DE2331676A1 - Polyolefin packing materials contg. ferrocene - for accelerated decomposition under action of light - Google Patents

Abstract

Environmental contamination by discarded plastic packing materials is diminished by their accelerated decomposition sensitised by inclusion of 0.01-3 wt. % of di(cyclopentadienyl) iron (ferrocene). Materials which can be modified by this method include films, foams, horticultural mulch foils, etc., made from polyethylene, polypropylene and polybutene-(1) opt. with usual additives, such as lubricants, pigments, dyes, etc.

Description

Badisohe Anilin- & Soda-Fabrik AG

Our sign; 0.Z.29 948 HWz / St 6700 Ludwigshafen, June 20th, 1973

Polyolefin molding compounds that accelerate when exposed to light

dismantle

The present invention relates to polyolefin molding compositions which degrade more rapidly under the action of light, containing (I) a thermoplastic, synthetic, high-polymer polyolefin and (2) 0.01 to 3 percent by weight - based on the polyolefin one the degradation of the polyolefin under the action of light accelerating substance (sensitizer).

Molding compositions of this type are known; As polyolefins, they generally contain polymers of ethylene or propylene, ie Bulk plastics from which large quantities of disposable products are made, e.g. packaging in foil or other Shape. In addition to the polyolefins, the molding compositions of the type in question also contain sensitizers, i.e. substances that cause the Accelerate degradation of the polyolefin when exposed to light. For example, derivatives of the y-pyron have been used as such substances (French patent specification 2,060,667).

The actual task of the sensitizers is to make the products made from the molding compounds more environmentally friendly in the sense that they rot as quickly as possible after use. In addition, the sensitizers usually need more Satisfy conditions.

It is required, for example, that they do not, or as little as possible, adversely affect the other properties of the molding compounds, such as the processability as well as the physical and chemical behavior values. Also need the sensitizers in many cases be physiologically harmless (food packaging!).

390/73 '-2-

409883/1130

- 2 - O.Z. 29

The task of the present invention was for the initially defined polyolefin molding compositions to show such a sensitizer that is superior to the known.

It has been found that this problem can be solved if the sensitizer used is di (cyclopentadienyl) iron (perrocene).

The present invention accordingly relates to polyolefin molding compositions, which degrade more rapidly under the action of light, containing (1) a thermoplastic, synthetic, high-polymer Polyolefin and (2) 0.01 to 3, preferably 0.05 to 0.5 Percentage by weight - based on the polyolefin - of a substance that accelerates the degradation of the polyolefin when exposed to light (Sensitizer). The molding compositions according to the invention are characterized in that they use di (cyclopentadienyl) as a sensitizer -iron included.

In other words, it is the subject of the present invention the use of di (cyclopentadienyl) iron as a sensitizer in polyolefin molding compounds, which accelerates when exposed to light degrade and contain (l) a thermoplastic, synthetic, high-polymer polyolefin and (2) 0.01 to J5, preferably 0.05 up to 0.5 percent by weight - based on the polyolefin - accelerate the degradation of the polyolefin when exposed to light » the substance (sensitizer).

Polyolefins suitable for the purpose according to the invention are those which are customary in the relevant field. Have proven to be particularly suitable Polyethylene, polypropylene and also polybutene (1). - The polyolefins suitable for the purpose according to the invention are large Variety available in stores, so there is no need to provide more detailed information about them. It should only be mentioned that the polyolefins may contain the relevant customary auxiliaries or additives, e.g. propellants for the production of foam-shaped products, lubricants, pigments, dyes, etc. Contain the polyolefins also light stabilizers, these generally counteract the sensitizers to a certain extent.

409883/1130

- 2> - O.Z. 29 94 δ

The sensitizer to be used according to the invention is Di (cyclopentadienyl) iron (ferrocene).

This substance is known as such, so that further details are not required.

The polyolefin molding compositions in question can be produced from the components in a simple manner, as can be done Usually additives are incorporated into the polyolefins concerned - as homogeneously as possible - e.g. by rolling or extrusion.

The processing of the molding compositions into molded parts can also be carried out without further ado take place with the usual devices for the polyolefins concerned.

The molding compounds will be used primarily for the manufacture of products that are supposed to degrade quickly when exposed to light. this are primarily products intended for packaging purposes, such as containers and foils made of foamed or non-foamed Molding compounds; - but also other products, e.g. mulch films for horticultural and agricultural purposes come into consideration.

A09883 / 1130

Claims (2)

- tf - O.Z. 29,948 claims 1. Polyolefin molding compounds which degrade more rapidly under the action of light, containing (l) a thermoplastic, synthetic, high-polymer polyolefin and (2) 0.01 to 3 percent by weight - based on the polyolefin - of a substance that accelerates the degradation of the polyolefin under the action of light (sensitizer ), characterized in that the molding compositions contain di (cyclopentadienyl) iron as a sensitizer. 2. Use of di (cyclopentadienyl) iron as a sensitizer in polyolefin molding compounds, which degrade more rapidly when exposed to light and contain (l) a thermoplastic, synthetic, high-polymer polyolefin and (2) 0.01 to 3 percent by weight - based on the polyolefin - one of the degradation of the polyolefin under the action of light accelerating substance (sensitizer). Badische Anilin- & Soda-Fabrik AG 409883/1130