阅读说明：本技术 可固化的光致变色组合物 (Curable photochromic compositions ) 是由 M·F·哈雷 A·T·盖斯特里齐 D·诺尔斯 S·鲁宾逊 王峰 E·A·泽兹恩卡 L·K 于 2015-08-17 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种可固化光致变色组合物,包含：(a)第一组分,包含具有至少两个活性氢官能团且活性氢官能团当量重量为至少1000的第一化合物；(b)第二组分,包含多异氰酸酯和封端多异氰酸酯中的至少一种；和(c)至少一种光致变色化合物。第二组分的异氰酸酯和封端异氰酸酯的总当量与第一组分的总活性氢官能团当量的比率为至少4:1。(A curable photochromic composition comprising: (a) a first component comprising a first compound having at least two active hydrogen functional groups and an active hydrogen functional group equivalent weight of at least 1000; (b) a second component comprising at least one of a polyisocyanate and a blocked polyisocyanate; and (c) at least one photochromic compound. The ratio of the total equivalents of isocyanate and blocked isocyanate of the second component to the total equivalents of active hydrogen functional groups of the first component is at least 4: 1.)

1. A curable photochromic composition comprising:

(a) a first component comprising a first compound having at least two active hydrogen functional groups and an active hydrogen functional group equivalent weight of at least 1000;

(b) a second component comprising at least one of a polyisocyanate and a blocked polyisocyanate; and

(c) at least one photochromic compound selected from the group consisting of,

wherein the second component has a ratio of total equivalents of isocyanate and blocked isocyanate groups to total equivalents of active hydrogen functional groups of at least 4: 1.

2. The curable photochromic composition of claim 1 further comprising:

(d) a third component comprising a second compound having three or more active hydrogen functional groups and an active hydrogen functional group equivalent weight of less than or equal to 500.

3. The curable photochromic composition of claim 1, wherein the ratio of the total equivalents of isocyanate and blocked isocyanate groups to the total equivalents of active hydrogen functional groups of the second component is at least 5: 1.

4. The curable photochromic composition of claim 1, wherein the ratio of the total equivalents of isocyanate and blocked isocyanate groups to the total equivalents of active hydrogen functional groups of the second component is at most 50: 1.

5. The curable photochromic composition of claim 1 wherein the polyisocyanate of the second component (b) is selected from the group consisting of polyurea diisocyanates, blocked polyurea diisocyanates, polyurethane diisocyanates, blocked polyurethane diisocyanates, polythiourethane diisocyanates, blocked polythiourethane diisocyanates and combinations thereof.

6. The curable photochromic composition of claim 1 wherein the curable photochromic composition further comprises a prepolymer comprising the reaction product of (a) and (b).

7. The curable photochromic composition of claim 2, wherein the first compound and the second compound each independently comprise an active hydrogen functional group selected from a hydroxyl, a primary amine, a secondary amine, a thiol, or a combination thereof.

8. The curable photochromic composition of claim 2, wherein the first compound and/or the second compound each independently comprise a polyol.

9. The curable photochromic composition of claim 8, wherein the polyol of the first compound is independently selected from the group consisting of polyether polyols, polyester polyols, polycarbonate polyols, and combinations thereof.

10. The curable photochromic composition of claim 8, wherein the polyol of the second compound comprises an acrylic polyol.

11. The curable photochromic composition of claim 1 wherein the at least one photochromic compound (c) is an organic photochromic material selected from photochromic spirooxazines, benzopyrans, naphthopyrans, indenonaphthopyrans, fulgides, metal dithizonates, diarylethenes, or combinations thereof.

12. The curable photochromic composition of claim 1 wherein the first component forms a plurality of soft segment regions and the second component forms a plurality of hard segment regions when applied to a substrate and cured to form a coating.

13. The curable photochromic composition of claim 2 wherein the first component forms a plurality of soft segment domains and the second component and the third component together form a plurality of hard segment domains when applied to a substrate and cured to form a coating.

14. The curable photochromic composition of claim 12, wherein the plurality of soft segment domains have a Tg of from-10 ℃ to-150 ℃ and the plurality of hard segment domains have a Tg of from 0 ℃ to 150 ℃.

15. The curable photochromic composition of claim 12 wherein each of the plurality of soft segment regions has a size less than 300 nm.

16. The curable photochromic composition of claim 12 wherein each of the plurality of soft segment regions has a size less than 100 nm.

17. The curable photochromic composition of claim 12 wherein the at least one photochromic compound (c) is at least partially located in the plurality of soft segment regions formed by the first component.

18. The curable photochromic composition of claim 13, wherein the plurality of soft segment domains have a Tg of from-10 ℃ to-150 ℃ and the plurality of hard segment domains have a Tg of from 0 ℃ to 150 ℃.

19. The curable photochromic composition of claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of soft segment regions has a size less than 300 nm.

20. The curable photochromic composition of claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of soft segment regions has a size less than 100 nm.

21. The curable photochromic composition of claim 13, wherein the at least one photochromic compound (c) is at least partially located in the plurality of soft segment regions formed by the first component.

22. The curable photochromic composition of claim 1 wherein the coating exhibits at least 10N/mm when applied to a substrate and cured to form a coating²Fischer microhardness ofAnd (4) degree.

23. A photochromic article comprising:

(a) a substrate; and

(b) at least one coating layer formed from the curable photochromic composition of claim 1, said coating layer being located on at least a portion of said substrate.

24. The photochromic article of claim 23 wherein said substrate is an optical substrate.

25. The photochromic article of claim 23 wherein the ratio of the total equivalents of isocyanate and blocked isocyanate groups of the second component to the total equivalents of active hydrogen functional groups of the first component is at least 5: 1.

Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to curable photochromic compositions and photochromic articles having at least one coating layer formed from a curable photochromic composition.

Background

In response to radiation, photochromic compounds undergo a transition from one form or state to another. Typically, many photochromic compounds transform from a closed form corresponding to the unactivated state of the photochromic compound to an open form corresponding to the activated (or colored) state of the photochromic compound when exposed to actinic radiation. Such photochromic materials reversibly switch from an activated (or colored) state back to an unactivated (or bleached) state in the absence of exposure to actinic radiation. As such, photochromic compounds can be incorporated into the coating and applied to the substrate to provide a reversible color change upon exposure to radiation such as ultraviolet light.

Photochromic coatings are typically applied to optical articles to reduce the transmission of incident light into the eye due to their ability to change color when exposed to radiation. For example, photochromic coatings are commonly applied to sunglasses, vision correcting ophthalmic lenses, fashion lenses, such as over-the-counter and prescription lenses, sports masks, face shields, goggles, visors, camera lenses, windows and automobile windshields.

Photochromic coatings generally have a uniform polymer matrix and photochromic compounds uniformly distributed within the matrix. As the photochromic compound undergoes a conformational change upon exposure to radiation, the hardness of the matrix affects the rate at which the compound can exhibit photochromic activity. Thus, by reducing the hardness of the matrix, the rate of activation and deactivation of the photochromic compound can be increased. However, it would be desirable to improve photochromic performance without compromising the hardness of the coating itself.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention relates to a curable photochromic composition. The curable photochromic composition comprises: (a) a first component comprising a first compound having at least two active hydrogen functional groups and an active hydrogen functional group equivalent weight of at least 1000; (b) a second component comprising at least one of a polyisocyanate and a blocked polyisocyanate; and (c) at least one photochromic compound, wherein the composition has a ratio of total equivalents of isocyanate and blocked isocyanate to total equivalents of active hydrogen functional groups of at least 4: 1.

The present invention also relates to a photochromic article comprising (a) a substrate and (b) at least one coating layer formed from a curable photochromic composition located on at least a portion of the substrate.

Description of the invention

For the purposes of the following detailed description, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. Moreover, other than in any operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing, for example, quantities of ingredients used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties to be obtained by the present invention. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard variations found in their respective testing measurements.

Moreover, it should be understood that any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein. For example, a range of "1 to 10" is intended to include all sub-ranges between (and including) the recited minimum value of 1 and the recited maximum value of 10, i.e., having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1 and a maximum value of equal to or less than 10.

In this application, the use of the singular includes the plural and plural encompasses singular, unless specifically stated otherwise. In addition, in this application, the use of "or" means "and/or" unless specifically stated otherwise, although "and/or" may be explicitly used in some cases. In addition, in this application, the use of "a" or "an" means "at least one" unless specifically stated otherwise.

Unless otherwise indicated, all documents, such as, but not limited to, the issued patents and patent applications mentioned herein, are to be considered to be "incorporated by reference" herein in their entirety.

As used herein, the molecular weight values (e.g., weight average molecular weight (Mw) and number average molecular weight (Mn)) of a polymer are determined by gel permeation chromatography using suitable standards, such as polystyrene standards, and the glass transition temperature (Tg) is determined using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) or Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA).

As used herein, the polydispersity index (PDI) value represents the ratio of the weight average molecular weight (Mw) to the number average molecular weight (Mn) of the polymer (i.e., Mw/Mn).

As used herein, the term "active hydrogen functional group" refers to a functional group containing a hydrogen atom to the extent that the hydrogen atom exhibits significant reactivity with, for example, an isocyanate group (NCO). Non-limiting examples of active hydrogen functional groups include hydroxyl groups, primary amines, secondary amines, thiols (also known as thiols) and combinations thereof.

The term "active hydrogen functional group equivalent weight" refers to the average molecular weight of each active hydrogen functional group and may be determined according to art-recognized proceduresSuch as by¹H NMR or analytical titration.

"polyol" refers to an organic molecule having an average of greater than 1.0 hydroxyl groups per molecule. Thus, polycarbonate polyols, polyether polyols, polyester polyols, polyamide polyols, and the like refer to polycarbonate, polyether, polyester, and polyamide polymers having an average of greater than 1.0 hydroxyl groups (e.g., at least two hydroxyl groups).

As used herein, the term "polymer" refers to homopolymers (e.g., prepared from a single monomeric species), copolymers (e.g., prepared from at least two monomeric species), and graft polymers.

As used herein, "polyisocyanate" refers to a molecule comprising more than one isocyanate (NCO) functional group. "blocked polyisocyanates" means polyisocyanates in which the isocyanate groups have been blocked with blocking agents, such as beta-diketones, phenols, 3, 5-dimethylpyrazole, cresols, epsilon-caprolactam and methyl ethyl ketoxime, for example, which can be deblocked under certain conditions, such as elevated temperature.

As used herein, the term "(meth) acrylate" and similar terms, such as "(meth) acrylate" ((meth) acrylic acid ester), refer to methacrylate and/or acrylate. As used herein, the term "(meth) acrylic" refers to methacrylic and/or acrylic.

As used herein, "soft segment region" refers to a region having a glass transition temperature (Tg) equal to or less than-10 ℃. Further, "hard segment region" means a region having a Tg of at least 0 ℃.

As used herein, reference to a "straight or branched chain" group, such as a straight or branched chain alkyl group, is understood herein to include: methylene or methyl; straight-chain radicals, e.g. straight-chain C₂-C₃₆An alkyl group; and suitably branched radicals, e.g. branch C₃-C₃₆An alkyl group.

As used herein, the recitation of an "optionally substituted" group refers to groups including, but not limited to, alkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl and/or heteroaryl groups, where up toOne less hydrogen is optionally replaced or substituted with a non-hydrogen group such as, but not limited to, a halogen group (e.g., F, Cl, I, and Br), a hydroxyl group, an ether group, a thiol group, a thioether group, a carboxylic acid group, a carboxylate group, a phosphoric acid group, a phosphate group, a sulfonic acid group, a sulfonate group, a nitro group, a cyano group, a hydrocarbon group (including, but not limited to, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, including poly-fused-ring cycloalkyl and polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, including hydroxyl-substituted aryl, such as phenol, and including poly-fused-ring aryl, heteroaryl, including poly-fused-ring heteroaryl, and aralkyl group), and an amine group, such as N (R, I, and Br), an amine group, a hydroxyl group, an ether group, a thiol group, a thioether group, a carboxylic acid group, a carboxylate group, a phosphate group, a sulfonate group, a nitro group, a cyano group, a hydrocarbyl group, including, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an aryl group, a heteroaryl₁₁')(R₁₂') wherein R is₁₁' and R₁₂' may each be independently selected from hydrogen, straight or branched C₁-C₂₀Alkyl radical, C₃-C₁₂Cycloalkyl radical, C₃-C₁₂Heterocycloalkyl, aryl and heteroaryl.

The term "alkyl" as used herein refers to a straight or branched chain alkyl group, such as, but not limited to, straight or branched C₁-C₂₅Alkyl, or straight or branched C₁-C₁₀Alkyl, or straight or branched C₂-C₁₀An alkyl group. Examples of alkyl groups from which the various alkyl groups of the present invention may be selected include, but are not limited to, those previously described. The alkyl groups of the various compounds of the present invention may comprise one or more unsaturated bonds selected from-CH ═ CH-groups and/or one or more-C ≡ C-groups, provided that the alkyl group does not contain two or more conjugated unsaturated bonds. The alkyl groups may be free of unsaturated bonds, for example CH ═ CH groups and — C ≡ C-groups.

The term "cycloalkyl" as used herein refers to a suitable cyclic group such as, but not limited to, C₃-C₁₂Cycloalkyl (including but not limited to cyclic C)₅-C₇Alkyl groups). Examples of cycloalkyl groups include, but are not limited to, those previously described. The term "cycloalkyl" as used herein also includes bridged polycyclic alkyl groups (or bridged polycyclic alkyl groups), such as, but not limited to, bicyclo [2.2.1]Heptyl (or norbornyl) and bicyclo [2.2.2]Octyl; and fused ring polycyclic alkyl (or fused ring polycyclic alkyl such as, but not limited to, octahydro-1H-indenyl and decahydronaphthyl.

Such as bookThe term "heterocycloalkyl" as used herein refers to a suitably cyclic (having at least one heteroatom in the cyclic ring) group such as, but not limited to, C₃-C₁₂Heterocycloalkyl or C₅-C₇Heterocycloalkyl, and which has at least one heteroatom in a cyclic ring, such as, but not limited to, O, S, N, P, and combinations thereof. Examples of heterocycloalkyl groups include, but are not limited to, imidazolyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl and piperidinyl. The term "heterocycloalkyl" as used herein may also include: bridged polycyclic heterocycloalkyl, such as, but not limited to, 7-oxabicyclo [2.2.1]A heptyl group; and fused ring polycyclic heterocycloalkyl, such as, but not limited to, octahydrocyclopenta [ b]Pyranyl and octahydro 1H isochromenyl.

As used herein, the term "aryl" includes C₅-C₁₈Aryl radicals, e.g. C₅-C₁₀Aryl (and including polycyclic aryl, including polycyclic fused ring aryl). Representative aryl groups include, but are not limited to, phenyl, naphthyl, anthracenyl, and triptycenyl.

The term "heteroaryl" as used herein refers to an aryl group having at least one heteroatom in the ring, and includes, but is not limited to, C₅-C₁₈Heteroaryl, such as but not limited to C₅-C₁₀Heteroaryl (including fused ring polycyclic heteroaryl) and refers to aryl having at least one heteroatom in an aromatic ring, or in the case of fused ring polycyclic heteroaryl, at least one heteroatom in at least one aromatic ring. Examples of heteroaryl groups include, but are not limited to, furyl, pyranyl, pyridyl, isoquinoline, and pyrimidinyl.

As used herein, the term "fused ring polycyclic-aryl-alkyl" and similar terms, such as fused ring polycyclic-alkyl-aryl, fused ring polycyclic aryl-alkyl, and fused ring polycyclic alkyl-aryl, refer to fused ring polycyclic groups comprising at least one aryl ring and at least one cycloalkyl ring fused together to form a fused ring structure. For non-limiting illustrative purposes, examples of fused ring polycyclic-aryl-alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, indenyl, 9H-fluorenyl, cyclopenta-naphthylmethine, and indacenyl (indacenyl).

The term "aralkyl" as used hereinRadicals "include, but are not limited to, C₆-C₂₄Aralkyl, such as but not limited to C₆-C₁₀Aralkyl, and means aryl substituted with alkyl. Examples of aralkyl groups include, but are not limited to, those previously described herein.

Further, the term "alkylene" refers to a straight or branched chain divalent hydrocarbon group. Alkylene groups may include, but are not limited to, straight or branched C₁-C₃₀Divalent hydrocarbon radicals, or C, straight or branched₁-C₂₀Divalent hydrocarbon radicals, or C, straight or branched₁-C₁₀A divalent hydrocarbon group. The alkylene groups of the various compounds of the present invention may comprise one or more unsaturated bonds selected from-CH ═ CH-groups and/or one or more-C ≡ C-groups, provided that the alkylene groups do not contain two or more conjugated unsaturated bonds. Alternatively, the alkylene group does not contain any unsaturated bond, for example, CH ═ CH group and-C ≡ C-group.

The term "photochromic" refers to the ability to change color when exposed to radiant energy, for example, when exposed to visible light. Thus, a "photochromic composition" refers to a composition that is capable of changing color upon exposure to radiant energy, for example, when exposed to visible light.

The terms "curable", "curing", "cured" or similar terms, when used in conjunction with a curable or curable composition, are intended to mean that at least a portion of the polymerizable and/or crosslinkable components forming the curable composition are at least partially polymerized and/or crosslinked. The degree of crosslinking may be in the range of 5% to 100% of complete crosslinking. The degree of crosslinking may be from 30% to 95%, for example from 35% to 95%, or from 50% to 85% of the total crosslinking. The degree of crosslinking can range between any combination of the foregoing values, inclusive of the recited values, and can be determined according to art-recognized methods, such as, but not limited to, solvent extraction methods.

The term "substrate" refers to an article having at least one surface capable of holding a curable photochromic composition; that is, the substrate has a surface to which a curable photochromic composition can be applied. The shape of the substrate surface may include circular, flat, cylindrical, spherical, planar, substantially planar, plano-concave, and/or plano-convex, curved including but not limited to convex and/or concave.

The terms "optical," "optically clear," or similar terms refer to a specified material, e.g., substrate, film, coating, etc., that exhibits a light transmission value (transmits incident light) of at least 4% when measured at 550 nanometers, e.g., by a Haze Gard Plus Instrument, and exhibits a Haze value of less than 1%, e.g., a Haze value of less than 0.5%.

The phrase "at least partially coated" refers to covering a portion to the entire surface of a substrate with an amount of coating.

As previously mentioned, the present invention relates to a curable photochromic composition. The curable photochromic composition can include a first component having a first compound having at least two active hydrogen functional groups. Active hydrogen functional groups that may be used with the first compound include, but are not limited to, hydroxyl, primary amine, secondary amine, thiol (also known as thiol), and combinations thereof. The active hydrogen functional groups that may be used with the compositions of the present invention may have an active hydrogen equivalent weight of at least 1,000, at least 1,500, at least 2,000, at least 2,500, or at least 5,000.

Non-limiting examples of compounds that include at least two hydroxyl groups and that can be used as the first compound include various types of polyols that include at least two hydroxyl groups. The polyol may include, but is not limited to, polycarbonate polyols, polyether polyols, polyester polyols, and combinations thereof.

Suitable polycarbonate polyols may be obtained, for example, by separating a higher molecular weight polycarbonate-functional polyol from a mixture of polycarbonate-functional polyols having a high polydispersity index. For example, the polycarbonate-functional polyol may be obtained by separating a higher molecular weight polycarbonate-functional polyol, such as PC-1122, commercially available from Stahl USA, and ETERACOLL, all commercially available from Ube Chemical, from a mixture of aliphatic polycarbonate polyols^TMPH-200D, PH-200 and UH-200. Other suitable polycarbonate polyols are available under the trade name DURANOL^TMT5652 fromAsahi is commercially available.

The polycarbonate-functional polyol is purified by washing the mixture with methanol or other suitable solvent and removing low molecular weight components until the polydispersity index of the remaining sample is less than or equal to 1.50.

In addition, ester bonds may be added along the backbone of the polycarbonate polyol. Extension of polycarbonates with polyester functionality may use Lewis acid catalysts (such as, but not limited to, tin (II) ethylhexanoate, triethylaluminum, diphenyl phosphate, aluminum triisopropoxide, Borchi22 dibutyltin (IV) dilaurate, etc.) or an amine catalyst (such as, but not limited to, 1,3,4,6,7, 8-hexahydro-2H-pyrimido [1,2-a ]]Pyrimidine) is accomplished by Ring Opening Polymerization (ROP). Extending the molecular weight of polycarbonates includes the use of esters by simultaneously reacting the polycarbonate with a lactone using ROP in the presence of lewis acid catalysts such as those previously described.

Non-limiting examples of suitable polyether polyols include polyoxyalkylene polyols and polyalkoxylated polyols, such as poly (oxytetramethylene) glycol. Polyoxyalkylene polyols may be prepared according to methods known in the art, for example by condensing an alkylene oxide or mixture of alkylene oxides with a polyhydroxy initiator or mixture of polyhydroxy initiators (e.g., ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, sorbitol, etc.) using acid or base catalyzed addition. Exemplary alkylene oxides include ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide, tetrahydropyran, arylene oxide such as styrene oxide and halogenated alkylene oxide such as trichlorobutylene oxide. Examples of polyoxyalkylene polyols include polyoxyethylene having a molecular weight greater than 2000 (i.e., polyethylene glycol), polyoxypropylene having a molecular weight greater than 2000 (i.e., polypropylene glycol), polytetramethylene ether glycol, and combinations thereof. Ester linkages may also be added along the polyether polyol backbone using the aforementioned conditions. Non-limiting examples of commercially available polyether polyols include those under the trade name VORANOL^TMAvailable from Dow Chemicals under the trade nameAndfrom BASF, and trade namesAndthose available from Bayer.

Non-limiting examples of suitable polyester polyols may include those prepared with polyols and polycarboxylic acids, including, but not limited to, the polyols previously described. Non-limiting examples of suitable polycarboxylic acids include phthalic acid, isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid, trimellitic acid, tetrahydrophthalic acid, adipic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, fumaric acid, and combinations thereof. Anhydrides of the above acids, when present, may also be used and are encompassed by the term "polycarboxylic acid". In addition, certain materials that react in a manner similar to acids to form polyester polyols may also be used. Non-limiting examples of such materials include lactones such as caprolactone, propiolactone and butyrolactone, and hydroxy acids such as hydroxycaproic acid and dimethylolpropionic acid. Further, as used herein, polyester polyols may also include polyester polyols modified with fatty acids or fatty acid glyceride oils. Polyester polyols can also be prepared by reacting an alkylene oxide (e.g., ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, etc.) and a glycidyl ester of a tertiary carboxylic acid with methacrylic acid to form the corresponding ester. Suitable polyester polyols may also include polyester diols such as polycaprolactone diols. Non-limiting examples of commercially available polyester polyols include those available under the trade nameThose obtained from BASF, or under the trade nameThose available from Evonik industries, or under the trade nameAndthose obtained from Bayer.

As previously mentioned, the active hydrogen functional groups of the first compound may also include primary and/or secondary amine groups. As such, the first compound may include a polyamine compound. For example, the first compound may include, but is not limited to, polycarbonate amines, polyester amines, polyether amines, and combinations thereof.

Suitable polycarbonate amines and polyesteramines that can be used as the first compound can be synthesized using various methods known in the art. For example, suitable polycarbonate diamines may be prepared by using nitrophenyl functionalized initiators for ring opening of trimethylene carbonate followed by reduction to an amine, as described in Macromolecules, 1997,30,6074, which is incorporated herein by reference. In addition, suitable polyesterdiamines may be prepared by condensing a hydroxyl terminated polyester with an N-benzyloxycarbonyl amino acid, followed by catalytic hydrogenation to form an amine, as described in Bioconjugate Chemistry, 2002,13(5), 1159-.

Non-limiting examples of polyetheramines include those available under the trade nameD-2000，D-4000，ED-2003，T-5000 andSD-2001 is commercially available from Huntsman.

The photochromic composition may also include a second component containing a polyisocyanate and/or a blocked polyisocyanate in addition to the first component. The polyisocyanate may include aliphatic isocyanates, cycloaliphatic isocyanates, aromatic isocyanates, blocked aliphatic isocyanates, blocked cycloaliphatic isocyanates, blocked aromatic isocyanates, and combinations thereof.

Non-limiting examples of suitable polyisocyanates include toluene-2, 4-diisocyanate; toluene-2, 6-diisocyanate; diphenylmethane-4, 4' -diisocyanate; diphenylmethane-2, 4' -diisocyanate; p-phenylene diisocyanate; biphenyl diisocyanate; 3,3 '-dimethyl-4, 4' -diphenylene diisocyanate; tetramethylene-1, 4-diisocyanate; hexamethylene-1, 6-diisocyanate; 2,2, 4-trimethylhexane-1, 6-diisocyanate; 2,4, 4-trimethylhexane-1, 6-diisocyanate; lysine methyl ester diisocyanate; bis (isocyanatoethyl) fumarate; isophorone diisocyanate; ethylene diisocyanate; dodecane-1, 12-diisocyanate; cyclobutane-1, 3-diisocyanate; cyclohexane-1, 3-diisocyanate; cyclohexane-1, 4-diisocyanate; methylcyclohexyl diisocyanate; hexahydrotoluene-2, 4-diisocyanate; hexahydrotoluene-2, 6-diisocyanate; hexahydrophenylene-1, 3-diisocyanate; hexahydrophenylene-1, 4-diisocyanate; perhydrogenated diphenylmethane-2, 4' -diisocyanate; perhydrogenated diphenylmethane-4, 4' -diisocyanate; and combinations thereof.

The polyisocyanate may also include modified polyisocyanates. The term "modified" refers to the modification of polyisocyanates to introduce urea groups, carbodiimide groups, urethane groups, isocyanurate groups, thiourea groups, biuret groups and combinations thereof in a known manner. Non-limiting examples of modified polyisocyanates include polyurea diisocyanates, polyurethane diisocyanates, polythiourea diisocyanates, and combinations thereof. The modified polyisocyanate can be prepared by reacting any of the aforementioned polyisocyanates with difunctional materials including, but not limited to, polyols, amines, thiols and combinations thereof.

Non-limiting examples of polyols that can be reacted with the polyisocyanate to form the modified polyisocyanate include ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1, 4-butanediol, 1, 5-pentanediol, 1, 6-hexanediol, 1, 2-cyclohexanediol, 1, 4-cyclohexanediol, 2,2, 4-trimethyl-1, 3-pentanediol, 2-butyl-2-ethyl-1, 3-propanediol, 3-methyl-1, 5-pentanediol and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of amine-containing materials that can be reacted with the polyisocyanate to form the modified polyisocyanate include ethylenediamine, 1, 3-diaminopropane, 1, 4-diaminobutane, 1, 5-diaminopentane, 1, 6-hexanediamine, 1, 3-cyclohexanediamine, 1, 4-diaminocyclohexane, 1, 2-diaminocyclohexane, and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of thiol-containing materials that can be reacted with the polyisocyanate to form the modified polyisocyanate include 1, 2-ethanedithiol, 1, 3-propanedithiol, 1, 4-butanedithiol, 1, 5-pentanethiol, 1, 6-hexanedithiol, 2, 3-butanedithiol, 2,2' - (ethylenedioxy) diethylthiol, 3, 6-dioxa-1, 8-octanethiol, ethylene glycol di (3-mercaptopropionate), dimercaptodiethylsulfide (DMDS), and combinations thereof.

Additionally, amino-alcohols, amino-thiols, thiol-alcohols, diol-thioethers, and combinations thereof can also be reacted with polyisocyanates to form modified polyisocyanates. Non-limiting examples of aminoalcohols include ethanolamine, 3-amino-1-propanol, 4-amino-1-butanol, 5-amino-1-pentanol, 6-amino-1-hexanol, 3-amino-2-methylpropan-1-ol, 3-amino-2, 2-dimethyl-1-propanol, 3-aminobutan-1-ol, 1-amino-2-methylpropan-2-ol, 3-methylamino-1-propanol, 4-methylamino-1-butanol, 5-methylamino-1-pentanol, 6-methylamino-1-hexanol, and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of thiol-alcohols include 2-mercaptoethanol, 1-mercapto-2-propanol, 3-mercapto-1-propanol, 2-mercapto-3-butanol, 3-mercapto-3-methylbutan-1-ol; 4-mercapto-1-butanol and combinations thereof. In addition, amino-thiols can include, but are not limited to, cysteamine and 3-amino-1-propanethiol, and diol-thioethers can include, but are not limited to, 2' -thiodiethanol. Non-limiting examples of commercially available modified polyisocyanates include those available from BayerIsocyanates and products from Evonik IndustriesAn isocyanate.

Blocked polyisocyanates that can be used as the second component can be prepared by adding blocking groups such as beta-diketones, phenols, 3, 5-dimethylpyrazole, cresols, epsilon-caprolactam and/or methyl ethyl ketoxime to compounds containing free isocyanate functional groups such as any of the polyisocyanates described previously. Blocked polyisocyanates may also include those available under the trade name(e.g. usingBI 7950，BI 7951，BI 7960，BI 7961，BI 7963 andBI 7982) from Baxenden. Other commercially available blocked polyisocyanates include those available under the tradename(e.g. usingBL 3175A，BL 3272，BL 3370，BL 3475 andBL 4265SN) from Bayer.

The at least one photochromic compound combined with the first and second components may be chosen from inorganic and/or organic photochromic compounds. When two or more photochromic compounds are used in combination, they are generally selected to complement each other to produce a desired color or shade.

Non-limiting examples of organic photochromic compounds include benzopyrans, naphthopyrans (e.g., naphtho [1,2-b ] pyran and naphtho [2,1-b ] pyran) spiro-9-fluoreno [1,2-b ] pyran, phenanthropyrans, quino-lopyrans (quinopyrans), and indeno-fused naphthopyrans, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,645,767 at column 1, line 10 to column 12, line 57, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,658,501 at column 1, line 64 to column 13, line 36, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Additional non-limiting examples of organic photochromic compounds that can be used include oxazines, such as benzoxazines, naphthooxazines, and spirooxazines. Other non-limiting examples of photochromic compounds that can be used include: fulgides and fulgimides, such as 3-furyl and 3-thienyl fulgides and fulgimides as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,931,220 at column 20, line 5 to column 21, line 38, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; diarylethenes are described in U.S. patent application No. 2003/0174560 from paragraphs [0025] to [0086], the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; and combinations of any of the above photochromic compounds.

The photochromic compounds described herein can be incorporated into the curable composition by addition to the composition and/or by dissolving them in a solvent prior to addition to the curable composition. Photochromic compounds can be added to the compositions of the present invention in an amount sufficient to produce a desired change in optical density (Δ OD) when the cured composition is exposed to radiation, such as Ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

The curable photochromic composition can comprise at least 0.2 weight percent, at least 1 weight percent, or at least 5 weight percent of the photochromic compound. The curable photochromic composition may also comprise up to 12 weight percent, up to 10 weight percent, or up to 8 weight percent of a photochromic compound. The curable photochromic composition can also include a photochromic compound in a range such as 0.2 wt% to 12 wt% or 4 wt% to 8 wt%. The weight percent (wt%) of the photochromic compound is based in each case on the total solids weight of the curable photochromic composition.

The curable photochromic composition can also include a third component having a second compound with three or more active hydrogen functional groups and an equivalent weight of active hydrogen functional groups of less than or equal to 500, such as less than or equal to 450, or less than or equal to 400, or less than or equal to 350, or less than or equal to 300. The second compound can include various types of polyols, polyamines, polymercaptans, and combinations thereof, and has an active hydrogen functional group equivalent weight as previously described. For example, the second compound may include acrylic polyols, acrylic polyamines, and combinations thereof.

Acrylic polyols and polyamines that can be used as the second compound can be prepared from hydroxyl and amine containing (meth) acrylates. Examples of hydroxyl-containing (meth) acrylates include, but are not limited to, hydroxyethyl (meth) acrylate, hydroxypropyl (meth) acrylate, hydroxybutyl (meth) acrylate, hydroxymethyl ethyl (meth) acrylate, hydroxymethyl propyl (meth) acrylate, and combinations thereof. Examples of amine-containing (meth) acrylates include, but are not limited to, methacryloyl-L-lysine, N- (3-aminopropyl) methacrylamide, 2-aminoethyl methacrylate, 2- (tert-butylamino) ethyl (meth) acrylate, N- (2-aminoethyl) methacrylamide, and combinations thereof.

Non-limiting examples of polyols that may be used as the second compound include pentaerythritol, 2-hydroxymethyl-1, 3-propanediol, dipentaerythritol, 1,1, 1-tris (hydroxymethyl) ethane, 1,1, 1-tris (hydroxymethyl) propane, 2,2,6, 6-tetrakis (hydroxymethyl) cyclohexanol, and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of polyamines that can be used as the second compound of the third component include bis (3-aminopropyl) amine, triethylenetetramine, 1, 2-bis (3-aminopropylamino) ethane, tetraethylenepentamine, tris [2- (methylamino) ethyl ] amine, and combinations thereof.

As noted, polythiols can also be used as the second compound of the third component. Non-limiting examples of suitable polythiols include pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-mercaptopropionate), pentaerythritol tetrakis (2-mercaptoacetate), thioglycerol-bis (2-mercaptoacetate), trimethylolpropane tris (3-mercaptopropionate), trimethylolpropane tris (2-mercaptoacetate), and combinations thereof. U.S. patent application publication No. 2009/0176945, which is also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, discloses examples of polythiols.

In addition, a material having both a hydroxyl group and a thiol group may be used as the second compound. Non-limiting examples of such materials include glycerol bis (2-mercaptoacetate), glycerol bis (3-mercaptopropionate), 1, 3-dimercapto-2-propanol, 2, 3-dimercapto-1-propanol, trimethylolpropane bis (2-mercaptoacetate), trimethylolpropane bis (3-mercaptopropionate), pentaerythritol bis (2-mercaptoacetate), pentaerythritol tris (2-mercaptoacetate), pentaerythritol bis (3-mercaptopropionate), pentaerythritol tris (3-mercaptopropionate), and combinations thereof.

The curable photochromic compositions of the present invention may contain other components that impart desired properties or characteristics to the composition or are used to apply and cure the photochromic composition into a coating on the surface of a substrate. Such components include, but are not limited to, ultraviolet light absorbers, light stabilizers such as Hindered Amine Light Stabilizers (HALS), asymmetric diaryloxalamide (oxalanilide) compounds, singlet oxygen quenchers, antioxidants, heat stabilizers, rheology control agents, leveling agents, free radical scavengers, colorants, adhesion promoters such as trialkoxysilanes, and mixtures thereof. Catalysts may also be added to the composition as needed to effect the chemical reaction of curing.

The first component, the second component, the at least one photochromic compound, and optionally other components described herein (e.g., a third component) can be combined in one step to form a curable photochromic composition. Alternatively, a portion of the first component and a portion of the second component may be reacted with an excess of the second component or the first component, respectively, to form an isocyanate functional prepolymer or an active hydrogen functional prepolymer. The prepolymer can then be combined with the remaining first and/or second components, at least one photochromic compound, and optionally other components described herein (e.g., a third component) to form a curable photochromic composition. For example, the diol may be reacted with an excess of polyisocyanate or blocked polyisocyanate, e.g., an isocyanate to diol molar ratio of greater than 1:1, to form an isocyanate functional urethane prepolymer. The isocyanate functional prepolymer may then be combined with additional diols, at least one photochromic compound, and optionally additional components described herein (e.g., a third component) to form a curable photochromic composition.

Further, the first and second components can be combined to form a curable photochromic composition in which the ratio of the total equivalents of isocyanate and blocked isocyanate of the second component to the total equivalents of active hydrogen functional groups of the first component is at least 4:1, at least 5:1, at least 6:1, at least 7:1, at least 8:1, at least 9:1, at least 10:1, or at least 15: 1. the first and second components may also be combined to form a curable photochromic composition, wherein the ratio of the total equivalents of isocyanate and blocked isocyanate of the second component to the total equivalents of active hydrogen functional groups of the first component is up to 100:1, 50:1, at most 30: 1, at most 25: 1, at most 20: 1. the first and second components can be further combined to form a curable photochromic composition in which the ratio of the total equivalents of isocyanate and blocked isocyanate of the second component to the total equivalents of active hydrogen functional groups of the first component ranges, for example, from 4:1 to 100:1, or 5:1 to 30: 1, or 6:1 to 20: 1.

as used herein, the recitation of "total active hydrogen-functional equivalents of the first component" means the total equivalents of active hydrogen functional groups of the first component. As used herein, the recitation of "total active hydrogen functional equivalents of the third component" refers to the total equivalents of active hydrogen functional groups of the third component. As previously described herein, active hydrogen functional groups can include, but are not limited to, hydroxyl, primary amine, secondary amine, thiol, and combinations thereof. Further, as used herein, the recitation of "the total equivalents of isocyanate and blocked isocyanate of the second component" refers to the sum of the isocyanate equivalents and blocked isocyanate equivalents of the second component.

Additionally, the first, second and third components may be combined to form a curable photochromic composition in which the ratio of the total equivalents of isocyanate and blocked isocyanate of the second component to the total equivalents of active hydrogen functional groups of the first and third components is at least 4:1, at least 5:1, at least 6:1, at least 7:1, at least 8:1, at least 9:1, at least 10:1 or at least 15: 1. The first, second and third components may also be combined to form a curable photochromic composition wherein the ratio of the total equivalents of isocyanate and blocked isocyanate of the second component to the total equivalents of active hydrogen functional groups of the first and third components is up to 40: 1, at most 30: 1, at most 25: 1, at most 20: 1. the first, second and third components may be further combined to form a curable photochromic composition wherein the ratio of the total equivalents of isocyanate and blocked isocyanate of the second component to the total equivalents of active hydrogen functional groups of the first and third components is in the range of 4:1 to 40: 1, or 5:1 to 30: 1, or 6:1 to 20: 1.

after forming the curable photochromic composition, the composition can be applied to a surface of a substrate and cured to form a coating layer on at least a portion of the substrate, thereby forming a photochromic article. Non-limiting examples of suitable substrates include paper, glass, ceramic, wood, masonry, textiles, metals, and polymeric organic host materials. Photochromic coatings are particularly useful when applied to optical substrates (e.g., optical substrates made from glass, minerals, ceramics, and metals).

Polymeric substrates useful in preparing the photochromic articles of the present invention include organic polymeric materials and inorganic materials, such as glass. As used herein, the term "glass" is defined as a polymeric substance, such as a polymeric silicate. The glass substrate may be a transparent, low-tint transparent glass, such as the well-known silica-type glass, particularly soda-lime-silica glass. The properties and compositions of various silica glasses are well known in the art. The glass may be strengthened by thermal tempering or chemical tempering.

Non-limiting examples of polymeric organic substrates include plastic materials that are chemically compatible with the photochromic coating applied to the surface of the substrate. Polymeric organic substrates can be prepared from art-recognized polymers useful as optical substrates, for example, organic optical resins for preparing optically clear castings (e.g., ophthalmic lenses) for optical applications.

The photochromic compositions of the present invention can be applied to the surface of a substrate by any method standard in the art, such as spin coating, printing, spray coating, electrostatic spraying, dip coating, roll coating, brush coating, curtain coating, and the like.

The photochromic compositions of the present invention may also be used alone or in combination with additional layers. For example, the coating composition may be applied over a primer coating. "primer coating" refers to a coating composition from which a base coating (undercoating) can be deposited onto a substrate in order to prepare a surface for application to a protective or decorative coating system.

The coatings described herein were found to comprise a plurality of soft segment regions formed from a first component and a plurality of hard segment regions formed from a second component. When the composition includes the previously described third component, the third component may also form part of the hard segment region of the cured coating. As such, the curable photochromic composition can be applied to a substrate and cured to form a phase separated coating. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the photochromic compound is at least partially present in the plurality of soft segment regions of the cured coating.

The plurality of soft segment regions may have a size of less than 300 nanometers (nm), less than 250nm, less than 200nm, less than 150nm, or less than 100 nm. For example, the size of the region is determined by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), or Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The plurality of soft segment regions can also have a glass transition temperature (Tg) of equal to or less than-10 ℃, or equal to or less than-50 ℃, or equal to or less than-100 ℃. The plurality of soft segment regions may have a Tg as low as-150 ℃. The plurality of soft segment regions can also have a Tg ranging, for example, from-10 ℃ to-150 ℃.

The plurality of hard segment regions may have a Tg of at least 0 ℃, at least 50 ℃, at least 100 ℃, or at least 125 ℃. The plurality of hard segment regions may have a Tg of at most 150 ℃. The plurality of hard segment regions may also have a Tg range, for example, from 0 ℃ to 150 ℃. For example, the Tg may be determined by Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) or Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC).

Further, the coating formed from the photochromic composition can exhibit at least 10N/mm²At least 25N/mm²At least 50N/mm²Or at least 100N/mm²Fischer microhardness of (d). The coating may also exhibit up to 125N/mm²Or at most 150N/mm²Fischer microhardness of (d). Fischer microhardness was determined using a Fischer scope H100SMC pin microhardness instrument according to the specifications described in the Fischer scope H100SMC manual ("Fischer microhardness test").

As noted, the present invention also relates to a photochromic article comprising a substrate (e.g., an optical substrate) and at least one photochromic coating layer as described herein on at least a portion of the substrate. The photochromic articles of the present invention can be used in a variety of applications. For example, photochromic articles can be designed for use on transparent (e.g., optical, plastic, or glass) substrates intended for ophthalmic applications such as vision correction lenses, solar lenses and goggles, commercial and residential windows, automotive and aircraft transparencies, helmets, transparent films, and the like.

In addition, the photochromic articles of the present invention may be used in combination with: plastic or glass films and sheets, optical devices (e.g., optical switches), display devices and memory storage devices (e.g., those described in U.S. patent No. 6,589,452), and security elements such as optically readable data media (e.g., those described in U.S. patent application No. 2002/0142248), security elements in the form of threads or stripes as described in U.S. patent No. 6,474,695, and security elements in the form of authentication marks that can be placed on security documents and articles of manufacture.

The general principle of the invention is illustrated by the examples given below. The present invention should not be considered limited to the particular examples given. All parts and percentages in the examples are by weight unless otherwise indicated.

Example 1

Preparation of polyester polycarbonate diol

Polyester polycarbonate diols were prepared from the components listed in table 1.

TABLE 1

¹Polycarbonate diols available from UBE Industries.

The components listed in Table 1 were charged to a 500ml four-necked round bottom flask equipped with a mechanical stirrer and a Dean-Stark trap. The mixture was heated to 140 ℃ under nitrogen and stirred for 1 hour. The reaction was brought to 180 ℃ and stirred for a further 1 hour. Then, the temperature was raised to 200 ℃ and stirred for 11 hours. The reaction was cooled to 120 ℃ under nitrogen and then to room temperature to give a polyester polycarbonate diol having a number average molecular weight (Mn) of 7,850 and a polydispersity of 2.02. The acid value was less than 0.19mg KOH/g (on a solids basis), and the hydroxyl equivalent weight based on solids was 2,318.

Example 2

Preparation of polycarbonate diol

Polycarbonate diols are prepared according to the preparation of polycarbonate polyol B (PP-B) in example section 1 of column 19, lines 47-59 of U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,988, incorporated herein by reference. The polycarbonate diol has a hydroxyl equivalent weight of 1810 (on a solids basis). The final resin was reduced to 60% solids with dipropylene glycol methyl ether acetate (DPMA).

Example 3

Preparation of active hydrogen functional prepolymers

An active hydrogen functional prepolymer was prepared from the components listed in table 2.

TABLE 2

²Polycarbonate diols available from Asahi Kasei Chemicals corporation.

³Isocyanates available from Evonik Industries.

⁴Bismuth catalysts available from King Industries inc.

According to Table 1, the followingT5652A was reacted under nitrogen with N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone andTMDI was mixed for 15 minutes and then added348. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour, then heated to 80 ℃ for 3 hours until all free isocyanate was consumed as determined by FTIR spectroscopy. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature, and the resulting transparent viscous polymer solution was collected. The final product had a number average molecular weight (Mn) of 16,600, a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of 32,200, and a total solids content of 59.7%. The theoretical active hydrogen equivalent weight on a solids basis for this material is 5,011.

Example 4

Preparation of isocyanate functional prepolymers

Reactive isocyanate functional prepolymers were prepared from the components listed in table 3.

TABLE 3

According to Table 3, the polycarbonate diol of example B was added dropwiseTMDI and dibutyltin dilaurate in a 40 ℃ solution, followed by rinsing with di (propylene glycol) methyl ether acetate. The solution was heated to 60 ℃ for 1.5 hours. The 3, 5-dimethylpyrazole was then added in portions until no isocyanate was observed by FTIR spectroscopy. The reaction mixture was cooled to give a viscous oil with a solids content of 73% (1 h, 120 ℃). The polymer fraction had a number average molecular weight (Mn) of 7,390 and a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of 9,850. The isocyanate equivalent weight on solids basis for the sample was 400.

Example 5

Preparation of polyurea polyurethane diisocyanates

Preparation of polyurea polyurethane diisocyanates from the components set forth in Table 4

TABLE 4

According to Table 4, a solution of hexafluoropentanediol, hexamethylenediamine and 3, 5-dimethylpyrazole in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone was added dropwise at 40 ℃TMDI and dibutyltin dilaurate. After washing with N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, the reaction mixture was stirred at 65 ℃ for 2 hours. Additional 3, 5-dimethylpyrazole was then added in portions until no isocyanate was observed by FTIR spectroscopy. The reaction mixture was cooled to give a viscous oil with a solids content of 68%. The isocyanate equivalent weight on solids basis for the sample was 410.

Examples 6 to 16

Preparation of curable photochromic compositions

Curable photochromic compositions were prepared from the components listed in tables 5 and 6. All components are listed in parts by weight (parts per weight) and the amounts in feed 2 are listed only as solid components.

TABLE 5

TABLE 6

⁵A blend of photochromic indeno-fused naphthopyran dyes designed to provide a gray green color.

⁶Hindered amine light stabilizers commercially available from BASF.

⁷A stabilizer corresponding to compound 23 of U.S. patent No. 4,198,334.

⁸Antioxidants commercially available from BASF.

⁹A polycarbonate diol having an average equivalent weight of 983 commercially available from Ube Chemicals.

¹⁰Purchased from Sigma-aldrich inc, having a Mn of 12,000, and a hydroxyl equivalent weight of 6,000.

¹¹Gamma-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, available from OSi Specialties.

¹²From hydroxypropyl methacrylate (40.4%), butyl methacrylate (57.6%) and acrylic acid (2.0%) as freePrepared by radical polymerization and having a number average molecular weight (Mn) of 5500 as determined by GPC using polystyrene standards and tetrahydrofuran diluent. The hydroxyl equivalent weight (based on solids) was 360. Dipropylene glycol methyl ether acetate was used to reduce the material to 61% solids.

¹³Blocked hexamethylene diisocyanate available from Baxenden Chemical co.

¹⁴Polyether modified dimethylpolysiloxane copolymer available from BYK-Chemie.

¹⁵Total solvent from the starting materials.

For each of the coating compositions shown in tables 5 and 6, the components of feed 1 were added to a suitable vessel with stirring and heated to 40-60 ℃ for at least 30 minutes until the solids dissolved. The ingredients of feed 2 were combined, mixed well, and then added to the solution of feed 1. Before use, the resulting mixture was placed on a container obtained from Wheaton Industries, inc348923-A bench top Roller (Benchtop Roller) for at least six hours. The centiequivalent (cEq) and the resulting NCO to active hydrogen ratio for each example are shown in Table 7.

TABLE 7

¹⁶The first component of comparative example 6 contained a polyol with an equivalent weight of 983.

Example 17

Application of photochromic coatings

The compositions of examples 6-9 and 11-16 were each applied to a diameter of 76 mmCoatedPolycarbonate plano lenses. The composition of example 10 was applied to a 2 "x 2" CR-39 sheet (chip) obtained from Homalite, Wilmington, Delaware. All substrates were treated with oxygen plasma at an oxygen flow rate of 100 milliliters (mL)/minute for three minutes at 100 watts of power before being coated via a spin-coating process from the compositions of examples 6-16. About 1-2mL of each composition was dispensed onto a substrate and then spun for 8 seconds at a spin speed sufficient to deposit 0.25-0.35g of wet coating on the lens or about 0.15-0.19g of wet coating on a CR39 plaque. Spin coating parameters are shown in table 8 below.

TABLE 8

The coated substrates were made in duplicate and designated as group "a" and group "B". The coated substrate was then placed in a 40 ℃ oven until all of the lenses or flakes had accumulated. The sheet or lens was then cured in a forced air oven at 125 ℃ for 1 hour, followed by cooling to room temperature. The lenses and plaques of group "a" were subjected to an additional heat cure at 105 ℃ for three hours and left for evaluation. The lenses and platelets of group "B" were further treated with oxygen plasma as previously described and coated with a protective coating according to the formulation reported in table 1 of example 1 of U.S. patent No. 7,410,691 (which is incorporated herein by reference) using an additional 0.5% polybutyl acrylate. The protective coating was applied by spin coating and UV cured in an EyeUV oven fitted with a D bulb. Thereafter, each lens or sheet was further cured at 105 ℃ for three hours. The lenses and plaques of group "B" were then evaluated for photochromic properties.

Example 18

Microhardness and photochromic Performance evaluation

Microhardness testing was performed on the coated substrates of group "a" of example 17 using Fischer scope HCV, Model H100SMC available from Fischer Technology, inc. Each lens was measured 2 to 5 times and the resulting data averaged. The hardness measurement was taken as the hardness at a penetration depth of 2 μm under a load of 100N for 15 seconds.

In addition, the coated substrates of group "B" of example 17 were tested for photochromic performance on a photochromic Measuring station (Bench for Measuring photochromomics, BMP), manufactured by esilor, ltd. During the test, the optical bench was maintained at a constant temperature of 73.4 ° F (23 ℃). Each coated lens was exposed to 365 nm uv light at a distance of about 14 cm for about 10 minutes to activate the photochromic material before testing on the optical bench. Use ofModel Li-1800 spectroradiometer measured UVA (315 to 380nm) irradiance at the lens, and found 22.2 watts per square meter. Each lens was then placed under a 500 watt high intensity halogen lamp for about 10 minutes at a distance of about 36 centimeters to bleach (deactivate) the photochromic material. Use ofThe spectroradiometer measured the illuminance of the lens, which was found to be 21.9 Klux. Each lens was then kept in a dark environment at room temperature (from 70 to 75F, or 21 to 24 c) for at least 1 hour prior to testing on the optical bench. Before the measurement, the ultraviolet absorbance at 390 nm of each lens was measured.

The BMP optical bench was fitted with two 150 watt Newport Model #6255 xenon arc lamps placed at right angles to each other. The light path from the lamp 1 being directed through 3mmKG-2 bandpass filter and appropriate neutral densityAn optical filter that contributes to the desired level of ultraviolet and partially visible light irradiance. The light path from the lamp 2 being directed through 3mmA KG-2 band-pass filter,a short-band 400nm cut-off filter and appropriate neutral density filters to provide supplemental visible illumination. The two beams were mixed with a 2 inch x 2 inch 50% bohr-point beam splitter set at 45 ° to each lamp. A combination of a neutral density filter and voltage control of the xenon arc lamp is used to adjust the intensity of the irradiance. Software (i.e., BMPSoft version 2.1 e) was used on the BMP to control timing, irradiance, chamber (air cell) and sample temperature, shut down (shuttering), filter selection and response measurements. Using cables with optical fibres for light transmission through lensesThe spectrophotometer, Model MCS 601, performs the response and color measurements. Photopic (photopic) response measurements were collected on each lens.

The power output of the optical bench, i.e. the dose of light to which the lens is exposed, is adjusted to 6.7 watts per square meter (W/m)²) UVA (integrated from 315 nm to 380nm) and 50Klux illumination (integrated from 380nm to 780 nm). The power set point was measured using an irradiance probe and a calibrated Zeiss spectrophotometer. The lens sample chamber is equipped with a quartz window and a self-centering sample holder. The temperature in the sample chamber was controlled at 23 ℃ by software using a modified FacisFX-10 type environmental simulator. The measurement of the dynamic photochromic response and color measurement of the sample were performed using the same Zeiss spectrophotometer with the fiber optic cable used to transport light from the tungsten halogen lamp through the sample. The collimated monitoring beam from the fiber optic cable remains perpendicular to the test sample as it passes through the sample and is directed into a receiving fiber optic cable assembly attached to the spectrophotometer. The exact position in the sample chamber where the sample is placed is the activated xenon arc beam and the monitorWhere the light beams intersect to form concentric circles of light. The incident angle of the xenon arc beam at the sample placement point is ≈ 30 ° from the vertical direction.

The response measure is determined in terms of the change in optical density (× OD) from the unactivated or bleached state to the activated or colored state by establishing an initial unactivated transmittance, opening the shutter of the xenon lamp and measuring the transmittance by activation at selected time intervals. The change in optical density is determined according to the following formula: OD log₁₀(% Tb/% Ta), where% Tb is the percent transmittance in the bleached state, and% Ta is the percent transmittance in the activated state. Optical density measurements are based on photopic optical density.

The results of microhardness and photochromic properties are shown in table 9.Δ OD at saturation is 15 minutes after activation, and the decay Half-Life (Fade Half Life) ("T1/2") value is the time interval (in seconds) after the activating light source is removed for the Δ OD of the activated form of the photochromic material in the coating to reach Half the Δ OD at fifteen minutes at 73.4 ° F (23 ℃).

TABLE 9

As shown in table 9, the photochromic coatings of examples 8-16 having an NCO to OH ratio of at least 4:1 to the photochromic coatings having an NCO to OH ratio of less than 4: comparative examples 6 and 7 having an NCO to OH ratio of 1 showed excellent photochromic properties and good hardness as compared with each other.

Example 19

Dynamic mechanical analysis

Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) of examples 6,7, 9 and 16 were evaluated in tensile film mode using a TA Instruments 2980DMA device. The amplitude was set at 20 μm, the preload force was 0.01N, the force track was 150% and the frequency was 1 Hz. The temperature cycle was chosen to be-100 to 175 ℃ with a heating rate of 3 ℃/min. A clamping force of 20cNm was used. The sample size was 15mm by 6.4mm and the thickness was 20-30 μm. The DMA results are shown in Table 10.

Watch 10

Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) can relate to miscibility of polymer blends. Two separate Tg peaks mean a heterogeneous system in which the two polymers are present as separate phases. A single peak indicates that the polymer blend is completely miscible. There is a continuum between these two states. As shown in table 10, comparative examples 6 and 7 show the shoulders as low Tg materials. Example 9 shows a more pronounced peak at low Tg, indicating increased separation between hard and soft polymer regions. Example 16 shows a greater degree of phase separation, as evidenced by the increased separation between its two peaks.

The invention also relates to the following.

Item 1: a curable photochromic composition comprising: (a) a first component comprising a first compound having at least two active hydrogen functional groups and an active hydrogen functional group equivalent weight of at least 1000; (b) a second component comprising at least one of a polyisocyanate and a blocked polyisocyanate; and (c) at least one photochromic compound, wherein the ratio of the total equivalents of isocyanate and blocked isocyanate of the second component to the total equivalents of active hydrogen functional groups of the first component is at least 4: 1.

Item 2: the curable photochromic composition of item 1 further comprising: (d) a third component comprising a second compound having three or more active hydrogen functional groups and an active hydrogen functional group equivalent weight of less than or equal to 500, wherein the ratio of the total equivalents of isocyanate and blocked isocyanate of the second component to the total active hydrogen functional group equivalents of the first and third components is at least 4: 1.

Item 3: the curable photochromic composition of item 1 wherein the ratio of the total equivalents of isocyanate and blocked isocyanate of the second component to the total equivalents of active hydrogen functional groups of the first component is at least 5: 1.

Item 4: the curable photochromic composition of item 1 wherein the ratio of the total equivalents of isocyanate and blocked isocyanate of the second component to the total equivalents of active hydrogen functional groups of the first component is at most 50: 1.

Item 5: the curable photochromic composition of any one of items 1 to 4 wherein the second component (b) comprises a polyurea diisocyanate, a blocked polyurea diisocyanate, a polyurethane diisocyanate, a blocked polyurethane diisocyanate, a polythiourethane diisocyanate, a blocked polythiourethane diisocyanate, or a combination thereof.

Item 6: the curable photochromic composition of any one of items 1 to 5 wherein the curable photochromic composition comprises a prepolymer comprising the reaction product of (a) and (b).

Item 7: the curable photochromic composition of any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the first compound and the second compound each independently comprise an active hydrogen functional group selected from a hydroxyl, a primary amine, a secondary amine, a thiol, or a combination thereof.

Item 8: the curable photochromic composition of any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the first compound and/or the second compound each independently comprise a polyol.

Item 9: the curable photochromic composition of any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the polyol of the first compound is independently selected from a polyether polyol, a polyester polyol, a polycarbonate polyol, or a combination thereof.

Item 10: the curable photochromic composition of any one of items 2 to 9 wherein the polyol of the second compound comprises an acrylic polyol.

Item 11: the curable photochromic composition of any one of items 1 to 10, wherein the at least one photochromic compound is an organic photochromic material selected from photochromic spirooxazines, benzopyrans, naphthopyrans, indenonaphthopyrans, fulgides, metal dithizonates, diarylethenes, or a combination thereof.

Item 12: the curable photochromic composition of any one of items 1 to 11 wherein the first component forms a plurality of soft segment regions and the second component forms a plurality of hard segment regions when applied to a substrate and cured to form a coating.

Item 13: the curable photochromic composition of any one of items 2 to 12 wherein the first component forms a plurality of soft segment regions and the second and third components together form a plurality of hard segment regions when applied to a substrate and cured to form a coating.

Item 14: the curable photochromic composition of any one of items 12 to 13, wherein the plurality of soft segment regions has a Tg of from-10 ℃ to-150 ℃ and the plurality of hard segment regions has a Tg of from 0 ℃ to 150 ℃.

Item 15: the curable photochromic composition of any one of items 12-14, wherein each of the plurality of soft segment regions has a size less than 300 nm.

Item 16: the curable photochromic composition of any one of items 12 to 14, wherein each of the plurality of soft segment regions has a size of less than 100 nm.

Item 17: the curable photochromic composition of any one of items 12-16, wherein the at least one photochromic compound is at least partially located in the plurality of soft segment regions formed by the first component.

Item 18: the curable photochromic composition of any one of items 1 to 17 wherein the coating exhibits at least 10N/mm when applied to a substrate and cured to form a coating²Fischer microhardness of (d).

Item 19: a photochromic article comprising: (a) a substrate; and (b) at least one coating layer formed from the composition of any of items 1-18, the coating layer being located on at least a portion of the substrate.

Item 20: the photochromic article of item 19, wherein the substrate is an optical substrate.

Item 21: the photochromic article of any one of items 19 to 20 wherein the ratio of the total equivalents of isocyanate and blocked isocyanate of the second component to the total equivalents of active hydrogen functional groups of the first component is at least 5: 1.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been described above for purposes of illustration, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that numerous variations of the details of the present invention may be made without departing from the invention as defined in the appended claims.