(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 6,767,949 B1 Pfaendner Et Al

USOO6767949B1 (12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 6,767,949 B1 Pfaendner et al. (45) Date of Patent: Jul. 27, 2004

(54) COMPOSITION AND METHOD FOR COLOR 5,980,783 A 11/1999 Gugumus ...... 252/401 IMPROVEMENT OF NITROXYL 6,091,491 A 7/2000 Chisholm et al. . ... 356/301 CONTAINING POLYMERS 6,353,107 B1 * 3/2002 Kramer et al...... 546/216 6,458.956 B1 * 10/2002 Sutoris et al...... 546/210 (75) Inventors: Rudolf Pfaendner, Rimbach (DE); Michael Roth, Lautertal (DE); Wiebke FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS Wunderlich, Bologna (IT) EP O628595 12/1994 EP O638616 2/1995 (73) Assignee: Ciba Specialty Chemicals EP O735052 10/1996 Corporation, Tarrytown, NY (US) EP O89793O 2/1999 WO 94/11412 5/1994 WO 96/24620 8/1996 (*) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this WO 98/07758 2/1998 patent is extended or adjusted under 35 WO 98/44008 10/1998 U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days. WO 99/07664 2/1999 WO 99/46261 9/1999 (21) Appl. No.: 10/130,866 WO OO/34220 6/2000 (22) PCT Filed: Nov. 16, 2000 WO WOOO/34220 A2 * 6/2000 ...... CO7C/51/OO WO O1/12721 2/2001 (86) PCT No.: PCT/EP00/11378 WO O1/60322 8/2001 S371 (c)(1), WO O2/38632 5/2002 (2), (4) Date: May 22, 2002 * cited by examiner (87) PCT Pub. No.: WO01/38431 Primary Examiner-David W. Wu PCT Pub. Date: May 31, 2001 Assistant Examiner Rip A Lee (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm Tyler A. Stevenson (30) Foreign Application Priority Data (57) ABSTRACT Nov. 25, 1999 (EP) ...... 998110894 The invention relates to a composition comprising, a) at least (51) Int. Cl...... C08L 3/28 one oligomer, cooligomer, polymer or copolymer or blends (52) U.S. Cl...... 524/429; 524/415; 524/417; thereof, containing a stable free nitroxyl radical (1); and b) 524/414; 524/421; 524/419; 524/418; 524/490; a reducing agent, with the proviso that the composition is 524/474 essentially free of a polymerizable monomer. A further (58) Field of Search ...... 524/177, 157, Subject is a proceSS for improving the color of an oligomer, 524/474, 236 cooligomer, polymer or copolymer or blend thereof, con taining a stable free nitroxyl radical (1); by adding a reduc (56) References Cited ing agent to Said polymer and heating Said mixture to above U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS the glass temperature in case of amorphous polymers or above the melting point in case of crystalline or Semi 3.966,711 A 6/1976 Rasberger ...... 260/239.3 crystalline polymers 3.971,757 A 7/1976 Rasberger ...... 260/45.8 4,131,599 A 12/1978 Brunetti et al. . ... 260/45.8 4,672,088 A 6/1987 Scott et al...... 524/236 5,063,259 A * 11/1991 Wanat et al...... 523/201 5,322,912 A 6/1994 Georges et al...... 526/204 5,610,249 A * 3/1997 Ogawa ...... 526/193 5,627,248 A 5/1997 Koster et al...... 526/217 5,817.821 A 10/1998 Valet et al...... 546/188 5,880.230 A 3/1999 Syrinek et al...... 526/83 8 Claims, No Drawings US 6,767,949 B1 1 2 COMPOSITION AND METHOD FOR COLOR group. The bond, polymer to nitroxyl group however is a IMPROVEMENT OF NITROXYL labile bond, which cleaves upon heating, liberating again the CONTAINING POLYMERS nitroxyl radical and giving thus color to the polymer. The color formation depends, therefore, on the concentration of The invention relates to a composition and proceSS for nitroxyl radical/nitroXylether used to Synthesize the poly color improvement of nitroxyl or nitroxyl ether containing C. polymers. AS many processing conditions include a heating Step, e. Stable free nitroxyl radicals or nitroxyl ethers are for g. removing not reacted monomer, Shaping parts by example useful in controlled free radical polymerization extrusion, injection molding, blow molding and the like, (CFRP) and by this way incorporated into the polymer in a 1O undesirable discoloration accompanies these processes. Significant amount, leading in Some cases to slightly colored The problem underlying the present invention is to coun polymers. teract discoloration resulting from Stable free nitroxyl radi Controlled free radical polymerization (CFRP) of ethyl cals. This problem is Solved by adding a reducing agent to enically unsaturated monomerS has attracted continuing the polymer, preferably during a processing Step, Such as attention, because of its capability to produce polymers with 15 extrusion or injection molding. narrow molecular weight distributions and controlled archi One Subject of the invention is a composition comprising, tecture Such as block copolymers. a) at least one oligomer, cooligomer, polymer or copoly U.S. Pat. No. 4,581,429 to Solomon et al., issued Apr. 8, mer or blends thereof, containing a stable free nitroxyl 1986, discloses a free radical polymerization process which radical controls the growth of polymer chains to produce Short chain or oligomeric homopolymers and copolymers, including block and graft copolymers. The proceSS employs an initia tor having the formula (in part) R'R"N-O-X, where X is a free radical Species capable of polymerizing unsaturated monomers. The reactions typically have low conversion 25 rates. Specifically mentioned radical R"R"N-O. groups are and b) a reducing agent; derived from 1,1,3,3 tetraethylisoindoline, 1,1,3,3 with the proviso that the composition is essentially free of tetrapropylisoindoline, 2.2,6,6 tetramethylpiperidine, 2.2, a polymerizable monomer. 5.5 tetramethylpyrrolidine or di-t-butylamine. ESSentially free of a polymerizable monomer means that U.S. Pat. No. 5,322,912 to Georges et al. issued Jun. 21, in Some cases there may be a Small amount of monomer left 1994 discloses a polymerization process using a free radical from manufacturing the polymer, which could not be com initiator, a polymerizable monomer compound and a stable pletely removed. Preferably no monomer at all is present. free radical agent of the basic structure RR"N-O. for the Usually the exceSS monomer is present in an amount of a Synthesis of homopolymers and block copolymers. few ppm. WO 98/13392 describes open chain alkoxyamine com 35 The nitroxyl radical may be present due to its admixture pounds which have a Symmetrical Substitution pattern and during polymerization, due to its admixture for monomer are derived from NO gas or from nitroso compounds which Stabilization, due to its use as chain Stopping agent or due to are Suitable regulators for this type of radical polymeriza a grafting reaction after polymerization has been completed. tion. The nitroxyl radical may be present as a mixture with the EP-A-621 878 and EP-A-735 052 disclose a method for 40 polymer or it may be partially bound to the polymer. preparing thermoplastic polymers of narrow polydispersities The polymers, copolymers, oligomers or cooligomers by free radical-initiated polymerization, which comprises which can be used in the present invention are listed below. adding a free radical initiator and a stable free radical agent 1. Polymers of monoolefins and diolefins, for example to the monomer compound. polypropylene, polyisobutylene, polybut-1-ene, poly-4- WO 96/24620 describes a polymerization process in 45 methylpent-1-ene, polyisoprene or polybutadiene, as well as which very Specific Stable free radical agents are used, Such polymers of cycloolefins, for instance of cyclopentene or as for example norbornene, polyethylene (which optionally can be crosslinked), for example high density polyethylene (HDPE), high density and high molecular weight polyeth 50 ylene (HDPE-HMW), high density and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (HDPE-UHMW), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), (VLDPE) and (ULDPE). 55 Polyolefins, i.e. the polymers of monoolefins exemplified in the preceding paragraph, preferably polyethylene and bearing a hydrogen atom in C-position to the nitrogen atom. polypropylene, can be prepared by different, and especially WO 98/30601 discloses specific nitroxyls based on by the following, methods: imidazolidinones, which are also useful for stable free a) radical polymerisation (normally under high pressure radical mediated polymerization. 60 and at elevated temperature). In addition WO 98/44008 discloses specific nitroxyls b) catalytic polymerisation using a catalyst that normally based on morpholinones, piperazinones and piperazinedi contains one or more than one metal of groups IVb, Vb, OCS. VIb or VIII of the Periodic Table. These metals usually All nitroxyl radicals useful in Such controlled polymer have one or more than one ligand, typically oxides, ization processes have inherently a reddish color. 65 halides, alcoholates, esters, ethers, amines, alkyls, alk Polymers made in the presence of such stable nitroxyl enyls and/or aryls that may be either p- or radicals or nitroxyl ethers are end-capped by the nitroxyl S-coordinated. These metal complexes may be in the US 6,767,949 B1 3 4 free form or fixed on Substrates, typically on activated polyalkyl acrylates or polyalkyl methacrylates, Styrene and magnesium chloride, titanium(III) chloride, alumina or acrylonitrile on acrylate/butadiene copolymers, as well as Silicon oxide. These catalysts may be Soluble or mixtures thereof with the copolymers listed under 6), for insoluble in the polymerisation medium. The catalysts example the copolymer mixtures known as ABS, MBS, ASA can be used by themselves in the polymerisation or or AES polymers. further activators may be used, typically metal alkyls, 7. Polymers derived from C, B-unsaturated acids and metal hydrides, metal alkyl halides, metal alkyl oxides derivatives thereof Such as polyacrylates and polymethacry or metal alkyloxanes, Said metals being elements of lates, polymethyl methacrylates, polyacrylamides and groups Ia, IIa and/or IIIa of the Periodic Table. The polyacrylonitriles, impact-modified with butyl acrylate. activators may be modified conveniently with further 8. Copolymers of the monomers mentioned under 7) with ester, ether, amine or silyl ether groups. These catalyst each other or with other unsaturated monomers, for example systems are usually termed Phillips, Standard Oil acrylonitrile/butadiene copolymers, acrylonitrile/alkyl acry Indiana, Ziegler (-Natta), TNZ (DuPont), metallocene late copolymers, acrylonitrile/alkoxyalkyl acrylate or or single site catalysts (SSC). acrylonitrile/vinyl halide copolymers or acrylonitrile/alkyl 2. Mixtures of the polymers mentioned under 1), for 15 methacrylate/butadiene terpolymers. example mixtures of polypropylene with polyisobutylene, 9. Polymers derived from unsaturated alcohols and polypropylene with polyethylene (for example PP/HDPE, amines or the acyl derivatives or acetals thereof, for example PP/LDPE) and mixtures of different types of polyethylene polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl Stearate, (for example LDPE/HDPE). polyvinyl benzoate, polyvinyl maleate, polyvinyl butyral, 3. Copolymers of monoolefins and diolefins with each polyallyl phthalate or polyallyl melamine, as well as their other or with other Vinyl monomers, for example ethylene/ copolymers with olefins mentioned in 1) above. propylene copolymers, linear low density polyethylene 10. Homopolymers and copolymers of cyclic etherS Such (LLDPE) and mixtures thereof with low density polyethyl as polyalkylene glycols, polyethylene oxide, polypropylene ene (LDPE), propylene/but-1-ene copolymers, propylene/ oxide or copolymers thereof with bisglycidyl ethers. isobutylene copolymers, ethylene/but-1-ene copolymers, 25 11. Polyacetals Such as polyoxymethylene and those ethylene/hexene copolymers, ethylene/methylpentene polyoxymethylenes which contain ethylene oxide as a copolymers, ethylene/heptene copolymers, ethylene/octene comonomer, polyacetals modified with thermoplastic copolymers, propylene/butadiene copolymers, isobutylene/ polyurethanes, acrylates or MBS. isoprene copolymers, ethylene/alkyl acrylate copolymers, 12. Polyphenylene oxides and sulfides, and mixtures of ethylene/alkyl methacrylate copolymers, ethylene/vinyl polyphenylene oxides with Styrene polymers or polyamides. acetate copolymers and their copolymers with carbon mon 13. Polyurethanes derived from hydroxyl-terminated oxide or ethylene/acrylic acid copolymers and their salts polyethers, polyesters or polybutadienes on the one hand (ionomers) as well as terpolymers of ethylene with propy and aliphatic or aromatic polyisocyanates on the other, as lene and a diene Such as hexadiene, dicyclopentadiene or well as precursors thereof. ethylidene-norbornene; and mixtures of Such copolymers 35 14. Polyamides and copolyamides derived from diamines with one another and with polymers mentioned in 1) above, and dicarboxylic acids and/or from aminocarboxylic acids or for example polypropylene/ethylene-propylene copolymers, the corresponding lactams, for example polyamide 4, polya LDPE/ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA). LDPE/ mide 6, polyamide 6/6, 6/10, 6/9, 6/12, 4/6, 12/12, polya ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers (EAA), LLDPE/EVA, mide 11, polyamide 12, aromatic polyamides Starting from LLDPE/EAA and alternating or random polyalkylene/ 40 m-Xylene diamine and adipic acid; polyamides prepared carbon monoxide copolymers and mixtures thereof with from hexamethylenediamine and isophthalic or/and tereph other polymers, for example polyamides. thalic acid and with or without an elastomer as modifier, for 4. Polystyrene, poly(p-methylstyrene), poly(C.- example poly-2,4,4-trimethylhexamethylene terephthala methylstyrene). mide or poly-m-phenylene isophthalamide; and also block 5. Copolymers of styrene or C.-methylstyrene with dienes 45 copolymers of the aforementioned polyamides with or acrylic derivatives, for example Styrene/butadiene, polyolefins, olefin copolymers, ionomers or chemically Styrene/acrylonitrile, Styrene/alkyl methacrylate, Styrene/ bonded or grafted elastomers, or with polyethers, e.g. with butadiene/alkyl acrylate, Styrene/butadiene/alkyl polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol or polytetrameth methacrylate, Styrene/maleic anhydride, Styrene / ylene glycol, as well as polyamides or copolyamides modi acrylonitrile/methyl acrylate; mixtures of high impact 50 fied with EPDM or ABS; and polyamides condensed during Strength of Styrene copolymers and another polymer, for processing (RIM polyamide Systems). example a polyacrylate, a diene polymer or an ethylene/ 15. Polyureas, polyimides, polyamide-imides, propylene/diene terpolymer, and block copolymers of Sty polyetherimids, polyesterimids, polyhydantoins and poly rene Such as Styrene/butadiene/Styrene, Styreneasoprene/ benzimidazoles. Styrene, Styrene/ethylene/butylene/Styrene or Styrene/ 55 16. Polyesters derived from dicarboxylic acids and diols ethylene/propylene/styrene. and/or from hydroxycarboxylic acids or the corresponding 6. Graft copolymers of Styrene or C.-methylstyrene, for lactones, for example polyethylene terephthalate, polybuty example Styrene on polybutadiene, Styrene on lene terephthalate, poly-1,4-dimethylolcyclohexane tereph polybutadiene-Styrene or polybutadiene-acrylonitrile thalate and polyhydroxybenzoates, as well as block copoly copolymers; Styrene and acrylonitrile (or methacrylonitrile) 60 ether esters derived from hydroxyl-terminated polyethers; on polybutadiene; Styrene, acrylonitrile and methyl meth and also polyesters modified with polycarbonates or MBS. acrylate on polybutadiene, Styrene and maleic anhydride on 17. Polycarbonates and polyester carbonates. polybutadiene; Styrene, acrylonitrile and maleic anhydride 18. Polysulfones, polyether sulfones and polyether or maleimide on polybutadiene, Styrene and maleimide on ketones. polybutadiene; Styrene and alkyl acrylates or methacrylates 65 19. Blends of the aforementioned polymers (polyblends), on polybutadiene, Styrene and acrylonitrile on ethylene/ for example PP/EPDM, Polyamide/EPDM or ABS, PVC/ propylene/diene terpolymers, Styrene and acrylonitrile on EVA, PVC/ABS, PVC/MBS, PC/ABS, PBTP/ABS, US 6,767,949 B1 S 6 PC/ASA, PC/PBT, PVC/CPE, PVC/acrylates, POM/ -continued thermoplastic PUR, PC/thermoplastic PUR, POM/acrylate, O POM/MBS, PPO/HIPS, PPO/PA 6.6 and copolymers, PA/HDPE, PA/PP, PA/PPO, PBT/PC/ABS or PBT/PET/PC. X-cal, Preferred is a composition, comprising a) at least one Oo-N O oligomer, cooligomer, polymer or copolymer, obtained by radical polymerization, which polymerization has been car ried out in the presence of a stable free nitroxyl radical O 1O X-ch, Oo-N O and a Source of free radicals capable of initiating polymerization, or in the presence of a nitroxyl ether 15 OX-calls Oo-N O N-O-X,

O wherein X represents a group having at least one carbon atom and is such that the free radical derived from X is X-cal capable of initiating polymerization and the remaining Oo-N O 25 OX-ch. radical forms a stable free nitroxyl radical; and b) a reducing Oo-N O agent, with the proviso that the composition is essentially free of a polymerizable monomer. AS mentioned before controlled free radical polymeriza O tion of ethylenically unsaturated monomers in the presence 35 of nitroxyl radicals or nitroxyl ethers is a known proceSS )-ch, described in numerous prior art documents. Stable free Oo-N N radicals having a structural element H

40 Oy-ch, Oo -N are for example disclosed in EP-A-621 878. 45 Further examples Such as O O-Et 50 )-cis a k H Oo-N N O-Et V H N-Oo N-Oo

O 55 X-cal, Oo-N O are given in WO 96/24620 and WO 00/53640. Further examples are: 60 OX-ch. Oo-N N V 65 H US 6,767,949 B1 7 8 -continued Particularly suitable compounds are listed in Table 1. O C8H17 , TABLE 1. Oo-N N 5 No. Compound Y \ 4O1 O X- C21H43. O N-O

15 402 Initiator/regulator compounds containing a structural ele- ( ) ment HO N-O

N-O-X / 403 are in principal known. Suitable compounds and their manu- Yo -() facture are for example described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,581,429, 25 U.S. Pat. No. 5,721,320, U.S. Pat. No. 5,627,248, WO 98/13392, WO98/30601 or in WO 98/44008. Further Suitable initiator/regulator compounds and their preparation are described in GB 2 335 190. 404 Further suitable individual prior art compounds are for example O N-O

OH 35

N OH 405

O 21 C- 40 O N-O

45 -k 4O6 h O 50 HO N-O

55 4O7 OH

N OH, 60 O 408

65 HO N-O ls US 6,767,949 B1 9 10 Examples for Rs as C-Cooalkoxy interrupted by at least TABLE 1-continued one O atom are of formula No. Compound 4.09

HO N- C wherein R is C1-C5 alkyl, phenyl or phenyl Substituted by C-C alkyl, R is hydrogen or methyl and V is a number 410 from 1 to 50. These monomers are for example derived from non ionic Surfactants by acrylation of the corresponding alkoxylated alcohols or phenols. The repeating units may be 15 derived from ethylene oxide, propylene oxide or mixtures of both. Further examples of Suitable acrylate or methacrylate HO N- C monomers are given below.

411 Ra On 1 a N3 | R. O N-O ls

412

3O N-nn

An, wherein An and R have the meaning as defined above and R is methyl or benzyl. An is preferably Cl, Br or OS-CH Further acrylate monomers are Another preferred class of initiator/regulator compounds is described in the British patent application GB 2 342 649. Ra Typically the ethylenically unsaturated monomer or oli 40 gomer useful in controlled polymerization processes is Selected from the group consisting of ethylene, propylene, N-N-N. n-butylene, i-butylene, Styrene, Substituted Styrene, conju gated dienes, acrolein, Vinyl acetate, Vinylpyrrolidone, y l Vinylimidazole, maleic anhydride, (alkyl)acrylic 45 acid anhydrides, (alkyl)acrylic acid salts, (alkyl)acrylic esters, (meth)acrylonitriles, (alkyl)acrylamides, Vinyl halides or vinylidene halides. Preferred ethylenically unsaturated monomers are ethylene, propylene, n-butylene, i-butylene, isoprene, 1,3- 50 butadiene, C-C-Cisalkene, Styrene, C.-methyl Styrene, p-methyl styrene or a compound of formula CH2=C(R)- (C=Z)-R, wherein R is hydrogen or C-C alkyl, R, is NH, O(Me"), glycidyl, unsubstituted C-C salkoxy, C-Cooalkoxy interrupted by at least one N and/or O atom, or hydroxy-Substituted C-C salkoxy, unsubstituted 55 C-C salkylamino, di(C-C salkyl)amino, hydroxy Substituted C-C salkylamino or hydroxy-Substituted di(C-C salkyl)amino, -O-CH-CH-N(CH) or -O-CH-CH-NH(CH)An; An is a anion of a monovalent organic or inorganic acid; Me is a monovalent 60 metal atom or the ammonium ion. Z is oxygen or Sulfur. Examples of acids from which the anion An is derived are C-Cacarboxylic acids, organic Sulfonic acids Such as CFSOH or CHSOH, mineralic acids such as HCl, HBr 65 or HI, OXO acids Such as HCIO or complex acids Such as US 6,767,949 B1 11 12 -continued providing a Solvent System which prevents precipitation or Ra phase Separation of the reactants or polymer products until H after all polymerization reactions have been completed. N-1 O- C4H9, Exemplary coSolvents useful in the present invention may be Selected from the group consisting of aliphatic alcohols, O glycols, ethers, glycol ethers, pyrrollidines, N-alkyl Ra pyrrolidinones, N-alkyl pyrrollidones, polyethylene glycols, H polypropylene glycols, amides, carboxylic acids and Salts thereof, esters, organoSulfides, Sulfoxides, Sulfones, alcohol 1. SOMe" derivatives, hydroxyether derivatives such as butyl carbitol or celloSolve, amino alcohols, ketones, and the like, as well O as derivatives thereof and mixtures thereof. Specific examples include methanol, ethanol, propanol, dioxane, Examples for Suitable monomers other than acrylates are ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, glycerol, dipropylene glycol, tetrahydrofuran, and other 15 water-Soluble or water-miscible materials, and mixtures thereof. When mixtures of water and water-soluble or water Y Y miscible organic liquids are Selected as the aqueous reaction 2O, s media, the water to coSolvent weight ratio is typically in the range of about 100:0 to about 10:90. Furthermore CFRP is particularly useful for the prepara tion of block copolymers. Block copolymers are, for example, block copolymers of polystyrene and polydienes or polyacrylates (e.g., poly 21 21 r (styrene-b-butadiene), poly(styrene-b-isoprene), poly N O 25 (styrene-b-acrylate) or poly(styrene-b-acrylate-b-styrene). They are usefull as adhesives or as compatibilizers for S. N O polymer blends or as polymer toughening agents. Poly 21 4. (methylmethacrylate-b-acrylate) diblock copolymers or poly(methylacrylate-b-acrylate-b-methacrylate) triblock copolymers) are useful as dispersing agents for coating Preferrably R is hydrogen or methyl, R is NH, gycidyl, Systeme, as coating additives (e.g. rheological agents, unsubstituted or with hydroxy Substituted C-C alkoxy, compatibilizers, reactive diluents) or as resin component in unsubstituted C-C alkylamino, di(C-C alkyl)amino, coatings(e.g. high Solid paints) Block copolymers of Styrene, hydroxy-Substituted C-C alkylamino, or hydroxy (meth)acrylates and/or acrylonitrile are useful for plastics, Substituted di(C-C alkyl)amino; and elastomers and adhesives. Z is oxygen. Block copolymers prepared by CFRP, wherein the blocks Particularly preferred ethylenically unsaturated mono alternate between polar monomers and nonpolar monomers, mers are Styrene, methylacrylate, ethylacrylate, are useful in many applications as amphiphilic Surfactants or butylacrylate, isobutylacrylate, tert. butylacrylate, dispersants for preparing highly uniform polymer blends. hydroxyethyl acrylate, hydroxypropyla crylate, 40 The (co)polymers may have a number average molecular dimethylaminoethylacrylate, glycidylacrylates, methyl weight from 1 000 to 400000 g/mol, preferably from 2 000 (meth)acrylate, ethyl(meth)acrylate, butyl(meth)acrylate, to 250 000 g/mol and, more preferably, from 2 000 to 200 hydroxyethyl(meth)acrylate, hydroxypropyl(meth)acrylate, 000 g/mol. The number average molecular weight may be dimethylaminoethyl(meth) acrylate, glycidyl(meth) determined by size exclusion chromatography (SEC), matrix acrylates, acrylonitrile, acrylamide, methacrylamide or 45 assisted laser desorption/ionization mass Spectrometry dimethylaminopropyl-methacrylamide. (MALDI-MS) or, if the initiator carries a group which can The polymerization process may be carried out in the be easily distinguished from the monomer(s), by NMR presence of an organic Solvent or in the presence of water or Spectroscopy or other conventional methods. in mixtures of organic Solvents and water. Additional cosol A plurality of Specifically designed polymers and copoly vents or Surfactants, Such as glycols or ammonium Salts of 50 mers are accessible by this type of controlled radical fatty acids, may be present. Other Suitable coSolvents are polymerization, Such as Star and graft (co)polymers as described hereinafter. described, inter alia, by C. J. Hawker in Angew. Chemie, If organic Solvents are used, Suitable Solvents or mixtures 1995, 107, pages 1623–1627, dendrimers as described by K. of Solvents are typically pure alkanes (hexane, heptane, Matyaszewski et al. in Macromolecules 1996, Vol 29, No. octane, isooctane), aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, 55 12, pages 4167–4171, graft (co)polymers as described by C. toluene, Xylene), haloge nated hydrocarbons J. Hawker et al. in Macromol. Chem. Phys. 198, 155–166 (chlorobenzene), alkanols (methanol, ethanol, ethylene (1997), random copolymers as described by C.J. Hawker in glycol, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether), esters (ethyl Macromolecules 1996, 29, 2686-2688, or diblock and tri acetate, propyl, butyl or hexyl acetate) and ethers (diethyl block copolymers as described by N. A. Listigovers in ether, dibutyl ether, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether), or 60 Macromolecules 1996, 29, 8992-8993. mixtures thereof. Preferably the reducing agent is a cyclic ethylenically The aqueous polymerization reactions can be Supple unsaturated compound having an allylic hydrogen atom, a mented with a water-miscible or hydrophilic cosolvent to phosphorous compound with oxidation number I-IV and a help ensure that the reaction mixture remains a homoge valence of 3 to 5 or a sulfur compound with oxidation neous Single phase throughout the monomer conversion. 65 number I-IV and a valence of 2 or 4 or a mixture thereof. Any water-Soluble or water-miscible coSolvent may be used, Particularly preferred is a composition, wherein the as long as the aqueous Solvent medium is effective in reducing agent is a mixture of a cyclic ethylenically unsat US 6,767,949 B1 13 14 urated compound having an allylic hydrogen atom and a -continued phosphorous compound with oxidation number I-IV and a (C) valence of 3 to 5 or a sulfur compound with oxidation (CH3)3C C(CH3)3 number I-IV and a valence of 2 to 4. Particularly preferred phosphorous compounds are: 5 O /V -O-CHCH(CHo)CHCH O HPO, phosphinic acid, H.P.O. hypodiphosphonic acid HPO/HPOs phosphonic-faiphosphonic acid. H.P.O. hypodiphosphoric acid (CH3)3C C(CH3)3 (D) O O and their ammonium, alkali or alkali earth Salts. The Salts A w may also contain crystal water. 15 (CH, C- -- X P-O C(CH3)3 Suitable organic phosphorous compounds are O O R–HPO, RR"HPO or RR"HPO, P(OR), wherein R' C(CH3)3 (CH3)3C and R" independently are C7-C8Ar alkyl, phenyl or (E) C-C alkyl. C(CH3)3 (CH3)3C 2O Also Suitable organic phosphites and phosphonites are for O O example triphenyl phosphite, diphenyl alkyl phosphites, HC O- y Y -O CH phenyl dialkyl phosphites, tris(nonylphenyl)phosphite, 3 V M 3 trilauryl phosphite, trioctadecyl phosphite, distearyl pen O O taerythritol diphosphite, tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) C(CH3)3 (CH3)3C phosphite, diisodecyl pentaerythritol diphosphite, bis(2,4- 25 (F) di-tert-butylphenyl)pentaerythritol diphosphite, bis(2,6-di O O tert-butyl-4-methylphenyl)-pentaerythritol diphosphite, HC37-18 -o-,V /Y-o-c 18137H diisodecyloxypentaerythritol diphosphite, bis(2,4-di-tert O O butyl-6-methylphenyl)pentaerythritol diphosphite, bis(2,4, (G) 6-tris(tert-butylphenyl)pentaerythritol diphosphite, tristearyl 3O CH sorbitol triphosphite, tetrakis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)-4,4'- biphenylene diphosphonite, 6-isooctyloxy-2,4,8,10-tetra HC-C-CH tert-butyl-12H-diben Zd, g-1,3,2-dioxaphosphocin, 6-fluoro-2,4,8,10-tetra-tert-butyl-12-methyl-dibenzd.g-1, O P-OCHCH 3,2-dioxaphosphocin, bis(2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-methylphenyl) 35 methyl phosphite, bis(2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-methylphenyl) ethyl phosphite, 2,2',2"-nitrilo-triethyltris(3,3',5,5'-tetra HC1 C\ CH tert-butyl-1,1'-biphenyl-2,2'-diyl)phosphite), 2-ethylhexyl CH (3,3,5,5'-tetra-tert-butyl-1,1'-biphenyl-2,2'-diyl)phosphite. 40 Especially preferred are the following phosphites: Particularly preferred Sulfur compounds are: Tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphite (Irgafos(R 168, Ciba-Geigy), tris(nonylphenyl)phosphite, H2S2O2/H2S2O sulfoxylic-f thiosulfuric acid (A) 45 H.S.O. dithionic acid (CH3)3C C(CH3)3 HSO/HSOs sulfurous-faisulfurous acid R-S-OH Sulfenic acid R-S=O-OH sulfinic acid O V 50 HC-CH P-F / and their ammonium, alkali or alkali earth Salts. The Salts O may also contain crystal water. Typically the alkali or alkali earth metal is Li, Na, K, Ca, C(CH3)3 55 Mg. The Salts can contain additional crystal water. (B) Most preferred are HPO (phosphinic acid), or a Na, K, Ca, Mg or ammonium salt thereof, with or without crystal Water. R 60 Particularly preferred is NaH2PO which may contain P-O-CHCH-N additional crystal water. / Examples of cyclic ethylenically unsaturated compounds are dihydroanthacene and dihydronaphtaline and their (CH3)3C O O 65 derivatives, wherein R-R independently are H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, alkenyl, alkinyl or COOalkyl. The aromatic radicals may also be further Substituted. US 6,767,949 B1 15 16 Further Suitable dienes are 1,4-dienes R1 H R. H R29 R303 O Rs R34 SS-N- R31, R6 R33 R32 R. H R4 H condensed aromatic Systems

A further group is derived from indene, wherein R7-Ro. R35 H have the same meanings as given for R-R-

R7 15 COO CuC wherein V is -CH, O, NH or N(C-C alkyl); or dihy dropyridines Ro H H R37 O H R42 Also suitable are cycloalkenes as defined below. Wherein R41 R38 Ro is H, Alkyl, Cycloalkyl, Aryl, Aralkyl, Alkenyl, Alkinyl, RO OR COOalkyl. X is (CH), n is a number from 1-9 or X is 25 CH=CH-(CH), and n is 0–7 or X is (CH=CH), and is R10 R39 R14 R43 n=0-2. H H

35 Also Suitable are cyclohexadienes, wherein R-R-2 inde L=1-20 pendently have the meaning as defined above for R-R. In Particularly Suitable are polyindene, poly-C-pinene and addition two of each R and R, R and R or Ro and poly-8-pinene of the general formulae Ro can be part of a Second condensed ring System. 40

R11. H R17 L2 R16 R12 R22 R18 H H 45 R50 R15 R13 R21 R19

R14 H R20 H L2

50 A further group are Diels-Alder adducts of cydopentadienes, wherein R-Rs independently have the Same meaning as given above for R-R and Y is -CH2-, O, NH or N(C-C alkyl). 55

The Substituents Ro-Rso have the same meaning as given for R-R and L2 is a number from 1-100. 60 Preferably the meaning of R-Rso So is hydrogen or C-C alkyl. Preferably the reducing agent is a cyclic mono-, Sesqui- or di-terpene having an allylic hydrogen atom. Examples are C-terpinene, Y-terpinene, C-phellandrene, 65 B-phellandrene, limonene, C-pinene, B-pinene, C-terpineol, cadinene, B-Selinene, B-lonone, abietic acid. Most preferred are Y-terpinene and C-phellandrene. US 6,767,949 B1 17 18 The reducing agent is preferably present in an amount of ethylene glycol bis(3,3-bis(3'-tert-butyl-4'-hydroxyphenyl) from 0.01% to 5%, more preferably from of from 0.05% to butyrate), bis(3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl) 3%, based on the weight of the polymer. dicyclopentadiene, bis(2-(3'-tert-butyl-2'-hydroxy-5'- The concentration to be used depends on the amount of methylbenzyl)-6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenylterephthalate, nitroxyl present in the oligomer or polymer. Obviously for 5 1,1-bis-(3,5-dimethyl-2-hydroxyphenyl)butane, 2,2-bis-(3, high concentrations of nitroxyl, high concentrations of the 5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, 2,2-bis-(5-tert reducing agent are used. Furthermore it depends on the color butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methylphenyl)-4-n- improvement (color Stability of the polymer) to be targeted dodecylmercaptobutane, 1,1,5,5-tetra-(5-tert-butyl-4- If a mixture of a cyclic ethylenically unsaturated com hydroxy-2-methylphenyl)pentane. pound having an allylic hydrogen atom (a) and a phospho 1.7. O-, N- and S-benzyl compounds, for example 3,5,3', rous compound with oxidation number I-IV and a valence 5'-tetra-tert-butyl-4,4'-dihydroxydibenzyl ether, octadecyl of 3 to 5 (b) is used, the ratio (a):(b) may vary from 1:10 to 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylbenzylmercaptoacetate, tridecyl-4- 10:1, preferably it is from 1:5 to 5:1 and most preferably hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylbenzylmercaptoacetate, tris(3,5-di from 1:2 to 2:1. tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)amine, bis(4-tert-butyl-3- The composition can also contain further additives. 15 hydroxy-2,6-dimethylbenzyl)dithioterephthalate, bis(3,5-di Examples are given below. tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-benzyl)sulfide, isooctyl-3,5-di-tert 1. Antioxidants butyl-4-hydroxybenzylmercaptoacetate. 1.1. Alkylated monophenols, for example 2,6-di-tert 1.8. Hydroxybenzylated malonates, for example butyl-4-methylphenol, 2-tert-butyl-4,6-di-methylphenol, dioctadecyl-2,2-bis-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxybenzyl)- 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-ethylphenol, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-n- malonate, di-octadecyl-2(3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-5- butylphenol, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-isobutylphenol, 2,6- methylbenzyl)-malonate, di-dodecylmercaptoethyl-2,2-bis dicyclopentyl-4-methylphenol, 2-(C.-methylcyclohexyl)-4, (3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)malonate, bis4-(1,1,3, 6-dimethylphenol, 2,6-dioctadecyl-4-methylphenol, 2,4,6- 3-tetramethylbutyl)phenyl-2,2-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4- tricyclohe Xyl phenol, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4- hydroxybenzyl)malonate. methoxymethylphenol, nonylphenols which are linear or 25 1.9. Aromatic hydroxybenzyl compounds, for example branched in the Side chains, for example, 2,6-di-nonyl-4- 1,3,5-tris-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)-2,4,6- methylphenol, 2,4-dimethyl-6-(1'-methylundec-1'-yl) trimethylbenzene, 1,4-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4- phenol, 2,4-dimethyl-6-(1'-methylheptadec-1-yl)phenol, hydroxybenzyl)-2,3,5,6-tetramethylbenzene, 2,4,6-tris(3,5- 2,4-dimethyl-6-(1'-methyltridec-1'-yl)phenol and mixtures di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)phenol. thereof. 1.10. Triazine Compounds, for example 2,4-bis 1.2. Alkylthiomethylphenols, for example 2,4- (octylmercapto)-6-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanilino)-1,3, dioctylthiomethyl-6-tert-butyl phenol, 2,4- 5-triazine, 2-octylmercapto-4,6-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4- dioctylthiomethyl-6-methylphenol, 2,4-dioctylthiomethyl hydroxyanilino)-1,3,5-triazine, 2-octylmercapto-4,6-bis(3, 6-ethylphenol, 2,6-di-dodecylthiomethyl-4-nonylphenol. 5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenoxy)-1,3,5-triazine, 2,4,6-tris 1.3. Hydroquinones and alkylated hydroquinones, for 35 (3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenoxy)-1,2,3-triazine, 1,3,5- example 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methoxyphenol, 2,5-di-tert tris-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)isocyanurate, 1,3,5- butylhydroquinone, 2,5-di-tert-amylhydroquinone, 2,6- tris(4-tert-butyl-3-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylbenzyl) dip he nyl octade cyloxyphenol, 2,6-di-tert isocyanu rate, 2,4,6-tris (3,5-di-tert-butyl-4- butylhydroquinone, 2,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole, 3,5- hydroxyphenylethyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 1,3,5-tris(3,5-di-tert di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole, 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4- 40 butyl-4-hydroxyphenylpropionyl)-hexahydro-1,3,5-triazine. hydroxyphenyl stearate, bis-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4- 1,3,5-tris(3,5-dicyclohexyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)isocyanurate. hydroxyphenyl)adipate. 1.11. BenZylohosphonates, for example dimethyl-2,5-di 1.4. To cophe rols, for example C.-tocophe rol, tert-butylhydroxybenzylphosphonate, diethyl-3,5-di-tert b-tocopherol, g-tocopherol, d-tocopherol and mixtures butyl-4-hydroxybenzylphosphonate, dioctadecyl-3,5-di thereof (Vitamin E). 45 tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylphosphonate, dioctadecyl-5-tert 1.5. Hydroxylated thiodinhenyl ethers, for example 2,2'- butyl-4-hydroxy-3-methylbenzylphosphonate, the calcium thiobis(6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol), 2,2'-thiobis(4- salt of the monoethyl ester of 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4- octylphenol), 4,4'-thiobis(6-tert-butyl-3-methylphenol), hydroxybenzylphosphonic acid. 4,4'-thiobis(6-tert-butyl-2-methytphenol), 4,4'-thiobis-(3,6- 1.12. A cylamin op he no lS, for example di-Sec-amylphenol), 4,4'-bis(2,6-dimethylhydroxyphenyl) 50 4-hydroxylauranilide, 4-hydroxystearanilide, octyl N-(3,5- disulfide. di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)carbamate. 1.6. Alkylidenebisohenols, for example 2,2'-methylenebis 1.13. Esters of b-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhenyl) (6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol), 2,2'-methylenebis(6-tert propionic acid with mono- or polyhydric alcohols, e.g. with butyl-4-ethylphenol), 2,2'-methylenebis4-methyl(C.- methanol, ethanol, n-octanol, i-octanol, octadecanol, 1,6- methylcyclohexyl)-phenol), 2,2'-methylenebis(4- 55 heXanediol, 1,9-nonanediol, ethylene glycol, 1,2- methylcyclohexylphenol), 2,2'-methylenebis(6-nonyl-4- propanediol, neopentylglycol, thiodiethylene glycol, dieth methylphenol), 2,2'-methylenebis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenol), ylene glycol, triethylene glycol, pentaerythritol, tris 2,2'-ethylide nebis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenol), 2,2'- (hydroxyethyl)isocyanurate, N,N'-bis(hydroxyethyl) ethylidenebis(6-tert-butyl-4-isobutylphenol), 2,2'- O Xamide, 3-thia unde canol, 3-thiapentade canol, methylenebis(5(C.-methylbenzyl)-4-nonylphenol), 2,2'- 60 trimethylhexanediol, trimethylolpropane, 4-hydroxymethyl methylenebis(5-(C,C-dimethylbenzyl)-4-nonylphenol), 4,4'- 1-phospha-2,6,7-trioxabicyclo2.2.2]octane. methylenebis(2,6-di-tert-butylphenol), 4,4'-methylenebis(6- 1. 14. Esters of b-(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-3- tert-butyl-2-methylphenol), 1,1-bis(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy methylphenyl)propionic acid with mono- or poly-hydric 2-methylphenyl)butane, 2,6-bis(3-tert-butyl-5-methyl-2- alcohols, e.g. with methanol, ethanol, n-octanol, i-octanol, hydroxybenzyl)-4-methylphenol, 1,1,3-tris(5-tert-butyl-4- 65 octadecanol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1.9-nonanediol, ethylene hydroxy-2-methylphenyl)butane, 1,1-bis(5-tert-butyl-4- glycol, 1,2-propanediol, neopentyl glycol, thiodiethylene hydroxy-2-methyl-phenyl)-3-n-dodecylmercaptobutane, glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, pentaerythritol,

US 6,767,949 B1 21 22 N-cyclohexyl die than olamine, nickel tert-butoxanilide, mixtures of o- and p-methoxy dibutylidithiocarbamate, nickel Salts of the monoalkyl esters, disubstituted oxanilides and mixtures of o- and p-ethoxy e.g. the methyl or ethyl ester, of 4-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert disubstituted oxanilides. butylbenzylphosphonic acid, nickel complexes of 2.8. 2-(2-Hydroxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazines, for example ke to Ximes, e.g. of 2-hydroxy-4-methylphenyl 5 2,4,6-tris(2-hydroxy-4-octyloxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2-(2- undecylketoxime, nickel complexes of 1-phenyl-4-lauroyl hydroxy-4-octyloxyphenyl)-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1, 3,5-triazine, 2-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-4,6-bis(2,4- 5-hydroxypyrazole, with or without additional ligands. dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2,4-bis(2-hydroxy-4- 2.6. Sterically hindered amines, for example bis(2,2,6,6- propyloxyphenyl)-6-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine, tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)sebacate, bis(2.2,6,6-tetramethyl-4- 2-(2-hydroxy-4-actyloxyphenyl)-4,6-bis-(4-methylphenyl)- piperidyl)Succinate, bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl) 1,3,5-triazine, 2-(2-hydroxy-4-daodecyloxyphenyl)-4,6-bis Sebacate, bis(1-octyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl) (2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2-(2-hydroxy-4- Sebacate, bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl) n-butyl-3, tridecyloxyphenyl)-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5- 5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylmalonate, the condensate of triazine, 2-2-hydroxy-4-(2-hydroxy-3-butyloxy-propoxy) 1-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-2, 2, 6, 6-tetra methyl-4- phenyl-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2-2-hydroxy hydroxypiperidine and Succinic acid, linear or cyclic con 15 4-(2-hydroxy-3-octyloxy-propyloxy)phenyl 4,6-bis(2,4- densates of N,N'-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl) dimethyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2-4-(dodecyloxy/tridecyloxy-2- hexamethylenediamine and 4-tert-octylamino-2,6-dichloro hydroxypropoxy)-2-hydroxy-phenyl-4,6-bis(2,4- 1,3,5-triazine, tris(2,2,.6,6-tetramethyl-4-pipe ridyl) dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2-2-hydroxy-4-(2- nitrilotriacetate, tetrakis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-1, hydroxy-3-dodecyloxy-propoxy)phenyl-4,6-bis(2,4- 2,3,4-butane-tetracarboxylate, 1,1'-(1,2-ethanediyl)bis(3,3, dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2-(2-hydroxy-4-hexyloxy) 5,5-tetramethylpipera Zinone), 4-benzoyl-2,2,6,6- phenyl-4,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-triazine, 2-(2-hydroxy-4- tetra methylpipe ridine, 4- Ste aryloxy-2, 2, 6,6- methoxyphenyl)-4,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-triazine, 2,4,6-tris(2- tetramethylpiperidine, bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidyl)- hydroxy-4-(3-butoxy-2-hydroxy-propoxy)phenyl-1,3,5- 2-n-butyl-2-(2-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylbenzyl)malonate, triazine, 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6- 3-n-octyl-7,7,9.9-tetramethyl-1,3,8-triazaspiro4.5decan-2, 25 phenyl-1,3,5-triazine, 2-2-hydroxy-4-3-(2-ethylhexyl-1- 4-dione, bis(1-octyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidyl) oxy)-2-hydroxypropyloxyphenyl-4,6-bis(2,4- Sebacate, bis(1-octyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidyl) dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine. Succinate, linear or cyclic condensates of N,N'-bis-(2,2,6,6- 3. Metal deactivators, for example N,N'- tetramethyl-4-pipe ridyl) hexamethylene diamine and diphenyloxamide, N-salicylal-N'-salicyloyl hydrazine, 4-morpholino-2,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazine, the condensate of N,N'-bis(salicyloyl)hydrazine, N,N'-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4- 2-chloro-4,6-bis(4-n-butylamino-2,2, 6, 6 hydroxyphenylpropionyl)hydrazine, 3-Salicyloylamino-1,2, tetramethylpiperidyl)-1,3,5-triazine and 1,2-bis(3- 4-triazole, bis(benzylidene)oxalyl dihydrazide, oxanilide, aminopropylamino)ethane, the condensate of 2-chloro-4,6- isophthaloyl dihydrazide, Sebacoyl bisphenylhydrazide, di-(4-n-butylamino-1,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidyl)-1,3,5- N,N'-diacetyladipoyl dihydrazide, N,N'-bis(salicyl oyl) triazine and 1,2-bis-(3-aminopropylamino)ethane, 8-acetyl 35 oxalyl dihydrazide, N,N'-bis(salicyloyl)thiopropionyl dihy 3-dodecyl-7,7,9.9-tetramethyl-1,3,8-triazaspiro4.5decane drazide. 2,4-dione, 3-dodecyl-1-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl) 4. Hydroxylamines, for example, N,N- pyrrolidin-2,5-dione, 3-dodecyl-1-(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl dibenzylhydroxylamine, N,N-diethylhydroxylamine, N,N- 4-pipe ridyl)pyrrollidine-2,5-dione, a mixture of dioctylhydroxylamine, N,N-dilaurylhydroxylamine, N,N- 4 - he X a de cyloxy- and 4- Ste aryl oxy-2, 2, 6, 6 40 dite trade cylhydro Xyla mine, N,N- tetramethylpiperidine, a condensation product of N,N'-bis dihe X a de cylhydro Xyla mine, N,N- (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)hexamethylenediamine and diocta de cylhydroxylamine, N-hexade cyt-N- 4-cyclohexylamino-2,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazine, a condensa octade cylhydroxylamine, N-hepta de cyl N tion product of 1,2-bis(3-aminopropylamino)ethane and 2,4, octadecylhydroxylamine, N,N-dialkylhydroxylamine 6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine as well as 4-butylamino-2,2,6,6- 45 derived from hydrogenated tallow amine. tetramethylpiperidine (CAS Reg. No. 136504-96-6); N-(2, 5. Nitrones, for example, N-benzyl-alpha-phenyl-nitrone, 2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-n-dodecylsuccinimid, N-(1, N-ethyl-alpha-methylnitrone, N-octyl-alpha-heptyl-nitrone, 2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)-n-dodecylsuccinimid, N-lauryl-alpha-undecyl-nitrone, N-tetradecyl-alpha-tridcyl 2-undecyl-7,7,9.9-tetramethyl-1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxo-spiro nitrone, N-hexadecyl-alpha-pentadecyl-nitrone, 4.5decane, a reaction product of 7,7,9.9-tetramethyl-2- 50 N-octadecyl-alpha-heptadecyl-nitrone, N-hexadecyl-alpha cycloundecyl-1-Oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxoSpiro 4.5decane und heptadecyl-nitrone, N-ocatadecyl-alpha-pentadecylnitrone, epichlorohydrin, 1,1-bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4- N-heptadecyl-alpha-eptadecyl-nitrone, N octadecyt-alpha piperidyloxycarbonyl)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethene, N,N'- hexadecyl-nitrone, nitrone derived from N,N- bis-formyl-N,N'-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl) dialkylhydroxylamine derived from hydrogenated tallow hexamethylenediamine, diester of 4-methoxy-methylene 55 amine. malonic acid with 1,2,2,.6, 6-pent a methyl-4- 6. Thiosynergists, for example, dilauryl thiodipropionate hydroxypiperidine, polymethylpropyl-3-oxy-4-(2,2,6,6- or distearyl thiodipropionate. tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)siloxane, reaction product of 7. Basic co-stabilisers, for example, melamine, maleic acid anhydride-O-olefin-copolymer with 2.2,6,6- polyvinylpyrrollidone, dicyandiamide, triallyl cyanurate, tetramethyl-4-aminopiperidine or 1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4- 60 urea derivatives, hydrazine derivatives, amines, polyamides, aminopiperidine. polyurethanes, alkali metal Salts and alkaline earth metal 2.7. OXamides, for example 4,4'-dioctyloxyoxanilide, Salts of higher fatty acids for example calcium Stearate, Zinc 2,2'-diethoxyoxanilide, 2,2'-dioctyloxy-5,5'-di-tert Stearate, magnesium behenate, magnesium Stearate, Sodium butoxanilide, 2,2'-didodecyloxy-5,5'-di-tert-butoxanilide, ricinoleate and potassium palmitate, antimony pyrocatecho 2 - ethoxy-2'-e thyl oxa nil ide, N,N'-bis(3- 65 late or Zink pyrocatecholate. dimethylaminopropyl)oxamide, 2-ethoxy-5-tert-butyl-2'- 8. Nucleating agents, for example, inorganic Substances ethoxanilide and its mixture with 2-ethoxy-2-ethyl-5,4'-di Such as talcum, metal oxides Such as titanium dioxide or US 6,767,949 B1 23 magnesium oxide, phosphates, carbonates or Sulfates of, preferably, alkaline earth metals, organic compounds Such as mono or polycarboxylic acids and the Salts thereof, e.g. 4-tert-butylbenzoic acid, adipic acid, diphenylacetic acid, Sodium Succinate or Sodium benzoate, polymeric com pounds Such as ionic copolymers (ionomers). 9. Fillers and reinforcing asents, for example, calcium and a Source of free radicals capable of initiating the carbonate, Silicates, glass fibres, glass bulbs, asbestos, talc, polymerization, or in the presence of a nitroxyl ether kaolin, mica, barium Sulfate, metal oxides and hydroxides, carbon black, graphite, wood flour and flours or fibers of 1O other natural products, Synthetic fibers. N-O-X, 10. Other additives, for example, plasticisers, lubricants, emulsifiers, pigments, rheology additives, catalysts, flow control agents, optical brighteners, flameproofing agents, antistatic agents and blowing agents. 15 wherein X represents a group having at least one carbon 11. Benzofuranones and indolinones, for example those atom and is such that the free radical derived from X is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,325,863; U.S. Pat. No. 4,338, capable of initiating polymerization and the remaining 244; U.S. Pat. No. 5,175,312; U.S. Pat. No. 5,216,052; U.S. Pat. No. 5,252,643; DE-A-4316611; DE-A4316622; DE-A- 4316876; EP-A-0589839 or EP-A-0591102 or 3-4-(2- acetoxyethoxy)-phenyl-5,7-di-tert-butyl-benzofuran-2-one, 5,7-di-tert-butyl-3-4-(2-stearoyloxyethoxy)phenyl benzofuran-2-one, 3,3'-bis(5,7-di-tert-butyl-3-(4-2- hydroxyethoxyphenyl)benzofuran-2-one), 5,7-di-tert butyl-3-(4-ethoxyphenyl)benzofuran-2-one, 3-(4-acetoxy-3, radical forms a stable free nitroxyl radical; 5-dimethylphenyl)-5,7-di-tert-butylbenzofuran-2-one, 3-(3, 25 by adding a reducing agent to Said polymer and heaung 5-dimethyl-4-pivaloyloxyphenyl)-5,7-di-tert Said mixture to above the glass temperature in case of butylbenzofuran-2-one, 3-(3,4-dimethylphenyl)-5,7-di-tert amorphous polymers or above the melting point in case butyl-benzofuran-2-one, 3-(2,3-dimethylphenyl)-5,7-di-tert of crystalline or Semi-crystalline polymers, butyl-benzofuran-2-one. with the proviso that essentially no polymerizable mono Another Subject of the invention is a process for improv mer is present. ing the color of an oligomer, cooligomer, polymer or copoly The process is preferably carried out, wherein the mixture mer or blends thereof, containing a stable free nitroxyl is heated to 50-150° C. above the glass temperature in case radical of amorphous polymers or 20-180° C. above the melting point in case of crystalline or Semi-crystalline polymers. 35 The heating Step of the proceSS may be performed in any reactor Suitable for mixing a polymer melt. Preferably the reactor is an extruder or kneading apparatus as for example described in “Handbuch der Kunststoffextrusion' Vol.1, by adding a reducing agent to Said polymer and heating Said 40 editor F. Hensen, W. Knappe and H. Potente, 1989, pages mixture to above the glass temperature in case of amorphous 3-7. If an extruder is used the process may be described as polymers or above the melting point in case of crystalline or reactive extrusion process. Examples of reactive extrusion Semi-crystalline polymers, equipment and processes are given by G. H. Hu et al., in with the proviso that essentially no polymerizable mono “Reactive Modifiers for Polymers', first edition, Blackie mer is present. 45 Academic & Professional an Imprint of Chapman & Hall, There are different reasons, why stable free nitroxyl London 1997, chapter 1, pages 1-97. radicals may be present in a polymer One possibility is that Preferably, if an extruder is used, a reduced pressure of graft polymers have been prepared in the presence of a less than 200 mbar is applied during extrusion. Volatile by indroxyl radical or a niroxyl ether. Such a process typically products may be removed thereby. comprises a first step A), wherein a stable nitroxyl radical is 50 grafted onto a polymer, which Step comprises heating a Typical reaction times are from a few Seconds to Several polymer and a compound containing a Stable NO. radical to hours. Preferably the reaction time is from 10 seconds to 1 above the melting point of the polymer, mixing and reacting h, most preferably from 20 seconds to 20 min. the components at Said temperature; and in a second step B) Another Subject is the use of a reducing agent for improv the grafted polymer of Step A) is heated in the presence of ing the color of an oligomer, cooligomer, polymer or copoly an ethylenically unsaturated monomer or oligomer to a 55 mer or blends thereof, containing a stable free nitroxyl temperature at which cleavage of the nitroxyl-polymer bond radical OCCS. Such polymers, grafted in the presence of a nitroxyl radical or a nitroxyl ether are also a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 60 The stable free nitroxyl radical may also be present in the polymer due to its admixture for monomer Stabilization or due to its use as chain stopping agent. Still another subject of the invention is the use of a Preferred is a process for improving the color of reducing agent for removing the discoloration of polymers, polymers, obtained by radical polymerization, which poly 65 obtained by radical polymerization, which polymerization merization has been carried out in the presence of a stable has been carried out in the presence of a Stable free nitroxyl free nitroxyl radical radical US 6,767,949 B1 26 From the Synthesized polystyrene a molded plaque of 2 mm thickness is prepared (molding conditions: 1 min heating, 1 min molding, 1 min pressure release, 3 min molding, T=220 C.). The yellowness index is measured according to DIN 53383.

In a twin screw extruder, model TW 100, Haake, the and a Source of free radicals capable of initiating the Synthesized polystyrene is extruded together with the addi polymerization, or in the presence of a nitroxyl ether tives given in table 3 at a temperature T=220 C. (heating Zones 1-5) and 40 r/min. The product is granulated from Strands in a water bath. From the granules a molded plaque N-O-X, of 2 mm thickness is prepared (molding conditions: 1 min heating, 1 min molding, 1 min pressure release, 3 min 15 molding, T=220° C.). The plaques are stored at 80 C. in a circulating air drying wherein X represents a group having at least one carbon oven in order to determine discoloration during thermal atom and is such that the free radical derived from X is aging after definite time intervals. Table 1 shows the mea capable of initiating polymerization and the remaining sured yellowness index at different time intervals (h).

TABLE 1. yellowness index of molded polystyrene prepared by controlled free radical polymerization using nitroxyl A

No. polymer additives Oh 25Oh SOOh 1000 h 15OOh 2000 h. starting without 10.5 19.2 20.4 22.4 26.1 27.2 material, VO processing comparative starting without 15.2 23.5 24.4 27.7 28.8 35.8 example, V1 material Example 1 starting 0.1% C- 7.9 13.O 130 13.5 14.O 14.1 material phellandrene + NaHPO, HO

EXAMPLES 2-4 40 Color improvement of polystyrene containing nitroxyl radicals (model experiment) radical forms a stable free nitroxyl radical. 45 In a twin Screw extruder, model TW 100, Haake, a The following examples illustrate the invention. commercial general purpose polystyrene (PS-165/H ex The nitroxyl compounds A, B and C used in the following BASF, MFRoots=2.9) is extruded together with 0.1% examples are known and can be prepared by oxidation of the decandioic acid bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidine-4-yl-1- corresponding amines for example according to U.S. Pat. oxyl)ester (CXA 5415, commercial nitroxyl of Ciba Spe Nos. 5,654,434, 5,204,473 and GB 2335 190. 50 cialty Chemicals) at a temperature T=220 C. (heating Zones 1-5) and 40 r/min. The product is granulated from EXAMPLE 1. Strands in a water bath. From the granules a molded plaque of 2 mm thickness is prepared (molding conditions: 1 min Color improvement of polystyrene Synthesized by con heating, 1 min molding, 1 min pressure release, 3 min trolled free radical polymerization in presence of a nitroxyl 55 molding, T=220 C). The yellowness index is measured radical according to DIN 53383. In a 2 1 reactor 1.419 g (5.858 mmol) dibenzoyl peroxide and 2.707 g (7.615 mmol) dodecanoic acid-(2,2,6,6- The nitroxyl radical containing granulate is extruded for tetramethyl-piperidine-4-yl-1-oxyl)ester (nitroxyl A) are a Second time together with the additives given in table 1 added to 1590 g (15.27 mol) styrene under argon atmo 60 (T=250 C. (heating Zone 1-5) and 40 r/min), granules Sphere. Dissolved oxygen is removed in repeating are formed and molded plaques are prepared as given above. evacuation/Ar-purging Steps. The reaction mixture is stirred and heated under argon atmosphere to 125 C. for 6 hours. Remaining monomer is removed at 60° C. under vacuum. The plaques are stored at 80 C. in a circulating air drying The residue is dried in a first Step under Vacuum and in a 65 oven in order to determine discoloration during thermal Second step under normal pressure at 70° C. until constant aging after definite time intervals. Table 2 shows the mea weight is achieved (1390 g polystyrene, 87% conversion). sured yellowness index at different time intervals (h). US 6,767,949 B1 27 28 heating, 1 min molding, 1 min pressure release, 3 min TABLE 2 molding, T=220 C.). The yellowness index is measured on a Minolta CM 3600D according to DIN 6167. yellowness index of molded polystyrene The nitroxyl radical containing granulate is extruded for YI a Second time together with the additives given in Table 4 (T=220fix C. (heating Zone 1-5) and 100 r/min), granules No. polymer additive Oh 100 h. are formed and molded plaques are prepared as given above. starting PS-165/H with 0.1% 7.1 7.5 Table 4 shows the measured yellowness index. material, VO CXA 5415 comparative granulated PS, VO without 10.8 11.6 example, V2 additive TABLE 4 example 2 granulated PS, VO 0.5% Y-terpinene 5.9 7.O example 3 granulated PS, VO 0.25% Y-terpinene + 6.O 6.8 yellowness index of molded polystyrene 0.25% NaHPO, HO example 4 granulated PS, VO 0.5% C-phellandrene 7.2 9.2 No. polymer additives YI 15 starting PS-165/H with O.1% 5.8 material nitroxyl B comparative granulated PS, without additive 1.O.O EXAMPLES 5-8 example, V4 starting material example 9 granulated PS, 0.1% calcuimcitrate 7.3 Color improvement of polyethylene containing nitroxyl starting material radicals (model experiment) example 10 granulated PS, 0.1% Irgafos TNPP 5.9 starting material In a twin screw extruder, model ZSK 25, Werner & example 11 granulated PS, 0.1% Irganox 3052 8.6 Pfleiderer, a commercial grade low density polyethylene starting material (Lupolen 1812E ex BASF, MFR, loos-34) is extruded example 12 granulated PS, O.1% 8.5 together with 0.1% dodecanoic acid(2.2,6,6-tetramethyl starting material Mg(H2PO)*HO piperidine-4-yl-1-oxyl)ester at a temperature T=200 C. 25 example 13 granulated PS, 0.1% squalene 8.5 (heating Zones 1-5) and 100 r/min. The product is granu starting material lated from Strands in a water bath. From the granules a nitroxyl B = Octadecanoic acid-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidine-4-yl-1-oxyl) molded plaque of 2 mm thickness is prepared (molding ester Irgafos TNPP = tris(nonylphenyl)phosphite (commercial product of Ciba conditions: 1 min heating, 1 min molding, 1 min preSSure Specialty Chemicals) release, 3 min molding, T=220 C.). The yellowness index Irganox 3052 = 2-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-6-3-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-2-hydroxy is measured according to DIN 53383. 5-methylphenylmethyl-4-methylphenyl acrylate (commercial product of The nitroxyl radical containing granulate is extruded for Ciba Specialty Chemicals) a Second time together with the additives given in table 1 (T=220 C. (heating Zone 1-5) and 100 r/min), granules EXAMPLES 14-20 are formed and molded plaques are prepared as given above. 35 Table 3 shows the measured yellowness index. Color improvement of polystyrene containing nitroxyl radicals (model experiment) TABLE 3 In a twin screw extruder, model ZSK 25, Werner & Pfleiderer, a commercial general purpose polystyrene (PS yellowness index of molded polyethylene 40 165/Hex BASF, MFRecos)=3.5) is extruded together with No. polymer additives YI 0.05% acetic acid(2,6-diethyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-piperidine-4- yl-1-oxyl)ester at a temperature T=220 C. (heating starting Lupolen 1812E with 0.1% 18.5 material nitroxyl A. Zones 1-5) and 100 r/min. The product is granulated from comparative granulated LDPE, without additive 31.5 Strands in a water bath. From the granules a molded plaque example, V3 starting material 45 of 2 mm thickness is prepared (molding conditions: 1 min example 5 granulated LDPE, 0.1% C-phelland rene 19.0 heating, 1 min molding, 1 min pressure release, 3 min starting material example 6 granulated LDPE, 0.1% NaHPO, HO 16.5 molding, T=220 C.). The yellowness index is measured on starting material a Minolta CM 3600D according to DIN 6167. example 7 granulated LDPE, 0.1% C-phelland rene + 15.5 The nitroxyl radical containing granulate is extruded for starting material 0.1% NaHPO, HO 50 example 8 granulated LDPE, 0.1% NaSO 22.0 a Second time together with the additives given in table 4 starting material (T=220fix C. (heating Zone 1-5) and 100 r/min), granules are formed and molded plaques are prepared as given above. nitroxyl A = dodecanoic acid (2.2.6,6-tetramethyl-piperidine-4-yl-1-oxyl) ester Table 5 shows the measured yellowness index. 55 TABLE 5 EXAMPLES 9-13 Color improvement of polystyrene containing nitroxyl yellowness index of molded polystyrene radicals (model experiment) No. polymer additives YI In a twin screw extruder, model ZSK 25, Werner & 60 starting PS-165/H with O.1% 2.4 Pfleiderer, a commercial general purpose polystyrene (PS material nitroxyl C comparative granulated PS, without additive 4.2 165/Hex BASF, MFRoos=2.9) is extruded together with example, V5 starting material 0.05% octadecanoic acid(2.2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-4- example 14 granulated PS, 0.1% Irgafos P-EPQ 3.5 yl-1-oxyl)ester at a temperature T=220 C. (heating starting material Zones 1-5) and 100 r/min. The product is granulated from 65 example 15 granulated PS, 0.1% Irgafos TNPP 2.9 Strands in a water bath. From the granules a molded plaque starting material of 2 mm thickness is prepared (molding conditions: 1 min US 6,767,949 B1 29 30 which reducing agent is TABLE 5-continued a cyclic ethylenically unsaturated compound having an allylic hydrogen atom, yellowness index of molded polystyrene a phosphorus compound Selected from the group con No. polymer additives YI sisting of HPO (phosphinic acid), HPO. example 16 granulated PS, 0.1% NaHPO, HO 3.9 (hypodiphosphonic acid), HPO/HPOs starting material (phosphonic-/diphosphonic acid), HPO. example 17 granulated PS, 0.1% C-phelland rene 3.8 (hypodiphosphoric acid) and the ammonium, alkali starting material example 18 granulated PS, O.05% 3.8 metal or alkali earth metal Salts thereof, or starting C-phellandrene + a Sulfur compound Selected from the group consisting material 0.05% NaHPO, *HO of HSO/HSO (sulfoxylic-/thiosulfuric acid), example 19 granulated PS, O.1% 3.3 starting material dodecylmethacrylate HSO (dithionic acid), HSO/HSOs (sulfurous-/ example 20 granulated PS, 0.1% Irgafos 126 3.6 disulfurous acid), R-S-OH (sulfenic acid), starting material 15 R-S=O-OH (sulfinic acid) and the ammonium, alkali metal or alkali earth metal Salts thereof, or nitroxyl C = acetic acid (2,6-diethyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-piperidine-4-yl-1-oxyl) ester a mixture thereof; and Irgafos P-EPQ = tetrakis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)1,1-biphenyl 4,4'- with the proviso that the composition is essentially free of diyibisphosphonite (commercial product of Ciba Specialty Chemicals) Irgafos TNPP = tris(nonylphenyl)phosphite (commercial product of Ciba a polymerizable monomer. Specialty Chemicals) 2. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the Irgafos 126 = bis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)pentaerythrol-diphosphite reducing agent is a mixture of a cyclic ethylenically unsat (commercial product of Ciba Specialty Chemicals) urated compound having an allylic hydrogen atom and a What is claimed is: phosphorous compound or a mixture of a cyclic ethyleni 1. A composition comprising, cally unsaturated compound having an allylic hydroaen a) at least one oligomer, cooligomer, polymer or 25 atom and a Sulfur compound. copolymer, containing a stable free nitroxyl radical 3. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the reducing agent is HPO (phosphinic acid), or a Na, K, Ca, Mg or ammonium salt thereof, with or without water of N Oe: hydration. / 4. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the reducing agent is a cyclic mono-, Sesqui- or di-terpene and having an allylic hydrogen atom. b) a reducing agent; 5. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the which olipomer, cooligomer, polymer or copolymer is reducing agent is Y-terpinene or C-phellandrene. obtained by radical polymerization or by grafting, 35 6. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the which polymerization has been carried out in the pres reducing agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 5% based ence of a stable free nitroxyl radical on the weight of the polymer. 7. A proceSS for improving the color of an oligomer, cooligomer, polymer or copolymer containing a stable free 40 N Oo nitroxyl radical / N Oe; and a Source of free radicals capable of initiating the / polymerization, or in the presence of a nitroxyl ether 45 by heating a composition according to claim 1 to above the N-O-X, glass temperature in case of amorphous polymers or above the melting point in case of crystalline or Semi-crystalline 50 polymers. wherein X represents a group having at least one carbon 8. A proceSS according to claim 7, wherein the mixture is atom and is such that the free radical derived from X is heated to 50-150° C. above the glass temperature in case of capable of initiating polymerization and the remaining radi amorphous polymers or 20-180° C. above the melting cal is a stable free nitroxyl radical, and point in case of crystalline or Semi-crystalline polymers. which grafting has been carried out in the presence of a 55 nitroxyl radical or a nitroxyl ether; and