Flexible waveguide

Abstract

To provide a flexible waveguide that has improved flexibility while suppressing degradation in the transmission efficiency of electrical signals in high frequency bands such as microwaves.SOLUTION: A flexible waveguide includes a rod-shaped dielectric and a conductor covering an outer surface of the dielectric, and the dielectric satisfies the following (a) and (b): (a) a density of 1.50 g / cm3 or less; (b) a relative dielectric constant measured at a frequency of 10 GHz of 2.3 or less and a dielectric loss measured at a frequency of 10 GHz of 0.0013 or less.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a flexible waveguide. [Background technology]

[0002] Coaxial cables and rectangular metal waveguides are widely known as means for transmitting microwave and millimeter wave electrical signals. Conventionally, when a coaxial cable is used in an extremely high frequency band such as the millimeter wave band, the center conductor must be extremely thin, preventing a decrease in transmission loss, and the cable must also be flexible. As a means to solve these problems, Patent Document 1 describes a waveguide in which a thin conductor such as a metal is tightly attached to the surface of a flexible dielectric rod, and states that this can easily accommodate bends and reduce material costs and processing costs. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-195605 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention provides a flexible waveguide that has improved flexibility while suppressing a decrease in the transmission efficiency of electrical signals in high frequency bands such as microwaves. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to the present invention, there is provided a flexible waveguide as follows.

[0006] [1] A flexible waveguide comprising a rod-shaped dielectric and a conductor covering an outer surface of the dielectric, A flexible waveguide, wherein the dielectric satisfies the following (a) and (b): (a) Density is 1.50 g / cm 3 below (b) The relative permittivity measured at a frequency of 10 GHz is 2.3 or less, and the dielectric loss measured at a frequency of 10 GHz is 0.0013 or less. [2] The flexible waveguide according to [1] above, wherein the content of fluorine atoms in the dielectric is 1% by mass or less when the entire dielectric is taken as 100% by mass. [3] The flexible waveguide according to [1] or [2] above, wherein the dielectric material comprises a 4-methyl-1-pentene (co)polymer. [4] The flexible waveguide according to [3] above, wherein the 4-methyl-1-pentene (co)polymer satisfies the following (i) and (ii): (i) the structural unit (P) derived from 4-methyl-1-pentene is 15 to 100 mol %, (ii) The content of structural units (Q) derived from at least one selected from α-olefins having 2 to 20 carbon atoms (excluding 4-methyl-1-pentene) is 0 to 85 mol %. [5] The flexible waveguide according to the above [3] or [4], wherein the 4-methyl-1-pentene (co)polymer satisfies the following (iii) to (v): (iii) 60 to 100 mol% of the structural unit (P) derived from 4-methyl-1-pentene (iv) The content of structural units (Q) derived from at least one selected from α-olefins having 2 to 20 carbon atoms (excluding 4-methyl-1-pentene) is 0 to 40 mol %. (v) The melting point (Tm) measured by DSC is in the range of 200 to 250°C. [6] The 4-methyl-1-pentene (copolymer) is a 4-methyl-1-pentene-α-olefin copolymer, The flexible waveguide according to the above [3] or [4], wherein the 4-methyl-1-pentene·α-olefin copolymer satisfies the following (vi) to (viii): (vi) 15 to 99 mol% of the structural unit (P) derived from 4-methyl-1-pentene (vii) The structural unit (Q) derived from at least one selected from α-olefins having 2 to 20 carbon atoms (excluding 4-methyl-1-pentene) accounts for 1 to 85 mol %. (viii) The melting point (Tm) measured by DSC is less than 200°C or no melting point is observed. [7] The dielectric material is The above 4-methyl-1-pentene (co)polymer, and Contains thermoplastic resin (excluding 4-methyl-1-pentene (co)polymer) or elastomer, The flexible waveguide according to any one of [3] to [6] above, wherein the content of the thermoplastic resin or elastomer in the dielectric is 1 part by mass or more and 50 parts by mass or less (provided that the total amount of the 4-methyl-1-pentene (co)polymer and the thermoplastic resin or elastomer is 100 parts by mass). [8] The flexible waveguide according to any one of the above [1] to [7], wherein the dielectric contains a cyclic olefin copolymer containing a structure represented by the following general formula (2): [ka] [In the general formula (2), x and y represent copolymerization ratios and are real numbers satisfying 0 / 100≦y / x≦95 / 5. x and y are on a molar basis. n represents the number of substituents Q and is a real number satisfying 0≦n≦2. R a R is a 2+n valent group selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbon groups having 2 to 20 carbon atoms. b R is a hydrogen atom or a monovalent group selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbon groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. c is a tetravalent group selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbon groups having 2 to 10 carbon atoms. d (R d is a hydrogen atom or a monovalent group selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbon groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. a , R b , R cand Q may each be one type, or may have two or more types in any ratio. [9] The dielectric material is (A) one or more olefin-derived repeating units represented by the following general formula (I), (B) a repeating unit derived from a cyclic non-conjugated diene represented by the following general formula (III), (C) one or more repeating units derived from cyclic olefins represented by the following general formula (V), The cyclic olefin copolymer has a crosslinkable group containing The flexible waveguide according to any one of the above [1] to [8], wherein the cyclic olefin copolymer has a content of repeating units (B) derived from a cyclic non-conjugated diene of 5 mol % or more and 36 mol % or less, when the total number of moles of repeating units in the cyclic olefin copolymer is taken as 100 mol %. [ka] [In general formula (I), R 300 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched hydrocarbon group having 1 to 29 carbon atoms. [ka] [In the general formula (III), u is 0 or 1, v is 0 or 1, w is 0 or 1, and R 61 ~R 76 and R a1 and R b1 may be the same or different and are a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a halogenated alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group having 3 to 15 carbon atoms, or an aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms; R 104 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, t is a positive integer of 0 to 10, and R 75 and R 76 may be bonded to each other to form a monocyclic or polycyclic ring. [ka] [In general formula (V), u is 0 or 1, v is 0 or 1, w is 0 or 1, and R 61 ~R 78 and R a1 and R b1 may be the same or different and are a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a halogenated alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group having 3 to 15 carbon atoms, or an aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms; R 75 ~R 78 may be bonded to each other to form a monocyclic or polycyclic ring. However, when u and v are both 0, R 67 ~R 70 , R 75 ~R 78 At least one of the groups is a substituent other than a hydrogen atom.

[10] The flexible waveguide according to any one of the above [1] to [9], wherein the dielectric is a foam.

[11] The flexible waveguide according to any one of the above [1] to

[10] , wherein the conductor is any one selected from a metal coating, tape, fabric, and metal plating. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a flexible waveguide that suppresses a decrease in the transmission efficiency of an electric signal in a high frequency band such as a microwave and has improved flexibility. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of a structure of a flexible waveguide according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of a structure of a flexible waveguide according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all drawings, similar components are designated by common reference numerals, and their explanation will be omitted where appropriate. The drawings are schematic and do not correspond to actual dimensional ratios. Furthermore, the numerical range "A to B" represents A or more and B or less unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, in this embodiment, "(meth)acrylic" means acrylic, methacrylic, or both acrylic and methacrylic. Furthermore, "cyclic olefin polymer" means a copolymer and / or a ring-opening polymer unless otherwise specified.

[0010] Conventional waveguides are made of, for example, metal pipes, and therefore do not have flexibility, and may not be applicable to applications where bending is required. The present inventors have conducted extensive research to solve the above problems, and as a result have found that by using a dielectric material with precisely controlled density, dielectric constant, and dielectric loss, it is possible to obtain a flexible waveguide that suppresses a decrease in the transmission efficiency of electrical signals even in high frequency bands such as microwaves and that has improved flexibility, and have completed the present invention.

[0011] That is, the flexible waveguide according to this embodiment is as follows.

[0012] A flexible waveguide comprising a rod-shaped dielectric and a conductor covering an outer surface of the dielectric, A flexible waveguide, wherein the dielectric satisfies the following (a) and (b): (a) Density is 1.50 g / cm 3 below (b) The relative permittivity measured at a frequency of 10 GHz is 2.3 or less, and the dielectric loss measured at a frequency of 10 GHz is 0.0013 or less.

[0013] Furthermore, Patent Document 1 lists polyethylene fluoride fibers as an example of a flexible dielectric material. According to the findings of the present inventors, polyethylene fluoride fibers, which have been exemplified as materials for conventional flexible dielectrics, have a high specific gravity as a polymer material, and furthermore have the problem that they are difficult to mold using processing equipment such as an extruder that is typically used for processing polymer materials. The flexible waveguide according to this embodiment can be easily manufactured using ordinary equipment such as an extruder, and the low specific gravity allows for a lightweight flexible waveguide to be obtained. Furthermore, when the conductor is formed by metal plating, the plating solution penetrates more easily than when polyethylene fluoride fibers are used as the dielectric, allowing for a flexible waveguide that is easy to manufacture.

[0014] Each component according to this embodiment will be described in more detail below.

[0015] <Dielectric> The dielectric material used in the flexible waveguide according to this embodiment has a rod-like shape. Here, the rod-like shape includes elongated shapes such as rods, sticks, and bars, regardless of length, and also includes linear and wire-like shapes with a small cross-sectional area. Furthermore, the cross section of the dielectric may be of various shapes such as a circle, an ellipse, a rectangle, or an irregular shape. The shape and cross-sectional shape of the dielectric material used in the flexible waveguide according to this embodiment can be appropriately selected depending on the application of the flexible waveguide according to this embodiment.

[0016] The density of the dielectric material according to this embodiment is 1.50 g / cm 3 or less, but preferably 1.30 g / cm 3 or less, more preferably 1.20 g / cm 3 or less, more preferably 1.10 g / cm 3 More preferably, 1.00 g / cm or less 3 or less, more preferably 0.90 g / cm 3 or less, more preferably 0.85 g / cm 3 or less, more preferably 0.80 g / cm 3 or less, more preferably 0.70 g / cm 3or less, more preferably 0.65 g / cm 3 When the density of the dielectric is equal to or less than the above upper limit, the flexible waveguide becomes lightweight, and the handling and installation properties of the flexible waveguide become better. The lower limit of the density of the dielectric body according to this embodiment is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 0.01 g / cm 3 That's all.

[0017] The dielectric constant of the dielectric according to this embodiment, measured at a frequency of 10 GHz, is 2.3 or less, preferably 2.2 or less, more preferably 2.1 or less, even more preferably 2.0 or less, still more preferably 1.9 or less, even more preferably 1.8 or less, and still more preferably 1.7 or less. When the dielectric constant of the dielectric is equal to or less than the above upper limit, the transmission efficiency of electric signals becomes good even in high frequency bands such as microwaves, millimeter waves, and terahertz waves. The lower limit of the relative dielectric constant of the dielectric material according to this embodiment is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 0 or more.

[0018] The dielectric loss of the dielectric according to this embodiment, measured at a frequency of 10 GHz, is 0.0013 or less, preferably 0.0012 or less, more preferably 0.0011 or less, even more preferably 0.0010 or less, even more preferably 0.0009 or less, even more preferably 0.0007 or less, even more preferably 0.0005 or less, and even more preferably 0.0004 or less. When the dielectric loss of the dielectric is equal to or less than the upper limit, the transmission efficiency of electric signals becomes good even in high frequency bands such as microwaves, millimeter waves, and terahertz waves. The lower limit of the dielectric loss of the dielectric material according to this embodiment is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 0 or more.

[0019] The dielectric according to this embodiment preferably has a fluorine atom content of 1% by mass or less, more preferably 0.5% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.1% by mass or less, when the entire dielectric is taken as 100% by mass. When the fluorine atom content of the dielectric is equal to or less than the above upper limit, the density of the dielectric can be reduced, and a flexible waveguide with good handleability and workability can be obtained, and the moldability of the dielectric is also improved. The lower limit of the fluorine atom content in the dielectric according to this embodiment is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 0% by mass or more. In this case, "0% by mass" also includes values ​​below the detection limit.

[0020] Examples of compounds used for such dielectrics include 4-methyl-1-pentene (co)polymers and cyclic olefin copolymers. The compounds used in the dielectric will be described in more detail below.

[0021] [4-methyl-1-pentene (co)polymer] A preferred example of the compound used in the dielectric according to this embodiment is a 4-methyl-1-pentene (co)polymer. The 4-methyl-1-pentene (co)polymer may be a 4-methyl-1-pentene polymer containing only structural units (P) derived from 4-methyl-1-pentene, or a 4-methyl-1-pentene copolymer having structural units (P) derived from 4-methyl-1-pentene and structural units (Q) derived from an α-olefin other than 4-methyl-1-pentene having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, in which the total of the structural units (P) derived from 4-methyl-1-pentene and the structural units (Q) derived from the α-olefin other than 4-methyl-1-pentene having 2 to 20 carbon atoms is 100 mol %.

[0022] Examples of the α-olefins having 2 to 20 carbon atoms other than 4-methyl-1-pentene include ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, 1-hexene, 1-octene, 1-decene, 1-tetradecene, 1-hexadecene, and 1-octadecene. The α-olefins are preferably ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, 1-hexene, 1-octene, 1-decene, 1-hexadecene, and 1-octadecene, and more preferably ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, 1-decene, 1-hexadecene, and 1-octadecene. The α-olefins may be used alone or in combination of two or more thereof.

[0023] The above 4-methyl-1-pentene (co)polymer preferably satisfies the following (i) and (ii). (i) 15 to 100 mol% of the structural unit (P) derived from 4-methyl-1-pentene (ii) The content of structural units (Q) derived from at least one selected from α-olefins having 2 to 20 carbon atoms (excluding 4-methyl-1-pentene) is 0 to 85 mol %. When the amount of the constituent units is within the above range, the dielectric can be easily obtained by a conventional molding method such as extrusion molding, and a flexible waveguide with a low specific gravity, light weight, and low cost can be obtained. Furthermore, when the conductor is formed by metal plating, the plating solution easily penetrates, making it possible to provide an inexpensive flexible waveguide that is easy to manufacture.

[0024] A more preferred first embodiment of the 4-methyl-1-pentene (co)polymer is a 4-methyl-1-pentene (co)polymer that satisfies the following (iii) to (v). (iii) 60 to 100 mol% of the structural unit (P) derived from 4-methyl-1-pentene (iv) The content of structural units (Q) derived from at least one selected from α-olefins having 2 to 20 carbon atoms (excluding 4-methyl-1-pentene) is 0 to 40 mol %. (v) The melting point (Tm) measured by DSC is in the range of 200 to 250°C.

[0025] In the first embodiment of the 4-methyl-1-pentene (co)polymer, the structural unit (P) derived from 4-methyl-1-pentene is preferably 60 to 100 mol %, more preferably 70 to 99 mol %, even more preferably 80 to 98 mol %, and particularly preferably 90 to 95 mol %. In addition, in the first embodiment of the 4-methyl-1-pentene (co)polymer, the structural unit (Q) derived from at least one selected from α-olefins having 2 to 20 carbon atoms (excluding 4-methyl-1-pentene) is preferably 0 to 40 mol %, more preferably 1 to 30 mol %, even more preferably 2 to 20 mol %, and particularly preferably 5 to 10 mol %. Furthermore, in the first embodiment of the 4-methyl-1-pentene (co)polymer, the melting point (Tm) measured by DSC is preferably 200 to 250°C, more preferably 205 to 245°C, even more preferably 210 to 240°C, and particularly preferably 220 to 235°C. When the amount of the constituent units and the melting point (Tm) are within the above ranges, the dielectric can be easily obtained by a conventional molding method such as extrusion molding, and a flexible waveguide with a low specific gravity, light weight, and low cost can be obtained. Furthermore, when the conductor is formed by metal plating, the plating solution easily penetrates, making it possible to provide an easy-to-manufacture, low-cost flexible waveguide.

[0026] In the first embodiment of the 4-methyl-1-pentene (co)polymer, the α-olefin having 2 to 20 carbon atoms other than 4-methyl-1-pentene is preferably ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, 1-hexene, 1-octene, 1-decene, 1-tetradecene, 1-hexadecene, or 1-octadecene, more preferably 1-hexene, 1-octene, 1-decene, 1-hexadecene, or 1-octadecene, and particularly preferably 1-hexadecene or 1-octadecene. The α-olefins may be used alone or in combination of two or more thereof. Such 4-methyl-1-pentene·α-olefin copolymers are available from Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. as TPX (registered trademark) RT18, RT31, DX845, DX231, DX350, DX820, MX004, MX002, MX002O, DX310, and the like.

[0027] A second more preferred embodiment of the 4-methyl-1-pentene (co)polymer is a 4-methyl-1-pentene / α-olefin copolymer (A) that satisfies the following (vi) to (viii): (vi) 15 to 99 mol% of the structural unit (P) derived from 4-methyl-1-pentene (vii) The structural unit (Q) derived from at least one selected from α-olefins having 2 to 20 carbon atoms (excluding 4-methyl-1-pentene) accounts for 1 to 85 mol %. (viii) The melting point (Tm) measured by DSC is less than 200°C or no melting point is observed.

[0028] In the second embodiment of the 4-methyl-1-pentene (co)polymer, the structural unit (P) derived from 4-methyl-1-pentene is preferably 15 to 99 mol %, more preferably 30 to 99 mol %, even more preferably 50 to 98 mol %, and particularly preferably 70 to 95 mol %. In the second embodiment of the 4-methyl-1-pentene (co)polymer, the structural unit (Q) derived from at least one selected from α-olefins having 2 to 20 carbon atoms (excluding 4-methyl-1-pentene) is 1 to 85 mol %, preferably 1 to 70 mol %, even more preferably 2 to 50 mol %, and particularly preferably 5 to 30 mol %. Furthermore, in the second form of the 4-methyl-1-pentene (co)polymer, the melting point (Tm) measured by DSC is preferably less than 200°C or no melting point is observed, more preferably less than 150°C or no melting point is observed, even more preferably less than 135°C or no melting point is observed, and particularly preferably no melting point is observed. When the amount of the constituent units and the melting point (Tm) are within the above ranges, the dielectric can be easily obtained by a conventional molding method such as extrusion molding, and a flexible waveguide with a low specific gravity, light weight, and low cost can be obtained. Furthermore, when the conductor is formed by metal plating, the plating solution easily penetrates, making it possible to provide an easy-to-manufacture, low-cost flexible waveguide.

[0029] In the second embodiment of the 4-methyl-1-pentene (co)polymer, the α-olefin having 2 to 20 carbon atoms other than 4-methyl-1-pentene is preferably ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, 1-hexene, 1-octene, 1-decene, 1-tetradecene, 1-hexadecene, or 1-octadecene, more preferably ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, 1-hexene, or 1-octene, and particularly preferably ethylene or propylene. The α-olefins may be used alone or in combination of two or more thereof.

[0030] In this case, the first and second forms may be used alone, or they may be used in combination, or they may be used in combination with other compounds.

[0031] The dielectric according to this embodiment preferably contains the above-mentioned 4-methyl-1-pentene (co)polymer and a thermoplastic resin (excluding 4-methyl-1-pentene (co)polymer) or an elastomer, and the content of the above-mentioned thermoplastic resin or elastomer in the dielectric is preferably 1 part by mass or more and 50 parts by mass or less (however, the total amount of the 4-methyl-1-pentene (co)polymer and the thermoplastic resin or elastomer is 100 parts by mass).

[0032] (4-methyl-1-pentene-α-olefin copolymer) The 4-methyl-1-pentene-α-olefin copolymer in this embodiment has structural units (P) derived from 4-methyl-1-pentene and structural units (Q) derived from an α-olefin other than 4-methyl-1-pentene and having from 2 to 20 carbon atoms, and is a 4-methyl-1-pentene copolymer in which the structural units (P) derived from 4-methyl-1-pentene and the structural units (Q) derived from an α-olefin other than 4-methyl-1-pentene and having from 2 to 20 carbon atoms account for 100 mol % in total. The 4-methyl-1-pentene-α-olefin copolymer preferably contains 15 to 99 mol % of structural units (P) derived from 4-methyl-1-pentene and 1 to 85 mol % of structural units (Q) derived from at least one α-olefin having 2 to 20 carbon atoms (excluding 4-methyl-1-pentene).

[0033] The proportion of structural units (P) derived from 4-methyl-1-pentene is preferably 15 to 99 mol %, more preferably 30 to 99 mol %, even more preferably 50 to 98 mol %, and particularly preferably 70 to 95 mol %. The proportion of the structural unit (Q) derived from an α-olefin is preferably 1 to 85 mol %, more preferably 1 to 70 mol %, even more preferably 2 to 50 mol %, and particularly preferably 5 to 30 mol %.

[0034] When the proportion of the structural units (P) and (Q) is equal to or greater than the lower limit, the flexibility and lightness of a flexible waveguide using the dielectric are improved, and when the proportion of the structural units (P) and (Q) is equal to or less than the upper limit, the flexibility and lightness of a flexible waveguide using the dielectric are also improved. In other words, by precisely controlling the proportions of the structural units (P) and (Q), the flexible waveguide according to the present invention can achieve a better balance between flexibility and light weight.

[0035] Examples of the α-olefin from which the structural unit (Q) is derived include linear α-olefins having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably 2 to 15 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 10 carbon atoms, such as ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-octene, 1-decene, 1-undecene, 1-dodecene, 1-tetradecene, 1-hexadecene, 1-octadecene, and 1-eicosene; and branched α-olefins having 5 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably 5 to 15 carbon atoms, such as 3-methyl-1-butene, 3-methyl-1-pentene, 3-ethyl-1-pentene, 4,4-dimethyl-1-pentene, 4-methyl-1-hexene, 4,4-dimethyl-1-hexene, 4-ethyl-1-hexene, and 3-ethyl-1-hexene. Of these, ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, and 1-octene are preferred, with propylene being particularly preferred.

[0036] (thermoplastic resin or elastomer) The thermoplastic resin or elastomer (hereinafter also referred to as "resin or elastomer") is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include the following resins and rubbers.

[0037] Thermoplastic polyolefin resins (excluding the above-mentioned 4-methyl-1-pentene (co)polymers), specifically, low-density, medium-density, and high-density polyethylene, high-pressure low-density polyethylene, isotactic polypropylene, syndiotactic polypropylene, poly-1-butene, poly-4-methyl-1-pentene, and poly-3-methyl-1-butene; Thermoplastic polyamide resins, specifically aliphatic polyamides (nylon 6, nylon 11, nylon 12, nylon 66, nylon 610, nylon 612); Thermoplastic polyester resins, specifically, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyester elastomers; Thermoplastic vinyl aromatic resins, specifically polystyrene, ABS resin, AS resin, styrene elastomers (styrene-butadiene-styrene block polymers, styrene-isoprene-styrene block polymers, styrene-isobutylene-styrene block polymers, and hydrogenated versions of the aforementioned); Thermoplastic polyurethanes;Vinyl chloride resins;Vinylidene chloride resins;Acrylic resins;Ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers;Ethylene-methacrylic acid acrylate copolymers;Ionomers;Ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers;Polyvinyl alcohol;Fluorocarbonate resins;Polyacetals;Polyphenylene oxides;Polyphenylene sulfide polyimides;Polyarylates;Polysulfones;Polyethersulfones;Rosin resins;Terpene resins;Petroleum resins; Olefin-based thermoplastic elastomers, specifically, ethylene-α-olefin copolymers, propylene-α-olefin copolymers, 1-butene-α-olefin copolymers, cyclic olefin copolymers, and chlorinated polyolefins; Examples of copolymer elastomers include ethylene-α-olefin-diene copolymer, propylene-α-olefin-diene copolymer, 1-butene-α-olefin-diene copolymer, polybutadiene rubber, polyisoprene rubber, neoprene rubber, nitrile rubber, butyl rubber, halogenated butyl rubber, polyisobutylene rubber, natural rubber, and silicone rubber.

[0038] These thermoplastic resins and elastomers may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0039] Among these, low-density, medium-density, high-density polyethylene, high-pressure low-density polyethylene, isotactic polypropylene, syndiotactic polypropylene, poly-1-butene, poly-4-methyl-1-pentene, poly-3-methyl-1-butene, ethylene-α-olefin copolymer, propylene-α-olefin copolymer, 1-butene-α-olefin copolymer, polystyrene, styrene-based elastomer, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene-methacrylic acid acrylate copolymer, ionomer, fluorine-based resin, rosin-based resin, terpene-based resin and petroleum resin, ethylene-α-olefin-diene copolymer, propylene-α-olefin-diene copolymer, 1-butene-α-olefin-diene copolymer, polybutadiene rubber, polyisoprene, Preferred are isotactic polypropylene, poly-1-butene, poly-4-methyl-1-pentene, ethylene-α-olefin copolymer, propylene-α-olefin copolymer, 1-butene-α-olefin copolymer, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, styrene-based elastomer, rosin-based resin, terpene-based resin, petroleum resin, ethylene-α-olefin-diene copolymer, propylene-α-olefin-diene copolymer, 1-butene-α-olefin-diene copolymer, polybutadiene rubber, polyisoprene rubber, neoprene rubber, nitrile rubber, butyl rubber, polyisobutylene rubber, and silicone rubber, and more preferred forms include isotactic polypropylene, poly-1-butene, poly-4-methyl-1-pentene, ethylene-α-olefin copolymer, propylene-α-olefin copolymer, 1-butene-α-olefin-diene copolymer, styrene-based elastomer, rosin-based resin, terpene-based resin, petroleum resin, ethylene-α-olefin-diene copolymer, propylene-α-olefin-diene copolymer, 1-butene-α-olefin-diene copolymer, polybutadiene rubber, polyisoprene rubber, neoprene rubber, nitrile rubber, butyl rubber, polyisobutylene rubber, and silicone rubber.

[0040] Examples of the rosin-based resin include natural rosin, polymerized rosin, modified rosin modified with maleic acid, fumaric acid, (meth)acrylic acid, etc., and rosin derivatives. Examples of the rosin derivatives include esters of the natural rosin, polymerized rosin, or modified rosin, phenol-modified products, and esters thereof. Furthermore, hydrogenated products of these products can also be used.

[0041] Examples of the terpene resin include resins made of α-pinene, β-pinene, limonene, dipentene, terpene phenols, terpene alcohols, terpene aldehydes, etc., and aromatic-modified terpene resins obtained by polymerizing aromatic monomers such as styrene, α-methylstyrene, and isopropenyl toluene with α-pinene, β-pinene, limonene, dipentene, etc. Hydrogenated products of these resins can also be used.

[0042] Examples of the petroleum resins include aliphatic petroleum resins made primarily from the C5 fraction of tar naphtha, aromatic petroleum resins made primarily from the C9 fraction, and copolymerized petroleum resins thereof. Examples include C5 petroleum resins (resins obtained by polymerizing the C5 fraction of naphtha cracked oil), C9 petroleum resins (resins obtained by polymerizing the C9 fraction of naphtha cracked oil), C5C9 copolymer petroleum resins (resins obtained by copolymerizing the C5 and C9 fractions of naphtha cracked oil), styrene-α-methylstyrene copolymer petroleum resins, α-methylstyrene polymer petroleum resins, and isopropenyltoluene polymer petroleum resins. Other examples include coumarone-indene resins containing styrenes, indenes, coumarone, and dicyclopentadiene from tar naphtha fractions, alkylphenol resins such as the condensate of p-tert-butylphenol and acetylene, and xylene resins obtained by reacting o-xylene, p-xylene, or m-xylene with formalin.

[0043] Furthermore, one or more resins selected from the group consisting of rosin resins, terpene resins, and petroleum resins are preferably hydrogenated derivatives due to their excellent weather resistance and discoloration resistance. The softening point of the resins measured by the ring and ball method is preferably in the range of 40 to 180°C. The number average molecular weight (Mn) of the resins measured by GPC is preferably in the range of about 100 to 10,000.

[0044] As the one or more resins selected from the group consisting of rosin-based resins, terpene-based resins and petroleum resins, commercially available products may be used.

[0045] When the total amount of the 4-methyl-1-pentene (co)polymer and the resin or elastomer is taken as 100 parts by mass, the lower limit of the 4-methyl-1-pentene (co)polymer content in the composition is preferably 50 parts by mass, more preferably 55 parts by mass, and particularly preferably 60 parts by mass, and the upper limit of the 4-methyl-1-pentene (co)polymer content is preferably 99 parts by mass, more preferably 95 parts by mass, and particularly preferably 90 parts by mass.

[0046] [Cyclic olefin copolymer] A preferred example of the compound used in the dielectric according to this embodiment is a cyclic olefin copolymer containing a structure represented by the following general formula (2).

[0047] [ka]

[0048] In the general formula (2), x and y represent copolymerization ratios and are real numbers satisfying the relationship 0 / 100≦y / x≦95 / 5. x and y are expressed on a molar basis. n represents the number of substituents Q and is a real number satisfying the relationship 0≦n≦2. R a R is a 2+n valent group selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbon groups having 2 to 20 carbon atoms. b R is a hydrogen atom or a monovalent group selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbon groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. c is a tetravalent group selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbon groups having 2 to 10 carbon atoms. d (Rd is a hydrogen atom or a monovalent group selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbon groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms.) R a , R b , R c and Q may each be one type, or may have two or more types in any ratio.

[0049] In addition, in the general formula (2), R ais preferably one or more divalent groups selected from hydrocarbon groups having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, more preferably a divalent group represented by general formula (3) when n=0, and most preferably a divalent group in which p is 0 or 1 in the following general formula (3). a The structure may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0050] [ka]

[0051] Here, in the general formula (3), p is an integer of 0 to 2. In addition, in the general formula (2), R b Examples of the alkyl group include a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, an i-propyl group, an n-butyl group, and a 2-methylpropyl group, but a hydrogen atom and / or a methyl group is preferred, and a hydrogen atom is most preferred.

[0052] In addition, in the above general formula (2), examples of the divalent group represented by the following general formula (A) when n=0 include groups represented by the following general formulas (4) to (6).

[0053] [ka]

[0054] [ka]

[0055] In general formulas (4) to (6), R a is as mentioned above. Furthermore, the type of polymerization is not limited in any way in this embodiment, and various known polymerization types such as addition polymerization and ring-opening polymerization can be applied. Examples of addition polymerization include random copolymers, block copolymers, and alternating copolymers. In this embodiment, it is preferable to use a random copolymer from the viewpoint of improving the flexibility and light weight of a flexible waveguide using the above-mentioned dielectric. When the resin used as the main component has the structure described above, the flexibility and lightness of the flexible waveguide using the dielectric are improved, and a flexible waveguide with good handling and installation properties can be obtained.

[0056] (Examples of polymers containing an alicyclic structure in at least some of the repeating structural units) Polymers represented by the above general formula (2) can be broadly classified into the following four types of polymers (W) to (Z). (W) Copolymer of ethylene or α-olefin with cyclic olefin (X) Ring-opening polymer or its hydrogenated product (Y) Vinyl alicyclic hydrocarbon polymer (Z) Other polymers The following explains each in order.

[0057] ((W) Copolymer of ethylene or α-olefin and cyclic olefin) (W) The copolymer of ethylene or α-olefin and cyclic olefin is a cyclic olefin copolymer represented by general formula (7), which, for example, comprises structural units derived from ethylene or a linear or branched α-olefin having 3 to 30 carbon atoms and structural units derived from a cyclic olefin.

[0058] [ka]

[0059] In general formula (7), R a is a divalent group selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbon groups having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably 2 to 12 carbon atoms. Rb is a hydrogen atom or a monovalent group selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbon groups having 1 to 28 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 1 to 5 carbon atoms. In addition, R a and R b may each be one type, or two or more types may be present in any ratio.

[0060] x and y represent copolymerization ratios and are real numbers satisfying 5 / 95≦y / x≦95 / 5, preferably 50 / 50≦y / x≦95 / 5, and more preferably 55 / 45≦y / x≦80 / 20. x and y are on a molar basis.

[0061] (Structural units derived from ethylene or α-olefins) The structural unit derived from ethylene or an α-olefin is a structural unit derived from ethylene or a linear or branched α-olefin having 3 to 30 carbon atoms, as shown below.

[0062] Specific examples include ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 3-methyl-1-butene, 3-methyl-1-pentene, 3-ethyl-1-pentene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, 4-methyl-1-hexene, 4,4-dimethyl-1-hexene, 4,4-dimethyl-1-pentene, 4-ethyl-1-hexene, 3-ethyl-1-hexene, 1-octene, 1-decene, 1-dodecene, 1-tetradecene, 1-hexadecene, 1-octadecene, and 1-eicosene. Among these, ethylene is preferred. Two or more of these ethylene- or α-olefin-derived structural units may be contained within a range that does not impair the effects of the present invention.

[0063] (Structural units derived from cyclic olefins) The cyclic olefin-derived structural unit is at least one selected from the group consisting of cyclic olefin-derived structural units represented by the following general formula (8), general formula (9) and general formula (10). The cyclic olefin represented by the general formula (8) has the following structure:

[0064] [ka]

[0065] In general formula (8), u is 0 or 1, v is 0 or a positive integer, and w is 0 or 1. When w is 1, the ring represented by w is a 6-membered ring, and when w is 0, the ring is a 5-membered ring. R 61 ~R 78 and R a1 and R b1 may be the same or different and are a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a hydrocarbon group.

[0066] The halogen atom is a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, or an iodine atom. The hydrocarbon group typically includes an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a halogenated alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group having 3 to 15 carbon atoms, or an aromatic hydrocarbon group.

[0067] More specifically, examples of alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, amyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, dodecyl, and octadecyl. Examples of halogenated alkyl groups include the above-mentioned alkyl groups having 1 to 20 carbon atoms substituted with one or more halogen atoms. Examples of cycloalkyl groups include cyclohexyl, and examples of aromatic hydrocarbon groups include phenyl and naphthyl.

[0068] Furthermore, in the general formula (8), R 75 and R 76 But, R 77 and R 78 But, R 75 and R 77 But, R 76 and R 78 But, R 75 and R 78 Toga or R 76 and R 77and may be bonded to each other, i.e., may cooperate with each other to form a monocyclic or polycyclic group. Furthermore, the monocyclic or polycyclic group thus formed may have a double bond. Specific examples of the monocyclic or polycyclic group formed here include the following:

[0069] [ka]

[0070] In the above examples, the carbon atoms numbered 1 or 2 correspond to R 75 (R 76 ) or R 77 (R 78 ) represents the carbon atom to which it is attached.

[0071] R 75 and R 76 and, or R 77 and R 78 and the like may form an alkylidene group. This alkylidene group usually has 2 to 20 carbon atoms. Specific examples of the alkylidene group include ethylidene, propylidene, and isopropylidene.

[0072] The cyclic olefin represented by the general formula (9) has the following structure:

[0073] [ka]

[0074] In the general formula (9), x and d are 0 or a positive integer of 1 or more, and y and z are 0, 1, or 2. 81 ~R 99 may be the same or different and are a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an aliphatic hydrocarbon group, an aromatic hydrocarbon group, or an alkoxy group, and R 89 and R 90 and the carbon atom to which R is bonded. 93 or the carbon atom to which R is attached91 may be bonded directly or via an alkylene group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms. 95 and R 92 or R 95 and R 99 may be bonded to each other to form a monocyclic or polycyclic aromatic ring. Examples of the halogen atom include the same as the halogen atom in the above formula (8).

[0075] Examples of the aliphatic hydrocarbon group include alkyl groups having 1 to 20 carbon atoms and cycloalkyl groups having 3 to 15 carbon atoms. More specifically, examples of the alkyl group include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, amyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, dodecyl, and octadecyl. Examples of the cycloalkyl group include cyclohexyl.

[0076] Examples of the aromatic hydrocarbon group include an aryl group and an aralkyl group, and specific examples thereof include phenyl, tolyl, naphthyl, benzyl, and phenylethyl.

[0077] Examples of alkoxy groups include methoxy, ethoxy, and propoxy. 89 and R 90 and the carbon atom to which R is bonded. 93 or the carbon atom to which R is attached 91 may be bonded directly or via an alkylene group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms. That is, when the two carbon atoms are bonded via an alkylene group, R 89 and R 93 and, or, R 90 and R 91 and together form an alkylene group selected from the group consisting of a methylene group (-CH2-), an ethylene group (-CH2CH2-), or a propylene group (-CH2CH2CH2-).

[0078] Furthermore, when y=z=0, R 95 and R92 or R 95 and R 99 may be bonded to each other to form a monocyclic or polycyclic aromatic ring. Specifically, when y=z=0, R 95 and R 92 Examples of aromatic rings formed by the following include:

[0079] [ka]

[0080] l is the same as d in the above general formula (9). The cyclic olefin represented by the general formula (10) has the following structure:

[0081] [ka]

[0082] In general formula (10), R 100 and R 101 may be the same or different and are a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and f is 1≦f≦18. Preferred examples of the hydrocarbon group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms include an alkyl group, a halogenated alkyl group, and a cycloalkyl group. Specific examples of these include R in the above formula (8). 61 ~R 78 This is clear from the specific examples.

[0083] Specific examples of the cyclic olefin-derived structural unit (B) represented by the general formula (8), (9) or (10) include bicyclo-2-heptene derivatives (bicyclohept-2-ene derivatives), tricyclo-3-decene derivatives, tricyclo-3-undecene derivatives, tetracyclo-3-dodecene derivatives, pentacyclo-4-pentadecene derivatives, pentacyclopentadecadiene derivatives, pentacyclo-3-pentadecene derivatives, pentacyclo-4-hexadecene derivatives, pentacyclo-3-hexadecene derivatives, and hexacyclo-4-heptadecene derivatives. Examples of suitable cyclopentadiene-acenaphthylene derivatives include 1,4-methano-1,4,4a,9a-tetrahydrofluorene derivatives, 1,4-methano-1,4,4a,5,10,10a-hexahydroanthracene derivatives, and cycloalkylene derivatives having 3 to 20 carbon atoms.

[0084] Among the structural units (B) derived from cyclic olefins represented by the above general formula (8), (9) or (10), tetracyclo[4.4.0.1 2,5 .1 7,10 ]-3-dodecene derivatives, hexacyclo[6.6.1.1 3,6 .1 10,13 .0 2,7 .0 9,14 ]-4-heptadecene derivatives and derivatives of compounds represented by the following structures are exemplified as preferred embodiments.

[0085] 5-phenyl-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene

[0086] [ka]

[0087] 5-Methyl-5-phenyl-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene

[0088] [ka]

[0089] 5-Tolyl-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene

[0090] [ka]

[0091] 5-(Ethylphenyl)-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene

[0092] [ka]

[0093] 5-(Isopropylphenyl)-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene

[0094] [ka]

[0095] 5-(α-naphthyl)-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene

[0096] [ka]

[0097] 5-(biphenyl)-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene

[0098] [ka]

[0099] 5,6-(diphenyl)-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene

[0100] [ka]

[0101] 1,4-methano-1,4,4a,9a-tetrahydrofluorene

[0102] [ka]

[0103] 1,4-methano-1,4,4a,5,10,10a-hexahydroanthracene

[0104] [ka]

[0105] Cyclopentadiene-acenaphthylene adduct

[0106] [ka]

[0107] Cyclopentadiene-benzyne adduct

[0108] [ka]

[0109] benzonorbornadiene derivatives

[0110] [ka]

[0111] Particularly preferably, the cyclic olefin is a tetracyclo[4.4.0.1 2,5 .1 7,10]-3-dodecene, 1,4-methano-1,4,4a,9a-tetrahydrofluorene, cyclopentadiene-benzyne adduct and cyclopentadiene-acenaphthylene adduct, and most preferably tetracyclo[4.4.0.1 2,5 .1 7,10 ]-3-dodecene.

[0112] The cyclic olefins represented by the general formula (8) or (9) above can be produced by the Diels-Alder reaction of cyclopentadiene with olefins having the corresponding structures. Two or more types of structural units derived from the cyclic olefins represented by the general formulas (8), (9), or (10) may be contained. Furthermore, polymers using the above monomers can be modified as needed, thereby changing the structure of the structural units derived from the monomers. For example, hydrogenation treatment can convert benzene rings, etc., in the structural units derived from the monomers into cyclohexyl rings, depending on the conditions.

[0113] In this embodiment, the "(W) copolymer of ethylene or α-olefin and cyclic olefin" is a copolymer of ethylene and tetracyclo[4.4.0.1 2,5 .1 7,10 ]-3-dodecene is preferably a copolymer thereof.

[0114] Furthermore, the type of copolymerization is not limited in any way in this embodiment, and various known copolymerization types such as random copolymer, block copolymer, and alternating copolymerization can be applied, but a random copolymer is preferred.

[0115] ((X) Ring-opening polymer or hydrogenated product thereof) (X) The ring-opening polymer or its hydrogenated product is a cyclic olefin polymer containing a structural unit represented by general formula (5) among the structures given as preferred examples of general formula (2) above.

[0116] The cyclic olefin polymer may also have a polar group, such as a hydroxyl group, a carboxyl group, an alkoxy group, an epoxy group, a glycidyl group, an oxycarbonyl group, a carbonyl group, an amino group, or an ester group.

[0117] Cyclic olefin polymers are usually obtained by polymerizing cyclic olefins, specifically by ring-opening polymerization of alicyclic olefins. Cyclic olefin polymers having polar groups can be obtained, for example, by introducing a compound having a polar group into the cyclic olefin polymer by a modification reaction, or by copolymerizing a monomer having a polar group as a copolymerization component.

[0118] Specific examples of alicyclic olefins used to obtain cyclic olefin polymers include bicyclo[2.2.1]-hept-2-ene (common name: norbornene), 5-methyl-bicyclo[2.2.1]-hept-2-ene, 5,5-dimethyl-bicyclo[2.2.1]-hept-2-ene, 5-ethyl-bicyclo[2.2.1]-hept-2-ene, 5-butyl-bicyclo[2.2.1]-hept-2-ene, 5-hexyl-bicyclo[2.2.1]-hept-2-ene, 5-octyl-bicyclo[2.2.1]-hept-2-ene, and the like. 5-octadecyl-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene, 5-ethylidene-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene, 5-methylidene-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene, 5-vinyl-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene, 5-propenyl-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene, 5-methoxy-carbinyl-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene, 5-cyano-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene, 5-methyl-5-methoxycarbonyl ... Cyclo[2.2.1]-hept-2-ene, 5-ethoxycarbonyl-bicyclo[2.2.1]-hept-2-ene, bicyclo[2.2.1]-hept-5-enyl-2-methylpropionate, bicyclo[2.2.1]-hept-5-enyl-2-methyloctanate, bicyclo[2.2.1]-hept-2-ene-5,6-dicarboxylic anhydride, 5-hydroxymethylbicyclo[2.2.1]-hept-2-ene, 5,6-di(hydroxymethyl)-bicyclo[2.2.1]-hept-2-ene, 5-hydroxymethyl C-i-propylbicyclo[2.2.1]-hept-2-ene, 5,6-dicarboxy-bicyclo[2.2.1]-hept-2-ene, bicyclo[2.2.1]-hept-2-ene-5,6-dicarboxylic imide, 5-cyclopentyl-bicyclo[2.2.1]-hept-2-ene, 5-cyclohexyl-bicyclo[2.2.1]-hept-2-ene, 5-cyclohexenyl-bicyclo[2.2.1]-hept-2-ene, 5-phenyl-bicyclo[2.2.1]-hept-2-ene, tricyclo[4.3.0.1] 2,5 ]Deca-3,7-diene (common name: dicyclopentadiene), tricyclo[4.3.0.1 2,5]dec-3-ene, tricyclo[4.4.0.1 2,5 ]Undeca-3,7-diene, tricyclo[4.4.0.1 2,5 ]Undeca-3,8-diene, tricyclo[4.4.0.1 2,5 ]undec-3-ene, tetracyclo[7.4.0.1 10,13 .0 2,7 ]-trideca-2,4,6-11-tetraene (synonym: 1,4-methano-1,4,4a,9a-tetrahydrofluorene), tetracyclo[8.4.0.1 11,14 .0 3,8 ]-Tetradeca-3,5,7,12-11-tetraene (synonym: 1,4-methano-1,4,4a,5,10,10a-hexahydroanthracene), tetracyclo[4.4.0.1 2,5 .1 7,10 ]-dodec-3-ene (common name: tetracyclododecene), 8-methyl-tetracyclo[4.4.0.1 2,5 .1 7,10 ]-dodec-3-ene, 8-ethyl-tetracyclo[4.4.0.1 2,5 .1 7,10 ]-dodec-3-ene, 8-methylidene-tetracyclo[4.4.0.1 2,5 .1 7,10 ]-dodec-3-ene, 8-ethylidene-tetracyclo[4.4.0.1 2,5 .1 7,10 ]-dodec-3-ene, 8-vinyl-tetracyclo[4.4.0.1 2,5 .1 7,10 ]-dodec-3-ene, 8-propenyl-tetracyclo[4.4.0.1 2,5 .1 7,10 ]-dodec-3-ene, 8-methoxycarbonyl-tetracyclo[4.4.0.1 2,5 .1 7,10 ]-dodec-3-ene, 8-methyl-8-methoxycarbonyl-tetracyclo[4.4.0.1 2,5 .1 7,10 ]-dodec-3-ene, 8-hydroxymethyl-tetracyclo[4.4.0.1 2,5 .1 7,10 ]-dodec-3-ene, 8-carboxy-tetracyclo[4.4.0.1 2,5 .17,10 ]-dodec-3-ene, 8-cyclopentyl-tetracyclo[4.4.0.1 2,5 .1 7,10 ]-dodec-3-ene, 8-cyclohexyl-tetracyclo[4.4.0.1 2,5 .1 7,10 ]-dodec-3-ene, 8-cyclohexenyl-tetracyclo[4.4.0.1 2,5 .1 7,10 ]-dodec-3-ene, 8-phenyl-tetracyclo[4.4.0.1 2,5 .1 7,10 ]-dodec-3-ene, pentacyclo[6.5.1.1 3,6 .0 2,7 .0 9,13 ]-pentadeca-3,10-diene, pentacyclo[7.4.0.1 3,6 .1 10,13 .0 2,7 norbornene-based monomers such as 2-pentadeca-4,11-diene; monocyclic cycloalkenes such as cyclobutene, cyclopentene, cyclohexene, 3,4-dimethylcyclopentene, 3-methylcyclohexene, 2-(2-methylbutyl)-1-cyclohexene, cyclooctene, 3a,5,6,7a-tetrahydro-4,7-methano-1H-indene, and cycloheptene; vinyl alicyclic hydrocarbon-based monomers such as vinylcyclohexene and vinylcyclohexane; and alicyclic conjugated diene-based monomers such as cyclopentadiene and cyclohexadiene. The alicyclic olefins can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0119] Copolymerizable monomers can be copolymerized as needed. Specific examples include carbon-containing monomers such as ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 3-methyl-1-butene, 3-methyl-1-pentene, 3-ethyl-1-pentene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, 4-methyl-1-hexene, 4,4-dimethyl-1-hexene, 4,4-dimethyl-1-pentene, 4-ethyl-1-hexene, 3-ethyl-1-hexene, 1-octene, 1-decene, 1-dodecene, 1-tetradecene, 1-hexadecene, 1-octadecene, and 1-eicosene. Examples of the monomer include ethylene or α-olefins having 2 to 20 atoms; cycloolefins such as cyclobutene, cyclopentene, cyclohexene, 3,4-dimethylcyclopentene, 3-methylcyclohexene, 2-(2-methylbutyl)-1-cyclohexene, cyclooctene, and 3a,5,6,7a-tetrahydro-4,7-methano-1H-indene; and non-conjugated dienes such as 1,4-hexadiene, 4-methyl-1,4-hexadiene, 5-methyl-1,4-hexadiene, and 1,7-octadiene. These monomers can be used either alone or in combination of two or more.

[0120] The polymerization method of the alicyclic olefin is not particularly limited and can be carried out according to a known method. These ring-opening polymers are preferably used after hydrogenation in terms of stability, flexibility, and lightness. Known methods can be used as the hydrogenation method.

[0121] ((Y) Vinyl alicyclic hydrocarbon polymer) (Y) vinyl alicyclic hydrocarbon polymer is a hydrogenated product of a (co)polymer obtained using a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon compound as a monomer, or a (co)polymer obtained using a vinyl alicyclic hydrocarbon compound as a monomer. Examples of the vinyl compound include a vinyl aromatic compound and a vinyl alicyclic hydrocarbon compound.

[0122] Examples of the vinyl aromatic compound include styrenes such as styrene, α-methylstyrene, α-ethylstyrene, α-propylstyrene, α-isopropylstyrene, α-t-butylstyrene, 2-methylstyrene, 3-methylstyrene, 4-methylstyrene, 2,4-diisopropylstyrene, 2,4-dimethylstyrene, 4-t-butylstyrene, 5-t-butyl-2-methylstyrene, monochlorostyrene, dichlorostyrene, monofluorostyrene, and 4-phenylstyrene.

[0123] Examples of the vinyl alicyclic hydrocarbon compound include vinylcyclohexanes such as vinylcyclohexane and 3-methylisopropenylcyclohexane; and vinylcyclohexenes such as 4-vinylcyclohexene, 4-isopropenylcyclohexene, 1-methyl-4-vinylcyclohexene, 1-methyl-4-isopropenylcyclohexene, 2-methyl-4-vinylcyclohexene, and 2-methyl-4-isopropenylcyclohexene.

[0124] In this embodiment, other monomers copolymerizable with the above-mentioned monomers may be copolymerized. Examples of copolymerizable monomers include α-olefin monomers such as ethylene, propylene, isobutene, 2-methyl-1-butene, 2-methyl-1-pentene, and 4-methyl-1-pentene; cyclopentadiene monomers such as cyclopentadiene, 1-methylcyclopentadiene, 2-methylcyclopentadiene, 2-ethylcyclopentadiene, 5-methylcyclopentadiene, 5,5-dimethylcyclopentadiene, and dicyclopentadiene; monocyclic olefin monomers such as cyclobutene, cyclopentene, and cyclohexene; butadiene, isoprene, 1,3-pentadiene, furan, thiophene, and 1, Examples of the monomer include conjugated diene monomers such as 3-cyclohexadiene; nitrile monomers such as acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, and α-chloroacrylonitrile; (meth)acrylic acid ester monomers such as methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, propyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, propyl acrylate, and butyl acrylate; unsaturated fatty acid monomers such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, and maleic anhydride; phenylmaleimide; methyl vinyl ether; and heterocycle-containing vinyl compound monomers such as N-vinylcarbazole and N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone.

[0125] From the viewpoint of the flexibility, light weight, mechanical strength, etc. of a flexible waveguide using the dielectric, the mixture of monomers used in the polymerization preferably contains a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon compound and / or a vinyl alicyclic hydrocarbon compound in an amount of usually 50% by mass or more, preferably 70 to 100% by mass, and more preferably 80 to 100% by mass. The monomer mixture may contain both a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon compound and a vinyl alicyclic hydrocarbon compound.

[0126] The polymerization method of vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon compounds or vinyl alicyclic hydrocarbon compounds is not particularly limited and can be carried out according to known methods. (Co)polymers obtained from vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon compounds are preferably used as hydrogenated products in terms of stability, flexibility, and light weight. Known methods can be used as hydrogenation methods.

[0127] The hydrogenation rate of phenyl groups in the hydrogenated (co)polymer obtained from the vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon compound can be preferably 95% or more, more preferably 99% or more. By the hydrogenation treatment, the phenyl groups in the resin structure are hydrogenated to cyclohexyl groups.

[0128] ((Z) Other polymers) Examples of the (Z) other polymers include polymers of monocyclic cycloalkenes, polymers of alicyclic conjugated diene monomers, and aromatic olefin polymers, but even if the structure is not included in the above (W) to (Y), it can be arbitrarily selected within the scope of general formula (2). For example, the above (W) to (Y) can be copolymerized with each other, or with known copolymerizable monomers.

[0129] Furthermore, the type of copolymerization is not limited in any way in this embodiment, and various known copolymerization types such as random copolymer, block copolymer, and alternating copolymerization can be applied, but a random copolymer is preferred.

[0130] Of the four polymers broadly classified as (W) to (Z) above, the preferred polymers in terms of optical properties are (W) copolymers of ethylene or α-olefins with cycloolefins, and the most preferred among these are ethylene-tetracyclo[4.4.0.1 2,5 .1 7,10 ]-3-dodecene copolymer.

[0131] Another form of the dielectric that satisfies the above requirements is a dielectric that is (A) one or more olefin-derived repeating units represented by the following general formula (I), (B) a repeating unit derived from a cyclic non-conjugated diene represented by the following general formula (III), (C) one or more repeating units derived from cyclic olefins represented by the following general formula (V), The cyclic olefin copolymer has a crosslinkable group containing The cyclic olefin copolymer preferably has a content of repeating units (B) derived from a cyclic non-conjugated diene of 5 mol % or more and 36 mol % or less, when the total number of moles of repeating units in the cyclic olefin copolymer is taken as 100 mol %.

[0132] [ka]

[0133] In general formula (I), R 300 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched hydrocarbon group having 1 to 29 carbon atoms.

[0134] [ka]

[0135] In the general formula (III), u is 0 or 1, v is 0 or 1, w is 0 or 1, and R 61 ~R 76 and R a1 and R b1 may be the same or different and are a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a halogenated alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group having 3 to 15 carbon atoms, or an aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms; R 104 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, t is a positive integer of 0 to 10, and R 75 and R 76 may be bonded to each other to form a monocyclic or polycyclic ring.

[0136] [ka]

[0137] In general formula (V), u is 0 or 1, v is 0 or 1, w is 0 or 1, and R 61 ~R 78 and R a1 and R b1 may be the same or different and are a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a halogenated alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group having 3 to 15 carbon atoms, or an aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms; R 75 ~R 78 may be bonded to each other to form a monocyclic or polycyclic ring. However, when u and v are both 0, R 67 ~R 70 , R 75 ~R 78 At least one of the groups is a substituent other than a hydrogen atom.

[0138] In the above cyclic olefin copolymer, when the total number of moles of repeating units in the cyclic olefin copolymer is taken as 100 mol%, the content of repeating units (B) derived from a cyclic non-conjugated diene is preferably 5 mol% or more and 36 mol% or less, more preferably 10 mol% or more and 33 mol% or less, and even more preferably 20 mol% or more and 30 mol% or less. When the content of the repeating unit (B) derived from a cyclic non-conjugated diene is within the above range, the dielectric obtained from the cyclic olefin copolymer has excellent transmission efficiency of electric signals in high frequency bands such as microwaves, millimeter waves, and terahertz waves. Furthermore, the flexibility, light weight, and mechanical properties of a flexible waveguide using the dielectric are improved. Furthermore, when the content of the repeating unit (B) derived from a cyclic non-conjugated diene is not more than the above upper limit, the moldability and solubility of the cyclic olefin copolymer are improved, and the transmission efficiency of the dielectric in high frequency bands such as microwaves, millimeter waves, and terahertz waves is improved. When the content of the repeating unit (B) derived from a cyclic non-conjugated diene is not less than the above lower limit, the flexibility, light weight, and mechanical properties of a flexible waveguide using the dielectric are improved.

[0139] In the cyclic olefin copolymer, when the total number of moles of repeating units in the cyclic olefin copolymer is taken as 100 mol%, the content of olefin-derived repeating units (A) is preferably 20 mol% to 80 mol%, more preferably 30 mol% to 75 mol%, even more preferably 40 mol% to 70 mol%, and particularly preferably 50 mol% to 70 mol%; the content of cyclic non-conjugated diene-derived repeating units (B) is 5 mol% to 36 mol%, preferably 10 mol% to 33 mol%, more preferably 20 mol% to 30 mol%; and the content of cyclic olefin-derived repeating units (C) is preferably 1 mol% to 30 mol%, more preferably 5 mol% to 25 mol%, and even more preferably 7 mol% to 20 mol%. When the content of the repeating unit (B) derived from a cyclic non-conjugated diene is within the above range, the dielectric obtained from the cyclic olefin copolymer has excellent transmission efficiency of electric signals in high frequency bands such as microwaves, millimeter waves, and terahertz waves. Furthermore, the flexibility, light weight, and mechanical properties of a flexible waveguide using the dielectric are improved.

[0140] The olefin monomer, which is one of the copolymerization raw materials for the cyclic olefin copolymer, is a monomer that provides the skeleton represented by the above formula (I) through addition copolymerization, and is an olefin represented by the following general formula (Ia).

[0141] [ka]

[0142] In the above general formula (Ia), R 300represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched hydrocarbon group having 1 to 29 carbon atoms. Examples of the olefin represented by general formula (Ia) include ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 3-methyl-1-butene, 3-methyl-1-pentene, 3-ethyl-1-pentene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, 4-methyl-1-hexene, 4,4-dimethyl-1-hexene, 4,4-dimethyl-1-pentene, 4-ethyl-1-hexene, 3-ethyl-1-hexene, 1-octene, 1-decene, 1-dodecene, 1-tetradecene, 1-hexadecene, 1-octadecene, and 1-eicosene. From the viewpoint of obtaining a crosslinked product (Q) having better heat resistance, mechanical properties, dielectric properties, transparency, and gas barrier properties, ethylene and propylene are preferred, and ethylene is particularly preferred. Two or more types of olefin monomers represented by the above general formula (Ia) may be used.

[0143] The cyclic non-conjugated diene monomer, which is one of the copolymerization raw materials for the cyclic olefin copolymer, undergoes addition copolymerization to form the structural unit represented by the above formula (III). Specifically, the cyclic non-conjugated diene represented by the following general formula (IIIa), which corresponds to the above general formula (III), is used.

[0144] [ka]

[0145] In the above general formula (IIIa), u is 0 or 1, v is 0 or a positive integer, preferably an integer of 0 or more and 2 or less, more preferably 0 or 1, w is 0 or 1, and R 61 ~R 76 and R a1 and R b1 may be the same or different and are a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a halogenated alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group having 3 to 15 carbon atoms, or an aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms; R 104is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, t is a positive integer of 0 to 10, and R 75 and R 76 may be bonded to each other to form a monocyclic or polycyclic ring.

[0146] The cyclic non-conjugated diene represented by the general formula (IIIa) is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include cyclic non-conjugated dienes represented by the following chemical formulas: 5-vinyl-2-norbornene, 8-vinyl-9-methyltetracyclo[4.4.0.1] 2,5 .1 7,10 ]-3-dodecene is preferred, and 5-vinyl-2-norbornene is particularly preferred.

[0147] [ka]

[0148] [ka]

[0149] The cyclic non-conjugated diene represented by the above general formula (IIIa) can also be specifically represented by the following general formula (IIIb).

[0150] [ka]

[0151] In general formula (IIIb), n is an integer of 0 to 10, and R 1 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and R 2 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms.

[0152] The cyclic olefin copolymer of the present embodiment is characterized in that it contains a structural unit derived from a cyclic non-conjugated diene represented by general formula (III), and thus has a double bond in the side chain portion, i.e., in the portion other than the main chain of the copolymer.

[0153] The cyclic olefin monomer, which is one of the copolymerization raw materials for the cyclic olefin copolymer, undergoes addition copolymerization to form the constitutional unit represented by the above general formula (V). Specifically, the cyclic olefin monomer represented by the following general formula (Va), which corresponds to the above general formula (V), is used.

[0154] [ka]

[0155] In the above general formula (Va), u is 0 or 1, v is 0 or a positive integer, preferably an integer of 0 or more and 2 or less, more preferably 0 or 1, w is 0 or 1, and R 61 ~R 78 and R a1 and R b1 may be the same or different and are a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a halogenated alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group having 3 to 15 carbon atoms, or an aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms; R 75 ~R 78 may be bonded to each other to form a monocyclic or polycyclic ring.

[0156] Specific examples of the cyclic olefin represented by the above general formula (Va) include the compounds described in WO 2006 / 118261. Examples of the cyclic olefin represented by the general formula (Va) include bicyclo[2.2.1]-2-heptene (also called norbornene), tetracyclo[4.4.0.1 2,5 .1 7,10 ]-3-dodecene (also called tetracyclododecene) is preferred, and tetracyclo[4.4.0.1 2,5 .1 7,10 These cyclic olefins have the advantage that the modulus of elasticity of the copolymer and crosslinked product is easily maintained because they have a rigid ring structure, and that crosslinking can be easily controlled because they do not contain a heterogeneous double bond structure.

[0157] By using the olefin monomer represented by the general formula (Ia) and the cyclic olefin represented by the general formula (Va) as the copolymerization components, the solubility of the cyclic olefin copolymer in solvents is further improved, resulting in good moldability.

[0158] The cyclic olefin copolymer may be composed of (A) repeating units derived from one or more olefins represented by general formula (I), (B) repeating units derived from a cyclic non-conjugated diene represented by general formula (III), and (C) repeating units derived from one or more cyclic olefins represented by general formula (V), as well as repeating units derived from a cyclic olefin other than the cyclic non-conjugated diene represented by general formula (III) and the cyclic olefin represented by general formula (V), and / or a chain polyene. In this case, as copolymerization raw materials for the cyclic olefin copolymer, in addition to the olefin monomer represented by general formula (Ia), the cyclic non-conjugated diene monomer represented by general formula (IIIa), and the cyclic olefin monomer represented by general formula (Va), cyclic olefin monomers other than the cyclic non-conjugated diene monomer represented by general formula (IIIa) and the cyclic olefin monomer represented by general formula (Va), and / or chain polyene monomers can be used. Such cyclic olefin monomers and linear polyene monomers are cyclic olefins represented by the following general formula (VIa) or (VIIa), or linear polyenes represented by the following general formula (VIIIa): Two or more different types of these cyclic olefins or linear polyenes may be used.

[0159] [ka]

[0160] In general formula (VIa), x and d are 0 or an integer of 1 or more, preferably an integer of 0 or more and 2 or less, more preferably 0 or 1, y and z are 0, 1, or 2, and R 81 ~R 99may be the same or different and are a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an aliphatic hydrocarbon group which is an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms or a cycloalkyl group having 3 to 15 carbon atoms, an aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group; R 89 and R 90 and the carbon atom to which R is bonded. 93 or the carbon atom to which R is attached 91 may be bonded directly or via an alkylene group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and when y=z=0, R 95 and R 92 or R 95 and R 99 may be bonded to each other to form a monocyclic or polycyclic aromatic ring.

[0161] [ka]

[0162] In general formula (VIIa), R 100 and R 101 may be the same or different and represent a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and f is 1≦f≦18.

[0163] [ka]

[0164] In general formula (VIIIa), R 201 From R 206 may be the same or different and are each a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and P is a linear or branched hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, which may contain a double bond and / or a triple bond.

[0165] Specific examples of the cyclic olefins represented by general formula (VIa) and general formula (VIIa) include the compounds described in paragraphs 0037 to 0063 of WO 2006 / 118261.

[0166] Specific examples of the chain polyene represented by general formula (VIIIa) include 1,4-hexadiene, 3-methyl-1,4-hexadiene, 4-methyl-1,4-hexadiene, 5-methyl-1,4-hexadiene, 4,5-dimethyl-1,4-hexadiene, 7-methyl-1,6-octadiene, DMDT, 1,3-butadiene, 1,5-hexadiene, etc. Cyclizable polyenes cyclized from polyenes such as 1,3-butadiene and 1,5-hexadiene may also be used.

[0167] When the cyclic olefin copolymer contains a structural unit derived from a chain polyene represented by the general formula (VIIIa) above, or a structural unit derived from a cyclic olefin other than the cyclic non-conjugated diene represented by the general formula (III) and the cyclic olefin represented by the general formula (V) [for example, general formula (VIa) or general formula (VIIa)], the content of the structural unit is usually 0.1 to 100 mol %, and preferably 0.1 to 50 mol %, based on the total molar number of repeating units derived from one or more olefins represented by the general formula (I) above, repeating units derived from one or more cyclic non-conjugated dienes represented by the general formula (III) above, and repeating units derived from one or more cyclic olefins represented by the general formula (V) above.

[0168] By using the olefin monomer represented by the general formula (I), the cyclic olefin represented by the general formula (VIa) or (VIIa), and the linear polyene represented by the general formula (VIIIa) as copolymerization components, the effects of this embodiment can be obtained, and the solubility of the cyclic olefin copolymer in solvents is further improved, resulting in good moldability. Among these, the cyclic olefin represented by the general formula (VIa) or (VIIa) is preferred. These cyclic olefins have the advantage that the elastic modulus of the copolymer and crosslinked product is easily maintained because they have a rigid ring structure, and that the absence of heterogeneous double bond structures makes it easy to control crosslinking.

[0169] The dielectric used in the flexible waveguide according to this embodiment is preferably in the form of a foam, which allows the flexible waveguide to be lightweight while maintaining the transmission efficiency of electrical signals even in high frequency bands such as microwaves, millimeter waves, and terahertz waves.

[0170] <Method of manufacturing dielectrics> The dielectric according to this embodiment can be obtained, for example, by molding a (co)polymer composition into a specific shape. Examples of the (co)polymer composition include a composition containing 4-methyl-1-pentene (co)polymer, and also include compositions whose constituent material is only one type of resin. The molding device and molding conditions are not particularly limited, and conventionally known molding devices and molding conditions can be used, but molding using an extrusion molding device is preferred. Examples of the molding method for the dielectric according to this embodiment include known thermoforming methods such as injection molding, extrusion molding (film / sheet extrusion, profile extrusion, fiber extrusion, strand extrusion, net extrusion, etc.), vacuum forming, blow molding, press molding, pressure molding, calendar molding, bead molding, batch foaming, injection foaming, extrusion foaming, press foaming, and foam blow molding. That is, examples of the dielectric according to this embodiment include injection molded products, extrusion molded products, vacuum molded products, blow molded products, press molded products, pressure molded products, calendar molded products, bead molded products, injection foamed products, extrusion foamed products, press foamed products, foam blow molded products, and batch foamed products. The dielectric material according to this embodiment is preferably an extrusion molded product or an injection molded product.

[0171] (Method for preparing (co)polymer composition) The composition according to the present embodiment can be prepared by mixing or melt-kneading the components using a dry blend, a tumbler mixer, a Banbury mixer, a single-screw extruder, a twin-screw extruder, a high-speed twin-screw extruder, a heat roll, or the like.

[0172] (Method of molding dielectric) The dielectric material according to this embodiment can be obtained by, for example, molding the composition into a specific shape using a molding device. When molding the dielectric material according to this embodiment, a foaming agent may be used, and examples of the foaming agent include chemical foaming agents and physical foaming agents. Examples of chemical foaming agents include sodium bicarbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, various carboxylates, sodium borohydride, azodicarboxamide, N,N-dinitrosopentamethylenetetramine, P,P-oxybis(benzenesulfonylhydrazide), azobisisobutyronitrile, paratoluenesulfonylhydrazide, sodium bicarbonate, and sodium citrate. Examples of physical foaming agents include carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and a mixture of carbon dioxide and nitrogen, and any of these can be supplied in the form of a gas, liquid, or supercritical state.

[0173] The chemical foaming agent is preferably blended with the composition to be uniformly mixed before being introduced into the extruder. When carbon dioxide is used as the physical foaming agent, it is preferable to inject the composition directly into the extruder after it has been kneaded and plasticized in the extruder.

[0174] The expansion ratio of the composition is not particularly limited, and can be determined appropriately taking into consideration the various physical properties of the resulting dielectric.

[0175] <conductor> The material of the conductor is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include conductors such as metals and compositions containing conductors. Examples of metals used for the conductor include, but are not limited to, copper, silver, gold, metal alloys, carbon, and the like.

[0176] The conductor is preferably any one selected from a metal coating, tape, fabric, and metal plating, but is not limited to these. The shape of the metal used for the conductor is not particularly limited, but examples include pin-like, wire-like, layer-like, particle-like, scale-like, fibrous, nanotube-like, and the like. The conductor preferably includes a metal layer portion disposed so as to cover the outer periphery of the inner dielectric, and the metal layer preferably has good electrical conductivity. Tape may be used as the conductor, and it is preferable to use a metal tape having a metal layer and a conductive adhesive layer. By using a metal tape, it is possible to adapt to bending without significantly changing the cross-sectional shape, to prevent a decrease in the transmission efficiency of electrical signals, and to improve adhesion. Furthermore, high-precision metal processing is not required, and it can be supplied at low manufacturing cost.

[0177] <Flexible waveguide 100> Here, the flexible waveguide 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0178] FIG. 1 shows an example of the structure of a flexible waveguide 100 according to this embodiment. A rod-shaped dielectric 110 is used as the conductor 120, which is formed by braiding a plurality of conductive, linear, flat foil threads around the rod-shaped dielectric 110 in the longitudinal direction (braided cord structure). A conductor of this structure is formed, for example, by bundling a plurality of thin metal wires with circular cross sections into a single thin metal wire strand, and then finishing the required number of strands into a braided cord structure. This structure allows the waveguide to adapt to bending without significantly changing its cross-sectional shape, and prevents a decrease in the transmission efficiency of electrical signals. Furthermore, high-precision metal processing is not required, allowing for low manufacturing costs.

[0179] 2 shows an example of the structure of a flexible waveguide 100 according to this embodiment. A rod-shaped dielectric 110 is configured so that a metal plating layer 130 is formed as a conductor 120 (plated structure). The effect of the plated structure is similar to that of the braided structure, but the step of finishing the thin metal wire strands into a braided structure can be performed in the electroplating step, which has the advantage of further reducing the number of manufacturing steps.

[0180] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these are merely examples of the present invention, and various other configurations can also be adopted.

[0181] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and modifications and improvements within the scope of achieving the object of the present invention are included in the present invention. [Example]

[0182] Next, the present invention will be specifically explained by way of examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0183] (material) Details of the materials used to fabricate the flexible waveguide are as follows:

[0184] Dielectric compound 1: 4-methyl-1-pentene-α-olefin copolymer (manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc., product name: MX004, content of structural units (P) derived from 4-methyl-1-pentene: 94 mol%, content of structural units (Q) derived from α-olefin: 6 mol%), melting point: 228°C, fluorine atom content: 0 mass%

[0185] Dielectric compound 2: 4-methyl-1-pentene / α-olefin copolymer (content of structural units (P) derived from 4-methyl-1-pentene: 72.5 mol%, content of structural units (Q) derived from α-olefin: 27.5 mol%), melting point: none (not observed), fluorine atom content: 0 mass% A 1.5 L stainless steel autoclave equipped with a stirrer and thoroughly purged with nitrogen was charged with 300 ml of n-hexane (dried over activated alumina under a dry nitrogen atmosphere) and 450 ml of 4-methyl-1-pentene at 23° C. 0.75 ml of a 1.0 mmol / ml toluene solution of triisobutylaluminum (TIBAL) was charged into the autoclave, and the stirrer was turned on. Next, the autoclave was heated until the internal temperature reached 60°C, and pressurized with propylene to a total pressure (gauge pressure) of 0.40 MPa.

[0186] Next, 0.34 ml of a toluene solution containing 1 mmol of methylaluminoxane (calculated as Al) and 0.01 mmol of diphenylmethylene(1-ethyl-3-t-butyl-cyclopentadienyl)(2,7-di-t-butyl-fluorenyl)zirconium dichloride, which had been prepared in advance, was injected into the autoclave with nitrogen pressure to initiate the polymerization reaction. During the polymerization reaction, the internal temperature of the autoclave was adjusted to 60°C.

[0187] Sixty minutes after the start of polymerization, 5 ml of methanol was injected into the autoclave with nitrogen to terminate the polymerization reaction, and the pressure inside the autoclave was then reduced to atmospheric pressure. After the pressure was reduced, acetone was added to the reaction solution while stirring the reaction solution, thereby obtaining a polymerization reaction product containing the solvent.

[0188] The resulting polymerization reaction product containing the solvent was then dried under reduced pressure at 100°C for 12 hours to obtain 36.9 g of powdered 4-methyl-1-pentene-α-olefin copolymer (dielectric compound 2).

[0189] Dielectric compounds 3: Ethylene and cyclic olefins (tetracyclo[4.4.0.1 2,5 .1 7,10 ]-3-dodecene) (manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc., compound represented by general formula (2), y / x=65 / 35), fluorine atom content: 0 mass%

[0190] Dielectric compound 4: cyclic olefin copolymer having a crosslinkable group (content of repeating units (A) derived from one or more olefins represented by general formula (I): 55.7 mol%, content of repeating units (B) derived from cyclic non-conjugated dienes represented by general formula (III): 8.6 mol%, content of repeating units (C) derived from one or more cyclic olefins represented by general formula (V): 35.7 mol%), fluorine atom content: 0 mass% Ethylene and tetracyclo[4.4.0.1] were continuously polymerized in a glass polymerization vessel (stirring speed: 1500 rpm) equipped with a stirring blade at 25°C and atmospheric pressure. 2,5 .1 7,10Terpolymerization of 4-dodecene and 5-vinyl-2-norbornene was carried out. Ethylene / hydrogen mixed gas was blown into the liquid phase from the side of the polymerization reactor, and a toluene solution of the transition metal compound (1) represented by the following chemical formula, synthesized by the method described below, was run at 0.032 mmol Ti / h, a toluene solution of methylaluminoxane was run at 20 mmol Al / h, and tetracyclo[4.4.0.1 2,5 .1 7,10 ]-3-dodecene was continuously fed at a rate of 139 mL / h, and a cyclohexane solution of 5-vinyl-2-norbornene and cyclohexane were fed at a rate of 1 L / h each (average residence time: 30 min). Two hours after the start of the raw material feed, sampling was performed at the specified time. The resulting polymerized solution was suspended in 1 L of water containing 20 mL of concentrated hydrochloric acid and stirred at 400 rpm for 30 minutes. The aqueous layer was removed, the solvent was distilled off, and the mixture was dried under reduced pressure at 130 °C for 10 hours to obtain a cyclic olefin copolymer with crosslinkable groups (dielectric compound 4).

[0191] [ka]

[0192] The transition metal compound (1) represented by the above chemical formula was synthesized by the following method. A 100 ml reactor, thoroughly purged with nitrogen, was charged with 30 ml of toluene, 1.98 g (10.0 mmol) of 4-t-butylaniline, 1.64 g (11.0 mmol) of 3-phenylsalicylaldehyde, and a small amount of p-toluenesulfonic acid as a catalyst, and the mixture was refluxed and stirred for 12 hours. After cooling to room temperature, the catalyst was removed by filtration, and the mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by recrystallization from methanol to obtain a recrystallized product. A 100 ml reactor, thoroughly purged with nitrogen, was charged with 1.65 g (5.00 mmol) of the above recrystallized material and 40 ml of anhydrous diethyl ether and cooled to -78°C. 3.14 ml of n-butyllithium (1.59 M n-hexane solution, 5.00 mmol) was added dropwise over 5 minutes, and the mixture was then slowly warmed to room temperature. After stirring at room temperature for 2.5 hours, the mixture was gradually added to a slurry of 2.50 ml of titanium tetrachloride toluene solution (1.00 M, 2.50 mmol) in anhydrous diethyl ether, which had been cooled to -78°C. After the addition, the mixture was stirred for 17 hours while slowly warming to room temperature. The slurry was concentrated under reduced pressure, 25 ml of methylene chloride was added, and the slurry was filtered. The filtrate was concentrated. The residue was dissolved in 15 ml of ether, and the precipitated solid was collected and washed with 15 ml of n-hexane. The resulting solid was dried under reduced pressure to obtain 0.540 g of transition metal compound (1) (yield: 28%).

[0193] Dielectric compound 5: 4 fluoroethylene polymer (manufactured by Mitsui-Chemours Fluoroproducts Co., Ltd., product name: Teflon (registered trademark) PTFE), fluorine atom content: 76% by mass

[0194] Elastomer: olefin-based thermoplastic elastomer (Milastomer (registered trademark) 5030NS, manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.), fluorine atom content: 0% by mass

[0195] (Methods for measuring the physical properties of materials) The physical properties of each material were measured by the following methods.

[0196] Melting point (Tm) The melting point of each material was measured by the following method. Using a DSC measuring device (DSC220C) manufactured by Seiko Instruments Inc., approximately 5 mg of the measurement sample was placed in a measurement aluminum pan, heated to 290°C at 100°C / min, held at 290°C for 5 minutes, and then cooled to -100°C at 10°C / min. The melting point (Tm) was calculated from the peak apex of the crystal melting peak.

[0197] [Fluorine atom content, presence or absence of fluorine] The fluorine atom content in each material was measured by the following method. Each material was weighed and burned in the combustion tube of the analyzer. The gas generated by combustion was absorbed in a solution to obtain an absorbent. A portion of the absorbent was then analyzed by ion chromatography to measure the proportion of fluorine atoms in the dielectric. At this time, when the proportion of fluorine atoms in the detected molecules was taken as 100% by mass of the entire dielectric, it was judged as "fluorine presence / absence: absent" and "fluorine presence / absence: present" if it was 1% by mass or less, and if it was more than 1% by mass, it was judged as "fluorine presence / absence." The conditions for each process were as follows:

[0198] (Combustion and absorption conditions) System: AQF-2100, GA-210 (Mitsubishi Chemical) Electric furnace temperature: Inlet 900℃, Outlet 1000℃ Gas: Ar / O2 200mL / min O2 400mL / min Absorption solution: Solvent H2O2 90μg / mL, Internal standard: P 4μg / mL or Br 8μg / mL Absorbed liquid volume: 20mL

[0199] (Ion chromatography analysis conditions) System: ICS1600 (DIONEX) Mobile phase: 2.7mmol / L Na2CO3 / 0.3mmol / L NaHCO3 Flow rate: 1.50mL / min Detector: Electrical conductivity detector Injection volume: 20μL

[0200] (Production method) The method of manufacturing the flexible waveguides of the examples and comparative examples will now be described in detail.

[0201] [Example 1] Dielectric compound 1 was extruded using a 45 mm extruder (set temperature: 280° C.) through an elliptical die with an extrusion cross section of 24 mm in major axis and 15 mm in minor axis to prepare a dielectric. The surface of this dielectric was electroplated, and copper was attached as a conductor so that the plating layer was 200 μm thick, thereby producing a flexible waveguide.

[0202] [Example 2] to [Example 4] In Example 2, flexible waveguides were produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that instead of the dielectric compound 1 in Example 1, a mixture of dielectric compound 2 and elastomer in the blending amounts shown in Table 1 was used. In Examples 3 and 4, flexible waveguides were fabricated in the same manner as in Example 1, except that dielectric compound 3 or dielectric compound 4 was used instead of dielectric compound 1 in Example 1.

[0203] [Example 5] A chemical foaming agent, Hydrocerol™ CF (Clariant), 2 parts by mass was added as a foaming agent to 100 parts by mass of 4-methyl-1-pentene polymer MX004 (Mitsui Chemicals, Inc., MFR: 23, dielectric compound 1), and a dielectric was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1. The surface of this dielectric was electroplated to prepare a flexible waveguide.

[0204] [Example 6] A flexible waveguide was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the dielectric compound 1 was injection molded under the following conditions to produce a dielectric. (Injection molding conditions) To 100 parts by mass of the dielectric compound 1, 2 parts by mass of a chemical foaming agent Hydrocerol (trademark) CF (manufactured by Clariant) was added as a foaming agent, and the cylinder temperature of the injection molding machine was set to 280°C, the mold temperature to 60°C, and injection molding was carried out using an oval mold with a major axis of 25 mm and a minor axis of 15 mm to produce a dielectric.

[0205] [Example 7] A flexible waveguide was fabricated in the same manner as in Example 6, except that dielectric compound 2 was used.

[0206] [Comparative Example 1] An elliptical dielectric with a major axis of 24 mm and a minor axis of 15 mm was fabricated from a round rod of dielectric compound 5 by a cutting method, and the surface of this dielectric was electroplated in the same manner as in Example 1 to deposit a copper metal plating as a conductor, thereby fabricating a flexible waveguide. At this time, the flexible waveguide was not sufficiently plated against the dielectric.

[0207] (Measurement method) The measurement methods used to measure the flexible waveguides of the examples and comparative examples will now be described in detail.

[0208] [Dielectric constant, dielectric loss] The relative permittivity and dielectric loss of each dielectric material were measured for the flexible waveguides obtained in each of the Examples and Comparative Examples. The flexible waveguides obtained in each of the examples and comparative examples were attached to a cylindrical cavity resonator, and the relative permittivity and dielectric loss were measured at a temperature of 23°C and a measurement frequency of 10 GHz by the cylindrical cavity resonator method (TM010 method) in accordance with JIS C2565-1992. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0209] [density] The density of each of the dielectric materials obtained in each of the examples and comparative examples was measured in accordance with ASTM D1505.

[0210] [Table 1]

[0211] The relative permittivity and dielectric loss of the flexible waveguides of Examples 1 to 7 are as shown in Table 1, and it was found that the decrease in transmission efficiency of electrical signals was suppressed even in high frequency bands such as microwaves, and that the flexible waveguides that function satisfactorily were obtained. On the other hand, in the flexible waveguide of Comparative Example 1, the plating did not adhere sufficiently to the dielectric, and the flexible waveguide did not function satisfactorily. Furthermore, the flexible waveguide of Comparative Example 1 did not have sufficient flexibility compared to the flexible waveguides of the Examples.

[0212] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a flexible waveguide that suppresses a decrease in the transmission efficiency of an electric signal in a high frequency band such as a microwave and has improved flexibility. Furthermore, even if the waveguide has a bent portion, it can be easily accommodated, and material costs, processing costs, weight, and process load can be reduced.

[0213] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-203092, filed on December 15, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety. [Explanation of symbols]

[0214] 100 flexible waveguide 110 Dielectric 120 Gas outlet 130 Metal Plating

Claims

[Claim 1] A flexible waveguide comprising a rod-shaped dielectric and a conductor covering an outer surface of the dielectric, A flexible waveguide, wherein the dielectric satisfies the following (a) and (b): (a) Density is 1.50 g / cm ３ below (b) A relative dielectric constant measured at a frequency of 10 GHz is 2.3 or less, and a dielectric loss measured at a frequency of 10 GHz is 0.0013 or less.

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