BR112020008109B1 - USE OF COLORS, MOLDING COMPOSITION, PROCESS FOR PRODUCING MOLDING COMPOSITIONS, USE OF MOLDING AND FIBER COMPOSITIONS, FILM OR MOLDING - Google Patents

Abstract

Use of colorants selected from anthraquinone colorants, benzimidazolone colorants and perinone colorants, in molding compositions comprising at least one polyamide and at least one compound of general formula (I) (I), where x is 1.2 or 3; R1 and R2 are mutually independently selected from hydrogen, linear C1-C7 alkyl, branched C3-C10 alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted C3-C12 cycloalkyl or C3-C12-cycloalkyl-C1-C4-alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted, unsubstituted or substituted aryl and unsubstituted or substituted aryl-C1-C4-alkyl, and Z is selected from C3-C10 alkanediyl, unsubstituted or substituted arylene, unsubstituted or substituted arylene-C1-C4-alkylene-arylene, unsubstituted or substituted heteroarylene, unsubstituted or substituted heteroarylene-C1-C4-alkylene-heteroarylene, unsubstituted or substituted C5-C8-cycloalkylene, unsubstituted or substituted C5-C8-cycloalkylene-C1-C4-alkylene-C5-C8-cycloalkylene , unsubstituted or substituted heterocycloalkylene and unsubstituted or substituted heterocycloalkylene-C1-C4-alkylene-heterocycloalkylene, to reduce the opacity value.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

[001] The invention relates to polyamide molding compositions with improved optical properties and also to the use of colorants to improve said optical properties. The invention further relates to processes for producing the molding compositions and for using them for the production of fibers, moldings and films, and also for the resulting fibers, moldings and films.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Polyamides are polymers produced on a larger global scale and are used not only in the main application sectors of films, fibers and moldings (processing materials), but also for a wide variety of other purposes. The most widely produced polyamides are polyamide 6 (polycaprolactam) and polyamide 66 (nylon, polyhexamethyleneadipamide). Most industrially significant polyamides are semicrystalline or amorphous thermoplastic polymers, featuring high thermal resistance. Many polyamide applications require the polyamide to have clarity or low opacity, in order, for example, to provide visibility of the contents of packaging made of polyamide. Transparent polyamides are therefore desirable. However, many polyamides are semi-crystalline and therefore optically opaque as incident light is scattered by the crystalline domains within the polyamide. Nucleating agents and clarifying agents are often used to improve optical properties in crystallizable thermoplastic polymers.

[003] Document WO 2013/139802 refers to polymeric compositions comprising at least one polyamide polymer and at least one polyurea compound of declared formula (I). An example of the compound used is (4-ureidocyclohexyl)urea. These polyurea compounds are used in polyamides to improve clarity, increase light transmission, and reduce haze. However, polyamide compositions equipped with the same still have a certain residual opacity that makes the materials translucent or semi-transparent, rather than fully transparent.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[004] It is an object of the present invention to obtain additional opacity reduction in known molding compositions.

[005] The object is obtained in the invention through the use of colorants selected from anthraquinone colorants, benzimidazolone colorants and perinone colorants, in molding compositions comprising at least one polyamide and at least one compound of general formula (I ): where: x is 1, 2 or 3; R1 and R2 are mutually independently selected from hydrogen, linear C1-C7 alkyl, branched C3-C10 alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted C3-C12 cycloalkyl or C3-C12-cycloalkyl-C1-C4-alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted, unsubstituted or substituted aryl and unsubstituted or substituted aryl-C1-C4-alkyl, and Z is selected from C3-C10 alkanediyl, unsubstituted or substituted arylene, unsubstituted or substituted arylene-C1-C4-alkylene-arylene, unsubstituted or substituted heteroarylene, unsubstituted or substituted heteroarylene-C1-C4-alkylene-heteroarylene, unsubstituted or substituted C5-C8-cycloalkylene, unsubstituted or substituted C5-C8-cycloalkylene-C1-C4-alkylene-C5-C8-cycloalkylene , unsubstituted or substituted heterocycloalkylene and unsubstituted or substituted heterocycloalkylene-C1-C4-alkylene-heterocycloalkylene, to reduce the opacity value.

[006] The object is, furthermore, obtained through a molding composition comprising, as component A, at least one polyamide, as component B, from 0.1 to 2% by weight of at least one polyamide compound. general formula (I): where x is 1, 2 or 3; R1 and R2 are mutually independently selected from hydrogen, linear C1-C7 alkyl, branched C3-C10 alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted C3-C12 cycloalkyl or C3-C12-cycloalkyl-C1-C4-alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted, unsubstituted or substituted aryl and unsubstituted or substituted aryl-C1-C4-alkyl, and Z is selected from C3-C10 alkanediyl, unsubstituted or substituted arylene, unsubstituted or substituted arylene-C1-C4-alkylene-arylene, unsubstituted or substituted heteroarylene, unsubstituted or substituted heteroarylene-C1-C4-alkylene-heteroarylene, unsubstituted or substituted C5-C8-cycloalkylene, unsubstituted or substituted C5-C8-cycloalkylene-C1-C4-alkylene-C5-C8-cycloalkylene , unsubstituted or substituted heterocycloalkylene and unsubstituted or substituted heterocycloalkylene-C1-C4-alkylene-heterocycloalkylene, and also, as component C, from 10 to 1,000 ppm of at least one colorant selected from anthraquinone colorants, benzimidazolone colorants and perinone colorants, and mixtures thereof, and where the amounts are based on the entire molding composition.

[007] The object is, furthermore, obtained through a process for producing these molding compositions comprising mixing components A, B and C, and optionally additional ingredients, with one another.

[008] The object is, furthermore, obtained through the use of molding compositions for the production of fibers, films or moldings and through the resulting fibers, films or moldings.

[009] It has been discovered in the invention that the optical properties of polyamide compositions comprising a compound of general formula (I) can be significantly improved using small amounts of anthraquinone colorants, benzimidazolone colorants or perinone colorants. The enhancement in the present application refers to a reduced opacity value.

[010] The molding compositions used in the invention exhibit a reduction in the relative opacity value by at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, determined by the method of ASTM D1003 (layer thickness 1.27 mm), compared to the reference polyamide composition without the colorants.

[011] It is preferred that a proportion of 69 ppm of the colorant of the invention should provide a relative opacity reduction of at least 20%. It is preferred that a proportion of 156 ppm of the colorant of the invention should provide a relative opacity reduction of at least 25%, the value being determined in each case in accordance with the ASTM D1003 standard (layer thickness 1.27 mm).

[012] The term “opacity” defines the percentage of transmitted light that exhibits an average deviation of more than 2.5 degrees from the incident light during passage through a molding (plate). The opacity value is determined in accordance with ASTM D1003. The term “clarity” refers to small-angle dispersion in the range below 2.5 degrees, and is a measure of image sharpness. Clarity is also determined in accordance with ASTM D1003.

[013] The molding must essentially have flat parallel surfaces that are free from dust, grease, scratches or other damage. The impression should also have no cavities or inclusions.

[014] The molding compositions of the invention comprise at least one polyamide. Preference is given in the present application to at least one semicrystalline polyamide. The term “semi-crystalline” describes a polyamide that exhibits an X-ray diffraction pattern that has sharp bands that are characteristic of crystalline regions and diffuse bands that are characteristic of amorphous regions. The term “semicrystalline” therefore describes a polyamide that has both crystalline and amorphous regions.

[015] The polyamide composition of the invention comprises, as component A, at least one synthetic polyamide. The term “synthetic polyamide” is broadly interpreted for the purposes of the invention. Most generally it encompasses polymers comprising at least one component suitable for polyamide formation, selected from dicarboxylic acids, diamines, salts made of at least one dicarboxylic acid and at least one diamine, lactams, o-amino acids, nitriles of aminocarboxylic acids. and mixtures thereof. The synthetic polyamides of the invention may also comprise, incorporated into the polymer alongside the components suitable for forming polyamides, monometers copolymerizable with them. The term “synthetic polyamide” does not encompass natural polyamides, e.g. peptides and proteins, e.g. hair, wool, silk or egg white.

[016] Some of the polyamide terminologies used for the purposes of the invention involve abbreviated symbols consisting of the letters PA followed by numbers and letters. Some of these abbreviated symbols are standardized in DIN EN ISO 1043-1. Polyamides that can be derived from aminocarboxylic acids of the H2N-(CH2)x-COOH type or the corresponding lactams are characterized as PA Z, where Z indicates the number of carbon atoms in the monomer. By way of example, therefore, PA 6 is the polymer made from ε-caprolactam or o-aminocaproic acid. Polyamides that can be derived from diamines and dicarboxylic acids of the H2N-(CH2)x-NH2 type and the HOOC-(CH2)y-COOH type are characterized as PA Z1Z2, where Z1 is the number of carbon atoms in the diamine and Z2 is the number of carbon atoms in dicarboxylic acid. The terminology for copolyamides lists the components in the sequence of their quantitative proportions, separated by slashes. By way of example, therefore, PA 66/610 is the copolyamide made from hexamethylenediamine, adipic acid and sebacic acid. The letter abbreviations used for the monomers used in the invention that have an aromatic or cycloaliphatic group are as follows: T = terephthalic acid, I = isophthalic acid, MXDA = m-xylylenediamine, IPDA = isophoronediamine, PACM = 4,4'- methylonebis(cyclohexylamine), MACM = 2,2'-dimethyl-4,4'-methylonebis(cyclohexylamine).

[017] The term “C1-C4 alkyl” from this point onwards encompasses straight and branched chain, unsubstituted C1-C4 alkyl groups. Examples of C1-C4 alkyl groups are, in particular, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl (1,1-dimethylethyl).

[018] The carboxy groups in the aliphatic dicarboxylic acids, cycloaliphatic dicarboxylic acids, aromatic dicarboxylic acids and monocarboxylic acids mentioned from this point forward may respectively be present in non-derivative form or in the form of derivatives. In the case of dicarboxylic acids, the number of carboxy groups present in the form of a derivative can be zero, one or two. Suitable derivatives are anhydrides, esters, acyl chlorides, nitriles and isocyanates. Preferred derivatives are anhydrides or esters. Dicarboxylic acid anhydrides can be present in monomeric or polymeric form. Preferred esters are alkyl esters and vinyl esters, particularly preferably C1-C4 alkyl esters, in particular methyl esters or ethyl esters. Dicarboxylic acids are preferably present in the form of mono- or dialkyl esters, particularly C1-C4 mono- or dialkyl esters, in particular, monomethyl esters, dimethyl esters, monoethyl esters or diethyl esters. It is further preferred that dicarboxylic acids are present in the form of mono- or divinyl esters. It is further preferred that dicarboxylic acids are present in the form of mixed esters, particularly mixed esters having different C1-C4 alkyl components, in particular methyl ethyl esters.

[019] Components suitable for polyamide formation are preferably selected from: pA) unsubstituted or substituted aromatic dicarboxylic acids and derivatives of unsubstituted or substituted aromatic dicarboxylic acids, pB) unsubstituted or substituted aromatic diamines, pC) dicarboxylic acids aliphatic or cycloaliphatic, pD) aliphatic or cycloaliphatic diamines, pE) monocarboxylic acids, pF) monoamines, pG) at least trifunctional amines, pH) lactams, pI) ffl-amino acids, and pK) compounds that differ from pA) to pl), but cocondensable with them.

[020] A suitable implementation is provided by aliphatic polyamides. For aliphatic polyamides of type PA Z1 Z2 (e.g. PA 66), the rule is that at least one of the pC) or pD) components must be present and none of the pA) and pB) components are allowed to be present. For aliphatic polyamides of the PAZ type (e.g. PA 6 or PA 12), the rule is that at least the pH component must be present.

[021] Another suitable embodiment is provided by semi-aromatic polyamides. For semi-aromatic polyamides, the rule is that at least one of the pA) or pB) components and at least one of the pC) or pD) components must be present.

[022] The aromatic dicarboxylic acids pA) are preferably selected from respectively unsubstituted or substituted phthalic acid, terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, naphthalenedicarboxylic acids and biphenyldicarboxylic acids and the derivatives and mixtures of the aforementioned aromatic dicarboxylic acids.

[023] It is preferred that substituted aromatic dicarboxylic acids pA) have at least one component (for example, 1, 2, 3 or 4) C1-C4 alkyl. In particular, substituted aromatic dicarboxylic acids pA) have 1 or 2 C1-C4 alkyl components. These are preferably selected from methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl and tert-butyl, particularly methyl, ethyl and n-butyl, in particular methyl and ethyl, and specifically methyl. Substituted aromatic dicarboxylic acids pA) can also bear additional functional groups, which do not interrupt amidation, an example being 5-sulfoisophthalic acid and its salts and derivatives. The preferred example in the present application is the sodium salt of 5-sulfoisophthalic acid dimethyl ester.

[024] It is preferred that the aromatic dicarboxylic acid pA) is selected from unsubstituted terephthalic acid, unsubstituted isophthalic acid, unsubstituted naphthalenedicarboxylic acids, 2-chloroterephthalic acid, 2-methylterephthalic acid, 5-methylisophthalic acid and acid 5 - sulfoisophthalic.

[025] The following are particularly preferably used as aromatic dicarboxylic acids pA): terephthalic acid; isophthalic acid or a mixture of terephthalic acid and isophthalic acid.

[026] It is preferred that semi-aromatic polyamides comprise a proportion of aromatic dicarboxylic acids that is at least 50 mol% based on all dicarboxylic acids, particularly preferably 70 mol% to 100 mol% . In a specific embodiment, the semi-aromatic polyamides comprise a proportion of at least 50%, by mol, of terephthalic acid or isophthalic acid, or of a mixture of terephthalic acid and isophthalic acid, based on all dicarboxylic acids, preferably 70%. , in mol, at 100%, in mol.

[027] Aromatic diamines pB) are preferably selected from bis(4-aminophenyl)methane, 3-methylbenzidine, 2,2-bis(4-aminophenyl)propane, 1,1-bis(4-aminophenyl)cyclohexane, 1,2-diaminobenzene, 1,4-diaminobenzene, 1,4-diaminonaphthalene, 1,5-diaminonaphthalene, 1,3-diaminotoluene(s), m-xylylenediamine, N,N'-dimethyl-4-4'-biphenyldiamine , bis(4-methylaminophenyl)methane, 2,2-bis(4-methylaminophenyl)propane, and mixtures thereof.

[028] Aliphatic or cycloaliphatic dicarboxylic acids pC) are preferably selected from oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, primelic acid, suberic acid, azelazic acid, sebacic acid, undecane-α, o -dicarboxylic acid, dodecane-α, o-dicarboxylic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid and itaconic acid, and cis- and trans-cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylic acid and cis- and trans-cyclohexane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid and cis- and trans-cyclohexane-1,4-dicarboxylic acid and cis- and trans-cyclopentane-1,2-dicarboxylic acid and cis- and trans-cyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid, and mixtures thereof.

[029] Aliphatic or cycloaliphatic diamines pD) are preferably selected from ethylenediamine, propylenediamine, tetramethylenediamine, heptamethylenediamine, hexamethylenediamine, pentamethylenediamine, octamethylenediamine, nonamethylenediamine, decamethylenediamine, undecamethylenediamine, dodecamethylenediamine, 2-methylpentamethylenediamine, 2,2,4-trimethylhexam ethylenediamine, 2,4,4-trimethylhexamethylenediamine, 5-methylnonamethylenediamine, 2,4-dimethyloctamethylenediamine, 5-methylnonanediamine, bis(4-aminocyclohexyl)methane, 3,3'-dimethyl-4-4'-diaminodicyclohexylmethane, and mixtures thereof.

[030] It is particularly preferred that the diamine pD) is selected from hexamethylenediamine, 2-methylpentamethylenediamine, octamethylenediamine, nonamethylenediamine, 2-methyl-1,8-octamethylenediamine, decamethylenediamine, undecamethylenediamine, dodecamethylenediamine, bis(4-aminocyclohexyl) methane, 3,3'-dimethyl-4,4'-diaminodicyclohexylmethane, and mixtures thereof.

[031] In a specific embodiment, semi-aromatic polyamides comprise, incorporated into the polymer, at least one diamine pD) selected from hexamethylenediamine, bis(4-aminocyclohexyl)methane (PACM), 3,3'-dimethyl-4,4 '-diaminocyclohexylmethane (MACM), isophoronediamine (IPDA), and mixtures thereof.

[032] In a specific embodiment, semi-aromatic polyamides comprise, as diamine pD) incorporated into the polymer, exclusively hexamethylenediamine.

[033] In another specific embodiment, semi-aromatic polyamides comprise, as diamine pD) incorporated into the polymer, exclusively bis(4-aminocyclohexyl)methane.

[034] In another specific embodiment, semi-aromatic polyamides comprise, as diamine pD) incorporated into the polymer, exclusively 3,3'-dimethyl-4,4'-diaminocyclohexylmethane (MACM).

[035] In another specific embodiment, semi-aromatic polyamides comprise, as diamine pD) incorporated into the polymer, exclusively isophoronadiamine (IPDA).

[036] Aliphatic polyamides and semi-aromatic polyamides may comprise, incorporated into the polymer, at least one monocarboxylic acid pE). The monocarboxylic acids pE) in the present application serve for end capping of the polyamides produced in the invention. In principle, suitable compounds are any of the monocarboxylic acids capable of reacting, under the reaction conditions of polyamide condensation, with at least a portion of the available amino groups. Suitable monocarboxylic acids pE) are aliphatic monocarboxylic acids, alicyclic monocarboxylic acids and aromatic monocarboxylic acids. Among these are acetic acid, propionic acid, n-, iso- and tert-butyric acid, valeric acid, trimethylacetic acid, caproic acid, enanthic acid, caprylic acid, pelargenic acid, capric acid, undecanoic acid, lauric acid, tridecanoic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, pivalic acid, cyclohexanecarboxylic acid, benzoic acid, methylbenzoic acid, α-naphthalenecarboxylic acid, β-naphthalenecarboxylic acid, phenylacetic acid, oleic acid, ricinoleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, erucic acid, acids fatty acids derived from soybeans, flax seed, castor or sunflower oil, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, Versatic® acids, Koch® acids, and mixtures thereof.

[037] If unsaturated carboxylic acids or derivatives thereof such as monocarboxylic acids (pE) are used, it may be advisable to operate in the presence of commercially available polymerization inhibitors.

[038] It is particularly preferred that the monocarboxylic acid pE) is selected from acetic acid, propionic acid, benzoic acid, and mixtures thereof.

[039] In a specific embodiment, aliphatic polyamides and semi-aromatic polyamides comprise, as monocarboxylic acid pE) incorporated in the polymer, exclusively propionic acid.

[040] In another specific embodiment, aliphatic polyamides and semi-aromatic polyamides comprise, as monocarboxylic acid pE) incorporated in the polymer, exclusively benzoic acid.

[041] In another specific embodiment, aliphatic polyamides and semi-aromatic polyamides comprise, as monocarboxylic acid pE) incorporated in the polymer, exclusively acetic acid.

[042] Aliphatic polyamides and semi-aromatic polyamides may comprise, incorporated into the polymer, at least one monoamine pF). The aliphatic polyamides in the present application comprise only aliphatic monoamines or acyclic monoamines incorporated into the polymer. The monoamines pF) in the present application serve for end capping of the polyamides produced in the invention. Suitable compounds are, in principle, any of the monoamines capable of reacting, under the polyamide condensation reaction conditions, with at least a portion of the available carboxylic acid groups. Suitable monoamines pF) are aliphatic monoamines, acyclic monoamines and aromatic monoamines. Among these are methylamine, ethylamine, propylamine, butylamine, hexylamine, heptylamine, octylamine, decylamine, stearylamine, dimethylamine, diethylamine, dipropylamine, dibutylamine, cyclohexylamine, dicyclohexylamine, aniline, toluidine, diphenylamine, naphthylamine, and mixtures thereof.

[043] The production of aliphatic and semi-aromatic polyamides can additionally use at least one trifunctional amine pG). Among these are N'-(6-aminohexyl)hexane-1,6-diamine, N'-(12-aminododecyl)dodecane-1,12-diamine, N'-(6-aminohexyl)dodecane-1,12-diamine , N'-[3-(aminomethyl)3,5,5-trimethylcyclohexyl]hexane-1,6-diamine, N'-[3-(aminomethyl)3,5,5-trimethylcyclohexyl]dodecane-1,12-diamine , N'-[(5-amino-1,3,3-trimethylcyclohexyl)methyl]hexane-1,6-diamine N'-[(5-amino-1,3,3-trimethylcyclohexyl)methyl]dodecane-1, 12-diamine-3-[[[3-(aminomethyl)-3,5,5-trimethylcyclohexyl]amino]methyl]-3,5,5-trimethylcyclohexylamine-3-[[(5-amino-1,3,3 - trimethylcyclohexyl)methylamino]methyl]-3,5,5-trimethylcyclohexylamine-3-(aminomethyl)-N-[3-(aminomethyl)-3,5,5-trimethylcyclohexyl]-3,5,5-trimethylcyclohexylamine. It is preferred that at least trifunctional amines pG) are not used.

[044] Suitable lactams (pH) are ε-caprolactam, 2-piperidone (δ-valerolactam), 2-pyrrolidone (γ-butyrolactam), caprolactam, enantolactam, laurolactam, and mixtures thereof.

[045] Suitable o-Amino acids (pl) are 6-aminocaproic acid, 7-aminoheptanoic acid, 11-aminoundecanoic acid, 12-aminodecanoic acid, and mixtures thereof.

[046] Suitable pK) compounds that differ from pA) to pl) but are cocondensable with them are at least tribasic carboxylic acids, diaminocarboxylic acids, etc.

[047] Other suitable compounds pK) are 4-[(Z)N-(6-aminohexyl)-C-hydroxycarbonimidoyl]benzoic acid, 3-[(Z)N-(6-aminohexyl)-C-hydroxycarbonimidoyl]benzoic acid , (6Z)6-(6-aminohexylamino)-6-hydroxyhexanecarboxylic acid, 4-[(Z)N-[(5-amino-1,3,3-trimethylcyclohexyl)methyl]-C-hydroxycarbonimidoyl]benzoic acid, 3-[(Z)N-[(5-amino-1,3,3-trimethylcyclohexyl)methyl]-C-hydroxycarbonimidoyl]benzoic acid, 4-[(Z)N-[3-(aminomethyl)-3,5 ,5-trimethylcyclohexyl]-C-hydroxycarbonimidoyl]benzoic acid, 3-[(Z)N-[3-(aminomethyl)-3,5,5-trimethylcyclohexyl]-C-hydroxycarbonimidoyl]benzoic acid, and mixtures thereof.

[048] It is preferred that polyamide A is selected from PA 4, PA 5, PA 6, PA 7, PA 8, PA 9, PA 10, PA 11, PA 12, PA 46, PA 66, PA 666, PA 69, PA 610, PA 612, PA 96, PA 99, PA 910, PA 912, PA 1010, PA 1212, PA 6.T, PA 9.T, PA8.T, PA 10.T, PA 12.T , PA 6.I, PA 8.I, PA 9.I, PA 10.I, PA 12.I, PA 6.T/6, PA 6.T/10, PA 6.T/12, PA 6. T/6.I, PA 6.T/8.T, PA 6.T/9.T, PA 6.T/10T, PA 6.T/12.T, PA 12.T/6.T, PA 6.T/6.I/6, PA 6.T/6.I/12, PA 6.T/6.I/6.10, PA 6.T/6.I/6.12, PA 6.T/6.6, PA 6.T/6.10, PA 6.T/6.12, PA 10.T/6, PA 10.T/11, PA 10.T/12, PA 8.T/6.T, PA 8.T/66 , PA 8.T/8.I, PA 8.T/8.6, PA 8.T/6.I, PA 10.T/6.T, PA 10.T/6.6, PA 10.T/10.I , PA 10T/10.I/6.T, PA 10.T/6.I, PA 4.T/4.I/46, PA 4.T/4.I/6.6, PA 5.T/5. I, PA 5.T/5.I/5.6, PA 5.T/5.I/6.6, PA 6.T/6.I/6.6, PA MXDA.6, PA IPDA.I, PA IPDA.T, PA MACM.I, PA MACM.T, PA PACM.I, PA PACM.T, PA MXDA.I, PA MXDA.T, PA 6.T/IPDA.T, PA 6.T/MACM.T, PA 6 .T/PACM.T, PA 6.T/MXDA.T, PA 6.T/6.I/8.T/8.I, PA 6.T/6.I/10.T/10.I, PA 6.T/6.I/IPDA.T/IPDA.I, PA 6.T/6.I/MXDA.T/MXDA.I, PA 6.T/6.I/MACM.T/MACM.I , PA 6.T/6.I/PACM.T/PACM.I, PA 6.T/10.T/IPDA.T, PA 6.T/12.T/IPDA.T, PA 6.T/10 .T/PACM.T, PA 6.T/12.T/PACM.T, PA 10.T/IPDA.T, PA 12.T/IPDA.T and copolymers and mixtures thereof.

[049] In a preferred embodiment, the polyamide composition of the invention comprises, as component A, at least one aliphatic polyamide.

[050] The polyamide is then preferably selected from PA 4, PA 5, PA 6, PA 7, PA 8, PA 9, PA 10, PA 11, PA 12, PA 46, PA 66, PA 666, PA 69 , PA 610, PA 612, PA 96, PA 99, PA 910, PA 912, PA 1010, PA 1212 and copolymers, and mixtures thereof.

[051] The polyamides that are particularly preferably used are PA 6, PA 7, PA 10, PA 11, PA 12, PA 46, PA 66, PA 6/66, PA 66/6, PA 69, PA 610, PA 612 , PA 1010, PA 1012 and PA 1212.

[052] Aliphatic polyamide A is selected, in particular, from PA 6, PA 66, PA 666 and PA 12. A specific embodiment is provided by polyamide compositions in which component A comprises PA 6 or PA 66 or consists in PA 6 or PA 66.

[053] In another preferred embodiment, the process of the invention serves for the production of a semi-aromatic polyamide.

[054] Polyamide A is then preferably selected from PA 6.T, PA 9.T, PA 10.T, PA 12.T, PA 6.I, PA 9.I, PA 10.I, PA 12 .I, PA 6.T/6.I, PA 6.T/6, PA 6.T/8.T, PA 6.T/10T, PA 10.T/6.T, PA 6.T/12 .T, PA12.T/6.T, PA IPDA.I, PA IPDA.T, PA 6.T/IPDA.T, PA 6.T/6.I/IPDA.T/IPDA.I, PA 6. T/10.T/IPDA.T, PA 6.T/12.T/IPDA.T, PA 6.T/10.T/PACM.T, PA 6.T/12.T/PACM.T, PA 10.T/IPDA.T, PA 12.T/IPDA.T and copolymers and mixtures thereof.

[055] The following data relating to the number-average molar mass Mn and the weight-average molar mass Mw refer to the purposes of this invention for determination by means of gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Calibration is achieved using, as an example, PMMA as a standard polymer with low polydispersity.

[056] The numerical average molar mass Mn of synthetic polyamide A is preferably in the range of 8,000 to 50,000 g/mol, particularly 10,000 to 35,000 g/mol.

[057] The numerical average molar mass Mn of synthetic polyamide A is preferably in the range of 15,000 to 20,000 g/mol, particularly 20,000 to 125,000 g/mol.

[058] The PD polydispersity (= Mw/Mn) of polyamides A is preferably a maximum of 6, particularly preferably a maximum of 5, in particular a maximum of 3.5.

[059] It is also possible to use copolymers, for example, PA 6/66 or PA 66/6 and also PA 66/610.

[060] The proportions of comonomers in copolyamides can be selected in the range of 5:95 to 95: 5, preferably from 90: 10 to 10: 90.

[061] It is particularly preferred in the invention to use, as semi-crystalline polyamide, polyamide 6 or polyamide 66.

[062] The amount of component A present is preferably at least 60% by weight, particularly preferably at least 80% by weight, in particular at least 90% by weight.

[063] The proportion of polyamide (preferably semi-crystalline) as component A in the molding compositions is preferably 60 to 99.89% by weight, particularly preferably 80 to 99.89% by weight, in particular 90 to 99 .89%, by weight. The majority of the molding compositions are thus composed of polyamide or polyamides of component A.

[064] The molding compositions comprise, as component B, from 0.1 to 2% by weight, preferably from 0.2 to 1.7% by weight, in particular from 0.5 to 1.5%, by weight of at least one compound of general formula (I). The constitution of this compound may be as in WO 2013/139802. The processes for producing it are also described in this document and in patent DE 2710595, and also in the Journal für praktische Chemie (1915), vol. 91, pages 1 to 38 and Chem. Eur. J. 1997, 3, pages 1238 to 1243.

[065] The preferred compounds of general formula (I) are described in document WO 2013/139802, in particular, on pages 11 to 14.

[066] In the present application, x has the value 1 or 2, in particular 1.

[067] The preferred compounds of general formula (I) are: - where R1 and R2 are mutually independently selected from linear C1-C1 alkyl, branched C3-C10 alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted C3-C12 cycloalkyl or C3-C12 -cycloalkyl-C1-C4-alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted, unsubstituted or substituted aryl and aryl-C1-C4-alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted; - where R1 and R2 are mutually independently selected from hydrogen, branched C3-C10 alkyl, C5-C12 cycloalkyl, C5-C12-cycloalkyl-C1-C4-alkyl, phenyl and phenyl-C1-C4-alkyl, where each ring in the last four components mentioned it is unsubstituted or has replacement by one or more identical or different Ra components, where Ra is selected from C1-C10 alkyl and halogen; and - where R1 and R2 are mutually independently selected from C3-C10 alkyl linked to the main skeleton through a secondary or tertiary carbon atom of the alkyl group, C5C10 cycloalkyl, which is unsubstituted or has substitution by 1 or 2 components Ra and phenyl that is unsubstituted or substituted by 1 or 2 Ra components.

[068] In an embodiment of the invention, R1 and R2 may be identical.

[069] It is preferred that Z is C5-C8 alkanediyl, C5C7 cycloalkylene, C5-C7-cycloalkylene-CH2-C5-C7-cycloalkylene, phenylene or phenylene-CH2-phenylene, where each ring in the last four components mentioned is unsubstituted or has replacement by one or two identical or different Rb components, where Rb is selected from C1-C10 alkyl and halogen.

[070] It is particularly preferred that Z is linear C5-8 alkanediyl or C5-7 cycloalkylene.

[071] It is specifically preferred that Z is trans-1,4-cyclohexylene.

[072] Preference is given to compounds of general formula (I), where R1 and R2 are identical and are selected from hydrogen, tert-butyl, 1,1-dimethylpropyl, 1,5-dimethylhexyl, 1,1,3 ,3-tetramethylbutyl and 1-adamantyl; Z is trans-1,4-cyclohexylene and x is 1.

[073] It is particularly preferred that R1 and R2 in formula (I) are identical and selected from hydrogen, tert-butyl, 1,1-dimethylpropyl, 1,5-dimethylhexyl, 1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl and 1-adamantyl. Z in the present application is preferably 1,4-cyclohexylene (trans-1,4-cyclohexanediyl). The value of x is preferably 1.

[074] It is specifically preferred that R1 and R2 are hydrogen, Z is trans-1,4-cyclohexylene (trans-1,4-cyclohexanediyl), and that the value of x is 1.

[075] Preference is given, in particular, to compounds in combination with a polyamide selected from PA 6, PA 11, PA 12, PA 66, PA 610, PA 66/6 and PA 6/66.

[076] Compounds of general formula (I) can be produced as described in document WO 2013/139802.

[077] At least one colorant is used as component C, selected from anthraquinone colorants, benzimidazolone colorants and perinone colorants. These colorants are preferably dyes, pigments or mixtures thereof.

[078] The invention uses an amount from 10 to 1,000 ppm of the colorant, preferably from 20 to 500 ppm, in particular, from 50 to 200 ppm, based on the entire molding composition.

[079] The ratio, by weight, of component C to component B is preferably from 1: 1 to 1: 1000, particularly preferably from 1: 5 to 1: 700, in particular from 1: 10 to 1: 500 , specifically from 1:25 to 1:300.

[080] Anthraquinone colorants are anthraquinone dyes or anthraquinone pigments, where they have an anthraquinone unit or an anthraquinone-derived unit in their main skeleton. Other terms used for anthraquinone are 9,10-anthraquinone and 9,10-dihydroanthracene-9,10-dione.

[081] The main anthraquinone structure can also be substituted, for example, by alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, alkaryl, -OH, -NH2, -SO3H, or -NO2. It is also possible to produce an anthraquinone derivative through substitution on a C=O group.

[082] The structure of anthraquinone colorants may comprise, in addition to the anthraquinone component, at least one additional aromatic ring.

[083] Suitable anthraquinone dyes are known to those skilled in the art. Examples of suitable anthraquinone dyes are Solvent Red 52, Solvent Blue 132 and Solvent Green 3.

[084] Benzimidazolone colorants are benzimidazolone dyes or benzimidazolone pigments. They preferably have a benzimidazolone structure in their main skeleton. Other terms used for benzimidazolone are 2-hydroxybenzimidazole, 2(1H)-benzimidazolone and 1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazol-2-one. The main structure of benzimidazolone, by way of example, forms part of benzimidazolone pigments. Benzimidazolone dyes are known by themselves. The colorants may optionally comprise an azo group as a structural element. Its structure may comprise, alongside the aforementioned substituents, or alternatively, at least one additional aromatic ring.

[085] Perinone colorants are perinone dyes or perinone pigments, which comprise a main skeleton derived from perinone.

[086] Other terms used for perinone structures are trans-perinone and bisbenzimidazo(2,1-b:2',1'-i)benzo[lmn](3,8)phenanthroline-8,17-dione. It is also possible that perinone colorants comprise only a benzimidazole structure. An example of this type is Solvent Red 179.

[087] Perinone dyes may also be replaced by the aforementioned substitutes and their structure may comprise at least one additional aromatic ring. Therefore, preference is given to dyes or pigments comprising at least one anthraquinone unit, at least one benzimidazolone unit or at least one perinone structural unit in the main skeleton.

[088] In addition, it is also possible to use Amaplast OR GXP dye from ColorChem International Corp. USA as colorant in the molding compositions of the invention.

[089] In one embodiment, the anthraquinone colorants, benzimidazolone colorants and perinone colorants do not comprise perylene structures, naphthalimide structures or benzathrone structures.

[090] It is also preferred that no chromate complex is involved.

[091] It was discovered in the invention that the use of small amounts of these colorants improves the optical properties of polyamides, although they absorb light and thus reduce the total transmittance. In combination with compounds of general formula (I), they lead to reduced opacity and therefore increased transparency.

[092] The molding compositions of the invention may also comprise additional ingredients, the amount of which is, by way of example, from 0 to 39.89% by weight, particularly preferably from 0 to 19.89% by weight. weight, in particular from 0 to 9.89% by weight. Together with the amounts defined above for component A and components B and C, the result is therefore 100% by weight for the entire molding composition.

[093] If additional ingredients are present, the smallest amount is preferably 0.001% by weight, particularly preferably 0.01% by weight, in particular 0.1% by weight.

[094] The resulting quantitative proportions are therefore from 0.001 to 39.89% by weight, preferably from 0.01 to 19.89% by weight, in particular from 0.1 to 9.89% by weight . The upper limit for component A is reduced by the content of additional ingredients, to the extent that these are present.

[095] By way of example, glass fibers or fillers and reinforcing materials can be used concomitantly as additional ingredients (component D).

[096] The term “filler and reinforcing material” (= possible component D) is broadly interpreted for the purposes of the invention and comprises particulate fillers, fibrous materials and all conceivable intermediate forms. Particulate fillers can have a wide range of particle sizes, ranging from powder-like particles to coarse-grained particles. The filler material that can be used comprises organic and inorganic fillers, and reinforcing materials. It is possible, by way of example, to use inorganic fillers such as kaolin, chalk, wollastonite, talc, calcium carbonate, silicates, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, graphite, glass particles, e.g. glass beads, nanoscale fillers , such as carbon nanotubes, nanoscale phyllosilicates, nanoscale aluminum oxide (Al2O3), nanoscale titanium dioxide (TiO2), graphene, permanently magnetic or magnetizable metal compounds and/or alloys, phyllosilicates and nanoscale silicon dioxide (SiO2 ). Fillers may also have had their surface treated.

[097] Examples of phyllosilicates that can be used in the molding compositions of the invention are kaolins, serpentines, talc, micas, vermiculites, illites, smectites, montmorillonite, hectorite, double hydroxides, and mixtures thereof. Phyllosilicates can have a treated or untreated surface.

[098] Furthermore, it is possible to use one or more fibrous materials. These are preferably selected from known inorganic reinforcing fibers such as boron fibers, carbon fibers, silica fibers, ceramic fibers and basalt fibers; organic reinforcing fibers such as aramid fibers, polyester fibers, nylon fibers, polyethylene fibers and natural fibers such as wood fibers, linen fibers, hemp fibers and sisal fibers.

[099] In particular, it is preferable to avoid the use of glass fibers, fillers and reinforcing materials, as they can impair the optical properties of the molding compositions.

[100] It is also possible to use optical scattering agents to obtain homogeneously diffuse scattering of transmitted light with little color change. By way of example, it is possible to use emulsion polymers derived from polyacrylates or styrene (co)polymers.

[101] Concomitant use of additional polymers in addition to polyamide may be made.

[102] Thermoplastic polymers other than component A are preferably selected from: - homo- or copolymers comprising, incorporated into the polymer, at least one monomer selected from C2C10 mono-olefins, for example, ethylene or propylene, 1, 3-butadiene, 2-chloro-1,3-butadiene, vinyl alcohol and C2-C10 alkyl esters thereof, vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, vinylidene fluoride, tetrafluoroethylene, glycidyl acrylate, glycidyl methacrylate, acrylates and methacrylates having alcohol components derived from branched or unbranched C1-C10 alcohols, vinylaromatic, for example, styrene, acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, α,β-ethylenically unsaturated mono- and dicarboxylic acids and maleic anhydride, - homo- and copolymers of vinylacetals, - polyvinyl esters, - polycarbonates (PC), - polyesters, e.g. polyalkylene terephthalates, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polybutylene succinates (PBS), polybutylene succinate adipates (PBSA), - polyethers, - polyetheretherketones, - thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), - polysulfides, - polysulfones, - polyether sulfones, - cellulose alkyl esters, and mixtures thereof.

[103] Mention may be made, by way of example, of polyacrylates that have identical or different alcohol components from the C4-C8 group of alcohols, particularly butanol, hexanol, octanol and 2-ethylhexanol, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) , methyl methacrylate-butyl acrylate copolymers, acrylonitrile-butadiene-stylene copolymers (ABS), ethylene-propylene copolymers, ethylene-propylene-diene copolymers (EPDM), polystyrene (PS), styrene-acrylonitrile copolymers (SAN ), acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate (ASA), styrene-butadiene-methyl methacrylate copolymers (SBMMA), styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers (SMA), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyvinyl alcohol (PVAL), polyvinyl acetate (PVA) , polyvinyl butyral (PVB), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxybutyric acid (PHB), polyhydroxyvaleric acid (PHV), polylactic acid (PLA), ethylcellulose (EC), cellulose acetate (CA), cellulose propionate ( CP) and cellulose acetate/butyrate (CAB).

[104] It is preferred that at least one thermoplastic polymer comprised in the molding composition of the invention is polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), vinyl acetate homo- or copolymer, styrene homo- or copolymer, or polyacrylate, thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), or polysulfide.

[105] Suitable preferred additives are lubricants such as N,N'-ethylenebis (stearamide) and thermal stabilizers and also flame retardants, light stabilizers (UV stabilizers, UV absorbers or UV blockers), nucleating agents, antistatic agents, additives. conductivity, mold release agents, optical brighteners, defoamers etc.

[106] The molding compositions of the invention may preferably comprise, as component D, from 0.01 to 3% by weight, particularly from 0.02 to 2% by weight, in particular from 0.05 to 1.0 % by weight of at least one thermal stabilizer, based on the total weight of the composition.

[107] Thermal stabilizers are preferably selected from copper compounds, secondary aromatic amines, sterically hindered phenols, phosphites, phosphonites, and mixtures thereof.

[108] To the extent that a copper compound is used, the amount of copper is preferably 0.003 to 0.5% by weight, in particular 0.005 to 0.3% by weight, and particularly preferably 0. .01 to 0.2% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

[109] To the extent that stabilizers based on secondary aromatic amines are used, the amount of these stabilizers is preferably 0.2 to 2% by weight, particularly preferably 0.2 to 1.5% by weight, with based on the total weight of the composition.

[110] To the extent that stabilizers based on sterically hindered phenols are used, the amount of these stabilizers is preferably 0.1 to 1.5% by weight, particularly preferably 0.2 to 1% by weight, with based on the total weight of the composition.

[111] To the extent that stabilizers based on phosphides and/or phosphonites are used, the amount of these stabilizers is preferably 0.1 to 1.5% by weight, particularly preferably 0.2 to 1%, in weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[112] Suitable mono- or divalent copper compounds D are, by way of example, mono- or divalent copper salts with inorganic or organic acids or with mono- or bifunctional phenols, mono- or divalent copper oxides or salt complexes copper with ammonia, with amines, with amides, with lactams, with cyanides or with phosphines, preferably the Cu(I) and Cu(II) salts of hydroalic acids, hydrocyanic acids, or the copper salts of aliphatic carboxylic acids . Particular preference is given to the monovalent copper compounds CuCl, CuBr, Cul, CuCN and Cu2O and also to the divalent copper compounds, CuCl2, CuSO4, CuO, copper(II) acetate and copper(II) stearate.

[113] Copper compounds are commercially available, or their production is known to the person skilled in the art. The copper compound can be used by itself or in the form of concentrates. Concentrate in the present application means a polymer, preferably of the same chemical type as component A, comprising a high concentration of copper salt. The use of concentrates is a conventional method, and is particularly often used when there is a requirement to measure very small quantities of a starting material. Copper compounds are advantageously used in combination with additional metal halides, in particular, alkaline metal halides, e.g. Nal, Kl, NaBr, KBr, where the molar ratio of metal halide to copper halide is 0.5 to 20 , preferably from 1 to 10 and particularly preferably from 3 to 7.

[114] Particularly preferred examples of stabilizers that can be used in the invention and are based on secondary aromatic amines are adducts made of phenylenediamine with acetone (Naugard® A), adducts made of phenylenediamine with linolenic acid, 4,4'-bis( α,α-dimethylbenzyl)diphenylamine (Naugard® 445), N,N'-dinaphthyl-p-phenylenediamine, N-phenyl-N'-cyclohexyl-p-phenylenediamine, and mixtures of two or more thereof.

[115] Preferred examples of stabilizers that can be used in the invention and are based on sterically hindered phenols are N,N'-hexamethylenebis-3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionamide, glycol, bis(3,3-bis(4'-hydroxy-3'-tert-butylphenyl)butanoate, 2,1'-thioethylbis(3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenol)propionate, 4, 4'-butylidenebis(3-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol), triethylene glycol 3-(3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)propionate, and mixtures of two or more of these stabilizers.

[116] Preferred phosphites and phosphonites are triphenyl phosphite, diphenyl alkyl phosphite, phenyl dialkyl phosphite, tris(nonylphenyl) phosphite, trilauryl phosphite, trioctadecyl phosphite, distearyl pentaerythritol diphosphite, tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite, diisodecyl pentaerythritol diphosphite, bis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) pentaerythritol diphosphite, bis(2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenyl) pentaerythritol diphosphite, diisodecyloxy pentaerythritol diphosphite, bis(2,4-di-tert -butyl-6-methylphenyl) pentaerythritol diphosphite, bis(2,4,6-tris(tert-butylphenyl)) pentaerythritol diphosphite, ursoryl sorbitol triphosphite, tetrakis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) 4,4'-biphenylenediphosphonite , 6-isooctyloxy-2,4,8,10-tetra-tert-butyl-12H-dibenzo[d,g]-1,3,2-dioxaphosphocine, 6-fluoro-2,4,8,10-tetra- tert-butyl-12-methyl-dibenzo [d,g]-1,3,2-dioxaphosphocine, bis(2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-methylphenyl) methyl phosphite and bis(2,4-di- tert-butyl-6-methylphenyl) ethyl phosphite. In particular, preference is given to tris[2-tert-butyl-4-thio(2'-methyl-4'-hydroxy-5'-tert-butyl)phenyl-5-methyl] phenyl phosphite and tris(2,4 -di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite (Irgafos® 168: product commercially available from BASF SE).

[117] The molding compositions of the invention may comprise, as additive D, from 0 to 15% by weight, particularly preferably from 0 to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of at least one heat retardant. flame. If molding compositions of the invention comprise at least one flame retardant, the amount thereof is preferably 0.01 to 15% by weight, particularly preferably 0.1 to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. The flame retardants that can be used are halogen-containing and halogen-free flame retardants and their synergists (see also Gachter/Müller, 3rd edition. 1989, Hanser Verlag, chapter 11). Preferred halogen-free flame retardants are red phosphorus, phosphinic or diphosphinic salts, and/or nitrogen-containing flame retardants such as melamine, melamine cyanurate, melamine sulfate, melamine borate, melamine oxalate, melamine phosphate (prim. sec.) or melanin pyrophosphate sec., melamine neopentyl glycol borate, guanidine and derivatives thereof known to those skilled in the art, and also polymeric melamine phosphate (CAS No.: 56386-64-2 or 218768-84-4, and also patent EP-A-1 095 030), ammonium polyphosphate, tris-hydroxyethyl isocyanurate (optionally also ammonium polyphosphate in a mixture with tris-hydroxyethyl isocyanurate) (patent EP-A-058 456 7). In addition to N-containing or P-containing flame retardants, or PN condensates suitable as flame retardants can be found in patent DE-A-10 2004 049 342, synergists can also be conventionally used for this purpose, e.g. oxides or borates. Examples of suitable halogen-containing flame retardants are oligomeric brominated polycarbonates (BC 52 Great Lakes) and polypentabromobenzyl acrylates with N greater than 4 (FR 1025 Dead Sea Bromide), products of the reaction of tetrabromobisphenol A with epoxides, other examples being oligomeric styrenes or brominated polymers and Dechlorane, these being predominantly used with antimony oxides as synergists (for details and additional flame retardants: see patent DE-A-10 2004 050 025).

[118] The totality of the ingredients in the molding compositions of the invention is equivalent to 100% by weight. The amounts of the individual components are therefore combined in a manner that gives a total amount of 100% by weight.

[119] Polyamide molding compositions are produced by processes known per se. These include mixtures of the components in appropriate proportions by weight. It is preferred that the components are mixed at elevated temperatures by combining, blending, kneading, extruding or laminating them together. The mixing temperature is preferably in the range of 220°C to 340°C, in particular 240 to 320°C and specifically 250 to 300°C. Suitable processes are known to the person skilled in the art.

[120] Component C colorants, in particular, can be used in the form of a master batch. For this, it is preferable to incorporate the colorant of component C into the polyamide of component A to give a master batch with a colorant content in the range of 0.1 to 10% by weight, preferably from 0.2 to 5% by weight.

[121] The compound of general formula (I) can also be used in the form of a master batch in component A polyamide.

[122] However, it is also possible to mix the compound of general formula (I) with component A and with the master batch comprising component C.

[123] The molding compositions of the invention and the moldings, fibers and films produced therefrom exhibit increased transparency and are therefore visually attractive. Therefore, they are in particular suitable for the production of packaging materials, lighting elements and components where visibility through the material of the molding composition is important. The quantities of components B and C can be adjusted according to the wall thickness of the appropriate containers in order to obtain adequate transparency.

[124] The examples below provide a more detailed explanation of the invention.

EXAMPLES

[125] The following components were used: - Component A: - Polyamide 6 (PA 6) with intrinsic IV viscosity 150 mL/g, measured in a solution of 0.5% by weight in 96% by weight of sulfuric acid at 25°C according to ISO 307. Ultramid® B27 from BASF was used. - Component B: - (4-Ureidocyclohexyl)urea;

[126] The synthesis of component B is described in document WO 2013/139802.

[127] Component C:

[128] Structural formulas:

PROCESSING

[129] Production of composition PA 6 (AB).

[130] 99.0% by weight of Ultramid B27 was compounded under nitrogen with 1.0% by weight of compound B in a conical twin-screw extruder (DSM Xplore, 15cc). In order to obtain a reference sample, pure polyamide, i.e. without added component B, was processed in the same way. The following parameters were used: residence time: 3 min; cylinder temperature: 260°C; melting temperature: 240°C to 245°C; rotation rate: 100 rpm; and - Production of master batch by composition (MB1-MB9): - In order to obtain better dispersion of the dyes in the polymer, a master batch of each colorant (components C1-C5 and CV1-CV4) was first produced in Ultramid B27, the dye concentration being 2.94% by weight. For this, the polyamide pellets were compounded under nitrogen with the colorant in a conical twin-screw extruder (DSM Xplore, 15cc). In order to obtain a reference sample, pure polyamide, i.e. without added component C, was processed in the same way. The following parameters were used: residence time: 3 min; cylinder temperature: 260°C; melting temperature: 240°C to 245°C; rotation rate: 100 rpm; and - Production of experimental examples: - The experimental examples were produced by compounding the polyamide pellets or the AB polyamide composition under nitrogen with the respective colors of the master batch (MB1-MB9) in a conical twin-screw extruder (DSM Xplore, 15cc ). In order to obtain a reference sample, pure polyamide, i.e. without additions, was processed in the same way. The following parameters were used: residence time: 3 min; cylinder temperature: 260°C; melting temperature: 240°C to 245°C; and rotation rate: 100 rpm; - Processing by injection molding: - The composite polymers were processed by injection molding in a DSM 10cc injection micromolding apparatus. For this, the molten composite material was charged directly under nitrogen into the cylinder of the injection molding machine. The molten material was then injected into a polished rectangular mold measuring (30 mm x 30 mm x 1.27 mm). The following parameters were used: mold: polished plate: 30 mm x 30 mm x 1.27 mm; mold temperature: 60°C; cylinder temperature: 260°C; and injection pressure: 10 to 12 bar.

TEST METHODS

[131] Optical properties: opacity and transmittance.

[132] Opacity and transmittance were measured at room temperature using a Haze-Gard Plus tester (BYK, Gardner®, illumination CIE-E). The measurement was made according to the ASTM D1003 standard in the version valid in 2017. Opacity values were measured 24 to 48 h after injection molding.

[133] Formulations for master batch production:

[134] Formulations for the production of composite materials:

RESULTS

[135] Composition of experimental examples:

[136] Inventive examples 1 to 10: the addition of component C to the AB polyamide composition leads to a relative decrease in opacity of at least 20% at 69 ppm and at least 25% at 156 ppm of component C. Non-inventive examples are polyamide compositions made from component A and component C (without component B), and also polyamide compositions made from components A and CV, and also A, B and CV. The relative decrease in opacity in each of these is less than 20% at 69 ppm of component C or CV and less than 25% at 156 ppm of component C or CV.

[137] As is evident from the inventive examples and comparative examples, anthraquinone dyes, benzimidazolone dyes and perinone dyes are suitable for improving the optical properties of molding compositions. Other colorants, for example chromate complexes, perylene dyes, naphthalimide dyes or benzathrone dyes, led to no or inadequate enhancement of optical properties.

Claims (16)

1. USE OF COLORS, selected from anthraquinone colorants, benzimidazolone colorants and perinone colorants, characterized by being in molding compositions comprising at least one polyamide and at least one compound of general formula (I): where: - x is 1, 2 or 3; - R1 and R2 are mutually independently selected from hydrogen, linear C1-C7 alkyl, branched C3-C10 alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted C3-C12 cycloalkyl, unsubstituted or substituted C3-C12-cycloalkyl-C1-C4-alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted aryl and unsubstituted or substituted aryl-C1-C4-alkyl; and - Z is selected from C3-C10 alkanediyl, unsubstituted or substituted arylene, unsubstituted or substituted arylene-C1-C4-alkylene-arylene, unsubstituted or substituted heteroarylene, unsubstituted heteroarylene-C1-C4-alkylene-heteroarylene or substituted, unsubstituted or substituted C5-C8 cycloalkylene, unsubstituted or substituted C5-C8-cycloalkylene-C1-C4-alkylene-C5-C8-cycloalkylene, unsubstituted or substituted heterocycloalkylene and unsubstituted heterocycloalkylene-C1-C4-alkylene-heterocycloalkylene substituted or substituted; to reduce the opacity value. 2. USE, according to claim 1, characterized in that the amount of colorants used is from 10 to 1,000 ppm, based on the entire molding composition. 3. USE according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the weight ratio in which the colorants are used in relation to at least one compound of general formula (I) is in the range of 1: 1 to 1: 1,000 . 4. USE, according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the colorants are dyes, pigments or mixtures thereof. 5. MOLDING COMPOSITION, characterized in that it comprises as component A at least one polyamide, as component B, from 0.1 to 2% by weight of at least one compound of general formula (I): where: - x is 1, 2 or 3; - R1 and R2 are mutually independently selected from hydrogen, linear C1-C7 alkyl, branched C3-C10 alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted C3-C12 cycloalkyl, unsubstituted or substituted C3-C12-cycloalkyl-C1-C4-alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted aryl and unsubstituted or substituted aryl-C1-C4-alkyl; and - Z is selected from C3-C10 alkanediyl, unsubstituted or substituted arylene, unsubstituted or substituted arylene-C1-C4-alkylene-arylene, unsubstituted or substituted heteroarylene, unsubstituted heteroarylene-C1-C4-alkylene-heteroarylene or substituted, unsubstituted or substituted C5-C8 cycloalkylene, unsubstituted or substituted C5-C8-cycloalkylene-C1-C4-alkylene-C5-C8-cycloalkylene, unsubstituted or substituted heterocycloalkylene and unsubstituted heterocycloalkylene-C1-C4-alkylene-heterocycloalkylene substituted or substituted; and also, as component C, from 10 to 1,000 ppm of at least one colorant selected from anthraquinone colorants, benzimidazolone colorants, perinone colorants and mixtures thereof; where quantities are based on the entire molding composition. 6. COMPOSITION, according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises at least 60% by weight of component A, preferably at least 80% by weight, particularly at least 90% by weight. 7. COMPOSITION, according to any one of claims 5 to 6, characterized in that the amount of component B is 0.2 to 1.7% by weight, preferably 0.5 to 1.5% by weight. 8. COMPOSITION, according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the amount of component C is 20 to 500 ppm, preferably 50 to 200 ppm. 9. COMPOSITION according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the weight ratio of component C to component B is 1: 1 to 1: 1000, preferably 1: 5 to 1: 700, particularly preferably the from 1:10 to 1:500, in particular from 1:25 to 1:300. 10. COMPOSITION, according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that, in the compound of general formula (I), Z is trans-1,4-cyclohexylene. 11. COMPOSITION, according to claim 10, characterized in that, in the compound of general formula (I), R1 and R2 are identical and are selected from hydrogen, tert-butyl, 1,1-dimethylpropyl, 1,5- dimethylhexyl, 1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl and 1-adamantyl, Z being trans-1,4-cyclohexylene and x being 1. 12. COMPOSITION, according to any one of claims 5 to 11, characterized in that the colorants are dyes, pigments or mixtures thereof. 13. PROCESS FOR PRODUCING MOLDING COMPOSITIONS, as defined in any one of claims 5 to 12, characterized in that it comprises mixing components A, B and C together. 14. PROCESS, according to claim 13, characterized in that it comprises additionally mixing other ingredients. 15. USE OF MOLDING COMPOSITIONS, as defined in any one of claims 5 to 12, characterized in that it is for the production of fibers, films or moldings. 16. FIBER, FILM OR MOLDING, characterized in that it is made from a molding composition, as defined in any one of claims 5 to 12.