Abstract: A poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) having a high molecular weight and a reduced content of low molecular weight species can be prepared by a method that includes specific conditions for the oxidative polymerization, chelation, and isolation steps. The poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) is particularly useful for the fabrication of fluid separation membranes.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an energy management system can comprise: a support structure; a covering; and a plastically deformable compression spring located between the support structure and the covering. In one embodiment, a method of absorbing energy can comprise: impacting a portion of a vehicle comprising an energy management system and plastically deforming the compression spring. A method for energy management in a vehicle comprises installing the energy management system in a vehicle.

Abstract: Polycarbonate compositions are disclosed. The compositions comprise a polycarbonate polymer (A) having repeating units derived from 2-phenyl-3,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)phthalimidine (PPPBP); a polycarbonate polymer (B) which is different from polymer (A); and an impact modifier (C) which is different from polymer (A) and polymer (B). The resulting composition has an improved combination of properties, particularly heat resistance, low temperature impact performance, and viscosity. Also disclosed are articles formed from such compositions.

Abstract: Various mold apparatuses and methods for forming a polymer with induction heat energy are provided. In one embodiment of the present invention, a mold apparatus for forming polymer includes a mold having a top mold portion and a top mold surface that is magnetic. The bottom mold portion of the mold includes an induction heating unit that is at least partially embedded in the bottom mold portion that provides induction heat energy to the mold. The mold apparatus is constructed and arranged to dissipate greater than about 50% of the induction heat energy in the top mold portion. The induction heating unit of the bottom portion of the mold provides rapid heating to the top mold surface to provide high surface quality polymer parts and a shorter molding cycle time while utilizing less energy.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition includes a poly(arylene ether) and a poly(arylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer. The thermoplastic composition is prepared by a method that includes oxidatively copolymerizing a monohydric phenol and a hydroxyaryl-terminated polysiloxane. The method is simpler than prior methods of preparing poly(arylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymers by linking pre-formed poly(arylene ether) and polysiloxane blocks. The method is also produces greater incorporation of polysiloxane into the poly(arylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer than prior methods of copolymerizing monohydric phenols and hydroxyaryl-terminated polysiloxane.

Abstract: A poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) prepared using a morpholine-containing polymerization catalyst has a monomodal molecular weight distribution with a reduced content of very high molecular weight species. It also exhibits increased morpholine incorporation in the high molecular weight fraction. Compared to commercially available poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) prepared using a di-n-butylamine-containing polymerization catalyst, the poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) of the invention exhibits reduced odor. Compared to other poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) prepared using a morpholine-containing polymerization catalyst, the poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) of the invention exhibits improved molecular weight build during compounding and improved compatibilization with polyamides.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a composition with improved flame resistance, to articles made from the composition, and to methods that include processing the composition. The composition can include from 15 to 85 percent by weight of a polyetherimide (PEI), from 15 to 85 percent by weight of a polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), a polyetherimide-siloxane copolymer in an amount up to 12 percent by weight, and from 0 to 0.30 percent by weight of a stabilizer.

Abstract: An electrical wire comprising a conductor and a covering disposed over the conductor. The covering comprises a thermoplastic composition. The thermoplastic composition comprises a blend of an aromatic polyketone and a polysiloxane/polyimide block copolymer. The composition can further comprise one or more additives.

Abstract: A method for purifying an oxydiphthalic anhydride comprises diluting a first mixture comprising an oxydiphthalic anhydride, a solvent, a catalyst, and an inorganic salt with a solvent, to provide a second mixture having a solids content of 10 to 30 percent based on total weight of the second mixture; filtering and washing the solids of the second mixture at a temperature below the crystallization point temperature of the oxydiphthalic anhydride to provide a third mixture; hydrolyzing the third mixture by adding water and a water-soluble acid to form a fourth mixture; heating the fourth mixture; then cooling to provide a solid-liquid mixture, optionally decanting a portion of the liquid, rediluting the remaining solid-liquid mixture, then filtering to provide a solid component; washing the solid component with water to provide a fifth mixture of oxydiphthalic tetraacid and water; ring closing the oxydiphthalic tetraacid to provide oxydiphthalic anhydride, and filtering the oxydiphthalic anhydride.

Abstract: A composition comprises a blend of an aromatic polyketone and a polysiloxane/polyimide block copolymer. The composition can further comprise one or more additives.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an energy absorber element can comprise: a first support wall and a second support wall, a crush wall joining the first and second support walls together to define a deformable zone; a connection mechanism configured to connect the first and/or second support wall to a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method for using an energy absorber element in a vehicle can comprise: detachably connecting an energy absorber element to a vehicle at a support location for a vehicle component, once the energy absorber element has absorbed energy, detaching the energy absorber element from the vehicle; and separately replacing the energy absorber element from the vehicle component. In some embodiments, the vehicle component is not replaced.

Abstract: An article that includes a thermoplastic composition and a crosslinking agent. The crosslinking agent is thermally activated by annealing at a temperature proximate to the flow point of the thermoplastic composition to stabilize the dimensions of the article during service when compared with a similar article that contains the thermoplastic resin without the crosslinking agent or a similar article that contains the crosslinking agent but is thermally activated at a rate of greater than or equal to about 5 degrees centigrade per minute to the same temperature.

Abstract: A method for producing phenol and acetone in a multi-stage process at an elevated temperature from a cumene hydroperoxide mixture comprising cumene, comprises the steps of: a) distilling an amount of cumene from the cumene hydroperoxide mixture until the cumene mass % is 0 to 7 mass % relative to the total mass of the cumene hydroperoxide mixture, b) reacting the cumene hydroperoxide mixture with an acid catalyst form to a second mixture comprising phenol, acetone and dicumyl peroxide in a first stage, and c) decomposing the second mixture in a second stage to produce phenol and acetone, wherein an amount of phenol approximately equal to the amount of distilled from the cumene hydroperoxide mixture is added to the cumene hydroperoxide mixture before the reacting step b). The amount of hydroxyacetone is reduced, thereby, improving the quality of commercial-grade phenol and the products made from the phenol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoplastic resin composition that includes a first phase polymeric material, at least one conductive filler and a second phase polymeric material where in the first phase polymer and second phase polymer are in co-continuous in nature and said conductive composition exhibits positive temperature coefficient behavior. The invention also relates to a method of making a co-continuous conductive composition that exhibits positive temperature coefficient behavior.

Abstract: A method for compression molding of poly(arylene ether) powder comprises introducing a powder comprising unheated poly(arylene ether) powder to compaction equipment comprising a compression mold and subjecting the powder in the compression mold to a pressure sufficient to produce an article having a density greater than the unheated poly(arylene ether) powder wherein the pressure is applied at a temperature less than the glass transition temperature of the poly(arylene ether) powder.

Abstract: Polycarbonate compositions are disclosed. The compositions comprise a polycarbonate polymer (A) having repeating units derived from at least three different monomers, one monomer being 2-phenyl-3,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)phthalimidine (PPPBP); and the other two monomers having the formula: wherein each Rk is independently a halogen atom, a C1-10 hydrocarbon group, or a C1-10 halogen substituted hydrocarbon group, and n is 0 to 4; and an impact modifier (B). The resulting composition has improved heat resistance and chemical resistance, particularly to Fuel C.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of preparing a polycarbonate composition comprising melt blending a first polycarbonate prepared by interfacial polymerization and having hydroxy end groups that are capped with endcapping groups, with a second polycarbonate prepared by melt polymerization and having hydroxy end groups that are capped with endcapping groups, wherein the second polycarbonate has a lower mole percent of endcapping groups than that of the first polycarbonate; wherein an article having a thickness of 3.2 mm and molded from the polycarbonate composition has a haze of less than 3 according to ASTM D1003-00; and wherein a flat article molded from the polycarbonate composition has a surface charge of ?2 to +2 kV. A polycarbonate composition and complex article prepared according to the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for purifying a polymer comprising providing a first mixture comprising at least one solvent and at least one polymeric material, diluting the first mixture with veratrole to produce a second mixture in which the polymeric material is substantially dissolved at a temperature less than 100° C., performing at least one step selected from (i) contacting the second mixture with an aqueous wash solution, and (ii) filtering the second mixture.

Abstract: Polycarbonate compositions are disclosed. The compositions comprise an optional polycarbonate polymer (A); a polycarbonate-polysiloxane copolymer (B); a phosphorous-containing flame retardant (C); and a reinforcing agent (D). The resulting compositions have an improved combination of properties, particularly Vicat softening temperature and high flame retardance in thin walls.

Abstract: A composition, comprising, based on the total weight of the polymer components in the composition, 1 to 40 wt. % of an aromatic polycarbonate, 30 to 98.8 wt. % of a polysiloxane-polycarbonate block copolymer, and 0.1 to 10 wt. % of a polysiloxane-polyimide block copolymer comprising more than 20 wt. % polysiloxane blocks, based on the total weight of the polysiloxane-polyimide copolymer. The compositions provide articles with low haze, high luminous transmittance, and good hydro-aging properties. The articles can further be formulated to have excellent flame retardance, particularly when KSS is used.