Classifications

• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • C09D—COATING COMPOSITIONS, e.g. PAINTS, VARNISHES OR LACQUERS; FILLING PASTES; CHEMICAL PAINT OR INK REMOVERS; INKS; CORRECTING FLUIDS; WOODSTAINS; PASTES OR SOLIDS FOR COLOURING OR PRINTING; USE OF MATERIALS THEREFOR
  • C09D5/00—Coating compositions, e.g. paints, varnishes or lacquers, characterised by their physical nature or the effects produced; Filling pastes
  • C09D5/004—Reflecting paints; Signal paints
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • C09D—COATING COMPOSITIONS, e.g. PAINTS, VARNISHES OR LACQUERS; FILLING PASTES; CHEMICAL PAINT OR INK REMOVERS; INKS; CORRECTING FLUIDS; WOODSTAINS; PASTES OR SOLIDS FOR COLOURING OR PRINTING; USE OF MATERIALS THEREFOR
  • C09D11/00—Inks
  • C09D11/02—Printing inks
  • C09D11/03—Printing inks characterised by features other than the chemical nature of the binder
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • C09D—COATING COMPOSITIONS, e.g. PAINTS, VARNISHES OR LACQUERS; FILLING PASTES; CHEMICAL PAINT OR INK REMOVERS; INKS; CORRECTING FLUIDS; WOODSTAINS; PASTES OR SOLIDS FOR COLOURING OR PRINTING; USE OF MATERIALS THEREFOR
  • C09D11/00—Inks
  • C09D11/02—Printing inks
  • C09D11/03—Printing inks characterised by features other than the chemical nature of the binder
  • C09D11/033—Printing inks characterised by features other than the chemical nature of the binder characterised by the solvent
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • C09D—COATING COMPOSITIONS, e.g. PAINTS, VARNISHES OR LACQUERS; FILLING PASTES; CHEMICAL PAINT OR INK REMOVERS; INKS; CORRECTING FLUIDS; WOODSTAINS; PASTES OR SOLIDS FOR COLOURING OR PRINTING; USE OF MATERIALS THEREFOR
  • C09D5/00—Coating compositions, e.g. paints, varnishes or lacquers, characterised by their physical nature or the effects produced; Filling pastes
  • C09D5/04—Thixotropic paints
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • C09D—COATING COMPOSITIONS, e.g. PAINTS, VARNISHES OR LACQUERS; FILLING PASTES; CHEMICAL PAINT OR INK REMOVERS; INKS; CORRECTING FLUIDS; WOODSTAINS; PASTES OR SOLIDS FOR COLOURING OR PRINTING; USE OF MATERIALS THEREFOR
  • C09D7/00—Features of coating compositions, not provided for in group C09D5/00; Processes for incorporating ingredients in coating compositions
  • C09D7/20—Diluents or solvents
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • C09D—COATING COMPOSITIONS, e.g. PAINTS, VARNISHES OR LACQUERS; FILLING PASTES; CHEMICAL PAINT OR INK REMOVERS; INKS; CORRECTING FLUIDS; WOODSTAINS; PASTES OR SOLIDS FOR COLOURING OR PRINTING; USE OF MATERIALS THEREFOR
  • C09D7/00—Features of coating compositions, not provided for in group C09D5/00; Processes for incorporating ingredients in coating compositions
  • C09D7/40—Additives
  • C09D7/43—Thickening agents
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • C09D—COATING COMPOSITIONS, e.g. PAINTS, VARNISHES OR LACQUERS; FILLING PASTES; CHEMICAL PAINT OR INK REMOVERS; INKS; CORRECTING FLUIDS; WOODSTAINS; PASTES OR SOLIDS FOR COLOURING OR PRINTING; USE OF MATERIALS THEREFOR
  • C09D7/00—Features of coating compositions, not provided for in group C09D5/00; Processes for incorporating ingredients in coating compositions
  • C09D7/40—Additives
  • C09D7/60—Additives non-macromolecular
  • C09D7/61—Additives non-macromolecular inorganic
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • C09D—COATING COMPOSITIONS, e.g. PAINTS, VARNISHES OR LACQUERS; FILLING PASTES; CHEMICAL PAINT OR INK REMOVERS; INKS; CORRECTING FLUIDS; WOODSTAINS; PASTES OR SOLIDS FOR COLOURING OR PRINTING; USE OF MATERIALS THEREFOR
  • C09D7/00—Features of coating compositions, not provided for in group C09D5/00; Processes for incorporating ingredients in coating compositions
  • C09D7/40—Additives
  • C09D7/66—Additives characterised by particle size
  • C09D7/69—Particle size larger than 1000 nm
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • C09D—COATING COMPOSITIONS, e.g. PAINTS, VARNISHES OR LACQUERS; FILLING PASTES; CHEMICAL PAINT OR INK REMOVERS; INKS; CORRECTING FLUIDS; WOODSTAINS; PASTES OR SOLIDS FOR COLOURING OR PRINTING; USE OF MATERIALS THEREFOR
  • C09D7/00—Features of coating compositions, not provided for in group C09D5/00; Processes for incorporating ingredients in coating compositions
  • C09D7/40—Additives
  • C09D7/70—Additives characterised by shape, e.g. fibres, flakes or microspheres
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • C09D—COATING COMPOSITIONS, e.g. PAINTS, VARNISHES OR LACQUERS; FILLING PASTES; CHEMICAL PAINT OR INK REMOVERS; INKS; CORRECTING FLUIDS; WOODSTAINS; PASTES OR SOLIDS FOR COLOURING OR PRINTING; USE OF MATERIALS THEREFOR
  • C09D7/00—Features of coating compositions, not provided for in group C09D5/00; Processes for incorporating ingredients in coating compositions
  • C09D7/80—Processes for incorporating ingredients
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
  • C08K—Use of inorganic or non-macromolecular organic substances as compounding ingredients
  • C08K2201/00—Specific properties of additives
  • C08K2201/002—Physical properties
  • C08K2201/003—Additives being defined by their diameter
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
  • C08K—Use of inorganic or non-macromolecular organic substances as compounding ingredients
  • C08K3/00—Use of inorganic substances as compounding ingredients
  • C08K3/40—Glass
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
  • C08K—Use of inorganic or non-macromolecular organic substances as compounding ingredients
  • C08K7/00—Use of ingredients characterised by shape
  • C08K7/16—Solid spheres
  • C08K7/18—Solid spheres inorganic
  • C08K7/20—Glass

Definitions

• the invention relates to a method for providing a composition selected from the group consisting of organic solvent-based pastes, inks, paints and coating formulations with retroreflective properties.
• the invention further relates to said method further comprising the step of applying the retroreflective composition to a substrate.
• Retroreflective effects are used in a variety of applications. For example to improve the visibility of road signs, road markers, textiles, cars, et cetera, under dark conditions, or simply to improve their visual appearance.
• Road markers are typically provided with retroreflective properties by adding spherical glass beads having a specific refractive index. Retroreflection occurs by the tandem action of refraction of the incident light through the upper surface of a spherical glass bead, internal reflection from the lower onside surface of the spherical glass bead and subsequent refraction of the light as it exits the upper surface of the spherical glass bead, travelling back to the direction from which the impinging light came.
• W02004/017104A2 discloses retroreflective compositions comprising retroreflective microspheres, a binder system and a thixotropic blend comprising at least two thixotropic agents in an amount of from about 2 to about 5 wt.%, based on the retroreflective composition.
• the retroreflective compositions are intended to be used as paints, inks and coatings and are applied to a substrate using aerosols applicators with a propellant.
• WOOO/42113A1 concerns retroreflective inks comprising microbeads in a liquid carrier medium.
• the inks are intended for screen printing on textile.
• Organic solvent-based pastes, paints, inks and coating formulations are commercially offered by many suppliers in different colours and/or tailored for different applications. Every new application and every modification of an organic solvent-based paste, paint, ink or coating formulation requires a costly and time-consuming development process, from lab sample to commercial product. Obviously, offering many products in different colours and/or for different applications requires a big warehouse and large stockpiles to be able to quickly respond to customer orders. As explained supra , adding retroreflective properties to pastes, paints, inks and coating formulations may be advantageous because it results in an improved visibility and/or a more appealing visual appearance.
• organic solvent-based pastes, paints, inks and coating formulations i.e. commercially available organic solvent-based pastes, paints, inks and coating formulations, with retroreflective properties without substantially changing the processability of the organic solvent-based paints, inks and coating formulations and without substantially affecting the properties of the paste, paint, ink or coating formulation after drying or curing.
• the inventors have established that providing organic solvent-based pastes, paints, inks and coating formulations with retroreflective properties cannot be implemented by simply mixing the organic solvent-based paste, paint, ink or coating formulation with retroreflective spherical glass beads, because this results in inhomogeneity, air inclusion and/or instability as regards the distribution of the spherical glass beads across the composition.
• the inventors have unexpectedly established that one or more of the objectives can be met by mixing the organic solvent-based paste, paint, ink or coating formulation without retroreflective properties with an organic solvent-based composition comprising retroreflective spherical glass beads and thickener(s), said organic solvent-based composition having a first Brookfield viscosity 772 at a shear rate of 0.5 rpm of between 5 and 350 Pa s and a second Brookfield viscosity 773 at a shear rate of 20 rpm of between 100 and 5000 mPa s, with the proviso that 773 is at least 2 times lower than 772, wherein 772 and 773 are measured at a temperature of 20 °C with a #4 spindle, and by optionally subsequently adding additional thickener.
• the invention concerns a method for providing a composition selected from the group consisting of organic solvent-based pastes, inks, paints and coating formulations with retroreflective properties, said method comprising the steps of: a) providing an organic solvent-based paste, ink, paint or coating formulation without retroreflective properties, said organic solvent-based paste, ink, paint or coating formulation having a Brookfield viscosity 771, at a shear rate of 0.5 rpm and at a temperature of 20 °C, of between:
• step (c) mixing the organic solvent-based ink, paint or coating formulation without retroreflective properties provided in step (a) with the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b) in a weight ratio of between 30 : 70 to 70 : 30, to provide an organic solvent-based paste, ink, paint or coating formulation with retroreflective properties; d) optionally mixing the organic solvent-based paste, ink, paint or coating formulation with retroreflective properties obtained in step (c) with 0 - 4.5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the organic solvent-based paste, ink, paint or coating formulation with retroreflective properties obtained in step (c), of synthetic pigment flakes having an average diameter of between 5 and 150 pm, a thickness smaller than 1 pm, and an aspect ratio of at least 10; and e) optionally mixing the mixture obtained in step (c) or (d) with 0 -
• the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b) mainly consists of organic solvent and spherical glass beads.
• the inert spherical glass beads do not or only hardly influence the organic solvent-based paste, ink, paint or coating formulation.
• these systems are highly compatible with ‘ commercial ’ organic solvent-based paste, ink, paint or coating formulations.
• Organic solvent disappears from the paste, ink, paint or coating formulation with drying or curing.
• the inventors have established that the processability of the organic solvent-based pastes, paints, inks and coating formulations provided in step (a) is hardly changed when the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition as defined in step (b) is added in suitable amounts, with optional addition of thickener.
• the retroreflective spherical glass beads are added in the form of a sufficiently stable and homogeneous organic solvent-based composition as defined in step (b), they can be added to the organic solvent-based paste, ink, paint or coating formulation without retroreflective properties as defined in step (a) without air inclusion, resulting in a sufficiently stable and homogeneous organic solvent-based paste, ink, paint or coating formulation with retroreflective properties.
• shear thinning behaviour in the context of the retroreflective organic solvent- based composition provided in step (b) of the process as defined herein relates to a reduction of the viscosity when the composition, initially being in a static situation, is subjected to a shear rate.
• the invention concerns a method for providing a composition selected from the group consisting of organic solvent-based pastes, inks, paints and coating formulations with retroreflective properties, said method comprising the steps of: a) providing an organic solvent-based paste, ink, paint or coating formulation without retroreflective properties, said organic solvent-based paste, ink, paint or coating formulation having a Brookfield viscosity 771, at a shear rate of 0.5 rpm and at a temperature of 20 °C, of between:
• step (c) mixing the organic solvent-based ink, paint or coating formulation without retroreflective properties provided in step (a) with the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b) in a weight ratio of between 30 : 70 to 70 : 30, to provide an organic solvent-based paste, ink, paint or coating formulation with retroreflective properties; d) optionally mixing the organic solvent-based paste, ink, paint or coating formulation with retroreflective properties obtained in step (c) with 0 - 4.5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the organic solvent-based paste, ink, paint or coating formulation with retroreflective properties obtained in step (c), of synthetic pigment flakes having an average diameter of between 5 and 150 pm, a thickness smaller than 1 pm, and an aspect ratio of at least 10; and e) optionally mixing the mixture obtained in step (c) or (d) with 0 - 3 wt.%, based on the total weight of the organic solvent-
• the first aspect concerns a method for providing a composition selected from the group consisting of organic solvent-based pastes, inks, paints and coating formulations with retroreflective properties, said method comprising the steps of: a) providing an organic solvent-based paste, ink, paint or coating formulation without retroreflective properties, said organic solvent-based paste, ink, paint or coating formulation having a Brookfield viscosity 771, at a shear rate of 0.5 rpm and at a temperature of 20 °C, of between:
• step (c) mixing the organic solvent-based ink, paint or coating formulation without retroreflective properties provided in step (a) with the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b) in a weight ratio of between 30 : 70 to 70 : 30, to provide an organic solvent-based paste, ink, paint or coating formulation with retroreflective properties; d) optionally mixing the organic solvent-based paste, ink, paint or coating formulation with retroreflective properties obtained in step (c) with 0 - 4.5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the organic solvent-based paste, ink, paint or coating formulation with retroreflective properties obtained in step (c), of synthetic pigment flakes having an average diameter of between 5 and 150 pm, a thickness smaller than 1 pm, and an aspect ratio of at least 10; and e) optionally mixing the mixture obtained in step (c) or (d) with 0 -
• step (b) of the process as defined herein limited sedimentation, (phase) separation and/or syneresis of the retroreflective organic solvent-based compositions provided in step (b) of the process as defined herein is no problem if said compositions can be resuspended, e.g. using simple stirring, to obtain compositions that remain homogeneous for a sufficiently long time to process them ( i.e . to mix them with the organic solvent-based paste, ink, paint or coating formulation without retroreflective properties as provided in step (a) of the process as defined herein).
• step (c), (d) or (e) of the process as defined herein is no problem if said compositions can be resuspended, e.g. using simple stirring, to obtain compositions that remain stable and homogeneous for a sufficiently long time to process them (i.e. to apply them to a substrate of interest).
• both the retroreflective organic solvent-based compositions provided in step (b) of the process as defined herein and the organic solvent-based pastes, inks, paints or coating formulations with retroreflective properties provided in step (c), (d) or (e) of the process as defined herein remain stable and homogeneous for a sufficiently long time to process them
• the organic solvent-based paste, ink, paint or coating formulation provided in step (a) is preferably mixed with the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b) in a weight ratio of between 60 : 40 to 40 : 60, more preferably in a weight ratio of between 45 : 55 to 55 : 45.
• the method as defined herein further comprises the step of applying the organic solvent-based paste, ink, paint or coating formulation with retroreflective properties obtained in step (c), (d) or (e) to a substrate using screen printing, curtain coating, spray coating or spray painting.
• steps (c), (d) and (e) are performed at a temperature between 15 and 30 °C under stirring. Stirring is preferably performed at low shear rates to avoid the inclusion of air bubbles.
• step (c) comprises adding the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b) to the organic solvent- based paste, ink, paint or coating formulation without retroreflective properties provided in step (a).
• the synthetic pigment flakes that are added in optional step (d) are preferably chosen from the synthetic pigment flakes as defined herein under ‘ further ingredients'.
• organic solvent as used herein concerns an organic solvent or a mixture of organic solvents that comprises less than 3 wt.% of water, preferably less than 2 wt.% of water, more preferably less than 1 wt.% of water, even more preferably less than 0.5 wt.% of water, most preferably no water.
• Preferred organic solvents are chosen from the group consisting of aliphatic and aromatic solvents, ketones, esters, glycoethers, alcohols, halogenated hydrocarbons, and combinations thereof.
• Very preferred organic solvent are chosen from the group consisting of xylene (mixture of isomers), toluene, ethylbenzene, naphtha, 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene, mesitylene, //- propylbenzene, isopentyl acetate, «-butyl acetate, (2-methoxymethylethoxy)propanol, 2- butoxyethyl acetate, 2-methylbutyl acetate, isobutanol, 1 -butanol, l-ethoxypropane-2-ol, 2,6- dimethyl-4-heptanone, 2-methoxy-l-methylethylacetate, 4,6-dimethyl-heptane-2-one, 4- methyl-2-pentanone, l-me
• the amount of the organic solvent is 15 - 49.85 wt.%, based on the total weight of the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b).
• the amount of the organic solvent is 20 - 45 wt.%, more preferably 25 - 40 wt.%, even more preferably 28 - 35 wt.%, based on the total weight of the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b).
• the amount of the organic solvent is 15 - 48 wt.%, 15 - 45 wt.%, 15 - 42 wt.%, 15 - 40 wt.% or 15 - 38 wt.%, based on the total weight of the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b).
• the amount of the organic solvent is 10 - 48 wt.%, 10 - 45 wt.%, 10 - 42 wt.%, 10 - 40 wt.% or 10 - 38 wt.%, based on the total weight of the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b).
• the amount of the organic solvent is 20 - 49.85 wt.%, 24 - 49.85 wt.%, 26 - 49.85 wt.%, 28 - 49.85 wt.%, 29 - 49.85 wt.% or 30 - 49.85 wt.%, based on the total weight of the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b).
• the refractive index of the spherical glass beads is between 1.5 and 2.8.
• the spherical glass beads have a refractive index, measured at a wavelength l of 589 nm, of between:
• the term ‘glass' in ‘ spherical glass beads' as used herein refers to non-crystalline, amorphous solid and transparent material made of oxides. In other embodiments, the term ‘ glass' in ‘ spherical glass beads' refers to solid and transparent material made of oxides and containing some microcrystallinity.
• the refractive index of the spherical glass beads is closely related to the density of the glass, although the relationship is not linear. Because of the nature of glass, the density is approximately an additive function of its composition. Densities of spherical glass beads having refractive indices between 1.5 and 2.8 typically vary between 2.5 and 4.5 g/cm 3 .
• Oxides that can be used in glass are oxides of silicon, boron, aluminium, sodium, barium, vanadium, titanium, lanthanum, strontium, zirconium, potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium, zinc, lithium, barium and lead.
• the spherical glass beads can for example comprise different combinations of silica (SiCh), boric oxide (B 2 O 3 ), phosphorous pentoxide (P 2 O 5 ), vanadium pentoxide (V 2 O 5 ), arsenic trioxide (AS 2 O 3 ), germanium oxide (Ge0 2 ), calcium oxide (CaO), sodium oxide (Na 2 0), magnesium oxide (MgO), zinc oxide (ZnO), aluminium oxide (AI 2 O 3 ), potassium oxide (K 2 O), iron oxide (Fe 2 0 3 ), lead oxide (PbO), barium oxide (BaO), barium titanate (BaTiCb), titanium oxide (TiCh), lithium oxide (LbO), strontium oxide (
• Silica and boric oxide are generally the lowest in density. Glasses containing large weight percentages of these oxide therefore generally result in glass beads with low refractive indices.
• the refractive indices can be increased by adding oxides with higher molecular weights.
• the spherical glass beads do not comprise PbO.
• the spherical glass beads may be coloured spherical glass beads as long as they remain transparent. Both coloured spherical glass beads made from coloured transparent glass and spherical glass beads provided with a concentric transparent coloured coating are encompassed by the invention.
• the colour may be the natural colour caused by the composition of the oxides or may be deliberately chosen by adding ingredients having a specific colour. Coloured glass beads having high refractive indices and high transparency are disclosed in WO2014/109564A1.
• the spherical glass beads are spherical glass beads made from coloured transparent glass and/or at least part of the spherical glass beads is provided with a concentric transparent coloured coating.
• the spherical glass beads have a median particle diameter D50, as measured with laser diffraction. Accordingly, the median particle diameter D50 is a volume median, based on a volume distribution. The median particle diameter D50 is the diameter where half of the population of spherical glass beads lies below. This volume median particle diameter is often referred to in the art as Dv50 or D v o5.
• the spherical glass beads have a median particle diameter D50, as measured with laser diffraction, between 5 and 1500 pm.
• the spherical glass beads have a median particle diameter D50, as measured with laser diffraction, between 25 and 100 pm, preferably between 30 and 75 pm, more preferably between 35 and 50 pm.
• the spherical glass beads have a median particle diameter D50, as measured with laser diffraction, between 5 and 100 pm, such as between 5 and 75 pm, between 5 and 50 pm, between 5 and 45 pm, between 5 and 40 pm or between 5 and 35 pm.
• the spherical glass beads have a median particle diameter D50, as measured with laser diffraction, between 1 and 100 pm, such as between 1 and 75 pm, between 1 and 50 pm, between 1 and 45 pm, between 1 and 40 pm, between 1 and 35 pm, between 1 and 30 pm, between 1 and 25 pm, between 1 and 20 pm, between 1 and 15 pm or between 1 and 10 pm.
• the spherical glass beads have a median particle diameter D50, as measured with laser diffraction, between 25 and 150 pm, such as between 50 and 150 pm, between 75 and 150 pm, between 100 and 150 pm, between 110 and 150 pm or between 115 and 150 pm.
• the spherical glass beads have a median particle diameter D50, as measured with laser diffraction, between 5 and 1400 pm, such as between 5 and 1200 pm, between 5 and 1000 pm, between 5 and 800 pm, between 5 and 500 pm or between 5 and 300 pm.
• the spherical glass beads have a median particle diameter D50, as measured with laser diffraction, between 1 and 1400 pm, such as between 1 and 1200 pm, between 1 and 1000 pm, between 1 and 800 pm, between 1 and 500 pm or between 1 and 300 pm.
• the diameters D10 and D90 are often referred to in the art as DvlO or D v o .i and Dv90 or D VO. 9, respectively.
• the D10 diameter is the diameter where 10% of the population of spherical glass beads lies below.
• the D90 diameter is the diameter where 90% of the population of spherical glass beads lies below.
• the span, as measured by laser diffraction, of the particle size distribution of the spherical glass beads is defined by:
• the spherical glass beads have a median particle diameter D50, as measured with laser diffraction, between 15 and 100 pm and a span between 0 and 1.9, such as between 0 and 1.5, between 0 and 1, between 0 and 0.5, between 0 and 0.2 or between 0 and 0 1
• the spherical glass beads have a median particle diameter D50, as measured with laser diffraction, between 30 and 75 pm and a span between 0 and 1.9, such as between 0 and 1.5, between 0 and 1, between 0 and 0.5, between 0 and 0.2 or between 0 and 0.1.
• the spherical glass beads have a median particle diameter D50, as measured with laser diffraction, between 15 and 50 pm and a span between 0 and 1.9, such as between 0 and 1.5, between 0 and 1, between 0 and 0.5, between 0 and 0.2 or between 0 and 0.1.
• the spherical glass beads have a median particle diameter D50, as measured with laser diffraction, between 5 and 35 pm and a span between 0 and 1.9, such as between 0 and 1.5, between 0 and 1, between 0 and 0.5, between 0 and 0.2 or between 0 and 0.1.
• the spherical glass beads have a median particle diameter D50, as measured with laser diffraction, between 1 and 35 pm and a span between 0 and 1.9, such as between 0 and 1.5, between 0 and 1, between 0 and 0.5, between 0 and 0.2 or between 0 and 0.1.
• the spherical glass beads have a median particle diameter D50, as measured with laser diffraction, between 10 and 25 pm and a span between 0 and 1.9, such as between 0 and 1.5, between 0 and 1, between 0 and 0.5, between 0 and 0.2 or between 0 and 0.1.
• the spherical glass beads have a median particle diameter D50, as measured with laser diffraction, between 1 and 25 pm and a span between 0 and 1.9, such as between 0 and 1.5, between 0 and 1, between 0 and 0.5, between 0 and 0.2 or between 0 and 0.1.
• the spherical glass beads have a median particle diameter D50, as measured with laser diffraction, between 1 and 15 pm and a span between 0 and 1.9, such as between 0 and 1.5, between 0 and 1, between 0 and 0.5, between 0 and 0.2 or between 0 and 0.1.
• the spherical glass beads have a median particle diameter D50, as measured with laser diffraction, between 1 and 10 pm and a span between 0 and 1.9, such as between 0 and 1.5, between 0 and 1, between 0 and 0.5, between 0 and 0.2 or between 0 and 0.1.
• At least part of the spherical glass beads are hemispherically coated with a light-reflective coating, preferably with a hemispherical aluminium coating (HAC).
• at least part of the spherical glass beads is fluoro-chemically coated.
• the particular application of the organic solvent-based ink, coating or paint composition with retror effective properties provided in step (c), (d) or (e) determines the optimum refractive index of the spherical glass beads used in the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b). If the composition is to be applied in a dry environment or onto a substrate that is to show retroreflectivity under dry conditions and wherein the applied layer of retroreflective spherical glass beads is not coated by a further layer, the refractive index of the spherical glass beads, measured at a wavelength l of 589 nm, can be between 1.8 and 2.8.
• the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b) and the organic solvent-based ink, coating or paint composition with retroreflective properties provided in step (c), (d) or (e) comprise spherical glass beads having a refractive index, measured at a wavelength l of 589 nm, between 1.8 and 2.0.
• the composition is to be applied in a wet environment or onto a substrate that is to show retroreflectivity under wet conditions or the applied layer of retroreflective spherical glass beads is coated by one or more further transparent layers, the refractive index of the spherical glass beads, measured at a wavelength l of 589 nm, preferably is between 2.0 and 2.8, more preferably between 2.2 and 2.4.
• Compositions that are to show retroreflectivity under both dry and wet conditions and wherein the applied layer of retroreflective spherical glass beads is coated or is not coated by one or more further transparent layers can comprise different types of glass beads having different refractive indices, and optionally different sizes.
• the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b) and the organic solvent-based ink, coating or paint composition with retroreflective properties provided in step (c), (d) or (e) comprise spherical glass beads having a refractive index, measured at a wavelength l of 589 nm, between 2.0 and 2.8, preferably between 2.2 and 2.4.
• the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b) and the organic solvent-based ink, coating or paint composition with retroreflective properties provided in step (c), (d) or (e) comprise at least two types of spherical glass beads wherein at least one type of spherical glass beads has a refractive index, measured at a wavelength l of 589 nm, between 1.8 and lower than 2.0 and at least one further type of spherical glass beads has a refractive index, measured at a wavelength l of 589 nm, between 2.0 and 2.8.
• the amount of the spherical glass beads is 50 - 80 wt.%, based on the total weight of the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b).
• the amount of the spherical glass beads is 53 - 75 wt.%, more preferably 58 - 72 wt.%, even more preferably 60 - 70 wt.%, based on the total weight of the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b).
• the amount of the spherical glass beads is 50 - 78 wt.%, 50 - 75 wt.%, 50 - 73 wt.%, 50 - 72 wt.%, 50 - 71 wt.%, 50 - 70 wt.% or 50 - 69 wt.%, based on the total weight of the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b).
• the amount of the spherical glass beads is 52 - 80 wt.%, 54 - 80 wt.%, 56 - 80 wt.%, 57 - 80 wt.%, 58 - 80 wt.%, 59 - 80 wt.% or 60 - 80 wt.%, based on the total weight of the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b).
• the amount of the spherical glass beads is 52 - 85 wt.%, 54 - 85 wt.%, 56 - 85 wt.%, 57 - 85 wt.%, 58 - 85 wt.%, 59 - 85 wt.% or 60 - 85 wt.%, based on the total weight of the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b).
• the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b) of the method as defined herein comprises thickener.
• thickener This can be the same thickener that is (optionally) applied in step (e).
• the term thickener as used herein can also mean a combination of one or more thickeners. Accordingly, thickener and thickeners are both used and have the same meaning, unless indicated otherwise.
• a single thickener is used in the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b). In another embodiment, a single thickener is used in step (e).
• the thickener encompasses a mixture of different thickeners.
• a mixture of different thickeners is used in the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b).
• a mixture of different thickeners is used in step (e).
• the thickener applied in step (e) is the same thickener applied in the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b). In other embodiments, the thickener applied in step (e) is different from the thickener applied in the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b).
• the organic solvent-based paste, ink, paint or coating formulation without retroreflective properties provided in step (a) may also comprise thickener. If present, this thickener may be the same as the thickener applied in step (b) and/or the thickener applied in step (e), or different.
• the thickener limits or reduces settling and/or sedimentation of the spherical glass beads and optionally of further particulate matter in the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b) and in the final organic solvent-based pastes, inks, paints or coating formulations with retroreflective properties provided in step (c), (d) or (e), so that these compositions can be easily resuspended.
• the thickener provides the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b) with shear-thinning behaviour.
• the amount of thickener in the retroreflective organic solvent- based composition provided in step (b) is 0.20 - 3.0 wt.%, more preferably 0.25 - 2.5 wt.%, even more preferably 0.30 - 2.1 wt.%, based on the total weight of the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b).
• the amount of thickener in the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b) is 0.15 - 2.5 wt.%, 0.15 - 2.0 wt.%, 0.15 - 1.75 wt.%, 0.15 - 1.5 wt.% or 0.15 - 1.3 wt.%, based on the total weight of the retroreflective organic solvent- based composition provided in step (b).
• the amount of the thickener in the retroreflective organic solvent- based composition provided in step (b) is 0.20 - 3.50 wt.%, 0.30 - 3.50 wt.%, 0.40 - 3.50 wt.%, 0.50 - 3.50 wt.%, 0.60 - 3.50 wt.%, 0.70 - 3.50 wt.% or 0.80 - 3.50 wt.%, based on the total weight of the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b).
• the mixture obtained in step (c) or (d) is mixed in step (e) with 0 - 2.5 wt.%, 0 - 2.0 wt.%, 0 - 1.8 wt.%, 0 - 1.6 wt.%, 0 - 1.5 wt.%, 0 - 1.4 wt.% or 0 - 1.3 wt.%, based on the total weight of the organic solvent-based paste, ink, paint or coating formulation with retroreflective properties obtained in step (c) or (d) respectively, of thickener.
• the mixture obtained in step (c) or (d) is mixed in step (e) with 0.1 - 3.0 wt.%, 0.2 - 3.0 wt.%, 0.3 - 3.0 wt.%, 0.4 - 3.0 wt.%, or 0.5 - 3.0 wt.%, based on the total weight of the organic solvent-based paste, ink, paint or coating formulation with retroreflective properties obtained in step (c) or (d) respectively, of thickener.
• Preferred examples of thickeners that can be used in the retroreflective organic solvent- based composition provided in step (b) and/or in step (e) are chosen from the group consisting of (modified) hydrogenated castor oil, clay, modified clay, calcium sulphonate complex, organophilic phyllosilicate, silica-gel, synthetic amorphous silica, acrylic acid type gellants, modified cellulosic materials, polyurea dispersions, solutions of urea-modified polyamides, polyurethane dispersions and combinations thereof.
• modified clay includes BENTONE ® LT and BENTONE ® 38 (Elementis Global).
• silica-gel examples include HDK ® N20 (Wacker Chemical Corporation) and AEROSIL ® (Evonik).
• organophilic phyllosilicate is Claytone 40 (Byk).
• An example of a modified hydrogenated castor oil is Efka ® RM 1900 (BASF).
• An example of a hydrogenated castor oil is Efka ® RM 1920 (BASF).
• An example of a solution of a urea- modified non-polar polyamide in isobutanol/monophenyl glycol is Rheobyk-431 (Byk).
• An example of a solution of a urea-modified polyamide of medium polarity in isobutanol/solvent naphtha is Rheobyk-430 (Byk).
• An example of synthetic amorphous silica is Zeothix® 95 (Huber).
• two thickeners are used in the retroreflective organic solvent- based composition provided in step (b) and/or in step (e), more preferably:
• the amount of organic solvent in the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b) is independently specified. If thickener is applied in the form of for example a dispersion in solvent, the amount of thickener defined in the context of step (b) concerns the dry weight of the thickener. If thickener is applied in the form of for example a dispersion in solvent in step (e), the amount of thickener defined in the context of step (e) concerns the dry weight.
• the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b) comprises 0 - 10 wt.% of one or more further ingredients.
• the ‘ further ’ ingredients are different from the other ingredients defined in the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b).
• the further ingredients do not comprise spherical glass beads, thickener and organic solvent.
• the one or more further ingredients are chosen from the group consisting of foam control agents, preservatives, dyes, curing initiators, luminescent agents such as phosphorescent agents and fluorescent agents, pigments, UV-absorbers, binders and resins.
• Suitable binders and resins for compositions based on organic solvents are generally known to the skilled person.
• the binder or resin can be radiation-curable. If the binder or resin is radiation curable, the further ingredients can comprise a curing initiator, such as a photoinitiator or a thermal initiator.
• the one or more further ingredients do not comprise any one of dyes, pigments, binders, resins and curing initiators.
• the one or more further ingredients do not comprise any one of binders, resins and curing initiators.
• the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b) comprises, as part of the one or more further ingredients, synthetic pigment flakes having an average diameter of between 5 and 150 pm, a thickness smaller than 1 pm, and an aspect ratio (flake diameter/thickness) of at least 10, wherein said synthetic pigment flakes are chosen from (A), (B), (C) or a combination thereof:
• A Metal flakes or synthetic mica flakes, optionally coated with at least one layer of one or more components chosen from the group consisting of metal oxides, metals, metal sulphides, titanium suboxides, titanium oxynitrides, FeO(OH), SiCk, B2O3, GeCk, MgF2, metal alloys, rare earth compounds, and optionally coated with an outer layer comprising one or more colourants and a binder;
• (B) Flakes comprising AI2O3, SiCk, glass, ceramics, graphite or mica platelets coated with at least one layer of one or more components chosen from the group consisting of metal oxides, metals, metal sulphides, titanium suboxides, titanium oxynitrides, FeO(OH), SiCk, B2O3, GeCk, metal alloys, rare earth compounds, and optionally coated with an outer layer comprising one or more colourants and a binder;
• (C) Flakes comprising AI2O3 platelets doped with one or more components chosen from the group consisting of TiCk, ZrCk, SiCk, SnCk, ImCk, ZnO and iron oxide, coated with at least one layer of one or more components chosen from the group consisting of metal oxides, metals, metal sulphides, titanium suboxides, titanium oxynitrides, FeO(OH), SiCk, B2O3, GeCk, metal alloys, rare earth compounds, and optionally coated with an outer layer comprising one or more colourants and a binder.
• average diameter ’ in the context of the synthetic pigment flakes refers to the median particle diameter D50.
• synthetic ’ in ‘ synthetic pigment flakes’ means that the pigment flakes are not pigment flakes naturally occurring, but they are pigment flakes that have been chemically manufactured or naturally occurring pigment flakes that have been chemically/physically processed.
• One of the advantages of using synthetic pigment flakes is that they can be produced with very smooth surfaces, thereby increasing their reflective properties.
• flake ’ or ‘ platelet ’ as used herein refers to the shape of pigments having a large surface area and a small thickness.
• flakes or platelets are characterized by their ‘ aspect ratio being defined as the largest dimension, i.e. the largest diameter of the surface, divided by the smallest dimension, i.e. the thickness.
• the synthetic pigment flakes as used herein have and aspect ratio of at least 10, preferably at least 15, more preferably at least 20.
• the average diameter of the synthetic flakes is 6-45 pm, more preferably 7-35 pm, even more preferably 8-25 pm, still more preferably 9-20 pm, most preferably 10-16 pm.
• the thickness of the synthetic flakes is between 10 nm and 800 nm, more preferably between 15 nm and 600 nm. In another preferred embodiment, the thickness of the synthetic flakes is between 10 and 200 nm, more preferably between 10 and 150 nm, even more preferably between 10 and 100 nm, still more preferably between 10 and 50 nm.
• the amount of the one or more further ingredients in the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b) is 0 - 8.0 wt.%, 0 - 6.0 wt.%, 0 - 4.0 wt.%, 0 - 3.0 wt.%, 0 - 2.5 wt.%, 0 - 2.0 wt.%, 0 - 1.5 wt.%, 0 - 1.0 wt.% or 0 - 0.5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b).
• the amount of the one or more further ingredients in the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b) is 0.01 - 10 wt.%, 0.02 - 10 wt.%, 0.04 - 10 wt.%, 0.08 - 10 wt.%, 0.15 - 10 wt.%, 0.25 - 10 wt.%, 0.35 - 10 wt.%, 0.45 - 10 wt.% or 0.55 - 10 wt.%, based on the total weight of the retroreflective organic solvent- based composition provided in step (b).
• the amount of organic solvent in the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b) is independently specified.
• the amount of the one or more further ingredients defined hereinbefore concerns the dry weight of the of the one or more further ingredients, i.e. the weight without the solvent.
• Brookfield viscosities as measured and defined herein are so-called Brookfield viscosities. As is known to the skilled person, Brookfield viscosities of different compositions may need to be measured with different standardized spindles. Compositions with very low viscosities are typically determined with spindle #1, whereas compositions with high viscosities are typically determined with spindle #5. Compositions with intermediate viscosities may be determined with spindle #2, #3 or #4.
• the viscosity of the organic solvent-based paste, ink, paint or coating formulation without retroreflective properties provided in step (a) of the method as defined herein can vary from very low values to high values. That is why the lower limit of the Brookfield viscosity range is determined using spindle #1 and the upper value with spindle #5.
• the organic solvent-based paste, ink, paint or coating formulation without retroreflective properties said organic solvent-based paste, ink, paint or coating formulation having a Brookfield viscosity h i at a shear rate of 0.5 rpm and at a temperature of 20 °C, of between:
• the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b) of the method as defined herein exhibits shear-thinning behaviour.
• the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b) has a first Brookfield viscosity 772 at a shear rate of 0.5 rpm of between 8 and 325 Pa s and a second Brookfield viscosity 773 at a shear rate of 20 rpm of between 110 and 4000 mPa s, with the proviso that 773 is at least 4 times lower than 77 2 , wherein 7/2 and 7/3 are measured at a temperature of 20 °C with a #4 spindle in a 600 ml beaker having a diameter of 8.25 cm.
• the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b) has a first Brookfield viscosity 7/2 at a shear rate of 0.5 rpm of between 10 and 310 Pa s and a second Brookfield viscosity 7/3 at a shear rate of 20 rpm of between 125 and 4000 mPa s, with the proviso that 7/3 is at least 5 times lower than 7/2, wherein 7/2 and 7/3 are measured at a temperature of 20 °C with a #4 spindle in a 600 ml beaker having a diameter of 8.25 cm.
• the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b) has a first Brookfield viscosity 7/2 at a shear rate of 0.5 rpm of between 5 and 350 Pa s and a second Brookfield viscosity 7/3 at a shear rate of 20 rpm of between 100 and 5000 mPa s, with the proviso that 7/3 is at least 30, 50, 60, 70 or 80 times lower than 7/2, wherein 7/2 and 7/3 are measured at a temperature of 20 °C with a #4 spindle in a 600 ml beaker having a diameter of 8.25 cm.
• the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b) has a first Brookfield viscosity 7/2 at a shear rate of 0.5 rpm of between 5 and 25 Pa s and a second Brookfield viscosity 7/3 at a shear rate of 20 rpm of between 100 and 5000 mPa s, with the proviso that 7/3 is at least 2, 3, 4 or 5 times lower than 7/2, wherein 7/2 and 7/3 are measured at a temperature of 20 °C with a #4 spindle in a 600 ml beaker having a diameter of 8.25 cm.
• the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b) can be prepared as follows.
• the ingredients of the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition can be added in any order. It is however preferred to add the thickener at the end of the process, at least after adding the spherical glass beads to the organic solvent, since homogeneously distributing the ingredients is more difficult in a thickened composition.
• the retroreflective organic solvent-based composition provided in step (b) is prepared by:
• step (i) adding the organic solvent, the spherical glass beads as defined hereinbefore, the thickener as defined hereinbefore and the optional one or more further ingredients as defined hereinbefore, to a container; and (ii) stirring or homogenizing the mixture obtained in step (i), preferably at a temperature between 15 and 70 °C, preferably for a period of between 5 and 60 minutes.
• the thickener is added after stirring or homogenizing a mixture of organic solvent and spherical glass beads. In another preferred embodiment, the thickener is added after stirring or homogenizing a mixture of organic solvent, spherical glass beads and any further ingredients. Stirring or homogenization is preferably performed at low shear rates to avoid the inclusion of air bubbles.
• Viscosities were measured using a Brookfield Ametek ® DV2T viscometer at a temperature of 20 °C using different standardized spindles (#1, #2, #3, #4 and #5; LV-1, LV-2, LV-3, LV-4 and LV-5 obtained from Brookfield Ametek ® ) according to operating instructions. Measurements were performed in a 600 ml low form Griffin beaker with a flat bottom having a diameter of 8.25 cm, without using a guard leg. Before measuring the viscosity, the samples were brought to the temperature of 20 °C and were homogenized using stirring.
• compositions provided in step (b) of the process according to the invention were prepared (the compositions provided in step (b) of the process according to the invention) by adding ingredients at ambient temperature ( ⁇ 20 °C) in the following order to a container (3.5 liter) and using a Dispermill Orange-line 18/186:
• Retroreflective Material Co, Ltd. hemi spherically aluminium coated glass beads having a refractive index of about 2.2, measured at a wavelength l of 589 nm, having a median particle diameter D50 of 40.37 pm, a D10 diameter of 37.32 pm and a D90 diameter of 44.11 pm, as measured with laser diffraction, and a specific gravity of about 4.5 g/cm 3 .
• These spherical glass beads comprise TiCk, BaO, ZnO and CaO.
• Syrox S8000 thinner Axalta
• mixture of organic solvents comprising 5-methylhexane- 2-one, «-butyl acetate, 2,6-dimethylheptane-4-one and 4,6-dimethylheptane-2-one
• Cromax XB383 standard thinner comprising mixture of organic solvents, such as xylene, ethylbenzene, naphtha, 1,2,4-trimethylbenzeen, mesityl ene, //-propylbenzene, isopentyl acetate, «-butyl acetate, 2-methylbutyl acetate and 4-methyl-2-pentanone
• Efka ® RM 1920 obtained from BASF, hydrogenated castor oil, fine powder, thickener Claytone 40, obtained from Byk, organophilic phyllosilicate, thickener
• Table 1 composition retroreflective organic solvent-based compositions
• Stability of the three retroreflective organic solvent-based compositions given in Table 1 was determined by visual and tactile inspection of whether the sample shows sedimentation, syneresis or separation (phase or otherwise) right before resuspension and whether the sample shows sedimentation, syneresis or separation (phase or otherwise) directly after resuspension of the mixture. Moreover, it was determined whether the samples remained stable and homogeneous for a sufficiently long time after resuspension. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, limited sedimentation, (phase) separation and/or syneresis of the retroreflective organic solvent-based compositions provided in step (b) of the process according to the invention is no problem if said compositions can be resuspended, e.g.
• Table 2b stability classification
• the Brookfield viscosity of the three retroreflective organic solvent-based compositions given in Table 1 was determined in accordance with the protocol as defined hereinbefore using spindle #4 at 0.5 rpm and 20 rpm. Results are presented in Table 2c.
• the three retroreflective organic solvent-based compositions show shear-thinning behaviour.
• Table 2c Brookfield viscosity using a #4 spindle at about 20 °C
• the three retroreflective organic solvent-based compositions of Example 1 were used in the preparation of five different compositions selected from the group consisting of organic solvent-based pastes, inks, paints or coating formulations with retroreflective properties.
• Example 1 The three retroreflective organic solvent-based compositions of Example 1 (provided in step (b) of the process according to the invention) were mixed with several commercial products without retroreflective properties listed in Table 3 (provided in step (a) of the process according to the invention).
• Table 3 The viscosity of the commercial products is also shown in Table 3.
• Cromax tenumaschinep is a mixture of 42.15 wt.%XB155 Centari 6000 Low Emission Binder (Axalta), 5.47 wt.%XB165 Centari 6000 Low Emission Binder (Axalta), 29.91 wt.% Cromax AM28 Centari Mastertint Fast blue HS (Axalta), 12.76 wt.% Cromax AMI Centari Mastertint White HS (Axalta), 7.59 wt.% Cromax AM27 Centari Mastertint Blue (Axalta) and 2.13 wt.% Cromax AM30 Centari Mastertint Fast Green HS (Axalta). (**) Mixture of 75 wt.% Q550 Autobase Plus MM and 25 wt.% of Q065 Autobase Plus MM.
• compositions selected from the group consisting of organic solvent-based pastes, inks, paints or coating formulations with retroreflective properties were prepared by adding ingredients at ambient temperature ( ⁇ 20 °C) in the following order to a 600 ml beaker and using a Dispermill Orange-line 18/186:
• Table 4 composition organic solvent-based paste, ink, paint or coating formulation with retroreflective properties
• the stability of the five different compositions selected from the group consisting of organic solvent-based pastes, inks, paints or coating formulations with retroreflective properties was determined by visual and tactile inspection of whether the sample shows sedimentation, syneresis or separation (phase or otherwise) right before resuspension and whether the sample shows sedimentation, syneresis or separation (phase or otherwise) directly after resuspension of the mixture. Moreover, it was determined whether the samples remained stable and homogeneous for a sufficiently long time after resuspension.
• step (c) or (e) of the process according to the invention limited sedimentation, (phase) separation and/or syneresis of the organic solvent-based pastes, inks, paints or coating formulations with retroreflective properties (provided in step (c) or (e) of the process according to the invention) is no problem if said compositions can be resuspended, e.g. using simple stirring, to obtain compositions that remain stable and homogeneous for a sufficiently long time to process them ( i.e . to apply them to a substrate of interest).
• compositions selected from the group consisting of organic solvent- based pastes, inks, paints or coating formulations with retroreflective properties disclosed in Table 4 were applied for the corresponding ‘ Purposes' disclosed in Table 3 using the corresponding ‘ Application methods' disclosed in Table 3, resulting in visually appealing coated substrates with retroreflective properties.
• Comparative example Five comparative retroreflective compositions were prepared by directly mixing compositions selected from the group consisting of organic solvent-based pastes, inks, paints or coating formulations (as defined in Example 3) with spherical glass beads as defined in Example 1.
• the comparative retroreflective compositions were prepared as follows. The commercial organic solvent-based paste, ink, paint or coating formulation without retroreflective properties was put in a beaker. The spherical glass beads were subsequently added, followed by thorough mixing with a Dispermill Orange-line 18/186 at 1000-2100 rpm during 7-10 minutes. The process was performed at ambient temperature ( ⁇ 20 °C). The amounts of the different ingredients in the resulting comparative compositions are listed in Table 6. Table 6: composition comparative compositions
• Table 7 lists sedimentation, syneresis and ‘air bubbles/agglomeration’ values of the five comparative retroreflective compositions, that are determined in accordance with the classifications given in Table 2b. It turned out that the samples showed moderate to severe sedimentation so that they could not (samples TO 1236, TO 1237 and TO 1240) or hardly (TO 1238 and T01239) be resuspended. Moreover, sample T01239 showed air bubbles and agglomerates.

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