Light stabilized polyolefin films, tapes and monofilaments Description The present invention relates to a process for the reduction of water carry-over of a light stabilized polyolefin film, tape or monofilament which is passed through a water bath during production, to the polyolefin film, tape or monofilament made in accordance to that process and to the use of specific light stabilizers to reduce the water carry-over of a light stabilized polyolefin film, tape or monofilament.

A widespread method for producing polyolefin films, tapes or monofilaments consists in extruding the polymer melt through a suitable apparatus and, in the form of a film, tape or monofilament, into a water bath, where the film, tape or monofilament is cooled and solidified. The film, tape or monofilament may then in turn be passed out of the water bath and subjected to further steps of processing. On emerging from the water bath the film, tape or monofilament can entrain water, which interferes with subsequent steps of processing. This effect, the entrainment of water from the water bath, is often termed "water carry-over" in the technical literature, and this can be abbreviated to WCO. Stretching of the film at a suitable temperature results in orientation and further crystallization of the polymer, resulting in the specific properties. This second step of processing may take place directly on the film, but the primary film is often split into tapes prior to the stretching process. Since the desired properties are obtained during the stretching process, precise adherence to all process parameters is essential here. Even traces of moisture on the film or on the tapes prior to the stretching process alter the subsequent stretching and orientation so as to produce very severe variations in the quality of the product obtained. The effects of this go beyond merely the corresponding major variations in the quality of the resultant final product. Even during production or processing, the poor quality can cause break-offs of the tapes, for example, and thus stop production. A source of water which can lead to the problems mentioned is the cooling bath into which the primary film is extruded. Although most plastics, in particular the polyolefins, such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) are very hydrophobic and therefore have little tendency to absorb water, it is frequently found that at relatively high production speeds water droplets or a thin film of water adhere to the film when this is drawn over the water bath. In addition, various additives such as light stabilizers have to be added to the polymer to ensure that the final product has good functionality. Some of these additives contribute to increased entrainment of water from the water bath. The additives, and also a maximum processing speed, are essential if suitable products are to be produced at low cost. A reduction in processing speed leads to uneconomic production. The addition of necessary additives, some of which lead to a worsening of WCO (i.e. more WCO and therefore poorer product) is also impossible to avoid, because otherwise the product properties brought about by the additives cannot be achieved. The reduction of WCO is currently promoted via simple design measures during machinery manufacture. For example, the draw-off of the film from the water bath is usually vertically upward, so that gravity alone maximizes the amount of water dropping away. In addition, use is often made of squeeze rollers and/or air knives to remove the maximum amount of water from the film. There are other technical methods, depending on the specific configuration of the machine.

There continues to be a requirement for a process for improving WCO during the production of polyolefin films, tapes and monofilaments. Ideally, no undesirable side- effects should arise, and the process should also be capable of problem-free use for existing formulations.

Surprisingly, it has now been found that the addition of a specific second sterically hindered amine light stabilizer to a light stabilized polyolefin film, tape or monofilament which contain already a sterically hindered amine light stabilizer can markedly reduce WCO during the production. This is unexpected particularly because the two sterically hindered amines belong to the same class of compounds. It was completely surprising and in no way predictable that particular combinations of two sterically hindered amine light stabilizers show a synergistic improvement in WCO properties. The invention therefore provides a process for reducing water carry-over of a light stabilized polyolefin film (preferably monolayer), tape (preferably monolayer) or monofilament which contains component (A) as light stabilizer and which is passed through a water bath during production, characterized in that the polyolefin film, tape or monofilament additionally comprises component (B) as light stabilizer, component (A) is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds of the formula (A-l), compounds of the formula (A-l l) and compounds of the formula (A-l ll),

wherein Ai is hydrogen or Ci-C4alkyl,

A ₂ is a direct bond or Ci-Cioalkylene, and

ai is a number from 2 to 20;

wherein A ₃ , A ₄ and A ₅ independently of one another are C2-Cisalkylene,

A ₆ , A ₇ , A ₈ , A ₉ and Ai ₀ independently of one another are hydrogen, Ci-Ci2alkyl, C5-Ci2cycloalkyl or a group of the formula (a-1),

the radicals An independently of one another are hydrogen, Ci-Ci2alkyl or

C5-Ci2cycloalkyl, and

a2 is a number from 1 to 20;

wherein A12 is C2-Ci8alkylene, Cs-Czcycloalkylene or

Ci-C4alkylenedi(C5-C7cycloalkylene),

Ai3 and A14 independently of one another are hydrogen, Ci-Ci2alkyl, C5-Ci2cycloalkyl a group of the formula (a-2),

or the radicals A13 and A14, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bonded, form a 5- to 10-membered heterocyclic ring,

the radicals A15 independently of one another are hydrogen, Ci-Ci2alkyl or

C5-Ci2cycloalkyl, and

83 is a number from 2 to 20; component (B) is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds of the formula (B-l), compounds of the formula (B-ll), compounds of the formula (B-lll) and compounds of the formula (B-IV),

wherein Ri is Ci-Cisalkyl, Ci-CishydroxyalkyI, cyclohexyl or hydroxycyclohexyl or Ri is a group -C(C6H5)(H)CH ₂ -OH and R2 is Ci-C2salkyl or a group of the formula (b-1 );

wherein x is an integer from 2 to 8 and y is zero or 1 ; wherein R3 is C2-Ci8alkylene, Cs-Czcycloalkylene or

Ci-C4alkylenedi(C5-C7cycloalkylene),

the radicals R ₄ independently of one another are Ci-Ci2alkyl or C5-Ci2cycloalkyl,

R5 and R6 independently of one another are hydrogen, Ci-Ci2alkyl, C5-Ci2cycloalkyl or a group of the formula (b-2),

or the radicals R5 and R6, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bonded, form a 5- to 10-membered heterocyclic ring and

bi is a number from 1 to 20;

H N R ₈ N Rg N R ₁₀ N H

H ^R 7 wherein the radicals Rs, R9 and R10 independently of one another are C2-Cisalkylene and the radicals R ₇ independently of one another are a group of the formula (b-3)

wherein Rn and R12 independently of one another are hydrogen, Ci-Ci2alkyl,

C5-Ci2cycloalkyl or a group of the formula (b-4) of one another are Ci-Ci2alkyl or C5-Ci2cycloalkyl;

(B-IV)

wherein

R5 is Ci-C25alkyl,

n is a number from 1 to 10, and

W is a wax residue comprising between 50 and 1000 carbon atoms, preferably a residue of a polyethylene or polypropylene wax. Components (A) and (B) are preferably in one layer, if the film is a multilayer film.

The compounds of components (A) and (B) are known and largely commercially available and can be prepared according to known methods. The compounds of component (A) can be prepared for example in analogy to the methods described in US-A-4,233,412, US-A-4,477,615 (CAS 136,504-96-6) and US- A-4, 108,829, US-A-4,086,204, US-A-4,331 ,586, US-A-6,046,304 and US-A-6,297,299.

The compounds of component (B) can be prepared for example in analogy to the methods described in US-A-6,388,072, US-A-6,1 17,995, US-A-6,420,462 and US-A- 6,677,451 , and US-A-5,844,026.

Preferred compounds of component (A) are the commercial products Tinuvin ^® 622, Sabostab ^® UV 1 19, Uvasorb ^® HA88, Uvasorb ^® HA10, Chimassorb ^® 944, Chimas- sorb ^® 2020, Cyasorb ^® UV 3346, Cyasorb ^® UV 3529 and Dastib ^® 1082.

Preferred compounds of component (B) are the commercial products Tinuvin ^® NOR 371 , Tinuvin ^® 123, ADK STAB ^® LA81 or Flamestab ^® NOR 1 16. The polyolefin is preferably a polyethylene or a polypropylene and contains for example 0.01 to 10%, in particular 0.1 to 1 %, relative to the weight of the polyolefin, of the sum of components (A) and (B). The weight ratio of component (A) to component (B) is for example 1 :20 to 20:1 , preferably 1 :15 to 15:1.

The meanings of the terminal groups which saturate the free valences in the compounds of the formulae (A-l), (A-ll), (A-lll) and (B-ll) depend on the processes used for their preparation. The terminal groups can also be modified after the preparation of the compounds.

If the compounds of the formula (A-l) are prepared, for example, by reacting a compound of the formula

in which Ai is hydrogen or methyl, with a dicarboxylic acid diester of the formula Yo-OOC-A ₂ -COO-Yo, in which Y ₀ is, for example, methyl, ethyl or propyl, and A ₂ is as defined above, the terminal group bonded to the 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-oxypiperidin-1 -; radical is hydrogen or -CO-A2-COO-Y0, and the terminal group bonded to the diacyl radical is -O-Yo or

In the compounds of the formula (A-ll) the terminal groups bonded to the triazine radical is, for example, CI or a group

and the terminal group bonded to the amino radical is, for example, hydrogen or a

group

If the compounds of the formula (A-lll) are prepared by reacting a compound of the formula

in which X ₀ is, for example, halogen, in particular chlorine, and Ai ₃ and Ai ₄ are as defined above, with a compound of the formula

in which A12 and A15 are as defined above, the terminal group bonded to the diamino radical is for example hydrogen or

and the terminal group bonded to the triazine radical is for example Xo or

If Xo is halogen, it is advantageous to replace this, for example, by -OH or an amino group when the reaction is complete. Examples of amino groups which may be mentioned are pyrrolidin-1 -yl, morpholino, -NH ₂ , -N(CrC8)alkyl) ₂ and -NR ₀ (CrC8alkyl), in which Ro is hydrogen or a group of the formula (a-2).

One of the articularly preferred compounds of the formula (A-l ll) is

w

number from 2 to 10.

The preparation of this compound is described in Example 10 of US-A-6,046,304.

In the compounds of the formula (B-ll), the end group bonded to the diamino radical is for example hydrogen or

and the terminal group bonded to the triazine radical is for example

Examples of alkyl having up to 25 carbon atoms are methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n- butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, 2-ethylbutyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, 1-methyhpentyl, 1 ,3-dimethyhbutyl, n-hexyl, 1-methyhhexyl, n-heptyl, isoheptyl, 1 ,1 ,3,3- tetra-rnethyhbutyl, 1-methyhheptyl, 3-methyhheptyl, n-octyl, 2-ethyhhexyl, 1 ,1 ,3- trhmethyl-hexyl, I S-tetra-rnethyhpentyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, 1-methyhundecyl, dodecyl, 1 ,1 ,3,3,5,5-hexa-"methyhhexyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl and octadecyl.

Examples of C5-Ci2cycloalkyl are cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl and cyclododecyl. Cyclohexyl is preferred.

Examples of alkylene having up to 18 carbon atoms are methylene, ethylene, propyl- ene, trimethylene, tetramethylene, pentamethylene, 2,2-dimethyltrimethylene, hexa- methylene, decamethylenen and octadecamethylene.

A preferred example of Cs-Czcycloalkylene is cyclohexylene. A preferred example of Ci-C4alkylenedi(C5-C7cycloalkylene) is

cyclohexylene-methylene-cyclohexylene.

A preferred example of a 5-to 7-membered heterocyclic ring is a morpholine group. In a preferred process Ai is hydrogen,

A2 is C2-Cealkylene, and

ai is a number from 2 to 10;

A ₃ , A4 and A ₅ independently of one another are C2-C6alkylene,

A ₆ , A ₇ , A ₈ , Ag and A10 independently of one another are Ci-C4alkyl,

the radicals An independently of one another are hydrogen or Ci-C4alkyl, and 32 is a number from 1 to 10;

Ai2 is C2-C6alkylene,

Ai3 and Ai ₄ independently of one another are hydrogen, CrC ₄ alkyl, cyclohexyl or a group of the formula (a-2),

or the radicals A13 and Ai ₄ , together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bonded, form a morpholino group,

the radicals A15 independently of one another are hydrogen or Ci-C ₄ alkyl, and

33 is a number from 2 to 10,

Ri is Ci-Ciialkyl or C2-C ₆ hydroxyalkyl, R ₂ is Cio-C2oalkyl or a group of the formula (b-1); R3 is C2-C6alkylene,

the radicals R ₄ independently of one another are Ci-C ₄ alkyl or cyclohexyl;

Rs and R6 independently of one another are hydrogen, Ci-C ₄ alkyl, cyclohexyl or a group of the formula (b-2),

or the radicals R5 and R6, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bonded, form a morpholino group and

bi is a number from 1 to 10;

Rs, R9 and R10 independently of one another are C2-C6alkylene and the radicals R ₇ independently of one another are a group of the formula (b-3),

R11 and R12 independently of one another are Ci-C ₄ alkyl, and the radicals R13 independently of one another are Ci-C ₄ alkyl or cyclohexyl.

According to a preferred embodiment the compound of the formula (A-l) corresponds to the formula (A-l-1 )

wherein ai is a number from 2 to 10,

the compound of the formula (A-l I) corresponds to the formula (A-l 1-1) or (A-l l-2),

(A-ll-1 )

wherein a ₂ is a number from 1 to 10,

(A-ll-2)

wherein a ₂ is a number from 1 to 10,

the compound of the formula (A-lll) corresponds to the formula (A-lll-1 ), (A-lll-2), (A-lll-3) or (A-lll-4),

wherein a ₃ is a number from 2 to 10,

wherein a3 is a number from 2 to 10,

wherein A15 is hydrogen or methyl and a3 is a number from 2 to 10,

wherein is a number from 2 to 10.

the compound of the formula (B-l) corresponds to the formula (B-l-1 ), (B-l-2) or (B-l-3),

the compound of the formula (B-ll) corresponds to the formula (B-ll -1 ).

wherein bi is a number from 1 to 10,

the compound of the formula (B-ll I) corresponds to the formula (B-ll -1 ).

(B-lll-1 )

wherein R ₇ is a group of the formula (b-3-1 ).

According to a particular preferred embodiment component (A) is a compound of the formula (A-l-1 ) and component (B) is a compound of the formula (B-ll-1 ), or component (A) is a compound of the formula (A-l 1-1 -a) and component (B) is a compound of the formula (B-lll-1 ), or

component (A) is a compound of the formula (A-lll-2) and component (B) is a compound of the formula (B-l-1 ),

wherein ai is a number from 2 to 10,

wherein a3 is a number from 2 to 10,

wherein bi is a number from 1 to 10,

H N— (CH ₂ ) ₃ — N (CH ₂ ) ₂ — N— (CH ₂ ) ₃ — N H (B-lll-1 )

R ₇ H ^R 7

wherein R ₇ is a group of the formula (b-3-1 ).

The polyolefin may additionally contain one or more conventional additives. Suitable examples are listed below.

1. Antioxidants

1.1. Alkylated monophenols, for example 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol, 2-tert-butyl- 4,6-dimethylphenol, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-ethylphenol, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-n-butylphenol, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-isobutylphenol, 2,6-dicyclopentyl-4-methylphenol, 2-(a- methylcyclohexyl)-4,6-dimethylphenol, 2,6-dioctadecyl-4-methylphenol, 2,4,6- tricyclohexylphenol, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methoxymethylphenol, nonylphenols which are linear or branched in the side chains, for example, 2,6-di-nonyl-4-methylphenol, 2,4- dimethyl-6-(1 '-methylundec-1 '-yl)phenol, 2,4-dimethyl-6-(1 '-methylheptadec-1 '- yl)phenol, 2,4-dimethyl-6-(1 '-methyltridec-1 '-yl)phenol and mixtures thereof.

1.2. Alkylthiomethylphenols, for example 2,4-dioctylthiomethyl-6-tert-butylphenol, 2,4- dioctylthiomethyl-6-methylphenol, 2,4-dioctylthiomethyl-6-ethylphenol, 2,6-di- dodecylthiomethyl-4-nonylphenol.

1.3. Hydroquinones and alkylated hydroquinones, for example 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4- methoxyphenol, 2,5-di-tert-butylhydroquinone, 2,5-di-tert-amylhydroquinone, 2,6- diphenyl-4-octadecyloxyphenol, 2,6-di-tert-butylhydroquinone, 2,5-di-tert-butyl-4- hydroxyanisole, 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole, 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl stearate, bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) adipate.

1.4. Tocopherols, for example a-tocopherol, β-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, δ-tocopherol and mixtures thereof (vitamin E).

1.5. Hydroxylated thiodiphenyl ethers, for example 2,2'-thiobis(6-tert-butyl-4- methylphenol), 2,2'-thiobis(4-octylphenol), 4,4'-thiobis(6-tert-butyl-3-methylphenol), 4,4'-thiobis(6-tert-butyl-2-methylphenol), 4,4'-thiobis(3,6-di-sec-amylphenol), 4,4'- bis(2,6-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)disulfide.

1.6. Alkylidenebisphenols, for example 2,2'-methylenebis(6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol), 2,2'-methylenebis(6-tert-butyl-4-ethylphenol), 2,2'-methylenebis[4-methyl-6-(a- methylcyclohexyl)phenol], 2,2'-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-cyclohexylphenol), 2,2'- methylenebis(6-nonyl-4-methylphenol), 2,2'-methylenebis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenol), 2,2'- ethylidenebis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenol), 2,2'-ethylidenebis(6-tert-butyl-4-isobutylphenol), 2,2'-methylenebis[6-(a-methylbenzyl)-4-nonylphenol], 2,2'-methylenebis[6-(a,a- dimethylbenzyl)-4-nonylphenol], 4,4'-methylenebis(2,6-di-tert-butylphenol), 4,4'- methylenebis(6-tert-butyl-2-methylphenol), 1 ,1-bis(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-2- methylphenyl)butane, 2,6-bis(3-tert-butyl-5-methyl-2-hydroxybenzyl)-4-methylpheno l, 1 ,1 ,3-tris(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methylphenyl)butane, 1 ,1 -bis(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy- 2-methyl-phenyl)-3-n-dodecylmercaptobutane, ethylene glycol bis[3,3-bis(3'-tert-butyl- 4'-hydroxyphenyl)butyrate], bis(3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-5-methyl-phenyl)dicyclopenta- diene, bis[2-(3'-tert-butyl-2'-hydroxy-5'-methylbenzyl)-6-tert-buty l-4- methylphenyl]terephthalate, 1 ,1 -bis-(3,5-dimethyl-2-hydroxyphenyl)butane, 2,2-bis(3,5- di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, 2,2-bis(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy2-methylphenyl)-4- n-dodecylmercaptobutane, 1 , 1 ,5,5-tetra-(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-2- methylphenyl)pentane. 1.7. 0-, N- and S-benzyl compounds, for example 3,5,3',5'-tetra-tert-butyl-4,4'- dihydroxydibenzyl ether, octadecyl-4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylbenzylmercaptoacetate, tridecyl-4-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylbenzylmercaptoacetate, tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4- hydroxybenzyl)amine, bis(4-tert-butyl-3-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylbenzyl)dithioterephth alate, bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)sulfide, isooctyl-3,5-di-tert-butyl-4- hydroxybenzylmercaptoacetate.

1.8. Hydroxybenzylated malonates, for example dioctadecyl-2,2-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2- hydroxybenzyl)malonate, di-octadecyl-2-(3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-5- methylbenzyl)malonate, di-dodecylmercaptoethyl-2,2-bis (3 ,5-di-tert-buty I-4- hydroxybenzyl)malonate, bis[4-(1 ,1 ,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenyl]-2,2-bis(3,5-di-tert- butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)malonate.

1.9. Aromatic hydroxybenzyl compounds, for example 1 ,3,5-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4- hydroxybenzyl)-2,4,6-trimethylbenzene, 1 ,4-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)- 2,3,5,6-tetramethylbenzene, 2,4,6-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)phenol.

1.10. Triazine compounds, for example 2,4-bis(octylmercapto)-6-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4- hydroxyanilino)-1 ,3,5-triazine, 2-octylmercapto-4,6-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4- hydroxyanilino)-1 ,3,5-triazine, 2-octylmercapto-4,6-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4- hydroxyphenoxy)-1 ,3,5-triazine, 2,4,6-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenoxy)-1 ,2,3- triazine, 1 ,3,5-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)isocyanurate, 1 ,3,5-tris(4-tert-butyl- 3-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylbenzyl)isocyanurate, 2,4,6-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4- hydroxyphenylethyl)-1 ,3,5-triazine, 1 ,3,5-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy- phenylpropionyl)-hexahydro-1 ,3,5-triazine, 1 ,3,5-tris(3,5-dicyclohexyl-4- hydroxybenzyl)isocyanurate.

1.1 1 . Benzylphosphonates, for example dimethyl-2,5-di-tert-butyl-4- hydroxybenzylphosphonate, diethyl-3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylphosphonate, di- octadecyl3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylphosphonate, dioctadecyl-5-tert-butyl-4- hydroxy-3-methylbenzylphosphonate, the calcium salt of the monoethyl ester of 3,5-di- tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylphosphonic acid.

1.12. Acylaminophenols, for example 4-hydroxylauranilide, 4-hydroxystearanilide, octyl N-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)carbamate.

1.13. Esters of -(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid with mono- or polyhydric alcohols, e.g. with methanol, ethanol, n-octanol, i-octanol, octadecanol, 1 ,6- hexanediol, 1 ,9-nonanediol, ethylene glycol, 1 ,2-propanediol, neopentyl glycol, thiodi- ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, pentaerythritol, tris(hydroxyethyl)isocyanurate, N,N'-bis(hydroxyethyl)oxamide, 3-thiaundecanol, 3- thiapentadecanol, trimethylhexanediol, trimethylolpropane, 4-hydroxymethyl-1 - phospha-2,6,7-trioxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane. 1.14. Esters of -(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)propionic acid with mono- or polyhydric alcohols, e.g. with methanol, ethanol, n-octanol, i-octanol, octadecanol, 1 ,6- hexanediol, 1 ,9-nonanediol, ethylene glycol, 1 ,2-propanediol, neopentyl glycol, thiodi- ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, pentaerythritol, tris(hydroxyethyl)isocyanurate, N,N'-bis(hydroxyethyl)oxamide, 3-thiaundecanol, 3- thiapentadecanol, trimethylhexanediol, trimethylolpropane, 4-hydroxymethyl-1 - phospha-2,6,7-trioxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane; 3,9-bis[2-{3-(3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-5- methylphenyl)propionyloxy}-1 ,1-dimethylethyl]-2,4,8,10-tetraoxaspiro[5.5]undecane.

1.15. Esters of -(3,5-dicyclohexyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid with mono- or poly- hydric alcohols, e.g. with methanol, ethanol, octanol, octadecanol, 1 ,6-hexanediol, 1 ,9- nonanediol, ethylene glycol, 1 ,2-propanediol, neopentyl glycol, thiodiethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, pentaerythritol, tris(hydroxyethyl)isocyanurate, N,N'-bis(hydroxyethyl)oxamide, 3-thiaundecanol, 3-thiapentadecanol, trimethylhexanediol, trimethylolpropane, 4-hydroxymethyl-1 -phospha-2,6,7- trioxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane.

1.16. Esters of 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl acetic acid with mono- or polyhydric alcohols, e.g. with methanol, ethanol, octanol, octadecanol, 1 ,6-hexanediol, 1 ,9- nonanediol, ethylene glycol, 1 ,2-propanediol, neopentyl glycol, thiodiethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, pentaerythritol, tris(hydroxyethyl)isocyanurate, N,N'-bis(hydroxyethyl)oxamide, 3-thiaundecanol, 3-thiapentadecanol, trimethylhex- anediol, trimethylolpropane, 4-hydroxymethyl-1 -phospha-2,6,7- trioxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane. 1.17. Amides of -(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid e.g. N,N'-bis(3,5-di- tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylpropionyl)hexamethylenediamide, N,N'-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4- hydroxyphenylpropionyl)trimethylenediamide, N,N'-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4- hydroxyphenylpropionyl)hydrazide, N,N'-bis[2-(3-[3,5-di-tert-butyl-4- hydroxyphenyl]propionyloxy)ethyl]oxamide (Naugard ^® XL-1 , supplied by Uniroyal).

1.18. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C)

1.19. Aminic antioxidants, for example N,N'-di-isopropyl-p-phenylenediamine, N,N'-di- sec-butyl-p-phenylenediamine, N,N'-bis(1 ,4-dimethylpentyl)-p-phenylenediamine, Ν,Ν'- bis(1 -ethyl-3-methylpentyl)-p-phenylenediamine, N,N'-bis(1 -methylheptyl)-p- phenylenediamine, N,N'-dicyclohexyl-p-phenylenediamine, N,N'-diphenyl-p- phenylenediamine, N,N'-bis(2-naphthyl)-p-phenylenediamine, N-isopropyl-N'-phenyl-p- phenylenediamine, N-(1 ,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine, N-(1 - methylheptyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine, N-cyclohexyl-N'-phenyl-p- phenylenediamine, 4-(p-toluenesulfamoyl)diphenylamine, N,N'-dimethyl-N,N'-di-sec- butyl-p-phenylenediamine, diphenylamine, N-allyldiphenylamine, 4-isopropoxydiphenyl- amine, N-phenyl-1 -naphthylamine, N-(4-tert-octylphenyl)-1-naphthylamine, N-phenyl-2- naphthylamine, octylated diphenylamine, for example p,p'-di-tert-octyldiphenylamine, 4- n-butylaminophenol, 4-butyrylaminophenol, 4-nonanoylaminophenol, 4- dodecanoylaminophenol, 4-octadecanoylaminophenol, bis(4-methoxyphenyl)amine, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-dimethylaminomethylphenol, 2,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane, 4,4'- diaminodiphenylmethane, N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane, 1 ,2- bis[(2-methylphenyl)amino]ethane, 1 ,2-bis(phenylamino)propane, (o-tolyl)biguanide, bis[4-(1 ',3'-dimethylbutyl)phenyl]amine, tert-octylated N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine, a mixture of mono- and dialkylated tert-butyl/tert-octyldiphenylamines, a mixture of mono- and dialkylated nonyldiphenylamines, a mixture of mono- and dialkylated dodecyldi- phenylamines, a mixture of mono- and dialkylated isopropyl/isohexyldiphenylamines, a mixture of mono- and dialkylated tert-butyldiphenylamines, 2,3-dihydro-3,3-dimethyl- 4H-1 ,4-benzothiazine, phenothiazine, a mixture of mono- and dialkylated tert-butyl/tert- octylphenothiazines, a mixture of mono- and dialkylated tert-octyl-phenothiazines, N- allylphenothiazine, N,N,N',N'-tetraphenyl-1 ,4-diaminobut-2-ene.

2. UV absorbers and light stabilizers

2.1 . 2-(2'-Hydroxyphenyl)benzotriazoles, for example 2-(2'-hydroxy-5'-methylphenyl)- benzotriazole, 2-(3',5'-di-tert-butyl-2'-hydroxyphenyl)benzotriazole, 2-(5'-tert-butyl-2'- hydroxyphenyl)benzotriazole, 2-(2'-hydroxy-5'-(1 , 1 ,3,3- tetramethylbutyl)phenyl)benzotriazole, 2-(3',5'-di-tert-butyl-2'-hydroxyphenyl)-5-chloro- benzotriazole, 2-(3'-tert-butyl-2'-hydroxy-5'-methylphenyl)-5-chloro-benzot riazole, 2-(3'- sec-butyl-5'-tert-butyl-2'-hydroxyphenyl)benzotriazole, 2-(2'-hydroxy-4'- octyloxyphenyl)benzotriazole, 2-(3',5'-di-tert-amyl-2'-hydroxyphenyl)benzotriazole, 2- (3',5'-bis-(a,a-dimethylbenzyl)-2'-hydroxyphenyl)benzotriazo le, 2-(3'-tert-butyl-2'- hydroxy-5'-(2-octyloxycarbonylethyl)phenyl)-5-chloro-benzotr iazole, 2-(3'-tert-butyl-5'- [2-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-carbonylethyl]-2'-hydroxyphenyl)-5-chlo ro-benzotriazole, 2-(3'-tert- butyl-2'-hydroxy-5'-(2-methoxycarbonylethyl)phenyl)-5-chloro -benzotriazole, 2-(3'-tert- butyl-2'-hydroxy-5'-(2-methoxycarbonylethyl)phenyl)benzotria zole, 2-(3'-tert-butyl-2'- hydroxy-5'-(2-octyloxycarbonylethyl)phenyl)benzotriazole, 2-(3'-tert-butyl-5'-[2-(2- ethylhexyloxy)carbonylethyl]-2'-hydroxyphenyl)benzotriazole, 2-(3'-dodecyl-2'-hydroxy- 5'-methylphenyl)benzotriazole, 2-(3'-tert-butyl-2'-hydroxy-5'-(2- isooctyloxycarbonylethyl)phenylbenzotriazole, 2,2'-methylene-bis[4-(1 , 1 ,3,3- tetramethylbutyl)-6-benzotriazole-2-ylphenol]; the transesterification product of 2-[3'- tert-butyl-5'-(2-methoxycarbonylethyl)-2'-hydroxyphenyl]-2H- benzotriazole with polyethylene glycol 300; [R— CH ₂ CH— COO - CH ₂ CH ₂ -^ , where R = 3'-tert-butyl-4'- hydroxy-5'-2H-benzotriazol-2-ylphenyl, 2-[2'-hydroxy-3'-(a,a-dimethylbenzyl)-5'- (1 , 1 ,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)-phenyl]benzotriazole; 2-[2'-hydroxy-3'-(1 , 1 ,3,3- tetramethylbutyl)-5'-(a,a-dimethylbenzyl)-phenyl]benzotriazo le.

2.2. 2-Hydroxybenzophenones, for example the 4-hydroxy, 4-methoxy, 4-octyloxy, 4- decyloxy, 4-dodecyloxy, 4-benzyloxy, 4,2',4'-trihydroxy and 2'-hydroxy-4,4'-dimethoxy derivatives.

2.3. Esters of substituted and unsubstituted benzoic acids, for example 4-tert-butyl- phenyl salicylate, phenyl salicylate, octylphenyl salicylate, dibenzoyl resorcinol, bis(4- tert-butylbenzoyl)resorcinol, benzoyl resorcinol, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl 3,5-di-tert-butyl- 4-hydroxybenzoate, hexadecyl 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate, octadecyl 3,5-di- tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate, 2-methyl-4,6-di-tert-butylphenyl 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4- hydroxybenzoate.

2.4. Acrylates, for example ethyl a-cyano-p,p-diphenylacrylate, isooctyl a-cyano-β,β- diphenylacrylate, methyl a-carbomethoxycinnamate, methyl a-cyano-p-methyl-p- methoxycinnamate, butyl a-cyano-p-methyl-p-methoxy-cinnamate, methyl a- carbomethoxy-p-methoxycinnamate, N-(p-carbomethoxy-p-cyanovinyl)-2- methylindoline, neopentyl tetra(a-cyano-p,p-diphenylacrylate.

2.5. Nickel compounds, for example nickel complexes of 2,2'-thio-bis[4-(1 ,1 ,3,3- tetramethylbutyl)phenol], such as the 1 :1 or 1 :2 complex, with or without additional lig- ands such as n-butylamine, triethanolamine or N-cyclohexyldiethanolamine, nickel dibutyldithiocarbamate, nickel salts of the monoalkyi esters, e.g. the methyl or ethyl ester, of 4-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylbenzylphosphonic acid, nickel complexes of ketox- imes, e.g. of 2-hydroxy-4-methylphenylundecylketoxime, nickel complexes of 1-phenyl- 4-lauroyl-5-hydroxypyrazole, with or without additional ligands. 2.6. Sterically hindered amines, for example carbonic acid bis(1 -undecyloxy-2, 2,6,6- tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)ester, bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)sebacate, bis(2, 2,6,6- tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)succinate, bis(1 ,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)sebacate, bis(1 -octyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)sebacate, bis(1 , 2,2,6, 6-pentamethyl-4- piperidyl) n-butyl-3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylmalonate, the condensate of 1 -(2- hydroxyethyl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-hydroxypiperidine and succinic acid, linear or cyclic condensates of N,N'-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)hexamethylenediamin e and 4- tert-octylamino-2,6-dichloro-1 ,3,5-triazine, tris(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4- piperidyl)nitrilotriacetate, tetrakis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-1 ,2,3,4- butanetetracarboxylate, 1 ,1 '-(1 ,2-ethanediyl)-bis(3,3,5,5-tetramethylpiperazinone), 4- benzoyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine, 4-stearyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine, bis(1 ,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidyl)-2-n-butyl-2-(2-hydroxy-3,5-di -tert-butylbenzyl)- malonate, 3-n-octyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1 ,3,8-triazaspiro[4.5]decane-2,4-dione, bis(1 - octyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidyl)sebacate, bis(1-octyloxy-2, 2,6,6- tetramethylpiperidyl)succinate, linear or cyclic condensates of N, N'-bis(2, 2,6,6- tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)hexamethylenediamine and 4-morpholino-2,6-dichloro-1 ,3,5- triazine, 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, the condensate of 2-chloro-4,6-di-(4-n-butylamino-1 ,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidyl)-1 ,3,5- triazine and 1 ,2-bis(3-aminopropylamino)ethane, 8-acetyl-3-dodecyl-7,7,9,9-tetrame- thyl-1 ,3,8-triazaspiro[4.5]decane-2,4-dione, 3-dodecyl-1 -(2,2,6, 6-tetramethyl-4- piperidyl)pyrrolidine-2,5-dione, 3-dodecyl-1-(1 ,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4- piperidyl)pyrrolidine-2,5-dione, a mixture of 4-hexadecyloxy- and 4-stearyloxy-2, 2,6,6- tetramethylpiperidine, a condensate of N,N'-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4- piperidyl)hexamethylenediamine and 4-cyclohexylamino-2,6-dichloro-1 ,3,5-triazine, a condensate of 1 ,2-bis(3-aminopropylamino)ethane and 2,4,6-trichloro-1 ,3,5-triazine as well as 4-butylamino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine (CAS Reg. No. [136504-96-6]); a condensate of 1 ,6-hexanediamine and 2, 4, 6-trichloro-1 ,3,5-triazine as well as N,N- dibutylamine and 4-butylamino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine (CAS Reg. No. [192268- 64-7]); N-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-n-dodecylsuccinimide, N-(1 ,2,2,6,6- pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)-n-dodecylsuccinimide, 2-undecyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1 -oxa- 3,8-diaza-4-oxo-spiro[4,5]decane, a reaction product of 7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-2- cycloundecyl-1 -oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxospiro-[4,5]decane and epichlorohydrin, 1 ,1- bis(1 ,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyloxycarbonyl)-2-(4-methoxyphe nyl)ethene, Ν,Ν'- bis-formyl-N,N'-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)hexameth ylenediamine, a diester of 4-methoxymethylenemalonic acid with 1 ,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-hydroxypiperidine, poly[methylpropyl-3-oxy-4-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)] siloxane, a reaction product of maleic acid anhydride-a-olefin copolymer with 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-aminopiperidine or 1 ,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-aminopiperidine, 2,4-bis[N-(1 -cyclohexyloxy-2, 2, 6, 6- tetramethylpiperidine-4-yl)-N-butylamino]-6-(2-hydroxyethyl) amino-1 ,3,5-triazine, 1 -(2- hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-4-octadecanoyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetrameth ylpiperidine, 5-(2- ethylhexanoyl)oxymethyl-3,3,5-trimethyl-2-morpholinone, Sanduvor (Clariant; CAS Reg. No. 106917-31 -1], 5-(2-ethylhexanoyl)oxymethyl-3,3,5-trimethyl-2-morpholinone, the reaction product of 2,4-bis[(1 -cyclohexyloxy-2, 2,6, 6-piperidine-4-yl)butylamino]-6- chloro-s-triazine with N,N'-bis(3-aminopropyl)ethylenediamine), 1 ,3,5-tris(N-cyclohexyl- N-(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperazine-3-one-4-yl)amino)-s-triazin e, 1 ,3,5-tris(N-cyclohexyl- N-(1 ,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperazine-3-one-4-yl)amino)-s-triazine.

2.7. Oxamides, for example 4,4'-dioctyloxyoxanilide, 2,2'-diethoxyoxanilide, 2,2'- dioctyloxy-5,5'-di-tert-butoxanilide, 2,2'-didodecyloxy-5,5'-di-tert-butoxanilide, 2-ethoxy- 2'-ethyloxanilide, N,N'-bis(3-dimethylaminopropyl)oxamide, 2-ethoxy-5-tert-butyl-2'- ethoxanilide and its mixture with 2-ethoxy-2'-ethyl-5,4'-di-tert-butoxanilide, mixtures of o- and p-methoxy-disubstituted oxanilides and mixtures of o- and p-ethoxy- disubstituted oxanilides. 2.8. 2-(2-Hydroxyphenyl)-1 ,3,5-triazines, for example 2,4,6-tris(2-hydroxy-4- octyloxyphenyl)-1 ,3,5-triazine, 2-(2-hydroxy-4-octyloxyphenyl)-4,6-bis(2,4- dimethylphenyl)-1 ,3,5-triazine, 2-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)- 1 ,3,5-triazine, 2,4-bis(2-hydroxy-4-propyloxyphenyl)-6-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)- 1 ,3,5- triazine, 2-(2-hydroxy-4-octyloxyphenyl)-4,6-bis(4-methylphenyl)-1 ,3,5-triazine, 2-(2- hydroxy-4-dodecyloxyphenyl)-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1 ,3,5-triazine, 2-(2-hydroxy- 4-tridecyloxyphenyl)-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1 ,3,5-triazine, 2-[2-hydroxy-4-(2- hydroxy-3-butyloxypropoxy)phenyl]-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethyl)-1 ,3,5-triazine, 2-[2-hydroxy-4- (2-hydroxy-3-octyloxypropyloxy)phenyl]-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethyl) -1 ,3,5-triazine, 2-[4- (dodecyloxy/tridecyloxy-2-hydroxypropoxy)-2-hydroxyphenyl]-4 ,6-bis(2,4- dimethylphenyl)-1 ,3,5-triazine, 2-[2-hydroxy-4-(2-hydroxy-3- dodecyloxypropoxy)phenyl]-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1 ,3,5-triazine, 2-(2-hydroxy-4- hexyloxy)phenyl-4,6-diphenyl-1 ,3,5-triazine, 2-(2-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-4,6- diphenyl-1 ,3,5-triazine, 2,4,6-tris[2-hydroxy-4-(3-butoxy-2-hydroxypropoxy)phenyl]- 1 ,3,5-triazine, 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6-phenyl-1 ,3,5-triazine, 2-{2- hydroxy-4-[3-(2-ethylhexyl-1 -oxy)-2-hydroxypropyloxy]phenyl}-4,6-bis(2,4-di- methylphenyl)-1 ,3,5-triazine, 2,4-bis(4-[2-ethylhexyloxy]-2-hydroxyphenyl)-6-(4- methoxyphenyl)-1 ,3,5-triazine, 2-(4,6-bis-biphenyl-4-yl-1 ,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-5-(2-ethyl-(n)- hexyloxy)phenol. 3. Metal deactivators, for example Ν,Ν'-diphenyloxamide, N-salicylal-N'-salicyloyl hydrazine, N,N'-bis(salicyloyl)hydrazine, N,N'-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4- hydroxyphenylpropionyl)hydrazine, 3-salicyloylamino-1 ,2,4-triazole, bis(benzylidene)oxalyl dihydrazide, oxanilide, isophthaloyl dihydrazide, sebacoyl bi- sphenylhydrazide, Ν,Ν'-diacetyladipoyl dihydrazide, N,N'-bis(salicyloyl)oxalyl dihydra- zide, N,N'-bis(salicyloyl)thiopropionyl dihydrazide.

4. Phosphites and phosphonites, for example triphenyl phosphite, diphenylalkyi phosphites, phenyldialkyl phosphites, tris(nonylphenyl) phosphite, trilauryl phosphite, trioc- tadecyl phosphite, distearylpentaerythritol diphosphite, tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite, diisodecyl pentaerythritol diphosphite, bis(2,4-di-tert- butylphenyhpentaerythritol diphosphite, bis(2,4-di-cumylphenyl)pentaerythritol diphosphite, bis(2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenyl)pentaerythritol diphosphite, diisodecyloxy- pentaerythritol diphosphite, bis(2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-methylphenyl)pentaerythritol diphosphite, bis(2,4,6-tris(tert-butylphenyl)pentaerythritol diphosphite, tristearyl sorbitol tri- phosphite, tetrakis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) 4,4'-biphenylene diphosphonite, 6- isooctyloxy-2,4,8,10-tetra-tert-butyl-12H-dibenz[d,g]-1 ,3,2-dioxaphosphocin, bis(2,4-di- tert-butyl-6-methylphenyl)methyl phosphite, bis(2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-methylphenyl)ethyl phosphite, 6-fluoro-2,4,8,10-tetra-tert-butyl-12-methyl-dibenz[d,g]-1 ,3,2- dioxaphosphocin, 2,2',2"-nitrilo[triethyltris(3,3',5,5'-tetra-tert-butyl-1 ,1 '-biphenyl-2,2'- diyl)phosphite], 2-ethylhexyl(3,3',5,5'-tetra-tert-butyl-1 ,1 '-biphenyl-2,2'-diyl)phosphite, 5- butyl-5-ethyl-2-(2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenoxy)-1 ,3,2-dioxaphosphirane.

The following phosphites are especially preferred: Tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite (lrgafos ^® 168, Ciba Specialty Chemicals Inc.), tris(nonylphenyl) phosphite,

(B)

5. Hydroxylamines, for example Ν,Ν-dibenzylhydroxylamine, N,N- diethylhydroxylamine, Ν,Ν-dioctylhydroxylamine, N,N-dilaurylhydroxylamine, N,N- ditetradecylhydroxylamine, Ν,Ν-dihexadecylhydroxylamine, N,N- dioctadecylhydroxylamine, N-hexadecyl-N-octadecylhydroxylamine, N-heptadecyl-N- octadecylhydroxylamine, Ν,Ν-dialkylhydroxylamine derived from hydrogenated tallow amine. 6. Nitrones, for example, N-benzyl-alpha-phenylnitrone, N-ethyl-alpha-methylnitrone, N-octyl-alpha-heptylnitrone, N-lauryl-alpha-undecylnitrone, N-tetradecyl-alpha- tridecylnnitrone, N-hexadecyl-alpha-pentadecylnitrone, N-octadecyl-alpha- heptadecylnitrone, N-hexadecyl-alpha-heptadecylnitrone, N-ocatadecyl-alpha- pentadecylnitrone, N-heptadecyl-alpha-heptadecylnitrone, N-octadecyl-alpha- hexadecylnitrone, nitrone derived from Ν,Ν-dialkylhydroxylamine derived from hydrogenated tallow amine. 7. Thiosynergists, for example dilauryl thiodipropionate, dimistryl thiodipropionate, dis- tearyl thiodipropionate, pentaerythritol tetrakis[3-(dodecylthio)propionate] or distearyl disulfide. 8. Peroxide scavengers, for example esters of β-thiodipropionic acid, for example the lauryl, stearyl, myristyl or tridecyl esters, mercaptobenzimidazole or the zinc salt of 2- mercaptobenzimidazole, zinc dibutyldithiocarbamate, dioctadecyl disulfide, pentaerythritol tetrakis(p-dodecylmercapto)propionate. 9. Polyamide stabilizers, for example copper salts in combination with iodides and/or phosphorus compounds and salts of divalent manganese.

10. Basic co-stabilizers, for example melamine, polyvinylpyrrolidone, dicyandiamide, triallyl cyanurate, urea derivatives, hydrazine derivatives, amines, polyamides, polyure- thanes, alkali metal salts and alkaline earth metal salts of higher fatty acids, for example calcium stearate, zinc stearate, magnesium behenate, magnesium stearate, sodium ricinoleate and potassium palmitate, antimony pyrocatecholate or zinc pyrocate- cholate. 1 1. Nucleating agents, for example inorganic substances, such as talcum, metal oxides, such as titanium dioxide or magnesium oxide, phosphates, carbonates or sulfates of, preferably, alkaline earth metals; organic compounds, such as mono- or polycar- boxylic acids and the salts thereof, e.g. 4-tert-butylbenzoic acid, adipic acid, diphenyla- cetic acid, sodium succinate or sodium benzoate; polymeric compounds, such as ionic copolymers (ionomers). Especially preferred are 1 ,3:2,4-bis(3',4'- dimethylbenzylidene)sorbitol, 1 ,3:2,4-di(paramethyldibenzylidene)sorbitol, and 1 ,3:2,4- di(benzylidene)sorbitol.

12. Fillers and reinforcing agents, for example calcium carbonate, silicates, glass fi- bres, glass beads, asbestos, talc, kaolin, mica, barium sulfate, metal oxides and hydroxides, carbon black, graphite, wood flour and flours or fibers of other natural products, synthetic fibers. 13. Other additives, for example plasticisers, lubricants, emulsifiers, pigments, rheology additives, catalysts, flow-control agents, optical brighteners, flameproofing agents, antistatic agents and blowing agents. 14. Benzofuranones and indolinones, for example those disclosed in U.S. 4,325,863; U.S. 4,338,244; U.S. 5,175,312; U.S. 5,216,052; U.S. 5,252,643; DE-A-431661 1 ;

DE-A-4316622; DE-A-4316876; EP-A-0589839, EP-A-0591 102; EP-A-1291384 or 3-[4- (2-acetoxyethoxy)phenyl]-5,7-di-tert-butylbenzofuran-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- hydroxyethoxy]phenyl)benzofuran-2-one], 5,7-di-tert-butyl-3-(4- ethoxyphenyl)benzofuran-2-one, 3-(4-acetoxy-3,5-dimethylphenyl)-5,7-di-tert- butylbenzofuran-2-one, 3-(3,5-dimethyl-4-pivaloyloxyphenyl)-5,7-di-tert- butylbenzofuran-2-one, 3-(3,4-dimethylphenyl)-5,7-di-tert-butylbenzofuran-2-one, 3- (2,3-dimethylphenyl)-5,7-di-tert-butylbenzofuran-2-one, 3-(2-acetyl-5-isooctylphenyl)-5- isooctylbenzofuran-2-one.

The weight ratio of component (A) to the conventional additive is for example 1 : 100 to 100:1 , preferably 1 :100 to 10:1 , in particular 1 :10 to 10:1. According to a preferred embodiment the polyolefin additionally contains as component (C) a phenolic antioxidant, preferably octadecyl 3-(3 ,5-d i-tert-buty I-4- hydroxyphenyl)propionate.

Component (C) may be present in a concentration of for example 0.01 to 10%, relative to the weight of the polyolefin.

According to another preferred embodiment component (A) is a compound of the formula (A-l-1 ) and a compound of the formula (A-lll-2), and component (B) is a compound of the formula (B-l-1 ) or (B-ll-1 ), and the polyolefin optionally comprises octade- cyl 3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate.

A further embodiment of the present invention is a polyolefin film, tape or monofilament made in accordance with the process described above. Another embodiment of the present invention is the use of component (B) as light stabilizer to reduce the water carry-over of a light stabilized polyolefin film, tape or monofilament which contains component (A) as light stabilizer and which is passed through a water bath during production.

Still another embodiment of the present invention is a process for preparing a light stabilized polyolefin film, tape or monofilament, comprising the step of passing said light stabilized polyolefin film, tape or monofilament through a water bath at a haul off speed of 5 to 100 m/min, preferably 4 to 80 m/min or 10 to 50 m/min, in particular 20 to 40 m/min, characterized in that said polyolefin, film, tape or monofilament contains components (A) and (B) as defined above. All preferences described above also relate to this process which is useful for reducing the water carry-over from the water bath.

The examples below illustrate the invention in greater detail. All percentages and parts are by weight, unless stated otherwise.

Light stabilizers used in the following examples:

Compound (A-l-1 ):

(Tinuvin ^® 622)

wherein ai is a number from 2 to 10.

Compound (A-ll-1 -a):

(Sabostab ^® UV 1 19)

Compound (A-lll-2): (Chimassorb ^® 2020)

w a _nc | a ₃ j _{s a} number from 2 to 10.

Compound (B-l-1):

Compound (B-ll-1):

w

and wherein bi is a number from 2

to 10.

Compound (B-lll-1 ):

(Flamestab ^® NOR 1 16)

H N (CH ₂ ) ₃ — N (CH ₂ ) ₂ N— (CH ₂ ) ₃ — N—

R ₇ ,!| R ₇ 7

wherein R ₇ is a group of the formula Determination of synergism for the experiments indicated below:

The synergistic WCO (water carry-over) effect of two light stabilizers (a) and (β) is determined by a comparison of the expected values of the WCO with the actually measured values of the WCO activity. The expected values are calculated on the basis of the additivity law (B. Ranby and J.F. Rabek; Photodegradation, Photo-oxidation and Photostabilization of Polymers, Principles and Applications, John Wiley & Sons, London, New York, Sydney, Toronto, 1975, pages 418 and 419) according to the following equation for a 1 :1 ratio of the two light stabilizers: Expected WCO activity = WCO activity of 100 % (a) + WCO activity of 100 % (β)

2

There is a synergistic WCO effect of the two light stabilizers in the samples below, when the "measured WCO" < the "calculated WCO" (Low WCO values are desied).

The above equation is adapted in appropriate manner, when the ratio of the two light stabilizers is different from 1 :1 ; for example if the ratio is 2:1 , the expected WCO effect can be calculated according to the following equation:

Expected WCO activity = 2 x [WCO activity of 100 % (a)] + 1x [WCO activity of 100 % (β)]

3

Example 1 :

The light stabilizers indicated in Tables 1 a and 1 b are mixed in a high speed mixer (MTI, Mischtechnik International, Germany) to polyethylene (Dowlex ^® SC 2108). The mixture is extruded at 200°C in a double screw extruder (Krauss Maffei Berstorff, Germany) to give granules which are subsequently converted in a semi industrial tape line (Leonard, Italy) to tapes at 220°C. Water carry-over is expressed in length (mm) to which water from the water cooling bath is carried along with the extrudate (200 micron) before entering the drawing part. The lower the water carry-over, the faster and more economically a film, drawn tape or monofilament can be processed. The results are shown in Tables 1 a and 1 b.

Table 1 a:

^* ) Low values are desired. Table 1 b:

^* ) Low values are desired.

Example 2:

The light stabilizers indicated in Tables 2a and 2b are mixed in a high speed mixer (MTI, Mischtechnik International, Germany) to polyethylene (Dowlex ^® SC 2108) which contains 0.5 % by weight, relative to the weight of the polyethylene, of Compound (A-l- 1 ). The mixture is extruded at 200°C in a double screw extruder (Krauss Maffei Ber- storff, Germany) to give granules which are subsequently converted in a semi industrial tape line (Leonard, Italy) to tapes at 220°C. Water carry-over is expressed in length (mm) to which water from the water cooling bath is carried along with the extrudate (200 micron) before entering the drawing part. The lower the water carry-over, the faster and more economically a film, drawn tape or monofilament can be processed. The results are shown in Tables 2a and 2b.

Table 2a:

^* ) Low values are desired. Table 2b:

^* ) Low values are desired.

Example 3:

The light stabilizers indicated in Tables 3a and 3b are mixed in a high speed mixer (MTI, Mischtechnik International, Germany) to polypropylene (Polychim ^® A 10 TB). The mixture is extruded at 230°C in a double screw extruder (Krauss Maffei Berstorff, Germany) to give granules which are subsequently converted in a semi industrial tape line (Leonard, Italy) to tapes at 240°C. Water carry-over is expressed in length (mm) to which water from the water cooling bath is carried along with the extrudate (240 micron) before entering the drawing part. The lower the water carry-over, the faster and more economically a film, drawn tape or monofilament can be processed. The results are shown in Tables 3a and 3b. Table 3a:

Light stabilizer Water carry-over in mm ^* ) at a haul off speed of 20 m/min

0.6% of Compound (A-lll-2) > 600

0.6% of Compound (B-l-1 ) 130

0.3% of Compound (A-lll-2)

plus 210

0.3% of Compound (B-l-1 )

Calculated: >365

^* ) Low values are desired. Table 3b:

Light stabilizer Water carry-over in mm ^* ) at a haul off speed of 20 m/min

0.6% of Compound (A-lll-2) > 600

0.6% of Compound (B-l-1 ) 130 0.4% of Compound (A-lll-2)

plus 350

0.2% of Compound (B-l-1 )

Calculated: >443

^* ) Low values are desired.

Example 4:

The light stabilizers indicated in Table 4 are mixed in a high speed mixer (MTI,

Mischtechnik International, Germany) to polyethylene (Dowlex ^® SC 2108) which contains 0.5 % by weight, relative to the weight of the polyethylene, of Compound (A-l-1 ). The mixture is extruded at 200°C in a double screw extruder (Krauss Maffei Berstorff, Germany) to give granules which are subsequently converted in a semi industrial tape line (Leonard, Italy) to tapes at 220°C. Water carry-over is expressed in length (mm) to which water from the water cooling bath is carried along with the extrudate (100 micron) before entering the drawing part. The lower the water carry-over, the faster and more economically a film, drawn tape or monofilament can be processed. The results are indicated in Table 4. Table 4:

^* ) Low values are desired.

In the above examples "%" means "% by weight relative to the weight of the polyolefin".