Abstract: Thermally conductive thermoplastic resin compositions are provided containing thermoplastic resin and thermally conductive filler and fibrous filler, along with articles made therefrom. In certain instances when the thermally conductive filler and fibrous filer are more restricted, and other ingredients are present, the thermally conductive composition exhibits an improved volume resistibility and is suitable for fabricating a chassis for LCD display. Also described are the thermally conductive resin compositions, especially when the polymer is LCP. Such compositions are useful for items such as electrical and electronic housings requiring highly thermally conduciveness.

Abstract: A nucleating system for a thermoplastic composition that contains a polyarylene sulfide is provided. The nucleating system includes a combination of an inorganic crystalline compound and an aromatic amide oligomer. The present inventors have discovered that the combination of these different types of nucleating agents result in excellent crystallization properties (e.g., rate of crystallization). Due to the improved crystallization rate, the thermoplastic composition can be molded at lower temperatures to still achieve the same degree of crystallization. In addition to minimizing the energy requirements of the molding operating, the use of lower temperatures can also decrease the production of “flash” normally associated with high temperature molding operations. The composition may also possess good viscosity properties that allow it to be readily molded into parts of a variety of different shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition that contains a unique combination of a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer, dielectric material, laser activatable additive, and a fibrous filler is provided. The nature of the components and/or their concentration are selectively controlled in the present invention to maintain a high dielectric constant, good mechanical properties (e.g., deflection under load), and good processibility (e.g., low viscosity), yet still be laser activatable. Thus, the thermoplastic composition can be readily shaped into a thin substrate and subsequently applied with one or more conductive elements using a laser direct structuring process (“LDS”).

Abstract: A thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer melt polymerized in the presence of a viscosity modifier that can help increase the “low shear” viscosity of the resulting composition is provided. The increased “low shear” viscosity can minimize drooling of the polymer composition during processing and also allow it to possess a greater melt strength, which facilitates its ability to be processed in a wide variety of applications without losing its physical integrity. Despite having a relatively high “low shear” viscosity, the present inventors have discovered that the viscosity modifier does not substantially increase the “high shear” melt viscosity of the polymer composition. In this regard, the ratio of the “low shear” viscosity to the melt viscosity is generally very high, such as within a range of from about 50 to about 1000.

Abstract: Polymer compositions are described containing a white pigment for increasing the reflectance properties of the resulting material. In this regard, the material is well suited for being used as a reflector, such as a reflector for light-emitting diode assemblies. In accordance with the present disclosure, the white pigment comprises chalk resistance particles. The particles can also display a basic pH when placed in distilled water.

Abstract: A method for forming a high molecular weight liquid crystalline polymer is provided. The method include melt polymerizing two or more precursor monomers (e.g., acetylated or non-acetylated) in the presence of an aromatic amide oligomer. The present inventors have discovered that such an oligomer can lower the melt viscosity of the viscous polymer as it is formed. The ability to lower melt viscosity in situ during melt polymerization enables the formation of high molecular weight polymers that display low melt viscosity and can still be removed from the reactor vessel without solidifying therein. This not only improves the ease of processing, but also allows molecular weights to be reached that are even higher than conventionally practical.

Abstract: A liquid crystalline polymer composition that contains a liquid crystalline polymer and an aromatic amide oligomer is provided. The oligomer can serve as a flow aid by altering intermolecular polymer chain interactions, thereby lowering the overall viscosity of the polymer matrix under shear. The oligomer is also not easily volatized or decomposed during compounding, molding, and/or use, which minimizes off-gassing and the formation of blisters that would otherwise impact the final mechanical properties of a part made from the polymer composition. While providing the benefits noted, the aromatic amide oligomer does not generally react with the polymer backbone of the liquid crystalline polymer to any appreciable extent so that the mechanical properties of the polymer are not adversely impacted.

Abstract: A powder containing a polyoxymethylene polymer for coating metallic substrates is described. The polymeric particles are made from a polymeric composition containing a polyoxymethylene polymer having functional terminal groups. The polyoxymethylene polymer is blended with at least one functional additive. The functional additive can decrease the stiffness of the polyoxymethylene polymer, can decrease the shrinkage properties of the polyoxymethylene polymer and/or increase adhesion of the polymer to metal surfaces.

Abstract: A molded part having a predetermined shape is provided. The molded part may be formed by casting a liquid crystalline polymer composition into a mold cavity at a relatively low shear rate. Due to the use of a relatively low shear rate, the polymer composition does not generally undergo extensive shear orientation, which can allow the resulting part to be further processed using standard finishing techniques. The ability to use relatively low shear rates during casting is achieved in the present invention through the use of an aromatic amide oligomer. More particularly, the present inventors have discovered that the aromatic amide oligomer can serve as a flow aid by altering intermolecular polymer chain interactions, thereby lowering the overall viscosity of the polymer matrix to “ultralow” levels without having a significant impact on the mechanical properties.

Abstract: The properties of a liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) containing ester linkages and made in the presence of an excess of diol are improved by treating the LCP with a dicarboxylic acid at elevated temperature. The resulting LCPs are useful as molding resins and for films.

Abstract: Polymer compositions containing a polyoxymethylene polymer are disclosed that are receptive to paints and ink coatings. The polymer composition contains a polyoxymethylene polymer having a relatively high functional group content in combination with a coupling agent, a texturizing agent, and optionally a thermoplastic elastomer. The polymer composition can be molded into various articles at a mold temperature less than about 125° C., such as from about 60° C. to about 120° C. and then painted or printed with an ink composition. The polymer composition has been found to dramatically improve adhesion between the molded article and the ink or paint coating.

Abstract: An aromatic amide compound having the following general formula (I) is provided: wherein, X1 and X2 are independently C(O)HN or NHC(O); G1, G2 and G3 are independently hydrogen, C(O)HN-phenyl, or NHC(O)-phenyl, wherein at least one of G1, G2 and G3 is C(O)HN-phenyl or NHC(O)-phenyl; Q1, Q2, and Q3 are independently hydrogen, C(O)HN-phenyl, or NHC(O)-phenyl, wherein at least one of Q1, Q2, and Q3 is C(O)HN-phenyl or NHC(O)-phenyl; R5 is halo, haloalkyl, alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, or heterocyclyl; and m is from 0 to 4.

Abstract: Polyarylene sulfide/liquid crystal polymer alloys are described as are methods of forming the polyarylene sulfide/liquid crystal polymer alloys. The polyarylene sulfide/liquid crystal polymer alloys are formed according to a melt processing method that includes melt processing a polyarylene sulfide with a reactively functionalized disulfide compound and a liquid crystal polymer in a one or two step process. The reactively functionalized disulfide compound is added in a stoichiometric amount to react with a portion of the polyarylene sulfide. The melt processing forms a polyarylene sulfide/liquid crystal polymer copolymer that is a compatibilizer in the alloy. The polyarylene sulfide/liquid crystal polymer alloys may provide low chlorine content products having excellent strength characteristics.

Abstract: Thermally conductive polymer compositions comprising polymer, highly moisture resistant magnesium oxide, and filler having higher aspect ratio than 5. The compositions are particularly useful for metal/polymer hybrid parts.

Abstract: A polymer composition containing a polyacetal resin, a metallic pigment, and an ultraviolet light stabilizer is disclosed that exhibits a metallic brilliant appearance. The metallic pigment, the ultraviolet light stabilizer and the polyacetal resin can be mixed in a high intensity mixer prior to being used to mold polymer articles.

Abstract: Polymer compositions containing a polyoxymethylene polymer are disclosed that are receptive to paints and ink coatings. The polymer composition contains a polyoxymethylene polymer having a relatively high terminal hydroxyl group content in combination with a thermoplastic elastomer. In one embodiment, a coupling agent may be added for coupling the thermoplastic elastomer to the polyoxymethylene polymer. The polymer composition can be molded into various articles and then painted or printed with an ink composition. The polymer composition has been found to dramatically improve adhesion between the molded article and the ink or paint coating.

Abstract: A die and a method for impregnating fiber rovings with a polymer resin are disclosed. The die includes a manifold assembly (220), an impregnation zone (250), and a gate passage (270). The manifold assembly (220) flows the resin therethrough, and includes a channel (222). The impregnation zone (250) is in fluid communication with the manifold assembly (220), and is configured to impregnate the roving with the resin. The gate passage (270) is between the manifold assembly (220) and the impregnation zone (250), and flows the resin from the manifold assembly (220) such that the resin coats the roving. The gate passage (270) includes a projection (300). The projection (300) is configured to diffuse resin flowing through the gate passage (270).

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition that comprises a low-naphthenic, thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer blended with a flow modifier is provided. The flow modifier is an aromatic carboxylic acid that contains one or more carboxyl functional groups. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that the functional groups can react with the polymer chain to shorten its length and thus reduce melt viscosity. It is also believed that such acids can combine smaller chains of the polymer together after they have been cut during processing. This helps maintain the mechanical properties of the composition even after its melt viscosity has been reduced. As a result of the present invention, the melt viscosity of the thermoplastic composition is generally low enough so that it can readily flow into the cavity of a mold having small dimensions.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition that comprises a low-naphthenic, thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer blended with a combination of flow modifiers is provided. More particularly, one of the flow modifiers is a hydroxy-functional compound that contains or more hydroxyl functional groups. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that the hydroxyl functional groups can react with the polymer chain to shorten its length and thus reduce melt viscosity. Aromatic dicarboxylic acids are also employed as a flow modifier in the thermoplastic composition. Again, without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that such acids can combine smaller chains of the polymer together after they have been cut by hydroxy-functional compounds. This helps maintain the mechanical properties of the composition even after its melt viscosity has been reduced.

Abstract: An umbilical (600) for the transfer of fluids and/or electric current/signals, particularly between the sea surface and equipment deployed on the sea bed (e.g., in deep waters), is provided. The umbilical contains a plurality of elongated umbilical elements (e.g., two or more), such as a channel element (603), fluid pipe (604), electric conductor/wire (606) (e.g., optic fiber cable), armoring wire, etc., enclosed within an outer sheath (e.g., plastic sheath). The umbilical also contains at least one reinforcing rod (607) formed from a plurality of unidirectionally aligned fiber rovings embedded within a thermoplastic polymer matrix.