Polymer composition and its use

Abstract

Polymer composition comprising a polymer mixture of poly(2,5-benzimidazole) (ABPBI) and polyaryletherketone (PAEK) produced by melt mixing of ABPBI and PAEK at a temperature of 420°C and 430°C, wherein the ratio of poly(2,5-benzimidazole) to polyaryletherketone is between 20:80 and 60:40.

Description

AREA OF DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a polymer composition comprising a blend of polyaryletherketone and polybenzimidazole polymers. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Polyaryletherketones (PAEKs) are a family of semi-crystalline thermoplastics with high temperature stability and high mechanical strength. PAEKs have a continuous service temperature of 250–280°C, but can be used for short-term exposure to temperatures up to approximately 350–380°C. When exposed to flame, PAEKs exhibit extremely low levels of toxic and aggressive fumes. PAEKs also generate little heat and smoke when exposed to flame, making them suitable for use in interior aerospace applications. PAEKs also exhibit very good general chemical resistance. Their tensile strength exceeds 85 MPa (12,300 psi) and their elastic modulus exceeds 4,100 MPa (590,000 psi), making them a strong candidate for metal replacement.

[0003] PAEK plastics are characterized by phenylene groups linked via oxygen bridges (ethers) and carbonyl groups (ketones). The ratio of ethers to ketones and their sequence primarily affect the glass transition temperature and melting point of the polymer. They also influence heat resistance and processing temperature. The higher the ratio of ketones to ethers, the more rigid the polymer chain. This leads to a higher glass transition temperature and melting point.

[0004] Polyaryletherketone polymers encompass a range of closely related polymers, including polyetherketone (PEK), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), polyetherketoneetherketoneketone (PEKEKK), and polyetheretherketoneketone (PEEKK). These polymers are moldable and can therefore be easily formed into usable parts.

[0005] Polybenzimidazole (PBI) is a polymer with exceptionally high temperature stability. It is non-flammable and exhibits high chemical resistance. Due to its exceptional thermal and chemical stability, it finds applications where these properties are important. Recently, PBI has received considerable attention for its use as a high-temperature fuel cell membrane. There are two major types of polybenzimidazole structures: One, also known as ABPBI, is a polymer of 3,4-diaminobenzoic acid.

[0006] In contrast, commercially available PBI is a polymer of 2,2' to 5,5'-diaminobenzidine with phthalic anhydride or its derivatives. Although ABPBI is known in the literature, it has not found commercial use due to its extremely high glass transition temperature range of 450 °C to 485 °C.

[0007] Polybenzimidazole and polyaryletherketone blends are known for their excellent mechanical, thermal, and chemical resistance properties. US Patent No. 4,912,176 discloses blends of poly[2,2'-(m-phenylene)-5,5'-bisbenzimidazole] and polyaryletherketone.

[0008] US Patent No. 5,391,605 A discloses a polymeric composition consisting of approximately 65 to approximately 85 weight percent of a polymeric mixture and approximately 15 to approximately 35 weight percent of internal lubricant. The mixture consists of approximately 35 to approximately 100 weight percent of an aromatic polybenzimidazole and approximately 0 to approximately 65 weight percent of polyaryletherketone. The lubricant consists of boron nitride powder and graphite in a weight ratio of approximately 1:10 to approximately 10:1.

[0009] ZHENG, HAITAO et al., "Proton exchange membranes based on poly(2,5-benzimidazole) and sulfonated poly(etheretherketone) for fuel cells," JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES, (20120219), vol. 208, pages 176–179, disclose blend membranes based on poly(2,5-benzimidazole) (ABPBI) and sulfonated poly(etheretherketone) (SPEEK) with different degrees of sulfonation (SD). The blends are prepared by dissolving ABPBI and SPEEK in methanesulfonic acid (MSA).

[0010] WO 93 / 23475 A1 discloses an injection-moldable composition containing an aromatic polymer having a heterocyclic group, a melt-processable polymer having aromatic repeating units and a viscosity of no more than about 300 centipoise, and a reinforcing agent. The melt-processable polymers are selected from the group consisting of polyethers, polyketones, polyetherketones, polyetheretherketones, polyamides, and polyesters. The reinforcing agent is selected from glass fibers, carbon fibers, or a combination thereof.

[0011] It has been found that the known blends of polybenzimidazole (PBI) and polyaryletherketone do not exhibit very good mechanical properties and wear resistance. Accordingly, it is desirable to develop a composition consisting of a blend of polybenzimidazole and polyaryletherketone that would impart better mechanical properties and wear resistance to the articles manufactured therefrom. GOALS: Some of the objectives of the present disclosure, which at least one of the embodiments presented herein fulfills, are as follows: An objective of the present disclosure is to improve one or more problems of the prior art or at least to provide a viable alternative.

[0012] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a composition comprising a blend of polyaryletherketone (PAEK) and polybenzimidazole polymers, the composition having excellent mechanical and wear resistance properties.

[0013] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a composition comprising a blend of polyaryletherketone and polybenzimidazole polymers, further containing various additional components, such as inorganic and organic fibers and / or fillers, to impart improved mechanical properties to the polymer composition.

[0014] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide articles having excellent mechanical properties and wear resistance derived from a composition comprising a mixture of polyaryletherketone and polybenzimidazole polymers.

[0015] Additional objects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. OVERVIEW:

[0016] According to the present disclosure, a polymer composition is provided comprising a polymer blend of poly(2,5-benzimidazole) (ABPBI) and polyaryletherketone (PAEK) prepared by melt blending ABPBI and PAEK at a temperature of 420°C and 430°C, wherein the ratio of poly(2,5-benzimidazole) to polyaryletherketone is between 20:80 and 60:40.

[0017] Polyaryletherketone is normally polyetherketone (PEK), which is characterized by an inherent viscosity in the range of 0.6 to 1.5 dl / g, preferably in the range of 0.8 to 1.2 dl / g.

[0018] Normally, ABPBI is characterized by an inherent viscosity in the range of 0.6 to 3.0 dl / g, preferably in the range of 0.8 to 2.5 dl / g, more preferably in the range of 0.8 to 1.5 dl / g.

[0019] Typically, the polymer composition according to the present disclosure further comprises [2,2-bis[(2-propenyloxy)methyl]-1-butanolato-O,O',O'']tris(dodecylbenzenesulfonato-O)zirconium as a coupling agent and an antioxidant including phosphite antioxidant.

[0020] Preferably, the coupling agent is used in an amount of between 0.1 to 1 weight percent based on the total weight of the polymer composition.

[0021] Typically, the polymer composition of the present disclosure further comprises at least one additional component selected from the group consisting of carbon fibers, glass fibers, aramid fibers, glass beads, mineral fillers such as wollastonite, wool, carbon nanotubes, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), graphite, molybdenum disulfide (MOS2), and boron nitride.

[0022] Typically, the additional component is at least one of the following components: carbon fibers in an amount of up to 40% by weight, carbon nanotubes in an amount of up to 10% by weight, glass fiber and / or glass beads in an amount of up to 60% by weight, PTFE in an amount of up to 30% by weight, and graphite and / or boron nitride in an amount of up to 20% by weight, each of the individual amounts based on the total weight of the polymer composition.

[0023] Preferably, the additional components comprise carbon fibers, graphite and PTFE in a total amount of up to 30% by weight based on the total weight of the polymer composition, the individual additional components being present in the same weight ratio.

[0024] Typically, the polymer composition of the present disclosure can be extruded in the form of granules and further processed by injection molding or extrusion into various shaped articles, including at least one of the following configurations: rods, sheets, cable connectors, sleeves, tubes, hoses, and films. DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

[0025] The detailed description contained herein, following the specific embodiments, will so fully disclose the general nature of the embodiments contained herein that others, by applying current knowledge, can easily modify and / or adapt the specific embodiments for various applications without departing from the general concept. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications should be understood to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.Therefore, while the embodiments contained herein have been described with respect to the preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments contained herein may be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0026] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a polymer composition comprising a blend of polyaryletherketone (PAEK) and polybenzimidazole polymers in a predetermined weight ratio. The polymer composition of the present disclosure, comprising the blend of polymers in a predetermined weight ratio, exhibits excellent mechanical properties and wear resistance. The polymer composition of the present disclosure further comprises an optional addition of at least one coupling agent to improve the miscibility or interfacial adhesion of the polymers.

[0027] The polyaryletherketone polymer used for the purposes of the present disclosure comprises at least one polymer from the group of polyetherketone, polyetheretherketone, polyetherketoneetherketoneketone, and polyetheretherketoneketone polymers. The preferred polyaryletherketone polymer suitable for the purposes of the present disclosure is polyetherketone (PEK).

[0028] The polybenzimidazole polymer used for the purpose of the present disclosure is preferably poly(2,5-benzimidazole) (ABPBI).

[0029] The ratio of ABPBI to polyetherketone polymer in the polymer composition of the present disclosure is between 40:60 and 20:80.

[0030] The polyether ketone polymer used for the purpose of the present disclosure is characterized by an inherent viscosity in the range between 0.6 and 2.0 dl / g, preferably between 0.9 and 1.2 dl / g. The inherent viscosity of the poly(2,5-benzimidazole) is in the range between 0.65 and 3.5 dl / g, preferably between 0.8 and 1.5 dl / g, and even more preferably between 0.9 and 1.2 dl / g.

[0031] As described above, the polymer composition of the present disclosure optionally comprises at least one coupling agent to improve interfacial adhesion between the polymers. The coupling agent suitable for the purpose of the present disclosure is [2,2-bis[(2-propenyloxy)methyl]-1-butanolato-O,O',O'']tris(dodecylbenzenesulfonato-O)zirconium (Ken-React NZ 09) and is used in an amount ranging between 0.1 and 1%. In addition to the coupling agent, the polymer composition of the present disclosure also comprises antioxidants, including phosphite antioxidants.

[0032] The polymer composition of the present disclosure further comprises at least one additional component suitable for incorporating polyether ketone and poly(2,5-benzimidazole) into the blend to further improve the overall mechanical properties of the polymer composition. The additional components may include inorganic and organic fibers and / or fillers, for example, glass fibers, carbon fibers, and the like.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the polymer composition further comprises at least one additional component selected from the group consisting of carbon fibers, glass fibers, aramid fibers, glass beads, mineral fillers such as wollastonite, wool, carbon nanotubes, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), graphite, molybdenum disulfide (MOS2), and boron nitride.

[0034] The individual weight ratios of each of the additional components in the polymer composition of the present disclosure are as follows: carbon fibers up to 40 weight percent, carbon nanotubes up to 10 weight percent, glass fiber and / or glass beads up to 60 weight percent, PTFE up to 30 weight percent, and graphite and / or boron nitride up to 20 weight percent, with all weight ratios based on the total weight of the polymer composition. However, it is preferred that the total proportion of the additional components vary between 0.5 and 60 weight percent with respect to the total weight of the polymer composition.

[0035] According to one of the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, the additional component comprises carbon fiber, graphite, and PTFE in a total amount of up to 30 weight percent based on the total weight of the polymer composition. Each of the additional components is present in equal weight proportions.

[0036] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a process for preparing a polymer composition comprising a blend of polyaryletherketone (PAEK) and polybenzimidazole polymers.

[0037] The process according to the present disclosure comprises a process step for intensively mixing the polyaryletherketone and polybenzimidazole polymers in a predetermined weight ratio in order to obtain a homogeneous and dry polymer mixture.

[0038] The polyaryletherketone polymer used for the purpose of the present disclosure comprises at least one polymer from the group of polyetherketone, polyetheretherketone, polyetherketoneetherketoneketone, and polyetheretherketoneketone polymers. The preferred polyaryletherketone suitable for the purpose of the present disclosure is polyetherketone (PEK).

[0039] The polybenzimidazole polymer used for the purpose of the present disclosure is preferably poly(2,5-benzimidazole).

[0040] The polyether ketone and poly(2,5-benzimidazole) are blended together in a predetermined weight ratio. The polymers can be blended in a suitable mixer to effect blending of the powder particles / melt. According to a particularly preferred method, the polymers are blended in dry powder form using suitable powder blending techniques, such as a high-speed mixer. The polymers according to the method of the present disclosure are blended using a high-speed mixer for a period varying from 5 to 60 minutes at a speed of 250 rpm and room temperature to obtain a homogeneous and dry blend of the polymers. The polymers are normally used in dry powder form with a particle size of <100 microns.

[0041] The resulting polymer mixture can be extruded as granules. The process according to the present disclosure further comprises a process step for extruding the polymer mixture to obtain strands, which are comminuted into granules. The polymer mixture is extruded using a twin-screw extruder at a temperature in the range between 420°C and 430°C.

[0042] The process of the present disclosure optionally further comprises a process step of adding at least one coupling agent during the intensive mixing of the polymers. The coupling agent suitable for the purpose of the present disclosure is [2,2-bis[(2-propenyloxy)methyl]-1-butanolato-O,O',O'']tris(dodecylbenzenesulfonato-O)zirconium.

[0043] The extruded polymer blend according to the present disclosure can be used as such or further blended by adding at least one additional component from the group consisting of carbon fibers, glass fibers, aramid fibers, glass beads, mineral fillers such as wollastonite, wool, carbon nanotubes, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), graphite, molybdenum disulfide (MOS2), and boron nitride. The polymer blend extruded as granules is further used to manufacture shaped articles by applying suitable forming processes such as injection molding or further extrusion to produce structural shapes such as rods, tubes, plates, and the like. To produce test pieces for measuring mechanical, thermal, and flow properties, the granules can be processed directly by injection molding, or the test pieces can be cut from a plate or sheet using a CNC machine.

[0044] The present invention therefore also relates to the use of the polymer composition according to the invention for extrusion in the form of granules and further for injection molding or for molding into various molded articles selected from the group consisting of rods, plates, cable connectors, sheaths, pipes, hoses and films.

[0045] The embodiments contained herein and their various features and advantages are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as not to obscure the embodiments contained herein with unnecessary detail. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate understanding of the manner in which the embodiments contained herein may be practiced and to further enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments contained herein. Therefore, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments contained herein. Example 1:

[0046] Polyetherketone (PEK) and poly(2,5-benzimidazole) (APBPI) are available from Gharda Chemicals Ltd. and are used as supplied for the preparation of the polymer blends and for evaluation as listed below.

[0047] Unreinforced polyetherketone / poly(2,5-benzimidazole) blends are prepared by blending fine poly(2,5-benzimidazole) powder (particle size < 100 microns) with fine polyetherketone (PEK) powder (particle size < 100 microns). The PEK:ABPBI ratio used was 60:40 by weight. The blend remained in a high-speed mixer for a period of between 5 and 60 minutes at a speed of 250 rpm and room temperature. The blended dry powder was then melted in a Coperion ZSK 26 twin-screw extruder with an L / D ratio of 40:1. Melting took place at temperatures of 420–430 °C. The PEK-ABPBI mixture was then injection molded at 420 - 430 °C on an Arburg injection molding machine with a mold temperature of 220 - 240 °C.The resulting test pieces were then conditioned for 24 hours according to ASTM standards before testing for physical, mechanical, and thermal properties. Table 1 lists the mechanical properties of the polymer blend. Example 2:

[0048] In this example, the PEK-ABPBI mixture was prepared as in Example 1 in a PEK:ABPBI ratio of 70:30. The result of the mixture prepared in this way is shown in Table 1. Example 3:

[0049] In this example, the PEK-ABPBI mixture was prepared as in Example 1 in a PEK:ABPBI ratio of 80:20. The result of the mixture prepared in this way is shown in Table 1. Table 1: PEK / PBI blends: Properties of grades without fillers. Characteristics Unit PEK + ABPBI PEK + ABPBI PEK + ABPBI 80 : 20 70 : 30 60 : 40 Tensile strength MPa 82 80 80 Tensile modulus MPa 5100 5500 6300 Elongation at break 2,5 2,6 1,7 Flexural strength MPa 170 162 132 Flexural modulus MPa 5450 5300 6600 Compressive strength MPa 134 146 166 Printing module MPa 2215 2440 2600 Impact resistance J / m 31 30 30 MVR at 400 °C, 6 min and 5 kg CC / 10 min 1,2 0,8 0,5 Example 4:

[0050] In this example, the PEK-ABPBI mixture was prepared as in Examples 1 to 3, but optionally an antioxidant, for example phosphite antioxidant, and / or a coupling agent, for example [[2,2-bis[(2-propenyloxy)methyl]-1-butanolato-O,O',O'']tris(dodecylbenzenesulfonato-O)zirconium (Ken-React NZ 09) was added at the time of dry blending. Example 5:

[0051] A batch of the PEK and ABPBI blend was prepared in a ratio of 80:20 using the procedure outlined in Example 3. The blend was further reinforced with glass fiber in a blend-to-glass fiber weight ratio of 70:30 at 410-430 °C in a ZSK 26 twin-screw extruder. The reinforced blend thus produced was then injection molded at 420-430 °C on an Arburg injection molding machine with a mold temperature of 220-240 °C. The blend composite was then further tested for physical, mechanical, and thermal properties (Table 2). Example 6:

[0052] A batch of the 80:20 PEK-ABPBI blend prepared as in Example 3 was re-extruded with the addition of carbon fiber to achieve a blend-to-carbon fiber weight ratio of 70:30. This was then injection molded and tested for the properties listed in Table 2. Example 7:

[0053] A batch of the PEK-ABPBI blend prepared as in Example 3 was re-extruded with a mixture of carbon fiber, graphite, and PTFE in equal weight proportions to achieve a weight ratio of blend to lubricant and reinforcing filler of 70:30. This was then injection molded and evaluated according to the properties given in Table 2. Table 2: PEK / ABPBI blends: Properties of filler grades produced using a polymer composition comprising a polymer blend of PEK and ABPBI in a ratio of 80:20. Characteristics units PEK / ABPBI (80 : 20) PEK / ABPBI (80 : 20) PEK / ABPBI (80 : 20) 30% glass fiber 30% carbon fiber 30% mixture of carbon fiber, graphite and PTFE Specific gravity 1,53 1,4 1,42 Tensile strength MPa 172 202 121 Tensile modulus MPa 15200 22675 22200 Elongation at break % 2,2 2,4 1,2 Flexural strength MPa 270 330 200 Flexural modulus MPa 13950 24650 17300 Notched impact strength J / m 42 40 30 Spiral flow path mm 45 36 37 Example 8:

[0054] The PEEK / ABPBI blend of the present disclosure, which contains PEK / ABPBI in a ratio of 60:40, was compared for its physical and mechanical properties with those of a commercially available sample of a PEEK / PBI blend (alleged 50:50 ratio) from PBI Performance Materials, USA (Celazole TU 60). The property comparison is shown in Table 3. Celazole TU 60 consists of commercially available PEEK and PBI from PBI Performance Products. ABPBI is poly(2,5-benzimidazole) and PBI is poly-2,2'-(m-phenylene)-5,5'-bi-benzimidazole, while PEEK is polyetheretherketone and PEK is polyetherketone. Table 3: Comparison of properties. CHARACTERISTIC UNITS PEK / ABPBI mixture (60 : 40) Celazole TU-60 Tensile strength MPa 85 95-100 Tensile modulus MPa 5600 5000 Elongation at break % 2,0 2 - 3 Flexural strength MPa 143 185 Flexural modulus MPa 6100 4500 Impact resistance J / m 25 30 MVR at 400 °C, 5.0 kg load and 6 CC / 10 min 5,2 3,0 min preheating time

[0055] A series of further comparative studies were conducted using a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) with the PEEK / ABPBI blends of the present disclosure and Celazole TU 60 (commercially available PEEK / PBI blend). The results of the comparative study are presented in Table 4. Table 4: Comparison of the PEK / ABPBI mixture of the present disclosure and a commercially available mixture (Celazole TU-60) using a dynamic mechanical analyzer. Storage modulus (MPa) at different temperatures Temperature (°C) 30 100 150 175 200 250 300 PEK / ABPBI (60 : 40) 5500 4900 3050 1750 1022 870 501 Celazole TU-60 4800 4200 3001 1504 989 800 485

[0056] Results of the comparison of the dynamic mechanical analysis in a temperature range of 30 to 300 °C, indicating a higher storage modulus of the PEK / ABPBI blend of the present disclosure over the entire temperature range. Example 9:

[0057] The PEK / ABPBI blend was prepared as in Example 3 and then injection-molded into bars. These bars were appropriately cut into smaller pieces to determine the specific wear rates and friction coefficients using CETR, a US-made tribometer, compared to those of the commercially available blend (Celazole TU60). The results are presented in Table 5. Table 5: Wear properties of a PEK / ABPBI blend (60:40) of the present disclosure compared to a commercially available blend (Celazole TU 60). Test parameters: Speed: 1 m / s; rpm: 40; Time: 1 hour. load Wear (gm) Specific degree of wear CoF PV(MPa-m / s) (N) (Ko) (m 3 / Nm) × 10( -14 ) (µ) PEK / ABPBI (60 : 40) Celazole TU 60 PEK / ABPBI (60 : 40) Celazole TU 60 PEK / ABPBI (60 : 40) Celazole TU 60 PEK / ABPBI (60: 40) Celazole TU 60 100 0,0014 0,0067 0,289 1,445 0,385 0,328 3,1 3,1 150 0,0018 0,0140 0,288 2,03 0,355 0,325 4,65 4,65 200 0,0022 0,0282 0,235 3,08 0,295 0,303 6,2 6,2 300 0,0114 - 0,813 - 0,305 9,3 - 400 0,0163 - 0,872 - 0,248 12,4 - 600 0,0186 - 0,67 - 0,196 18,6 - 700 0,030 - 0,918 - 0,219 21,7 -

[0058] The polymer composition, which comprises the polymer blend of PEK and ABPBI (60 : 40), showed overall far superior properties compared to the commercial blend (Celazole TU 60), both in terms of specific wear rate and friction coefficient, and surprisingly could also tolerate a much higher load before wear.

[0059] Throughout the specification, the word "comprise" or variations thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising" is to be understood to include a specified element, integer, or step, or group of elements, integers, or steps, but not to exclude other elements, integers, or steps or groups of elements, integers, or steps.

[0060] The use of the term “at least” or “at least one” indicates the use of one or more elements or ingredients or amounts, as used in the embodiment of the disclosure, to achieve one or more of the desired objectives or results.

[0061] Any discussion of documents, laws, materials, devices, articles, or the like is included in this specification solely for the purpose of providing context for the disclosure. This is not to be construed as an admission that any or all of these matters are part of the prior art or common knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure and existed anywhere prior to the priority date of this patent application. TECHNICAL IMPROVEMENT:

[0062] The present disclosure relates to a polymer composition comprising a polymer blend of polyaryletherketone (PAEK) and poly(2,5-benzimidazole) (ABPBI) and having the following technical improvements: • Providing a polymer composition comprising a blend of polyaryletherketone (PAEK) and poly(2,5-benzimidazole) (ABPBI) polymers which exhibits excellent mechanical properties and wear resistance compared to commercially available blends; and • Providing articles / molded articles having excellent mechanical properties and wear resistance made from a polymer composition comprising a polymer blend of polyaryletherketone (PAEK) and poly(2,5-benzimidazole) (ABPBI) polymers.

[0063] The numerical values ​​given for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximate, it is intended that the values ​​higher / lower than the numerical values ​​assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of disclosure, unless a statement in the patent specification expressly states otherwise.

[0064] While considerable attention has been paid to the specific features of this disclosure, it should be understood that various modifications may be made and many changes may be made in the preferred embodiment without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other modifications to the nature of the disclosure or the preferred embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure contained herein, it being clearly understood that the foregoing statements in the specification are to be interpreted as illustrative of the disclosure and not as limiting.

Claims

[1] A polymer composition comprising a polymer blend of poly(2,5-benzimidazole) (ABPBI) and polyaryletherketone (PAEK) prepared by melt blending ABPBI and PAEK at a temperature of 420°C and 430°C, wherein the ratio of poly(2,5-benzimidazole) to polyaryletherketone is between 20:80 and 60:

40. [2] Polymer composition according to claim 1, wherein the polyaryletherketone is a polyetherketone (PEK) having an inherent viscosity in the range of 0.6 to 1.5, preferably in the range of 0.8 to 1.

2. [3] Polymer composition according to claim 1, wherein poly(2,5-benzimidazole) has an inherent viscosity in the range of 0.6 to 3.0, preferably in the range of 0.8 to 2.5, more preferably from 0.8 to 1.

5. [4] The polymer composition of claim 1, further comprising at least one coupling agent comprising [2,2-bis[(2-propenyloxy)methyl]-1-butanolato-O,O',O'']tris(dodecylbenzenesulfonato-O)zirconium, and an antioxidant, phosphite antioxidant. [5] The polymer composition of claim 1, wherein [2,2-bis[(2-propenyloxy)methyl]-1-butanolato-O,O',O'']tris(dodecylbenzenesulfonato-O)zirconium is present in an amount varying between 0.1 to 1 wt.%, based on the total weight of the polymer composition. [6] The polymer composition of claim 1, further comprising at least one additional component selected from the group consisting of carbon fibers, glass fibers, aramid fibers, glass spheres, mineral fillers such as wollastonite, wool, carbon nanotubes, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), graphite, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and boron nitride. [7] The polymer composition of claim 1, wherein the additional component comprises at least one of carbon fibers in an amount of up to 40 wt%, carbon nanotubes in an amount of up to 10 wt%, glass fibers and / or glass beads in an amount of up to 60 wt%, PTFE in an amount of up to 30 wt%, and graphite and / or boron nitride in an amount of up to 20 wt%, each of the individual amounts being given with respect to the total weight of the polymer composition. [8] A polymer composition according to claim 1, wherein the additional components comprise carbon fibers, graphite and PTFE in a total amount of up to 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the polymer composition, the individual additional components being present in equal weight proportions. [9] Use of a polymer composition according to claims 1-8 for extrusion in the form of granules and further for injection molding or for molding into various molded articles selected from the group consisting of rods, plates, cable connectors, sheaths, pipes, tubes and films.