Abstract: Described herein are polyphenylene sulfide (“PPS”) polymers having excellent transparency to infrared (“IR”) radiation. It was surprisingly discovered that PPS polymer composition including PPS polymers having a selected metal ion (Ca, K, and Mg) concentration at least 400 parts per million by weight (“ppm”), had significantly increase IR transparency, relative to corresponding PPS polymer compositions including a PPS polymer having a selected metal ion concentration less than 400 ppm. Additionally, described herein are methods for laser welding the PPS polymer compositions.

Abstract: Fiber reinforced composite material comprising a thermoplastic matrix comprising blends of poly(ether ketone ketone) (PEKK) polymers, their method of manufacture and articles obtained therefrom.

Abstract: Described herein are poly(ether ketone ketone) (“PEKK”) polymers having improved processability. It was surprisingly discovered that by selectively controlling the relative amounts of reactants during the synthesis, PEKK polymers having unexpectedly lower melt viscosities can be obtained. More particularly, by selectively controlling the relative amounts of monomers used to form recurring units of the PEKK polymer, in conjunction with selective control of other reaction components, the resulting PEKK polymers had reduced viscosities, relative to PEKK polymers synthesized by using tradition reaction schemes (“traditional PEKK polymers”). By providing PEKK polymers with lower melt viscosities, the PEKK polymers described herein have improved processability.

Abstract: Described herein are thermoplastic composites including a polymer matrix, having a at least one semi-crystalline polyphthalamide (“PPA”) polymer, and at least one continuous reinforcing fiber. It was surprisingly discovered that incorporation of semi-crystalline PPA polymers, having a selected melt profile, into the polymer matrix provided for crack-free thermoplastic composites. Based at least in part on the semi-crystalline structure of PPA polymers, the thermoplastic composite can have improved tensile strength, chemical resistance and thermal stability, relative to composites incorporating an amorphous PPA polymer. The composites can be formed using melt impregnation techniques, well known in the art. The composites can be desirably used in a wide range of application settings including, but not limited to automotive, aerospace, automotive and oil and gas and mobile electronic device applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing fine particles of an aromatic copolyester, the process comprising the melt-blending of the aromatic copolyester with a polyester polymer (PE), the cooling the blend and the recovery of the particles by dissolution of the PE into water. The present invention also relates to aromatic copolyester particles obtained therefrom and to the use of these particles in to make coatings or films.

Abstract: A method of making a PEEK-PEmEK copolymer having RPEEK and RPEmEK repeat units in a molar ratio RPEEK/RPEmEK ranging from 95/5 to 45/55, the PEEK-PEmEK copolymer obtained from the method and the polymer composition including the PEEK-PEmEK copolymer, at least one reinforcing filler, at least one additive, or a combination thereof, shaped articles including the polymer composition, polymer-metal junctions including the polymer composition. Also described are methods of making the polymer composition, methods of making the shaped articles, and methods of making the polymer-metal junctions.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates a polymer-metal junction comprising PEEK-PEoEK copolymers compositions, in contact with at least a part of the surface of a metal substrate, wherein the PEEK-PEoEK copolymer having RPEEK and RPEoEK repeat units in a molar ratio RPEEK/RPEoEK ranging from 95/5 to 5/95. The present invention also relates to shaped articles including the polymer-metal junction, and methods of making the polymer-metal junctions.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process for preparing a continuous fiber filament based on a) the spreading of the fiber tow, b) the impregnation of the fiber tow in an liquid medium, comprising polymer powder particles of a certain size comprising poly(aryl ether ketone), an aqueous solvent and at least one surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkylphenoxy poly(ethyleneoxy) ethanol surfactants, c) the heating of the impregnated fiber above the melting temperature of the polymer and d) a step consisting in calendering the filaments using a die of cylindrical geometry. The present invention also relates to continuous fiber filament obtained from such process and to the use of the filaments for preparing three-dimensional objects.

Abstract: This invention pertains to novel compositions of polyarylether ketone copolymers and polyetherimides having improved thermal resistance and mechanical properties, to a method of making the same, and to the use thereof in various fields.

Abstract: Described herein are PEKK polymers having improved processability and improved crystallinity. It was surprisingly found that PEKK polymers formed using a specifically adapted nucleophilic synthesis route, in which different monomers are added in to the polymerization reaction at different points during the synthesis, had lower glass transition temperatures (“Tg”) and increased crystallinities, relative to PEKK polymers formed using traditional nucleophilic synthesis routes (“traditional PEKK polymers”). Furthermore, compared with PEKK polymers synthesized using an electrophilic synthesis routes, the PEKK polymers described herein and significantly lower halogen content. The synthesis routes includes a first heating of a first monomer blend in a reaction mixture, a subsequent first addition of a second monomer blend to the reaction mixture, and a second heating of the reaction mixture subsequent to the first addition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to (co)polyamides comprising at least 85 mole % (mol. %) of recurring units (RPA) of formula (I): (I); the present invention also relates to polymer compositions comprising such (co)polyamides, as well as articles comprising the same and methods of using said articles in high temperature applications requiring sufficient swelling or deformation upon exposure to moisture, such as for example oil and gas extraction processes (e.g. fracturing balls), or as support materials used to print three-dimensional (3D) parts.

Abstract: A method for the reuse of PEKK-based carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites is provided. Chips obtained by comminuting the carbon fiber-reinforced PEKK composite material are melt mixed with a virgin poly(aryletherketone) polymer to provide carbon fiber-reinforced poly(aryletherketone) compositions. Molded articles having good mechanical properties can be prepared from the carbon fiber-reinforced poly(aryletherketone) compositions.

Abstract: Described herein are polymer compositions (PC) including a polyamide (PA) and a poly(arylene sulfide) (PASP). The polyamide (PA) is a semi-aromatic polyamide derived from the polycondensation of an aliphatic diamine, a bis(aminoalkyl)cyclohexane, terephthalic acid, and, optionally, a cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid. It was surprisingly discovered that semi-aromatic polyamides derived from the cycloaliphatic diamine bis(aminoalkyl)cyclohexane or the specific combination of the cycloaliphatic diamine bis(aminoalkyl)cyclohexane and the cycloaliphatic dicarboxylic acid cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid provided for polymer compositions (PC) having improved retention of mechanical properties (e.g. tensile modulus and tensile strength) after aging in aqueous polyol solutions. It was also surprisingly discovered that incorporation of a nucleating agent in the polymer composition (PC) provided for significantly improved tensile strength retention after aging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer composition (C) comprising at least one polyamide (P1), and from 1 to 50 wt. %, based on the total weight of (C), of at least one functionalized polymer (P2), wherein P2 is a poly(aryl ether sulfone) (PAES) having at least one functional group (SO3?), (Mp+)1/p in which Mp+ is a metal cation of p valence. The present invention also relates to articles incorporating the polymer composition (C) and the use of functionalized polymer (P2) as a compatibilizer in the polymer composition (C) comprising two immiscible polymers.

Abstract: The invention pertains to certain copolymers (PEDEK/PEEK), comprising a majority of “PEDEK”-type recurring units, which, thanks to the predominance of PEDEK-type units, their structural homogeneity and regularity, and absence of chlorinated end groups, possess a suitable molecular structure and crystallization behaviour so as to deliver improved mechanical properties and outstanding chemical resistance, and which are useful in numerous fields of endeavours, including notably in the oil&gas industry, and more specifically for the manufacture of parts used in oil and gas extraction systems.

Abstract: Described herein are polymer compositions (PC) including a polyamide (PA) and a reactive impact modifier. As explained in detail below, the polyamide (PA) is a semi-aromatic polyamide derived from the polycondensation of an aliphatic diamine, a bis(aminoalkyl)cyclohexane, terephthalic acid, and, optionally, a cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid. It was surprisingly discovered that semi-aromatic polyamides derived from the cycloaliphatic diamine bis(aminoalkyl)cyclohexane or the specific combination of the cycloaliphatic diamine bis(aminoalkyl)cyclohexane and the cycloaliphatic dicarboxylic acid cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid provided for polymer compositions (PC) having improved retention of mechanical properties (e.g. tensile strength and flexural strength) after aging in aqueous solutions, relative to analogous polyamides free of the bis(aminoalkyl)cyclohexane and the cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing polymeric particles, based on the use of a polyester polymer (PE) comprising units from a dicarboxylic acid component and a diol component, wherein at least 2 mol. % of the diol component is a poly(alkylene glycol). The process comprises the melt-blending of the aromatic polymer (P) with the PE, the cooling the blend and the recovery of the particles by dissolution of the PE into water. The present invention relates to polymeric particles obtained therefrom and to the use of these particles in SLS 3D printing, coatings and toughening of thermoset resins.

Abstract: Described herein are electrical articles comprising a polyamide (PA). As explained in detail below, the polyamide (PA) is a semi-aromatic polyamide derived from the polycondensation of an aliphatic diamine, terephthalic acid, and a bis(aminoalkyl)cyclohexane or a cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid. It was surprisingly discovered that incorporation of the cycloaliphatic diamine bis(aminoalkyl)cyclohexane or the cycloaliphatic dicarboxylic acid cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid into the polyamide provided for polymer compositions (PC) having significantly improved comparative tracking index (“CTI”) retention after heat aging, relative to analogous polyamides derived from only the aliphatic diamine and terephthalic acid. Due at least in part to the improved CTI retention, the polyamides (PA) can be desirably incorporated into articles that, during use, are exposed to elevated temperatures and benefit from high CTI performance.

Abstract: Described herein are polymer compositions (PC) including a polyamide and carbon fiber. As explained in detail below, the polyamide (PA) is a semi-aromatic polyamide derived from the polycondensation of an aliphatic diamine, terephthalic acid, and a bis(aminoalkyl)cyclohexane or a cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid. It was surprisingly discovered that incorporation of the cycloaliphatic diamine bis(aminoalkyl)cyclohexane or the specific combination of the cycloaliphatic diamine bis(aminoalkyl)cyclohexane and the cycloaliphatic dicarboxylic acid cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid into the polyamide provided for carbon fiber filled polymer compositions (PC) having significantly improved mechanical properties (e.g. tensile modulus and strength) at elevated temperatures, as well as significantly improved retention of mechanical properties after heat aging, relative to analogous polyamides free of the bis(aminoalkyl)cyclohexane and the cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a poly(arylene sulfide) (PAS) copolymer (P) comprising: at least one block of poly(arylene sulfide) (PAS) having a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of at least 40,000 g/mol as determined by gel permeation chromatography, and at least one block of polyorganosiloxane (POS) having a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of at most 5,000 g/mol as determined by gel permeation chromatography, wherein the weight ratio of PAS:POS is from 95:5 to 99.5:0.5.