[Field of the invention]

[001] The present invention relates to a polymeric (meth) acrylic composition comprising polymeric silicone particles and optionally polymeric (meth) acrylic particles.

[002] In particular the present invention relates to a polymeric (meth) acrylic composition comprising polymeric silicone particles having a weight average particle diameter between Ιμιτι and ΙΟμιτι and optionally polymeric (meth) acrylic particles with a having a weight average particle diameter between 30μιτι and ΙΟΟμιτι.

[003] The present invention concerns also the use of such a polymeric (meth) acrylic composition comprising polymeric silicone particles and optionally polymeric (meth) acrylic particles as a masterbatch .

[004] The present invention concerns also a process for making a (meth) acrylic composition comprising polymeric silicone particles and polymeric (meth) acrylic particles from a polymeric (meth) acrylic masterbatch composition comprising polymeric silicone particles and optionally polymeric (meth) acrylic particles.

[Technical problem]

[005] Thermoplastic polymers and especially (meth) acrylic polymers are widely used, including lightning applications. This is mainly due to its characteristics as a highly transparent polymer material with excellent resistance to ultraviolet radiation and weathering. So (meth) acrylic polymers are used for example in lamps, luminaires, light covers, displays, lit shelving, surfaces and illuminated signs.

[006] The lightning applications have various requests on the (meth) acrylic polymers or the compositions based on (meth) acrylic polymers as light transmission, diffusing power. These compositions based on (meth) acrylic polymers comprise generally more or less spherical particles, which are also polymeric particles or organic or inorganic particles. [007] Additionally it is of also of great interest to have a polymeric composition with a good compromise between light transmission and diffusing properties.

[008] This compromise is based on the correct or optimal quantity of the respective particles in the polymeric composition or the correct or optimal weight ratio between different kinds of respective particles in the polymeric composition.

[009] Therefore it is important to have a polymeric composition that contains the correct or optimal quantity of the respective particles in the polymeric composition or the correct or optimal weight ratio between different kinds of respective particles in the polymeric composition. Therefore it is also important to have a process that achieves to obtain a polymeric composition that comprises the correct or optimal quantity of the respective particles in the polymeric composition or the correct or optimal weight ratio between different kinds of respective particles in the polymeric composition. Therefore it is additionally important to have a polymeric composition that can be used in a process that achieves to obtain a polymeric composition that comprises the correct or optimal quantity of the respective particles in the polymeric composition or the correct or optimal weight ratio between different kinds of respective particles in the polymeric composition . [010] The objective of the present invention is to provide a (meth) acrylic polymer composition comprising polymeric particles suitable for the preparation of a polymeric composition that contains the correct or optimal quantity of the respective polymeric particles in the polymeric composition or the correct or optimal weight ratio between different kinds of respective polymeric particles in the polymeric composition for satisfying optical properties of the polymeric composition in lightning applications .

[011] The objective of the present invention is also to provide a (meth) acrylic polymer composition comprising polymeric particles which can be used as a masterbatch for the preparation a polymeric composition that contains the correct or optimal quantity of the respective polymeric particles in the polymeric composition or the correct or optimal weight ratio between different kinds of respective polymeric particles in the polymeric composition for satisfying optical properties of the polymeric composition in lightning applications.

[012] A further objective of the present invention is to provide a process for producing polymeric composition that contains the correct or optimal quantity of the respective polymeric particles in the polymeric composition or the correct or optimal weight ratio between different kinds of respective polymeric particles in the polymeric composition for satisfying optical properties of the polymeric composition in lightning applications, from a (meth) acrylic polymer composition comprising polymeric particles.

[013] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a (meth) acrylic polymer composition comprising polymeric particles suitable for the preparation of a polymeric composition that contains the correct or optimal quantity of the respective polymeric particles in the polymeric composition or the correct or optimal weight ratio between different kinds of respective polymeric particles in the polymeric composition, said polymeric composition combines exceptional transmission and diffusion properties at the same time.

[014] Still another objective of the present invention is to provide a (meth) acrylic polymer composition suitable for the preparation of a polymeric composition that contains the correct or optimal quantity of the respective polymeric particles in the polymeric composition or the correct or optimal weight ratio between different kinds of respective polymeric particles in the polymeric composition for satisfying optical properties of the polymeric composition in lightning applications, said polymeric composition has a high light transmission, at least 80%, and at the same time having a high relative diffusing power and hiding power, in order to hide the light source.

[015] Again still another objective of the present invention is to provide a (meth) acrylic polymer composition suitable for the preparation of a polymeric composition that contains the correct or optimal quantity of the respective polymeric particles in the polymeric composition or the correct or optimal weight ratio between different kinds of respective polymeric particles in the polymeric composition for satisfying optical properties of the polymeric composition in lightning applications, said polymeric composition that has a high light transmission, at least 80%, and at the same time having a high relative diffusing power and hiding power, in order to hide the light source, with a reduced quantities of scattering particles. [BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION ] Prior art

[016] The diffusion of light which increases the relative diffusion power and the hiding power is usually increased by adding scattering particles to the composition.

[017] The document WO2004/034136 discloses a bulk diffuser for a flat panel display. The bulk light diffuser material may be a sheet or film comprising of polycarbonate and a particulate light diffusing component. PMMA and silicone particles are used separately in the examples, but not in combination together.

[018] The document JP11060966 discloses a composition for high light diffusion performance. The disclosed composition comprises two kind of particles, one with an average diameter less than 5μιτι and the other with an average diameter between 5μιτι and ΙΟμιτι. The particles are either silicone or styrene based particles. However the composition has a low transmission.

[019] The document DE102012216081 discloses the manufacturing of a light diffusing molded part by injection molding. The composition for injection molding comprises a matrix of polymethyl methacrylate and spherical plastic particles with a particle size of 1 to 24μιτι.

[020] The document US 7,897,714 discloses silicone fine particles and a thermoplastic resin composition using the particles. The silicone fine particles are used as a diffuser and are having an average particle diameter of about 2.5μιτι to 3.5μιτι.

[021] The document WO2004/098857 discloses an injection molding method for the production of light diffusuing molded items. The molding material comprises a matrix of polymethyl methacrylate and spherical plastic particles with a particle size of 1 to 24μιτι. [022] The document JP10087941 discloses a light diffusing acrylic resin composition and a light diffusing molding product. A silicon rubber powder is used having an average particle diameter of 0.1 to 50μιτι.

[023] The document JP10087945 discloses a light diffusing acrylic resin composition and a light diffusing formed body. A silicon rubber powder is used having an average particle diameter of 0.1 to 50μιτι.

[024] The document JP11021357 discloses a methacrylic resin comprising spherical particles of a crosslinked silicone resin.

[025] The document US 5,831,774 discloses a light diffusion composite. The light diffusion layer of the light diffusion material of said comprises an acrylic resin as a binder resin and light diffusing agents including acrylic resin particles and silicone resin particles. The two particles represent at least 40 parts by weight of the resin.

[026] The document JP11021357 discloses a method for extruding a masterbatch pallet of methacrylic resin composition and light guide board prepared by using the resin.

[027] The prior art discloses not, neither a master batch suitable for the preparation of a polymeric composition having the two type of particles nor a process for preparing compositions comprising just one type of particles or a mixture of particles in the composition that does not have a satisfying compromise between light transmission and diffusing properties.

[Brief description of the invention]

[028] Surprisingly it has been discovered that a (meth) acrylic polymer composition MB1 comprising:

a) a (meth) acrylic polymer API,

b) a polymeric silicone particle PP1 having a weight average particle diameter between Ιμιτι and ΙΟμιτι,

characterized that the particle PP1 represents between 0.5wt% and 15wt% of the composition comprising the components a) and b) ; is suitable for the preparation of a polymeric composition PCI that contains the correct or optimal quantity of the polymeric silicone particle PPl in the polymeric composition PCI or the correct or optimal weight ratio between different kinds of respective polymeric particles in the polymeric composition for satisfying optical properties of the polymeric composition in lightning applications.

[029] Surprisingly it has been discovered that a (meth) acrylic polymer composition MB1 comprising:

a) a (meth) acrylic polymer API

b) a polymeric silicone particle PPl having a weight average particle diameter between Ιμιτι and ΙΟμιτι,

c) a polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 having a weight average particle diameter between 30μιτι and ΙΟΟμιτι,

characterized that the particle PPl represents between 0.5wt% and 15wt% of the composition comprising the components a) , b) and c) and that the particle PP2 represents between 40wt% and 80wt% of the composition comprising the components a) , b) and c) ;

is suitable for the preparation of a polymeric composition PCI that contains the correct or optimal quantity of the polymeric silicone particle PPl in the polymeric composition PCI or the correct or optimal weight ratio between the different kinds of respective polymeric particles PPl and PP2 in the polymeric composition for satisfying optical properties of the polymeric composition in lightning applications.

[030] Surprisingly it has been discovered that a (meth) acrylic polymer composition MB1 comprising:

a) a (meth) acrylic polymer API,

b) a polymeric silicone particle PPl having a weight average particle diameter between Ιμιτι and ΙΟμιτι,

characterized that the particle PPl represents between 0.5wt% and 15wt% of the composition comprising the components a) and b) ; can be used as a masterbatch for the preparation of a polymeric composition PCI that contains the correct or optimal quantity of the polymeric silicone particle PPl in the polymeric composition PCI or the correct or optimal weight ratio between different kinds of respective polymeric particles in the polymeric composition for satisfying optical properties of the polymeric composition in lightning applications.

[031] Surprisingly it has also been discovered that a (meth) acrylic polymer composition MB1 comprising:

a) a (meth) acrylic polymer API,

b) a polymeric silicone particle PPl having a weight average particle diameter between Ιμιτι and ΙΟμιτι,

c) a polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 having a weight average particle diameter between 30μιτι and ΙΟΟμιτι,

characterized that the particle PPl represents between 0.5wt% and 15wt% of the composition comprising the components a) , b) and c) and that the particle PP2 represents between 40wt% and 80wt% of the composition comprising the components a) , b) and c) ;

can be used as masterbatch for the preparation of a polymeric composition PCI that contains the correct or optimal quantity of the polymeric silicone particle PPl in the polymeric composition PCI or the correct or optimal weight ratio between the different kinds of respective polymeric particles PPl and PP2 in the polymeric composition for satisfying optical properties of the polymeric composition in lightning applications.

[032] It has also been found that a process for obtaining a polymeric composition PCI, said composition PCI comprises:

a) a (meth) acrylic polymer API

b) a polymeric silicone particle PPl having a weight average particle diameter between Ιμιτι and ΙΟμιτι

c) a polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 having a weight average particle diameter between 30μιτι and ΙΟΟμιτι,

characterized that the particle PPl represents between 0.05wt% and 2wt% of the composition comprising the components a) , b) and c) and that the particle PP2 represents between 5wt% and 20wt% of the composition comprising the components a) , b) and c) ;

said process comprises the step of

blending a (meth) acrylic polymer composition MBl comprising: a) a (meth) acrylic polymer API,

b) a polymeric silicone particle PP1 having a weight average particle diameter between Ιμιτι and ΙΟμιτι, characterized that the particle PP1 represents between 0.5wt% and 15wt% of the composition comprising the components a) and b) with a

with a (meth) acrylic polymer API and a polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 having a weight average particle diameter between 30μιτι and ΙΟΟμιτι;

yields to a polymeric composition PCI that contains the correct or optimal quantity of the polymeric silicone particle PP1 in the polymeric composition PCI or the correct or optimal weight ratio between the different kinds of respective polymeric particles PP1 and PP2 in the polymeric composition for satisfying optical properties of the polymeric composition in lightning applications.

[033] It has also been found that a process for obtaining a polymeric composition PCI, said composition PCI comprises:

a) a (meth) acrylic polymer API

b) a polymeric silicone particle PP1 having a weight average particle diameter between Ιμιτι and ΙΟμιτι

c) a polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 having a weight average particle diameter between 30μιτι and ΙΟΟμιτι,

characterized that the particle PP1 represents between 0.05wt% and 2wt% of the composition comprising the components a) , b) and c) and that the particle PP2 represents between 5wt% and 20wt% of the composition comprising the components a) , b) and c) ;

said process comprises the step of

blending a (meth) acrylic polymer composition MBl comprising: a) a (meth) acrylic polymer API, b) a polymeric silicone particle PP1 having a weight average particle diameter between Ιμιτι and ΙΟμιτι, c) a polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 having a weight average particle diameter between 30μιτι and ΙΟΟμιτι,

characterized that the particle PP1 represents between 0.5wt% and 15wt% of the composition comprising the components a) , b) and c) and that the particle PP2 represents between 40wt% and 80wt% of the composition comprising the components a) , b) and c) ;

with a (meth) acrylic polymer API;

yields to a polymeric composition PCI that contains the correct or optimal quantity of the polymeric silicone particle PP1 in the polymeric composition PCI or the correct or optimal weight ratio between the different kinds of respective polymeric particles PP1 and PP2 in the polymeric composition for satisfying optical properties of the polymeric composition in lightning applications.

[Detailed description of the invention]

[034] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to composition MB1 comprising:

a) a (meth) acrylic polymer API

b) a polymeric silicone particle PP1 having a weight average particle diameter between Ιμιτι and ΙΟμιτι.

characterized that the particle PP1 represents between 0.5wt% and 15wt% of the composition MB1 comprising the components a) and b) .

[035] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to composition MB1 comprising:

a) a (meth) acrylic polymer API

b) a polymeric silicone particle PP1 having a weight average particle diameter between Ιμιτι and ΙΟμιτι

c) a polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 having a weight average particle diameter between 30μιτι and ΙΟΟμιτι,

characterized that the particle PP1 is represents between 0.5wt% and 15wt% of the composition comprising the components a) , b) and c) and that the particle PP2 is represents between 40wt% and 80wt% of the composition comprising the components a) , b) and c) .

[036] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to use of a (meth) acrylic polymer composition MB1 comprising:

a) a (meth) acrylic polymer API,

b) a polymeric silicone particle PP1 having a weight average particle diameter between Ιμιτι and ΙΟμιτι,

characterized that the particle PP1 represents between 0.5wt% and 15wt% of the composition comprising the components a) and b)

as a masterbatch for the preparation of a polymeric composition PCI that contains the correct or optimal quantity of the polymeric silicone particle PP1 in the polymeric composition PCI or the correct or optimal weight ratio between different kinds of respective polymeric particles in the polymeric composition for satisfying optical properties of the polymeric composition in lightning applications. [037] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to use of a (meth) acrylic polymer composition MB1 comprising:

a) a (meth) acrylic polymer API,

b) a polymeric silicone particle PP1 having a weight average particle diameter between Ιμιτι and ΙΟμιτι,

c) a polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 having a weight average particle diameter between 30μιτι and ΙΟΟμιτι,

characterized that the particle PP1 represents between 0.5wt% and 15wt% of the composition comprising the components a) , b) and c) and that the particle PP2 represents between 40wt% and 80wt% of the composition comprising the components a) , b) and c) ;

as masterbatch for the preparation of a polymeric composition PCI that contains the correct or optimal quantity of the polymeric silicone particle PP1 in the polymeric composition PCI or the correct or optimal weight ratio between the different kinds of respective polymeric particles PP1 and PP2 in the polymeric composition for satisfying optical properties of the polymeric composition in lightning applications

[038] According to another aspect the present invention relates to a process for obtaining a polymeric composition PCI, said composition PCI comprises:

a) a (meth) acrylic polymer API

b) a polymeric silicone particle PP1 having a weight average particle diameter between Ιμιτι and ΙΟμιτι

c) a polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 having a weight average particle diameter between 30μιτι and ΙΟΟμιτι,

characterized that the particle PP1 represents between 0.05wt% and 2wt% of the composition comprising the components a) , b) and c) and that the particle PP2 represents between 5wt% and 20wt% of the composition comprising the components a) , b) and c) ;

said process comprises the step of

blending a (meth) acrylic polymer composition MBl comprising: a) a (meth) acrylic polymer API,

b) a polymeric silicone particle PP1 having a weight average particle diameter between Ιμιτι and ΙΟμιτι, characterized that the particle PP1 represents between 0.5wt% and 15wt% of the composition comprising the components a) and b) with a

with a (meth) acrylic polymer API and a polymeric

(meth) acrylic particle PP2 having a weight average particle diameter between 30μιτι and ΙΟΟμιτι.

[039] Still another aspect of the present invention relates to a process for obtaining a polymeric composition PCI, said composition PCI comprises:

a) a (meth) acrylic polymer API

b) a polymeric silicone particle PP1 having a weight average particle diameter between Ιμιτι and ΙΟμιτι

c) a polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 having a weight average particle diameter between 30μιτι and ΙΟΟμιτι, characterized that the particle PP1 represents between 0.05wt% and 2wt% of the composition comprising the components a) , b) and c) and that the particle PP2 represents between 5wt% and 20wt% of the composition comprising the components a) , b) and c) ;

said process comprises the step of

blending a (meth) acrylic polymer composition MB1 comprising: a) a (meth) acrylic polymer API,

b) a polymeric silicone particle PP1 having a weight average particle diameter between Ιμιτι and ΙΟμιτι, c) a polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 having a weight average particle diameter between 30μιτι and ΙΟΟμιτι,

characterized that the particle PP1 represents between 0.5wt% and 15wt% of the composition comprising the components a) , b) and c) and that the particle PP2 represents between 40wt% and 80wt% of the composition comprising the components a) , b) and c) ;

with a (meth) acrylic polymer API and a polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 having a weight average particle diameter between 30μιτι and ΙΟΟμιτι.

[040] By the term "alkyl (meth) acrylate" as used is denoted to both alkyl acrylate and alkyl methacrylate.

[041] By the term "copolymer" as used is denoted that the polymers consists of at least two different monomers.

[042] By the term "parts" as used herein is denoted "parts by weight" .

[043] By the term "thermoplastic polymer" as used is denoted a polymer that turns to a liquid or becomes more liquid or less viscous when heated and that can take on new shapes by the application of heat and pressure.

[044] By the term "PMMA" as used in the present invention are denoted homo- or copolymers of methyl methacrylate (MMA) , for the copolymer of MMA the weight ratio of MMA inside the PMMA is at least 50 wt% . [045] By the term "masterbatch" as used is understood composition that comprises an additive in high concentration in a carrier material. The additive is dispersed in the carrier material.

[046] By saying that a range from x to y in the present invention, it is meant that the upper and lower limit of this range are included, equivalent to at least x and up to y.

[047] By saying that a range is between x and y in the present invention, it is meant that the upper and lower limit of this range are excluded, equivalent to more than x and less then y.

[048] With regard to the polymeric composition MPl according to the invention it comprises a (meth) acrylic polymer API, polymeric silicone particles PP1 having a weight average particle diameter between Ιμιτι and ΙΟμιτι and optionally polymeric (meth) acrylic particles PP2 having a weight average particle diameter between 30μιτι and ΙΟΟμιτι.

[049] In a first preferred embodiment the polymeric composition MPl comprises a) a (meth) acrylic polymer API, b) polymeric silicone particles PP1 having a weight average particle diameter between Ιμπι and ΙΟμιτι, characterized that the particle PP1 represents between 0.5wt% and 15wt% of the polymeric composition MPl comprising the components a) and b) . The weight ratios of the particles of component b) is calculated on the sum of the two components a) and b) . More preferred according to the first preferred embodiment, the particle PP1 represents between 0.6wt% and 14wt%, still more preferred between 0.7wt% and 13wt% and advantageously between 0.8wt% and llwt% of the composition MPl.

[050] In a second preferred embodiment the polymeric composition MPl comprises a) a (meth) acrylic polymer API, b) polymeric silicone particles PP1 having a weight average particle diameter between Ιμιτι and ΙΟμιτι and c) polymeric (meth) acrylic particles PP2 having a weight average particle diameter between 30μιτι and ΙΟΟμιτι, characterized that the particle PP1 represents between 0.5wt% and 15wt% of the composition comprising the components a) , b) and c) and that the particle PP2 represents between 40wt% and 80wt% of the composition comprising the components a) , b) and c) . The weight ratios of the particles of component b) and c) are calculated on the sum of the three components a) , b) and c) . More preferred according to the second preferred embodiment, the particle PP1 represents between 0.6wt% and 14wt%, still more preferred between 0.7wt% and 13wt% and advantageously between 0.8wt% and llwt% of the composition MPl. More preferred according to the second preferred embodiment, the particle PP2 represents between 45wt% and 80wt%, still more preferred between 50wt% and 75wt% and advantageously between 55wt% and 70wt% of the composition MPl.

[051] In a third preferred embodiment the polymeric composition MPl comprises a) a (meth) acrylic polymer API, b) polymeric silicone particles PP1 having a weight average particle diameter between Ιμιτι and ΙΟμιτι, characterized that the particle PP1 represents between 0.5wt% and 15wt% of the polymeric composition MPl comprising the components a) and b) . The weight ratios of the particles of component b) is calculated on the sum of the two components a) and b) . More preferred according to the third preferred embodiment, the particle PP1 represents between 9.5wt% and 15wt%, still more preferred between 10wt% and 15wt% and advantageously between llwt% and 15wt% of the composition MPl.

[052] With regard to the (meth) acrylic polymer API it is a polymeric polymer chain comprising at least 50wt% of monomers coming acrylic and/or methacrylic monomers. The (meth) acrylic polymer could also be a mixture of two or more (meth) acrylic polymer API to APx .

[053] The acrylic and/or methacrylic monomers are chosen from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, esters of acrylic acid of esters of methacrylic acid, alkyl acrylic monomers, alkyl methacrylic monomers and mixtures thereof.

[054] Preferably the monomer is chosen from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid , alkyl acrylic monomers, alkyl methacrylic monomers and mixtures thereof, the alkyl group having from 1 to 22 carbons, either linear, branched or cyclic; preferably the alkyl group having from 1 to 12 carbons, either linear, branched or cyclic . [ 055 ] Advantageously the meth) acrylic monomer is chosen from methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, methacrylic acid, acrylic acid, n-butyl acrylate, iso-butyl acrylate, n- butyl methacrylate, iso-butyl methacrylate, cyclohexyl acrylate, cyclohexyl methacrylate, isobornyl acrylate, isobornyl methacrylate and mixtures thereof.

[ 056 ] Other comonomers can be copolymerized with the acrylic and/or methacrylic monomers as long as the (meth) acrylic polymer API is comprising at least 50wt% of monomers coming acrylic and/or methacrylic monomers in its polymeric chain. The other comonomers can be chosen from styrenic monomers as styrene or styrene deriviatives , acrylonitrile , vinylesters as vinylacetate . The amount of these comonomers is from 0wt% to 50wt%, preferably from 0wt% to 40wt%, more preferably from 0wt% to 30wt%, advantageously from 0wt% to 20wt%.

[ 057 ] In a first preferred embodiment the (meth) acrylic polymer API is a homo- or copolymer of methyl methacrylate (MMA) that comprises at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, advantageously at least 70% and more advantageously at least 80% by weight of methyl methacrylate .

[ 058 ] The copolymer of methyl methacrylate (MMA) comprises between 50% and 99.9% by weight of methyl methacrylate and between 0.1 and 50% by weight of at least one monomer having at least one ethylenic unsaturation that can copolymerize with methyl methacrylate .

[ 059 ] These monomers are well known and mention may be made, in particular of acrylic and methacrylic acids and alkyl-

(meth) acrylates in which the alkyl group has from 1 to 12 carbon atoms. As examples, mention may be made of methyl acrylate and ethyl, butyl or 2-ethylhexyl (meth) acrylate . Preferably the comonomer is an alkyl acrylate in which the alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

[ 060 ] According to the first more preferred embodiment the copolymer of methyl methacrylate (MMA) comprises from 80% to 99.8% advantageously from 90% to 99.7% and more advantageously from 90% to 99.5% by weight of methyl methacrylate and from 0.2% to 20% advantageously from 0.3% to 10% and more advantageously from 0.5% to 10% by weight of at least one monomer having at least one ethylenic unsaturation that can copolymerize with methyl methacrylate . Preferably the comonomer is chosen from methyl acrylate or ethyl acrylate or mixtures thereof.

[061] The (meth) acrylic polymer API has a melt flow index (MFI) according to ISO 1133 (230 °C/3.8kg) between O.lg/lOmin and 20 g/lOmin. Preferably melt flow index is between 0.2 g/lOmin and 18g/10min, more preferably between 0.3g/10min and 16g/10min, advantageously between 0.4g/10min and 13g/10min.

[062] The (meth) acrylic polymer API has a refractive index between 1.46- and 1.52, preferably between 1.47 and 1.52 and more preferably between 1.48 and 1.52.

[063] The (meth) acrylic polymer API has a light transmittance according to ASTM D-1003 (sheet of 3mm thickness) of at least 85%, preferably 86%, more preferably 87%.

[064] The (meth) acrylic polymer API has a Vicat softening temperature of at least 90 °C. The Vicat softening temperature is measured according to ISO 306:2013 (B50 method) .

[065] The composition according to the invention can comprise beside the (meth) acrylic polymer API also an (meth) acrylic polymer AP2. The (meth) acrylic polymer API and (meth) acrylic polymer AP2 form a mixture or a blend. This mixture or blend consists of at least one homopolymer and at least one copolymer of MMA, or a mixture of at least two homopolymers or two copolymers of MMA with a different average molecular weight or a mixture of at least two copolymers of MMA with a different monomer composition.

[066] With regard to the polymeric silicone particle PP1, it is having a weight average particle diameter between Ιμιτι and ΙΟμιτι, the particles comprises polysiloxanes chains having an inorganic silicone-oxygen backbone chain.

[067] The polymeric silicone particle PP1 has a refractive index between 1.30 and 1.45, preferably between 1.35 and 1.45, advantageously between 1.36 and 1.44.

[068] The weight average particle diameter of the polymeric silicone particle PP1 is preferably between Ιμιτι and 9μιτι, more preferably between Ιμιτι and 8μιτι, still more preferably between Ιμιτι and 7μπι, even more preferably between Ιμιτι and δμιτι, advantageously between Ιμιτι and 5μm and more advantageously between Ιμιτι and 4μm.

[069] The bulk density of a powder of the polymeric silicone particle PP1 is between O.lg/ml and 0.4g/ml, preferably between 0.15 and 0.45g/ml.

[070] The polymeric silicone particle PP1 can for example be prepared according to US 2008/124549.

[071] The polymeric silicone particle could also be a blend of two or more different silicone particles PPla, PPlb.... , as long as all silicone particles have the before mentioned characteristics.

[072] With regard to the polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 having a weight average particle diameter between 30μιτι and ΙΟΟμιτι, it comprises at least 50wt% of monomers coming from acrylic and/or methacrylic monomers in the polymer chains of the polymeric particle PP2.

[073] In a first preferred embodiment the polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 is a homo- or copolymer of methyl methacrylate (MMA) that comprises at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, advantageously at least 65% and more advantageously at least 70% by weight of methyl methacrylate.

[074] The weight average particle diameter of the polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 is preferably between 35μιτι and 90μιτι, more preferably between 35μιτι and δθμιτι and advantageously between 45μιτι and βθμιτι.

[075] Preferably the polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 is crosslinked. The weight ratio of the crosslinker in the (meth) acrylic particle PP2 is less than 5wt% . The crosslinker is preferably chosen from an organic compound having at least one acrylic or methacrylic function and a second double bond which can polymerize as well.

[076] The polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 has a refractive index between 1.49 and 1.56, preferably between 1.50 and 1.55

[077] The polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 can be prepared according to suspension polymerization.

[078] The polymeric (meth) acrylic particle could also be a blend of two or more different (meth) acrylic particles PP2a, PP2b...., as long as all silicone particles have the before mentioned characteristics .

[079] With regard to the polymeric composition PCI, said composition PCI comprises:

a) a (meth) acrylic polymer API

b) a polymeric silicone particle PPl having a weight average particle diameter between Ιμιτι and ΙΟμιτι

c) a polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 having a weight average particle diameter between 30μιτι and ΙΟΟμιτι,

characterized that the particle PPl represents between 0.05wt% and 2wt% of the composition comprising the components a) , b) and c) and that the particle PP2 represents between 5wt% and 20wt% of the composition comprising the components a) , b) and c) .

[080] Preferably the composition PCI comprises between 0.06wt% and 1.8wt% of the polymeric particle PPl, more preferably between 0.07wt% and 1.5wt%, still more preferably between 0. lwt% and lwt% .

[081] Preferably in a first preferred embodiment the composition PCI comprises between 6wt% and 19wt% of the polymeric particle PP2, more preferably between 7wt% and 18wt%, still more preferably between 8wt% and 17wt%.

[082] More preferably the composition PCI of the first preferred embodiment comprises between 0.06wt% and 1.8wt% of the polymeric particle PPl and between 6wt% and 19wt% of the polymeric particle PP2; still more preferably 0. lwt% and lwt% of the polymeric particle PPl and between 8wt% and 17wt% of the polymeric particle PP2.

[083] Preferably in a second preferred embodiment the composition PCI comprises between 10wt% and 20wt% of the polymeric particle PP2, more preferably between 10wt% and 18wt%, still more preferably between llwt% and 17wt%.

[084] More preferably the composition PCI of the second preferred embodiment comprises between 0.06wt% and 1.8wt% of the polymeric particle PPl and between 10wt% and 20wt% of the polymeric particle PP2; still more preferably 0. lwt% and lwt% of the polymeric particle PPl and between llwt% and 17wt% of the polymeric particle PP2.

[085] With regard to the process for the preparation a polymeric composition MB1 according to the invention, it comprises the step of blending the components a) , b) and optionally c) .

[086] Preferably the process is made by compounding.

[087] Said process is also capable for the preparation of a polymeric composition MB1 suitable as a masterbatch for making polymeric composition PCI with said masterbatch MB1. The polymeric composition MB1, the polymeric composition PCI, the (meth) acrylic polymer API, polymeric silicone particle PPl and polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 are the same as defined before.

[088] Preferably the process for the preparation of a polymeric composition MB1 suitable as a masterbatch for making polymeric composition PCI comprises also at least one of the following steps

- mixing the a) (meth) acrylic polymer API with b) polymeric silicone particle PPl having a weight average particle diameter between Ιμιτι and ΙΟμιτι;

- mixing a composition comprising a) (meth) acrylic polymer API and a b) polymeric silicone particle PPl having a weight average particle diameter between Ιμιτι and ΙΟμιτι with a c) polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 having a weight average particle diameter between 30μιτι and ΙΟΟμιτι and with an

additional quantity of (meth) acrylic polymer API or a

(meth) acrylic polymer AP2;

- mixing a composition comprising a) (meth) acrylic polymer API and a b) polymeric silicone particle PPl having a weight average particle diameter between Ιμιτι and ΙΟμιτι with a composition comprising c) polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 having a weight average particle diameter between 30μιτι and ΙΟΟμιτι and a (meth) acrylic polymer API or a (meth) acrylic polymer AP2 ; - mixing a composition comprising a) (meth) acrylic polymer API, a b) polymeric silicone particle PPl having a weight average particle diameter between Ιμιτι and ΙΟμιτι and a c) polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 having a weight average particle diameter between 30μιτι and ΙΟΟμιτι with an additional quantity of (meth) acrylic polymer API or a (meth) acrylic polymer AP2.

[089] The (meth) acrylic polymer API, the polymeric silicone particle PPl and polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 in the process are the same as described before.

[090] With regard to the process for obtaining a polymeric composition PCI, said composition PCI comprises:

a) a (meth) acrylic polymer API

b) a polymeric silicone particle PPl having a weight average particle diameter between Ιμιτι and ΙΟμιτι

c) a polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 having a weight average particle diameter between 30μιτι and ΙΟΟμιτι,

characterized that the particle PPl represents between 0.05wt% and 2wt% of the composition comprising the components a) , b) and c) and that the particle PP2 represents between 5wt% and 20wt% of the composition comprising the components a) , b) and c) ;

said process comprises

either the step of blending the (meth) acrylic polymer composition MB1 comprising either:

a) a (meth) acrylic polymer API,

b) a polymeric silicone particle PPl having a weight average particle diameter between Ιμιτι and ΙΟμιτι, characterized that the particle PPl represents between

0.5wt% and 15wt% of the composition comprising the components a) and b) with a

with a (meth) acrylic polymer API and a polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 having a weight average particle diameter between 30μιτι and ΙΟΟμιτι

or comprises the step of

blending a (meth) acrylic polymer composition MB1 comprising: a) a (meth) acrylic polymer API,

b) a polymeric silicone particle PP1 having a weight average particle diameter between Ιμιτι and ΙΟμιτι, c) a polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 having a weight average particle diameter between 30μιτι and ΙΟΟμιτι,

characterized that the particle PP1 represents between 0.5wt% and 15wt% of the composition comprising the components a) , b) and c) and that the particle PP2 represents between 40wt% and 80wt% of the composition comprising the components a) , b) and c) ;

with a (meth) acrylic polymer API and a polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 having a weight average particle diameter between 30μιτι and ΙΟΟμιτι.

[091] The (meth) acrylic polymer API, the polymeric silicone particle PP1 and polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 in the process are the same as described before.

[092] The weight ratio between silicone particle PP1 and polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 in the composition PCI is chosen that the polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 is always in excess.

[093] Preferably the ratio by weight of polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 to silicone particle PP1 is at least 2/1, more preferably 5/2 and even more preferably at least 10/1 advantageously at least 20/1 and most advantageously at least 25/1.

[094] According to the invention the weight ratio of the silicone particles PP1 in the composition PCI is less important than weight ratio of the polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2. In the polymeric composition the absolute weight of the silicone particles PP1 is in minority in view of polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2.

[095] According to the invention the weight ratio of the polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 in the composition PCI is more important than weight ratio of the silicone particles PP1. In the polymeric composition the absolute weight of the polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 is in excess in view of silicone particles PPl.

[096] The polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 of the composition PCI have an excess quantity in wt% in the composition PCI that is at least two times the quantity of the silicone particles PPl . The polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 of the composition according to the invention have an excess quantity in wt% in the composition that is at most four hundred times than the quantity of the silicone particles PPl .

[097] The weight average particle diameter of the polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 in the composition is more important than the weight average particle diameter of the silicone particle PPl . The polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 of the composition according to the invention have an weight average particle diameter that is at least three times more important than the weight average particle diameter of silicone particles PPl . Preferably the weight average particle diameter of polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 is at least five time more important, more preferably at least seven times more important, still more preferably ten times more important than the weight average particle diameter of silicone particles PPl .

[098] The polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 of the composition according to the invention have an weight average particle diameter that is at most one hundred times more important than the weight average particle of diameter silicone particles PPl . Preferably the weight average particle diameter of polymeric

(meth) acrylic particle PP2 is at most eighty time more important, more preferably at most seventy times more important, still more preferably fifty times more important than the weight average particle diameter of silicone particles PPl .

[099] The refractive index of silicone particles PPl is less important than the refractive index of the (meth) acrylic polymer API of the composition according to the invention. Preferably the difference of refraction index between the (meth) acrylic polymer API and silicone particles PP1 is at least 0.01, more preferably at least 0.02 and still more preferably 0.03.

[0100] The refractive index of the polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 is more important than the refractive index of the

(meth) acrylic polymer API of the composition according to the invention. Preferably the difference of refraction index between the polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 and the (meth) acrylic polymer API is at least 0.005, more preferably at least 0.01 and still more preferably 0.015.

[0101] Preferably in the composition according to the invention, the refractive index of silicone particles PP1 is less important than the refractive index of the (meth) acrylic polymer API and the refractive index of the polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 is more important than the refractive index of the

(meth) acrylic polymer API.

[0102] According to a further aspect the present invention concerns a process for making an object by transforming and/or processing the polymeric composition PCI according to the invention .

[0103] The transformation can be made by injection moulding, extrusion, coextrusion or extrusion/blow molding. Preferably the transformation is made by injection moulding or extrusion.

[0104] In a first preferred embodiment of the process for making an object is made by injection moulding. A moulded object is obtained.

[0105] The process for making a moulded object according to the invention comprises the steps of

melting the composition comprising the (meth) acrylic polymer API, silicone particles PP1 and polymeric

(meth) acrylic particle PP2

- injecting the molten composition into a mould

- applying pressure to the mould at least until the mould is completely filled with the molten composition.

[0106] In a second preferred embodiment of the process for making an object the transformation process is made by extrusion. [0107] The process for making a moulded object according to the invention comprises the steps of

feeding the polymeric composition comprising the (meth) acrylic polymer API, silicone particles PP1 and polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 into an extruder,

melting the composition comprising a (meth) acrylic copolymer in the extruder

- extruding the molten composition.

[0108] According to a still further aspect the present invention concerns the use of the composition for making an object or a moulded object.

[0109] The composition according to the invention can be used for making an object or a moulded object or article or be used to be part of an article.

[0110] The composition obtained by the process according to the invention can be used to be transformed directly into an article or object or can be part of an article or object.

[0111] According to a still further aspect the present invention concerns an object or a moulded object made of the polymeric composition PCI according to the present invention.

[0112] The object or moulded object of the invention can be in form of a sheet, block, film, tube or profiled element. Preferably the moulded objects a sheet, which can be plain or slightly bent or curved .

[0113] Examples for object or moulded objects or articles are covers or plates for luminous devices.

[0114] In one embodiment the moulded object is a cover for a light source. The cover generally has a thickness of between 0.001 and 15 cm, preferably between 0.01 and 10 cm, more preferably between 0.05 and 7 cm, more preferably between 0.1 and 5 cm and even more preferably between 0.2 and 4 cm.

[0115] Additionally according to another aspect of the present invention the composition according to the invention can used as a covering for a point light source. The light source plus cover forms a luminous device. The cover may be a single layer, or may be a multi-layer structure. The cover is separated from the light source by a distance of between 0.11 and 50 cm, preferably between 1 and 40 cm, preferably between 2 and 20 cm and even more preferably between 3 and 20 cm.

[0116] The luminous device according to the invention has a variety of applications such as, for example:

-interior lighting (living room lamps, office lamps, etc.); -advertising displays;

-illuminated signs (in this case, the cover may especially have the form of a letter, a number, a symbol or any other sign) ;

-industrial lightning;

-outdoor lightning; and

-automobile lighting (for example the luminous device may be a headlamp, a daytime light, a direction indicator, a stop light, a fog lamp, reversing light, etc.) .

[Methods]

[0117] The optical properties of the polymers are measured according to following method: light transmittance and haze are measured according to the standard ASTM D1003, sheets of 2mm thickness for molded samples. A haze-gard plus apparatus from BYK- Gardner is used.

[0118] Refractive index is measured with a refractometer .

[0119] Particle size: is measured by Laser diffraction with a

Coulter Counter.

[Examples]

[0120] The silicone particle PP1 is additive 30-424 from Dow Corning. The weight average particle diameter is between Ιμιτι and 3μιτι .

[0121] As polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 in the examples is used a commercial product from ALTUGLAS BS110 having generally a weight average particle diameter between 35μιτι and βθμιτι and a batch having a weight average particle diameter of 50μιτι was used. [0122] A copolymer of methyl methacrylate having a melt flow index of 8g/10min is used as (meth) acrylic polymer API and silicone particles PP1 and polymeric (meth) acrylic particle PP2 are respectively blended with the (meth) acrylic polymer API. The blending is made by compounding with a two screw extruder.

[0123] Example 1 - a composition CI is prepared by blending 1.1kg or PP1 wit 8.9kgof API.

[0124] Example 2 - a composition C2 is prepared by blending 1.3kg or PP1 wit 8.7kg of API.

[0125] Example 3 - a composition C3 is prepared by blending 0.2kg or PP1 with 6kg of PP2 and 3.8kg of API.

[0126] Example 4 - a composition C4 is prepared by blending 7.5kg of PP1 and 42.5kg of API

[0127] Example 4 - 1 kg of composition CI is blended with 50kg of composition C4.

[0128] Example 5 - 1 kg of composition C2 is blended with 50kg of composition C4.

[0129] Example 6 - 1 kg of composition C3 is blended with 5kg of API.

[0130] Compositions CI, C2 and C3 are master batches, that can be used to prepare compositions of examples 4 to 5.