Polymeric compositions

Synthetic resins and cellulose derivatives are stabilized against ultraviolet light by incorporating therein at least one monoazo compound of the formula: wherein A is a benzene nucleus carrying at least one negative substituent and X and Y stand for -CN, -COCH3, -CONH2 or -COO alkyl containing up to 4 carbon atoms in the alkyl group. In a modification the monoazo compound may be a metal complex of the formula: where M represents a metal ion such as chromium or nickel. Synthetic resins mentioned are polystyrene, polythene, polyvinyl chloride, polymethylmethacrylate, phenol-, urea- or melamine-aldehyde condensation products, polyamides, polyesters, solid or cellular polyurethanes, alkyd resins and butadiene polymers. The cellulosic material may be regenerated cellulose or cellulose ethers or esters. The monoazo compound may be incorporated in the resin or cellulosic material as a powder by dry mixing, or added as a solution or dispersion to the molten polymers, or to solutions or dispersions of the polymeric material. In the case of synthetic resins the monoazo compound may be added to the monomers prior to polymerization. Other ingredients such as pigments, e.g. Waxoline Red, fillers such as titanium dioxide, plasticizers, e.g. dimethylphthalate and solvents may be added. Specified monoazo compounds are ethyl-2 : 5-dichlorophenylazocyanacetate, diethyl - 3 - or 4 - sulphonamidophenylazomalonate, dimethyl - or diethyl - 2-or 3 - carboxyphenylazomalonate, the calcium salt of ethyl 2-carboxy-5-chloro-phenylazocyanacetate or methyl-4-chloro-phenylazoacetoacetate, dimethyl - 4 - diethylsulphonamidophenylazomalonate, the barium salt of ethyl2 - carboxyphenylazocyanacetate, n - butyl - 4-chlorophenylazocyanacetate, the reaction product of chromium acetate and diethyl-2-carboxyphenylazomalonate or diethyl-2-carboxy4 - chlorophenylazomalonate and ethyl - 2-carboxyphenylazocyanacetate. The stabilized compositions may be made into films, moulded, extruded or used as coatings or in laminates.