Abstract: Provided are novel compositions comprising a polyarylene sulfide and at least one tin additive comprising a branched tin(II) carboxylate selected from the group consisting of Sn(O2CR)2, Sn(O2CR)(O2CR?), Sn(O2CR)(O2CR?), and mixtures thereof, where the carboxylate moieties O2CR and O2CR? independently represent branched carboxylate anions and the carboxylate moiety O2CR? represents a linear carboxylate anion. Articles comprising the novel compositions are also provided. In addition, methods to improve the thermal stability of polyarylene sulfides, and methods to improve the thermo-oxidative stability of polyarylene sulfides, through the use of the disclosed branched tin(II) carboxylates are provided. The polyarylene sulfide compositions are useful in various applications which require superior thermal resistance, chemical resistance, and electrical insulating properties.

Abstract: Provided are novel compositions comprising a polyarylene sulfide and at least one tin additive comprising a branched tin(II) carboxylate selected from the group consisting of Sn(O2CR)2, Sn(O2CR)(O2CR?), Sn(O2CR)(O2CR?), and mixtures thereof, where the carboxylate moieties O2CR and O2CR? independently represent branched carboxylate anions and the carboxylate moiety O2CR? represents a linear carboxylate anion. Articles comprising the novel compositions are also provided. In addition, methods to improve the thermal stability of polyarylene sulfides, and methods to improve the thermo-oxidative stability of polyarylene sulfides, through the use of the disclosed branched tin(II) carboxylates are provided. The polyarylene sulfide compositions are useful in various applications which require superior thermal resistance, chemical resistance, and electrical insulating properties.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for decreasing the complex viscosity of a polyarylene sulfide polymer melt while maintaining the molecular weight of the polyarylene sulfide with time. This invention also relates to polymer melt compositions comprising a polyarylene sulfide, wherein the complex viscosity of the composition is decreased relative to the complex viscosity of the native polyarylene sulfide measured under the same conditions, and the weight average molecular weight of the polyarylene sulfide is maintained. The methods of decreasing the complex viscosity of a polyarylene sulfide-containing polymer melt, and the polymer melt compositions so obtained, are useful in processes to produce fibers, films, nonwovens, and molded parts from polyarylene sulfides.

Abstract: A nonwoven web comprising bicomponent fibers. The fibers have continuous phases each of a first polyarylene sulfide (PAS) component and a polymer component. The polymer component may also be a second polyarylene sulfide. The first polyarylene sulfide component contains a tin or a zinc additive or both, and the first polyarylene sulfide component of any given fiber is at least partially exposed to the external surface of that fiber.

Abstract: An improved process for forming polyarylene sulfide fibers is provided. The process comprises forming at least one fiber from a polymer melt comprising a polyarylene sulfide and at least one tin additive comprising a branched tin(II) carboxylate. Using such a melt, the fiber forming continuity is improved compared to that of the native polyarylene sulfide melt processed under the same conditions.

Abstract: Provided are novel compositions comprising a polyarylene sulfide and at least one tin additive comprising a branched tin(II) carboxylate selected from the group consisting of Sn(O2CR)2, Sn(O2CR)(O2CR?), Sn(O2CR)(O2CR?), and mixtures thereof, where the carboxylate moieties O2CR and O2CR? independently represent branched carboxylate anions and the carboxylate moiety O2CR? represents a linear carboxylate anion. Articles comprising the novel compositions are also provided. In addition, methods to improve the thermal stability of polyarylene sulfides, and methods to improve the thermo-oxidative stability of polyarylene sulfides, through the use of the disclosed branched tin(II) carboxylates are provided. The polyarylene sulfide compositions are useful in various applications which require superior thermal resistance, chemical resistance, and electrical insulating properties.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for decreasing the complex viscosity of a polyarylene sulfide polymer melt while maintaining the molecular weight of the polyarylene sulfide with time. This invention also relates to polymer melt compositions comprising a polyarylene sulfide, wherein the complex viscosity of the composition is decreased relative to the complex viscosity of the native polyarylene sulfide measured under the same conditions, and the weight average molecular weight of the polyarylene sulfide is maintained. The methods of decreasing the complex viscosity of a polyarylene sulfide-containing polymer melt, and the polymer melt compositions so obtained, are useful in processes to produce fibers, films, nonwovens, and molded parts from polyarylene sulfides.