Electret Materials

The present invention is aimed at electret compositions having excellent thermal stability and charge stability. The electret compositions are, for example, polyolefin fibers or films and are suitably employed as filter materials, wipes, absorbent materials, filter masks, acoustic mate- rials, printing substrates, measuring devices or contactless switches.

Electret (formed of e/e/tfr- from "electricity" and -ef from "magnet") is a dielectric material that has a quasi-permanent electric charge or dipole polarisation. An electret generates internal and external electric fields, and is the electrostatic equivalent of a permanent magnet (Wikipedia Definition, Entry Electret: Last modified 22 ^th Feb. 2007). U.S. Pat. Spec. No. 5,057, 710 discloses electret materials comprising hindered amines, nitrogen containing hindered phenols or metal-containing hindered phenols.

U.S. Pat. Spec. No. 5,556,678 discloses antibacterial electret materials.

U.S. Pat. Spec. No. 6, 123, 752 discloses high efficiency filter medium containing a performance enhancing additive. U.S. Pat. Spec. No. 6,743,464 discloses a method of making electrets through vapour condensation.

U.S. Pat. Spec. No. 6,969,484 discloses a method of making electret.

U.S. Published App. No. 2003/0216494 discloses hindered hydroxylamine ester compounds.

Subject matter of the invention is an electret composition with enhanced thermal and charge stability, which composition has been subjected to an electret treatment, comprising a thermoplastic polymer and incorporated therein, an effective stabilizing amount of at least one hindered hydroxylamine ester compound, which compound contains at least one moiety of the formula I

Where

R ₃ ' is a monoacyl or diacyl radical;

Ri - R ₄ are each d-C ₆ alkyl; and

R ₅ and R ₆ are each, independently of one another, hydrogen, CrC ₆ alkyl or C ₆ -Ci ₀ aryl; or

R ₅ and R ₆ are together oxygen.

In the compound (I) the dotted lines represent bonds to groups and substituents. Also disclosed is a method for preparing an electret composition with enhanced thermal and charge stability, which method comprises melt blending a thermoplastic polymer with an effective stabilizing amount of at least one hindered hydroxylamine ester compound, which compound contains at least one moiety of the formula I, as defined above, and subjecting the blend to an electret treatment. The thermoplastic polymer is a non-conductive polymer that has the capability of possessing a non-transitory or long-lived trapped charge. The polymer is, for example, a polyolefin, a halogenated vinyl polymer (e.g. polyvinyl chloride), polystyrene, polycarbonate, a polyester (e.g. polyethylene terephthalate), a polyamide or a fluoro-polymer (e.g. polytetrafluoroethyl- ene). The thermoplastic polymers are, for example, propylene homopolymers, propylene copolymers and polypropylene blends. Propylene copolymers may contain various proportions up to 90.0%, preferably up to 50.0%, of comonomers. Examples of comonomers are: olefins such as 1 -olefins, e.g. ethylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-heptene or 1-octene, isobutylene, cycloolefins, e.g. cyclopentene, cyclohexene, norbornene or ethylid- enenorborne, dienes such as butadiene, isoprene, 1 ,4-hexadiene, cyclopentadiene, dicy- clopentadiene or norbornadiene; also acrylic acid derivatives and unsaturated carboxylic anhydrides such as maleic anhydride.

Polypropylene blends which can be used are mixtures of polypropylene with polyolefins. Examples are blends of polypropylene with polyethylene selected from the group consisting of high density polyethylene (HDPE), high molecular weight high density polyethylene (HMW HDPE), ultra high molecular weight high density polyethylene (UHMW HDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), branched low density polyethylene (BLDPE) and ethylene-propylene-diene ter- polymers (EPDM) containing small proportions of diene. The polymer is especially a polyolefin, for example, polypropylene, poly(4-methyl-1-pentene) or linear low density polyethylene, or blends or copolymers thereof. The polymer may be a blend of a polyolefin and a polymer that contains polar groups, for example a polyester or a polyamide.

The electret composition comprising the thermoplastic composition is in the form of a non- woven web, a film, or a woven fabric. The electret composition is in particular a non-woven fibrous web.

The electret treatment may be any known treatment. Electret treatments are taught, for example, in U.S. Pat. Spec. Nos. 5,057,710, 5,556,618, 6, 123,752, 6, 743,464, 6,969,484, 6,284,339, 5,256, 176 and 6,926,961. The electret treatment is any exposure to electricity, for example hydro-charging, tribo-electric charging or corona treatment. The electret treatment is especially a corona treatment.

An electret composition according to this invention is a thermoplastic composition that has been subjected to an electret treatment.

The hindered hydroxylamine ester compounds are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Published App. No. 2003/0216494.

The present hydroxylamine ester compounds contain at least one moiety of the formula I

Where

R ₃ ' is a monoacyl or diacyl radical;

Ri - R ₄ are each Ci-Cβalkyl; and

R ₅ and Re are each, independently of one another, hydrogen, d-Cealkyl or C ₆ -Cioaryl; or

R ₅ and Re are together oxygen. Preference is given to compounds containing the moiety I, in which R _a ' is C ₂ -Ci ₈ alkanoyl or

C3-C6alkenoyl.

In the compound (I) the dotted lines represent bonds to groups and substituents.

A monoacyl radical R ₃ ' may be, for example, the acyl radical derived from a monobasic organic acid comprising C radicals and an acid function, e.g. one of the above-defined acyl radicals of the partial formulae -C(=O)-H, -C(=O)-C _r Ci ₉ alkyl, -C(=O)-C ₂ -Ci ₉ alkenyl, -C(=0)-C ₂ -C ₄ alkenyl-C ₆ -Cioaryl, -C(=O)-C ₆ -Ci ₀ aryl, -C(=O)-O-C _r C ₆ alkyl,

-C(=O)-O-C ₆ -Ci ₀ aryl, -C(=O)-NH-CrC ₆ alkyl, -C(=O)-NH-C ₆ -Ci ₀ aryl and -C(=O)-N(Ci-C ₆ alkyl) ₂ .

When R _a ' is a monoacyl radical, hydroxylamine esters containing group (I) are monomeric or dimeric structures. Thus, dimeric structures have suitable bivalent substituents in the 4-position and these are in turn substituted in the terminal position by compounds (I) via their 4-position (α,ω-substitution).

The term hydroxylamine ester encompasses both monomeric and oligomeric compounds and also polymers formed by compounds of the formula I.

A diacyl radical R ₃ ' may be, for example, the diacyl radical derived from a monobasic organic acid having C radicals and two acid functions, e.g. a diacyl radical derived from an aliphatic, aromatic or cycloaliphatic dicarboxylic acid.

Suitable aliphatic dicarboxylic acids have from 2 to 40 C-atoms, e.g. oxalic acid, malonic acid, dimethylmalonic acid, succinic acid, pimelic acid, adipic acid, trimethyladipic acid, se- bacic acid, azelaic acid and dimeric acid (dimerization products of unsaturated aliphatic car- boxylic acids such as oleic acid), alkylated malonic and succinic acids, e.g. octadecylsuccinic acid.

Suitable cycloaliphatic dicarboxylic acids are, for example, 1 ,3-cyclobutanedicarboxylic acid, 1 ,3-cyclopentanedicarboxylic acid, 1 ,3- and 1 ,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, 1 ,3- and 1 ,4- (dicarboxymethyl)cyclohexane or 4,4'-dicyclohexyldicarboxylic acid. Suitable aromatic dicarboxylic acids are, for example, terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, o- phthalic acid, and also 1 ,3-, 1 ,4-, 2,6- or 2,7-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, 4,4'-biphenyldicar- boxylic acid, bis(4-carboxyphenyl) sulphone, 4,4'-benzophenonedicarboxylic acid, 1 ,1 ,3- trimethyl-5-carboxy-3-(p-carboxylphenyl)indane, bis(4-carboxyphenyl) ether, bis(p-carboxy- phenyl) methane or bis(p-carboxyphenyl)ethane. Preference is given to aromatic dicarboxylic acids, in particular terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid and 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid.

Further suitable dicarboxylic acids are ones containing -CO-NH- groups. These are described in U.S. Pat. Spec. No. 4,002,600. Also suitable are dicarboxylic acids containing N- heterocyclic rings, e.g. those derived from carboxyalkylated, carboxyphenylated or carboxy- benzylated monoamine-s-triazinedicarboxylic acids, cf. U.S. Pat. Spec. No. 3,697,520 and U.S. Pat. Spec. No. 4,034,019, mono-hydantoins or bis-hydantoins, halogenated or unhalo- genated benzimidazoles or parabenic acid. The carboxyalkyl groups may contain from 3 to 20 C-atoms.

When R _a ' is a diacyl radical and a suitable functional group, e.g. hydroxy or amino, is present in the 4-position, compounds containing groups of the formula I are polymeric structures, e.g. polyesters, polyesteramides, polyurethanes, polycarbonates or polyimide esters.

For example, the hindered hydroxylamine esters are of the formula IA

Where n is an integer from 1 to 4,

R ₃ is acyl and R-T, R ₂ ' and R3' are each, independently of one another, hydrogen or methyl; and G has the following meanings: When n = 1 ,

G is hydrogen, d-Ci ₈ alkyl which may be interrupted by at least one oxygen atoms, 2-cyano- ethyl, benzyl, glycidyl, the monovalent radical of an aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, araliphatic, unsaturated or aromatic carboxylic acid, carbamic acid or phosphorus-containing acid or a monovalent silyl radical, preferably the acyl radical of an aliphatic carboxylic acid having from 2 to 18 C-atoms, of a cycloaliphatic carboxylic acid having from 7 to 15 C-atoms, of an α,β- unsaturated carboxylic acid having from 3 to 5 C-atoms or of an aromatic carboxylic acid having from 7 to 15 C-atoms, where the carboxylic acid may be substituted in the aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic part by from 1 to 3 -COOZ ¹ groups, where Z ¹ is hydrogen, Cr C ₂ oalkyl, C ₃ -Ci ₂ alkenyl, C ₅ -C ₇ cycloalkyl, phenyl or benzyl; or When n = 2,

G is C ₂ -Ci ₂ alkylene, C ₄ -Ci ₂ alkenylene, xylylene, the divalent acid radical of an aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, araliphatic or aromatic dicarboxylic acid, dicarbamic acid or phosphorus-containing acid, or a divalent silyl radical, preferably the acyl radical of an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid having from 2 to 36 C-atoms, of a cycloaliphatic or aromatic dicarboxylic acid having from 8 to 14 C-atoms or of an aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic dicarbamic acid having from 8 to 14 C-atoms, where the dicarboxylic acid may be substituted in the aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic part by 1 or 2 -COOZ ¹ groups, where Z ¹ is as defined above; or

When n = 3,

G is the trivalent acid radical of an aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic tricarboxylic acid, where the radical may be substituted in the aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic part by -COOZ ¹ , where Z ¹ is as defined above, or the trivalent acid radical of an aromatic tricarbamic acid or a phosphorus-containing acid, or a trivalent silyl radical; and

When n = 4,

G is the tetravalent acid radical of an aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic tetracarboxylic acid.

For example, the present hindered hydroxylamine esters are of formula (IA),

Where n is 1 or 2, R ₁ ', R ₂ ' and R3' are each hydrogen and R ₃ is C ₂ -Ciβalkanoyl or C ₃ -C ₆ alkenoyl and G is the acyl radical of an aliphatic monocarboxylic acid having from 12 to 18 C-atoms or the diacyl radical of an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid having from 4 to 12 C-atoms.

G defined as CrCi ₈ alkyl may be as defined below or may, for example, be n-tridecyl, n-tet- radecyl, n-hexadecyl or n-octadecyl. A monovalent acyl radical of a carboxylic acid as G may be, for example, the acyl radical of acetic acid, hexanoic acid, stearic acid, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, benzoic acid or β-(3,5- di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid; preferably the acyl radical of stearic acid, acrylic acid or methacrylic acid.

A monovalent silyl radical G may be, for example, a radical -(C _n H _2n )-Si(Z') ₂ Z", where n is an integer from 2 to 5 and Z' and Z" are each, independently of one another Ci-C ₄ alkyl or d- C ₄ alkoxy.

A divalent acid radical of a dicarboxylic acid as G may be, for example, the acid radical of malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, suberic acid, sebacic acid, maleic acid, itaconic acid, phthalic acid, dibutylmalonic acid, dibenzylmalonic acid, butyl(3,5-di-tert-butyl- 4-hydroxybenzyl)malonic acid or bicycloheptenedicarboxylic acid.

A trivalent radical of a tricarboxylic acid as G may be, for example, the acid radical of trimelli- tic acid, citric acid or nitrilotriacetic acid.

A tetravalent radical of a tetracarboxylic acid as G may be, for example, the tetravalent acid radical of butane-1 ,2,3,4-tetracarboxylic acid or of pyromellitic acid. A divalent radical of a dicarbamic acid as G may be, for example, the hexamethylenedicar- bamic acid radical or the 2,4-toluylenedicarbamic acid radical.

Preferred compounds are compounds (IA), in which n is 1 or 2, R ₁ ', R ₂ ' and R ₃ ' are each hydrogen and R ₃ is C ₂ -C-ι ₈ alkanoyl or C ₃ -C6alkenoyl and G is the acyl radical of an aliphatic monocarboxylic acid having from 12 to 18 C-atoms or the diacyl radical of an aliphatic dicar- boxylic acid having from 4 to 12 C-atoms.

The hydroxylamine esters may be of the formula IB

Where n is 1 or 2 and R ₃ , Ri', R ₂ ¹ and R ₃ ' are as defined under the formula IA;

G ¹ is hydrogen, d-C^alkyl, C ₂ -C ₅ hydroxyalkyl, C ₅ -C ₇ cycloalkyl, C ₇ -C ₈ aralkyl, C ₂ -Ci ₈ alkanoyl, C3-C ₅ alkenoyl or benzoyl or a group:

Where R ₃ , Ri', R ₂ ' and R ₃ ' are as defined above; and G ² has the following meanings: When n = 1 , G ² is hydrogen, CrCi ₈ alkyl, C ₃ -C ₈ alkenyl, C ₅ -C ₇ cycloalkyl, CrC ₄ alkyl which bears a hydroxy, cyano, alkoxycarbonyl or carbamido group as substituent, glycidyl or a group -CH ₂ -CH(OH)-Z or CONH-Z, where Z is hydrogen, methyl or phenyl; or

When n = 2,

G ² is C ₂ -C ₁₂ alkylene, C ₆ -Ci ₂ arylene, xylylene Or -CH ₂ CH(OH)-CH ₂ - or -CH ₂ -CH(OH)-CH ₂ -O-D-O- group, where D is C ₂ -Ci ₀ alkylene, C ₆ -Ci ₅ arylene, C ₆ -Ci ₂ cyclo- alkylene;

or, provided that G ¹ is not alkanoyl, alkenoyl or benzoyl, G ² may also be 1-oxo-C ₂ - Ci ₂ alkylene, the divalent radical of an aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic dicarboxylic acid or dicarbamic acid or the -CO- group; or, when n = 1 , G ¹ and G ² may together be the divalent radical of an aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic 1 ,2-dicarboxylic acid or 1 ,3-dicarboxylic acid.

Ci-Ci ₂ Alkyl and CrCiβalkyl substituents are as defined above under the formula (IA).

C ₅ -C ₇ Cycloalkyl is preferably cyclohexyl.

A Cy-Cβaralkyl group G ¹ is preferably 2-phenylethyl or benzyl.

A C ₂ -C ₅ hydroxyalkyl group G ¹ is preferably 2-hydroxyethyl or 2- or 3-hydroxypropyl.

A C ₂ -Ciβalkanoyl group G ¹ may be, for example, propionyl, butyryl, octanoyl, dodecanoyl, hexadecanoyl, octadecanoyl, preferably acetyl.

A C3-C ₅ alkenoyl group G ¹ is preferably acryloyl.

A C ₂ -Cβalkenyl group G ² may be, for example, allyl, methallyl, 2-butenyl, 2-pentenyl, 2-hex- enyl or 2-octenyl.

A hydroxy-, cyano-, alkoxycarbonyl- or carbamido-substituted CrC ₄ alkyl group G ² may be, for example, 2-hydroxyethyl, 2-hydroxypropyl, 2-cyanoethyl, methoxycarbonylmethyl, 2-eth- oxycarbonylethyl, 2-aminocarbonylpropyl or 2-(dimethylaminocarbonyl)ethyl.

A C ₂ -Ci ₂ alkylene group G ² may be, for example, ethylene, propylene, 2,2-dimethylpropylene, tetramethylene, hexamethylene, octamethylene, decamethylene or dodecamethylene.

A C6-C"i ₅ arylene group G ² may be, for example, o-, m- or p-phenylene, 1 ,4-naphthylene or 4,4'-biphenylene.

A C ₆ -Ci ₂ -cycloalkylene group G ² is preferably cyclohexylene.

For instance, the present hydroxylamine esters are of the formula IC

Where

n is 1 or 2 and R ₃ , Ri', R ₂ ' and R ₃ ' are as defined under the formula IA; and

G ³ is C ₂ -C ₈ alkylene, C ₂ -C ₈ hydroxyalkylene or C ₄ -C ₂₄ acyloxyalkylene when n = 1 or is the group (-CH ₂ )2C(CH ₂ -)2 when n = 2.

For example, the present hydroxylamine esters are of the formula IC, where R ₃ , R ₁ ', R ₂ ' and R3' are as defined under the formula IA and G ³ is C ₂ -Cβalkylene or C ₄ -C ₂₄ acyloxyalkylene.

A C ₂ -Cβalkylene or C ₂ -Cehydroxyalkylene group G ³ may be, for example, ethylene, 1-methyl- ethylene, propylene, 2-ethylpropylene or 2-ethyl-2-hydroxymethylpropylene.

A C ₄ -C ₂₂ -acyloxyalkylene group G ³ may be, for example, 2-ethyl-2-acetoxymethylpropylene. The hydroxylamine esters may be of the formulae ID, IE or IF

Where

n is 1 or 2 and R ₃ , Ri', R ₂ ¹ and R ₃ ' are as defined under the formula IA; and G ⁴ is hydrogen, d-C^alkyl, allyl, benzyl, glycidyl or C ₂ -C ₆ alkoxyalkyl; and G ⁵ has the following meanings: When n = 1 , G ⁵ is hydrogen, d-C^alkyl, C ₃ -C ₅ alkenyl, C ₇ -C ₉ aralkyl, C ₅ -C ₇ cycloalkyl, C ₂ -C ₄ hydroxyalkyl, C ₂ -C ₆ alkoxyalkyl, C ₆ -Ci ₀ aryl, glycidyl or a group: -(CH ₂ ) _P -COO-Q or -(CH ₂ ) _P -O-CO-Q, where p is 1 or 2 and Q is CrC ₄ alkyl or phenyl; or

When n = 2,

G ⁵ is C ₂ -C ₁₂ alkylene, C ₄ -C ₁₂ alkenylene, C ₆ -Ci ₂ arylene, the group -CH ₂ -CH(OH)-CH ₂ -O-D-O- CH ₂ -CH(OH)-CH ₂ -, where D is C ₂ -Cio-alkylene, C6-Ci ₅ arylene or C6-Ci ₂ -cycloalkylene, or the group -CH ₂ CH(OZ')CH ₂ -(OCH ₂ -CH(OZ')CH ₂ ) ₂ -, where Z' is hydrogen, C _r Ci ₈ alkyl, allyl, benzyl, C ₂ -Ci ₂ alkanoyl or benzoyl;

T ¹ and T ² are each, independently of one another, hydrogen, d-C-iβalkyl, C ₆ -Cioaryl or Cy-Cgaralkyl, each of which may be substituted by halogen or Ci-C ₄ -alkyl, or T ¹ and T ² together with the carbon atom connecting them form a C ₅ -Ci ₄ cycloalkane ring.

The substituents CrCi ₂ alkyl are, for example, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec- butyl, tert-butyl, n-hexyl, n-octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, n-nonyl, n-decyl, n-undecyl or n-dodecyl.

Substituents defined as CrCi ₈ -alkyl may be, for example, the above-mentioned groups or, for example, n-tridecyl, n-tetradecyl, n-hexadecyl or n-octadecyl. C ₂ -CeAI koxya Iky I is, for example, methoxymethyl, ethoxymethyl, propoxymethyl, tert-butoxy- methyl, 2-ethoxyethyl, 2- or 3-ethoxy-n-propyl, 2-n-butoxyethyl, 2-tert-butoxyethyl, 2-isopropoxyethyl or 2- or 3-n-propoxy-n-propyl.

A C ₃ -C ₅ alkenyl group G ⁵ may be, for example, 1-propenyl, allyl, methallyl, 2-butenyl or 2- pentenyl. C ₇ -C ₉ Aralkyl groups G ⁵ , T ¹ and T ² are preferably 2-phenethyl or benzyl. When T ¹ and T ² together with the carbon atom form a cycloalkane ring, this ring may be, for example, a cy- clopentane, cyclohexane, cyclooctane or cyclododecane ring.

A C ₂ -C ₄ hydroxyalkyl group G ⁵ may be, for example, 2-hydroxyethyl, 2- or 3-hydroxy-n-propyl or 2-, 3- or 4-hydroxy-n-butyl. A C6-Cioaryl group G ⁵ , T ¹ and T ² is preferably phenyl or α- or β-naphthyl, each of which may be substituted by halogen or Ci-C ₄ alkyl.

A C ₂ -Ci ₂ alkylene group G ⁵ may be, for example, ethylene, propylene, 2,2-dimethylpropylene, tetramethylene, hexamethylene, octamethylene, decamethylene or dodecamethylene.

A C ₄ -Ci ₂ alkenylene group G ⁵ is preferably 2-butenylene, 2-pentenylene or 3-hexenylene.

A C6-Ci ₂ arylene group G ⁵ may be, for example, o-, m- or p-phenylene, 1 ,4-naphthylene or 4,4'-biphenylene.

A C ₂ -Ci ₂ alkanoyl group Z' is, for example, preferably acetyl and may also be propionyl, butyryl, n-octanoyl or n-dodecanoyl.

C ₂ -CioAlkylene, C6-Ci ₅ arylene and C6-Ci ₂ cycloalkylene groups D are as defined under formula IB. The present hindered hydroxylamine esters may be of the formula IG

Where n = 1 or 2 and G ⁶ is a group:

Where R ₃ , Ri', R ₂ ¹ and R ₃ ' are as defined under the formula IA, and R ₃ ' and R ₄ ' are each hydrogen or methyl or together form the substituent =0;

E is -O- or -NG ¹ -,

A is C ₂ -C6-alkylene or -(CH ₂ ) ₃ -O-, and x is either O or 1 ; G ¹ is hydrogen, d-C^alkyl, C ₂ -C ₅ hydroxyalkyl or C ₅ -C ₇ cycloalkyl;

G ⁷ is identical to G ⁶ or is one of the groups -NG ⁹ G ¹⁰ , -OG ¹¹ , -NHCH ₂ OG ¹¹ or -N(CH ₂ OG ¹¹ ) ₂ ; When n=1 , G ⁸ is identical to G ⁶ or G ⁷ ; and,

When n=2, G ⁸ is the group -E-B-E-, where B is C ₂ -Cβ-alkylene or C ₂ -Cβ-alkylene interrupted bbyy 11 oorr 2 -NG ⁹ - groups, and G ⁹ is Ci-Ci ₂ alkyl, cyclohexyl, benzyl or CrC ₄ hydroxyalkyl or the groups:

G ¹⁰ is Ci-C"i ₂ -alkyl, cyclohexyl, benzyl or Ci-C ₄ -hydroxyalkyl, and G ¹¹ is hydrogen, Ci-Ci ₂ -al- kyl or phenyl; and

G ⁹ and G ¹⁰ are together C ₄ -C ₅ -alkylene or C ₄ -C ₅ oxaalkylene. G ⁹ and G ¹⁰ may further be together, for example, C ₄ -C ₅ -alkylene, C ₄ -C ₅ oxaalkylene, e.g. tetramethylene, pentamethylene or 3-oxapentamethylene, or the corresponding

C ₄ -C ₅ thiaalkylene, e.g. the group _{N R} .

Ci-C"i ₂ Alkyl is, for example, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-hexyl, n- octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, n-nonyl, n-decyl, n-undecyl or n-dodecyl. Ci-C ₄ Hydroxyalkyl is, for example, 2-hydroxyethyl, 2- or 3-hydroxypropyl or 2-, 3- or 4-hy- droxy-n-butyl.A C ₂ -Cealkylene group A, may be, for example, ethylene, propylene, 2,2-di- methylpropylene, tetramethylene or hexamethylene.

The hindered hydroxylamine ester compounds may be of the formula IH

Where n is an integer greater than two and R-T, R ₂ ' and R3' are as defined under the formula IA; and B is a bivalent substituent.

B is, for example, d-C^alkylene, e.g. methylene, ethylene, propylene, 2,2- dimethylpropylene or tetramethylene, hexamethylene, octamethylene, decamethylene or do- decamethylene, C ₆ -Ci ₅ arylene, e.g. a group:

Where X is a bivalent substituent, e.g. CrC^alkylene as defined above, -O-, -(C=O)-, -S- or -Sf=O) ₂ -.

The present polyesters of formula (IH) may also correspond to compounds where the group

is partially replaced by suitable diols, which are derived, for example, from aliphatic, cy- cloaliphatic or aromatic diols.

The aliphatic diols may contain from 2 to 12 C-atoms, the cycloaliphatic diols may contain from 5 to 8 C-atoms and the aromatic diols may contain from 6 to 15 C-atoms.

Polyoxyalkylene glycols having molecular weights in the range from 150 to 40 000 are also possible.

Aromatic diols are compounds in which two hydroxy groups are bound to an aromatic hydrocarbon radical or to different aromatic hydrocarbon radicals.

The polyesters may be branched by means of small amounts, e.g. from 0.1 to 3.0 mol%, based on the dicarboxylic acids present, of more than bifunctional monomers (e.g.

pentaerythritol, trimellitic acid, 1 ,3,5-tri(hydroxyphenyl)benzene, 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid or 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)propane).

Suitable aliphatic diols are linear and branched aliphatic glycols, in particular those having from 2 to 12, preferably from 2 to 6, C-atoms in the molecule, e.g. ethylene glycol, 1 ,2- and 1 ,3-propylene glycol, 1 ,2-, 1 ,3-, 2,3- or 1 ,4-butanediol, pentyl glycol, neopentyl glycol, 1 ,6- hexanediol, 1 ,12-dodecanediol.

A suitable cycloaliphatic diol is, for example, 1 ,4-dihydroxycyclohexane. Further suitable diols are, for example, 1 ,4-bis(hydroxymethyl)cyclohexane, aromatic-aliphatic diols such as p-xy- lylene glycol or 2,5-dichloro-p-xylylene glycol, 2,2-(β-hydroxyethoxyphenyl)propane and also polyoxyalkylene glycols such as diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol or polypropylene glycol. The alkylenediols are preferably linear and contain, in particular, from 2 to 4 C-atoms.

Preferred diols are alkylene diols, 1 ,4-dihydroxycyclohexane and 1 ,4-bis(hydroxyme- thyl)cyclohexane. Particular preference is given to ethylene glycol, 1 ,4-butanediol and 1 ,2- and 1 ,3-propylene glycol.

Further suitable aliphatic diols are the β-hydroxyalkylated, in particular β-hydroxyethylated, bisphenols such as 2,2-bis[4'-(β-hydroxyethoxy)phenyl]propane.

A further group of suitable aliphatic diols consists of the heterocyclic diols described in U.S. Pat. Spec. Nos. 3,867,400 and 3,954, 790. Examples are: N,N'-bis(β-hydroxyethyl)-5,5-di- methylhydantoin, N,N'-bis(β-hydroxypropyl)-5,5-dimethylhydantoin, methylenebis[N-(β-hy- droxyethyl)-5-methyl-5-ethylhydantoin], methylenebis[N-(β-hydroxyethyl)-5,5-dimethylhy- dantoin], N,N'-bis(β-hydroxyethyl)benzimidazolone, N,N'-bis(β-hydroxyethyl)(tetrachloro)ben- zimidazolone or N,N'-bis(β-hydroxyethyl)(tetrabromo)benzimidazolone.

Suitable aromatic diols are diphenols having one aromatic unit, in particular diols having two aromatic units which bear a hydroxy group on each aromatic unit. Aromatic units are to be understood as meaning aromatic hydrocarbon radicals such as phenylene or naphthylene. Apart from, for example, hydroquinone, resorcinol or 1 ,5-, 2,6- and 2,7-dihydroxynaphtha- lene, particular mention may be made of the bisphenols bis(p-hydroxyphenyl) ether or thio- ether, bis(p-hydroxyphenyl) sulphone, bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)methane, 2,2'-bis(4-hydroxy- phenyl)biphenyl, phenylhydroquinone, 1 ,2-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)ethane, 1-phenylbis(p-hy- droxyphenyl)methane, diphenylbis(p-hydroxyphenyl)methane, diphenylbis(p-hydroxy- phenyl)ethane, bis(3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) sulphone, bis(3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy- phenyl)-p-diisopropylbenzene, bis(3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-m-diisopropylbenzene, 2,2- bis(3',5'-dimethyl-4'-hydroxyphenyl)propane, 1 ,1- or 2,2-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)butane, 2,2-

bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane, 1 ,1-dichloro- or 1 ,1 ,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-hydroxy- phenyl)ethane, 1 ,1-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)cyclopentane and in particular 2, 2-bis(p-hydroxy- phenyl)propane (bisphenol A) and 1 ,1-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)cyclohexane (bisphenol C).

Examples of substituted or unsubstituted alkylene are methylene, ethylene, phenylmethyl- ene, diphenylmethylene and methylphenylmethylene.

Examples of cycloalkylidene are cyclopentylidene, cyclohexylidene, cycloheptylidene and cyclooctylidene.

C ₆ -CioAryl is, for example, phenyl or naphthyl, but also comprised are CrC ₄ alkyl substituted phenyl. Examples for alkyl substituted phenyl are ethylbenzene, toluene, xylene and its iso- mers, mesitylene or isopropylbenzene.

Alkyl is a branched or unbranched radical, for example methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-bu- tyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, 2-ethylbutyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, 1-methylpentyl, 1 ,3-dimeth- ylbutyl, n-hexyl, 1-methylhexyl, n-heptyl, isoheptyl, 1 ,1 ,3,3-tetramethylbutyl, 1-methylheptyl, 3-methylheptyl, n-octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, 1 ,1 ,3-trimethylhexyl, 1 ,1 ,3,3-tetramethylpentyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, 1-methylundecyl, dodecyl, 1 ,1 ,3,3,5,5-hexamethylhexyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl, octadecyl, icosyl or docosyl.

The addition of the hydroxylamine esters to the thermoplastic polymer can be carried out in all customary mixing machines in which the polymer is melted and mixed with the additives. Suitable machines are known to those skilled in the art. They are predominantly mixers, kneaders and extruders.

The process is preferably carried out in an extruder by introducing the additive during processing.

Particularly preferred processing machines are single-screw extruders, contra-rotating and co-rotating twin-screw extruders, planetary-gear extruders, ring extruders or co-kneaders. Processing machines may be used provided with at least one gas removal compartment to which a vacuum can be applied.

Suitable extruders and kneaders are described, for example, in Handbuch der Kunststoffex- trusion, Vol. 1 Grundlagen, Editors F. Hensen, W. Knappe, H. Potente, 1989, pp. 3-7, ISBN:3-446-14339-4 (Vol. 2 Extrusionsanlagen 1986, ISBN 3-446-14329-7). For example, the screw length is 1 - 60 screw diameters, preferably 35-48 screw diameters. The rotational speed of the screw is preferably 10 - 600 rotations per minute (rpm), very particularly preferably 25 - 300 rpm.

The maximum throughput is dependent on the screw diameter, the rotational speed and the driving force. The process of the present invention can also be carried out at a level lower than maximum throughput by varying the parameters mentioned or employing weighing machines delivering dosage amounts. If a plurality of components are added, these can be premixed or added individually.

The polymers need to be subjected to an elevated temperature for a sufficient period of time during incorporation of additives. The temperature is generally above the softening point of the polymers.

In a preferred embodiment of the process of the present invention, a temperature range lower than 280°C, particularly from about 160°C to 280°C is employed. In a particularly preferred process variant, the temperature range from about 200°C to 270°C is employed.

The above-described hydroxylamine esters are suitable for reducing the molecular weight of polypropylene, propylene copolymers and polypropylene blends during compounding, where they effect degradation of the polymer chains. Provided are, for example, very uniform poly- propylene polymers with a narrow molecular weight distribution. Such polypropylene is excellent for electret applications.

Incorporation can, alternatively, also be carried out at temperatures which do not yet cause decomposition of the polymers (latent compound). The polymers prepared in this way can subsequently be heated a second time and subjected to an elevated temperature for a suffi- cient period of time so that the desired polymer degradation occurs.

In the processes and compositions of the present invention the above-described hydroxylamine ester containing compounds are present in concentrations, based on the amount of the polymer, of from about 0.001 to 5.0% by weight, in particular from 0.01 to 2.0% by weight and particularly preferably from 0.02 to 1.0% by weight. The hydroxylamine esters can be added as individual compounds or as mixtures to the polymer.

Incorporation of additives into the polymers can be carried out, for example, by mixing the above-described hydroxylamine esters or mixtures thereof and, if desired, further additives into the polymers using the methods customary in process technology.

The hydroxylamine esters can also be added to the polymers in the form of a master batch in which these compounds are present, for example, in a concentration of from about 1.0 to

25.0% by weight. The present invention therefore further provides a concentrate in which the compounds of the invention are present in a concentration of about 1.0 - 25.0% by weight and which can be added to the thermoplastic polymer.

Another aspect of this invention is the co-use of certain other additives along with the present hydroxylamine esters. These certain other additives are incorporated in the same manner as the hydroxylamine esters.

For instance, the class of stabilizers of the hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS) other than the present hydroxylamine ester compounds are advantageously also employed in the present processes and compositions.

The present sterically hindered amine stabilizers contain at least one moiety of formula

Wherein the dotted lines represent bonds to groups and substituents;

Where Gi, G ₂ , G3, G ₄ and G ₅ are independently alkyl of 1 to 8 carbon atoms or Gi and G ₂ or G ₃ and G ₄ together are pentamethylene.

The hindered amines are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Spec. Nos. 5,004,770, 5,204,473, 5,096,950, 5,300,544, 5, 112,890, 5, 124,378, 5, 145,893, 5,216, 156, 5,844,026, 5,980, 783, 6,046,304, 6, 117,995, 6,271,377, 6,297,299, 6,392,041, 6,376,584 and

6,472,456, and U.S. App. Nos. 09/714, 717, filed Nov. 16, 2000 and 10/485,377, filed August 6, 2002.

U.S. Pat. Spec. Nos. 6,271,377, 6,392,041 and 6,376,584, cited above, disclose hindered hydroxyalkoxyamine stabilizers. Suitable hindered amines are selected from the group consisting of:

1 ) 1 -Cyclohexyloxy^^.θ.θ-tetramethyM-octadecylaminopiperidine

2) bis(2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl)sebacate

3) bis(1 -Acetoxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl)sebacate

4) bis(1 ,2,2,6,6-Pentamethyl-4-yl)sebacate 5) bis(1 -Cyclohexyloxy^^.θ.θ-tetramethylpiperidin^-yljsebacate

6) bis(1 -Octyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl)sebacate

7) bis(1 -Acyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl)sebacate

8) bis(1 , 2,2,6, 6-Pentamethyl-4-pipeπdyl)-n-butyl-3,5-di-tert-butyl-4- hydroxybenzylmalonate

9) 2,4-bis[(1-Cyclohexyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl)b utylamino]-6-(2-hy- droxyethylamino-s-triazine

10) bis(1 -Cyclohexyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl)adipate

1 1 ) 2,4-bis[(1 -Cyclohexyloxy^^.θ.θ-piperidin^-yljbutylaminol-θ-chloro-s -triazine

12) 1 -(2-Hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpi peridine

13) 1 -(2-Hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-4-oxo-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpipeι ϊdine 14) 1 -(2-Hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-4-octadecanoyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetra methylpiperidine

15) bis(1 -(2-Hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4- yl)sebacate

16) bis(1 -(2-Hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4- yl)adipate

17) 2,4-bis{N-[1 -(2-Hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4- yl]-N-bu- tylamino}-6-(2-hydroxyethylamino)-s-triazine 18) 4-Benzoyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine

19) Di-(1 ,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidin-4-yl)-p-methoxybenzylidenemalo nate

20) 4-Stearyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine

21 ) bis(1-Octyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidyl)succinate

22) 1 ,2,2,6,6-Pentamethyl-4-aminopiperidine 23) 2-Undecyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1 -oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxo-spiro[4,5]decane

24) tris(2,2,6,6-Tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)nitrilotπacetate

25) tris(2-Hydroxy-3-(amino-(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl)p ropyl)nitrilotπacetate 26) tetrakis(2,2,6,6-Tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-1 ,2,3,4-butane-tetracarboxylate

27) tetrakis(1 ,2,2,6,6-Pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)-1 ,2,3,4-butane-tetracarboxylate 28) 1 ,1 '-(1 ,2-Ethanediyl)-bis(3,3,5,5-tetramethylpiperazinone)

29) 3-n-Octyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1 ,3,8-triazaspiro[4.5]decan-2,4-dione

30) δ-Acetyl-S-dodecyl^J.θ.θ-tetramethyl-I .S.δ-triazaspiroμ.δldecane^^-dione

31 ) 3-Dodecyl-1-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-pyrrolidin-2,5 -dione

32) 3-Dodecyl-1 -(1 ,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)-pyrrolidine-2,5-dione

33) N,N'-bis-formyl-N,N'-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-pipeπdyl)hex amethylenediamine

34) The reaction product of 2,4-bis[(1-cyclohexyloxy-2,2,6,6-piperidin-4-yl)- butylamino]-6-chloro-s-triazine with N,N'-bis(3-aminopropyl)ethylenediamine) 35) The condensate of 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-hydroxypiperidine and succinic acid

36) Linear or cyclic condensates of N,N'-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-hexame- thylenediamine and 4-tert-octylamino-2,6-dichloro-1 ,3,5-triazine

37) Linear or cyclic condensates of N,N'-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-hexame- thylenediamine and 4-cyclohexylamino-2,6-dichloro-1 ,3,5-triazine

38) Linear or cyclic condensates of N,N'-bis-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)hexame- thylenediamine and 4-morpholino-2,6-dichloro-1 ,3,5-triazine

39) Linear or cyclic condensates of N,N'-bis-(1 ,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)hexa- methylenediamine and 4-morpholino-2,6-dichloro-1 ,3,5-triazine 40) The condensate of 2-chloro-4,6-bis(4-n-butylamino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidyl )-

1 ,3,5-triazine and 1 ,2-bis(3-aminopropylamino)ethane

41 ) The condensate of 2-chloro-4,6-di-(4-n-butylamino-1 ,2,2,6, 6-pentamethyl- piperidyl)-1 ,3,5-triazine and 1 ,2-bis-(3-aminopropylamino)ethane

42) The reaction product of 7,7,9, θ-tetramethyl^-cycloundecyl-i-oxa-S.δ-diaza^- oxospiro [4,5]decane and epichlorohydrine

43) Poly[methyl-(3-oxy-(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl)propyl )] siloxane, CAS No. 182635-99-0

44) The reaction product of maleic acid anhydride-Ci ₈ -C ₂₂ -α-olefin-copolymer with 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-aminopiperidine 45) The oligomeric compound which is the condensation product of 4,4'-hexamethyl- enebis(amino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine) and 2,4-dichloro-6-[(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl- piperidin-4-yl)butylamino]-s-triazine end-capped with 2-chloro-4,6-bis(dibutylamino)-s- triazine

46) The oligomeric compound which is the condensation product of 4,4'-hexa- methylenebis(amino-1 ,2,2,6,6-pentaamethylpiperidine) and 2,4-dichloro-6-[(1 ,2,2,6,6-

pentaamethylpiperidin-4-yl)butylamino]-s-triazine end-capped with 2-chloro-4,6- bis(dibutylamino)-s-triazine

47) The oligomeric compound which is the condensation product of 4,4'-hexa- methylenebis(amino-1 -propoxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine) and 2,4-dichloro-6-[(1 - propoxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl)butylamino]-s-tria zine end-capped with 2- chloro-4,6-bis(dibutylamino)-s-triazine

48) The oligomeric compound which is the condensation product of 4,4'-hexa- methylenebis(amino-1 -acyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine) and 2,4-dichloro-6-[(1 - acyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl)butylamino]-s-tria zine end-capped with 2- chloro-4,6-bis(dibutylamino)-s-triazine and

49) The product obtained by reacting a product, obtained by reacting 1 ,2-bis(3- aminopropylamino)ethane with cyanuric chloride, with 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4- yl-butylamine.

Also included are the sterically hindered N-H, N-methyl, N-methoxy, N-propoxy, N-octyloxy, N-cyclohexyloxy and N-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy) analogues of any of the above mentioned compounds.

The class of additives known as the hydroxyphenylalkylphosphonic esters or monoesters are also advantageously employed in the processes and compositions of this invention. The hydroxyphenylalkylphosphonic esters or monoesters are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pub- lished App. No. 2004/0106767. The hydroxyphenylalkylphosphonic esters or monoesters are of the formula

Wherein

R ₆ is isopropyl, tert-butyl, cyclohexyl or cyclohexyl which is substituted by 1-3 CrC ₄ alkyl groups,

R ₇ is hydrogen, Ci-C ₄ alkyl, cyclohexyl or cyclohexyl which is substituted by 1-3 CrC ₄ alkyl groups,

R ₈ is CrC ₂ oalkyl, unsubstituted or CrC ₄ alkyl-substituted phenyl or naphthyl,

Rg is hydrogen, CrC ₂ oalkyl, unsubstituted or Ci-C ₄ alkyl-substituted phenyl or naphthyl; or r+ corresponds to: _ M ; wherein r

M ^r+ is an r-valent metal cation, p is 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, and r is 1 , 2 or 3.

For example, the present hydroxyphenylalkylphosphonic ester or monoester is a compound of the formula P1 or P2:

(P2).

The processes and compositions of the present invention may further include additives from the class of the aromatic tris-amide nucleating agents. The tris-amide nucleating agents are disclosed, for example, in Published U.S. App. Nos. 2005/0203226 and 10/544,508, filed February 9, 2004, and in WO 2004/072168.

The aromatic tris-amides are for instance of the formula

Wherein

Ri, R ₂ and R ₃ , independently of one another, are

CrC ₂ oAlkyl, C ₂ -C ₂₀ alkyl substituted by Ci-Ci ₀ alkylamino, di(Ci-Ci ₀ alkyl)amino, d-Ci ₀ alkyloxy or hydroxy, C ₃ -C ₂₀ alkenyl, C ₅ -Ci ₂ cycloalkyl,C ₅ -Ci ₂ cycloalkyl substituted by 1-3 CrCi _O alkyl, cyclohexylmethyl, cyclohexylmethyl substituted by 1 , 2 or 3 d-Cioalkyl.Cs-Cgcycloalkenyl, C ₅ -Cgcycloalkenyl substituted by 1-3 CrCioalkyl, phenyl, phenyl substituted by 1-3 substituents selected from the group consisting of CrCioalkyl, Ci-Ci ₀ alkyloxy, hydroxy, halogen, trihalogenmethyl, trihalogenmethoxy, benzoyl, phenylamino, acylamino and

phenylazo, C ₇ -C ₉ phenylalkyl, C ₇ -C ₉ phenylalkyl which is substituted on the phenyl by 1-3 substituents selected from the group consisting of CrCioalkyl, Ci-Cioalkoxy and hydroxy, naphthyl, naphthyl substituted by CrCioalkyl, adamantyl, or a 5 to 6 membered heterocyclic group.

The aromatic tris-amides are, for example, of the formulae

Wherein

Ri, R ₂ and R ₃ , or Y ₁ , Y ₂ and Y ₃ , or Z ₁ , Z ₂ and Z ₃ independently of one another are CrC ₂₀ alkyl unsubstituted or substituted by 1-3 hydroxy; C ₂ -C ₂₀ Alkenyl unsubstituted or substituted by 1-3 hydroxy; C ₂ -C ₂₀ Alkyl interrupted by oxygen or sulphur; C ₃ -C ₁₂ Cycloalkyl unsubstituted or substituted by 1-3 CrC ₂₀ alkyl; (QrC^CycloalkylJ-CrC^alkyl unsubstituted or substituted by 1-3 CrC ₂₀ alkyl; bis[C ₃ -C ₁₂ Cycloalkyl]-CrC ₁₀ alkyl unsubstituted or substituted by 1-3 CrC ₂₀ alkyl; A bicyclic or tricyclic hydrocarbon radical with 5 to 20 carbon atoms unsubstituted or substituted by 1-3 Ci-C ₂₀ alkyl;

Phenyl unsubstituted or substituted by 1-3 substituents selected from the group consisting of CrC ₂₀ alkyl, CrC ₂₀ alkoxy, CrC ₂₀ alkylamino, di(CrC ₂₀ alkyl)amino, hydroxy and nitro;

Phenyl-CrC ₂₀ alkyl unsubstituted or substituted by 1-3 substituents selected from the group consisting of CrC ₂ oalkyl, C ₃ -C ₁₂ cycloalkyl, phenyl, CrC ₂ oalkoxy and hydroxy;

Phenylethenyl unsubstituted or substituted by 1-3 CrC ₂ oalkyl; Biphenyl-(CrC-ιoalkyl) unsubstituted or substituted by 1-3 CrC ₂ oalkyl; Naphthyl unsubstituted or substituted by 1-3 CrC ₂ oalkyl; Naphthyl-C-|-C ₂ oalkyl unsubstituted or substituted by 1-3 CrC ₂ oalkyl;

Naphthoxymethyl unsubstituted or substituted by 1-3 CrC ₂ oalkyl; Biphenylenyl, fluorenyl, anthryl;

A 5- to 6-membered heterocyclic radical unsubstituted or substituted by 1-3 CrC ₂ oalkyl; A CrC ₂ ohydrocarbon radical containing at least one halogen; or Tri(Ci-Ci _O alkyl)silyl(Ci-Ci _O alkyl); with the proviso that at least one of the radicals Ri, R ₂ and R ₃ , or Y ₁ , Y ₂ and Y ₃ , or Z ₁ , Z ₂ and Z ₃ is

Branched C ₃ -C ₂ oalkyl unsubstituted or substituted by at least one hydroxy; C ₂ -C ₂ oAlkyl interrupted by oxygen or sulphur; C ₃ -C ₁₂ Cycloalkyl unsubstituted or substituted by 1-3 C-ι-C ₂ oalkyl;

(C ₃ -C ₁₂ Cycloalkyl)-C"rC"ioalkyl unsubstituted or substituted by 1-3 CrC ₂ oalkyl;

A bicyclic or tricyclic hydrocarbon radical with 5 to 20 carbon atoms unsubstituted or substituted by 1-3 C _r C ₂₀ alkyl;

Phenyl unsubstituted or substituted by 1-3 substituents selected from the group consisting C-|-C ₂ oalkyl, CrC ₂ oalkoxy, C-ι-C ₂ oalkylamino, di(C-ι-C ₂ oalkyl)amino, hydroxy and nitro;

Phenyl-C-|-C ₂ oalkyl unsubstituted or substituted by 1-3 substituents selected from the group consisting of CrC ₂₀ alkyl, C ₃ -C ₁₂ cycloalkyl, phenyl, CrC ₂₀ alkoxy and hydroxy;

Biphenyl-(CrC ₁₀ alkyl) unsubstituted or substituted by 1-3 CrC ₂₀ alkyl; Naphthyl-CrC ₂₀ alkyl unsubstituted or substituted by 1-3 CrC ₂₀ alkyl; or

According to a preferred embodiment,

At least one of the radicals R ₁ , R ₂ and R ₃ , Or Y ₁ , Y ₂ and Y ₃ , Or Z ₁ , Z ₂ and Z ₃ is

Branched C ₃ -C ₂₀ alkyl, or

C ₃ -C ₁₂ Cycloalkyl unsubstituted or substituted by 1-3 CrC ₂₀ alkyl. According to a particular preferred embodiment, at least one of the radicals R ₁ , R ₂ and R ₃ , or Y ₁ , Y ₂ and Y ₃ , or Z ₁ , Z ₂ and Z ₃ is branched C ₃ -C-ιoalkyl.

The further additives of the hindered amine light stabilizers, the hydroxyphenylalkylphos- phonic esters or monoesters and the aromatic tris-amide nucleating agents are employed at the same levels as the present hydroxylamine esters.

The following Examples further illustrate the present invention. All percentages are in weight percent unless otherwise indicated.

Example 1

The following hindered hydroxylamine ester compounds are prepared according to published U.S. App. No. 2003/0216494.

The above hydroxylamine ester compounds are individually melt compounded in polypropylene at a level of 0.05 weight percent. 0.1 parts by weight of calcium stearate is also incorporated into the polypropylene. The resultant granules are spun by means of a melt-blown method to obtain non-woven fabrics. The fabrics are subjected to a corona treatment. The non-woven fabrics exhibit excellent thermal stability. The fabrics also hold the electric charge for a long period of time, that is the fabrics have good charge stability.

Example 2

Polypropylene with melt flow index (MFI) of 35, 25, or 12 are tumble mixed to contain 5.0% by weight of a sterically hindered amine (HALS), 2.0% by weight of a sterically hindered hy- droxyphenylalkylphosphonic monoester (HPPME), or 0.5% by weight of an aromatic tri- samide (TA), based on the weight of polymer.

These mixes are individually compounded using a Leistritz 27 mm twin screw extruder. The melt is cooled in water a trough and the strand is converted into pellets via a Conair - Jetro Model 304 pelletizer. The pellets collected are considered the master batches. Polypropylene is tumble mixed with the appropriate amounts of master batch and a present hindered hydroxylamine ester (HHAE) for each of the evaluations. The tumble mixing is via Marion Mixer SPS 1224 which is a paddle type slow RPM mixer. These are considered the final mixes. Final mixes at 45 kg each are converted into melt blown non-woven textiles using a 500 mm Reifenhauser Melt Blowing Pilot Line. The polypropylene webs are then treated by corona discharge.

The samples are tested using TSI Filter Tester (Model 8130) in which sodium chloride aerosol is sprayed at 32 1 per minute using a test area of 100 cm ² . Results are found in the following Tables.

Tablei: PP (MFI 35)

Table 2: PP (MFI 25)

Table 3: PP (MFI 12)

The additives of the present invention are effective in providing polypropylene with thermal and charge stability, as measured by filtration efficiency and filtration efficiency loss.

Hindered hydroxylamine ester (HHAE):

Sterically hindered hydroxyphenylalkylphosphonic monoester (HPPME):

Sterically hindered amine (HALS):

Aromatic tris-amide (TA):