Patents Assigned to Ticona LLC
  • Melt polymerization of low melt viscosity liquid crystalline polymers
    Patent number: 9057016
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Ticona LLC
    Inventors: Kamlesh P. Nair, Steven D. Gray
  • High flow liquid crystalline polymer composition
    Patent number: 9051514
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Ticona LLC
    Inventors: Kamlesh P. Nair, Joseph J. Grenci, Sayanti Basu, Steven D. Gray
  • Powder containing a polyoxymethylene polymer for coating metallic substrates
    Patent number: 9051476
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Ticona LLC
    Inventors: Robert M. Gronner, Thomas Heyer, Hanno Hueckstaedt, Meyer Rosen
  • Cast molded parts formed from a liquid crystalline polymer
    Patent number: 9045685
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Ticona LLC
    Inventors: Kamlesh P. Nair, Steven D. Gray, Joseph J. Grenci
  • Manufacturing process for liquid crystalline polymer
    Patent number: 9018315
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Ticona LLC
    Inventors: Marion Glen Waggoner, Richard Alan Jackson
  • Polyoxymethylene with improved printability
    Patent number: 9017800
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Ticona LLC
    Inventors: Malvika Bihari, Robert Gronner, Lowell Larson, Jeremy Hager Klug
  • Aromatic amide compound
    Patent number: 9005475
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Ticona LLC
    Inventors: Kamlesh P. Nair, Steven D. Gray
  • Polyarylene sulfide/liquid crystal polymer alloy and compositions including same
    Patent number: 9005476
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Ticona LLC
    Inventors: Rong Luo, Xinyu Zhao, Paul C. Yung
  • Thermally conductive polymer compositions and articles made therefrom
    Patent number: 8980984
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Ticona LLC
    Inventor: Yuji Saga
  • Polymer composition for producing articles having a metallic appearance
    Patent number: 8975313
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Ticona LLC
    Inventor: Bruce M. Mulholland
  • Printable molded articles made from a polyoxymethylene polymer composition
    Patent number: 8968858
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ticona LLC
    Inventors: Malvika Bihari, Robert Gronner, Lowell Larson
  • Die with Flow Diffusing Gate Passage and Method for Impregnating Same Fiber Rovings
    Publication number: 20150044377
    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).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Ticona LLC
    Inventors: Timothy L. Tibor, Timothy A. Regan, Aaron H. Johnson
  • Low naphthenic liquid crystalline polymer composition
    Patent number: 8932483
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Ticona LLC
    Inventor: Young Shin Kim
  • Low naphthenic liquid crystalline polymer composition for use in molded parts with a small dimensional tolerance
    Patent number: 8926862
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Ticona LLC
    Inventors: Young Shin Kim, Xinyu Zhao
  • Umbilical for use in subsea applications
    Patent number: 8921692
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Ticona LLC
    Inventors: Sherri M. Nelson, David W. Eastep, Timothy A. Regan, Michael L. Wesley
  • Low halogen content disulfide washed polyarylene sulfide
    Patent number: 8921513
    Abstract: Methods for forming a low chlorine content washed polyarylene sulfide are described. Methods include washing a polyarylene sulfide that includes aryl halide endgroups with a solution that includes a disulfide compound. The solution can also include a catalyst and an organic solvent. During the disulfide wash, a nucleophilic substitution reaction occurs between the disulfide compound and aryl halides endgroups of the polyarylene sulfide. The nucleophilic substitution reaction is carried out at conditions to prevent chain scission of the polyarylene sulfide that includes the aryl halide endgroups. Compositions and products formed with the low chlorine content disulfide washed polyarylene sulfide are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Ticona LLC
    Inventors: Rong Luo, Xinyu Zhao
  • Low formaldehyde emission polyacetal composition
    Patent number: 8921471
    Abstract: A polymeric composition containing a polyacetal resin in conjunction with a formaldehyde inhibiting agent is described. The formaldehyde inhibiting agent comprises an aluminum pigment. The aluminum pigment may comprise elemental aluminum, such as aluminum flakes that cannot only drastically reduce formaldehyde emissions from the composition but can also give the composition a metallic appearance. In one embodiment, the aluminum pigment may be combined with the polyacetal resin in conjunction with an unhindered phenol and/or a polyethylene resin. In order to further reduce formaldehyde emissions, in one embodiment, a formaldehyde scavenger comprising a nitrogen containing compound can also be added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Ticona LLC
    Inventor: Bruce M. Mulholland
  • Insert for pipe assembly and method for forming pipe assembly
    Patent number: 8910669
    Abstract: An insert, a pipe assembly, and a method for forming a pipe assembly are disclosed. The pipe assembly includes a hollow body and an insert bonded to the hollow body. The insert spans a knit line defined in the hollow body. The insert is formed from a fiber reinforced polymer material. The fibers are generally anisotropic, and preferably unidirectional, and the insert is oriented such that the fibers extend at an angle to the knit line and thus span the knit line. Preferably, the fibers extend perpendicularly to the knit line. The use of an insert having such an orientation reinforces the hollow body, particularly at the knit line. Thus, the use of such an insert bonded to a hollow body according to the present disclosure produces a pipe assembly having increased pressure ratings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Ticona LLC
    Inventor: David Michael Sheridan
  • 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