COLOUR CHANGE COMPOSITION AND COMPOUNDS

Abstract

The invention provides a colour change composition containing an electron donating organic colouring compound, an electron accepting compound and a compound of formula (I): wherein E is an ester linkage O—CO or —CO2, R is independently selected from an optionally substituted linear or branched alkyl group, alkenyl cycloalkyl group, alkenyl group, alkoxy group, aryl and alkylene aryl group having from 6 to 22 carbon atoms; Y.sub.1 Y.sub.2 X.sub.1 and X2 are independently selected from hydrogen, R′, —OR′ and halogen; wherein R′ is independently selected from an optionally substituted linear or branched alkyl group, alkenyl group, alkoxy group, aryl group and an alkylene aryl group; having from 5 to 22 carbon atoms; r and p each represent and integer from 0 to 3. The compound of formula (I) and compositions of the invention are useful in providing a colour change effect, in memory compositions and visual indicators, particularly in security and healthcare applications.

##STR00001##

Claims

1. A colour change composition comprising: A) an electron donating organic colouring compound, B) an electron accepting compound and C) a compound of formula (I): ##STR00014## wherein: E is an ester linkage O—CO— or —CO2, R is independently selected from an optionally substituted linear or branched alkyl group, alkenyl cycloalkyl group, alkenyl group, alkoxy group, aryl and alkylene aryl group; having from 4 to 22 carbon atoms; Y.sub.1 Y.sub.2 X.sub.1 and X.sub.2 are independently selected from hydrogen, R′, —OR′ and halogen; wherein R′ is independently selected from an optionally substituted linear or branched alkyl group, alkenyl group, alkoxy group, aryl group and an alkylene aryl group; having from 1 to 22 carbon atoms; and r and p each represent and integer from 0 to 3.

2. The colour change composition of claim 1 wherein the compound (I) has a formula (II): ##STR00015## wherein R is of formula C.sub.nH.sub.2n+1 and n is selected from 1 to 22, preferably from 4 to 18.

3. The colour change composition of claim 1 further comprising a modifier compound D) selected from a fatty ester, a fatty alcohol and a wax.

4. The colour change composition of claim 1 comprising two or more compounds C).

5. The colour change composition of claim 1 which has a hysteresis range from 10 to 80° C.

6. The colour change composition of claim 1 which has a fully coloured or decoloured temperature T4 higher than ambient temperature and, respectively, a fully decolored or coloured temperature T1 lower than 20° C.

7. (canceled)

8. The colour change composition of claim 1 further comprising a colour change product which irreversibly changes colour at a temperature which is below the T4 temperature of the colour change composition.

9. The colour change composition of claim 8, wherein the colour change product is in the form of a microencapsulated pigment.

10. (canceled)

11. A compound of formula (III): ##STR00016## wherein R is independently selected from an optionally substituted linear or branched alkyl group, having from 6 to 22 carbon atoms; Y.sub.1 Y.sub.2 X.sub.1 and X.sub.2 are independently selected from hydrogen, R′, —OR′ and halogen wherein R′ is independently selected from an optionally substituted linear or branched alkyl group, alkenyl group, alkoxy group, aryl group and an alkylene aryl group; having from 1 to 22 carbon atoms; r and p each represent and integer from 0 to 3.

12. The compound of claim 11 wherein R is independently selected from C.sub.4-22 alkyl, C.sub.1-22 alkylene and phenyl.

13. The compound of claim 11 wherein Y.sub.1, Y.sub.2, X.sub.1, X.sub.2 are independently selected from hydrogen and C.sub.1-6 alkyl.

14. The compound of claim 11 wherein r and/or p are 0.

15. The compound of claim 11, wherein the compound includes a compound of formula (IV): ##STR00017## wherein n is from 4 to 22.

16. The compound of claim 15 selected from a compound of formula (IVa), (IVb), (IVc) and (IVd) as shown below: ##STR00018##

17. (canceled)

18. A method of effecting colour change in, or in combination with, a toy, printed material, decoration, writing instrument, temperature indicator packaging of temperature-sensitive product or in an industrial application comprising: combining a colour change composition including: A) an electron donating organic colouring compound, B) an electron accepting compound and C) a compound of formula (I): ##STR00019## wherein: E is an ester linkage O—CO— or —CO2, R is independently selected from an optionally substituted linear or branched alkyl group, alkenyl cycloalkyl group, alkenyl group, alkoxy group, aryl and alkylene aryl group; having from 4 to 22 carbon atoms; Y.sub.1 Y.sub.2 X.sub.1 and X.sub.2 are independently selected from hydrogen, R′, —OR′ and halogen; wherein R′ is independently selected from an optionally substituted linear or branched alkyl group, alkenyl group, alkoxy group, aryl group and an alkylene aryl group; having from 1 to 22 carbon atoms; and r and p each represent and integer from 0 to 3, with the toy, printed material, decoration, writing instrument, temperature indicator packaging of temperature-sensitive product or employing the composition in an industrial application.

19. The colour change composition of claim 1, for use in an ink composition for a writing implement.

20. The colour change composition of claim 19, wherein the writing implement is adapted to receive a charge of the ink composition.

21. An indicator comprising a first colour change composition, the first colour change composition comprising: A) an electron donating organic colouring compound, B) an electron accepting compound and C) a compound of formula (I): ##STR00020## wherein: E is an ester linkage O—CO— or —CO2, R is independently selected from an optionally substituted linear or branched alkyl group, alkenyl cycloalkyl group, alkenyl group, alkoxy group, aryl and alkylene aryl group; having from 4 to 22 carbon atoms; Y.sub.1 Y.sub.2 X.sub.1 and X.sub.2 are independently selected from hydroqen, R′, —OR′ and haloqen; wherein R′ is independently selected from an optionally substituted linear or branched alkyl group, alkenyl group, alkoxy group, aryl group and an alkylene aryl group; havinq from 1 to 22 carbon atoms; and r and p each represent and integer from 0 to 3.

22. The indicator of claim 21 further comprising a second composition selected from: i. an irreversible colour change ink capable or irreversibly changing colour at a specified temperature T.sub.irrev; ii. a second colour-change composition in its higher temperature state and wherein the first colour-change composition is in its lower temperature state; and iii. a mixture of i) and ii)

23. (canceled)

24. The indicator according to claim 22 comprising: i) a second colour change composition wherein: a) the first colour change composition and the second colour change composition are disposed on a surface in the same area providing a single indicator; or b) the first colour change composition and the second colour change composition are disposed on a surface in separate areas providing two separate indicators.

Description

[0136] In the accompanying illustrative drawings:

[0137] FIG. 1 shows a typical plot of changes in colour density against temperature for thermochromic compositions;

[0138] FIGS. 2a to 2c show a temperature freezing indicator label according to the invention based on a memory composition according to the invention;

[0139] FIGS. 3a to 3c show examples of an indicator label according to the invention based on a memory composition containing Kromagen ink according to the invention;

[0140] FIGS. 4a and 4b show examples of an indicator according to the invention containing a reversible colour change composition and an irreversible colour change composition.

[0141] FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings shows a typical hysteresis profile for a reversible colour-change composition. Colour density is plotted against temperature. The colour density advancement due to temperature change on heating and cooling cycles is illustrated and progresses in the direction of the arrow. Point A at T4 is the fully decolourised state (herein will be called fully decolorized temperature); point B at T3 is the point at which the composition is in a fully coloured state during heating. Point C shows the last point at which the composition is fully discoloured during cooling at T2; Point D is the point at which the composition is in a fully coloured state during cooling at T1 ((herein will be called fully coloured temperature). It will be apparent that the thermochromic composition may be in fully coloured state or a fully discoloured state at a said temperature between T2 and T3 depending on whether the composition is being heated from a lower temperature or cooled form a higher temperature. The difference between temperatures T3 and T2 (ΔH.sub.T3−T2) is the practical value for hysteresis (herein will be called practical hysteresis).

[0142] The difference between T1 and T2 (ΔH.sub.T2−T1) is related to the sensitivity of the colour change mechanism. The lower the value of ΔH.sub.T2−T1, the sharper the transition between the last point of the fully coloured state and the fully discoloured state and also the sharper the transition between last point of the fully discoloured state and the fully coloured state. Colour density difference or colour contrast is measured by the difference of colour between E and F as shown in FIG. 1.

[0143] By way of illustration, in the initial state at ambient temperature above T2 and below T3 is represented in FIG. 2a. As the temperature drops below the temperature T2, and is kept below T3 at all times, the state of the indicator changes to that shown in FIG. 2b. By raising the temperature to greater than T4 the indicator provides two colourless compositions as shown in FIG. 2c).

[0144] By way of illustration, FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c illustrate the various forms of the temperature indicator product where the indicator comprises a thermochromic composition as described herein and further comprises Kromagen ink. FIG. 3a shows the initial state at ambient temperature above T2 and below the temperature of colour transition of Kromagen. FIG. 3b shows the indicator as the temperature drops below T2 and below the temperature at which Kromagen changes colour and FIG. 3c shows the indicator as it appears after heating above T4.

[0145] FIGS. 4a and 4b show a progressive change of colour on paper, Piece #1 in Example 17, Piece #2 in Example 18 when subjected to a progression of temperatures. The composition set out in Example 17 below was applied to Piece #1 with the colour change composition in its higher temperature, decoloured state and the irreversible second colour-change composition in its lower temperature state, showing as a colourless composition with the white paper showing through. On cooling to below T1 of the first composition, this changed to blue and remained blue on being heated to 20° C. On heating further to 65° C., the irreversible ink change colour such that the colours of the two compositions gave a purple colouration overall. On further heating to a temperature above T4 of the first composition, the blue colour of that composition cleared to colourless, leaving the magenta of the irreversible ink.

[0146] Piece #2 was subjected to heating to above 70° C. followed by cooling to −20° C. and returning to 70° C. and returning to ambient. The progression of colours was white to magenta, to purple (below T1 of the first composition) and then to magenta at 70° C.

[0147] The invention is now illustrated by the following non-limiting examples in which parts are by weight unless otherwise stated.

EXAMPLE 1

[0148] A colour change memory composition was obtained by homogeneously compatibilizing:

[0149] 26 parts of 3,3-bis(1-n-butyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)phthalide (component A)) available from Yamamoto Chemicals and 30 parts 4,4′-(1-phenylethyllidene)bisphenol and 25 parts of 1,1′-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)cyclohexane (both components B)) available from Sigma Aldrich and 419 parts of 9-fluorenol ester (Component C, specifically component IVa) as shown below):

##STR00008##

[0150] Component IVa is suitably synthesised by stirring a mixture of 1 mole of 9-fluorenol, commercially available from sigma aldrich, and 1.5 moles of triethyl amine in acetone and cooling to 5° C. 1 mole of tetradecanoyl chloride is added gradually so that temperature does not rise above 35° C. during the addition. After the addition is complete the reaction is brought to room temperature and stirred for 24-48 hours. The resulting reaction medium is then poured into 10% aqueous ice cold HCl. The precipitate is filtered off and washed with water. The solid precipitate is crystallised from isopropanol. The relative quantities of bisphenol/acid chloride/triethylamine are 1/1/1.5 moles.

[0151] The resulting memory composition changed colour from Magenta to colourless.

[0152] The colour change memory composition was heated above T4. 100 parts of the hot colour change memory composition was then dispersed into 100 parts of a 10% solution of methyl vinyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymerized resin neutralised with sodium hydroxide to pH 4 by means of a high speed homogeniser. The resulting emulsion was maintained at temperature above T4 and slowly added 25 parts of a solution of melamine formaldehyde resin. The resulting emulsion was stirred and heated to a temperature of 80° C. for 6 hours.

[0153] Some of the resulting dispersion was then drum dried and the pigment in encapsulated form was isolated, the colour change memory pigment having a particle size of 2 microns changed colour from magenta to colourless.

EXAMPLE 2

[0154] A colour change memory composition was obtained by homogeneously compatibilizing:

[0155] 41 parts of 3,3-bis(2-ethoxy-4-N,N-diethylaminophenyl)-7(4)-azaphthalide (component A) available from Yamamoto Chemicals and 65 parts 4,4′-(1-phenylethyllidene)bisphenol, 20 parts of bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) sulfide and 30 parts of 1,1′-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)cyclohexane (all components B)) available from Sigma Aldrich and 844 parts of 9-fluorenol ester (Component C, specifically component IVa).

[0156] The resulting memory composition changed colour from turquoise to colourless. The colour change memory composition was heated above T4. 100 parts of the hot colour change memory composition was then dispersed into 100 parts of a 10% solution of methyl vinyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymerized resin neutralised with sodium hydroxide to pH 4 by means of a high speed homogeniser. The resulting emulsion was maintained at temperature above T4 and slowly added 25 parts of a solution of melamine formaldehyde resin. The resulting emulsion was stirred and heated to a temperature of 80° C. for 6 hours.

[0157] The resulting dispersion was then drum dried and the pigment was isolated in encapsulated form, the colour change memory pigment having a particle size of 2.5 microns changed colour from turquoise to colourless.

EXAMPLE 3

[0158] A colour change memory composition was obtained by homogeneously compatibilizing:

[0159] 41.5 parts of 3-(4-diethylamino-2-hexyloxyphenyl)-3-(1-ethyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)-4-azaphthalide (component A)) available from Yamamoto Chemicals, 48.5 parts of 2,2-bis(4′-hydroxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane, 48.5 parts of 4,4′-(1-phenylethyllidene)bisphenol (all components B)) available from Sigma Aldrich and 861.5 parts of 9-fluorenol ester (Component C, specifically component IVa).

[0160] The resulting memory composition changed colour from blue to colourless. The colour change memory composition was heated above T4. 100 parts of the hot colour change memory composition was then dispersed into 100 parts of a 10% solution of methyl vinyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymerized resin neutralised with sodium hydroxide to pH 4 by means of a high speed homogeniser. The resulting emulsion was maintained at temperature above T4 and slowly added 25 parts of a solution of melamine formaldehyde resin. The resulting emulsion was stirred and heated to a temperature of 80° C. for 6 hours.

[0161] The resulting dispersion was then drum dried and the pigment was isolated in encapsulated form, the colour change memory pigment having a particle size of 3.0 microns changed colour from blue to colourless.

EXAMPLE 4

[0162] A colour change memory composition was obtained by homogeneously compatibilizing:

[0163] 26 parts of 3,3-bis(1-n-butyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)phthalide (component A)) available from Yamamoto Chemicals and 30 parts 4,4′-(1-phenylethyllidene)bisphenol and 25 parts of 1,1′-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)cyclohexane (both components B)) available from Sigma Aldrich and 419 parts of 9-fluorenol ester (Component C, specifically component IVb) as shown below):

##STR00009##

[0164] The resulting memory composition changed colour from magenta to colourless.

[0165] Component IVb was prepared using the same procedure as described in Example 1 for Component IVa save that hexadecanoyl chloride was employed rather than tetradecanoyl chloride.

[0166] The colour change memory composition was heated above T4. 100 parts of the hot colour change memory composition was then dispersed into 100 parts of a 10% solution of methyl vinyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymerized resin neutralised with sodium hydroxide to pH 4 by means of a high speed homogeniser. The resulting emulsion was maintained at temperature above T4 and slowly added 25 parts of a solution of melamine formaldehyde resin. The resulting emulsion was stirred and heated to a temperature of 80° C. for 6 hours.

[0167] The resulting dispersion was then air dried and the pigment was isolated in encapsulated form, the colour change memory pigment having a particle size of 4 microns changed colour from magenta to colourless.

EXAMPLE 5

[0168] A colour change memory composition was obtained by homogeneously compatibilizing:

[0169] 41 parts of 3,3-bis(2-ethoxy-4-N,N-diethylaminophenyl)-7(4)-azaphthalide (component A)) available from Yamamoto Chemicals and 65 parts 4,4′-(1-phenylethyllidene)bisphenol, 20 parts of bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) sulfide and 30 parts of 1,1′-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)cyclohexane (all components B)) available from Sigma Aldrich and 844 parts of 9-fluorenol ester (Component C, specifically component IVb).

[0170] The resulting memory composition changed colour from turquoise to colourless. The colour change memory composition was heated above T4. 100 parts of the hot colour change memory composition was then dispersed into 100 parts of a 10% solution of methyl vinyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymerized resin neutralised with sodium hydroxide to pH 4 by means of a high speed homogeniser. The resulting emulsion was maintained at temperature above T4 and slowly added 25 parts of a solution of melamine formaldehyde resin. The resulting emulsion was stirred and heated to a temperature of 80° C. for 6 hours.

[0171] The resulting dispersion was then drum dried and the pigment was isolated in encapsulated form, the colour change memory pigment having a particle size of 2.8 microns changed colour from turquoise to colourless

EXAMPLE 6

[0172] A colour change memory composition was obtained by homogeneously compatibilizing: 26 parts of 3,3-bis(1-n-butyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)phthalide (component A)) available from Yamamoto Chemicals and 30 parts 4,4′-(1-phenylethyllidene)bisphenol and 25 parts of 1,1′-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)cyclohexane (both components B)) available from Sigma Aldrich and 419 parts of 9-fluorenol ester (Component C, specifically component IVc) as shown below):

##STR00010##

[0173] The resulting memory composition changed colour from Magenta to colourless. The colour change memory composition was heated above T4. 100 parts of the hot colour change memory composition was then dispersed into 100 parts of a 10% solution of methyl vinyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymerized resin neutralised with sodium hydroxide to pH 4 by means of a high speed homogeniser. The resulting emulsion was maintained at temperature above T4 and slowly added 25 parts of a solution of melamine formaldehyde resin. The resulting emulsion was stirred and heated to a temperature of 80° C. for 6 hours.

[0174] The resulting dispersion was then drum dried and the pigment was isolated in encapsulated form, the colour change memory pigment having a particle size of 4 microns changed colour from Magenta to colourless

EXAMPLE 7

[0175] A colour change memory composition was obtained by homogeneously compatibilizing: 26 parts of 3,3-bis(1-n-butyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)phthalide (component A)) available from Yamamoto Chemicals and 30 parts 4,4′-(1-phenylethyllidene)bisphenol and 25 parts of 1,1′-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)cyclohexane (both components B)) available from Sigma Aldrich and 419 parts of 9-fluorenol ester (Component C, specifically component IVd) as shown below):

##STR00011##

[0176] The resulting memory composition changed colour from Magenta to colourless. The colour change memory composition was heated above 55 C. 100 parts of the hot colour change memory composition was then dispersed into 100 parts of a 10% solution of methyl vinyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymerized resin neutralised with sodium hydroxide to pH 4 by means of a high speed homogeniser. The resulting emulsion was maintained at temperature above 55 and slowly added 25 parts of a solution of melamine formaldehyde resin. The resulting emulsion was stirred and heated to a temperature of 80° C. for 6 hours.

[0177] The resulting dispersion was then drum dried and the pigment was isolated in encapsulated form, the colour change memory pigment having a particle size of 4 microns.

EXAMPLE 8

[0178] A colour change memory composition was obtained by homogeneously compatibilizing: 26 parts of 3,3-bis(1-n-butyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)phthalide (component A)) available from Yamamoto Chemicals and 30 parts 4,4′-(1-phenylethyllidene)bisphenol and 25 parts of 1,1′-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)cyclohexane (both components B)) available from Sigma Aldrich and 74 parts of 9-fluorenol ester component IVa and 345 parts of component IVb (both Component C).

[0179] The resulting memory composition changed colour from Magenta to colourless. The colour change memory composition was heated above T4. 100 parts of the hot colour change memory composition was then dispersed into 100 parts of a 10% solution of methyl vinyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymerized resin neutralised with sodium hydroxide to pH 4 by means of a high speed homogeniser. The resulting emulsion was maintained at temperature above T4 and slowly added 25 parts of a solution of melamine formaldehyde resin. The resulting emulsion was stirred and heated to a temperature of 80° C. for 6 hours.

[0180] The resulting dispersion was then drum dried and the pigment was isolated in encapsulated form, the colour change memory pigment having a particle size of 4 microns.

EXAMPLE 9

[0181] A colour change memory composition was obtained by homogeneously compatibilizing: 26 parts of 3,3-bis(1-n-butyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)phthalide (component A)) available from Yamamoto Chemicals and 30 parts 4,4′-(1-phenylethyllidene)bisphenol and 25 parts of 1,1′-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)cyclohexane (both components B)) available from Sigma Aldrich and 419 parts of 9-fluorene carboxylic acid ester component Va (Component C).

##STR00012##

[0182] The resulting memory composition changed colour from Magenta to colourless. The colour change memory composition was heated above T4. 100 parts of the hot colour change memory composition was then dispersed into 100 parts of a 10% solution of methyl vinyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymerized resin neutralised with sodium hydroxide to pH 4 by means of a high speed homogeniser. The resulting emulsion was maintained at temperature above T4 and slowly added 25 parts of a solution of melamine formaldehyde resin. The resulting emulsion was stirred and heated to a temperature of 80° C. for 6 hours.

[0183] The resulting dispersion was then drum dried and the pigment was isolated in encapsulated form, the colour change memory pigment having a particle size of 4 microns.

EXAMPLE 10

[0184] A colour change memory composition was obtained by homogeneously compatibilizing: 26 parts of 3,3-bis(1-n-butyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)phthalide (component A)) available from Yamamoto Chemicals and 30 parts 4,4′-(1-phenylethyllidene)bisphenol and 25 parts of 1,1′-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)cyclohexane (both components B)) available from Sigma Aldrich and 419 parts of 9-fluorene carboxylic acid ester component Vb (Component C).

##STR00013##

[0185] The resulting memory composition changed colour from Magenta to colourless. The colour change memory composition was heated above T4. 100 parts of the hot colour change memory composition was then dispersed into 100 parts of a 10% solution of methyl vinyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymerized resin neutralised with sodium hydroxide to pH 4 by means of a high speed homogeniser. The resulting emulsion was maintained at temperature above T4 and slowly added 25 parts of a solution of melamine formaldehyde resin. The resulting emulsion was stirred and heated to a temperature of 80° C. for 6 hours.

[0186] The resulting dispersion was then drum dried and the pigment was isolated in encapsulated form, the colour change memory pigment having a particle size of 4 microns.

EXAMPLE 11

[0187] A colour change memory composition was obtained by homogeneously compatibilizing: 26 parts of 3,3-bis(2-ethoxy-4-N,N-diethylaminophenyl)-7(4)-azaphthalide (component A) available from Yamamoto Chemicals and 30 parts 4,4′-(1-phenylethyllidene)bisphenol and 25 parts of 1,1′-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)cyclohexane (both components B)) available from Sigma Aldrich and 419 parts of 9-fluorene carboxylic acid ester component Vb (Component C).

[0188] The resulting memory composition changed colour from Turquoise to colourless. The colour change memory composition was heated above T4. 100 parts of the hot colour change memory composition was then dispersed into 100 parts of a 10% solution of methyl vinyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymerized resin neutralised with sodium hydroxide to pH 4 by means of a high speed homogeniser. The resulting emulsion was maintained at temperature above T4 and slowly added 25 parts of a solution of melamine formaldehyde resin. The resulting emulsion was stirred and heated to a temperature of 80° C. for 6 hours.

[0189] The resulting dispersion was then drum dried and the pigment was isolated in encapsulated form, the colour change memory pigment having a particle size of 4 microns.

EXAMPLE 12

[0190] A colour change memory composition was obtained by homogeneously compatibilizing: 26 parts of 3,3-bis(1-n-butyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)phthalide (component A)) available from Yamamoto Chemicals and 30 parts 4,4′-(1-phenylethyllidene)bisphenol and 25 parts of 1,1′-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)cyclohexane (both components B)) available from Sigma Aldrich and 377 parts of 9-fluorenol ester component Va and 42 parts of component Vb (both Component C).

[0191] The resulting memory composition changed colour from Magenta to colourless. The colour change memory composition was heated above T4. 100 parts of the hot colour change memory composition was then dispersed into 100 parts of a 10% solution of methyl vinyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymerized resin neutralised with sodium hydroxide to pH 4 by means of a high speed homogeniser. The resulting emulsion was maintained at temperature above T4 and slowly added 25 parts of a solution of melamine formaldehyde resin. The resulting emulsion was stirred and heated to a temperature of 80° C. for 6 hours. The resulting dispersion was then drum dried and the pigment was isolated in encapsulated form, the colour change memory pigment having a particle size of 4 microns.

EXAMPLE 13

[0192] A colour change memory composition was obtained by homogeneously compatibilizing:

[0193] 5 parts of 3-(4-diethylamino-2-hexyloxyphenyl)-3-(1-ethyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)-4-azaphthalide (component A) available from Yamada Chemicals and 12 parts 2,2-bis(4′-hydroxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane and 8 parts of stearyl gallate (both components B) available from Sigma Aldrich and 175 parts of 9-fluorenol ester (Component C, specifically component IVb).

[0194] The resulting memory composition changed colour from blue to colourless.

[0195] The colour change memory composition was heated above T4. 100 parts of the hot colour change memory composition was then dispersed into 100 parts of a 10% solution of methyl vinyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymerized resin neutralised with sodium hydroxide to pH 4 by means of a high speed homogeniser. The resulting emulsion was maintained at temperature above T4 and slowly added 25 parts of a solution of melamine formaldehyde resin. The resulting emulsion was stirred and heated to a temperature of 80° C. for 6 hours.

[0196] Some of the resulting dispersion was then drum dried and the pigment in encapsulated form was isolated, the colour change memory pigment having a particle size of 4 microns changed colour from blue to colourless.

EXAMPLE 14

[0197] A colour change memory composition was obtained by homogeneously compatibilizing:

[0198] 8 parts of 3-(4-diethylamino-2-hexyloxyphenyl)-3-(1-ethyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)-4-azaphthalide (component A) available from Yamada Chemicals and 6 parts 2,2-bis(4′-hydroxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane and 14 parts of 2,2-Bis(4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)propane,4,4′-Isopropylidenedi-o-cresol (both components B) available from Sigma Aldrich and 172 parts of 9-fluorenol ester (Component C, specifically component IVb).

[0199] The resulting memory composition changed colour from blue to colourless.

[0200] The colour change memory composition was heated above T4. 100 parts of the hot colour change memory composition was then dispersed into 100 parts of a 10% solution of methyl vinyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymerized resin neutralised with sodium hydroxide to pH 4 by means of a high speed homogeniser. The resulting emulsion was maintained at temperature above T4 and slowly added 25 parts of a solution of melamine formaldehyde resin. The resulting emulsion was stirred and heated to a temperature of 80° C. for 6 hours.

[0201] Some of the resulting dispersion was then drum dried and the pigment in encapsulated form was isolated, the colour change memory pigment having a particle size of 4 microns changed colour from blue to colourless.

EXAMPLE 15

[0202] A colour change memory composition was obtained by homogeneously compatibilizing:

[0203] 8 parts of 3-(4-diethylamino-2-hexyloxyphenyl)-3-(1-ethyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)-4-azaphthalide (component A) available from Yamada Chemicals and 8 parts 2,2-bis(4′-hydroxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane and 12 parts of 2,2-Bis(4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)propane,4,4′-Isopropylidenedi-o-cresol (both components B) available from Sigma Aldrich and 172 parts of 9-fluorenol ester (Component C, specifically component IVa).

[0204] The resulting memory composition changed colour from blue to colourless.

[0205] The colour change memory composition was heated above T4. 100 parts of the hot colour change memory composition was then dispersed into 100 parts of a 10% solution of methyl vinyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymerized resin neutralised with sodium hydroxide to pH 4 by means of a high speed homogeniser. The resulting emulsion was maintained at temperature above T4 and slowly added 25 parts of a solution of melamine formaldehyde resin. The resulting emulsion was stirred and heated to a temperature of 80° C. for 6 hours.

[0206] Some of the resulting dispersion was then drum dried and the pigment in encapsulated form was isolated, the colour change memory pigment having a particle size of 4 microns changed colour from blue to colourless.

[0207] Preparation of the Measuring Samples

[0208] 10 parts of the colour change memory composition of the water dispersion obtained in Example 1 in encapsulated form were dispersed in 10 parts of a polyvinyl alcohol solution was screen printed onto sheet of copy paper, thereby obtaining a test sample.

[0209] The same method has been carried out in order to obtain a test sample for the colour change memory composition of Examples 2 to 15 in encapsulated form.

[0210] Each of the test samples was heated and cooled by the below described method. The measuring sample thus prepared was set on a predetermined position of a Linkam (manufactured by Linkam, UK) and the colour density at each temperature was measured by heating and cooling with a temperature width of 100° C.

[0211] For example, in the case of Example 1, the sample was heated up to 100° C. a measurement starting temperature of 20° C., and then cooled to −20° C. The brightness of the colour displayed at each temperature was measured and each of T.sub.1, T2, T3, T.sub.4, and ΔH was obtained.

[0212] The results of the temperature analysis in ° C. of the microcapsules is reported below as per their temperature of full clearing (T4) and temperature of full colour return (T1) as well as practical hysteresis ΔH. The results are reported below for the various examples are reported in the table below.

TABLE-US-00001 T1 T2 T3 T4 ΔH.sub.T3−T2 Examples (° C.) (° C.) (° C.) (° C.) (° C.) Example 1 Below −30 0 43 66 43 Example 2 Below −30 9 44 66 35 Example 3 −20 20 40 68 20 Example 4 −15 20 51 73 31 Example 5 −15 30 47 75 17 Example 6 21 27 42 70° C. 15 Example 7 Below −20 Below Below below −20 N/A −20 −20 Example 8 −12 0 45 65 45 Example 9 0 10 31 70 21 Example 10 −20 5 25 52 20 Example 11 −12 0 22 50 22 Example 12 1 15 30 70 15 Example 13 −7 10 56 70 46 Example 14 −12 9 52 70 43 Example 15 −30 10 53 64 43

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 16

[0213] An aqueous water based flexo ink was prepared using Kromagen Concentrate K60-NH Magenta, a permanent colour change water based ink concentrate sold by TMC Hallcrest which permanently changes colour above 60 C from colourless to Magenta, an acrylic water based flexo binder sold by TMC Hallcrest under the trade name Kromagen W/B Flexo Binder. The Kromagen W/B flexo binder is used as an extender to allow Kromagen Concentrate K60-NH Magenta to be converted into a flexographic printing ink. The ink was prepared by hand mixing 5 parts of Kromagen Concentrate K60-NH Magenta with 5 parts Kromagen W/B Flexo Binder to make 10 parts of ink. A portion of white paper was printed using a K 101 control coater (RK Printcoat instrument using a wired K bar #1 leaving a thin film deposit of 6 microns on the paper. The printed piece of paper was dried at 20 C. The colour of the resulting printing paper was white. On heating, the paper changed colour permanently from white to magenta at a temperature above 60° C. On cooling below 60° C., the magenta colour is retained. This Example demonstrates the irreversible colour-change of the Kromagen ink, specifically, that the inks remain magenta in colour irrespective of the temperature provided it has been previously subjected to a temperature of at least 60° C.

EXAMPLE 17

[0214] A composition containing the following components was prepared by hand-mixing:

TABLE-US-00002 Kromagen Concentrate K60-NH Magenta 4 parts Kromagen W/B Flexo Binder 4 parts Thermochromic dispersion of Example 14 2 parts

[0215] The ink was printed onto white paper with K 101 bar coated using bar #1. The print was ait dried at 20° C., between T2 and T3 of the component of Example 14. The resulting white print was then cut in 2 pieces (piece #1 and piece #2).

[0216] Piece #1 was heated to 70° C., above T4 of the composition of Example 14. On cooling the print to 20° C., a magenta colour is observed as a result of the permanent colour change of the Kromagen part of the ink. The same piece was then cooled to −20 C, below the temperature T1 of the memory composition Example 14 and then returned to ambient temperature. The composition of Example 14 was activated at low temperature to provide a blue colour, which, with the magenta of the permanent ink, combine to provide a purple colour at ambient temperature. On heating the piece to 70° C. again, the blue colour cleared such that the piece showed the magenta coloured print at 70° C. and as the temperature returned to ambient. This colour progression is shown in FIG. 4a

EXAMPLE 18

[0217] Piece #2 from Example 17 was cooled to −20 C, below T1 of the Composition of Example 14, in a freezer resulting in a blue coloured piece as the blue colour from the memory composition component of the ink was activated. The resulting blue coloured print is then heated to +65° C., above 60° C. and above T3 of the Composition of Example 14, the activation temperature of the Kromagen component and below +70 C, the temperature T4 of the memory composition Example 14, providing magenta with the blue colour giving a purple colour. The print was cooled to room temperature of 20° C. and a print with a purple colour is obtained. The Kromagen magenta part of the ink system is activated and the blue colour of the memory composition is present, resulting in a purple colour. When heated above 70° C. and brought back to room temperature of 20° C., the permanent magenta colour from the Kromagen part of the ink system was retained when the blue colour from the memory composition is now cleared. This colour progression is shown in FIG. 4b

[0218] By observing the colour of the Piece #1 and Piece #2, it is possible to determine whether it has been subjected to a temperature change below or above T1 and T4 of the Composition of Example 14. If it has not, the Piece remains white. If subjected to a temperature below T1 but not above T4, the blue colour of the Composition of Example 14 is observed, if the Piece has been subjected to a Temperature above 60° C., the irreversible colour of magenta or, in the case of also being cooled below T1, magenta with blue giving purple is observed. In this way, the Piece provides a visual indication of the temperature cycling history of Piece #1 such that it may be used as an indicator in a wide range of applications where detection of a temperature change beyond defined limits is required.

[0219] In the conditions of the test in Examples 17 and 18, the temperature cycling means that the initial white colour cannot be obtained once the Piece has been heated to over the colour change temperature of the permanent ink or below the T1 colour change temperature of the reversible ink. White i.e. a colourless composition, could only be obtained if the Composition of Example 14 was taken to a temperature above 70 However, the presence of the permanent ink, which irreversibly changes colour to magenta below T4 (70° C.) of the reversible composition means that magenta will also always be present in the conditions required to return the composition to colourless. The combination of inks provides a temperature indicator for temperatures below T1 and above the activation temperature of the permanent Kromagen ink.

EXAMPLE 19

[0220] An aqueous ink gel composition according to the invention for use in a writing instrument was prepared and contained (1) a coloring material, (2) a viscosity control agent (3) a mixture of water soluble organic solvents (4) a preservative (5) a pH modifier and (6) water as set out below:

TABLE-US-00003 (2) Thermochromic composition according to 45.0% by weight the invention as a water based dispersion (2) 2.0% solution of Rheozan (Solvay SA) 30% by weight (3) propylene glycol 15.0% by weight (3) glycerin 5.0% by weight (4) Proxel ® XL2 by Lonza is an aqueous 0.2% by weight propylene glycol solution of 1,2- benzisothiazolin-3-one, a preservative (5) Aminomethylpropanol 0.3% by weight (6) demineralized water 4.5% by weight

[0221] The ink composition was loaded in a writing instrument and provided a writing ink having excellent flow characteristics and on being left to rest, the ink at the tip of the pen did not dry out.