Composition, electromagnetic flux control member, and communication method

Abstract

Provided is a composition that has a high dielectric constant and a low dielectric loss tangent and that exhibits high moldability even for a case in which the content of an inorganic dielectric filler is high.　The composition according to the present disclosure is characterized by comprising a thermoplastic resin, an inorganic dielectric filler, and a wax, wherein: the inorganic dielectric filler comprises at least one type of compound selected from the group consisting of titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, hafnium oxide, rutherfordium oxide, and salts thereof; the wax includes at least one wax selected from the group consisting of waxes having an SP value of 8.5 (cal / cm3)1 / 2 or more, waxes having an amide group, and waxes having a carboxyl group; and the dielectric loss tangent of the composition is 0.01 or less.

Description

Composition, electromagnetic flux control member, and communication method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to compositions, electromagnetic flux control members, and communication methods.

[0002] Lens antennas are used in wireless communications as a means of transmitting large amounts of information over long distances with high efficiency. Lens antennas have the ability to control the direction of electromagnetic waves, such as by converting spherical waves into plane waves. In recent years, lens antennas have also begun to be used for short-wavelength radio waves, such as quasi-millimeter waves, millimeter waves, and terahertz waves.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a lens antenna manufactured by injection molding a dielectric composite material. The dielectric composite material described in Patent Document 1 contains a polyolefin resin and a ceramic powder (inorganic dielectric filler) containing titanium oxide or titanate.

[0004] International Publication No. 2010 / 027074

[0005] A lens antenna such as that described in Patent Document 1 is required to have a high dielectric constant and a low dielectric loss tangent. In order to increase the dielectric constant of the lens antenna described in Patent Document 1, it is conceivable to increase the content of inorganic filler in the dielectric composite material. However, increasing the content of inorganic filler in the dielectric composite material described in Patent Document 1 may reduce the fluidity of the dielectric composite material. This may result in reduced moldability due to melt fracture or the like during injection molding, resulting in reduced performance of the lens antenna.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a composition that has a high dielectric constant and a low dielectric loss tangent, and that has high moldability even when the content of inorganic dielectric filler is high, and an electromagnetic flux control member and a communication method that use the composition.

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, a first composition of the present disclosure is a composition comprising a thermoplastic resin, an inorganic dielectric filler, and a wax, wherein the inorganic dielectric filler comprises at least one compound selected from the group consisting of titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, hafnium oxide, rutherfordium oxide, and salts thereof, and the wax has an SP value of 8.5 (cal / cm ３ ) １／２ The composition contains the wax described above, and the dielectric loss tangent of the composition is 0.01 or less.

[0008] The second composition of the present disclosure is a composition comprising: a thermoplastic resin, an inorganic dielectric filler, and a wax; the inorganic dielectric filler comprises at least one compound selected from the group consisting of titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, hafnium oxide, rutherfordium oxide, and salts thereof; the wax comprises at least one wax selected from the group consisting of waxes having an amide group and waxes having a carboxy group; and the dielectric loss tangent of the composition is 0.01 or less. Hereinafter, the first composition of the present disclosure and the second composition of the present disclosure may be collectively referred to as the "composition of the present disclosure." Hereinafter, the term "composition of the present disclosure" refers to both the first composition of the present disclosure and the second composition of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified.

[0009] The electromagnetic flux control member of the present disclosure is characterized by including the composition of the present disclosure.

[0010] A communication method according to the present disclosure is characterized in that it uses the electromagnetic flux control member according to the present disclosure to control the direction of propagation of electromagnetic waves, and performs communication using the electromagnetic waves.

[0011] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a composition that has a high dielectric constant and a low dielectric loss tangent, and that has high moldability even when the content of inorganic dielectric filler is high, as well as an electromagnetic flux control member and a communication method that use the composition.

[0012] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating an example of an electromagnetic flux control member according to the present disclosure, in which Fig. 1A is a plan view, Fig. 1B is a side view, and Fig. 1C is a cross-sectional view.

[0013] The present disclosure will be specifically described below using examples, but the present disclosure is not limited to the following description.

[0014] [1. Composition] As described above, the first composition of the present disclosure is a composition comprising a thermoplastic resin, an inorganic dielectric filler, and a wax, wherein the inorganic dielectric filler comprises at least one compound selected from the group consisting of titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, hafnium oxide, rutherfordium oxide, and salts thereof, and the wax has an SP value of 8.5 (cal / cm ３ ) １／２ The composition contains the wax described above, and the dielectric loss tangent of the composition is 0.01 or less.

[0015] As described above, the second composition of the present disclosure is a composition comprising a thermoplastic resin, an inorganic dielectric filler, and a wax, wherein the inorganic dielectric filler comprises at least one compound selected from the group consisting of titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, hafnium oxide, rutherfordium oxide, and salts thereof, and the wax comprises at least one wax selected from the group consisting of waxes having an amide group and waxes having a carboxy group, and wherein the dielectric tangent of the composition is 0.01 or less.

[0016] As described above, the dielectric dissipation factor of the composition of the present disclosure is 0.01 or less, and may be, for example, 0.009 or less, 0.008 or less, 0.007 or less, or 0.006 or less. The lower limit of the dielectric dissipation factor of the composition of the present disclosure is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 0 or more, a value greater than 0, 0.0001 or more, 0.0002 or more, or 0.0003 or more. The dielectric dissipation factor may be, for example, 0 to 0.01, greater than 0 but 0.008 or less, 0.0001 to 0.01, 0.0002 to 0.008, or 0.0003 to 0.006.

[0017] The dielectric loss tangent of the composition of the present disclosure can be measured using a terahertz time-domain spectrometer (Nippon Precision Co., Ltd.) equipped with a focusing beam system. Specifically, the terahertz time-domain spectrometer is used to measure the dielectric loss tangent at nine frequencies of 252, 257, 263, 269, 275, 280, 286, 292, and 298 GHz at a temperature of 25°C using transmission polarization measurement mode and optical path length delay. The measured values ​​of the dielectric loss tangent at the nine points are then averaged, and this average value is used as the dielectric loss tangent of the composition of the present disclosure. The dielectric loss tangent of the composition of the present disclosure can be measured, for example, by molding the composition of the present disclosure by an injection molding method (280°C) to prepare a disk-shaped test piece with a thickness of 1.5 mm and a diameter of 30 mm for measuring the dielectric loss tangent, under the conditions described above. In this case, as a pretreatment before the measurement, the test piece is dried in a constant temperature incubator with a blower at 80°C for 4 hours or more, and then left to stand in an environment of a temperature of 25±2°C and a humidity of 50±10% for 24 hours or more.

[0018] [1-1. Thermoplastic Resin] In the composition of the present disclosure, the thermoplastic resin may have a dielectric loss tangent of, for example, 0.01 or less, 0.009 or less, 0.008 or less, 0.007 or less, or 0.005 or less. The lower limit of the dielectric loss tangent of the thermoplastic resin is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 0 or more, a value exceeding 0, 0.0001 or more, 0.0003 or more, or 0.0005 or more. The dielectric loss tangent of the thermoplastic resin may be, for example, 0 to 0.01, or a value exceeding 0 and 0.005 or less.

[0019] The dielectric loss tangent of the thermoplastic resin is not particularly limited, but may be within the above-mentioned range, for example, from the viewpoint of the dielectric loss tangent of the composition of the present disclosure. The dielectric loss tangent of the thermoplastic resin can be measured under the same conditions as in the above-mentioned method for measuring the dielectric loss tangent of the present disclosure, using a terahertz time-domain spectrometer (manufactured by Nippon Precision Co., Ltd.) equipped with a focusing beam system.

[0020] The thermoplastic resin has an SP value of, for example, 7.5 (cal / cm ３ ) １／２ Above, 8.0 (cal / cm ３ ) １／２ or more, or 8.5 (cal / cm ３ ) １／２The upper limit of the SP value of the thermoplastic resin is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 14.0 (cal / cm ３ ) １／２ Below, 13.5 (cal / cm ３ ) １／２ Below, 13.0 (cal / cm ３ ) １／２ Below, 12.5 (cal / cm ３ ) １／２ or less, or 12.0 (cal / cm ３ ) １／２ The SP value of the thermoplastic resin may be, for example, 7.5 to 14.0 (cal / cm ３ ) １／２ , 8.0 to 12.5 (cal / cm ３ ) １／２ , 8.0 to 12.0 (cal / cm ３ ) １／２ , or 8.0 to 11.0 (cal / cm ３ ) １／２ may be.

[0021] The SP value of the thermoplastic resin can be calculated based on the chemical structure of the thermoplastic resin by the Fedors method, which is the same as the method for calculating the SP value of wax described below. In this disclosure, the SP value refers to the solubility parameter.

[0022] The thermoplastic resin is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include polyolefin resin, polystyrene resin, polyphenylene ether resin, thermoplastic fluororesin, etc. Examples of the polyolefin resin include polyethylene (low-density polyethylene, medium-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene, and very low-density polyethylene), polymethylpentene, polypropylene, cycloolefin resin, and copolymer resins thereof. Examples of the cycloolefin resin include COC (cycloolefin copolymer) and COP (cycloolefin polymer). Examples of the COC include copolymers of norbornene with olefins such as ethylene, propylene, and isobutene, and copolymers of norbornene with cyclic olefins such as cyclopentene, cyclohexene, and cycloheptene. Examples of the COP include ring-opening metathesis polymers of norbornene. Examples of the polystyrene resin include syndiotactic polystyrene and modified polystyrene. Examples of the polyphenylene ether resin include modified polyphenylene ether. The thermoplastic resin may be used alone or in combination of two or more. From the viewpoints of dielectric properties, melt processability (fluidity), etc., the thermoplastic resin is preferably a polyolefin resin, and more preferably a polycycloolefin resin.

[0023] The content of the thermoplastic resin in the composition of the present disclosure may be, for example, 20% by mass or more, 25% by mass or more, or 30% by mass or more, and may be, for example, 75% by mass or less, 70% by mass or less, 60% by mass or less, 50% by mass or less, or 40% by mass or less, for example, 20 to 70% by mass, 25 to 70% by mass, 25 to 60% by mass, 30 to 60% by mass, or 30 to 50% by mass. From the viewpoint of a low dielectric loss tangent in the composition of the present disclosure, it is preferable that the content of the thermoplastic resin is not too high. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of high fluidity in the composition of the present disclosure, it is preferable that the content of the thermoplastic resin is not too low.

[0024] [1-2. Inorganic Dielectric Filler] In the composition of the present disclosure, the inorganic dielectric filler, as described above, contains at least one compound selected from the group consisting of titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, hafnium oxide, rutherfordium oxide, and salts thereof. Hereinafter, titanium, zirconium, hafnium, and rutherfordium may be collectively referred to as "Group 4 elements of the periodic table," and these oxides may be collectively referred to as "oxides of Group 4 elements of the periodic table." In the present disclosure, titanium is preferred as the Group 4 element from the viewpoint of availability. That is, the inorganic dielectric filler preferably contains one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of titanium oxide and its salts (titanates). Examples of titanium oxide include titanium oxide. Examples of titanium oxide crystal forms include anatase, rutile, and brookite. In terms of stability and dielectric properties, the proportion of the rutile phase in the titanium oxide crystal is preferably 70% or more, more preferably 80% or more, and most preferably 90% or more. The upper limit of the proportion of the rutile phase in the titanium oxide crystal is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 100% or less. Examples of titanates include calcium titanate, barium titanate, strontium titanate, magnesium titanate, lead titanate, calcium magnesium titanate, and neodymium titanate. The inorganic dielectric filler is preferably titanium oxide (TiO2) particles, strontium titanate particles, or calcium titanate (CaTiO3) particles, from the viewpoints of dispersibility, low dielectric tangent, and high dielectric constant. The inorganic dielectric filler may be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

[0025] The median particle size of the inorganic dielectric filler is not particularly limited. From the viewpoint of dispersibility, the median particle size of the inorganic dielectric filler may be, for example, 0.05 μm or more, 0.06 μm or more, or 0.10 μm or more. For example, it may be 50 μm or less, 30 μm or less, 20 μm or less, 10 μm or less, 5 μm or less, or 3.5 μm or less, for example, 0.05 to 50 μm, 0.06 to 30 μm, 0.06 to 10 μm, 0.1 to 5 μm, or 0.1 to 3.5 μm. Furthermore, the median particle size of the inorganic dielectric filler may be, for example, less than 1 / 20 of the wavelength used in the electromagnetic flux control member containing the composition of the present disclosure. The median particle size of the inorganic dielectric filler can be measured by dynamic light scattering. The shape and surface treatment of the inorganic dielectric filler can be appropriately selected taking dispersibility into consideration.

[0026] The content of the inorganic dielectric filler in the composition of the present disclosure may be, for example, 25% by mass or more, 30% by mass or more, 40% by mass or more, 50% by mass or more, or 60% by mass or more, and may be, for example, 80% by mass or less, 75% by mass or less, % by mass or less, % by mass or less, or 70% by mass or less, for example, 30 to 80% by mass, 40 to 80% by mass, 50 to 75% by mass, or 60 to 75% by mass. When the content of the inorganic dielectric filler is 80% by mass or less, the composition tends to be easily molded. When the content of the inorganic dielectric filler is 30% by mass or more, the dielectric constant of the composition tends to be sufficiently increased.

[0027] [1-3. Wax] In the first composition of the present disclosure, as described above, the wax includes a wax having an SP value (solubility parameter) of 8.5 or more. The SP value of the wax is, for example, 8.5 (cal / cm ３ ) １／２ Above, 9.0 (cal / cm ３ ) １／２ Above, (cal / cm ３ ) １／２ Above, (cal / cm ３ ) １／２ or more, or 9.5 (cal / cm ３ ) １／２The upper limit of the SP value of the wax is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 20 (cal / cm ３ ) １／２ Below, 19 (cal / cm ３ ) １／２ Below, 18 (cal / cm ３ ) １／２ Below, 17 (cal / cm ３ ) １／２ or less, or 16 (cal / cm ３ ) １／２ The SP value of the wax may be, for example, 8.5 to 20 (cal / cm ３ ) １／２ , 8.5-18 (cal / cm ３ ) １／２ , 9.0-17 (cal / cm ３ ) １／２ , 9.0 to 16 (cal / cm ３ ) １／２ , or 9.5 to 16 (cal / cm ３ ) １／２ may be.

[0028] In the present disclosure, the SP value can be calculated by the Fedors method (also referred to as the atomic group contribution method). This method is described in Polymer Engineering and Science, February 1974, Vol. 14, No. 2, pp. 147-154, and can be calculated by the following mathematical formula (1) based on data on the vaporization energy and molar volume of atoms and atomic groups in the structural formula of the compound for which the SP value is to be calculated:

[0029] In the formula (1), δi is the SP value (unit: cal / cm ３ ) １／２ ), Δei is the total value of the evaporation energy (also called cohesive energy density, unit is cal / mol) of the atomic group in the structural formula of the compound for which the SP value (δi) is to be calculated, and Δvi is the molar volume (also called molecular volume, unit is cm) of the atomic group in the structural formula of the compound for which the SP value (δi) is to be calculated. ３ / mol).

[0030] In the present disclosure, the SP values ​​of compounds (such as the thermoplastic resin and the wax) calculated by the Fedors method may be described, for example, in literature sources (such as manufacturer materials, experimental data in papers, and patent publications).

[0031] In the first composition of the present disclosure, the type of wax is not particularly limited, but, for example, as in the second composition of the present disclosure, the composition may contain at least one type of wax selected from the group consisting of waxes having an amide group and waxes having a carboxy group.

[0032] In the wax of the first composition of the present disclosure, the SP value is 8.5 (cal / cm ３ ) １／２ The wax content may be, for example, 50% by mass or more, 60% by mass or more, 70% by mass or more, 80% by mass or more, or 90% by mass or more; and may be, for example, 100% by mass or less, 98% by mass or less, % by mass or less, % by mass or less, or 95% by mass or less, and may be, for example, 50 to 100% by mass, 50 to 98% by mass, 60 to 98% by mass, 70 to 98% by mass, or 80 to 95% by mass.

[0033] In the second composition of the present disclosure, the wax includes at least one wax selected from the group consisting of waxes having an amide group and waxes having a carboxy group, as described above. Hereinafter, waxes having an amide group may be referred to as "amide waxes," and waxes having a carboxy group may be referred to as "carboxylic acid waxes." In the present disclosure, the amide wax and carboxylic acid wax are not particularly limited, and known waxes may be used. Examples of the amide wax include monocarboxylic acid amides such as erucic acid amide, oleic acid amide, and stearic acid amide, and monocarboxylic acid diamides such as ethylene bisstearomide, ethylene bisoleylamide, and N,N-ethylenebis(12-hydroxystearomide). Examples of the carboxylic acid wax include maleic acid-modified polypropylene and styrene-maleic acid copolymer. A more specific example of an amide wax compound includes N,N'-[1,3-phenylenebis(methylene)]distearoamide. A more specific example of a carboxylic acid wax compound includes maleic anhydride-modified polypropylene.

[0034] In the second composition of the present disclosure, the SP value of the wax is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, the same as or different from the SP value of the wax in the first composition of the present disclosure.

[0035] In the wax of the second composition of the present disclosure, the content of at least one wax selected from the group consisting of waxes having an amide group and waxes having a carboxy group may be, for example, 50% by mass or more, 60% by mass or more, 70% by mass or more, 80% by mass or more, or 90% by mass or more, and may be, for example, 100% by mass or less, 98% by mass or less, % by mass or less, % by mass or less, or 95% by mass or less, and may be, for example, 50 to 100% by mass, 50 to 98% by mass, 60 to 98% by mass, 70 to 98% by mass, or 80 to 95% by mass.

[0036] In the composition of the present disclosure, the wax may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds. From the viewpoints of dielectric properties and dispersibility, the wax is particularly preferably an amide-based wax.

[0037] The content of the wax in the composition of the present disclosure may be, for example, 0.01% by mass or more, 0.02% by mass or more, 0.03% by mass or more, 0.04% by mass or more, or 0.04% by mass or more, and may be, for example, 5% by mass or less, 3.0% by mass or less, 2.0% by mass or less, 1.8% by mass or less, or 1.5% by mass or less, and may be, for example, 0.01 to 5% by mass, 0.02 to 3.0% by mass, 0.03 to 2.0% by mass, 0.03 to 1.8% by mass, or 0.04 to 1.5% by mass. When the content of the wax is within the above range, the moldability of the composition of the present disclosure tends to be improved while maintaining the dielectric constant of the composition of the present disclosure.

[0038] [1-4. Other Components] As described above, the composition of the present disclosure contains a thermoplastic resin, an inorganic dielectric filler, and a wax. The composition of the present disclosure may or may not further contain components other than the thermoplastic resin, the inorganic dielectric filler, and the wax, as long as the purpose and effects of the present disclosure are not impaired. The other components are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include plasticizers, antioxidants, flame retardants, flow control agents, and ultraviolet absorbers. When the composition of the present disclosure contains the other component, the content of the other component is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 0.001% by mass or more, 0.003% by mass or more, 0.005% by mass or more, 0.01% by mass or more, or 0.05% by mass or more, and may be, for example, 5% by mass or less, 4% by mass or less, 3% by mass or less, 2% by mass or less, and may be, for example, 0.001 to 5% by mass, 0.003 to 4% by mass, 0.005 to 3% by mass, 0.01 to 2% by mass, or 0.05 to 2% by mass.

[0039] [1-5. Method for Producing Composition] The method for producing the composition of the present disclosure is not particularly limited and may be, for example, the same as the method for producing a known composition containing a resin, or may be the same as the method for producing a known composition for an electromagnetic flux control member. The method for producing the composition of the present disclosure may, for example, simply mix the components contained in the composition of the present disclosure. When mixing the components, heating, for example, may be performed as necessary. The mixing method is preferably a method that can sufficiently mix the components contained in the composition of the present disclosure (e.g., the thermoplastic resin, the inorganic dielectric filler, the wax, and other components), and may be, for example, melt kneading. In this case, all components may be mixed and then melt kneaded, or only some of the components may be melt kneaded first and the remaining components may be kneaded later. The device for melt kneading is not particularly limited, and a general extruder, kneader, Banbury mixer, etc. may be used. As the device, a twin-screw kneading extruder is preferably used, particularly from the viewpoint of obtaining a composition with a uniform composition.

[0040] [2. Electromagnetic Flux Control Member] As described above, the electromagnetic flux control member of the present disclosure is characterized by including the composition of the present disclosure. Other than this, the electromagnetic flux control member of the present disclosure is not particularly limited. The electromagnetic flux control member of the present disclosure may or may not include components other than the composition of the present disclosure. For example, the electromagnetic flux control member of the present disclosure may be an electromagnetic flux control member that contains the composition of the present disclosure in place of all or part of the composition contained in a typical electromagnetic flux control member.

[0041] The electromagnetic flux control member of the present disclosure may be, for example, a lens antenna, or may be an antenna of various shapes such as a horn antenna.

[0042] The electromagnetic flux control member of the present disclosure is not particularly limited in its application, and can be used, for example, in communications using electromagnetic waves. The electromagnetic flux control member of the present disclosure is used, for example, together with a primary radiator such as a horn antenna or a waveguide, and can function as part of a transmitter that transmits electromagnetic waves and also as part of a receiver that receives electromagnetic waves. The electromagnetic waves are not particularly limited, and can be, for example, millimeter waves, quasi-millimeter waves, or terahertz waves.

[0043] The frequency of the electromagnetic waves used in communication using the electromagnetic flux control member of the present disclosure is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 30 GHz or higher, 50 GHz or higher, 70 GHz or higher, or 90 GHz or higher. It may also be, for example, 3000 GHz or lower, 2000 GHz or lower, 1000 GHz or lower, 500 GHz or lower, or 400 GHz or lower, for example, 30 to 3000 GHz, 50 to 2000 GHz, 70 to 1000 GHz, 70 to 500 GHz, or 90 to 400 GHz. The electromagnetic flux control member of the present disclosure is preferably usable for communication using electromagnetic waves with a frequency of, for example, 300 GHz or higher. The electromagnetic flux control member of the present disclosure, for example, has a high dielectric constant, making it usable for communication using such high-frequency electromagnetic waves, enabling efficient communication. However, as described above, the frequency of the electromagnetic waves used in communication using the electromagnetic flux control member of the present disclosure is not particularly limited.

[0044] Furthermore, the electromagnetic flux control member of the present disclosure can be made smaller due to, for example, a high dielectric constant (i.e., a high refractive index).

[0045] An example of an electromagnetic flux control member according to the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings, although the electromagnetic flux control member according to the present disclosure is not limited to the following description.

[0046] 1A to 1C show an example of an electromagnetic flux control member according to the present disclosure. Fig. 1A is a plan view of the electromagnetic flux control member, Fig. 1B is a front view, and Fig. 1C is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A shown in Fig. 1A. The electromagnetic flux control member shown in Figs. 1A to 1C is a lens antenna.

[0047] 1A to 1C, electromagnetic flux control member 100 has first region 110 and second region 120. In addition to this, electromagnetic flux control member 100 may have flange 130, as shown in the drawings. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, electromagnetic flux control member 100 has first region 110, second region 120, and flange 130.

[0048] When electromagnetic flux control member 100 functions as part of a transmitting section, first region 110 is a surface that causes electromagnetic waves from a primary radiator to enter electromagnetic flux control member 100. On the other hand, when electromagnetic flux control member 100 functions as part of a receiving section, first region 110 is a surface that causes electromagnetic waves that have entered second region 120 and traveled inside electromagnetic flux control member 100 to exit.

[0049] The shape of first region 110 is not particularly limited and can be set appropriately together with the shape of second region 120 depending on the function required of electromagnetic flux control member 100. The shape of first region 110 may be a convex shape (convex surface), a concave shape (concave surface), or a flat shape (flat surface). In the present embodiment, first region 110 has a concave shape.

[0050] Second region 120 is disposed on the opposite side of electromagnetic flux control member 100 to first region 110. When electromagnetic flux control member 100 functions as part of a transmitting unit, second region 120 is a surface that outputs electromagnetic waves that have entered electromagnetic flux control member 100 at first region 110 to the outside. On the other hand, when electromagnetic flux control member 100 functions as part of a receiving unit, second region 120 is a surface that allows electromagnetic waves from the outside to enter electromagnetic flux control member 100.

[0051] The shape of second region 120 is not particularly limited and can be appropriately set together with the shape of first region 110 depending on the function required of electromagnetic flux control member 100. The shape of second region 120 may be a convex shape (convex surface), a concave shape (concave surface), or a flat shape (flat surface). In the present embodiment, second region 120 has a convex shape.

[0052] The flange 130 facilitates handling of the electromagnetic flux control member 100. The flange 130 is disposed to connect the first region 110 and the second region 120.

[0053] Although not specifically shown, at least one of the first region 110 and the second region 120 may or may not have multiple ribs or multiple protrusions (columns). The multiple ribs (multiple protrusions) arranged in the first region 110 suppress the reflection of electromagnetic waves incident on the first region 110 or the reflection of electromagnetic waves emitted from the first region 110. Similarly, the multiple ribs (multiple protrusions) arranged in the second region 120 suppress the reflection of electromagnetic waves incident on the second region 120 or the reflection of electromagnetic waves emitted from the second region 120. The ribs (multiple protrusions) suppress the reflection of electromagnetic waves, thereby improving the gain of the transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves. An electromagnetic flux control member 100 having multiple ribs, multiple protrusions (columns), or the like arranged therein may be susceptible to melt fracture during molding. However, by producing electromagnetic flux control member 100 using the composition of the present disclosure, it is possible to improve transferability and mold releasability during molding.

[0054] The shape of a cured product (molded article) of a composition containing the composition of the present disclosure is not limited to the electromagnetic flux control member 100 described above. For example, the shape of a cured product of a composition containing the composition may be any shape, such as particulate, pellet, or block. When the composition is in pellet form, the shape of the pellet is not particularly limited and may be any shape, such as cylindrical, spherical, or ellipsoidal. The size is also not particularly limited and is selected appropriately depending on the shape. For example, when the pellet is spherical, the diameter may be within a range of 1 to 10 mm. When the pellet is ellipsoidal, the major axis may be within a range of 1 to 10 mm, and the aspect ratio may be within a range of 0.1 to 1.0. When the pellet is cylindrical, the diameter may be within a range of 1 to 10 mm, and the height may be within a range of 1 to 10 mm.

[0055] The electromagnetic flux control member of the present disclosure can also be used, for example, in a communication device or the like that includes the electromagnetic flux control member of the present disclosure.

[0056] [3. Communication Method] As described above, the communication method of the present disclosure is characterized in that it uses the electromagnetic flux control member of the present disclosure to control the propagation direction of electromagnetic waves and perform communication using the electromagnetic waves. The frequency of the electromagnetic waves is not particularly limited, but is, for example, as described above. As described above, the electromagnetic flux control member of the present disclosure has, for example, a high dielectric constant, and therefore can be used for communication using high-frequency electromagnetic waves, enabling efficient communication.

[0057] Examples of the present disclosure will be described below, but the present disclosure is not limited to these examples.

[0058] Compositions of the examples and comparative examples were prepared as follows, and their properties were evaluated.

[0059] [1. Preparation of Materials] The following resins were prepared as thermoplastic resins. The dielectric dissipation factors of these thermoplastic resins were measured by the method described above. (a1) Cycloolefin copolymer (COC), a copolymer of norbornene and ethylene (manufactured by Polyplastics Co., Ltd., trade name "TOPAS 6013M-07", dielectric dissipation factor: 0.0003) (a2) Polycarbonate resin (PC) (manufactured by Mitsubishi Engineering Plastics Corporation, trade name "Iupilon H-2000", dielectric dissipation factor: 0.007) (a3) ​​Cycloolefin polymer (COP), a ring-opening metathesis polymer of norbornene (manufactured by Zeon Corporation, trade name "ZEONEX K22R", dielectric dissipation factor: 0.0005)

[0060] The following particles were prepared as inorganic dielectric fillers: (b1) Titanium oxide particles: manufactured by Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha, Ltd., trade name "CR-63" (median particle size: 0.21 μm) (b2) Calcium titanate particles: manufactured by Kyoritsu Material Co., Ltd., trade name "CT-3" (median particle size: 3.3 μm) (b3) Zirconium oxide particles: manufactured by Daiichi Kigenso Kagaku Kogyo Co., Ltd., trade name "UEP-50" (median particle size: 0.52 μm)

[0061] The following waxes were prepared: (c1) Amide wax (N,N'-[1,3-phenylenebis(methylene)]distearoamide, Kyoeisha Chemical Co., Ltd., trade name "Lideamide WH-510K", SP value = 9.8 (cal / cm ３ ) １／２ (c2) Carboxylic acid wax (maleic anhydride modified polypropylene, manufactured by Riken Vitamin Co., Ltd., trade name "Rikeaid MG-670P", SP value = 8.2 (cal / cm ３ ) １／２ (c3) Carboxylic acid wax (ethylene-methyl acrylate-maleic anhydride copolymer, Japan Polyethylene Co., Ltd., product name "Rexpearl ET350X", SP value = 9.1 (cal / cm ３ ) １／２ (c4) Amide wax (N,N'-ethylene-bis-12-hydroxystearylamide, manufactured by Ito Oil Mills Co., Ltd., trade name "ITOHWAX J-530", SP value = 10.8 (cal / cm ３ ) １／２ (c5) Amide wax (Arkema Co., Ltd., trade name "Nylon 6, Orgasol 1002 D NAT 1", SP value = 12.4 (cal / cm ３ ) １／２ (c6) A carboxylic acid-based wax, a copolymer of styrene and maleic anhydride (Polyscope Corporation, trade name "Xiran 1000", SP value = 15.2 (cal / cm ３ ) １／２ )

[0062] [2. Preparation of Composition and Samples] Example 1 36 parts by mass of the COC (a1), 64 parts by mass of titanium oxide (b1), and 0.4 parts by mass of the amide wax "Lideamide" (c1) were kneaded at 280°C using a twin-screw kneading extruder TEM-26SX (Shibaura Machine Co., Ltd.) to obtain pellets (the composition of Example 1). At this time, the dielectric filler was again added from the feeder. Next, the obtained pellets were molded at 280°C using a horizontal injection molding machine PLASTAR Si-50 (Toyo Machinery & Metal Co., Ltd.) to produce a measurement disk sample having a thickness of 1.5 mm and a diameter of 30 mm formed from the composition. Furthermore, the pellets were molded at 280°C using a Toyo Machinery Co., Ltd. injection molding machine (PLSTAR Si-50) to produce a lens antenna (the electromagnetic flux control member of Example 1).

[0063] Examples 2 to 14 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4 Pellets (compositions), measurement samples having a thickness of 1.5 mm formed from the compositions, and electromagnetic flux control members of Examples 2 to 13 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4 were produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the compositions were changed as shown in Tables 1 to 4 below.

[0064] In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the term "sample" refers to the measurement disk sample having a thickness of 1.5 mm and a diameter of 30 mm formed from each of the compositions of Examples 1 to 13 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4.

[0065] [3. Evaluation] Evaluation of external shape The external shape was evaluated by visually inspecting each sample after production to see if there were any abnormalities in appearance. The visual inspection results were evaluated according to the following criteria. Evaluation criteria G (Good): The external shape was smooth. NG (No Good): The external shape was not smooth.

[0066] Evaluation of Dielectric Constant and Dielectric Loss Tangent The dielectric constant and dielectric loss tangent of each manufactured sample were measured using a terahertz time-domain spectrometer (Nippou Precision Co., Ltd.) equipped with a focusing beam system. Specifically, the terahertz time-domain spectrometer was used to measure the dielectric constant and dielectric loss tangent at nine frequencies of 252, 257, 263, 269, 275, 280, 286, 292, and 298 GHz, scanning at a temperature of 25°C using transmission polarization measurement mode and optical path length delay. The average of the measured values ​​of the dielectric constant at the nine points was then taken as the dielectric constant, and similarly, the average of the measured values ​​of the dielectric loss tangent at the nine points was taken as the dielectric loss tangent.

[0067] Evaluation of Dispersibility The evaluation of dispersibility was carried out by observation using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Specifically, the dispersibility of the inorganic dielectric filler was observed in the cross section of each sample after production. The dispersibility was evaluated according to the following criteria. Evaluation criteria 1: The filler was aggregated. 2: The filler was partially dispersed. 3: The filler was uniformly dispersed.

[0068] Tables 1 to 4 below show the composition of the compositions in each of the examples and comparative examples, the evaluation results of the external appearance, the dielectric constant, the dielectric loss tangent, and the dispersibility.

[0069]

[0070]

[0071]

[0072]

[0073] As shown in Tables 1 to 4, the samples of Examples 1 to 13 containing the predetermined inorganic dielectric filler and the predetermined wax had a high dielectric constant and a low dielectric loss tangent, and also had a good external appearance.

[0074] As shown in Table 1, calcium titanate (CaTiO ３ ) as an inorganic dielectric filler than Example 3, ２ In Examples 1 and 2, the dispersibility was even better. ３ )１／２ The SP value is 8.5 or more (9.8 (cal / cm)) than in Example 4, which used a wax of ３ ) １／２ ) wax was used in Examples 1 and 2, which had even better dispersibility and dielectric constant.

[0075] As shown in Table 2, instead of the wax in Example 1, the SP value was 9.1 to 15.2 (cal / cm ３ ) １／２ All of Examples 5 to 8, which used each of the waxes, showed excellent dispersibility and dielectric constant.

[0076] As shown in Table 3, Example 9, in which the wax content of Example 1 was changed to 0.04 parts by mass, and Example 10, in which the wax content was changed to 1.0 parts by mass, both showed excellent dispersibility and dielectric constant. Example 11, in which COC was used as the thermoplastic resin, and Example 12, in which COP was used, both showed almost the same excellent dispersibility and dielectric constant. ２ ) instead of zirconium oxide (ZrO ２ Example 13, which used COC and titanium oxide (TiO), showed excellent dispersibility and dielectric constant, but Example 1, which used titanium oxide, showed an even better dielectric constant. ２ ) was changed, the composition was the same as in Example 1. As shown in Table 3, Example 14 exhibited excellent dispersibility and dielectric constant, and also had a good dielectric loss tangent.

[0077] On the other hand, as shown in Table 4, the samples of Comparative Examples 1 and 2, which did not contain wax, had poor appearance and the dielectric constant and dielectric loss tangent could not be measured. This is thought to be because the absence of the specified wax reduced the fluidity during molding, resulting in poor filling into the mold and melt fracture.

[0078] Moreover, as shown in Table 4, the sample of Comparative Example 3, which did not contain the predetermined inorganic dielectric filler, had a low dielectric constant. Furthermore, the sample of Comparative Example 4 used polycarbonate with a high dielectric tangent, and therefore the dielectric tangent of the composition itself was also high.

[0079] The present disclosure has been described above using embodiments and examples. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and examples described above, and can be arbitrarily and appropriately combined, modified, or selected and adopted as needed within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure.

[0080] The present disclosure can also be described as in the following supplementary notes, but is not limited to the following: (Supplementary Note 1) A composition comprising a thermoplastic resin, an inorganic dielectric filler, and a wax, wherein the inorganic dielectric filler comprises at least one compound selected from the group consisting of titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, hafnium oxide, rutherfordium oxide, and salts thereof, and the wax has an SP value of 8.5 (cal / cm ３ ) １／２ A composition comprising a wax having an SP value of 9.0 (cal / cm) or more, and a dielectric loss tangent of the composition of 0.01 or less. ３ ) １／２ The composition according to claim 1, comprising the above wax. (Appendix 3) The thermoplastic resin has an SP value of 7.5 (cal / cm ３ ) １／２The composition according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, comprising the above thermoplastic resin. (Supplementary Note 4) A composition comprising a thermoplastic resin, an inorganic dielectric filler, and a wax, wherein the inorganic dielectric filler comprises at least one compound selected from the group consisting of titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, hafnium oxide, rutherfordium oxide, and salts thereof, and the wax comprises at least one wax selected from the group consisting of waxes having an amide group and waxes having a carboxy group, and wherein the dielectric dissipation factor of the composition is 0.01 or less. (Supplementary Note 5) The composition according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to 4, wherein the thermoplastic resin is at least one thermoplastic resin selected from the group consisting of polyolefin resin, polystyrene resin, polyphenylene ether resin, and thermoplastic fluororesin. (Supplementary Note 6) The composition according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to 5, wherein the wax is a wax having an amide group. (Supplementary Note 7) The composition according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to 6, wherein the inorganic dielectric filler is titanium oxide particles. (Supplementary Note 8) An electromagnetic flux control member comprising the composition according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to 7. (Appendix 9) The electromagnetic flux control member according to Appendix 8, which can be used for communications using electromagnetic waves with a frequency of 300 GHz or more. (Appendix 10) A lens antenna, comprising the composition according to any one of Appendixes 1 to 7 or the electromagnetic flux control member according to Appendix 8 or 9. (Appendix 11) The lens antenna according to Appendix 10, which can be used for communications using electromagnetic waves with a frequency of 300 GHz or more. (Appendix 12) A communication device, comprising the electromagnetic flux control member according to Appendix 8 or 9 or the lens antenna according to Appendix 10 or 11. (Appendix 13) A communication method, comprising controlling the propagation direction of electromagnetic waves using the electromagnetic flux control member according to Appendix 8 or 9 or the lens antenna according to Appendix 10 or 11, and communicating using the electromagnetic waves. (Appendix 14) The communication method according to Appendix 13, wherein the electromagnetic waves are electromagnetic waves with a frequency of 300 GHz or more.

[0081] As described above, the present disclosure can provide a composition having a high dielectric constant and a low dielectric loss tangent, and exhibiting high moldability even when the content of inorganic dielectric filler is high, as well as an electromagnetic flux control member and a communication method using the same. The composition and electromagnetic flux control member of the present disclosure are useful, for example, for communications using electromagnetic waves. For example, the composition and electromagnetic flux control member of the present disclosure have a high dielectric constant (i.e., refractive index), thereby enabling communications using high-frequency electromagnetic waves, enabling the electromagnetic flux control member to be miniaturized, and other effects. However, the uses of the composition and electromagnetic flux control member of the present disclosure are not limited to this description and can be used in a wide range of applications.

[0082] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-000635, filed on January 5, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

[0083] 100 Electromagnetic flux control member 110 First region 120 Second region 130 Flange

Claims

1. A composition, wherein the composition comprises a thermoplastic resin, an inorganic dielectric filler, and a wax, the inorganic dielectric filler contains at least one compound selected from the group consisting of titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, hafnium oxide, lanthanum oxide and their salts, and the wax contains a wax having an SP value of 8.5 (cal / cm ３ ) １／２ or more, and the dielectric tangent of the composition is 0.01 or less. A composition characterized by this.

2. The wax has an SP value of 9.0 (cal / cm ３ ), １／２ and the composition according to claim 1, which contains a wax having an SP value of 9.0 (cal / cm) or more.

3. The thermoplastic resin has an SP value of 7.5 (cal / cm ３ ) １／２ or more, and the composition according to claim 1 or 2 containing the thermoplastic resin.

4. A composition, wherein the composition includes a thermoplastic resin, an inorganic dielectric filler, and a wax, the inorganic dielectric filler includes at least one compound selected from the group consisting of titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, hafnium oxide, lanthanum oxide, and salts thereof, the wax includes at least one wax selected from the group consisting of a wax having an amide group and a wax having a carboxyl group, and the dielectric tangent of the composition is 0.01 or less. A composition characterized by the above.

5. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the wax is a wax having an amide group.

6. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the inorganic dielectric filler is titanium oxide particles.

7. An electromagnetic flux control member characterized by including the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The electromagnetic flux control member according to claim 7, which can be used for communication using electromagnetic waves with a frequency of 300 GHz or higher.

9. A communication method characterized by controlling the traveling direction of electromagnetic waves using the electromagnetic flux control member according to claim 7 or 8 and performing communication using the electromagnetic waves.

10. The communication method according to claim 9, wherein the electromagnetic wave is an electromagnetic wave with a frequency of 300 GHz or higher.

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