Polyamide / polyolefin blends and corresponding mobile electronic device components

Abstract

To provide polymer compositions having excellent dielectric performance and mechanical performance.SOLUTION: There are provided polymer compositions including a functionalized polyolefin, an aliphatic polyamide, and a glass fiber, where the weight ratio of the functionalized polyolefin to the total weight of the aliphatic polyamide and the functionalized polyolefin in the polymer composition ("polyolefin weight ratio") is from 55% to 95%. The polymer compositions have excellent dielectric performance and improved mechanical performance, relative to corresponding polymer compositions. Due to the excellent dielectric performance and increased mechanical performance, the polymer compositions can be desirably incorporated into mobile electronic device applications.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 857,470, filed on June 5, 2019, and European Patent Application Publication No. 19198882.3, filed on September 23, 2019, and the entire contents of each of these applications are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0002] The present invention relates to a polymer composition comprising a functionalized polyolefin, an aliphatic polyamide, and glass fibers, and having excellent dielectric properties and mechanical properties. The present invention also relates to a component of a portable electronic device comprising the polymer composition.

Background Art

[0003] Polyamide compositions are widely used in components of portable electronic devices due to their reduced weight and high mechanical properties. In particular, polyamide polymer compositions containing glass fibers are particularly suitable for portable electronic device applications. Such compositions can have appropriate mechanical strength, reduced weight, and increased design options, making them attractive as metal substitutes in components of portable electronic devices.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention is a polymer composition comprising a functionalized polyolefin, an aliphatic polyamide, glass fibers, and a functionalized polyolefin weight ratio of 55% to 95%, wherein the functionalized polyolefin weight ratio is given by the formula: TIFF2025084785000001.tif12170 and W PA and W PO are the weights of the aliphatic polyamide and the functionalized polyolefin in the polymer composition, respectively, and relates to the polymer composition.

[0005] In some embodiments, the polymer composition has a tensile strength of at least 83 MPa. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the polymer composition has a tensile strain of at least 2.8%. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the polymer composition has a tensile modulus of at least 7.8 GPa. In some embodiments, the polymer composition has a D k at 1 MHz of 3.1 or less and a D f at 1 MHz of 0.007 or less.

[0006] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a component of a portable electronic device that includes a polymer composition. In some embodiments, the portable electronic device is the housing of the portable electronic device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Described herein is a polymer composition comprising a functionalized polyolefin, an aliphatic polyamide, and glass fibers, wherein the weight ratio of the functionalized polyolefin to the total weight of the aliphatic polyamide and the functionalized polyolefin in the polymer composition (the "polyolefin weight ratio") is 55% to 95%. Surprisingly, it has been discovered that the polymer composition has excellent dielectric properties and improved mechanical properties compared to the corresponding polymer composition. As used herein, the polymer composition and the corresponding polymer composition are identical except for the fact that the weight ratio of the polyolefin in the corresponding polymer composition is outside the range of 55% to 95%. More specifically, the polyolefin weight ratio of the corresponding polymer composition is less than 55%, preferably 50% or less, or more than 95%, preferably 99% or more. Due to the excellent dielectric properties and improved mechanical properties, the polymer composition can desirably be incorporated into portable electronic device applications.

[0008] In this application, any description, even if described in relation to a particular embodiment, is applicable to other embodiments of the present disclosure and is interchangeable with other embodiments. Further, when an element or component is said to be included in and / or selected from a list of enumerated elements or components, in related embodiments explicitly contemplated herein, the element or component can be any one of the individual enumerated elements or components, or can also be selected from a group consisting of any two or more of the explicitly enumerated elements or components; it should be understood that any element or component enumerated in a list of elements or components can be omitted from such a list.

[0009] Specifically, unless otherwise limited, the terms "alkyl" and derivative terms such as "alkoxy", "acyl", and "alkylthio", when used herein, include straight-chain, branched-chain, and cyclic moieties within their scope. Examples of alkyl groups are methyl, ethyl, 1-methylethyl, propyl, 1,1-dimethylethyl, and cyclopropyl. Unless specifically described otherwise, each alkyl and aryl group is unsubstituted or is substituted with one or more substituents selected from, but not limited to, halogen, hydroxy, sulfo, C 1 ~C 6 alkoxy, C 1 ~C 6 alkylthio, C 1 ~C 6 acyl, formyl, cyano, C 6 ~C 15 aryloxy or C 6 ~C 15 aryl, provided that the substituents are sterically compatible and the rules of chemical bonding and strain energy are satisfied. The term "halogen" or "halo" includes fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine, with fluorine being preferred.

[0010] The term "aryl" means a phenyl, indanyl, or naphthyl group. An aryl group can include one or more alkyl groups, in which case it may also be called an "alkylaryl"; for example, an aromatic group and two C 1~C 6 It may be composed of a group (e.g., methyl or ethyl). The aryl group may also contain one or more heteroatoms, such as N, O, or S, in which case it may also be called a "heteroaryl" group; these heteroaromatic rings may be condensed with other aromatic systems. Such heteroaromatic rings include, but are not limited to, furanyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, triazolyl, isoxazolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyridyl, pyridazyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, and triazinyl ring structures. The aryl or heteroaryl substituent may be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituents selected from, but not limited to, halogen, hydroxy, C 1 ~C 6 alkoxy, sulfo, C 1 ~C 6 alkylthio, C 1 ~C 6 acyl, formyl, cyano, C 6 ~C 15 aryloxy or C 6 ~C 15 aryl, provided that the substituents are sterically compatible and the rules of chemical bonding and strain energy are satisfied.

[0011] As described above, the polymer composition surprisingly had excellent dielectric properties and improved mechanical properties compared to the corresponding polymer composition. The weight ratio of the polyolefin is given by the following formula: TIFF2025084785000002.tif15170(where W PA and W PO are the weights of the aliphatic polyamide and the functionalized polyolefin in the polymer composition, respectively) It is thus determined. In some embodiments, the polyolefin weight ratio is 60% - 95%, 65% - 95%, 70% - 95%, 55% - 92%, 60% - 92%, 65% - 92% or 70% - 92%. Of course, in some embodiments, the polymer composition may include both a plurality of distinct polyolefins or distinct aliphatic polyamides as described below. In some such embodiments, W PO and W PA are, respectively, the total weight of the plurality of polyolefins and the total weight of the plurality of aliphatic polyamides in the polymer composition.

[0012] With regard to dielectric properties, the dielectric constant (「D k 」) and the dielectric tangent (「D f 」) of the polymer composition are important in determining the suitability of the material in application settings where wireless communication is present. For example, in portable electronic devices, the dielectric properties of the materials forming various components and housings can significantly impair the wireless radio signals (e.g., frequencies of 1 MHz, 1 GHz, 2.4 GHz, and 5.0 GHz) transmitted and received by the portable electronic device through one or more antennas. The dielectric constant of a material represents, in part, the ability of the material to interact with electromagnetic radiation, and correspondingly, it disrupts the electromagnetic signals (e.g., radio signals) moving through the material. Thus, the lower the dielectric constant of a material at a given frequency, the less the material disrupts electromagnetic signals at that frequency. Similarly, the dielectric tangent is proportional to the dielectric loss of the material, and the lower the dielectric tangent, the lower the dielectric loss of the material.

[0013] The polymer composition described herein has excellent dielectric properties (relatively low D k and D f ). In some embodiments, the polymer composition has a D k at 1 MHz that is 3.2 or less, 3.1 or less, 3.0 or less, 2.9 or less, 2.8 or less, or 2.7 or less. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the polymer composition has a D k at 1 MHz that is 2.6 or greater.has. In some embodiments, the polymer composition has a D at 1 MHz of 2.6 to 3.1, 2.6 to 3.0, 2.6 to 2.9, 2.6 to 2.8, 2.6 to 2.7 k has. In some embodiments, the polymer composition has a D at 1 MHz of 0.009 or less, 0.008 or less, 0.007 or less, 0.006 or less, or 0.005 or less f has. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the polymer composition has a D at 1 MHz of at least 0.0025 or at least 0.003 f has. In some embodiments, the polymer composition has a D at 1 MHz of 0.0025 to 0.009, 0.0025 to 0.008, 0.0025 to 0.007, 0.0025 to 0.006, 0.0025 to 0.005, 0.003 to 0.009, 0.003 to 0.008, 0.003 to 0.007, 0.003 to 0.006, 0.003 to 0.005 f has. D at 1 MHz f and D k can be measured in accordance with ASTM D150 at 1.0 MHz. In some embodiments, the polymer composition has a D in the above range at a frequency of 2.4 GHz f and D k can have. D at 2.4 GHz f and D k can be measured in accordance with ASTM D2520.

[0014] In addition, as described above, the polymer compositions described herein have surprisingly improved mechanical properties (e.g., tensile strength, tensile strain, tensile modulus, and impact strength (notched and unnotched)). More specifically, surprisingly, polymer compositions having a polyolefin weight ratio of 55% to 95% have been found to have improved mechanical properties compared to corresponding polymer compositions having a polyolefin weight ratio above or below 55% to 95%. In some embodiments, the polymer composition has a tensile strength of at least 80 megapascals ("MPa"), at least 85 MPa, or at least 90 MPa. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the polymer composition has a tensile strength of 100 MPa or less, 95 MPa or less, or 92 MPa or less. In some embodiments, the polymer composition has a tensile strength of 80 MPa to 100 MPa, 85 MPa to 100 MPa, 90 MPa to 100 MPa, or 90 MPa to 95 MPa. In some embodiments, the polymer composition has a tensile strain of at least 2.8%. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the polymer composition has a tensile strain of 3.0% or less. In some embodiments, the polymer composition has a tensile strain of 2.8% to 3.0%. In some embodiments, the polymer composition has a tensile modulus of at least 7.8 gigapascals ("GPa"), at least 7.9 GPa, at least 8.0 GPa, or at least 8.1 GPa. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the polymer composition has a tensile modulus of 9 GPa or less. In some embodiments, the polymer composition has a tensile modulus of 7.8 GPa to 9 GPa, 7.9 GPa to 9 GPa, 8.0 GPa to 9 GPa, or 8.1 GPa to 9 GPa. In some embodiments, the polymer composition has a notched impact strength of at least 11.6 kilojoules per square meter ("kJ / m 2 ²") or at least 11.7 kJ / m 2 . Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the polymer composition has a notched impact strength of 13 kJ / m 2 or less. In some embodiments, the polymer composition has a notched impact strength of 11.6 kJ / m2 ~13 kJ / m 2 or 11.7 kJ / m 2 ~13 kJ / m 2 and has a notched impact strength of. In some embodiments, the polymer composition has a notchless impact strength of at least 49 kJ / m 2 . Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the polymer composition has a notchless impact strength of 55 kJ / m 2 or less. In some embodiments, the polymer composition has a notchless impact strength of 49 kJ / m 2 ~55 kJ / m 2 . The tensile strength, tensile strain, tensile modulus, notched impact strength and notchless impact strength can be measured as described in the examples.

[0015] Functionalized polyolefin polymer The polymer composition comprises a functionalized polyolefin polymer. As used herein, a polyolefin polymer refers to any polymer having at least 50 mol% of repeating unit R PO . In some embodiments, the concentration of repeating unit R PO is at least 60 mol%, at least 70 mol%, at least 80 mol%, at least 90 mol%, at least 95 mol%, at least 99 mol% or at least 99.9 mol%. As used herein, mol% is relative to the total number of repeating units of the polymer, unless otherwise specified. Repeating unit R PO is as follows: TIFF2025084785000003.tif38170 (wherein R 1 ~R 4 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl groups represented by the formula -(CH 2 ) n -CH 3 , and where n is an integer from 0 to 5) . For clarity, when n is zero, the alkyl group is a methyl group.

[0016] A functionalized polyolefin polymer is a polyolefin polymer containing a reactive group that reacts with an amine group or a carboxylic acid group on a polyamide polymer, and results in a covalent bond (e.g., an amide bond) between the polyolefin polymer and the polyamide polymer in the polymer composition. In other words, the functionalized polyolefin has at least some repeating units R* according to formula (1) PO comprising, which is R 1 ~R 4 wherein at least one of is replaced by a reactive group, different from the repeating unit R PO . Naturally, in embodiments where the polyolefin is fully functionalized, the functionalized polyolefin contains the repeating unit R* PO and does not contain the repeating unit R PO . Desirable polyolefin polymers include, but are not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, polymethylpentene, polybutene-1, polyisobutylene, ethylene propylene rubber, and ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber; preferably, the polyolefin is polypropylene. Desirable reactive groups include, but are not limited to, maleic anhydride, epoxide, isocyanate, and acrylic acid. Naturally, in the polymer composition, the polyolefin is covalently bonded to the polyamide via a residue formed from the reaction of at least a part of the reactive groups on the polyolefin with an amine or carboxylic acid group on the polyamide. For ease of reference, it is understood that references to reactive groups on the functionalized polyolefin polymer in the polyamide polymer composition refer to any unreacted reactive groups on the functionalized polyolefin polymer as well as residues formed from the reaction of the reactive groups with an amine or carboxylic acid on the polyamide. For example, those skilled in the art will understand that references to maleic anhydride-functionalized polyolefin in the polyamide polymer composition refer to any unreacted maleic anhydride groups on the polyolefin polymer as well as residues formed from the reaction of maleic anhydride with the amine groups of the polyamide polymer.

[0017] In some embodiments, the reactive group is a group of the following formula: TIFF2025084785000004.tif92170(wherein R 17 and R 20 are selected from hydrogen and alkyl groups, and R 18 , R 19 , R 21 and R 22 are selected from a bond and alkyl groups) is represented by a formula selected from. Preferably, R 17 and R 20 are both hydrogen. Preferably, R 18 , R 19 , R 21 and R 22 are all bonds. For clarity, the "*" in formulas (2)-(5) indicates the bond to the carbon of the repeating unit R* PO .

[0018] The polyolefin can be functionalized along its chain ends or backbone (or both). In some embodiments where the polyolefin is functionalized along the backbone, the functionalized polyolefin comprises a total of at least 50 mol% of the repeating units R PO1 and the repeating unit R PO2 (defined below). In some embodiments, the total concentration of the repeating units R PO1 and R PO2 in the functionalized polyolefin polymer is at least 60 mol%, at least 70 mol%, at least 80 mol%, at least 90 mol%, at least 95 mol%, at least 95 mol% or at least 99 mol%. Within the range of the total concentration of R PO1 and R PO2 above, in some embodiments, the concentration of the repeating unit R PO2 is at least 0.05 mol% to 10 mol%, 0.05 mol% to 8 mol%, 0.05 mol% to 6 mol%, 0.05 mol% to 4 mol%, 0.05 mol% to 2 mol%, 0.05 mol% to 1.5 mol% or 0.1 mol% to 1.5 mol%.

[0019] The repeating units R PO1 and R PO2 are each of the following formulas: TIFF2025084785000005.tif39170(wherein, R 5 ~R 8 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and an alkyl group represented by the formula -(CH 2 ) m -CH 3 (where m is an integer from 0 to 5); R 9 ~R 12 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, an alkyl group represented by the formula -(CH 2 ) m’ -CH 3 (where m is an integer from 0 to 5) and a reactive group that reacts with an amine group or a carboxylic acid group of a polyamide polymer; at least one of R 9 ~R 12 is a reactive group) is represented by. In some embodiments, the reactive group is represented by a formula selected from the group consisting of formulas (2) to (5). In some embodiments, R 5 ~R 7 are all hydrogen, and R 8 is -CH 3 . Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, R 9 and R 11 are both hydrogen, R 10 is -CH 3 , and R 12 is the above-described reactive group, preferably maleic anhydride. Excellent results were obtained with polypropylene functionalized with maleic anhydride.

[0020] In some of the above embodiments where the functionalized polyolefin contains repeating units R PO1 and R PO2 , the molar ratio of R PO1 to (R PO1 +R PO2 ) (number of moles of repeating unit R PO1 / number of moles of repeating unit R PO1 +R PO2 ) is 0.01 mol% to 6 mol%, 0.01 mol% to 5.6 mol% or 0.01 mol% to 5 mol%.

[0021] In some embodiments, the functionalized polyolefin polymer has a melt mass flow rate (“MFR”) of at least 1 g / 10 min, at least 5 g / 10 min, at least 10 g / 10 min, at least 15 g / 10 min or at least 20 g / 10 min. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the functionalized polyolefin polymer has an MFR of 120 g / 10 min or less, 100 g / 10 min or less, 80 g / 10 min or less, 70 g / 10 min or less. In some embodiments, the functionalized polyolefin polymer has an MFR of 1 g / 10 min to 120 g / 10 min, 5 g / 10 min to 100 g / 10 min, 10 g / 10 min to 80 g / 10 min or 15 g / 10 min to 70 g / 10 min. The MFR can be measured at 190° C. and 1.2 kg in accordance with ASTM D1238.

[0022] In some embodiments, the concentration of the functionalized polyolefin in the polymer composition is at least 25 weight percent (“wt%”), at least 30 wt% or at least 35 wt%. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the concentration of the functionalized polyolefin in the polymer composition is 55 wt% or less, 52 wt% or less or 50 wt% or less. In some embodiments, the concentration of the functionalized polyolefin in the polymer composition is 25 wt% to 55 wt%, 30 wt% to 55 wt%, 35 wt% to 55 wt%, 25 wt% to 52 wt%, 30 wt% to 52 wt%, 35 wt% to 52 wt%, 25 wt% to 50 wt%, 30 wt% to 50 wt% or 35 wt% to 50 wt%. As used herein, weight percent is, unless otherwise specified, a percentage relative to the total weight of the polymer composition.

[0023] In some embodiments, the polymer composition comprises a plurality of distinct functionalized polyolefins as described above. In some such embodiments, the total concentration of the distinct functionalized polyolefins is within the ranges described above. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the selection of the functionalized polyolefin concentration and the aliphatic polyamide concentration (described below) is related to the weight ratio of the polyolefins. The selection of the functionalized polyolefin concentration and the aliphatic polyamide concentration is made such that the weight ratio of the polyolefins is within the selected range and the total concentration of the functionalized polyolefins, aliphatic polyamides and optional additives in the polymer composition is 100 wt% or less.

[0024] Aliphatic polyamide polymer As used herein, an aliphatic polyamide polymer has at least 50 mol% of repeating units R having amide bonds (-NH-CO-) and not containing aromatic groups. PA In other words, neither of the diamine and diacid formations by polycondensation contains aromatic groups in the repeating R. PA In some embodiments, the aliphatic polyamide polymer has at least 60 mol%, at least 70 mol%, at least 80 mol%, at least 90 mol%, at least 95 mol%, at least 95 mol%, at least 99 mol% or at least 99.9 mol% of repeating units R. PA

[0025] In some embodiments, the repeating unit R PA is represented by the following formula: TIFF2025084785000006.tif40170(wherein R 13 ~R 16 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkali or alkaline earth metal sulfonates, alkyl sulfonates and quaternary ammonium at each position; p is an integer from 4 to 10; and p' is an integer from 7 to 12). In some embodiments, R 13 ~R 16 ​is hydrogen at each position. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, p is 5 or 6, and p' is 8 - 12. In some embodiments, the aliphatic polyamide polymer is selected from the group consisting of PA4,6; PA5,6; PA5,10; PA6,10; PA10,10; and PA10,12.

[0026] In some embodiments, the aliphatic polyamide polymer has an inherent viscosity of 0.7 - 1.4 deciliters / gram ("dL / g") as measured according to ASTM D5336.

[0027] In some embodiments, the concentration of the aliphatic polyamide in the polymer composition is at least 3 wt%, at least 4 wt% or at least 5 wt%. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the concentration of the aliphatic polyamide in the polymer composition is 45 wt% or less, 30 wt% or less or 25 wt% or less. In some embodiments, the concentration of the aliphatic polyamide in the polymer composition is 3 wt% - 45 wt%, 4 wt% - 45 wt%, 5 wt% - 45 wt%, 3 wt% - 30 wt%, 4 wt% - 30 wt%, 5 wt% - 30 wt%, 3 wt% - 25 wt%, 4 wt% - 25 wt%, 5 wt% - 25 wt% or 5 wt% - 20 wt%. In some embodiments, the polymer composition contains a plurality of distinct aliphatic polyamides as described above. In some such embodiments, the total concentration of the distinct aliphatic polyamides is within the above range.

[0028] Glass fiber The polyamide polymer composition contains glass fibers. The glass fibers are silica-based glass compounds containing several metal oxides that can be adjusted to yield different types of glass. The main oxide is silica in the form of quartz sand; other oxides such as calcium, sodium, and aluminum are incorporated to lower the melting temperature and prevent crystallization. The glass fibers can be added as continuous fibers or chopped glass fibers. The glass fibers generally have an equivalent diameter of 5 to 20, preferably 5 to 15 μm, more preferably 5 to 10 μm. All types of glass fibers, such as A, C, D, E, M, S, R, T glass fibers (as described in chapter 5.2.3, pages 43 - 48 of Additives for Plastics Handbook, 2nd ed, John Murphy) or any mixture thereof or a mixture of them can be used.

[0029] E, R, S, and T glass fibers are well-known in the art. They are described in particular in Fiberglass and Glass Technology, Wallenberger, Frederick T.; Bingham, Paul A. (Eds.), 2010, XIV, chapter 5, pages 197 - 225. R, S, and T glass fibers are essentially composed of oxides of silicon, aluminum, and magnesium. In particular, those glass fibers typically contain 62 - 75 wt% SiO2, 16 - 28 wt% Al2O3, and 5 - 14 wt% MgO. On the other hand, R, S, and T glass fibers contain less than 10 wt% CaO.

[0030] In some embodiments, the glass fibers are high modulus glass fibers. The modulus of elasticity of the high modulus glass fibers is at least 76, preferably at least 78, more preferably at least 80, most preferably at least 82 GPa as measured according to ASTM D2343. Examples of high modulus glass fibers include, but are not limited to, S, R, and T glass fibers. Commercial sources of high modulus glass fibers are S-1 and S-2 glass fibers provided by Taishan and AGY respectively.

[0031] In some embodiments, the glass fiber is a low D k glass fiber. The dielectric constant of the low D k glass fiber is 4.0 to 5.5, 4.0 to 5.4, 4.0 to 5.3, 4.0 to 5.2, 4.0 to 5.1, or 4.0 to 5.0 at frequencies of 1 MHz, 600 MHz, 1 GHz, and 2.4 GHz. The low D k glass fiber can also have a low D f / D k glass fiber). Such glass fibers have a D of 0.0005 to 0.001 at frequencies of 1 MHz, 1 GHz, 600 MHz, and 2.4 GHz. The D and D of the glass fiber f can be measured according to ASTM D150 (1.0 MHz) and ASTM D2520 (600 MHz, 1.0 GHz, and 2.4 GHz). In some embodiments, the glass fiber is a high-elasticity and low D f glass fiber. f and D k k

[0032] ​​The morphology of the glass fibers is not particularly limited. As described above, the glass fibers can have a circular cross-section ("round glass fibers") or a non-circular cross-section ("flat glass fibers"). Without limitation, examples of suitable flat glass fibers include glass fibers having an oval, elliptical, and rectangular cross-section. In some embodiments where the polymer composition includes flat glass fibers, the longest diameter of the cross-section of the flat glass fibers is at least 15 μm, preferably at least 20 μm, more preferably at least 22 μm, and even more preferably at least 25 μm. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the longest diameter of the cross-section of the flat glass fibers is at most 40 μm, preferably at most 35 μm, more preferably at most 32 μm, and even more preferably at most 30 μm. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional diameter of the flat glass fibers ranges from 15 to 35 μm, preferably from 20 to 30 μm, and more preferably from 25 to 29 μm. In some embodiments, the shortest diameter of the cross-section of the flat glass fibers is at least 4 μm, preferably at least 5 μm, more preferably at least 6 μm, and even more preferably at least 7 μm. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the shortest diameter of the cross-section of the flat glass fibers is at most 25 μm, preferably at most 20 μm, more preferably at most 17 μm, and even more preferably at most 15 μm. In some embodiments, the shortest diameter of the cross-section of the flat glass fibers ranges from 5 to 20 μm, preferably from 5 to 15 μm, and more preferably from 7 to 11 μm.

[0033] In some embodiments, the aspect ratio of the flat glass fiber is at least 2, preferably at least 2.2, more preferably at least 2.4, and even more preferably at least 3. The aspect ratio is defined as the ratio of the longest diameter in the cross-section of the glass fiber to the shortest diameter in the same cross-section. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the aspect ratio of the flat glass fiber is at most 8, preferably at most 6, and more preferably at most 4. In some embodiments, the aspect ratio of the flat glass fiber is from 2 to 6, preferably from 2.2 to 4. In some embodiments where the glass fiber is a round glass fiber, the aspect ratio of the glass fiber is less than 2, preferably less than 1.5, more preferably less than 1.2, even more preferably less than 1.1, and most preferably less than 1.05. Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that by definition, the aspect ratio cannot be less than 1, regardless of the morphology of the glass fiber (e.g., round or flat).

[0034] In some embodiments, the concentration of the glass fiber in the polymer composition is at least 20 wt%, at least 25 wt% or at least 30 wt%. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the concentration of the glass fiber in the polymer composition is 60 wt% or less, 55 wt% or less, or 50 wt% or less. In some embodiments, the concentration of the glass fiber in the polymer composition is from 20 wt% to 60 wt%, from 25 wt% to 60 wt%, from 30 wt% to 60 wt%, from 20 wt% to 55 wt%, from 25 wt% to 55 wt%, from 30 wt% to 55 wt%, from 20 wt% to 50 wt%, from 25 wt% to 50 wt%, or from 30 wt% to 50 wt%.

[0035] Optional additive In some embodiments, the polyamide polymer composition optionally includes additives selected from the group consisting of ultraviolet (UV) stabilizers, heat stabilizers, pigments, dyes, flame retardants, impact modifiers, lubricants, and any combination of one or more thereof. In some embodiments where the polymer composition includes optional additives, the total concentration of the additives is 15 wt% or less, 10 wt% or less, 5 wt% or less, 1 wt% or less, 0.5 wt% or less, 0.4 wt% or less, 0.3 wt% or less, 0.2 wt% or less, or 0.1 wt% or less.

[0036] Forming method The polymer composition can be manufactured using methods well known in the art. For example, in one embodiment, the polymer composition can be manufactured by melt blending the polymers, glass fibers, and any optional additives in the blend. Any suitable melt blending method can be used to mix the components of the polymer composition. For example, in one embodiment, all the polymer composition components (e.g., polyamide, polyolefin, glass fibers, and any optional additives) are fed into a melt mixer such as a single-screw extruder or a twin-screw extruder, a stirrer, a single-screw or twin-screw kneader, or a Banbury mixer. The components can be added to the melt mixer all at once or gradually in several portions. When the components are added gradually in several portions, a part of the component is first added, and then the remaining components are continuously added while melt mixing, and melt mixing is performed until a well-mixed composition is obtained. When the glass fibers exhibit a long physical shape (e.g., long glass fibers), stretch extrusion molding can be used to produce the reinforced composition.

[0037] Article At least in part, due to its surprisingly improved dielectric and mechanical properties, the polymer composition described herein can desirably be incorporated into components of portable electronic devices.

[0038] The term "portable electronic device" is intended to denote an electronic device that is conveniently portable and designed to be used in various locations. Representative examples of portable electronic devices can be selected from the group consisting of cellular telephones, personal digital assistants, laptop computers, tablet computers, radios, cameras and camera accessories, watches, calculators, music players, global positioning system receivers, portable game machines, hard drives, and other electronic storage devices. Preferred portable electronic devices include laptop computers, tablet computers, cellular telephones, and watches.

[0039] Without limitation, the components of the portable electronic devices targeted herein include attachment components, snap-fit components, mutually interactive components, functional elements, actuating elements, tracking elements, adjustment elements, carrier elements, frame elements, switches, connectors, cables, housings, and any other structural components other than the housings such as, for example, speaker components, as used in portable electronic devices. The components of the portable electronic devices can be manufactured, inter alia, by injection molding, extrusion molding, or other molding techniques.

[0040] "The housing of a portable electronic device" refers to one or more of the back cover, front cover, antenna housing, frame, and / or skeleton of the portable electronic device. The housing can be a single article or can include two or more components. "Skeleton" refers to a structural component to which other components of the device, such as electronic devices, microprocessors, screens, keyboards and keypads, antennas, battery sockets, etc., are attached. The skeleton can be an internal component that is not visible from the outside of the portable electronic device or is only partially visible. The housing can provide protection for the internal components of the device from shock and contamination and / or damage by environmental agents (liquids, dust, etc.). Housing components such as covers can also provide substantial or primary structural support for specific components exposed on the outside of the device, such as screens and / or antennas, and protection against shock.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the housing of the portable electronic device is selected from the group consisting of a mobile phone housing, an antenna housing, a tablet housing, a laptop computer housing, a tablet computer housing, or a watch housing.

[0042] Articles such as components of a portable electronic device can be manufactured from the polymer composition using any suitable melt processing method. For example, the formation of components of a portable electronic device includes injection molding or extrusion molding of the polymer composition. Injection molding is the preferred method.

Examples

[0043] The examples show the dielectric and mechanical properties of the polymer composition. In the examples, the following components were used: - Polyamide ("PA"): PA6,10 (an aliphatic polyamide polymer) commercially available under the trade name Radipol DC40 from Radici - Functionalized polyolefin ("PO"): Exxelor from ExxonMobil TM Maleic anhydride functionalized polypropylene copolymer commercially available under the trade name PO 1015 - Glass fiber ("GF"): Low D k / D f glass fiber commercially available under the trade name CS(HL)301HP from Chongqing Polycomp International Corp - Additive package: calcium stearate (lubricant) and heat stabilizer, Irganox® 1098 from BASF.

[0044] The sample parameters are shown in Table 1 below. In Table 1, "PO weight ratio" refers to the ratio amount: TIFF2025084785000007.tif16170 (where W PO and W PA are the weights of PO and PA in the sample, respectively) is meant.

[0045] TIFF2025084785000008.tif93170

[0046] In the following examples, D f and D k were measured according to ASTM D150 at 1 MHz. D k and D f were measured on injection-molded disks having dimensions of 50.8 mm in diameter × 4.0 mm in thickness. The tensile modulus, strength, and strain were measured on five injection-molded ISO tensile bars according to ISO 527-2 using a test speed of 1 mm / min to measure the modulus, and then 5 mm / min to measure the tensile strength and strain. The impact strength was measured using the notched Izod impact test according to ISO 180 on ten injection-molded ISO bars having dimensions of 80 mm in length, 4 mm in thickness, and 10 mm in width. The unnotched Izod and notched Izod impact tests were also performed on ISO bars of the same dimensions as the notched ones according to ISO 180.

[0047] Example 1: Performance of Polyamide / Polypropylene Blend This example shows the dielectric and mechanical properties of a polyamide / polyolefin blend.

[0048] The results of the dielectric property tests are shown in Table 2.

[0049] TIFF2025084785000009.tif131170

[0050] Referring to Table 2, samples with a PO weight ratio greater than 50% and less than 100% had improved mechanical properties while maintaining excellent dielectric properties compared to samples with PO weight ratios of 50% and 100%. CE1, E1, E2, and CE2 have increasing PO weight ratios in sequence. D k and D fdecreases linearly with the increase in the weight ratio of PO, while the mechanical properties unexpectedly show a non-linear behavior, and overall improved mechanical performance was observed in the samples with a PO weight ratio of 75% and 91%. For example, the tensile strength, tensile strain, and tensile modulus of elasticity all increase when the weight ratio of PO ranges from 50% to 75%. Thereafter, when the weight ratio of PO further increases to 100%, the tensile strength, strain, and modulus of elasticity decrease, and in the case of tensile strength and strain, they decrease to values lower than those observed in the sample (CE1) with a PO weight ratio of 50%. Similar behavior is also seen in the notched and unnotched impact strengths, but for such properties, the maximum value is seen at a PO weight ratio of 91% (E2), and at 100%, the value is lower than that obtained at a PO weight ratio of 50%.

[0051] The above embodiments are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Further embodiments are within the concept of the present invention. In addition, although the present invention is described in relation to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Any incorporation by reference of the above documents is limited so that no subject matter that contradicts the clear disclosure herein is incorporated.

Claims

1. - a functionalized polyolefin; - an aliphatic polyamide, - Glass fibres; a weight ratio of functionalized polyolefin of 55% to 95%; A polymer composition comprising: the functionalized polyolefin weight ratio is determined according to the formula: is given by, and - W ＰＡ and W ＰＯ are the weights of aliphatic polyamide and functionalized polyolefin, respectively, in the polymer composition; - Functionalized polyolefins 、 The following formulas respectively: (In the formula, R ５ ~R ８ are independently hydrogen and a group of the formula -(CH ２ ) ｍ -CH ３ (wherein m is an integer from 0 to 5); R ９ ~R １２ are independently hydrogen, a group of the formula -(CH ２ ) ｍ’ -CH ３ where m is an integer from 0 to 5, and reactive groups which react with amine or carboxylic acid groups of the polyamide polymer; R ９ ~R １２ At least one of the groups is a reactive group. The repeating unit R represented by ＰＯ１ and R ＰＯ２ and The functionalized polyolefin contains from 0.05 mol % to 1.5 mol % of repeating units R ＰＯ２ 1. A polymer composition comprising:

2. 2. The polymer composition of claim 1, wherein the functionalized polyolefin polymer is selected from the group consisting of functionalized polyethylene, functionalized polypropylene, functionalized polymethylpentene, functionalized polybutene-1, functionalized polyisobutylene, functionalized ethylene propylene rubber and functionalized ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber, preferably the functionalized polyolefin polymer is functionalized polypropylene.

3. 3. The polymer composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the functionalized polyolefin polymer is functionalized with a reactive group selected from the group consisting of maleic anhydride, epoxide, isocyanate and acrylic acid, preferably the reactive group is maleic anhydride.

4. The aliphatic polyamide has the following formula: (In the formula, - R １３ ~R １６ is independently selected at each occurrence from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkali or alkaline earth metal sulfonate, alkyl sulfonate, and quaternary ammonium; p is an integer from 4 to 10; and p' is an integer from 7 to 12. The repeating unit R represented by ＰＡ The polymer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising:

5. 4. The polymer composition according to claim 1, wherein the polyamide is selected from the group consisting of PA5,10; PA6,10; PA10,10; and PA10,12.

5. The polymer composition according to claim 4, wherein the polyamide is selected from the group consisting of PA5,10; PA6,10; PA10,10; and PA10,12.

6. The polymer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the glass fibres have a dielectric constant of 4.0 to 5.5 at a frequency of 1 MHz.

7. The polymer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the glass fibre concentration is between 20% and 60% by weight, preferably between 25% and 50% by weight.

8. The polymer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the functionalized polyolefin concentration is between 25% and 55% by weight, preferably between 30% and 50% by weight.

9. The polymer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the aliphatic polyamide concentration is between 3% and 30% by weight, preferably between 5% and 30% by weight.

10. A polymer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, having a tensile strength of at least 83 MPa.

11. The polymer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10, having a tensile strain of at least 2.8%.

12. The polymer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 11, having a tensile modulus of at least 7.8 GPa.

13. D at 1 MHz of 3.2 or less, preferably 3.0 or less ｋ and D at 1 MHz of 0.007 or less ｆ The polymer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 12, having the formula:

14. The polymer composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the polyolefin weight ratio is between 70% and 92% by weight.

15. A component of a portable electronic device, preferably a housing of a portable electronic device, comprising a polymer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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