concentrations upon addition of pyromellitic anhydride with all the different oxa-zolines are compiled in the overview in Fig. 2. The CEG concentration was maintained by all the employed oxazoline derivatives between 0.9 to below 1.5 mg KOH ■ g-1, except when using 2-phenyl-2-oxazoline. There, the CEG concentration was increased to 3.1 mg KOH ■ g-1. This was explained by the lowest functionality within this series i.e. , as it was the only monofunctional oxazoline among bifunctional derivatives. It was therefore less capable of scavenging pre-existing or released carboxyl acid moieties from the pyromellitic anhydride. This was in line with the processing experiments, where an absence in torque increase was recorded only for the 2-phenyl-2-oxazoline.

[0305] When examining the change of OHN using the different additive combinations, it was again apparent, that the monofunctional 2-phenyl-2-oxazoline decreases the OHN only from 5.0 to 3.6 mg KOH ■ g-1. Likewise, in 2,2’-bis(2-oxazoline) the OHN decreased to only 3.7 mg KOH ■ g-1. Possibly, the second addition to the dimeric molecule was less favoured than the first attack, but it was refrained from overinterpretation. In the case of the two aromatically linked 1 ,3-bis(4,5-dihydro-2-oxazolyl)benzene and 1,4-bis(4,5-dihydro-2-oxazolyl)benzene, the OHN decreased to 1.9 and 2.1 mg KOH ■ g-1, respectively. According to the screw torque evolutions observed before, the highest alteration was expectable for the para-substituted oxazoline, and the comparable result for the meta-substituted derivative was unexpected. From the quantification of polymer end groups, it showed that the most facile chain extension and overall scavenging of both, carboxyl and hydroxyl end groups as achieved with the additive system comprised from pyromellitic anhydride in combination with 1,3-bis(4,5-dihydro-2-oxazolyl)benzene or 1 ,4-bis(4,5-di-hydro-2-oxazolyl)benzene.

[0306] At this point, selection guidelines for a facile end group modification with this substance classes were deduced as follows: carboxylic acid anhydrides with functionalities of four outperform bifunctional derivatives. Among the bifunctional anhydrides, no strong differences were observed between one another. The synergistically acting oxazoline must be multifunctional as well, and231554

[0307] 30

[0308] sterically unhindered toward the ring opening reaction. Finally, the directly linked dimer of 2 -oxazoline was capable of some extent of chain extension but has proven inferior to saturate newly formed carboxyl functions from the anhydride. The best results were obtained with the phenyl- bridged bis-oxazolines, showing separated and freely accessible oxazoline moieties.

[0309] 2.2 THF-Emission using the Optimized Additive System

[0310] To study the THF emission, mechanical and ageing properties of the compounds treated with the developed additive system, a large-scale source of the respective substances was required. Prior to pilot plant tests, the additive system was tried in the lab-scale and Table 2 below shows the employed recipes.

[0311] Table 2

[0312] Prepared formulations for the measurement of the THF emission in PBT equipped with the pyromellitic anhydride / oxazoline additive system and zeolite to prevent release of residual THF.

[0313]

[0314] n.d.: not dertermined

[0315] No OHN and CEG were titrated in the zeolite modified formulations, as no change was expected.

[0316] Even though an effectively reduced THF formation was expected, the last three compositions were equipped with increasing amounts of ZEOflair™100 to maximise the emission reduction. This zeolite is a hydrophobic aluminosilicate adsorbent (average particle size < 7 pm, CAS no.

[0317] 1318-02-1). The results are shown below in Fig. 3. When employing the additive system at the optimized content, both the total carbon and THF emission were reduced by > 80 % from about 20 to in the range of from 3 to 5 ppm. Upon introducing ZEOflair™100, the released emissions were further decreased, reaching 0.8 ppm THF emission at the highest considered content of 2 wt.%.31

[0318] 2.3 Mechanical Testing and Hydrolysis Resistance

[0319] To this point, it was established that the THF formation could be suppressed to an emission of below 3 ppm THF in VDA 277 measurements with the developed additive system, and values less than 1 ppm were achieved with addition of a zeolite. Next, the mechanical properties and the hydrolytic stability of PBT equipped with the additive system were studied. Test specimens for tensile testing and Charpy impact testing were prepared using a barrel temperature of 260°C. Table 3 summarizes the recipes in this set of trials.

[0320] Table 3

[0321] Formulations used in pilot plant-scale, for mechanical and hydrolytic ageing testing.

[0322]

[0323] b) THF emissions measured on platelets injection moulded at 260 °C

[0324] The base formulation containing the two additives for the suppression THF formation (pyromellitic anhydride and 1,3-bis(4,5-dihydro-2-oxazolyl)benzene)) was first complemented with zeolite. As the lab-scale experiments had shown, this approach allowed for very low emission values in VDA 277 measurements. But a detrimental effect on mechanic properties may arise from the addition of this inorganic filler. A potential embrittlement may be partially compensated by epoxidized linseed oil (Vikoflex® 7190), which additionally imparted an improved hydrolytic resistance. Thus, in the third formulation, Vikoflex® 7190 was added to the base formulation to study its individual contribution to the properties. Finally, in the fourth recipe both, the zeolite and the epoxidized linseed oil were used. As expected, the chain extension via the pyromellitic32

[0325] anhydride 1 1,3-bis(4,5-dihydro-2-oxazolyl)benzene system leads to an increased viscosity number of 169 mL ■ g-1as compared to the pristine material (130 mL ■ g-1). When the epoxidized linseed oil was brought to this system, the molecular weight was further increased via the additional epoxy-functionalities toward carboxylic end groups and the VN reached 176 mL ■ g-1. Interestingly, the VN returned toward the initial values and settled at about 140 mL ■ g-1when the zeolite was used, both with and without epoxidized linseed oil. In the different commercial PBT grades the VN varied between 90 and 160 with no substantial deviations in the mechanical properties. Hence, within this bandwidth of molecular weights, no differences in the mechanical properties were expected, which are exclusively accountable to molecular weight differences. Before discussing the mechanical properties and hydrolysis resistance in detail, the THF emission values were measured on the injection molded plates and are also listed in Table 3 above. Employing only the additive system of combined pyromellitic anhydride and 1 ,3-bis(4,5-dihydro-2-oxazolyl)benzene, a VDA 277 value of 79 ppm was reached. Adding Vikoflex® 7190 to this recipe, reduced the THF emission to 54 ppm due to further scavenging of end groups. Upon addition of the zeolite absorbent to the chain extended formulation, the outgassing was further reduced achieving 13 ppm. The addition of the hydrolysis stabilising agent Vikoflex® 7190 slightly increased the release of THF to 19 ppm.

[0326] Evolution of selected mechanical properties is shown in Fig. 4. Regardless of the additivation, the Young’s moduli of the materials were maintained constant across the entire range of processing temperatures. Compared with pristine PBT, a slight embrittlement was observable at 260 °C. At 270 and 280 °C, the material equipped with only ZEOflair™100 showed the highest elastic modulus, due to the mild fortification effect from the inorganic filler. As expected, the addition of Vikoflex® 7190, the embrittlement was compensated. The elongation at break was severely increased in the material containing only the pyromellitic anhydride, oxazoline -derivative and Vikoflex® 7190, reaching the maximum value of 200 % at mild processing. Also, when omitting the plasticising linseed oil derivative, the stretchability remained at 160 %. Compared with the elongation at break for the pristine material, the increase was supposedly caused by the chain extension by the additivation, and in conjunction with plastification via the epoxidized linseed oil. When rising the temperature, the stretchability decreased uniformly to reach 79 % at 280 °C in the formulations containing zeolite, and high values of 120 % with the chain extenders plus Vikoflex® 7190. The formulation containing the inorganic zeolite uniformly showed an inferior maximum elongation of 30 - 40 % at any injection moulding temperature. Addition of the plasticising epoxidized linseed oil did not balance this loss and in this set of experiments, the formulation comprising zeolite and / or epoxidized linseed oil show the least deviation from unmodified PBT. As the embrittlement caused by an altered molecular weight distribution or the addition of inorganic fillers affected the impact resistance, both unnotched and notched Charpy impact resistance testing was performed. In all formulations, the impact resistance (unnotched)231554

[0327] 33

[0328] surpassed the value of the pristine PBT, and the high values were maintained irrespective of the processing temperature. When epoxidized linseed oil was added, the impact strength was improved, even further. However, upon admixture of zeolite, the material’s toughness decayed already slightly at 260 °C and then steeply decreased to below 245 kJ ■ m-2at harsh processing. Again, the addition of Vikoflex® 7190 balanced the loss, sustaining a final value of 230 kJ ■ nr2. The more sensitive notched impact resistance test revealed a more pronounced dependency of the processing temperature, but still, less differentiation was possible in between the formulations. Except from the recipe containing the chain extender system, zeolite and epoxidized linseed oil where the initial high value was maintained, all other formulations decayed upon thermal stress during injection moulding. In conclusion, the mechanical properties tended to slightly decrease when using only the additive system targeting a decreased THF formation i.e. , the combination of pyromellitic anhydride and 1 ,3-bis(4,5-dihydro-2-oxazolyl)benzene, as it acted via chain extension. The thereby imparted property deviation was in part aggravated when using the inorganic zeolite, but both of this was well compensated by the use of Vikoflex® 7190. Altogether, at correct processing (^moulding = 260 °C) of the herein presented material (last recipe in Table 3), no obvious difference in the mechanical properties was expected. For assessing the hydrolysis resistance, injection moulded tensile bars (^moulding = 260 °C) were exposed to 85 °C at 85 % relative humidity. Tensile tests were performed after different times and the results are displayed in Fig. 5.

[0329] When considering the elastic moduli (right plot in Fig. 5), the unstabilized reference material (PBT UN Ref.), as well as the recipe containing only the pyromellitic anhydride 1 1 ,3-bis(4,5-di-hydro-2-oxazolyl)benzene system, decayed fast after only 1000 h of ageing. All the other formulations which were either the dedicated HR-grade or were equipped with epoxidized linseed oil and / or zeolite, behaved equally constant over the time of 2000 h. After an initial decay during the first 48 h of ageing, no further deterioration was visible. Next, the maximum tensile stress was studied, which is more sensitive toward changes between the different materials. Firstly, the non-stabilised reference material PBT, which served as negative control deteriorated from 1000 h on and had lost about 50 % of its initial strength after 1176 h. On the contrary, the positive control reference (PBT HR UN) sustained an unaltered tensile strength until 1344 h of exposition to the extreme climate. PBT HR was stabilised with a commercial state of the art hydrolysis resistance additive. The compounds containing only pyromellitic anhydride and the oxazo-line derivative, as well as the one equipped with the zeolite, both deteriorated similar as the negative control. Also, the addition of only Vikoflex® 7190 to the formulation equipped with the pyromellitic anhydride / oxazoline derivative, only led to a minor stabilisation, as tensile stress deteriorated after 1500 h. Interestingly, only the last compound which contained the combination of Vikoflex® 7190, ZEOflair® 100 and the pyromellitic anhydride / oxazoline-system maintained its initial tensile strength over the entire time and even outperformed the positive control after231554

[0330] 34

[0331] 2000 h. This superior endurance toward hydrolytic decay was thus introduced by a complex synergism between the additive system for suppressing the THF formation along with the epoxidized linseed oil.

[0332] Short description of the Figures

[0333] Fig. 1 shows the overview over the extruder screw torque plots upon varying the carboxylic acid anhydride with the different oxazoline derivatives. Spikes during the first 15 seconds of processing are due to filling of the barrel. Note the different scaling in d) due to the much higher increase in torque, compared with the other cases. Fig. 2 shows the evolution of carboxyl end group and hydroxyl end group numbers (CEG / OHN) upon addition of the different oxazoline derivatives with pyromellitic anhydride.

[0334] Fig. 3 shows the total carbon emission (TOE) and THF emission from Ultradur® B4500 ad- ditivated with pyromellitic anhydride (PMA) and 1 ,3-bis(4,5-dihydro-2-oxazolyl)ben- zene (“Oxazoline”) and increasing amounts of zeolite ZEOflair™100. Measurement on granules.

[0335] Fig. 4 shows the evolution of selected mechanical properties (E-Module, elongation at break (EB), Charpy impact strength (unnotched / notched) at 23 °C) upon increased processing temperatures. Values for pristine PBTat 260 °C inserted (empty circles) for reference.

[0336] Fig. 5 shows the progression of the tensile stress (omax and Youngs moduli) during hydrolytic ageing of the different compounds at 85 °C I 85 % r.h. Non-stabilised PBT and HR-stabilised PBT HR as reference.

[0337] Cited Literature

[0338] - US 4,056,514 A

[0339] - WO 96 / 22318 A1

[0340] Bikiaris Polym Deg Stab, 63, 1999213-218,

[0341] Bikiaris J Polym Sci: Polym Chem, 34,1337-1342, 1996

[0342] Xiang et al., Gongcheng Suliao Yingyong 5, 2004, 32, 13-16

[0343] - US 5,089,598 A

Claims

23155435Claims1. A polymeric composition comprising(i) a polymer component comprising at least a polybutylene terephthalate based polymer;(ii) at least one oxazoline compound;(iii) at least one carboxylic acid anhydride; and(iv) at least one epoxidised triglyceride R1-O-CH2-CH(-O-R2)-CH2-O-R3, wherein R1, R2, R3are independently from each other selected from the group of carboxylates of C4 to C28 fatty acids, and which has an oxiran content of at least 1 weight-% based on the total weight of the epoxidised triglyceride being 100 weight-%.

2. The polymeric composition of claim 1 , further comprising(v) at least one zeolitic material, which is preferably an alumino silicate (zeolite A), more preferably a hydrophobic alumino silicate.

3. The polymeric composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the polybutylene terephthalate based polymer is selected from the group consisting of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), poly(butanediol sebacate-butanediol) terephthalate (PBSeT) and mixtures of two or more thereof.

4. The polymeric composition of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one oxazoline compound of (ii) has the formula (I), whereinR4is a hydrogen atom;R5is a hydrogen atom or a C1 to C5 alkyl group;R6is a C1 to C5 alkyl chain or a C6 to C12 aryl group;R7is a hydrogen atom or an oxazoline ring of formula (la)wherein R8, R9are each a hydrogen atom, the dotted line represents the bond to R6; and n is zero or 1.231554365. The polymeric composition of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one carboxylic acid anhydride of (iii) has the formula (II), whereinthe dotted line indicates either a single or a double bond;R10, R11are either independently of each other a hydrogen atom or a C1 to C5 alkyl group, or R10, R11together with the C atoms to which they are attached (*) form a ring system, preferably an aromatic C6 to C12 ring system, more preferably an aromatic C6 ring, which is unsubstituted or is annealed to a further anhydridic five membered ring system; andm is zero or 1.

6. The polymeric composition of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one epoxidised triglyceride R1-O-CH2-CH(-O-R2)-CH2-O-R3of (iv) is selected from the group consisting of epoxidised soybean oil, vernonia oil, epoxidised palm oil, epoxidised corn oil, epoxidised linseed oil and mixtures of two or more thereof, more preferably comprise or is, more preferably is, epoxidised linseed oil.

7. The polymeric composition of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising(vi) at least one further polymer different from the polybutylene terephthalate based polymer of (i), preferably at least one further polymer selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyurethane (PU) and a mixture of two or more thereof, wherein the at least one further polymer preferably comprises at least PET.

8. The polymeric composition of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the polymer of (I) and the oxazoline compound of (ii) are present in the polymeric composition in a weightbased ratio polymer : oxazoline compound in the range of from 100 : 0.001 to 100 : 10, preferably in the range of from 10 : 0.1 to 500 : 1, more preferably in the range of from 10 : 0.1 to 200 : 1; and / or, preferably and,wherein the at least one oxazoline compound of (ii) and the at least one carboxylic acid anhydride of (m) are present in the polymeric composition in a weight based ratio oxazo-23155437line compound : carboxylic acid anhydride in the range of from 100 : 1 to 1 OO, preferably in the range of from 50 : 1 to 1 : 1, more preferably in the range of from 15 : 1 to 2 : 1; and / or, preferably and,wherein the at least one oxazoline compound of (ii) and the at least one epoxidised triglyceride of (iv) are present in the polymeric composition in a weight based ratio oxazoline compound : epoxidised triglyceride in the range of from 100 : 1 to 1 MOO, preferably in the range of from 20 M to 1 : 1, more preferably in the range of from 10 M to 2 M; and / or, preferably and,wherein the at least one oxazoline compound of (ii) and the at least one zeolitic material of (v) are present in the polymeric composition in a weight based ratio oxazoline compound : zeolitic material in the range of from 100 M to 1 MOO, preferably in the range of from 20 M to 1 : 1, more preferably in the range of from 5 M to 1 M, ; and / or, preferably and,wherein the polymer component comprising at least a polybutylene terephthalate based polymer of (i) and the at least one further polymer different from PBT of (vi) are present in the polymeric composition in a weight based ratio PBT : different polymer in the range of from 80 : 20 to 99 M , preferably in the range of from 90 M0 to 98 : 2.

9. The polymeric composition of any one of claims 1 to 8, having a total carbon emission TCEpc compared to the total carbon emission of the polybutylene terephthalate based polymer of (i) in pure form TCEp in the range of from 0.5 x TCEp to 0.05 x TCEp, preferably in the range of from 0.2 x TCEp to 0.1 x TCEp, each TCE preferably determined according to VDA 277 (1995-01).

10. The polymeric composition of any one of claims 1 to 9, having an ultimate tensile strength after hydrolytic ageing at 85 °C and at 85 % relative humidity for 2000 hours Omax(pc) compared to tensile strength of the polybutylene terephthalate based polymer of (i) in pure form omax (p) of in the range from 0.7 x omax(p) to 0.85 x omax(p), wherein each Omax is preferably determined according to DIN EN ISO 527:2019-12.

11. The polymer polymeric composition of any one of claims 1 to 10, having an elastic modulus after hydrolytic ageing at 85 °C and at 85 % relative humidity for 2000 hours EM (pc) compared to the elastic modulus of the polybutylene terephthalate based polymer of (i) in pure form EM(p) of in the range from 0.7 x EM(p) to 0.85 x EM(p), wherein each elastic modulus is preferably determined according to DIN EN ISO 527:2019-12; and / or, preferably and,having a viscosity number VNpc compared to the viscosity number of the polybutylene terephthalate based polymer of (i) in pure form VNp in the range of from 0.9 x VNp to 1.423155438x VNp, preferably in the range of from 0.95 x VNp to 1.3 x VNp, more preferably in the range of from 0.99 x VNp to 1.1 x VNp, wherein each viscosity number is preferably determined according to DIN EN ISO 307:2019-11.

12. A method for preparing a polymeric composition comprising(i) a polymer component comprising at least a polybutylene terephthalate based polymer;(ii) at least one oxazoline compound;(iii) at least one carboxylic acid anhydride; and(iv) at least one epoxidised triglyceride R1-O-CH2-CH(-O-R2)-CH2-O-R3, wherein R1, R2, R3are independently from each other selected from the group of carboxylates of C4 to C28 fatty acids, and which has an oxiran content of at least 1 weight-% based on the total weight of the epoxidised triglyceride being 100 weight-%; and(v) optionally at least one zeolitic material;the method comprising the steps:(A) Providing a polymer component comprising at least a polybutylene terephthalate based polymer;(B) Compounding into the PBT of (A) in consecutive or arbitrary order (ii), (iii) and (iv) an optionally (v).

13. A polymeric composition obtained or obtainable from the method of claim 12.

14. Use of the polymeric composition of any one of claims 1 to 11 or of the polymeric composition of claim 13for a motor vehicle part, preferably for a part of a car, more preferably for a part of an automotive interior component or air conditioning unit and / or for a part of a headlamp bezel; orfor food packaging and or packaging for medical equipment;orfor construction parts which are in contact with or which are intended to be in contact with drinking water, preferably construction parts selected from the group consisting of tap part, faucet part, and shower head.

15. Use of the polymeric composition of any one of claims 1 to 11 or of the polymeric composition of claim 13 in the form of filaments for woven and / or nonwoven filters.

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