Abstract: An epoxybenzyl-terminated poly(arylene ether) has the structure R—W—R wherein W is a divalent poly(arylene ether) residue terminated with phenolic oxygen atoms, and R is an epoxybenzyl group, wherein each occurrence of R is the same or different. The epoxybenzyl-terminated poly(arylene ether) is formed by reacting a peroxide-containing reagent with a vinybenzyl-terminated poly(arylene ether). Also disclosed is a curable composition including the epoxybenzyl-terminated poly(arylene ether)s, a curing promoter, and, optionally, an auxiliary epoxy resin. The curable composition is useful for the preparation of composites, and in particular, composites used in manufacturing printed circuit boards.

Abstract: An epoxybenzyl-terminated poly(arylene ether) has the structure R-W-R wherein W is a divalent poly(arylene ether) residue terminated with phenolic oxygen atoms, and R is an epoxybenzyl group, wherein each occurrence of R is the same or different. The epoxybenzyl-terminated poly(arylene ether) is formed by reacting a peroxide-containing reagent with a vinybenzyl-terminated poly(arylene ether). Also disclosed is a curable composition including the epoxybenzyl-terminated poly(arylene ether)s, a curing promoter, and, optionally, an auxiliary epoxy resin. The curable composition is useful for the preparation of composites, and in particular, composites used in manufacturing printed circuit boards.

Abstract: A poly(arylene ether) copolymer is the product of oxidative copolymerization of monomers including a monohydric phenol and a dihydric phenol. It has an intrinsic viscosity of about 0.04 to about 0.15 deciliter per gram and, on average, about 1.8 to about 2 hydroxyl groups per molecule. The poly(arylene ether) copolymer is enriched in low molecular weight copolymer chains and copolymer chains that include a terminal unit derived from the dihydric phenol.

Abstract: A composition includes at least 15 weight percent of a low intrinsic viscosity, bifunctional poly(arylene ether) and at least 20 weight percent of a nonhalogenated solvent. The bifunctional poly(arylene ether)s are substantially and unexpectedly more soluble than their monofunctional analogs. The compositions are useful as concentrates to add bifunctional poly(arylene ether)s to thermosets.

Abstract: A poly(arylene ether) copolymer is the product of oxidative copolymerization of monomers including a monohydric phenol and a dihydric phenol. It has an intrinsic viscosity of about 0.04 to about 0.15 deciliter per gram and, on average, about 1.8 to about 2 hydroxyl groups per molecule. The poly(arylene ether) copolymer is enriched in low molecular weight copolymer chains and copolymer chains that include a terminal unit derived from the dihydric phenol.

Abstract: A poly(arylene ether) may be fractionated into higher and lower molecular weight fractions by forming a mixture that includes a poly(arylene ether) starting material, a first solvent that is dichloromethane, bromochloromethane, dibromomethane, or a mixture thereof, and a second solvent different from the first solvent having a Hildebrand solubility parameter of about 16 to about 22 megapascal1/2. The mixture separates into fractions containing higher and lower molecular weight poly(arylene ether)s.

Abstract: A poly(arylene ether) copolymer is the product of oxidative copolymerization of monomers including a monohydric phenol and a dihydric phenol. It has an intrinsic viscosity of about 0.04 to about 0.15 deciliter per gram and, on average, about 1.8 to about 2 hydroxyl groups per molecule. The poly(arylene ether) copolymer is enriched in low molecular weight copolymer chains and copolymer chains that include a terminal unit derived from the dihydric phenol.

Abstract: Poly(arylene ether)-poly(alkylene ether) block copolymers and methods for their preparation are provided. The block copolymers include structural units derived from a poly(arylene ether), a poly(alkylene ether), and an activated aromatic carbonate.

Abstract: A composition includes at least 15 weight percent of a low intrinsic viscosity, bifunctional poly(arylene ether) and at least 20 weight percent of a nonhalogenated solvent. The bifunctional poly(arylene ether)s are substantially and unexpectedly more soluble than their monofunctional analogs. The compositions are useful as concentrates to add bifunctional poly(arylene ether)s to thermosets.

Abstract: A method for producing a capped poly(arylene ether) having a low concentration of metal impurities is described. The method includes treating a solution of a capped poly(arylene ether) with a chelant to bind the polymerization catalyst metal, and separating the chelated metal from the capped poly(arylene ether). Capped poly(arylene ether)s prepared by the method are also described, as are curable compositions that include them.

Abstract: A cured composition is prepared by curing a curable composition including an epoxy resin and a bifunctional poly(arylene ether) having an intrinsic viscosity of about 0.03 to about 0.2 deciliter per gram. The cured composition exhibits markedly improved impact strength relative to a corresponding composition prepared from monofunctional poly(arylene ether).

Abstract: A cured composition is prepared by curing a composition that includes an alkyl styrene and a low molecular weight, bifunctional poly(arylene ether). The curable composition can be prepared and processed at substantially lower temperatures than prior art poly(arylene ether) thermosets. The cured composition exhibits an improved balance of heat resistance, impact strength, and dielectric properties, making it particularly suitable for the fabrication of electronic components.

Abstract: A curable composition includes an epoxy resin and a bifunctional poly(arylene ether) having an intrinsic viscosity of about 0.03 to about 0.2 deciliter per gram. After curing, the composition exhibits markedly improved impact strength relative to a corresponding composition prepared from monofunctional poly(arylene ether).

Abstract: A curable composition includes an alkyl styrene and a low molecular weight, bifunctional poly(arylene ether). The composition can be prepared and processed at substantially lower temperatures than prior art poly(arylene ether) thermosets. After curing, the composition exhibits an improved balance of heat resistance, impact strength, and dielectric properties, making it particularly suitable for the fabrication of electronic components.

Abstract: A poly(arylene ether) may be fractionated into higher and lower molecular weight fractions by forming a mixture that includes a poly(arylene ether) starting material, a first solvent that is dichloromethane, bromochloromethane, dibromomethane, or a mixture thereof, and a second solvent different from the first solvent having a Hildebrand solubility parameter of about 16 to about 22 megapascal1/2. The mixture separates into fractions containing higher and lower molecular weight poly(arylene ether)s.

Abstract: Poly(arylene ether)-polyester block copolymers and methods for their preparation are provided. The block copolymers include structural units derived from a poly(arylene ether), a hydroxy-terminated polyester, and an activated aromatic carbonate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of forming a polyphenylene ether resin containing residual aliphatic unsaturation. A polyphenylene ether is reacted with a capping agent in a solvent to form the polyphenylene ether resin containing residual aliphatic unsaturation, which is precipitated from solution by combining the solution with an antisolvent. The precipitated polyphenylene ether resin containing residual aliphatic unsaturation has lower levels of residual impurities than the same compound isolated by devolatilization.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of forming a polyphenylene ether resin containing residual aliphatic unsaturation. A polyphenylene ether is reacted with a capping agent in a solvent to form the polyphenylene ether resin containing residual aliphatic unsaturation, which is precipitated from solution by combining the solution with an antisolvent. The precipitated polyphenylene ether resin containing residual aliphatic unsaturation has lower levels of residual impurities than the same compound isolated by devolatilization.

Abstract: A process is provided for making poly(carbonate-siloxanes). The process involves melt mixing polycarbonate resin and an amount of a secondary amine functional siloxane to produce a polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer. The process is useful for producing a copolymer resin that can be used as resin for making molded articles.

Abstract: Polyetherimide resins which crystallize from the melt contain crystallizing repeating units based on biphenoldianhydride or hydroquinone dianhydride and a linear aromatic diamine. The melt crystalline polyetherimides exhibit improved solvent resistance. The melt crystalline polymers retain the advantageous properties associated with their known amorphous polyetherimide counterparts.