Polycarbonate composition containing combination of hydroxyphenyl triazines and

UV absorbers

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a composition comprising a polycarbonate, at least one compound of formula (A), and at least one UV absorber, other than the compound of formula (A). Further, the present invention relates to an additive mixture comprising at least one compound of formula (A), and at least one UV absorber. The present invention also relates to the use of the additive mixture for enhancing optical properties of the molded or extruded articles, including multilayered articles.

Background of the invention

Polycarbonate molded or extruded articles are known in the literature and are prepared for a large number of applications. Theese articles are produced e.g. by extruding compositions that contain polycarbonate. Coextrusion with other compositions that contain polycarbonate and, in addition, a relatively high proportion of UV absorbers may optionally take place. However, polycarbonate has the disadvantage that it is not itself inherently UV-stable.

To prevent the detrimental effects of UV light on the articles prepared from the polycarbonate, different additives for eg. hindered amine light stabilizers, UV absorbers, etc are used. However, these additives or mixture of these additives are not able to improve the stability of the polycarbonate molded or extruded articles to a greater extent.

Thus, an object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks and to provide a polycarbonate comprising composition with improved optical properties. It is especially desirable to improve the optical properties of polycarbonate sheets and polycarbonate articles.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a polycarbonate composition that can be used to prepare polycarbonate articles or sheets with improves optical properties, especially Delta E and Yellowness index.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide the composition that improves the weathering resistance of the polycarbonate sheets or articles.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an additive mixture which can improve the optical properties of polycarbonate when incorporated into polycarbonate. Summary of the invention

Surprisingly, it has been found that the additive mixture of the presently claimed invention i.e., combination of at least one compound of formula (A), at least one UV absorber, other than the compound of formula (A), and a polycarbonate improves optical properties of the polycarbonate sheets or polycarbonate articles, which is exposed to light, and thus prolongs the lifetime of the polycarbonate sheets or polycarbonate articles and that results in economic value.

Thus, in one aspect, the presently claimed invention is directed to a composition comprising: i. a polycarbonate in an amount in the range of 90 to 99.9 wt% based on the total weight of the composition; ii. at least one compound of formula (A) selected from the formulae (A-1), (A-2), (A- 3), (A-4), (A-5), (A-6), or (A-7), in an amount in the range of 0.02 to 0.8 wt% based on the total weight of the composition, (A-7), and iii. at least one UV absorber, other than the compound of formula (A), in an amount in the range of 0.4 to 2.5 wt% based on the total weight of the composition.

In another aspect, the presently claimed invention is directed to an additive mixture compris- ing I. at least one compound of formula (A) as defined above; and

II. at least one UV absorber, other than the compound of formula (A).

In another aspect, the presently claimed invention is directed to an article comprising the composition, as defined above. In yet another aspect, the presently claimed invention is directed to use of the additive mixture, as defined above, for enhancing optical properties of the molded or extruded articles, including multilayered articles.

Detailed description of the invention

Before the present compositions and formulations of the invention are described, it is to be under-stood that this invention is not limited to particular compositions and formulations described, since such compositions and formulation may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the presently claimed invention will be limited only by the appended claims.

If hereinafter a group is defined to comprise at least a certain number of embodiments, this is meant to also encompass a group which preferably consists of these embodiments only. Furthermore, the terms "first", "second", "third" or "(a)", "(b)", "(c)", "(d)" etc. and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein. In case the terms "first", "second", "third" or “(A)”, “(B)” and “(C)” or "(a)", "(b)", "(c)", "(d)", "i", "ii" etc. relate to steps of a method or use or assay there is no time or time interval coherence between the steps, that is, the steps may be carried out simul-taneously or there may be time intervals of seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months or even years between such steps, unless other-wise indicated in the application as set forth herein above or below.

In the following passages, different aspects of the invention are defined in more detail. Each aspect so defined may be combined with any other aspect or aspects unless clearly indicated to the contrary. In particular, any feature indicated as being preferred or advantageous may be combined with any other feature or features indicated as being preferred or advantageous. Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "a preferred embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the presently claimed invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in a preferred embodiment" or “in another embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some, but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the appended claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Furthermore, the ranges defined throughout the specification include the end values as well i.e. a range of 1 to 10 implies that both 1 and 10 are included in the range. For the avoidance of doubt, the applicant shall be entitled to any equivalents according to the applicable law.

Certain terms are first defined so that this disclosure can be more readily understood. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which embodiments of the invention pertain.

In an aspect, the presently claimed invention is directed to a composition comprising: i. a polycarbonate; ii. at least one compound of formula (A),

(A) wherein

E ₁ is hydrogen, C ₁ -C ₁₈ alkyl, a group of formula P

(Formula P) wherein, R, R’ and R” independently of one another are C ₁ -C ₁₈ alkylene,

* denotes point of attachment to X ₁ or a group of Formula Q (Formula Q) wherein, T is linear or branched C ₁ -C ₁₈ alkylene and U is linear or branched C ₁ -C ₁₈ alkyl,

E ₂ is hydrogen, hydroxyl, alkoxy, phenyl, or phenyl substituted by 1,

2 or 3 C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl,

E ₃ , E ₄ , E ₅ , and E ₆ independently of one another are hydrogen, C ₁ -C ₁₈ alkyl, phenyl or phenyl substituted by 1, 2 or 3 C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl, or a group of Formula

Q (Formula Q) wherein, T is a linear or branched C ₁ -C ₁₈ alkylene and U is linear or branched C ₁ -C ₁₈ alkyl,

X ₁ is a direct bond oxygen, phenyl, or phenyl substituted by 1, 2 or 3

C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl, and b is an integer in the range of 1 to 2, and iii. at least one UV absorber, other than the compound of formula (A).

In a preferred embodiment, the presently claimed invention is directed to a composition comprising: i. a polycarbonate in an amount in the range of 90 to 99.9 wt% based on the total weight of the composition; ii. at least one compound of formula (A) in an amount in the range of 0.02 to 1 wt% based on the total weight of the composition, wherein

E ₁ is hydrogen, C ₁ -C ₁₈ alkyl, a group of formula P , .

(Formula P) wherein, R, R’ and R” independently of one another are alkylene,

* denotes point of attachment to X ₁ or a group of Formula Q (Formula Q) wherein, T is linear or branched C ₁ -C ₁₈ alkylene and U is linear or branched C ₁ -C ₁₈ alkyl,

E ₂ is hydrogen, hydroxyl, alkoxy, phenyl, or phenyl substituted by 1,

2 or 3 C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl,

E ₃ , E ₄ , E ₅ , and E ₆ independently of one another are hydrogen, alkyl, phenyl or phenyl substituted by 1, 2 or 3 C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl, or a group of Formula Q (Formula Q) wherein, T is a linear or branched alkylene and U is linear or branched alkyl,

X ₁ is a direct bond oxygen, phenyl, or phenyl substituted by 1, 2 or 3 C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl, and b is an integer in the range of 1 to 2, and iii. at least one UV absorber, other than the compound of formula (A), in an amount in the range of 0.1 to 10 wt% based on the total weight of the composition.

In a preferred embodiment, the polycarbonate is selected from homopolycarbonates, copoly- carbonates, thermoplastic polyester carbonates, polycarbonate/acrylonitrile-butadiene-sty- rene terpolymer blend, thermoplastic alloy of polycarbonate/acrylic-styrene-acrylonitrile ter- polymer, thermoplastic alloy blend of polycarbonate/polybutylene terephthalate, thermoplastic alloy of polycarbonate/polyethylene terephthalate, or thermoplastic alloy of polycarbonate and styrene-acrylonitrile.

In a more preferred embodiment, the polycarbonate is selected from homopolycarbonates, copolycarbonates, thermoplastic polyester carbonates, polycarbonate/acrylonitrile-butadi- ene-styrene terpolymer blend, thermoplastic alloy of polycarbonate/acrylic-styrene-acryloni- trile terpolymer, or thermoplastic alloy blend of polycarbonate/polybutylene terephthalate.

In a most preferred embodiment, the polycarbonate is selected from homopolycarbonates, copolycarbonates, thermoplastic polyester carbonates, or polycarbonate/acrylonitrile-buta- diene-styrene terpolymer blend.

In a preferred embodiment, the total amount of polycarbonate in the composition is in the range of 90 to 99.9 wt% based on the total weight of the composition.

In a more preferred embodiment, the total amount of polycarbonate in the composition is in the range of 91 to 99.8 wt%, or 92 to 99.7 wt%, or 93 to 99.6wt%, or 94 to 99.5 wt%, or 95 to 99.4 wt%, or 96 to 99.3 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition.

In a most preferred embodiment, the total amount of polycarbonate in the composition is in the range of 97 to 99.2 wt% based on the total weight of the composition.

Within the context of the present invention, the term alkyl, as used herein, refers to acyclic saturated aliphatic residues, including linear or branched alkyl residues.

As used herein, “branched” denotes a chain of atoms with one or more side chains attached to it. Branching occurs by the replacement of a substituent, e.g., a hydrogen atom, with a covalently bonded aliphatic moiety.

Compound of formula (A):

In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises at least one compound of formula (A)

In a preferred embodiment, E ₁ is hydrogen, alkyl, a group of Formula P, or a group of Formula Q, more preferably hydrogen, C ₁ -C ₈ alkyl, a group of formula P wherein, R, R’ and R” independently of one another are alkylene, more preferably R, R’ and R” independently of one another are C ₂ -C ₁₀ alkylene, preferably b is an integer in the range of 1 to 2, or a group of formula Q.

In a preferred embodiment, when b is 1 then E ₁ is hydrogen, alkyl, or a group of Formula Q and when b is 2 then E ₁ is group of formula P.

In a preferred embodiment, E ₂ is hydrogen, hydroxyl, alkoxy, phenyl, or phenyl substituted by 1, 2, or 3 C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl, more preferably E ₂ is hydrogen, or hydroxyl.

In a preferred embodiment, E ₃ , E ₄ , E ₅ , and E ₆ independently of one another are hydrogen, C ₁ - C ₁₈ alkyl, phenyl or phenyl substituted by 1, 2 or 3 C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl, or a group of Formula Q, more preferably E ₃ , E ₄ , E ₅ , and E ₆ independently of one another are hydrogen, C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl, phenyl, or a group of formula Q.

Examples of alkyl having up to 18 carbon atoms are methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, 2-ethy Ibuty I, n-pentyl, isopentyl, 1-methylpentyl, 1,3- dimethylbutyl, n-hexyl, 1-methylhexyl, n-heptyl, isoheptyl, 1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl, 1- methylheptyl, 3-methylheptyl, n-octyl, 2-ethylhexy I, 1,1,3-trimethylhexyl, 1,1,3,3-tetra- methylpentyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, 1-methylundecyl, dodecyl, 1,1,3,3,5,5-hexamethylhexyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl and octadecyl.

Examples of alkylene having up to 18 carbon atoms are methylene, ethylene, propylene, iso- propylene, n-butylene, sec-butylene, isobutylene, tert-butylene, 2-ethylbutylene, n-pen- tylene, isopentylene, 1-methylpentylene, 1,3-dimethylbutylene, n-hexylene, 1- methylhexylene, n-heptylene, isoheptylene, 1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutylene, 1-methylheptylene, 3-methylheptylene, n-octylene, 2-ethylhexylene, 1,1,3-trimethylhexylene, 1,1,3,3-tetra- methylpentylene, nonylene, decylene, undecylene, 1-methylundecylene, dodecylene, 1,1,3,3,5,5-hexamethylhexylene, tridecylene, tetradecylene, pentadecylene, hexadecylene, heptadecylene and octadecylene.

In a preferred embodiment, X ₁ is a direct bond oxygen, phenyl, or phenyl substituted by 1, 2 or 3 C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl, more preferably X ₁ is a direct bond oxygen, or phenyl.

As used herein, the term “direct bond”, where part of a structural variable specification, refers to the direct joining of the substituents flanking (preceding and succeeding) the variable taken as a “direct bond”.

In a more preferred embodiment, the compound of formula (A) is selected from the formulae (A-1), (A-2), (A-3), (A-4), (A-5), (A-6), or (A-7),

(A-l)

ĨA-7). In even a more preferred embodiment, the compound of formula (A) is selected from the formulae (A-1), (A-2), or (A-6). Most of the compounds of the formulae (A) are known and can be prepared in analogy to processes known to those skilled in the art.

The compounds of the formula (A) can be prepared for example in analogy to the methods described in US-B-6,255,483.

In a preferred embodiment, the total amount of the compound of formula (A) in the composi- tion is in the range of 0.02 to 1 wt% based on the total weight of the composition.

In a more preferred embodiment, the total amount of the compound of formula (A) in the composition is in the range of 0.02 to 0.9 wt%, or 0.02 to 0.8 wt%, or 0.02 to 0.7 wt%, or 0.02 to 0.6 wt%, or 0.03 to 0.6 wt%, or 0.04 to 0.6 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition. In a most preferred embodiment, the total amount of the compound of formula (A) in the composition is in the range of 0.05 to 0.6 wt% based on the total weight of the composition.

In a preferred embodiment, the UV absorber is selected from 2-(2'-hydroxyphenyl) benzotri- azole, 2-hydroxybenzophenone, 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine, cyanoacrylate, oxanilide, benzoxazinone, esters of substituted and unsubstituted benzoic acid, or mixtures of two or more thereof.

Preferably, 2-(2'-hydroxyphenyl) benzotriazole is selected from 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-tetra m ethyl- butyl) phenyl) benzotriazole, 2- (3',5' -di -tert- butyl -2' -hydroxyphenyl) -5 -chloro- benzotria- zole, 2- (3' -tert- butyl -2'- hydroxy-5'- methylphenyl) -5 -chloro- benzotriazole, 2 -(3'-sec- bu- tyl -5' -tert- butyl -2'- hydroxyphenyl) benzotriazole, 2- (2'- hydroxy-4'-octyloxyphenyl) ben- zotriazole, 2- (3', 5' -di -tert-amyl -2'- hydroxyphenyl) benzotriazole, 2 -(3', 5'- bis- (α, α-di me- thylbenzyl) -2'- hydroxyphenyl) benzotriazole, 2 -(3'-tert- butyl -2'- hydroxy-5'- (2-oc- tyloxycarbonylethyl) phenyl) -5-chloro -benzotriazole, 2 - (3'-tert- butyl -5'- [2- (2-ethylhexyl - oxy) -carbonylethyl] -2'- hydroxyphenyl) -5-chloro -benzotriazole, 2-(3'-tert-butyl-2'-hy- droxy-5' -(2 -methoxycarbonylethyl) phenyl) -5 -chloro- benzotriazole, 2- (3'-tert- butyl-2'- hydroxy-5'- (2-methoxycarbonylethyl) phenyl) benzotriazole, 2- (3'-tert- butyl -2'- hydroxy- 5'- (2-octyloxycarbonylethyl) phenyl) benzotriazole, 2 -(3'-tert- butyl -5'- [2- (2-ethylhex- yloxy) carbonyl ethyl] -2'- hydroxyphenyl) benzotriazole, 2-(3'-dodecyl-2'-hydroxy-5'- methylphenyl) benzotriazole, 2-(3'-tert-butyl-2'-hydroxy-5'-(2-isooctyloxycarbon- ylethyl) phenyl benzotriazole, 2,2'- methylene- bis[4-(1, 1,3,3 -tetramethlybutyl) -6- benzotriazole-2-ylphenol] ; the transesterification product of 2-[3'-tert-butyl-5'-(2-meth- oxycarbonylethyl)-2'-hydroxyphenyl]-2H-benzotriazole with polyethylene glycol 300; , where R = 3'-tert-butyl-4'-hydroxy-5'-2H-benzotriazol- 2-ylphenyl, 2 - [2'- hydroxy-3'- (α, α-dimethylbenzyl) -5' -(1,1, 3,3 -tetramethlybutyl) -phenyl] - benzotriazole, 2- [2'- hydroxy-3'- (1,1,3, 3-tetramethlybutyl) -5'-(α, α-dimethylbenzyl) -phe- nyl] benzotriazole, or mixtures of two or more thereof.

More preferably, 2-(2'-hydroxyphenyl) benzotriazole is selected from 2-(2'-hydroxy-5'- methylphenyl) -benzotriazole, 2,2' -methylene -bis [4- (1,1, 3,3 -tetramethlybutyl) -6- ben- zotriazole -2 -ylphenol], 2- (3', 5'- bis- (α, α-dimethylbenzyl) -2'- hydroxyphenyl) benzotriazole, 2-(3'-tert-butyl-2'-hydroxy-5'-methylphenyl)-5-chloro-benzot riazole, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, 2-hydroxybenzophenone is selected from 2-hydroxy-4-hydroxybenzophenone, 2- hydroxy-4- methoxybenzophenone, 2-hydroxy-4-octyloxybenzophenone, 2-hydroxy-4- decyloxybenzophenone, 2- hydroxy-4-dodecyloxybenzophenone, 2-hydroxy-4-benzyloyxben- zophenone, 2- hydroxy-4,2',4'-trihydroxybenzophenone, 2- hydroxy-2'- hydroxy-4, 4'-dimethox- ybenzophenone derivatives, 1,4-bis(4-benzoyl-3-hydroxyphenoxy)-butane, or mixtures of two or more thereof.

Preferably, 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1, 3, 5-triazine is selected from, other than the compounds of formula A, 2, 4, 6-tris(2-hydroxy-4-octyloxyphenyl)-1, 3, 5-triazine, 2,4-bis(2-hydroxy-4-propy- loxyphenyl) -6- (2, 4-dimethylbenzyl) -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-dime-thylphenyl )- 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-dime- thyl) -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-dodecyloxypro- poxy) phenyl] -4, 6- bis (2, 4-dimethylphenyl) -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-hydroxy propoxy) phenyl] -

1,3, 5-triazine, 2- (2-hydroxyphenyl) -4- (4-methoxyphenyl)-6-phenyl -1,3, 5-triazine, 2-{2-hy- droxy-4- [3- (2-ethylhexyl- 1-oxy) -2-hydroxypropyloxy] phenyl}-4,6-bis (2, 4-dimethylphenyl)-

1,3, 5-triazine, 2, 4-bis (4- [2-ethylhexyloxy] -2-hydroxyphenyl) -6- (4-methoxyphenyl) -1,3, 5-tri- azine, 2-[2-Hydroxy-4-[3-(2-ethylhexyl-1-oxy)-2-hydroxypropyloxy]ph enyl]-4,6-bis(2,4- dimethyl phenyl) -1, 3, 5-triazine, 5-Butoxy-2-[4-(4-butoxy-2-hydroxyphenyl)-6-(2,4- dibutoxyphenyl)- 1,3,5-triazin-2-yl] phenol, 2-[4-[2-Hydroxy-3-tridecyloxypropyl]oxy]-2-hy- droxyphenyl]-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1, 3, 5-triazine and 2-[4-[2-hydroxy- 3- didecyloxy- propyl]oxy]-2-hydroxyphenyl]-4,6-bis(2,4- dimethylphenyl)-1, 3, 5-triazine, Propanoic acid, 2- (4-(4,6-bis((1,1'-biphenyl)-4-yl)- 1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-3-hydroxyphenoxy)-, isooctyl ester, Bis- Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, or mixtures of two or more thereof.

The cyanoacrylate UV absorber is preferably selected from ethyl α-cyano-β,β- diphenylacrylate, isooctyl α-cyano-β,β- diphenylacrylate, neopentyl tetra(α-cyano-β,β- diphe- nylacrylate), pentaerythritol tetrakis(2-cyano-3,3-diphenylacrylate), ethyl 2-cyano-3,3-diphe- nylacrylate, (2-ethylhexyl)-2-cyano-3,3-diphenyl acrylate, or mixtures of two or more thereof. More preferably, the cyanoacrylate UV absorber is pentaerythritol tetrakis(2-cyano-3,3-di- phenylacrylate).

The oxanilide is preferably selected from 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'-ethoxani- lide and its mixture with 2-ethoxy-2'-ethyl-5,4'-di-tert- butoxanilide, mixtures of o- and p- methoxy-disubstituted oxanilides, mixtures of o- and p-ethoxy-disubstituted oxanilides, or mixtures of two or more thereof. More preferably, the oxanilide is 2-ethoxy-2'-ethyloxanilide. In a preferred embodiment, the total amount of the UV absorber in the composition is in the range of 0.05 to 10 wt% based on the total weight of the composition.

In a more preferred embodiment, the total amount of the UV absorber in the composition is in the range of 0.05 to 8 wt%, or 0.1 to 8 wt%, or 0.2 to 5 wt%, or 0.3 to 5 wt%, or 0.4 to 4 wt%, or 0.4 to 3 wt%, or 0.4 to 2.5 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition.

In a most preferred embodiment, the total amount of the UV absorber in the composition is in the range of 0.4 to 2.5 wt% based on the total weight of the composition.

In a preferred embodiment, a composition comprising: i. a polycarbonate in an amount in the range of 90 to 99.9 wt% based on the total weight of the composition; ii. at least one compound of formula (A) selected from the formulae (A-1), (A-2), (A- 3), (A-4), (A-5), (A-6), or (A-7), in an amount in the range of 0.02 to 0.8 wt% based on the total weight of the composition,

ĨA-6)

(A-7), and iii. at least one UV absorber, other than the compound of formula (A), in an amount in the range of 0.4 to 2.5 wt% based on the total weight of the composition.

In a preferred embodiment, the composition further comprises at least one antioxidant.

The antioxidant is preferably selected from phenolic antioxidant, organophosphorus stabi- lizer, or mixtures thereof.

More preferably, the phenolic antioxidant is selected from octadecyl-3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4- hydroxyphenyl) propionate, 1,3,5-tris(3, 5 -di -tert- butyl -4- hydroxybenzyl)-2, 4, 6-trime- thylbenzene, N, N'-bis(3, 5 -di -tert- butyl -4-hydroxyphenylpropionyl)hexamethylene-dia- mide, 1,3,5 -tris [3,5-di -tert- butyl -4- hydroxybenzy I] isocyanurate 2,4-di-t-butylphenyl-3,5- di-t- butyl -4-hydroxy benzoate, bis(1, 2,2,6, 6 -penta methyl piperidin-4-y I) -butyl (3,5-di-t-bu- tyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)malonate), blend of octadecyl-3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy- phenyl)propionate and tris [2,4-d i -te rt- buty I p he ny I] phosphite, or mixtures of two or more thereof.

Most preferably, the phenolic antioxidant is selected from octadecyl-3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4- hydroxyphenyl) propionate, or blend of octadecyl-3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy- phenyl)propionate and tris[2,4-di -tert-butyl phenyl] phosphite.

The organophosphorus stabilizer is preferably selected from organic phosphite, organic phos- phonite, organic phosphine, or mixtures of two or more thereof.

More preferably, the organic phosphite is tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite.

More preferably, the organic phosphine is triphenylphosphine. In a preferred embodiment, the total amount of the antioxidant in the composition is in the range of 0.01 to 2 wt% based on the total weight of the composition.

In a more preferred embodiment, the total amount of the antioxidant in the composition is in the range of 0.05 to 1.5 wt%, or 0.05 to 1 wt%, or 0.05 to 0.5 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition.

In a most preferred embodiment, the total amount of the antioxidant in the composition is in the range of 0.08 to 0.2 wt% based on the total weight of the composition.

In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of the compound of formula (A) to the at least one UV absorber, other than the compound of formula (A), is in the range of 1:50 to 50:1.

In a more preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of the compound of formula (A) to the at least one UV absorber, other than the compound of formula (A), is in the range of 1:45 to 45:1.

In even a more preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of the compound of formula (A) to the at least one UV absorber, other than the compound of formula (A), is in the range of 1:40 to 40:1 or 1:35 to 35:1 or 1:30 to 30:1.

In a most preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of the compound of formula (A) to the at least one UV absorber, other than the compound of formula (A), is in the range of 1:25 to 25:1 or 1:23 to 23:1.

In even a most preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of the compound of formula (A) to the at least one UV absorber, other than the compound of formula (A), is 1:3 to 1:23.

In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of the at least one antioxidant to the compound of formula (A), without the sterically hindered amine light stabilizer as defined below, is in the range of 1:0.1 to 1:10, more preferably in the range of 1:0.5 to 1:7.5, even more preferably in the range of 1:1.25 to 1:7.5.

In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of the at least one antioxidant to the UV absorber, other than the compound of formula (A), without the sterically hindered amine light stabilizer as defined below, is in the range of 1:22 to 1:30, more preferably 1:22.5 to 1:28.5.

In a preferred embodiment, the composition further comprises at least one sterically hindered amine light stabilizer.

In a more preferred embodiment, the sterically hindered amine light stabilizer is selected from carbonic acid bis(1-undecyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)ester, bis(2,2,6,6- tetra methyl -4- piperidyl) sebacate, bis (2, 2,6, 6 -tetra methyl -4- piperidyl) succinate, bis (1,2, 2,6,6- penta methyl -4- piperidyl) sebacate, bis (1 -octyl oxy-2,2, 6, 6 -tetra methyl -4- piperidyl) sebacate, bis (1,2,2, 6,6- penta methyl -4- piperidyl) n- butyl -3, 5 -di -tert- butyl -4- hydroxy benzyl ma lonate, poly (4- hydroxy-2,2, 6,6-tetra methyl - 1-pi peridi neethanol-alt-

1.4-butanedioic acid), linear or cyclic condensates of N,N'-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-pi- peridy I) hexa methylenediamine and 4-tert-octylamino-2,6-dichloro-1,3,5 -triazine, tris (2, 2, 6,6-tetra methyl -4- piperidyl) nitrilotriacetate, tetra kis (2, 2, 6, 6 -tetra methyl -4- pi- peridyl) -1,2, 3, 4- butanetetracar boxy I ate, 1, 1'-(1,2-ethanediy I) -bis(3,3,5,5-tetra me- thyl pipe razi none), 4- benzoyl -2,2, 6,6-tetra methyl pi peridine, 4-stearyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetra- m ethyl pi peridine, bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidyl)-2-n-butyl-2-(2-hydroxy-3 ,5-di- tert-butyl benzyl) ma lonate, 3-n-octy I -7,7, 9,9-tetra methy I- 1,3,8-triazaspiro [4.5] deca ne-

2.4-dione, bi s(1 -octyl oxy-2,2, 6,6 -tetra methyl piperidyl) sebacate, bi s(1 -octyl oxy-2,2, 6,6- tetramethylpiperidyl)succinate, linear or cyclic condensates of N,N'-bis(2,2,6,6-tetra- m ethyl -4- piperidyl) hexa methylenediamine and 4-morpholino-2,6-dichloro-1,3,5 -tria- zine, 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-a mi- no propy la mi no) ethane, 8-acety I -3 -dodecyl -7,7, 9,9-tetra methyl- 1,3,8-tria- zaspiro [4.5] decane-2, 4-dione, 3-dodecy 1-1 -(2,2, 6,6-tetra methyl -4-piperidy I) pyrroli- dine -2, 5-dione, 3-dodecy I - 1-(1 , 2, 2,6,6- penta methy I -4-piperidy I) pyrrolidine-2, 5-dione, a mixture of 4-hexadecyloxy- and 4-stearyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine, a conden- sate of N,N'-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl) hexamethylenediamine and 4-cyclo- hexylamino-2,6-dichloro-1,3,5 -triazine, a condensate of 1,2-bis(3-aminopropyla- mino)ethane and 2,4,6-trich Io ro- 1,3,5-triazi ne and 4-butylamino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpi- peridine; a condensate of 1,6-hexanediamine and 2,4,6-trich Io ro-1,3,5 -triazine as well as N,N-dibutylamine and 4-butylamino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine; N-(2,2,6,6-tetra- methy I -4-piperidy I) -n-dodecylsuccinim ide, N- (1,2,2, 6,6-penta methy I -4-piperidy I) -n- dodecylsuccinimide, 2-undecyl -7,7, 9,9-tetra methyl- 1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxo-spiro-

[4,5]decane, a reaction product of 7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-2-cycloundecyl-l-oxa-3,8-diaza- 4-oxospiro-[4,5]decane and epichlorohydrin, 1,1-bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperi- dy I oxycarbonyl) -2 -(4- methoxy phenyl) ethene, N,N'-bis-formyl-N,N'-bis(2,2,6,6-tetra- methyl-4-piperidyl) hexamethylenediamine, a diester of 4-methoxymethylenemalonic acid with 1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-hydroxypiperidine, poly[methylpropyl-3-oxy-4- (2 ,2,6,6 -tetra m ethy I -4- pi pe ridy I)] si I oxa ne, a reaction product of maleic acid anhydride- a-olefin copolymer with 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-aminopiperidine or 1,2,2,6,6-pentame- thyl-4-aminopiperidine, 2,4-bis[N-(l-cyclohexyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-4- y I) -N-buty la mino]-6-(2- hydroxyethyl) a mi no-1, 3, 5-triazine, 5 -(2 -ethy I hexa noy I) oxy me- thyl-3,3,5-trimethyl-2-morpholinone, the reaction product of 2,4-bis[(l-cyclohexyloxy-

2.2.6.6-piperidine-4-yl)butylamino] -6-chloro-s-triazine with N,N’-bis(3-aminop ro- py I) ethylenediamine), 1,3,5 -tris(N-cyclohexyl-N-(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperazine-3-one- 4-yl)amino)-s-triazine, 1,3,5 -tris(N-cyclo hexyl -N -(1,2,2, 6, 6 -penta methyl pi perazine-3- one-4-yl)amino)-s-triazine, N, N'- bis (2,2, 6,6-tetra methyl -4- pipe ridy I)- N,N '-diformyl hex- amethylenediamine, mixture of bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)sebacate and 1- (methyl)-8-(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)sebacate, mixture of 1,5,8,12- Tetrakis [4,6- bis(N- butyl -N-1,2,2,6,6-penta methyl -4- pi peridyla mi no)- 1,3,5-triazi n-2- y I] -1,5, 8, 12 -tetraazadodecane and Po ly (4- hydroxy-2,2, 6,6 -tetra methyl -1- pi peridin eeth- anol -alt-1,4- butanedioic acid), Bis(1, 2,2,6, 6-pentam ethy l-4-piperidinyl) -2-buty 1-2- (4-hy- droxy-3,5-di-tert.butylbenzyl)propanedioate, mixture of 1-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-

4-octadeca noy loxy-2,2, 6,6-tetra methyl piperidine and 1,5,8,12-Tetrakis[4,6-bis(N-bu- tyl-N-1, 2, 2, 6, 6-pentam ethyl -4- pipe ridy la mi no) -1,3,5 -triazin -2-yl] -1,5,8, 12-tetraaza- dodecane, 1,6-Hexanediamine, N ¹ , N ⁶ - b is (2, 2 ,6 ,6- tetra m ethy I -4 - p i pe ri d i nyl) - , polymers with morpholine-2, 4, 6-trichloro-1, 3, 5-triazine reaction products, methylated. 1,6-Hex- anediamine, N ¹ , N ⁶ - b i s(2 ,2, 6 ,6 -tetra m ethy I -4- pi pe rid i nyl ) - , polymer with 2,4-dichloro-6- (4-morpholinyl)-1 , 3, 5-triazine, mixture of 1,6-Hexanediamine, N ¹ , N ⁶ -bis(2,2,6,6- tetra methy I -4- pi pe rid i nyl) - , polymers with morpholine-2, 4, 6-trichloro-1, 3, 5-triazine reaction products, methylated and 2- (4,6- Bis-(2,4-di methylphenyl ) - 1,3,5-triazi n-2-yl) -

5-(octyloxy)-phenol, mixture of 1,6-Hexanediamine, N ¹ , N ⁶ - b is (2 ,2 ,6, 6 -tetra m ethy I -4- p i - peridinyl)-, polymer with 2, 4-dichloro-6-(4-morpholinyl)-1 , 3, 5-triazine and 2-(4,6-Bis- (2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1 ,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-5-(octyloxy)-phenol, or mixtures of two or more thereof.

In a most preferred embodiment, the sterica I ly hindered amine light stabilizer is selected from mixture of bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)sebacate and l-(methyl)-8-(1,2,2,6,6- pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)sebacate, mixture of 1,5,8,12-Tetrakis[4,6-bis(N-butyl-N-

1.2.2.6.6- penta methy I -4- pipe ridy la mi no) -1,3,5-triazi n-2-y I] -1,5,8, 12-tetraazadodecane and Poly(4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidine ethanol-alt-1,4-butanedioic acid), Bis (1,2, 2,6, 6-pentamethy l-4-piperidinyl) -2- buty 1-2- (4- hydroxy-3, 5-di-tert.buty I benzyl) pro- pa ned ioate, bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)sebacate, bis(1-octyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetra- methylpiperidyl)sebacate, mixture of 1-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-4-octadecanoyloxy- 2,2, 6,6 -tetra methyl pi peridine and 1,5,8,12-Tetrakis[4,6-bis(N-butyl-N-1,2,2,6,6-pen- tamethyl-4-piperidylamino)-1,3,5 -triazin-2-yl]- 1,5,8,12-tetraazadodecane, or mixtures of two or more thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the total amount of the sterically hindered amine light stabilizer is in the range of 0.01 to 5 wt% based on the total weight of the composition.

In a more preferred embodiment, the total amount of the sterically hindered amine light sta- bilizer is in the range of 0.05 to 1 wt% based on the total weight of the composition.

In a more preferred embodiment, the total amount of the sterically hindered amine light sta- bilizer is in the range of 0.05 to 0.5 wt% based on the total weight of the composition.

In a most preferred embodiment, the total amount of the sterically hindered amine light sta- bilizer is 0.1 wt% based on the total weight of the composition. In an embodiment, the weight ratio of the compound of formula (A) to the sterically hindered amine light stabilizer is in the range of 1:5 to 5:1.

In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of the compound of formula (A) to the sterically hindered amine light stabilizer is in the range of 1:4 to 4:1.

In a more preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of the compound of formula (A) to the sterically hindered amine light stabilizer is in the range of 1:3 to 3:1.

In a more preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of the compound of formula (A) to the sterically hindered amine light stabilizer is in the range of 1:2 to 2:1.

In a most preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of the compound of formula (A) to the ste- rically hindered amine light stabilizer is 1:1.

In an embodiment, the weight ratio of the sterically hindered amine light stabilizer to the UV absorber, other than the compound of formula (A), is in the range of 1:1 to 1:5.

In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of the sterically hindered amine light stabilizer to the UV absorber, other than the compound of formula (A), is in the range of 1:2 to 1:5.

In a more preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of the sterically hindered amine light sta- bilizer to the UV absorber, other than the compound of formula (A), is in the range of 1:3 to 1:5. In a most preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of the sterically hindered amine light stabi- lizer to the UV absorber, other than the compound of formula (A), is in the range of 1:4 to 1:5.

In a preferred embodiment, the composition further comprises at least one compound of for- mula (B) of general formula (I), general formula (II), general formula (III) or general formula (IV).

Compound (B) of general formula (I): wherein

A ₁ is selected from linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted C ₂ -C ₁₈ alkylene, substituted or unsubstituted C ₅ -C ₇ cycloalkylene and C ₁ -C ₄ alkylenedi(C ₅ -C ₇ cyclo alkylene),

A ₂ is independently selected from H, linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted C ₁ -C ₁₂ alkyl, C ₁ -C ₁₂ alkyloxy, substituted or un- substituted C ₅ -C ₁₂ cycloalkyl and C ₅ -C ₁₂ cycloalkyloxy,

A ₃ and A ₄ are independently selected from H, linear or branched, substi- tuted or unsubstituted C ₁ -C ₁₂ alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C ₅ -C ₁₂ cycloalkyl and a group of the formula (a-1),

(a-1) or

A ₃ and A ₄ , together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bonded, form a 5- to 10-membered heterocyclic ring; and a is an integer in the range of 1 to 20 and the repeating units are the same or different. Representative examples of linear or branched, unsubstituted C ₁ -C ₁₂ alkyl include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, 2-ethyl- butyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, 2-methylbutyl, 3-methylbutyl, 1-methylpentyl, 1,3-dimethylbuty I, n- hexyl, cyclohexyl, 2-methylpentyl, 3-methylpentyl, 4-methylpentyl, 3,3-dimethylbutyl, 1- methylhexyl, n-heptyl, 2-Methylhexyl, 2-Ethyl pentyl, isoheptyl, 1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl, 1- methylheptyl, 3-methylheptyl, 2-propyl heptyl, n-octyl, iso-octyl, 2-ethylhexy I, 1,1,3-trime- thylhexyl, 1,1,3,3-tetramethylpentyl, n-nonyl, iso-nonyl, n-decyl, iso-decyl, n-undecyl, iso-un- decyl, 1-methylundecyl, n-dodecyl, iso-dodecyl, n-tridecyl, iso-tridecyl, and 1,1,3,3,5,5-hexa- methylhexyl.

Representative examples of C ₁ -C ₁₂ alkyloxy include, but are not limited to, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, isopropoxy, butoxy, isobutoxy, pentoxy, isopentoxy, hexoxy, heptoxy, octoxy, nonyloxy, decyloxy, undecyloxy, and dodecyloxy.

In a preferred embodiment, alkyloxy is selected from the group consisting of methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, isopropoxy, butoxy, isobutoxy, pentoxy, isopentoxy, hexoxy, heptoxy, and octoxy. In a more preferred embodiment, alkyloxy is propoxy.

Representative examples of C ₅ -C ₁₂ cycloalkyl are cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, cyclononyl, cyclodecyl, cycloundecyl, and cyclododecyl.

Representative examples of C ₅ -C ₁₂ cycloalkyloxy are cyclopentoxy, cyclohexoxy, cycloheptoxy, cyclooctoxy, cyclononyloxy, cyclodecyloxy, cycloundecyloxy, and cyclododecyloxy.

In a preferred embodiment the cylcoalkyloxy is cyclohexoxy.

A preferred example of phenyl substituted by 1, 2 or 3 C ₁ -C ₄ alky I is 2,4-dimethylphenyl,.

Preferred C ₂ -C ₁₈ alkylenes are ethylene, propylene, trimethylene, tetramethylene, pentameth- ylene, 2,2-dimethyltrimethylene and hexamethylene. In a more preferred embodiment, al- kylene is hexamethylene.

An example of C ₅ -C ₇ cycloalkylene is cyclohexylene.

An example of C ₁ -C ₄ alkylenedi(C ₅ -C ₇ cycloalkylene) is methylenedicyclohexylene.

Examples of the radicals A ₃ and A ₄ together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bonded, forming a 5- to 10-membered heterocyclic ring, are 1-pyrrolidyl, piperidyl, morpholinyl, 1-pi- perazinyl, 4-methyl-l-piperazinyl, 1-hexahydroazepinyl, 5,5,7-trimethyl-l-homopiperazinyl or 4,5,5,7-tetramethyl-l-homopiperazinyl, preferably morpholinyl.

In the compound (B) of the general formula (I) the terminal group attached to the diamino residue is for example hydrogen or a group of the formula and the terminal group attached to the triazine radical is for example a group of the formula or a group of the formula In a preferred embodiment, A ₁ is hexamethylene, and A ₂ is hydrogen, and propoxy.

In a preferred embodiment, A ₃ is butyl,

, and

In a preferred embodiment, A ₄ is butyl.

In a preferred embodiment, a is an integer in the range of 1 to 10.

Compound (B) of general formula (II): wherein x ₁ and x ₂ is independently selected from C ₁ to C ₃₀ alkoxy, In a preferred embodiment, x ₁ and x ₂ are independently selected from linear or branched, unsubstituted C ₁ to C ₃₀ alkyloxy. Representative examples of linear or branched, unsubstituted C ₁ to C ₃₀ alkyloxy are methyloxy, ethyloxy, propyloxy, butyloxy, pentyloxy, hexyloxy, heptyloxy, octyloxy, nonyloxy, decyloxy, undecyloxy, dodecyloxy, tridecyloxy, tetradecyloxy, pentadecyloxy, hexadecyloxy, heptadecyloxy, octadecyloxy, nonadecyloxy, icosyloxy, henicosyloxy, docosyloxy, tricosyloxy, tetracosyloxy, pentacosyloxy, hexacosyloxy, heptacosyloxy, octacosyloxy, nonacosyloxy and triacontyloxy.

In a preferred embodiment, x ₁ and x ₂ are each undecyloxy.

Compound (B) of general formula (III): wherein

Y ₁ is linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted C ₃ to C ₂₀ alkyl,

Y ₂ is C ₁ to C ₃₀ alkyl; and

In a preferred embodiment, Y ₁ is linear or branched, unsubstituted C ₃ to C ₂₀ alkyl.

In an embodiment, Y ₁ is selected from the group consisting of propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, hep- tadecyl, octadecyl, nonadecyl, and icosyl.

In a preferred embodiment, Y ₁ selected from propyl, or dodecyl.

In a preferred embodiment, Y ₂ is linear or branched, unsubstituted C ₁ to C ₃₀ alkyl.

In an embodiment, Y ₂ is selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hex- adecyl, heptadecyl, octadecyl, nonadecyl, icosyl, henicosyl, docosyl, tricosyl, tetracosyl, pen- tacosyl, hexacosyl, heptacosyl, octacosyl, nonacosyl, and triacontyl.

In a preferred embodiment, Y ₂ is selected from pentadecyl, or heptadecyl.

Compound (B) of general formula (IV):

wherein

Y ₁ is linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted C ₃ to C ₂₀ alkyl,

Y ₃ is independently selected from linear or branched, substituted or un- substituted C ₃ to C ₂₀ alkyl, and C ₃ to C ₂₀ alkylidene,

X is C ₂ to C ₈ alkyl, n is an integer in the range of 1 to 8.

In a preferred embodiment, Y ₃ is selected from the group consisting of linear or branched, unsubstituted C ₃ to C ₂₀ alkyl and C ₃ to C ₂₀ alkylidene.

Representative examples of alkylidene having up to 20 carbon atoms are methylidene, ethyl- idene, propylidene, butylidene, pentylidene, hexylidene, heptylidene, octylidene, nonylidene, decylidene, undecylidene, dodecylidene, tridecylidene, tetradecylidene, pentadecylidene, hexadecylidene, heptadecylidene, octadecylidene, nonadecylidene, and icosylidene.

In a preferred embodiment, Y ₁ selected from decyl.

In a preferred embodiment, Y ₃ is selected from decyl, or nonylidene.

In a preferred embodiment, X is selected from the group consisting of ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, and octyl.

In a more preferred embodiment, the compound of formula (B) is selected from the formu- lae (B-1) , (B-2), (B-3), (B-4), (B-5), (B-6), (B-7), (B-8), or mixtures of two or more thereof.

wherein a is an integer in the range of 1 to 10; and

(B-4)

(B-7), and

wherein n is 2

(B-8)

In a preferred embodiment, the composition further comprises at least one additive selected from anti-scratch agents, slip agents, anti-block agents, thermal fillers, pigments, anti-fog, or anti-mist agents.

The composition may additionally also contain various conventional additives, for example:

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-d icyclopentyl-4- methyl pheno I, 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-di- methyl-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-di- octylthiomethy 1-6- methyl phenol, 2,4-dioctylthiomethyl-6-ethylphenol, 2,6-di-dodecylthiome- thyl-4-nonylphenol.

1.3. Hydroquinones and alkylated hydroquinones, for example 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methoxy- phenol, 2,5-di-tert-butylhydroquinone, 2,5-di-tert-amylhydroquinone, 2,6-diphenyl-4-octade- cyloxyphenol, 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, b-tocopherol, g-tocopherol, d-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-octy I phenol), 4,4'-thiobis(6-tert-butyl-3-methy I phenol), 4,4'-th iobis (6-tert-bu - tyl-2-methy I phenol), 4,4'-thiobis(3,6-di-sec-amylphenol), 4,4'-bis(2,6-dimethyl-4-hydroxy- phe ny l)d isu If ide.

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-methy 1-6- (a -methylcyclo- hexyl) phenol], 2,2'-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-cyclohexy I phenol), 2,2'-methylenebis(6-nonyl- 4- methyl phenol), 2,2'-methylenebis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenol), 2,2'-ethylidenebis(4,6-di-tert- butylphenol), 2, 2'-ethy I idenebis(6-tert- butyl -4- isobutyl phenol), 2,2'-methylenebis[6-(a- methyl benzyl) -4-nonyl phenol], 2,2'-methylenebis[6-(a,a-dimethylbenzyl)-4-nonylphenol], 4, 4'-methylenebis(2,6-di-tert- butyl phenol), 4,4'-methylenebis(6-tert-butyl-2-methylphenol), 1,1-bis(5-tert-buty 1-4- hydroxy-2-methylphenyl) butane, 2,6-bis(3-tert-butyl-5-methyl-2-hy- droxybenzyl)-4-methylphenol, 1,1,3-tris (5-tert- buty I -4-hydroxy-2-methylphenyl) butane, 1,1- bis (5-tert- buty l-4-hy droxy-2-methy I -phenyl) -3-n -dodecyl mercapto butane, ethylene glycol bis [3,3- bis (3'-tert- butyl -4'- hydroxy phenyl) butyrate], bis(3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-5-methyl- phenyl)dicyclopenta diene, bis [2- (3'-tert-buty 1-2'- hydroxy-5'- methyl benzyl)-6-tert- buty 1-4- methy I phenyl] terephthalate, 1, 1- bis- (3, 5-dimethyl-2-hydroxy phenyl) butane, 2,2-bis(3,5-di- tert- buty l-4-hydroxy phenyl) pro pane, 2, 2- bis (5-tert- buty l-4-hydroxy2-methy I phenyl) -4-n -do- decyl mercaptobutane, 1, 1, 5, 5-tetra- (5-tert- buty 1-4- hydroxy-2-m ethyl phenyl) pentane.

1.7. O-, N- and S-benzyl compounds, for example 3,5,3',5'-tetra-tert-butyl-4,4'-dihydroxydi- benzyl ether, octadecyl-4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylbenzylmercaptoacetate, tridecyl-4-hydroxy- 3,5-di-tert-buty I benzyl mercaptoacetate, tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)amine, bis (4- tert- buty l-3-hydroxy-2,6-dimethy I benzy l)d ith ioterephthalate, bis (3, 5-di-tert- buty 1-4- hy- droxybenzyl) sulf ide, isoocty I -3,5-di-tert-buty l-4-hydroxy benzyl mercaptoacetate.

1.8. Hydroxybenzylated malonates, for example dioctadecyl-2, 2-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hy- droxybenzyl)malonate, di-octadecyl-2-(3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-5-methylbenzyl)malona te, di- dodecyl mercaptoethy 1-2, 2- bis (3, 5-di-tert- buty l-4- hydroxy benzy I) ma Io nate, bis [4- (1,1,3,3- tetra methyl buty I) phenyl] -2, 2- bis (3, 5-di-tert- buty I -4- hydroxy benzy I) ma lonate.

1.9. Aromatic hydroxybenzyl compounds, for example 1,4-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyben- zyl)-2,3,5,6-tetram ethyl benzene, 2, 4, 6-tris (3, 5-di-tert- buty l-4-hydroxy benzy I) ph enol.

1.10. Triazine compounds, for example 2,4-bis(octylmercapto)-6-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydrox- yanilino)-1,3,5-triazine, 2-octylmercapto-4,6-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanilino)- 1,3,5- triazine, 2-octylmercapto-4,6- bi (3,5-di-tert- buty 1-4- hydroxy phenoxy)-1, 3, 5-triazine, 2,4,6- tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy phenoxy)- 1,2,3-triazine, 1,3,5-tris(4-tert-butyl-3-hydroxy-2,6- dimethy I benzyl) isocyan urate, 2, 4, 6-tris (3, 5-di-tert- butyl -4-hydroxy phenyl ethyl) -1,3, 5-tria- zine, 1,3,5-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylpropionyl)-hexah ydro-1,3,5-triazine, 1,3,5- tris(3,5-dicyclohexyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)isocyanurate.

1.11. Benzylphosphonates, for example dimethyl-2,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylphospho- nate, diethy 1-3, 5-di-tert- butyl -4-hydroxy benzyl phosphonate, d ioctadecyl3,5-di-tert- butyl-4- hydroxy benzyl phosphonate, dioctadecyl-5-tert- butyl -4- hydroxy-3- methyl benzyl phospho- nate, 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-hydroxy phenyl) carbamate.

1.13. Esters of b-(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, thiodiethylene glycol, diethy- lene glycol, triethylene glycol, pentaerythritol, tris(hydroxyethyl)isocyanurate, N,N'-bis(hy- droxyethyl)oxamide, 3-thiaundecanol, 3-thiapentadecanol, trimethylhexanediol, trimethylol- propane, 4-hydroxy m ethy 1-1 -phospha -2, 6, 7-trioxa bicyclo [2.2.2] octane.

1.14. Esters of b-(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)propionic acid with mono- or poly- hydric alcohols, e.g. with methanol, ethanol, n-octanol, i-octanol, octadecanol, 1,6-hexanedi- ol, 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, trimethyl- olpropane, 4- hydroxy methy I- 1-phospha-2, 6, 7-trioxa bicyclo [2.2.2] octane; 3,9-bis[2-{3-(3- tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)propionyloxy}-1,1-dimeth ylethyl]-2,4,8,10- tetraoxaspiro [5.5] undecane.

1.15. Esters of b-(3,5-dicyclohexyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic 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, tri- ethylene glycol, pentaerythritol, tris(hydroxyethyl)isocyanurate, N,N'-bis(hydroxyethyl)ox- amide, 3-thiaundecanol, 3-thiapentadecanol, trimethylhexanediol, trimethylolpropane, 4-hy- d roxy methyl-1-phospha-2, 6, 7-trioxa bicyclo [2.2.2] octane.

1.16. Esters of 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl acetic acid with mono- or polyhydric alco- hols, e.g. with methanol, ethanol, octanol, octadecanol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,9-nonanediol, ethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, neopentyl glycol, thiodiethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, tri- ethylene glycol, pentaerythritol, tris(hydroxyethyl)isocyanurate, N,N'-bis(hydroxyethyl)ox- amide, 3-thiaundecanol, 3-thiapentadecanol, trimethylhexanediol, trimethylolpropane, 4-hy- droxymethyl-1-phospha-2,6,7-trioxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane.

1.17. Amides of b-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid e.g. N ,N'-bis(3,5-di-tert- buty 1-4- hydroxy phenyl propionyl) hexa methylenediamide, N, N'- bis (3, 5-di-tert-buty 1-4- hy- droxyphenyl pro pionyl)trimethylenediam ide, N, N'- bis (3,5-di-tert-buty 1-4- hydroxy phenyl propi- onyl) hydrazide, N, N'- bis [2- (3- [3, 5-di-tert-buty l-4-hydroxy phenyl] propio nyloxy)ethy I] ox- amide (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, N,N'-bis(l- ethy 1-3- methy I penty I) -p- phenylenediamine, N, N'- bis (1 -methy I hepty I) -p- phenylenediamine, N,N'-dicyclohexyl-p-phenylenediamine, N,N'-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine, N,N'-bis(2- naphthyl)-p-phenylenediamine, N - iso pro py I -N'-phenyl-p- phenylenediamine, N-(1,3-dime- thylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine, N -(1 -methy I hepty I)- N'- phenyl- p-phenyl enedia- mine, N -cyclohexyl- N'-phenyl-p- phenylenediamine, 4-(p-toluenesulfamoyl)diphenylamine, N, N'-d i methy I- N,N'-di-sec-buty I -p- phenylenediamine, diphenylamine, N-allyldiphenylamine, 4- isopropoxydi phenylamine, N -phenyl- 1-naphthyla mine, N -(4-tert-octy I phenyl)- 1- naphthyl- amine, N-phenyl-2-naphthylamine, octylated diphenylamine, for example p,p'-di-tert-octyldi- phenylamine, 4-n-butylaminophenol, 4-butyrylaminophenol, 4-nonanoylaminophenol, 4-do- decanoylaminophenol, 4-octadecanoylaminophenol, bis(4-methoxyphenyl)amine, 2,6-di-tert- butyl-4-dimethylaminomethylphenol, 2, 4'-dia mi nodiphenyl methane, 4, 4'-dia mi nodiphenyl- methane, N, N, N', N'-tetra methy I -4, 4'-dia mi nodiphenyl methane, 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 dodecyldiphenylamines, a mixture of mono- and dialkylated isopropyl/isohexyldiphenylamines, a mixture of mono- and dialkyl- ated tert-butyldiphenylamines, 2,3-dihydro-3,3-dimethyl-4H-1,4-benzothiazine, phenothia- zine, 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'-tetra- phenyl-1,4-diaminobut-2-ene. 2. UV absorbers and light stabilizers

2.1. Esters of substituted and unsubstituted benzoic acids, for example 4-tert-butyl-phenyl salicylate, phenyl salicylate, octylphenyl salicylate, dibenzoyl resorcinol, bis(4-tert-butylben- zoyl)resorcinol, benzoyl resorcinol, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzo- ate, hexadecyl 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate, octadecyl 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hy- droxy benzoate, 2-methy 1-4, 6-di-tert-buty I phenyl 3, 5-di-tert-buty 1-4- hydroxy benzoate.

2.2. Acrylates, for example ethyl a-cyano-b,b-diphenylacrylate, isooctyl a-cyano-b,b-diphe- nylacrylate, methyl a-carbomethoxycinnamate, methyl a-cyano-b-methyl-p-methoxycinna- mate, butyl a-cyano-b-methyl-p-methoxy-cinnamate, methyl a-carbomethoxy-p- methoxycinnamate, N-(b-carbomethoxy-b-cyanovinyl)-2-methylindoline, neopentyl tetra(a- cyano-b,b-diphenylacrylate.

2.3. Nickel compounds, for example nickel complexes of 2,2'-thio-bis[4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethyl- butyl)phenol], such as the 1:1 or 1:2 complex, with or without additional ligands such as n- butylamine, triethanolamine or N-cyclohexyldiethanolamine, nickel dibutyldithiocarbamate, nickel salts of the monoalkyl esters, e.g. the methyl or ethyl ester, of 4-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert- butylbenzylphosphonic acid, nickel complexes of ketoximes, e.g. of 2-hydroxy-4-methylphe- nylundecylketoxime, nickel complexes of 1-phenyl-4-lauroyl-5-hydroxypyrazole, with or with- out additional ligands.

2.4. 2-(2-Hydroxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazines, for example 2,4,6-tris(2-hydroxy-4-octyloxyphenyl)-

1,3, 5-triazine, 2-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-tr iazine, 2,4-bis(2- hydroxy-4- propyloxy phenyl) -6- (2, 4-dimethylphenyl) -1,3, 5-triazine, 2-(2-hydroxy-4-octyloxy- phenyl)-4,6-bis(4-methyl phenyl)- 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-dime- thylphenyl)- 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- (dodecy loxy/tridecy loxy-2-hydroxy propoxy) -2- hy- droxy phenyl] -4, 6- bis (2, 4-dimethylphenyl) -1,3, 5-triazine, 2-[2-hydroxy-4-(2-hydroxy-3-do- decy loxy propoxy) phenyl] -4, 6- bis (2, 4-dimethylphenyl) -1,3, 5-triazine, 2- (2- hydroxy-4- meth- oxy phenyl) -4, 6-diphenyl -1,3, 5-triazine, 2, 4, 6-tris [2-hydroxy-4- (3- butoxy-2- hydroxy pro- poxy) phenyl] -1,3, 5-triazine, 2-(2-hydroxy phenyl) -4- (4- methoxy phenyl)-6-pheny 1-1,3, 5-tria- zine, 2-{2- hydroxy-4- [3- (2-ethy I hexy I- 1-oxy) -2-hydroxy pro pyloxy]phenyl}-4,6-bis (2, 4-dime- thylphenyl) -1,3, 5-triazine, 2, 4- bis (4- [2-ethy I hexyl oxy] -2-hydroxy phenyl) -6- (4-methoxy phe- nyl)-1, 3, 5-triazine. 2.5. Benzylidene-bis-malonate: 1,1, 3, 3' -Tetraethyl-2,2' -(1,4-phenylenedimethyli- dy ne) bis [propaned ioate]

3. Metal deactivators, for example N,N'-diphenyloxamide, N-salicylal-N'-salicyloyl hydrazine, N, N'- bis (sa I icy loy I) hydrazine, N, N'- bis (3, 5-di-tert- buty l-4-hydroxy phenyl propionyl) hydra- zine, 3-salicyloylamino-1,2,4-triazole, bis(benzylidene)oxalyl dihydrazide, oxanilide, isophthaloyl dihydrazide, sebacoyl bisphenylhydrazide, N,N'-diacetyladipoyl dihydrazide, N , N bis (sa I icy loy l)oxa ly I dihydrazide, N ,N'-bis(salicyloyl)th iopropionyl dihydrazide.

4. Phosphites and phosphonites, for example triphenyl phosphite, diphenylalkyl phosphites, phenyldialkyl phosphites, tris(nonylphenyl) phosphite, trilauryl phosphite, trioctadecyl phos- phite, distearylpentaerythritol diphosphite, tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite, diisodecyl pentaerythritol diphosphite, bis(2,4-di-tert-buty lphenyl)pentaerythritol diphosphite, bis(2,4- di-cu my I phenyl) pentaerythritol diphosphite, bis (2,6-di-tert-buty l-4-methylphenyl) pentae- rythritol diphosphite, diisodecyloxypentaerythritol diphosphite, bis(2,4-di-tert-butyl-6- methylphenyl)pentaerythritol diphosphite, bis(2,4,6-tris(tert-butyl phenyl) pentaerythritol di- phosphite, tristearyl sorbitol triphosphite, tetrakis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) 4,4'-biphenylene diphospho nite, 6-isoocty loxy-2, 4,8, 10-tetra-tert- buty 1-12 H-dibenz[d,g] -1,3, 2-dioxa phospho- cin, 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-dioxa phosphocin, 2, 2', 2"- n itri Io [triethy Itris (3,3',5,5'-tetra -tert- buty I - 1, 1'- biph eny 1-2,2'- diy I) phosphite], 2-ethyl hexyl (3,3',5,5'-tetra -tert- buty I -1 , 1 '-biph eny 1-2,2'-d iy I) phosphite, 5- butyl-5-ethy 1-2- (2, 4, 6-tri-tert- buty I phenoxy) -1,3, 2-dioxa phosph irane, phosphorous acid, mixed 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylpropyl)phenyl and 4-(1,1-dimethylpropyl)phenyl triesters (CAS: 939402-02-5)., phosphorous acid, triphenyl ester, polymer with α -hydro- ω - hydroxypoly[oxy(methyl-1,2-ethanediyl)], C10-16-alkyl esters (CAS: 1227937-46-3), Triphenyl phosphite, polymer with 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol and polypropylene glycol, C10- 16 alkyl esters (CAS Reg. No. 1821217-71-3).

The following phosphites are especially preferred:

Tris(2,4-di-tert-buty Iphenyl) phosphite (lrgafos®168, Ciba Specialty Chemicals Inc.), tris(no- nylphenyl) phosphite,

5. Hydroxylamines, for example N,N-dibenzylhydroxylamine, N,N-diethylhydroxylamine, N,N- dioctylhydroxylamine, N,N-dilaurylhydroxylamine, N,N-ditetradecylhydroxylamine, N,N- dihexadecyl hydroxy la mine, N,N -dioctadecyl hydroxy la mine, N- hexadecyl- N -octadecyl hydrox- ylamine, N-heptadecyl-N-octadecylhydroxylamine, N,N-dialkylhydroxylamine derived from hydrogenated tallow amine.

6. Nitrones, for example, N-benzyl-alpha-phenylnitrone, N-ethyl-alpha-methylnitrone, N-oc- tyl-alpha-heptylnitrone, N-lauryl-alpha-undecyl nitrone, N-tetradecyl-alpha-tridecylnnitrone, N-hexadecyl-alpha-pentadecylnitrone, N -octadecyl -alpha -heptadecyl nitrone, N -hexadecyl- alpha- heptadecyl nitrone, N-ocatadecyl-a I pha- pentadecyl nitrone, N -heptadecyl -alpha- hep- tadecylnitrone, N-octadecyl-alpha-hexadecylnitrone, nitrone derived from N , N -d ia I ky I hy d rox- ylamine derived from hydrogenated tallow amine.

7. Thiosynergists, for example dilauryl thiodipropionate, dimistryl thiodipropionate, pentae- rythritol tetrakis[3-(dodecylthio) propionate], distearyl thiodipropionate or distearyl disulfide.

8. Peroxide scavengers, for example esters of b-thiodipropionic acid, for example the lauryl, stearyl, myristyl or tridecyl esters, mercaptobenzimidazole or the zinc salt of 2-mercaptoben- zimidazole, zinc dibutyldithiocarbamate, dioctadecyl disulfide, pentaerythritol tetrakis(b-do- decy I mercapto) propionate.

9. Polyamide stabilizers, for example copper salts in combination with iodides and/or phos- phorus compounds and salts of divalent manganese.

10. Basic co-stabilizers, for example melamine, polyvinylpyrrolidone, dicyandiamide, triallyl cyanurate, urea derivatives, hydrazine derivatives, amines, polyamides, polyurethanes, 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 pyrocatecholate.

11. 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 polycarboxylic acids and the salts thereof, e.g. 4-tert-butylbenzoic acid, adipic acid, diphenylacetic 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(paramethyldibenzyli- dene)sorbitol, and 1,3:2,4-di(benzylidene)sorbitol.

12. Fillers and reinforcing agents, for example calcium carbonate, silicates, surface treated silica (as described e.g. in US-A-2007/60,697 and US-A-2009/111,918), glass fibres, 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 ad- ditives, 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-4316611;

DE-A-4316622; DE-A-4316876; EP-A-0589839, EP-A-0591102; EP-A-1291384 or 3-[4-(2- acetoxyethoxy)phenyl]-5,7-di-tert-butylbenzofuran-2-one, 5,7-di-tert-butyl-3- [4- (2-stea- royloxyethoxy)phenyl]benzofuran-2-one, 3,3'- bis [5,7-di-tert-buty 1-3- (4- [2-hydroxy eth- oxy] phe nyl) benzofu ra n-2-one] , 5,7-di-tert-butyl-3-(4-ethoxyphenyl)benzofuran-2-one, 3- (4- acetoxy-3,5-dimethylphenyl) -5,7-di-tert-buty I benzofu ran-2-one, 3-(3,5-dimethyl-4-pivalo- y I oxy phenyl)-5,7-di-tert-buty I benzofu ran -2-one, 3- (3, 4-dimethylphenyl) -5,7-di-tert- bu- tyl benzofu ran-2-one, 3- (2, 3-d imethylphenyl) -5,7-di-tert-buty I benzofu ran -2-one, 3-(2-ace- tyl-5-isoocty I phe nyl) -5- isooctyl benzofu ran-2-one.

In another aspect, the presently claimed invention is directed to an additive mixture compris- ing:

I. at least one compound of formula (A) as defined above; and

II. at least one UV absorber as defined above.

In a preferred embodiment, the additive mixture further comprises at least one antioxidant as defined above; at least one sterically hindered amine light stabilizer as defined above; at least one compound of formula (B) as defined above; and at least one additive selected from anti- scratch agents, slip agents, anti-block agents, thermal fillers, pigments, anti-fog, or anti-mist agents.

In yet another aspect, the presently claimed invention is directed to the use of the additive mixture, as defined above, for enhancing optical properties of the molded or extruded articles, including multi-layered articles.

The multi-layered articles containing at least one layer consisting of a composition according to the invention.

These multi-layered articles are preferably produced by coextrusion. Coextrusion per se is known (cf. e.g., EP-AO 110 221 and EP-AO 110 238). The articles according to the invention have proved particularly advantageous in the weath- ering test. They do not exhibit any drawbacks in the articles obtained from the production. The optical properties of the coextruded polycarbonate sheets is distinctly better, even with relatively small concentrations of a UV absorbers, with HPTs of formula (A), than when a standard UV absorber is used.

Thus, another aspect of the present invention is an article comprising the composition as defined above.

In a preferred embodiment, the composition according to the invention is used to produce shaped articles, particularly sheets and articles made therefrom, such as e.g., glazing for greenhouses, conservatories, bus shelters, advertising hoardings, signs, safety screens, car glazing, windows, roofing, solid sheets, corrugated sheets, multi-wall sheets, and multi-wall profiles.

In more detail, the composition according to the present invention may be used for the prep- aration of the following devices:

1-1) Automotive applications, in particular headlamp glass, head lights, parking lights, rear lights, stop lights, and glass.

111-2) Shutters (e.g. roller shutters).

111-3) Profiles of any geometry (window panes).

111-4) Glass substitutes, in particular extruded plates, glazing for buildings (monolithic, twin or multiwall), aircraft, schools, extruded sheets, window film for architectural glazing, train, transportation, sanitary articles, and greenhouse.

The presently claimed invention offers one or more of the following advantages:

1. The articles prepared by using a combination of at least one compound of formula (A), at least one UV absorber, other than the compound of formula (A), and a polycarbonate improves optical properties of the polycarbonate sheets or polycarbonate articles which are exposed to light.

2. The polycarbonate sheets or polycarbonate articles with improved optical properties with respect to light exposure, prolongs the lifetime of the polycarbonate sheets or pol- ycarbonate articles.

3. The long-lasting effect of the polycarbonate sheets or polycarbonate articles results in economic value. In the following, specific embodiments of the presently claimed invention are described:

1. A composition comprising: i. a polycarbonate in an amount in the range of 90 to 99.9 wt% based on the total weight of the composition; ii. at least one compound of formula (A) selected from the formulae (A-1), (A-2)„ (A-3), (A-4), (A-5), (A-6), or (A-7) in an amount in the range of 0.02 to 0.8 wt% based on the total weight of the composition,

(A-2)

(A-7), and iii. at least one UV absorber, other than the compound of formula (A), in an amount in the range of 0.4 to 2.5 wt% based on the total weight of the composition. 2. The composition according to embodiment 1, wherein the polycarbonate is selected from homopolycarbonates, copolycarbonates, thermoplastic polyester carbonates, polycar- bonate/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymer blend, thermoplastic alloy of polycar- bonate/acrylic-styrene-acrylonitrile terpolymer, thermoplastic alloy blend of polycar- bonate/polybutylene terephthalate, thermoplastic alloy of polycarbonate/polyethylene terephthalate, or thermoplastic alloy of polycarbonate and styrene-acrylonitrile. 3. The composition according to embodiment 1, wherein the UV absorber is selected from 2-(2'-hydroxyphenyl) benzotriazole, 2-hydroxybenzophenone, 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3,5- triazine, cyanoacrylate, oxanilide, benzoxazinone, esters of substituted and unsubsti- tuted benzoic acid, or mixtures of two or more thereof. 4. The composition according to embodiment 3, wherein 2-(2'-hydroxyphenyl) benzotriazole is selected from 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-tetramethlybutyl) phenyl) benzotriazole, 2-(3',5'-di-tert-buty I - 2' - hydroxy p he nyl) -5-chloro -benzotriazole, 2- (3'-tert- butyl -2' -hydroxy-5'- methyl phe- nyl) -5-chloro -benzotriazole, 2 -(3'-sec- butyl -5'-tert- butyl -2' -hydroxy phenyl) benzotri - azole, 2- (2' -hydroxy-4' -octyloxy phenyl) benzotriazole, 2-(3',5'-di-tert-amyl-2'-hydrox- y phenyl) benzotriazole, 2- (3',5'-bis-(oc,oc-di methyl benzyl) -2'- hydroxy phenyl) benzotria- zole, 2- (3'-tert- butyl -2' -hydroxy-5' -(2 -octyloxycar bonyl ethyl) phenyl) -5-chloro- ben- zotriazole, 2- (3' -tert- buty I -5' -[2 -(2 -ethy I hexyloxy) -car bonyl ethy I] -2'- hydroxy p he nyl) - 5-chloro -benzotriazole, 2 -(3'-tert- butyl -2' -hydroxy-5' -(2- methoxycarbonylethyl) phe- nyl) -5-chloro -benzotriazole, 2 - (3'-tert- butyl -2'- hydroxy-5'- (2- methoxy carbon- yl ethyl) phenyl) benzotriazole, 2-(3'-tert-butyl-2'-hydroxy-5'-(2-octyloxycarbonyl- ethyl) phenyl) benzotriazole, 2-(3'-tert-butyl-5'-[2-(2-ethylhexyloxy)carbonylethyl] -2'- hydroxy phenyl) benzotriazole, 2- (3'-dodecy I -2'- hydroxy-5'- methyl phenyl) benzotria- zole, 2- (3'-tert- butyl -2'- hydroxy-5'- (2- isooctyloxycar bonyl ethyl) phenyl benzotriazole, 2,2'- m ethy I e ne- bi s [4- (1,1, 3, 3-tetramethlybutyl) -6- benzotriazole -2 -ylp he no I]; the transesterification product of 2-[3'-tert-butyl-5'-(2-methoxycarbonylethyl)-2'-hydrox- yphenyl]-2H-benzotriazole with polyethylene glycol 300; , where R = 3'-tert-butyl-4'-hydroxy-5'-2H-benzotri- azol -2-yl phenyl, 2- [2'- hydroxy-3'- (α, α-dimethylbenzyl) -5'-(1, 1,3, 3-tetramethlybutyl) - phenyl] benzotriazole, 2- [2'- hydroxy-3' -(1,1, 3,3 -tetramethlybutyl) -5'- (α, α-di me- thylbenzyl)-phenyl] benzotriazole, or mixtures of two or more thereof. 5. The composition according to embodiment 3 or embodiment 4, wherein 2-(2'-hydroxy- phenyl) benzotriazole is selected from 2-(2'-hydroxy-5'-methylphenyl)-benzotriazole, 2,2'- m ethy I e ne- bi s [4- (1,1, 3, 3-tetramethlybutyl) -6- benzotriazole -2 -ylp he no I], 2-(3',5'- bis- (α, α-dimethylbenzyl) -2' -hydroxy phenyl) benzotriazole, 2-(3'-tert- buty I -2'- hy- droxy-5'-methylphenyl)-5-chloro-benzotriazole, or mixtures thereof. 6. The composition according to embodiment 3, wherein 2-hydroxybenzophenone is se- lected from 2-hydroxy-4-hydroxybenzophenone, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, 2- hydroxy-4-octyloxybenzophenone, 2-hydroxy-4-decyloxybenzophenone, 2-hydroxy-4-do- decy I oxybenzophenone, 2-hydroxy-4- benzyloxybenzophenone, 2- hydroxy-4, 2', 4'-trihy- droxybenzophenone, 2-hydroxy-2'-hydroxy-4,4'-dimethoxybenzophenone derivatives, 1,4- bis(4-benzoyl-3-hydroxyphenoxy)-butane, or mixtures of two or more thereof.

7. The composition according to embodiment 3, wherein 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3,5-tria- zine is selected from, other than the compounds of formula A, 2,4,6-tris(2-hydroxy-4-oc- tyloxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2, 4-bis(2-hydroxy-4- propyloxy phenyl) -6- (2, 4-dime- thylphenyl)-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-dimethy Iphenyl)- 1, 3, 5-tria- zine, 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-d imethyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2- [2- hydroxy-4- (2-hydroxy-3-octyloxy propyl oxy) phenyl] -4,6-bis (2, 4-dimethy I)- 1,3, 5-tria- zine, 2-[4-(dodecyloxy/tridecyloxy-2-hydroxypropoxy)-2-hydroxyphen yl]-4,6-bis(2,4-di- methylphenyl)-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- methoxy phenyl) -4, 6-d iphe- nyl- 1,3, 5-triazine, 2,4,6-tris[2-hydroxy-4-(3-butoxy-2-hydroxypropoxy)phenyl]-1, 3,5-tria- zine, 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6-phenyl- 1,3, 5-triazine, 2-{2-hydroxy-4- [3- (2-ethy I hexyl- 1 -oxy) -2-hydroxy propyloxy] phenyl]-4,6-bis (2, 4-dimethylphenyl) -1,3,5- triazine, 2, 4- bis (4- [2-ethy I hexyl oxy] -2- hydroxy phenyl) -6- (4-methoxy phenyl) -1,3, 5-tria- zine, 2-[2-Hydroxy-4-[3-(2-ethylhexyl-l-oxy)-2-hydroxypropyloxy]ph enyl]-4,6-bis(2,4- dimethylphenyl)- 1,3, 5-triazine, 5-Butoxy-2-[4-(4-butoxy-2-hydroxyphenyl)-6-(2,4- dibutoxypheny l)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl] phenol, 2-[4-[2-Hydroxy-3-tridecyloxypropyl]oxy]-2- hydroxyphenyl]-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1, 3, 5-triazine and 2-[4-[2-hydroxy- 3- d idecyloxy propyl] oxy] -2- hydroxy phenyl] -4, 6— bis(2, 4- dimethylphenyl)-1, 3, 5-triazine, Pro- panoic acid, 2- (4- (4,6- bis ((1,1'- biphenyl) -4-y I)- 1, 3, 5-triazin -2-yl) -3-hydroxy phenoxy)-, isooctyl ester, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, or mixtures of two or more thereof.

8. The composition according to embodiment 3, wherein the cyanoacrylate UV absorber is selected from ethyl α-cyano-β,β- diphenylacrylate, isooctyl α-cyano-β,β- diphe- nylacrylate, neopentyl tetra(α-cyano-β,β- diphenylacrylate), pentaerythritol tetrakis(2- cyano-3,3-diphenylacrylate), ethyl 2-cyano-3,3-diphenylacrylate, (2-ethylhexyl)-2-cyano- 3,3-diphenyl acrylate, or mixtures of two or more thereof.

9. The composition according to embodiment 3 or embodiment 8, wherein the cyanoacry- late UV absorber is pentaerythritol tetrakis(2-cyano-3,3-diphenylacrylate).

10. The composition according to embodiment 3, wherein the oxanilide is selected from 4,4'- dioctyloxyoxanilide, 2,2'-diethoxyoxanilide, 2,2'-dioctyloxy-5,5'-di-tert-butoxanil ide, 2,2'- didodecyloxy-5,5'-di-tert-butoxanilide, 2-ethoxy-2'-ethyloxanilide, N, N'- bis (3-d im ethyl a- minopropyl)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, mixtures of o- and p-ethoxy-disubstituted oxanilides, or mixtures of two or more thereof.

11. The composition according to one or more of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the compo- sition further comprises at least one antioxidant.

12. The composition according to embodiment 11, wherein the antioxidant is selected from phenolic antioxidant, organophosphorus stabilizer, or mixtures thereof.

13. The composition according to embodiment 11 or embodiment 12, wherein the phenolic antioxidant is selected from octadecyl-3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) propio- nate, 1,3,5 -tris (3,5-d i -tert- bu ty I -4- hydroxy be nzy I) -2, 4,6-tri methy I benzene, N,N'- bis (3,5-d i -tert- buty I -4-hydroxyphenyl propionyl) hexa methy I ene-dia mid e, 1,3,5- tris [3,5 -di -tert- butyl -4- hydroxy be nzy I] isocyan urate, 2,4-di-t-butylphenyl-3,5-d i-t-bu- ty 1-4- hydroxy benzoate, bis (1, 2,2,6, 6 -penta methy I pi peridi n -4-yl) -buty I (3,5-di-t- buty I - 4-hydroxybenzyl)malonate), blend of octadecyl-3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy- phenyl) propionate and tris [2,4-di-tert- buty I phenyl] p hosphite, or mixtures of two or more thereof.

14. The composition according to one or more of embodiments 11 to 13, wherein the phenolic antioxidant is selected from octadecyl-3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) propio- nate, or blend of octadecyl-3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) propionate and tris [2,4-di-tert- buty I phenyl] phosphite.

15. The composition according to embodiment 12, wherein the organophosphorus stabilizer is selected from organic phosphite, organic phosphonite, organic phosphine, or mixtures of two or more thereof.

16. The composition according to embodiment 15, wherein the organic phosphite is tris(2,4- di-tert-butyl phenyl) phosphite. 17. The composition according to embodiment 15, wherein the organic phosphine is tri- phenylphosphine.

18. The composition according to one or more of embodiments 1 to 17, wherein the weight ratio of the compound of formula (A) to the at least one UV absorber, other than the compound of formula (A), is in the range of 1:50 to 50:1. 19. The composition according to one or more of embodiments 1 to 18, wherein the compo- sition further comprises at least one sterically hindered amine light stabilizer. 20. The composition according to embodiment 19, wherein the sterically hindered amine light stabilizer is selected from carbonic acid bis(1-undecyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4- piperidyl)ester, bis (2,2, 6,6-tetramethy I -4-piperidy I) sebacate, bis (2, 2,6,6-tetra me- thyl -4- piperidyl) succinate, bis (1, 2,2,6, 6 -penta methyl -4- piperidyl) sebacate, bis(1- octy I oxy-2,2, 6,6-tetramethy I -4- piperidyl) sebacate, bis (1, 2,2,6, 6 -penta methyl -4- pi- peridyl) n-butyl-3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylmalonate, po ly (4- hydroxy-2, 2,6,6 - tetramethyl-1-piperidineethanol-alt-l,4-butanedioic acid), linear or cyclic conden- sates of N,N'-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)hexamethylenediamin e and 4-tert- octyla mi no-2, 6-dichloro-1, 3, 5 -triazine, tris(2, 2,6,6-tetra methyl -4-piperidy I) nitrilotri- acetate, tetra kis (2, 2,6, 6 -tetra methyl -4-piperidy I) -1,2, 3, 4- butanetetra carboxy late,

1, 1'- (1,2-etha ned iy I) -bis (3,3, 5,5-tetra methyl pi perazin one), 4-benzoyl-2,2,6,6-tetra- m ethyl pi peridine, 4-steary I oxy-2,2, 6,6-tetramethy I pi peridine, bis(1,2,2,6,6-pen- tamethylpiperidyl)-2-n-butyl-2-(2-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylb enzyl) malonate, 3-n- octy I -7,7, 9,9 -tetra methyl -1,3,8 -triazaspiro [4.5] decane -2, 4-dione, bi s(1 -octyl oxy-

2,2, 6,6-tetramethy I piperidyl) sebacate, bis (1 -octyl oxy-2,2, 6,6-tetramethy I pi - peridyl)succinate, linear or cyclic condensates of N,N'-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-pi- peridyl)hexamethylenediamine and 4-morpholino-2,6-dichloro-1,3,5 -triazine, the condensate of 2-chloro-4, 6- bis(4-n-buty la mi no-2, 2, 6,6-tetramethy I piperidyl) -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 -ami- no p ropy la mi no) ethane, 8-acetyl-3-dodecyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-l,3,8-tria- zas pi ro [4.5] decane -2,4-dione, 3-dodecy 1-1- (2, 2,6,6-tetra methyl -4-piperidy I) pyrroli- dine-2, 5-dione, 3-dodecy I- 1- (1,2,2, 6,6 -penta methyl -4- piperidyl) pyrro lidine-2,5-di- one, 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)hexamethylenediamin e and 4-cyclohexylamino-2,6-dichloro-1,3,5 -triazine, a condensate of 1,2-bis (3-ami- nopropylamino)ethane and 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine and 4-butylamino-2, 2,6,6- tetramethylpiperidine; a condensate of 1,6-hexanediamine and 2,4,6-trich Io ro- 1,3,5- triazine as well as N,N-dibutylamine and 4-butylamino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperi- dine; N-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-n-dodecylsuccinimide, N-(1, 2, 2, 6, 6 -pen- ta methyl -4- piperidyl) -n-dodecylsuccinim ide, 2- undecyl -7,7, 9,9 -tetra methyl -1-oxa- 3,8-diaza-4-oxo-spiro[4,5]decane, a reaction product of 7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-2-cy- cloundecyl-l-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxospiro-[4,5]decane and epichlorohydrin, 1,1- bis (1,2,2, 6,6 -penta methyl -4- pi peridyloxycarbonyl) -2- (4- methoxy phenyl)ethene, N, N '- bis-fo r my I - N, N'- bis (2,2, 6,6-tetra methyl -4- piperidyl) hexa methylenediamine, a diester of 4-methoxymethylenemalonic acid with 1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-hydroxy- pi peridine, poly [methyl propyl -3 -oxy-4- (2,2, 6,6-tetra methyl -4- piperidyl)] si I oxane, a reaction product of maleic acid anhydride-a-olefin copolymer with 2,2,6,6-tetrame- thyl-4-aminopiperidine or 1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-aminopiperidine, 2,4-bis[N-(l- cyclo hexyloxy-2,2, 6,6-tetra methyl pi peridi ne-4-y I)- N- butylamino] -6-(2-hydroxy- ethyl)amino-1,3,5 -triazine, 5- (2-ethy I hexa noy I) oxy methyl -3,3,5 -tri methyl -2- mo r- pholinone, the reaction product of 2,4- bis [ (1 -eye Io hexyl oxy-2,2,6,6 - pi pe rid i ne-4- yl)butylamino] -6-chloro-s-triazine with N,N’-bis(3-a mi no propyl) ethylenediamine), 1,3,5 -tris (N -cyclo hexyl -N-(2, 2, 6,6-tetra methyl pi perazine-3-o ne-4-yl)amino) -s-tria- zine, 1,3,5 -tris(N-cyclohexyl-N-(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperazine-3-one- 4- yl)amino)-s-triazine, N, N'- bis (2,2, 6,6 -tetra methyl -4- piperidyl) -N,N '-diformyl hexa - methylenediamine, mixture of bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)sebacate and

1-(methyl)-8-(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)sebacate, mixture of 1,5,8,12- Tetrakis [4,6- bis(N -butyl -N-1,2,2,6,6- penta methyl -4-piperidy la mino)-1,3,5 -triazin-

2-yl] -1,5,8,12-tetraazadodecane and Po ly (4- hydroxy-2,2, 6,6 -tetra methyl -1- pi peri- di neetha no I -a It- 1,4- butanedioic acid), Bis(1, 2,2,6, 6-pentamethyl-4-piperidinyl)-2-bu- tyl-2-(4-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert.butylbenzyl)propanedioate, mixture of 1-(2-hydroxy-2- methy I pro poxy) -4-octadeca noy loxy-2,2, 6,6-tetra methyl piperidine and 1,5,8,12-

Tetrakis [4,6- bis(N -butyl -N-1,2,2,6,6- penta methyl -4-piperidy la mino)-1,3,5 -triazin- 2-yl] -1,5,8,12-tetraazadodecane, 1,6- Hexanediamine, N ¹ , N ⁶ -bis(2,2, 6,6-tetra methyl - 4- pi pe rid i nyl) - , polymers with morpholine-2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5 -triazine reaction products, methylated, 1,6-Hexanediamine, N ¹ , N ⁶ - b is (2 ,2 ,6, 6 -tetra m ethy I -4- pi pe ri d i - nyl)-, polymer with 2,4-dich Io ro-6- (4- morphol inyl) - 1,3,5-triazi ne, mixture of 1,6- Hexanediamine, N ¹ , N ⁶ - bis (2, 2,6,6 -tetra methyl -4- pi peridi nyl)-, polymers with morpholine-2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5 -triazine reaction products, methylated and 2-(4,6- Bis-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1 ,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-5-(octyloxy)-phenol, mixture of 1,6- Hexanediamine, N ¹ , N ⁶ -bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl) -, polymer with 2,4-di- chloro-6-(4-morpholinyl)-1 ,3,5-triazine and 2- (4,6- Bis- (2, 4-di methyl phenyl) -1,3,5 - triazin-2-yl)-5-(octyloxy)-phenol, or mixtures of two or more thereof. 21. The composition according to embodiments 1, 19 or 20, wherein the sterically hindered amine light stabilizer is selected from mixture of bis(l, 2,2,6, 6-pentamethyl-4-pi- peridyl)sebacate and 1-(methyl)-8-(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)sebacate, mix- ture of 1,5,8,12-Tetrakis[4,6-bis(N-butyl-N-1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4- piperidylamino)- 1,3,5 -triazin -2-yl] - 1,5,8, 12-tetraazadodecane and Poly (4- hydroxy-2,2, 6,6-tetrame- thy I - 1 - pi pe rid i ne ethanol-alt-l,4-butanedioic acid), Bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piper- id inyl) -2-buty 1-2- (4- hydroxy-3,5-di-tert.buty I benzyl) propanedioate, bis (2, 2, 6, 6- tetramethyl-4-piperidy I) sebacate, bis (1 -octyl oxy-2,2, 6,6 -tetra methyl piperidyl) seba- cate, mixture of 1-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-4-octadecanoyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetr a- m ethy I pi peridine and 1, 5,8, 12-Tetrakis [4, 6-bis(N -butyl- N- 1,2, 2,6, 6-penta methyl -4- piperidylamino)-1, 3, 5-triazi n-2-y I] -1, 5, 8, 12-tetraazadodecane, or mixtures of two or more thereof. 22. The composition according to one or more of embodiments 1 to 21, wherein the compo- sition further comprises at least one compound of formula (B) of general formula (I), gen- eral formula (II), general formula (III) or general formula (IV) compound (B) of general formula (I) wherein A ₁ is independently selected from linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted C ₂ -C ₁₈ alkylene, substituted or unsubstituted C ₅ - C ₇ cycloalkylene and C ₁ -C ₄ alkylenedi(C ₅ -C ₇ cyclo alkylene),

A ₂ is independently selected from H, linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted C ₁ -C ₁₂ alkyl, C ₁ -C ₁₂ alkyloxy, substituted or un- substituted C ₅ -C ₁₂ cycloalkyl and C ₅ -C ₁₂ cycloalkyloxy,

A ₃ and A ₄ are independently selected from H, linear or branched, substi- tuted or unsubstituted C ₂ -C ₁₂ alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C ₅ -C ₁₂ cycloalkyl and a group of the formula (a-1), or

A ₃ and A ₄ , together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bonded, form a 5- to 10-membered heterocyclic ring; and a is an integer in the range of 1 to 20 and the repeating units are the same or different;

- compound (B) of general formula (II) wherein x ₁ and x ₂ is independently selected from C ₁ to C ₃₀ alkoxy, compound (B) of general formula (III)

wherein

Y ₁ is linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted C ₃ to C ₂₀ alkyl,

Y2 is C ₁ to C ₃₀ alkyl; and compound (B) of general formula (IV) wherein Y ₁ is linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted C ₃ to C ₂₀ alkyl, Y ₃ is independently selected from linear or branched, substituted or unsubsti- tuted C ₃ to C ₂₀ alkyl, and C ₃ to C ₂₀ alkylidene,

X is C ₂ to C ₈ alkyl, n is an integer in the range of 1 to 8. 23. The composition according to embodiment 22, wherein the compound of formula (B) is selected from the formulae (B-1), (B-2), (B-3), (B-4), (B-5), (B-6), (B-7), (B-8), or mixtures of two or more thereof.

wherein a is an integer in the range of 1 to 10; and

(B-4)

(B-7), and

wherein n is 2

(B-8)

24. The composition according to one or more of embodiments 1 to 23, wherein the compo- sition further comprises at least one additive selected from anti-scratch agents, slip agents, anti-block agents, thermal fillers, pigments, anti-fog, or anti-mist agents.

25. An additive mixture comprising:

I. at least one compound of formula (A) as defined in embodiment 1; and

II. at least one UV absorber as defined in any of the embodiments 3 to 10.

26. The additive mixture according to embodiment 25, wherein the additive mixture further comprises at least one antioxidant as defined in any of the embodiments 11 to 17; at least one sterica lly hindered amine light stabilizer as defined in any of the embodiments 19 or 21; at least one compound of formula (B) as defined in any of the embodiments 22 or 23; and at least one additive selected from anti-scratch agents, slip agents, anti-block agents, thermal fillers, pigments, anti-fog, or anti-mist agents.

27. An article comprising the composition according to one or more of embodiments 1 to 24.

28. Use of the additive mixture according to embodiments 25 or 26 for enhancing optical properties of the molded or extruded articles, including multi-layered articles.

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

EXAMPLES

The compounds of the UV absorber packages of tables 1 to 3 are listed below:

Compounds of formula (A):

Compound (A-1):

(A-l)

Compound (A-2):

(A-2)

Compound (A-6):

(A-6)

Antioxidants:

Compound (C-1): tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite

Compound (C-2): blend of octadecyl-3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate and tris [2,4-di-tert- butyl phenyl] phosphite

UV absorbers: Compound (D-1): 2,2'-methy I ene-bis [4- (1,1,3, 3-tetra methyl butyl) -6- benzotriazole-2- ylphenol]

Compound (D-2): pentaerythritol tetrakis(2-cyano-3,3-diphenylacrylate)

Compound (D-3): 2-(3',5'-bis-( α , α -dimethylbenzyl)-2'-hydroxyphenyl) benzotriazole

Compound (D-4): 2-ethoxy-2'-ethyloxanilide

Compound (D-5): 2-(2'-hydroxy-5'-methylphenyl)-benzotriazole

Hindered amine light stabilizers:

Compound (E-1): mixture of bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)sebacate and 1-(me- thyl) -8- (1,2, 2, 6, 6-penta methyl -4-piperidyl)sebacate

Compound (E-2): mixture of 1,5,8,12-Tetrakis[4,6-bis(N-butyl-N-1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl- 4- piperidylamino)- 1,3, 5-triazin-2-y I] -1,5, 8, 12-tetraazadodecane and Poly(4-hydroxy- 2,2,6,6-tetra methyl -1- piperidine ethanol-alt-1,4-butanedioic acid)

Compound (E-3): Bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidinyl)-2-butyl-2-(4-hydrox y-3,5-di- tert.butyl benzyl) propanedioate

Compound (E-4): mixture of 1-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-4-octadecanoyloxy-2,2,6,6- tetra methyl pi peridine and 1,5,8,12-Tetrakis[4,6-bis(N-butyl-N-1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4- pipe ridy la mi no)- 1, 3, 5-triazin-2-y I] -1,5, 8, 12-tetraazadodecane

Example 1: Preparation of the compositions for table 1:

The preparation of a composition containing under vacuum dried (120° C, 4 hours) grinded polycarbonate Makrolon 3108 FBL process stabilized with 0.08% (C-1) and light stabilized with different UV Absorbers packages added by 2.4 wt.% as describe in below table 1.

The mixing was carried out by means of conventional incorporation, by mixing a Vacuum dried (120° C, 4 hours) grinded Makrolon 3108 FBL (120° C, 4 hours) and ( C - 1 ) and UV Absorbers using a High speed Mixaco device.

The substance mixtures were then preferably homogenized by a two times single extrusion on a Collin ZK 25E*42D run at 280° C under Nitrogen. The extrudate was then dried under vacuum at 120° C for 4 hours before producing a 50 microns polycarbonate sheet. Production of Polycarbonate Sheets:

Coextruded solid polycarbonate sheets were produced, for example, by means of a Collin E30M.

Weathering: Samples were exposed to artificial weathering according to ASTM G-155 Cyclus 1 (Xenon light with Boro S /Boro S filters, 0.35 W/m2 @ 340 nm, BPT 63 ± 3 ° C, 50+/-5% Rel. H umidity, Dry Bulk Temperature 42 +/- 4° C) using an Atlas CI5000.

Optical Measu rements: The color changes (Yl, Delta E, Haze, Clarity) has been measured over exposu re to ASTM G-155 Cyclus 1 (Xenon light with Boro S /Boro S filters, 0.35 W/m2 @ 340 nm, BPT 63 ± 3 ° C, 50+/-5% Rel. H umidity, Dry Bu lk Temperature 42 +/- 4° C) using an Atlas CI5000. Table 1: Additive mixtures used in example 1 and results of these compositions are given in the table 1

Polycarbonate sheets/sampies have been exposed for 6511 hours to ASTM G-155 Cyclus 1 (Xenon light with Boro S /Boro S filters, 0.35 W/m2 @ 340 nm, BPT 63 ± 3 ° C, 50+/-5% Rel. Humidity, Dry Bulk Temperature 42 +/- 4° C) using an Atlas CI5000.

As lower the Delta E, Yl and % Haze and as higher the % Clarity values as better the tested PC sample

From table 1, it is evident that the results of Delta E, Yl, Haze, and Clarity of formulations 1 to 7, and of formulation 8 to 13 are better compared to the control samples 1 and 2, respectively. Example 2: Preparation of the compositions for table 2:

The preparation of a composition containing under vacuum dried (110° C, 3 hours) grinded PC/ABS Alloy Bayblend T 65 XF process stabilized with 0.2% (C-2) and Light stabilized with different UV Absorbers packages added by 0.6 wt.% as describe in below table 2.

The mixing was carried out by means of conventional incorporation, by mixing a Vacuum dried (110° C, 3 hours) grinded PC/ABS Alloy Bayblend T 65 XF and (C- 2) and UV Absorbers using a High speed Mixaco device.

The substance mixtures were then preferably homogenized by a double screw extrusion on a Collin 25*42D run at 240° C under Nitrogen. The extrudate was then dried under vacuum at 110° C for 3 hours before producing the injection molded plaques (60 mm x 60 mm x 2mm) on an Arburg Injection Molding device at 240° C.

Weathering:

The injection molded plaq ues (60 mm x 60 mm x 2 mm) were exposed to artificial weathering according to the international norm DIN EN ISO 4892-2 Cyclus 1 (Xenon light with Boro S /Boro S filters, 1.20 W/m2 @ 420 nm, BPT 65 ± 2 ° C, 50+/-10% Rel. H umidity, Dry Bu lk Temperatu re 38 +/- 3° C) using an Atlas CI65 and DIN ISO 105 B06 Xenon light with Boro S / Soda Lime filters, 60 W/m2 @ 300 - 400 nm (equivalent to 0.46 W/(m2-nm) @ 340 nm), BPT 100 ± 3 ° C, 30+/-5% Rel. H u midity, Dry Bulk Temperature 65 +/- 5° C,) using an Atlas C 15000 have been used.

Optical Measu rements:

The Delta of the color changes between the control 3 and the formu lation X-X were measu red (Delta Yl, Delta DE) has been measu red over exposu re to DI N EN ISO 4892-2 Cyclus 1 (Xenon light with Boro S /Boro S filters, 1.20 W/m2 @ 420 nm, BPT 65 ± 2 ° C, 50+/-10% Rel. H umidity, Dry Bu lk Temperature 38 +/- 3° C) using an Atlas CI65 and DIN ISO 105 B06 Xenon light with Boro S / Soda Lime filters, 60 W/m2 @ 300 - 400 nm (equivalent to 0.46 W/(m2-nm) @ 340 nm), BPT 100 ± 3 ° C, 30+/- 5% Rel. H u midity, Dry Bu lk Temperatu re 65 +/- 5° C,) using an Atlas CI500 have been used.

Table 2: Additive mixtures used in example 2 and results of these compositions are given in the table 2

All samples have been exposed to DIN EN ISO 4892-2 Cyclus 1 (Xenon light with Boro S /Boro S filters, 1.20 W/m2 @ 420 nm, BPT 65 + 2 ° C, 50+/-10% Rel. Humidity, Dry Bulk Temperature 38 +/- 3° C) using an Atias CI 65.

As higher the Delta DE (after 1250 hours) and Delta Yi (after 1250 hours) between Control 3 to 6 and respective formulation 14 to 17, as better the UV stabilization package.

From table 2, it is evident that the results of Delta ΔE, and YI for formulations 14 to 17 are better compared to the control samples 3 to 6, respectively. Example 3: Preparation of the compositions for table 3:

The composition of table 3 is prepared using the same method as given in example 2 of the present invention.

Table 3: Additive mixtu res used in example 3 and results of these compositions are given in the table 3

All samples have been exposed to and DIN ISO 105 B06 Xenon light with Boro S / Soda Lime fitters, 60 W/m2 @ 300 - 400 nm (equivalent to 0.46 W/(m2-nm) @ 340 nm), BPT 100 + 3 ° C, 30+/-5% Ret Humidity, Dry Bulk Temperature 65 +/- 5° C,) using an Atlas CI5000.

As higher the Delta DE (after 1000 hours) and Delta Yl (after 1250 hours) between Control 7 and respective Formulation 18, as better the UV stabilization package

From table 3, it is evident that the results of Delta ΔE, and Yl for formulation 18 is better compared to the control sample 7.