Polypropylene composition for high frequency radio wave applications

Abstract

A polypropylene composition for 6 GHz or higher frequency radio wave applications includes a mixture of polypropylene and hollow glass bubbles having an average diameter or particle size of 5 [mu] m to 80 [mu] m. The polypropylene composition further includes at least one of glass fibers having a length of 0.5 mm to 10 mm, a width or diameter of 5 [mu] m to 15 [mu] m, alumina fibers having a length of 1 mm to 5 mm, a width or diameter of 1 [mu] m to 30 [mu] m, a cycloolefin copolymer, and a polycarbonate. The preparation method of the polypropylene composition comprises the following steps: carrying out melt blending on polypropylene and various materials, and modifying the polypropylene.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to polypropylene compositions for use in high frequency radio wave applications. Background Art

[0002] The emergence of 5G communication technology and related equipment has prompted the need for polymer materials with low cost, light weight, low dielectric constant (Dk) and dissipation factor (Df) values, high metal adhesion strength, low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), and good mechanical and thermal properties. Currently, FR-4 glass-reinforced epoxy laminates are widely used as antenna substrates for frequency applications below 6 GHz. Due to the high Dk values ​​(>4) and Df values ​​(>0.01) of FR-4 laminates, they are considered unsuitable for high-frequency (i.e., >6 GHz) applications.

[0003] On the other hand, materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), and modified polyimide (M-PI) are considered suitable materials for higher frequency (>6GHz) antennas and other niche applications due to their low Dk and Df values. However, these materials are very expensive and do not meet the lightweight standards required for the target applications. In addition, each material faces other specific challenges. In particular, the use of PTFE brings some challenges such as higher system cost (including material and processing costs), poor metal adhesion, high CTE along the Z axis, and high density.

[0004] In this regard, other commercially available polymer materials such as polypropylene (PP) can be selected because of its low Dk (~2.225) and Df (~0.0019) even at higher frequencies (such as 47-75GHz). However, the mechanical and thermal properties of pure polypropylene are not sufficient for certain manufacturing process steps and operating conditions. Although the addition of certain additives to polypropylene can improve its mechanical and thermal properties, these additives may affect the dielectric properties and metal adhesion characteristics of polypropylene.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to modify polypropylene with additives that can provide synergistic effects so that the modified polypropylene has low Dk and Df values, high metal adhesion strength, low CTE, and good mechanical and thermal properties, so as to be suitable for higher frequency (greater than 6 GHz) applications. Summary of the invention

[0006] The polypropylene composition for 6 GHz or higher frequency radio wave applications is composed of polypropylene, hollow glass bubbles with an average diameter or particle size of 5 μm to 80 μm, and a mixture of at least one or several additives. The additives may include glass fibers with a length of 0.5 mm to 10 mm and a width or diameter of 5 μm to 15 μm, alumina fibers with a length of 1 mm to 5 mm and a width or diameter of 1 μm to 30 μm, cyclic olefin copolymers, and polycarbonates.

[0007] In a specific embodiment, the composition includes hollow glass bubbles in an amount of 1 wt % to 35 wt %. The hollow glass bubbles may have at least one of a crush strength of 30 MPa or more, a true density of 0.3 g / cc to 0.8 g / cc, and a gas volume of 50% to 90%.

[0008] The glass fiber may be present in an amount of 40 wt% or less of the total weight of the composition. The glass fiber may have a dielectric constant (Dk) of 4 or more as measured at 6 MHz or more according to ASTM DI 50, a dissipation factor (Df) of 0.005 or less as measured at 6 MHz or more according to ASTM DI 50, and a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of 35 x 10-6 / °C or less as measured at ASTM D696.

[0009] The composition may further include alumina fibers in an amount of 40 wt % or less based on the total weight of the composition.

[0010] The polypropylene may be selected from C2 and C4 to C 10 A copolymer of a comonomer of an olefin monomer, wherein the content of the comonomer in the copolymer is 15 wt% or less.

[0011] The cycloolefin copolymer may also be present in an amount of 20 wt% or less of the total weight of the composition. If polycarbonate is included, it may be present in an amount of 20 wt% or less of the total weight of the composition. The composition may also include at least one of polyvinylcyclohexane and poly(1,4-cyclohexylmethylenecyclohexane-1,4-dicarboxylate).

[0012] Various other additives may also be added to the composition. These additives may include stabilizers, coupling agents, compatibilizers, thermal conductors, flame retardant additives, thermal conductive additives, adhesives, anti-blocking agents, antistatic agents, antioxidants, neutralizers, acid scavengers, foaming agents, nucleating agents, crystallization aids, dyes, flame retardants, fillers, hard fillers, soft fillers, impact modifiers, mold release agents, oils, another polymer, pigments, processing agents, reinforcing agents, light stabilizers, UV inhibitors, anti-slip agents, flow modifiers, and combinations thereof.

[0013] The polypropylene composition may have a Dk value of 2.5 or less when measured at a frequency of 6 GHz or more, and a Df value of 0.005 or less when measured at a frequency of 6 GHz or more. The polypropylene composition may have a metal adhesion peel strength of 0.1 N / mm or more as measured according to ASTM B533 or IPC-TM-650; a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of 60 ppm / °C or less as measured according to ASTM D696; a heat deformation temperature (HDT) of 100°C or more as measured according to ASTM D648; a water absorption of 0.05 wt% or less as measured according to ASTM D570; a tensile modulus of 2000 MPa or more as measured according to ASTM D638; a tensile strength of 35 MPa or more as measured according to ASTM D638; a density of 1.4 g / cc or less; a UL94 flame retardant rating of V0@1.5 mm; and a thermal conductivity of 0.2 W / mK or more as measured according to ASTM C518.

[0014] The polypropylene composition can be made into an article of manufacture. The article of manufacture can be a telecommunication device or component, a high frequency (>6GHz) electrical device, a high frequency (>6GHz) multi-generation telecommunication device or component, a 5G or higher generation telecommunication antenna and terminal device or component, a telecommunication device housing, a radar cover, a radio frequency (RF) filter, a radio frequency connector, an EMI shield, an antenna substrate, a waveguide substrate or carrier, an antenna substrate in a base station antenna, and an automotive radar component.

[0015] In a method of forming a polypropylene composition for use in 6 GHz or higher frequency radio wave applications, polypropylene is modified by melt-mixing the polypropylene with various materials, including at least one of hollow glass bubbles having an average diameter or particle size of 5 μm to 80 μm, glass fibers having a length of 0.5 mm to 10 mm and a width or diameter of 5 μm to 15 μm, alumina fibers having a length of 1 mm to 5 mm and a width or diameter of 1 μm to 15 μm, cyclic olefin copolymers, and polycarbonates, so that these materials are dispersed throughout the polypropylene.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a polypropylene composition for 6 GHz or higher frequency radio wave applications includes: (i) a mixture of polypropylenes, (ii) hollow glass bubbles having an average diameter or particle size of 5 to 80 microns, (iii) at least one of glass fibers having a length of 0.5 to 10 mm and a width or diameter of 5 to 15 microns and alumina fibers having a length of 1 to 5 mm and a width or diameter of 1 to 30 microns; and (iv) at least one of a cyclic olefin copolymer and a polycarbonate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Polypropylene (PP) is a readily available and relatively low-cost material compared to the high-cost materials currently used for high-frequency radio wave applications. However, polypropylene has not been widely used in high-frequency radio wave applications due to the inherent defects of pure polypropylene at these higher frequencies. In the present invention, a mixture of polypropylene and synergistic additives is melt blended to overcome these shortcomings and make the polypropylene composition suitable for radio wave applications at 6 GHz or higher frequencies.

[0018] Modified polypropylene is tailored to have low weight, low dielectric constant (Dk), low dissipation factor (Df), high metal adhesion, low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), high mechanical strength, and good thermal properties. These properties are achieved by using a blend of polypropylene with specific additives as described herein.

[0019] The polypropylene component of the polymer blend may be a homopolymer of propylene. The polypropylene is typically an isomeric polypropylene, such as that formed by a Ziegler-Natta catalyst. The polypropylene is typically monomodal, but may also have a broad molecular weight distribution or polydispersity index (PDI) and a range of melt flow index (MFI) values. An example of a suitable commercially available polypropylene homopolymer is SABIC, produced by Saudi Basic Industries Corporation in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. PP571 Polypropylene.

[0020] In other embodiments, the polypropylene component may include copolymers of non-propylene monomers, such as ethylene and / or at least one C4 to C 10α-olefin. Typically, the non-ethylene comonomer is at least one α-olefin selected from butene, hexene and / or octene. When such copolymers are used, the content of the non-propylene copolymer component in the polypropylene copolymer may be 15 wt% or less, and in many cases 2 wt% to 15 wt% may be used. In a specific embodiment, the content of the non-propylene comonomer component in the polypropylene copolymer may be at least, equal to, and / or between any two of the following values: 0.1 wt%, 0.2 wt%, 0.3 wt%, 0.4 wt%, 0.5 wt%, 0.6 wt%, 0.7 wt%, 0.8 wt%, 0.9 wt%, 1.0 wt%, 1.1 wt%, 1.2 wt%, 1.3 wt%, 1.4 wt%, 1.5 wt%, 1.6 wt%, 1.7 wt%, 1.8 wt%, 1.9 wt%, 2.0 wt%, 2.1 wt%, 2.2 wt%. t%, 2.3wt%, 2.4wt%, 2.5wt%, 2.6wt%, 2.7wt%, 2.8wt%, 2.9wt%, 3.0wt%, 3.1wt%, 3.2wt%, 3.3wt%, 3.4wt%, 3.5wt%, 3.6wt%, 3.7 wt%, 3.8wt%, 3.9wt%, 4.0wt%, 4.1wt%, 4.2wt%, 4.3wt%, 4.4wt%, 4.5wt%, 4.6wt%, 4.7wt%, 4.8wt%, 4.9wt%, 5.0wt%, 5.1wt%, 5.2 wt%, 5.3wt%, 5.4wt%, 5.5wt%, 5.6wt%, 5.7wt%, 5.8wt%, 5.9wt%, 6.0wt%, 6.1wt%, 6.2wt%, 6.3wt%, 6.4wt%, 6.5wt%, 6.6wt%, 6. 7wt%, 6.8wt%, 6.9wt%, 7.0wt%, 7.1wt%, 7.2wt%, 7.3wt%, 7.4wt%, 7.5wt%, 7.6wt%, 7.7wt%, 7.8wt%, 7.9wt%, 8.0wt%, 8.1wt%, 8. 2wt%, 8.3wt%, 8.4wt%, 8.5wt%, 8.6wt%, 8.7wt%, 8.8wt%, 8.9wt%, 9.0wt%, 9.1wt%, 9.2wt%, 9.3wt%, 9.4wt%, 9.5wt%, 9.6wt%, 9. 7wt%, 9.8wt%, 9.9wt%, 10.0wt%, 10.1wt%, 10.2wt%, 10.3wt%, 10.4wt%, 10.5wt%, 10.6wt%, 10.7wt%, 10.8wt%, 10.9wt%, 11.0wt 9wt%, 11.0wt%, 11.1wt%, 11.2wt%, 11.3wt%, 11.4wt%, 11.5wt%, 11.6wt%, 11.%, 13.4wt%, 13.5wt%, 13.6wt%, 13.7wt%, 13.8wt%, 13.9wt%, 14.0wt%, 14.1wt%, 14.2wt%, 14.3wt%, 14.4wt%, 14.5wt%, 14.6wt%, 14.7wt%, 14.8wt%, 14.9wt% and 15.0wt%. In certain embodiments, the polypropylene copolymer contains only ethylene monomers and no C4 to C. 10 Alpha olefin monomers.

[0021] It should be noted that in the specification, if a value, concentration or range is proposed, each value should be understood to be modified once by the term "about" (unless it has been explicitly modified), and then understood to be unmodified, unless the context indicates otherwise. In addition, in the description, it should be understood that the purpose of listing or describing a useful, suitable or similar range of quantities is to treat any and each value within the range, including the endpoints, as having been described. For example, "a range from 1 to 10" should be understood to mean every possible number on the continuum between about 1 and about 10. Therefore, even if a specific point within the range is explicitly indicated or mentioned, or even if there is no point within the range, it should be understood that the inventor understands and understands that any and all points within the range should be considered to have been indicated, and the inventor owns the entire range and all points within the range, including smaller ranges within larger ranges.

[0022] As discussed throughout the specification below, as it relates to the polypropylene component in the polypropylene composition, the term "polypropylene" is meant to include both polypropylene homopolymer and polypropylene copolymer, unless expressly stated otherwise or obvious from the context.

[0023] The polypropylene component of the composition can be characterized by various properties such as average molecular weight, density, melt flow index (MFI), polydispersity index (PDI), ESCR, tensile strength at yield, tensile modulus, tensile elongation at yield, notched Izod impact strength, hardness, or combinations thereof.

[0024] The average molecular weight (Mw) of the polypropylene component is determined by high temperature gel permeation chromatography. In particular, the average molecular weight (Mw) of the polypropylene can be at least the following, equal to the following and / or between any two of the following values: 130,000, 140,000, 150,000, 160,000, 170,000, 180,000, 190,000, 200,000, 210,000, 220,000, 230,000, 240,000, 250,000, 260,000, 270,000, 280,000, 290,000 and 300,000, as determined by high temperature gel permeation chromatography. Unless otherwise stated, all average molecular weights (Mw) of the polymers described herein are determined by high temperature gel permeation chromatography.

[0025] The density of polypropylene is 0.900g / cm 3 or 0.920g / cm 3 In particular, the density of the polypropylene may be at least, equal to and / or between any two of the following values: 0.900 g / cm 3 , 0.901g / cm 3 , 0.902g / cm 3 , 0.903g / cm 3 , 0.904g / cm 3 , 0.905g / cm 3 , 0.906g / cm 3 , 0.907g / cm 3 , 0.908g / cm 3 , 0.909g / cm 3 、0.910g / cm 3 、0.911g / cm 3 , 0.912g / cm 3 , 0.913g / cm 3 , 0.914g / cm 3 、0.915g / cm 3 , 0.916g / cm 3 , 0.917g / cm 3 、0.918g / cm 3 , 0.919g / cm 3 and 0.920g / cm 3 .

[0026] The MFI of polypropylene at 230°C and 2.16 kg load according to ISO 1133 is 0.1 g / 10min to 70 g / 10min, or is at least the following, equal to the following and / or between any two of the following values: 0.1 g / 10min, 0.2 g / 10min, 0.3 g / 10min, 0.4 g / 10min, 0.5 g / 10min, 0.6 g / 10min, 0.7 g / 10min, 0.8 g / 10min, 0.9 g / 10min, 1.0 g / 10min, 1.1 g / 10min, 1.2 g / 10min, 1.3 g / 10min, 1.4 g / 10min, 1.5 g / 10min, 1.6 g / 10min 10min, 1.7g / 10min, 1.8g / 10min, 1.9g / 10min, 2.0g / 10min, 2.1g / 10min, 2.2g / 10min, 2.3g / 10min, 2.4g / 10min, 2.5g / 10min, 2.6g / 10min, 2.7g / 10m in, 2.8g / 10min, 2.9g / 10min, 3.0g / 10min, 3.1g / 10min, 3.2g / 10min, 3.3g / 10min, 3.4g / 10min, 3.5g / 10min, 3.6g / 10min, 3.7g / 10min, 3.8g / 10min, 3.9g / 10min, 4.0g / 10min, 4.1g / 10min, 4.2g / 10min, 4.3g / 10min, 4.4g / 10min, 4.5g / 10min, 4.6g / 10min, 4.7g / 10min, 4.8g / 10min, 4.9g / 10min, 5.0 g / 10min, 5.1g / 10min, 5.2g / 10min, 5.3g / 10min, 5.4g / 10min, 5.5g / 10min, 5.6g / 10min, 5.7g / 10min, 5.8g / 10min, 5.9g / 10min, 6.0g / 10min, 6.1g / 1 0min, 6.2g / 10min, 6.3g / 10min, 6.4g / 10min, 6.5g / 10min, 6.6g / 10min, 6.7g / 10min, 6.8g / 10min, 6.9g / 10min, 7.0g / 10min, 7.1g / 10min, 7.2g / 10mi n, 7.3g / 10min, 7.4g / 10min, 7.5g / 10min, 7.6g / 10min, 7.7g / 10min, 7.8g / 10min, 7.9g / 10min, 8.0g / 10min, 8.1g / 10min, 8.2g / 10min, 8.3g / 10min, 8.4 g / 10 min, 8.5 g / 10 min, 8.6 g / 10 min, 8.7 g / 10 min, 8.8 g / 10 min, 8.9 g / 10 min, 9.0 g / 10 min, 9.1 g / 10 min, 9.2 g / 10 min, 9.3 g / 10 min, 9.4 g / 10 min, 9.5 g / 10 min, 9.6 g / 10 min, 9.7 g / 10 min, 9.8 g / 10 min, 9.9 g / 10 min, 10.0 g / 10 min, 11 g / 10 min, 12 g / 10 min, 13 g / 10 min, 14 g / 10 min, 15 g / 10 min, 16 g / 10 min, 17 g / 10 min, 18 g / 10 min, 19 g / 10 min, 20 g / 10 min, 21 g / 10 min, 22 g / 10 min, 23 g / 10 min, 24 g / 10 min, 25 g / 10 min, 26 g / 10 min, 27 g / 10 min, 28 g / 10 min, 29 g / 10 min, 30 g / 10 min, 31 g / 10 min, 32 g / 10 min, 33 g / 10 min, 34 g / 10 min, 35 g / 10 min, 36 g / 10 min, 37 g / 10 min, 38 g / 10 min, 39 g / 10 min, 40 g / 10 min, 41 g / 10 min, 42 g / 10 min, 43 g / 10 min, 44 g / 10 min, 45 g / 10 min, 46 g / 10 min, 47 g / 10 min, 48 g / 10 min, 49 g / 10 min, 50 g / 10 min, 51 g / 10 min, 52 g / 10 min, 53 g / 10 min, 54 g / 10 min, 55 g / 10 min, 56 g / 10 min, 57 g / 10 min, 58 g / 10 min, 59 g / 10 min, 60 g / 10 min, 61 g / 10 min, 62 g / 10 min, 63 g / 10 min, 64 g / 10 min, 65 g / 10 min, 66 g / 10 min, 67 g / 10 min, 68 g / 10 min, 69 g / 10 min and 70 g / 10 min, according to ISO 1133 standard.

[0027] In some cases, the polypropylene may be a polypropylene which has been modified to improve processability, such as a polypropylene prepared using peroxide transfer. Such a polypropylene may have a higher MFI than a polypropylene which has not been so modified. In particular, a modified polypropylene, such as a modified polypropylene prepared using peroxide transfer, has a MFI of 1.170 g / cm2 at 230°C and 2.10 g / cm2 according to ISO 1133 standard.The MFI at a load of 16 kg may be from 10 g / 10 min or from 20 g / 10 min to 100 g / 10 min, or at least the following, equal to the following and / or between any two of the following values: 10 g / 10 min, 11 g / 10 min, 12 g / 10 min, 13 g / 10 min, 14 g / 10 min, 15 g / 10 min, 16 g / 10 min, 17 g / 10 min, 18 g / 10 min, 19 g / 10 min, 20 g / 10 min, 21 g / 10 min, 22 g / 10 min, 23 g / 10 min, 24 g / 10 min, 25 g / 10 min, 26 g / 10 min, 27 g / 10 min in, 28g / 10min, 29g / 10min, 30g / 10min, 31g / 10min, 32g / 10min, 33g / 10min, 34g / 10min, 35g / 10min, 36g / 10min, 37g / 10min, 38g / 10min, 39g / 10min, 4 0g / 10min, 41g / 10min, 42g / 10min, 43g / 10min, 44g / 10min, 45g / 10min, 46g / 10min, 47g / 10min, 48g / 10min, 49g / 10min, 50g / 10min, 51g / 10min, 52g / 10 min, 53g / 10min, 54g / 10min, 55g / 10min, 56g / 10min, 57g / 10min, 58g / 10min, 59g / 10min, 60g / 10min, 61g / 10min, 62g / 10min, 63g / 10min, 64g / 10min, 65g / 10min, 66g / 10min, 67g / 10min, 68g / 10min, 69g / 10min, 70g / 10min, 71g / 10min, 72g / 10min, 73g / 10min, 74g / 10min, 75g / 10min, 76g / 10min, 77g / 10min, 78g / 10min, 79g / 10min, 80g / 10min, 81g / 10min, 82g / 10min, 83g / 10min, 84g / 10min, 85g / 10min, 86g / 10min, 87g / 10min, 88g / 10min, 89g / 10mi n, 90g / 10min, 91g / 10min, 92g / 10min, 93g / 10min, 94g / 10min, 95g / 10min, 96g / 10min, 97g / 10min, 98g / 10min, 99g / 10min and 100g / 10min, according to ISO1133 standard. .

[0028] The polydispersity index (PDI=Mw / Mn) of the polypropylene component as measured by high temperature gel permeation chromatography may be 4 to 10, or at least the following, equal to the following and / or between any two of the following values: 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6.0, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7.0, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 8.0, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9, 9.0, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8, 9.9 and 10.0.

[0029] The tensile modulus of the polypropylene may be 800 MPa to 2200 MPa, or at least 800 MPa, 850 MPa, 900 MPa, 950 MPa, 1000 MPa, 1050 MPa, 1100 MPa, 1150 MPa, 1200 MPa, 1250 MPa, 1300 MPa, 1350 MPa, 1400 MPa, 1450 MPa, 1500 MPa, 1550 MPa, 1600 MPa, 1650 MPa, 1700 MPa, 1750 MPa, 1800 MPa, 1850 MPa, 1900 MPa, 1950 MPa, 2000 MPa, 2050 MPa, 2100 MPa, 2150 MPa and 2200 MPa, measured according to ISO 527. The yield tensile strength of the polypropylene as measured by ASTM D638 may be 20 MPa to 40 MPa, or at least, equal to, and / or between any two of the following: 20 MPa, 25 MPa, 30 MPa, 35 MPa, and 40 MPa.

[0030] The polypropylene component may have an Izod notched impact strength at 23°C of 10 J / m to 30 J / m, or at least 10 J / m, 11 J / m, 12 J / m, 13 J / m, 14 J / m, 15 J / m, 16 J / m, 17 J / m, 18 J / m, 19 J / m, 20 J / m, 21 J / m, 22 J / m, 23 J / m, 24 J / m, 25 J / m, 26 J / m, 27 J / m, 28 J / m, 29 J / m and 30 J / m, as measured by ASTM D256.

[0031] As mentioned above, the polypropylene component is used as a polymer blend in combination with one or more different primary additives for high frequency radio wave applications. Compared with polypropylene without these additives, these primary additives can give the polypropylene composition lower Dk, lower Df, higher metal adhesion strength and low CTE. The polypropylene composition can also show high mechanical strength and good thermal properties.

[0032] The main additives include hollow glass bubbles. Such glass bubbles help to reduce the bulk density of polypropylene, as well as reduce the Dk and Df values. This is at least partially due to the lower Dk and Df values ​​of the glass bubbles themselves, due to the presence of air, gas or vacuum space within the glass bubbles.

[0033] Glass bubbles are generally hollow, thin-walled unit spheres made of soda-lime borosilicate glass.The glass bubbles may have an average diameter or particle size of 5 μm to 80 μm, more specifically an average diameter or particle size of 15 μm to 65 μm. In certain embodiments, the average diameter or particle size of the glass bubbles may be at least the following, equal to the following, and / or between any two of the following values: 5 μm, 6 μm, 7 μm, 8 μm, 9 μm, 10 μm, 11 μm, 12 μm, 13 μm, 14 μm, 15 μm, 16 μm, 17 μm, 18 μm, 19 μm and 20 μm, 21 μm, 22 μm, 23 μm, 24 μm, 25 μm, 26 μm, 27 μm, 28 μm, 29 μm, 30 μm, 31 μm, 32 μm, 33 μm, 34 μm, 35 μm, 36 μm, 37 μm, 38 μm m, 39μm, 40μm, 41μm, 42μm, 43μm, 44μm, 45μm, 46μm, 47μm, 48μm, 49μm, 50μm, 51μm, 52μm, 53μm, 54μm, 55μm, 56μm, 57μm, 58μm, 59μm , 60μm, 61μm, 62μm, 63μm, 64μm, 65μm, 66μm, 67μm, 68μm, 69μm, 70μm, 71μm, 72μm, 73μm, 74μm, 75μm, 76μm, 77μm, 78μm, 79μm and 80μm.

[0034] The hollow glass bubbles may have a wall thickness of 0.4 μm to 1.5 μm, more specifically 0.5 μm to 0.9 μm, and even more specifically 0.6 μm to 0.8 μm. In certain embodiments, the wall thickness of the glass bubbles may be at least, equal to, and / or between any two of the following values: 0.40 μm, 0.41 μm, 0.42 μm, 0.43 μm, 0.44 μm, 0.45 μm, 0.46 μm, 0.47 μm, 0.48 μm, 0.49 μm, 0.50 μm, 0.51 μm, 0.52 μm, 0.53 μm, 0.54 μm, 0.55 μm, 0.56 μm, 0.57 μm, 0.58 μm, 0.59 μm, 0.60 μm , 0.61μm, 0.62μm, 0.63μm, 0.64μm, 0.65μm, 0.66μm, 0.67μm, 0.68μm, 0.69μm, 0.70μm, 0.71μm, 0.72μm, 0.73μm, 0 .74μm, 0.75μm, 0.76μm, 0.77μm, 0.78μm, 0.79μm, 0.80μm, 0.81μm, 0.82μm, 0.83μm, 0.84μm, 0.85μm, 0.86μm, 0.87 μm, 0.88μm, 0.89μm, 0.90μm, 0.91μm, 0.92μm, 0.93μm, 0.94μm, 0.95μm, 0.96μm, 0.97μm, 0.98μm, 0.99μm, 1.00μm , 1.11μm, 1.12μm, 1.13μm, 1.14μm, 1.15μm, 1.16μm, 1.17μm, 1.18μm, 1.19μm, 1.20μm, 1.21μm, 1.22μm, 1.23μm, 1. 24μm, 1.25μm, 1.26μm, 1.27μm, 1.28μm, 1.29μm, 1.30μm, 1.31μm, 1.32μm, 1.33μm, 1.34μm, 1.35μm, 1.36μm, 1.37 μm, 1.38μm, 1.39μm, 1.40μm, 1.41μm, 1.42μm, 1.43μm, 1.44μm, 1.45μm, 1.46μm, 1.47μm, 1.48μm, 1.49μm and 1.50μm.

[0035] This can provide 50% to about 90% of the gas volume or internal space in the hollow glass sphere. It has been found that those glass bubbles with 60% to 80% gas volume or internal space are particularly useful. In a particular embodiment, the gas volume or internal space in the hollow glass bubble can be at least the following, equal to the following and / or between any two values ​​of the following: 50%, 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59%, 60%, 61%, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89% and 90%. The inner space of the glass bubble is usually filled with air, but can also be filled with other gases, such as nitrogen. The inner space can also be free of any medium (vacuum) or filled with a low dielectric liquid that is beneficial to reducing the Dk and Df values.

[0036] The glass bubbles may have a true density of 0.3 g / cc to 0.8 g / cc, as measured by helium pycnometry. In certain embodiments, the true density of the glass bubbles may be at least, equal to, and / or between any two of the following: 0.30 g / cc, 0.31 g / cc, 0.32 g / cc, 0.33 g / cc, 0.34 g / cc, 0.35 g / cc, 0.36 g / cc, 0.37 g / cc, 0.38 g / cc, 0.39 g / cc, 0 g / cc, 0.41 g / cc, 0.42 g / cc, 0.43 g / cc, 0.44 g / cc, 0.45 g / cc, 0.46 g / cc, 0.47 g / cc, 0.48 g / cc, 0.49 g / cc, 0.50 g / cc, 0.51 g / cc, 0.52 g / cc, 0.53 g / cc Measured according to the helium pycnometry method.

[0037] In addition, the crushing strength of the hollow glass bubble may be 30 MPa to 300 MPa. In specific test examples, the crushing strength of the glass bubble may be at least the following, equal to the following, and / or between any two of the following values: 30 MPa, 31 MPa, 32 MPa, 33 MPa, 34 MPa, 35 MPa, 36 MPa, 37 MPa, 38 MPa, 39 MPa, 40 MPa, 41 MPa, 42 MPa, 43 MPa, 44 MPa, 45 MPa, 46 MPa, 47 MPa, 48 MPa, 49 MPa, 50 MPa, 51 MPa, 52 MPa, a, 53MPa, 54MPa, 55MPa, 56MPa, 57MPa, 58MPa, 59MPa, 65MPa, 66MPa, 67MPa, 68MPa, 69MPa, 70MPa, 71MPa, 72MP a, 73MPa, 74MPa, 75MPa, 76MPa, 77MPa, 78MPa, 79MPa, 80MPa, 81MPa, 82MPa, 83MPa, 84MPa, 85MPa, 86MPa, 87MP a, 88MPa, 89MPa, 90MPa, 91MPa, 92MPa, 93MPa, 94MPa, 95MPa, 96MPa, 97MPa, 98MPa, 99MPa, 100MPa, 105MPa, 11 0MPa, 115MPa, 120MPa, 125MPa, 130MPa, 135MPa, 140MPa, 145MPa, 150MPa, 155MPa, 160MPa, 165MPa, 170MPa, 1 75MPa, 180MPa, 185MPa, 190MPa, 195MPa, 200MPa, 205MPa, 210MPa, 215MPa, 220MPa, 225MPa, 230MPa, 235MPa, 240MPa, 245MPa, 250MPa, 255MPa, 260MPa, 265MPa, 270MPa, 275MPa, 280MPa, 285MPa, 290MPa, 295MPa and 300MPa.

[0038] Examples of suitable commercially available hollow glass bubbles are iM16K and iM30K glass bubbles from 3M Company in Maple Grove, Minnesota. The glass bubbles used in this study (IM30K high-strength glass bubbles) were purchased from 3M TM The average diameter of the glass bubbles was measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The squeeze strength and gas volume of the hollow glass bubbles were measured by 3M's in-house QCM.

[0039] Hollow glass bubbles can be used in the polypropylene composition in an amount of 1 wt% to 35 wt% of the total weight of the polypropylene composition. In a specific embodiment, the amount of glass bubbles can be at least, equal to, and / or between any two of the following values, based on the total weight of the polypropylene composition: 1 wt%, 2 wt%, 3 wt%, 4 wt%, 5 wt%, 6 wt%, 7 wt%, 8 wt%, 9 wt%, 10 wt%, 11 wt%, 12 wt%, 13 wt%, 14 wt%, 15 wt%, 16 wt%, 17 wt%, 18 wt%, 19 wt%, 20 wt%, 21 wt%, 22 wt%, 23 wt%, 24 wt%, 25 wt%, 26 wt%, 27 wt%, 29 wt%, 30 wt%, 31 wt%, 32 wt%, 33 wt%, 34 wt%, and 35 wt%.

[0040] During the melt mixing of the polymer composition, a certain amount of glass bubble breakage may occur. This will generally result in 5% or less glass bubble breakage. Although the breakage of glass bubbles should be minimized, these broken glass bubbles will essentially become glass powder and contribute to the reinforcement of the polypropylene composition.

[0041] Since glass bubbles and / or broken glass bubbles alone do not provide sufficient reinforcement for the polypropylene composition, other materials may also be used in the polypropylene composition, including short glass fiber (SGF) materials, alumina fiber materials, cyclic olefin copolymers and polycarbonate materials.

[0042] Glass fiber can be used to enhance the mechanical properties and thermal properties of polypropylene compositions. Compared with polypropylene without such materials, this includes higher rigidity, higher tensile or flexural modulus, lower coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), higher heat distortion temperature (HDT) and better dimensional stability. Short glass fibers can also include those with low Dk values ​​(i.e. 4 to 5) and / or Df values ​​(i.e. <0.005), so that the dielectric properties of the polymer composition containing glass bubbles are mostly unaffected. Glass fiber can also include glass fiber treated with aminosilanes, so that when used together with maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene as a coupling agent, the dispersion of glass fiber in the polymer melt is promoted.

[0043] The length of the short glass fiber is 0.5mm to 10mm, and the width or diameter is 5μm to 15μm. In a specific application, the length of the short glass fiber can be at least the following, equal to the following and / or between any two of the following values: 0.5mm, 0.6mm, 0.7mm, 0.8mm, 0.9mm, 1.0mm, 1.1mm, 1.2mm, 1.3mm, 1.4mm, 1.5mm, 1.6mm, 1.7mm, 1.8mm, 1.9mm, 2.0mm, 2.1mm, 2.2mm, 2.3mm m, 2.4mm, 2.5mm, 2.6mm, 2.7mm, 2.8mm, 2.9mm, 3.0mm, 3.1mm, 3.2mm, 3.3mm, 3.4mm, 3.5mm, 3.6 mm, 3.7mm, 3.8mm, 3.9mm, 4.0mm, 4.1mm, 4.2mm, 4.3mm, 4.4mm, 4.5mm, 4.6mm, 4.7mm, 4.8mm, 4.9 mm, 5.0mm, 5.1mm, 5.2mm, 5.3mm, 5.4mm, 5.5mm, 5.6mm, 5.7mm, 5.8mm, 5.9mm, 6.0mm, 6.1mm, 6. 2mm, 6.3mm, 6.4mm, 6.5mm, 6.6mm, 6.7mm, 6.8mm, 6.9mm and 7.0mm, 7.1mm, 7.2mm, 7.3mm, 7.4mm, 7. The width or diameter of the short glass fibers may be at least 5 μm, 6 μm, 7 μm, 8 μm, 9 μm, 10 μm, 11 μm, 12 μm, 13 μm, 14 μm, and 15 μm.

[0044] Short glass fibers may be used in the polypropylene composition in an amount of 40 wt% or less of the total weight of the polypropylene composition, and in many cases, 1 wt% to 30 wt% of the total weight of the polypropylene composition is suitable. In a particular embodiment, the amount of glass fibers may be at least, equal to, and / or between any two of the following values, based on the total weight of the polypropylene composition: 0.1 wt%, 0.2 wt%, 0.3 wt%, 0.4 wt%, 0.5 wt%, 0.6 wt%, 0.7 wt%, 0.8 wt%, 0.9 wt%, 1 wt%, 2 wt%, 3 wt%, 4 wt%, 5 wt%, 6 wt%, 7 wt%, 8 wt%, 9 wt%, 10 wt%, 11 wt%, 12 wt%, 13 wt%, 14 wt%, 15 wt%, 16 wt%, 17 wt%, 18 wt%, 19 wt%, 20 wt%, 21 wt%, 22 wt%, 23 wt%. 24wt%, 25wt%, 26wt%, 27wt%, 29wt%, 30wt%, 31wt%, 32wt%, 33wt%, 34wt%, 35wt%, 36wt%, 37wt%, 38wt%, 39wt% and 40wt%.

[0045] The CTE value of the polypropylene composition containing short glass fibers is 35 x 10 -6 In certain embodiments, the CTE value of the polypropylene composition containing short glass fibers can be 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, or 0.5X 10 -6 / ℃ or lower.

[0046] In some applications, the short glass fibers may be glass fibers with higher or lower Dk and Df values, because both low Dk and high Df glass fibers can provide similar reinforcement effects for polypropylene compositions. If short glass fibers with higher Dk and Df values ​​are used, they may be those having a Dk value of 5 or higher measured at 6 MHz or higher according to ASTM D150, and a dissipation factor Dk greater than 0.005 measured at 6 MHz or higher according to ASTM D150. Such glass fibers may include E-CR (E-glass corrosion resistant) glass fibers. For example, DS2200 13P glass fibers produced by the Braj Binani Group in Mumbai, India, are such commercially available short glass fibers. These glass fibers are different from glass fibers with lower Dk and Df values.

[0047] Glass fibers with low dielectric values ​​or Dk and Df values ​​may also be used alone or in combination with short glass fibers with higher Dk and Df values. Low Dk glass fibers may be glass fibers having a Dk value of 4 to 5 measured at 6 MHz or higher according to ASTM D150. In certain embodiments, the Dk value of the low Dk glass fiber may be at least, equal to, and / or between any two of the following: 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, and 5.0. Low Df glass fibers can be glass fibers having a D value of 0.005, 0.004, 0.003, 0.002, 0.001, 0.0009, 0.0008, 0.0007, 0.0006, 0.0005, 0.0004, 0.0003, 0.0002, 0.0001 or less. Low Dk and low Df glass fibers can have one or both low Dk and low Df. Typically, low Dk and Df glass fibers have both low Dk and low Df. Such glass fibers may include HL glass fibers. An example of commercial short glass fibers having a low Dk value and a low Df value is CS (HL) 303N-3 glass fiber produced by Chongqing Polycom International, China.

[0048] The low Dk and low Df glass fibers may account for all or part of the total amount of short glass fibers. The low Dk and low Df glass fibers may be present in the polypropylene composition in an amount of 40% or less by weight of the total polypropylene composition. In certain embodiments, if used, the amount of low Dk and low Df glass fibers may be at least, equal to, and / or between any two of the following values, based on the total weight of the polypropylene composition: 0.1 wt%, 0.2 wt%, 0.3 wt%, 0.4 wt%, 0.5 wt%, 0.6 wt%, 0.7 wt%, 0.8 wt%, 0.9 wt%, 1 wt%, 2 wt%, 3 wt%, 4 wt%, 5 wt%, 6 wt%, 7 wt%, 8 wt%, 9 wt%, 10 wt%, 11 wt%, 12 wt%, 13 wt%, 14 wt%, 15 wt%, 16 wt%, 17 wt%, 18 wt%, 19 wt%, 20 wt%, 21 wt%, 22 wt%, 23 wt%, 24 wt%, 25 wt%, 26 wt%, 27 wt%, 28 wt%, 29 wt%, 30 wt%, 31 wt%, 32 wt%, 33 wt%, 34 wt%, 35 wt%, 36 wt%, 37 wt%, 38 wt%, 39 wt%, 40 wt%, 41 wt%, 42 wt%, 43 wt%, 44 wt%, 45 wt%, 46 wt%, 47 wt%, 48 wt%, 49 wt%, 50 wt%, 51 wt%, 52 wt%, 11wt%, 12wt%, 13wt%, 14wt%, 15wt%, 16wt%, 17wt%, 18wt%, 19wt%, 20wt%, 21wt%, 22wt%, 23wt, 24wt%, 2 5wt%, 26wt%, 27wt%, 29wt%, 30wt%, 31wt%, 32wt%, 33wt%, 34wt%, 35wt%, 36wt%, 37wt%, 38wt%, 39wt% and 40wt%.

[0049] Alumina fibers may be used in the polypropylene composition. Alumina fibers may enhance mechanical properties such as tensile modulus and stiffness while maintaining radio frequency (RF) transparency. Alumina fibers may be in any form of aluminum oxide phase and may be obtained by any suitable process. Alumina fibers may be cylindrical and / or flat. Alumina fibers may have a length between 1 mm and 10 mm and a diameter or width between 1 μm and 15 μm. In certain applications, the length of the alumina fibers may be at least the following, equal to the following, and / or between any two of the following values: 1.0 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.7 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.9 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.1 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.6 mm, 2.7 mm, 2.8 mm, 2.9 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.1 mm, 3.2 mm, 3.3 mm, 3.4 mm, 3.5 mm, 3.6 mm, 3.7 mm, 3.8 mm, 3.9 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.1 mm, 4.2 mm, 4.3 mm, 4.4 mm, 4.5 mm, 4.6 mm, 4.7 mm, 4.8 mm, 4.9 mm, 5.0 mm, 5.1 mm, 5.2 mm, 5.3 mm, 5.4 mm, 5.5 mm, 5.6 mm, 5.7 mm, 5.8 mm, 5.9 mm, 6.0 mm, 6.1 mm, 6.2 mm, 6.3 mm, 6.4 mm, 6.5 mm, 6.6 mm, 6.7 mm, 6.8 mm, 6.9 mm, 7. 5.2mm, 5.3mm, 5.4mm, 5.5mm, 5.6mm, 5.7mm, 5.8mm, 5.9mm, 6.0mm, 6.1mm, 6.2mm, 6.3mm, 6 .4mm, 6.5mm, 6.6mm, 6.7mm, 6.8mm, 6.9mm and 7.0mm, 7.1mm, 7.2mm, 7.3mm, 7.4mm, 7.5mm, 7.6 The width or diameter of the alumina fibers may be at least, equal to, and / or between any two of the following: 1 μm, 2 μm, 3 μm, 4 μm, 5 μm, 6 μm, 7 μm, 8 μm, 9 μm, 10 μm, 11 μm, 12 μm, 13 μm, 14 μm, and 15 μm. For example, Nextel 610 fiber manufactured by 3M Company in Maplewood, Minnesota is such a commercially available alumina fiber.

[0050] The polypropylene composition may contain alumina fibers in an amount of 40% or less by weight of the total weight of the polypropylene composition. If used, in certain embodiments, the amount of alumina fibers may be at least, equal to, and / or between any two of the following values, based on the total weight of the polypropylene composition: 0.1 wt%, 0.2 wt%, 0.3 wt%, 0.4 wt%, 0.5 wt%, 0.6 wt%, 0.7 wt%, 0.8 wt%, 0.9 wt%, 1 wt%, 2 wt%, 3 wt%, 4 wt%, 5 wt%, 6 wt%, 7 wt%, 8 wt%, 9 wt%, 10 wt%, 11 wt%, 12 wt%, 13 wt%, 14 wt%, 15 wt%, 16 wt%, 17 wt%, 18 wt%, 19 wt%, 20 wt%, 21 wt%, 22 wt%, 23 wt% 24wt%, 25wt%, 26wt%, 27wt%, 29wt%, 30wt%, 31wt%, 32wt%, 33wt%, 34wt%, 35wt%, 36wt%, 37wt%, 38wt%, 39wt% and 40wt%.

[0051] Cyclic olefin copolymers can also be used in the polypropylene composition. Particularly useful are olefin-norbornene copolymers, which contain comonomers such as 8,9,10-trinorbornene-2-ene (norbornene) or 1,2,3,4,4a,5,8,8a-octahydro-1,4:5,8-dimethylnaphthalene (tetracyclododecene). Cyclic olefin copolymers have low Dk and Df values ​​at frequencies above 2 GHz. Therefore, the addition of cyclic olefin copolymers helps to reduce the Dk and Df values ​​of the polypropylene composition. Cyclic olefin copolymers also help to reduce warpage and reduce the coefficient of thermal expansion, thereby improving the thermal properties of the polypropylene composition. Cyclic olefin copolymers are all-aliphatic polymers that are miscible and / or form a co-continuous form when mixed with polypropylene during the extrusion process. An example of a suitable cyclic olefin copolymer is produced by TOPAS Advanced Polymers GmbH, Raunheim, Germany. 6017 cyclic olefin copolymer, its heat distortion temperature (HDT) is 170℃.

[0052] The cyclic olefin copolymer can be used in an amount of 20 wt% or less, based on the total weight of the polypropylene composition. If used, in a particular embodiment, the cyclic olefin copolymer can be used in an amount of at least, equal to, and / or between any two of the following values, based on the total weight of the polypropylene composition: 0.1 wt%, 0.2 wt%, 0.3 wt%, 0.4 wt%, 0.5 wt%, 0.6 wt%, 0.7 wt%, 0.8 wt%, 0.9 wt%, 1 wt%, 2 wt%, 3 wt%, 4 wt%, 5 wt%, 6 wt%, 7 wt%, 8 wt%, 9 wt%, 10 wt%, 11 wt%, 12 wt%, 13 wt%, 14 wt%, 15 wt%, 16 wt%, 17 wt%, 18 wt%, 19 wt%, and 20 wt%.

[0053] Polycarbonates can also be used in the polypropylene composition. The weight average molecular weight of the polycarbonate is between 30,000 and 60,000 based on polystyrene standards as inferred by gel permeation chromatography. The polycarbonate is almost fully end-capped as inferred by nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. Polycarbonates can improve metal adhesion and reduce warpage. Such polycarbonates include (but are not limited to) bisphenol A polycarbonate and copolycarbonates of different comonomer ratios (such as 20% to 50%). Particularly useful is bisphenol-A polycarbonate.

[0054] The amount of polycarbonate can be 20 wt% or less of the total weight of the polypropylene composition. If used, in certain embodiments, the amount of polycarbonate can be at least, equal to, and / or between any two of the following values, based on the total weight of the polypropylene composition: 0.1 wt%, 0.2 wt%, 0.3 wt%, 0.4 wt%, 0.5 wt%, 0.6 wt%, 0.7 wt%, 0.8 wt%, 0.9 wt%, 1 wt%, 2 wt%, 3 wt%, 4 wt%, 5 wt%, 6 wt%, 7 wt%, 8 wt%, 9 wt%, 10 wt%, 11 wt%, 12 wt%, 13 wt%, 14 wt%, 15 wt%, 16 wt%, 17 wt%, 18 wt%, 19 wt%, and 20 wt%.

[0055] Polyvinylcyclohexane (PVCH) and poly(1,4-cyclohexylmethylenecyclohexane-1,4-dicarboxylate) (PCCD) can also be used in the polypropylene composition. PCCD can be obtained by the melt polycondensation reaction of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM) and 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid (CHDA). PVCH can be obtained by the polymerization of vinylcyclohexane or the catalytic reduction of polystyrene. These materials help to reduce warpage, reduce the coefficient of thermal expansion and improve thermal properties. The glass transition temperature of PVCH is about 145°C. These materials are all aliphatic polymers that are miscible and form a co-continuous morphology when mixed with polypropylene during extrusion.

[0056] The amount of PVCH and PCCD can account for 20% or less of the total weight of the polypropylene composition. If used, in certain embodiments, the amount of PVCH and PCCD or a combination thereof can be at least the following, equal to the following and / or between any two of the following values: 0.1wt%, 0.2wt%, 0.3wt%, 0.4wt%, 0.5wt%, 0.6wt%, 0.7wt%, 0.8wt%, 0.9wt%, 1wt%, 2wt%, 3wt%, 4wt%, 5wt%, 6wt%, 7wt%, 8wt%, 9wt%, 10wt%, 11wt%, 12wt%, 13wt%, 14wt%, 15wt%, 16wt%, 17wt%, 18wt%, 19wt% and 20wt% (based on the total weight of the polypropylene composition).

[0057] The polypropylene composition or polymer mixture formed in the melt mixing process may further include at least one additional auxiliary additive, which is different from the main additive discussed above. These optional or auxiliary additives can be additives that do not necessarily affect or increase the dielectric properties (i.e., Dk and Df values), mechanical properties, or thermal properties of the final product, although they may affect. Adding these additives may be for the convenience of processing during melt mixing and extrusion, but may also bring various required properties to the final polypropylene composition. Non-limiting examples of additional optional additives or auxiliary additives include stabilizers, coupling agents, compatibilizers, coupling agents, compatibilizers, thermal conductive agents, flame retardant additives, thermal conductive additives, adhesives, anti-blocking agents, antistatic agents, antioxidants, neutralizers, acid scavengers, foaming agents, nucleating agents, crystallization aids, dyes, flame retardants, fillers, hard fillers, soft fillers, impact modifiers, release agents, oils, another polymer, pigments, processing agents, reinforcing agents, light stabilizers, UV inhibitors, anti-slip agents, flow modifiers, and combinations thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0058] A coupling agent may be added to the polymer mixture to achieve a good interface between the glass fibers and the polypropylene component to allow for uniform dispersion. The coupling agent may be maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MA-g-PP). The coupling is performed in situ in the extruder. With this coupling agent, the interaction between the maleic anhydride groups and the amino groups on the aminosilane treated glass fibers promotes dispersion of the glass fibers. An example of a coupling agent suitable for polypropylene is maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MA-g-PP), available from Exxelor Mobil Corporation. TMPO 1020. The coupling agent may be present in the polymer mixture in an amount of 2 wt% or less, based on the total weight of the polymer mixture. In a particular embodiment, if a coupling agent is used, the amount used may be at least, equal to, and / or between any two of the following: 0.01 wt%, 0.2 wt%, 0.3 wt%, 0.4 wt%, 0.5 wt%, 0.6 wt%, 0.7 wt%, 0.8 wt%, 0.9 wt%, 1.0 wt%, 1.1 wt%, 1.2 wt%, 1.3 wt%, 1.4 wt%, 1.5 wt%, 1.6 wt%, 1.7 wt%, 1.8 wt%, 1.9 wt%, and 2.0 wt% (based on the total weight of the polymer mixture).

[0059] In some cases, the thermally conductive additive is present in the polymer mixture in an amount of at least, equal to, and / or between any two of the following values, based on the total weight of the polymer mixture: 0.01 wt%, 0.2 wt%, 0.3 wt%, 0.4 wt%, 0.5 wt%, 0.6 wt%, 0.7 wt%, 0.8 wt%, 0.9 wt%, and 1.0 wt%. Non-limiting examples of thermally conductive additives include: aluminum oxide, titanium dioxide, graphite compounds, graphene, boron nitride, aluminum nitride, zinc oxide.

[0060] In some embodiments, the filler is present in the polymer mixture, and its amount is at least the following, equal to the following and / or between any two of the following values, based on the total weight of the polymer mixture: 0.01wt%, 0.2wt%, 0.3wt%, 0.4wt%, 0.5wt%, 0.6wt%, 0.7wt%, 0.8wt%, 0.9wt%, 1.0wt%, 2.0wt%, 3.0wt%, 4.0wt%, 5.0wt%, 6.0wt%, 7.0wt%, 8.0wt%, 9.0wt%, 10.0wt%, 20.0wt%, 30.0wt%. The filler can be a hard filler. Non-limiting examples of hard fillers include inorganic particulate fillers, such as talc, silica, calcium carbonate, and inorganic layered fillers, such as clay and mica. The filler can be a soft filler. Non-limiting examples of soft fillers include incompatible particulate elastomers / polymer resins. The filler can also be a hollow filler. Non-limiting examples of hollow fillers include plastic microspheres, ceramic microspheres (such as hollow spheres composed of aluminum silicate microspheres), metal microspheres composed of aluminum and copper / silver microspheres, and phenolic microspheres.

[0061] In certain aspects, the light stabilizer is present in the polymer mixture in an amount of at least, equal to, and / or between any two of the following values, based on the total weight of the polymer mixture: 0.01 wt%, 0.2 wt%, 0.3 wt%, 0.4 wt%, 0.5 wt%, 0.6 wt%, 0.7 wt%, 0.8 wt%, 0.9 wt%, and 1.0 wt%. The light stabilizer can be a hindered amine light stabilizer. The term "hindered amine light stabilizer" refers to a class of amine compounds having certain light stabilizing properties. Non-limiting examples of hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS) include 1-cyclohexyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-octadecylaminopiperidine; bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl) sebacate; bis(1-acetoxy-2,2,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl) sebacate; bis(1,2,2,6-pentamethylpiperidin-4-yl) sebacate; bis(1-cyclohexyloxy-2,2,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl) sebacate; bis(1-octyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl) sebacate; bis(1-acetyloxy-2,2,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl) sebacate; bis(1,2,2,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidinyl)butylamino]-6-(2-hydroxyethylamino)-s-triazine; bis(1-cyclohexyloxy-2,2,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl)adipate; 2-bis[(1-cyclohexyloxy-2,2,6-piperidin-4-yl)butylamino]-6-chloro-s-triazine; 1-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy) -4-hydroxy-2,2,6-tetramethylpiperidine; 1-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-4-oxo-2,2,6-tetramethylpiperidine; 1-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-4-octadecyloxy-2,2,6-tetramethylpiperidine; bis(1-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl) sebacate; bis(1-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl) adipate; 2,4-bis{N-[1-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-2,2, [6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl]-N-butylamino}-6-(2-hydroxyethylamino)-s-triazine; 4-benzoyl-2,2,6-tetramethylpiperidine; di-(1,2,2,6-pentamethylpiperidin-4-yl)-p-methoxybenzylidenemalonate; 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl octadecanoate; bis(1-octyloxy-2,2,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl)succinate; 1,2,2,6-pentamethyl-4-aminopiperidine; 2-undecyl-7,7,9-tetramethyl-1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxo-spiro[4,5]decane;Tris(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl) nitrilotriacetate; Tris(2-hydroxy-3-(amino-(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl)propyl) nitrilotriacetate; Tetrakis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl)-1,2,3,4-butane-tetracarboxylate; Tetrakis(1,2,2,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidinyl)-1,2,3,4-butane-tetracarboxylate; 1,1′-(1,2-ethanediyl)-bis(3,3,5,5-tetramethylpiperazinone); 3-octyl-7,7,9-tetramethyl-1,3,8-triazaspiro[4.5]decane-2,4-dione; 8-acetyl-3-dodecyl-7,7,9- Tetramethyl-1,3,8-triazaspiro[4.5]decane-2,4-dione; 3-dodecyl-1-(2),2,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl)pyrrolidine-2,5-dione; 3-dodecyl-1-(1),2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidinyl)pyrrolidine-2,5-dione; N,N′-bis-formyl-N,N′-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl)hexamethylenediamine; 2-bis[(1-cyclohexyloxy-2,2,6-piperidin-4-yl)butylamino]-6-chloro-s-triazine, reaction products with N,N′-bis(3-aminopropyl)ethylenediamine; 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4 -Hydroxypiperidine and succinic acid condensation product; N,N'-bis (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl) -hexanediamine and 4-tert-octylamino-2,6-dichloro-3,3-triazine condensation product; N,N'-bis (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl) -hexanediamine and 4-cyclohexylamino-2,6-dichloro-3,3-triazine condensation product; N,N'-bis (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl) hexamethylenediamine and 4-morpholino-2,6-dichloro-3,3-triazine condensation product; N,N'-bis (1,2,2,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidinyl) hexamethylenediamine and 4-morpholino-2,6-dichloro-3,3-triazine condensation product ; 2-chloro-4,6-bis(4-n-butylamino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl)-3,3-triazine and 1,2-bis(3-aminopropylamino)ethane condensate; 2-chloro-4,6-di-(4-n-butylamino-1,2,2,6-pentamethylpiperidinyl)-1,3-triazine and 1,2-bis-(3-aminopropylamino)ethane condensate; 7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-2-cycloundecyl-1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxaspiro[4,5]decane reaction products with epichlorohydrin; poly[methyl,(3-oxy-(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl)propyl)]siloxane,,CAS#182635-99-0;Reaction products of maleic anhydride-C18-C22-alpha-olefin copolymers with 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-aminopiperidine; low molecular weight derivatives of 4,4′-hexamethylenebis(amino-2,2,6-tetramethylpiperidine) and 2,4-dichloro-6-[(2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl)butylamino]-s-triazine terminated with 2-chloro-4,6-bis(dibutylamino)-s-triazine; Polycondensate; oligomeric condensate of 4,4′-hexamethylenebis(amino-1,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidine) and 2,4-dichloro-6-[(1,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidin-4-yl)butylamino]-s-triazine terminated with 2-chloro-4,6-bis(dibutylamino)-s-triazine; oligomeric condensate of 4,4′-hexamethylenebis(amino-1-propoxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl Oligomeric condensates of 2,4-dichloro-6-[(1-propoxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl)butylamino]-s-triazine terminated with 2-chloro-4,6-bis(dibutylamino)-s-triazine; 4,4'-hexamethylenebis(amino-1-acyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine) and 2,4-dichloro-6-[(1-propoxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl)butylamino]-s-triazine terminated with 2-chloro-4,6-bis(dibutylamino)-s-triazine Oligomeric condensates of blocked 2,4-dichloro-6-[(1-acyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl)butylamino]-s-triazine; and products obtained by reacting (a) with (b), wherein (a) is the product obtained by reacting 1,2-bis(3-aminopropylamino)ethane with cyanuric acid chloride, and (b) is (2,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl)butylamine. Also included are sterically hindered NH, N-methyl, N-methoxy, N-hydroxy, N-propoxy, N-octyloxy, N-cyclohexyloxy, N-acyloxy and N-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy) analogs of any of the above compounds. Non-limiting examples of commercial light stabilizers include BASF's; 4050H, 4077H, 4092H, 5062H, 5050H, 4092H, 4077H, 3026, 3027, 3028, 3029, 3033P and 3034 or 622.

[0062] Antistatic agents can be used to inhibit the accumulation of dust on plastic products. Antistatic agents can increase the conductivity of plastic compositions, thereby dissipating any surface charge generated during production and use. In this way, the attraction of the surface of the plastic product to dust particles will be reduced, thereby reducing the accumulation of dust. In certain aspects of the present invention, the antistatic agent can be glycerol monostearate. The antistatic agent can be included in the polymer mixture, and its amount, based on the total weight of the polymer mixture, is at least the following, equal to the following and / or between any two of the following values: 0.01wt%, 0.2wt%, 0.3wt%, 0.4wt%, 0.5wt%, 0.6wt%, 0.7wt%, 0.8wt%, 0.9wt% and 1wt%.

[0063] Lubricants can be added to the polymer mixture to improve the mold making properties. The lubricant can be a low molecular weight compound in a macromolecular compound such as a fatty acid, a fatty acid ester, a wax ester, a fatty alcohol ester, an amide wax, a metal carboxylate, a monoalkanoic acid, a monoalkanoic acid ester, or a paraffin or polyethylene wax. In certain aspects of the present invention, the lubricant is a metal stearate. Non-limiting examples of metal stearates include zinc stearate, calcium stearate, lithium stearate, or a combination thereof, preferably calcium stearate. The polymer mixture can include a lubricant in an amount of at least the following, equal to the following, and / or between any two of the following values, based on the total weight of the polymer mixture: 0.01wt%, 0.2wt%, 0.3wt%, 0.4wt%, 0.5wt%, 0.6wt%, 0.7wt%, 0.8wt%, 0.9wt% and 1wt%.

[0064] Antioxidants and / or heat stabilizers can prevent polymer degradation during processing. Phosphites are known thermal oxidation stabilizers for polymers and other organic materials. Antioxidants can be phosphite-based antioxidants. In certain aspects, phosphorous acid antioxidants include but are not limited to triphenyl phosphite, diphenyl alkyl phosphites, phenyl dialkyl phosphites, tris (nonylphenyl) phosphites, tridodecyl phosphites, trioctadecyl phosphites, distearyl pentaerythritol diphosphites, tris (2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphites, diisodecyl pentaerythritol diphosphites, bis (2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) pentaerythritol diphosphites tristearyl sorbitol triphosphites, and tetrakis (2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) -4,4'-biphenyl diphosphites, bis (2,4-di-sec-butylphenyl) pentaerythritol diphosphites. The polymer mixture may include an antioxidant in an amount of at least, equal to, and / or between any two of 0.01 wt%, 0.2 wt%, 0.3 wt%, 0.4 wt%, 0.5 wt%, 0.6 wt%, 0.7 wt%, 0.8 wt%, 0.9 wt% and 0.1 wt%, based on the total weight of the polymer mixture. Non-limiting examples of commercially available antioxidants or heat stabilizers include Irganox 1010 and Irgaphos-168 (both available from BASF), or Doverphos S9228T from Dover Chemical.

[0065] Nucleating agents can also be used in polymer mixtures. Nucleating agents can be considered as additives added to polymers to promote crystal growth in polymer melts. One or more nucleating agents can be used. Such nucleating agents may include, but are not limited to, cyclic dicarboxylates and talc. Talc is generally used as a filler when used in larger amounts. When used in lower amounts (i.e., less than 5wt%), talc can be used as a nucleating agent. The combined use of a cyclic dicarboxylate first nucleating agent and a talc second nucleating agent has been described in U.S. Pat. No. 11,136,446, which is now incorporated herein by reference. When using this combination, the amount of nucleating agent may be different. For example, the weight ratio of cyclic dicarboxylates to talc may be from 1:1200 to 2:1. The amount of cyclic dicarboxylates used may be from 0.0025wt% to 0.1wt% of the total weight of the composition, and the amount of talc nucleating agent used is from 0.1wt% to 5wt%. A suitable commercially available example of a potassium salt of 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylate that can be used as a nucleating agent is the potassium salt of Milliken and Company HPN 20E.

[0066] When forming the polypropylene composition, the various components of the polypropylene composition, including the main additives described, and any additional optional auxiliary additives, can be dry blended. The polypropylene component can be granular, powdered, flaky or fluffy. The materials are mixed in a conventional mixer, in which the polypropylene and the main additives are mixed with any optional additional or secondary additives. The optional secondary additives can be added at the end or processing step of producing the polymer mixture. Suitable machines for such mixing are well known to those skilled in the art. Non-limiting examples include mixers, kneaders and extruders. These materials are then fed directly into the feed zone of the extruder. In some cases, processing can be carried out in an extruder and additives are introduced during processing. Non-limiting examples of suitable extruders include single screw extruders, counter-rotating and co-rotating twin screw extruders, planetary gear extruders, ring extruders or mixers. The process can be carried out at a temperature of 180°C to 300°C.

[0067] In some embodiments, the polypropylene component, primary additives, and optional auxiliary additives used to produce the polypropylene polymer blend of the present invention can be melt extruded by the following typical procedure: weigh the required amounts of polypropylene and additives, then dry blend, and then feed the mixture into the main feeder of a single-screw or twin-screw co-rotating extruder (length / diameter (L / D) ratio of 25:1 or 40:1) to obtain the final composition. During the mixing process, the polypropylene, additives, or a mixture thereof can be placed at an elevated temperature for a sufficient period of time. The mixing temperature can be higher than the melting point of the polymer. In some aspects, the extrusion process can be carried out at a temperature of 180°C to 300°C. During the production process, primary and secondary additives can be added online before the polypropylene resin is pelletized. The amount of additive combined with the polypropylene can be adjusted to provide the weight discussed previously.

[0068] The optional secondary additives can be premixed or added separately to the polymer mixture or its different components. For example, the secondary additives of the present invention can be premixed so that a mixture is formed before adding the polypropylene or the primary additive. During the mixing and / or addition of the additives, the mixture can be placed at an elevated temperature for a sufficient period of time. When adding the optional secondary additives to the polymer resin, the above components can be mixed using conventional methods in the process technology. The mixing temperature can be higher than the melting point of the polypropylene polymer. In some aspects, processing can be carried out at a temperature of 180°C to 260°C. This "melt mixing" or "melt blending" allows the optional additives of the present invention to be evenly dispersed in the polypropylene and / or the primary additive.

[0069] Articles made from the polypropylene composition prepared as described above can be used for radio wave applications at 6 GHz or higher frequencies. In particular, when measured at 6 GHz or higher frequencies, the Dk value of polypropylene and / or articles formed therefrom can be 2.5, 2.4, 2.3, 2.2, 2.1 or 2.0 or lower. When measured at 6 GHz or higher frequencies, the Df value of polypropylene and / or articles formed therefrom can also be 0.005, 0.004, 0.003, 0.002, 0.001, 0.0005 or lower.

[0070] In addition, the polypropylene composition and / or articles formed therefrom may have a metal adhesion peel strength of 0.1 N / mm, 0.2 N / mm, 0.3 N / mm, 0.4 N / mm, 0.5 N / mm, 0.6 N / mm, 0.7 N / mm, 0.8 N / mm, 0.9 N / mm, 1.0 N / mm or more, measured according to ASTM B533 or IPC-TM-650. In certain embodiments, the metal adhesion peel strength ranges from at least 0.1 N / mm, 0.2 N / mm, 0.3 N / mm, 0.4 N / mm, 0.5 N / mm, 0.6 N / mm, 0.7 N / mm, 0.8 N / mm, 0.9 N / mm, 1.0 N / mm, 1.1 N / mm, 1.2 N / mm, 1.3 N / mm, 1.4 N / mm, and 1.5 N / mm, as measured according to ASTM B533 or IPC-TM-650.

[0071] The polypropylene composition or the article formed therefrom may have a CTE of 35 ppm / °C, 30 ppm / °C, 25 ppm / °C, 20 ppm / °C, 15 ppm / °C, 10 ppm / °C or less as measured according to ASTM D696. In addition, the polypropylene composition and / or the article formed therefrom may have a HDT of 110°C, 120°C, 130°C, 140°C, 150°C or more as measured according to ASTM D648.

[0072] The water absorption of the polypropylene composition or article can also reach 0.05wt%, 0.04wt%, 0.03wt%, 0.02wt%, 0.01wt% or lower according to ASTM D570. The tensile modulus of the composition or article can reach 2000MPa, 2100MPa, 2200MPa, 2300MPa, 2400MPa, 2500MPa or higher according to ASTM D638, and the tensile strength can reach 35MPa, 40MPa, 45MPa, 50MPa, 55MPa, 60MPa or higher according to ASTM D638.

[0073] The polypropylene composition may have a density of 1.4 g / cc, 1.3 g / cc, 1.2 g / cc, 1.1 g / cc, 1.0 g / cc, 0.9 g / cc or less, a UL94 flame retardancy rating of V0@1.5 mm as measured by ASTM C518, and a thermal conductivity of 0.10 W / mK, 0.15 W / mK, 0.20 W / mK, 0.25 W / mK, 0.30 W / mK, 0.35 W / mK, 0.40 W / mK, 0.45 W / mK, 0.5 W / mK or less.

[0074] The polypropylene composition can be used for specific applications having an operating temperature of -40°C to 125°C or higher.

[0075] The polypropylene composition formed as described above is usually collected in the form of particles, which can be stored for a period of time or used immediately in the molding process. The molding process may include injection molding, blow molding, compression molding, sheet extrusion, film blowing, pipe extrusion, profile extrusion, calendering, thermoforming, rotational molding or a combination thereof. The final molded polypropylene product can be used for high-frequency radio wave applications of 6GHz or higher frequencies. For example, telecommunications equipment or components, high-frequency (greater than 6GHz) electrical equipment, high-frequency (greater than 6GHz) multi-generation telecommunications equipment or components, 5G or higher generation telecommunications antennas and terminal equipment or components, telecommunications equipment housings, radar covers, radio frequency (RF) filters, RF connectors, EMI shielding, antenna substrates, waveguide substrates or carriers, antenna substrates in base station antennas and automotive radar components may be included.

[0076] The following examples are used to further illustrate various embodiments and applications. Example Example 1

[0077] Polypropylene is modified by combining glass bubbles with various additives to provide a polypropylene composition suitable for use in radio wave applications at frequencies of 6 GHz or higher. PP571 polypropylene is an allotropic polypropylene homopolymer with the following properties: Table 1

[0078] Different additives are used in PP571 polypropylene to improve dielectric, mechanical and thermal properties. The hollow glass bubbles used are iM30K glass bubbles formed from soda-lime borosilicate glass, with an average diameter of 18μm, a true density of 0.60g / cc and a crush strength of 18.6MPa. The low dielectric glass fiber (low Dk-Df) is CS(HL)303N-3 glass fiber, with an average length of 3 mm, an average diameter of 13 μm, a Dk value of 4.2 to 4.8, and a Df value of less than 0.001. The polycarbonate (PC) is bisphenol A polycarbonate. The coupling agent is MA-g-PP.

[0079] For comparison, pure PP571 polypropylene without any additives was also extruded and tested. The different blends were melt compounded using a Coperion ZSK-25 mm twin screw extruder with a 40:1 L / D ratio, 10 barrels and co-rotating screws. The temperature profile used during extrusion is shown in Table 2 below. Table 2 Barrel number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Temperature(℃) 120 180 200 220 230 230 240 240 240 250

[0080] Tables 3 and 4 below describe the details of the control and working example (WE) formulations, respectively, as well as the mechanical, thermal, and dielectric properties of these formulations. Table 3 Working Example (WE) Control Group WE-1 WE-2 WE-3 WE-4 WE-5 PP571 98 78 78 68 58 58 PP571-Side feeder 0 10 0 0 0 0 IM30K 10 10 10 PC 10 10 Low DkGF 20 20 20 20 Irganox 1010 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Irgaphos-168 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Coupling agent 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 talcum powder 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 total 100 100 100 100 100 100 Table 4

[0081] The properties of working example WE-1, which incorporates 10 wt% glass bubbles, were compared to the properties of a control group without any performance-improving additives. It was found that the addition of 10 wt% glass bubbles increased the tensile modulus by about 20% and decreased the CTE by about 9%, while other properties remained essentially unchanged. The addition of low-Dk glass fibers to working example WE-2 resulted in a relatively greater reinforcement effect and a greater impact on thermal and heat properties. While mechanical properties such as tensile modulus, tensile strength, and impact strength increased by an average of about 163%, 130%, and 335%, the heat deformation temperature (HDT) increased by about 150%. The CTE was also significantly reduced (by about 135%) with the addition of low-Dk glass fibers, while the dielectric properties (Dk and Df) were mostly unaffected. While the Dk and Df values ​​of polypropylene increased slightly with the addition of low-Dk glass fibers, the increase in Dk and Df values ​​was much greater when similar loadings of conventional short glass fibers were added as reinforcing fillers. When glass bubbles and low Dk glass fibers are used together, better reinforcement (as evidenced by the increase in modulus values) and a slight decrease in CTE are clearly seen (compare working example WE-5 to the control). The addition of polycarbonate has no significant effect on the properties of the polypropylene compositions containing low Dk glass fibers (compare working example WE-2 to working example WE-3) and the polypropylene compositions containing low Dk glass fibers and glass bubbles (compare working example WE-2 to working example WE-4). In preliminary metal plating experiments, metal adhesion of these compositions was improved.

[0082] Although the present invention has been presented in certain forms, it should be clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited thereto, but may be varied and modified based on experimental data or other optimization methods that take into account the overall economics of the process without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is appropriate to interpret the appended claims broadly and in accordance with the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A polypropylene composition for use in 6 GHz or higher frequency radio wave applications, the composition comprising a composition consisting of polypropylene, hollow glass bubbles having an average diameter or particle size of 5 μm to 80 μm, and at least one of glass fibers having a length of 0.5 mm to 10 mm and a width or diameter of 5 μm to 15 μm, alumina fibers having a length of 1 mm to 5 mm and a width or diameter of 1 μm to 30 μm, a cyclic olefin copolymer, and a polycarbonate.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein: The composition includes the hollow glass bubbles in an amount of 1 wt % to 35 wt %.

3. The composition according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein: The hollow glass bubble has at least one of the following: Crush strength above 30MPa measured by QCM; True density of 0.3 g / cc to 0.8 g / cc as measured by helium pycnometry; as well as 50% to 90% of the gas volume measured by QCM.

4. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The composition comprises glass fibers in an amount equal to or less than 40 wt % based on the total weight of the composition.

5. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The glass fiber has a dielectric constant (Dk) equal to or greater than 4 measured at a frequency of 6 MHz or higher according to ASTM D150, a dissipation factor (Df) equal to or less than 0.005 measured at a frequency of 6 MHz or higher according to ASTM D150, and a dielectric constant (Dk) equal to or less than 35 x 10 -6 / °C.

6. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The composition includes alumina fibers in an amount equal to or less than 40 wt % based on the total weight of the composition.

7. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The polypropylene is selected from C2 and C4 to C 10 A copolymer of a comonomer of an olefin monomer, said comonomer being present in said copolymer in an amount equal to or less than 15 wt%.

8. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The composition includes the cyclic olefin copolymer in an amount of 20 wt% or less based on the total weight of the composition.

9. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The composition includes 20 wt % or less of polycarbonate based on the total weight of the composition.

10. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising: At least one of polyvinylcyclohexane and poly(1,4-cyclohexylenecyclohexane-1,4-dicarboxylate).

11. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising: At least one of a stabilizer, a coupling agent, a compatibilizer, a thermal conductor, a flame retardant additive, a thermal conductive additive, a binder, an anti-blocking agent, an antistatic agent, an antioxidant, a neutralizer, an acid scavenger, a foaming agent, a nucleating agent, a crystallization aid, a dye, a flame retardant, a filler, a hard filler, a soft filler, an impact modifier, a release agent, an oil, another polymer, a pigment, a treating agent, a reinforcing agent, a light stabilizer, an anti-UV agent, a slip agent, a flow modifier, and a combination thereof.

12. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The polypropylene composition has a Dk value of 2.5 or less when measured at a frequency of 6 GHz or higher; a Df value of 0.005 or less when measured at a frequency of 6 GHz or higher; and at least one of the following: Metal adhesion peel strength equal to or greater than 0.1 N / mm as measured according to ASTM B533 or IPC-TM-650; The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) is equal to or less than 60 ppm / °C as measured according to ASTM D696; A heat distortion temperature (HDT) equal to or greater than 100°C as measured according to ASTM D648; The water absorption is equal to or less than 0.05 wt% as measured according to ASTM D570; A tensile modulus equal to or greater than 2000 MPa as measured according to ASTM D638; A tensile strength equal to or greater than 35 MPa as measured according to ASTM D638; Density equal to or less than 1.4 g / cc; UL94 flame retardant rating is V0@1.5mm; and The thermal conductivity is greater than or equal to 0.2 W / mK as measured according to ASTM C518.

13. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The polypropylene composition is formed into an article.

14. The composition according to claim 13, wherein: The article of manufacture is at least one of telecommunications equipment or components, high frequency (>6GHz) electrical equipment, high frequency (>6GHz) multi-generation telecommunications equipment or components, 5G or higher generation telecommunications antennas and terminal equipment or components, telecommunications equipment housings, radar covers, radio frequency (RF) filters, RF connectors, EMI shielding, antenna substrates, waveguide substrates or carriers, antenna substrates in base station antennas, or automotive radar components.

15. A method of forming a polypropylene composition for use in 6 GHz or higher frequency radio wave applications, the method comprising modifying polypropylene by melt blending the polypropylene with the following materials: hollow glass bubbles having an average diameter or particle size of 5 μm to 80 μm, and at least one of glass fibers having a length of 0.5 mm to 10 mm and a width or diameter of 5 μm to 15 μm, alumina fibers having a length of 1 mm to 5 mm and a width or diameter of 1 μm to 15 μm, cyclic olefin copolymers, and polycarbonates, so that the materials are dispersed throughout the polypropylene.

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