Abstract: A method of making polyetherimide comprising reacting a first diamine having four bonds between the amine groups, a second diamine having greater than or equal to five bonds between the amine groups, 4-halophthalic anhydride and 3-halophthalic in the presence of a solvent and a polymer additive to produce a mixture comprising 3,3?-bis(halophthalimide)s, 3,4?-bis(halophthalimide)s, 4,4?-bis(halophthalimide)s, solvent and the polymer additive wherein the molar ratio of 3-halophthalic anhydride to 4-halophthalic anhydride is 98:02 to 50:50 and the molar ratio of the first diamine to the second diamine is 98:02 to 02:98; and reacting the mixture with an alkali metal salt of a dihydroxy aromatic compound to produce a polyetherimide having a cyclics content less than or equal to 5 weight percent, based on the total weight of the polyetherimide, wherein the polymer additive dissolves in the solvent at the imidization reaction temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A method for producing an aromatic dianhydride includes reacting an aromatic diimide with a substituted or unsubstituted phthalic anhydride in an aqueous medium in the presence of an amine exchange catalyst to provide an aqueous reaction mixture including an N-substituted phthalimide, an aromatic tetraacid salt, and at least one of an aromatic triacid salt and an aromatic imide diacid salt. The method further includes removing the phthalimide from the aqueous reaction mixture by extracting the aqueous reaction mixture with an organic solvent in a first extractor for a first time period, at a first extraction temperature and subsequent to the first time period, extracting the aqueous reaction mixture with an organic solvent in a second extractor for a second time period, at a second extraction temperature. The aromatic tetraacid salt is converted to the corresponding aromatic dianhydride. Aromatic dianhydrides prepared according to the method are also described.

Abstract: A composition useful for the injection molding of fluid engineering parts includes specific amounts of a poly(phenylene ether), a homopolystyrene, a hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic monomer and a conjugated diene, a linear low density polyethylene, and a reinforcing filler. A method of making the composition and articles prepared from the composition are also described.

Abstract: An electrical connector can include a receptacle disposed in a housing. The housing can include a second end and an openable first end having at least two housing portions that are movable relative to each other between: an open position in which the receptacle is accessible by a plug through the housing portions; and a closed position in which the receptacle is not accessible by the plug through the housing portions. At least one of the housing portions can be biased toward the open position. The electrical connector can further include a grip coupled to the housing and movable relative to the housing between a first position that permits movement of the housing portions to the open position; and a second position in which the grip overlies the at least one biased-open housing portion such that the grip prevents movement of the housing portions to the open position.

Abstract: A copolycarbonate includes 0.005-0.1 mole percent of sulfur-containing carbonate units derived from a sulfur-containing bisphenol monomer, 2-95 mole percent of high heat carbonate units derived from a high heat aromatic dihydroxy monomer, and 5-98 mole percent of a low heat carbonate units derived from a low heat aromatic monomer, each based on the sum of the moles of the carbonate units; and optionally, thioether carbonyl endcaps of the formula —C(?O)-L-S—R, wherein L is a C1-12 aliphatic or aromatic linking group and R is a C1-20 alkyl, C6-18 aryl, or C7-24 arylalkylene; wherein the sulfur content of the high heat copolycarbonate in the absence of the thioether endcaps is from 5-20 parts per million by weight.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition includes a polyarylene ether component, a flame retardant additive, an impact modifier, and a laser direct structuring additive. The laser platable thermoplastic composition is capable of being plated after being activated using a laser, exhibits a plating index of greater than 0.8 when tested using X-ray fluorescence, and exhibits a heat deflection temperature of greater than 150° C. at 0.45 MPa/3.2 mm when tested in accordance with ASTM D648. In further aspects, the thermoplastic composition may further comprise a laser direct structuring additive synergist comprising a polysiloxane, a polysilane, or a silane.

Abstract: A nano-composite includes a thermoplastic copolymer includes a polycarbonate copolymer including repeating siloxane units and a plurality of quantum dots. A method of making a polymer film includes forming a masterbatch composition by combining (1) a first thermoplastic copolymer including a polycarbonate copolymer including repeating siloxane units and (2) a plurality of quantum dots; combining the masterbatch composition with a second thermoplastic polymer to form a mixture; and forming the polymer film from the mixture. The polycarbonate copolymer has a siloxane content of from 15 wt % to 65 wt %.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition includes: from about 29 wt % to about 49 wt % of a thermoplastic polymer component including a first thermoplastic polymer consisting of polybutylene terephthalate and a second thermoplastic polymer consisting of polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, copolymers thereof, or a combination thereof; from about 1 wt % to about 30 wt % of a component comprising a polyester elastomer, an ethylene/alkyl acrylate/glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer compatibilizer, or a combination thereof; and from about 50 wt % to about 70 wt % of a ceramic fiber component including ceramic fibers. The first thermoplastic polymer is present the composition in a ratio of at least 2:1 as compared to the second thermoplastic polymer. Articles including the thermoplastic composition are also described.

Abstract: A polymer composition includes: from about 20 wt. % to about 80 wt. % of a polymer base resin; from about 10 wt. % to about 60 wt. % of a thermally conductive filler; and from about 5 wt. % to about 60 wt. % of a dielectric ceramic filler having a Dk of at least 20 when measured at 1.1 GHz or greater. The polymer composition exhibits a dielectric constant greater than 3.0 at 1.1 GHz when tested using a split post dielectric resonator and network analyzer on a sample size of 120 mm by 120 mm and 6 mm thickness according to ASTM D150. The polymer composition exhibits a dissipation factor of less than 0.002 at 1.1 GHz when tested using a split post dielectric resonator and network analyzer on a sample size of 120 mm by 120 mm and 6 mm thickness according to ASTM D150.

Abstract: A process of preparing a compounded hydrostable poly(aliphatic ester-carbonate) includes providing a hydrostable poly(aliphatic ester-carbonate), compounding in an extruder the hydrostable poly(aliphatic ester-carbonate) and 0.05 wt % to 0.60 wt % of a multifunctional epoxide compounding stabilizer, based on the total weight of the compounded hydrostable poly(aliphatic ester-carbonate), under vacuum of 17000 to 85000 Pascals, and a torque of 30% to 75%, to provide the compounded hydrostable poly(aliphatic ester-carbonate). After compounding, at least one of the following apply: the inter-sample variability in molecular weight is less than 5%, wherein inter-sample variability is determined by comparing five 100 mil chips of the compounded hydrostable poly(aliphatic ester-carbonate); the % weight average molecular weight (MW) difference is less than 5% after hydroaging at 85° C.

Abstract: A method for purification of a biphenol tetraacid composition includes contacting the biphenol tetraacid composition with a solvent including a C1-6 alcohol to form a slurry and isolating the purified biphenol tetraacid from the slurry. The biphenol tetraacid composition includes a biphenol tetraacid and a biphenol. A purified biphenol tetraacid composition is also described.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of thermoplastic polymer particles include combining a first solution having a polyetherimide, a polycarbonate, or a combination thereof and an organic solvent with an aqueous solution including a surfactant, and agitating the resulting mixture using a shear force generating device operating at a preselected peripheral rotational speed to provide an emulsion. The emulsion is heated to remove the organic solvent and provide an aqueous polymer dispersion including the thermoplastic polymer particles.

Abstract: Fiber-reinforced composite (e.g., for portable electronic devices), and methods of molding such fiber-reinforced composite parts. Such a fiber-reinforced composite part comprises one or more fiber layers and a plurality of ceramic particles within a polymer matrix such that ceramic particles and polymer are disposed above and below each of the fiber layer(s), with the ceramic particles comprising from 30% to 90% by volume of the composite part, the polymer matrix comprising from 6% to 50% by volume of the composite part, and the fiber layer(s) comprising from 1% to 40% by volume of the composite part; the ceramic particles having a Dv50 of from 50 nanometers to 100 micrometers; the ceramic particles being substantially free of agglomeration; and the composite part having a relative density greater than 90%.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition includes from about 40 wt % to about 60 wt % polycarbonate homopolymer or copolymer, from about 15 wt % to about 30 wt % styrene acrylonitrile copolymer, from about 13 wt % to about 15 wt % flat glass fiber, and from about 9 wt % to about 11 wt % round glass fiber. Methods for making a thermoplastic composition include forming a mixture from the recited components and extruding or molding the mixture to form the composition.

Abstract: Provided are extrusion dies having entrance, orientation, merging (205), and exit (211) sections, which dies may be used to produce fibers having, e.g., oriented reinforcement materials (e.g., PTFE) dispersed within. The dies provide fibers having enhanced mechanical and processing properties. The orientation section comprises orientation channels (203) wherein a ratio of a cross-sectional area having of the channel inlet to a cross-sectional area of the channel outlet is between 2 and 45.

Abstract: An ammunition article comprises a polymer cartridge case formed of a polymer composition comprising a thermoplastic polymer, preferably the polymer composition having a density of less than 1.35 determined in accordance with ASTM D792, the polymer cartridge case having a first end, an opposing second end, and a chamber disposed between the first end and the second end for receiving a propellant; a projectile attached to the first end of the polymer cartridge case; a metal base insert joined to the second end of the polymer cartridge case; and a primer carried by the metal base insert; wherein the metal base insert and the polymer cartridge case remain joined together as a single piece assembly upon loading, firing and removal from a chamber of a firearm for a polymer case temperature of ?65° F. (?54° C.) to 165° F. (74° C.).

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition comprising: a copolycarbonate comprising bisphenol A (BPA) carbonate units and 10-50 mol % of second carbonate units different from the BPA carbonate units; a poly(carbonate-arylate ester) copolymer comprising BPA carbonate units and 5-50 mol % of monoaryl arylate ester units; and optionally a BPA homopolycarbonate; wherein the thermoplastic composition has at least one of: a Vicat B120 softening temperature of 155° C. or greater; or a yellowness index of less than 10 on a plaque having a thickness of 3 mm and molded at a temperature of 360° C. for 5 minutes; or an increase in yellowness index of less than 5 after 600 hours of weathering per ISO 11341 on a molded plaque having a thickness of 1 mm.

Abstract: A particulate material useful for additive manufacturing contains a semicrystalline polycarbonate or a semicrystalline polyetherimide. The particles of the particulate material are characterized by a narrow volume-based distribution of equivalent spherical diameters in which the median equivalent spherical diameter (Dv50) M is in the range 35 to 85 micrometers, the equivalent spherical diameter corresponding to 1 percent of the cumulative undersize distribution (DvO1) is greater than 2 micrometers, and the equivalent spherical diameter corresponding to 99 percent of the cumulative undersize distribution (Dv99) is less than 115 micrometers. Also described is a method of additive manufacturing utilizing the particulate material.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes thin, high-stiffness laminates, portable electronic device housings including the same, and methods for making such laminates and portable electronic device housings. Some laminates include an inner section having one or more first laminae and one or more second laminae, and first and second outer sections disposed on opposing sides of the inner section, each having one or more third laminae The laminate has a width and a length that is perpendicular to the width. Each of the first lamina(e) can have fibers aligned in a direction parallel to the length, each of the second lamina(e) can have fibers aligned in a direction parallel to the width, and each of the third lamina(e) can have fibers aligned in a direction angnlarly disposed at an angle of at least 10 degrees to each of the length and the width.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions of a deep eutectic solvent with a host, such as a supramolecular host, and the use of the composition to form a composition comprising the host in complex with one or more guests. The deep eutectic solvent provides an alternative medium to the aqueous-based media that have been used in the art to date. Also disclosed are compositions of a deep eutectic solvent with a redox-active compound, such as a viologen compound, and the use of the composition, for example, in a smart window or for agricultural use, such as in an agricultural product.