Abstract: A polymer composition that can be readily melt-extruded into a shaped three-dimensional substrate (e.g., tube) and also applied with a conductive element using a laser direct structuring (“LDS”) process. In this regard, the composition contains a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer and a laser activatable additive. The specific nature of the polymer and relative concentration of the polymer and additive are selectively controlled so that the resulting composition can possess both a relatively high melt viscosity and melt strength.

Abstract: Polymer compositions containing a plasticized, impact modified polyoxymethylene composition that is compounded with a conductive filler composition are disclosed that are flexible while also exhibiting electrostatic dissipative (ESD) capabilities. The polymer compositions can be formed into shaped articles such as tubes, hoses, etc. for use in fuel transfer systems. The plasticized, impact modified polyoxymethylene composition includes a functionalized polyoxymethylene, a plasticizer, and an impact modifier. Meanwhile, the conductive filler composition includes a conductive filler and a high flow polyoxymethylene. The compositions can be compounded into a pellet product which can then be formed into a shaped article that complies with the ESD capabilities required by SAE J1645.

Abstract: Polymer compositions containing a plasticized, impact modified polyoxymethylene composition that is compounded with a conductive filler composition are disclosed that are flexible while also exhibiting electrostatic dissipative (ESD) capabilities. The polymer compositions can be formed into shaped articles such as tubes, hoses, etc. for use in fuel transfer systems. The plasticized, impact modified polyoxymethylene composition includes a functionalized polyoxymethylene, a plasticizer, and an impact modifier. Meanwhile, the conductive filler composition includes a conductive filler and a high flow polyoxymethylene. The compositions can be compounded into a pellet product which can then be formed into a shaped article that complies with the ESD capabilities required by SAE J1645.

Abstract: A melt-extruded sheet form thermoforming applications is provided. The sheet is formed from a polymer composition containing one or more thermotropic liquid crystalline polymers. 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.

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.

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: A multi-layered, co-injection molded article is disclosed that includes a barrier layer that is formed from a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer and disposed adjacent to a protective layer, which is formed from a base polymer (e.g., olefinic polymer).

Abstract: An electrical conduit that contains a jacket that defines a hollow passageway is provided. At least a portion of the jacket is formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains a polyarylene sulfide and fire-resisting system. Due in part to the specific nature and concentration of these components, the present inventors have discovered that the resulting thermoplastic composition may have a relatively high melting temperature, such as from about 200° C. to about 500° C.

Abstract: A composite core for use in electrical cables, such as high voltage transmission cables is provided. The composite core contains at least one rod that includes a continuous fiber component surrounded by a capping layer. The continuous fiber component is formed from a plurality of unidirectionally aligned fiber rovings embedded within a thermoplastic polymer matrix. The present inventors have discovered that the degree to which the rovings are impregnated with the thermoplastic polymer matrix can be significantly improved through selective control over the impregnation process, and also through control over the degree of compression imparted to the rovings during formation and shaping of the rod, as well as the calibration of the final rod geometry. Such a well impregnated rod has a very small void fraction, which leads to excellent strength properties. Notably, the desired strength properties may be achieved without the need for different fiber types in the rod.

Abstract: A composite rod for use in various applications, such as electrical cables (e.g., high voltage transmission cables), power umbilicals, tethers, ropes, and a wide variety of other structural members, is provided. The rod includes a core that is formed from a plurality of unidirectionally aligned fiber rovings embedded within a thermoplastic polymer matrix. The present inventors have discovered that the degree to which the rovings are impregnated with the thermoplastic polymer matrix can be significantly improved through selective control over the impregnation process, and also through control over the degree of compression imparted to the rovings during formation and shaping of the rod, as well as the calibration of the final rod geometry. Such a well impregnated rod has a very small void fraction, which leads to excellent strength properties. Notably, the desired strength properties may be achieved without the need for different fiber types in the rod.

Abstract: A liquid crystalline polymer composition having a reduced tendency to create a static electric charge during a molding operation is provided. More particularly, the composition contains an ionic liquid that is distributed within a liquid crystalline polymer matrix. In addition to being electrically conductive, the ionic liquid can exist in liquid form during melt processing, which allows it to be more uniformly blended within the liquid crystalline polymer matrix. This improves electrical connectivity and thereby enhances the ability of the composition to rapidly dissipate static electric charges from its surface.

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: A polymer composition that contains a liquid crystalline polymer and a metallic pigment formed from metal particles and a carrier resin is provided. The polymer composition also contains an organophosphorous antioxidant that can help reduce the production of odorous compounds at high temperatures. The carrier resin used to form the metallic pigment may also be selectively controlled to minimize the production of odorous compounds. For example, the carrier resin may be a nonpolar wax with a relatively low acid value (e.g., polyolefin wax).

Abstract: A shaped part that is formed from a polymer composition that contains a liquid crystalline polymer and a metallic pigment is provided. By selectively controlling the type and relative concentration of these components, the polymer composition and shaped parts formed therefrom can have a metallic-like appearance. In addition to possessing an aesthetically pleasing appearance similar to stainless steel articles, the metallic-like appearance can also provide a signal to a user that the foodstuff article can be safely heated in an oven or stove.

Abstract: An impregnation section of a die (150) and a method for impregnating at least one fiber roving with a polymer resin are disclosed. The impregnation section includes an impregnation zone (250) configured to impregnate the roving with the resin. The impregnation zone (250) includes a plurality of contact surfaces (252). The impregnation section further includes a roller (300) configured to impregnate the roving with the resin. The roller (300) is rotatable about a central axis. The method includes coating a fiber roving with a polymer resin. The method additionally includes traversing the coated roving through a impregnation zone (250) to impregnate the roving with the resin. The impregnation zone (250) includes a plurality of contact surfaces (252). The method further includes traversing the coated roving past a roller (300) to impregnate the roving with the resin.

Abstract: An aromatic polyester that contains one or more aromatic ester repeating units and one or more biphenyl repeating units is provided. While a wide variety of aromatic ester repeating units may be employed, the polymer is nevertheless “low naphthenic” to the extent that it contains a minimal content of repeating units derived from naphthenic hydroxycarboxylic acids and naphthenic dicarboxylic acids. Despite the absence of a high level of conventional naphthenic acid repeating units, the present inventors have discovered that selective control over the type and relative concentration of the biphenyl repeating units can lead to “low naphthenic” polymers that are not only soluble in certain solvents, but also capable of exhibiting good mechanical properties. Thus, the ability of the resulting polymer to be dissolved or dispersed in various solvents can be enhanced without sacrificing performance.

Abstract: An aromatic copoly(ester-sulfone) that contains one or more aromatic ester repeating units and one or more aromatic sulfonyl repeating units is provided. While a wide variety of aromatic ester repeating units may be employed, the polymer is nevertheless “low naphthenic” to the extent that it contains a minimal content of repeating units derived from naphthenic hydroxycarboxylic acids and naphthenic dicarboxylic acids. Despite the absence of a high level of conventional naphthenic acid repeating units, the present inventors have discovered that selective control over the type and relative concentration of the aromatic sulfonyl repeating units can lead to “low naphthenic” polymers that are not only soluble in certain solvents, but also capable of exhibiting good mechanical properties. Thus, the ability of the resulting polymer to be dissolved or dispersed in various solvents can be enhanced without sacrificing performance.

Abstract: A powder that contains microparticles formed from an aromatic polyester is provided. The mean size of the microparticles is generally from about 0.1 to about 40 micrometers. The microparticles may also have a shape that is generally spherical in nature. Regardless of the actual size and shape, however, the size distribution of the microparticles may be consistent throughout the powder. For example, at least about 50% by volume of the microparticles may have a mean size within a range of from about 0.1 to about 200 micrometers. Without intending to be limited by theory, the present inventor believes that a certain size and/or size distribution can improve the quality of coatings formed from the powder.

Abstract: A crosslinkable liquid crystalline polymer that is formed by polymerizing a precursor monomer in the presence of an aromatic crosslinking agent is provided.

Abstract: A crosslinkable aromatic polyester that is formed by polymerizing certain precursor monomers in the presence of a biaromatic crosslinking agent is provided. The crosslinkable aromatic polyester can have a relatively high melting temperature. For example, the melting temperature of the crosslinkable polyester may be from about 200° C. to about 370° C. While having a relatively high melting temperature, the crosslinkable polyester can maintain a relatively low melt viscosity so that it can be readily removed from the polymerization reactor without solidifying therein.