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.

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.

Abstract: Injection molded parts with a small dimension that exhibit high heat resistance are described. Thermoplastic compositions that can be utilized to form the injection molded parts are described. The thermoplastic composition includes a polyarylene sulfide and a crosslinked impact modifier. The thermoplastic composition can also include siloxane polymers, thermoplastic elastomers, or other additives that can further improve the characteristics of the injection molded parts.

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.

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.

Abstract: A wholly aromatic thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer and compositions including the liquid crystalline polymer are described. The polymer composition can include the liquid crystalline polymer and a fibrous filler, e.g., a chopped glass or milled glass fibrous filler. The compositions are capable of exhibiting excellent mechanical properties. The liquid crystalline polymer provides desirable characteristics with the incorporation of little or no naphthenic acids in the polymer backbone.

Abstract: A method for injection molding a thermoplastic composition that contains a polyarylene sulfide and an aromatic amide oligomer is provided. Due to the improved crystallization properties imparted by the oligomer, the present inventors have discovered that the thermoplastic composition can be molded at lower temperatures to still achieve the same degree of crystallization. In addition to minimizing the energy requirements for the molding operation, such low mold temperatures may be accomplished using heating mediums that are less corrosive and expensive than some conventional techniques.

Abstract: A film formed from a polymer composition containing one or more thermotropic liquid crystalline polymers is provided. The specific nature of the polymer or blend of polymers is selectively controlled so that the resulting polymer composition possesses both a low viscosity and high melt strength. The present inventor has discovered that this unique combination of thermal properties results in a composition that is both highly melt processible and stretchable, which allows the resulting film to be oriented to a degree greater than previously thought possible.

Abstract: A polymer composition that contains at least one high performance polymer and at least one aromatic amide oligomer is provided. The oligomer can serve as a flow aid that lowers the overall viscosity of the polymer matrix under shear.

Abstract: Low VOC emission polyoxymethylene and compositions and products that incorporate the polyoxymethylene are described. The polyoxymethylene is end capped with compound that can prevent degradation of the polymer and subsequent emission of VOC degradation products such as formaldehyde. The end-capped polyoxymethylene can include an inorganic linkage within the polymer backbone that is the reaction product of a terminal hydroxyl group of the polyoxymethylene and a hydrolyzable group of the compound. Also disclosed are products as may be formed from the low VOC emission polyoxymethylene.

Abstract: A method for injection molding a thermoplastic composition that contains a polyarylene sulfide and an aromatic amide oligomer is provided. Due to the improved crystallization properties imparted by the oligomer, the present inventors have discovered that the thermoplastic composition can be molded at lower temperatures to still achieve the same degree of crystallization. In addition to minimizing the energy requirements for the molding operation, such low mold temperatures may be accomplished using heating mediums that are less corrosive and expensive than some conventional techniques.

Abstract: A multilayer composite is described as well as methods for forming the multilayer composite and products that incorporate the multilayer composite. The multilayer composite includes a continuous fiber composite first layer and a second layer that is formed from the melt directly on the continuous fiber composite. The continuous fiber composite includes a plurality of unidirectionally aligned carbon fibers embedded within a polymer composition that includes a first polyarylene sulfide. The second layer includes a second polymer composition that can be the same as or different from the first polymer composition. Products can include electronic devices such as computers, cellular telephones, e-readers, etc. as well as panels, such as interior panels in vehicles.

Abstract: An overmolded composite structure that contains a metal component and a resinous component adhered to a surface thereof is provided. The resinous component is formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains at least one polyarylene sulfide and at least one mineral filler. The present inventors have discovered that the nature and relative concentration of the polyarylene sulfides, mineral fillers, and/or other materials in the thermoplastic composition can be selectively tailored so that the resulting resinous component has a coefficient of linear thermal expansion and/or color that is similar to the metal component.

Abstract: A film formed from a polymer composition containing one or more thermotropic liquid crystalline polymers is provided. The specific nature of the polymer or blend of polymers is selectively controlled so that the resulting polymer composition possesses both a low viscosity and high melt strength. The present inventor has discovered that this unique combination of thermal properties results in a composition that is both highly melt processible and stretchable, which allows the resulting film to be oriented to a degree greater than previously thought possible.

Abstract: A melt-extruded sheet form thermoforming applications is provided. The sheet is formed from a polymer composition containing one or more thermotropic liquid crystalline polymers. The specific nature of the polymer or blend of polymers is selectively controlled so that the resulting polymer composition possesses both a low viscosity and high melt strength.

Abstract: A multi-layered, co-injection molded article is disclosed that includes a barrier layer that is formed from a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer and disposed adjacent to a protective layer, which is formed from a base polymer (e.g., olefinic polymer).

Abstract: An electrical conduit that contains a jacket that defines a hollow passageway is provided. At least a portion of the jacket is formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains a polyarylene sulfide and fire-resisting system. Due in part to the specific nature and concentration of these components, the present inventors have discovered that the resulting thermoplastic composition may have a relatively high melting temperature, such as from about 200° C. to about 500° C.

Abstract: An implantable medical device that employs one or more fibers formed from a polymer composition that contains at least one liquid crystalline polymer is provided. In addition to being highly inert and biocompatible, the rigid rod-like structure of liquid crystalline polymers can allow them to be particularly well suited for implantable devices. Apart from the benefits from the polymer itself, the fibers are formed in such a manner so that they are generally flexible, but yet still possess a sufficient degree of strength so that they can be effectively employed in implantable medical devices.

Abstract: An overmolded composite structure that contains a metal component and a resinous component adhered to a surface thereof is provided. The resinous component is formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains at least one polyarylene sulfide and at least one mineral filler. The present inventors have discovered that the nature and relative concentration of the polyarylene sulfides, mineral fillers, and/or other materials in the thermoplastic composition can be selectively tailored so that the resulting resinous component has a coefficient of linear thermal expansion and/or color that is similar to the metal component.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition for use in a compact camera module is provided. The thermoplastic composition contains a liquid crystalline polymer and a plurality of fibers. The volume average length of the fibers in the thermoplastic composition is selectively controlled according to the present invention so that it is within a certain range, such as from about 80 to about 250 micrometers. The fibers also have a narrow length distribution. That is, at least about 70% by volume of the fibers have a length within a certain range. Through the use of a liquid crystalline polymer and fibers of a certain weight average length and narrow length distribution, the present inventors have discovered that the resulting thermoplastic composition is able to achieve a desirable combination of strength and surface smoothness, which enables it to be uniquely suited for a compact camera module.