ELASTOMERIC COMPOSITIONS

Abstract: Novel thermoplastic molding compositions comprising a thermoplastic elastomer and a modifying combination of an aromatic thermoplastic polyester and clay.

Description: The present invention relates to novel thermoplastic elastomeric molding compositions capable of withstanding high temperatures and able to absorb high energy and "spring back" with little or no permanent deformation upon impact. Specifically, the compositions of the instant invention comprise polyetherimide esters or polyetherester imides having admixed therewith a combination of an aromatic polyester, most preferably poly(butylene terephthalate), and a mineral filler selected from the group consisting of clay and syenite. Polyether ester imides are well known having been described in numerous publications and patents including for example, Honore et al, "Synthesis and Study of Various Reactive Oligmers and of Poly(ester-imide-ether)s", European Polymer Journal Vol. 16, pp. 909-916, October 12, 1979; and in U.S.-A-3,274,159, 4,371,692, 4,371,693 and 4,556,705. Poly (ether ester imides) have very poor heat sag resistance. Thus, molded parts from these compositions severely sag upon exposure to high temperatures, eg. greater than 121°C (250°F). Additionally, because of the high flexibility of these materials as demonstrated by their very low flexural modulus, these compositions are limited to certain applications where physical integrity or stiffness of the part is not desired. In accordance with the present invention there are provided novel thermoplastic compositions as defined in claim 1. The compositions of the present invention comprise from 1 to 98 percent by weight, preferably from 10 to 90 percent by weight, of elastomer (a) and from 2 to 99 percent by weight, preferably from 10 to 90 percent by weight of the combination (b) wherein the polyester component (b)(ii) comprises from 1 to 98 percent by weight, preferably from 5 to 90 percent by weight, based on the total weight of (a) & (b) and the mineral filler comprises from 1 to 60 percent by weight, preferably 5 to 40 percent by weight, based on the total weight of (a) & (b). An especially preferred class of compositions encompassed by the present invention having excellent stress-strength properties, particularly as manifested by Dynatup characterization and heat sag resistance, are those wherein the amount of the combination of (b) (ii) aromatic polyester and (b) (i) mineral filler present will be from 10 to 80 weight percent based on the total weight of (a) and (b) and wherein (b) (ii) and (b) (i) will each be present in an amount of from 5 to 75 and from 5 to 25 weight percent, respectively, based on (a) & (b). Preferred compositions are those wherein the combined weight of (b) (ii) and (b) (i) is from 30 to 70 weight percent and wherein (b) (ii) and (b) (i) are present in amounts of from 20 to 60 and 10 to 20 weight percent, respectively, based on the total weight of (a) & (b). Suitable poly(etherester imide)s and poly(esterimide ether)s and their manufacture are described in, for example, Honore et al "Synthesis and Study of Various Reactive Oligomers and of Poly(esterimide ethers)", European Polymer Journal, Vol. 16 pp. 909-916, October 12, 1979 and in U.S.-A-4,371,692 and 4,371,693. These comprise units of the formulas: and or and or mixtures thereof wherein G is a divalent radical remaining after the removal of terminal (or as nearly terminal as possible) hydroxyl groups from a poly(oxyalkylene)glycol having a molecular weight of from 400 to 12000; D is a divalent radical remaining after the removal of hydroxyl groups from a diol having a molecular weight less than about 300; Q is a divalent radical remaining after removal of amino groups from an aliphatic primary diamine having a molecular weight of less than 350 and Q' is a divalent radical remaining after removal of an amino group and a carboxyl group from an aliphatic primary amino acid having a molecular weight of less than 250, with the proviso that from about 0.5 to about 10 D units are present for each G unit. Preferred poly(oxyalkylene) units are derived from ether glycols of from 900 to 4000 molecular weight and having a carbon-to-oxygen ratio of from 1.8 to 4.3, exclusive of any side chains. Representative poly(oxyalkylene)glycols are poly(ethylene ether)glycol; poly(propylene ether)glycol; poly(tetramethylene ether)glycol; random or block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, including ethylene oxide capped poly(propylene ether)glycol and predominately poly(ethylene ether) backbone, copoly(propylene ether-ethylene ether)glycol; and random or block copolymers of tetrahydrofuran with minor amounts of a second monomer such as ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, or methyltetrahydrofuran (used in proportions such that the carbon-to-oxygen ratio does not exceed about 4.3). Polyformal glycols prepared by reacting formaldehyde with diols such as 1,4-butanediol and 1,5-pentanediol are also useful. Especially preferred poly(oxyalkylene)glycols are poly(propylene ether)glycol, poly(tetramethylene ether)glycol and predominately poly(ethylene ether) backbone copoly(propylene ether-ethylene ether)glycol. Low molecular weight diols which can be used to provide the -D- radicals are saturated and unsaturated aliphatic and cycloaliphatic dihydroxy compounds as well as aromatic dihydroxy compounds having a molecular weight of about 300 or less. When used herein, the term "diols" and "low molecular weight diols" should be construed to include equivalent ester forming derivatives thereof, provided, however, that the molecular weight requirement pertains to the diol only and not to its derivatives. Exemplary of ester forming derivatives there may be given the acetates of the diols as well as, for example, ethylene oxide or ethylene carbonate for ethylene glycol. Preferred saturated and unsaturated aliphatic and cycloaliphatic diols are those having from about 2 to 19 carbon atoms. Exemplary of these diols there may be given ethylene glycol; propanediol; butanediol; pentanediol; 2-methyl propanediol; 2,2-dimethyl propanediol; hexanediol; decanediol; 2-octyl undecanediol; 1,2-, 1,3- and 1,4- dihydroxy cyclohexane; 1,2-, 1,3- and 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol; butenediol; hexenediol, etc. Especially preferred are 1,4-butanediol and mixtures thereof with hexanediol or butenediol, most preferably 1,4-butanediol. Aromatic diols suitable for use in the preparation of the poly (ether ester imides) are generally those having from 6 to about 19 carbon atoms. Included among the aromatic dihydroxy compounds are resorcinol; hydroquinone; 1,5-dihydroxy naphthalene; 4,4'-dihydroxy diphenyl; bis(p-hydroxy phenyl)methane and 2,2-bis(p-hydroxy phenyl) propane. Especially preferred diols are the saturated aliphatic diols, mixtures thereof and mixtures of a saturated diol(s) with an unsaturated diol(s), wherein each diol contains from 2 to 8 carbon atoms. Where more than one diol is employed, it is preferred that at least about 60 mole %, most preferably at least 80 mole %, based on the total diol content, be the same diol. As mentioned above, the preferred thermoplastic elastomers are those in which 1,4- butanediol is present in a predominant amount, most preferably when 1,4-butanediol is the only diol. Diamines which can be used to provide the -Q- radicals in the polymers of this invention are aliphatic (including cycloaliphatic) primary diamines having a molecular weight of less than about 350, preferably below about 250. Diamines containing aromatic rings in which both amino groups are attached to aliphatic carbons, such as p-xylylene diamine, are also meant to be included. Representative aliphatic (and cycloaliphatic) primary diamines are ethylene diamine, 1,2-propylene diamine, methylene diamine, 1,3- and 1,4-diaminocyclohexane, 2,4- and 2,6-diaminomethylcyclohexane, m- and p-xylylene diamine and bis(4-aminocyclohexyl)methane. Of these diamines, ethylene diamine and bis(4-aminocyclohexyl)methane are preferred because they are readily available and yield polymers having excellent physical properties. Amino acids which can be used to provide the -Q'- radicals in the polymers of this invention are aliphatic (including cycloaliphatic) primary amino acids having a molecular weight of less than about 250. Amino acids containing aromatic rings in which the amino group is attached to aliphatic carbon, such as phenylalanine or 4-(β-aminoethyl)benzoic acid, are also mean to be included. Representative aliphatic (and cycloaliphatic primary amino acids are glycine, alanine, β-alanine, phenylalanine, 6-aminohexanoic acid, 11-aminoundecanoic acid and 4-aminocyclohexanoic acid. Of these amino acids, glycine and β-alanine are preferred because they are readily available and yield polymers having excellent physical properties. Suitable poly (etherimide esters) also include those described in US-A-4, 556, 705. In general, they are random and block copolymers prepared by conventional processes from (i) one or more diols, (ii) one or more dicarboxylic acids and (iii) one or more polyoxyalkylene diimide diacids or the reactants therefore. The preferred poly(etherimide esters) are prepared from (i) a C₂ to C₁₉ aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diol, (ii) a C₄ to C₁₉ aliphatic, cycloaliphatic and/or aromatic dicarboxylic acid or ester derivative thereof and (iii) a polyoxyalkylene diimide diacid wherein the weight ratio of the diimide diacid (iii) to dicarboxylic acid (ii) is from about 0.25 to 2.0, preferably from about 0.4 to 1.4. The diols (i) suitable for use herein are essentially the same as those used to provide the -D- radical in formulas II and IV as described above. Dicarboxylic acids (ii) which are suitable for use in the preparation of the poly(etherimide esters) are aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, and/or aromatic dicarboxylic acids. These acids are preferably of a low molecular weight, i.e., having a molecular weight of less than about 350; however, higher molecular weight dicarboxylic acids, especially dimer acids, may also be used. The term "dicarboxylic acids" as used herein, includes equivalents of dicarboxylic acids having two functional carboxyl groups which perform substantially like dicarboxylic acids in reaction with glycols and diols in forming polyester polymers. These equivalents include eaters and ester-forming derivatives, such as acid halides and anhydrides. The molecular weight preference, mentioned above, pertains to the acid and not to its equivalent ester or ester-forming derivative. Thus, an ester of a dicarboxylic acid having a molecular weight greater than 350 or an acid equivalent of a dicarboxylic acid having a molecular weight greater than 350 are included provided the acid has a molecular weight below about 350. Additionally, the dicarboxylic acids may contain any substituent group(s) or combinations which do not substantially interfere with the polymer formation and use of the polymer in the practice of this invention. Aliphatic dicarboxylic acids, as the term is used herein, refers to carboxylic acids having two carboxyl groups each of which is attached to a saturated carbon atom. If the carbon atom to which the carboxyl group is attached is saturated and is in a ring, the acid is cycloaliphatic. Aromatic dicarboxylic acids, as the term is used herein, are dicarboxylic acids having two carboxyl groups each of which is attached to a carbon atom in an isolated or fused benzene ring system. It is not necessary that both functional carboxyl groups be attached to the same aromatic ring and where more than one ring is present, they can be joined by aliphatic or aromatic divalent radicals or divalent radicals such as -O- or -SO₂-. Representative aliphatic and cycloaliphatic acids which can be used are sebacic acid, 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid, 1,3-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid, 1,4-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid, adipic acid, glutaric acid, succinic acid, oxalic acid, azelaic acid, diethylmalonic acid, allylmalonic acid, dimer acid, 4-cyclohexene-1,2- dicarboxylic acid, 2-ethylsuberic acid, tetramethylsuccinic acid, cyclopentane dicarboxylic acid, decahydro-1,5-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid, 4,4'- bicyclohexyl dicarboxylic acid, decahydro-2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid, 4,4 methylenebis (cyclohexane carboxylic acid), 3,4-furan dicarboxylic acid, and 1,1-cyclobutane dicarboxylic acid. Preferred aliphatic acids are cyclohexane dicarboxylic acids,sebacic acid, dimer acid, glutaric acid, azelaic acid and adipic acid. Representative aromatic dicarboxylic acids which can be used include terephthalic, phthalic and isophthalic acids, bi-benzoic acid, substituted dicarboxy compounds with two benzene nuclei such as bis(p-carboxyphenyl) methane, oxybis(benzoic acid), ethylene-1,2- bis-(p-oxybenzoic acid), 1,5-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid, 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid, 2,7-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid, phenanthrene dicarboxylic acid, anthracene dicarboxylic acid, 4,4'-sulfonyl dibenzoic acid, and halo and C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, alkoxy, and aryl ring substitution derivatives thereof. Hydroxy acids such as p(β-hydroxyethoxy)benzoic acid can also be used provided an aromatic dicarboxylic acid is also present. Preferred dicarboxylic acids for the preparation of the polyetherimide esters are the aromatic dicarboxylic acids, mixtures thereof and mixtures of one or more dicarboxylic acid with an aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic dicarboxylic acid, most preferably the aromatic dicarboxylic acids. Among the aromatic acids, those with 8-16 carbon atoms are preferred, particularly the benzene dicarboxylic acids, i.e., phthalic, terephthalic and isophthalic acids and their dimethyl derivatives. Especially preferred is dimethyl terephthalate. Finally, where mixtures of dicarboxylic acids are employed in the preparation of the poly(etherimide ester), it is preferred that at least about 60 mole %, preferably at least about 80 mole %, based on 100 mole % of dicarboxylic acid (ii) be of the same dicarboxylic acid or ester derivative thereof. As mentioned above, the preferred poly(etherimide esters) are those in which dimethylterephthalate is the predominant dicarboxylic acid, most preferably when dimethylterephthalate is the only dicarboxylic acid. Polyoxyalkylene diimide diacids (iii) are high molecular weight diimide diacids wherein the average molecular weight is greater than about 700, most preferably greater than about 900. They may be prepared by the imidization reaction of one or more tricarboxylic acid compounds containing two vicinal carboxyl groups or an anhydride group and an additional carboxyl group, which must be esterifiable and preferably is nonimidizable, with a high molecular weight polyoxylalkylene diamine. These polyoxyalkylene diimide diacids and processes for their preparation are more fully disclosed in EP-A-85 113 523. In general, the polyoxyalkylene diimide diacids have the following formula: wherein each R is independently a trivalent organic radical, preferably a C₂ to C₂₀ aliphatic, aromatic or cycloaliphatic trivalent organic radical; each R' is independently hydrogen or a monovalent organic radical preferably selected from the group consisting of C₁ to C₆ aliphatic and cycloaliphatic radicals and C₆ to C₁₂ aromatic radicals, e.g. benzyl, most preferably hydrogen; and G is the radical remaining after removal of the terminal amino groups of a long chain poly(oxyalkylene) diamine equivalent to the long chain poly(oxyalkylene) glycols as described above in formulas I and III above. The tricarboxylic component may be almost any carboxylic acid anhydride containing an additional carboxylic group or the corresponding acid thereof containing two imide-forming vicinal carboxyl groups in lieu of the anhydride group. Mixtures thereof are also suitable. The additional carboxylic group must be esterifiable and preferably is substantially nonimidizable. Further, while trimellitic anhydride is preferred as the tricarboxylic component, any of a number of suitable tricarboxylic acid constituents will occur to those skilled in the art including 2,6,7 naphthalene tricarboxylic anhydride; 3,3',4 diphenyl tricarboxylic anhydride; 3,3',4 benzophenone tricarboxylic anhydride; 1,3,4 cyclopentane tricarboxylic anhydride; 2,2',3 diphenyl tricarboxylic anhydride; diphenyl sulfone - 3,3',4 tricarboxylic anhydride, ethylene tricarboxylic anhydride; 1,2,5 napthalene tricarboxylic anhydride; 1,2,4 butane tricarboxylic anhydride; diphenyl isopropylidene 3,3',4 tricarboxylic anhydride; 3,4 dicarboxyphenyl 3'-carboxylphenyl ether anhydride; 1,3,4 cyclohexane tricarboxylic anhydride; etc. These tricarboxylic acid materials have the following formula: where R and R' are as defined above. In the preparation of the poly(etherimide ester)s, the diimide diacid may be preformed in a separate step prior to polymerization or they may be formed during polymerization itself. In the latter instance, the polyoxyalkylene diamine and tricarboxylic acid component may be directly added to the reactor together with the diol and dicarboxylic acid, whereupon imidization occurs concurrently with esterification. Alternatively, the polyoxyalkylene diimide diacids may be preformed prior to polymerization by known imidization reactions including melt synthesis or by synthesizing in a solvent system. Such reactions will generally occur at temperatures of from 100°C. to 300°C., preferably at from about 150°C. to about 250°C. while drawing off water or in a solvent system at the reflux temperature of the solvent or azeotropic (solvent) mixture. Preferred polyetherimide esters are those in which the weight ratio of the polyoxyalkylene diimide diacid (iii) to dicarboxylic acid (ii) is from 0.25 to 2, preferably from 0.4 to 1.4. Especially preferred polyetherimide esters comprise the reaction product of dimethylterephthalate, optionally with up to 40 mole % of another dicarboxylic acid; 1,4-butanediol, optionally with up to 40 mole % of another saturated or unsaturated aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diol; and a polyoxyalkylene diimide diacid prepared from a polyoxyalkylene diamine of molecular weight of from 400 to 12000, preferably from 900 to 4000, and trimellitic anhydride. In its most preferred embodiments, the diol will be 100 mole % 1,4- butanediol and the dicarboxylic acid 100 mole % dimethylterephthalate. As mentioned, the polyetherimide esters may be prepared by conventional esterification/condensation reactions for the production of polyesters. Exemplary of the processes that may be practiced are as set forth in, for example, U.S.-A-3,023,192; 3,763,109; 3,651,014; 3,663,653 and 3,801,547. The polyesters will have repeating units of the following general formula: where D is as defined above in formulas II and IV for aliphatic and cycloaliphatic diols. Additionally, these polyesters may also contain minor amounts of other units such as aliphatic dicarboxylic acids and/or aliphatic polyols. Preferred polyesters include poly(butylene terephthalate), poly(ethylene terephthalate) and blends thereof, most preferably poly(butylene terepthalate). The polyesters described above are either comercially available or can be produced by methods well known in the art, such as those set forth in US-A-2,465,319; 3,047,539 and 2,910,466. The syenites are inorganic feldspathic minerals which are widely known and commercially available. A preferred syenite is the nepheline syenite which is an anhydrous sodium potassium aluminum silicate. One particular source for such minerals fillers is Indusmin Ltd. under the tradename MINEX. The preferred class of mineral fillers are the clays. Clay minerals are well known and widely available commercially. Preferred clays are the crystalline and paracrystalline clays. Especially preferred are the crystalline clays, most preferably the Kaolin clays. The clays, particularly the Kaolin clays, may be in the hydrous form or in the calcined, anhydrous form. Exemplary of commerically available, suitable clays there may be given the clays available under the tradenames Whitex and Translink from Freeport Kaolin. Additionally, it is preferred, although not required, to utilize such mineral fillers which have been treated with a titanate or silane coupling agent. Exemplary of such coupling agents there may be given vinyl tris 2-methoxy ethoxy silane and gamma-aminopropyl triethyoxy silane (A-1100, Union Carbide). Additionally, the compositions of the present invention may be suitably admixed with other additives including for example antioxidants elasticizers, pigments, flame retardants, and the like as necessary. The compositions of the present invention may be prepared by any of the well known techniques for preparing polymer blends or admixtures, with extrusion blending being preferred. Suitable devices for the blending include single screw extruders, twin screw extruders, internal mixers such as the Bambury Mixer, heated rubber mills (electric or oil heat) or Farrell continuous mixers. Injection molding equipment can also be used to accomplish blending just prior to molding, but care must be taken to provide sufficient time and aggitation to insure uniform blending prior to molding. Alternative methods include dry blending prior to extrusion or injection molding as well as precompounding of two ingredients, particularly the thermoplastic polyester (b) (ii)and mineral filler (b) (i) prior to mixing with the thermoplastic elastomer (a). The polymer compositions prepared in accordance with the present invention are suitable for a broad range of molding applications. The preferred compositions have excellent heat sag resistance so as to allow for their use in painted articles which must be baked in ovens. Additionally, these compositions have excellent Dynatup properties such that when struck, they "give" to the impinging energy and "spring back" after the energy is removed. Thus, these compositions are especially suitable for use in automotive applications, as for example, in fenders or bumpers. The following examples are given as exemplary of the present invention. The following ASTM methods were used in determining the physical characteristics of the compositions: Flexural Modulus ASTM D790 Tensile Elongation ASTM D638 Shore D Hardness ASTM D2240 Notched Izod ASTM D256 Unnotched Izod ASTM D256 All compositions were prepared by melt blending the thermoplastic elastomer with the thermoplastic aromatic polyester and kaolin clay in a Prodex single screw extruder. PEIE A-D PEIE A-D are polyether imide esters prepared from butanediol, dimethylterephthalate, poly(propylene ether)diamine (ave MW 2000) and trimellitic anhydride, wherein the weight ratio of dimethylterephthalate to diimide diacid was such as to produce polymers of flexural modulus as follows: PEIE A 70N/mm² (10,000 psi) PEIE B 105N/mm² (15.000 psi) PEIE C 112N/mm² (16,000 psi) PEIE D 350N/mm² (50,000 psi) PEIE E PEIE E is a polyetherimide ester prepared from butanediol, dimethylterephthalate and copoly(propylene ether-ethylene ether)diamine (ave MW 900) and trimellitic anhydride, wherein the weight ratio of dimethylterephthalate to diimide diacid was such as to provide a polymer of 105N/mm² (15,000 psi). PEEI PEEI is a polyetherester imide prepared in accordance with US-A-4,371,692 and 4,371,693 above, from 32.5 parts by weight trimellitic anhydride, 13 parts by weight glycine, 23 parts by weight poly(tetramethylene ether)glycol (ave MW 1000), 31 parts by weight butanediol and 0.5 parts by weight stabilizer with a titanate ester catalyst. Examples 1-13 Compositions within the scope of the present invention were prepared demonstrating blends of polyether ester imide with modifying amounts of poly(butylene terephthalate) and kaolin clay across a broad range of weight ratios. The specific makeup and physical properties of these compositions were as presented in Table 1. From Table 1 it is apparent that while all compositions have good impact strength, best impact strength is obtained where at least about 30 weight percent of the elastomer is present. Similarly with high loadings of elastomer, moderate levels of polyester and low levels of clay, the compositions have excellent Dynatup properties which enable parts molded therefrom to absorb high energy on impact, without rupture and to "spring back" to its original shape with little, if any, deformation. Examples with low loadings of elastomer and clay and high loadings of polyester as well as low loadings of elastomer and moderate loadings of both polyester and clay had superior heat sag resistance. Most preferred of these compositions are examples 1-6 which have a most desirable combination of Dynatup properties, heat sag resistance and impact strength. Examples 14-21 An additional series of compositions were prepared to further demonstrate the breadth of the present invention. The specific makeup and physical properties of these compositions were as presented in Table 2. Examples 14 and 15 demonstrate the affect the melt viscosity of the virgin elastomer has on the compositions of the present invention. As is evident, little effect is seen in most elastomeric properties; however, with the lower melt viscosity elastomer, elongation suffers quite noticeably. Examples 16 through 19 demonstrate the impact the flexural modulus of the virgin polyetherimide ester elastomer has on the properties. Specifically, comparison of examples 16 and 17 with 18 and 19, respctively shows that some loss of impact strength occurs but is offset by a marked increase in heat sag resistance with the higher flex modulus elastomers. It is also important to note that at low loadings of a high flexural modulus elastomer the superior dynatup properties of the preferred compositions of the present invention are adversely affected. Finally, examples 20 and 21 demonstrate the present invention utilizing elastomers derived from poly(propylene ether)diamine and copoly(propylene ether-ethylene ether)diamine respectively. As is evident, the former composition excels with respect to impact strength and Dynatup properties whereas the latter composition has markedly superior tensile elongation and heat sag resistance.

Claims: A thermoplastic molding composition comprising: (a) a poly(ether ester imide) containing polyoxalkylene or copolyoxyalkylene groups having a molecular weight of 400 to 12,000, and (b)(i) a mineral filler selected from the group consisting of clay and Syenite, characterized by the further inclusion of (b)(ii) a thermoplastic polyester comprising units of the formula wherein D is the radical remaining after removal of, the hydroxy groups of a C₂ to C₈ aliphatic or cycloaliphatic diol, with the proviso that at least about 80 mole percent of the units in the copolyesters are aromatic ester units of said formula, wherein, based upon the combined weights of component (a) and both (b) components, the respective amounts of the (a) component and of the combined (b) components are, 1 to 98 % and 99 to 2 %, and the respective amounts of components (b) (ii) and (b) (i) are 1 to 98 % and 1 to 60 %. The composition of Claim 1 wherein the polyetherimide ester is derived from (i) one or more diols (ii) one or more dicarboxylic acids or the ester derivative thereof and (iii) one or more poly(oxyalkylene) diimide diacids or the reactants therefore. The composition of Claim 2 wherein the diols are selected from C₂ to C₁₉ aliphatic and cycloaliphatic diols and at least 60 mole percent of the diols are the same. The composition of Claim 2 wherein the diols are selected from C₂ to C₈ aliphatic and cycloaliphatic diols and at least 80 mole percent of the diols are the same. The composition of Claim 2 wherein the diol is 1,4 butanediol. The composition of Claim 2 wherein at least 60 mole percent of the dicarboxylic acids are the same and are selected from C₄ to C₁₉ aliphatic, cycloaliphatic and/or aromatic dicarboxylic acids and the ester derivative thereof. The composition of Claim 2 wherein at least 80 mole percent of the dicarboxylic acids are the same and are selected from C₄ to C₁₆ aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic dicarboxylic acids and the ester derivatives thereof. The composition of Claim 6 or 7 wherein the predominant dicarboxylic acid is a C₈ to C₁₆ aromatic dicarboxylic acid or the ester derivative thereof. The composition of Claim 2 wherein the dicarboxylic acid is an aromatic dicarboxylic acid selected from phthalic acid, isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid and the ester derivatives thereof. The composition of Claim 2 wherein the dicarboxylic acid is dimethyl terephthalate. The composition of Claim 2 wherein the poly(oxyalkylene) diimide diacid has the following formula: wherein each R is independently a C₂ to C₂₀ aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic trivalent organic radical; each R' is independently hydrogen or a C₁ to C₆ monovalent organic radical, and G is the radical remaining after removal of the terminal amino groups of an alkylene ether diamine having a molecular weight of from 400 to 12,000. The composition of Claim 11 wherein R is a C₆ to C₂₀ aromatic trivalent organic radical, R' is hydrogen or methyl and said alkylene ether diamine has a molecular weight of from 900 to 4000. The composition of Claim 11 wherein said alkylene ether diamine is selected from poly(ethylene ether)diamine, poly(propylene ether) diamine, poly(tetramethylene ether) diamine and copoly(ethylene ether-propylene ether) diamine. The composition of Claim 11 wherein said alkylene ether diamine is poly(propylene ether) diamine. The composition of Claim 11 wherein said poly(oxyalkylene) diimide diacid is the reaction product of trimellitic anhydride and poly(propylene ether) diamine having a molecular weight of from 900 to 4000. The composition of Claim 1 wherein said poly(ether ester imide) comprises units of the formulas: and or and or mixtures thereof wherein G is a divalent radical remaining after the removal of terminal (or as nearly terminal as possible) hydroxyl groups from a poly(oxyalkylene)glycol having a molecular weight of from 400 to 12,000; D is a divalent radical remaining after the removal of hydroxyl groups from a diol having a molecular weight less than about 300; Q is a divalent radical remaining after removal of amino groups from an aliphatic primary diamine having a molecular weight of less than 350 and Q' is a divalent radical remaining after removal of an amino group and a carboxyl group from an aliphatic primary amino acid having a molecular weight of less than 250, with the proviso that from 0.5 to 10 D units are present for each G unit. The composition of Claim 16 wherein D is the radical remaining after removal of the hydroxy groups of a C₂ to C₆ aliphatic diol. The composition of Claim 16 wherein said thermoplastic polyester is selected from poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(butylene terephthalate), poly(butylene terephthalate - co-isophthalate) and blends, thereof. The composition of Claim 18 wherein said thermoplastic polyester is poly(butylene terephthalate). The composition of claim 1 wherein the mineral filler is clay. The composition of Claim 1 which comprises from 30 to 70 weight percent of said poly(ether ester imide) (a) and from 70 to 30 weight percent of the combination of (b)(i) and (b)(ii) wherein (b) (ii) and (b) (i) are each present in an amount of from 20 to 60 weight percent and from 10 to 20 weight percent, respectively, based on the combined weight of (a) and (b).

Inventors: LIU, NAN-I, MCCREADY, RUSSELL JAMES
Applicants: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
Application year: 1986
Main classification: C08L79
IPC codes: C08L71, C08L67, C08L79, C08K3