EP4739733A1

EP4739733A1 - Compositions for facilitating selectively filtering of incident light

Info

Publication number: EP4739733A1
Application number: EP24740388.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Daniel Thomas James BRYANT; Derya BARAN BRYANT
Original assignee: Iyris Technology Ltd
Current assignee: Iyris Technology Ltd
Priority date: 2023-07-05
Filing date: 2024-07-04
Publication date: 2026-05-13
Also published as: WO2025008459A8; CN121464173A; WO2025008459A9; WO2025008459A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composition comprising or consisting of (i) n-doped poly(benzodifurandione) of formula (A) as defined herein and (ii) one or more other polymer(s) and/or one or more non-polymeric material(s), wherein the composition comprises a total amount of n-doped poly(benzodifurandione) of formula (A) of from 0.001 to 50 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition. The present invention further relates to a method for preparing a composition as defined herein and to a method of shielding the surface of vehicles, greenhouses or buildings against heat radiation as defined herein. Moreover, the present invention relates to the use of a composition as defined herein or obtained or obtainable according to a method as defined herein for thermal management, to the use of a composition as defined herein or obtained or obtainable according to a method as defined herein in agriculture, and to the use of a composition as defined herein or obtained or obtainable according to a method as defined herein as an absorber of light in the wavelength range of from 700 to 2500 nm.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Further aspects of the present invention will arise from the description below, in particular from the examples, as well as from the attached patent claims.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The field of processes for the preparation of polymer compositions is technologically important to several industries, business organizations, and/or individuals.

Currently, in hot climates, heat and heat removal remain a major challenge. Light between 400 to (<) 700 nm, preferably 400 to 699 nm, is useful for both animals and plants, however, near-infrared (NIR) light from 700 to 2500 nm from the sun is the main contributor to solar thermal load. Therefore, the elimination of the NIR region whilst maintaining a high photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) is beneficial.

Therefore, there is a need for improved (multiple) NIR absorbing materials that may overcome one or more of the above-mentioned problems and/or limitations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form, that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is this summary intended to be used to limit the claimed subject matter’s scope.

In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a composition comprising or consisting of (i) n-doped poly(benzodifurandione) of formula (A) as defined herein and (ii) one or more other polymer(s) and/or one or more non-polymeric material(s), wherein the composition comprises a total amount of n-doped poly(benzodifurandione) of formula (A) of from 0.001 to 50 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition.

In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for preparing a composition according to the invention, comprising or consisting of the following steps

(a) providing a dispersion or solution of n-doped poly(benzodifurandione) of formula (A) as defined herein,

(b) providing one or more other polymer(s) and/or providing one or more non-polymeric material(s), (c) optionally, providing one or more additive(s),

(d) mixing the dispersion or solution provided in step (a) and the other polymer(s) and/or non-polymeric material(s) provided in step (b) and optionally the additive(s) provided in step (c), if step (c) is present,

(e) optionally, subjecting the mixture obtained in step (d) to one or more shaping process(es),

(f) removing the solvents) from the mixture obtained in step (d) or (e), if step (e) is present, to obtain the composition or a precursor thereof,

(g) optionally, subjecting the composition or precursor composition obtained in step (f) to one or more shaping process(es),

(h) if a precursor composition is obtained in step (f) or (g), if step (g) is present, mixing said precursor composition with one or more other polymer(s),

(i) if step (h) is present, subjecting the mixture obtained in step (h) to one or more shaping process(es) and/or to one or more drying process(es) to obtain the composition.

Moreover, in a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method of shielding the surface of vehicles, greenhouses or buildings against heat radiation comprising or consisting of the following step: Coating or shielding one or more window(s) or the exterior or parts of the exterior of a vehicle, greenhouse or building with a composition according to the invention or obtained or obtainable according to a method according to the invention.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a composition according to the invention or obtained or obtainable according to a method according to the invention for thermal management.

In a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a composition according to the invention or obtained or obtainable according to a method according to the invention in agriculture.

Lastly, in a sixth aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a composition according to the invention or obtained or obtainable according to a method according to the invention as an absorber of light in the wavelength range of from 700 to 2500 nm. Further disclosed herein is a composition for facilitating selectively filtering of incident light, in accordance with some embodiments. Further, the composition may include one or multiple NIR absorbing materials in a polymer host. Within the framework of the present text, a near-infrared light absorbing (NIR absorbing) material is a material that absorbs light anywhere in the range of from 700 to 2500 nm. Further, the NIR absorbing materials may include n-doped poly(benzodifurandione) embedded in sheeting, panels, and coatings for creating spectrally selective materials that have a high transmission in the 400 to (<) 700 nm, preferably 400 to 699 nm, range and a reduced transmission in the 700 to 2500 nm range. Furthermore, the spectrally selective materials may have a low-haze value but can incorporate scattering materials such as but not limited to MgO, BaSC or TiC>2 if required. Further, the multiple NIR absorbing materials may include nanoparticulate tin oxides doped with antimony (ATO) or indium (ITO) or nanoparticulate metal borides (MBx, where x is from 1 to 6), in particular alkaline earth borides or borides of the rare earths. Further, the composition may include at least one additive which is preferably selected from colorants, antioxidants, light stabilizers, UV absorbers, hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS), nickel quenchers, metal deactivators, reinforcing and filling agents, anti-fogging agents, biocides, acid scavengers, antistatics, other IR absorbers. Further, the polymer host may include thermoplastic polymers. Further, the composition may include a support medium comprising a liquid under atmospheric pressure in a temperature range from 50 to 120 °C. Further, in some embodiments, the composition may be used to manufacture films comprising one of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene butyl acrylate (EBA), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), Lumogen® IR 788, BODIPY dye, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and zinc stearate.

Further disclosed herein is a method for preparing n-doped poly(benzodifurandione), in accordance with some embodiments. Further, the method may include preparing poly(benzodifurandione) through an in-air polymerisation, followed by immediately reductive doping through ubiquitous water to yield n-doped poly(benzodifurandione). First, the method may include dissolving 3,7-dihydrobenzo[1 ,2-b:4,5-b']difuran-2, 6-dione (BDF) in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at a rate of 190 mg per 12.6 ml of DMSO to make a solution. When fully dissolved, the method may include adding and stirring 18.1 mg of copper acetate, 99%, to dissolve into the solution. Further, the method may include heating the solution to 100 °C for six hours in ambient air. After 6 hours, the solution had turned into a black viscous dispersion of n-doped poly(benzodifurandione) in DMSO (cf. Zhifan Ke et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2023, 145, 6, 3706-3715, https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.2c13051).

Preferably, the monomer used to prepare n-doped poly(benzodifurandione) is 3,7- dihydrobenzo[1 ,2-b:4,5-b’]difuran-2, 6-dione (BDF, cf. Scheme 1).

Scheme 1 : Structure of BDF

Preferably, BDF is polymerized to the n-type conducting polymer n-doped poly(benzodifurandione) of formula (A) (n-PBDF), for instance in the presence of DMSO and copper (II) acetate as shown in Scheme 2.

Scheme 2: Polymerization of BDF (left) to n-PBDF (right) with 6 < n < 10000 and 0 < m < n

Thus, in the n-doped poly(benzodifurandione) of formula (A), preferably n is a number, more preferably an integer, that is larger than 6 and smaller than 10000 and m is a number, more preferably an integer, that is larger than 0 and smaller than the number n.

According to some embodiments, a method for facilitating combining multiple NIR absorbing materials in a polymer host is disclosed. Further, the NIR absorbing materials may include n-PBDF embedded in sheeting, panels, and coatings for creating spectrally selective materials that have a high transmission in the 400 to (<) 700 nm, preferably 400 to 699 nm, range and a reduced transmission in the 700 to 2500 nm range. Furthermore, the spectrally selective materials may have a low-haze value but can incorporate scattering materials such as but not limited to MgO, BaSC or TiC>2 if required. Further, the inclusion of multiple NIR absorbing materials into the polymer host may allow for a high PAR transmission for plant growth, with a very sharp absorption peak after 700 nm, maintaining a strong absorption until 2500 nm. Further, in an instance, the multiple NIR absorbing materials may include organic materials such as metal dithiolenes, naphthalocyanines, phthalocyanines, diimonium compounds, cyanines, squaraines, merocyanines, rylenes and, metal complex dyes. The polymer host may include but is not limited to polycarbonates, polyacrylates, polyolefins, and fluoropolymers. Further, the use of n-PBDF (or of a composition as defined herein) as a NIR absorber may reduce NIR transmission while maintaining a high transmission in the 400 to (<) 700 nm, preferably 400 to 699 nm, range. Further, the disclosed method may include dispersing the n-PBDF material in the polymer host or matrix. Further, the disclosed method may include generating n-PBDF containing materials coatings as well as polymer sheets and films.

Further disclosed herein is a method for facilitating preparing PVB films comprising polyvinyl butyral and n-PBDF, in accordance with some embodiments. Accordingly, the method may include adding 5 ml of n-PBDF dispersed in DMSO to a centrifuge tube and adding 45 ml of 96% ethanol, followed by shaking. Further, the method may include centrifuging for 5 minutes at 6000 rpm. After centrifuging, a black precipitate may be left at the bottom of the centrifuge tube (or tube). The remaining liquid may be discarded. Further, the method may include adding ethanol to 50 ml volume to form a mixture and shaking the mixture. The process of adding more ethanol, centrifuging, and discarding the liquid may be repeated 2 more times to remove the DMSO and copper acetate. Further, the method may include adding 6 ml of ethanol to the remaining precipitate, which gives an ethanol n- PBDF dispersion with a concentration of 3.5 mg/ml (II). Further, the method may include dissolving 1 g of PVB (Butvar® B-98 from Eastman) in 10 ml of ethanol under stirring. Once fully dissolved, the method may include adding 100 pl of the ethanol n-PBDF dispersion to form a mixture. Further, the method may include dispersing the solution using an ultrasonic horn for 3 minutes at 80% amplitude. This dissolved PVB + n-PBDF dispersion may be then poured into open molds of 2 mm depth and the solvent may be allowed to evaporate over 16 hours to form a solid film of 200 pm thickness.

Both the foregoing summary and the following detailed description provide examples and are explanatory only. Accordingly, the foregoing summary and the following detailed description should not be considered to be restrictive. Further, features or variations may be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, embodiments may be directed to various feature combinations and sub-combinations described in the detailed description.

Moreover, further aspects and embodiments of the present invention will arise from the description below, in particular from the examples, as well as from the patent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure. The drawings contain representations of various trademarks and copyrights owned by the Applicants. In addition, the drawings may contain other marks owned by third parties and are being used for illustrative purposes only. All rights to various trademarks and copyrights represented herein, except those belonging to their respective owners, are vested in and the property of the applicants. The applicants retain and reserve all rights in their trademarks and copyrights included herein, and grant permission to reproduce the material only in connection with reproduction of the granted patent and for no other purpose.

Furthermore, the drawings may contain text or captions that may explain certain embodiments of the present disclosure. This text is included for illustrative, non-limiting, explanatory purposes of certain embodiments detailed in the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a method for facilitating preparing PVB films comprising polyvinyl butyral (PVB) and n-PBDF, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a graphical representation of transmission of lights corresponding to the PVB films comprising polyvinyl butyral and n-PBDF, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a method for facilitating preparing ethylene butyl acrylate films comprising ethylene butyl acrylate (EBA) and n-PBDF, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a graphical representation of transmission of light corresponding to the ethylene butyl acrylate films and n-PBDF, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a method for facilitating preparing films comprising polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and n-PBDF, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a graphical representation of transmission of light corresponding to the films comprising polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and n-PBDF, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a graphical representation of transmission of light corresponding to the films comprising polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), n-PBDF and Lumogen® IR 788, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a graphical representation of transmission of light corresponding to the films comprising PMMA, n-PBDF and BODIPY, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of a method for facilitating preparing films comprising polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and n-PBDF, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 10 is a graphical representation of transmission of light corresponding to the films comprising polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and n-PBDF, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of a method for facilitating preparing films comprising zinc stearate and n-PBDF, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 12 is a graphical representation illustrating a change in temperature behind glass sheets coated with PVA and PVA + n-PBDF on exposure to halogen heat lamps, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 13 to 16 are described further below in the examples.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art that the present disclosure has broad utility and application. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the disclosure and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the abovedisclosed features. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the embodiments of the present disclosure. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Accordingly, while embodiments are described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present disclosure, and are made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded in any claim of a patent issuing here from, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection is to be defined by the issued claim(s) rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which an ordinary artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein - as understood by the ordinary artisan based on the contextual use of such term - differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the ordinary artisan should prevail.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.”

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While many embodiments of the disclosure may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to the disclosed methods. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosure. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosure is defined by the appended claims. The present disclosure contains headers. It should be understood that these headers are used as references and are not to be construed as limiting upon the subjected matter disclosed under the header.

The present disclosure includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in the context of compositions for facilitating selectively filtering of incident light, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to use only in this context.

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a composition, preferably for facilitating selectively filtering of incident light, comprising or consisting of (i) n-doped poly(benzodifurandione) of formula (A) wherein 6 < n < 10000 and 0 < m < n, and

(ii) one or more other polymer(s) and/or one or more non-polymeric material(s), wherein the composition comprises a total amount of n-doped poly(benzodifurandione) of formula (A) of from 0.001 to 50 wt.%, preferably from 0.01 to 40 wt.%, more preferably from 0.01 to 30 wt.%, more preferably from 0.01 to 20 wt.%, more preferably from 0.01 to 10 wt.%, more preferably from 0.1 to 10 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition.

In the studies underlying the present invention, it was surprisingly found that the composition according to the invention is able to efficiently eliminate (absorb) incident light of the near-infrared region whilst maintaining high transparency for photosynthetically active radiation (PAR).

According to a preferred embodiment, the composition according to the invention comprises or consists of (i) n-doped poly(benzodifurandione) of formula (A) and (ii) one or more other polymer(s), wherein the composition comprises a total amount of n-doped poly(benzodifurandione) of formula (A) of from 0.001 to 50 wt.%, preferably from 0.01 to 40 wt.%, more preferably from 0.01 to 30 wt.%, more preferably from 0.01 to 20 wt.%, more preferably from 0.01 to 10 wt.%, more preferably from 0.1 to 10 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition.

According to another preferred embodiment, the composition according to the invention comprises or consists of (i) n-doped poly(benzodifurandione) of formula (A) and (ii) one or more non-polymeric material(s), wherein the composition comprises a total amount of n- doped poly(benzodifurandione) of formula (A) of from 0.001 to 50 wt.%, preferably from 0.01 to 40 wt.%, more preferably from 0.01 to 30 wt.%, more preferably from 0.01 to 20 wt.%, more preferably from 0.01 to 10 wt.%, more preferably from 0.1 to 10 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition.

According to another preferred embodiment, the composition according to the invention comprises or consists of (i) n-doped poly(benzodifurandione) of formula (A) and (ii) one or more other polymer(s) and one or more non-polymeric material(s), wherein the composition comprises a total amount of n-doped poly(benzodifurandione) of formula (A) of from 0.001 to 50 wt.%, preferably from 0.01 to 40 wt.%, more preferably from 0.01 to 30 wt.%, more preferably from 0.01 to 20 wt.%, more preferably from 0.01 to 10 wt.%, more preferably from 0.1 to 10 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition.

According to a preferred embodiment, the composition according to the invention consists of (i) n-doped poly(benzodifurandione) of formula (A) as defined herein and (ii) one or more other polymer(s) and/or one or more non-polymeric material(s) as defined herein. In this embodiment, the composition comprises a total amount of component (i) as defined herein of from 0.001 to 50 wt.%, preferably from 0.01 to 40 wt.%, more preferably from 0.01 to 30 wt.%, more preferably from 0.01 to 20 wt.%, more preferably from 0.01 to 10 wt.%, more preferably from 0.1 to 10 wt.%, and a total amount of component (ii) as defined herein of from 99.999 to 50 wt.%, preferably from 99.99 to 60 wt.%, more preferably from 99.99 to 70 wt.%, more preferably from 99.99 to 80 wt.%, more preferably from 99.99 to 90 wt.%, more preferably from 99.9 to 90 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition.

According to another preferred embodiment, the composition according to the invention comprises a total amount of component (ii) as defined herein of from 99.999 to 50 wt.%, preferably from 99.99 to 60 wt.%, more preferably from 99.99 to 70 wt.%, more preferably from 99.99 to 80 wt.%, more preferably from 99.99 to 90 wt.%, more preferably from 99.9 to 90 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition.

According to another preferred embodiment, the composition according to the invention is a solid or a liquid.

Preferably, the one or more other polymer(s) in the composition according to the invention is/are thermoplastic polymer(s), preferably with weight-average molecular weights M_w of 3,000 to 1 ,000,000 g/mol, more preferably the one or more polymer(s) is/are selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, preferably polypropylenes and polyethylenes, polyolefin copolymers, preferably ethylvinylacetate copolymers, polytetrafluoroethylenes, ethylenetetrafluoroethylene copolymers, polyvinylidene fluorides, polyvinyl chlorides, polyvinylidene chlorides, polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl esters, polyvinylalkanals, polyvinyl ketals, polyamides, polyimides, polycarbonates, polycarbonate blends, polyesters, polyester blends, poly (meth) acrylates, poly (meth) acrylate-styrene copolymer blends, poly (meth) acrylate-polyvinylidene difluoride blends, polyurethanes, polystyrenes, styrene copolymers, polyethers, polyether ketones, polysulfones, polyvinyl butyrals, ethylene butyl acrylates, polymethylmethacrylates, polyacrylates, fluoropolymers and mixtures, dispersions and beads of these polymers.

According to a preferred embodiment, the one or more other polymer(s) is/are selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl butyrals (PVB), polyethylenes (PE), preferably low density polyethylenes, ethylene butyl acrylates (EBA), polymethylmethacrylates (PMMA), polyvinyl alcohols (PVA), polycarbonates (PC), polystyrenes (PS) and mixtures, dispersions and beads of these polymers.

According to another preferred embodiment, the one or more other polymer(s) is/are in the form of polymer dispersions, preferably polystyrene latex dispersions, or is/are in the form of polymer beads, preferably polystyrene beads and polyacrylate beads.

According to another preferred embodiment of the composition according to the invention, the one or more non-polymeric material(s) is/are selected from the group consisting of metal salts of fatty acids, preferably zinc stearate, micron-sized inorganic carriers, preferably aluminium silicate, more preferably precipitated sodium aluminium silicate, nano-sized inorganic carriers, preferably silicon dioxides and doped tungsten oxides, more preferably fumed silicon dioxides and alkali metal-doped tungsten oxides, more preferably caesium-doped tungsten oxides, most preferably CS033WO3 and CS2WO4, micron-sized inorganic fillers, preferably calcium carbonate, calcium magnesium carbonate and aluminum oxide, inorganic pigments, preferably zinc oxide, antimony oxide, bismuth oxy chloride, tin dioxide and calcium silicate, organic carriers, preferably 9,10-anthraquinone, and organic pigments, preferably phthalocyanines, guanine, and melamine.

Preferably, the composition according to the invention further comprises

(iii) one or more additive(s), preferably wherein the one or more additive(s) is/are selected from the group consisting of other near-infrared light absorbing materials, (other) light scattering materials, colorants, antioxidants, light stabilizers, UV absorbers, hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS), nickel quenchers, metal deactivators, reinforcing agents, (other) filling agents, anti-fogging agents, biocides, acid scavengers, antistatics, other IR absorbers for long-wave IR radiation, preferably kaolin, (other) anti-blocking agents, preferably SiC>2, and support media, preferably liquids under atmospheric pressure in a temperature range of from 50 to 120 °C and PE waxes.

According to another preferred embodiment, the composition according to the invention comprises a total amount of component (iii) as defined herein of from 0.1 to 20 wt.%, preferably from 0.1 to 10 wt.%, more preferably from 0.5 to 5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition.

In case a compound or class of compounds falls both under component (ii) of the composition as defined herein (one or more other polymer(s) and/or one or more non- polymeric material(s)) and under the optional component (iii) of the composition as defined herein (one or more additive(s)), then the compound or class of compounds shall be allocated to component (ii) of the composition. In such case the weight or concentration of said compound or class of compounds is to be allocated to 100% to component (ii) of the composition as defined herein.

Preferably, the other near-infrared light absorbing materials in the composition according to the invention is/are selected from the group consisting of nanoparticulate near-infrared light absorbing materials, preferably inorganic nanoparticulate near-infrared light absorbing materials, more preferably nanoparticulate tin oxides doped with antimony or indium and nanoparticulate metal borides MBx with x = 1 to 6, more preferably alkaline earth borides or borides of the rare earth elements, most preferably nanoparticulate lanthanum hexaboride, near-infrared light absorbing dyes, preferably N,N'-di(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)- 1 ,6,11 ,16-tetra[4-(1 ,1 ,3,3-tetramethyl-butyl)phenoxy]quaterrylene-3,4:13,14- tetracarboxylic acid diimide (Lumogen® IR 788; CAS Nr 333304-54-4; 11 ,30-bis[2,6- di(propan-2-yl)phenyl]-15,34,42,44-tetrakis[4-(2,4,4-trimethylpentan-2-yl)phenoxy] -11 ,30- diazatridecacyclo[22.14.2.22, 5.26, 9.225, 28.03, 20.04, 17.07, 16.08, 13.021 , 39.026, 35.027, 32.036, 40]hexatetraconta-1 (39), 2, 4, 6(44), 7, 9(43), 13,15,17,19,21 ,23,25(42), 26,28 (41),32,34,36(40),37,45-icosaene-10,12,29,31-tetrone), bodipy dyes, more preferably 3- (difluoroboryl)-2-[[1 ,6-diisopropyl-3,4-diaza-benzo[e]-as-indacene-2(4H)-ylidene]methyl]- 1 ,6-diisopropyl-3,4-diaza-3,4-dihydrobenzo[e]-as-indacene (BODIPY; [4-[(Z)-[3,10- di(propan-2-yl)-5,8-diazatetracyclo [10.4.0.02,6.07,11]hexadeca-1 (16), 2, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14- heptaen-4-ylidene]methyl]-3,10-di(propan-2-yl)-5,8-diazatetracyclo[10.4.0.02,6.07,11] hexadeca-1 (16),2(6),3,7(11),9,12, 14-heptaen-5-yl]-difluoroborane), and metal complex dyes, and other organic near-infrared light absorbing materials, preferably selected from the group consisting of metal dithiolenes, naphthalocyanines, phthalocyanines, diimonium compounds, cyanines, squaraines, merocyanines, and rylenes. N,N'-di(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-1 ,6,11 ,16-tetra[4-(1 ,1 ,3,3-tetramethyl-butyl)phenoxy] quaterrylene-3,4:13,14-tetracarboxylic acid diimide (Lumogen® IR 788; CAS Nr 333304- 54-4; 11 ,30-bis[2,6-di(propan-2-yl)phenyl]-15,34,42,44-tetrakis[4-(2,4,4-trimethylpentan-2- yl)phenoxy]-11 ,30-diazatridecacyclo[22.14.2.22, 5.26, 9.225, 28.03, 20.04, 17.07, 16.08, 13.021 ,39.026, 35.027, 32.036, 40]hexatetraconta-1 (39), 2, 4, 6(44), 7, 9(43), 13,15,17,19,21 , 23,25(42),26,28(41),32,34,36(40),37,45-icosaene-10,12,29,31-tetrone) has the following chemical structure:

3-(difluoroboryl)-2-[[1 ,6-diisopropyl-3,4-diaza-benzo[e]-as-indacene-2(4H)-ylidene]methyl] -1 ,6-diisopropyl-3,4-diaza-3,4-dihydrobenzo[e]-as-indacene (BODIPY; [4-[(Z)-[3,10- di(propan-2-yl)-5,8-diazatetracyclo [10.4.0.02,6.07,11]hexadeca-1 (16), 2, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14- heptaen-4-ylidene]methyl]-3,10-di(propan-2-yl)-5,8-diazatetracyclo[10.4.0.02,6.07,11] hexadeca-1 (16),2(6),3,7(1 1),9,12,14-heptaen-5-yl]-difluoroborane) has the following chemical structure:

Preferably, the nanoparticulate near-infrared light absorbing materials are nanoparticulate materials that absorb light anywhere in the range of from 700 to 2500 nm.

Preferably, the near-infrared light absorbing dyes are dyes that absorb light anywhere in the range of from 700 and 2500 nm, more preferably of from 700 and 1200 nm.

Preferably, the other organic near-infrared light absorbing materials are organic materials that absorb light anywhere in the range of from 700 to 2500 nm.

According to a preferred embodiment, the (other) light scattering materials is/are selected from the group consisting of MgO, BaSC , TiC>2, inorganic and organic reflectors, preferably aluminum flakes, mica flakes, liquid crystals and other photonic materials.

Preferably, the composition according to the invention is in the form of a film, foil, pane, fabric, sheet, panel, polymer laminate, powder, coating, woven polymer fabric roof cover, woven polymer fabric floor cover, net or screen, or in the form of pigments or particles, preferably is a film or sheet.

According to a preferred embodiment, the composition is in the form of pigments or particles, preferably wherein the volume average diameter of the pigments or particles is in a range of from 10 nm to 100 pm, more preferably from 10 nm to 10 pm, most preferably from 10 nm to 2 pm. The volume average diameter can be measured, for instance, by a LS 13320 Laser Diffraction Light Scattering Particle Size Analyser. According to another preferred embodiment, the composition is in the form of a film, preferably wherein the average thickness of the film is in a range of from 1 pm to 1 cm, more preferably from 10 pm to 1 mm, most preferably from 10 pm to 200 pm.

Preferably, the composition according to the invention has an electrical conductivity of < 100 S/cm, preferably of < 10 S/cm, more preferably of < 1 S/cm, more preferably has an electrical conductivity in a range of from 0 to 100 S/cm, more preferably from 0 to 10 S/cm, more preferably from 0 to 1 S/cm, more preferably from 0.000001 to 1 S/cm, more preferably from 0.00001 to 1 S/cm, more preferably from 0.0001 to 1 S/cm, more preferably from 0.001 to 1 S/cm, more preferably from 0.01 to 1 S/cm, most preferably from 0.1 to 1 S/cm.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for preparing a composition according to the invention, comprising or consisting of the following steps

(a) providing a dispersion or solution of n-doped poly(benzodifurandione) of formula (A) wherein 6 < n < 10000 and 0 < m < n, preferably in one or more solvents) selected from the group consisting of ethanol, water, dimethylsulfoxide, isopropanol, methoxy-isopropanol, dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, A/-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, and other polar solvents,

(b) providing one or more other polymer(s), preferably one or more other polymer(s) as defined herein, more preferably in solution or dispersion in one or more solvents) or in neat form, more preferably wherein the solvents) is/are selected from the group consisting of ethanol, toluene, acetone, water, isopropanol, dimethylsulfoxide, and methoxy-isopropanol, and/or providing one or more non-polymeric material(s), preferably one or more non-polymeric materials) as defined herein, more preferably in solution or dispersion in one or more solvents) or in neat form, more preferably wherein the solvent(s) is/are selected from the group consisting of water, isopropanol, dimethylsulfoxide, and methoxy-isopropanol, most preferably wherein the solvent is water,

(c) optionally, providing one or more additive(s), preferably one or more additive(s) as defined herein,

(d) mixing the dispersion or solution provided in step (a) and the other polymer(s) and/or non-polymeric material(s) provided in step (b) and optionally the additive(s) provided in step (c), if step (c) is present, preferably by means of stirring, shaking, milling, kneading, or ultrasonic treatment, more preferably dispersing the dispersion provided in step (a) in a solution or dispersion of the other polymer(s) provided in step (b), or mixing the dispersion provided in step (a) with the (solid) non-polymeric material(s) provided in step (b) or mixing the dispersion provided in step (a) with a dispersion or solution of the non-polymeric material(s) provided in step (b),

(e) optionally, subjecting the mixture obtained in step (d) to one or more shaping process(es), preferably selected from the group consisting of drop casting, coating, preferably spin-coating, spray-coating, in particular electro-spraying, bar-coating, and coil-coating, pouring onto surfaces, and pouring into molds,

(f) removing the solvents) from the mixture obtained in step (d) or (e), if step (e) is present, to obtain the composition or a precursor thereof, preferably by heating the mixture obtained in step (d) or (e), if step (e) is present, or by storing it at ambient temperature until the solvent(s) is/are (fully or partly) evaporated,

(g) optionally, subjecting the composition or precursor composition obtained in step (f) to one or more shaping process(es), preferably selected from the group consisting of pressing between two surfaces (calandering), preferably after heating, more preferably pressing between two sheets of glass after heating, cutting, slicing, pelletizing, melting, extrusion, coextrusion, injection molding, blow molding, coating, and grinding,

(h) if a precursor composition is obtained in step (f) or (g), if step (g) is present, mixing, preferably by means of stirring, shaking, or ultrasonic treatment, said precursor composition with one or more other polymer(s), preferably with one or more other polymer(s) as defined herein, more preferably wherein the one or more other polymer(s) is/are in solution or dispersion in one or more solvent(s) or in neat form, more preferably wherein the solvent(s) is/are selected from the group consisting of ethanol, toluene, acetone, water, isopropanol, dimethylsulfoxide, and methoxyisopropanol,

(i) optionally, if step (h) is present, subjecting the mixture obtained in step (h) to one or more shaping process(es), preferably selected from the group consisting of drop casting, coating, preferably spin-coating, spray-coating, in particular electrospraying, bar-coating, and coil-coating, pouring onto surfaces, pouring into molds, pressing between two surfaces (calandering), preferably after heating, more preferably pressing between two sheets of glass after heating, cutting, slicing, pelletizing, melting, extrusion, coextrusion, injection molding, blow molding, and grinding, and/or to one or more drying process(es) to obtain the composition, preferably heating the mixture obtained in step (h) or storing it at ambient temperature until the solvent(s), if present, is/are (fully or partly) evaporated.

According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the composition obtained in any of the steps (f), (g) or (i) comprises a total amount of n-doped poly(benzodifurandione) of formula (A) (as defined herein) of from 0.001 to 50 wt.%, preferably from 0.01 to 40 wt.%, more preferably from 0.01 to 30 wt.%, more preferably from 0.01 to 20 wt.%, more preferably from 0.01 to 10 wt.%, more preferably from 0.1 to 10 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition.

Preferably, the composition obtained in any of the steps (f), (g) or (i) of the method according to the invention is in the form of a film, foil, pane, fabric, sheet, panel, polymer laminate, powder, coating, woven polymer fabric roof cover, woven polymer fabric floor cover, net or screen, or in the form of pigments or particles, preferably is a film or sheet.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of shielding the surface of vehicles, greenhouses or buildings against heat radiation comprising or consisting of the following step:

Coating or shielding one or more window(s) or the exterior or parts of the exterior or the interior or parts of the interior of a vehicle, greenhouse or building with a composition according to the invention or obtained or obtainable according to a method according to the invention.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a composition according to the invention or obtained or obtainable according to a method according to the invention for thermal management (heat blocking), preferably of interiors of vehicles, preferably automobiles, greenhouses or buildings, preferably residential buildings, office buildings, warehouses, stadiums or airports.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a composition according to the invention or obtained or obtainable according to a method according to the invention in agriculture, preferably in the form of films for greenhouses or of other agricultural films, preferably silage films, wrap-stretch silage films, or packaging films, preferably stretch hoods or heavy-duty bags.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a composition according to the invention or obtained or obtainable according to a method according to the invention as an absorber of light (anywhere) in the wavelength range of from 700 to 2500 nm, preferably from 1000 to 2500 nm, more preferably from 1200 to 2500 nm, most preferably from 1500 to 2500 nm.

The present disclosure further describes compositions for facilitating selectively filtering of incident light. Further, the compositions may include multiple NIR absorbing materials in a polymer host.

The present disclosure describes methods for facilitating combining the multiple NIR absorbing materials in the polymer host. Further, the NIR absorbing materials may include n-doped poly(benzodifurandione) (n-PBDF) embedded in sheeting, panels, and coatings for creating spectrally selective materials that have a high transmission in the 400 to (<) 700 nm, preferably 400 to 699 nm, range and a reduced transmission in the 700 to 2500 nm range.

Further, in some embodiments, the inclusion of multiple NIR absorbing materials into the polymer host may allow for a high PAR transmission for plant growth, with a very sharp absorption peak after 700 nm, maintaining a strong absorption until 2500 nm. Further, in an instance, the multiple NIR absorbing materials may include organic materials such as metal dithiolenes, naphthalocyanines, phthalocyanines, diimonium compounds, cyanines, squaraines, merocyanines, rylenes and, metal complex dyes. The polymer host may include but is not limited to polycarbonates, polyacrylates, polyethylenes, and fluoropolymers.

Further, the use of n-PBDF as a NIR absorber may reduce NIR transmission while maintaining a high transmission in the 400 to (<) 700 nm, preferably 400 to 699 nm, range. Further, the disclosed method may include dispersing the n-PBDF material in the polymer host or matrix. Further, the disclosed method may include generating n-PBDF containing materials coatings as well as polymer sheets and films.

Further, in some embodiments, the multiple NIR absorbing materials may be present homogeneously and finely distributed in the polymer host.

Further, in some embodiments, the multiple NIR absorbing materials may include particles that can assume any shape. For example, spherical, rod-shaped, platelet-shaped particles or particles of irregular shape are possible.

Further, in some embodiments, the multiple NIR absorbing materials with bimodal or multimodal particle size distributions may be used.

Further, in some embodiments, the multiple NIR absorbing materials may include nanoparticulate tin oxides doped with antimony (ATO) or indium (ITO) or nanoparticulate metal borides (MBx, where x is from 1 to 6), in particular alkaline earth borides or borides of the rare earths (or rare earth elements). Further, particular preference is given to nanoparticulate borides of the rare earths. Very particular preference is given to metal hexaborides of the symbolic formula MBs, in particular M = La, Pr, Nd, Ce, Tb, Dy, Ho, Y, Sm, Eu, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Sr, Ca. Metal borides MB2, in particular with M = Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Ta, Cr, Mo, are also preferred. Other suitable metal borides may be M02B5, MoB, W2B5.

Further, in some embodiments, the multiple NIR absorbing materials may include nanoparticulate lanthanum hexaboride (LaBe).

Further, in some embodiments, the amount of the multiple NIR absorbing materials used may vary over a wide range and depends, for example, on the ultimate end use of the polymer composition.

Further, in some embodiments, to prevent agglomeration or coalescence of the multiple NIR absorbing materials and/or to ensure good dispersibility in the compositions, the multiple NIR absorbing materials used may be surface-modified or surface-coated. Further, the multiple NIR absorbing materials may include a single- or multi-layer coating containing at least one compound with ionic, and/or nonionic surface-active groups. The compounds having surface-active groups are preferably selected from the salts of strong inorganic acids, e.g. nitrates and perchlorates, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids such as palmitic acid, margaric acid, stearic acid, isostearic acid, nonadecanic acid, lignoceric acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid and elaosteric acid, quaternary ammonium compounds such as tetraalkylammonium hydroxides, e.g. tetramethylammonium hydroxide, silanes such as alkyltrialkoxysilanes and mixtures thereof.

Further, in some embodiments, the disclosed compositions may include at least one additive which is preferably selected from colorants, antioxidants, light stabilizers, UV absorbers, hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS), nickel quenchers, metal deactivators, reinforcing and filling agents, anti-fogging agents, biocides, acid scavengers, antistatics, other IR absorbers for long-wave IR radiation such as kaolin, anti-blocking agents such as SiC>2, light diffusers such as MgO, BaSC or TiC>2, inorganic or organic reflectors (for example aluminum flakes).

Further, in some embodiments, shaped articles made of the polymer host and the multiple NIR absorbing materials may be produced by processes such as extrusion, coextrusion, injection molding, and blow molding.

Further, in some embodiments, the disclosed compositions may be used in thermal management. Thermal management includes use in automobiles, architecture, residential and office buildings, warehouses, stadiums, airports, or other areas where the heat generated by incident heat radiation is undesirable.

Further, in some embodiments, the disclosed compositions may be preferably used in agriculture, in particular as films for greenhouses. Further preferred applications in agriculture include other agricultural films such as silage films, wrap-stretch silage films, and packaging films such as stretch hoods or heavy-duty bags.

Further, in some embodiments, the disclosed compositions enable effective shielding against the effect of heat radiation on the surface of, for example, buildings, vehicles, or greenhouses. The disclosed compositions may enable thermal management of interiors. In general, these materials provide high transparency to visible light while effectively shielding the heat radiation so that interior spaces remain bright in sunlight and do not heat up as much. Increased transparency, when using the polymer host in greenhouse films, has a direct positive effect on an increased yield of the plants grown in the greenhouse.

Further, in some embodiments, the polymer host may include thermoplastic polymers. Further, the thermoplastic polymers include oligomers, polymers, ionomers, dendrimers, and copolymers, for example, block copolymers, graft copolymers, star-shaped block copolymers, random block copolymers or mixtures of these. In general, the thermoplastic polymers may have weight-average molecular weights Mw of 3,000 to 1 ,000,000 g I mol. Preferably, Mw is 10,000 to 100,000 g / mol, more preferably 20,000 to 50,000 g / mol, in particular 25,000 to 35,000 g / mol. Further, the thermoplastic polymers are primarily polyolefins, in particular polypropylenes and polyethylenes, polyolefin copolymers, in particular ethylvinylacetate copolymers, polytetrafluoroethylenes, ethylenetetrafluoroethylene copolymers, polyvinylidene fluorides (PVDF), polyvinyl chlorides (PVC), polyvinylidene chlorides, polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl esters, polyvinylalkanals , polyvinyl ketals, polyamides, polyimides, polycarbonates, polycarbonate blends, polyesters, polyester blends, poly (meth) acrylates, poly (meth) acrylate-styrene copolymer blends, poly (meth) acrylate-polyvinylidene difluoride blends, polyurethanes, polystyrenes, styrene copolymers, polyethers, polyether ketones, polysulfones and mixtures of these polymers. Polyethylene, PVC, or PVDF are preferably used.

Further, in some embodiments, the compositions may include a support medium comprising a liquid under atmospheric pressure in a temperature range from 50 to 120 °C. In particular, the support medium is PE wax.

Further, in some embodiments, the composition may include the multiple NIR absorbing material such as a n-doped PBDF. Further, the n-doped PBDF may serve as the core colorant.

Further disclosed herein is a method for preparing a composition comprising poly(benzodifurandione) (PBDF) with DMSO. Further, the method may include preparing poly(benzodifurandione) through an in-air polymerisation. First, the method may include dissolving 3, 7-dihydrobenzo[1 ,2-b:4,5-b]difuran-2, 6-dione (BDF) in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at a rate of 190 mg per 12.6 ml of DMSO to make a solution. Further, the DMSO may be a solvent representative. When fully dissolved, the method may include adding and stirring 18.1 mg of copper acetate, 99%, to dissolve into the solution. Further, the method may include heating the solution to 100 °C for six hours in ambient air. After 6 hours, the solution had turned into a black viscous dispersion of n-doped PBDF in DMSO (cf. Zhifan Ke et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2023, 145, 6, 3706-3715, https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.2c13051).

FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a method for facilitating preparing PVB films comprising polyvinyl butyral and n-PBDF, in accordance with some embodiments. Accordingly, the method may include adding 5 ml of n-PBDF dispersed in DMSO to a centrifuge tube and adding 45 ml of 96% ethanol, followed by shaking. Further, the method may include centrifuging for 5 minutes at 6000 rpm. After centrifuging, a black precipitate may be left at the bottom of the centrifuge tube (or tube). The remaining liquid may be discarded. Further, the method may include adding ethanol to 50 ml volume to form a mixture and shaking the mixture. The process of adding more ethanol, centrifuging, and discarding the liquid may be repeated 2 more times to remove the DMSO and copper acetate. Further, the method may include adding 6 ml of ethanol to the remaining precipitate, which gave ethanol n-PBDF dispersion with a concentration of 3.5 mg/ml (II).

Further, the method may include dissolving 1 g of PVB (Butvar® B-98) in 10 ml of ethanol under stirring. Once fully dissolved, the method may include adding 100 pl of the ethanol n-PBDF dispersion (II) to form a mixture. Further, the method may include dispersing the solution using an ultrasonic horn for 3 minutes at 80% amplitude. This dissolved PVB + n- PBDF dispersion may be then poured into open molds of 2 mm depth and the solvent may be allowed to evaporate over 16 hours to form a solid film of 200 pm thickness.

Further, in some embodiments, the PVB films may be then sliced into smaller pieces and added to low density polyethylene (LDPE) pellets at a weight ratio of 20:80 (PVB film : LDPE). This may be then added to a benchtop single screw extruder and hot-melt extruded at 220 °C. Immediately after extrusion, the LDPE+PVB+n-PBDF blend may be rolled into 500 pm films.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a method for facilitating preparing ethylene butyl acrylate films, in accordance with some embodiments. Accordingly, the method may include dissolving 0.5 g of ethylene butyl acrylate (EBA, E1303, Repsol) in 10 ml of toluene with 90 °C heating and stirring. Once fully dissolved, the method may include adding 100 pl of the ethanol n- PBDF dispersion (II) and further dispersing using an ultrasonic horn for 3 minutes at 80% amplitude. Further, the method may include pouring the EBA+n-PBDF dispersion (II) and EBA solution into open molds of 2 mm depth and leaving for 16 hours for the solvents to evaporate. A cracked film of 200-300 pm may be formed and the transmission of the ethylene butyl acrylate+n-PBDF film may be measured as shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 is a graphical representation of transmission of light corresponding to the ethylene butyl acrylate+n-PBDF films, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a method for facilitating preparing films comprising polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and n-PBDF, in accordance with some embodiments. Accordingly, the method may include dissolving 1 g of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) in 10 ml of acetone with stirring. Once fully dissolved, the method may include adding 100 pl of ethanol n-PBDF dispersion (II) and dispersing using an ultrasonic horn for 3 minutes at 80% amplitude. Further, the method may include heating the dispersion to 100 °C to allow the acetone and other remaining ethanol to boil off. The remaining solid may be then heated to 230 °C and pressed between two sheets of glass. Once cooled, the film comprising PMMA and n-PBDF may be formed. Further, the transmission of the 200 pm formed film may be measured, as shown in FIG. 6.

Further, in some embodiments, the method may include adding 0.33 mg of Lumogen® IR 788 (BASF) to the solution before dispersion with the ultrasonic horn at 80% amplitude. Further, the method may include heating the dispersion to 100 °C to allow the acetone and other remaining ethanol to boil off. The remaining solid may be then heated to 230 °C and pressed between two sheets of glass. Once cooled, the film comprising PMMA and n-PBDF with the Lumogen® IR 788 may be formed.

FIG. 7 is a graphical representation of transmission of light corresponding to the films comprising polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and Lumogen® IR 788, in accordance with some embodiments.

Further, in some embodiments, the method may include adding 0.33 mg of BODIPY dye to the solution before dispersion with the ultrasonic horn at 80% amplitude. Further, the method may include heating the dispersion to 100 °C to allow the acetone and other remaining ethanol to boil off. The remaining solid may be then heated to 230 °C and pressed between two sheets of glass. Once cooled, the film comprising PMMA and BODIPY dye may be formed.

FIG. 8 is a graphical representation of transmission of light corresponding to the films comprising PMMA+BODIPY+n-PBDF, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of a method for facilitating preparing films comprising polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and n-PBDF, in accordance with some embodiments. Accordingly, the method may include preparing an aqueous n-PBDF dispersion only using water to wash the n-PBDF instead of ethanol. Further, the method may include adding water to the precipitate to make a dispersion of 3.5 mg/ml of n-PBDF in water (III). Further, the method may include adding 1 g of polyvinyl alcohol (99-100% hydrolysed) to 10 ml of deionized water and dissolving at 95 °C under stirring. Further, the method may include adding 100 pl of aqueous n-PBDF dispersion (III) and dispersing under an ultrasonic horn for 3 minutes with 80% amplitude. Further, the method may include drop casting the dispersion onto glass sheets and drying it in the air at 95 °C until a dry and continuous film is formed. The transmission of these films on glass is shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 10 is a graphical representation of transmission of light corresponding to the films comprising polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and n-PBDF, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of a method for facilitating preparing films comprising zinc stearate and n-PBDF, in accordance with some embodiments. Accordingly, the method may include adding 20 ml of aqueous n-PBDF dispersion (III) to 3 g of zinc Stearate to form a mixture. Further, the method may include heating the mixture to 200 °C to boil off the water under constant stirring. After the water had boiled off, the method may include melting the zinc stearate to form a dispersion of n-PBDF in zinc stearate. Further, the method may include allowing the dispersion of n-PBDF in zinc stearate to be cooled to ambient temperature. Further, the method may include grinding a solid wax.

Further, in an exemplary embodiment, a 10 x 10 cm sheet of glass coated with PVA + n- PBDF coating, as shown in FIG. 10, may be mounted on top of a sealed plastic box so that it formed a transparent roof of the opaque box, as well as another identical box and glass sheet coated only with PVA. The box may be illuminated from the top using a 5W halogen heat lamp. Further, a temperature difference may be recorded using temperature sensors within the box. The resultant difference in temperature may be shown in FIG. 12 and the NIR blocking effect of the film containing n-PBDF is shown in FIG. 12.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

(Preferred) embodiments of the composition according to the invention correspond to or can be derived from the (preferred) embodiments of the methods according to the invention which are explained above or vice versa. (Preferred) embodiments of the composition according to the invention correspond to or can be derived from the (preferred) embodiments of the uses according to the invention which are explained above or vice versa. (Preferred) embodiments of the methods according to the invention correspond to or can be derived from the (preferred) embodiments of the uses according to the invention which are explained above or vice versa. Moreover, the (preferred) embodiments described herein can be arbitrarily combined with each other as long as technically sensible.

The invention will now be described in more detail hereinafter with references to the examples. Further aspects of the present invention are disclosed in the accompanying claims. Unless otherwise stated, all values refer to weight-% (wt.%).

EXAMPLES

Preparation of n-PBDF (1) n-Doped poly(benzodifurandione) (of formula (A) as defined herein) was prepared through an in-air polymerisation. First, 3, 7-dihydrobenzo[1 ,2-b:4,5-b]difuran-2, 6-dione (BDF) was dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at a rate of 190 mg per 12.6 ml of DMSO. When fully dissolved, 18.1 mg of copper acetate, 99%, was added and stirred to dissolve. This solution was then heated to 100 °C for six hours in ambient air. After 6 hrs the solution had turned into a black viscous dispersion of n-PBDF in DMSO (1) (cf. Zhifan Ke et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2023, 145, 6, 3706-3715, https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.2c13051).

Example 1 : In polyvinyl butyral (PVB)

5 ml of (1) was added to a centrifuge tube and 45 ml of 96% ethanol was added, followed by shaking. This was then centrifuged for 5 minutes at 6000 rpm. After centrifuging was completed a black precipitate was left at the bottom of the tube. The remaining liquid was discarded and ethanol was added to 50 ml volume and the mix was shaken. The process of adding more ethanol, centrifuging, discarding the liquid was repeated 2 more times to remove the DMSO and copper acetate. 6 ml of ethanol was added to the remaining precipitate, which gave an ethanol n-PDBF dispersion with a concentration of 3.5 mg/ml (II).

1 g of PVB (Butvar® B-98 from Eastman) was dissolved in 10 ml of ethanol under stirring. Once fully dissolved, 100 pl of dispersion (II) was added. This solution was then further dispersed using an ultrasonic horn for 3 minutes at 80% amplitude. This dissolved PVB + n-PBDF dispersion was then poured into open molds of 2 mm depth and the solvent allowed to evaporate over 16 hrs to form a solid film of 200 pm thickness. The transmission of this film can be found in FIG. 2.

Example 2: PVB in polyethylene PVB films were made in the same processes as in Example 1 . These films were then sliced into smaller pieces and added to low density polyethylene (LDPE) pellets at a weight ratio of 20:80 (Example 1 PVB film : LDPE). This was then added to a benchtop single screw extruder and hot-melt extruded at 220 °C. Immediately after extrusion the LDPE+PVB+n- PBDF blend was rolled to 500 pm films.

Example 3: Ethylene butyl acrylate

0.5 g of ethylene butyl acrylate (EBA, E1303, Repsol) was dissolved in 10 ml of toluene with 90 °C heating and stirring. Once fully dissolved 100 pl of dispersion (II) was added and further dispersed using an ultrasonic horn for 3 minutes at 80% amplitude. This was poured into open molds of 2 mm depth and left for 16 hrs for the solvent to evaporate. A cracked film of 200-300 pm was formed. The transmission of the film was measured as shown in FIG. 4 (measured at 200 pm film thickness).

Example 4: PMMA

1 g of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) was dissolved in 10 ml of acetone with stirring. Once fully dissolved 100 pl of dispersion (II) was added and further dispersed using an ultrasonic horn for 3 minutes at 80% amplitude. The dispersion was heated to 100 °C to allow the acetone and other remaining ethanol to boil off. The remaining solid was then heated to 230 °C and pressed between two sheets of glass. Once cooled the transmission of the 200 pm formed film was measured, as shown in FIG. 6.

Example 5: PMMA + Lumoqen® IR 788

Solutions and films were prepared in the same way as Example 4, with the exception that 0.33 mg of Lumogen® IR 788 (BASF) was added to the solution before dispersion with the ultrasonic horn. The transmission spectra of the resultant films is shown in FIG. 7 (measured at 200 pm film thickness).

Example 6: PMMA + BODIPY

Solutions and films were prepared in the same way as Example 4, with the exception that 0.33 mg of BODIPY dye (prepared following T. Sarma et al., Chem. Commun. 2013, 49, 9806; DOI: 10.1039/c3cc44834g; BODIPY 9) was added to the solution before dispersion with the ultrasonic horn. The transmission spectra of the resultant films is shown in FIG. 8 (measured at 200 pm film thickness). Example 7: PVA

A dispersion the same as (II) from Example 1 was prepared, only using water to wash the n-PBDF instead of ethanol. Water was added to the precipitate to make a concentrated dispersion of 3.5 mg/ml of n-PBDF in water (III).

1 g of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA, 99-100% hydrolysed) was added to 10 ml of deionised water and dissolved at 95 °C under stirring. 100 pl of dispersion (III) was added and this was further dispersed under an ultrasonic horn for 3 minutes with 80% amplitude. This dispersion was drop cast onto glass sheets and dried in air at 95 °C until a dry and continuous film with an average thickness of about 200 pm was formed. The transmission of these films on glass is shown in FIG. 10.

Example 8: Zinc stearate

20 ml of (III) was added to 3 g of zinc stearate and the solution heated to 200 °C to boil off the water under constant stirring. After the water had boiled off the zinc stearate melted to form a dispersion of n-PBDF in zinc stearate. This was allowed to cool and then the solid wax was ground using a pestle and mortar.

Performance Example 1 :

A 10 x 10 cm sheet of glass coated with PVA + n-PBDF coating, as shown in Example 7 and FIG. 10, was mounted on top of a sealed plastic box so that it formed a transparent roof of the opaque box, as well as another identical box and glass sheet coated only with a PVA film of about 200 pm thickness. The boxes were illuminated from the top using a 5W halogen heat lamp. The temperature difference was recorded using temperature sensors within the boxes. The resultant difference in temperature and the NIR blocking effect of the film containing n-PBDF are shown in FIG. 12.

Example 9, with micron-sized inorganic carrier:

1 ml of dispersion (1) was added to a 3 ml dispersion of water containing 301 mg of the synthetic silicate Sipernat 820 A® (Evonik). The mixture was dispersed using vigorous stirring to form a homogenous dispersion. This dispersion was then filtered using vacuum filtration and further washed with excess water. The remaining cake was then dried at 120 °C for 30 minutes, followed by drying at 220 °C for 15 minutes. The dried cake was then ground with a pestle and mortar to a fine powder. 2 mg of the n-PBDF + Sipernat 820 A® powder was then added to a 2 ml solution of ethanol containing 10 wt.-% dissolved PVB (Butvar® B-98 from Eastman). The powder was dispersed using an ultrasonic horn at 75% amplitude for 60 seconds. This combined PVB + powder dispersion was then poured into open molds of 2 mm depth and the solvent allowed to evaporate over 16 hrs to form a solid film of 200 pm thickness. The transmission of this film can be found in FIG. 13.

Example 10, with nano-sized inorganic carrier:

1 ml of dispersion (1) was added to a 3 ml dispersion of water containing 301 mg of the fumed silica Aerosil® 200 (Evonik). The mixture was dispersed using vigorous stirring to form a homogenous dispersion. This dispersion was then filtered using vacuum filtration and further washed with excess water. The remaining cake was then dried at 120 °C for 30 minutes, followed by drying at 220 °C for 15 minutes. The dried cake was then ground with a pestle and mortar to a fine powder. 2 mg of the n-PBDF + Aerosil® 200 powder was then added to a 2 ml solution of ethanol containing 10 wt.-% dissolved PVB (Butvar® B-98 from Eastman). The powder was dispersed using an ultrasonic horn at 75% amplitude for 60 seconds. This combined PVB + powder dispersion was then poured into open molds of 2 mm depth and the solvent allowed to evaporate over 16 hrs to form a solid film of 200 pm thickness. The transmission of this film can be found in FIG. 14.

Preparation of n-PBDF (2) n-Doped poly(benzodifurandione) (of formula (A) as defined herein) was prepared through an in-air polymerisation. First, 3, 7-dihydrobenzo[1 ,2-b:4,5-b]difuran-2, 6-dione (BDF) was dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at a rate of 190 mg per 12.6 ml of DMSO under nitrogen. When fully dissolved, 193 mg of tetramethyl-1 ,4-benzoquinone (TMQ), 99%, was added and stirred to dissolve. This solution was then heated to 100 °C for 24 hours under nitrogen. After 24 hrs the solution had turned into a black viscous dispersion of n-PBDF dispersed in DMSO (2) (cf. Haoran Tang et al., Nature 2022, 611 , 271-277, https://doi.Org/10.1038/S41586-022-05295-8).

Example 11 , with organic carrier:

To 1 ml of dispersion (2) 15 mg of 9,10-anthraquinone was added and the mixture heated to 140 °C under vigorous stirring. The mixture was then dried at 170 °C for 30 minutes, followed by drying at 200 °C for 15 minutes. The dried crystalline cake was then ground with a pestle and mortar to a fine powder. 2 mg of the n-PBDF + 9,10-antraquinone powder was then added to a 2 ml solution of ethanol containing 10 wt.-% dissolved PVB (Butvar® B-98 from Eastman). The powder was dispersed using an ultrasonic horn at 75% amplitude for 60 seconds. This combined PVB + powder dispersion was then poured into open molds of 2 mm depth and the solvent allowed to evaporate over 16 hrs to form a solid film of 200 pm thickness. The transmission of this film can be found in FIG. 15.

Example 12, with an inorganic NIR absorber:

To 1 ml of dispersion (2) 300 mg of caesium-doped tungsten oxide nanopowder (CS033WO3, size: 18 nm, Nanografi) was added and the dispersion was vigorously stirred to disperse the powder. The dispersion was then dried at 170 °C for 30 minutes, followed by drying at 200 °C for 15 minutes. The dried cake was then ground with a pestle and mortar to a fine powder. 2 mg of the n-PBDF + caesium-doped tungsten oxide powder was then added to a 2 ml solution of ethanol containing 10 wt.-% dissolved PVB (Butvar® B-98 from Eastman). The powder was dispersed using an ultrasonic horn at 75% amplitude for 60 seconds. This combined PVB + powder dispersion was then poured into open molds of 2mm depth and the solvent allowed to evaporate over 16 hrs to form a solid film of 200 pm thickness. The transmission of this film can be found in FIG. 16.

Claims

1 . Composition, preferably for facilitating selectively filtering of incident light, comprising or consisting of

(i) n-doped poly(benzodifurandione) of formula (A) wherein 6 < n < 10000 and 0 < m < n, and

(ii) one or more other polymer(s) and/or one or more non-polymeric material(s), wherein the composition comprises a total amount of n-doped poly(benzodifurandione) of formula (A) of from 0.001 to 50 wt.%, preferably from 0.01 to 10 wt.%, more preferably from 0.1 to 10 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition.

2. Composition according to claim 1 , wherein the one or more other polymer(s) is/are thermoplastic polymer(s), preferably with weight-average molecular weights M_w of 3,000 to 1 ,000,000 g/mol, more preferably wherein the one or more polymer(s) is/are selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, preferably polypropylenes and polyethylenes, polyolefin copolymers, preferably ethylvinylacetate copolymers, polytetrafluoroethylenes, ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymers, polyvinylidene fluorides, polyvinyl chlorides, polyvinylidene chlorides, polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl esters, polyvinylalkanals, polyvinyl ketals, polyamides, polyimides, polycarbonates, polycarbonate blends, polyesters, polyester blends, poly (meth) acrylates, poly (meth) acrylate-styrene copolymer blends, poly (meth) acrylate-polyvinylidene difluoride blends, polyurethanes, polystyrenes, styrene copolymers, polyethers, polyether ketones, polysulfones, polyvinyl butyrals, ethylene butyl acrylates, polymethylmethacrylates, polyacrylates, fluoropolymers and mixtures, dispersions and beads of these polymers.

3. Composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the one or more non-polymeric material(s) is/are selected from the group consisting of metal salts of fatty acids, preferably zinc stearate, micron-sized inorganic carriers, preferably aluminium silicate, more preferably precipitated sodium aluminium silicate, nano-sized inorganic carriers, preferably silicon dioxides and doped tungsten oxides, more preferably fumed silicon dioxides and alkali metal-doped tungsten oxides, more preferably caesium-doped tungsten oxides, most preferably Cso 33WO3 and CS2WO4, micron-sized inorganic fillers, preferably calcium carbonate, calcium magnesium carbonate and aluminum oxide, inorganic pigments, preferably zinc oxide, antimony oxide, bismuth oxy chloride, tin dioxide and calcium silicate, organic carriers, preferably 9,10-anthraquinone, and organic pigments, preferably phthalocyanines, guanine, and melamine.

4. Composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition further comprises

(iii) one or more additive(s), preferably wherein the one or more additive(s) is/are selected from the group consisting of other near-infrared light absorbing materials, light scattering materials, colorants, antioxidants, light stabilizers, UV absorbers, hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS), nickel quenchers, metal deactivators, reinforcing agents, filling agents, anti-fogging agents, biocides, acid scavengers, antistatics, other IR absorbers for long-wave IR radiation, preferably kaolin, anti-blocking agents, preferably SiC>2, and support media, preferably liquids under atmospheric pressure in a temperature range of from 50 to 120 °C and PE waxes.

5. Composition according to claim 4, wherein the other near-infrared light absorbing materials is/are selected from the group consisting of nanoparticulate near-infrared light absorbing materials, preferably inorganic nanoparticulate near-infrared light absorbing materials, more preferably nanoparticulate tin oxides doped with antimony or indium and nanoparticulate metal borides MBx with x = 1 to 6, more preferably alkaline earth borides or borides of the rare earth elements, most preferably nanoparticulate lanthanum hexaboride, near-infrared light absorbing dyes, preferably N,N'-di(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-1 ,6,11 ,16-tetra[4-(1 ,1 ,3,3-tetramethyl- butyl)phenoxy]quaterrylene-3,4:13,14-tetracarboxylic acid diimide, bodipy dyes, more preferably 3-(difluoroboryl)-2-[[1 ,6-diisopropyl-3,4-diaza-benzo[e]-as- indacene-2(4H)-ylidene]methyl]-1 ,6-diisopropyl-3,4-diaza-3,4-dihydro-benzo[e]-as- indacene, and metal complex dyes, and other organic near-infrared light absorbing materials, preferably selected from the group consisting of metal dithiolenes, naphthalocyanines, phthalocyanines, diimonium compounds, cyanines, squaraines, merocyanines, and rylenes.

6. Composition according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the light scattering materials is/are selected from the group consisting of MgO, BaSC , TiC>2, inorganic and organic reflectors, preferably aluminum flakes, mica flakes, liquid crystals and other photonic materials.

7. Composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition is in the form of a film, foil, pane, fabric, sheet, panel, polymer laminate, powder, coating, woven polymer fabric roof cover, woven polymer fabric floor cover, net or screen, or in the form of pigments or particles, preferably is a film or sheet.

8. Composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition has an electrical conductivity of < 100 S/cm, preferably of < 10 S/cm, more preferably of < 1 S/cm, more preferably has an electrical conductivity in a range of from 0 to 100 S/cm, more preferably from 0 to 10 S/cm, more preferably from 0 to 1 S/cm, more preferably from 0.000001 to 1 S/cm, most preferably from 0.001 to 1 S/cm.

9. Method for preparing a composition according to any of the claims 1 to 8, comprising or consisting of the following steps

(a) providing a dispersion or solution of n-doped poly(benzodifurandione) of formula (A) wherein 6 < n < 10000 and 0 < m < n,

(b) providing one or more other polymer(s), preferably as defined in claim 2, and/or providing one or more non-polymeric material(s), preferably as defined in claim 3,

(c) optionally, providing one or more additive(s), preferably as defined in any of the claims 4 to 6,

(f) removing the solvent(s) from the mixture obtained in step (d) or (e), if step (e) is present, to obtain the composition or a precursor thereof,

(h) if a precursor composition is obtained in step (f) or (g), if step (g) is present, mixing said precursor composition with one or more other polymer(s), preferably as defined in claim 2,

10. Method according to claim 9, wherein the composition obtained in any of the steps (f), (g) or (i) comprises a total amount of n-doped poly(benzodifurandione) of formula (A) of from 0.001 to 50 wt.%, preferably from 0.01 to 10 wt.%, more preferably from 0.1 to 10 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition.

11. Method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the composition obtained in any of the steps (f), (g) or (i) is in the form of a film, foil, pane, fabric, sheet, panel, polymer laminate, powder, coating, woven polymer fabric roof cover, woven polymer fabric floor cover, net or screen, or in the form of pigments or particles, preferably is a film or sheet.

12. Method of shielding the surface of vehicles, greenhouses or buildings against heat radiation comprising or consisting of the following step:

Coating or shielding one or more window(s) or the exterior or parts of the exterior of a vehicle, greenhouse or building with a composition according to any of the claims 1 to 8 or obtained or obtainable according to any of the claims 9 to 11 .

13. Use of a composition according to any of the claims 1 to 8 or obtained or obtainable according to any of the claims 9 to 11 forthermal management, preferably of interiors of vehicles, preferably automobiles, greenhouses or buildings, preferably residential buildings, office buildings, warehouses, stadiums or airports.

14. Use of a composition according to any of the claims 1 to 8 or obtained or obtainable according to any of the claims 9 to 11 in agriculture, preferably in the form of films for greenhouses or of other agricultural films, preferably silage films, wrap-stretch silage films, or packaging films, preferably stretch hoods or heavy-duty bags.

15. Use of a composition according to any of the claims 1 to 8 or obtained or obtainable according to any of the claims 9 to 11 as an absorber of light in the wavelength range of from 700 to 2500 nm, preferably from 1000 to 2500 nm, more preferably from 1200 to 2500 nm, most preferably from 1500 to 2500 nm.