Abstract: Thermoplastic compositions comprising polyphenylene ether resin and polyamide resin are disclosed. The compositions further include a compatibilizer component, and an additive combination which includes both a metal stearate and an amide compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymer mixture which comprises a polyphenylene ether, a block copolymer, and a phosphate ester in a given ratio by weight. The polymer mixture according to the invention is particularly suitable as a material for cable sheaths.

Abstract: A process for producing expandable thermoplastic resin beads which comprises suspending in an aqueous medium interpolymer beads comprising a polyphenylene ether resin and a polymerized vinyl aromatic monomer such as styrene, polymerizing the vinyl aromatic monomer in the presence of a polymerization catalyst to interpolymerize the vinyl aromatic monomer with the polyphenylene ether and, optionally, adding a cross-linking agent, to form interpolymerized thermoplastic resin beads, and introducing a blowing agent under pressure into the thermoplastic resin beads. The resulting resin beads have excellent foamability and molding fusability, and a foamed shaped article having superior thermal stability can be prepared from these beads.