U.S. patent application number 16/637395 was filed with the patent office on 2020-06-18 for flexible, uv-resistant poly(phenylene ether) composition and insulated conductor and jacketed cable comprising the composition.
The applicant listed for this patent is SABIC GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES B.V.. Invention is credited to Haiyang Gan, Ying Na, Hui Peng, Shen Zhang.
Application Number | 20200190322 16/637395 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63915072 |
Filed Date | 2020-06-18 |
![](/patent/app/20200190322/US20200190322A1-20200618-C00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20200190322/US20200190322A1-20200618-C00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20200190322/US20200190322A1-20200618-C00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20200190322/US20200190322A1-20200618-C00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20200190322/US20200190322A1-20200618-C00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20200190322/US20200190322A1-20200618-C00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20200190322/US20200190322A1-20200618-C00007.png)
![](/patent/app/20200190322/US20200190322A1-20200618-C00008.png)
![](/patent/app/20200190322/US20200190322A1-20200618-C00009.png)
![](/patent/app/20200190322/US20200190322A1-20200618-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20200190322/US20200190322A1-20200618-D00001.png)
United States Patent
Application |
20200190322 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Peng; Hui ; et al. |
June 18, 2020 |
FLEXIBLE, UV-RESISTANT POLY(PHENYLENE ETHER) COMPOSITION AND
INSULATED CONDUCTOR AND JACKETED CABLE COMPRISING THE
COMPOSITION
Abstract
A poly(phenylene ether) composition includes specific amounts of
a poly(phenylene ether), a hydrogenated block copolymer of an
alkenyl aromatic monomer and a conjugated diene, a polypropylene or
a polyethylene, a low molecular weight polybutene, a flame
retardant, a liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent, and a
poly(alkylene oxide). The composition can be useful as an
insulation or jacketing material for wires and cables, where the
insulation and jacketing materials including the composition can
have reduced surface blooming.
Inventors: |
Peng; Hui; (Shanghai,
CN) ; Gan; Haiyang; (Shanghai, CN) ; Na;
Ying; (Shanghai, CN) ; Zhang; Shen; (Shanghai,
CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SABIC GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES B.V. |
Bergen op Zoom |
|
NL |
|
|
Family ID: |
63915072 |
Appl. No.: |
16/637395 |
Filed: |
September 5, 2018 |
PCT Filed: |
September 5, 2018 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB2018/056777 |
371 Date: |
February 7, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62557262 |
Sep 12, 2017 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C08K 3/016 20180101;
C08L 2205/035 20130101; C08L 23/12 20130101; C08K 5/3492 20130101;
C08K 5/005 20130101; C08L 2203/206 20130101; C08L 23/26 20130101;
C08L 2201/02 20130101; C08K 5/315 20130101; H01B 3/442 20130101;
C08L 71/12 20130101; C08K 3/22 20130101; H01B 3/441 20130101; C08L
53/02 20130101; C08L 23/0815 20130101; C08K 3/013 20180101; C08L
71/02 20130101; H01B 3/427 20130101; C08L 2203/202 20130101; C08K
2003/2224 20130101; C08L 23/06 20130101; C08L 2201/08 20130101;
C08K 2003/2227 20130101; C08L 71/12 20130101; C08K 5/005 20130101;
C08L 23/12 20130101; C08L 23/20 20130101; C08L 53/025 20130101;
C08L 71/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
C08L 71/12 20060101
C08L071/12; C08L 23/12 20060101 C08L023/12; C08L 23/06 20060101
C08L023/06; C08L 23/08 20060101 C08L023/08; C08L 23/26 20060101
C08L023/26; C08L 53/02 20060101 C08L053/02; C08L 71/02 20060101
C08L071/02; C08K 3/013 20060101 C08K003/013; C08K 3/016 20060101
C08K003/016; C08K 3/22 20060101 C08K003/22; C08K 5/00 20060101
C08K005/00; C08K 5/3492 20060101 C08K005/3492; C08K 5/315 20060101
C08K005/315 |
Claims
1. A poly(phenylene ether) composition comprising 15 to 45 parts by
weight a poly(phenylene ether); 5 to 50 parts by weight of a
hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic monomer and a
conjugated diene; 0 to 15 parts by weight of a polypropylene or a
polyethylene; 2 to 10 parts by weight of a polybutene having a
number average molecular weight of 500 to 1500 grams per mole; 10
to 45 parts by weight of a flame retardant; 0.5 to 10 parts by
weight of a liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent having a melting
point that is less than or equal to 25.degree. C.; and 0.5 to 10
parts by weight of a poly(alkylene oxide); wherein all parts by
weight are based on 100 parts by weight total of flame retardants
and polymers other than the poly(alkylene oxide).
2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the poly(phenylene ether) is
a poly(phenylene ether) having an intrinsic viscosity of 0.35 to
0.5 deciliter per gram and comprises poly(phenylene ether)
homopolymer and poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block
copolymer.
3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the flame retardant
comprises a magnesium dihydroxide, an aluminum hydroxide, an
aluminum oxide hydroxide, or a combination comprising at least one
of the foregoing.
4. The composition of claim 1, further comprising a smoke
suppressant.
5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the liquid ultraviolet
absorbing agent is a liquid hydroxyl phenyl benzotriazole
ultraviolet absorbing agent, a liquid cyanoacrylate ultraviolet
absorbing agent, a liquid hydroxybenzophenone ultraviolet absorbing
agent, a liquid hydroxyl phenyl triazine ultraviolet absorbing
agent, a liquid oxanilide ultraviolet absorbing agent, or a
combination comprising at least one of the foregoing.
6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the poly(alkylene oxide) is
a poly(ethylene oxide), a poly(propylene oxide), a random copolymer
of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, a block copolymer of
ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, a monoalkyl ether of the
foregoing, a dialkyl ether of the foregoing, or a combination
comprising at least one of the foregoing.
7. The composition of claim 1, wherein the poly(alkylene oxide) has
a number average molecular weight of 300 to 40,000 grams per
mole.
8. The composition of claim 1, wherein the poly(alkylene oxide)
comprises a poly(propylene oxide) mono (C.sub.1-12 alkyl)
ether.
9. The composition of claim 1, further comprising 5 to 30 parts by
weight of a copolymer of monomers comprising ethylene and a
C.sub.3-12 alpha olefin.
10. The composition of claim 9, wherein the copolymer comprising a
copolymer of ethylene and 1-octene, and a maleic anhydride-grafted
copolymer of ethylene and 1-octene.
11. The composition of claim 1, wherein the hydrogenated block
copolymer comprises a
polystyrene-poly(ethylene/butylene)-polystyrene triblock
copolymer.
12. The composition of claim 1, comprising: 17 to 30 parts by
weight of the poly(phenylene ether), 7 to 17 parts by weight of the
hydrogenated block copolymer, 2 to 7 parts by weight of the
polypropylene or the polyethylene, wherein the polyethylene
comprises linear low density polyethylene, 3 to 9 parts by weight
of the polybutene, 15 to 25 parts by weight of a copolymer of
monomers comprising ethylene and a C.sub.3-12 alpha olefin, 28 to
38 parts by weight of the flame retardant, 1 to 4 parts by weight
of the liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent, and 1 to 4 parts by
weight of the poly(alkylene oxide).
13. The composition of claim 12, wherein the poly(phenylene ether)
is a poly(phenylene ether) having an intrinsic viscosity of 0.35 to
0.5 deciliter per gram and comprises poly(phenylene ether)
homopolymer and poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer;
wherein the flame retardant comprises magnesium dihydroxide;
wherein the hydrogenated hydrogenated block copolymer comprises a
polystyrene-poly(ethylene/butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer;
wherein the liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent comprises a liquid
hydroxyl phenyl benzotriazole ultraviolet absorbing agent, a liquid
cyanoacrylate ultraviolet absorbing agent, or a combination
comprising at least one of the foregoing; wherein the poly(alkylene
oxide) comprises a poly(propylene oxide) mono(C.sub.1-12 alkyl
ether); and wherein the copolymer of monomers comprising ethylene
and a C.sub.3-12 alpha olefin comprises a copolymer of ethylene and
1-octene, and a maleic anhydride-grafted copolymer of ethylene and
1-octene.
14. The composition of claim 1, further comprising an additive
composition comprising one or more of stabilizers, mold release
agents, lubricants, processing aids, drip retardants, hindered
amine light stabilizers, cycloaliphatic epoxy resins, dyes,
pigments, antioxidants, anti-static agents, mineral oil, metal
deactivators, and combinations comprising at least one of the
foregoing.
15. An insulated conductor comprising: a conductor; and an
insulating covering disposed over the conductor; wherein the
insulating covering comprises a poly(phenylene ether) composition
comprising: 15 to 45 parts by weight a poly(phenylene ether); 5 to
50 parts by weight of a hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl
aromatic monomer and a conjugated diene; 0 to 15 parts by weight of
a polypropylene or a polyethylene; 2 to 10 parts by weight of a
polybutene having a number average molecular weight of 500 to 1500
grams per mole; 10 to 45 parts by weight of a flame retardant; 0.5
to 10 parts by weight of a liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent
having a melting point that is less than or equal to 25.degree. C.;
and 0.5 to 10 parts by weight of a poly(alkylene oxide); wherein
all parts by weight are based on 100 parts by weight total of flame
retardants and polymers other than the poly(alkylene oxide).
16. The insulated conductor of claim 15, wherein the composition
comprises 17 to 30 parts by weight of the poly(phenylene ether), 7
to 17 parts by weight of the hydrogenated block copolymer, 2 to 7
parts by weight of the polypropylene or the polyethylene, wherein
the polyethylene comprises linear low density polyethylene, 3 to 9
parts by weight of the polybutene, 15 to 25 parts by weight of a
copolymer of monomers comprising ethylene and a C.sub.3-12 alpha
olefin, 28 to 38 parts by weight of the flame retardant, 1 to 4
parts by weight of the liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent, and 1 to
4 parts by weight of the poly(alkylene oxide).
17. The insulated conductor of claim 16, wherein the poly(phenylene
ether) is a poly(phenylene ether) having an intrinsic viscosity of
0.35 to 0.5 deciliter per gram and comprises poly(phenylene ether)
homopolymer and poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer;
wherein the flame retardant comprises magnesium dihydroxide;
wherein the hydrogenated hydrogenated block copolymer comprises a
polystyrene-poly(ethylene/butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer;
wherein the liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent comprises a liquid
hydroxyl phenyl benzotriazole ultraviolet absorbing agent, a liquid
cyanoacrylate ultraviolet absorbing agent, or a combination
comprising at least one of the foregoing; wherein the poly(alkylene
oxide) comprises a poly(propylene oxide) mono(C.sub.1-12 alkyl
ether); and wherein the copolymer of monomers comprising ethylene
and a C.sub.3-12 alpha olefin comprises a copolymer of ethylene and
1-octene, and a maleic anhydride-grafted copolymer of ethylene and
1-octene.
18. A jacketed cable, comprising: a conductor; an insulating
covering surrounding the conductor; and a jacket surrounding the
insulating covering; wherein the jacket comprises a composition
comprising 15 to 45 parts by weight a poly(phenylene ether); 5 to
50 parts by weight of a hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl
aromatic monomer and a conjugated diene; 0 to 15 parts by weight of
a polypropylene or a polyethylene; 2 to 10 parts by weight of a
polybutene having a number average molecular weight of 500 to 1500
grams per mole; 10 to 45 parts by weight of a flame retardant; 0.5
to 10 parts by weight of a liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent
having a melting point that is less than or equal to 25.degree. C.;
and 0.5 to 10 parts by weight of a poly(alkylene oxide); wherein
all parts by weight are based on 100 parts by weight total of flame
retardants and polymers other than the poly(alkylene oxide).
19. The jacketed cable of claim 18, wherein the composition
comprises 17 to 30 parts by weight of the poly(phenylene ether), 7
to 17 parts by weight of the hydrogenated block copolymer, 2 to 7
parts by weight of the polypropylene or the polyethylene, wherein
the polyethylene comprises linear low density polyethylene, 3 to 9
parts by weight of the polybutene, 15 to 25 parts by weight of a
copolymer of monomers comprising ethylene and a C.sub.3-12 alpha
olefin, 28 to 38 parts by weight of the flame retardant, 1 to 4
parts by weight of the liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent, and 1 to
4 parts by weight of the poly(alkylene oxide).
20. The jacketed cable of claim 19, wherein the poly(phenylene
ether) is a poly(phenylene ether) having an intrinsic viscosity of
0.35 to 0.5 deciliter per gram and comprises poly(phenylene ether)
homopolymer and poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer;
wherein the flame retardant comprises magnesium dihydroxide;
wherein the hydrogenated hydrogenated block copolymer comprises a
polystyrene-poly(ethylene/butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer;
wherein the liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent comprises a liquid
hydroxyl phenyl benzotriazole ultraviolet absorbing agent, a liquid
cyanoacrylate ultraviolet absorbing agent, or a combination
comprising at least one of the foregoing; wherein the poly(alkylene
oxide) comprises a poly(propylene oxide) mono(C.sub.1-12 alkyl
ether); and wherein the copolymer of monomers comprising ethylene
and a C.sub.3-12 alpha olefin comprises a copolymer of ethylene and
1-octene, and a maleic anhydride-grafted copolymer of ethylene and
1-octene.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] In the consumer electronics market, insulated conductors and
jacketed cables are widely used to charge devices, and to transfer
data to and from devices. Devices are often sold in a variety of
colors, with matching colored insulated conductors and/or jacketed
cables. Insulation and jacketing compositions containing
poly(phenylene ether)s are known to exhibit many desirable
properties, including flexibility, heat resistance, flame
retardancy, and colorability. However, light-colored versions of
these compositions can exhibit undesirable color changes (e.g.,
yellowing) on exposure to ultraviolet radiation. And while the
incorporation of ultraviolet absorbers to such compositions can
reduce unwanted color changes, relatively high concentrations of
the ultraviolet absorbers can be required and be accompanied by
unwanted migration of the ultraviolet absorber to the surface of an
insulated conductor or jacketed cable (i.e., "surface blooming").
There remains a need for light-colored poly(phenylene
ether)-containing compositions that exhibit good stability to
ultraviolet radiation as well as reduced surface blooming.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0002] A poly(phenylene ether) composition comprises 15 to 45 parts
by weight a poly(phenylene ether); 5 to 50 parts by weight of a
hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic monomer and a
conjugated diene; 0 to 15 parts by weight of a polypropylene or a
polyethylene; 2 to 10 parts by weight of a polybutene having a
number average molecular weight of 500 to 1500 grams per mole; 10
to 45 parts by weight of a flame retardant; 0.5 to 10 parts by
weight of a liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent having a melting
point that is less than or equal to 25.degree. C.; and 0.5 to 10
parts by weight of a poly(alkylene oxide); wherein all parts by
weight are based on 100 parts by weight total of flame retardants
and polymers other than the poly(alkylene oxide).
[0003] An insulated conductor comprises a conductor; and an
insulating covering disposed over the conductor; wherein the
insulating covering comprises a poly(phenylene ether) composition
comprising: 15 to 45 parts by weight a poly(phenylene ether); 5 to
50 parts by weight of a hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl
aromatic monomer and a conjugated diene; 0 to 15 parts by weight of
a polypropylene or a polyethylene; 2 to 10 parts by weight of a
polybutene having a number average molecular weight of 500 to 1500
grams per mole; 10 to 45 parts by weight of a flame retardant; 0.5
to 10 parts by weight of a liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent
having a melting point that is less than or equal to 25.degree. C.;
and 0.5 to 10 parts by weight of a poly(alkylene oxide); wherein
all parts by weight are based on 100 parts by weight total of flame
retardants and polymers other than the poly(alkylene oxide).
[0004] A jacketed cable comprises a conductor; an insulating
covering surrounding the conductor; and a jacket surrounding the
insulating covering; wherein the jacket comprises a composition
comprising 15 to 45 parts by weight a poly(phenylene ether); 5 to
50 parts by weight of a hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl
aromatic monomer and a conjugated diene; 0 to 15 parts by weight of
a polypropylene or a polyethylene; 2 to 10 parts by weight of a
polybutene having a number average molecular weight of 500 to 1500
grams per mole; 10 to 45 parts by weight of a flame retardant; 0.5
to 10 parts by weight of a liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent
having a melting point that is less than or equal to 25.degree. C.;
and 0.5 to 10 parts by weight of a poly(alkylene oxide); wherein
all parts by weight are based on 100 parts by weight total of flame
retardants and polymers other than the poly(alkylene oxide).
[0005] The above described and other features are exemplified by
the following FIGURE and detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The following FIGURE represents an exemplary embodiment,
wherein like elements are numbered alike.
[0007] FIG. 1 shows (A) a side view and (B) a cross-section of a
jacketed cable.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0008] The present inventors have determined that use of a liquid
ultraviolet absorbing agent can provide good ultraviolet stability
of flexible poly(phenylene ether) compositions, while also
substantially reducing migration of the ultraviolet absorbing agent
to the surface of the composition. These features can be
particularly advantageous for flexible, ultraviolet resistant
compositions useful for wire and cable applications.
[0009] Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure is a
poly(phenylene ether) composition, comprising 15 to 45 parts by
weight a poly(phenylene ether); 5 to 50 parts by weight of a
hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic monomer and a
conjugated diene; 0 to 15 parts by weight of a polypropylene or a
polyethylene; 2 to 10 parts by weight of a polybutene having a
number average molecular weight of 500 to 1500 grams per mole; 10
to 45 parts by weight of a flame retardant; 0.5 to 10 parts by
weight of a liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent having a melting
point that is less than or equal to 25.degree. C.; and 0.5 to 10
parts by weight of a poly(alkylene oxide); wherein all parts by
weight are based on 100 parts by weight total of flame retardants
and polymers other than the poly(alkylene oxide).
[0010] The composition comprises a poly(phenylene ether).
Poly(phenylene ether)s include those comprising repeating
structural units having the formula
##STR00001##
wherein each occurrence of Z.sup.1 is independently halogen, or
unsubstituted or substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.12 hydrocarbyl provided
that the hydrocarbyl group is not tertiary hydrocarbyl, or
C.sub.1-C.sub.12 hydrocarbylthio, or C.sub.1-C.sub.12
hydrocarbyloxy, or C.sub.2-C.sub.12 halohydrocarbyloxy wherein at
least two carbon atoms separate the halogen and oxygen atoms; and
each occurrence of Z.sup.2 is independently hydrogen, halogen,
unsubstituted or substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.12 hydrocarbyl provided
that the hydrocarbyl group is not tertiary hydrocarbyl,
C.sub.1-C.sub.12 hydrocarbylthio, C.sub.1-C.sub.12 hydrocarbyloxy,
or C.sub.2-C.sub.12 halohydrocarbyloxy wherein at least two carbon
atoms separate the halogen and oxygen atoms. As used herein, the
term "hydrocarbyl", whether used by itself, or as a prefix, suffix,
or fragment of another term, refers to a residue that contains only
carbon and hydrogen. The residue can be aliphatic or aromatic,
straight-chain, cyclic, bicyclic, branched, saturated, or
unsaturated. It can also contain combinations of aliphatic,
aromatic, straight chain, cyclic, bicyclic, branched, saturated,
and unsaturated hydrocarbon moieties. However, when the hydrocarbyl
residue is described as substituted, it can, optionally, contain
heteroatoms over and above the carbon and hydrogen members of the
substituent residue. Thus, when specifically described as
substituted, the hydrocarbyl residue can also contain one or more
carbonyl groups, amino groups, hydroxyl groups, or the like, or it
can contain heteroatoms within the backbone of the hydrocarbyl
residue. As one example, Z.sup.1 can be a di-n-butylaminomethyl
group formed by reaction of a terminal 3,5-dimethyl-1,4-phenyl
group with the di-n-butylamine component of an oxidative
polymerization catalyst.
[0011] The poly(phenylene ether) can comprise molecules having
aminoalkyl-containing end group(s), typically located in a position
ortho to the hydroxyl group. Also frequently present are
tetramethyldiphenoquinone (TMDQ) end groups, typically obtained
from 2,6-dimethylphenol-containing reaction mixtures in which
tetramethyldiphenoquinone by-product is present. The poly(phenylene
ether) can be in the form of a homopolymer, a copolymer, a graft
copolymer, an ionomer, or a block copolymer, as well as
combinations thereof.
[0012] The poly(phenylene ether) can comprise a poly(phenylene
ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer. As used herein, the term
"poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer" refers to a
block copolymer comprising at least one poly(phenylene ether) block
and at least one polysiloxane block.
[0013] In some embodiments, the poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane
block copolymer is prepared by an oxidative copolymerization
method. In this method, the poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane
block copolymer is the product of a process comprising oxidatively
copolymerizing a monomer mixture comprising a monohydric phenol and
a hydroxyaryl-terminated polysiloxane. In some embodiments, the
monomer mixture comprises 70 to 99 parts by weight of the
monohydric phenol and 1 to 30 parts by weight of the
hydroxyaryl-terminated polysiloxane, based on the total weight of
the monohydric phenol and the hydroxyaryl-terminated polysiloxane.
The hydroxyaryl-diterminated polysiloxane can comprise a plurality
of repeating units having the structure
##STR00002##
wherein each occurrence of R.sup.8 is independently hydrogen,
C.sub.1-C.sub.12 hydrocarbyl or C.sub.1-C.sub.12 halohydrocarbyl;
and two terminal units having the structure
##STR00003##
wherein Y is hydrogen, C.sub.1-C.sub.12 hydrocarbyl,
C.sub.1-C.sub.12 hydrocarbyloxy, or halogen, and wherein each
occurrence of R.sup.9 is independently hydrogen, C.sub.1-C.sub.12
hydrocarbyl or C.sub.1-C.sub.12 halohydrocarbyl. In a very specific
embodiment, each occurrence of R.sup.8 and R.sup.9 is methyl, and Y
is methoxyl.
[0014] In some embodiments, the monohydric phenol comprises
2,6-dimethylphenol, and the hydroxyaryl-terminated polysiloxane has
the structure
##STR00004##
wherein n is, on average, 5 to 100, or 30 to 60.
[0015] The oxidative copolymerization method produces
poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer as the desired
product and poly(phenylene ether) (without an incorporated
polysiloxane block) as a by-product. It is not necessary to
separate the poly(phenylene ether) from the poly(phenylene
ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer. The poly(phenylene
ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer can thus be utilized as a
"reaction product" that includes both the poly(phenylene ether) and
the poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer. Certain
isolation procedures, such as precipitation from isopropanol, make
it possible to assure that the reaction product is essentially free
of residual hydroxyaryl-terminated polysiloxane starting material.
In other words, these isolation procedures assure that the
polysiloxane content of the reaction product is essentially all in
the form of poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer.
Detailed methods for forming poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane
block copolymers are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,017,697 and
8,669,332 to Carrillo et al.
[0016] In some embodiments, the poly(phenylene ether) has an
intrinsic viscosity of 0.25 to 1 deciliter per gram measured by
Ubbelohde viscometer at 25.degree. C. in chloroform. Within this
range, the poly(phenylene ether) intrinsic viscosity can be 0.3 to
0.65 deciliter per gram, or 0.35 to 0.5 deciliter per gram, or 0.4
to 0.5 deciliter per gram. In some embodiments, the poly(phenylene
ether) is a poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) having an
intrinsic viscosity of 0.35 to 0.5 deciliter per gram. In some
embodiments, the poly(phenylene ether) has an intrinsic viscosity
of 0.35 to 0.5 deciliter per gram and comprises poly(phenylene
ether) homopolymer and poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block
copolymer.
[0017] In some embodiments, the poly(phenylene ether) comprises a
homopolymer or copolymer of monomers selected from the group
consisting of 2,6-dimethylphenol, 2,3,6-trimethylphenol, and
combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the poly(phenylene
ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer can, for example, contribute
0.05 to 2 weight percent, or 0.1 to 1 weight percent, or 0.2 to 0.8
weight percent, of siloxane groups to the composition as a
whole.
[0018] The composition comprises the poly(phenylene ether) in an
amount of 15 to 45 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight
total of flame retardants and polymers other than the poly(alkylene
oxide). Within this range, the poly(phenylene ether) amount can be
15 to 35 parts by weight, or 17 to 30 parts by weight.
[0019] In addition to the poly(phenylene ether), the composition
comprises a hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic
monomer and a conjugated diene. For brevity, this component is
referred to as the "hydrogenated block copolymer". The hydrogenated
block copolymer can comprise 10 to 90 weight percent of
poly(alkenyl aromatic) content and 90 to 10 weight percent of
hydrogenated poly(conjugated diene) content, based on the weight of
the hydrogenated block copolymer. In some embodiments, the
hydrogenated block copolymer is a low poly(alkenyl aromatic
content) hydrogenated block copolymer in which the poly(alkenyl
aromatic) content is 10 to less than 40 weight percent, or 20 to 35
weight percent, or 25 to 35 weight percent, or 30 to 35 weight
percent, all based on the weight of the low poly(alkenyl aromatic)
content hydrogenated block copolymer. In other embodiments, the
hydrogenated block copolymer is a high poly(alkenyl aromatic
content) hydrogenated block copolymer in which the poly(alkenyl
aromatic) content is 40 to 90 weight percent, or 50 to 80 weight
percent, or 60 to 70 weight percent, all based on the weight of the
high poly(alkenyl aromatic content) hydrogenated block
copolymer.
[0020] In some embodiments, the hydrogenated block copolymer has a
weight average molecular weight of 40,000 to 400,000 grams per
mole. The number average molecular weight and the weight average
molecular weight can be determined by gel permeation chromatography
and based on comparison to polystyrene standards. In some
embodiments, the hydrogenated block copolymer has a weight average
molecular weight of 200,000 to 400,000 grams per mole, or 220,000
to 350,000 grams per mole. In other embodiments, the hydrogenated
block copolymer has a weight average molecular weight of 40,000 to
200,000 grams per mole, or 40,000 to 180,000 grams per mole, or
40,000 to 150,000 grams per mole.
[0021] The alkenyl aromatic monomer used to prepare the
hydrogenated block copolymer can have the structure
##STR00005##
wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 each independently represent a hydrogen
atom, a C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl group, or a C.sub.2-C.sub.8 alkenyl
group; R.sup.3 and R.sup.7 each independently represent a hydrogen
atom, a C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl group, a chlorine atom, or a bromine
atom; and R.sup.4, R.sup.5, and R.sup.6 each independently
represent a hydrogen atom, a C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl group, or a
C.sub.2-C.sub.8 alkenyl group, or R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 are taken
together with the central aromatic ring to form a naphthyl group,
or R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are taken together with the central aromatic
ring to form a naphthyl group. Specific alkenyl aromatic monomers
include, for example, styrene, chlorostyrenes such as
p-chlorostyrene, methylstyrenes such as alpha-methylstyrene and
p-methylstyrene, and t-butylstyrenes such as 3-t-butylstyrene and
4-t-butylstyrene. In some embodiments, the alkenyl aromatic monomer
is styrene.
[0022] The conjugated diene used to prepare the hydrogenated block
copolymer can be a C.sub.4-C.sub.20 conjugated diene. Suitable
conjugated dienes include, for example, 1,3-butadiene,
2-methyl-1,3-butadiene, 2-chloro-1,3-butadiene,
2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene, 1,3-pentadiene, 1,3-hexadiene, and the
like, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the conjugated
diene is 1,3-butadiene, 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene, or a combination
thereof. In some embodiments, the conjugated diene is
1,3-butadiene.
[0023] The hydrogenated block copolymer is a copolymer comprising
(A) at least one block derived from an alkenyl aromatic compound
and (B) at least one block derived from a conjugated diene, in
which the aliphatic unsaturated group content in the block (B) is
at least partially reduced by hydrogenation. In some embodiments,
the aliphatic unsaturation in the (B) block is reduced by at least
50 percent, or at least 70 percent. The arrangement of blocks (A)
and (B) includes a linear structure, a grafted structure, and a
radial teleblock structure with or without a branched chain. Linear
block copolymers include tapered linear structures and non-tapered
linear structures. In some embodiments, the hydrogenated block
copolymer has a tapered linear structure. In some embodiments, the
hydrogenated block copolymer has a non-tapered linear structure. In
some embodiments, the hydrogenated block copolymer comprises a (B)
block that comprises random incorporation of alkenyl aromatic
monomer. Linear block copolymer structures include diblock (A-B
block), triblock (A-B-A block or B-A-B block), tetrablock (A-B-A-B
block), and pentablock (A-B-A-B-A block or B-A-B-A-B block)
structures as well as linear structures containing 6 or more blocks
in total of (A) and (B), wherein the molecular weight of each (A)
block can be the same as or different from that of other (A)
blocks, and the molecular weight of each (B) block can be the same
as or different from that of other (B) blocks. In some embodiments,
the hydrogenated block copolymer is a diblock copolymer, a triblock
copolymer, or a combination thereof.
[0024] The hydrogenated block copolymer can consist of
polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene triblock
copolymer.
[0025] In some embodiments, the hydrogenated block copolymer
excludes the residue of monomers other than the alkenyl aromatic
compound and the conjugated diene. In some embodiments, the
hydrogenated block copolymer consists of blocks derived from the
alkenyl aromatic compound and the conjugated diene. It does not
comprise grafts formed from these or any other monomers. It also
consists of carbon and hydrogen atoms and therefore excludes
heteroatoms. In some embodiments, the hydrogenated block copolymer
includes the residue of one or more acid functionalizing agents,
such as maleic anhydride.
[0026] Methods for preparing hydrogenated block copolymers are
known in the art and many hydrogenated block copolymers are
commercially available. Illustrative commercially available
hydrogenated block copolymers include the
polystyrene-poly(ethylene-propylene) diblock copolymers available
from Kraton Performance Polymers Inc. as KRATON.TM. G1701 (having
about 37 weight percent polystyrene) and G1702 (having about 28
weight percent polystyrene); the
polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymers
available from Kraton Performance Polymers Inc. as KRATON.TM. G1641
(having about 33 weight percent polystyrene), G1650 (having about
30 weight percent polystyrene), G1651 (having about 33 weight
percent polystyrene), and G1654 (having about 31 weight percent
polystyrene); and the
polystyrene-poly(ethylene-ethylene/propylene)-polystyrene triblock
copolymers available from Kuraray as SEPTON.TM. S4044, S4055,
S4077, and S4099. Additional commercially available hydrogenated
block copolymers include
polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene (SEBS) triblock
copolymers available from Dynasol as CALPRENE.TM. H6140 (having
about 31 weight percent polystyrene), H6170 (having about 33 weight
percent polystyrene), H6171 (having about 33 weight percent
polystyrene), and H6174 (having about 33 weight percent
polystyrene), and from Kuraray as SEPTON.TM. 8006 (having about 33
weight percent polystyrene) and 8007 (having about 30 weight
percent polystyrene);
polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene-styrene)-polystyrene tapered
block copolymers available from Kraton Performance Polymers as
KRATON.TM. A1535 (having 56.3-60.3 weight percent polystyrene) and
A1536 (having 37-44 weight percent polystyrene);
polystyrene-poly(ethylene-propylene)-polystyrene (SEPS) copolymers
available from Kuraray as SEPTON.TM. 2006 (having about 35 weight
percent polystyrene) and 2007 (having about 30 weight percent
polystyrene); and oil-extended compounds of these hydrogenated
block copolymers available from Kraton Performance Polymers Inc. as
KRATON.TM. G4609 (containing about 45% mineral oil, and the SEBS
having about 33 weight percent polystyrene) and G4610 (containing
about 31% mineral oil, and the SEBS having about 33 weight percent
polystyrene); and from Asahi as TUFTEC.TM. H1272 (containing about
36% oil, and the SEBS having about 35 weight percent polystyrene).
Mixtures of two of more hydrogenated block copolymers can be
used.
[0027] The composition comprises the hydrogenated block copolymer
in an amount of 5 to 40 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by
weight total of flame retardants and polymers other than the
poly(alkylene oxide). Within this range, the hydrogenated block
copolymer can be present in an amount of 7 to 20 parts by weight,
or 7 to 17 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight total of
flame retardants and polymers other than the poly(alkylene
oxide).
[0028] In addition to the poly(phenylene ether) and the
hydrogenated block copolymer, the composition can comprises a
polypropylene or a polyethylene. As used herein, the term
"polypropylene" refers to a propylene homopolymer. The
polypropylene can be atactic, syndiotactic, isotactic, or a
combination thereof. In some embodiments, the polypropylene is an
atactic polypropylene having a melt flow rate of 4 to 16 grams per
10 minutes, or 5 to 12 grams per 10 minutes, measured at
230.degree. C. and 2.16 kilogram load according to ASTM
D1238-13.
[0029] Suitable polypropylenes are commercially available as, for
example, PP 570P Resin from SABIC, and PP1304E3 Resin from
ExxonMobil.
[0030] As used herein, the term "polyethylene" can include high
density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE),
medium density polyethylene (MDPE), and linear low density
polyethylene (LLDPE). The density of polyethylene (HDPE, LDPE,
MDPE, LLDPE) can be 0.90 gram/cm.sup.3 to 0.98 gram/cm.sup.3. In
some embodiments, the polyethylene is a linear low density
polyethylene.
[0031] The composition comprises the polypropylene or the
polyethylene in an amount of 1 to 15 parts by weight, based on 100
parts by weight total of flame retardants and polymers other than
the poly(alkylene oxide). Within this range, the polypropylene or
polyethylene amount can be 2 to 7 parts by weight.
[0032] In addition to the poly(phenylene ether), the hydrogenated
block copolymer, and the polypropylene or the polyethylene, the
composition comprises a polybutene having a number average
molecular weight of 500 to 1500 grams/mole. As used herein, the
term "polybutene" refers to a polymer comprising at least 75 weight
percent of units, or at least 80 weight percent of units, derived
from 1-butene, 2-butene, 2-methylpropene (isobutene), or a
combination thereof. The polybutene may be a homopolymer or a
copolymer. In some embodiments, the polybutene consists of units
derived from 1-butene, 2-butene, 2-methylpropene (isobutene), or a
combination thereof. In other embodiments, the polybutene is a
copolymer that comprises 1 to 25 weight percent of repeat units
derived from a copolymerizable monomer such as ethylene, propylene,
or 1-octene. In some embodiments, the polybutene is a homopolymer
of 2-methylpropene. In other embodiments, the polybutene is a
copolymer of 2-methylpropene with 1-butene and/or 2-butene. In
still other embodiments, the polybutene is a combination of a
homopolymer of 2-methylpropene, and a copolymer of 2-methylpropene
with 1-butene and/or 2-butene.
[0033] The polybutene has a number average molecular weight of 500
to 1500 grams/mole. Number average molecular weight can be
determined by gel permeation chromatography using polystyrene
standards. Within the range of 500 to 1500 grams/mole, the number
average molecular weight can be 600 to 1400 grams/mole, or 600 to
1200 grams/mole.
[0034] Suitable polybutenes are commercially available as, for
example, INDOPOL.TM. H-50 Resin from INEOS, and PB800 Resin from
Daelim Industrial Co. Ltd.
[0035] The composition comprises the polybutene in an amount of 2
to 10 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight total of flame
retardants and polymers other than the poly(alkylene oxide). Within
this range, the polybutene amount can be 3 to 9 parts by
weight.
[0036] The composition further comprises a flame retardant. A flame
retardant is a chemical compound or mixture of chemical compounds
capable of improving the flame retardancy of the composition.
Suitable flame retardants include organophosphate esters, metal
dialkylphosphinates, bis(phenoxy)phosphazenes, nitrogen-containing
flame retardants, metal hydroxides, and combinations thereof,
preferably metal hydroxides, and combinations thereof.
[0037] In some embodiments, the flame retardant comprises an
organophosphate ester. Exemplary organophosphate ester flame
retardants include phosphate esters comprising phenyl groups,
substituted phenyl groups, or a combination of phenyl groups and
substituted phenyl groups, bis-aryl phosphate esters based upon
resorcinol such as, for example, resorcinol bis(diphenyl
phosphate), as well as those based upon bisphenols such as, for
example, bisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate). In some embodiments,
the organophosphate ester is selected from tris(alkylphenyl)
phosphates (for example, CAS Reg. No. 89492-23-9 or CAS Reg. No.
78-33-1), resorcinol bis(diphenyl phosphate) (CAS Reg. No.
57583-54-7), bisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate) (CAS Reg. No.
181028-79-5), triphenyl phosphate (CAS Reg. No. 115-86-6),
tris(isopropylphenyl) phosphates (for example, CAS Reg. No.
68937-41-7), t-butylphenyl diphenyl phosphates (CAS Reg. No.
56803-37-3), bis(t-butylphenyl) phenyl phosphates (CAS Reg. No.
65652-41-7), tris(t-butylphenyl) phosphates (CAS Reg. No. 78-33-1),
and combinations thereof.
[0038] In some embodiments, the flame retardant comprises a metal
dialkylphosphinate. As used herein, the term "metal
dialkylphosphinate" refers to a salt comprising at least one metal
cation and at least one dialkylphosphinate anion. In some
embodiments, the metal dialkylphosphinate has the formula
##STR00006##
wherein R.sup.a and R.sup.b are each independently C.sub.1-C.sub.6
alkyl; M is calcium, magnesium, aluminum, or zinc; and d is 2 or 3.
Examples of R.sup.a and R.sup.b include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl,
isopropyl, n-butyl, tert-butyl, and n-pentyl. In some embodiments,
R.sup.a and R.sup.b are ethyl, M is aluminum, and d is 3 (that is,
the metal dialkylphosphinate is aluminum
tris(diethylphosphinate)).
[0039] In some embodiments, the flame retardant comprises a
bis(phenoxy)phosphazene. The bis(phenoxy)phosphazene can be
oligomeric or polymeric, and it can be cyclic or linear. In some
embodiments, the bis(phenoxy)phosphazene is cyclic and has the
structure
##STR00007##
wherein m is an integer of 3 to 25; x and y are each independently
0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5; and each occurrence of R.sup.c and R.sup.d is
halogen, C.sub.1-C.sub.12 alkyl, or C.sub.1-C.sub.12 alkoxyl.
[0040] In other embodiments, the bis(phenoxy)phosphazene is linear
and has the structure
##STR00008##
wherein n is an integer from 3 to 10,000; X.sup.1 represents a
--N.dbd.P(OPh).sub.3 group or a --N.dbd.P(O)(OPh) group wherein Ph
represents a phenyl group; Y.sup.1 represents a --P(OPh).sub.4
group or a --P(O)(OPh).sub.2 group; x and y are each independently
0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5; and each occurrence of R.sup.c and R.sup.d is
halogen, C.sub.1-C.sub.12 alkyl, or C.sub.1-C.sub.12 alkoxyl.
[0041] In some embodiments, the flame retardant comprises a
nitrogen-containing flame retardant. Nitrogen-containing flame
retardants include those comprising a nitrogen-containing
heterocyclic base and a phosphate or pyrophosphate or polyphosphate
acid. In some embodiments, the nitrogen-containing flame retardant
has the formula
##STR00009##
wherein g is 1 to 10,000, and the ratio off tog is 0.5:1 to 1.7:1,
specifically 0.7:1 to 1.3:1, more specifically 0.9:1 to 1.1:1. It
will be understood that this formula includes species in which one
or more protons are transferred from the phosphate group(s) to the
melamine group(s). When g is 1, the nitrogen-containing flame
retardant is melamine phosphate (CAS Reg. No. 20208-95-1). When g
is 2, the nitrogen-containing flame retardant is melamine
pyrophosphate (CAS Reg. No. 15541 60-3). When g is, on average,
greater than 2, the nitrogen-containing flame retardant is a
melamine polyphosphate (CAS Reg. No. 56386-64-2). In some
embodiments, the nitrogen-containing flame retardant is melamine
pyrophosphate, melamine polyphosphate, or a mixture thereof. In
some embodiments in which the nitrogen-containing flame retardant
is melamine polyphosphate, g has an average value of greater than 2
to 10,000, specifically 5 to 1,000, more specifically 10 to 500. In
some embodiments in which the nitrogen-containing flame retardant
is melamine polyphosphate, g has an average value of greater than 2
to 500. Methods for preparing melamine phosphate, melamine
pyrophosphate, and melamine polyphosphate are known in the art, and
all are commercially available. For example, melamine
polyphosphates may be prepared by reacting polyphosphoric acid and
melamine, as described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,025,419 to
Kasowski et al., or by heating melamine pyrophosphate under
nitrogen at 290.degree. C. to constant weight, as described in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,015,510 to Jacobson et al. In some embodiments, the
nitrogen-containing flame retardant comprises melamine
cyanurate.
[0042] In some embodiments, the flame retardant comprises a metal
hydroxide. Suitable metal hydroxides include all those capable of
providing fire retardancy, as well as combinations of such metal
hydroxides. The metal hydroxide can be chosen to have substantially
no decomposition during processing of the fire additive composition
and/or flame retardant thermoplastic composition. Substantially no
decomposition is defined herein as amounts of decomposition that do
not prevent the flame retardant additive composition from providing
the desired level of fire retardancy. Exemplary metal hydroxides
include, but are not limited to, magnesium hydroxide (for example,
CAS Reg. No. 1309-42-8), aluminum hydroxide (for example, CAS Reg.
No. 21645-51-2), cobalt hydroxide (for example, CAS Reg. No.
21041-93-0), aluminum oxide hydroxide (for example, CAS Reg. No.
1318-23-6, also known as boehmite), and combinations thereof. In
some embodiments, the metal hydroxide comprises magnesium
hydroxide. In some embodiments the metal hydroxide has an average
particle size less than or equal to 10 micrometers and/or a purity
greater than or equal to 90 weight percent. In some embodiments it
is desirable for the metal hydroxide to contain substantially no
water, for example as evidenced by a weight loss of less than 1
weight percent upon drying at 120.degree. C. for 1 hour. In some
embodiments the metal hydroxide can be coated, for example, with
stearic acid or other fatty acid.
[0043] In some embodiments, the flame retardant is selected from
the group consisting of magnesium dihydroxides, aluminum
hydroxides, zinc borate, metal dialkylphosphinates, melamine
polyphosphates, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the
flame retardant comprises a magnesium dihydroxide, an aluminum
hydroxide, a zinc borate, an aluminum oxide hydroxide, or a
combination comprising at least one of the foregoing. In some
embodiments, the flame retardant is a magnesium dihydroxide.
[0044] The composition comprises the flame retardant in an amount
of 10 to 45 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight total of
flame retardants and polymers other than the poly(alkylene oxide).
In some embodiments, particularly in which the flame retardant
comprises a metal hydroxide, the flame retardant amount can be 20
to 40 parts by weight, or 28 to 38 parts by weight. In some
embodiments, the composition can optionally further comprise a
smoke suppressant, for example a metal borate salt such as zinc
borate, alkali metal or alkaline earth metal borate or other borate
salts. Additionally other boron containing compounds, such as boric
acid, borate esters, boron oxides or other oxygen compounds of
boron can be useful.
[0045] In a specific embodiment, the composition comprises a metal
hydroxide flame retardant, and, optionally, a metal borate smoke
suppressant, preferably wherein the metal hydroxide is magnesium
dihydroxide and the metal borate is zinc borate.
[0046] The composition further comprises an ultraviolet (UV)
absorbing agent that has a melting point that is less than or equal
to 25.degree. C. In some embodiments, the liquid UV absorbing agent
has a melting point that is less than 25.degree. C., or less than
or equal to 15.degree. C., or less than or equal to 10.degree. C.,
or less than 0.degree. C. Stated another way, the ultraviolet
absorbing agent is a liquid at room temperature. For brevity, this
component can also be referred to as a liquid ultraviolet (UV)
absorbing agent. Suitable liquid UV absorbing agents include liquid
hydroxyl phenyl benzotriazole ultraviolet absorbing agents, liquid
cyanoacrylate ultraviolet absorbing agents, liquid
hydroxybenzophenone ultraviolet absorbing agents, liquid hydroxyl
phenyl triazine ultraviolet absorbing agents, liquid oxanilide
ultraviolet absorbing agents, or a combination comprising at least
one of the foregoing provided that the resulting combination is a
liquid at a temperature of less than or equal to 25.degree. C. In
some embodiments, the liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent is
selected from a liquid hydroxyl phenyl benzotriazole ultraviolet
absorbing agent, a liquid cyanoacrylate ultraviolet absorbing
agent, or a combination thereof. Presently preferred liquid
ultraviolet absorbing agents include
2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-6-dodecyl-4-methyl phenol (CAS Reg. No.
125304-04-3), 2-ethylhexyl-2-cyano-3,3-diphenyl acrylate (CAS Reg.
No. 6197-30-4), and combinations of liquid UV absorbing agents
comprising at least one of the foregoing.
[0047] The composition can exclude any UV absorbing agents that are
not room temperature liquids, for example solid UV absorbing agents
can be excluded from the composition. For example, the composition
can exclude 2,2'-methylene
bis[4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)-6-(2H-benzotriazole-2-yl)phenol]
(CAS Reg. No. 103597-45-1),
2-(4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-5-(octyloxy)phenol
(CAS Reg. No. 2725-22-6),
2-(4,6-bis((1,1-biphenyl)-4-yl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-5-((2-ethylhexyl)oxy)-
phenol (CAS Reg. No. 204583-39-1),
2-(5-chloro-2H-benzotriazole-2-yl)-6-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methyl
phenol (CAS Reg. No. 147783-69-5), and the like, or a combination
comprising at least one of the foregoing solid ultraviolet
absorbing agents.
[0048] The composition comprises the liquid UV absorbing agent in
an amount of 0.5 to 10 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by
weight total of flame retardants and polymers other than the
poly(alkylene oxide). Within this range, the ultraviolet absorbing
agent amount can be 0.5 to 6 parts by weight, or 1 to 4 parts by
weight.
[0049] The composition further comprises a poly(alkylene oxide). As
used herein, the term "poly(alkylene oxide)" includes homopolymers
of C.sub.2-C.sub.4 alkylene oxides (such as poly(ethylene oxide)s,
poly(propylene oxide)s, poly(butylene oxide)s, and homopolymers of
C.sub.2-C.sub.4 alkylene oxides initiated in the presence of a
non-corresponding alcohol, such as pentaerythritol), random
copolymers of C.sub.2-C.sub.4 alkylene oxides (such as random
copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide), block copolymers
of C.sub.2-C.sub.4 alkylene oxides (such as diblock and triblock
copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide),
mono(C.sub.1-C.sub.12)ethers and di(C.sub.1-C.sub.12)ethers of the
foregoing (such as poly(ethylene oxide) dibutyl ether and
poly(propylene oxide) monobutyl ether),
mono(C.sub.2-C.sub.12)esters and di(C.sub.2-C.sub.12)esters of the
foregoing (such as poly(ethylene oxide) diacetyl ester and
poly(propylene oxide) monopropionyl ester), and combinations
thereof. In some embodiments, the poly(alkylene oxide) excludes
ester linkages.
[0050] In some embodiments, the poly(alkylene oxide) is selected
from the group consisting of poly(ethylene oxide)s, poly(propylene
oxide)s, random copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide,
block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, monoalkyl
ethers of the foregoing, dialkyl ethers of the foregoing, and
combinations thereof. In a very specific embodiment, the
poly(alkylene oxide) comprises a poly(propylene oxide)
mono(C.sub.1-C.sub.12-alkyl) ether.
[0051] In some embodiments, the poly(alkylene oxide) has a number
average molecular weight of 300 to 40,000 grams/mole. Within this
range, the number average molecular weight can be 300 to 25,000
grams/mole, specifically 500 to 5,000 grams/mole.
[0052] The composition comprises the poly(alkylene oxide) in an
amount of 0.5 to 10 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight
total of flame retardants and polymers other than the poly(alkylene
oxide). Within this range, the poly(alkylene oxide) amount can be 1
to 6 parts by weight, or 1 to 4 parts by weight.
[0053] In some embodiments, the composition further comprises a
copolymer of monomers comprising ethylene and a C.sub.3-C.sub.12
alpha-olefin. The C.sub.3-C.sub.12 alpha-olefin can be, for
example, 1-butene, 1-hexene, or 1-octene. The C.sub.3-C.sub.12
alpha-olefin content in the copolymer can be, for example, 10 to 50
weight percent. The copolymer can, optionally, further comprise
additional monomers, such as maleic anhydride, which can be present
in the backbone of the copolymer or as a graft. In some
embodiments, the copolymer of monomers comprising ethylene and a
C.sub.3-C.sub.12 alpha-olefin comprises a copolymer of ethylene and
1-octene, and a maleic anhydride-grafted copolymer of ethylene and
1-octene.
[0054] When present in the composition, the copolymer of monomers
comprising ethylene and a C.sub.3-C.sub.12 alpha-olefin can be used
in an amount of 5 to 30 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by
weight total of flame retardants and polymers other than the
poly(alkylene oxide). Within this range, the amount of the
copolymer can be 10 to 30 parts by weight, or 20 to 30 parts by
weight.
[0055] The composition can, optionally, further comprise one or
more additives known in the thermoplastics art. For example, the
composition can, optionally, further comprise an additive chosen
from stabilizers, mold release agents, lubricants, processing aids,
drip retardants, hindered amine light stabilizers, cycloaliphatic
epoxy resins, dyes, pigments, antioxidants, anti-static agents,
mineral oil, metal deactivators, and combinations thereof. When
present, such additives are typically used in a total amount of
less than or equal to 15 parts by weight, or less than or equal to
12 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight total of flame
retardants and polymers other than the poly(alkylene oxide).
Excluding white pigment, such additives are typically used in a
total amount of less than or equal to 5 parts by weight, or less
than or equal to 4 parts by weight, or less than or equal to 3
parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight total of flame
retardants and polymers other than the poly(alkylene oxide).
[0056] The composition can, optionally, minimize or exclude
polymers other than those described herein as required or optional.
For example, in some embodiments the composition comprises 0 to 2
parts by weight, or 0 to 1 part by weight, or 0 part by weight, of
homopolystyrenes, based on 100 parts by weight total of flame
retardants and polymers other than the poly(alkylene oxide). As
another example, in some embodiments the composition comprises 0 to
2 parts by weight, or 0 to 1 part by weight, or 0 part by weight,
of rubber-modified polystyrenes, based on 100 parts by weight total
of flame retardants and polymers other than the poly(alkylene
oxide). As another example, in some embodiments the composition
comprises 0 to 2 parts by weight, or 0 to 1 part by weight, or 0
part by weight, of polyamides, based on 100 parts by weight total
of flame retardants and polymers other than the poly(alkylene
oxide).
[0057] In a very specific embodiment of the composition, the
poly(phenylene ether) comprises a poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene
ether) having an intrinsic viscosity of 0.35 to 0.5 deciliter per
gram and a poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether)-polysiloxane
block copolymer having an intrinsic viscosity of 0.35 to 0.5
deciliter per gram; the hydrogenated block copolymer comprises a
polystyrene-poly(ethylene/butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer;
the flame retardant comprises magnesium dihydroxide; the
ultraviolet absorbing agent comprises a liquid hydroxyl phenyl
benzotriazole ultraviolet absorbing agent, a liquid cyanoacrylate
ultraviolet absorbing agent, or a combination comprising at least
one of the foregoing; the poly(alkylene oxide) comprises a
poly(propylene oxide) mono(C.sub.1-C.sub.12-alkyl) ether; the
composition further comprises a copolymer of monomers comprising
ethylene and a C.sub.3-C.sub.12 alpha-olefin, wherein the copolymer
of monomers comprising ethylene and a C.sub.3-C.sub.12 alpha-olefin
comprises a copolymer of ethylene and 1-octene, and a maleic
anhydride-grafted copolymer of ethylene and 1-octene; and the
composition comprises 17 to 30 parts by weight of the
poly(phenylene ether), 7 to 17 parts by weight of the hydrogenated
block copolymer, 2 to 7 parts by weight of the polypropylene or the
polyethylene, 3 to 9 parts by weight of the polybutene, 20 to 30
parts by weight of the copolymer of monomers comprising ethylene
and a C.sub.3-C.sub.12 alpha-olefin, 28 to 38 parts by weight of
the flame retardant, 1 to 4 parts by weight of the liquid
ultraviolet absorbing agent, and 1 to 4 parts by weight of the
poly(alkylene oxide).
[0058] The composition exhibits a relatively small color shift on
exposure to ultraviolet light. For example, in some embodiments the
composition exhibits a CIELAB color shift (delta E) of 7 or less,
or 6.5 or less, after 300 hours of xenon arc exposure according to
ASTM D4459-12. The resistance to ultraviolet light is particularly
useful when the composition is light-colored. For example, in some
embodiments, the composition exhibits a lightness value, L*, of 70
to 95, or 70 to 90, measured according to ASTM D2244-15a using a
D65 standard illuminant.
[0059] The composition exhibits a melt flow rate (MFR) of 7 to 25
grams per 10 minutes as determined according to ASTM D1238 at
250.degree. C. and 10 kilogram load over 300 seconds.
[0060] The composition exhibits a flexural modulus of 35 to 65 MPa,
or 40 to 60 MPa, as determined according to ASTM D790 at 23.degree.
C. using bar cross-sectional dimensions of 6.4.times.12.7
millimeters, and a test speed of 12.5 millimeters/minute.
[0061] The composition exhibits a tensile stress at break of 10 to
14 MPa and a tensile elongation at break of 140 to 250%. Tensile
properties can be determined according to ASTM D638 at a test speed
of 50 mm/min.
[0062] The composition can exhibit a Shore A Hardness of 80 to 100,
or 85 to 95, as determined according to ASTM D2240.
[0063] Another aspect of the present disclosure is an insulated
conductor comprising a conductor, and an insulating covering
disposed overt the conductor. The insulating covering comprises 15
to 45 parts by weight a poly(phenylene ether); 5 to 50 parts by
weight of a hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic
monomer and a conjugated diene; 0 to 15 parts by weight of a
polypropylene or a polyethylene; 2 to 10 parts by weight of a
polybutene having a number average molecular weight of 500 to 1500
grams per mole; 10 to 45 parts by weight of a flame retardant; 0.5
to 10 parts by weight of a liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent
having a melting point that is less than or equal to 25.degree. C.;
and 0.5 to 10 parts by weight of a poly(alkylene oxide); wherein
all parts by weight are based on 100 parts by weight total of flame
retardants and polymers other than the poly(alkylene oxide). All of
the above-described variants of the composition apply as well to
the insulated conductor.
[0064] In a very specific embodiment of the insulated conductor,
the poly(phenylene ether) comprises a
poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) having an intrinsic
viscosity of 0.35 to 0.5 deciliter per gram and a
poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer
having an intrinsic viscosity of 0.35 to 0.5 deciliter per gram;
the hydrogenated block copolymer comprises a
polystyrene-poly(ethylene/butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer;
the flame retardant comprises magnesium dihydroxide; the
ultraviolet absorbing agent comprises a liquid hydroxyl phenyl
benzotriazole ultraviolet absorbing agent, a liquid cyanoacrylate
ultraviolet absorbing agent, or a combination comprising at least
one of the foregoing; the poly(alkylene oxide) comprises a
poly(propylene oxide) mono(C.sub.1-C.sub.12-alkyl) ether; the
composition further comprises a copolymer of monomers comprising
ethylene and a C.sub.3-C.sub.12 alpha-olefin, wherein the copolymer
of monomers comprising ethylene and a C.sub.3-C.sub.12 alpha-olefin
comprises a copolymer of ethylene and 1-octene, and a maleic
anhydride-grafted copolymer of ethylene and 1-octene; and the
composition comprises 17 to 30 parts by weight of the
poly(phenylene ether), 7 to 17 parts by weight of the hydrogenated
block copolymer, 2 to 7 parts by weight of the polypropylene or the
polyethylene, 3 to 9 parts by weight of the polybutene, 20 to 30
parts by weight of the copolymer of monomers comprising ethylene
and a C.sub.3-C.sub.12 alpha-olefin, 28 to 38 parts by weight of
the flame retardant, 1 to 4 parts by weight of the liquid
ultraviolet absorbing agent, and 1 to 4 parts by weight of the
poly(alkylene oxide).
[0065] Another embodiment is a jacketed cable comprising a
conductor, an insulating covering surrounding the conductor, and a
jacket surrounding the insulating covering, wherein the jacket
comprises a composition comprising 15 to 45 parts by weight a
poly(phenylene ether); 5 to 50 parts by weight of a hydrogenated
block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic monomer and a conjugated
diene; 0 to 15 parts by weight of a polypropylene or a
polyethylene; 2 to 10 parts by weight of a polybutene having a
number average molecular weight of 500 to 1500 grams per mole; 10
to 45 parts by weight of a flame retardant; 0.5 to 10 parts by
weight of a liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent having a melting
point that is less than or equal to 25.degree. C.; and 0.5 to 10
parts by weight of a poly(alkylene oxide); wherein all parts by
weight are based on 100 parts by weight total of flame retardants
and polymers other than the poly(alkylene oxide). All of the
above-described variants of the composition apply as well to the
jacketed cable. There is no particular limit on the composition of
the insulating covering. In some embodiments, the insulating
covering comprises the composition as described herein. In other
embodiments, the insulating covering comprises a different flexible
composition, such as one of those described in U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. US 2006/0131052 A1 of Mhetar et al. In
still other embodiments, the insulating covering comprises a foamed
thermoplastic composition.
[0066] A side view and a cross-sectional view of a jacketed cable
is presented in FIGS. 1 (A) and (B), respectively, wherein jacketed
cable 10 includes a conductor 12, an insulating covering 14
surrounding the conductor, and jacket 16 surrounding the insulating
covering 14. The jacketed cable can be formed by extrusion coating
of conductor 12, with either step-wise or simultaneous extrusion of
the conductor with the covering and the jacket.
[0067] In a very specific embodiment of the jacketed cable, the
poly(phenylene ether) comprises a poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene
ether) having an intrinsic viscosity of 0.35 to 0.5 deciliter per
gram and a poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether)-polysiloxane
block copolymer having an intrinsic viscosity of 0.35 to 0.5
deciliter per gram; the hydrogenated block copolymer comprises a
polystyrene-poly(ethylene/butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer;
the flame retardant comprises magnesium dihydroxide; the
ultraviolet absorbing agent comprises a liquid hydroxyl phenyl
benzotriazole ultraviolet absorbing agent, a liquid cyanoacrylate
ultraviolet absorbing agent, or a combination comprising at least
one of the foregoing; the poly(alkylene oxide) comprises a
poly(propylene oxide) mono(C.sub.1-C.sub.12-alkyl) ether; the
composition further comprises a copolymer of monomers comprising
ethylene and a C.sub.3-C.sub.12 alpha-olefin, wherein the copolymer
of monomers comprising ethylene and a C.sub.3-C.sub.12 alpha-olefin
comprises a copolymer of ethylene and 1-octene, and a maleic
anhydride-grafted copolymer of ethylene and 1-octene; and the
composition comprises 17 to 30 parts by weight of the
poly(phenylene ether), 7 to 17 parts by weight of the hydrogenated
block copolymer, 2 to 7 parts by weight of the polypropylene or the
polyethylene, 3 to 9 parts by weight of the polybutene, 20 to 30
parts by weight of the copolymer of monomers comprising ethylene
and a C.sub.3-C.sub.12 alpha-olefin, 28 to 38 parts by weight of
the flame retardant, 1 to 4 parts by weight of the liquid
ultraviolet absorbing agent, and 1 to 4 parts by weight of the
poly(alkylene oxide).
[0068] The composition, insulated conductor and the jacketed cable
can advantageously exhibit reduced surface blooming, attributed to
the use of a liquid UV absorbing agent. The phenomenon of
"blooming" is a common problem for polymer compositions, as
incompatible materials can migrate to the surface of a molded part,
resulting in "blooming". Surface blooming defects tend to have a
negative effect on the aesthetic properties of materials, and can
impact performance. For example, a molded part comprising the
composition, the insulated conductor, and the jacketed cable of the
present disclosure can exhibit significantly less surface blooming
relative to a molded part, an insulated conductor, or a jacketed
cable comprising a composition including a solid UV absorbing
agent.
[0069] This disclosure is further illustrated by the following
examples, which are non-limiting.
EXAMPLES
[0070] Materials used for the following examples are summarized in
Table 1.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Component Description PPE-Si/PPE A mixture
of poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) (CAS Reg. No. 24938-67-8)
and poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether-polydimethylsiloxane
block copolymer (CAS Reg. No. 1202019-56-4), the mixture having a
polysiloxane content of about 5 weight percent and an intrinsic
viscosity of about 0.40 deciliter per gram as measured in
chloroform at 25.degree. C.; prepared according to the procedure of
U.S. Pat. No. 8,017,697 to Carrillo et al., Example 16. PP
Propylene homopolymer, CAS Reg. No. 9003-07-0, having a melt
mass-flow rate of 8 grams per 10 minutes, measured according to
ASTM D1238 at 230.degree. C. and a 2.16 kilogram load; obtained as
PP 570P from SABIC Innovative Plastics. LLDPE Linear low density
polyethylene, CAS Reg. No. 25087-34-7, having a melt flow rate of
about 20 grams per 10 minutes at 190.degree. C. and 2.16 kilogram
load; obtained as LLDPE M200024 from SABIC. Mg(OH).sub.2 Magnesium
dihydroxide, CAS Reg. No. 1309-42-8, surface treated with
aminosiloxane; obtained as MAGNIFIN .TM. H-5IV from Albemarle. PB
Polybutene, CAS Reg. No. 9003-29-6, having a kinematic viscosity of
100-125 centistokes at 100.degree. C.; obtained as INDOPOL .TM.
H-50 from INEOS. Erucamide Erucamide, CAS Reg. No. 112-84-5;
obtained as KEMAMIDE .TM. E Ultra from Crompton Corp. Antioxidant-1
Reaction products of phosphorus trichloride with 1,1'-biphenyl and
2,4-bis(1,1- dimethylethyl)phenol, CAS Reg. No. 119345-01-6;
obtained as HOSTANOX .TM. P- EPQ .TM. from Clariant. Antioxidant-2
Octadecyl 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamate, CAS Reg. No.
2082-79-3; obtained as IRGANOX 1076 from BASF. Antioxidant-3
Pentaerythritol 3-(4-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)propionate
(1:4), CAS Reg. No. 6683-19-8; obtained as IRGANOX 1010 from BASF
Corp. Antioxidant-4 Tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite, CAS
Reg. No. 31570-04-4; obtained as IRGAFOS .TM. 168 from BASF Corp.
Metal Deactivator
2',3-bis[[3-[3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl]propionyl]]
propionohydrazide, CAS Reg. No. 32687-78-8; obtained as IRGANOX
.TM. MD 1024 from BASF. Fragrance A polyethylene encapsulated
fragrance; obtained as IFI-7191 PBD from International Flavors and
Fragrances, Inc. TiO.sub.2 Titanium dioxide, CAS Reg. No.
13463-67-7, obtained as Ti-Pure .TM. R 103-15 from DuPont. CB
Carbon black (pigment); pH = 7.85; heating loss = 1.87 weight
percent; sulfur = 0.45 weight percent; iodine absorption = 230.8
grams/kilogram; toluene discoloration number = 99.5 percent
transmittance; solvent extractables = 0.01 weight percent; volatile
constituents = 1.85 weight percent; obtained as Monarch 800 from
Cabot Corp. Pigment Blue 29 Pigment Blue 29, CAS Reg. No.
57455-37-5; obtained as Ultramarine 5085 from Holliday Pigments, a
division of Huntsman. Pigment Red 101 Pigment red 101 (iron (III)
oxide), CAS Reg. No. 1309-37-1; obtained as BAYFERROX .TM. 180 M or
BAYFERROX .TM. 110M from Lanxess Corp or COLORTHERM .TM. Red 180M
from Bayer. UVA-1 2,2'-Methylene
bis[4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)-6-(2H-benzotriazole-2-yl)phenol],
CAS Reg. No. 103597-45-1; obtained as TINUVIN .TM. 360 from BASF.
UVA-2
2-[4,6-bis([1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]-5-[(2-ethylhexy-
l)oxy]-phenol, CAS Reg. No. 204583-39-1: obtained as TINUVIN .TM.
1600 from BASF. UVA-3 2-(2H-Benzotriazol-2-yl)-6-dodecyl-4-methyl
phenol, CAS Reg. No. 125304-04-3; obtained as CHIGUARD 5571 from
Chitec Technology Corp. UVA-4 2-Ethylhexyl-2-cyano-3,3-diphenyl
acrylate, CAS Reg. No. 6197-30-4; obtained as CHIGUARD 336 from
Chitec Technology Corp. UVA-5
2-(5-chloro-2H-benzotriazole-2-yl)-6-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methyl
phenol, CAS Reg. No. 147783-69-5; obtained as HOSTAVIN PR-31P from
Clariant. UVA-6 Hexadecyl 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate, CAS
Reg. No. 67845-93-6; obtained as CHIGUARD 1108 from Chitec
Technology Corp. SEBS 1
Polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer,
CAS Reg. No. 66070-58-4, having a polystyrene content of about
30-33 weight percent and a negligible melt flow, measured at
260.degree. C. and 5 kilogram load according to ASTM D1238;
obtained as KRATON G1651 from Kraton Performance Polymers Inc. SEBS
2 Polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene triblock
copolymer, CAS Reg. No. 66070-58-4, having a polystyrene content of
about 27.7-30.7 weight percent; obtained as KRATON .TM. G1650 from
Kraton Performance Polymers Inc. POE-1 Poly(ethylene-co-1-octene),
CAS Reg. No. 26221-73-8, having a melt flow of 1.1 grams per 10
minutes, measured at 190.degree. C. and 2.16 kilogram load
according to ISO 1133; obtained as Exact 8201 from Exxon Mobil.
POE-2 Poly(ethylene-co-1-octene), CAS Reg. No. 26221-73-8, having a
melt flow of 10 grams per 10 minutes, measured at 190.degree. C.
and 2.16 kilogram load according to ISO 1133; obtained as Exact
8210 from Exxon Mobil. POE-g-MAH Maleic anhydride-grafted
poly(ethylene-co-1-octene), having a melt flow rate of 1.6 grams
per 10 minutes, measured at 190.degree. C. and 2.16 kilogram load
according to ASTM D1238; obtained as FUSABOND .TM. N493 from
DuPont. PPO Poly(propylene glycol) monobutyl ether, CAS Reg. No.
9003-13-8, having an average molecular weight of 1100 grams per
mole; obtained as Polyglykol B01/40 from Clariant. P(EO-PO)
Ethylene glycol-propylene glycol block copolymer, CAS Reg. No.
691397-13-4, having an average molecular weight of 11,400; obtained
as PLURONIC F88 from BASF Corp.
[0071] The compositions of the following examples were prepared by
compounding on a 37 mm Toshiba SE twin screw extruder. All
materials were blended together and fed by the main feeder. The
strand of extruded composition was cut into pellets and dried for
further molding or wire extrusion. Compounding conditions that were
used are summarized in Table 2.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Extrusion Unit Set Values Zone 1 Temp
.degree. C. 50 Zone 2 Temp .degree. C. 180 Zone 3 Temp .degree. C.
225 Zone 4~11 Temp .degree. C. 245 Die Temp .degree. C. 255 Screw
speed rpm 450 Throughput kg/hr 30
[0072] The molding conditions that were used are summarized in
Table 3.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Molding Unit Set Values Cnd: Pre-drying time
Hour 4 Cnd: Pre-drying temp .degree. C. 80 Zone 1 temp .degree. C.
240 Zone 2 temp .degree. C. 250 Zone 3 temp .degree. C. 250 Nozzle
temp .degree. C. 250 Mold temp .degree. C. 40 Injection speed mm/s
25 Holding pressure kgf/cm.sup.2 600 Max. Injection pressure
kgf/cm.sup.2 1000
[0073] The ASTM and UL tests used to characterize the compositions
of the examples are summarized below in Table 4.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Test Description MFR Melt flow rate was
determined according to ASTM D1238 at 250.degree. C. and 10
kilogram load over 300 seconds. Flexural Modulus Flexural
properties were determined according to ASTM D790 at 23.degree. C.
using bar cross- sectional dimensions of 6.4 .times. 12.7
millimeters, and a test speed of 12.5 millimeters/minute. Tensile
Modulus Tensile properties were determined according to ASTM D638
at a test speed of 50 mm/min. Hardness Shore A Hardness was
determined according to ASTM D2240 using two overlapping color
chips with overall thickness of 6.4 mm and the hardness was read at
30 seconds. Color CIELAB color parameters L*, a*, and b* were
determined according to ASTM D2255 using a D65 light source. UV
Aging UV aging was tested with an exposure time of 300 hours and
the color of the composite chip was measured every 100 hours.
Suitable compositions of the present disclosure have a 300 hour
color shift of 12 or less. Wire Tensile Wire tensile properties
were determined using Properties a test speed of 250 mm/min at
23.degree. C. for 24 hours of 80.degree. C. for 168 hours. Vertical
Flame Vertical flame test was conducted according to Test EN
50265-2-1. Surface blooming Cable/wire samples having a length of 1
meter test were conditioned under predetermined time and temp.,
wiped with a black cotton cloth. Powder on the cloth was used to
determine the rating of severity of surface blooming. Rating of 0 =
no surface blooming; rating of 5 = severe surface blooming.
[0074] Wire and cable samples were prepared for testing. Wire
samples had an outer diameter of 2.7 millimeters and used a copper
conductor having an outer diameter of 1.16 millimeters. The wire
samples were extruded using a melt temperature of 240.degree. C.
without preheating of the conductor. The line speed was set to 60
meters per minute. The copper conductor used was AWG18 copper (0.16
mm.times.41 stranded copper) with a diameter of 1.16
millimeters.
[0075] Cable samples (H03 Z1Z1 HF (Halogen-free) Cable) is a type
of VDE cable having a configuration as shown in FIG. 1. The
insulation layer had an outer diameter of 2.25 millimeters which
were extruded at 240.degree. C. with the conductor being AWG18
copper (without preheating). The H03 cable was extruded with 2
parallel insulations inside at 245.degree. C. The line speed was
set to 20 meters per minute.
[0076] Cable tensile elongation values were determined as follows.
Two insulated wires were removed from a length of cable to leave
only jacket. The jacket was secured on the clamps of the tensile
machine with a gage length of 50 millimeters and tested at the
speed of 250 millimeters/minute. The tensile elongation values were
for elongation at break.
[0077] The cable vertical flame test was conducted according to
EN50265-2-1. The test piece (complete cable) was secured to two
horizontal supports so that the distance between the bottom of the
upper support and the top of the lower support was 550.+-.5
millimeters. The fire was applied in an angle of 45.degree. C. to
the vertical axis of the sample and lasted for 60 seconds. A sample
passes the test if the distance between the lower edge of the top
support and the onset of charring is greater than 50 millimeters.
In addition, a sample fails the test if the burning extends
downward to a point greater than 540 mm from the lower edge of the
top support.
[0078] Compositions and properties are summarized in Table 5. For
each composition, component amounts are expressed in parts by
weight per 100 parts by weight total of polymers (PPE-Si, SEBS
1651, SEBS 1650, PP, PB, LLDPE, POE-1, POE-2, POE-g-MAH) and flame
retardants (Mg(OH).sub.2). Note that poly(alkylene oxide)s are not
included in the polymers component of the 100 parts by weight
polymers and flame retardants. "CE" denotes a Comparative Example
and "E" denotes an examples according to the present
disclosure.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Units CE1 CE2 CE3 CE4 CE5 E1 E2 E3 E4
Component PPE-Si/PPE pbw 23.00 22.45 22.45 22.45 22.45 22.45 22.45
22.45 23.47 SEBS 1 pbw 6.00 6.12 6.12 6.12 6.12 6.12 6.12 6.12 6.12
SEBS 2 pbw 6.00 6.12 6.12 6.12 6.12 6.12 6.12 6.12 6.12 PP pbw 3.00
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 3.06 3.06 0.00 0.00 PB pbw 5.00 5.10 5.10 5.10
5.10 5.10 5.10 5.10 5.10 LLDPE pbw 0.00 3.06 3.06 3.06 3.06 0.00
0.00 3.06 3.06 POE-1 pbw 7.00 7.14 7.14 7.14 7.14 7.14 7.14 7.14
7.14 POE-2 pbw 12.00 12.24 12.24 12.24 12.24 12.24 12.24 12.24
12.24 MAH-g-POE pbw 5.00 5.10 5.10 5.10 5.10 5.10 5.10 5.10 5.10
Mg(OH)2 pbw 33.00 32.65 32.65 32.65 32.65 32.65 32.65 32.65 31.63
Antioxidant-1 pbw 0.25 0.26 0.26 0.26 0.26 0.51 0.51 0.26 0.26
Antioxidant-2 pbw 0.00 0.77 0.00 0.77 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Antioxidant-3 pbw 0.00 0.00 0.77 0.00 0.77 0.00 0.00 0.77 0.77
Antioxidant-4 pbw 0.75 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
UVA-1 pbw 1.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 UVA-2 pbw
0.00 0.00 0.00 1.02 2.04 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 UVA-3 pbw 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00 2.04 0.00 2.04 2.04 UVA-4 pbw 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 2.04 0.00 0.00 UVA-5 pbw 0.00 2.04 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00 UVA-6 pbw 0.00 0.00 2.04 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 PPO pbw 0.00 2.04 2.04 2.04 2.04 2.04 2.04 2.04 2.04 P(EO-PO)
pbw 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Erucamide pbw 0.30
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.31 0.31 0.31 0.00 0.31 Fragrance pbw 0.06 0.06
0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 TiO.sub.2 pbw 8.18 6.29 6.29
6.29 7.80 8.35 8.35 6.29 6.29 CB pbw 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00 Pigment Blue 29 pbw 0.10 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.11 0.11
0.08 0.08 0.08 Pigment Red 101 pbw 0.07 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.08 0.08
0.08 0.06 0.06 Properties MFR g/10 min 3.6 9.5 9.7 9.2 11.4 7.9 9.3
9.1 12.5 Flex. Modulus MPa 44 53 46 50 55 43 66 44 44 Tens. Stress
@ Brk MPa 13.7 12.7 12.9 13.6 12.9 13.2 12.3 12.6 12.8 Tens. Elong.
@ Brk % 200 166 170 186 151 250 167 176 156 Shore A Hardness -- 88
89 88 89 89 86 89 88 88 Wire Tens. Elong..sup.1 % 232 207 274 268
245 292 244 275 252 Wire Tens. Elong..sup.2 % 205 201 240 218 210
253 227 219 215 VDE (H03) -- Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass
Pass Pass .DELTA.F -- 2.9 ND 7.5 ND 3.1 4 3.6 6.3 ND Surface
Blooming -- 5 5 4 3 3 0 0 1 1 Units E5 E6 E7 E8 E9 E10 E11 E12
Component PPE-Si/PPE pbw 22.45 22.45 22.45 22.45 22.45 22.45 22.45
22.45 SEBS 1 pbw 6.12 6.12 6.12 6.12 6.12 6.12 6.12 6.12 SEBS 2 pbw
6.12 6.12 6.12 6.12 6.12 6.12 6.12 6.12 PP pbw 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 PB pbw 5.10 5.10 5.10 5.10 5.10 5.10 5.10 5.10
LLDPE pbw 3.06 3.06 3.06 3.06 3.06 3.06 3.06 3.06 POE-1 pbw 7.14
7.14 7.14 7.14 7.14 7.14 7.14 0.00 POE-2 pbw 12.24 12.24 12.24
12.24 12.24 12.24 12.24 19.39 MAH-g-POE pbw 5.10 5.10 5.10 5.10
5.10 5.10 5.10 5.10 Mg(OH)2 pbw 32.65 32.65 32.65 32.65 32.65 32.65
32.65 32.65 Antioxidant-1 pbw 0.26 0.26 0.26 0.26 0.26 0.26 0.26
0.26 Antioxidant-2 pbw 0.00 0.77 0.77 0.77 0.41 0.77 0.77 0.00
Antioxidant-3 pbw 0.77 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.36 0.00 0.00 0.77
Antioxidant-4 pbw 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 UVA-1 pbw
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 UVA-2 pbw 0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 UVA-3 pbw 0.00 0.00 2.04 0.00 0.00 2.55
2.55 0.00 UVA-4 pbw 2.04 2.04 0.00 2.04 2.04 0.00 0.00 2.55 UVA-5
pbw 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 UVA-6 pbw 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 PPO pbw 2.04 2.04 0.00 0.00 2.04 2.55
3.57 3.57 P(EO-PO) pbw 0.00 0.00 2.04 2.04 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Erucamide pbw 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.00 0.15 0.15 0.31 Fragrance pbw
0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 TiO.sub.2 pbw 6.29 6.29
6.29 6.29 6.29 6.29 6.29 6.29 CB pbw 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 Pigment Blue 29 pbw 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.08
0.08 Pigment Red 101 pbw 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06
Properties MFR g/10 min 10.0 10.1 11.2 9.8 11.2 15.1 15.0 20.3
Flex. Modulus MPa 57 55 40 50 58 42 45 60 Tens. Stress @ Brk MPa
12.5 12.9 12.4 10.8 11.6 11.2 10.9 10.5 Tens. Elong. @ Brk % 142
179 218 144 144 184 183 153 Shore A Hardness -- 89 89 87 88 90 86
86 88 Wire Tens. Elong..sup.1 % 226 287 253 229 210 291 294 220
Wire Tens. Elong..sup.2 % 188 248 226 202 185 248 246 211 VDE (H03)
-- Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass ND ND ND .DELTA.F -- 5.3 3.2 ND 10.1
5.3 2.4 0.8 0.8 Surface Blooming -- 1 0 0 0 1 ND ND ND ND = Not
determined; .sup.1Wire tensile elongation determined at 250 mm/min,
23.degree. C., 24 h; .sup.2Wire tensile elongation determined at
250 mm/min, 80.degree. C., 16 h
[0079] Comparative examples 1-5 are compositions including solid UV
absorbers. Comparative examples 1, 2, and 5 using UVA-1, -5, and
-2, respectively, each showed surface blooming due to the use of
the UVA powder. As shown in comparative example 3, using a solid
UVA (UVA-6) together with a long polyolefin chain does not solve
the blooming issue. Additionally, decreasing the UVA loading also
does not solve the problem of surface blooming as shown by
comparative example 5 vs. 4.
[0080] In contrast, using a liquid UVA (UVA-3 or -4) improved the
surface blooming of the compositions. Additionally, the
compositions including the liquid UVA maintained a good overall
balance of properties as shown by examples 1-12 in Table 5. Thus
the compositions according to the present disclosure including a
liquid UVA are suitable for use in cable applications.
[0081] This disclosure further encompasses the following aspects,
which are non-limiting.
[0082] Aspect 1: A poly(phenylene ether) composition comprising 15
to 45 parts by weight a poly(phenylene ether); 5 to 50 parts by
weight of a hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic
monomer and a conjugated diene; 0 to 15 parts by weight of a
polypropylene or a polyethylene; 2 to 10 parts by weight of a
polybutene having a number average molecular weight of 500 to 1500
grams per mole; 10 to 45 parts by weight of a flame retardant; 0.5
to 10 parts by weight of a liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent
having a melting point that is less than or equal to 25.degree. C.;
and 0.5 to 10 parts by weight of a poly(alkylene oxide); wherein
all parts by weight are based on 100 parts by weight total of flame
retardants and polymers other than the poly(alkylene oxide).
[0083] Aspect 2: The composition of aspect 1, wherein the
poly(phenylene ether) is a poly(phenylene ether) having an
intrinsic viscosity of 0.35 to 0.5 deciliter per gram and comprises
poly(phenylene ether) homopolymer and poly(phenylene
ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer.
[0084] Aspect 3: The composition of aspect 1 or 2, wherein the
flame retardant comprises a magnesium dihydroxide, an aluminum
hydroxide, an aluminum oxide hydroxide, or a combination comprising
at least one of the foregoing, preferably a magnesium
dihydroxide.
[0085] Aspect 4: The composition of any one or more of aspects 1 to
3, further comprising a smoke suppressant, preferably wherein the
smoke suppressant is a metal borate, more preferably wherein the
metal borate comprises zinc borate.
[0086] Aspect 5: The composition of any one or more of aspects 1 to
4, wherein the liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent is a liquid
hydroxyl phenyl benzotriazole ultraviolet absorbing agent, a liquid
cyanoacrylate ultraviolet absorbing agent, a liquid
hydroxybenzophenone ultraviolet absorbing agent, a liquid hydroxyl
phenyl triazine ultraviolet absorbing agent, a liquid oxanilide
ultraviolet absorbing agent, or a combination comprising at least
one of the foregoing.
[0087] Aspect 6: The composition of any one or more of aspects 1 to
5, wherein the poly(alkylene oxide) is a poly(ethylene oxide), a
poly(propylene oxide), a random copolymer of ethylene oxide and
propylene oxide, a block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene
oxide, a monoalkyl ether of the foregoing, a dialkyl ether of the
foregoing, or a combination comprising at least one of the
foregoing.
[0088] Aspect 7: The composition of any one or more of aspects 1 to
6, wherein the poly(alkylene oxide) has a number average molecular
weight of 300 to 40,000 grams per mole.
[0089] Aspect 8: The composition of any one or more of aspects 1 to
7, wherein the poly(alkylene oxide) comprises a poly(propylene
oxide) mono (C.sub.1-12 alkyl) ether.
[0090] Aspect 9: The composition of any one or more of aspects 1 to
8, further comprising 5 to 30 parts by weight of a copolymer of
monomers comprising ethylene and a C.sub.3-12 alpha olefin.
[0091] Aspect 10: The composition of aspect 9, wherein the
copolymer comprising a copolymer of ethylene and 1-octene, and a
maleic anhydride-grafted copolymer of ethylene and 1-octene.
[0092] Aspect 11: The composition of any one or more of aspects 1
to 10, wherein the hydrogenated block copolymer comprises a
polystyrene-poly(ethylene/butylene)-polystyrene triblock
copolymer.
[0093] Aspect 12: The composition of aspect 1, comprising: 17 to 30
parts by weight of the poly(phenylene ether), 7 to 17 parts by
weight of the hydrogenated block copolymer, 2 to 7 parts by weight
of the polypropylene or the polyethylene, wherein the polyethylene
comprises linear low density polyethylene, 3 to 9 parts by weight
of the polybutene, 15 to 25 parts by weight of a copolymer of
monomers comprising ethylene and a C.sub.3-12 alpha olefin, 28 to
38 parts by weight of the flame retardant, 1 to 4 parts by weight
of the liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent, and 1 to 4 parts by
weight of the poly(alkylene oxide).
[0094] Aspect 13: The composition of aspect 12, wherein the
poly(phenylene ether) is a poly(phenylene ether) having an
intrinsic viscosity of 0.35 to 0.5 deciliter per gram and comprises
poly(phenylene ether) homopolymer and poly(phenylene
ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer; wherein the flame retardant
comprises magnesium dihydroxide; wherein the hydrogenated
hydrogenated block copolymer comprises a
polystyrene-poly(ethylene/butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer;
wherein the liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent comprises a liquid
hydroxyl phenyl benzotriazole ultraviolet absorbing agent, a liquid
cyanoacrylate ultraviolet absorbing agent, or a combination
comprising at least one of the foregoing; wherein the poly(alkylene
oxide) comprises a poly(propylene oxide) mono(C.sub.1-12 alkyl
ether); and wherein the copolymer of monomers comprising ethylene
and a C.sub.3-12 alpha olefin comprises a copolymer of ethylene and
1-octene, and a maleic anhydride-grafted copolymer of ethylene and
1-octene.
[0095] Aspect 14: The composition of any one or more of aspects 1
to 13, further comprising an additive composition comprising one or
more of stabilizers, mold release agents, lubricants, processing
aids, drip retardants, hindered amine light stabilizers,
cycloaliphatic epoxy resins, dyes, pigments, antioxidants,
anti-static agents, mineral oil, metal deactivators, and
combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing.
[0096] Aspect 15: An insulated conductor comprising: a conductor;
and an insulating covering disposed over the conductor; wherein the
insulating covering comprises a poly(phenylene ether) composition
comprising: 15 to 45 parts by weight a poly(phenylene ether); 5 to
50 parts by weight of a hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl
aromatic monomer and a conjugated diene; 0 to 15 parts by weight of
a polypropylene or a polyethylene; 2 to 10 parts by weight of a
polybutene having a number average molecular weight of 500 to 1500
grams per mole; 10 to 45 parts by weight of a flame retardant; 0.5
to 10 parts by weight of a liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent
having a melting point that is less than or equal to 25.degree. C.;
and 0.5 to 10 parts by weight of a poly(alkylene oxide); wherein
all parts by weight are based on 100 parts by weight total of flame
retardants and polymers other than the poly(alkylene oxide).
[0097] Aspect 16: The insulated conductor of aspect 15, wherein the
composition comprises 17 to 30 parts by weight of the
poly(phenylene ether), 7 to 17 parts by weight of the hydrogenated
block copolymer, 2 to 7 parts by weight of the polypropylene or the
polyethylene, wherein the polyethylene comprises linear low density
polyethylene, 3 to 9 parts by weight of the polybutene, 15 to 25
parts by weight of a copolymer of monomers comprising ethylene and
a C.sub.3-12 alpha olefin, 28 to 38 parts by weight of the flame
retardant, 1 to 4 parts by weight of the liquid ultraviolet
absorbing agent, and 1 to 4 parts by weight of the poly(alkylene
oxide).
[0098] Aspect 17: The insulated conductor of aspect 16, wherein the
poly(phenylene ether) is a poly(phenylene ether) having an
intrinsic viscosity of 0.35 to 0.5 deciliter per gram and comprises
poly(phenylene ether) homopolymer and poly(phenylene
ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer; wherein the flame retardant
comprises magnesium dihydroxide; wherein the hydrogenated
hydrogenated block copolymer comprises a
polystyrene-poly(ethylene/butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer;
wherein the liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent comprises a liquid
hydroxyl phenyl benzotriazole ultraviolet absorbing agent, a liquid
cyanoacrylate ultraviolet absorbing agent, or a combination
comprising at least one of the foregoing; wherein the poly(alkylene
oxide) comprises a poly(propylene oxide) mono(C.sub.1-12 alkyl
ether); and wherein the copolymer of monomers comprising ethylene
and a C.sub.3-12 alpha olefin comprises a copolymer of ethylene and
1-octene, and a maleic anhydride-grafted copolymer of ethylene and
1-octene.
[0099] Aspect 18: A jacketed cable, comprising: conductor; an
insulating covering surrounding the conductor; and a jacket
surrounding the insulating covering; wherein the jacket comprises a
composition comprising 15 to 45 parts by weight a poly(phenylene
ether); 5 to 50 parts by weight of a hydrogenated block copolymer
of an alkenyl aromatic monomer and a conjugated diene; 0 to 15
parts by weight of a polypropylene or a polyethylene; 2 to 10 parts
by weight of a polybutene having a number average molecular weight
of 500 to 1500 grams per mole; 10 to 45 parts by weight of a flame
retardant; 0.5 to 10 parts by weight of a liquid ultraviolet
absorbing agent having a melting point that is less than or equal
to 25.degree. C.; and 0.5 to 10 parts by weight of a poly(alkylene
oxide); wherein all parts by weight are based on 100 parts by
weight total of flame retardants and polymers other than the
poly(alkylene oxide).
[0100] Aspect 19: The jacketed cable of aspect 18, wherein the
composition comprises 17 to 30 parts by weight of the
poly(phenylene ether), 7 to 17 parts by weight of the hydrogenated
block copolymer, 2 to 7 parts by weight of the polypropylene or the
polyethylene, wherein the polyethylene comprises linear low density
polyethylene, 3 to 9 parts by weight of the polybutene, 15 to 25
parts by weight of a copolymer of monomers comprising ethylene and
a C.sub.3-12 alpha olefin, 28 to 38 parts by weight of the flame
retardant, 1 to 4 parts by weight of the liquid ultraviolet
absorbing agent, and 1 to 4 parts by weight of the poly(alkylene
oxide).
[0101] Aspect 20: The jacketed cable of aspect 19, wherein the
poly(phenylene ether) is a poly(phenylene ether) having an
intrinsic viscosity of 0.35 to 0.5 deciliter per gram and comprises
poly(phenylene ether) homopolymer and poly(phenylene
ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer; wherein the flame retardant
comprises magnesium dihydroxide; wherein the hydrogenated
hydrogenated block copolymer comprises a
polystyrene-poly(ethylene/butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer;
wherein the liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent comprises a liquid
hydroxyl phenyl benzotriazole ultraviolet absorbing agent, a liquid
cyanoacrylate ultraviolet absorbing agent, or a combination
comprising at least one of the foregoing; wherein the poly(alkylene
oxide) comprises a poly(propylene oxide) mono(C.sub.1-12 alkyl
ether); and wherein the copolymer of monomers comprising ethylene
and a C.sub.3-12 alpha olefin comprises a copolymer of ethylene and
1-octene, and a maleic anhydride-grafted copolymer of ethylene and
1-octene.
[0102] The compositions, methods, and articles can alternatively
comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, any appropriate
components or steps herein disclosed. The compositions, methods,
and articles can additionally, or alternatively, be formulated so
as to be devoid, or substantially free, of any steps, components,
materials, ingredients, adjuvants, or species that are otherwise
not necessary to the achievement of the function or objectives of
the compositions, methods, and articles.
[0103] All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints,
and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other.
"Combinations" is inclusive of blends, mixtures, alloys, reaction
products, and the like. The terms "first," "second," and the like,
do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are
used to distinguish one element from another. The terms "a" and
"an" and "the" do not denote a limitation of quantity, and are to
be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless
otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. "Or"
means "and/or" unless clearly stated otherwise. Reference
throughout the specification to "some embodiments", "an
embodiment", and so forth, means that a particular element
described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least
one embodiment described herein, and may or may not be present in
other embodiments. In addition, it is to be understood that the
described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in the
various embodiments.
[0104] Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one
of skill in the art to which this application belongs. All cited
patents, patent applications, and other references are incorporated
herein by reference in their entirety. However, if a term in the
present application contradicts or conflicts with a term in the
incorporated reference, the term from the present application takes
precedence over the conflicting term from the incorporated
reference.
[0105] The term "alkyl" means a branched or straight chain,
unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon group, e.g., methyl, ethyl,
n-propyl, i-propyl, n-butyl, s-butyl, t-butyl, n-pentyl, s-pentyl,
and n- and s-hexyl. "Alkenyl" means a straight or branched chain,
monovalent hydrocarbon group having at least one carbon-carbon
double bond (e.g., ethenyl (--HC.dbd.CH.sub.2)). "Alkoxy" means an
alkyl group that is linked via an oxygen (i.e., alkyl-O--), for
example methoxy, ethoxy, and sec-butyloxy groups. "Alkylene" means
a straight or branched chain, saturated, divalent aliphatic
hydrocarbon group (e.g., methylene (--CH.sub.2--) or, propylene
(--(CH.sub.2).sub.3--)). "Cycloalkylene" means a divalent cyclic
alkylene group, --C.sub.nH.sub.2n-x, wherein x is the number of
hydrogens replaced by cyclization(s). "Cycloalkenyl" means a
monovalent group having one or more rings and one or more
carbon-carbon double bonds in the ring, wherein all ring members
are carbon (e.g., cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl). "Aryl" means an
aromatic hydrocarbon group containing the specified number of
carbon atoms, such as phenyl, tropone, indanyl, or naphthyl. The
prefix "halo" means a group or compound including one more of a
fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo substituent. A combination of
different halo groups (e.g., bromo and fluoro), or only chloro
groups can be present. The prefix "hetero" means that the compound
or group includes at least one ring member that is a heteroatom
(e.g., 1, 2, or 3 heteroatom(s)), wherein the heteroatom(s) is each
independently N, O, S, Si, or P. "Substituted" means that the
compound or group is substituted with at least one (e.g., 1, 2, 3,
or 4) substituents that can each independently be a C.sub.1-9
alkoxy, a C.sub.1-9 haloalkoxy, a nitro (--NO.sub.2), a cyano
(--CN), a C.sub.1-6 alkyl sulfonyl (--S(.dbd.O).sub.2-alkyl), a
C.sub.6-12 aryl sulfonyl (--S(.dbd.O).sub.2-aryl)a thiol (--SH), a
thiocyano (--SCN), a tosyl (CH.sub.3C.sub.6H.sub.4SO.sub.2--), a
C.sub.3-12 cycloalkyl, a C.sub.2-12 alkenyl, a C.sub.5-12
cycloalkenyl, a C.sub.6-12 aryl, a C.sub.7-13 arylalkylene, a
C.sub.4-12 heterocycloalkyl, and a C.sub.3-12 heteroaryl instead of
hydrogen, provided that the substituted atom's normal valence is
not exceeded. The number of carbon atoms indicated in a group is
exclusive of any substituents. For example --CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CN is
a C.sub.2 alkyl group substituted with a nitrile.
[0106] While particular embodiments have been described,
alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and
substantial equivalents that are or may be presently unforeseen may
arise to applicants or others skilled in the art. Accordingly, the
appended claims as filed and as they may be amended are intended to
embrace all such alternatives, modifications variations,
improvements, and substantial equivalents.
* * * * *