Abstract: There are provided flame retardant, flexibilized thermoplastic compositions which comprise, in admixture, a normally flammable polyphenylene ether resin, an aromatic phosphate plasticizer in an amount at least sufficient to provide a flame retardant, flexibilized composition after molding, and a thermoplastic elastomer comprising a block copolymer of a vinyl aromatic compound and a diene monomer. Preferred features comprise such compositions which also include a halogenated hydrocarbon, alumina trihydrate and/or elemental red phosphorus.

Abstract: A thermoplastic resin composition having in admixture a polyphenylene ether resin and an elastomeric block copolymer wherein the block copolymer has in admixture a triblock copolymer A-B-A' and a diblock copolymer A-B with A and A' being polymerized vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon blocks such as styrene and B being an ethylene-alkylene block such as ethylene-butylene. The composition of this invention can also include other additives such as siloxane fluids, flame retardants, polyolefins, and phosphates, as well as fillers, etc. Also included in this invention is the process of preparing such compositions and articles of manufacture prepared therefrom, such as electrical conductor articles or formed articles. The compositions of this invention provide improved flexibility and elongation.

Abstract: Improved thermoplastic compositions characterized by high tensile elongation values are described. They comprise polyphenylene ether resin, a hydrogenated elastomeric block copolymer having an A-B-A' structure, with specific molecular weight values for the copolymer blocks and a phenylsiloxane fluid of particular composition. Electrical conductor articles which include polymerized thermoplastic compositions as mentioned above represent another embodiment of this invention.

Abstract: Thermoplastic compositions comprised of compatible combinations of a polyphenylene ether resin and a polyamide resin and which require improved low temperature ductility can be impact modified with a modifying agent comprising a partially hydrogenated diblock copolymer of styrene and ethylene/propylene.

Abstract: Improved thermoplastic compositions characterized by high tensile elongation values are described. They comprise polyphenylene ether resin, a hydrogenated elastomeric block copolymer having an A-B-A' structure, with specific molecular weight values for the copolymer blocks and a phenylsiloxane fluid of particular composition. Electrical conductor articles which include polymerized thermoplastic compositions as mentioned above represent another embodiment of this invention.

Abstract: Polyphenylene ether resin/polypropylene resin compositions are disclosed which have improved heat deflection temperature and stiffness. The improvements result from the use of a polyphenylene ether resin having an intrinsic viscosity of below about 0.30 dl./gm. The compositions may further comprise an impact modifier.

Abstract: Thermoplastic compositions comprised of compatible combinations of a polyphenylene ether resin and a polyamide resin and which require improved low temperature ductility can be impact modified with a modifying agent comprising a partially hydrogenated diblock copolymer of styrene and ethylene/propylene.

Abstract: There are provided flame retardant, flexibilized thermoplastic compositions which comprise, in admixture, a normally flammable polyphenylene ether resin, an aromatic phosphate plasticizer in an amount at least sufficient to provide a flame retardant, flexibilized composition after molding, and a thermoplastic elastomer comprising a block copolymer of a vinyl aromatic compound and a diene monomer. Preferred features comprise such compositions which also include a halogenated hydrocarbon, alumina trihydrate and/or elemental red phosphorus.

Abstract: Improved flame retardance and smoke/heat reduction has been imparted to polyphenylene ethers by blending the polyphenylene ethers with organopolysiloxane fluids having a critical mole % range of chemically combined phenylsiloxane units.

Abstract: Compositions of a polyphenylene ether, a polyolefin, and a certain copolymers of a vinyl aromatic compound conjugated with an alkene such as styrene-ethylene butylene-styrene triblock elastomers exhibit improved ductility and decreased delamination tendencies compared to prior art compositions.

Abstract: An improved polyphenylene ether composition is described herein, comprising at least two polyphenylene ether resins, one having an intrinsic viscosity of at least about 0.38 dl/g, and another having an intrinsic viscosity of no greater than about 0.33 dl/g.

Abstract: Impact- and solvent-resistant resin blends are prepared from a polyphenylene ether or blend thereof with a polystyrene, a linear polyester such as a poly(alkylene dicarboxylate), at least one polymer containing a substantial proportion of aromatic polycarbonate units as a compatibilizing agent, and, preferably, at least one elastomeric polyphenylene ether-compatible impact modifier. There may also be present a minor amount of at least one epoxide and/or masked isocyanate such as triglycidyl isocyanurate or a glycidyl methacrylate polymer. The polyphenylene ether preferably has a low proportion of unneutralized amino nitrogen, if any.

Abstract: Solvent-resistant resin blends with a wide variety of desirable impact and tensile properties are prepared from a polyphenylene ether having a low proportion of unneutralized amino nitrogen or a blend thereof with a polystyrene; a poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(butylene terephthalate), elastomeric polyester or mixture thereof; at least one elastomeric polyphenylene ether-compatible impact modifier and at least one polymer containing a substantial proportion of aromatic polycarbonate units as a compatibilizing agent. There may also be present a minor amount of at least one epoxide such as triglycidyl isocyanurate.

Abstract: Flame retardant mixtures of a polyphenylene ether resin, an alkenyl aromatic elastomer, an organic phosphate flame retardant agent and a crosslinking agent are described. They are curable by heating or by exposure to high energy radiation. Articles such as electrical wires and cables comprising insulation made of the composition, and a method of their production, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Thermoplastic blends having excellent chemical resistance and improved impact strength are prepared from a polyphenylene ether, a linear polyester such as poly(alkylene dicarboxylate), a polymer containing a substantial proportion or aromatic polycarbonate units, and property improving amounts of an alkylene acrylate copolymer.

Abstract: A thermoplastic blend for molding articles with resistance to environmental stress cracking and with good melt flow properties comprises a polyphenylene ether resin having a low intrinsic viscosity and a polystyrene resin having a high intrinsic viscosity. The composition can further contain an impact modifier and/or a flame retardant.

Abstract: Impact- and solvent-resistant resin blends are prepared from a polyphenylene ether, or blend thereof with a polystyrene, a linear polyester such as a poly(alkylene dicarboxylate), at least one elastomeric polyphenylene ether-compatible impact modifier and at least one polymer containing a substantial proportion of aromatic polycarbonate units as a compatibilizing agent. There may also be present a minor amount of at least one epoxide and/or masked isocyanate such as triglycidyl isocyanurate or a glycidyl methacrylate polymer. The polyphenylene ether is preferably inactivated by reaction with at least one non-volatile carboxylic acid or anhydride and/or by extrusion with vacuum venting.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a polyphenylene ether and, optionally, a styrene resin, an aromatic phosphate, phosphonate or phospine oxide, an aromatic halogen compound and an impact modifier comprising a diene polymer have excellent flame retardant properties during large scale flammability tests. The compositions will tolerate large amounts of aromatic halogen compound without discoloration and processing difficulties. In comparison with compositions of the present state of the art, peak burn temperatures are reduced, smoke is less dense, and flaming drips are eliminated in large as well as small scale burn tests.

Abstract: Curable flame retardant mixtures of a polyolefin (non-rubbery), a polyphenylene ether resin, an aromatic phosphate, a brominated compound or polymer, and a crosslinking agent are described. Electrically conductive articles having insulation material made of the composition and methods for preparing such articles are also disclosed.

Abstract: Flame retardant crosslinking admixtures of an olefinic rubber, a polyphenylene ether resin, an aromatic phosphate, a crosslinking agent, and optionally a stable brominated material are described. Electrically conductive articles, such as wires and cables, in which the compositions are incorporated as insulation material, and methods for their preparation, are also disclosed.