Abstract: A rubber composition with disperse phase particles containing poly(phenylene ether) can be formed by a method that includes melt blending an uncured rubber with a poly(phenylene ether) composition containing a poly(phenylene ether) and an oil to form an uncured rubber composition, then curing the uncured rubber composition. Before being blended with the rubber, the poly(phenylene ether) composition exhibits a glass transition temperature of about 40 to about 140° C., and during blending with the rubber, the oil component of poly(phenylene ether) composition migrates from the poly(phenylene ether) composition to the rubber, leaving a poly(phenylene ether)-containing disperse phase that gives rise to a second hysteresis peak temperature of about 160 to about 220° C. as measured by dynamic mechanical analysis of the cured rubber composition.

Abstract: A method of purifying a poly(phenylene ether) is described. The method includes mixing a poly(phenylene ether) solution comprising a poly(phenylene ether) and a poly(phenylene ether) solvent with first washing solvents including a C1-C4 alkanol and water to form a first liquid phase including poly(phenylene ether) and poly(phenylene ether) solvent, and a second liquid phase comprising C1-C4 alkanol and water, and separating the first liquid phase from the second liquid phase. The first and second liquid phases combined comprise about 60 to about 95 weight percent poly(phenylene ether) solvent, about 4 to about 32 weight percent C1-C4 alkanol, and about 1 to about 36 weight percent water. When optionally combined with evaporative removal of the poly(phenylene ether) solvent, the method reduces C1-C4 alkanol usage compared to the antisolvent precipitation method, and it produces poly(phenylene ether) having reduced catalyst metal ion residue and reduced color.

Abstract: A method of purifying a capped poly(phenylene ether) includes mixing a poly(phenylene ether) capping reaction mixture comprising a capped poly(phenylene ether), a capping agent, a capping byproduct, a capping catalyst, and a poly(phenylene ether) solvent, and first washing solvents comprising a C1-C4 alkanol and water to form a first liquid phase comprising the capped poly(phenylene ether) and poly(phenylene ether) solvent, and a second liquid phase comprising C1-C4 alkanol and water; and separating the first liquid phase from the second liquid phase. Capped poly(phenylene ether) having reduced levels of residual capping agent, capping byproduct, and capping catalyst is produced from poly(phenylene ether) capping reaction mixtures by this method.

Abstract: A halogen-free electrically insulating film is prepared from a composition including particular amounts of a poly(arylene ether), a hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene, and a triaryl phosphate. The electrically insulating film may be prepared by an extrusion and/or calendering method. Uses of the electrically insulating film include, for example, shielding applications in power supply housing, printed circuit board insulation, backlit aircraft in flight panels and displays, business equipment insulation, computer rack partitions, and television and monitor insulation.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition including a crosslinked styrenic block copolymer, a poly(arylene ether), and a non-polyolefin crystalline or semi-crystalline resin. The composition exhibits an improved balance of stiffness, ductility, and heat resistance. The composition can be prepared by a process that includes melt-kneading the poly(arylene ether), an acid functionalized styrenic block copolymer, an amine crosslinking agent, and a non-polyolefin crystalline or semi-crystalline resin.

Abstract: A method for making a polyarylene ether copolymer including mixing a polyarylene ether, a hydroxyaromatic terminated siloxane reagent and an oxidant, and melt compounding the mixture. A polyarylene ether copolymer including a polyarylene ether, a hydroxyaromatic terminated siloxane reagent, an oxidant and a filler is also presented.

Abstract: A halogen-free electrically insulating film is prepared from a composition including particular amounts of a poly(arylene ether), a hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene, and a triaryl phosphate. The electrically insulating film may be prepared by an extrusion and/or calendering method. Uses of the electrically insulating film include, for example, shielding applications in power supply housing, printed circuit board insulation, backlit aircraft in flight panels and displays, business equipment insulation, computer rack partitions, and television and monitor insulation.