Thermoplastic compositions and use thereof

Abstract

A composition comprising a specific amount of a liquid crystalline polymer; a thermoplastic polymer comprising a polyetherimide, a polyarylate, or a poly(arylene ether-sulfone); and a compatibilizing agent comprising a polyepoxide or a poly(ester-carbonate). Methods for making the composition and articles comprising the composition are also provided.

Description

[0001] Citation of relevant applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to European Patent Application No. 21166867.8, filed on April 5, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Background Technology

[0003] This disclosure relates to compositions comprising a liquid crystal polymer, a thermoplastic polymer component, and a compatibilizer, as well as methods for manufacturing the compositions, uses, and articles comprising the compositions.

[0004] Liquid crystal polymers can offer a variety of desired performance combinations for various applications. For example, films derived from liquid crystal polymers can provide barriers against oxygen and moisture, making them effective for packaging applications. Films formed from liquid crystal polymers are also attractive for use in circuit board applications due to their stability and good dielectric properties (e.g., low dissipation factor over a wide frequency range). Despite exhibiting many desirable properties, the use of liquid crystal polymers can be limited by insufficient melt strength and poor processability. Liquid crystal polymers can have narrow processing windows, and films formed from them can have poor tear strength in the machine direction, as well as low yields in film manufacturing and assembly processes.

[0005] Efforts to overcome the technical limitations of liquid crystal polymers have explored, for example, combining high and low molecular weight liquid crystal polymers, as described in U.S. Patent No. 8,853,344. Alternatively, reactive oligomers have been introduced into the synthesis of liquid crystal polymers, for example, as described in U.S. Patent No. 9,074,133. These methods rely on modification during the synthesis of liquid crystal polymers, either requiring the addition of a solid-state polymerization step or demanding excellent control of reaction kinetics by utilizing the introduction of multifunctional reactive substances.

[0006] Therefore, there remains a need in the art for liquid crystal polymer compositions with improved melt strength and improved processing temperature windows. Further advantages would arise if the aforementioned technical limitations associated with the use of liquid crystal polymers could be overcome without altering the synthesis of the liquid crystal polymers (which can be expensive and undesirable). Summary of the Invention

[0007] A composition is provided comprising 55 wt% to 99.5 wt% of a liquid crystal polymer; 0.5 wt% to 45 wt% of a thermoplastic polymer comprising polyetherimide, polyarylate, or poly(arylene ether-sulfone); wherein the weight percentages are based on the total weight of the liquid crystal polymer and the thermoplastic polymer; and 1 part by weight to 60 parts by weight of a compatibilizer comprising a polyepoxide compound or poly(ester-carbonate), based on the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer.

[0008] A method for preparing a composition is also provided, the method comprising melt-mixing the components of the composition and optionally extruding the composition.

[0009] Articles containing the composition are also provided.

[0010] The above and other features are illustrated by the following detailed description. Detailed Implementation

[0011] This document provides compositions having a specific combination of rheological and dielectric properties. The compositions contain specific amounts of a liquid crystal polymer, a thermoplastic polymer comprising polyetherimide, polyarylate, or poly(arylene ether-sulfone), and a compatibilizer.

[0012] Therefore, the composition represents one aspect of this disclosure. The composition comprises a liquid crystal polymer. Liquid crystal polymers (sometimes abbreviated as "LCP") are a class of polymers known for a variety of uses. Liquid crystal polymers are typically thermoplastic polymers, but they can also be used as thermosetting plastics by functionalizing them with thermosetting plastics such as epoxy resins or by compounding them. Due to the nature of the repeating units in the polymer chain, liquid crystal polymers are considered to have a fixed molecular shape, such as linear. The repeating units typically comprise rigid molecular elements. The rigid molecular elements (mesogens) are typically rod-shaped or disc-shaped and are typically aromatic and often heterocyclic. Rigid molecular elements can be present in one or both of the polymer backbone (backbone) and in the side chains. Rigid molecular elements can be separated by more flexible molecular elements (sometimes called spacers).

[0013] Both lyotropic and thermotropic liquid crystal polymers can be useful. In one aspect, the liquid crystal polymer can be a thermotropic liquid crystal polymer. Thermotropic liquid crystal polymers include liquid crystal polyesters, liquid crystal polycarbonates, liquid crystal poly(ether ether ketone), liquid crystal poly(ether ketone ketone), and liquid crystal polyesterimides. Thermotropic liquid crystal polymers may also include polymers comprising polymer segments capable of forming an anisotropic molten phase as part of one polymer chain and polymer segments that cannot form anisotropic molten phase as the remainder of the polymer chain; and composites of various thermotropic liquid crystal polymers.

[0014] Examples of monomers that can be used to form thermotropic liquid crystal polymers include: (a) aromatic dicarboxylic acid compounds, (b) aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acid compounds, (c) aromatic diol compounds, (d) sulfur-containing compounds such as aromatic dithiols (d1), aromatic thiophenols (d2), and aromatic thiol carboxylic acids (d3), and (e) amine compounds such as aromatic hydroxylamines and aromatic diamines. These monomers can be used alone or in combination, for example, (a) and (c); (a) and (d); (a), (b), and (c); (a), (b), and (e); (a), (b), (c), and (e); and so on.

[0015] Examples of aromatic dicarboxylic acid compounds (a) include aromatic dicarboxylic acids such as terephthalic acid, 4,4'-diphenyldicarboxylic acid, 4,4'-triphenyldicarboxylic acid, 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, 1,4-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, 2,7-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, diphenyl ether-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid, diphenoxyethane-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid, diphenoxybutane-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid, diphenylethane-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid, and isophthalic acid. Diphenyl ether-3,3'-dicarboxylic acid, diphenoxyethane-3,3'-dicarboxylic acid, diphenylethane-3,3'-dicarboxylic acid, and 1,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid; and alkyl, alkoxy, and halogen-substituted derivatives of the above aromatic dicarboxylic acids, such as chloroterephthalic acid, dichloroterephthalic acid, bromoterephthalic acid, methylterephthalic acid, dimethylterephthalic acid, ethylterephthalic acid, methoxyterephthalic acid, and ethoxyterephthalic acid.

[0016] Examples of aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acid compounds (b) include aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acids such as 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, and 6-hydroxy-1-naphthoic acid; and alkyl, alkoxy, and halogen-substituted derivatives of aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acids such as 3-methyl-4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 6-hydroxy-5-methyl-2-naphthoic acid, 6-hydroxy-5-methoxy-2-naphthoic acid, 2-chloro-4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3-chloro-4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 2,3-dichloro-4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3,5-dichloro-4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 2,5-dichloro-4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3-bromo-4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 6-hydroxy-5-chloro-2-naphthoic acid, 6-hydroxy-7-chloro-2-naphthoic acid, and 6-hydroxy-5,7-dichloro-2-naphthoic acid.

[0017] Examples of aromatic diol compounds (c) include aromatic diols such as 4,4'-dihydroxybiphenyl, 3,3'-dihydroxybiphenyl, 4,4'-dihydroxyterphenyl, hydroquinone, resorcinol, 2,6-naphthalenediol, 4,4'-dihydroxydiphenyl ether, bis(4-hydroxyphenoxy)ethane, 3,3'-dihydroxydiphenyl ether, 1,6-naphthalenediol, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, and bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)methane; and alkyl, alkoxy, and halogen-substituted derivatives of aromatic diols such as chlorohydroquinone, methylhydroquinone, tert-butylhydroquinone, phenylhydroquinone, methoxyhydroquinone, phenoxyhydroquinone, 4-chlororesorcinol, and 4-methylresorcinol.

[0018] Examples of aromatic dithiols (d1) include benzene-1,4-dithiol, benzene-1,3-dithiol, 2,6-naphthalene-dithiol, and 2,7-naphthalene-dithiol. Examples of aromatic thiophenols (d2) include 4-mercaptophenol, 3-mercaptophenol, and 6-mercaptophenol. Examples of aromatic thiol carboxylic acids (d3) include 4-mercaptobenzoic acid, 3-mercaptobenzoic acid, 6-mercapto-2-naphthoic acid, and 7-mercapto-2-naphthoic acid.

[0019] Examples of aromatic hydroxylamine compounds and aromatic diamine compounds (e) include 4-aminophenol, N-methyl-4-aminophenol, 1,4-phenylenediamine, N-methyl-1,4-phenylenediamine, N,N'-dimethyl-1,4-phenylenediamine, 3-aminophenol, 3-methyl-4-aminophenol, 2-chloro-4-aminophenol, N-acetyl-p-aminophenol, 4-amino-1-naphthol, 4-amino-4'-hydroxybiphenyl, 4-amino -4'-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4-amino-4'-hydroxydiphenylmethane, 4-amino-4'-hydroxydiphenyl sulfide, 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl sulfide (thiodiphenylamine), 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl sulfone, 2,5-diaminotoluene, 4,4'-ethylenediphenylamine, 4,4'-diaminodiphenoxyethane, 4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane (methylenediphenylamine), and 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl ether (oxydiphenylamine).

[0020] Thermotropic liquid crystal polymers are prepared from the aforementioned monomers using various esterification methods such as melt acid hydrolysis or slurry polymerization. The molecular weights of usable thermotropic liquid crystal polyesters can range from 2,000 g / mol to 200,000 g / mol, or from 4,000 g / mol to 100,000 g / mol. For example, molecular weight can be measured by determining the end groups of its compressed film based on infrared spectroscopy, or by determining the weight-average molecular weight based on polystyrene standards using gel permeation chromatography.

[0021] Thermotropic liquid crystal polymers can be used alone or in mixtures of at least two of them. In one aspect, the composition may comprise a thermotropic liquid crystal polymer, such as an aromatic polyester having a melting point of at least 290°C.

[0022] In one aspect, the liquid crystal polymer may include a liquid crystal polyester. The liquid crystal polyester may be derived from aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acids (such as p-hydroxybenzoic acid and 2-hydroxy-6-naphthoic acid), aromatic dicarboxylic acids (such as terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid and 2,6-naphthoic acid), aromatic dihydroxy compounds (such as hydroquinone, resorcinol, 4,4'-dihydroxybiphenyl and 2,6-dihydroxynaphthalene), or combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing. The aromatic liquid crystal polyester may be obtained by polycondensation of: 80 to 100 mol% of p-hydroxybenzoic acid (I), terephthalic acid (II), and 4,4'-dihydroxybiphenyl (III) (including their derivatives) (wherein the sum of (I) and (II) is 60 mol% or more); and 0 to 20 mol% of other aromatic compounds capable of polycondensation with any one of (I), (II), and (III), based on the total moles of (I), (II), (III), and any other aromatic compounds in the polycondensation reaction.

[0023] In one aspect, the liquid crystal polymer is derived from 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid. In another aspect, the liquid crystal polymer is derived from 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, and hydroquinone.

[0024] Specific examples of commercially available liquid crystal polymers that may be used include, but are not limited to, VECTRA and ZENITE, both of which are commercially available from Celanese; XYDAR, which is commercially available from Solvay Specialty Polymers; those available from RTP Co., such as the RTP-3400 series of liquid crystal polymers; and those available from UENO Fine Chemicals Industry, Ltd., such as LCP-A 5000 and LCP-A6000.

[0025] Based on the total weight of the liquid crystal polymer and the thermoplastic polymer, the liquid crystal polymer may be present in the composition in an amount from 55 wt% to 99.5 wt%. Within this range, the liquid crystal polymer may be present in an amount from 60 wt% to 99.5 wt%, or 65 wt% to 99.5 wt%, or 65 wt% to 95 wt%, or 70 wt% to 95 wt%, or 75 wt% to 95 wt%, or 80 wt% to 95 wt%, or 85 wt% to 95 wt%.

[0026] In addition to the liquid crystal polymer, the composition further includes a thermoplastic polymer comprising polyetherimide, polyarylate or poly(arylene ether-sulfone).

[0027] In one aspect, the thermoplastic polymer includes polyetherimide. Polyetherimide comprises more than 1, for example, 2 to 1000, 5 to 500, or 10 to 100 structural units of formula (1).

[0028]

[0029] Each R is independently the same or different, and is a substituted or unsubstituted divalent organic group, such as a substituted or unsubstituted C. 6-20 Aromatic hydrocarbon groups, substituted or unsubstituted straight-chain or branched C4 groups 4-20 Alkylene, substituted or unsubstituted C 3-8 Cycloalkylene compounds, particularly halogenated derivatives of any of the foregoing. In one aspect, R is one or more divalent groups of formula (2):

[0030]

[0031] Among them, Q 1 Is -O-, -S-, -C(O)-, -SO2-, -SO-, -P(R a (=O)-(where R) a It is C 1-8 Alkyl or C 6-12 aryl), -C y H 2y -(where y is an integer from 1 to 5 or a halogenated derivative thereof (containing a perfluoroalkylene group)) or -(C6H 10 ) z - where z is an integer from 1 to 4. In one aspect, R is m-phenylene, p-phenylene, or diaryl sulfone, especially bis(4,4'-phenylene) sulfone, bis(3,4'-phenylene) sulfone, bis(3,3'-phenylene) sulfone, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing. In one aspect, at least 10 mol% or at least 50 mol% of the R group contains a sulfone group, while in other aspects, there is no R group containing a sulfone group.

[0032] Further in formula (1), T is a group of the formula -O- or -OZO-, wherein the divalent bond of the -O- or -OZO- group is at the 3,3', 3,4', 4,3' or 4,4' position, and Z is optionally represented by 1 to 6 carbon atoms. 1-8 An aromatic C group consisting of an alkyl group, 1 to 8 halogen atoms, or a combination of at least one of the foregoing substituted groups. 6-24 Monocyclic or polycyclic moiety, provided that the valence of Z does not exceed that of Z. Exemplary group Z includes groups of formula (3):

[0033]

[0034] Among them, R a and Rb Each is independently the same or different, and for example, a halogen atom or a monovalent carbon atom. 1-6 Alkyl groups; p and q are each independent integers from 0 to 4; c is from 0 to 4; and X a It is a bridging group that connects a hydroxyl-substituted aromatic group, wherein the bridging group and the hydroxyl substituent of each C6 arylene group are arranged ortho, meta, or para (especially para) to each other on the C6 arylene group. Bridging group X a It can be a single bond, -O-, -S-, -S(O)-, -S(O)2-, -C(O)-, or C. 1-18 Organic bridging base. C 1-18 Organic bridging groups can be cyclic or acyclic, aromatic or non-aromatic, and can further contain heteroatoms such as halogens, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, silicon, or phosphorus. They can be arranged in C1... 1-18 The organic group causes each of the C6 arylene groups attached to it to be attached to a common alkylidene carbon or to a C6 arylene group. 1-18 Different carbon atoms in the organic bridging group. A specific example of group Z is the divalent group of formula (3a):

[0035]

[0036] Where Q is -O-, -S-, -C(O)-, -SO2-, -SO-, -P(R)- a (=O)-(where R) a It is C 1-8 Alkyl or C 6-12 aryl) or -C y H 2y - (where y is an integer from 1 to 5) or its halogenated derivatives (including perfluoroalkylene groups). In one aspect, Z is derived from bisphenol A such that Q in formula (3a) is 2,2-isopropylidene.

[0037] In one aspect, in formula (1), R is m-phenylene, p-phenylene, or a combination containing at least one of the foregoing, and T is -OZO-, wherein Z is a divalent group of formula (3a). Alternatively, R is m-phenylene, p-phenylene, or a combination containing at least one of the foregoing, and T is -OZO-, wherein Z is a divalent group of formula (3a), and Q is 2,2-isopropylidene. Such materials are available from SABIC under the trade name ULTEM. Alternatively, the polyetherimide can be a copolymer comprising another polyetherimide unit of formula (1), wherein at least 50 mol% of the R group is bis(4,4'-phenylene) sulfone, bis(3,4'-phenylene) sulfone, bis(3,3'-phenylene) sulfone, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing, and the remaining R group is phenylene, meta-phenylene, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing; and Z is 2,2-(4-phenylene)isopropylidene, i.e., the bisphenol A moiety, examples of which are commercially available under the trade name EXTEM from SABIC.

[0038] In one aspect, the polyetherimide is a copolymer that optionally contains additional structural imide units that are not polyetherimide units, such as the imide units of formula (4).

[0039]

[0040] Wherein, R is as described in equation (1), and each V is the same or different, and is a substituted or unsubstituted C. 6-20 Aromatic hydrocarbon groups, such as tetravalent linkages of the following formula:

[0041]

[0042] Where W represents a single bond, -O-, -S-, -C(O)-, -SO2-, -SO-, or C. 1-18 Hydroxyl group, -P(R) a (=O)-(where R) a It is C 1-8 Alkyl or C 6-12 aryl) or -C y H 2y - (where y is an integer from 1 to 5) or its halogenated derivatives (which include perfluoroalkylene groups). These additional structural imide units preferably comprise less than 20 mol% of the total number of units, and more preferably may be present in amounts of 0 mol% to 10 mol% of the total number of units, or 0 mol% to 5 mol% of the total number of units, or 0 mol% to 2 mol% of the total number of units. In one aspect, no additional imide units are present in the polyether imide.

[0043] Polyetherimides can be prepared by any method known to those skilled in the art, including the reaction of an aromatic bis(ether anhydride) of formula (5) or its chemical equivalent with an organic diamine of formula (6):

[0044] H2N-R-NH2(6)

[0045] Wherein, T and R are as defined above. Copolymers of polyetherimides can be prepared by using a combination of aromatic bis(ether anhydride) of formula (5) and other bis(anhydrides) that are not bis(ether anhydrides) (e.g., pyromellitic dianhydride or bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenyl)sulfone dianhydride).

[0046] Exemplary examples of aromatic bis(ether anhydrides) include 2,2-bis[4-(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)phenyl]propane dianhydride (also known as bisphenol A dianhydride or BPADA), 3,3-bis[4-(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)phenyl]propane dianhydride; 4,4'-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenyl ether dianhydride; 4,4'-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenyl sulfide dianhydride; 4,4'-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)benzophenone dianhydride; 4,4'-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenyl sulfone dianhydride; 4,4'-bis(2,3-dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenyl ether dianhydride; 4,4'-bis(2,3-dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenyl sulfide dianhydride; 4,4'-bis(2,3-dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenyl sulfide dianhydride; 4,4'-bis(2,3-dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenylsulfone dianhydride; 4-(2,3-dicarboxyphenoxy)-4'-(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenyl-2,2-propane dianhydride; 4-(2,3-dicarboxyphenoxy)-4'-(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenyl ether dianhydride; 4-(2,3-dicarboxyphenoxy)-4'-(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenyl sulfide dianhydride; 4-(2,3-dicarboxyphenoxy)-4'-(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenyl ketone dianhydride; 4,4'-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride; and 4-(2,3-dicarboxyphenoxy)-4'-(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenylsulfone dianhydride. Different combinations of aromatic bis(ether anhydrides) can be used.

[0047] Examples of organic diamines include 1,4-butanediamine, 1,5-pentanediamine, 1,6-hexanediamine, 1,7-heptanediamine, 1,8-octanediamine, 1,9-nonanediamine, 1,10-decanediamine, 1,12-dodecanediamine, 1,18-octadecanediamine, 3-methylheptamethyldiamine, 4,4-dimethylheptamethyldiamine, 4-methylnonamethylenediamine, 5-methylnonamethylenediamine, 2,5-di... Methylhexamethylenediamine, 2,5-dimethylheptamethyldiamine, 2,2-dimethylpropanediamine, N-methyl-bis(3-aminopropyl)amine, 3-methoxyhexamethylenediamine, 1,2-bis(3-aminopropoxy)ethane, bis(3-aminopropyl)sulfide, 1,4-cyclohexanediamine, bis-(4-aminocyclohexyl)methane, m-phenylenediamine, p-phenylenediamine, 2,4-diaminotoluene, 2,6-diamino Toluene, m-phenylenedimethyldiamine, p-phenylenedimethyldiamine, 2-methyl-4,6-diethyl-1,3-phenylenediamine, 5-methyl-4,6-diethyl-1,3-phenylenediamine, benzidine, 3,3'-dimethylbenzidine, 3,3'-dimethoxybenzidine, 1,5-diaminonaphthalene, bis(4-aminophenyl)methane, bis(2-chloro-4-amino-3,5-diethylphenyl)methane, bis(4-aminophenyl)propane, 2,4-bis(p-amino-tert-butyl)toluene, bis(p-amino-tert-butylphenyl) ether, bis(p-methyl-o-aminophenyl)benzene, bis(p-methyl-o-aminopentyl)benzene, 1,3-diamino-4-isopropylbenzene, bis(4-aminophenyl) sulfide, bis-(4-aminophenyl) sulfone (also known as 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS)) and bis(4-aminophenyl) ether. Any regioisomer of the aforementioned compounds may be used. C of any of the aforementioned compounds may be used. 1-4 Alkylation or poly(C 1-4 Alkylated derivatives, such as polymethylated 1,6-hexanediamine. Combinations of these compounds may also be used. In one aspect, the organic diamine is m-phenylenediamine, p-phenylenediamine, 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl sulfone, 3,4'-diaminodiphenyl sulfone, 3,3'-diaminodiphenyl sulfone, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing. In another aspect, the organic diamine is m-phenylenediamine, p-phenylenediamine, or a combination thereof, preferably m-phenylenediamine.

[0048] In one aspect, the polyetherimide may comprise a poly(etherimide-siloxane) comprising a polyetherimide unit of formula (1) and a siloxane block of formula (7):

[0049]

[0050] Where E has an average value of 2 to 100, 2 to 31, 5 to 75, 5 to 60, 5 to 15, or 15 to 40, and each R' is independently C. 1-13 Monovalent hydrocarbon group. For example, each R' can independently be C.1-13 Alkyl, C 1-13 Alkoxy, C 2-13 alkenyl, C 2-13 alkenyloxy group, C 3-6 cycloalkyl, C 3-6 Cycloalkoxy, C 6-14 Aryl, C 6-10 aryloxy group, C 7-13 Aryl alkyl, C 7-13 Arylalkoxy, C 7-13 alkylaryl or C 7-13 Alkyl aryloxy groups. The aforementioned groups can be completely or partially halogenated with fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine, or a combination containing at least one of the foregoing. In one aspect, bromine or chlorine is absent, and in another aspect, halogens are absent. Combinations of the aforementioned R groups can be used in the same copolymer. In one aspect, the polysiloxane block contains an R' group having a minimum hydrocarbon content. In one aspect, the R' group having a minimum hydrocarbon content is methyl.

[0051] Poly(etherimide-siloxane) can be formed by polymerization of the aromatic bis(ether anhydride) and diamine components of formula (5) and the polysiloxane diamine of formula (8), wherein the diamine component comprises the organic diamine (6) or a combination of diamines as described above.

[0052]

[0053] Where R' and E are as described in equation (7), and R 4 Each is C independently 2-20 Hydrocarbons, especially C 2-20 Arylene, alkylene, or arylalkylene. In one aspect, R 4 It is C 2-20 Alkylene, specifically C 2-10 Alkylenes, such as propylene, and E having an average value of 5 to 100, 5 to 75, 5 to 60, 5 to 15, or 15 to 40. Procedures for preparing polysiloxane diamines of formula (8) are well known in the art.

[0054] In one aspect, as described, for example, in U.S. Patent 4,404,350, the diamine component of the poly(etherimide-siloxane) may comprise 10 mol% to 90 mol% or 20 mol% to 50 mol% or 25 mol% to 40 mol% of a polysiloxane diamine (8) and 10 mol% to 90 mol% or 50 mol% to 80 mol% or 60 mol% to 75 mol% of a diamine (6). The diamine components may be physically mixed prior to reaction with one or more dianhydrides to form a substantially random copolymer. Alternatively, block or alternating copolymers may be formed by selective reaction of (6) and (8) with an aromatic bis(ether anhydride) (5) to produce a polyimide block subsequently reacted together. Thus, the poly(etherimide-siloxane) may be a block, random, or graft copolymer. In one aspect, the copolymer is a block copolymer.

[0055] Specific examples of poly(etherimide-siloxane) are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,404,350, 4,808,686, and 4,690,997. In one aspect, the poly(etherimide-siloxane) has a unit of formula (9):

[0056]

[0057] Wherein, the R' and E of the siloxane are as in formula (7), and the R and Z of the imide are as in formula (1), R 4 As in equation (8), where n and m are each an integer greater than 0, and the sum of n and m is 5 to 100. In the case of poly(etherimide-siloxane), R of the etherimide is a phenylene group, Z is a residue of bisphenol A, and R... 4 It is n-propylidene, E is 2 to 50, 5 to 30 or 10 to 40, n+m is 5 to 100, and each R' of the siloxane is methyl.

[0058] The relative amounts of polysiloxane units and etherimide units in poly(etherimide-siloxane) depend on the desired performance and are selected using the guidance provided herein. Specifically, as described above, block or graft poly(etherimide-siloxane) is selected to have a certain average value of E, and is selected and used in an amount that effectively provides the desired weight percentage of polysiloxane units in the composition. In one aspect, based on the total weight of the poly(etherimide-siloxane), the poly(etherimide-siloxane) comprises 10 wt% to 50 wt%, 10 wt% to 40 wt%, or 20 wt% to 35 wt% of polysiloxane units.

[0059] Polyetherimides can have melt flow rates from 3 g / 10 min to 30 g / 10 min, as measured by American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) D1238 at 295 °C or 337 °C using a 6.7 kg weight. In one aspect, polyetherimides have a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) from 1,000 g / mol to 150,000 g / mol (or Daltons (Da)), as measured by gel permeation chromatography using polystyrene standards. In another aspect, polyetherimides have a Mw from 10,000 g / mol to 80,000 g / mol. These types of polyetherimides typically have intrinsic viscosities greater than 0.2 dL / g or more specifically from 0.35 dL / g to 0.7 dL / g, as measured in m-cresol at 25 °C.

[0060] In one aspect, thermoplastic polymers include polyarylates (polyarylates). As used herein, polyarylates refer to aromatic polyesters derived from aromatic dicarboxylic acids and bisphenols. Aromatic dicarboxylic acid dichlorides can be used to form polyarylates.

[0061] Aromatic dicarboxylic acids that can be used to prepare polyarylates include isophthalic acid or terephthalic acid, 1,2-bis(p-carboxyphenyl)ethane, 4,4'-dicarboxydiphenyl ether, 4,4'-dibenzoic acid, or combinations thereof. Acids containing fused rings, such as 1,4-, 1,5-, or 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, may also be present. Specific dicarboxylic acids include terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, or combinations thereof. Aromatic dicarboxylic acid dichlorides that can be used to prepare polyacrylates include isophthaloyl dichloride, terephthaloyl dichloride, diphenyl dicarboxylic acid dichloride, diphenyl ether dicarboxylic acid dichloride, diphenyl sulfone dicarboxylic acid dichloride, diphenyl sulfide dicarboxylic acid dichloride, and naphthalene-2,6-dicarboxylic acid dichloride.

[0062] Bisphenols include those of formula (10) or formula (11).

[0063]

[0064] In equation (10), each R h Independent of a halogen atom, such as bromine, C 1-10 Hydrocarbon groups such as C 1-10 Alkyl, halogen-substituted C 1-10 Alkyl, C 6-10 Aryl or halogen-substituted C 6-10 Aryl, and n is 0 to 4. In equation (11), R a R b p, q and X aIt is as defined for formula (3). For example, specific dihydroxy compounds include resorcinol and 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane (“bisphenol A” or “BPA”).

[0065] In one respect, the polyarylate can be a bisphenol A polyarylate, specifically comprising the repeating unit of formula (12):

[0066]

[0067] For example, such polyarylates can be commercially available from Unitika Co. under the trade name U-Resins, an example of which is U-100 resin.

[0068] Polyarylates can have a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of 7,000 g / mol to 150,000 g / mol, 8,000 g / mol to 100,000 g / mol, or 9,000 g / mol to 70,000 g / mol. The molecular weights as disclosed herein were determined using gel permeation chromatography with a cross-linked styrene-divinylbenzene column calibrated for polystyrene standards, at an elution rate of 0.5 mL / min to 1.5 mL / min and a sample concentration of 1 mg / mL.

[0069] Polyarylates can have glass transition temperatures (Tg) ranging from 150°C to 300°C, 160°C to 290°C, or 175°C to 275°C. For example, the glass transition temperature can be determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).

[0070] In one respect, the thermoplastic polymer comprises poly(arylene ether-sulfone). As used herein, “poly(arylene ether-sulfone)” refers to a polymer having a backbone of formula (13):

[0071] -Ar 1 -SO2-Ar 2 -O-(13)

[0072] Among them, Ar 1 and Ar 2 Each may be the same or different, and is a group of formula (3) as described above.

[0073] Specific poly(arylene ether sulfone) that can be used includes: polyether sulfone (also known as "PES" or "PESU") containing at least 85 wt% of units of formula (13a).

[0074]

[0075] Or polyphenylsulfone (also known as "PPSU" or polyphenylsulfone), which contains at least 85 wt% of units of formula (13b).

[0076]

[0077] Or polyether ether sulfone, which contains at least 85 wt% of units of formula (13c).

[0078]

[0079] Or polysulfone (commonly referred to as "PSU") containing at least 85 wt% of units of formula (13d).

[0080]

[0081] Or a combination comprising at least one of the aforementioned poly(arylene ether sulfone). A copolymer comprising a combination of units of at least two types of formulas (13a), (13b), (13c), and (13d) may also be used.

[0082] Poly(aryl ether sulfone) can be linear or branched, having one or more, two or more, or five or more branching points per 1,000 carbon atoms along the polymer chain. In one aspect, poly(aryl ether sulfone) is linear, having 10 or fewer, five or fewer, two or fewer, or one or fewer branching points per 1,000 carbon atoms along the polymer chain. In another aspect, poly(aryl ether sulfone) has a glass transition temperature (Tg) greater than 175°C or from 200°C to 280°C or from 255°C to 275°C. Poly(arylene ether sulfone) may further have a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of 500 g / mol to 100,000 g / mol or 1,000 g / mol to 75,000 g / mol or 1,500 g / mol to 50,000 g / mol or 2,000 g / mol to 25,000 g / mol.

[0083] Exemplary poly(aryl ether sulfone) that can be used include those available from sources such as Solvay Specialty Polymers, Quadrant EPP, Centroplast Centro, Duneon, GEHR Plastics, Westlake Plastics, and Gharda Chemicals. Commercial-grade poly(aryl ether sulfone) includes those with trade names such as RADEL, UDEL, ULTRASON, GAFONE, VERADEL, and SUMIKA EXCEL.

[0084] In one respect, poly(arylene ether sulfone) is, for example, a polyether sulfone according to formula (13a).

[0085] Any combination of the aforementioned thermoplastic polymers can also be used.

[0086] Based on the total weight of the liquid crystal polymer and the thermoplastic polymer, the thermoplastic polymer may be present in the composition in an amount from 0.5 wt% to 45 wt%. Within this range, the thermoplastic polymer may be present in an amount from 0.5 wt% to 40 wt%, or 0.5 wt% to 35 wt%, or 1 wt% to 30 wt%, or 5 wt% to 25 wt%, or 5 wt% to 20 wt%, or 5 wt% to 15 wt%, or 3 wt% to 17 wt%, or 4 wt% to 12 wt%, or 20 wt% to 30 wt%.

[0087] In addition to the liquid crystal polymer and the thermoplastic polymer, the composition also contains a compatibilizer, preferably a polymer compatibilizer comprising a polyepoxide or a poly(ester-carbonate). As used herein, "compatibilizer" means an additive used to improve the miscibility of the copolymer or to improve the miscibility between the polymer or polymer phase and the filler. In one aspect, for example, a suitable polymer compatibilizer may have a weight-average molecular weight greater than 1,000 g / mol or greater than 10,000 g / mol, which is determined using gel permeation chromatography in a suitable solvent and relative to suitable standards, each of which can be determined without excessive experimentation.

[0088] In one aspect, the compatibilizer comprises a polyepoxide compound. When the compatibilizer comprises a polyepoxide compound, the composition comprises a reaction product of a liquid crystal polymer, a thermoplastic polymer component, and the polyepoxide compound. The polyepoxide compound may be a polymer comprising structural units having side epoxy groups. In one aspect, each molecule of the polyepoxide compound comprises three or more epoxy groups. In one aspect, the polyepoxide compound comprises an addition polymer of an olefinically unsaturated epoxy compound (also known as an epoxy-functionalized elastomer) or an epoxidized phenolic varnish resin.

[0089] In one aspect, the polyepoxide compound can be an epoxy-functionalized elastomer. Epoxy-functionalized elastomers include copolymers of glycidyl esters derived from α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids and α-olefins. Suitable α-olefins can include ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, etc. Ethylene is preferred. The glycidyl ester of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid can be of formula (14):

[0090]

[0091] Among them, R 10 It can be hydrogen or C 1-6Alkyl groups, preferably methyl groups. Examples of glycidyl esters of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids may include glycidyl acrylate, glycidyl methacrylate, and glycidyl methacrylate. The epoxy-functionalized olefin elastomer is preferably an olefin copolymer containing 60 wt% to 99.5 wt% of α-olefin and 0.5 wt% to 40 wt%, preferably 3 wt% to 30 wt% of glycidyl esters of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids based on the weight of the epoxy-functionalized olefin elastomer.

[0092] For example, polyepoxides may contain repeating units derived from: ethylene and glycidyl methacrylate; ethylene, acrylic acid C 1-6 Alkyl esters and glycidyl acrylate; ethylene, methyl acrylate and glycidyl acrylate; ethylene, butyl acrylate and glycidyl acrylate; or ethylene, vinyl acetate and glycidyl acrylate. In one aspect, the polyepoxide compound may be an ethylene-glycidyl methacrylate copolymer, an ethylene-glycidyl methacrylate-methyl acrylate terpolymer, or an ethylene-glycidyl methacrylate-vinyl acetate terpolymer. In one aspect, the polyepoxide compound may be an ethylene-glycidyl methacrylate copolymer, preferably comprising 1 mol% to 5 mol% glycidyl methacrylate groups based on the total molar number of the polyepoxide compound. Exemplary polyepoxide compounds may include Igetabond, commercially available from Sumitomo; Bondfast E, commercially available from Sumitomo; and Lotader, commercially available from Arkema.

[0093] In one aspect, the polyepoxide compound can be a phenolic varnish epoxy resin. Phenolic varnish epoxy resins can be obtained by reacting a phenolic varnish-type phenolic resin with epichlorohydrin. Preferred phenolic varnish phenolic resins can include those obtained through the condensation reaction of phenol and formaldehyde. There are no particular limitations on the starting phenol, but suitable phenols can include phenol, o-cresol, m-cresol, p-cresol, bisphenol A, resorcinol, p-tert-butylphenol, bisphenol F, bisphenol S, and mixtures thereof.

[0094] In one aspect, the compatibilizer comprises poly(ester-carbonate). This polycarbonate comprises repeating carbonate units of formula (15) and repeating ester units of formula (16):

[0095]

[0096] Among them, R 1 At least 60% of the total number of functional groups are aromatic, or each R 1 Contains at least one C 6-30 Aromatic groups. Preferably, each R 1It can be derived from dihydroxy compounds, such as aromatic dihydroxy compounds of formula (10) as previously described or bisphenols of formula (11). Specific dihydroxy compounds include resorcinol, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane (“bisphenol A” or “BPA”), 3,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)benzopyrrolidone, 2-phenyl-3,3'-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)benzopyrrolidone (also known as N-phenylphenolphthalein bisphenol, “PPPBP” or 3,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-phenylisoindoline-1-one), 1,1-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)cyclohexane, and 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane (isophorone bisphenol).

[0097] In formula (16), J is a divalent group derived from an aromatic dihydroxy compound (including its reactive derivatives), such as bisphenol of formula (11), for example, bisphenol A; and T is a divalent group derived from an aromatic dicarboxylic acid (including its reactive derivatives), preferably isophthalic acid or terephthalic acid (where the weight ratio of isophthalic acid to terephthalic acid is 91:9 to 2:98). Copolyesters containing combinations of different T or J groups can be used. The polyester units can be branched or linear.

[0098] In one respect, J is derived from bisphenols of formula (11), such as bisphenol A. In another respect, J is derived from aromatic dihydroxy compounds, such as resorcinol. A portion of the group J (e.g., up to 20 mol%) may be C having a straight-chain, branched, or cyclic (including polycyclic) structure. 2-30 Alkylene, such as ethylene, n-propylene, isopropylene, 1,4-butylene, 1,4-cyclohexene, or 1,4-methylenecyclohexane. Preferably, all J groups are aromatic.

[0099] Aromatic dicarboxylic acids that can be used to prepare polyester units include isophthalic acid or terephthalic acid, 1,2-bis(p-carboxyphenyl)ethane, 4,4'-dicarboxydiphenyl ether, 4,4'-dibenzoic acid, or combinations thereof. Acids containing fused rings, such as 1,4-, 1,5-, or 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, may also be present. Specific dicarboxylic acids include terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, or combinations thereof. Specific dicarboxylic acids include combinations of isophthalic acid and terephthalic acid, wherein the weight ratio of isophthalic acid to terephthalic acid is from 91:9 to 2:98. A portion of the groups T (e.g., up to 20 mol%) may be aliphatic, for example, derived from 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid. Preferably, all T groups are aromatic.

[0100] The molar ratio of ester units to carbonate units in polycarbonate can vary widely, for example, 1:99 to 99:1 or 10:90 to 90:10 or 25:75 to 75:25 or 2:98 to 15:85, depending on the desired properties of the final composition.

[0101] The specific poly(ester-carbonate) includes those comprising bisphenol A carbonate units and bisphenol A isophthalate / bisphenol A terephthalate units, i.e., poly(bisphenol A carbonate)-co-(bisphenol A phthalate) of formula (17):

[0102]

[0103] Wherein, x and y represent the weight percentages of bisphenol A carbonate units and bisphenol A isophthalate / bisphenol A terephthalate ester units, respectively. Typically, these units exist as blocks. In one aspect, the weight ratio of carbonate units x to ester units y in polycarbonate is 1:99 to 50:50, 5:95 to 25:75, or 10:90 to 45:55. Generally, copolymers of formula (17) comprising 35 wt% to 45 wt% carbonate units and 55 wt% to 65 wt% ester units are referred to as poly(carbonate-ester) (PCE), wherein the ester units have a molar ratio of isophthalate to terephthalate of 45:55 to 55:45. Typically, this involves copolymers comprising 15 wt% to 25 wt% carbonate units and 75 wt% to 85 wt% ester units as poly(phthalate-carbonate) (PPC), wherein the ester units have a molar ratio of isophthalate to terephthalate of 98:2 to 88:12.

[0104] In another respect, poly(ester-carbonate) is poly(carbonate-co-monoacrylate) of formula (18), which comprises aromatic carbonate units (15) and repeating monoacrylate units.

[0105]

[0106] Among them, R 1 As defined in equation (15), and each R h As defined in equation (10). Preferably, each R h C is independent 1-4 Alkyl group, and n is 0 to 3, 0 to 1, or 0. The molar ratio of carbonate unit x to ester unit z can be 99:1 to 1:99, 98:2 to 2:98, or 90:10 to 10:90. In one aspect, the molar ratio of x:z is 50:50 to 99:1 or 1:99 to 50:50.

[0107] In one aspect, the poly(ester-carbonate) comprises aromatic ester units and monoacrylate ester units derived from the reaction of a combination of isophthalic acid and terephthalic acid (or reactive derivatives thereof) with resorcinol (or reactive derivatives thereof) to provide resorcinol resorcinol phthalate / resorcinol terephthalate (“ITR” ester units). Based on the total molar number of ester units in the polycarbonate, the ITR ester units may be present in the poly(ester-carbonate) in an amount greater than or equal to 95 mol%, preferably greater than or equal to 99 mol%, and even more preferably greater than or equal to 99.5 mol%. Preferred poly(ester-carbonate) comprises bisphenol A carbonate units and ITR ester units derived from terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, and resorcinol, i.e., poly(bisphenol A carbonate-co-resorcinol resorcinol phthalate / resorcinol terephthalate) of formula (19):

[0108]

[0109] Wherein, the molar ratio of x:z is 98:2 to 2:98 or 90:10 to 10:90. In one aspect, the molar ratio of x:z is 50:50 to 99:1 or 1:99 to 50:50. Based on the total molar number of ester units in the copolymer, the ITR ester units may be present in the poly(bisphenol A carbonate-co-resorcinol resorcinol phthalate-resorcinol terephthalate) in an amount greater than or equal to 95 mol%, preferably greater than or equal to 99 mol%, and even more preferably greater than or equal to 99.5 mol%. Based on the total molar number of units in the copolymer, other carbonate units, other ester units, or combinations thereof may be present in a total amount of 1 mol% to 20 mol%, such as the monoaryl carbonate units of formula (20) and the bisphenol ester units of formula (21):

[0110]

[0111] In the above formula, R h Each is C independently 1-10 Hydrocarbon group, n is 0-4, R a and R b Each is C independently 1-12 Alkyl groups, p and q are each independent integers from 0 to 4, and X a It is a single bond, -O-, -S-, -S(O)-, -S(O)2-, -C(O)-, or the formula C(R) c (R) d C 1-13 Alkyl groups, wherein R c and R d Each is independently either hydrogen or C. 1-12 Alkyl or -C(=R) e )- groups, wherein R eIt is divalent C 1-12 Hydrocarbon group. The bisphenol ester unit can be the bisphenol A phthalate unit of formula (22):

[0112]

[0113] In one aspect, the poly(bisphenol A carbonate-co-resorcinol resorcinol phthalate / resorcinol terephthalate) comprises 1 mol% of 90 mol% of bisphenol A carbonate units, 10 mol% to 99 mol% of resorcinol resorcinol phthalate-resorcinol terephthalate units, and optionally 1 mol% to 60 mol% of resorcinol carbonate units, bisphenol A resorcinol phthalate-bisphenol A terephthalate phthalate units, or combinations thereof. In another aspect, the poly(bisphenol A carbonate-co-resorcinol resorcinol phthalate / resorcinol terephthalate) comprises 10 mol% to 20 mol% of bisphenol A carbonate units, 20 mol% to 98 mol% of resorcinol resorcinol phthalate-resorcinol terephthalate units, and optionally 1 mol% to 60 mol% of resorcinol carbonate units, bisphenol A resorcinol phthalate-bisphenol A terephthalate phthalate units, or combinations thereof.

[0114] Poly(ester-carbonate) may have a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of 2,000 g / mol to 100,000 g / mol, preferably 3,000 g / mol to 75,000 g / mol, more preferably 4,000 g / mol to 50,000 g / mol, more preferably 5,000 g / mol to 35,000 g / mol, and even more preferably 17,000 g / mol to 30,000 g / mol. The molecular weight was determined using GPC with a cross-linked styrene-divinylbenzene column at a sample concentration of 1 mg / mL and calibrated with a bisphenol A homopolymer polycarbonate standard. The sample was eluted with dichloromethane as the eluent at a flow rate of 1.0 mL / min.

[0115] Based on the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer component, the compatibilizer may be present in amounts from 1 part by weight to 60 parts by weight (pbw). Within this range, each compatibilizer may be present in amounts from 5 pbw to 50 pbw, or 5 pbw to 45 pbw, or 5 pbw to 40 pbw, or 7 pbw to 38 pbw, or 10 pbw to 35 pbw, or 1 pbw to 40 pbw, or 1 pbw to 35 pbw, or 1 pbw to 30 pbw, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer component (i.e., polyetherimide, polyarylate, or poly(arylene ether-sulfonate)).

[0116] In one aspect, the composition comprises a liquid crystal polymer; a thermoplastic polymer comprising polyetherimide, polyarylene, or poly(arylene ether-sulfone); and a compatibilizer, substantially consisting of or consisting of the foregoing. The composition may optionally exclude any component not specifically described herein that is different from the liquid crystal polymer, polyetherimide, polyarylene, poly(arylene ether-sulfone), and compatibilizer. In one aspect, the composition comprises less than 5 wt% or less than 1 wt% (based on the total weight of the composition) of any thermoplastic polymer different from polyetherimide, poly(arylene ether-sulfone), polyarylene, and poly(ester-carbonate). In one aspect, the composition comprises less than 0.5 wt% or less than 0.1 wt% (based on the total weight of the composition) of any compatibilizer different from epoxy compounds or poly(ester-carbonate). In one aspect, the composition excludes any compatibilizer different from epoxy compounds or poly(ester-carbonate). In one aspect, the composition may minimize (i.e., based on the total weight of the composition, contain less than 0.5 wt% or less than 0.1 wt%) or exclude compatibilizers that are not polymer compatibilizers. In another aspect, the composition may minimize (i.e., based on the total weight of the composition, contain less than 0.5 wt% or less than 0.1 wt%) or exclude compatibilizers having a molecular weight of less than 1,000 g / mol or less than 500 g / mol.

[0117] In one aspect, the composition may optionally further comprise an additive composition, comprising one or more additives selected to achieve the desired properties, provided that the additives are also selected not to significantly adversely affect the desired properties of the composition. The additive composition or individual additives may be mixed at appropriate times during the mixing of the components used to form the composition. The additive composition may comprise impact modifiers, flow modifiers, fillers (e.g., particulate polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), glass, carbon, minerals, or metals), reinforcing agents (e.g., glass fibers), antioxidants, heat stabilizers, light stabilizers, ultraviolet (UV) light stabilizers, UV absorbing additives, plasticizers, lubricants, release agents (such as mold release agents), antistatic agents, antifogging agents, antimicrobial agents, colorants (e.g., dyes or pigments), surface effect additives, radiation stabilizers, flame retardants, anti-dripping agents (e.g., PTFE-encapsulated styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (TSAN)), or combinations thereof. For example, a combination of heat stabilizers, mold release agents, and UV light stabilizers may be used. Typically, additives are used in amounts generally known to be effective. For example, the total amount of the additive composition (which is different from any impact modifier, filler or reinforcing agent) may be from 0.001 wt% to 10.0 wt% or from 0.01 wt% to 5 wt%, each based on the total weight of the composition.

[0118] In one specific aspect, the composition comprises the following reaction product: 85 wt% to 95 wt% of a liquid crystal polymer; 5 wt% to 15 wt% of a polyetherimide; and 5 pbw to 40 pbw of a polyepoxide compound based on the total weight of the polyetherimide. The liquid crystal polymer comprises repeating aromatic ester units derived from 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid. The polyetherimide may be a polyetherimide homopolymer comprising repeating units derived from bisphenol A and m-phenylenediamine, or a poly(etherimide-siloxane) copolymer comprising repeating etherimide units derived from bisphenol A and m-phenylenediamine and repeating siloxane units derived from dimethylsiloxane. The polyepoxide compound may comprise an ethylene-glycidyl methacrylate copolymer, preferably comprising 1 mol% to 5 mol% glycidyl methacrylate groups based on the total molar amount of the polyepoxide compound.

[0119] In one specific aspect, the composition comprises the following reaction product: 85 wt% to 95 wt% of a liquid crystal polymer; 5 wt% to 15 wt% of a polyaryl ester; and 5 pbw to 40 pbw of a polyepoxide compound based on the total weight of the polyaryl ester. The liquid crystal polymer may comprise repeating aromatic ester units derived from 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid. The polyaryl ester may be a bisphenol A polyaryl ester. The polyepoxide compound may comprise an ethylene-glycidyl methacrylate copolymer, preferably comprising 1 mol% to 5 mol% of glycidyl methacrylate groups based on the total molar amount of the polyepoxide compound.

[0120] In another specific aspect, the composition comprises the following reaction products: 85 wt% to 95 wt% of a liquid crystal polymer; 5 wt% to 15 wt% of poly(aryl ether sulfone); and 5 pbw to 40 pbw of a polyepoxide compound based on the total weight of the poly(aryl ether sulfone). The liquid crystal polymer may comprise repeating aromatic ester units derived from 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid. The poly(aryl ether sulfone) may be polyethersulfone. The polyepoxide compound may comprise an ethylene-glycidyl methacrylate copolymer, preferably comprising 1 mol% to 5 mol% of glycidyl methacrylate groups based on the total molar amount of the polyepoxide compound.

[0121] In one aspect, the composition can be provided in the form of a masterbatch, which can be combined with other polymers (e.g., melt-mixed, dry-mixed, etc.) to provide a final composition. For example, the masterbatch can be combined with a second amount of a liquid crystal polymer to provide the aforementioned composition.

[0122] In one aspect, the masterbatch may comprise 55 wt% to 70 wt% of a liquid crystal polymer; 30 wt% to 45 wt% of a thermoplastic polymer; wherein the weight percentages are based on the total amount of the liquid crystal polymer and the thermoplastic polymer; and 10 to 60 parts by weight of a compatibilizer based on the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer. In one aspect, the masterbatch comprises 55 wt% to 65 wt% or 57 wt% to 63 wt% of a liquid crystal polymer. In one aspect, the masterbatch comprises 30 wt% to 40 wt% or 32 wt% to 38 wt% of a thermoplastic polymer. In one aspect, the masterbatch comprises 10 to 20 parts by weight or 12 to 16 parts by weight of a compatibilizer. All compositional variations of the compositions of this disclosure described above, other than those specified in this paragraph, apply to the liquid crystal polymer masterbatch of this paragraph. In one aspect, the masterbatch consists of a liquid crystal polymer, a thermoplastic polymer, and a compatibilizer. In one aspect, the masterbatch may optionally further comprise one or more additives, for example, in an amount of 0.1 wt% to 10 wt% based on the total weight of the masterbatch.

[0123] In one aspect, the masterbatch can be blended with an effective amount of liquid crystal polymer to provide a composition comprising 70 wt% to 99.5 wt% of liquid crystal polymer, 0.5 wt% to 30 wt% of thermoplastic polymer (wherein the weight percentages are based on the total weight of the liquid crystal polymer and the thermoplastic polymer), and 1 part by weight to 60 parts by weight of compatibilizer (based on the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer).

[0124] In specific aspects of the masterbatch, the liquid crystal polymer comprises repeating aromatic ester units derived from 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid; the thermoplastic polymer is a polyetherimide comprising repeating units derived from bisphenol A dianhydride and m-phenylenediamine, or a poly(etherimide-siloxane) copolymer comprising repeating etherimide units derived from bisphenol A dianhydride and m-phenylenediamine and repeating siloxane units derived from dimethylsiloxane; and the compatibilizer is an ethylene-glycidyl methacrylate copolymer, preferably based on the total molar number of the polyepoxide compound, the ethylene-glycidyl methacrylate copolymer comprising 1 mol% to 5 mol% glycidyl methacrylate groups.

[0125] In another specific aspect of the masterbatch, the liquid crystal polymer comprises repeating aromatic ester units derived from 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid; the thermoplastic polymer is bisphenol A polyarylate; and the compatibilizer is an ethylene-glycidyl methacrylate copolymer, preferably based on the total molar number of the polyepoxide compound, the ethylene-glycidyl methacrylate copolymer comprising 1 mol% to 5 mol% glycidyl methacrylate groups.

[0126] In another specific aspect of the masterbatch, the liquid crystal polymer comprises repeating aromatic ester units derived from 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid; the thermoplastic polymer is polyethersulfone; and the compatibilizer is an ethylene-glycidyl methacrylate copolymer, preferably based on the total molar number of the polyepoxide compound, the ethylene-glycidyl methacrylate copolymer comprising 1 mol% to 5 mol% glycidyl methacrylate groups.

[0127] The composition can be prepared by various methods commonly known in the art. For example, the liquid crystal polymer, thermoplastic polymer component, and compatibilizer can be blended, for example, in a high-speed mixer or by manual mixing. The blend can be fed into the throat of a twin-screw extruder via a hopper. Alternatively, at least one component can be incorporated into the composition by feeding it directly into the extruder at the throat or downstream via a sidestuffer, or by compounding it with the desired polymer to form a masterbatch and feeding it into the extruder. The extruder is typically operated at a temperature above that necessary to cause flow in the composition. The extrudate can be immediately quenched in a water bath and granulated. Depending on the requirements, the granules thus prepared can be quarter-inch long (i.e., 0.635 cm) or smaller. Such granules can be used for subsequent molding, forming, or shaping, such as compression molding, injection molding, etc.

[0128] In one aspect, the masterbatch can be prepared, for example, by blending a liquid crystal polymer, a thermoplastic polymer, and a compatibilizer in the amounts described above. Blending of the masterbatch can be achieved, for example, by melt mixing (e.g., in a high-speed mixer or by manual mixing), compounding in an extruder, dry mixing, etc. A second amount of liquid crystal polymer can be blended with the masterbatch, for example, by dry mixing or melt mixing, to provide the final composition.

[0129] Molded specimens of the composition may exhibit one or more advantageous properties. For example, molded specimens of the composition may have a heat distortion temperature of at least 200°C (e.g., at least 205°C or 210°C to 230°C) as determined according to ASTM D648 under a load of 0.45 MPa. Molded specimens of the composition may exhibit a melting temperature of 260°C to 350°C (e.g., 270°C to 330°C or 275°C to 300°C) as determined by differential scanning calorimetry according to ISO 11357. Molded specimens of the composition may exhibit a dissipation factor of 0.0005 to 0.005, 0.0005 to 0.003, or 0.001 to 0.003 at 1 GHz to 25 GHz, particularly at 5 GHz or at 20 GHz. In one aspect, the composition may exhibit at least one, at least two, or each of the foregoing properties.

[0130] The composition can also exhibit a desired processing window. The processing window can be considered as the difference between the melt temperature (Tm) and the crystallization temperature (Tc). In one aspect, Tm-Tc can increase by 0.1°C to 3°C, or 0.2°C to 2.5°C, or 0.3°C to 2.3°C, relative to a comparative composition (e.g., a liquid crystal polymer without a thermoplastic polymer and a compatibilizer, or a liquid crystal polymer and a thermoplastic polymer without a compatibilizer). In one aspect, for example, when the thermoplastic polymer is polyetherimide, Tm-Tc can increase by 0.3°C to 2.1°C, or 0.5°C to 2.0°C, relative to a comparative composition containing the same liquid crystal polymer and polyetherimide without a compatibilizer. In one aspect, for example, when the thermoplastic polymer is polyetherimide-siloxane, Tm-Tc can increase by 0.2°C to 2.3°C, relative to a comparative composition containing the same liquid crystal polymer and polyetherimide-siloxane without a compatibilizer. In one aspect, for example when the thermoplastic polymer is a polyarylate, Tm-Tc can be increased by 0.3°C to 2°C, or 0.5°C to 1.5°C, or 1.1°C to 1.5°C, relative to a comparative composition containing the same liquid crystal polymer and polyarylate but without a compatibilizer.

[0131] Articles comprising this composition represent another aspect of this disclosure. For example, articles can be prepared by molding, extruding, or forming the above-described composition. The composition can be molded into useful shaped articles by various methods such as injection molding, extrusion, rotational molding, blow molding, and thermoforming. Exemplary articles may be in the form of fibers, films, sheets, tubes, or molded parts. The physical properties of the compositions described herein can provide articles particularly suitable for electronic applications, or a combination of favorable thermal and dielectric properties may be advantageous. For example, the composition may be particularly suitable for consumer electronic devices, lighting components, display components, or wire or cable components.

[0132] This disclosure is further illustrated by the following examples, which are non-limiting.

[0133] Example

[0134] The materials used in the following embodiments are described in Table 1.

[0135] Table 1

[0136]

[0137]

[0138] The compositions of the following examples were prepared by compounding the components of the composition on a 26 mm Coperion W&P twin-screw extruder. All materials were blended together and fed through the main feeder. The compounding distribution is shown in Table 2.

[0139] Table 2

[0140] parameter unit Setting value Zone 1 temperature ℃ 150 Zone 2 temperature ℃ 260 Zone 3 temperature ℃ 320 Zone 4 temperature ℃ 320 Zone 5 temperature ℃ 320 Zone 6 temperature ℃ 320 Zone 7 temperature ℃ 320 Zone 8 temperature ℃ 320 Zone 9 temperature ℃ 320 Zone 10 temperature ℃ 320 Zone 11 temperature ℃ 320 mold temperature ℃ 310 Screw speed rpm 300 Throughput kg / hr 30

[0141] The resulting composite strips were cut into pellets and dried for further molding and evaluation. Then, according to the injection molding distribution shown in Table 3, the extruded pellets were molded into test bars using a Fanuc S-2000i injection molding machine with Axxicon tools.

[0142] Table 3

[0143] parameter unit Setting value Cnd: Pre-drying time Hour 4 Cnd: Pre-drying temperature ℃ 150 Hopper temperature ℃ 70 Zone 1 temperature ℃ 290 Zone 2 temperature ℃ 305 Zone 3 temperature ℃ 305 Nozzle temperature ℃ 300 mold temperature ℃ 120 Screw speed rpm 100 back pressure <![CDATA[kgf / cm 2 ]]> 70 reduced pressure mm 3 Injection time s 0.54 Duration s 6 Cooldown time s 20 Injection volume mm 32 Switching point (mm) mm 10 Injection speed (mm / s) mm / s 50 Maintain pressure <![CDATA[kgf / cm 2 ]]> 300 pad mm 9

[0144] These compositions were physically tested according to the following test standards.

[0145] The melting temperature (Tm) was determined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) according to ISO 11357 and taken as the peak melting temperature. The samples were heated and cooled at a rate of 15 °C / min using a TA Q2000 instrument, in accordance with ISO 10350.

[0146] According to ASTM D648, the thermal deflection temperature (HDT) is determined using a test stress of 0.45 MPa or 1.8 MPa and a sample thickness of 3.2 mm.

[0147] According to ASTM D3835, the rheological test was performed using either capillary rheology or parallel plate rheology at a temperature of 285°C (for Examples 1-11 and Comparative Examples 1-5) or 325°C (for Examples 12 and Comparative Examples 6) and for 100 seconds. -1 The melt viscosity (MV) was determined at the shear rate.

[0148] Tensile properties were determined according to ASTM D638 using a test speed of 50 mm / min.

[0149] The hygroscopicity was determined using a sample bar with a thickness of 3.2 mm for 24 hours at 23°C and 50% relative humidity (RH) based on ISO 62.

[0150] Dissipation factor (Df) was measured using a split-dielectric resonator (SPDR) fixture. A sample size of 127 mm x 12.7 mm x 0.4 mm was used for a test frequency of 20 GHz. A sample size of 100 mm x 70 mm x 1 mm was used for a test frequency of 5 GHz.

[0151] Melt strength was determined using a capillary fracture tensile rheometer (CaBER) with a setup similar to that described in Sur, S., Chellamuthu, M., and Rothstein, J., High-temperature extensional rheology of linear, branched, and hyper-branched polycarbonates, Rheol Acta, 58, 557-572 (2019) (DOI 10.1007 / s00397-019-01157-9) (incorporated hereby by reference). In this test, a parallel plate clamp was used on the rotational rheometer to allow measurement of the peak force reflecting the melt strength of the material at a specified temperature and pull speed. Specifically, small plates cut from a thin injection-molded sample were placed between parallel plates and then heated to the test temperature (e.g., 15°C to 20°C above the polymer's melt temperature). A linear increase in the gap between the plates occurred with a constant pull speed. The peak force measured until melt failure can be attributed to the polymer melt tension. The melt strengths of Examples 1-11 and Comparative Examples 1-5 were determined at 300°C. The melt strengths of Examples 12 and Comparative Example 6 were determined at 325°C and 340°C.

[0152] Exemplary compositions and their physical properties are described in Table 4. The amount of each component in the composition is provided as a weight percentage based on the total weight of the composition.

[0153] Table 4

[0154]

[0155]

[0156] Table 4 (continued)

[0157]

[0158] To improve the processability of the liquid crystal polymer composition (e.g., the processing window, defined as the difference between Tm and Tc, shown as "Tm-Tc" in Table 4) without adversely affecting low hygroscopicity and dielectric properties, polyetherimide is incorporated into the composition due to its stability, low dissipation factor over a wide frequency range, and low hygroscopicity.

[0159] As shown in Table 4, incorporating PEI or PEI-Si with a polyepoxide into a liquid crystal polymer composition can improve melt strength compared to the original LCP, as shown in Comparative Example 1 (CE1). Not wishing to be bound by theory, it is thought that the presence of the polyepoxide can increase melt strength through its reaction with PEI (or PEI-Si), LCP, or both (e.g., during compounding), providing branched structures, and disrupting the orientation of the crystal structure within the LCP. As shown in Table 4, the E1-E9 compositions (compositions comprising LCP-1 and PEI or PEI-Si) have a melt strength of 1.7 N or greater (e.g., 1.7 to 15.1 N) at 300 °C. Comparing E1 and CE2, the addition of a polyepoxide provides a 1.7 N increase in melt strength. Comparing E2 and CE2, the addition of a polyepoxide provides a 0.7 N increase in melt strength. Further increasing the polyepoxide content in E3 resulted in a 4.7 N increase associated with CE2. E12 shows that improvements can also be seen when different LCPs are used with PEI and polyepoxides. Adding PEI alone does not provide an improvement in melt strength. See CE1 and CE2; adding 10 wt% PEI actually reduces the melt strength of the composition by 0.6 N. A similar effect can be seen with PEI-Si. See CE1 and CE3; it can be seen that adding 10 wt% PEI-Si similarly results in a melt strength reduction of 1.2 N (compared to 1.8 N for CE1). Conversely, specific combinations of LCP, thermoplastic components, and compatibilizers enable the desired improvement in melt strength.

[0160] For compositions containing PEI-Si (containing only 0.5 wt% of polyepoxide), the melt strength increases by 0.5 N (i.e., 1.7 N in E5 compared to 1.2 N in CE3). Further increasing the polyepoxide content (e.g., up to 5 wt%) provides a melt strength of 15.1 N, an increase of 13.9 N relative to CE3. Replacing the polyepoxide with PEC in E9 provides a similar melt strength of 2.5 N (compared to 1.2 N when PEI-Si and LCP-1 are used alone, as in CE3). Comparing CE4 and E10, including the polyepoxide component in the LCP / PAR composition provides a 64% improvement in melt strength at 300 °C (i.e., an increase from 3.82 N in CE4 to 6.27 N in E10).

[0161] Examples 1 and 2 (E1 and E2) in Table 4 both exhibit good retention of the advantages of the original LCP (e.g., low dissipation factor). The composition of Example 9 shows that a similar effect can be achieved by using PEC as a compatibilizer. Comparing Examples 4 and 5 with Examples 10 and 11 illustrates that thermoplastic polymers such as polyarylates or polyethersulfones can also provide the desired improvement in the properties of the resulting LCP compositions. Example 12 shows that similar effects can be achieved when using different LCP polymers.

[0162] As shown in Table 4, incorporating PEI or PEI-Si with polyepoxides into liquid crystal polymer compositions can improve the processability of the compositions. Processability can be evaluated based on the difference between the melt temperature (Tm) and the crystallization temperature (Tc). As shown in Table 4, the Tm-Tc of E1-E3 (compositions comprising LCP-1, PEI, and polyepoxides) increases by 0.9°C to 2°C relative to CE2 (i.e., LCP-1 and PEI without compatibilizers). When LCP-1 is used with PEI-Si (E4 and E6-9), Tm-Tc increases by 0.2°C to 2.2°C relative to CE3 (i.e., LCP-1 and PEI-Si without compatibilizers). E10 shows that when LCP-1, PAR, and polyepoxides are combined, Tm-Tc increases by 1.4°C (relative to CE4). When LCP-2 is used in conjunction with PEI (E12), Tm-Tc increases by 1.9°C relative to LCP-2 alone (CE6). Therefore, an improvement in the processing window is confirmed overall for the compositions according to this disclosure. The overall processing window (Tm-Tc) is observed to increase by 0.1°C to 3°C relative to the corresponding comparative compositions. The improved processability provided by the compositions of this disclosure enables more efficient melt processing of the compositions for flexible applications such as wearable devices, flexible circuit boards, flexible displays, etc.

[0163] The present invention further covers the following aspects.

[0164] Aspect 1: A composition comprising 55 wt% to 99.5 wt% of a liquid crystal polymer; 0.5 wt% to 45 wt% of a thermoplastic polymer comprising polyetherimide, polyarylate, or poly(arylene ether-sulfone); wherein the weight percentages are based on the total weight of the liquid crystal polymer and the thermoplastic polymer; and based on the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer, 1 part by weight to 60 parts by weight of a compatibilizer comprising a polyepoxide compound or poly(ester-carbonate).

[0165] Aspect 2: The composition according to aspect 1, wherein the liquid crystal polymer is a liquid crystal polyester derived from aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acids, aromatic dicarboxylic acids, aromatic dihydroxy compounds, N-acetyl-p-aminophenol, aminophenol, or combinations thereof; preferably, wherein the liquid crystal polyester is derived from 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid; or the liquid crystal polyester is derived from 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, and hydroquinone.

[0166] Aspect 3: The composition according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the thermoplastic polymer comprises a polyetherimide, preferably wherein the polyetherimide comprises repeating units derived from bisphenol A dianhydride and m-phenylenediamine.

[0167] Aspect 4: The composition according to aspect 3, wherein the polyetherimide comprises a poly(etherimide-siloxane) copolymer.

[0168] Aspect 5: The composition according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the thermoplastic polymer comprises a polyarylene, preferably wherein the polyarylene is a bisphenol A polyarylene.

[0169] Aspect 6: The composition according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the thermoplastic polymer comprises polysulfone, preferably wherein the poly(arylene ether sulfone) is polyether sulfone.

[0170] Aspect 7: The composition according to any one of Aspects 1 to 6, wherein the compatibilizer comprises a polyepoxide compound, preferably wherein the polyepoxide compound comprises three or more epoxy groups, and wherein the composition comprises a reaction product of a liquid crystal polymer, a thermoplastic polymer and a polyepoxide compound.

[0171] Aspect 8: The composition according to Aspect 7, wherein the polyepoxide compound comprises an addition polymer of an olefinically unsaturated epoxy compound or an epoxidized phenolic varnish resin; preferably, wherein the polyepoxide compound comprises repeating units derived from: ethylene and glycidyl methacrylate; ethylene, acrylic acid C 1-6 Alkyl esters and glycidyl acrylate; ethylene, methyl acrylate and glycidyl acrylate; ethylene, butyl acrylate and glycidyl acrylate; or ethylene, vinyl acetate and glycidyl acrylate; more preferably, wherein the polyepoxide is an ethylene-glycidyl methacrylate copolymer, an ethylene-glycidyl methacrylate-methyl acrylate terpolymer or an ethylene-glycidyl methacrylate-vinyl acetate terpolymer; even more preferably, wherein the polyepoxide comprises an ethylene-glycidyl methacrylate copolymer, preferably, based on the total molar number of the polyepoxide, the ethylene-glycidyl methacrylate copolymer comprises 1 mol% to 5 mol% glycidyl methacrylate groups.

[0172] Aspect 9: A composition according to any one of Aspects 1 to 9, wherein a molded sample of the composition exhibits at least one of the following: a heat distortion temperature of at least 200°C as determined by ASTM D648 under a load of 0.45 MPa; a melting temperature of 260°C to 350°C as determined by differential scanning calorimetry according to ISO 11357; and a dissipation factor of 0.0005 to 0.005 in the range of 1 GHz to 25 GHz.

[0173] Aspect 10: The composition according to aspect 1 comprises a reaction product comprising: 85 wt% to 90 wt% of a liquid crystal polymer; 5 wt% to 15 wt% of a polyetherimide; and 5 parts by weight to 40 parts by weight of a polyepoxide compound; wherein the liquid crystal polymer comprises repeating aromatic ester units derived from 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid; the polyetherimide is a polyetherimide homopolymer comprising repeating units derived from bisphenol A dianhydride and m-phenylenediamine; and the polyepoxide compound comprises an ethylene-glycidyl methacrylate copolymer, preferably comprising 1 mol% to 5 mol% glycidyl methacrylate groups based on the total molar number of the polyepoxide compound.

[0174] Aspect 11: The composition according to aspect 1 comprises a reaction product comprising: 70 wt% to less than 90 wt% of a liquid crystal polymer; 5 wt% to 25 wt% of a polyetherimide; and 5 to 25 parts by weight of a polyepoxide compound based on the total weight of the polyetherimide; wherein the liquid crystal polymer comprises repeating aromatic ester units derived from 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid; the polyetherimide is a poly(etherimide-siloxane) copolymer comprising repeating etherimide units derived from bisphenol A dianhydride and m-phenylenediamine and repeating siloxane units derived from dimethylsiloxane; and the polyepoxide compound comprises an ethylene-glycidyl methacrylate copolymer, preferably comprising 1 mol% to 5 mol% glycidyl methacrylate groups based on the total molar number of the polyepoxide compound.

[0175] Aspect 12: The composition according to aspect 1 comprises a reaction product comprising: 85 wt% to 95 wt% of a liquid crystal polymer; 5 wt% to 15 wt% of a polyaryl ester; and 5 parts by weight to 40 parts by weight of a polyepoxide compound; wherein the liquid crystal polymer comprises repeating aromatic ester units derived from 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid; the polyaryl ester is a bisphenol A polyaryl ester; and the polyepoxide compound comprises an ethylene-glycidyl methacrylate copolymer, preferably comprising 1 mol% to 5 mol% glycidyl methacrylate groups based on the total moles of the polyepoxide compound.

[0176] Aspect 13: The composition according to aspect 1 comprises a reaction product comprising: 85 wt% to 95 wt% of a liquid crystal polymer; 5 wt% to 15 wt% of a poly(arylene ether sulfone); and 5 parts by weight to 40 parts by weight of a polyepoxide compound; wherein the liquid crystal polymer comprises repeating aromatic ester units derived from 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid; the poly(arylene ether sulfone) is a polyether sulfone; and the polyepoxide compound comprises an ethylene-glycidyl methacrylate copolymer, preferably comprising 1 mol% to 5 mol% glycidyl methacrylate groups based on the total moles of the polyepoxide compound.

[0177] Aspect 14: A composition according to any one of Aspects 10 to 13, wherein a molded sample of the composition exhibits: a heat distortion temperature of at least 205°C, preferably at least 210°C to 230°C, as determined according to ASTM D648 under a load of 0.45 MPa; a melting temperature of 270°C to 330°C, preferably 275°C to 300°C, as determined by differential scanning calorimetry according to ISO 11357; and a dissipation factor of 0.0005 to 0.003, preferably 0.001 to 0.003, at 5 GHz or 20 GHz.

[0178] Aspect 15: A method for preparing a composition of any one of Aspects 1 to 14, the method comprising melt-mixing components of the composition and optionally extruding the composition.

[0179] Aspect 16: The method according to aspect 15 includes melt mixing of: a liquid crystal polymer masterbatch comprising: 55 to 70 wt% of a liquid crystal polymer, 30 to 45 wt% of a thermoplastic polymer, wherein the weight percentages are based on the total amount of the liquid crystal polymer and the thermoplastic polymer, and 10 to 60 parts by weight of a compatibilizer based on the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer; and a second amount of the liquid crystal polymer, thereby providing a composition of any one of aspects 1 to 14.

[0180] Aspect 17: An article comprising a composition of any one of aspects 1 to 14, preferably wherein the article is a component for a consumer electronic device, a lighting component, a display component, or a wire or cable component.

[0181] Compositions, methods, and articles may include any suitable materials, steps, or components disclosed herein, and may alternatively consist of or substantially consist of the foregoing items. Compositions, methods, and articles may additionally or alternatively be formulated to be free of or substantially free of any materials (or substances), steps, or components that would otherwise be unnecessary for achieving the function or purpose of the composition, method, and article.

[0182] All scopes disclosed herein include endpoints, and endpoints may be combined independently of each other. "Combination" includes blends, mixtures, alloys, reaction products, etc. The terms "first," "second," etc., do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are used to distinguish one element from another. Unless otherwise stated herein or clearly contradicted by the context, the terms "a," "an," and "the" do not indicate a limitation of quantity, but are interpreted to cover both the singular and the plural. Unless otherwise expressly stated, "or" means "and / or." Throughout the specification, reference to "an aspect" means that a particular element described in connection with that aspect is included in at least one aspect described herein and may or may not be present in other aspects. The term "combination of them," as used herein, includes one or more of the listed elements and is open to the presence of one or more unspecified similar elements. Furthermore, it should be understood that the described elements may be combined in any suitable manner across multiple aspects.

[0183] Unless otherwise specified herein, all test standards are the most recent standards effective from the filing date of this application, or, if priority is claimed, the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the test standard appears.

[0184] Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. All cited patents, patent applications, and other references are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. However, if any terminology in this application contradicts or conflicts with terminology in the incorporated references, the terminology from this application shall take precedence over the conflicting terminology from the incorporated references.

[0185] Compounds should be described using standard nomenclature. For example, any position not substituted by any indicator group should be understood as having its valence filled by a bond or hydrogen atom as indicated. A dash ("-") not between two letters or symbols is used to indicate the connection point of a substituent. For example, -CHO is connected via a carbonyl group.

[0186] As used herein, the term "alkyl group," whether used alone or as a prefix, suffix, or part of another term, refers to a residue containing only carbon and hydrogen. This residue can be aliphatic or aromatic, linear, cyclic, bicyclic, branched, saturated, or unsaturated. It can also contain combinations of aliphatic, aromatic, linear, cyclic, bicyclic, branched, saturated, and unsaturated hydrocarbon moieties. However, when an alkyl group residue is described as substituted, it may optionally contain heteroatoms on and above the carbon and hydrogen members of the substituent residue. Thus, when specifically described as substituted, an alkyl group residue may also contain one or more carbonyl, amino, hydroxyl, etc., or it may contain heteroatoms within the backbone of the alkyl group residue. The term "alkyl" refers to a branched or linear, saturated aliphatic alkyl group, such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, sec-pentyl, and n-hexyl and sec-hexyl. "Alkenyl" refers to a straight-chain or branched monovalent hydrocarbon group having at least one carbon-carbon double bond (e.g., vinyl (-HC=CH2)). "Alkoxy" refers to an alkyl group linked via oxygen (i.e., alkyl-O-), such as methoxy, ethoxy, and sec-butoxy. "Alkylene" refers to a straight-chain or branched, saturated divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group (e.g., methylene (-CH2-) or propylidene (-(CH2)3-). "Cycloalkylene" refers to a divalent cyclic alkylene group, -C n H 2n-x The prefix "cycloalkenyl" refers to a monovalent group having one or more rings and one or more carbon-carbon double bonds within those rings, wherein all ring members are carbon (e.g., cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl). "Aryl" refers to an aromatic hydrocarbon group containing a specified number of carbon atoms, such as phenyl, cycloheptatrienone, indenyl, or naphthyl. "Arylidene" refers to a divalent aryl group. "Alkanelidene" refers to an arylidene group substituted with an alkyl group. "Aranelidene" refers to an alkylene group substituted with an aryl group (e.g., benzyl). The prefix "halogenated" refers to a group or compound comprising one or more of fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine substituents. Combinations of different halogen atoms (e.g., bromine and fluorine) or only chlorine atoms may be present. The prefix "heterogeneous" refers to a compound or group comprising at least one ring member that is a heteroatom (e.g., 1, 2, or 3 heteroatoms), wherein each heteroatom is independently N, O, S, Si, or P. "Substituted" means that a compound or group is substituted by at least one (e.g., 1, 2, 3, or 4) substituents, each of which can be C16 or C26 independently. 1-9 Alkoxy, C 1-9 Halogenated alkoxy, nitro (-NO2), cyano (-CN), C 1-6 alkylsulfonyl (-S(=O)2-alkyl), C 6-12 Arylsulfonyl (-S(=O)2-aryl), thiol (-SH), thiocyanate (-SCN), toluenesulfonyl (CH3C6H4SO2-), C3-12 cycloalkyl, C 2-12 alkenyl, C 5-12 Cycloalkenyl, C 6-12 Aryl, C 7-13 Arylalkylene, C 4-12 Heterocyclic alkyl groups and C 3-12 A heteroaryl group can replace hydrogen, provided that the valence of the substituted atom does not exceed the normal valence of the substituted atom. The number of carbon atoms indicated in the group does not include any substituents. For example, -CH2CH2CN is a C2 alkyl group substituted with a nitrile.

[0187] While specific aspects have been described, alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and substantial equivalents may be conceived by the applicant or others skilled in the art that are currently unforeseeable or likely to be unforeseeable. Therefore, the appended claims, as filed and as they may be modified, are intended to cover all such alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and substantial equivalents.

Claims

1. A composition comprising: 55 wt% to 99.5 wt% liquid crystal polyester; 0.5 wt% to 45 wt% of thermoplastic polymers containing polyarylates or poly(arylene ether-sulfone); The weight percentages are based on the total weight of the liquid crystal polyester and the thermoplastic polymer; and The compatibilizer comprises 1 to 60 parts by weight of the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer, wherein the compatibilizer contains a polyepoxide or a poly(ester-carbonate).

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the liquid crystal polyester is derived from aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acids, aromatic dicarboxylic acids, aromatic dihydroxy compounds, N-acetyl-p-aminophenol, aminophenol, or combinations thereof.

3. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the thermoplastic polymer comprises the polyarylate.

4. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the thermoplastic polymer comprises the poly(arylene ether-sulfone).

5. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the compatibilizer comprises the polyepoxide compound.

6. The composition according to claim 5, wherein the polyepoxide compound comprises an addition polymer of an olefinically unsaturated epoxy compound or an epoxidized phenolic varnish resin.

7. The composition according to claim 1, comprising the reaction product of any of the following: The liquid crystal polyester comprises 85 wt% to 95 wt% of the liquid crystal polyester; 5 wt% to 15 wt% of the polyarylate; and The amount of the polyepoxide compound is 5 to 40 parts by weight based on the total weight of the polyarylate; in The liquid crystal polyester comprises repeating aromatic ester units derived from 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid; The polyarylate is a bisphenol A polyarylate; and The polyepoxide compound comprises an ethylene-glycidyl methacrylate copolymer.

8. The composition according to claim 1, comprising the reaction product of any of the following: The liquid crystal polyester comprises 85 wt% to 95 wt% of the liquid crystal polyester; 5 wt% to 15 wt% of the poly(arylene ether-sulfone); and Based on 5 to 40 parts by weight of the poly(arylene ether-sulfone) total weight; in The liquid crystal polyester comprises repeating aromatic ester units derived from 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid; The poly(arylene ether sulfone) is a polyether sulfone; and The polyepoxide compound comprises an ethylene-glycidyl methacrylate copolymer.

9. The composition according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, Molded samples of the composition exhibit the following characteristics: The heat distortion temperature is at least 205°C as determined by ASTM D648 under a load of 0.45 MPa. The melting temperature of 270°C to 330°C as determined by differential scanning calorimetry according to ISO 11357; as well as Dissipation factor of 0.0005 to 0.003 at 5 GHz or 20 GHz.

10. A method for preparing the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the method comprising: The components of the composition are melt-mixed, and optionally the composition is extruded.

11. The method of claim 10, comprising: Melt mixing: Liquid crystal polymer masterbatch, the liquid crystal polymer masterbatch comprising: The liquid crystal polyester comprises 55 to 70 wt%. 30 to 45 wt% of the thermoplastic polymer, Wherein, the weight percentage is based on the total amount of the liquid crystal polyester and the thermoplastic polymer, and The compatibilizer comprises 10 to 60 parts by weight of the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer; and The second quantity of the liquid crystal polyester Thus, the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is provided.

12. An article comprising the composition of any one of claims 1 to 9.

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