Metalized articles and related poly(phenylene ether) compositions and injection molded articles

Abstract

A reflective article comprising an injection molded thermoplastic substrate and a reflective metal layer disposed on a surface of the thermoplastic substrate. The injection molded thermoplastic substrate is prepared from a pre-blended composition comprising specific amounts of a hydrogenated block copolymer of two poly(phenylene ether)s having different inherent viscosities, a random polystyrene, and optionally an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene. The reflective article is lighter and less costly compared to comparable reflective articles based on heat-resistant polycarbonates. Also described are a melt-blended composition derived from the pre-blended composition and an injection molded article prepared from the melt-blended composition.

Description

[0001] CITATION OF RELATED APPLICATION

[0002] This application claims priority to European Patent Application No. 21197791.3 filed on September 20, 2021, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. BACKGROUND

[0003] Reduced weight and lower cost are key drivers of innovation in the automotive industry, especially in electric vehicles. Heat-resistant polycarbonates are currently used to manufacture reflective articles for automotive reflectors and bezels. Heat-resistant polycarbonates are used to injection mold articles having smooth surfaces suitable for metal deposition, and the resulting reflective articles exhibit an excellent balance of heat resistance, surface smoothness, low water absorption, low outgassing, and good metal adhesion, all at a weight much less than prior articles prepared from metal alone. However, it is desirable for reflective articles to be lighter and less costly, while exhibiting increased tensile stress at yield, increased flexural strength, and reduced water absorption, and while being at least comparable in terms of flexural modulus, heat deflection temperature, and mold shrinkage. SUMMARY

[0004] One embodiment is a reflective article comprising: an injection molded thermoplastic substrate; and a reflective metal layer disposed on a surface of the thermoplastic substrate; wherein the injection molded thermoplastic substrate comprises a melt-blended composition comprising a product of melt-blending a pre-blended composition, the pre-blended composition comprising 40 to 90 weight percent of a first poly(phenylene ether) having an intrinsic viscosity of 0.3 to 0.43 deciliters per gram, as determined by an Ubbelohde viscometer at 23 °C in chloroform, and having a first weight average molecular weight Mw, as determined using gel permeation chromatography with polystyrene standards according to ASTM D5296-19, of 25,000 to 35,000 grams per mole, and 10 to 60 weight percent of a second poly(phenylene ether) having an intrinsic viscosity of 0.3 to 0.43 deciliters per gram, as determined by an Ubbelohde viscometer at 23 °C in chloroform, and having a second weight average molecular weight Mw, as determined using gel permeation chromatography with polystyrene standards according to ASTM D5296-19, of 20,000 to 30,000 grams per mole, based on the total weight of the pre-blended composition. w 1, a first number average molecular weight M n 1, and a first dispersity M w 1 / M n1 ; 5 to 25 weight percent of a second poly(phenylene ether) having an intrinsic viscosity greater than 0.43 to 0.49 deciliter per gram as determined by an Ubbelohde viscometer in chloroform at 23 °C; provided that the intrinsic viscosity of the second poly(phenylene ether) is greater than 0.03 to 0.09 deciliter per gram than the intrinsic viscosity of the first poly(phenylene ether); wherein the second poly(phenylene ether) has a second weight average molecular weight M w 2, a second number average molecular weight M n 2, and a second dispersity M w 2 / M n 2; 5 to 25 weight percent of a random polystyrene; and 0 to 10 weight percent of a hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene; wherein a blend of 40 to 90 weight percent of the first poly(phenylene ether) and 5 to 25 weight percent of the second poly(phenylene ether) has a blend weight average molecular weight M w blend), a blend number average molecular weight M w blend), a blend number average molecular weight M n blend), a blend number average molecular weight M n blend), and a blend dispersity M w blend / M n blend), a blend number average molecular weight M w blend / M n blend); wherein the blend dispersity M w blend is greater than a first dispersity M w 1 / M n 1 and less than a second dispersity M w 2 / M n 2; and wherein the sum of the weight percents of the first poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether), the random polystyrene, and the hydrogenated block copolymer is 95 to 100 weight percent.

[0005] Another embodiment is a melt blended composition comprising the product of melt blending a pre-blend composition, the pre-blend composition comprising, based on the total weight of the pre-blend composition: 40 to 90 weight percent of a first poly(phenylene ether) having an intrinsic viscosity of 0.3 to 0.43 deciliter per gram as determined by an Ubbelohde viscometer in chloroform at 23 °C and having a first weight average molecular weight M w 1, a first number average molecular weight M n 1, and a first dispersity M w 1 / M n1 ; 5 to 25 weight percent of a second poly(phenylene ether) having an intrinsic viscosity greater than 0.43 to 0.49 deciliter per gram as determined by an Ubbelohde viscometer at 23 °C in chloroform; provided that the intrinsic viscosity of the second poly(phenylene ether) is greater than 0.03 to 0.09 deciliter per gram than the intrinsic viscosity of the first poly(phenylene ether); wherein the second poly(phenylene ether) has a second weight average molecular weight M w 2, a second number average molecular weight M n 2, and a second dispersity M w 2 / M n 2; 5 to 25 weight percent of a random polystyrene; and 0 to 10 weight percent of a hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene; wherein a blend of 40 to 90 weight percent of the first poly(phenylene ether) and 5 to 25 weight percent of the second poly(phenylene ether) has a blend weight average molecular weight M w blend, a blend number average molecular weight M n blend, and a blend dispersity M w blend / M n blend; wherein the blend dispersity M w blend is greater than a first dispersity M w 1 / M n 1 and less than a second dispersity M w 2 / M n 2; and wherein the sum of the weight percentages of the first poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether), the random polystyrene, and the hydrogenated block copolymer is 95 to 100 weight percent.

[0006] Another embodiment is an injection molded article of the melt blended composition contained in any of the variants described herein.

[0007] These and other embodiments are described in detail below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] The accompanying drawings are exploded schematic views of a reflective article 10 including an injection molded thermoplastic substrate 20 and a reflective metal layer 30 disposed on a surface of the thermoplastic substrate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] The present inventors have determined that a specific poly(phenylene ether)-based composition comprising two poly(phenylene ether)s having different inherent viscosities and optionally comprising specific amounts of carboxylic acid and / or carboxylic anhydride can be used for injection-molded substrates that, when metallized to form reflective articles, are lighter and less costly than comparable polycarbonate-based reflective articles while exhibiting increased tensile stress at yield, increased flexural strength, and reduced water absorption, while at the same time at least comparable flexural modulus, heat deflection temperature, and mold shrinkage.

[0010] Thus, one embodiment is a reflective article comprising: an injection-molded thermoplastic substrate; and a reflective metal layer disposed on a surface of the thermoplastic substrate; wherein the injection-molded thermoplastic substrate comprises a melt-blended composition comprising the product of melt-blending a pre-blended composition, the pre-blended composition comprising, based on the total weight of the pre-blended composition, 40 to 90 weight percent of a first poly(phenylene ether) having an inherent viscosity of 0.3 to 0.43 deciliters per gram, as determined by an Ubbelohde viscometer at 23 °C in chloroform, and having a first weight average molecular weight M w 1, a first number average molecular weight M n 1, and a first dispersity M w 1 / M n 1; 5 to 25 weight percent of a second poly(phenylene ether) having an inherent viscosity of greater than 0.43 to 0.49 deciliters per gram, as determined by an Ubbelohde viscometer at 23 °C in chloroform; with the proviso that the inherent viscosity of the second poly(phenylene ether) is greater than the inherent viscosity of the first poly(phenylene ether) by 0.03 to 0.09 deciliters per gram; wherein the second poly(phenylene ether) has a second weight average molecular weight M w 2, a second number average molecular weight M n 2, and a second dispersity M w 2 / M n 2; 5 to 25 weight percent of a random polystyrene; and 0 to 10 weight percent of a hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene; wherein a blend of 40 to 90 weight percent of the first poly(phenylene ether) and 5 to 25 weight percent of the second poly(phenylene ether) has a blend weight average molecular weight M w blend, a blend number average molecular weight M n blend, and a blend dispersity M w blend / M n blend; wherein the blend dispersity Mw blend is greater than a first dispersity M w 1 / M n 1 and less than a second dispersity M w 2 / M n 2; and wherein the sum of the weight percentages of the first poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether), the random polystyrene, and the hydrogenated block copolymer is 95 to 100 weight percent.

[0011] The pre-blended composition includes a first poly(phenylene ether) and a second poly(phenylene ether). Typically, the poly(phenylene ether) is a polymer including recurring structural units having the formula:

[0012]

[0013] wherein each occurrence of Z 1 is independently halogen, unsubstituted or substituted C1-C 12 hydrocarbyl (with the proviso that the hydrocarbyl is not tertiary hydrocarbyl), C1-C 12 hydrocarbylthio, C1-C 12 hydrocarbyloxy, or C2-C 12 halohydrocarbyloxy wherein at least two carbon atoms separate the halogen and oxygen atoms; and each occurrence of Z 2 is independently hydrogen, halogen, unsubstituted or substituted C1-C 12 hydrocarbyl (with the proviso that the hydrocarbyl is not tertiary hydrocarbyl), C1-C 12 hydrocarbylthio, C1-C 12 hydrocarbyloxy, or C2-C 12 halohydrocarbyloxy wherein at least two carbon atoms separate the halogen and oxygen atoms. As used herein, the term "hydrocarbyl," whether used by itself, or as a prefix, suffix, or fragment of another term, refers to a residue that contains only carbon and hydrogen. The residue can be aliphatic or aromatic, straight, cyclic, bicyclic, branched, saturated, or unsaturated. It can also contain combinations of aliphatic, aromatic, straight, cyclic, bicyclic, branched, saturated, and unsaturated hydrocarbon moieties. However, when the hydrocarbyl residue is described as substituted, it can optionally contain heteroatoms in addition to the carbon and hydrogen members of the substituent residue. Thus, when specifically described as substituted, the hydrocarbyl residue can also contain one or more carbonyl, amino, hydroxyl, etc., or it can contain heteroatoms within the backbone of the hydrocarbyl residue. As one example, Z 1 may be di-n-butylaminomethyl formed from the reaction of terminal 3,5-dimethyl-1,4-phenyl groups with the di-n-butylamine component of the oxidation polymerization catalyst.

[0014] The poly(phenylene ether) can include molecules having end groups of amino group-containing alkyl groups typically located ortho to the hydroxyl group. Also frequently present are tetramethyl diphenylquinone (TMDQ) end groups, typically obtained from 2,6-dimethylphenol-containing reaction mixtures in which tetramethyl diphenylquinone byproducts are present. The poly(phenylene ether) can be in the form of a homopolymer, copolymer, graft copolymer, ionomer, or block copolymer, and combinations thereof.

[0015] In some embodiments, the poly(phenylene ether) includes a poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer. As used herein, the term "poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer" refers to a block copolymer including at least one poly(phenylene ether) block and at least one polysiloxane block.

[0016] In some embodiments, the poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer is prepared by an oxidative copolymerization process. In this process, the poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer is the product of a process that includes oxidative copolymerization of a monomer mixture including a monohydric phenol and a hydroxyaryl-terminated polysiloxane. In some embodiments, the monomer mixture includes 70 to 99 parts by weight of the monohydric phenol and 1 to 30 parts by weight of the hydroxyaryl-terminated polysiloxane, based on the total weight of the monohydric phenol and the hydroxyaryl-terminated polysiloxane. The hydroxyaryl-di-terminated polysiloxane can include a plurality of repeat units having the structure:

[0017]

[0018] wherein each occurrence of R 8 is independently hydrogen, C1-C 12 hydrocarbyl, or C1-C 12 halohydrocarbyl; and two terminal units having the structure:

[0019]

[0020] wherein Y is hydrogen, C1-C 12 hydrocarbyl, C1-C 12 hydrocarbyloxy, or halogen, and wherein each occurrence of R 9 is independently hydrogen, C1-C 12 hydrocarbyl, or C1-C 12 halohydrocarbyl. In very specific embodiments, each occurrence of R 8 and R 9 is methyl, and Y is methoxy.

[0021] In some embodiments, the monohydric phenol includes 2,6-dimethylphenol, and the hydroxyaryl-terminated polysiloxane has the structure

[0022]

[0023] wherein n is on average from 5 to 100, specifically from 30 to 60.

[0024] The oxidative copolymerization process produces the poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer as the desired product and poly(phenylene ether) (without the incorporated polysiloxane block) as a byproduct. It is not necessary to separate the poly(phenylene ether) from the poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer. Thus, the poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer can be used as a “reaction product” that includes both poly(phenylene ether) and poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer. Certain separation procedures, such as precipitation from isopropanol, allow for assurance that the reaction product is substantially free of residual hydroxyaryl-terminated polysiloxane starting material. In other words, these separation procedures assure that the polysiloxane content of the reaction product is substantially all in the form of poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer. Detailed methods for forming poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,017,697 to Carrillo et al. and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2012 / 0329961 Al to Carrillo et al.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first poly(phenylene ether) and the second poly(phenylene ether) each include poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether). In some embodiments, one of the first and second poly(phenylene ether) includes poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) and the other of the first and second poly(phenylene ether) includes a poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer.

[0026] The first poly(phenylene ether) has an intrinsic viscosity of 0.3 to 0.43 deciliter per gram, as determined by an Ubbelohde viscometer at 23 °C in chloroform. Within this range, the intrinsic viscosity of the first poly(phenylene ether) can be 0.35 to 0.43 deciliter per gram, or 0.37 to 0.43 deciliter per gram. The first poly(phenylene ether) also has a first weight average molecular weight Mw,1 of 25,000 to 45,000 grams per mole, as determined according to ASTM D5296-19 using gel permeation chromatography with polystyrene standards. w 1, a first number average molecular weight M n 1, and a first dispersity M w 1 / M n 1.

[0027] The second poly(phenylene ether) has an intrinsic viscosity of greater than 0.43 to 0.49 deciliters per gram as determined by a Ubbelohde viscometer at 23 °C in chloroform. Within this range, the intrinsic viscosity of the first poly(phenylene ether) can be 0.43 to 0.49 deciliters per gram.

[0028] The intrinsic viscosity of the second poly(phenylene ether) is greater than the intrinsic viscosity of the first poly(phenylene ether) by 0.03 to 0.09 deciliters per gram. Within this range, the intrinsic viscosity of the second poly(phenylene ether) can be greater than the intrinsic viscosity of the first poly(phenylene ether) by 0.04 to 0.08 deciliters per gram.

[0029] The second poly(phenylene ether) also has a second weight average molecular weight M w 2, a second number average molecular weight M n 2, and a second dispersity M w 2 / M n 2.

[0030] The pre-blended composition includes 40 to 90 weight percent of the first poly(phenylene ether) based on the total weight of the pre-blended composition. Within this range, the amount of the first poly(phenylene ether) can be 60 to 80 weight percent, or 65 to 75 weight percent.

[0031] The pre-blended composition includes 5 to 25 weight percent of the second poly(phenylene ether) based on the total weight of the pre-blended composition. Within this range, the amount of the first poly(phenylene ether) can be 7 to 20 weight percent, or 8 to 16 weight percent, or 10 to 20 weight percent.

[0032] The blend of 40 to 90 weight percent of the first poly(phenylene ether) and 5 to 25 weight percent of the second poly(phenylene ether) (i.e., a blend consisting of 40 to 90 parts by weight of the first poly(phenylene ether) and 5 to 25 parts by weight of the second poly(phenylene ether)) has a blend weight average molecular weight M w blend, a blend number average molecular weight M n blend, and a blend dispersity M w blend / M n blend. The blend dispersity M w blend is greater than the first dispersity M w 1 / M n 1 and less than the second dispersity M w 2 / M n 2.

[0033] In some embodiments, the first weight average molecular weight Mw 1 is 30,000 to 47,000 grams / mole, a first number average molecular weight M n 1 is 15,000 to 24,000 grams / mole, and a first dispersity M w 1 / M n 1 is 2.0 to 2.45; a second weight average molecular weight M w 2 is greater than 47,000 to 65,000 grams / mole, a second number average molecular weight M n 2 is 15,000 to 24,000 grams / mole, and a second dispersity M w 2 / M n 2 is greater than 2.45 to 3.00; a blend weight average molecular weight M w The blend is 31,000 to 65,000 grams / mole, a blend number average molecular weight M n The blend is 13,000 to 25,000 grams / mole, and a blend dispersity M w Blend / M n The blend is 2.1 to 2.55.

[0034] A first weight average molecular weight M w 1 can be 35,000 to 47,000 grams / mole, or 40,000 to 47,000 grams / mole, or 42,000 to 47,000 grams / mole. A first number average molecular weight M n 1 can be 16,000 to 23,000 grams / mole, or 17,000 to 22,000 grams / mole. A first dispersity M w 1 / M n 1 can be 2.1 to 2.45, or 2.2 to 2.45. A second weight average molecular weight M w 2 can be 47,000 to 60,000 grams / mole, or 48,000 to 55,000 grams / mole, or 48,000 to 53,000 grams / mole. A second number average molecular weight M n 2 can be 16,000 to 23,000 grams / mole, or 17,000 to 22,000 grams / mole. A second dispersity M w 2 / M n 2 can be 2.5 to 2.9, or 2.5 to 2.7. A blend weight average molecular weight M wThe blend can be 31,000 to 60,000 grams / mole, or 35,000 to 60,000 grams / mole, or 40,000 to 55,000 grams / mole, or 40,000 to 52,000 grams / mole. In the range of 13,000 to 25,000 grams / mole, the blend number average molecular weight M n The blend can be 15,000 to 24,000 grams / mole, or 16,000 to 23,000 grams / mole. In the range of 2.1 to 2.55, the blend dispersity M w The blend / M n The blend can be 2.25 to 2.55, or 2.35 to 2.55, or 2.37 to 2.53.

[0035] In addition to the first and second poly(phenylene ether)s, the preblend composition includes a random polystyrene. In some embodiments, the random polystyrene has a melt flow index of 2 to 25 grams / 10 minutes, as determined according to ASTM D1238-20 at 200 °C and 5 kilogram load. Within this range, the random polystyrene can have a melt flow index of 5 to 20 grams / 10 minutes, or 5 to 15 grams / 10 minutes. The preblend composition includes 5 to 25 weight percent of the random polystyrene, based on the total weight of the preblend composition. Within this range, the amount of random polystyrene can be 10 to 20 weight percent.

[0036] The pre-blended composition can optionally further comprise a hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene. For brevity, this component is referred to as a "hydrogenated block copolymer." The hydrogenated block copolymer can comprise, based on the weight of the hydrogenated block copolymer, from about 10 to about 90 weight percent poly(alkenyl aromatic) content and from about 90 to about 10 weight percent hydrogenated poly(conjugated diene) content. In some embodiments, the poly(alkenyl aromatic) content is from about 10 to about 45 weight percent, or from about 20 to about 40 weight percent, or from about 25 to about 35 weight percent. In other embodiments, the poly(alkenyl aromatic) content is from about 45 weight percent to about 90 weight percent, or from about 45 to about 80 weight percent. The hydrogenated block copolymer can have a weight average molecular weight of from about 40,000 to about 400,000 atomic mass units. Number average molecular weight and weight average molecular weight can be determined by gel permeation chromatography and based on comparison to polystyrene standards. In some embodiments, the hydrogenated block copolymer has a weight average molecular weight of from about 200,000 to about 400,000 atomic mass units, or from about 220,000 to about 350,000 atomic mass units. In other embodiments, the hydrogenated block copolymer can have a weight average molecular weight of from about 40,000 to about 200,000 atomic mass units, or from about 40,000 to about 180,000 atomic mass units, or from about 40,000 to about 150,000 atomic mass units.

[0037] The alkenyl aromatic monomer used to make the hydrogenated block copolymer can have the following structure:

[0038]

[0039] wherein R 1 and R 2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a C1-C8 alkyl group, or a C2-C8 alkenyl group; R 3 and R 7 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a C1-C8 alkyl group, a chlorine atom, or a bromine atom; and R 4 , R 5 and R 6 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a C1-C8 alkyl group, or a C2-C8 alkenyl group, or R 4 and R 5 together with the central aromatic ring form a naphthyl group, or R 5 and R 6 together with the central aromatic ring form a naphthyl group. Specific alkenyl aromatic monomers include, for example, styrene, chlorostyrenes such as p-chlorostyrene, and methylstyrenes such as a-methylstyrene and p-methylstyrene. In some embodiments, the alkenyl aromatic monomer is styrene.

[0040] The conjugated diene used to make the hydrogenated block copolymer can be a C4-C 20 Conjugated dienes. Suitable conjugated dienes include, for example, 1,3- butadiene, 2-methyl-l,3-butadiene, 2-chloro-l,3-butadiene, 2,3-dimethyl-l,3- butadiene, 1,3-pentadiene, 1,3-hexadiene, and the like, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the conjugated diene is 1,3-butadiene, 2-methyl-l,3- butadiene, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the conjugated diene consists of 1,3-butadiene.

[0041] The hydrogenated block copolymer is a copolymer comprising (A) at least one block derived from an alkenyl aromatic compound and (B) at least one block derived from a conjugated diene, wherein the content of aliphatic unsaturation in block (B) is at least partially reduced by hydrogenation. In some embodiments, the aliphatic unsaturation in the (B) block is reduced by at least 50%, or at least 70%. Arrangements of blocks (A) and (B) include linear structures, graft structures, and radial distal block structures with or without branching. Linear block copolymers include tapered linear structures and non-tapered linear structures. In some embodiments, the hydrogenated block copolymer has a tapered linear structure. In some embodiments, the hydrogenated block copolymer has a non-tapered linear structure. In some embodiments, the hydrogenated block copolymer comprises randomly incorporated B blocks containing alkenyl aromatic monomers. Linear block copolymer structures include di-block (A-B block), tri-block (A-B-A block or B-A-B block), tetra-block (A-B-A-B block), and penta-block (A-B-A-B-A block or B-A-B-A-B block) structures and linear structures containing six or more blocks of A and B in total, where the molecular weight of each A block can be the same or different from the molecular weight of other A blocks, and the molecular weight of each B block can be the same or different from the molecular weight of other B blocks. In some embodiments, the hydrogenated block copolymer is a di-block copolymer, a tri-block copolymer, or a combination thereof.

[0042] In some embodiments, the hydrogenated block copolymer does not include monomeric residues other than alkenyl aromatic compounds and conjugated dienes.

[0043] In some embodiments, the hydrogenated block copolymer comprises a polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene tri-block copolymer. In some embodiments, the hydrogenated block copolymer comprises a polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)- polystyrene tri-block copolymer having a weight average molecular weight of about 200,000 to about 400,000 atomic mass units, or about 240,000 to about 350,000 atomic mass units, or about 240,000 to about 300,000 atomic mass units.

[0044] Methods for preparing hydrogenated block copolymers are known in the art and many hydrogenated block copolymers are commercially available. Exemplary commercially available hydrogenated block copolymers include poly(styrene-poly(ethylene-propylene)) diblock copolymers available from Kraton Polymers as KRATON G1701 and G1702; poly(styrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-poly(styrene)) triblock copolymers available from Kraton Polymers as KRATON G1641, G1650, G1651, G1654, G1657, G1726, G4609, G4610, GRP-6598, RP-6924, MD-6932M, MD-6933, and MD-6939; poly(styrene-poly(ethylene-butylene-styrene)-poly(styrene)) (S-EB / S-S) triblock copolymers available from Kraton Polymers as KRATON RP-6935 and RP-6936, poly(styrene-poly(ethylene-propylene)-poly(styrene)) triblock copolymers available from Kraton Polymers as KRATON G1730; maleic anhydride grafted poly(styrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-poly(styrene)) triblock copolymers available from Kraton Polymers as KRATON G1901, G1924, and MD-6684; maleic anhydride grafted poly(styrene-poly(ethylene-butylene-styrene)-poly(styrene)) triblock copolymers available from Kraton Polymers as KRATON MD-6670; poly(styrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-poly(styrene)) triblock copolymers comprising 67 weight percent poly(styrene) available from Asahi Kasei Elastomer as TUFTEC H1043; poly(styrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-poly(styrene)) triblock copolymers comprising 42 weight percent poly(styrene) available from Asahi Kasei Elastomer as TUFTEC H1051; poly(styrene-poly(butadiene-butylene)-poly(styrene)) triblock copolymers available from Asahi Kasei Elastomer as TUFTEC P1000 and P2000; as S.O.E.- a polystyrene-polybutadiene-poly(styrene-butadiene)-polystyrene block copolymer available as SS L601 from Asahi Kasei Elastomer; a hydrogenated radial block copolymer available as K-Resin KK38, KR01, KR03, and KR05 from Chevron Phillips Chemical Company; a polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer comprising 60 weight percent polystyrene available as SEPTON S8104 from Kuraray; a polystyrene-poly(ethylene- ethylene / propylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer available as SEPTON S4044, S4055, S4077, and S4099 from Kuraray; and a polystyrene-poly(ethylene-propylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer comprising 65 weight percent polystyrene available as SEPTON S2104 from Kuraray. Mixtures of two or more hydrogenated block copolymers can be used.

[0045] The pre-blended composition comprises 0 to 10 weight percent of the hydrogenated block copolymer, based on the total weight of the pre-blended composition. Within this range, the amount of the hydrogenated block copolymer can be 1 to 10 weight percent, or 2 to 10 weight percent.

[0046] The sum of the weight percent of the first poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether), the random polystyrene, and the hydrogenated block copolymer is 95 to 100 weight percent, based on the total weight of the pre-blended composition. Within this range, the sum of the weight percent of the first poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether), the random polystyrene, and the hydrogenated block copolymer can be 96 to 100 weight percent, or 97 to 100 weight percent, or 98 to 100 weight percent, or 99 to 100 weight percent.

[0047] The pre-blended composition can optionally further comprise a carboxylic acid or carboxylic anhydride selected from the group consisting of citric acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, maleic anhydride, formic acid, and combinations thereof. As shown in the working examples below, the use of small amounts of carboxylic acid and / or carboxylic anhydride can improve metal layer adhesion in the reflective article without producing unacceptable outgassing. In some embodiments, the carboxylic acid and / or carboxylic anhydride comprises citric acid. When present, the carboxylic acid and / or carboxylic anhydride can be used in an amount of 0.3 to 1.6 weight percent, based on the total weight of the pre-blended composition. Within this range, the amount can be 0.4 to 1.2 weight percent. When the carboxylic acid and / or carboxylic anhydride is present, the sum of the weight percentages of the first poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether), the random polystyrene, the hydrogenated block copolymer, and the carboxylic acid or carboxylic anhydride is 95.3 to 100 weight percent. Within this range, the sum of the weight percentages of the first poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether), the random polystyrene, the hydrogenated block copolymer, and the carboxylic acid and / or carboxylic anhydride can be 96 to 100 weight percent, or 97 to 100 weight percent, or 98 to 100 weight percent, or 99 to 100 weight percent.

[0048] In a very specific embodiment of the reflective article, the pre-blended composition comprises 65 to 75 weight percent of a first poly(phenylene ether), 10 to 20 weight percent of a second poly(phenylene ether), 10 to 20 weight percent of a random polystyrene, and 0 to 10 weight percent of a hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene; wherein the first poly(phenylene ether) and the second poly(phenylene ether) each comprise a poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether), or one of the first and second poly(phenylene ether) comprises a poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) and the other of the first and second poly(phenylene ether) comprises a poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer; and wherein the sum of the weight percents of the first poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether), the random polystyrene, and the hydrogenated block copolymer is 97 to 100 weight percent. Within the range of 97 to 100 weight percent, the sum of the weight percents of the first poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether), the random polystyrene, and the hydrogenated block copolymer can be 98 to 100 weight percent, or 99 to 100 weight percent. In a variation of the very specific embodiment, the first poly(phenylene ether) and the second poly(phenylene ether) each comprise a poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether). In another variation of the very specific embodiment, one of the first and second poly(phenylene ether) comprises a poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) and the other of the first and second poly(phenylene ether) comprises a poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer. In another variation of the very specific embodiment, the pre-blended composition comprises 1 to 10 weight percent of the hydrogenated block copolymer, based on the total weight of the pre-blended composition. In another variation of the very specific embodiment, the pre-blended composition further comprises 0.3 to 1.6 weight percent of citric acid, based on the total weight of the pre-blended composition, and the sum of the weight percents of the first poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether), the random polystyrene, the hydrogenated block copolymer, and the citric acid is 97.3 to 100 weight percent, based on the total weight of the pre-blended composition. Within the range of 0.3 to 1.6 weight percent, the amount of citric acid can be 0.4 to 1.2 weight percent. Within the range of 97.3 to 100 weight percent, the sum of the weight percents of the first poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether), the random polystyrene, the hydrogenated block copolymer, and the citric acid can be 98 to 100 weight percent, or 99 to 100 weight percent.

[0049] In another variation of the very specific embodiment, the first weight average molecular weight M w 1 is 30,000 to 47,000 g / mole, the first number average molecular weight M n1 is 15,000 to 24,000 grams / mole, and a first dispersity M w 1 / M n 1 is 2.0 to 2.45; a second weight average molecular weight M w 2 is greater than 47,000 to 65,000 grams / mole, a second number average molecular weight M n 2 is 15,000 to 24,000 grams / mole, and a second dispersity M w 2 / M n 2 is greater than 2.45 to 3.00; a blend weight average molecular weight M w The blend is 31,000 to 65,000 grams / mole, a blend number average molecular weight M n The blend is 13,000 to 25,000 grams / mole, and a blend dispersity M w Blend / M n The blend is 2.1 to 2.55.

[0050] A first weight average molecular weight M w 1 can be 35,000 to 47,000 grams / mole, or 40,000 to 47,000 grams / mole, or 42,000 to 47,000 grams / mole. A first number average molecular weight M n 1 can be 16,000 to 23,000 grams / mole, or 17,000 to 22,000 grams / mole. A first dispersity M w 1 / M n 1 can be 2.1 to 2.45, or 2.2 to 2.45. A second weight average molecular weight M w 2 can be 47,000 to 60,000 grams / mole, or 48,000 to 55,000 grams / mole, or 48,000 to 53,000 grams / mole. A second number average molecular weight M n 2 can be 16,000 to 23,000 grams / mole, or 17,000 to 22,000 grams / mole. A second dispersity M w 2 / M n 2 can be 2.5 to 2.9, or 2.5 to 2.7. A blend weight average molecular weight M wThe blend can be from 31,000 to 60,000 g / mol, or 35,000 to 60,000 g / mol, or 40,000 to 55,000 g / mol, or 40,000 to 52,000 g / mol. The number-average molecular weight M of the blend is in the range of 13,000 to 25,000 g / mol. n The blend can be from 15,000 to 24,000 g / mol, or from 16,000 to 23,000 g / mol. The blend dispersion M is in the range of 2.1 to 2.55. w Blend / M n The blend can be 2.25 to 2.55, or 2.35 to 2.55, or 2.37 to 2.53.

[0051] Injection-molded thermoplastic substrates comprise melt-blended compositions, which are products of melt-blended pre-blended compositions. For example, melt blending can be performed on a single-screw or twin-screw extruder. Examples of suitable conditions for melt blending are included in the following working embodiments.

[0052] A thermoplastic substrate is formed by injection molding a melt blend composition. Methods and equipment for injection molding are known in the art. Examples of suitable conditions for injection molding are included in the following working embodiments.

[0053] The reflective article includes an injection-molded thermoplastic substrate and a reflective metal layer disposed on the surface of the thermoplastic substrate. The attached figure is an exploded view of a reflective article 10, which includes an injection-molded thermoplastic substrate 20 and a reflective metal layer 30 disposed on the surface of the thermoplastic substrate. The reflective metal layer can be formed on the surface of the thermoplastic substrate using methods known in the art, including sputtering, vacuum metal deposition, vapor arc deposition, plasma chemical vapor deposition, thermal vapor metal deposition, and ion plating.

[0054] Reflective articles have many possible uses, including automotive headlight reflectors, automotive bezels, automotive head-up display reflectors, automotive interior components, household appliance lighting reflectors, household appliance bezels, consumer electronics lighting reflectors, and consumer electronics bezels. In some embodiments, the reflective article is an automotive headlight reflector.

[0055] Another embodiment is a melt blended composition, comprising the product of melt blending a pre-blend composition, the pre-blend composition comprising, based on the total weight of the pre-blend composition: 40 to 90 weight percent of a first poly(phenylene ether), the first poly(phenylene ether) having an intrinsic viscosity of 0.3 to 0.43 deciliter per gram, as determined by an Ubbelohde viscometer at 23 °C in chloroform, and having a first weight average molecular weight Mw1, as determined using gel permeation chromatography with a polystyrene standard according to ASTM D5296-19, of 23,000 to 28,000 grams per mole; 5 to 25 weight percent of a second poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether) having an intrinsic viscosity of greater than 0.43 to 0.49 deciliter per gram, as determined by an Ubbelohde viscometer at 23 °C in chloroform; with the proviso that the intrinsic viscosity of the second poly(phenylene ether) is greater than the intrinsic viscosity of the first poly(phenylene ether) by 0.03 to 0.09 deciliter per gram; wherein the second poly(phenylene ether) has a second weight average molecular weight Mw2, as determined using gel permeation chromatography with a polystyrene standard according to ASTM D5296-19, of 23,000 to 28,000 grams per mole; 5 to 25 weight percent of a random polystyrene; and 0 to 10 weight percent of a hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene; wherein the blend of 40 to 90 weight percent of the first poly(phenylene ether) and 5 to 25 weight percent of the second poly(phenylene ether) has a blend weight average molecular weight Mwblend, as determined using gel permeation chromatography with a polystyrene standard according to ASTM D5296-19, of 23,000 to 28,000 grams per mole. w 1, a first number average molecular weight M n 1, and a first dispersity M w 1 / M n 1; 5 to 25 weight percent of a second poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether) having an intrinsic viscosity of greater than 0.43 to 0.49 deciliter per gram, as determined by an Ubbelohde viscometer at 23 °C in chloroform; with the proviso that the intrinsic viscosity of the second poly(phenylene ether) is greater than the intrinsic viscosity of the first poly(phenylene ether) by 0.03 to 0.09 deciliter per gram; wherein the second poly(phenylene ether) has a second weight average molecular weight Mw2, as determined using gel permeation chromatography with a polystyrene standard according to ASTM D5296-19, of 23,000 to 28,000 grams per mole; 5 to 25 weight percent of a random polystyrene; and 0 to 10 weight percent of a hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene; wherein the blend of 40 to 90 weight percent of the first poly(phenylene ether) and 5 to 25 weight percent of the second poly(phenylene ether) has a blend weight average molecular weight Mwblend, as determined using gel permeation chromatography with a polystyrene standard according to ASTM D5296-19, of 23,000 to 28,000 grams per mole. w 2, a second number average molecular weight M n 2, and a second dispersity M w 2 / M n 2; 5 to 25 weight percent of a second poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether) having an intrinsic viscosity of greater than 0.43 to 0.49 deciliter per gram, as determined by an Ubbelohde viscometer at 23 °C in chloroform; with the proviso that the intrinsic viscosity of the second poly(phenylene ether) is greater than the intrinsic viscosity of the first poly(phenylene ether) by 0.03 to 0.09 deciliter per gram; wherein the second poly(phenylene ether) has a second weight average molecular weight Mw2, as determined using gel permeation chromatography with a polystyrene standard according to ASTM D5296-19, of 23,000 to 28,000 grams per mole; 5 to 25 weight percent of a random polystyrene; and 0 to 10 weight percent of a hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene; wherein the blend of 40 to 90 weight percent of the first poly(phenylene ether) and 5 to 25 weight percent of the second poly(phenylene ether) has a blend weight average molecular weight Mwblend, as determined using gel permeation chromatography with a polystyrene standard according to ASTM D5296-19, of 23,000 to 28,000 grams per mole. w blend, a blend number average molecular weight M n blend, and a blend dispersity M w blend / M n blend; wherein the blend dispersity M w blend is greater than the first dispersity M w 1 / M n 1 and less than the second dispersity M w 2 / M n 2; and wherein the sum of the weight percentages of the first poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether), the random polystyrene, and the hydrogenated block copolymer is 95 to 100 weight percent.

[0056] All of the variations of the pre-blend composition described above in the context of reflective articles also apply to the melt blended composition.

[0057] In some embodiments of the melt blended composition, the first weight average molecular weight M w 1 is 30,000 to 47,000 grams / mole, the first number average molecular weight M n 1 is 15,000 to 24,000 grams / mole, and the first dispersity M w 1 / M n 1 is 2.0 to 2.45; the second weight average molecular weight M w 2 is greater than 47,000 to 65,000 grams / mole, the second number average molecular weight M n 2 is 15,000 to 24,000 grams / mole, and the second dispersity M w 2 / M n 2 is greater than 2.45 to 3.00; the blend weight average molecular weight M w the blend is 31,000 to 65,000 grams / mole, the blend number average molecular weight M n the blend is 13,000 to 25,000 grams / mole, and the blend dispersity M w blend / M n the blend is 2.1 to 2.55.

[0058] In some embodiments of the melt blended composition, the first weight average molecular weight M w 1 can be 35,000 to 47,000 grams / mole, or 40,000 to 47,000 grams / mole, or 42,000 to 47,000 grams / mole. In the range of 15,000 to 24,000 grams / mole, the first number average molecular weight M n 1 can be 16,000 to 23,000 grams / mole, or 17,000 to 22,000 grams / mole. In the range of 2.0 to 2.45, the first dispersity M w 1 / M n 1 can be 2.1 to 2.45, or 2.2 to 2.45. In the range of 47,000 to 65,000 grams / mole, the second weight average molecular weight M w 2 can be 47,000 to 60,000 grams / mole, or 48,000 to 55,000 grams / mole, or 48,000 to 53,000 grams / mole. In the range of 15,000 to 24,000 grams / mole, the second number average molecular weight M n 2 can be 16,000 to 23,000 grams / mole, or 17,000 to 22,000 grams / mole. In the range of 2.45 to 3.00, the second dispersity M w 2 / M n 2 can be 2.5 to 2.9, or 2.5 to 2.7. In the range of 31,000 to 65,000 grams / mole, the blend weight average molecular weight, Mw The blend can be 31,000 to 60,000 grams / mole, or 35,000 to 60,000 grams / mole, or 40,000 to 55,000 grams / mole, or 40,000 to 52,000 grams / mole. In the range of 13,000 to 25,000 grams / mole, the blend number average molecular weight M n The blend can be 15,000 to 24,000 grams / mole, or 16,000 to 23,000 grams / mole. In the range of 2.1 to 2.55, the blend dispersity M w The blend / M n The blend can be 2.25 to 2.55, or 2.35 to 2.55, or 2.37 to 2.53.

[0059] The pre-blend composition can optionally further comprise a carboxylic acid or carboxylic anhydride selected from the group consisting of citric acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, maleic anhydride, formic acid, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the carboxylic acid and / or carboxylic anhydride comprises citric acid. When present, the carboxylic acid and / or carboxylic anhydride can be used in an amount of 0.3 to 1.6 weight percent, based on the total weight of the pre-blend composition. Within this range, the amount can be 0.4 to 1.2 weight percent. When the carboxylic acid and / or carboxylic anhydride is present, the sum of the weight percentages of the first poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether), the random polystyrene, the hydrogenated block copolymer, and the carboxylic acid or carboxylic anhydride is 95.3 to 100 weight percent. Within this range, the sum of the weight percentages of the first poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether), the random polystyrene, the hydrogenated block copolymer, and the carboxylic acid or carboxylic anhydride can be 96 to 100 weight percent, or 97 to 100 weight percent, or 98 to 100 weight percent, or 99 to 100 weight percent.

[0060] In some embodiments of the melt blended composition, the first poly(phenylene ether) and the second poly(phenylene ether) each comprise a poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether). In other embodiments of the melt blended composition, one of the first and second poly(phenylene ether) comprises a poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) and the other of the first and second poly(phenylene ether) comprises a poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer.

[0061] In some embodiments of the melt blended composition, the random polystyrene has a melt flow index of 2 to 25 grams / 10 minutes, as determined according to ASTM D1238-20 at 200°C and a 5 kilogram load.

[0062] In a very specific embodiment of the melt blended composition, the pre-blend composition comprises 65 to 75 weight percent of a first poly(phenylene ether), 10 to 20 weight percent of a second poly(phenylene ether), 10 to 20 weight percent of a random polystyrene, and 0 to 10 weight percent of a hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene; wherein the first poly(phenylene ether) and the second poly(phenylene ether) each comprise a poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether), or one of the first and second poly(phenylene ether) comprises a poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) and the other of the first and second poly(phenylene ether) comprises a poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer; and wherein the sum of the weight percents of the first poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether), the random polystyrene, and the hydrogenated block copolymer is 97 to 100 weight percent. Within the range of 97 to 100 weight percent, the sum of the weight percents of the first poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether), the random polystyrene, and the hydrogenated block copolymer can be 98 to 100 weight percent, or 99 to 100 weight percent.

[0063] In one variation of the very specific embodiment of the melt blended composition, the pre-blend composition further comprises 0.3 to 1.6 weight percent of citric acid, based on the total weight of the pre-blend composition, and the sum of the weight percents of the first poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether), the random polystyrene, the hydrogenated block copolymer, and the citric acid is 97.3 to 100 weight percent. Within the range of 0.3 to 1.6 weight percent, the amount of citric acid can be 0.4 to 1.2 weight percent. Within the range of 97.3 to 100 weight percent, the sum of the weight percents of the first poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether), the random polystyrene, the hydrogenated block copolymer, and the citric acid can be 98 to 100 weight percent, or 99 to 100 weight percent.

[0064] In another variation of the very specific embodiment of the melt blended composition, the first weight average molecular weight M w 1 is 30,000 to 47,000 g / mole, the first number average molecular weight M n 1 is 15,000 to 24,000 g / mole, and the first dispersity M w 1 / M n 1 is 2.0 to 2.45; the second weight average molecular weight M w 2 is greater than 47,000 to 65,000 g / mole, the second number average molecular weight M n 2 is 15,000 to 24,000 g / mole, and the second dispersity M w 2 / M n2 greater than 2.45 to 3.00; blend weight average molecular weight M w The blend is 31,000 to 65,000 grams / mole, and the blend number average molecular weight M n The blend is 13,000 to 25,000 grams / mole, and the blend dispersity M w The blend / M n The blend is 2.1 to 2.55.

[0065] The first weight average molecular weight M is in the range of 30,000 to 47,000 grams / mole w 1 can be 35,000 to 47,000 grams / mole, or 40,000 to 47,000 grams / mole, or 42,000 to 47,000 grams / mole. The first number average molecular weight M is in the range of 15,000 to 24,000 grams / mole n 1 can be 16,000 to 23,000 grams / mole, or 17,000 to 22,000 grams / mole. The first dispersity M is in the range of 2.0 to 2.45 w 1 / M n 1 can be 2.1 to 2.45, or 2.2 to 2.45. The second weight average molecular weight M is in the range of 47,000 to 65,000 grams / mole w 2 can be 47,000 to 60,000 grams / mole, or 48,000 to 55,000 grams / mole, or 48,000 to 53,000 grams / mole. The second number average molecular weight M is in the range of 15,000 to 24,000 grams / mole n 2 can be 16,000 to 23,000 grams / mole, or 17,000 to 22,000 grams / mole. The second dispersity M is in the range of 2.45 to 3.00 w 2 / M n 2 can be 2.5 to 2.9, or 2.5 to 2.7. The blend weight average molecular weight M is in the range of 31,000 to 65,000 grams / mole w The blend can be 31,000 to 60,000 grams / mole, or 35,000 to 60,000 grams / mole, or 40,000 to 55,000 grams / mole, or 40,000 to 52,000 grams / mole. The blend number average molecular weight M is in the range of 13,000 to 25,000 grams / mole n The blend can be 15,000 to 24,000 grams / mole, or 16,000 to 23,000 grams / mole. The blend dispersity M is in the range of 2.1 to 2.55 w The blend / M nThe blend can be 2.25 to 2.55, or 2.35 to 2.55, or 2.37 to 2.53.

[0066] Another embodiment is an injection molded article comprising the melt blended composition of any of the above-described variations thereof.

[0067] In some embodiments of the injection molded article, the first weight average molecular weight Mw1 w 1is 30,000 to 47,000 g / mole, the first number average molecular weight Mn1 n 1is 15,000 to 24,000 g / mole, and the first dispersity Mz1 / Mn1 w 1 / Mn1 n 1is 2.0 to 2.45; the second weight average molecular weight Mw2 w 2is greater than 47,000 to 65,000 g / mole, the second number average molecular weight Mn2 n 2is 15,000 to 24,000 g / mole, and the second dispersity Mz2 / Mn2 w 2 / Mn2 n 2is greater than 2.45 to 3.00; and the blend weight average molecular weight Mwblend w The blend is 31,000 to 65,000 g / mole, the blend number average molecular weight Mnblend n The blend is 13,000 to 25,000 g / mole, and the blend dispersity Mzblend / Mnblend w The blend / Mnblend n The blend is 2.1 to 2.55.

[0068] In the range of 30,000 to 47,000 g / mole, the first weight average molecular weight Mw1 w 1may be 35,000 to 47,000 g / mole, or 40,000 to 47,000 g / mole, or 42,000 to 47,000 g / mole. In the range of 15,000 to 24,000 g / mole, the first number average molecular weight Mn1 n 1may be 16,000 to 23,000 g / mole, or 17,000 to 22,000 g / mole. In the range of 2.0 to 2.45, the first dispersity Mz1 / Mn1 w 1 / Mn1 n 1may be 2.1 to 2.45, or 2.2 to 2.45. In the range of 47,000 to 65,000 g / mole, the second weight average molecular weight Mw2 w 2may be 47,000 to 60,000 g / mole, or 48,000 to 55,000 g / mole, or 48,000 to 53,000 g / mole. In the range of 15,000 to 24,000 g / mole, the second number average molecular weight Mn2 n2 can be 16,000 to 23,000 grams / mole, or 17,000 to 22,000 grams / mole. In the range of 2.45 to 3.00, the second polydispersity M w 2 / M n 2 can be 2.5 to 2.9, or 2.5 to 2.7. In the range of 31,000 to 65,000 grams / mole, the blend weight average molecular weight, M w The blend can be 31,000 to 60,000 grams / mole, or 35,000 to 60,000 grams / mole, or 40,000 to 55,000 grams / mole, or 40,000 to 52,000 grams / mole. In the range of 13,000 to 25,000 grams / mole, the blend number average molecular weight M n The blend can be 15,000 to 24,000 grams / mole, or 16,000 to 23,000 grams / mole. In the range of 2.1 to 2.55, the blend dispersity M w The blend / M n The blend can be 2.25 to 2.55, or 2.35 to 2.55, or 2.37 to 2.53.

[0069] In some embodiments of the injection molded article, the pre-blend composition further comprises a carboxylic acid or carboxylic anhydride selected from the group consisting of citric acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, maleic anhydride, formic acid, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the carboxylic acid and / or carboxylic anhydride comprises citric acid. When present, the carboxylic acid and / or carboxylic anhydride can be used in an amount of 0.3 to 1.6 weight percent, based on the total weight of the pre-blend composition. Within this range, the amount can be 0.4 to 1.2 weight percent. When the carboxylic acid and / or carboxylic anhydride is present, the sum of the weight percentages of the first poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether), the random polystyrene, the hydrogenated block copolymer, and the citric acid is 95.3 to 100 weight percent. Within this range, the sum of the weight percentages of the first poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether), the random polystyrene, the hydrogenated block copolymer, and the carboxylic acid or carboxylic anhydride can be 96 to 100 weight percent, or 97 to 100 weight percent, or 98 to 100 weight percent, or 99 to 100 weight percent.

[0070] In a very specific embodiment of the injection molded article, the pre-blended composition comprises 65 to 75 weight percent of the first poly(phenylene ether), 10 to 20 weight percent of the second poly(phenylene ether), 10 to 20 weight percent of the random polystyrene, and 0 to 10 weight percent of the hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene; wherein the first poly(phenylene ether) and the second poly(phenylene ether) each comprise poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether), or one of the first and second poly(phenylene ether) comprises poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) and the other of the first and second poly(phenylene ether) comprises a poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer; and wherein the sum of the weight percents of the first poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether), the random polystyrene, and the hydrogenated block copolymer is 97 to 100 weight percent. Within the range of 97 to 100 weight percent, the sum of the weight percents of the first poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether), the random polystyrene, and the hydrogenated block copolymer can be 98 to 100 weight percent, or 99 to 100 weight percent.

[0071] In one variation of the very specific embodiment of the injection molded article, the pre-blended composition further comprises 0.3 to 1.6 weight percent of citric acid, based on the total weight of the pre-blended composition, and the sum of the weight percents of the first poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether), the random polystyrene, the hydrogenated block copolymer, and the citric acid is 97.3 to 100 weight percent. Within the range of 0.3 to 1.6 weight percent, the amount of citric acid can be 0.4 to 1.2 weight percent. Within the range of 97.3 to 100 weight percent, the sum of the weight percents of the first poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether), the random polystyrene, the hydrogenated block copolymer, and the citric acid can be 98 to 100 weight percent, or 99 to 100 weight percent.

[0072] In another variation of the very specific embodiment of the injection molded article, the first weight average molecular weight M w 1 is 30,000 to 47,000 g / mole, the first number average molecular weight M n 1 is 15,000 to 24,000 g / mole, and the first dispersity M w 1 / M n 1 is 2.0 to 2.45; the second weight average molecular weight M w 2 is greater than 47,000 to 65,000 g / mole, the second number average molecular weight M n 2 is 15,000 to 24,000 g / mole, and the second dispersity M w 2 / M n2 greater than 2.45 to 3.00; and blend weight average molecular weight M w The blend is 31,000 to 65,000 grams / mole, and the blend number average molecular weight M n The blend is 13,000 to 25,000 grams / mole, and the blend dispersity M w The blend / M n The blend is 2.1 to 2.55.

[0073] The first weight average molecular weight M w 1 can be 35,000 to 47,000 grams / mole, or 40,000 to 47,000 grams / mole, or 42,000 to 47,000 grams / mole. The first number average molecular weight M n 1 can be 16,000 to 23,000 grams / mole, or 17,000 to 22,000 grams / mole. The first dispersity M w 1 / M n 1 can be 2.1 to 2.45, or 2.2 to 2.45. The second weight average molecular weight M w 2 can be 47,000 to 60,000 grams / mole, or 48,000 to 55,000 grams / mole, or 48,000 to 53,000 grams / mole. The second number average molecular weight M n 2 can be 16,000 to 23,000 grams / mole, or 17,000 to 22,000 grams / mole. The second dispersity M w 2 / M n 2 can be 2.5 to 2.9, or 2.5 to 2.7. The blend weight average molecular weight M w The blend can be 31,000 to 60,000 grams / mole, or 35,000 to 60,000 grams / mole, or 40,000 to 55,000 grams / mole, or 40,000 to 52,000 grams / mole. The blend number average molecular weight M n The blend can be 15,000 to 24,000 grams / mole, or 16,000 to 23,000 grams / mole. The blend dispersity M w The blend / M nThe blend can be from 2.25 to 2.55, or from 2.35 to 2.55, or from 2.37 to 2.53.

[0074] All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. Each range disclosed herein constitutes a disclosure of any point or sub-range lying within the disclosed range.

[0075] The application is further illustrated by the following non-limiting examples.

[0076] Examples

[0077] The materials used to form the pre-blended compositions are summarized in Table 1.

[0078] Table 1

[0079]

[0080] The compositions are summarized in Table 2, where the component amounts are expressed in units of weight percent based on the total weight of the composition. The compositions are compounded in a twin-screw extruder operated at zone temperatures of 50, 150, 240, 28, 280, 280, 300, 300, 300, 280, and 280 °C, and a die temperature of 290 °C. All components are added at the feed throat, and the extrudate is pelletized and dried at 110 °C for 4 hours prior to use for injection molding. Test articles are injection molded on a Toshiba UH1000-110 injection molding machine operated at barrel temperatures (from feed throat to nozzle) of 290 °C, 310 °C, 320 °C, and 300 °C, and a mold temperature of 90 °C.

[0081] Reflective articles are prepared by vapor depositing a layer of aluminum having a thickness of about 100 nanometers micrometers on the surface of an injection molded article having a thickness of about 2 to 3 millimeters. The substrate surface is plasma treated prior to aluminum deposition.

[0082] The composition and properties are summarized in Table 2. The values for tensile stress at yield in units of megapascals were determined according to ASTM D638-14 at 23 °C at a sample thickness of 3.2 millimeters and a test speed of 5 millimeters / minute. The values for flexural strength and flexural modulus, both in units of megapascals, were determined according to ASTM D790-17 at a sample thickness of 6.4 millimeters and a test speed of 2.5 millimeters / minute at 23 °C. The values for heat deflection temperature in units of degrees Celsius were determined according to ASTM D648-18 at the specified sample thickness and load. The values for melt flow rate in units of grams / 10 minutes were determined according to ASTM D1238-20 at the specified temperature and load. The values for specific gravity, which are unitless, were determined according to ASTM D792-20 at 23 °C. The values for water absorption were determined according to ISO 62:2008 at 23 °C and 24 hours exposure, with units of weight percent.

[0083] The values for mold shrinkage in units of percent were determined as follows. Test samples were injection molded in a molding tool having dimensions of 60 millimeters x 60 millimeters x 2 millimeters. Thus, the tool length L 工具 was 60 millimeters. After molding, the samples were held at 23 °C and 50% relative humidity for 48 hours. The length of the test samples was then measured in one of the dimensions corresponding to 60 millimeters in the molding tool to yield a sample length value L 样品 . The mold shrinkage was calculated according to the following equation

[0084] Mold Shrinkage = 100 x (L 工具 - L 样品 ) / L 工具

[0085] The mold shrinkage results for three samples on average per composition were averaged to yield the values presented in Table 2.

[0086] The surface appearance was determined by visual inspection of the as-molded samples (i.e., prior to metallization). A rating of “defects” indicates that defects were observed on the surface of the article, and a rating of “no defects” indicates that no defects were observed on the surface of the article.

[0087] Degassing was measured on 10 grams of granules. The granules were conditioned at 23 °C and 50% relative humidity for 48 hours. The granules were then placed in a cylindrical container having a 300 millimeter diameter and a 300 millimeter height. The container included a transparent glass top. The container and its granule contents were exposed to a temperature of 150 °C and a pressure of 101.3 kiloPascals absolute for 8 hours. After the container was cooled, the transparent glass top was removed and its percent haze value was measured according to MS300-54:2014, Hyundai-Kia standard test method for "fogging test". A "high" degassing rating means that the percent haze value of the transparent glass was greater than or equal to 5% after the test, and a "low" rating means that the percent haze value of the glass was less than 5% after the test.

[0088] Metal layer adhesion was measured on reflective (i.e., metallized) articles by cross-sectioning testing under three conditions: after initial preparation of the sample, after aging at 150 °C for 10 hours, and after aging at 50 °C and 95% relative humidity for 240 hours. A "good" rating means that an inspection of the cross-sectioned surface revealed little or no separation of the metal layer from the substrate, and a "not good" rating means that an inspection of the cross-sectioned surface revealed significant separation of the metal layer from the substrate. It should be noted that a "good" rating after aging at 150 °C for 10 hours is sufficient for most uses of reflective articles. A "good" rating after aging at 50 °C and 95% relative humidity for 240 hours is only necessary for a few uses that encounter the most challenging conditions.

[0089] The performance results in Table 2 show that the poly(phenylene ether)-based inventive examples 1-5 exhibited lower specific gravity relative to the polycarbonate-based comparative examples 1 and 2. At current market prices, the materials used to form the poly(phenylene ether)-based reflective articles of examples 1-5 were also significantly less expensive than the materials used to form the polycarbonate-based reflective articles of comparative examples 1 and 2. In addition, the poly(phenylene ether)-based inventive examples 1-5 exhibited greater tensile stress at yield, greater flexural strength, comparable or greater flexural modulus, comparable heat deflection temperature, lower water absorption, and comparable mold shrinkage values relative to the polycarbonate-based comparative examples 1 and 2. In short, the inventive examples were superior to the polycarbonate-based comparative examples in specific gravity, cost, tensile stress at yield, flexural strength, and water absorption, while being at least comparable in flexural modulus, heat deflection temperature, and mold shrinkage. It should also be noted that examples 1-5 each exhibited no surface defects, low degassing, and good metal adhesion for the as-prepared sample and after 10 hours at 150 °C. Example 2 further exhibited good metal adhesion after 240 hours at 50 °C and 95% relative humidity.

[0090] Table 2

[0091]

[0092]

[0093] Table 2 (continued)

[0094]

[0095]

[0096] Table 2 (continued)

[0097]

[0098]

[0099] Table 3 summarizes the molecular weight characteristics of PPE 1 (Comparative Example 4), PPE 2 (Comparative Example 5), and blends of PPE 1 and PPE 2 used in Examples 1-3. The amounts of PPE in Table 3 are expressed in parts by weight.

[0100] Table 3

[0101]

[0102] The present disclosure includes at least the following aspects.

[0103] Aspect 1 : A reflective article comprising: an injection molded thermoplastic substrate; and a reflective metal layer disposed on a surface of the thermoplastic substrate; wherein the injection molded thermoplastic substrate comprises a melt blended composition comprising the product of melt blending a pre-blended composition, the pre-blended composition comprising 40 to 90 weight percent of a first poly(phenylene ether), based on the total weight of the pre-blended composition, the first poly(phenylene ether) having an intrinsic viscosity of 0.3 to 0.43 deciliter per gram, as determined by an Ubbelohde viscometer at 23 °C in chloroform, and having a first weight average molecular weight Mw, as determined according to ASTM D5296-19 using gel permeation chromatography with polystyrene standards, of 23,000 to 28,000 grams per mole, and a second poly(phenylene ether) having an intrinsic viscosity of 0.40 to 0.50 deciliter per gram, as determined by an Ubbelohde viscometer at 23 °C in chloroform, and having a second weight average molecular weight Mw, as determined according to ASTM D5296-19 using gel permeation chromatography with polystyrene standards, of 25,000 to 30,000 grams per mole. w 1, a first number average molecular weight M n 1, and a first dispersity M w 1 / M n1 ; 5 to 25 weight percent of a second poly(phenylene ether) having an intrinsic viscosity greater than 0.43 to 0.49 deciliter per gram as determined by an Ubbelohde viscometer at 23 °C in chloroform; provided that the intrinsic viscosity of the second poly(phenylene ether) is greater than 0.03 to 0.09 deciliter per gram than the intrinsic viscosity of the first poly(phenylene ether); wherein the second poly(phenylene ether) has a second weight average molecular weight M w 2, a second number average molecular weight M n 2, and a second dispersity M w 2 / M n 2; 5 to 25 weight percent of a random polystyrene; and 0 to 10 weight percent of a hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene; wherein a blend of 40 to 90 weight percent of the first poly(phenylene ether) and 5 to 25 weight percent of the second poly(phenylene ether) has a blend weight average molecular weight M w blend, a blend number average molecular weight M n blend, and a blend dispersity M w blend / M n blend; wherein the blend dispersity M w blend is greater than a first dispersity M w 1 / M n 1 and less than a second dispersity M w 2 / M n 2; and wherein the sum of the weight percentages of the first poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether), the random polystyrene, and the hydrogenated block copolymer is 95 to 100 weight percent.

[0104] Aspect 2: The reflective article according to Aspect 1, wherein the first weight average molecular weight M w 1 is 30,000 to 47,000 grams per mole, the first number average molecular weight M n 1 is 15,000 to 24,000 grams per mole, and the first dispersity M w 1 / M n 1 is 2.0 to 2.45; the second weight average molecular weight M w 2 is greater than 47,000 to 65,000 grams per mole, the second number average molecular weight M n 2 is 15,000 to 24,000 grams per mole, and the second dispersity M w 2 / M n 2 is greater than 2.45 to 3.00; and the blend weight average molecular weight M wThe blend is 31,000 to 65,000 grams / mole, and the blend number average molecular weight M n The blend is 13,000 to 25,000 grams / mole, and the blend dispersity M w The blend / M n The blend is 2.1 to 2.55.

[0105] Aspect 3: The reflective article according to Aspect 1 or 2, wherein the preblend composition further comprises 0.3 to 1.6 weight percent of a carboxylic acid or carboxylic anhydride selected from the group consisting of citric acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, maleic anhydride, formic acid, and combinations thereof; wherein the sum of the weight percentages of the first poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether), the random polystyrene, the hydrogenated block copolymer, and the carboxylic acid or carboxylic anhydride is 95.3 to 100 weight percent.

[0106] Aspect 4: The reflective article according to any one of Aspects 1-3, wherein one of the first poly(phenylene ether) and the second poly(phenylene ether) comprises poly(2,6-dimethyl- 1,4-phenylene ether), and the other of the first poly(phenylene ether) and the second poly(phenylene ether) comprises a poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer.

[0107] Aspect 5: The reflective article according to Aspect 1, wherein the preblend composition comprises 65 to 75 weight percent of the first poly(phenylene ether), 10 to 20 weight percent of the second poly(phenylene ether), 10 to 20 weight percent of the random polystyrene, and 0 to 10 weight percent of the hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene; each of the first poly(phenylene ether) and the second poly(phenylene ether) comprises poly(2,6-dimethyl- 1,4-phenylene ether), or one of the first and second poly(phenylene ether) comprises poly(2,6-dimethyl- 1,4-phenylene ether) and the other of the first and second poly(phenylene ether) comprises a poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer; and the sum of the weight percentages of the first poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether), the random polystyrene, and the hydrogenated block copolymer is 97 to 100 weight percent.

[0108] Aspect 6: The reflective article according to Aspect 5, wherein the preblend composition further comprises 0.3 to 1.6 weight percent of citric acid, based on the total weight of the preblend composition; and wherein the sum of the weight percentages of the first poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether), the random polystyrene, the hydrogenated block copolymer, and the citric acid is 97.3 to 100 weight percent.

[0109] Aspect 7: The reflective article according to any one of aspects 1-6, selected from the group consisting of automotive headlamp reflectors, automotive bezels, automotive head-up display reflectors, automotive interior components, household appliance lighting reflectors, household appliance bezels, consumer electronics lighting reflectors, and consumer electronics bezels.

[0110] Aspect 8: The reflective article according to aspect 7, wherein the reflective article is an automotive headlamp reflector.

[0111] Aspect 9: A melt blended composition comprising the product of melt blending a pre-blend composition, the pre-blend composition comprising, based on the total weight of the pre-blend composition: 40 to 90 weight percent of a first poly(phenylene ether) having an intrinsic viscosity of 0.3 to 0.43 deciliter per gram, as determined by an Ubbelohde viscometer at 23 °C in chloroform, and having a first weight average molecular weight M w 1, a first number average molecular weight M n 1, and a first dispersity M w 1 / M n 1; 5 to 25 weight percent of a second poly(phenylene ether) having an intrinsic viscosity of greater than 0.43 to 0.49 deciliter per gram, as determined by an Ubbelohde viscometer at 23 °C in chloroform; provided that the intrinsic viscosity of the second poly(phenylene ether) is greater than the intrinsic viscosity of the first poly(phenylene ether) by 0.03 to 0.09 deciliter per gram; wherein the second poly(phenylene ether) has a second weight average molecular weight M w 2, a second number average molecular weight M n 2, and a second dispersity M w 2 / M n 2; 5 to 25 weight percent of a random polystyrene; and 0 to 10 weight percent of a hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene; wherein a blend of the 40 to 90 weight percent of the first poly(phenylene ether) and the 5 to 25 weight percent of the second poly(phenylene ether) exhibits a blend weight average molecular weight M w blend, a blend number average molecular weight M n blend, and a blend dispersity M w blend / M n blend; wherein the blend dispersity M w blend is greater than the first dispersity M w 1 / M n 1 and less than the second dispersity M w 2 / Mn 2; and wherein the sum of the weight percentages of the first poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether), the random polystyrene, and the hydrogenated block copolymer is 95 to 100 weight percent.

[0112] Aspect 10: The melt blended composition according to Aspect 9, wherein the preblend composition further comprises 0.3 to 1.6 weight percent of a carboxylic acid or carboxylic anhydride selected from the group consisting of citric acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, maleic anhydride, formic acid, and combinations thereof; wherein the sum of the weight percentages of the first poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether), the random polystyrene, the hydrogenated block copolymer, and the carboxylic acid or carboxylic anhydride is 95.3 to 100 weight percent.

[0113] Aspect 11 : The melt blended composition according to Aspect 9 or 10, wherein one of the first poly(phenylene ether) and the second poly(phenylene ether) comprises poly(2,6-dimethyl- 1,4-phenylene ether), and the other of the first poly(phenylene ether) and the second poly(phenylene ether) comprises a poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer.

[0114] Aspect 12: The melt blended composition according to Aspect 9, wherein the preblend composition comprises 65 to 75 weight percent of the first poly(phenylene ether), 10 to 20 weight percent of the second poly(phenylene ether), 10 to 20 weight percent of the random polystyrene, and 0 to 10 weight percent of the hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene; wherein each of the first poly(phenylene ether) and the second poly(phenylene ether) comprises poly(2,6-dimethyl- 1,4-phenylene ether), or one of the first and second poly(phenylene ether) comprises poly(2,6-dimethyl- 1,4-phenylene ether) and the other of the first and second poly(phenylene ether) comprises a poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer; and wherein the sum of the weight percentages of the first poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether), the random polystyrene, and the hydrogenated block copolymer is 97 to 100 weight percent.

[0115] Aspect 13: The melt blended composition according to Aspect 12, wherein the preblend composition further comprises 0.3 to 1.6 weight percent of citric acid, based on the total weight of the preblend composition; and wherein the sum of the weight percentages of the first poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether), the random polystyrene, the hydrogenated block copolymer, and the citric acid is 97.3 to 100 weight percent.

[0116] Aspect 14: An injection molded article comprising the melt blended composition of any one of Aspects 9-13.

[0117] Aspect 15: The injection molded article according to Aspect 14, comprising the melt blended composition of Aspect 12 or 13.

Claims

1. A reflective article comprising: an injection molded thermoplastic substrate; and a reflective metal layer disposed on a surface of the thermoplastic substrate; wherein the injection molded thermoplastic substrate comprises a melt-blended composition comprising the product of melt-blending a pre-blended composition, the pre-blended composition comprising, based on the total weight of the pre-blended composition: 40 to 90 weight percent of a first poly(phenylene ether) having an intrinsic viscosity of 0.3 to 0.43 deciliter per gram, as determined by an Ubbelohde viscometer at 23 °C in chloroform, and having a first weight average molecular weight M w 1, a first number average molecular weight M n 1, and a first dispersity M w 1 / M n 1; 5 to 25 weight percent of a second poly(phenylene ether) having an intrinsic viscosity greater than 0.43 to 0.49 deciliters per gram as determined by an Ubbelohde viscometer at 23 °C in chloroform; provided that the intrinsic viscosity of the second poly(phenylene ether) is greater than the intrinsic viscosity of the first poly(phenylene ether) by 0.03 to 0.09 deciliters per gram; wherein the second poly(phenylene ether) has a second weight average molecular weight M w 2, a second number average molecular weight M n 2, and a second dispersity M w 2 / M n 2; 5 to 25 weight percent of a random polystyrene; and 0 to 10 weight percent of a hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene; wherein the blend of 40 to 90 weight percent of the first poly(phenylene ether) and 5 to 25 weight percent of the second poly(phenylene ether) has a blend weight average molecular weight M w blend, blend number average molecular weight M n blend and blend dispersity M w blend / M n blend; wherein the blend dispersity M w blend / M n blend is greater than the first dispersity M w 1 / M n 1 and less than the second dispersity M w 2 / M n 2; and wherein the sum of the weight percents of the first poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether), the random polystyrene, and the hydrogenated block copolymer is 95 to 100 weight percent.

2. The reflective article of claim 1, wherein said first weight average molecular weight M w 1 is from 30,000 to 47,000 g / mole, said first number average molecular weight M n 1 is from 15,000 to 24,000 g / mole, and said first dispersity M w 1 / M n 1 is from 2.0 to 2.45; said second weight average molecular weight M w 2 is greater than 47,000 to 65,000 g / mole, said second number average molecular weight M n 2 is 15,000 to 24,000 g / mole, and said second dispersity M w 2 / M n 2 is greater than 2.45 to 3.00; and The blend has a weight average molecular weight M w The blend has a number average molecular weight M n The blend has a number average molecular weight M w The blend / M n The blend is from 2.1 to 2.

55.

3. The reflective article of claim 1 or 2, wherein, the pre-blended composition further comprises 0.3 to 1.6 weight percent of a carboxylic acid or carboxylic anhydride selected from the group consisting of citric acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, maleic anhydride, formic acid, and combinations thereof; wherein the sum of the weight percents of the first poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether), the random polystyrene, the hydrogenated block copolymer, and the carboxylic acid or carboxylic anhydride is 95.3 to 100 weight percent.

4. The reflective article of any of claims 1-2, wherein, one of the first poly(phenylene ether) and the second poly(phenylene ether) comprises a poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether), and the other of the first poly(phenylene ether) and the second poly(phenylene ether) comprises a poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer.

5. The reflective article of claim 1, wherein the pre-blended composition comprises: 65 to 75 weight percent of the first poly(phenylene ether), 10 to 20 weight percent of the second poly(phenylene ether), 10 to 20 weight percent of the random polystyrene, and 0 to 10 weight percent of the hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene; each of the first poly(phenylene ether) and the second poly(phenylene ether) comprises a poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether), or one of the first poly(phenylene ether) and the second poly(phenylene ether) comprises a poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether), and the other of the first poly(phenylene ether) and the second poly(phenylene ether) comprises a poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer; and the sum of the weight percents of the first poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether), the random polystyrene, and the hydrogenated block copolymer is 97 to 100 weight percent.

6. The reflective article of claim 5, wherein, the pre-blended composition further comprises 0.3 to 1.6 weight percent of citric acid, based on the total weight of the pre-blended composition; and wherein the sum of the weight percents of the first poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether), the random polystyrene, the hydrogenated block copolymer, and citric acid is 97.3 to 100 weight percent.

7. The reflective article of any one of claims 1-2 and 5-6 selected from the group consisting of automotive headlamp reflectors, automotive bezels, automotive head-up display reflectors, automotive interior components, appliance lighting reflectors, appliance bezels, consumer electronics lighting reflectors, and consumer electronics bezels.

8. The reflective article of claim 7, wherein, The reflective article is an automotive headlamp reflector.

9. A melt blended composition comprising the product of melt blending a pre-blend composition, the pre-blend composition comprising, based on the total weight of the pre-blend composition: 40 to 90 weight percent of a first poly(phenylene ether) having an intrinsic viscosity of 0.3 to 0.43 deciliter per gram, as determined by an Ubbelohde viscometer at 23 °C in chloroform, and having a first weight average molecular weight M w 1, a first number average molecular weight M n 1, and a first dispersity M w 1 / M n 1; 5 to 25 weight percent of a second poly(phenylene ether) having an intrinsic viscosity greater than 0.43 to 0.49 deciliters per gram as determined by an Ubbelodhe viscometer at 23 °C in chloroform; provided that the intrinsic viscosity of the second poly(phenylene ether) is greater than the intrinsic viscosity of the first poly(phenylene ether) by 0.03 to 0.09 deciliters per gram; wherein, The second poly(phenylene ether) has a second weight average molecular weight Mw2determined according to ASTM D5296-19 using gel permeation chromatography with polystyrene standards w 2, a second number average molecular weight Mn2 n 2, and a second dispersity Mw2 / Mn2 w 2 / Mn2 n 2; 5 to 25 weight percent of a random polystyrene; and 0 to 10 weight percent of a hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene; wherein the blend of 40 to 90 weight percent of the first poly(phenylene ether) and 5 to 25 weight percent of the second poly(phenylene ether) exhibits a blend weight average molecular weight M w blend, blend number average molecular weight M n blend, and blend dispersity M w blend / M n blend; wherein the blend dispersity M w blend / M n blend is greater than the first dispersity M w 1 / M n 1 and less than the second dispersity M w 2 / M n 2; and wherein the sum of the weight percents of the first poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether), the random polystyrene, and the hydrogenated block copolymer is 95 to 100 weight percent.

10. The melt blend composition of claim 9, wherein, The pre-blend composition further comprises 0.3 to 1.6 weight percent of a carboxylic acid or carboxylic anhydride selected from the group consisting of citric acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, maleic anhydride, formic acid, and combinations thereof; wherein the sum of the weight percents of the first poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether), the random polystyrene, the hydrogenated block copolymer, and the carboxylic acid or carboxylic anhydride is 95.3 to 100 weight percent.

11. The melt blend composition of claim 9 or 10, wherein, One of the first poly(phenylene ether) and the second poly(phenylene ether) comprises a poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether), and the other of the first poly(phenylene ether) and the second poly(phenylene ether) comprises a poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer.

12. The melt blended composition of claim 9, wherein, The pre-blend composition comprises: 65 to 75 weight percent of the first poly(phenylene ether), 10 to 20 weight percent of the second poly(phenylene ether), 10 to 20 weight percent of the random polystyrene, and 0 to 10 weight percent of the hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene; wherein the first poly(phenylene ether) and the second poly(phenylene ether) each comprise a poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether), or one of the first poly(phenylene ether) and the second poly(phenylene ether) comprises a poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether), and the other of the first poly(phenylene ether) and the second poly(phenylene ether) comprises a poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer; and wherein the sum of the weight percents of the first poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether), the random polystyrene, and the hydrogenated block copolymer is 97 to 100 weight percent.

13. The melt blend composition of claim 12, wherein, based on the total weight of the pre-blend composition; and wherein the sum of the weight percentages of the first poly(phenylene ether), the second poly(phenylene ether), the random polystyrene, the hydrogenated block copolymer, and the citric acid is 97.3 to 100 weight percent.

14. An injection molded article comprising the melt blended composition of any of claims 9-13.

15. The injection molded article of claim 14 comprising the melt blended composition of claim 12 or 13.

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