Patents Assigned to Ticona LLC
  • Naphthenic-rich liquid crystalline polymer composition with improved flammability performance
    Patent number: 8906259
    Abstract: A thermoplastic composition that comprises a naphthenic-rich, thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer blended with a flow modifier is provided. The flow modifier is an aromatic carboxylic acid that contains 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Ticona LLC
    Inventor: Young Shin Kim
  • Heat-resistant liquid crystalline polymer composition having a low melting temperature
    Patent number: 8906258
    Abstract: A thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer composition capable of exhibiting both a low melting temperature and good heat resistance without the use of conventional naphthenic acids is provided. The melting temperature may, for example, range from about 250° C. to about 400° C. Even at such low melting temperatures, the present inventors have surprisingly discovered that the ratio of the deflection temperature under load (“DTUL”), a measure of short term heat resistance, to the melting temperature may remain relatively high. The specific DTUL values may range from about 200° C. to about 300° C. The ability to form a polymer composition with the properties noted above may be achieved, at least in part, by the use of an aromatic amide oligomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Ticona LLC
    Inventors: Steven D. Gray, Kamlesh P. Nair, Joseph J. Grenci
  • Fluid-assisted injection molded articles and process
    Patent number: 8883279
    Abstract: Fluid-assisted injection molding articles and processes for producing the articles are described. In one embodiment, a fluid-assisted injection molded article is formed from a polymeric composition containing a polyethylene terephthalate homopolymer in combination with a polyethylene terephthalate copolymer. The polyethylene terephthalate copolymer may comprise a copolymer of polyethylene terephthalate with isophthalic acid. The polymeric composition can also contain a reinforcing agent, such as glass fibers. Products made in accordance with the present disclosure have shown dramatically improved surface characteristics. In particular, pitting on the surface of the molded article is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ticona LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth Leon Price
  • Reduced Volatility Polyarylene Sulfide
    Publication number: 20140309354
    Abstract: Thermoplastic compositions that incorporate a polyarylene sulfide and exhibit reduced volatility are described. Methods for forming the thermoplastic composition are also described as are products that can incorporate the compositions. A formation method can include melt processing the composition and incorporating a molecular sieve in the composition downstream of the addition point for the polyarylene sulfide as well as downstream of additives that could interact with the molecular sieve such as coupling agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Ticona LLC
    Inventors: Ke Feng, Paul Yung
  • Reinforced hollow profiles
    Patent number: 8859089
    Abstract: A hollow lineal profile (16) formed from a continuous fiber reinforced ribbon (“CFRT”) that contains a plurality of continuous fibers embedded within a first thermoplastic polymer matrix (6). To enhance the tensile strength of the profile, the continuous fibers are aligned within the ribbon in a substantially longitudinal direction (e.g., the direction of pultrusion). In addition to continuous fibers, the hollow profile of the present invention also contains a plurality of long fibers that may be optionally embedded within a second thermoplastic matrix to form a long fiber reinforced thermoplastic (“LFRT”) (4). The long fibers may be incorporated into the continuous fiber ribbon or formed as a separate layer of the profile. Regardless, at least a portion of the long fibers are oriented at an angle (e.g., 90°) to the longitudinal direction to provide increased transverse strength to the profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Ticona LLC
    Inventors: Sherri M. Nelson, David W. Eastep, Timothy A. Regan
  • Reflector for Light-Emitting Devices
    Publication number: 20140299907
    Abstract: Polymer compositions are described that are well suited for producing reflectors for light-emitting devices, such as light-emitting diodes. In one embodiment, the polymer composition contains a polymer resin and a stabilizer comprising a phosphonate compound and/or a phosphate compound and optionally a white pigment. The polymer resin may comprise, for instance, a poly(1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol terephthalate). The phosphate stabilizer has been found to significantly improve the stability of the polymer composition without interfering with the ability of the composition to bond to other polymer materials, such as silicone resins. Silicone resins, for instance, are typically used as an encapsulant for light-emitting diode assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Ticona LLC
    Inventor: Bing Lu
  • Crosslinkable liquid crystalline polymer
    Patent number: 8853342
    Abstract: A crosslinkable liquid crystalline polymer that is formed by polymerizing a precursor monomer in the presence of an aromatic crosslinking agent is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Ticona LLC
    Inventor: Kamlesh P. Nair
  • Melt-extruded substrate for use in thermoformed articles
    Patent number: 8852730
    Abstract: A melt-extruded substrate that can be readily thermoformed into a shaped, three-dimensional article is provided. The substrate is formed from a polymer composition that contains a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer and a unique aromatic amide oligomer. The present inventors have discovered that the oligomer can help increase the “low shear” complex viscosity of the resulting polymer. The ability to achieve enhanced low shear viscosity values can lead to polymer compositions with an increased melt strength, which allows the resulting substrate to better maintain its shape during thermoforming without exhibiting a substantial amount of sag. Due to its relatively high degree of melt strength, the polymer composition is particularly well suited for forming thin extruded substrates for use in thermoforming processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Ticona LLC
    Inventors: Kamlesh P. Nair, Steven D. Gray, Camilo Cano
  • Injection molding of polyarylene sulfide compositions
    Patent number: 8852487
    Abstract: A method for injection molding a thermoplastic composition that contains a polyarylene sulfide and a boron-containing nucleating agent is provided. By selectively controlling certain aspects of the polyarylene sulfide and nucleating agent, as well as the particular manner in which they are combined, the crystallization properties of the resulting thermoplastic composition can be significantly improved. This allows the “cooling time” during a molding cycle to be substantially reduced while still achieving the same degree of crystallization. The cooling time can be represented by the “normalized cooling ratio”, which is determined by dividing the total cooling time by the average thickness of the molded part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Ticona LLC
    Inventors: Ke Feng, Peter Radden, Michael Schafer
  • Liquid crystalline polymer composition for films
    Patent number: 8853344
    Abstract: A film formed from a polymer composition containing one or more thermotropic liquid crystalline polymers is provided. The specific nature of the polymer or blend of polymers is selectively controlled so that the resulting polymer composition possesses both a low viscosity and high melt strength. The present inventor has discovered that this unique combination of thermal properties results in a composition that is both highly melt processible and stretchable, which allows the resulting film to be oriented to a degree greater than previously thought possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Ticona LLC
    Inventors: Young Shin Kim, Xinyu Zhao
  • VOC or compressed gas containment device made from a polyoxymethylene polymer
    Patent number: 8840976
    Abstract: VOC or compressed gas containment devices, such as polymer fuel tanks, are made from a polyoxymethylene polymer composition. The polymer composition contains a polyoxymethylene polymer that is directly or indirectly chemically attached to an impact modifier. In one embodiment, for instance, a coupling agent bonds the impact modifier to the polyoxymethylene polymer. In order to preserve the permeability of the polymer material when combined with the impact modifier, a polyoxymethylene polymer is used that contains a low level of low molecular weight constituents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Ticona LLC
    Inventors: Lowell Larson, Ursula Ziegler, Christopher McGrady
  • Compact Camera Module
    Publication number: 20140272226
    Abstract: A compact camera module that contains a generally planar base on which is mounted a lens barrel is provided. The base, barrel, or both are molded from a polymer composition that includes a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer and a plurality of mineral fibers (also known as “whisker”). The mineral fibers have a median width of from about 1 to about 35 micrometers and constitute from about 5 wt % to about 60 wt. % of the polymer composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Ticona LLC
    Inventor: Young Shin Kim
  • Antistatic Liquid Crystalline Polymer Composition
    Publication number: 20140272365
    Abstract: A liquid crystalline polymer composition that contains a conductive filler (e.g., carbon fibers, ionic liquid, etc.) and a plurality of mineral fibers distributed within a liquid crystalline polymer matrix is provided. Through careful selection of the conductive filler and mineral fibers, as well as the manner in which they are dispersed within the polymer matrix, the present inventors have discovered that a composition can be formed that has a reduced tendency to create a static electric charge during a molding operation, but yet also has good surface characteristics and mechanical properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Ticona LLC
    Inventor: Young Shin Kim
  • Liquid Crystalline Polymer Composition
    Publication number: 20140264183
    Abstract: A compact camera module that contains a generally planar base on which is mounted a lens barrel is provided. The base, barrel, or both are molded from a polymer composition that includes a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer and a plurality of mineral fibers (also known as “whisker”). The mineral fibers have a median width of from about 1 to about 35 micrometers and constitute from about 5 wt % to about 60 wt % of the polymer composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Ticona LLC
    Inventor: Young Shin Kim
  • Crosslinkable liquid crystalline polymer
    Patent number: 8822628
    Abstract: A crosslinkable liquid crystalline polymer that is formed by polymerizing a precursor monomer in the presence of an aromatic crosslinking agent is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Ticona LLC
    Inventors: Kamlesh P. Nair, Young Shin Kim
  • Liquid Crystalline Polymer Fibers
    Publication number: 20140242385
    Abstract: A fiber formed from a polymer composition that comprises a liquid crystalline polymer and an aromatic amide oligomer is provided. The present inventors have discovered that the oligomer can act as a flow aid for the polymer, which can provide a variety of different benefits. For example, the use of the oligomer during polymerization can lower the melt viscosity of the polymer as it is formed. This enables the formation of high molecular weight polymers that do not solidify within the reactor vessel. The formation of high molecular weight polymers during melt polymerization can, in turn, provide a variety of benefits, such as allowing for higher molecular weight polymers to be formed through additional processing (e.g., solid state polymerization) than conventionally possible, as well as enhancing the melt strength of the polymer composition and thereby aiding in the fiber formation process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Ticona LLC
    Inventors: Kamlesh P. Nair, Joseph J. Grenci, Steven D. Gray
  • High Performance Polymer Composition with Improved Flow Properties
    Publication number: 20140243485
    Abstract: A polymer composition that contains at least one high performance polymer and at least one aromatic amide oligomer is provided. The oligomer can serve as a flow aid that lowers the overall viscosity of the polymer matrix under shear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Ticona LLC
    Inventors: Kamlesh P. Nair, Joseph J. Grenci, Xinyu Zhao
  • Manufacturing Process for Liquid Crystalline Polymer
    Publication number: 20140243481
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Ticona LLC
    Inventors: Marion Glen Waggoner, Richard Alan Jackson
  • Low emission polyoxymethylene
    Patent number: 8816015
    Abstract: Low VOC emission polyoxymethylene and compositions and products that incorporate the polyoxymethylene are described. The polyoxymethylene is end capped with compound that can prevent degradation of the polymer and subsequent emission of VOC degradation products such as formaldehyde. The end-capped polyoxymethylene can include an inorganic linkage within the polymer backbone that is the reaction product of a terminal hydroxyl group of the polyoxymethylene and a hydrolyzable group of the compound. Also disclosed are products as may be formed from the low VOC emission polyoxymethylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Ticona, LLC
    Inventors: Rong Luo, Xinyu Zhao, Robert Gronner, Nicolai Papke
  • Low temperature injection molding of polyarylene sulfide compositions
    Patent number: 8796392
    Abstract: A method for injection molding a thermoplastic composition that contains a polyarylene sulfide and an aromatic amide oligomer is provided. Due to the improved crystallization properties imparted by the oligomer, the present inventors have discovered that the thermoplastic composition can be molded at lower temperatures to still achieve the same degree of crystallization. In addition to minimizing the energy requirements for the molding operation, such low mold temperatures may be accomplished using heating mediums that are less corrosive and expensive than some conventional techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Ticona LLC
    Inventors: Rong Luo, Xinyu Zhao