Patent Description:
Thermoplastic polyurethanes (or TPUs) are generally known for their good mechanical properties, high abrasion resistance and high elasticity. This enables them to find application in a wide variety of areas.

Flame-retardant thermoplastic polyurethanes are well known and described e.g. in <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>, <CIT>. The use of metal carbonate powder in a thermoplastic polyester composition is known from <CIT>.

The existing flame-retardant thermoplastic polyurethane compositions often do not showthe required combination of flame retardancy, mechanical properties and hydrolysis resistance.

Thus, it was an objective of the present invention to provide a flame-retardant thermoplastic polyurethane composition which has good mechanical properties such as elongation at break, abrasion resistance, or tear propagation resistance, along with good hydrolysis resistance.

Surprisingly, this objective could be achieved by the composition according to claim <NUM>, the process to produce this composition according to claim <NUM>, an article comprising this composition according to claim <NUM> and the use of the composition according to claim <NUM>.

One aspect to the invention is embodiment <NUM>, which is a composition comprising thermoplastic polyurethane obtained by reacting.

The inventive compositions show good mechanical properties such as elongation at break, abrasion resistance, tear propagation resistance, along with better hydrolysis resistance.

The composition of the present invention, comprises at least one metal carbonate particle (C), which is in a preferred embodiment a metal carbonate powder. This powder preferably has a volume average particle size D<NUM> in the range of ≥ <NUM> to ≤ <NUM> determined by laser diffraction analysis according to ISO <NUM>:<NUM>. It has been observed that the addition of themetal carbonate shows good hydrolysis resistance.

In a preferred embodiment the metal carbonate powder has a volume average particle size D<NUM> in the range of ≥ <NUM> to ≤ <NUM> determined by laser diffraction analysis according to ISO <NUM>:<NUM>.

The term "D<NUM>" refers to the diameter where fifty percent of the particles of the powder have a smaller particle size and fifty percent have a larger particle size. In a preferred embodiment the average particle size D<NUM> is in the range of ≥ <NUM> to ≤ <NUM> determined by laser diffraction analysis according to ISO <NUM>:<NUM>. This is becaus particles smaller in size than the prescribed range are difficult to handle while larger particles result in uneven surface characteristics.

The metal carbonate powder has a volume average particle size D<NUM> preferably in the range of ≥ <NUM> to ≤ <NUM>, ≥ <NUM> to ≤ <NUM>, ≥ <NUM> to ≤ <NUM>, ≥ <NUM> to ≤ <NUM> determined by laser diffraction analysis according to ISO <NUM>:<NUM>.

In a preferred embodiment the metal carbonate powder has a BET surface area in the range of ≥ <NUM><NUM>/g to ≤ <NUM><NUM>/g. By the term "BET surface area", it is hereby referred to the surface area measured using the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller theory. Any suitable equipment well known to the person skilled in the art can be employed for this purpose. Preferably, the BET surface area is in the range of ≥ <NUM><NUM>/g to ≤ <NUM><NUM>/g, or ≥ <NUM><NUM>/g to ≤ <NUM><NUM>/g, or ≥ <NUM><NUM>/g to ≤ <NUM><NUM>/g. More preferably, it is in the range of ≥ <NUM><NUM>/g to ≤ <NUM><NUM>/g, or ≥ <NUM><NUM>/g to ≤ <NUM><NUM>/g, or ≥ <NUM><NUM>/g to < <NUM><NUM>/g, or ≥ <NUM><NUM>/g to ≤ <NUM><NUM>/g. Most preferably, it is in the range of≥ <NUM><NUM>/g to ≤ <NUM><NUM>/g. The water content in the metal carbonate powder is ≤ <NUM> wt. -%, preferably ≤ <NUM> wt. -%, more preferably ≤ <NUM> wt. -%, more preferably ≤ <NUM> wt. -%, most preferably ≤ <NUM> wt. -% based on the weight of the metal carbonate powder.

In embodiment <NUM> of the invention, the metal carbonate powder is present in an amount in the range of ≥ <NUM> wt. -% to ≤ <NUM> wt. -% based on the total weight of the composition.

Most preferably this range is ≥ <NUM> wt. -% to ≤ <NUM> wt. -%, or ≥ <NUM> wt. -% to ≤ <NUM> wt. In a very preferred embodiment, the at least one metal carbonate particle, preferably the metal carbonate powder, is present in an amount in the range of ≥ <NUM> wt. -% to ≤ <NUM> wt. -% based on the total weight of the composition.

In another preferred embodiment <NUM>, comprising all features of embodiment <NUM>, respectively their preferred embodiments, the at least one metal carbonate particle, preferably the metal carbonate powder, is selected from the group consisting of calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, aluminum carbonate, zinc carbonate, lithium carbonate, beryllium carbonate, strontium carbonate, barium carbonate, and rubidium carbonate.

More preferably, the metal carbonate is selected from the group consisting of calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, aluminum carbonate, and zinc carbonate. Even more preferably metal carbonate is selected from the group consisting of calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, and aluminum carbonate.

In preferred embodiment <NUM> comprising all features of one of the embodiments <NUM> or <NUM>, respectively their preferred embodiments, the metal carbonate powder is calcium carbonate.

In a preferred embodiment the metal carbonate particles of the metal carbonate powder have a volume average particle size D<NUM> in the range of ≥ <NUM> to ≤ <NUM>, preferably determined by laser diffraction analysis according to ISO <NUM>:<NUM>.

By the term polyol, it is referred to the polymer backbones containing preferably two hydroxyl groups, sometimes also referred to as polyalcohols, or referred to as compound reactive towards isocyanate.

The number average molecular weight Mn of the polyol is in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>/Mol determined according to DIN <NUM>-<NUM>.

The number average molecular weight Mn in the context of this invention is preferably determined according to DIN <NUM>-<NUM>.

Preferably, the number average molecular weight Mn of the polyol is in the range of <NUM>/Mol to <NUM>/Mol, more preferably in the range of <NUM>/Mol to <NUM>/Mol, more preferably in the range of <NUM>/Mol to <NUM> q/Mol, more preferably in the range of <NUM>/Mol to <NUM> q/Mol, more preferably in the range of <NUM>/Mol, more preferably in the range of <NUM>/Mol, or <NUM>/Mol to <NUM>/Mol. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the number average molecular weight Mn of the polyol is in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>/Mol.

The polyol in preferred embodiment is characterized with an OH value in the range of ≥ <NUM> KOH/g to ≤ <NUM> KOH/g determined according to DIN <NUM>. Preferably, the OH value is in the range of ≥ <NUM> KOH/g to ≤ <NUM> KOH/g. More preferably, the OH value is in the range of ≥ <NUM> KOH/g to ≤ <NUM> KOH/g determined according to DIN <NUM>. Most preferably, the OH value is in the range of ≥ <NUM> KOH/g to ≤ <NUM>, or ≥ <NUM> KOH/g to ≤ <NUM>, or ≥ <NUM> KOH/g to ≤ <NUM> KOH/g determined according to DIN <NUM>. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the polyol (a) has an OH value preferably in the range of ≥ <NUM> KOH/g to ≤ <NUM> KOH/g determined according to DIN <NUM>.

In preferred embodiment <NUM> the composition of any of the embodiments <NUM> to <NUM>, respectively their preferred embodiments, the polyol is polyether polyol or polycarbonate polyol.

Preferred polyether diols are selected from the group of polyoxyethylene diol, polyoxypropylene diol, poly(oxyethylene-oxypropylene)diol, polytetrahydrofurane, herein also referred to as PTHF. Preferably, the polyether polyol has a number average molecular weight Mn in the range of ≥ <NUM>/Mol to ≤ <NUM>/Mol, preferably ≥ <NUM>/Mol to ≤ <NUM>/Mol, more preferably ≥ <NUM>/Mol to ≤ <NUM>/Mol, most preferably ≥ <NUM>/Mol to ≤ <NUM>/Mol.

Especially preferred as polyether diol is polytetrahydrofurane (PTHF), more preferably with a number average molecular weight of ≥ <NUM>/Mol to ≤ <NUM>/Mol, evon more preferred ≥ <NUM>/Mol to ≤ <NUM>/Mol.

In a preferred embodiment the polyol is a polycarbonate polyol, more preferable a aliphatic polycarbonate diol. Polycarbonat polyol is herein also referred to as polycarbonate diol. The polycarbonate diol in a preferred embodiment is linear and has terminal hydroxyl groups. The essential reactants are glycols and carbonates. Glycols are also referred to as alkane diol. Suitable glycols or alkane diols are selected from aliphatic diols containing <NUM> to <NUM>, and or even <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, and from polyoxyalkylene glycols containing <NUM> to <NUM> alkoxy groups per molecule with each alkoxy group containing <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms.

Preferred alkane diols are selected from the group consisting of <NUM>,<NUM>-Propandiol, <NUM>,<NUM>-butanediol, <NUM>,<NUM>-pentanediol, neopentyl glycol, <NUM>,<NUM>-hexanediol, <NUM>,<NUM>-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trimethylhexanediol, <NUM>,<NUM>-decanediol, hydrogenated dilinoleylglycol, hydrogenated dioleylglycol.

In a more preferred embodiment, the polycarbonate diol is derived from at least one alkane diol selected from the group consisting of <NUM>,<NUM>-propanediol, <NUM>,<NUM>-pentanediol, <NUM>,<NUM>-hexanediol.

In a preferred embodiment the number average molecular weight of the polycarbonate diol is ≥ <NUM>/Mol to ≤ <NUM>/Mol, more preferred ≥ <NUM>/Mol to ≤ <NUM>/Mol, most preferred ≥ <NUM>/Mol to ≤ <NUM>/Mol.

The composition of the present invention also comprises at least one primary flame retardant.

A preferred kind of flame retardant is a nitrogen based compound selected from the group consisting of benzoguanamine, tris(hydroxyethyl)isocyanurate, isocyanurate, allantoin, glycoluril, melamine, melamine cyanurate, melamine polyphosphate, dimelamine phosphate, melamine pyrophosphate, melamine borate, ammonium polyphosphate, melamine ammonium polyphosphate, melamine ammonium pyrophosphate, condensation product of melamine selected from the group consisting of melem, melam, melon and higher condensed compounds and other reaction products of melamine with phosphoric acid, melamine derivatives.

More preferably, the flame retardant is selected from the group consisting of melamine, melamine cyanurate, melamine polyphosphate, dimelamine phosphate, melamine pyrophosphate, melamine borate, ammonium polyphosphate, melamine ammonium polyphosphate, melamine ammonium pyrophosphate, and melamine derivatives.

Most preferably, the flame retardant is selected from the group consisting of melamine, melamine cyanurate, melamine borate, melamine polyphosphate and melamine derivatives. In very preferred embodiment, the flame retardant (B) is melamine cyanurate. Melamine cyanurate is hereinafter interchangeably referred to as <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-triazine-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>(<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>)-trione.

In a preferred embodiment the flame retardant is a combination of more than one flame retardant, either of the same kind or of different kinds.

Another kind of flame retardant is an anorganic flame retardant and is preferably selected from the group consisting of magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide, silicon oxide, and aluminum oxide.

Yet another kind of flame retardant is a phosphorus containing flame retardant. The phosphorus containing flame retardant preferably is liquid at <NUM>.

Preference is given to derivatives of the phosphoric acid, derivatives of the phosphonic acid, or derivatives of the phosphinic acid, or a mixture of two or more of said derivatives.

It is preferable that the derivatives of the phosphoric acid, phosphonic acid, or phosphinic acid involve salts with an organic or an inorganic cation or involve organic esters. In one preferred embodiment, the organic ester involves an alkyl ester, and in another preferred embodiment it involves an aryl ester. It is particularly preferable that all the hydroxy groups of the corresponding phosphorus-containing acid have been esterified.

Organic phosphate esters are preferred, particularly the triesters of phosphoric acid, more preferred are the trialkyl phosphates. Other preferred embodiments are triaryl phosphates, especially preferred is triphenyl phosphate.

In another embodiment, the phosphoric esters has the general formula (I)
<CHM>
, where R denotes substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, or phenyl groups, and n is a real number in the range of ≥ <NUM> to ≤ <NUM>.

If R in the general formula (I) is an alkyl moiety, alkyl moieties that preferably are used are those having from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms. The cyclohexyl moiety may be mentioned as a preferred example of the cycloalkyl groups. It is preferable to use phosphoric esters of the general formula (I) in which R denotes a phenyl or alkyl-substituted phenyl. Preferably, n is <NUM>, or in the range of ≥ <NUM> to ≤ <NUM>. Very preferred phosphoric esters of the general formula (I) are bis(diphenyl) <NUM>,<NUM>-phenylenephosphate, bis(dixylenyl) <NUM>,<NUM>-phenylenephosphate, and also the corresponding oligomeric products, preferably with an average degree of oligomerization of n in the range of ≥ <NUM> to ≤ <NUM>.

A very preferred phosphoric ester is resorcinol, more preferred resorcinol bis(diphenyl phosphate) (RDP). RDP preferably is present in oligomers.

Other preferred phosphorus containing flame retardants are bisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate) (BDP). and diphenyl cresyl phosphate (DPC). BPD usually takes the form of an oligomer.

The organic phosphates involve salts with an organic or inorganic cation or involve the esters of phosphonic acid. Preferred esters of phosphonic acid are the diesters of alkyl- or phenylphosphonic acids.

Other preferred phosphorus contain flame retardants are phosphinic esters having the general formula R<NUM>R<NUM>(P=O)OR<NUM>, where all three organic groups R<NUM>, R<NUM> and R<NUM> in one preferre embodiment are identical or in another preferred embodiment are different from each other. The moieties R<NUM>, R<NUM> and R<NUM> are in one preferred embodiment aliphatic in another preferred embodiment aromatic, and more preferably have from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>. In one preferre embodiment the aliphatic groups have from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms. It is preferable that at least one of the organic group is aliphatic, and it is more preferable that all of the organic groups are aliphatic. In one preferre embodment R<NUM> and R<NUM> are ethyl moieties, more preferablyin this embodment R<NUM> is also an ethyl group or is a methyl group. In one preferred embodiment, R<NUM>, R<NUM> and R<NUM> are simultaneously either an ethyl groupor a methylgroup.

Preference is also given to phosphinate, which is the salt of phosphinic acid. The groups R<NUM> and R<NUM> are either aliphatic or aromatic, and have from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>. It is preferable that at least one of the moieties is aliphatic, and it is preferable that all the moieties are aliphatic, and it is very particularly preferable that R<NUM> and R<NUM> are ethyl groups. Preferred salts of phosphinic acids are aluminum, calcium, or zinc salts, more preferred is aluminium.

The most preferred phosphinate is aluminium diethyl phosphinate.

The flame retardant, is used in the form of single substance or in mixtures of several substances of either the same kind of flame retardants or different kind of flame retardants in the composition.

Preferably the flame retardant has a volume average particle size D<NUM> ≤ <NUM>, preferably ≤ <NUM>, more preferably ≤ <NUM>, most referably ≤ <NUM> determined by laser diffraction analysis according to ISO <NUM>:<NUM>.

Additionally, in a preferred embodiment the flame retardant has a volume average particle size D<NUM> ≤ <NUM>, preferably ≤ <NUM>, more preferably ≤ <NUM>, more preferably ≤ <NUM>, and most preferably ≤ <NUM>.

In a preferred embodiment the water content in the at least one primary flame retardant (B) is ≤ <NUM> wt. -%, more preferably ≤ <NUM> wt. -%, more preferably ≤ <NUM> wt. -%, more preferably ≤ <NUM> wt. -%, and most preferably ≤ <NUM> wt.

The amount of the flame retardant in the composition, as described hereinabove, is.

in the range of ≥ <NUM> wt. -% to ≤ <NUM> wt. -% based on the total weight of the composition. More preferably, it is in the range of ≥ <NUM> wt. -% to ≤ <NUM> wt. %, or ≥ <NUM> wt. -% to ≤ <NUM> wt. %, or ≥ <NUM> wt. -% to ≤ <NUM> wt. % based on the total weight of the composition. Most preferably, it is in the range of ≥ <NUM> wt. -% to ≤ <NUM> wt. %, or ≥ <NUM> wt. -% to ≤ <NUM> wt. %, or ≥ <NUM> wt. -% to ≤ <NUM> wt. % based on the total weight of the composition. In an embodiment, the flame retardant is in the range of ≥ <NUM> wt. -% to ≤ <NUM> wt. % based on the total weight of the composition.

In preferred embodiment <NUM> comprising the features of one of the embodiments <NUM> to <NUM>, respectively one of their preferred embodiments, the flame retardant is selected from the group consisting of melamine, melamine cyanurate, melamine borate, melamine polyphosphate, melamine derivative, derivative of phosphoric acid, derivative of phosphonic acid, and derivative of phosphinic acid.

In another preferred embodiment <NUM> comprising the features of one of the embodiments <NUM> to <NUM>, respectively one of their preferred embodiments, the flame retardant comprises a mixture of a derivative of phosphoric acid and melamine cyanurate. The most preferred phosphoric acid is resorcinol bis(diphenyl phosphate) (RDP).

In a preferred embodiment <NUM> comprising the features of one of the embodiment <NUM> to <NUM>, respectively on of its preferred embodments, the composition comprises further at least one additive selected from the group consisting of antioxidant, light stabilizer, UV absorbers, and other stabilizers.

In a preferred embodiment the amount of the at least one additive in the composition is in the range of ≥ <NUM> wt. -% to ≤ <NUM> wt. -% based on the total weight of the composition.

In a preferred embodiment <NUM> the embodiment comprising all features of embodiment <NUM>, respectively one of its preferred embodiments, the antioxidant contains an active group of the general formula (II),
<CHM>
wherein,.

In the preferred embodiment <NUM> comprising all features of embodiment <NUM>, respectively one of its preferred embodiments, the antioxidant is selected from the group consisting of pentaerythrityl tetrakis(<NUM>-(<NUM>,<NUM>-bis(<NUM>,<NUM>-dimethylethyl)-<NUM>-hydroxyphenyl)propionate, (N,N'-hexamethylenebis(<NUM>,<NUM>-di-tert-butyl-<NUM>-hydroxy-hydrocinnamide), <NUM>-(<NUM>,<NUM>-di-tert-butyl-<NUM>-hydroxyphenyl)propionate-terminated polyethyleneglycyol, <NUM>-(<NUM>,<NUM>-di-tert-butyl-<NUM>-hydroxyphenyl)propionate-terminated polytetrahydrofuran.

In a preferred embodiment the composition is a granulate or a powder.

The composition, as described in the embodiments, preferably has a weight average molecular weight Mn of at least <NUM>×<NUM><NUM> g/Mol, more preferably at least <NUM>×<NUM><NUM> g/Mol and in particular more than <NUM>×<NUM><NUM> g/Mol, preferably determined according to DIN <NUM>-<NUM>. The upper limit for the weight average molecular weight Mn of the composition is generally determined by processability, and by the range of properties desired. However, the number average molecular weight Mn of the composition is not above <NUM>×<NUM><NUM> g/Mol, preferably <NUM>×<NUM><NUM> g/Mol determined according to DIN <NUM>-<NUM>.

In preferred embodiments the embodiments as outlined herein have a shore hardness ranging from <NUM> Shore A to <NUM> Shore D, preferably <NUM> Shore A to <NUM> Shore D, more preferably <NUM> Shore A to <NUM> Shore D determined according to ASTM D2240.

For the purpose of the present invention, the polyol (a), the isocyanate and the at least one chain extender are also, individually or together, termed structural components.

In a preferred embodiment the isocyanate is an organic isocyanate. The term polyisocyanate, as used herein, refers to an isocyanate comprising preferably two N=C=O groups, also referred to as diisocyanate Dimers and trimers and oligomers of the isocyanates discussed hereinare also comprised by the respective isocyanat.

The isocyanate preferably is an aliphatic diisocyanate, cycloaliphatic polyisocyanate, or an aromatic polyisocyanate. In a further preferred embodiment, the isocyanate is a diisocyanate. Representative examples of these preferred diisocyanates may be found, for example, from <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

In a preferred embodiment, the polyisocyanate is selected from the group consisting of tetramethylene <NUM>,<NUM>-diisocyanate, pentamethylene <NUM>,<NUM>-diisocyanate, hexamethylene <NUM>,<NUM>-diisocyanate, decamethylene diisocyanate, <NUM>,<NUM>-dodecane diisocyanate, <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trimethyl-hexamethylene diisocyanate, <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trimethyl-hexamethylene diisocyanate and <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-pentamethylene diisocyanate,.

In a preferred embodiment the isocyanate is selected from the group consisting of cyclobutane-<NUM>,<NUM>-diisocyanate, <NUM>,<NUM>-, <NUM>,<NUM>- and <NUM>,<NUM>-cyclohexane diisocyanates, <NUM>,<NUM>- and <NUM>,<NUM>-methylcyclohexane diisocyanate, <NUM>,<NUM>'- and <NUM>,<NUM>'-dicyclohexyldiisocyanates, <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-cyclohexane triisocyanates, isocyanatomethylcyclohexane isocyanates, isocyanatoethylcyclohexane isocyanates, bis(isocyanatomethyl)cyclohexane diisocyanates, <NUM>,<NUM>'- and <NUM>,<NUM>'-bis(isocyanato-methyl) dicyclohexane and isophorone diisocyanate,.

in another preferred embodiment the isocyante is selected from the group consisting <NUM>,<NUM>- and <NUM>,<NUM>-hexahydrotoluenediisocyanate, <NUM>,<NUM>-, <NUM>,<NUM>-, and <NUM>,<NUM>-phenylene diisocyanates, triphenyl methane-<NUM>,<NUM>',<NUM>"-triisocyanate, naphthylene-<NUM>,<NUM>-diisocyanate, <NUM>,<NUM>- and <NUM>,<NUM>-toluene diisocyanate, <NUM>,<NUM>'-, <NUM>,<NUM>'- and <NUM>,<NUM>-biphenyl diisocyanates, <NUM>,<NUM>'-, <NUM>,<NUM>'- and <NUM>,<NUM>'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, polyphenyl polymethylene polyisocyanates, <NUM>,<NUM>-, <NUM>,<NUM>- and <NUM>,<NUM>-xylylene diisocyanates and m-tet-ramethylxylyene diisocyanate (TMXDI).

In another preferred embodiment the isocyanate is selected from the group consisting of diphenylmethane <NUM>,<NUM>'-diisocyanate, tolylene <NUM>,<NUM>-diisocyanate, dicyclohexylmethane <NUM>,<NUM>'-diisocyanate, hexamethylene <NUM>,<NUM>-diisocyanate, paraphenylene <NUM>,<NUM>-diisocyanate, tetramethylenexylene <NUM>,<NUM>-diisocyanate, <NUM> methylpentamethylene <NUM>,<NUM> diisocyanate, <NUM> ethylbutylene <NUM>,<NUM> diisocyanate, pentamethylene <NUM>,<NUM> diisocyanate, butylene <NUM>,<NUM> diisocyanate and <NUM> isocyanato-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> trimethyl-<NUM> isocyanatomethylcyclohexane.

More preferably, the isocyanate is selected from the group consisting of diphenylmethane <NUM>,<NUM>'-diisocyanate, tolylene <NUM>,<NUM>-diisocyanate, dicyclohexylmethane <NUM>,<NUM>'-diisocyanate, hexamethylene <NUM>,<NUM>-diisocyanate, paraphenylene <NUM>,<NUM>-diisocyanate, tetramethylenexylene <NUM>,<NUM>-diisocyanate, <NUM> methylpentamethylene <NUM>,<NUM> diisocyanate and <NUM> ethylbutylene <NUM>,<NUM> diisocyanate.

Most preferably, the isocyanate is selected from the group consisting of diphenylmethane <NUM>,<NUM>'-diisocyanate, tolylene <NUM>,<NUM>-diisocyanate, dicyclohexylmethane <NUM>,<NUM>'-diisocyanate, hexamethylene <NUM>,<NUM>-diisocyanate, paraphenylene <NUM>,<NUM>-diisocyanate and tetramethylenexylene <NUM>,<NUM>-diisocyanate. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the isocyanate is a diphenylmethane <NUM>,<NUM>'-diisocyanate (hereinafter referred as MDI).

The term chain extender refers to diols having a molecular weight in the range of≥ <NUM> to ≤ <NUM>/Mol, in one preferred embodiment ≥ <NUM> to ≤ <NUM>/Mol. The chain extend is preferably selected from the group of di- and/or tri-functional alcohols, di- to tetra-functional polyoxyalkylene polyols and of alkyl-substituted aromatic diamines.

The chain extender is preferably C<NUM> to C<NUM> alkane diol, or C<NUM> to C<NUM> alkane diol. More preferably selected from the group of , ethanediol, <NUM>,<NUM>-propanediol, <NUM>,<NUM>-pentanediol, <NUM>,<NUM>-hexanediol, <NUM>,<NUM>-heptanediol, <NUM>,<NUM>-octanediol, <NUM>,<NUM>-nonanediol, <NUM>,<NUM>-decanediol and preferably <NUM>,<NUM>-butanediol. Preferred chain extending and/or crosslinking agents further include dialkylene glycols having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, preferably diethylene glycol and dipropylene glycol and/or di-, tri- or tetra-functional polyoxyalkylene polyols.

Other preferred embodiments of the chain extender are branched and/or unsaturated alkanediols having preferably not more than <NUM> carbon atoms, preferably they are selected from the group of <NUM>,<NUM>-propanediol, <NUM> methylpropanediol-<NUM>,<NUM>, <NUM>,<NUM>-dimethylpropanediol-<NUM>,<NUM>, <NUM>-butyl-<NUM>-ethylpropanediol-<NUM> ,<NUM>, butene-<NUM> diol-<NUM> ,<NUM> and butyne-<NUM>-diol-<NUM> ,<NUM>, diesters of terephthalic acid with glycols of <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, preferably terephthalic acid bis-ethylene glycol-<NUM>,<NUM> or -butanediol-<NUM>,<NUM>, hydroxyalkylene ethers of hydroquinone or of resorcinol, preferably <NUM>,<NUM>-di(β-hydroxyethyl)hydroquinone or <NUM>,<NUM> di(β-hydroxyethyl)resorcinol, alkanolamines having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, preferably ethanolamine, <NUM>-aminopropanol and <NUM>-amino-<NUM>,<NUM>-dimethylpropanol, N-alkyldial-kanolamines, preferably N-methyl- and N-ethyldiethanolamine.

To obtain specific mechanical properties, the alkyl-substituted aromatic polyamines are preferably also used in admixture with the aforementioned low molecular weight polyhydric alcohols, preferably di- and/or tri-hydric alcohols or dialkylene glycols.

Particularly preferably, the chain extender (c) is selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, <NUM>,<NUM>-propanediol, <NUM>,<NUM>-butanediol, <NUM>,<NUM>-pentanediol, <NUM>,<NUM>-hexanediol, hydroquinone bis <NUM>-hydroxyethyl ether, bis-<NUM>(hydroxyl ethyl)-terephthalate, glycerine and triethanolamine. In a very preferred embodiment, the chain extender (c) is <NUM>,<NUM>-butanediol.

In a preferred embodiment the thermoplastic polyurethane of the composition embodiments further comprises a catalyst and/or a auxiliary and/or additive.

Preferably the catalyst is a tertiary amine selected from the group consisting of triethylamine, dimethylcyclohexylamine, N-methylmorpholine, N,N'-dimethylpiperazine, <NUM>-(dimethylaminoethoxy)ethanol and diazabicyclo[<NUM>. <NUM>]octane. In another preferred embodiment, the catalyst is an organometallic compound selected from the group consisting of titanic esters, iron compounds, preferably iron(III) acetylacetonate, tin compounds, preferably tin diacetate, tin dioctoate, tin dilaurate, or the dialkyltin diacetate, dibutyltin dilaurate, or bismuth salts in which bismuth is preferably present in the oxidation states <NUM> or <NUM>, in particular <NUM>. Preference is given to salts of carboxylic acids. Carboxylic acids used preferably comprise carboxylic acids having from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, particularly preferably having from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms. Preferred examples of suitable bismuth salts are bismuth(III)neodecanoate, bismuth <NUM>-ethylhexanoate and bismuth octonoate.

It is preferable to use tin catalysts, in particular tin dioctoate.

Amounts preferably used of the catalyst are in the range of ≥ <NUM> to ≤ <NUM> part by weight per <NUM> parts by weight of the at least one polyol (a).

In other preferred embodiments the thermoplastic polyurethane further comprises a auxiliary and/or additivepreferably selected from the group consisting of surfactant, filler, nucleating agent, oxidation stabilizer, lubricants and mold-release aids, dyes and pigments, and optionally stabilizer, e.g. for protection from hydrolysis, light, heat, or discoloration, inorganic and/or organic fillers, reinforcing agents and plasticizers. Suitable auxiliaries and additives can be found by way of example in <NPL>).

All components of the composition mentioned may be used either alone or in combination with at least one component of the same kind.

In embodiment <NUM> of the invention, the composition comprises the thermoplastic polyurethane in an amount in the range of ≥ <NUM> wt. -% to ≤ <NUM> wt. -% based on the total weight of the composition.

Preferably, the at least one thermoplastic polyurethane (A) is present in an amount in the range ≥ <NUM> wt. -% to ≤ <NUM> wt. -% based on the total weight of the composition. More preferably, the at least one thermoplastic polyurethane (A) is present in an amount in the range of ≥ <NUM> wt. -% to ≤ <NUM> wt. -% based on the total weight of the composition.

Another aspect of the present invention is the process for preparing one of the embodiments <NUM> to <NUM> respectively their preferred embodiments as described above, by mixing the thermoplastic polyurethane, the flame retardant and the metal carbonate powder.

In one preferred embodiment said process comprises the steps of:.

In one embodiment the thermoplastic polyurethane, preferably the composition is pelletized to granules. TPUis melted at a temperature in the range of ≥ <NUM> to ≤ <NUM>. The particular temperature used will depend on the thermoplastic polyurethane used.

The components of the composition may be preblended before adding to the extruder or they may be added or metered into the extruder in different streams and in different zones of the extruder.

Suitable production processes for the thermoplastic polyurethane of the embodiments of the composition are further disclosed by way of example in <CIT>, <CIT>, or <CIT>. The production process preverably takes place in a belt system or a reactive extruder. In one embodiment all components of the thermoplastic polyurethane are mixed with one another in a one-shot process. In other preferred embodiments individual components are premixed and/or pre-reacted, preferably the isocyanate and the polyol is premixed in a first step to give a prepolymer, also referred to as prepolymer-process and the prepolymer is mixed with the other components. In another preferred embodiment, the TPU is produced from the structural components in a first step, optionally in the presence of a catalyst. , A auxiliary and/or an additive then optionally are incorporated into the thermoplastic polyurethane. In a second step the flame retardant and metal carbonate powder is introduced into the thermoplastic polyurethane, and homogenously dispersed or mixed. The homogeneous dispersion or mixture is preferably achieved in an extruder, preferably in a twin-screw extruder, preferably having multiple heat zones and/or multiple feed ports.

The thermoplastic polyurethane respectively the composition is preferably is produced by a reactive extruder, a belt system, or other suitable apparatuses, preferably in the form of granules,.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a process for producing a wire and/or cable construction comprising the steps of extruding an insulation layer of the described composition or the composition obtained according to the above process onto at least one conductor, preferably a metal conductor to obtain a wire and/or cable construction. This construction having preferably a tear propagation resistance of at least <NUM> kN/m determined according to DIN ISO <NUM>-<NUM> B(b).

Another aspect of the present invention is embodiment <NUM>, an article comprising the composition according to one of claims <NUM> to <NUM>, respectively their preferred embodiments.

In one preferred embodiment said article comprises an injection molded part, parts deriving from calendaring, extrusion, powder sintering, or moulding. Preferably, the article is an insulator of an electric wire and/or electric cable or an electric wire and/or electric cable sheath.

In a preferred embodiment the article is a wire and/or cable construction comprising:.

The wire and/or cable construction preferably meets the requirements of ISO <NUM> or LV112 for <NUM> at <NUM> and <NUM>% relative humidity and <NUM> at <NUM>.

Another aspect of the current invention is embodiment <NUM>, the use of the composition as described in one of the compositions embodiments <NUM> to <NUM>, respectively their preferred embodiments, or as obtained according the embodiment <NUM> of the process, respectively its preferred embodiment, for the production of an article deriving from calendaring, extrusion, powder sintering, or moulding.

The compositionmay be utilized in any application where high flame retardant performance is desired. Moreover, since the composition, in addition to improved flame retardancy, also show improved mechanical properties such as elongation at break, abrasion resistance, tear propagation resistance, along with better hydrolysis resistance over a broad shore hardness range, it can be used for various other applications.

Preferred articles are selected form the group of films, foils, fiber, coatings, seals, shoe soles, rollers, cladding in automobiles, hoses, coatings, cables, profiles, laminates, floors for buildings and transport, plug connectors, cushion, saddle, cable plugs, folding bellows, drag cables, solar modules, wiper blades, cable sheathing, gaskets, drive belts, nonwoven textiles, damping or damping elements.

Other preferred articles are for use in automobile applications, jacketing for armored cable, industrial robotic equipment, non-metallic sheath cable, deep well pump cables and other multiple conductor assemblies and consumer goods.

In embodiment <NUM> the article is an insulator. In a more preferred embodiment the insulator is a thermal and/or electrical insulator for electrical conductors or is jacketing electrical conductors in a wire and/or cable construction.

The mixtures were each produced using a twin-screw extruder model ZE <NUM> A from Berstorff having a process part length of <NUM> D divided into <NUM> barrels. The flame retardant (primary and optionally secondary) was introduced into zone <NUM>. Pelletization was carried out in a commercial underwater pelletization device. The pellets obtained were then dried in a fluidized-bed dryer at temperatures in the range from <NUM> to <NUM> and residence time of from <NUM> to <NUM> minutes to water contents of < <NUM>% and subsequently heat treated at <NUM> for <NUM>. The composition of different inventive examples (I. ) as well as comparative examples (C. ) is listed below in Table <NUM>.

Films having a thickness of <NUM> were extruded from the pellets using an Arenz single-screw extruder having a three-zone screw with mixing part and a screw ratio of <NUM>:<NUM> as a test specimen were used for determining the mechanical properties. Table <NUM> below lists the mechanical properties of the inventive as well as comparative examples.

In order to evaluate the hydrolysis resistance, the test specimen was stored at <NUM> and <NUM>% relative humidity for <NUM> and mechanical properties were subsequently determined. The results are summarized in Table <NUM>.

As evident above, the specimens having the metal carbonate particle i.e. the inventive examples <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> show improved elongation at break at different conditions during humid-hot test. In fact, for C. <NUM> the elongation at break in the humid-hot test reduced by <NUM>% of its original value of <NUM>% (see Table <NUM>). On the contrary, the present invention specimens, as illustrated by I. <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, comprising the metal carbonate particle showcased very less reduction in the elongation at break. Moreover, the inventive examples also show improvement in their respective tensile strengths in contrast with the comparative examples, which show a drastic reduction.

Wire and/or cable construction made from the composition of the present invention was subjected to winding test. This test makes it possible to analyse the mechanical resilience of the electrically insulating layer made from the composition of the invention and thus its capacity to craze following the application of a shape modification. By the term "craze", it is referred to the development of cracks upon winding the wire. In the course of the test, the wire was wound around its own diameter by several turns stuck to one another. An internal standard imposes a resistance of the coating over a minimum of <NUM> turns stuck to one another. The test was carried out several times and showed no crazing.

Claim 1:
A composition comprising:
a thermoplastic polyurethane obtained by reacting:
a) a polyol,
b) an isocyanate,
c) optionally a chain extender,
a flame retardant, and
a metal carbonate powder, wherein the metal carbonate powder is present in an amount in the range of ≥ <NUM> wt.-% to ≤ <NUM> wt.-%, the thermoplastic polyurethane is present in an amount in the range from ≥ <NUM> wt.-% to ≤ <NUM> wt.-% and the flame retardant is in the range from ≥ <NUM> wt.-% to ≤ <NUM> wt.-% based on the total weight of the composition.