Indian Patents. 208965:WHITE BIAXIALLY ORIENTED POLYESTER FILM

Title of Invention	WHITE BIAXIALLY ORIENTED POLYESTER FILM
Abstract	A white, biaxial oriented polyester film comprising at least one layer, wherein at least this layer comprises a cycloofefin copolymer (COC) at a concentration of from 2 to 60% by weight, based on this layer, where the glass transition temperature of the cycloolefin copolymer (COC) is within the range from 70 to 270°C and the film has an opacity above 55% and has a gloss above 50.

Full Text	White, biaxially oriented polyester film The present invention relates to a white, biaxially oriented polyester film which comprises at least one layer comprising a polyester and a cycloolefin copolymer (COC) . The invention also relates to a process for producing the polyester film, and also to the use of the film. White, biaxially oriented polyester films are known from the prior art. These films known from the prior art are either easy to produce or have good optical properties or have acceptable processing performance. DE-A 2 353 347 describes a process for producing a milky polyester film having one or more layers, which comprises preparing a mixture of particles of a linear polyester with from 3 to 27% by weight of a homopolymer or copolymer of ethylene or propylene, extruding the mixture as a film, quenching the film and biaxially orienting the same "in directions running perpendicularly to one" another, and heat-setting the film. A disadvantage of the process is that regenerated material produced during the production of the film (essentially a mixture of polyester and ethylene or propylene copolymer) cannot be reused without yellowing of the film. However, this makes the process uneconomic, and the film produced with regenerated material was not successful on the market. In addition, the film has roughness values which are significantly too high, giving it a very matt appearance (very low gloss) undesirable for many applications. EP-A 0 300 060 describes a single-layer polyester film which comprises, besides polyethylene terephthalate, from 3 to 40% by weight of a crystalline propylene polymer and from 0.001 to 3% by weight of a surface-active substance. The effect of the surface-active substance is to increase the number of vacuoles in the film and at the same time to reduce their size to the extent desired. This achieves higher opacity and lower density of the film. A disadvantage of the film continues to be that regenerated material produced during the production of the film (essentially a mixture of polyester and propylene homopolymer) cannot be reused without yellowing of the film. However, this makes the process uneconomic, and the film produced with regenerated material was not successful on the market. In addition, the film has roughness values which are significantly too high, giving 2 it a very matt appearance (very low gloss) undesirable for many applications. EP-A 0 360 201 describes a polyester film having at least .ayers, comprising a base layer with fine vacuoles, the density of which is from 0.4 to 1.3 kg/dm?, and at least one outer layer, the density of which is greater than 1.3 kg/dm3. The vacuoles are achieved by adding from 4 to 3 0% by weight of a crystalline propylene polymer, followed by biaxial stretching of the film. As a result of adding the outer layer the ease of production of the film is improved {no streaking on the film surface), the surface tension is increased and the roughness of the laminated surface can be reduced. A disadvantage still present is that regenerated material produced during the production of the film (essentially a mixture of polyester and propylene homopolymer) cannot be reused without yellowing of the film. However, this makes the process uneconomic, and the film produced with regenerated material was not successful on the market. In addition, the film listed in the examples continues to have excessive roughness values, giving it a matt appearance (low gloss) undesirable for many applications. EP-A 0 795-309 describes a polyester film having at least fwo layers and comprising a base layer with fine vacuoles, the density of which is from 0.4 to 1.3 kg/dm3, and having at least one outer layer, the density of which is greater than 1.3 kg/dm3. The vacuoles are achieved by adding from 5 to 45% by weight of a thermoplastic polymer to the polyester in the base, followed by biaxial stretching of the film. The thermoplastic polymers used are, inter alia, polypropylene, polyethylene, polymethylpentene, polystyrene or polycarbonate, and the preferred thermoplastic polymer is polypropylene. As a result of adding the outer layer the ease of production of the film is improved (no streaking on the film surface), the surface tension is increased and the roughness of the laminated surface can be matched to prevailing requirements. Further modification of the film in the base layer and/or in the outer layers, using white pigments (generally TiO2) and/or using optical brighteners permits the properties of the film to be matched to-the prevailing requirements of the application. A continuing disadvantage is that regenerated material produced during the production of the film (essentially a mixture of polyester and the added polymer) cannot be reused without undefined and undesirable changes in the color of the film. This makes the process uneconomic, and the film produced with regenerated material was not successful on the market. In addition, the films listed in the examples continue to have excessive roughness values, giving it a matt appearance (low gloss) undesirable for many - 3 - applications. DE-A 195 40 275-describes a polyester film having one or more layers, which comprises a base layer with fine vacuoles, the density of which is from 0.6 to 1.3 kg/dm3, and which has a planar birefringence of from -0.02 to 0.04. The vacuoles are achieved hy adding from 3 to' 40% by weight of a thermoplastic resin to the polyester in the base, followed by biaxial stretching of the film. The thermoplastic resins used are, inter alia, polypropylene, polyethylene, polymethylpentene, cyclic olefin polymers, polyacrylic resins, polystyrene or polycarbonate, and preferred polymers are polypropylene and polystyrene. Maintaining the stated limits for the birefringence of the film gives the claimed film in particular a superior tear strength and superior isotropic properties. A continuing disadvantage is that regenerated material produced during the production of the film cannot be reused without undefined and undesirable changes in the color of the film. This makes the process uneconomic, and the film produced with regenerated material was not successful on the market. In addition, the films listed in the examples continue to have excessive roughness values, giving it a matt appearance (low gloss) undesirable for many applications.. The object of the present invention was to provide a white, biaxially oriented polyester film which has high gloss^, and in particular is easier to produce, i.e. has lower production costs. In particular it should be ensured that the regenerated material produced directly during the production process can be reused at t a concentration of from 10 to 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the film, without any significant negative effect on the physical properties of the film. In particular, adding regenerated material should not give any significant yellowing of the film. The object has been achieved by means of a white, biaxially oriented polyester film having at least a base layer, the characterizing features of which are that" at least this base layer additionally comprises a cycloolefin copolymer (COC) at a concentration from 2 to 60% by weight, based on the base layer, where the glass transition temperature of the cycloolefin copolymer (COC) is in the range from 70 to 270°C. For the purposes of the present invention, a white, biaxially oriented polyester film is a film of this type which has a whiteness above 70%, preferably above 75%, particularly preferably above 80%. The opacity of the novel film is moreover above 55%, preferably above 60% and particularly preferably above 65%. - 4 - To achieve the desired whiteness of the novel film the proportion of the cycloolefin copolymer (COC) in the base layer must be greater than 2%, otherwise the whiteness is below 70%. if, on the other hand, the cycloolefin copolymer (COC) content is greater than 60%, the production of the film becomes uneconomic, since the orientation process becomes unreliable. It is also necessary for the glass transition temperature of the cycloolefin copolymer (COC) used.t-o be above 70°C. If this is not the case (if the glass transition temperature is below 70°C) the polymer mixture is difficult to process (difficult to extrude), the desired whiteness is no longer achieved and the regenerated material used gives a film with a tendency toward increased yellowing. If, on the other hand, the glass transition temperature of the selected cycloolefin copolymer (COC) is above 270°C, the polymer mixture will no longer be capable of sufficiently homogeneous dispersion in the extruder. The result is a film with non-uniform properties. In the preferred embodiment of the novel film the glass transition temperature of the COCs used is in the range from 90- to - 250°C, and in the particularly preferred, embodiment it is in the range from 110 to 220°C. Surprisingly, it has been found that adding a cycloolefin copolymer (COC) in the manner described.above can produce a white, opague and glossy film. The whiteness and the opacity of the film can be precisely controlled and matched to the prevailing requirements as a function of the amount and type of the cycloolefin copolymer (COC) added. It is possible by this means to dispense to a considerable extent with the use of other whiteners and opacifiers. It was also highly surprising that the surface roughness of the film is significantly lower, and therefore the gloss of the film is significantly higher, than in comparable films of the prior art. The additional effect - that the regenerated material, unlike the polymeric additives of the prior art, shows no tendency to cause yellowing - was entirely surprising. None of these features described was foreseeable, especially since although it is clear that COCs are substantially incompatible with polyethylene terephthalate, it is known that they are oriented with similar stretching ratios and stretching temperatures to those used for polyethylene terephthalate. In these circumstances the skilled worker would have expected that a white and opaque film with a high gloss cannot be - 5 - produced under these process conditions. In the preferred and particularly preferred embodiments the novel film has high and, respectively, particularly high whiteness and high and, respectively, particularly high opacity, and the change in color of the film as a result of adding regenerated material remains extremely small. The novel film has one or more layers. The structure of single-layer embodiments is as for the COC-containing layer described below. Embodiments having more than one layer have at least two layers and always comprise the COC-containing layer and at least one other layer, where the COC-containing layer is the base layer, but may additionally also form the intermediate layer or the outer layer of the film having more than one layer. In a preferred embodiment the COC-containing layer forms the base layer of the film with at least one outer layer and preferably with outer layers on both sides, and (an) intermediate layer(s) may, if desired, be present on one or both sides. In another preferred embodiment the COC-containing layer also forms an intermediate layer of the film having more than one layer. Other embodiments with COC-containing intermediate- layers have - a . five-layer. structure and have COC-containing intermediate layers on both sides, besides the COC-containing base layer. In another embodiment the COC-containing layer may form (an) outer layer(s) on one or both sides of the base layer or intermediate layer, additionally to the base layer. For the purposes of the present invention, the base layer is that laver which makes up from more than 50 to. 100%, preferably from 70 to 90%, of the total film thickness. The outer layer is the layer which forms the outermost layer of the film. Each embodiment of the invention is a non-transparent, opague film. For the purposes of the present invention, non-transparent films are films whose light transtnittance to ASTM-D 1003-77 is less, than 95%, preferably less than 75%. The COC-containing layer (the base layer) of the novel film comprises a polyester, preferably a polyester homopolymer, a COC, and also, if desired, other additives, in each case in effective amounts. This layer generally comprises at least 20% by weight, preferably from 40 to 98% by weight, in particular from 70 to 93% by weight, of polyester, based on the weight of the layer. The base layer of the film comprises a thermoplastic polyester. Polyesters suitable here are those made, from ethylene glycol and fcerephthalic acid {= polyethylene - 6 ~ terephthalate, PET), from ethylene glycol and naphthalene-2,6-dicarboxylic acid (= polyethylene 2,6-naphthalate, PEN), from 1,4-bishydroxymethylcyclo-hexane and terephthalic acid (= poly-1,4-cyclohexanedimethylene terephthalate, PCDT) or else made from ethylene glycol, naphthalene-2,6-dicarboxylic acid and biphenyl-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid (= polyethyl-ene 2,6-naphthalate bibenzoate, PENBB). Particular preference is given to polyesters which are composed of at least 90 mol%, preferably at least 95 mol%, of ethylene glycol units and terephthalic acid units or ethylene glycol units and naphthalene-2,6-dicarboxylic acid units. The remaining monomer units are derived from other aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic diols and, respectively, dicarboxylic acids, as may also be present in layer A (A = outer layer 1) or in layer C (C = outer layer 2) of a multilayered ABC (B = base layer) film. Examples of other suitable aliphatic diols are diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, aliphatic glycols of the formula HO- (CH2)n-OH, where n is an integer from 3 to 6 (in particular 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol and 1,6-hexanediol) or branched aliphatic glycols having up to 6 carbon atoms. Among the cycloaliphatic diols, mention should be made of cyclohexanediols (in particular 1,4~cyclohex-anediol). Other suitable aromatic diols are those, for example, of the formula HO-e6H4-X-C6H4~QH where X is -CH2-, -C(CH3}2~, -C(CF3)2~, -O-, -S- or -SO 2-. Bisphenols of the formula HO-C6H4-C6H4-OH are also highly suitable. Other preferred aromatic dicarboxylic acids are benzenedicarboxylic acids, naphthalenedicarboxylic acids {such as naphthalene-1,4- or -1,6-dicarboxylic acid), biphenyl~x,x(-dicarboxylic acids (in particular biphenyl-4,41 -dicarboxylic acid), diphenylacetylene~x,x'-dicarboxylic acids (in particular diphenylacetylene-4, 4'-dicarboxylic acid) and stilbene-x,x'-dicarboxylic acids. Among tihe cycloaliphatic dicarboxylic acids mention should be made of cyclohexanedicarboxylic acids (in particular cyclohexane-1,4~dicarboxylic acid). Among the aliphatic dicarboxylic acids the £C3-C19)-alkanedioic acids are particularly suitable, where the alkane moiety may be straight-chain or branched. The polyestersmav, for example, be prepared by the Ptx&n3mteX-3^£&£Apxx^pzocess. The starting materials here are dicarboxylic esters and diols, and these are reacted using the usual transesterification catalysts, such as salts of zinc, of calcium, of lithium, of magnesium or of manganese. The intermediates are then polycondensed in the presence of typical polycondensation catalysts, such as antimony trioxide or titanium salts. They may equally - 7 - well be prepared' by the direct esterification process in the presence of polycondensation catalysts, starting directly from the dicarboxylic acids and the diols. According to the invention the COC-containing layer or, in the case of single-layer embodiments, the film, comprises an amount of not less than 2.0% by weight, preferably from 4 to 50% by weight and particularly preferably 6 to 40% by weight, of a cycloolefin copolymer (COC), based on the weight of the layer or, in the case of single-layer embodiments, based on the weight of the film. It is significant for the present invention that the cycloolefin copolymer (COC) is not compatible with the polyethylene terephthalate and does not form a homogeneous mixture with the same. Cycloolefin polymers are homopolymers or copolymers which ^contain polymerized cycloolefin units and, if desired, acyclic olefins as comonomer. Cycloolefin polymers suitable for the present invention contain from 0.1 to 100% by weight, preferably from 10 to 99% by weight, particularly preferably from 50 to 95% by weight, of polymerized cycloolefin units in each case based on the total weight of the cycloolefin polymer. Particular preference is given to polymers which hav_e been-built up using the monomers comprising the cyclic olefins of the formulae I, II, III, IV, V or VI: - 8 - R , IT, R, R4 R5, R6, R7 and R8 in these formulae are identical or different and are a hydrogen atom or a ci~c30~nydrocarkon radical, or two or more of the radicals R to R have been bonded cyclically, and the same radicals in the different formulae may have the same or different meaning. Examples of C1-C30-hydrocarbon radicals are linear or branched C-L-Cg-alkyl radicals, C6-C18-aryl radicals, C7-C20-alkylenearyl radicals and cyclic C3-C20-alkyl radicals and acyclic C2-"C20-alkenyl -radicals. If desired, the cycloolefin polymers may contain from 0 to 45% by weight, based on the total weight of the cycloolefin polymer, of polymerized units of at least one monocyclic olefin of the formula VII: m n here is a number -from 2 to 10 . If desired, the cycloolefin polymers may contain from 0 to 99% by weight, based on the total weight of the cycloolefin polymer, of polymerized units of an acyclic olefin of the formula VIII: R9, R10, R11 and R12 here are identical or different and are a hydrogen atom or a C^-C^-hydrocarbon radical, e.g. a C-L-Cg-alkyl radical or a C6-C14-alkyl radical. - 9 - Other polymers suitable in principle are cycloolefin polymers which are obtained by ring-opening polymerization of at least one of the monomers of the formulae I to VI, followed by hydrogenation. Cycloolefin homopolymers have a structure composed of one monomer of the formulae I to VI. These cycloolefin polymers are less suitable for the purposes of the present invention. Polymers suitable for the purposes of the present invention are cycloolefin copolymers (COC) which comprise at least one cycloolefin of the formulae I to VI and acyclic olefins of the formula VIII as comonomers. These cycloolefin copolymers (COC) which can be used according to the invention are termed COCs above and below. Acyclic olefins preferred here are those which have from 2 to 20 carbon atoms, in particular unbranched acyclic olefins having from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, for example ethylene, propylene and/or butylene. The proportion of polymerized units of acyclic olefins of the formula VIII is up to 99% by weight, preferably from 5 to 80% by weight, particularly preferably from 10 to 60% by weight, based on the total weight of the respective cycloolefin copolymer. Among the cycloolefin copolymers described above those which are particularly preferred contain polymerized units of polycyclic olefins having a fundamental nor-bornene structure, particularly preferably norbornene or tetracyclododecene, Particular preference is also given to cycloolefin copolymers (COCs) which contain polymerized units of acyclic olefins, in particular ethylene. Particular preference is, again, given to norbornene-ethylene copolymers and tetracyclododecene-etTSytehe" copolymers-which 80%, preferably from 10 to 60%~'by "weight of ethylene (based on the weight of the copolymer). The cycloolefin polymers generically described above generally have glass transition temperatures of from -20 to 400°c. Cycloolefin copolymers (COCs) which can be used for the invention have a glass transition temperature above 70°C, preferably above 90°C and in particular above 110°C. The viscosity number (ciecalin, 135°C, DIN 53 728) is advantageously from 0,1 to 200 ml/g, preferably from 50 to 150 ml/g. The cycloolefin copolymers (COCs) are prepared by heterogeneous or homogeneous catalysis with organornetallic compounds, as described in a wide variety of documents. Suitable catalyst systems based on mixed catalysts made from titanium compounds and, respectively, vanadium compounds in conjunction with aluminum organyl compounds are described in DD 109 224, DD 23? 070 and - 10 - EP-A-0 156 464. EP-A-0 283 164, EP-A-0 407 870 EP-A-0 435 ,893= and EP-AV6 503' 472 describe the preparation of cycloolefin copolymers The cycloolefin copolymers are incorporated into the film either in the form of pure granules or in the form of granulated concentrate (masterbatch), by premixing the polyester granules or polyester powder with the cycloolefin copolymer (COC) or, respectively, with the cycloolefin copolymer (COC) masterbatch, followed by feeding to an extruder. In the extruder the mixing of the components continues and they are heated to the processing temperature. It is advantageous here for the novel process if the extrusion temperature is above the glass transition temperature Tg of the cycloolefin copolymer {COC), generally above the glass transition temperature of the cycloolefin copolymer (COC) by at least 5°C, preferably by from 10 to 180°C, in particular by from 15 to 150°C. For the intermediate layers and for the outer layers it is possible in principle to use the polymers used for the base layer. Besides these, other materials may also be present in the outer layers, and the outer layers are then preferably composed of a mixture of polymers or of a copolymer or of a homopolymer which comprise ethylene 2,6-naphthalate units and ethylene tere-phthalate units. Up to 30 mol% of ,the polymers may be composed of other comonomers (e.g. ethylene isophthalate units)." The base layer and the other layers may additionally comprise conventional additives, such as stabilizers, antiblocking agents and other fillers. They are advantageously added to the polymer or, respectively, to the polymer mixture straightaway prior to melting. Examples of stabilizers used are phosphorus compounds, such as phosphoric acid or phosphoric esters. Typical antiblocking agents (in this context also termed pigments) are inorganic and/or organic particles, such as calcium carbonate, amorphous silica, talc, magnesium carbonate, barium carbonate, calcium sulfate, barium sulfate, lithium phosphate, calcium phosphate, magnesium phosphate, aluminum oxide, lithium fluoride, the calcium, barium, zinc or manganese salts of the dicarboxylic acids used, carbon black, titanium dioxide, kaolin or crosslinked polymer particles, e.g. polystyrene particles or acrylate particles. - 11 The additives selected may also comprise mixtures of two or more different antiblocking agents or mixtures of antiblocking agents of the same composition but different particle sizes. The particles may be added to the polymers of the individual layers of the film in the respective advantageous concentrations, e.g. as a glycolic dispersion during the polycondensation or via masterbatches during extrusion. Pigment concentrations which have proven particularly suitable are from 0 to 2 5% by weight (based on the weight of the respective layer). EP-A-0 602 964, for example, describes the antiblocking agents in detail. To improve the whiteness of the film the base layer or the other additional layers may comprise further pigmentation. It has proven particularly advantageous here for the additional materials added to be barium sulfate with a particle size of from 0,3 to 0.8 fsmm, preferably from 0.4 to 0.7 tm, or titanium dioxide with a particle size of from 0.05 to 0.3 m. This gives the film a brilliant white appearance. The concentration of barium sulfate particles is from 1 to 25% hy weight, preferably from more than 1 to 20% by weight," and very preferably from 1 to 15% hy weight, The total thickness of the film may vary within wide limits and depends on the application envisaged. The preferred embodiments of the novel film have total thicknesses of from 4 to 400 m, preferably from 8 to 300 #m, particularly preferably from 10 to 300 m. The thickness of any intermediate layer(s) present is/are, in each case independently of one another,, from 0.5 to 15 jam, preferably from 1 to 10 m, in particular from 1 to 8 jum. All the values given are based on one intermediate layer. The thickness of the outer layer(s) is selected independently of the other layers and is preferably within the range from 0.1 to 10 pan, in particular from 0.2 to 5 jzm, preferably from 0.3 to 2 m, and outer layers applied on both sides may be identical or different in terms of their thicknesses and compositions. The thickness of the base layer is therefore given by the difference between the total thickness of the film and the thickness of the outer and intermediate layer(s) applied, and, similarly to_ the total thickness, may therefore vary within wide limits. Thfe invention also provides a process for producing the novel polyester film by the extrusion or coextrusion process known per se. For the purposes of the present invention the procedure is to extrude/coextrude, through a flat-film die, the melt (a) corresponding to the single-layer film or to the - 12 - individual layers of the film, to draw off the resultant film on one or more roll(s) to solidify the film, then to stretch (orient) the film biaxially, to heat-set the biaxially stretched film, and, if desired, to corona- or flame-treat the surface layer intended for treatment. The biaxial orientation procedure is generally carried out in sequence. For this, longitudinal orientation (i.e. in the machine direction MD) is preferably the first procedure, followed by transverse orientation (i.e. perpendicularly to the machine direction = TO) . This gives an orientation of the molecular chains. ^The longitudinal orientation procedure preferably takes place with the aid of two rolls running at different speeds corresponding to the stretching ratio desired.\For the transverse stretching procedure an appropriate tenter frame is generally utilized. The use of simultaneous orientation procedures for the novel film in both directions (MD and TD) with the aid of a suitable tenter frame has not proven useful. Specifically, this stretching gives a film which has insufficient whiteness and insufficient opacity. The temperature at which the,- orientation procedure is carried out may vary within a relatively large range and depends on the film properties desired. The longitudinal stretching is generally carried out at from 80 to 130°C and the transverse stretching at from 90 to 150DC. The longitudinal stretching ratio is generally within the range from 2.5:1 to 6:1, preferably from 3:1 to 5.5:1. The transverse stretching ratio is generally within the range from 3.0:1 to 5.0:1, preferably from 3,5:1 to 4.5:1. In the heat-setting which follows, the film is held at a temperature of from 150 to 250°C for from about 0.1 to 10 s. The film is then wound up in the usual manner. To establish other desired properties, the film may be chemically treated or else corona- or, respectively, flame-treated. The intensity of treatment is selected such that the surface tension of the film is generally above 45 mN/m. To establish other properties, the film may also be coated. Typical coatings have adhesion-promoting, antistatic, slip-improving or release action. It is clear that these additional coatings may be applied to the film by in-line^coating using aqueous dispersions, prior to the transverse stretching procedure. Th'e particular advantage of the novel film is its high 13 - wtfiteness and high opacity. Surprisingly, the gloss of the film was also very high. The whiteness of the film is above 70%, preferably above 75% and particularly preferably about 80%. The opacity of the novel film is above 55%, preferably above 60% and particularly preferably above 65%. The gloss of the novel film is above 50, preferably above 70 and particularly preferably above 9 0, Another particular advantage of the invention is that regenerated material produced directly during the production process can be reused at a concentration of from 10 to 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the film, without any significant negative effect on the physical properties of the film. In particular, the regenerated material (composed essentially of polyester and cycloolefin copolymers CCOC)) does not give undefined changes in the color of the film, as is the case in the films of the prior art. A further advantage of the invention is that the production costs of the novel film are comparable with those of conventional transparent films of the prior art. The other properties of the novel film relevant to its processing and use remain essentially unchanged or.are even improved. The film has excellent suitability for packing foods or other consumable items which are sensitive to light and/or to air. It is also highly suitable for use in the industrial sector, e.g. for producing hot-stamping foils or as a label film. Besides this, the film .is, of course, particularly suitable for image-recording papers, printed sheets, magnetic recording cards, to name just a few possible applications. The processing performance and winding performance of the film, in particular on high-speed machines (winders, metallizers, printing machines and laminating machines) is exceptionally good. A measure of processing performance is the coefficient of friction of the film, which is below 0.6. A decisive factor affecting winding performance, besides a good thickness profile, excellent layf lat and a low coefficient of friction, is the roughness of the film. It has become apparent that the winding of the novel film is particularly good if the average roughness is within a range from 50 to 250 nm while the other properties are complied with- The roughness may be varied within the stated range by, inter alia, varying the COC concentration and the process parameters in the production process. /" The table below (Table 1) summarizes the most important - 14 - film properties according to the invention Table 1 - 16 - The following parameters were used to describe the polymers and the films: SV (solution viscosity) To determine the SV, a specimen of polyester was dissolved in a solvent (dichloroacetic acid). The viscosity of this solution, and also the viscosity of the pure solvent, are measured in an Ubbelohde viscometer. The quotient is calculated from the two values, 1.000 is deducted from this and the resultant value multiplied by 1000. This gives the SV (solution viscosity). Coefficient of friction The coefficient of friction is determined to DIN 53 375. The coefficient of sliding friction was measured 14 days after production. Surface tension The surface tension was determined by the ink method (DIN 53 364). Roughness The roughness Ra of the film was determined to DIN 4768 with a cut-off of 0.25 mm. Whiteness and opacity The whiteness and opacity were determined with the aid of a Zeiss, Oberkochem (DE) "ELREPHO" reflectance photometer, standard illuminant C, 2°C normal observer. Opacity is determined to DIN 53 146. Whiteness is defined as W = RY + 3RZ - 3RX. W = whiteness, RY, RZ and RX = relevant, reflection factors when the Y, Z and X color-measurement filter is used. The white standard used was a barium sulfate pressing (DIN 5033, Part 9) . A detailed description is given, for example, in Hansl Loos "Farbmessung", Verlag Beruf und Schule, Itzehoe (1989) . Light transmittance Light transmittance is measured using a method based on ASTM-D 1033-77. Gloss Gloss was determined to DIN 67 530. The reflectance was measured as an optical value characteristic of a film surface. Based on the standards ASTM-D 523-78 and ISO 2813, the angle of incidence was set at 60°. A beam of light hits the flat test surface at the set angle of incidence and is reflected and/or scattered by this surface. A proportional electrical variable is displayed representing light beams hitting the photoelectronic detector. The value measured is dimensionless and must be stated together with the angle of incidence. - 17 - Glass transition temperature The glass transition temperature Tg was determined using film specimens with the aid of DSC {differential scanning calorimetry) (DIN 73 765) . A DuPont DSC 1090 was used. The heating rate was 20 K/min and the specimen weight was about 12 mg. The glass transition Tg was determined in the first heating procedure. Many the specimens showed an enthalpy relaxation (a peak) at the beginning of the step-like glass transition. The temperature taken as Tg was that at which the step-like change in heat capacity -without reference to the peak-shaped enthalpy relaxation - achieved half of its height in the first heating procedure. In all cases, there was only a single glass transition observed in the thermogram in the first heating procedure. Example l Chips of polyethylene terephthalate (prepared by the transesterification process using Mn as trans-esterification catalyst, Mn concentration: 100 ppm) were dried at 150°C to a residual moisture below 100 ppm and fed to the extruder for the base layer B. Alongside this, chips of ®Topas 6015 cycloolefin copolymer (COO from Ticona {COC composed of 2-norbornene and ethylene, see also W. Hatke: Folien aus COC [COC Films] ,,. Kunsts.tolf e...87 (1997) 1, pp. 58-62) with a glass transition temperature Tg of about 160°C were also fed to the extruder for the base layer B. The proportional amount of the cycloolefiti copolymer (COC) in the entire film was 10% by weight. Extrusion followed by a stepwise orientation procedure in longitudinal and transverse directions was used to produce a white, opaque single-layer film with a total thickness of 23 jum. Base layer B was a mixture of: 90.0% by weight of polyethylene terephthalate homo-polymer with an SV of 800 and 10.0% by weight of Topas €015 cycloolefin copolymer (COC) from Ticona The process conditions in the individual steps were: Temperatures base layer: 280°C Temperature of the take-off roll: 30°C Temperature: 80 - 125°C Longitudinal stretching ratio: 4.2 Lnnaitudinal Temperature: 80 - 135°C stretching: transverse stretching ratio: 4.0 Transverse Temperature = 230"C stretching: 3 s - 18 - The film had the good properties required and the desired handling and processing performance. The properties achieved in films produced in this way are given in Table 2. Example 2 Unlike in Example 1, 50% by weight of regenerated material was now added to the base. The concentration of the cycloolefin copolyrner (COC) in the film thus produced was again 10% by weight. The process parameters were unchanged from Example 1. A visual observation was made of any yellow discoloration of the film. Table 2 shows that hardly any yellow discoloration could be seen. Base layer B was a mixture of: 45.0% by weight of polyethylene terephthalate homo-polymer with an SV of 800, 50.0% by weight of regenerated material (90% hy weight of polyester -*¦ 10% by weight of Topas 6015) and 5.0% by weight of Topas 6015 cycloolefin copolymer (COC) from Ticona Example 3 Unlike in Example 1, the film now produced had a -thickness of 96 fm.. The concentration-of the cycloolefin copolymer (COC) in the film was 8% by weight. The process parameters were unchanged from Example 1. A visual observation was made of any yellow discoloration of the film. Table 2 shows that no yellow discoloration of the film could be seen. Base layer B was a mixture of: 92.0% by weight. of polyethylene terephthalate. .homo-polymer with an SV of 800 and 8.0% by weight of Topas 6015 cycloolefin copolymer (COC) from Ticona Example 4 Unlike in Example 3, 50% by weight of regenerated material was now added to the base. The concentration of the cycloolefin copolymer {COC} in the film was again 8% by weight. The process parameters remained unchanged from Example 1. A visual observation was made of any yellow discoloration of the film. Table 2 shows that hardly any yellow discoloration could be seen. Base layer B was a mixture of: 46.0% hy weight of polyethylene terephthalate homo- polymer with an Sv of 800 and 50.0% by weight of the regenerated material from the same process (32% by weight of polyester + 8 % by weight of Topas 6015) and 4,0% by weight of Topas 6015 cycloolefin copolymer (COO from Ticona - 19 - Comparative Example 1 Example 1 from DE-A 2 353 347 was repeated. The example was modified by additionally including 50% by weight of regenerated material in the process. Table 2 shows that a marked yellow discoloration of the film could be seen. In addition, the roughness of the film is much too high for many applications and its gloss is too low for many applications. This is very probably attributable to the use of other polymeric additives. Base layer B was a mixture of: 47.5% by weight of polyethylene terephthalate homo-polymer with an SV of 800 and 50.0% by weight of regenerated material from the same process (95% by weight of polyester + 5% by weight of polypropylene) and 2.5% by weight of polypropylene Comparative Example 2 Example 1 from EP-A 0 300 060 was repeated. The example was modified by additionally including 50% by weight of regenerated material in the process. Table 2 shows that a marked yellow discoloration of the film could be seen. In addition, the roughness of the film is much too high for many applications and its gloss is too low for many applications. This is very probably attributable to the use of other polymeric additives. Base layer B was a mixture of: 45.0% by weight of polyethylene terephthalate homo-polymer with an SV of 800 and 50.0% by weight of regenerated material from the same process (90% by weight of polyester + 10% by weight of polypropylene) and 5.0% by weight of polypropylene Comparative Example 3 Example 1 from EP-A 0 360 201 was repeated. The example was modified by additionally including 50% by weight of regenerated material in the process. Table 2 shows that a marked yellow discoloration of the film could be seen. In addition, the roughness of the film is much too high for many applications and its gloss is too low for many applications. This is very probably attributable to the use of other polymeric additives. Base layer B was a mixture of: 4 0.0% by weight of polyethylene terephthalate homo-polymer with an SV of 800 and 50.0% by weight of regenerated material from the same process (80% hy weight of polyester + { 20% by weight of polypropylene) and 10.0% by weight of polypropylene Comparative Example 4 - 20 - Example 1 from DE-A 195 40 277 was repeated. The example was modified by additionally including 50% by weight of regenerated material in the process. Table 2 shows that a marked yellow discoloration of the film could be seen. In addition, the roughness of the film is much- too high for many applications and its gloss is too low for many applications. This is very probably attributable to the use of other polymeric additives. Base layer B was a mixture of: 45.0% hy weight of polyethylene terephthalate homo-polymer with an SV of 800 and 50.0% by weight of regenerated material from the same process (87% by weight of polyester + 13% by weight of polystyrene) and 5,0% by weight of polystyrene Table 2 Key to yellowness in films produced: ++ : no yellowing detectable + : slight yellow coloration detectable : marked yellow coloration detectable -22-WE CLAIM 1. A white, biaxial oriented polyester film comprising at least one layer, wherein at feast this layer comprises a cycloolefin copolymer (COC) at a concentration of from 2 to 60% by weight, based on this layer, where the glass transition temperature of the cycloolefin copolymer (COC) is within the range from 70 to 270°C and the film has an opacity above 55% and has a gloss above 50. 2. A polyester film as claimed In claim 1, wherein the cycloolefin copotymer (COC) is polynorbornene, potydimethyloctahydronaphthalene, polycyclopentene or poly (5-methyl) norbornene. 3. A polyester film as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the cycloolefin copotymer (COC) has a glass transition temperature within the range from 90 to 250°C. 4. A polyester film as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the cycioolefin copolymer (COC) has a glass transition temperature within the range from 110to220°C. 5. A polyester film as cfafmed In one or more of claims 1 to 4, wherein the film has a whiteness above 70%. 6. A polyester film as claimed in one or more of claims 1 to 5, wherein the layer comprises from 0.5 to 25% by weight, based in each case on the weight of the layer, of other vacuole-inltfatlng and/or white fillers and/or of pigment. 7. A polyester film as claimed In one or more of claims 1 to 6, wherein an outer layer has been arranged on the COC-containing layer. 8. A polyester film as claimed in claim 7, wherein an Intermediate layer has been arranged between the COC-containing layer and the outer layer. 23 A polyester film as claimed in one or more of claims X to 8, wherein the film is a single-layer film composed of the COC-containing layer. A white, biaxially oriented polyester film comprising at least one layer, wherein at least this layer comprises a cycloolefin copolymer (COC) at a concentration of from 2 to 60% by weight, based on this layer, and the film has an opacity above 50%. A white, biaxially oriented polyester film comprising at least one layer, wherein at least this layer comprises a cycloolefin copolymer {COC) at a concentration of from 2 to 60% by weight, based on this layer, and the film has a whiteness above 70%, A white, biaxially oriented polyester film comprising at least one layer, wherein at least this layer comprises a cycloolefin copolymer (COC) at a concentration of from 2 to 60% by weight, based on this layer, and the film has a gloss above 50. A white, biaxial oriented polyester film comprising at least one layer, wherein at least this layer comprises a cycloofefin copolymer (COC) at a concentration of from 2 to 60% by weight, based on this layer, where the glass transition temperature of the cycloolefin copolymer (COC) is within the range from 70 to 270°C and the film has an opacity above 55% and has a gloss above 50.

Full Text

White, biaxially oriented polyester film
The present invention relates to a white, biaxially oriented polyester film which comprises at least one layer comprising a polyester and a cycloolefin copolymer (COC) . The invention also relates to a process for producing the polyester film, and also to the use of the film.
White, biaxially oriented polyester films are known from the prior art. These films known from the prior art are either easy to produce or have good optical properties or have acceptable processing performance.
DE-A 2 353 347 describes a process for producing a milky polyester film having one or more layers, which comprises preparing a mixture of particles of a linear polyester with from 3 to 27% by weight of a homopolymer or copolymer of ethylene or propylene, extruding the mixture as a film, quenching the film and biaxially orienting the same "in directions running perpendicularly to one" another, and heat-setting the film. A disadvantage of the process is that regenerated material produced during the production of the film (essentially a mixture of polyester and ethylene or propylene copolymer) cannot be reused without yellowing of the film. However, this makes the process uneconomic, and the film produced with regenerated material was not successful on the market. In addition, the film has roughness values which are significantly too high, giving it a very matt appearance (very low gloss) undesirable for many applications.
EP-A 0 300 060 describes a single-layer polyester film which comprises, besides polyethylene terephthalate, from 3 to 40% by weight of a crystalline propylene polymer and from 0.001 to 3% by weight of a surface-active substance. The effect of the surface-active substance is to increase the number of vacuoles in the film and at the same time to reduce their size to the extent desired. This achieves higher opacity and lower density of the film. A disadvantage of the film continues to be that regenerated material produced during the production of the film (essentially a mixture of polyester and propylene homopolymer) cannot be reused without yellowing of the film. However, this makes the process uneconomic, and the film produced with regenerated material was not successful on the market. In addition, the film has roughness values which are significantly too high, giving

2
it a very matt appearance (very low gloss) undesirable for many applications.
EP-A 0 360 201 describes a polyester film having at least .ayers, comprising a base layer with fine vacuoles, the density of which is from 0.4 to 1.3 kg/dm?, and at least one outer layer, the density of which is greater than 1.3 kg/dm3. The vacuoles are achieved by adding from 4 to 3 0% by weight of a crystalline propylene polymer, followed by biaxial stretching of the film. As a result of adding the outer layer the ease of production of the film is improved {no streaking on the film surface), the surface tension is increased and the roughness of the laminated surface can be reduced. A disadvantage still present is that regenerated material produced during the production of the film (essentially a mixture of polyester and propylene homopolymer) cannot be reused without yellowing of the film. However, this makes the process uneconomic, and the film produced with regenerated material was not successful on the market. In addition, the film listed in the examples continues to have excessive roughness values, giving it a matt appearance (low gloss) undesirable for many applications.
EP-A 0 795-309 describes a polyester film having at least fwo layers and comprising a base layer with fine vacuoles, the density of which is from 0.4 to 1.3 kg/dm3, and having at least one outer layer, the density of which is greater than 1.3 kg/dm3. The vacuoles are achieved by adding from 5 to 45% by weight of a thermoplastic polymer to the polyester in the base, followed by biaxial stretching of the film. The thermoplastic polymers used are, inter alia, polypropylene, polyethylene, polymethylpentene, polystyrene or polycarbonate, and the preferred thermoplastic polymer is polypropylene. As a result of adding the outer layer the ease of production of the film is improved (no streaking on the film surface), the surface tension is increased and the roughness of the laminated surface can be matched to prevailing requirements. Further modification of the film in the base layer and/or in the outer layers, using white pigments (generally TiO2) and/or using optical brighteners permits the properties of the film to be matched to-the prevailing requirements of the application. A continuing disadvantage is that regenerated material produced during the production of the film (essentially a mixture of polyester and the added polymer) cannot be reused without undefined and undesirable changes in the color of the film. This makes the process uneconomic, and the film produced with regenerated material was not successful on the market. In addition, the films listed in the examples continue to have excessive roughness values, giving it a matt appearance (low gloss) undesirable for many

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applications.
DE-A 195 40 275-describes a polyester film having one or more layers, which comprises a base layer with fine vacuoles, the density of which is from 0.6 to 1.3 kg/dm3, and which has a planar birefringence of from -0.02 to 0.04. The vacuoles are achieved hy adding from 3 to' 40% by weight of a thermoplastic resin to the polyester in the base, followed by biaxial stretching of the film. The thermoplastic resins used are, inter alia, polypropylene, polyethylene, polymethylpentene, cyclic olefin polymers, polyacrylic resins, polystyrene or polycarbonate, and preferred polymers are polypropylene and polystyrene. Maintaining the stated limits for the birefringence of the film gives the claimed film in particular a superior tear strength and superior isotropic properties. A continuing disadvantage is that regenerated material produced during the production of the film cannot be reused without undefined and undesirable changes in the color of the film. This makes the process uneconomic, and the film produced with regenerated material was not successful on the market. In addition, the films listed in the examples continue to have excessive roughness values, giving it a matt appearance (low gloss) undesirable for many applications..
The object of the present invention was to provide a white, biaxially oriented polyester film which has high gloss^, and in particular is easier to produce, i.e. has lower production costs. In particular it should be ensured that the regenerated material produced directly during the production process can be reused at t a concentration of from 10 to 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the film, without any significant negative effect on the physical properties of the film. In particular, adding regenerated material should not give any significant yellowing of the film.
The object has been achieved by means of a white, biaxially oriented polyester film having at least a base layer, the characterizing features of which are that" at least this base layer additionally comprises a cycloolefin copolymer (COC) at a concentration from 2 to 60% by weight, based on the base layer, where the glass transition temperature of the cycloolefin copolymer (COC) is in the range from 70 to 270°C.
For the purposes of the present invention, a white, biaxially oriented polyester film is a film of this type which has a whiteness above 70%, preferably above 75%, particularly preferably above 80%. The opacity of the novel film is moreover above 55%, preferably above 60% and particularly preferably above 65%.

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To achieve the desired whiteness of the novel film the proportion of the cycloolefin copolymer (COC) in the base layer must be greater than 2%, otherwise the whiteness is below 70%. if, on the other hand, the cycloolefin copolymer (COC) content is greater than 60%, the production of the film becomes uneconomic, since the orientation process becomes unreliable.
It is also necessary for the glass transition temperature of the cycloolefin copolymer (COC) used.t-o be above 70°C. If this is not the case (if the glass transition temperature is below 70°C) the polymer mixture is difficult to process (difficult to extrude), the desired whiteness is no longer achieved and the regenerated material used gives a film with a tendency toward increased yellowing. If, on the other hand, the glass transition temperature of the selected cycloolefin copolymer (COC) is above 270°C, the polymer mixture will no longer be capable of sufficiently homogeneous dispersion in the extruder. The result is a film with non-uniform properties.
In the preferred embodiment of the novel film the glass transition temperature of the COCs used is in the range from 90- to - 250°C, and in the particularly preferred, embodiment it is in the range from 110 to 220°C.
Surprisingly, it has been found that adding a cycloolefin copolymer (COC) in the manner described.above can produce a white, opague and glossy film.
The whiteness and the opacity of the film can be precisely controlled and matched to the prevailing requirements as a function of the amount and type of the cycloolefin copolymer (COC) added. It is possible by this means to dispense to a considerable extent with the use of other whiteners and opacifiers. It was also highly surprising that the surface roughness of the film is significantly lower, and therefore the gloss of the film is significantly higher, than in comparable films of the prior art. The additional effect - that the regenerated material, unlike the polymeric additives of the prior art, shows no tendency to cause yellowing - was entirely surprising.
None of these features described was foreseeable, especially since although it is clear that COCs are substantially incompatible with polyethylene terephthalate, it is known that they are oriented with similar stretching ratios and stretching temperatures to those used for polyethylene terephthalate. In these circumstances the skilled worker would have expected that a white and opaque film with a high gloss cannot be

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produced under these process conditions.
In the preferred and particularly preferred embodiments the novel film has high and, respectively, particularly high whiteness and high and, respectively, particularly high opacity, and the change in color of the film as a result of adding regenerated material remains extremely small.
The novel film has one or more layers. The structure of single-layer embodiments is as for the COC-containing layer described below. Embodiments having more than one layer have at least two layers and always comprise the COC-containing layer and at least one other layer, where the COC-containing layer is the base layer, but may additionally also form the intermediate layer or the outer layer of the film having more than one layer. In a preferred embodiment the COC-containing layer forms the base layer of the film with at least one outer layer and preferably with outer layers on both sides, and (an) intermediate layer(s) may, if desired, be present on one or both sides. In another preferred embodiment the COC-containing layer also forms an intermediate layer of the film having more than one layer. Other embodiments with COC-containing intermediate- layers have - a . five-layer. structure and have COC-containing intermediate layers on both sides, besides the COC-containing base layer. In another embodiment the COC-containing layer may form (an) outer layer(s) on one or both sides of the base layer or intermediate layer, additionally to the base layer. For the purposes of the present invention, the base layer is that laver which makes up from more than 50 to. 100%, preferably from 70 to 90%, of the total film thickness. The outer layer is the layer which forms the outermost layer of the film.
Each embodiment of the invention is a non-transparent, opague film. For the purposes of the present invention, non-transparent films are films whose light transtnittance to ASTM-D 1003-77 is less, than 95%, preferably less than 75%.
The COC-containing layer (the base layer) of the novel film comprises a polyester, preferably a polyester homopolymer, a COC, and also, if desired, other additives, in each case in effective amounts. This layer generally comprises at least 20% by weight, preferably from 40 to 98% by weight, in particular from 70 to 93% by weight, of polyester, based on the weight of the layer.
The base layer of the film comprises a thermoplastic polyester. Polyesters suitable here are those made, from ethylene glycol and fcerephthalic acid {= polyethylene

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terephthalate, PET), from ethylene glycol and naphthalene-2,6-dicarboxylic acid (= polyethylene 2,6-naphthalate, PEN), from 1,4-bishydroxymethylcyclo-hexane and terephthalic acid (= poly-1,4-cyclohexanedimethylene terephthalate, PCDT) or else made from ethylene glycol, naphthalene-2,6-dicarboxylic acid and biphenyl-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid (= polyethyl-ene 2,6-naphthalate bibenzoate, PENBB). Particular preference is given to polyesters which are composed of at least 90 mol%, preferably at least 95 mol%, of ethylene glycol units and terephthalic acid units or ethylene glycol units and naphthalene-2,6-dicarboxylic acid units. The remaining monomer units are derived from other aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic diols and, respectively, dicarboxylic acids, as may also be present in layer A (A = outer layer 1) or in layer C (C = outer layer 2) of a multilayered ABC (B = base layer) film.
Examples of other suitable aliphatic diols are diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, aliphatic glycols of the formula HO- (CH2)n-OH, where n is an integer from 3 to 6 (in particular 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol and 1,6-hexanediol) or branched aliphatic glycols having up to 6 carbon atoms. Among the cycloaliphatic diols, mention should be made of cyclohexanediols (in particular 1,4~cyclohex-anediol). Other suitable aromatic diols are those, for example, of the formula HO-e6H4-X-C6H4~QH where X is -CH2-, -C(CH3}2~, -C(CF3)2~, -O-, -S- or -SO 2-. Bisphenols of the formula HO-C6H4-C6H4-OH are also highly suitable.
Other preferred aromatic dicarboxylic acids are benzenedicarboxylic acids, naphthalenedicarboxylic acids {such as naphthalene-1,4- or -1,6-dicarboxylic acid), biphenyl~x,x(-dicarboxylic acids (in particular biphenyl-4,41 -dicarboxylic acid), diphenylacetylene~x,x'-dicarboxylic acids (in particular diphenylacetylene-4, 4'-dicarboxylic acid) and stilbene-x,x'-dicarboxylic acids. Among tihe cycloaliphatic dicarboxylic acids mention should be made of cyclohexanedicarboxylic acids (in particular cyclohexane-1,4~dicarboxylic acid). Among the aliphatic dicarboxylic acids the £C3-C19)-alkanedioic acids are particularly suitable, where the alkane moiety may be straight-chain or branched.
The polyestersmav, for example, be prepared by the Ptx&n3mteX-3^£&£Apxx^pzocess. The starting materials here are dicarboxylic esters and diols, and these are reacted using the usual transesterification catalysts, such as salts of zinc, of calcium, of lithium, of magnesium or of manganese. The intermediates are then polycondensed in the presence of typical polycondensation catalysts, such as antimony trioxide or titanium salts. They may equally

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well be prepared' by the direct esterification process in the presence of polycondensation catalysts, starting directly from the dicarboxylic acids and the diols.
According to the invention the COC-containing layer or, in the case of single-layer embodiments, the film, comprises an amount of not less than 2.0% by weight, preferably from 4 to 50% by weight and particularly preferably 6 to 40% by weight, of a cycloolefin copolymer (COC), based on the weight of the layer or, in the case of single-layer embodiments, based on the weight of the film. It is significant for the present invention that the cycloolefin copolymer (COC) is not compatible with the polyethylene terephthalate and does not form a homogeneous mixture with the same.
Cycloolefin polymers are homopolymers or copolymers which ^contain polymerized cycloolefin units and, if desired, acyclic olefins as comonomer. Cycloolefin polymers suitable for the present invention contain from 0.1 to 100% by weight, preferably from 10 to 99% by weight, particularly preferably from 50 to 95% by weight, of polymerized cycloolefin units in each case based on the total weight of the cycloolefin polymer. Particular preference is given to polymers which hav_e been-built up using the monomers comprising the cyclic olefins of the formulae I, II, III, IV, V or VI:

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R , IT, R, R4 R5, R6, R7 and R8 in these formulae are identical or different and are a hydrogen atom or a ci~c30~nydrocarkon radical, or two or more of the radicals R to R have been bonded cyclically, and the same radicals in the different formulae may have the same or different meaning. Examples of C1-C30-hydrocarbon radicals are linear or branched C-L-Cg-alkyl radicals, C6-C18-aryl radicals, C7-C20-alkylenearyl radicals and cyclic C3-C20-alkyl radicals and acyclic C2-"C20-alkenyl -radicals.
If desired, the cycloolefin polymers may contain from 0 to 45% by weight, based on the total weight of the cycloolefin polymer, of polymerized units of at least one monocyclic olefin of the formula VII:

m

n here is a number -from 2 to 10 .
If desired, the cycloolefin polymers may contain from 0 to 99% by weight, based on the total weight of the cycloolefin polymer, of polymerized units of an acyclic
olefin of the formula VIII:

R9, R10, R11 and R12 here are identical or different and are a hydrogen atom or a C^-C^-hydrocarbon radical, e.g. a C-L-Cg-alkyl radical or a C6-C14-alkyl radical.

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Other polymers suitable in principle are cycloolefin polymers which are obtained by ring-opening polymerization of at least one of the monomers of the formulae I to VI, followed by hydrogenation.
Cycloolefin homopolymers have a structure composed of one monomer of the formulae I to VI. These cycloolefin polymers are less suitable for the purposes of the present invention. Polymers suitable for the purposes of the present invention are cycloolefin copolymers (COC) which comprise at least one cycloolefin of the formulae I to VI and acyclic olefins of the formula VIII as comonomers. These cycloolefin copolymers (COC) which can be used according to the invention are termed COCs above and below. Acyclic olefins preferred here are those which have from 2 to 20 carbon atoms, in particular unbranched acyclic olefins having from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, for example ethylene, propylene and/or butylene. The proportion of polymerized units of acyclic olefins of the formula VIII is up to 99% by weight, preferably from 5 to 80% by weight, particularly preferably from 10 to 60% by weight, based on the total weight of the respective cycloolefin copolymer.
Among the cycloolefin copolymers described above those which are particularly preferred contain polymerized units of polycyclic olefins having a fundamental nor-bornene structure, particularly preferably norbornene or tetracyclododecene, Particular preference is also given to cycloolefin copolymers (COCs) which contain polymerized units of acyclic olefins, in particular ethylene. Particular preference is, again, given to norbornene-ethylene copolymers and tetracyclododecene-etTSytehe" copolymers-which
80%, preferably from 10 to 60%~'by "weight of ethylene (based on the weight of the copolymer).
The cycloolefin polymers generically described above generally have glass transition temperatures of from -20 to 400°c. Cycloolefin copolymers (COCs) which can be used for the invention have a glass transition temperature above 70°C, preferably above 90°C and in particular above 110°C. The viscosity number (ciecalin, 135°C, DIN 53 728) is advantageously from 0,1 to 200 ml/g, preferably from 50 to 150 ml/g.
The cycloolefin copolymers (COCs) are prepared by heterogeneous or homogeneous catalysis with organornetallic compounds, as described in a wide variety of documents. Suitable catalyst systems based on mixed catalysts made from titanium compounds and, respectively, vanadium compounds in conjunction with aluminum organyl compounds are described in DD 109 224, DD 23? 070 and

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EP-A-0 156 464. EP-A-0 283 164, EP-A-0 407 870 EP-A-0 435 ,8*93= and EP-AV6 503' 472 describe the preparation of cycloolefin copolymers The cycloolefin copolymers are incorporated into the film either in the form of pure granules or in the form of granulated concentrate (masterbatch), by premixing the polyester granules or polyester powder with the cycloolefin copolymer (COC) or, respectively, with the cycloolefin copolymer (COC) masterbatch, followed by feeding to an extruder. In the extruder the mixing of the components continues and they are heated to the processing temperature. It is advantageous here for the novel process if the extrusion temperature is above the glass transition temperature Tg of the cycloolefin copolymer {COC), generally above the glass transition temperature of the cycloolefin copolymer (COC) by at least 5°C, preferably by from 10 to 180°C, in particular by from 15 to 150°C.
For the intermediate layers and for the outer layers it is possible in principle to use the polymers used for the base layer. Besides these, other materials may also be present in the outer layers, and the outer layers are then preferably composed of a mixture of polymers or of a copolymer or of a homopolymer which comprise ethylene 2,6-naphthalate units and ethylene tere-phthalate units. Up to 30 mol% of ,the polymers may be composed of other comonomers (e.g. ethylene isophthalate units)."
The base layer and the other layers may additionally comprise conventional additives, such as stabilizers, antiblocking agents and other fillers. They are advantageously added to the polymer or, respectively, to the polymer mixture straightaway prior to melting. Examples of stabilizers used are phosphorus compounds, such as phosphoric acid or phosphoric esters.
Typical antiblocking agents (in this context also termed pigments) are inorganic and/or organic particles, such as calcium carbonate, amorphous silica, talc, magnesium carbonate, barium carbonate, calcium sulfate, barium sulfate, lithium phosphate, calcium phosphate, magnesium phosphate, aluminum oxide, lithium fluoride, the calcium, barium, zinc or manganese salts of the dicarboxylic acids used, carbon black, titanium dioxide, kaolin or crosslinked polymer particles, e.g. polystyrene particles or acrylate particles.

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The additives selected may also comprise mixtures of two or more different antiblocking agents or mixtures of antiblocking agents of the same composition but different particle sizes. The particles may be added to the polymers of the individual layers of the film in the respective advantageous concentrations, e.g. as a glycolic dispersion during the polycondensation or via masterbatches during extrusion. Pigment concentrations which have proven particularly suitable are from 0 to 2 5% by weight (based on the weight of the respective layer). EP-A-0 602 964, for example, describes the antiblocking agents in detail.
To improve the whiteness of the film the base layer or the other additional layers may comprise further pigmentation. It has proven particularly advantageous here for the additional materials added to be barium sulfate with a particle size of from 0,3 to 0.8 fsmm, preferably from 0.4 to 0.7 tm, or titanium dioxide with a particle size of from 0.05 to 0.3 m. This gives the film a brilliant white appearance. The concentration of barium sulfate particles is from 1 to 25% hy weight, preferably from more than 1 to 20% by weight," and very preferably from 1 to 15% hy weight,
The total thickness of the film may vary within wide limits and depends on the application envisaged. The preferred embodiments of the novel film have total thicknesses of from 4 to 400 m, preferably from 8 to 300 #m, particularly preferably from 10 to 300 m. The thickness of any intermediate layer(s) present is/are, in each case independently of one another,, from 0.5 to 15 jam, preferably from 1 to 10 m, in particular from 1 to 8 jum. All the values given are based on one intermediate layer. The thickness of the outer layer(s) is selected independently of the other layers and is preferably within the range from 0.1 to 10 pan, in particular from 0.2 to 5 jzm, preferably from 0.3 to 2 m, and outer layers applied on both sides may be identical or different in terms of their thicknesses and compositions. The thickness of the base layer is therefore given by the difference between the total thickness of the film and the thickness of the outer and intermediate layer(s) applied, and, similarly to_ the total thickness, may therefore vary within wide limits.
Thfe invention also provides a process for producing the novel polyester film by the extrusion or coextrusion process known per se.
For the purposes of the present invention the procedure is to extrude/coextrude, through a flat-film die, the melt (a) corresponding to the single-layer film or to the

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individual layers of the film, to draw off the resultant film on one or more roll(s) to solidify the film, then to stretch (orient) the film biaxially, to heat-set the biaxially stretched film, and, if desired, to corona- or flame-treat the surface layer intended for treatment.
The biaxial orientation procedure is generally carried out in sequence. For this, longitudinal orientation (i.e. in the machine direction * MD) is preferably the first procedure, followed by transverse orientation (i.e. perpendicularly to the machine direction = TO) . This gives an orientation of the molecular chains. ^The longitudinal orientation procedure preferably takes place with the aid of two rolls running at different speeds corresponding to the stretching ratio desired.\For the transverse stretching procedure an appropriate tenter frame is generally utilized.
The use of simultaneous orientation procedures for the novel film in both directions (MD and TD) with the aid of a suitable tenter frame has not proven useful. Specifically, this stretching gives a film which has insufficient whiteness and insufficient opacity.
The temperature at which the,- orientation procedure is carried out may vary within a relatively large range and depends on the film properties desired. The longitudinal stretching is generally carried out at from 80 to 130°C and the transverse stretching at from 90 to 150DC. The longitudinal stretching ratio is generally within the range from 2.5:1 to 6:1, preferably from 3:1 to 5.5:1. The transverse stretching ratio is generally within the range from 3.0:1 to 5.0:1, preferably from 3,5:1 to 4.5:1.
In the heat-setting which follows, the film is held at a temperature of from 150 to 250°C for from about 0.1 to 10 s. The film is then wound up in the usual manner.
To establish other desired properties, the film may be chemically treated or else corona- or, respectively, flame-treated. The intensity of treatment is selected such that the surface tension of the film is generally above 45 mN/m.
To establish other properties, the film may also be coated. Typical coatings have adhesion-promoting, antistatic, slip-improving or release action. It is clear that these additional coatings may be applied to the film by in-line^coating using aqueous dispersions, prior to the transverse stretching procedure.
Th'e particular advantage of the novel film is its high

13 -
wtfiteness and high opacity. Surprisingly, the gloss of the film was also very high. The whiteness of the film is above 70%, preferably above 75% and particularly preferably about 80%. The opacity of the novel film is above 55%, preferably above 60% and particularly preferably above 65%. The gloss of the novel film is above 50, preferably above 70 and particularly preferably above 9 0,
Another particular advantage of the invention is that regenerated material produced directly during the production process can be reused at a concentration of from 10 to 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the film, without any significant negative effect on the physical properties of the film. In particular, the regenerated material (composed essentially of polyester and cycloolefin copolymers CCOC)) does not give undefined changes in the color of the film, as is the case in the films of the prior art.
A further advantage of the invention is that the
production costs of the novel film are comparable with those of conventional transparent films of the prior art. The other properties of the novel film relevant to its processing and use remain essentially unchanged or.are even improved.
The film has excellent suitability for packing foods or other consumable items which are sensitive to light and/or to air. It is also highly suitable for use in the industrial sector, e.g. for producing hot-stamping foils or as a label film. Besides this, the film .is, of course, particularly suitable for image-recording papers, printed sheets, magnetic recording cards, to name just a few possible applications.
The processing performance and winding performance of the film, in particular on high-speed machines (winders, metallizers, printing machines and laminating machines) is exceptionally good. A measure of processing performance is the coefficient of friction of the film, which is below 0.6. A decisive factor affecting winding performance, besides a good thickness profile, excellent layf lat and a low coefficient of friction, is the roughness of the film. It has become apparent that the winding of the novel film is particularly good if the average roughness is within a range from 50 to 250 nm while the other properties are complied with- The roughness may be varied within the stated range by, inter alia, varying the COC concentration and the process parameters in the production process. /"
The table below (Table 1) summarizes the most important

- 14 -
film properties according to the invention

Table 1

- 16 -
The following parameters were used to describe the polymers and the films:
SV (solution viscosity)
To determine the SV, a specimen of polyester was dissolved in a solvent (dichloroacetic acid). The viscosity of this solution, and also the viscosity of the pure solvent, are measured in an Ubbelohde viscometer. The quotient is calculated from the two values, 1.000 is deducted from this and the resultant value multiplied by 1000. This gives the SV (solution viscosity).
Coefficient of friction
The coefficient of friction is determined to DIN 53 375. The coefficient of sliding friction was measured 14 days after production.
Surface tension
The surface tension was determined by the ink method (DIN 53 364).
Roughness
The roughness Ra of the film was determined to DIN 4768
with a cut-off of 0.25 mm.
Whiteness and opacity
The whiteness and opacity were determined with the aid of a Zeiss, Oberkochem (DE) "ELREPHO" reflectance photometer, standard illuminant C, 2°C normal observer. Opacity is determined to DIN 53 146. Whiteness is defined as W = RY + 3RZ - 3RX.
W = whiteness, RY, RZ and RX = relevant, reflection factors when the Y, Z and X color-measurement filter is used. The white standard used was a barium sulfate pressing (DIN 5033, Part 9) . A detailed description is given, for example, in Hansl Loos "Farbmessung", Verlag Beruf und Schule, Itzehoe (1989) .
Light transmittance
Light transmittance is measured using a method based on
ASTM-D 1033-77.
Gloss
Gloss was determined to DIN 67 530. The reflectance was measured as an optical value characteristic of a film surface. Based on the standards ASTM-D 523-78 and ISO 2813, the angle of incidence was set at 60°. A beam of light hits the flat test surface at the set angle of incidence and is reflected and/or scattered by this surface. A proportional electrical variable is displayed representing light beams hitting the photoelectronic detector. The value measured is dimensionless and must be stated together with the angle of incidence.

- 17 -
Glass transition temperature
The glass transition temperature Tg was determined using film specimens with the aid of DSC {differential scanning calorimetry) (DIN 73 765) . A DuPont DSC 1090 was used. The heating rate was 20 K/min and the specimen weight was about 12 mg. The glass transition Tg was determined in the first heating procedure. Many the specimens showed an enthalpy relaxation (a peak) at the beginning of the step-like glass transition. The temperature taken as Tg was that at which the step-like change in heat capacity -without reference to the peak-shaped enthalpy relaxation - achieved half of its height in the first heating procedure. In all cases, there was only a single glass transition observed in the thermogram in the first heating procedure.
Example l
Chips of polyethylene terephthalate (prepared by the transesterification process using Mn as trans-esterification catalyst, Mn concentration: 100 ppm) were dried at 150°C to a residual moisture below 100 ppm and fed to the extruder for the base layer B. Alongside this, chips of ®Topas 6015 cycloolefin copolymer (COO from Ticona {COC composed of 2-norbornene and ethylene, see also W. Hatke: Folien aus COC [COC Films] ,,. Kunsts.tolf e...87 (1997) 1, pp. 58-62) with a glass transition temperature Tg of about 160°C were also fed to the extruder for the base layer B. The proportional amount of the cycloolefiti copolymer (COC) in the entire film was 10% by weight.
Extrusion followed by a stepwise orientation procedure in longitudinal and transverse directions was used to produce a white, opaque single-layer film with a total thickness of 23 jum.
Base layer B was a mixture of:
90.0% by weight of polyethylene terephthalate homo-polymer with an SV of 800 and
10.0% by weight of Topas €015 cycloolefin copolymer
(COC) from Ticona
The process conditions in the individual steps were:
Temperatures base layer: 280°C Temperature of the take-off roll: 30°C
Temperature: 80 - 125°C
Longitudinal stretching ratio: 4.2
Lnnaitudinal Temperature: 80 - 135°C
stretching: transverse stretching ratio: 4.0
Transverse Temperature = 230"C
stretching: 3 s

- 18 -
The film had the good properties required and the desired handling and processing performance. The properties achieved in films produced in this way are given in Table 2.
Example 2
Unlike in Example 1, 50% by weight of regenerated material was now added to the base. The concentration of the cycloolefin copolyrner (COC) in the film thus produced was again 10% by weight. The process parameters were unchanged from Example 1. A visual observation was made of any yellow discoloration of the film. Table 2 shows that hardly any yellow discoloration could be seen. Base layer B was a mixture of:
45.0% by weight of polyethylene terephthalate homo-polymer with an SV of 800,
50.0% by weight of regenerated material (90% hy weight
of polyester -*¦ 10% by weight of Topas 6015) and
5.0% by weight of Topas 6015 cycloolefin copolymer
(COC) from Ticona
Example 3
Unlike in Example 1, the film now produced had a -thickness of 96 fm.. The concentration-of the cycloolefin copolymer (COC) in the film was 8% by weight. The process parameters were unchanged from Example 1. A visual observation was made of any yellow discoloration of the film. Table 2 shows that no yellow discoloration of the film could be seen. Base layer B was a mixture of:
92.0% by weight. of polyethylene terephthalate. .homo-polymer with an SV of 800 and
8.0% by weight of Topas 6015 cycloolefin copolymer
(COC) from Ticona
Example 4
Unlike in Example 3, 50% by weight of regenerated
material was now added to the base. The concentration of
the cycloolefin copolymer {COC} in the film was again 8%
by weight. The process parameters remained unchanged from
Example 1. A visual observation was made of any yellow
discoloration of the film. Table 2 shows that hardly any
yellow discoloration could be seen.
Base layer B was a mixture of:
46.0% hy weight of polyethylene terephthalate homo-
polymer with an Sv of 800 and 50.0% by weight of the regenerated material from the
same process (32% by weight of
polyester + 8 % by weight of
Topas 6015) and
4,0% by weight of Topas 6015 cycloolefin copolymer
(COO from Ticona

- 19 -
Comparative Example 1
Example 1 from DE-A 2 353 347 was repeated. The example was modified by additionally including 50% by weight of regenerated material in the process. Table 2 shows that a marked yellow discoloration of the film could be seen. In addition, the roughness of the film is much too high for many applications and its gloss is too low for many applications. This is very probably attributable to the use of other polymeric additives. Base layer B was a mixture of:
47.5% by weight of polyethylene terephthalate homo-polymer with an SV of 800 and
50.0% by weight of regenerated material from the same
process (95% by weight of polyester + 5% by weight of polypropylene) and 2.5% by weight of polypropylene
Comparative Example 2
Example 1 from EP-A 0 300 060 was repeated. The example was modified by additionally including 50% by weight of regenerated material in the process. Table 2 shows that a marked yellow discoloration of the film could be seen. In addition, the roughness of the film is much too high for many applications and its gloss is too low for many applications. This is very probably attributable to the use of other polymeric additives. Base layer B was a mixture of:
45.0% by weight of polyethylene terephthalate homo-polymer with an SV of 800 and
50.0% by weight of regenerated material from the same
process (90% by weight of polyester + 10% by weight of polypropylene) and 5.0% by weight of polypropylene
Comparative Example 3
Example 1 from EP-A 0 360 201 was repeated. The example was modified by additionally including 50% by weight of regenerated material in the process. Table 2 shows that a marked yellow discoloration of the film could be seen. In addition, the roughness of the film is much too high for many applications and its gloss is too low for many applications. This is very probably attributable to the use of other polymeric additives. Base layer B was a mixture of:
4 0.0% by weight of polyethylene terephthalate homo-polymer with an SV of 800 and
50.0% by weight of regenerated material from the same
process (80% hy weight of polyester + { 20% by weight of polypropylene) and 10.0% by weight of polypropylene
Comparative Example 4

- 20 -
Example 1 from DE-A 195 40 277 was repeated. The example was modified by additionally including 50% by weight of regenerated material in the process. Table 2 shows that a marked yellow discoloration of the film could be seen. In addition, the roughness of the film is much- too high for many applications and its gloss is too low for many applications. This is very probably attributable to the use of other polymeric additives. Base layer B was a mixture of:
45.0% hy weight of polyethylene terephthalate homo-polymer with an SV of 800 and
50.0% by weight of regenerated material from the same
process (87% by weight of polyester + 13% by weight of polystyrene) and 5,0% by weight of polystyrene

Table 2

Key to yellowness in films produced: ++ : no yellowing detectable + : slight yellow coloration detectable : marked yellow coloration detectable

-22-WE CLAIM
1. A white, biaxial oriented polyester film comprising at least one layer,
wherein at feast this layer comprises a cycloolefin copolymer (COC) at a
concentration of from 2 to 60% by weight, based on this layer, where the
glass transition temperature of the cycloolefin copolymer (COC) is within
the range from 70 to 270°C and the film has an opacity above 55% and
has a gloss above 50.
2. A polyester film as claimed In claim 1, wherein the cycloolefin copotymer
(COC) is polynorbornene, potydimethyloctahydronaphthalene,
polycyclopentene or poly (5-methyl) norbornene.
3. A polyester film as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the cycloolefin
copotymer (COC) has a glass transition temperature within the range from
90 to 250°C.
4. A polyester film as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the cycioolefin
copolymer (COC) has a glass transition temperature within the range from
110to220°C.
5. A polyester film as cfafmed In one or more of claims 1 to 4, wherein the
film has a whiteness above 70%.
6. A polyester film as claimed in one or more of claims 1 to 5, wherein the
layer comprises from 0.5 to 25% by weight, based in each case on the
weight of the layer, of other vacuole-inltfatlng and/or white fillers and/or of
pigment.
7. A polyester film as claimed In one or more of claims 1 to 6, wherein an
outer layer has been arranged on the COC-containing layer.
8. A polyester film as claimed in claim 7, wherein an Intermediate layer has
been arranged between the COC-containing layer and the outer layer.

23
A polyester film as claimed in one or more of
claims X to 8, wherein the film is a single-layer film composed of the COC-containing layer.
A white, biaxially oriented polyester film comprising at least one layer, wherein at least this layer comprises a cycloolefin copolymer (COC) at a concentration of from 2 to 60% by weight, based on this layer, and the film has an opacity above 50%.
A white, biaxially oriented polyester film comprising at least one layer, wherein at least this layer comprises a cycloolefin copolymer {COC) at a concentration of from 2 to 60% by weight, based on this layer, and the film has a whiteness above 70%,
A white, biaxially oriented polyester film comprising at least one layer, wherein at least this layer comprises a cycloolefin copolymer (COC) at a concentration of from 2 to 60% by weight, based on this layer, and the film has a gloss above 50.

A white, biaxial oriented polyester film comprising at least one layer, wherein at least this layer comprises a cycloofefin copolymer (COC) at a concentration of from 2 to 60% by weight, based on this layer, where the glass transition temperature of the cycloolefin copolymer (COC) is within the range from 70 to 270°C and the film has an opacity above 55% and has a gloss above 50.

Documents:

00396-cal-2000-abstract.pdf

00396-cal-2000-claims.pdf

00396-cal-2000-correspondence.pdf

00396-cal-2000-description(complete).pdf

00396-cal-2000-form-1.pdf

00396-cal-2000-form-18.pdf

00396-cal-2000-form-2.pdf

00396-cal-2000-form-26.pdf

00396-cal-2000-form-3.pdf

00396-cal-2000-form-5.pdf

00396-cal-2000-letters patent.pdf

00396-cal-2000-priority document others.pdf

00396-cal-2000-priority document.pdf

396-cal-2000-granted-abstract.pdf

396-cal-2000-granted-claims.pdf

396-cal-2000-granted-description (complete).pdf

396-cal-2000-granted-form 2.pdf

396-cal-2000-granted-specification.pdf

396-cal-2000-priority document.pdf

396-cal-2000-translated copy of priority document.pdf

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Patent Number

208965

Indian Patent Application Number

396/CAL/2000

PG Journal Number

33/2007

Publication Date

17-Aug-2007

Grant Date

16-Aug-2007

Date of Filing

11-Jul-2000

Name of Patentee

MIT SUBISHI POLYESTER FILM GMBH

Applicant Address

190-196,D-65203WIESBADEN, GERMANY.

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	PEIFFER, HERBERT	D-55126 MAINZ GERMANY.
2	HILKERT,GOTTFRIED	SCHUETZENSTRASSE 12,D-55291 SAULHEIM,

PCT International Classification Number

B 32B 27/06

PCT International Application Number

N/A

PCT International Filing date

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	1993238404	1999-07-14	Germany