Polyester compositions and elastomeric coated articles made therefrom - Patents.com

Abstract

Disclosed is a polyester polymer composition that contains reinforcing fibers, has improved adhesion to elastomeric materials, and can be formulated for medical and / or food service applications. The polyester polymer composition may contain a blend of different polyester polymers and may not contain a hindered phenolic antioxidant. The polyester polymer composition can be used in overmolding applications, where the composition is first molded into a polymer component and then overmolded with an elastomeric material. The elastomeric material may contain a copolyester elastomer and can function as a sealing member.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Related Applications

[0001] This application is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 238,296, filed August 30, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002]

[0002] Engineering thermoplastic and elastomeric materials are often used in many different applications to produce molded parts and products. For example, polyester polymers and polyester elastomers are used to produce all different types of molded products, such as injection molded products, blow molded products, and the like. For example, polyester polymers can be compounded to provide chemical resistance, superior strength properties, and, when compounds containing polyester elastomers, flexibility. Of particular advantage, polyester polymers are melt processable due to their thermoplastic nature. Additionally, polyester polymers can be recycled and reprocessed.

[0003]

[0003] Polyester polymers are particularly well suited for producing molded articles having any suitable shape or size. The molded articles can be made via injection molding, thermoforming, or any other suitable melt processing method. In many applications, the molded articles are then bonded to adjacent materials when incorporated into a product or system. For example, many injection molded articles made from polyester polymers are overmolded with elastomeric materials. The elastomeric components can be used, for example, to improve the sealing characteristics of the resulting product. The elastomeric materials can also have a variety of other functional properties. For example, the elastomeric materials can serve as anti-slip surfaces, sound dampening surfaces, soft-touch surfaces, or provide flexible surfaces.

[0004]

[0004] However, problems have been experienced in the past with the ability to form strong bonds between molded articles made from polyester polymers and elastomeric materials. In addition, if the resulting product is to be used in the medical field or food service industry, the use of chemical adhesives is generally not preferred or permitted according to various government regulations. Moreover, the presence of reinforcing fibers in polyester molded articles can also play a role in preventing the formation of suitable bonds between the surface of the article and the elastomeric material. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005]

[0005] In view of the above, there is currently a need for polyester polymer compositions that have improved adhesive strength to elastomeric materials without the use of adhesives or tie layers, particularly in applications where elastomeric materials are overmolded onto articles made from the polyester polymer compositions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006]

[0006] In general, the present disclosure is directed to polyester polymer compositions containing a blend of polyester polymers which, when molded into an article, produce a surface with dramatically improved adhesive strength with elastomeric materials, particularly copolyester elastomers. The polyester polymer compositions can be formulated to contain reduced amounts of stabilizers that make the compositions well suited for use in medical and / or food handling applications. In fact, it has been surprisingly found that reducing the use or amount of various stabilizers also further increases the adhesive strength between the surface of the polyester molded article and the elastomeric material.

[0007]

[0007] In one aspect, for example, the disclosure is directed to a polyester composition having improved adhesion to elastomeric materials comprising a mixture of a first polyester polymer and a second polyester polymer. The first polyester polymer may have a different crystallization rate than the second polyester polymer. For example, the first polyester polymer may be a polybutylene terephthalate polymer and the second polyester polymer may be a polyethylene terephthalate polymer. The first polyester polymer may be present in the composition in an amount of about 30% to about 75% by weight, such as about 40% to about 70% by weight. Meanwhile, the second polyester polymer may be present in the polymer composition in an amount of about 12% to about 40% by weight, such as about 18% to about 35% by weight. Overall, the polymer composition may contain one or more polyester polymers in an amount of about 50% to about 90% by weight, such as about 60% to about 95% by weight.

[0008]

[0008] The polyester composition may further contain reinforcing fibers. The reinforcing fibers may be present in the polymer composition in an amount generally of about 7% to about 50% by weight, for example about 12% to about 30% by weight. The reinforcing fibers may include glass fibers.

[0009] In one embodiment, the polyester composition may further include a lubricant. The lubricant may be an amide. In one embodiment, for example, the lubricant includes ethylene bisstearamide. The lubricant may be present in the polymer composition in an amount of about 0.05% to about 1.8% by weight.

[0010] In one embodiment, the polyester composition is formulated to be free of certain types of stabilizers. Stabilizers may be removed from the composition to make it more suitable for certain applications, such as in the medical field. For example, in one embodiment, the polyester composition is free of hindered phenolic antioxidants. Surprisingly, it has been discovered that reducing or eliminating hindered phenolic antioxidants can actually increase the adhesion of the polymer composition to elastomeric materials.

[0011] In another aspect, the polymer composition can be formulated to be free of certain phosphorus-containing stabilizers. For example, the composition can be formulated to be free of diphosphite stabilizers.

[0012]

[0012] The present disclosure is also directed to a multi-component polymeric article. The polymeric article includes a polymeric component and an elastomeric component. The polymeric component includes a mixture of a first polyester polymer and a second polyester polymer. The first polyester polymer has a different crystallization rate than the second polyester polymer. For example, the first polyester polymer may be a polybutylene terephthalate polymer and the second polyester polymer may be a polyethylene terephthalate polymer. The polymeric component further includes a reinforcing fiber and a nucleating agent. The reinforcing fiber may be present in the polymeric component in an amount of about 7% to about 50% by weight. The polymeric component may be free of a hindered phenolic antioxidant.

[0013]

[0013] The multicomponent polymer article further comprises an elastomeric component applied to the surface of the polymer component. The elastomeric component comprises an elastomeric polymer, such as a copolyester elastomer. The elastomeric polymer may comprise, for example, a block copolymer of polybutylene terephthalate segments and polyether or dimer diol segments. In another embodiment, the elastomeric polymer comprises a thermoplastic copolyester elastomer comprising a thermoplastic ester ether elastomer. The copolyester elastomer may be present in the material in an amount greater than about 70% by weight, such as greater than about 80% by weight, such as greater than about 90% by weight. The polymer component and the material may exhibit a peel force greater than about 50 N, such as greater than about 70 N. The above peel force may be obtained without the need to place an adhesive layer or any other type of adhesive layer between the material and the surface of the polymer component. In this regard, the material may be applied directly to the surface of the polymer component.

[0014]

[0014] The polybutylene terephthalate contained in the polymer component, in one embodiment, has a melt flow rate of greater than about 40 g / 10 min and less than about 120 g / 10 min. In one particular embodiment, the polymer component contains polyethylene terephthalate polymer in an amount of about 25 to about 35% by weight. The polybutylene terephthalate polymer may be present in the polymer component in an amount of about 40 to about 60% by weight.

[0015]

[0015] The multi-component polymeric article can be used in many different applications. For example, the multi-component polymeric article can be used in food service applications and / or medical applications. In one form, the multi-component polymeric article includes a medical inhaler, a medical injector, and the like. In one embodiment, the article can be used as part of a valve system for a gas-actuated autoinjection device, where the elastomeric component serves as a sealing structure.

[0016]

[0016] The present disclosure is also directed to a method for producing a multi-component polymeric article. The method includes first injection molding a polymeric component made from a polyester polymer composition as described above. The method further includes overmolding a polymeric component comprising an elastomeric polymer. In one embodiment, the multi-component polymeric article is produced via a two-component injection molding process. During the process, the polymeric component is first molded and then overmolded with an elastomeric material, while the polymeric component is still at an elevated temperature, but has sufficient rigidity to maintain its shape.

[0017]

[0017] Other features and aspects of the present disclosure are discussed in more detail below.

[0018] A detailed and enabling disclosure of the present disclosure is set forth in more detail in the remainder of the specification, including with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1]

[0019] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the test specimen described in the examples below. [Diagram 2]

[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a multi-component article made in accordance with the present disclosure. [Diagram 3]

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a medical device comprising a composition prepared according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4]

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of a medical device comprising a composition prepared in accordance with the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019]

[0023] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elements of the invention.

[0020] Detailed Description

[0024] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the discussion of the present invention is merely a description of exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the broader aspects of the disclosure.

[0021]

[0025] The present disclosure is generally directed to polyester polymer compositions that have excellent mechanical properties combined with dramatically improved surface adhesion to other materials, particularly to elastomeric polymers.In one embodiment, the polyester composition can be formulated so that the composition meets all government regulations for use in medical and / or food handling applications.For example, the polyester polymer composition of the present disclosure may, in one embodiment, contain reduced levels of certain types of antioxidants and other stabilizers or may be free of them.Surprisingly, it has been discovered that reducing various different antioxidants and / or stabilizers can actually improve the adhesive properties between molded articles made from the polymer composition and elastomeric materials.

[0022]

[0026] To improve the mechanical properties of polyester polymer compositions, the compositions generally contain reinforcing fibers, such as glass fibers. Although glass fibers can improve various mechanical and physical properties of articles made from the composition, glass fibers can also interfere with the adhesion characteristics between the surface of a molded article and an elastomeric material. In this regard, the polyester polymer composition of the present disclosure contains a blend of polyester polymers that have been found to improve adhesion. For example, in one form, the polyester polymer composition may contain a polybutylene terephthalate polymer modified with an amount of polyethylene terephthalate polymer. It has been found that adding a polyethylene terephthalate polymer in combination with a polybutylene terephthalate polymer further improves the adhesion characteristics of the surface of an article molded from the composition.

[0023]

[0027] More particularly, the polymeric compositions of the present disclosure include a combination of polyester polymers that represent the major components of the composition. One or more polyester polymers are present in the polymeric composition, for example, in an amount greater than about 50% by weight, such as greater than about 55% by weight, such as greater than about 60% by weight, such as greater than about 65% by weight, and generally less than about 88% by weight, such as less than about 85% by weight, such as less than about 82% by weight.

[0024]

[0028] In one particular embodiment, the polymer composition comprises a first polyester polymer that has a faster crystallization rate than a second polyester polymer.The first polyester polymer may, for example, comprise a polybutylene terephthalate polymer, and the second polymer may comprise a polyethylene terephthalate polymer.For example, the polybutylene terephthalate polymer may have a faster crystallization rate than the polyethylene terephthalate polymer, and may have a higher crystallinity overall than the polyethylene terephthalate polymer.

[0025]

[0029] Combining a polyester polymer that has a faster crystallization rate than the second polyester polymer can provide various advantages and benefits. For example, the use of different polyester polymers can be used to produce a polymer composition with improved overall adhesion characteristics. The combination of polymers can also facilitate blending with reinforcing fibers and / or provide various processing benefits.

[0026]

[0030] The relative amounts of the more crystalline first polyester polymer (e.g., polybutylene terephthalate polymer) and the less crystalline second polyester polymer (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate polymer) may vary depending on a number of factors, including the end use application. In one embodiment, for example, the first polyester polymer may be present in an amount greater than the second polyester polymer. For example, the weight ratio of the first polyester polymer to the second polyester polymer may be from about 1:1 to about 10:1, such as from about 1.25:1 to about 4:1, such as from about 1.5:1 to about 3:1.

[0027]

[0031] In one embodiment, the polymer composition may contain a first polyester polymer, such as one or more polybutylene terephthalate polymers, generally in an amount of about 30% to about 70% by weight, including all 1% increments therebetween. The composition may contain a single polybutylene terephthalate polymer, or may contain a plurality of different polybutylene terephthalate polymers having different characteristics. In one embodiment, the polymer composition contains one or more polybutylene terephthalate polymers in an amount greater than about 30% by weight, such as greater than about 40% by weight, and generally less than about 75% by weight, such as less than about 70% by weight.

[0028]

[0032] The polymer composition may contain a second polyester polymer, such as a polyethylene terephthalate polymer, generally in an amount greater than about 12% by weight, such as greater than about 15% by weight, such as greater than about 18% by weight, such as greater than about 23% by weight, such as greater than about 27% by weight. The second polyester polymer is generally present in an amount less than about 40% by weight, such as less than about 36% by weight, such as less than about 33% by weight.

[0029]

[0033] In one embodiment, the polymer composition may contain reinforcing fibers. Reinforcing fibers that can be advantageously used are mineral fibers such as glass fibers, polymer fibers, in particular organic high-modulus fibers such as aramid fibers, or metal fibers such as steel fibers, or carbon fibers or natural fibers, or fibers from renewable sources.

[0030]

[0034] The fibers may be in modified or unmodified form, for example provided with a sizing or chemically treated to improve adhesion to plastics, with glass fibers being particularly preferred.

[0031]

[0035] The glass fibers may be provided with a sizing to protect the glass fibers and lubricate the fibers as well as improve adhesion between the fibers and the matrix material. The sizing typically includes silanes, film formers, lubricants, wetting agents, adhesives, and optionally includes antistatic agents and plasticizers, emulsifiers, and optionally further additives.

[0032]

[0036] Specific examples of silanes are aminosilanes, such as 3-trimethoxysilylpropylamine, N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, N-(3-trimethoxysilanylpropyl)ethane-1,2-diamine, 3-(2-aminoethyl-amino)propyltrimethoxysilane, N-[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]-1,2-ethanediamine.

[0033]

[0037] Film-formers are, for example, polyvinyl acetates, polyesters and polyurethanes. Sizings based on polyurethanes can be used to advantage.

[0038] The reinforcing fibers can be incorporated into the polymer matrix, for example, in an extruder or kneader.

[0034]

[0039] According to one embodiment, the polymer composition of the present disclosure comprises at least one reinforcing fiber, which is a mineral fiber, preferably a glass fiber, more preferably a coated or impregnated glass fiber. Suitable glass fibers for the molding composition of the present disclosure are commercially available, such as ThermoFlow® Chopped Strand 753, OCV Chopped Strand 408A, and Chopped Strand T-651 from Nippon Electric Glass Co., Ltd. (NEG).

[0035]

[0040] The fiber diameter may vary depending on the particular fiber used and whether the fiber is in chopped or continuous form. The fibers may have a diameter of, for example, about 5 μm to about 100 μm, such as about 5 μm to about 50 μm, such as about 5 μm to about 15 μm. The length of the fibers may vary depending on the particular application. For example, the fibers may have an average length of greater than about 100 micrometers, such as greater than about 500 micrometers, such as greater than about 1,000 micrometers, such as greater than about 2,000 micrometers. The length of the fibers may generally be less than about 5,000 micrometers, such as less than about 4,500 micrometers, such as less than about 4,000 micrometers, such as less than about 3,500 micrometers.

[0036]

[0041] Optionally, the glass fibers are incorporated into the polymer composition having a flat or ribbon-like shape. For example, the glass fibers may have a thickness to width ratio of greater than about 1:2, such as greater than about 1:4, such as greater than about 1:8, such as greater than about 1:12, and generally less than about 1:200, such as less than about 1:100.

[0037]

[0042] The reinforcing fibers may be present in the polymer composition in an amount generally between about 5 and about 55% by weight, including all 1% increments therebetween. For example, reinforcing fibers such as glass fibers may be present in the polymer composition in an amount greater than about 10% by weight, such as greater than about 15% by weight, such as greater than about 18% by weight. The reinforcing fibers are generally present in an amount less than about 50% by weight, such as less than about 40% by weight, such as less than about 35% by weight, such as less than about 33% by weight.

[0038]

[0043] The polymer composition may also contain one or more lubricants. For example, amide waxes formed by the reaction of fatty acids with monoamines or diamines having 2 to 18, especially 2 to 8, carbon atoms (e.g., ethylenediamine) may be employed. For example, ethylenebisamide waxes may be employed, which are formed by the amidization reaction of ethylenediamine with fatty acids. The fatty acids may have a C 12 ~C 30 For example, stearic acid (C 18 The wax composition may range from 12-hydroxystearic acid (N,N'-trihydroxystearic acid, N ...

[0039]

[0044] In one embodiment, the polyester polymer composition of the present disclosure can be formulated to be free of many commonly used lubricants and mold release agents.For example, the polymer composition can be formulated to be free of certain fatty acid esters, particularly fatty acid esters with relatively long carbon chains.In one particular embodiment, for example, the composition of the present disclosure does not include any fatty acid esters derived from Montanic acid, such as the esters of Montanic acid and polyols.The composition may not include, for example, a mixture of Montanic acid esters and calcium Montanate.

[0040]

[0045] The one or more lubricants may be present in the polymer composition in an amount generally greater than about 0.05% by weight, such as greater than about 0.1% by weight, such as greater than about 0.2% by weight, such as greater than about 0.25% by weight. The one or more lubricants are generally present in an amount less than about 2% by weight, such as less than about 1.8% by weight, such as less than about 0.9% by weight.

[0041]

[0046] The polymer composition of the present disclosure may contain various other additives. Different additives and other components incorporated into the polymer composition may provide one or more benefits while maintaining a composition suitable for use in, for example, medical and food service related applications. As a result, the additives may be medical grade additives that do not interfere with the adhesive properties of the polymer composition.

[0042]

[0047] In certain applications, some additives are intentionally avoided for use in the polymer composition of the present disclosure.For example, the polymer composition may optionally not contain a specific antioxidant that has been commonly used in the past.For example, in one embodiment, the polyester polymer composition of the present disclosure does not contain a hindered phenolic antioxidant or contains such an antioxidant in a very limited amount.For example, the polymer composition can be formulated to contain less than about 0.1 wt%, for example less than about 0.05 wt%, for example less than about 0.03 wt%, for example 0 wt% of a hindered phenolic antioxidant.

[0043]

[0048] Examples of such phenolic antioxidants include, for example, calcium bis(ethyl 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylphosphonate) (Irganox® 1425); terephthalic acid 1,4-dithio-,S,S-bis(4-tert-butyl-3-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylbenzyl) ester (Cyanox® 1729); triethylene glycol bis(3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-5-methylhydrocinnamate); hexamethylene biphenyl; Bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamate (Irganox® 259); 1,2-bis(3,5,di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamoyl)hydrazide (Irganox® 1024); 4,4'-di-tert-octyldiphenamine (Naugalube® 438R); phosphonic acid (3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)-, dioctadecyl ester (Irganox® 1093); 1,3,5-trimethylphenyl 2,4-Bis(octylthio)-6-(4-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylanilino)-1,3,5-triazine (Irganox® 565); Isooctyl 3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate (Irganox® 1135); Octadecyl 3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate lopionate (Irganox® 1076); 3,7-bis(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)-10H-phenothiazine (Irganox® LO3); 2,2'-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol) monoacrylate (Irganox® 3052); 2-tert-butyl-6-[1-(3-tert-butyl-2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)ethyl]-4-methylphenylacrylate (Sumilizer® TM4039);2-[1-(2-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-pentylphenyl)ethyl]-4,6-di-tert-pentylphenyl acrylate (Sumilizer® GS); 1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazole (Sumilizer® MB); 2-methyl-4,6-bis[(octylthio)methyl]phenol (Irganox® 1520); N,N'-trimethylenebis-[3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionamide (Irganox® 4-n-Octadecyloxy-2,6-diphenylphenol (Irganox® 1063); 2,2'-Ethylidenebis[4,6-di-tert-butylphenol] (Irganox® 129); N,N'-Hexamethylenebis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamamide) (Irganox® 1098); Diethyl (3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)phosphonate (Irganox® 1098) Irganox® 1222); 4,4'-di-tert-octyldiphenylamine (Irganox® 5057); N-phenyl-1-napthalenamine (Irganox® L05); tris[2-tert-butyl-4-(3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-6-methylphenylthio)-5-methylphenyl]phosphite (Hostanox® OSP1); zinc dinoyldithiocarbamate (dinonydi thiocarbamate) (Hostanox® VP-ZNCS1); 3,9-bis[1,1-dimethyl-2-[(3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)propionyloxy]ethyl]-2,4,8,10-tetraoxaspiro[5.5]undecane (Sumilizer® AG80); pentaerythrityl tetrakis[3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate] (Irganox® 1010);Ethylene-bis(oxyethylene)bis[3-(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-m-tolyl)-propionate (Irganox® 245); 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxytoluene (Lowinox BHT, Chemtura);

[0044]

[0049] Surprisingly, it has been discovered that reducing or eliminating the use of hindered phenolic antioxidants actually increases the adhesive strength between molded articles made from polyester compositions and elastomeric materials, particularly elastomeric materials formed from copolyester elastomers. Although it is unclear, it is believed that the hindered phenolic antioxidants may prevent transesterification at the boundary layer between the molded article and the elastomeric material.

[0045]

[0050] In addition to being free of phenolic antioxidants, the polymer compositions of the present disclosure may also be formulated to be free of diphosphite stabilizers.

[0051] One type of stabilizer that can be included in the polyester composition is a hindered amine light stabilizer ("HALS"). Suitable HALS compounds may be derived from substituted piperidines, such as alkyl-substituted piperidyl, piperidinyl, piperazinone, alkoxypiperidinyl compounds, and the like. For example, the hindered amine may be derived from a 2,2,6,6-tetraalkylpiperidinyl. Regardless of the compound from which it is derived, the hindered amine is typically an oligomeric or polymeric compound having a number average molecular weight of about 1,000 or higher, in some embodiments, from about 1000 to about 20,000, in some embodiments, from about 1500 to about 15,000, and in some embodiments, from about 2000 to about 5000. Such compounds typically contain at least one 2,2,6,6-tetraalkylpiperidinyl group (e.g., 1 to 4) per polymer repeat unit.

[0046]

[0052] Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that high molecular weight hindered amines are relatively thermally stable and therefore capable of inhibiting light degradation even after exposure to extrusion conditions. One particularly suitable high molecular weight hindered amine has the following general structure:

[0047] [ka]

[0048] wherein p is 4 to 30, in some embodiments, 4 to 20, and in some embodiments, 4 to 10. This oligomeric compound is commercially available from Clariant under the name Hostavin® N30 and has a number average molecular weight of 1200.

[0049]

[0053] Another suitable high molecular weight hindered amine has the following structure:

[0050] [ka]

[0051] In the formula, n is 1 to 4; R 30 are independently hydrogen or CH 3 Such an oligomeric compound is available from Adeka Palmarole SAS (a joint venture between Adeka and the Palmarole Group) under the name ADK STAB® LA-63 (R 30 is CH 3 ) and ADK STAB® LA-68 (R 30 is hydrogen).

[0052]

[0054] Other examples of suitable high molecular weight hindered amines include, for example, oligomers of N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinol and succinic acid (Tinuvin® 622 from Ciba Specialty Chemicals, MW=4000); oligomers of cyanuric acid and N,N-di(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-hexamethylenediamine; poly((6-morpholine-S -triazine-2,4-diyl)(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl)-iminohexamethylene-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl)-imino) (Cyasorb® UV3346 from Cytec, MW=1600); polymethylpropyl-3-oxy-[4(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl)-piperidinylsiloxane (Great Lakes Chemical Uvasil® 299, MW=1100-2500 from Lakes Chemical; copolymers of α-methylstyrene-N-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl)maleimide and N-stearylmaleimide; 2,4,8,10-tetraoxaspiro[5.5]undecane-3,9-diethanoltetramethyl-polymer with 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid. Still other suitable high molecular weight hindered amines are described in U.S. Patents 5,679,733 to Malik et al. and 6,414,155 to Sassi et al., which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for all purposes.

[0053]

[0055] In addition to the high molecular weight hindered amines, low molecular weight hindered amines may also be employed in the composition. Such hindered amines are generally monomeric in nature and have a molecular weight of about 1000 or less, in some embodiments from about 155 to about 800, in some embodiments from about 300 to about 800.

[0054]

[0056] Specific examples of such low molecular weight hindered amines include, for example, bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl) sebacate (Tinuvin® 770 from Ciba Specialty Chemicals, MW=481); bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidinyl)-(3,5-ditert.butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)butyl-propanedioate; bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidine) sebacate; lysinyl;8-acetyl-3-dodecyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,3,8-triazaspiro-(4,5)-decane-2,4-dione, butanedioic acid - bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl) ester;tetrakis-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylate;7-oxa-3,20-diazadispiro(5.1.11.2)heneicosane-20-propanoic acid, 2, 2,4,4-Tetramethyl-21-oxo, dodecyl ester;N-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl)-N'-amino-oxamide;ot-amyl-o-(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidinyl)monoperoxycarbonate;β-Alanine, N-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl), dodecyl ester;Ethanediamide, N-(1-acetyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl)-N '-Dodecyl; 3-Dodecyl-1-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl)-pyrrolidine-2,5-dione; 3-Dodecyl-1-(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidinyl)-pyrrolidine-2,5-dione; 3-Dodecyl-1-(1-acetyl,2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl)-pyrrolidine-2,5-dione (Sanduvar® 3058 from Clariant, MW=448.7); 4-benzoyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine; 1-[2-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylpropionyloxy)ethyl]-4-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxylphenylpropionyloxy)-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidine; 2-methyl-2-(2”,2”,6”,6”-tetramethyl-4”-piperidinylamino)-N-(2′,2′,6′,6′-tetramethyl-4′-piperidinyl)propionylamide; 1,2-bis(3,3,5,5-tetramethyl-2-oxo-piperazinyl)ethane; 4-oleoyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine; and combinations thereof. Other suitable low molecular weight hindered amines are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,679,733 to Malik et al.

[0055]

[0057] Although the hindered amines can be employed alone or in combination in any amount to achieve the desired properties, the hindered amines typically comprise from about 0.01 wt.% to about 4 wt.% of the polymer composition.

[0056]

[0058] UV absorbers, such as benzotriazoles or benzophenones, may be employed in the compositions to absorb ultraviolet light energy.Suitable benzotriazoles include, for example, 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)benzotriazoles, such as 2-(2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)benzotriazole; 2-(2-hydroxy-5-tert-octylphenyl)benzotriazole (Cyasorb® UV5411 from Cytec); 2-(2-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)-5-chlorobenzo-triazole; 2-(2-hydroxy-3-tert-butyl-5-methylphenyl)-5-chlorobenzotriazole; 2-(2-hydroxy 2-[2-hydroxy-3-(2-acryloyloxyethyl)-5-methylphenyl]-benzotriazole;2-[2-hydroxy-3-(2-methacryloyloxyethyl)-5-tert-butylphenyl]benzotriazole;2-[2-hydroxy-3-(2-methacryloyloxyethyl)-5-tert-butylphenyl]benzotriazole;2-[2-hydroxy-3-(2-hydroxy- 2-[2-hydroxy-3-tert-butyl-5-(2-methacryloyloxyethyl)phenyl]benzotriazole;2-[2-hydroxy-3-tert-butyl-5-(2-methacryloyloxyethyl)phenyl]benzotriazole;2-[2-hydroxy-3-tert-amyl-5-(2-methacryloyloxyethyl)phenyl]benzotriazole;2-[2-hydroxy-3-tert-amyl-5-(2-methacryloyloxyethyl)phenyl]benzotriazole;2-[2-hydroxy-3-tert-amyl-5-(2-methacryloyloxyethyl)phenyl]benzotriazole 2-[2-hydroxy-3-tert-butyl-5-(3-methacryloyloxypropyl)phenyl]-5-chlorobenzotriazole; 2-[2-hydroxy-4-(2-methacryloyloxymethyl)phenyl]benzotriazole; 2-[2-hydroxy-4-(3-methacryloyloxy-2-hydroxypropyl)phenyl]benzotriazole; 2-[2-hydroxy-4-(3-methacryloyloxypropyl)phenyl]benzotriazole; and combinations thereof.

[0057]

[0059] Similarly, exemplary benzophenone light stabilizers include 2-hydroxy-4-dodecyloxybenzophenone; 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone; 2-(4-benzoyl-3-hydroxyphenoxy)ethyl acrylate (Cyasorb® UV209 from Cytec); 2-hydroxy-4-n-octyloxy)benzophenone (Cyasorb® 531 from Cytec); 2,2'-dihydroxy-4-(octyloxy)benzophenone (Cyasorb® UV314 from Cytec); hexadecyl-3,5-bis-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzophenone (Cyasorb® UV314 from Cytec); hydroxybenzoate (Cyasorb® UV2908 from Cytec); 2,2'-thiobis(4-tert-octylphenolate)-n-butylamine nickel(II) (Cyasorb® UV1084 from Cytec); 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxycinnamic acid, (2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) ester (Cyasorb® 712 from Cytec); 4,4'-dimethoxy-2,2'-dihydroxybenzophenone (Cyasorb® UV12 from Cytec); and combinations thereof.

[0058]

[0060] When employed, UV absorbers may comprise from about 0.01 wt.% to about 4 wt.% of the total polymer composition.

[0061] Once the polymer composition is formed, it can be molded into a molded part for use in a variety of different applications. For example, the molded part can be molded using an injection molding process in which dried and preheated plastic granules are injected into a mold. In addition to injection molded articles, it is understood that the polymer composition of the present disclosure can be fed through any suitable molding process to produce a molded article. Such molding processes include extrusion, blow molding, thermoforming, and the like.

[0059]

[0062] Once the polymer component is formed from the polyester polymer composition of the present disclosure, an elastomeric material is applied to the surface of the component to produce an elastomeric component adhered to the polymer component. The elastomeric material applied to the polymer component can be made primarily from any suitable elastomeric polymer. One or more elastomeric polymers may be included in the coating in an amount greater than about 80% by weight, such as greater than about 90% by weight. The elastomeric material can be made from any suitable elastomeric polymer. Elastomeric polymers that can be used to produce the coating include thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers, silicone elastomers, and the like.

[0060]

[0063] In one embodiment, the elastomeric component is formed from a copolyester elastomer. For example, in one embodiment, the elastomeric material may contain a segmented thermoplastic copolyester. The thermoplastic polyester elastomer may include, for example, a multi-block copolymer. Useful segmented thermoplastic copolyester elastomers contain multiple repeating long chain ester units and short chain ester units joined from head to tail by ester bonds. The long chain units are represented by the formula:

[0061] [ka]

[0062] and the short chain units can be represented by the formula

[0063] [ka]

[0064] where G is the divalent radical remaining after removal of a terminal hydroxyl group from a long chain polymeric glycol having a number average molecular weight in the range of about 600 to 6,000 and a melting point less than about 55° C., R is a hydrocarbon radical remaining after removal of a carboxyl group from a dicarboxylic acid having a molecular weight less than about 300, and D is a divalent radical remaining after removal of a hydroxyl group from a low molecular weight diol having a molecular weight less than about 250.

[0065] The short chain ester units in the copolyetherester provide from about 15 to 95% by weight of the copolyetherester, and from about 50 to 100% of the short chain ester units in the copolyetherester are identical.

[0066] The term "long chain ester unit" refers to the reaction product of a long chain glycol and a dicarboxylic acid. A long chain glycol is a polymeric glycol having a terminal (or as close to the terminal as possible) hydroxy group, a molecular weight greater than about 600, e.g., about 600-6000, a melting point less than about 55°C, and a carbon to oxygen ratio of about 2.0 or greater. The long chain glycol is generally a glycol ester of a poly(alkylene oxide) glycol or a poly(alkylene oxide) dicarboxylic acid. Optionally, any substituent that does not interfere with the polymerization of the compound with the glycol or dicarboxylic acid may be present. The hydroxy functionality of the long chain glycol reacted to form the copolyester may be a terminal group as far as possible. The terminal hydroxy group may be located on a different end capping glycol unit from the chain, i.e., an ethylene oxide end group on a poly(propylene oxide glycol).

[0067] The term "short chain ester units" refers to low molecular weight compounds or polymer chain units having a molecular weight less than about 550. These are made by reacting low molecular weight diols (less than about 250) with dicarboxylic acids.

[0068]

[0067] Dicarboxylic acids may include condensation polymerized equivalents of dicarboxylic acids, i.e., their esters or ester-forming derivatives, such as acid chlorides and anhydrides, or other derivatives which behave substantially like dicarboxylic acids in polymerization reactions with glycols.

[0069] The dicarboxylic acid monomer for the elastomer has a molecular weight of less than about 300. It may be aromatic, aliphatic or cycloaliphatic. The dicarboxylic acid may contain any substituent or combination thereof which does not interfere with the polymerization reaction. Representative dicarboxylic acids include terephthalic and isophthalic acids, bibenzoic acid, substituted dicarboxy compounds having a benzene nucleus such as bis(p-carboxyphenyl)methane, p-oxy-(p-carboxyphenyl)benzoic acid, ethylene-bis(p-oxybenzoic acid), 1,5-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, 2,7-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, phenanthralene dicarboxylic acid, anthralene dicarboxylic acid, 4,4'-sulfonyldibenzoic acid, and the like, as well as C 1 ~C 10 Alkyl and other ring substituted derivatives, such as halo, alkoxy or aryl derivatives, are included. Hydroxy acids, such as p(β-hydroxyethoxy)benzoic acid, can also be used, provided that an aromatic dicarboxylic acid is also present.

[0070] Representative fatty and alicyclic acids are sebacic acid, 1,3- or 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, adipic acid, glutaric acid, succinic acid, carbonic acid, oxalic acid, itaconic acid, azelaic acid, diethylmalonic acid, fumaric acid, citraconic acid, allylmalonate acid, 4-cyclohexene-1,2-dicarboxylate acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, 2,5-diethyladipic acid, 2-ethylsuberic acid, 2,2,3,3-tetramethylsuccinic acid, cyclopentanedicarboxylic acid, decahydro-1,5-(or 2,6-)naphthylenedicarboxylic acid, 4,4'-bicyclohexyldicarboxylic acid, 4,4'-methylenebis(cyclohexylcarboxylic acid), 3,4-furandicarboxylate, and 1,1-cyclobutanedicarboxylate.

[0071] The dicarboxylic acids may have a molecular weight of less than about 300. In one embodiment, phenylenedicarboxylic acids are used, such as terephthalic acid and isophthalic acid.

[0071] Low molecular weight (less than about 250) diols that react to form short chain ester units of the copolyester include, among others, acyclic, alicyclic, and aromatic dihydroxy compounds. Diols having 2 to 15 carbon atoms include, for example, ethylene, propylene, isobutylene, tetramethylene, pentamethylene, 2,2-dimethyltrimethylene, hexamethylene and decamethylene glycols, dihydroxycyclohexane, cyclohexanedimethanol, resorcinol, hydroquinone, 1,5-dihydroxynaphthalene, and the like. Also included are aliphatic diols containing 2 to 8 carbon atoms. Bisphenols that can be used include, among others, bis(p-hydroxy)diphenyl, bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)methane, and bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)propane. Also useful are derivatives of diols that form equivalent esters (e.g., ethylene oxide or ethylene carbonate can be used in place of ethylene glycol). The low molecular weight diols also include derivatives that form such equivalent esters.

[0072] Long chain glycols which can be used to prepare the polymers include poly(alkylene oxide) glycols, such as polyethylene glycol, poly(1,2- and 1,3-propylene oxide) glycol, poly(tetramethylene oxide) glycol, poly(pentamethylene oxide) glycol, poly(hexamethylene oxide) glycol, poly(heptamethylene oxide) glycol, poly(octamethylene oxide) glycol, poly(nonamethylene oxide) glycol, and poly(1,2-butylene oxide) glycol; random and block copolymers of ethylene oxide and 1,2-propylene oxide, and polyformals prepared by reacting formaldehyde with glycols, such as pentamethylene glycol, or mixtures of glycols, such as a mixture of tetramethylene and pentamethylene glycol.

[0073] In addition, dicarboxymethyl acids of poly(alkylene oxides), such as those derived from polytetramethylene oxide, are also available. 2 (OCH 2 CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 ) x OCH 2COOH IV can be used to form long chain glycols in situ. Polythioether glycols and polyester glycols also provide useful products. In using polyester glycols, care must generally be taken to control the tendency towards exchange during melt polymerization, but certain sterically hindered polyesters, such as poly(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propylene adipate), poly(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propylene / 2-methyl-2-ethyl-1,3-propylene 2,5-dimethyl terephthalate), poly(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propylene / 2,2-diethyl-1,3-propylene, 1,4 cyclohexanedicarboxylate) and poly(1,2-cyclohexylene dimethylene / 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propylene 1,4 cyclohexanedicarboxylate), can be utilized under normal reaction conditions, and other more highly reactive polyester glycols may be used if short residence times are employed. Either polybutadiene or polyisoprene glycols, their copolymers and the saturated hydrogenation products of these materials are also satisfactory long chain polymeric glycols. In addition, glycol esters of dicarboxylic acids formed by oxidation of polyisobutylene diene copolymers are useful raw materials.

[0074] The long chain dicarboxylic acids (IV) described above may be added as acids to the polymerization reaction mixture, which react with the low molecular weight diols present, which are always in excess, to form the corresponding poly(alkylene oxide) ester glycols, which then polymerize to form G units in the polymer chain; these particular G units, when only one low molecular weight diol (corresponding to D) is employed, will have the structure

[0075] [ka]

[0076] When more than one diol is used, there may be a different diol cap at each end of the polymer chain unit. Such dicarboxylic acids, if present, may also react with long chain glycols, in which case a material is obtained having the same formula as V above, except that D is replaced by the polymeric residue of a long chain glycol. However, the extent to which this reaction occurs is minimal, since the low molecular weight diol is present in a significant molar excess.

[0077]

[0075] A mixture of such diols may be used instead of a single low molecular weight diol. In preparing the thermoplastic copolyester elastomers which may be employed in the compositions of this invention, a mixture of such compounds may be utilized instead of a single long chain glycol or equivalent, and a mixture of two or more may be used instead of a single low molecular weight dicarboxylic acid or equivalent. Thus, the letter "G" in formula II above may represent the residue of a single long chain glycol or the residue of several different glycols, the letter D in formula III may represent the residue of one or several low molecular weight diols, and the letter R in formulas II and III may represent the residue of one or several dicarboxylic acids. When fatty acids containing a mixture of geometric isomers, such as the cis-trans isomers of cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, are used, the different isomers shall be considered as different compounds which form different short chain ester units with the same diol in the copolyester. Copolyester elastomers may be made by conventional transesterification reactions.

[0078]

[0076] Copolyetheresters with alternating random length sequences of either long or short chain oxyalkylene glycols may contain repeating high melting blocks capable of crystallization and substantially amorphous blocks with relatively low glass transition temperatures. In one embodiment, the hard segments may be composed of tetramethylene terephthalate units and the soft segments may be derived from aliphatic polyethers and polyester glycols. Particularly advantageously, the material is resistant to deformation at surface temperatures due to the presence of a network of microcrystals formed by partial crystallization of the hard segments. The ratio of hard segments to soft segments determines the characteristics of the material. Thus, another advantage of thermoplastic polyester elastomers is that soft elastomers and hard elastoplastics can be produced by varying the ratio of hard and soft segments.

[0079] In one particular embodiment, the polyester-based thermoplastic elastomer has the following formula: -[4GT] x [BT] y where 4G is butylene glycol, such as 1,4-butanediol, B is poly(tetramethylene ether glycol), T is terephthalate, x is from about 0.60 to about 0.99, and y is from about 0.01 to about 0.40.

[0080] In one form, the thermoplastic polyester elastomer may be a block copolymer of polybutylene terephthalate and polyether and / or dimer diol segments and may have the following structure:

[0081] [ka]

[0082] where a and b are integers and may vary from 2 to 50,000, for example from about 2 to about 10,000. The ratio between the hard and soft segments in the above-mentioned block copolymers may be varied to modify the properties of the elastomer.

[0083] In one form, the elastomeric material may comprise a copolyester elastomer comprising a block copolymer containing polybutylene terephthalate segments and polytetramethylene ether glycol terephthalate segments.

[0084] In one embodiment, the density of the polyester elastomer shown above is about 1.05 g / cm 3 ~Approx. 1.15g / cm 3 For example, about 1.08 g / cm 3 ~Approx. 1.2g / cm 3 may be also possible.

[0085] In one embodiment, the copolyester elastomer may have a Shore D hardness of less than about 100, such as less than about 90, such as less than about 80, such as less than about 70, such as less than about 60, such as less than about 50, such as less than about 40. The Shore D hardness of the elastomer may generally be greater than about 10, such as greater than about 15, such as greater than about 20, such as greater than about 25.

[0086]

[0082] The elastomeric material can be applied to the polymeric component made from the polyester composition using any suitable method or technique. In one embodiment, for example, the elastomeric material can be overmolded onto a surface of the polymeric component to form the elastomeric component. For example, the polymeric component can first be injection molded and then overmolded with the elastomeric material before cooling, also using an injection molding process.

[0087]

[0083] In accordance with the present disclosure, significant adhesion is formed between the surface of the elastomeric component and the surface of the polymeric component without the use of adhesives or any intervening adhesive layers. The adhesive strength between the elastomeric material and the surface of the polymeric component can exhibit a peel force of, for example, greater than about 50 N, such as greater than about 55 N, such as greater than about 60 N, such as greater than about 65 N, such as greater than about 70 N, and generally less than about 200 N.

[0088]

[0084] A wide variety of types of products can be made according to the present disclosure. For example, the multi-component articles made according to the present disclosure are particularly well suited for use in the medical field and can produce a variety of different types of medical products. The medical products can be, for example, inhalers, injectors, and the like. In one embodiment, for example, the multi-component polymeric article can be used to produce a component of a valve in a gas-assisted injection molding device. The elastomeric component can form a seal member on the polymeric component. The elastomeric component can serve as, for example, a seal ring or an O-ring.

[0089] For example, referring to Figure 2, a multicomponent article made in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. The article includes a polymer component 14 made from a polyester composition as described above. The polymer component 14 is bonded to an elastomeric component 16 having the shape of a ring. In this embodiment, the elastomeric component 16 serves as a seal member to seal against fluids such as gases and liquids.

[0090]

[0086] The multi-component article can be incorporated into a wide variety of types of devices. For example, referring to Figure 3, an inhaler 30 is shown that can incorporate the multi-component article. The inhaler 30 includes a housing 32 attached to a mouthpiece 34. In operative association with the housing 32 is a plunger 36 for receiving a canister containing the composition to be inhaled. Although not shown, the plunger may include an elastomeric component according to the present disclosure. The composition may include a spray or a powder.

[0091]

[0087] In use, the inhaler 30 administers a measured amount of a medication, such as an asthma medication, to a patient. The asthma medication may be suspended or dissolved in a propellant or may be contained in a powder. When a patient activates the inhaler and inhales the medication, a valve opens, allowing the medication to exit through the mouthpiece. According to the present disclosure, an elastomeric component on the plunger 36 can form a seal against the housing to better disperse a controlled amount of the composition.

[0092]

[0088] Referring to FIG. 4, another medical product that can be made according to the present disclosure is shown. In FIG. 4, a medical injector 40 is illustrated. The medical injector 40 includes a housing 42 operatively associated with a plunger 44. The housing 42 can slide relative to the plunger 44. The medical injector 40 may be spring loaded. The medical injector is for injecting a drug into a patient, typically into the thigh or buttocks. The medical injector may be needleless or may contain a needle. If it contains a needle, the tip of the needle is typically protected within the housing prior to injection. On the other hand, a needleless injector may contain a cylinder of pressurized gas that pushes the drug therapy through the skin without the use of a needle. According to the present disclosure, the plunger 44 may include a seal member and may be made from a multi-component article of the present disclosure.

[0093]

[0089] The present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following examples. EXAMPLES

[0094] Three different polyester polymer compositions were compounded and tested for various physical properties. In addition, the polymer compositions were injection molded and then overmolded with strips of copolyester elastomer to measure peel strength.

[0095] More specifically, the following polymer compositions were formulated:

[0096] [Table 1]

[0097] The above polymer compositions were tested for various physical properties with the following results:

[0098] [Table 2]

[0099] The polymer composition described above was injection molded and then overmolded with a strip made of copolyester elastomer. The test specimen is shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, the polymer component 10 is bonded to the elastomer strip 12. The elastomer strip had a width of 29.3 mm.

[0100] The peel speed was 100 mm / min using a Zwick Telfort Tensile System equipped with clamps to perform the peel test. The peel test was carried out according to ISO 4578 / DIN EN 1464.

[0101] For each polyester polymer composition, two different copolyester elastomers were adhered to the polyester polymer component and tested for peel strength. The copolyester elastomers used were block copolymers containing polybutylene terephthalate segments and dimer diol segments. The first elastomer had a Shore D hardness of 25, while the second copolyester elastomer had a Shore D hardness of 35. The following results were obtained:

[0102] [Table 3]

[0103] As shown above, Samples #2 and #3 exhibited dramatically better peel strength than Sample #1.

[0097] These and other modifications and variations to the present invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, as more particularly described in the appended claims. In addition, it is to be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged, either in whole or in part. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the invention as further described in such appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 14 Polymer Components 16 Elastomer Components 30 Inhaler 32 Housing 34 Mouthpiece 36 Plunger 40 Injector 42 Housing 44 Plunger

Claims

1. A polyester composition with improved adhesion, comprising a polymer composition containing a mixture of a first polyester polymer and a second polyester polymer, wherein the first polyester polymer has a crystallization rate different from that of the second polyester polymer, the polymer composition further comprises reinforcing fibers and a nucleating agent, the reinforcing fibers are present in the polymer composition in an amount of about 5 to about 50% by weight, and the polymer composition does not contain a hindered phenol antioxidant, said composition.

2. The polyester composition according to claim 1, wherein the polymer composition further comprises a lubricant.

3. The polyester composition according to claim 2, wherein the lubricant comprises ethylene bisstearamide.

4. The polyester composition according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the lubricant is present in the polymer composition in an amount of about 0.05% to about 1.8% by weight.

5. The polyester composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first polyester polymer comprises a polybutylene terephthalate polymer.

6. The polyester composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second polyester polymer comprises a polyethylene terephthalate polymer.

7. The polyester composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first polyester polymer is present in the composition in an amount of about 30% to about 75% by weight, for example about 40% to about 70% by weight, and the second polyester polymer is present in the polymer composition in an amount of about 12% to about 40% by weight, for example about 18% to about 35% by weight.

8. The polyester composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reinforcing fibers comprise glass fibers.

9. The polyester composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reinforcing fibers are present in the polymer composition in an amount of about 7% to about 50% by weight.

10. The polyester composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the polymer composition does not contain a diphosphite stabilizer.

11. A multi-component polymer article comprising: A polymer component comprising a mixture of a first polyester polymer and a second polyester polymer, wherein the first polyester polymer has a crystallization rate different from that of the second polyester polymer, the polymer component further comprising reinforcing fibers and a nucleating agent, the reinforcing fibers being present in the polymer component in an amount of about 7 to about 50% by weight, and the polymer component not containing a hindered phenolic antioxidant; and An elastomer component directly applied to the surface of the polymer component, the elastomer component comprising an elastic polymer The multi-component polymer article comprising

12. The multi-component polymer article according to claim 11, wherein the elastic polymer comprises a copolyester.

13. The multi-component polymer article according to claim 11, wherein the elastic polymer comprises a thermoplastic copolyester elastomer comprising a block copolymer of polybutylene terephthalate and a polyether or dimer diol segment.

14. The multi-component polymer article according to claim 11, wherein the elastic polymer comprises a thermoplastic copolyester elastomer comprising a thermoplastic ester ether elastomer.

15. The multi-component polymer article according to claim 11, wherein the elastic polymer comprises a thermoplastic copolyester elastomer, and the copolyester elastomer is present in the elastomeric material in an amount greater than about 70% by weight.

16. The multi-component polymer article according to claim 11, wherein the polymer component and the elastomeric material exhibit a peel strength higher than about 50 N, for example, higher than about 70 N.

17. The multi-component polymer article according to claim 11, wherein the first polyester polymer comprises a polybutylene terephthalate polymer.

18. The multi-component polymer article according to claim 11, wherein the second polyester polymer comprises a polyethylene terephthalate polymer.

19. The multi-component polymer article according to claim 17, wherein the polybutylene terephthalate polymer has a melt flow rate higher than about 40 g / 10 min and less than about 120 g / 10 min.

20. The polyethylene terephthalate polymer is present in the polymer component in an amount of about 25% to about 35% by weight, and the polybutylene terephthalate polymer is present in the polymer component in an amount of about 40% to about 60% by weight. The multi-component polymer article according to claim 18.

21. The multi-component polymer article according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the multi-component polymer article includes a medical device.

22. The multi-component polymer article according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the multi-component polymer article includes a medical inhaler or a medical injector.

23. The multi-component polymer article according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the elastomer component forms a seal member on the polymer component.

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