Poly(arylene ether)/polyamide blend compatibilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Poly(arylene ether)/aliphatic-aromatic polyamide compositions face challenges such as low dimensional stability and high moisture absorption, with difficulties in processing and forming stable blends due to the temperature limitations and low reactivity of some aliphatic-aromatic polyamides.

Innovation Solution

A thermoplastic composition comprising a compatibilized blend of poly(arylene ether), aliphatic-aromatic polyamide, and a polymeric compatibilizer with epoxy groups, along with an impact modifier, which allows for the formation of stable morphologies and improved physical properties by reacting with amine or acidic end groups, even with amine end group content less than 45 micromoles per gram of polyamide.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If aliphatic-aromatic polyamide is used to improve physical properties, then dimensional stability and moisture absorption are improved, but processing temperature exceeds the degradation temperature of poly(arylene ether)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedimensional stabilityVSAvoidprocessing temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

A polymeric compatibilizer with epoxy groups is introduced as an intermediary substance that facilitates compatible interaction between poly(arylene ether) and aliphatic-aromatic polyamide at lower temperatures, enabling blend formation without requiring excessive processing temperatures that would degrade the poly(arylene ether)

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the chemical parameters of the polyamide by using specific diamines (1,9-nonanediamine or 2-methyl-1,8-octanediamine) with controlled reactivity and end group content, allowing the polyamide to react with poly(arylene ether) at compatible temperature ranges while maintaining the desired physical properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If aliphatic-aromatic polyamide with low reactivity is used, then material stability is improved, but blend formation with stable morphology becomes problematic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial stabilityVSAvoidblend formation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention optimizes the reactivity parameters of the polyamide by selecting specific diamines with controlled end group content (greater than 45 micromoles per gram), creating a balance where the polyamide remains stable during storage but reacts sufficiently during processing to form stable blends with poly(arylene ether)

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If poly(arylene ether)/polyamide composition is formed, then mechanical properties are improved, but multiphasic morphology with poor distribution is obtained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical propertiesVSAvoidmorphology distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The polymeric compatibilizer acts as a mediator that promotes uniform distribution of the disperse phase in the multiphasic morphology, improving the morphology distribution while maintaining the mechanical properties enhancement from the blend

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution results in poly(arylene ether) domains with stable sizes and improved impact strength and elongation, with notched Izod impact strength greater than 5 kJ/m² and elongation at break greater than 9%, while maintaining stability after annealing, compared to compositions without the polymeric compatibilizer.

Implementation Method 1

a compatibilized blend of a poly(arylene ether), an aliphatic-aromatic polyamide and a polymeric compatibilizer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical Bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

a thermoplastic composition produced by melt blending: an aliphatic-aromatic polyamide; a poly(arylene ether) wherein a portion of the poly(arylene ether) is functionalized poly(arylene ether)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMelt blending:

Implementation Method 3

a poly(arylene ether) wherein a portion of the poly(arylene ether) is functionalized poly(arylene ether)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFunctionalization:

Data Source

PatentUS8858839B2Thermoplastic poly(arylene ether)/polyamide blends and method of making

Publication Date: 2014.10.14 SHPP GLOBAL TECH BV

AI summary

A thermoplastic composition comprises:a compatibilized blend of a poly(arylene ether), an aliphatic-aromatic polyamide and a polymeric compatibilizer; andan impact modifier;wherein the aliphatic-aromatic polyamide is composed of units derived from a dicarboxylic acid and units derived from a diamine and the units derived from a dicarboxylic acid comprise 60 to 100 mol % of units derived from terephthalic acid and the units derived from a diamine comprise 60 to 100 mol % of units derived from 1,9-nonanediamine, 2-methyl-1,8-octanediamine, or a combination of 1,9-nonanediamine and 2-methyl-1,8-octanediamine.