Process for imparting color to molded engineering plastics

Abstract

The present invention is directed to processes for colorization of molded articles made from engineering plastics. In particular, the processes are used to colorize ice skate blade holders and goalie skate cowlings.

1 . A process for imparting color to a molded article comprising submersing at least a portion of the molded article in a dye bath comprising an aqueous solvent and a dye wherein the molded article is comprised of an engineering plastic. 
     
     
         2 . The process of  claim 1  wherein the aqueous solvent is water. 
     
     
         3 . The process of  claim 1  wherein the dye is a commercial dye. 
     
     
         4 . The process of  claim 1  wherein the dye bath is at a temperature from about 50° C. to about 100° C. 
     
     
         5 . The process of  claim 4  wherein the dye bath is at a temperature from about 80° C. to about 100° C. 
     
     
         6 . The process of  claim 4  wherein the dye bath is at a temperature from about 90° C. to about 99° C. 
     
     
         7 . The process of  claim 5 , wherein about 28 g dye is mixed with about 4 to about 6 liters water to form the dye bath. 
     
     
         8 . The process of  claim 7 , wherein about 28 g dye is mixed with about 5 liters water to form the dye bath. 
     
     
         9 . The process of  claim 7  wherein the molded article is submersed in the dye bath for about 3 to about 8 minutes. 
     
     
         10 . The process of  claim 5  wherein the molded article is submersed in the dye bath for about 7 to about 8 minutes. 
     
     
         11 . The process of  claim 1  wherein the molded article is an ice skate blade holder. 
     
     
         12 . The process of  claim 1  wherein the molded article is a goalie skate cowling. 
     
     
         13 . The process of  claim 1  wherein the molded article is a hockey helmet, lacrosse helmet, or a lacrosse racquet head. 
     
     
         14 . The process of  claim 1  wherein the molded article comprises polyacetal, polyamide (nylon), polyurethane, polycarbonate, polysulfide, polysulfone, polyimide, polybutylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, high molecular weight polyethylene, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyester, or polytetrafluoroethylene resins. 
     
     
         15 . The process of  claim 1  wherein the molded article is made of polyamide (nylon) or polycarbonate. 
     
     
         16 . The process of  claim 15  wherein the molded article is a skate blade holder or goalie skate cowling. 
     
     
         17 . The process of  claim 16  wherein the dye bath further comprises vinegar. 
     
     
         18 . The process of  claim 17  wherein the dye bath comprises 0.25 tablespoon vinegar/quart water to about 0.5 tablespoon vinegar/quart water. 
     
     
         19 . The process of  claim 7  wherein the molded article comprises polyacetal, polyamide (nylon), polyurethane, polycarbonate, polysulfide, polysulfone, polyimide, polybutylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, high molecular weight polyethylene, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyester, or polytetrafluoroethylene resins. 
     
     
         20 . The process of  claim 7  wherein the molded article is made of polyamide (nylon) or polycarbonate.