WO2022043149A1

WO2022043149A1 - Scratch resistant mineral-filled polymer compositions, production methods and uses

Info

Publication number: WO2022043149A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/072893
Authority: WO
Inventors: Maziyar Bolourchi; Saied KOCHESFAHANI; Kalena STOVALL
Original assignee: Imerys Usa, Inc.
Priority date: 2020-08-31
Filing date: 2021-08-18
Publication date: 2022-03-03
Also published as: EP4229125A1

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a scratch-resistant polymer composition that contains an inorganic filler and, optionally, further components, the polymer composition comprising a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and mixtures thereof. The present disclosure further relates to a method for improving one or more of the following properties: (a) tensile modulus; (b) flexural modulus; (c) tensile strength; (d) flexural strength;of a polymer composition or an article formed from the polymer composition as described herein. The present disclosure further relates to an article of manufacture, comprising the polymer composition according to the present disclosure.

Description

SCRATCH RESISTANT MINERAL-FILLED POLYMER COMPOSITIONS, PRODUCTION METHODS AND USES

TECHNICAL FIELD

[01] The present disclosure relates to the field of polymer compositions comprising an inorganic filler, in particular to the use of inorganic fillers in scratch resistant polymer compositions. Furthermore, polymer compositions comprising an inorganic filler and articles of manufacture comprising the afore- mentioned polymer compositions are further provided by the present disclosure.

BACKGROUND

[02] Inorganic fillers, e.g., mineral fillers, are frequently added to polymer compositions to improve, modify or modulate physical properties such as mechanical, electrical, thermal or optical properties of the polymer compositions. However, improving one property may negatively affect another property. For example, improving mechanical properties such as stiffness by addition of mineral fillers to thermoplastic resin, often results in deteriorating the scratch performance of the formulation. However, sacrificing haptic properties such as scratch resistance is not always feasible or desirable, e.g., in case of articles which are visible to the human eye such as casings of electrical devices, automotive interior and exterior parts etc.

SHORT DESCRIPTION

[03] It has been surprisingly found that the above problem can be overcome by the present disclosure which is defined in the appended claims.

[04] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a scratch-resistant polymer composition that contains an inorganic filler and, optionally, further components, the polymer composition comprising a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and mixtures thereof, wherein the scratch resistance AL* of the polymer composition, as measured by the Erichsen scratch test, according to GMW 14688 Method A, fulfils one or more of the following conditions: i) a AL* of 2.0 or less measured at a load of 40 N, ii) a AL* of 1.0 or less measured at a load of 20 N; iii) a AL* of 0.5 or less measured at a load of 10 N and the polymer composition further fulfils one or more of the following conditions the tensile modulus of the polymer composition is improved by at least about 1.5% for each 1 wt.-% loading of inorganic filler compared to the unfilled resin, determined according to ISO 527-2; the flexural modulus of the polymer composition is improved by at least about 1.5% for each 1 wt.-% loading of inorganic filler compared to the unfilled resin, determined according to ISO 178, the tensile strength of the polymer composition is improved by at least about 0.5% for each 1 wt.-% loading of inorganic filler compared to the unfilled resin, determined according to ISO 527-2; the flexural strength of the polymer composition is improved by at least about 1.5% for each 1 wt.-% loading of inorganic filler compared to the unfilled resin, determined according to ISO 178.

[05] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for improving one or more of the following properties: a) tensile modulus; b) flexural modulus; c) tensile strength; d) flexural strength; of a polymer composition or an article formed from the polymer composition, the polymer composition comprising a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and mixtures thereof, wherein the method comprises adding an inorganic filler and, optionally, further components to the polymer or the mixture thereof, while concomitantly achieving one or more of the following scratch resistances AL*, determined by the Erichsen scratch test according to GMW 14688 Method A, i) a AL* of 2.0 or less measured at a load of 40 N, ii) a AL* of 1.0 or less measured at a load of 20 N; iii) a AL* of 0.5 or less measured at a load of 10 N.

[06] In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a use of an inorganic filler in a polymer composition to improve one or more of the following properties: a) tensile modulus; b) flexural modulus; c) tensile strength; d) flexural strength; of the polymer composition or an article formed from the polymer composition, wherein the polymer composition comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and mixtures thereof and, optionally, further components, while concomitantly achieving one or more of the following scratch resistances AL*, determined by the Erichsen scratch test according to GMW 14688 Method A, i) a AL* of 2.0 or less measured at a load of 40 N, ii) a AL* of 1.0 or less measured at a load of 20 N; iii) a AL* of 0.5 or less measured at a load of 10 N.

[07] In a fourth aspect, the present disclosure provides an article of manufacture, for example automotive, electrical & electronics, packaging, sporting, safety, household, load bearing, structural or heat resistant goods/components, comprising the polymer composition according to the first aspect.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[08] The disclosure will be further illustrated by reference to the following figures:

Fig. 1 shows the KraussMaffei Berstorff co-rotating intermeshing twin-screw extruder used in the experimental part;

Fig. 2 shows the screw design of the KraussMaffei Berstorff co-rotating intermeshing twin-screw extruder used in the experimental part;

Fig. 3 shows the notched Izod impact test results of the examples;

Fig. 4 shows the notched Charpy impact test results of the examples;

Fig. 5 shows the unnotched Charpy impact test results of the examples;

Fig. 6 shows the flexural modulus test results of the examples;

Fig. 7 shows the flexural strength test results of the examples;

Fig. 8 shows the tensile modulus test results of the examples;

Fig. 9 shows the tensile strength test results of the examples;

Fig. 10 shows the tensile elongation (elongation at break) test results of the examples;

Fig. 11 shows the test results of the Erichsen scratch test conducted with a load of 40 N;

Fig. 12 shows the test results of the Erichsen scratch test conducted with a load of 20 N. [09] It is understood that the following description and references to the figures concern exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and shall not be limiting the scope of the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[10] In the present disclosure the expression “article formed from the polymer composition” denotes that the polymer composition and, optionally, further components are used to prepare an article, usually by methods known in the art such as compounding extrusion and injection molding etc. In one embodiment, the polymer composition as such is formed into an article, i.e., without the addition of further components.

[11] It has been surprisingly found that an inorganic filler in a polymer composition comprising a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and mixtures thereof not only improves one or more physical properties but concomitantly achieves a good scratch resistance. It has further been found that a polymer composition having a scratch resistance AL*, determined by the Erichsen scratch test according to GMW 14688 Method A with a load of 40 N of 2.0 or less may be provided.

[12] In the following, features of all aspects of the disclosure are described unless (a) explicitly mentioned to the contrary and/or (b) the context dictates otherwise.

Inorganic filler

[13] The polymer composition comprises an inorganic filler.

[14] In one embodiment, the inorganic filler comprises an inorganic compound selected from the group consisting of glass fibers, glass beads, glass spheres, perlite, carbon fiber, graphite, wollastonite, kaolin, metakaolin, grounded calcium carbonate (GCC), precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), diatomaceous earth (DE), mica, talc or mixtures thereof. In another embodiment, the inorganic filler comprises an inorganic compound selected from the group consisting of glass fibers, glass beads, glass spheres, perlite, carbon fiber, graphite, wollastonite, kaolin, metakaolin, grounded calcium carbonate (GCC), precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), diatomaceous earth (DE), mica or mixtures thereof and the polymer composition is free of talc.

[15] The inorganic compound may be selected from glass fiber, wollastonite, kaolin, metakaolin, graphite, grounded calcium carbonate (GCC), precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), perlite, diatomaceous earth (DE), and mica, for example, the inorganic compound may be selected from glass fiber, wollastonite, kaolin, metakaolin, graphite, grounded calcium carbonate (GCC), precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), perlite, and diatomaceous earth (DE) and for example, the inorganic compound may be selected from glass fiber, wollastonite, kaolin, metakaolin, and graphite.

[16] In one embodiment, the total amount of inorganic filler, based on the total weight of the polymer composition, is from about 2.0 wt.-% to about 50 wt.-%, or from about 5.0 to about 40 wt.-% or from about 7.5 to 35 wt.-%.

[17] In one embodiment, the total amount of glass fibers, glass beads, glass spheres, perlite, carbon fiber, graphite, wollastonite, kaolin, metakaolin, grounded calcium carbonate (GCC), precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), diatomaceous earth (DE), mica and talc, if present, the total amount of inorganic filler may be from about 2.0 wt.-% to about 50 wt.-%, or from about 5.0 wt.-% to about 40 wt.-% or from about 7.5 wt.-% to about 35 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the polymer composition.

[18] In one embodiment, the inorganic filler comprises, based on the total weight of the inorganic filler, at least about 80 wt.-%, or at least 95 wt.-% or essentially consists of the inorganic compound selected from the group consisting of glass fibers, glass beads, glass spheres, perlite, carbon fiber, graphite, wollastonite, kaolin, metakaolin, grounded calcium carbonate (GCC), precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), diatomaceous earth (DE), mica, talc, if present, or mixtures thereof.

[19] In one embodiment, the inorganic compound and/or the inorganic filler has a dso particle size, determined by sedigraph, of from about 0.1 to about 75 pm or from about 0.1 to about 65 pm or from about 0.1 to 50 pm. In a specific embodiment, the inorganic inorganic compound and/or the inorganic filler has a dso particle size, determined by sedigraph of from about 0.1 pm to about 10 pm, or from about 0.5 pm to about 7.5 pm, or from about 0.5 pm to about 6.0 pm.

[20] The inorganic compound may be essentially dry. For example, it may be that the inorganic compound comprises no greater than about 1.0 wt.-% of water, based on the total weight of the inorganic compound.

[21] The inorganic compound and/or the inorganic filler may comprise surface treatment additives, which may be selected from stearic acid or its salts, fatty acids or fatty acid amides, paraffin, glycerol monostearate, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, ethylene-vinyl acetate, a blend of fatty ester copolymers with acidic groups, polyoxyethylene stearate, propylene glycol monostearate, amino silane, vinyl silane, mercapto silane, epoxy silane, methacrylate silane, styryl silane, isocyanate silane, aromatic silane, alkyl or ester modified siloxane, alkane sulfonate, or mixtures thereof. Stearic acid salts may be selected from magnesium stearate or zinc stearate.

[22] The inorganic compound and/or the inorganic filler may comprise no greater than about 10.0 wt.-%, for example, no greater than about 9.0 wt.-%, or no greater than about 8.0 wt.-%, or no greater than about 7.0 wt.-%, or no greater than about 6.0 wt.-%, or no greater than about 5.0 wt.-%, or no greater than about 4.0 wt.-%, or no greater than about 3.0 wt.-%, or no greater than about 2.0 wt.-%, or no greater than about 1.0 wt.-%, or no greater than about 0.9 wt.-%,or no greater than about 0.8 wt.-%, or no greater than about 0.7 wt.-%, or no greater than about 0.6 wt.-%, or no greater than about 0.5 wt.-%, of surface treatment additives, based on the total weight of inorganic compound and the inorganic filler, respectively.

[23] The inorganic compound and/or the inorganic filler may comprise no less than about 0.05 wt.-%, for example, no less than about 0.1 wt.-%, or no less than about 0.3 wt.-%, or no less than about 0.4 wt.-%, or no less than about 0.5 wt.-%, of surface treatment additives, based on the total weight of inorganic compound and the inorganic filler, respectively. The inorganic compound and/or the inorganic filler may comprise from about 0.05 wt.-%, to about 10.0 wt.-%, for example, from about 0.1 wt.-% to about 7.0 wt.-%, or from about 0.1 wt.-% to about 5.0 wt.-%, or from about 0.05 wt.-% to about 1.0 wt.-%, or from about 0.1 wt.-% to about 1.0 wt.-%, or from about 0.05 wt.-% to about 0.9 wt.-%, or from about 0.1 wt.-% to about 0.9 wt.-%, or from about 0.5 wt.-% to about 0.9 wt.-%, or from about 0.1 wt.-% to about 0.5 wt.-%, or from about 0.3 wt.-% to about 0.7 wt.-%, or from about 0.4 wt.-% to about 0.6 wt.-%, of surface treatment additives, based on the total weight of inorganic compound and the inorganic filler, respectively.

[24] It may be that the inorganic compound and/or the inorganic filler is a compressed inorganic compound and inorganic filler, respectively. It may be that the inorganic compound and/or the inorganic filler is a granulated inorganic compound and inorganic filler, respectively. It may be that the inorganic compound and/or the inorganic filler is a compressed granulated inorganic compound and inorganic filler, respectively. It may be that the compressed granulated inorganic compound and/or the inorganic filler is a inorganic compound and inorganic filler, respectively, in brick, briquette, pellet, pressing, mould, preform, spray-dried powder, tablet, aggregate, rod, granulate or agglomerate form, or any mixture thereof.

[25] The compressed granulated inorganic compound and/or the inorganic filler may have a tapped density in accordance with ISO 787/11 of no greater than about 2.0 g/cm³, for example, no greater than about 1.8 g/cm³, or no greater than about 1.6 g/cm³, or no greater than about 1.4 g/cm³, or no greater than about 1.2 g/cm³. The compressed granulated inorganic compound and/or the inorganic filler may have a tapped density in accordance with ISO 787/11 of no less than about 0.4 g/cm³, or no less than about 0.6 g/cm³, or no less than about 0.8 g/cm³. The compressed granulated inorganic compound and/or the inorganic filler may have a tapped density in accordance with ISO 787/11 of from about 0.4 g/cm³ to about 2.0 g/cm³, for example from about 0.6 g/cm³ to about 1.6 g/cm³, or from about 0.6 g/cm³ to about 1.4 g/cm³, or from about 0.8 g/cm³ to about 1.2 g/cm³.

[26] In the present disclosure, the term "wollastonite" refers to the calcium inosilicate mineral (CaSiOs), which may also contain smallamounts of iron, magnesium and/or manganese substituting for calcium. Wollastonite may also contain associated minerals such as garnets, vesuvianite, diopside, tremolite, epidote, plagioclase feldspar, pyroxene and calcite.

[27] In one embodiment, the wollastonite has a dso particle size, determined by microtrac (laser) of about 3.0 to about 30 pm and/or a BET surface area of about 0.7 to about 4.2 m²/g. In a further embodiment, the wollastonite has an aspect ratio greater than 4, and a dso particle size, determined by microtrac (laser) of about 7 to about 30 pm and/or a BET surface area of about 0.7 to about 3.0 m²/g. In a further embodiment, the wollastonite has an aspect ratio of 4 or less, and a dso particle size, determined by microtrac (laser) of about 3.0 to about 14 pm and/or a BET surface area of about 1.2 to about 4.2 m²/g.

[28] Kaolin clay, also referred to as china clay or hydrous kaolin, predominately comprises the mineral kaolinite (Al2Si2Os(OH)4), a hydrous aluminum silicate, and small amounts of various impurities, such as quartz, micas, smectite, graphite, iron oxides, iron sulfides, and/or titania-based impurities.

[29] In the present disclosure, the term “kaolin” encompasses hydrous kaolin as well as calcined kaolin but is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the kaolin is selected from the group consisting of hydrous kaolin and calcined kaolin.

[30] In an embodiment, the kaolin may have a dso particle size, determined by sedigraph of about 0.1 to about 2.0 pm.

[31] In an embodiment, the kaolin comprises or consists of hydrous kaolin and the hydrous kaolin may have a dso particle size, determined by sedigraph of about 0.1 to about 2.0 pm.

[32] In an embodiment, the kaolin comprises or consists of calcined kaolin and the calcined kaolin may have a dso particle size, determined by sedigraph, of about 0.3 to about 1.5 pm. [33] Ground calcium carbonate (GCC) is obtained from a natural source by grinding. Ground calcium carbonate (GCC) is typically obtained by crushing and then grinding a mineral source such as chalk, marble or limestone, which may be followed by a particle size classification step, in order to obtain a product having the desired degree of fineness. Other techniques such as bleaching, flotation and magnetic separation may also be used to obtain a product having the desired degree of fineness and/or colour. The particulate solid material may be ground autogenously, i.e., by attrition between the particles of the solid material themselves, or, alternatively, in the presence of a particulate grinding medium comprising particles of a different material from the calcium carbonate to be ground. Generally, these processes may be carried out with or without the presence of a dispersant, which may be added at any stage of the process.

[34] In one embodiment, the ground calcium carbonate (GCC) has a dso particle size, determined by sedigraph, of about 0.7 to about 3.0 pm and/or a calcite content of at least about 87 wt.-%.

[35] Precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) may be produced by any of the known methods available in the art. TAPPI Monograph Series No 30, "Paper Coating Pigments", pages 34-35 describes the three main commercial processes for preparing precipitated calcium carbonate which may be used in the practice of the present disclosure. In all three processes, a calcium carbonate feed material, such as limestone, is first calcined to produce quicklime, and the quicklime is then slaked in water to yield calcium hydroxide or milk of lime. In the first process, the milk of lime is directly carbonated with carbon dioxide gas. This process has the advantage that no by-product is formed, and it is relatively easy to control the properties and purity of the calcium carbonate product. In the second process the milk of lime is contacted with soda ash to produce, by double decomposition, a precipitate of calcium carbonate and a solution of sodium hydroxide. The sodium hydroxide may be substantially completely separated from the calcium carbonate if this process is used commercially. In the third main commercial process the milk of lime is first contacted with ammonium chloride to give a calcium chloride solution and ammonia gas. The calcium chloride solution is then contacted with soda ash to produce by double decomposition precipitated calcium carbonate and a solution of sodium chloride. The crystals can be produced in a variety of different shapes and sizes, depending on the specific reaction process that is used. The three main forms of PCC crystals are aragonite, rhombohedral and scalenohedral, all of which are suitable for use in the present disclosure, including mixtures thereof. [36] In one embodiment, the precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) has a dso particle size, determined by sedigraph, of about 0.1 to about 1.0 pm.

[37] Micas usually have the general formula X2Y4-6Zs02o(OH,F)4, wherein X is K, Na, or Ca; Y is Al, Mg, or Fe; and Z is Si, Al, Fe³⁺, or Ti, although micas may include Ba, Cs, Fe²⁺, Li, Cr, Mn, V, Zn, Be, or a combination thereof. Mica minerals suitable for the compositions herein include, but are not limited to, muscovite, paragonite, phlogopite, biotite, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the mica is selected from the group consisting of muscovite mica and phlogopite mica.

[38] In an embodiment, the mica may have a dso particle size, determined by sedigraph, of about 4.0 to about 45 pm and/or a dso particle size, determined by microtrac (laser) of about 20 to about 200 pm.

[39] In an embodiment, the mica comprises or consists of muscovite mica and the muscovite mica may have a dso particle size, determined by sedigraph, of about 4.0 to about 40 pm and/or a dso particle size, determined by microtrac (laser) of about 20 to about 200 pm.

[40] In an embodiment, the mica comprises or consists of phlogopite mica and the phlogopite mica may have a dso particle size, determined by sedigraph, of about 8.0 to about 45 pm and/or a dso particle size, determined by microtrac (laser) of about 25 to about 200 pm.

[41] Diatomaceous earth is, in general, a sedimentary biogenic silica deposit comprising the fossilized skeletons of diatoms, one-celled algae-like plants that accumulate in marine or fresh water environments. Honeycomb silica structures generally give diatomaceous earth (DE) useful characteristics such as absorptive capacity and surface area, chemical stability, and low-bulk density. In one embodiment, natural diatomaceous earth comprises about 90% SiC>2 mixed with other substances. In another embodiment, crude diatomaceous earth comprises about 90% SiC>2, plus various metal oxides, such as but not limited to Al, Fe, Ca, and Mg oxides. The particulate diatomaceous earth (DE) according to the present disclosure is typically a natural diatomaceous earth, which may be obtained from a saltwater source or from a freshwater source. The diatomaceous earth (DE) may be in its crude form or after subjecting the material to one or more processing steps.

[42] In one embodiment, the diatomaceous earth (DE) has a dso particle size, determined by microtrac (laser) of about 5.0 to about 40 pm.

[43] Perlite is a naturally occurring siliceous volcanic glass rock, generally distinguishable from other volcanic glasses due to its expansion from about four to about twenty times its original volume when heated to a temperature within its softening range. Perlite is a hydrated material that may contain, for example, about 72 to about 75 wt.-% SiC>2, about 12 to about 14 wt.-% AI2O3, about 0.5 to about 2 wt.-% Fe2C>3, about 3 to about 5 wt.-% Na2<D, about 4 to about 5 wt.-% K2O, about 0.4 to about 1.5 wt.-% CaO, and trace amounts of other metallic elements. Perlite may be used in its expanded and in its unexpanded form.

[44] In one embodiment, the perlite has a dso particle size, determined by microtrac (laser) of about 20 to about 40 pm both in its expanded and unexpanded form.

[45] In one embodiment, the inorganic filler comprises an inorganic compound selected from the group consisting of glass fibers, glass beads, glass spheres, perlite, carbon fiber, graphite, wollastonite, kaolin, metakaolin, grounded calcium carbonate (GCC), precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), diatomaceous earth (DE), mica, talc or mixtures thereof, wherein inorganic compounds have the following particle sizes:

or any embodiment thereof as herein-described.

Polymer

[46] The polymer composition comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and mixtures thereof, and may be selected from the group consisting of polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and mixtures thereof. [47] In one mebodiment, the polymer is a polyamide, for example wherein the polyamide is selected from the group consisting of PA6, PA66, PA11 , PA12, PA46 and mixtures thereof and for example, the polyamide may be PA66.

[48] A suitable polymer, for example, is Vydyne® 21SPC, a Nylon 66, obtainable from Ascend Performance Materials.

[49] In the present disclosure, the term “base resin” denotes the entirety of polymeric parts present in the polymer composition.

[50] Besides the polymer selected from the group consisting of polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and mixtures thereof, the base resin may further comprise one or more further polymeric compounds, such as a polymeric impact modifier, a polymeric process aid and/or a polymeric scratch additive.

[51] In one embodiment, the base resin of the polymer composition comprises at least about 70 wt.-%, or at least about 85, or at least about 90 wt.-% or essentially consists of the polymer selected from the group consisting of polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and mixtures thereof, for example, the base resins comprises at least about 99.5 wt.-% of the polymer selected from the group consisting of polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and mixtures thereof.

[52] In this embodiment, the total amount of polyamides, polyesters, polycarbonates, acrylonitrile butadiene styrenes (ABS) present in the base resin, based on the total amount of the base resin may be at least about 70 wt.-%, such as at least about 85 wt.-% or at least about 99.5 wt.-%.

[53] In another embodiment, the base resin of the polymer composition comprises at least about 70 wt.-%, or at least about 85 wt.-% or essentially consists of (a) the polymer selected from the group consisting of polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and mixtures thereof and, (b), optionally, one or more polymeric compounds, selected from the group consisting of a polymeric impact modifier, a polymeric process aid and a polymeric scratch additive, for example, the base resins comprises at least about 99.5 wt.-% of (a) the polymer selected from the group consisting of polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and mixtures thereof, and, (b), optionally, one or more polymeric compounds, selected from the group consisting of a polymeric impact modifier, a polymeric process aid and a polymeric scratch additive.

[54] In this embodiment, the total amount of polyamides, polyesters, polycarbonates, acrylonitrile butadiene styrenes (ABS) and polymeric impact modifiers, polymeric process aids and a polymeric scratch additives present in the base resin, based on the total amount of the base resin is in one embodiment at least about 70 wt.-%, such as at least about 85 wt.-% and or at least about 99.5 wt.-%.

[55] The polymeric impact modifiers, polymeric process aids and a polymeric scratch additives are, for example, selected from one or more of the following class of compounds (also non-limiting examples are provided):

- grafted polyolefins with anhydride and acid functionalities, e.g., Fusabond®, obtainable from Dow, Bondyram® obtainable from Polyram, Polybond® obtainable from Addivant;

- ethylene and methacrylic acid ionomers, e.g., Surlyn® ionomers, obtainable from Dow;

- maleic anhydride grafted ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM), e.g., RoyalTuf 485 or RoyalTuf 498, both obtainable from Addivant;

- ethylene copolymers, e.g., Lotader® impact modifiers obtainable from Arkema

- styrene acrylonitrile resin (SAN) grafted ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM), e.g, RoyalTuf ESG 115B R-2 or RoyalTuf 372P20, both obtainable from Addivant;

- maleic anhydride grafter polyolefin elastomers, e.g., Amplify, obtainable from Dow;

- acrylate based ethylene terpolymers;

- silicone polymers, e.g., Dowsil 31-441, obtainable from Dow; or

- fluoropolymers for polymer processing aids, e.g., Dynamar® obtainable from 3M®.

Polymer composition

[56] The polymer composition may be made by compounding one or more polymers with the inorganic filler and, optionally, further components. Compounding per se is a technique which is well known to persons skilled in the art of polymer processing and manufacture and consists of preparing plastic formulations by mixing and/or blending polymers and optional additives in a molten state. It is understood in the art that compounding is distinct from blending or mixing processes conducted at temperatures below that at which the constituents become molten. Compounding may, for example, be used to form a masterbatch composition. Compounding may, for example, involve adding a masterbatch composition to a polymer to form a further polymer composition. [57] The optional further components may, for example, be polymeric impact modifiers, polymeric process aids and polymeric scratch additives as described herein and conventional additives, usually stabilizers and antioxidants. In one embodiment, the total amount of stabilizers and antioxidants is 2.0 wt.-% or less, based on the total weight of the polymer composition.

[58] The polymer composition may, for example, be extruded. For example, compounding may be carried out using a screw, e.g., a twin screw, compounder, for example, a Baker Perkins 25 mm twin screw compounder. For example, compounding may be carried out using a co-kneader or internal mixer. The methods disclosed herein may, for example, include compression moulding or injection moulding. The polymer and/or mineral filler and/or optional additives may be premixed and fed from a single hopper.

[59] The resulting melt may, for example, be cooled, for example in a water bath or on a conveyor belt, and then pelletized.

[60] The polymer composition may comprise no greater than about 2.0 wt.-%, for example, no greater than about 1.5 wt.-%, or no greater than about 1.0 wt.-%, or no greater than about 0.5 wt.-%, or no greater than about 0.1 wt.-%, or no greater than about 0.09 wt.-%, of surface treatment additives, based on the total weight of the polymer composition. The polymer composition may comprise no less than about 0.01 wt.-%, for example, no less than about 0.05 wt.-%, or no less than about 0.1 wt.-%, of surface treatment additives, based on the total weight of the polymer composition. The polymer composition may comprise from about 0.01 wt.-% to about 2.0 wt.-%, for example, from about 0.01 wt.-% to about 1.5 wt.-%, or from about 0.01 wt.-% to about 1.0 wt.-%, or from about 0.01 wt.-% to about 0.5 wt.-%, or from about 0.01 wt.-% to about 0.1 wt.-%, or from about 0.01 wt.-% to about 0.09 wt.-%, or from about 0.05 wt.-% to about 2.0 wt.-%, or from about 0.05 wt.-% to about 1 .0 wt.-%, or from about 0.05 wt.-% to about 0.1 wt.-%, or from about 0.05 wt.-% to about 0.09 wt.-%, of surface treatment additives, based on the total weight of the polymer composition.

[61] In an embodiment, the base resin makes up from about 50 to about 98 wt.-% of the polymer composition, for example from about 60 to about 95 wt.-% or from about 65 to about 92.5 wt.-%.

[62] In one embodiment, the polymer of the polymer composition is a polyamide, for example the polyamide may be selected from the group consisting of PA6, PA66, PA11 , PA12, PA46 and mixtures thereof, or the polyamide may be PA6, PA46, or PA66 and the base resin may comprise one or more polymeric compounds, selected from the group consisting of a polymeric impact modifier, a polymeric process aid and a polymeric scratch additive, for example, the polyamide and the one or more polymeric compounds, selected from the group consisting of a polymeric impact modifier, a polymeric process aid and a polymeric scratch additive, if present, make up at least about 95 wt.-% of the base resin. Furthermore, the polymer composition may comprise the base resin in an amount of from about 65 wt.-% to about 92.5 wt.-% and the inorganic filler in an amount of from about 7.5 wt.-% to about 35 wt.-%, for example, the inorganic filler comprises or consist of an inorganic compound selected from the group consisting of glass fibers, glass beads, glass spheres, perlite, carbon fiber, graphite, wollastonite, kaolin, metakaolin, grounded calcium carbonate (GCC), precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), diatomaceous earth (DE), mica or mixtures thereof and the polymer composition is free of talc. Optionally, the polymer composition may further comprise up to 2 wt.-% of stabilizers and/or antioxidants.

Properties

[63] In an embodiment, the polymer composition according to the first aspect fulfils two or more of the following conditions or three or more of the following conditions or all four of the following conditions: the tensile modulus of the polymer composition is improved by at least about 1.5% for each 1 wt.-% loading of inorganic filler compared to the unfilled resin, determined according to ISO 527-2; the flexural modulus of the polymer composition is improved by at least about 1.5% for each 1 wt.-% loading of inorganic filler compared to the unfilled resin, determined according to ISO 178, the tensile strength of the polymer composition is improved by at least about 0.5% for each 1 wt.-% loading of inorganic filler compared to the unfilled resin, determined according to ISO 527-2; the flexural strength of the polymer composition is improved by at least about 1.5% for each 1 wt.-% loading of inorganic filler compared to the unfilled resin, determined according to ISO 178.

[64] In an embodiment, the polymer composition according to the first aspect fulfils one or more of the following conditions or two or more of the following conditions or three or more of the following conditions or all four of the following conditions the tensile modulus of the polymer composition is improved by at least about 2.0% or at least about 2.5% or at least about 3.0% for each 1 wt.-% loading of inorganic filler compared to the unfilled resin, determined according to ISO 527-2; the flexural modulus of the polymer composition is improved by at least about 2.0% or at least about 2.5% or at least about 3.0% for each 1 wt.-% loading of inorganic filler compared to the unfilled resin, determined according to ISO 178, the tensile strength of the polymer composition is improved by 0.5% for each 1 wt.-% loading of inorganic filler compared to the unfilled resin, determined according to ISO 527-2; the flexural strength of the polymer composition is improved by at least about 2.0% or at least about 2.5% or at least about 3.0% for each 1 wt.-% loading of inorganic filler compared to the unfilled resin, determined according to ISO 178.

[65] In an embodiment, in the method according to the second aspect and the use according to the third aspect, the method and use, respectively, fulfils one or more of the following conditions or two or more of the following conditions or three or more of the following conditions or all four of the following conditions: the tensile modulus of the polymer composition is improved by at least about 1.5% or at least about 2.0% or at least about 2.5% or at least about 3.0%for each 1 wt.-% loading of inorganic filler compared to the unfilled resin, determined according to ISO 527-2; the flexural modulus of the polymer composition is improved by at least about 1.5% or at least about 2.0% or at least about 2.5% or at least about 3.0% for each 1 wt.-% loading of inorganic filler compared to the unfilled resin, determined according to ISO 178, the tensile strength of the polymer composition is improved by at least about 0.5% for each 1 wt.-% loading of inorganic filler compared to the unfilled resin, determined according to ISO 527-2; the flexural strength of the polymer composition is improved by at least about 1.5% or at least about 2.0% or at least about 2.5% or at least about 3.0% for each 1 wt.-% loading of inorganic filler compared to the unfilled resin, determined according to ISO 178.

[66] In one embodiment, the scratch resistance AL* of the polymer composition, determined by the Erichsen scratch test according to GMW 14688 Method A fulfils one or more of the following conditions: i) a AL* of 1.5 or less measured at a load of 40 N, ii) a AL* of 1.0 or less measured at a load of 25 N, iii) a AL* of 0.5 or less measured at a load of 15 N.

[67] In one embodiment, the scratch resistance AL* of the polymer composition, determined by the Erichsen scratch test according to GMW 14688 Method A fulfils one or more of the following conditions: i) a AL* of 1.0 or less measured at a load of 40 N, ii) a AL* of 0.5 or less measured at a load of 20 N.

[68] In one embodiment, the scratch resistance AL* of the polymer composition, determined by the Erichsen scratch test according to GMW 14688 Method A with a load of 40 N, is about 2.0 or less, or about 1 .0 or about 0.5 or less.

[69] The ratio between the scratch resistance AL* of the polymer composition, determined by the Erichsen scratch test according to GMW 14688 Method A with a load of 40 N and the amount of inorganic filler in weight percent based on the total weight of the polymer composition may be below about 0.1 %^-1 , for example below about 0.07%^-1.

[70] The ratio between the scratch resistance AL* of the polymer composition, determined by the Erichsen scratch test according to GMW 14688 Method A with a load of 20 N and the amount of inorganic filler in weight percent based on the total weight of the polymer composition may be below about 0.08%^-1, for example below about 0.06%^-1.

[71] The polymer composition may have a flexural modulus of at least about 3000 MPa, such as at least about 3250 MPa or at least about 4000 MPa, for example at least about 5000 MPa or at least about 6000 MPa. Usually, the flexural modulus does not exceed about 12000 MPa.

[72] The polymer composition may have a flexural strength of at least about 75 MPa, such as at least about 100 MPa or at least about 125 MPa. Usually, the flexural strength does not exceed about 400 MPa.

[73] The polymer composition may have a tensile modulus of at least about 3000 MPa, such as at least about 3500 MPa or at least about 4000 MPa, for example at least about 6000 MPa or at least about 8000 MPa. Usually, the tensile modulus does not exceed about 14000 MPa.

[74] The polymer composition may have a tensile strength of at least about 50 MPa, such as at least about 70 MPa or at least about 90 MPa. Usually, the tensile strength does not exceed about 250 MPa. [75] The polymer composition may have a Tensile elongation of at least about 1.0 MPa, such as at least 1.5 MPa or at least about 2.0 MPa, for example at least about 4.0 MPa or at least about 8.0 MPa.

[76] The polymer composition may have an impact resistance (also referred to as "impact energy" or "impact strength"), as measured by the Notched Izod test at 23°C of at least about 1.0 kJ/m², such as at least about 1.5 kJ/m² or at least about 2.0 kJ/m², for example at least about 2.5 kJ/m² or at least about 3.0 kJ/m². Usually the impact resistance measured by the Notched Izod test at 23°C will not exceed about 12 kJ/m².

[77] A further method to determine the impact resistance is the Charpy test, which may be conducted with a notched or an unnotched specimen. The polymer composition may have an impact resistance as measured by the Notched Charpy test at 23°C of at least about 1.0 kJ/m², such as at least about 1.4 kJ/m² or at least about 1.8 kJ/m², for example at least about 2.0 kJ/m² or at least about 2.5 kJ/m². Usually the impact resistance measured by the Notched Charpy test at 23°C will not exceed about 12 kJ/m².

[78] The polymer composition may have an impact resistance as measured by the unnotched Charpy test at 23°C of at least about 5.0 kJ/m², such as at least about 7.5 kJ/m² or at least about 10 kJ/m², for example at least about 20 kJ/m² or at least about 50 kJ/m² or at least about 100 kJ/m². Usually the impact resistance measured by the Notched Charpy test at 23°C will not exceed about 12 kJ/m².

[79] It should be noted that the present disclosure may comprise any combination of the features and/or limitations referred to herein, except for combinations of such features which are mutually exclusive. The foregoing description is directed to particular embodiments of the present disclosure for the purpose of illustrating it. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that many modifications and variations to the embodiments described herein are possible. All such modifications and variations are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure, as defined in the appended claims.

[80] The present disclosure is further defined by the following numbered paragraphs:

1. A scratch-resistant polymer composition that contains an inorganic filler and, optionally, further components, the polymer composition comprising a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and mixtures thereof, wherein the scratch resistance AL* of the polymer composition, as measured by the Erichsen scratch test, according to GMW 14688 Method A, fulfils one or more of the following conditions: i) a AL* of 2.0 or less measured at a load of 40 N, ii) a AL* of 1.0 or less measured at a load of 20 N; iii) a AL* of 0.5 or less measured at a load of 10 N and the polymer composition further fulfils one or more of the following conditions the tensile modulus of the polymer composition is improved by at least about 1.5% for each 1 wt.-% loading of inorganic filler compared to the unfilled resin, determined according to ISO 527-2; the flexural modulus of the polymer composition is improved by at least about 1.5% for each 1 wt.-% loading of inorganic filler compared to the unfilled resin, determined according to ISO 178, the tensile strength of the polymer composition is improved by at least about 0.5% for each 1 wt.-% loading of inorganic filler compared to the unfilled resin, determined according to ISO 527-2; the flexural strength of the polymer composition is improved by at least about 1.5% for each 1 wt.-% loading of inorganic filler compared to the unfilled resin, determined according to ISO 178. Method for improving one or more of the following properties: a) tensile modulus; b) flexural modulus; c) tensile strength; d) flexural strength; of a polymer composition or an article formed from the polymer composition, the polymer composition comprising a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and mixtures thereof, wherein the method comprises adding an inorganic filler and, optionally, further components to the polymer or the mixture thereof, while concomitantly achieving one or more of the following scratch resistances AL*, determined by the Erichsen scratch test according to GMW 14688 Method A, i) a AL* of 2.0 or less measured at a load of 40 N, ii) a AL* of 1.0 or less measured at a load of 20 N; iii) a AL* of 0.5 or less measured at a load of 10 N. The polymer composition according to numbered paragraph 1 or the method according to numbered paragraph 2, wherein the inorganic filler comprises an inorganic compound selected from the group consisting of glass fibers, glass beads, glass spheres, perlite, carbon fiber, graphite, wollastonite, kaolin, metakaolin, grounded calcium carbonate (GCC), precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), diatomaceous earth (DE), mica, talc or mixtures thereof. The polymer composition or methodaccording to numbered paragraph 3, wherein the inorganic compound is selected from the group consisting of glass fibers, glass beads, glass spheres, perlite, carbon fiber, graphite, wollastonite, kaolin, metakaolin, grounded calcium carbonate (GCC), precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), diatomaceous earth (DE), mica or mixtures thereof. The polymer composition or method or according to any one of the preceding numbered paragraphs, wherein the total amount of inorganic filler, based on the total weight of the polymer composition, is from about 2.0 wt.-% to about 50 wt.- %. The polymer composition or method according to numbered paragraph 5, wherein the total amount of inorganic filler, based on the total weight of the polymer composition, is from about 5.0 wt.-% to about 40 wt.-%. The polymer composition or method according to numbered paragraph 6, wherein the total amount of inorganic filler, based on the total weight of the polymer composition, is from about 7.5 wt.-% to about 35 wt.-%. The polymer composition or method according to any one of the preceding numbered paragraphs, wherein the inorganic filler comprises at least about 80 wt.-% based on the total weight of the inorganic filler, of the inorganic compound selected from the group consisting of glass fibers, glass beads, glass spheres, perlite, carbon fiber, graphite, wollastonite, kaolin, metakaolin, grounded calcium carbonate (GCC), precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), diatomaceous earth (DE), mica, talc or mixtures thereof. The polymer composition or method according to numbered paragraph 8, wherein the inorganic filler comprises at least about 95 wt.-% based on the total weight of the inorganic filler, of the inorganic compound selected from the group consisting of glass fibers, glass beads, glass spheres, perlite, carbon fiber, graphite, wollastonite, kaolin, metakaolin, grounded calcium carbonate (GCC), precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), diatomaceous earth (DE), mica, talc or mixtures thereof. The polymer composition or method according to numbered paragraph 9, wherein the inorganic filler essentially consists of the inorganic compound selected from the group consisting of glass fibers, glass beads, glass spheres, perlite, carbon fiber, graphite, wollastonite, kaolin, metakaolin, grounded calcium carbonate (GCC), precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), diatomaceous earth (DE), mica, talc or mixtures thereof. The polymer composition or method according to any one of the preceding numbered paragraphs, wherein the inorganic compound and/or the inorganic filler has a dso particle size, determined by sedigraph, of from about 0.1 pm to about 75 pm. The polymer composition or method according to numbered paragraph 11, wherein the inorganic compound or the inorganic filler has a dso particle size, determined by sedigraph, of from about 0.5 pm to about 7.5 pm. The polymer composition or method according to numbered paragraph 12, wherein the inorganic compound or the inorganic filler has a dso particle size, determined by sedigraph, of from about 0.5 pm to about 6.0 pm. The polymer composition or method according to any one of the preceding numbered paragraphs, wherein the base resin of the polymer composition comprises at least about 70 wt.-% of the polymer selected from the group consisting of polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and mixtures thereof. The polymer composition or method according to numbered paragraph 14, wherein the base resin of the polymer composition comprises at least about 90 wt.-% of the polymer selected from the group consisting _of polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and mixtures thereof. The polymer composition or method according to numbered paragraph 15, wherein the base resin of the polymer composition essentially consists of the polymer selected from the group consisting of polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and mixtures thereof. The polymer composition or method according to any one of the preceding numbered paragraphs, wherein the polymer is a polyamide. The polymer composition or method according to numbered paragraph 17, wherein the polyamide is selected from the group consisting of PA6, PA66, PA11 , PA12, PA46 and mixtures thereof. The polymer composition or method according to numbered paragraph 18, wherein the polyamide is PA66. The polymer composition or method according to any one of the preceding numbered paragraphs, wherein the scratch resistance AL* of the polymer composition, determined by the Erichsen scratch test according to GMW 14688 Method A fulfils one or more of the following conditions: i) a AL* of 1.5 or less measured at a load of 40 N, ii) a AL* of 1.0 or less measured at a load of 25 N, iii) a AL* of 0.5 or less measured at a load of 15 N. The polymer composition or method according to numbered paragraph 20, wherein the scratch resistance AL* of the polymer composition, determined by the Erichsen scratch test according to GMW 14688 Method A with a load of 40 N, fulfils one or more of the following conditions: i) a AL* of 1.0 or less measured at a load of 40 N, ii) a AL* of 0.5 or less measured at a load of 20 N. The polymer composition or method according to any one of the preceding numbered paragraphs, wherein the ratio between the scratch resistance AL* of the polymer composition, determined by the Erichsen scratch test according to GMW 14688 Method A with a load of 40 N and the amount of inorganic filler in weight percent based on the total weight of the polymer composition is below about 0.1 %^-1.

23. An article of manufacture, for example automotive, electrical & electronics, packaging, sporting, safety, household, load bearing, structural or heat resistant goods/components, comprising the polymer composition according to any one of the preceding numbered paragraphs 1 or 3 to 22.

EXAMPLES

Measurement methods

Particle size measurement by sedigraph

[81] Particle sizes, referred to in the present disclosure as being measured by sedigraph, are measured using a SEDIGRAPH 5120 instrument as supplied by Micromeritics Corporation with the Reynolds number being set to 0.30. The size of a given particle is expressed in terms of the diameter of a sphere of equivalent diameter, which sediments through the suspension, /.e., an equivalent spherical diameter or ESD.

Particle size measurement by microtrac (laser)

[82] Particle sizes referred to in the present disclosure as being measured by microtrac(laser), are measured using a Leeds and North rup Microtrac X100 laser particle size analyzer (Leeds and Northrup, North Wales, Pennsylvania, USA), which can determine particle size distribution over a particle size range from 0.12 micrometers (pm or microns) to 704 pm. The size of a given particle is expressed in terms of the diameter of a sphere of equivalent diameter that sediments through the suspension, also known as an equivalent spherical diameter or “ESD.” The median particle size, or dso value, is the value at which 50% by weight of the particles have an esd less than that dso value.

BET surface area

[83] BET surface area refers to the technique for calculating specific surface area of physical absorption molecules according to Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller ("BET") theory. BET surface area may be measured by any appropriate measurement technique. In one aspect, BET surface area can be measured with a Micromeritics® ASAP 2460 surface area and porosity analyzer, using the program MicroActive for ASAP 2460 Version 2.01 and pure nitrogen as the sorbent gas, from Micromeritics Instrument Corporation (Norcross, Georgia, USA).

Erichsen scratch test

[84] The Erichsen scratch test is conducted according to GMW 14688 Method A with an indicated scratch load of 10 N, 20 N or 40 N.

Flexural Modulus and flexural strength

[85] The flexural modulus and the flexural strength have been determined according to ISO 178, using the preferred specimen (Type I) at a speed of 2 mm/min.

Tensile modulus, tensile strength and tensile elongation

[86] The tensile modulus, the tensile strength and the tensile elongation have been determined according to ISO 527 using the preferred specimen (Type I) at a speed of 5 mm/min.

Impact resistance (Notched Izod, notched and unnotched Charpy)

[87] The Notched Izod test has been carried out according to ISO 180 and at a temperature of 23°C.

[88] The notched Charpy impact test and the unnotched Charpy impact test have been conducted according to ISO 179-1 at a temperature of 23°C.

Examples:

[89] As polymer, the Vydyne® PA66, obtainable from Ascend performance materials has been used in the following experiments.

[90] The following inorganic compounds have been used.

Table 1

[91] Compounding of the polymer compositions was conducted in a ZE 25A x 46D UTXi KraussMaffei Berstorff co-rotating intermeshing twin-screw extruder which is shown in Fig. 1 and the screw design is shown in Fig. 2. The left side of Fig. 2 is the upstream end and the right side of Fig. 2 is the downstream end of the extruder.

At inlet port 1, the polyamide and, if used, compacted talc, kaolin, GCC and DE have been fed to the extruder (throat-feeding). At inlet port 2, if used, not compacted talc, wollastonite, kaolin, GCC and DE (side-feeding). Hence, in case of kaolin, GCC and DE a combination of throat-feeding and side-feeding has been used as needed based on loading. At inlet port 3, if used, glass fiber and mica have been fed (side-feeding). The screw speed (extruder rpm) was modified based on the type of mineral/additive processed and the overall throughput of the extruder as it is routine practice for the person skilled in the art. Table 2. Twin Screw extrusion processing parameters

[92] Injection Molding: ISO standard test specimens were prepared using ISO molds and a 66-ton Arburg Allrounder 370E 600-170 injection molder. All compounds were dried to a moisture content of less than 0.2 wt.-% prior to injection molding. Reduced back pressure was utilized to preserve the aspect ratio of glass fiber, wollastonite, mica, and hydrous kaolin.

[93] The molded specimens were sealed in moisture barrier bags and mechanical testing was conducted on a dry-as-molded (DAM) basis after 7 days. The moisture content was also measured to confirm that tests were conducted at moisture content of less than 0.2%. Polymer tests were then conducted as described herein.

[94] The results were as follows:

Table 3A (10 wt.-% load of inorganic compound)

Table 3B (10wt.-% load of inorganic compound)

Table 3C (10 wt.-% load of inorganic compound)

Table 4A (30 wt.-% load of inorganic compound)

Table 4B (30 wt.-% load of inorganic compound)

Table 4C (30 wt.-% load of inorganic compound)

Claims

ImerTech SAS 32 P141082USPROV / RM

1. A scratch-resistant polymer composition that contains an inorganic filler and, optionally, further components, the polymer composition comprising a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and mixtures thereof, wherein the scratch resistance AL* of the polymer composition, as measured by the Erichsen scratch test, according to GMW 14688 Method A, fulfils one or more of the following conditions: i) a AL* of 2.0 or less measured at a load of 40 N, ii) a AL* of 1.0 or less measured at a load of 20 N; iii) a AL* of 0.5 or less measured at a load of 10 N and the polymer composition further fulfils one or more of the following conditions the tensile modulus of the polymer composition is improved by at least about 1.5% for each 1 wt.-% loading of inorganic filler compared to the unfilled resin, determined according to ISO 527-2; the flexural modulus of the polymer composition is improved by at least about 1.5% for each 1 wt.-% loading of inorganic filler compared to the unfilled resin, determined according to ISO 178, the tensile strength of the polymer composition is improved by at least about 0.5% for each 1 wt.-% loading of inorganic filler compared to the unfilled resin, determined according to ISO 527-2; the flexural strength of the polymer composition is improved by at least about 1.5% for each 1 wt.-% loading of inorganic filler compared to the unfilled resin, determined according to ISO 178.

2. Method for improving one or more of the following properties: a) tensile modulus; b) flexural modulus; c) tensile strength; d) flexural strength; of a polymer composition or an article formed from the polymer composition, the polymer composition comprising a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and mixtures thereof, wherein the method comprises adding an inorganic filler and, 33 optionally, further components to the polymer or the mixture thereof, while concomitantly achieving one or more of the following scratch resistances AL*, determined by the Erichsen scratch test according to GMW 14688 Method A, i) a AL* of 2.0 or less measured at a load of 40 N, ii) a AL* of 1.0 or less measured at a load of 20 N; iii) a AL* of 0.5 or less measured at a load of 10 N. The polymer composition according to claim 1 or the method according to claim 2, wherein the inorganic filler comprises an inorganic compound selected from the group consisting of glass fibers, glass beads, glass spheres, perlite, carbon fiber, graphite, wollastonite, kaolin, metakaolin, grounded calcium carbonate (GCC), precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), diatomaceous earth (DE), mica, talc or mixtures thereof. The polymer composition or methodaccording to claim 3, wherein the inorganic compound is selected from the group consisting of glass fibers, glass beads, glass spheres, perlite, carbon fiber, graphite, wollastonite, kaolin, metakaolin, grounded calcium carbonate (GCC), precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), diatomaceous earth (DE), mica or mixtures thereof. The polymer composition or method or according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the total amount of inorganic filler, based on the total weight of the polymer composition, is from about 2.0 wt.-% to about 50 wt.-%. The polymer composition or method according to claim 5, wherein the total amount of inorganic filler, based on the total weight of the polymer composition, is from about 5.0 wt.-% to about 40 wt.-%. The polymer composition or method according to claim 6, wherein the total amount of inorganic filler, based on the total weight of the polymer composition, is from about 7.5 wt.-% to about 35 wt.-%. The polymer composition or method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inorganic filler comprises at least about 80 wt.-% based on the total weight of the inorganic filler, of the inorganic compound selected from the group consisting of glass fibers, glass beads, glass spheres, perlite, carbon fiber, graphite, wollastonite, kaolin, metakaolin, grounded calcium carbonate (GCC), precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), diatomaceous earth (DE), mica, talc or mixtures thereof. The polymer composition or method according to claim 8, wherein the inorganic filler comprises at least about 95 wt.-% based on the total weight of the inorganic filler, of the inorganic compound selected from the group consisting of glass fibers, glass beads, glass spheres, perlite, carbon fiber, graphite, wollastonite, kaolin, metakaolin, grounded calcium carbonate (GCC), precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), diatomaceous earth (DE), mica, talc or mixtures thereof. The polymer composition or method according to claim 9, wherein the inorganic filler essentially consists of the inorganic compound selected from the group consisting of glass fibers, glass beads, glass spheres, perlite, carbon fiber, graphite, wollastonite, kaolin, metakaolin, grounded calcium carbonate (GCC), precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), diatomaceous earth (DE), mica, talc or mixtures thereof. The polymer composition or method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inorganic compound and/or the inorganic filler has a dso particle size, determined by sedigraph, of from about 0.1 pm to about 75 pm. The polymer composition or method according to claim 11 , wherein the inorganic compound or the inorganic filler has a dso particle size, determined by sedigraph, of from about 0.5 pm to about 7.5 pm. The polymer composition or method according to claim 12, wherein the inorganic compound or the inorganic filler has a dso particle size, determined by sedigraph, of from about 0.5 pm to about 6.0 pm. The polymer composition or method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base resin of the polymer composition comprises at least about 70 wt.-% of the polymer selected from the group consisting of polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and mixtures thereof. The polymer composition or method according to claim 14, wherein the base resin of the polymer composition comprises at least about 90 wt.-% of the polymer selected from the group consisting _Of polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and mixtures thereof. The polymer composition or method according to claim 15, wherein the base resin of the polymer composition essentially consists of the polymer selected from the group consisting of polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and mixtures thereof. The polymer composition or method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the polymer is a polyamide. The polymer composition or method according to claim 17, wherein the polyamide is selected from the group consisting of PA6, PA66, PA11, PA12, PA46 and mixtures thereof. The polymer composition or method according to claim 18, wherein the polyamide is PA66. The polymer composition or method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the scratch resistance AL* of the polymer composition, determined by the Erichsen scratch test according to GMW 14688 Method A fulfils one or more of the following conditions: i) a AL* of 1.5 or less measured at a load of 40 N, ii) a AL* of 1.0 or less measured at a load of 25 N, iii) a AL* of 0.5 or less measured at a load of 15 N. The polymer composition or method according to claim 20, wherein the scratch resistance AL* of the polymer composition, determined by the Erichsen scratch test according to GMW 14688 Method A with a load of 40 N, fulfils one or more of the following conditions: 36 i) a AL* of 1.0 or less measured at a load of 40 N, ii) a AL* of 0.5 or less measured at a load of 20 N. The polymer composition or method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio between the scratch resistance AL* of the polymer composition, determined by the Erichsen scratch test according to GMW 14688 Method A with a load of 40 N and the amount of inorganic filler in weight percent based on the total weight of the polymer composition is below about 0.1%^-1. An article of manufacture, for example automotive, electrical & electronics, packaging, sporting, safety, household, load bearing, structural or heat resistant goods/components, comprising the polymer composition according to any one of the preceding claims 1 or 3 to 22.