Patent Description:
Electrostatic discharge can be detrimental to electronic components, resulting in failures, reduced reliability and increased costs, and latent component failures in deployed equipment. Polymeric materials are typically good insulators but can become conductive or static-dissipative upon the addition of conductive fillers, such as, metallic fillers, non-conductive fillers coated with metallic coatings, or electrically conductive non-metallic fillers, as well as carbon based fillers such as carbon nanotubes, carbon fibers, and carbon black. The addition of such materials creates a network of interconnecting particles within the polymer matrix, allowing electric charges to conduct through the insulating polymer. Electrostatic dissipative (ESD) and anti-static materials are widely used in various fields like semi-conductors, consumer electronics and industrial constructions to prevent electro-static accumulation. These two types are defined by their surface resistivity (SR), for which the former is in-between <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> to <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> ohms and the latter is <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> to <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> ohms. Classical ESD materials are generally not colorable as limited by the conductive carbon fillers' natural blackness or darkness. Conversely, those compounds doped with conventional inherently dissipative polymers (IDP) (in order to achieve electrostatic behavior) cannot reach surface resistivity as low as <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> ohms notwithstanding their colorless appearance. There remains a need in the art for materials having sufficiently low surface resistivity (at least as low as <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> Ohms), while also maintaining a colorable appearance.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a polymer composition comprising from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of a polyetherimide resin; from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of a crystalline polyester resin; from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of an inherently dissipative polymer; and from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of a transesterification inhibitor, wherein the polymer composition exhibits a surface resistivity of from <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> ohms to <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> ohms when measured in accordance with ASTM D257 and a volume resistivity of from <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> to <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> ohms·centimeters (ohms·cm) in accordance with ASTM D257, and wherein the combined weight percent value of all components does not exceed about <NUM> wt. %, and all weight percent values are based on the total weight of the polymer composition.

In yet other aspects, the present disclosure relates to a method of forming a composition including a polyetherimide polymer, a crystalline polyester, an inherently dissipative polymer additive, and a transesterification inhibitor.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to a method of forming an article including the steps of molding an article from the polymer composition described herein.

The accompanying figures, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

The control of electrostatic discharges is increasingly challenging given the complexity and sensitivity of microelectronic devices. Even at low voltages, such electrostatic discharges may severely damage sensitive devices. Electro-static dissipative (ESD) and anti-static materials are widely used in various fields like semi-conductors, consumer electronics and industrial constructions to prevent electro-static accumulation. These two types are defined by their surface resistivity (SR), for which the former is in-between <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> to <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> ohms and the latter is <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> to <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> ohms. Thus, by using a variety of different static dissipative (ESD) materials, accumulation of electrostatic charges on plastic during manufacture or use can be avoided.

However, the incorporation of static dissipative materials (antistatic agents) into a variety of different substrates or polymer resin matrices has its own limitations. Polymers generally require high temperature processing, which may damage or destroy the antistatic agents, thus rendering their ESD properties ineffective. Furthermore, many higher molecular weight ESD reagents are not miscible with certain substrates or matrix polymers used. The use of antistatic agents may also only provide temporary ESD properties to the compositions used. Performance and effectiveness are also limited by environmental conditions such as humidity. Conventional ESD materials also include conductive filler such as carbon fiber, conductive carbon black, graphite, graphene, and carbon nanotubes, which generally also impart a dark color to the composition. Accordingly, classical ESD materials are not readily colorable as the color space may be limited by the conductive carbon fillers' natural blackness. Moreover, while compounds doped by conventional inherently dissipative polymers (IDP) are not darkened by the additive, they typically cannot reach surface resistivity values as low as <NUM>×<NUM><NUM> ohms. Formulations of the present disclosure however achieve both ESD and broad coloring potential while also maintaining desirable electrical, impact, and processing performance.

The present disclosure provides compositions of colorable electrostatic dissipative (ESD) compounds comprising an inherently dissipative polymer (IDP) doped polyetherimide (PEI) and a crystalline polymer such as poly butylene terephthalate (PBT) or poly(<NUM>,<NUM>-cyclohexylenedimethylene <NUM>,<NUM>-cyclohexylenedicarboxylate) (PCCD). The compositions may provide low surface resistivity (SR) at least as low as <NUM>×<NUM><NUM> ohms, making them sufficiently colorable and suitable for ESD applications. The impact, thermal and flow properties are also desirable for manufacturing.

The disclosed compositions comprise from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of a polyetherimide resin; from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of a crystalline polyester resin; from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of an inherently dissipative polymer; and from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of a transesterification inhibitor. The polymer composition exhibits, when measured in accordance with ASTM D257, a surface resistivity of from <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> ohms to <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> ohms. The composition exhibits a volume resistivity of from <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> to <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> ohms·cm when tested in accordance with ASTM D257. Further, the combined weight percent value of all components does not exceed about <NUM> wt. %, and all weight percent values are based on the total weight of the polymer composition. Compositions of the present disclosure comprising polyetherimide, namely an aromatic polyetherimide, thus maintain a high heat deflection temperature (HDT, greater than <NUM>), even when in the presence of further polymers such as PBT and IDP. The disclosed compositions also maintain these HDT values while also achieving the claimed values for surface resistivity (as low as a magnitude of <NUM><NUM> ohms) and volume resistivity (as low as a magnitude of <NUM><NUM> ohms·cm).

Before the present compounds, compositions, articles, systems, devices, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that they are not limited to specific synthetic methods unless otherwise specified, or to particular reagents unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

Various combinations of elements of this disclosure are encompassed by this disclosure, e.g., combinations of elements from dependent claims that depend upon the same independent claim. Moreover, it is to be understood that unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; and the number or type of embodiments described in the specification.

It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the specification and in the claims, the term "comprising" can include the embodiments "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of. " Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. In this specification and in the claims which follow, reference will be made to a number of terms which shall be defined herein.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a polycarbonate" includes mixtures of two or more polycarbonate polymers. As used herein, the term "combination" is inclusive of blends, mixtures, alloys, reaction products, and the like.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from one value (first value) to another value (second value). When such a range is expressed, the range includes in some aspects one or both of the first value and the second value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent 'about,' it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It is also understood that there are a number of values disclosed herein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as "about" that particular value in addition to the value itself.

As used herein, the terms "optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not. For example, the phrase "optional additives" means that the additives can or cannot be included and that the description includes polymer compositions that both include and that do not include additional additives.

In one aspect, "substantially free of" may refer to less than <NUM> wt. % or less than about <NUM> wt. % present in a given composition or component. In another aspect, substantially free of can be less than <NUM> wt. %, or less than about <NUM> wt. In another aspect, substantially free of can be less than <NUM> wt. %, or less than about <NUM> wt. In yet another aspect, substantially free of can be less than <NUM> parts per million (ppm), or less than about <NUM> ppm. In yet another aspect, substantially free can refer to an amount, if present at all, below a detectable level. Substantially free of or free of may further refer to a component that has not been added or incorporated into the composition.

Disclosed are the components to be used to prepare the compositions of the disclosure as well as the compositions themselves to be used within the methods disclosed herein. These and other materials are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these materials are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutation of these compounds cannot be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein. For example, if a particular compound is disclosed and discussed and a number of modifications that can be made to a number of molecules including the compounds are discussed, specifically contemplated is each and every combination and permutation of the compound and the modifications that are possible unless specifically indicated to the contrary. Thus, if a class of molecules A, B, and C are disclosed as well as a class of molecules D, E, and F and an example of a combination molecule, A-D is disclosed, then even if each is not individually recited each is individually and collectively contemplated meaning combinations, A-E, A-F, B-D, B-E, B-F, C-D, C-E, and C-F are considered disclosed. Likewise, any subset or combination of these is also disclosed. Thus, for example, the sub-group of A-E, B-F, and C-E would be considered disclosed. This concept applies to all aspects of this application including, but not limited to, steps in methods of making and using the compositions of the disclosure. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific aspect or combination of aspects of the methods of the disclosure.

References in the specification and concluding claims to parts by weight of a particular element or component in a composition or article, denotes the weight relationship between the element or component and any other elements or components in the composition or article for which a part by weight is expressed. Thus, in a compound containing <NUM> parts by weight of component X and <NUM> parts by weight component Y, X and Y are present at a weight ratio of <NUM>:<NUM>, and are present in such ratio regardless of whether additional components are contained in the compound.

A weight percent of a component, unless specifically stated to the contrary, is based on the total weight of the formulation or composition in which the component is included.

As used herein the terms "weight percent," "wt%," and "wt. %," which can be used interchangeably, indicate the percent by weight of a given component based on the total weight of the composition, unless otherwise specified. That is, unless otherwise specified, all wt% values are based on the total weight of the composition. It should be understood that the sum of wt% values for all components in a disclosed composition or formulation are equal to <NUM>.

Unless otherwise stated to the contrary herein, all test standards are the most recent standard in effect at the time of filing this application.

Each of the materials disclosed herein are either commercially available and/or the methods for the production thereof are known to those of skill in the art.

It is understood that the compositions disclosed herein have certain functions. Disclosed herein are certain structural requirements for performing the disclosed functions and it is understood that there are a variety of structures that can perform the same function that are related to the disclosed structures, and that these structures will typically achieve the same result.

The disclosed composition comprises at least one crystalline polyester. Crystallinity, or semi-crystallinity, of a polymer may describe a polymer having molecular chains that are organized or more tightly packed. A result, this highly organized molecular structure may provide a more a defined melting point. These polymers are anisotropic in flow, so they exhibit greater shrinkage transverse to flow rather than with the flow, which can sometimes result in some dimensional instability. There can be varying degrees of crystallinity among different materials and as well as variations among of the same material. The degree of crystallinity can affect many characteristics of the polymer. Molecular weight and branching may affect crystallinity.

The at least one crystalline polyester includes polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polycyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate (PCT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), polycyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate glycol (PCTG), polycyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate acid (PCTA), copolymers thereof, or a combination thereof. In a particular aspect the at least one crystalline polyester includes polybutylene terephthalate (PBT).

The composition includes from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of the at least one crystalline polyester.

The thermoplastic resin comprises a crystalline polyester. For example, the thermoplastic resin may comprise a polyalkylene ester (a polyester), such as a polyalkylene terephthalate polymer.

As provided herein, polyesters have repeating units of the following formula (A) above. Chemical equivalents of diacids include dialkyl esters, e.g., dimethyl esters, diaryl esters, anhydrides, salts, acid chlorides, acid bromides, and the like. Chemical equivalents of ethylene diol and butylene diol include esters, such as dialkylesters, diaryl esters, and the like. In addition to units derived from a terephthalic acid or chemical equivalent thereof, and ethylene glycol or a butylene diol, specifically <NUM>,<NUM>-butane diol, or chemical equivalent thereof, other T and/or D units can be present in the polyester, provided that the type or amount of such units do not significantly adversely affect the desired properties of the thermoplastic compositions. Poly(alkylene arylates) can have a polyester structure according to formula (A), wherein T comprises groups derived from aromatic dicarboxylates, cycloaliphatic dicarboxylic acids, or derivatives thereof.

Examples of specifically useful T groups include, but are not limited to, <NUM>,<NUM>-,<NUM>,<NUM>-, and <NUM>,<NUM>-phenylene; <NUM>,<NUM>- and <NUM>,<NUM>-naphthylenes; cis- or trans- <NUM>,<NUM>-cyclohexylene; and the like. Specifically, where T is <NUM>,<NUM>-phenylene, the poly(alkylene arylate) is a poly(alkylene terephthalate). In addition, for poly(alkylene arylate), specifically useful alkylene groups D include, for example, ethylene, <NUM>,<NUM>-butylene, and bis-(alkylene-disubstituted cyclohexane) including cis- and/or trans-l,<NUM>-(cyclohexylene)dimethylene.

Examples of polyalkylene terephthalate include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), poly(<NUM>,<NUM>-butylene terephthalate) (PBT), and poly(propylene terephthalate) (PPT). Also useful are poly(alkylene naphthoates), such as poly(ethylene naphthanoate) (PEN), and poly(butylene naphthanoate) (PBN). A useful poly(cycloalkylene diester) is poly(cyclohexanedimethylene terephthalate) (PCT). Combinations including at least one of the foregoing polyesters may also be used.

Copolymers including alkylene terephthalate repeating ester units with other ester groups can also be useful. Useful ester units can include different alkylene terephthalate units, which can be present in the polymer chain as individual units, or as blocks of poly(alkylene terephthalates). Specific examples of such copolymers include poly(cyclohexanedimethylene terephthalate)-co-poly(ethylene terephthalate), abbreviated as PETG where the polymer includes greater than or equal to <NUM> mol % of poly(ethylene terephthalate), and abbreviated as PCTG where the polymer comprises greater than <NUM> mol % of poly(l,<NUM>-cyclohexanedimethylene terephthalate). Poly(cycloalkylene diester)s can also include poly(alkylene cyclohexanedicarboxylate)s. Of these, a specific example is poly(l,<NUM>-cyclohexane- dimethanol-l,<NUM>-cyclohexanedicarboxylate) (PCCD), having recurring units of formula (G):
<CHM>
wherein, as described using formula (A), R<NUM> is a <NUM>,<NUM>-cyclohexanedimethylene group derived from <NUM>,<NUM>-cyclohexanedimethanol, and T is a cyclohexane ring derived from cyclohexanedicarboxylate or a chemical equivalent thereof, and can comprise the cis-isomer, the trans-isomer, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing isomers.

In another aspect, the composition can further comprise poly(l,<NUM>-butylene terephthalate) or "PBT" resin. PBT may be obtained by polymerizing a glycol component of which at least <NUM> mol %, preferably at least <NUM> mol %, consists of tetramethylene glycol and an acid or ester component of which at least <NUM> mol %, preferably at least <NUM> mol %, consists of terephthalic acid and/or polyester-forming derivatives thereof. Commercial examples of PBT include those available under the trade names VALOX™ <NUM>, VALOX™ <NUM> and VALOX™ <NUM>, manufactured by SABIC™, having an intrinsic viscosity of <NUM> deciliters per gram (dl/g) to about <NUM> dl/g (or <NUM> dl/g to <NUM> dl/g) as measured in a <NUM>:<NUM> phenol/tetrachloroethane mixture or similar solvent at <NUM> degrees Celsius (°C) to <NUM>. In one aspect, the PBT resin has an intrinsic viscosity of <NUM> dl/g to <NUM> dl/g (or about <NUM> dl/g to about <NUM> dl/g), specifically <NUM> dl/g to <NUM> dl/g (or about <NUM> dl/g to about <NUM> dl/g).

As described herein, the composition comprises from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of a crystalline polyester. In further examples, the composition may comprise from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of a crystalline polyester, or from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of a crystalline polyester, or from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of a crystalline polyester, or from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of a crystalline polyester, or from <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of a crystalline polyester, or from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of a crystalline polyester, or from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of a crystalline polyester. The polymer composition may comprise from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of a crystalline polyester.

The disclosed composition comprises a polyetherimide which can be of formula (H):
<CHM>
wherein a is more than <NUM>, for example <NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM> or more, or more specifically <NUM> to <NUM>. In a specific aspect, the polyetherimide is an aromatic polyetherimide.

The group V in formula (H) is a tetravalent linker containing an ether group (a "polyetherimide" as used herein) or a combination of an ether groups and arylenesulfone groups (a "polyetherimidesulfone"). Such linkers include but are not limited to: (a) substituted or unsubstituted, saturated, unsaturated or aromatic monocyclic and polycyclic groups having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, optionally substituted with ether groups, arylenesulfone groups, or a combination of ether groups and arylenesulfone groups; and (b) substituted or unsubstituted, linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl groups having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms and optionally substituted with ether groups or a combination of ether groups, arylenesulfone groups, and arylenesulfone groups; or combinations including at least one of the foregoing. Suitable additional substitutions include, but are not limited to, ethers, amides, esters, and combinations including at least one of the foregoing.

The R group in formula (H) can include but is not limited to substituted or unsubstituted divalent organic groups such as: (a) aromatic hydrocarbon groups having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms and halogenated derivatives thereof; (b) straight or branched chain alkylene groups having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms; (c) cycloalkylene groups having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, or (d) divalent groups of formula (I):
<CHM>
wherein Q1 includes but is not limited to a divalent moiety such as -O-, -S-, -C(O)-, -SO<NUM>-, -SO-, - CyH2y- (y being an integer from <NUM> to <NUM>), and halogenated derivatives thereof, including perfluoroalkylene groups.

In an aspect, linkers V can include but are not limited to tetravalent aromatic groups of formula (J):
<CHM>
wherein W is a divalent moiety including -O-, -SO<NUM>-, or a group of the formula -O-Z-O- wherein the divalent bonds of the -O- or the -O-Z-O- group are in the <NUM>,<NUM>', <NUM>,<NUM>', <NUM>,<NUM>', or the <NUM>,<NUM>' positions, and wherein Z includes, but is not limited, to divalent groups of formulas (K):
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
and
<CHM>
wherein Q can include, but is not limited to a divalent moiety including -O-, -S-, -C(O), -SO<NUM>-, -SO-, -CyH2y- (y being an integer from <NUM> to <NUM>), and halogenated derivatives thereof, including perfluoroalkylene groups.

In an aspect, the polyetherimide include more than <NUM>, specifically <NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>, or more specifically, <NUM> to <NUM> structural units, of formula (L):
<CHM>
wherein T is -O- or a group of the formula -O-Z-O- wherein the divalent bonds of the -O- or the -O-Z-O- group are in the <NUM>,<NUM>', <NUM>,<NUM>', <NUM>,<NUM>', or the <NUM>,<NUM>' positions; Z is a divalent group of formula (H) as defined above; and R is a divalent group of formula (<NUM>) as defined above.

In another aspect, the polyetherimidesulfones can be polyetherimides including ether groups and sulfone groups.

Even more specifically, polyetherimidesulfones can include more than <NUM>, specifically <NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>, or more specifically, <NUM> to <NUM> structural units of formula (M):
<CHM>
wherein Y is -O-, -SO<NUM>-, or a group of the formula -O-Z-O- wherein the divalent bonds of the -O-, SO<NUM>-, or the -O-Z-O- group are in the <NUM>,<NUM>', <NUM>,<NUM>', <NUM>,<NUM>', or the <NUM>,<NUM>' positions, wherein Z is a divalent group of formula (<NUM>) as defined above and R is a divalent group of formula (<NUM>) as defined above, provided that greater than <NUM> mole% of the sum of moles Y + moles R in formula (<NUM>) contain -SO<NUM>-groups.

It is to be understood that the polyetherimides and polyetherimidesulfones can optionally include linkers V that do not contain ether or ether and sulfone groups, for example linkers of formula (N):
<CHM>
and
<CHM>.

Imide units containing such linkers can generally be present in amounts ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> mole % of the total number of units, specifically <NUM> to <NUM> mole %. In one aspect no additional linkers V are present in the polyetherimides and polyetherimidesulfones.

The polyetherimide resin can be selected from the group consisting of a polyetherimide, for example, as described in <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>; a silicone polyetherimide, for example, as described in <CIT> and <CIT>; a polyetherimidesulfone resin, as described in <CIT>; or combinations thereof. Each of these publications is incorporated by this reference in its entirety.

Suitable polyetherimides that can be used in the disclosed composites include, but are not limited to, ULTEM™ resin. ULTEM™ resin is a polymer from the family of polyetherimides (PEI) sold by Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC). ULTEM™ resin can have elevated thermal resistance, high strength and stiffness, and broad chemical resistance. ULTEM™ resin as used herein refers to any or all ULTEM™ polymers included in the family unless otherwise specified. In a further aspect, the ULTEM™ resin is ULTEM™ <NUM>. In one aspect, a polyetherimide can comprise any polycarbonate material or mixture of materials, for example, as recited in U. Patent No. U. Patent Nos. <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>, all of which are hereby incorporated in its entirety for the specific purpose of disclosing various polyetherimide compositions and methods.

In a further aspect, the polyetherimide resin has a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of at least about <NUM>,<NUM> to about <NUM>,<NUM> grams per mole (g/mole), as measured by gel permeation chromatography, using a polystyrene standard. In a further aspect, the thermoplastic resin can comprise a polyetherimide polymer having a molecular weight of at least <NUM>,<NUM> Daltons, <NUM>,<NUM> Daltons, <NUM>,<NUM> Daltons, <NUM>,<NUM> Daltons, or <NUM>,<NUM> Daltons. In a yet further aspect, polyetherimide polymer has a molecular weight of at least Daltons, <NUM>,<NUM> Daltons or <NUM>,<NUM> Daltons. In a still further aspect, the polyetherimide polymer has a molecular weight of at least <NUM>,<NUM> Daltons. In a yet further aspect, the polyetherimide polymer has a molecular weight of at least <NUM>,<NUM> Daltons. In an even further aspect, the polyetherimide polymer has a molecular weight of at least <NUM>,<NUM> Daltons. In a still further aspect, the polyetherimide polymer has a molecular weight of at least <NUM>,<NUM> Daltons. In a yet further aspect, the polyetherimide polymer has a molecular weight of at least <NUM>,<NUM> Daltons.

The composition includes from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of a polyetherimide resin. In further aspects, the composition includes from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of a polyetherimide resin, or from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of a polyetherimide resin, or from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of a polyetherimide resin. The polyetherimide resin may be present in the polymer composition in the range of from at least about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. %, In further examples, the composition may comprise from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of a polyetherimide resin, or from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of a polyetherimide resin, or from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of a polyetherimide resin, or from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of a polyetherimide resin, or from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of a polyetherimide resin, or from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of a polyetherimide resin, or from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of a polyetherimide resin, or from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of a polyetherimide resin.

The disclosed polymer composition comprise an inherently dissipative polymer (IDP). An inherently dissipative polymer may refer to a polymer resin having electrostatic dissipative (ESD) properties.

The IDP generally comprises a modified polymer. In certain aspects, the IDP may comprise thermoplastic elastomer, or a modified thermoplastic elastomer. Such materials are generally described as polymers having hard and/or crystalline segments and/or blocks in their backbone structure and having both soft and/or rubbery segments and/or blocks. These may be referred to as multi-block copolymer.

The IDP disclosed herein may be ion-doped. Conventionally, IDP may be sodium ion-doped. IDP of the present disclosure may be phosphonium ion-doped.

In some aspects, the inherently dissipative polymer comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a polyolefin polyether copolymer, a thermoplastic polyester elastomer (COPE), a polyether block amide elastomer (COPA or PEBA), or a combination thereof. Examples of suitable copolymers include polyolefin-polyether copolymers.

As an example, the polymer compositions may include IDP comprising a nylon (or polyamide) based multi-block copolymer doped with ions, such as commercially available Pelectron ™ AS or TPA6060. By its nature common nylon based IDP is detrimental to PC causing a degradation. However, the specific combination of components of the present disclosure may overcome this potential for degradation. Processing temperatures are desirably maintained as low as possible to prevent IDP reaction with PC and subsequent loss of surface conductivity. The unique composition enables low-temperature processing. As such, processing temperatures may be maintained below <NUM> for extrusion, compounding, or injection molding, particularly for extrusion and injection molding.

As a further example, the polymer compositions may include an IDP comprising a polymeric masterbatches based on polymer resins, such as commercially available avanDISS <NUM>.

The IDP may have a surface resistivity of a magnitude of about E+<NUM> to E+<NUM> ohms (for example, <NUM> × <NUM> ohms to <NUM> × <NUM> ohms. The IDP may have a volume resistivity of about E+<NUM> to E+<NUM> ohms·cm (for example, <NUM> × <NUM> ohms to <NUM> × <NUM>). The IDP may have a surface resistivity of about <NUM> ×<NUM><NUM> Ohms when tested in accordance with ASTM D257 on a <NUM> millimeter (mm) x <NUM> x <NUM> plaque specimen.

The polymer composition includes from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of an IDP. In further aspects the composition may include from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of an IDP, or from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of an IDP, or from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of an IDP, or from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of an IDP, or from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of an IDP, or from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of an IDP, from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of an IDP, or from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of an IDP, or from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of an IDP.

The polymer composition comprises one or more transesterification inhibitors. A transesterification inhibitor may prevent ester exchange reaction of polymers thereby inhibiting polymerization reactions. As is also well-known, the presence of transesterification inhibitors can inhibit the polymerization reaction. <CIT> teaches that in the poly condensation of ethylene glycol and dimethyl terephthalate catalyzed by calcium acetate and antimony oxide, no phosphorus containing stabilizers (catalyst inhibitors) were added at any time.

Suitable transesterification inhibitors are well known in the art and can be selected from the group consisting of inhibitors of phosphorous containing stabilizers such as a pentaerythritol diphosphite (GE Specialty Chemicals, Parkersburg, W. , Ultranox™ <NUM>), phosphoric acid, and polyphosphoric acid. Other examples are zinc diisopropyl dithiophosphate, tris(<NUM>,<NUM>-di-t-butylphenyl) phosphite, tris(monononylphenyl) phosphite and mixtures thereof. Further transesterification inhibitors include sodium dihydrogen phosphate, potassium acetate, trimethyl phosphate and phenylphosphoric acid. Orthophosphoric acids represented by the formula xH<NUM>O·yP<NUM>O<NUM> and satisfying x/y <NUM>, polyphosphoric acids called diphosphoric acid, triphosphoric acid, tetraphosphoric acid and pentaphosphoric acid according to the degree of condensation and satisfying 2DX/y><NUM> and mixtures thereof are also included. Metaphosphoric acids represented by the formula xH<NUM>O·yP<NUM>O<NUM> and satisfying x/y = <NUM>, especially trimetaphosphoric acid and tetrametaphosphoric acid, and ultraphosphoric acids having a net-like structure with part of the phosphorus pentaoxide structure and satisfying <NUM>>x/y><NUM> (these may be collectively referred to as "metaphosphoric acid-based compounds") are further included. Acid salts and esters of these phosphoric acids are further included. Out of these, cyclic sodium metaphosphate, ultra-region sodium metaphosphate and DHPA are advantageously used.

The transesterification inhibitor is present in an amount from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % based on the total weight of the polymer composition.

In addition to the polycarbonate copolymer, the crystalline polyester, the IDP, and the transesterification inhibitor, the polymer composition of the present disclosure may further include a white pigment. The white pigment can impart the polymer resin composition with opacity or a bright opaque appearance. In further aspects, the white pigment can impart the polymer resin composition with a white or off-white color. Further, these pigments tend to possess high reflectivity to both near infrared (NIR) and visible light. As used herein, reflectivity can refer to the ability to scatter light away from the surface of the material without absorbing the light at a given wavelength.

Suitable white pigments may include titanium dioxide, zinc sulfide (ZnS), tin oxide, aluminum oxide (AlO<NUM>), zinc oxide (ZnO), calcium sulfate, barium sulfate (BaSO<NUM>), calcium carbonate (e.g., chalk), magnesium carbonate, antimony oxide (Sb<NUM>O<NUM>), white lead (a basic lead carbonate, 2PbCO<NUM>·Pb(OH)<NUM>), lithopone (a combination of barium sulfate and zinc sulfide), sodium silicate, aluminum silicate, silicon dioxide (SiO<NUM>, silica), mica, clay, talc, metal doped versions of the foregoing materials, and combinations including at least one of the foregoing materials. More particularly, the inorganic white pigment is selected from rutile or anatase titanium dioxide, zinc sulfide, and coated versions thereof such as silanized titanium dioxide. A combination of different types of white pigment can be used. In particular aspects, the white pigment can include titanium dioxide, antimony oxide, zinc oxide, white lead, or lithopone. In some aspects of the present disclosure, talc may be used as a white pigment. Talc may be a suitable white pigment where the material has a sufficiently high color coordinate value to lend the material a white color. In one example, talc having a value of the color coordinate *L (corresponding to the whiteness of a given material) that is greater than <NUM> would be an appropriate white pigment as described herein.

The white pigment may have an average particle size of <NUM> to <NUM> micrometers (µm), specifically <NUM> to <NUM>, and more particularly <NUM> to <NUM>. The white pigment can be present in an amount of from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. As an example, the composition may include titanium dioxide in an amount of between <NUM> wt. % and <NUM> wt. In a further example, the composition may include titanium dioxide in an amount between <NUM> wt. % and <NUM> wt.

In further aspects of the present disclosure, the polymer compositions can include an optical agent. The optical agent may include an optical brightener. Examples of optical brighteners include optical brightening agents (OBAs), fluorescent brightening agents (FBAs), fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs), or the like, or a combination including at least one of the foregoing optical brighteners. As used herein, optical brighteners refer to dyes absorbing light in the ultraviolet and violet region (usually about <NUM> to about <NUM>) of the electromagnetic spectrum, and re-emit light in the blue region (usually about <NUM> to about <NUM>). These additives are often used to enhance the appearance of color of a polymer composition, causing a perceived "whitening" effect. According to the perceived whitening effect, a given material can appear less yellow by increasing the overall amount of blue light reflected. Exemplary optical brighteners are triazine-stilbenes (di-, tetra- or hexa-sulfonated), coumarins, imidazolines, diazoles, triazoles, benzoxazolines, biphenyl-stilbenes, or the like or a combination including at least one of the foregoing optical brighteners. In particular aspects of the present disclosure, the optical agent may include, but is not limited to, <NUM>,<NUM>'-bis(<NUM>-benzoxazolyl)stilbene, available commercially as Eastman Eastobrite™ OB-<NUM>, or <NUM>,<NUM>-bis(<NUM>-tert-butyl-<NUM>-benzoxazolyl)thiophene, available commercial Tinopal™ OB, as or a combination thereof.

In certain aspects the composition includes from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of an optical brightening agent. In further aspects the composition includes from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of an optical brightening agent, or from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of an optical brightening agent.

The disclosed thermoplastic composition can include one or more additives conventionally used in the manufacture of molded thermoplastic parts with the proviso that the optional additives do not adversely affect the desired properties of the resulting composition. Mixtures of optional additives can also be used. Such additives can be mixed at a suitable time during the mixing of the components for forming the composite mixture. Exemplary additives can include ultraviolet agents, ultraviolet stabilizers, heat stabilizers, antistatic agents, anti-microbial agents, anti-drip agents, radiation stabilizers, pigments, dyes, fibers, fillers, plasticizers, fibers, flame retardants, antioxidants, lubricants, wood, glass, and metals, and combinations thereof.

The thermoplastic composition disclosed herein can include one or more additional fillers. The filler can be selected to impart additional impact strength and/or provide additional characteristics that can be based on the final selected characteristics of the polymer composition. In some aspects, the filler(s) can include inorganic materials which can include clay, titanium oxide, asbestos fibers, silicates and silica powders, boron powders, calcium carbonates, talc, kaolin, sulfides, barium compounds, metals and metal oxides, wollastonite, glass spheres, glass fibers, flaked fillers, fibrous fillers, natural fillers and reinforcements, and reinforcing organic fibrous fillers.

Appropriate fillers or reinforcing agents can include, for example, mica, clay, feldspar, quartz, quartzite, perlite, tripoli, diatomaceous earth, aluminum silicate (mullite), synthetic calcium silicate, fused silica, fumed silica, sand, boron-nitride powder, boron-silicate powder, calcium sulfate, calcium carbonates (such as chalk, limestone, marble, and synthetic precipitated calcium carbonates) talc (including fibrous, modular, needle shaped, and lamellar talc), wollastonite, hollow or solid glass spheres, silicate spheres, cenospheres, aluminosilicate or (armospheres), kaolin, whiskers of silicon carbide, alumina, boron carbide, iron, nickel, or copper, continuous and chopped carbon fibers or glass fibers, molybdenum sulfide, zinc sulfide, barium titanate, barium ferrite, barium sulfate, heavy spar, TiO<NUM>, aluminum oxide, magnesium oxide, particulate or fibrous aluminum, bronze, zinc, copper, or nickel, glass flakes, flaked silicon carbide, flaked aluminum diboride, flaked aluminum, steel flakes, natural fillers such as wood flour, fibrous cellulose, cotton, sisal, jute, starch, lignin, ground nut shells, or rice grain husks, reinforcing organic fibrous fillers such as poly(ether ketone), polyimide, polybenzoxazole, poly(phenylene sulfide), polyesters, polyethylene, aromatic polyamides, aromatic polyimides, polyetherimides, polytetrafluoroethylene, and poly(vinyl alcohol), as well combinations including at least one of the foregoing fillers or reinforcing agents. The fillers and reinforcing agents can be coated with a layer of metallic material to facilitate conductivity, or surface treated, with silanes for example, to improve adhesion and dispersion with the polymer matrix. Fillers generally can be used in amounts of <NUM> to <NUM> parts by weight, based on <NUM> parts by weight of the total composition.

In some aspects, the thermoplastic composition may include a synergist. In various examples fillers may serve as flame retardant synergists. The synergist facilitates an improvement in the flame retardant properties when added to the flame retardant composition over a comparative composition that contains all of the same ingredients in the same quantities except for the synergist. Examples of mineral fillers that may serve as synergists are mica, talc, calcium carbonate, dolomite, wollastonite, barium sulfate, silica, kaolin, feldspar, barytes, or the like, or a combination including at least one of the foregoing mineral fillers. Metal synergists, e.g., antimony oxide, can also be used with the flame retardant. In one example, the synergist may include magnesium hydroxide and phosphoric acid. The mineral filler may have an average particle size of about <NUM> to about <NUM>, specifically about <NUM> to about <NUM>, and more specifically about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

The thermoplastic composition can include an antioxidant. The antioxidants can include either a primary or a secondary antioxidant. For example, antioxidants can include organophosphites such as tris(nonyl phenyl)phosphite, tris(<NUM>,<NUM>-di-t-butylphenyl)phosphite, bis(<NUM>,<NUM>-di-t-butylphenyl)pentaerythritol diphosphite, distearyl pentaerythritol diphosphite or the like; alkylated monophenols or polyphenols; alkylated reaction products of polyphenols with dienes, such as tetrakis[methylene(<NUM>,<NUM>-di-tert-butyl-<NUM>-hydroxyhydrocinnamate)] methane, or the like; butylated reaction products of para-cresol or dicyclopentadiene; alkylated hydroquinones; hydroxylated thiodiphenyl ethers; alkylidene-bisphenols; benzyl compounds; esters of beta-(<NUM>,<NUM>-di-tert-butyl-<NUM>-hydroxyphenyl)-propionic acid with monohydric or polyhydric alcohols; esters of beta-(<NUM>-tert-butyl-<NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>-methylphenyl)-propionic acid with monohydric or polyhydric alcohols; esters of thioalkyl or thioaryl compounds such as distearylthiopropionate, dilaurylthiopropionate, ditridecylthiodipropionate, octadecyl-<NUM>-(<NUM>,<NUM>-di-tert-butyl-<NUM>-hydroxyphenyl)propionate, pentaerythrityl-tetrakis[<NUM>-(<NUM>,<NUM>-di-tert-butyl-<NUM>-hydroxyphenyl)propionate or the like; amides of beta-(<NUM>,<NUM>-di-tert-butyl-<NUM>-hydroxyphenyl)-propionic acid or the like, or combinations including at least one of the foregoing antioxidants. Antioxidants can generally be used in amounts of from <NUM> to <NUM> parts by weight, based on <NUM> parts by weight of the total composition, excluding any filler.

In various aspects, the thermoplastic composition can include a mold release agent. Exemplary mold releasing agents can include for example, metal stearate, stearyl stearate, pentaerythritol tetrastearate, beeswax, montan wax, paraffin wax, or the like, or combinations including at least one of the foregoing mold release agents. Mold releasing agents are generally used in amounts of from about <NUM> to about <NUM> parts by weight, based on <NUM> parts by weight of the total composition, excluding any filler.

In an aspect, the thermoplastic composition can include a heat stabilizer. As an example, heat stabilizers can include, for example, organo phosphites such as triphenyl phosphite, tris-(<NUM>,<NUM>-dimethylphenyl)phosphite, tris-(mixed mono-and di-nonylphenyl)phosphite or the like; phosphonates such as dimethylbenzene phosphonate or the like, phosphates such as trimethyl phosphate, or the like, or combinations including at least one of the foregoing heat stabilizers. Heat stabilizers can generally be used in amounts of from <NUM> to <NUM> parts by weight based on <NUM> parts by weight of the total composition, excluding any filler.

In further aspects, light stabilizers can be present in the thermoplastic composition. Exemplary light stabilizers can include, for example, benzotriazoles such as <NUM>-(<NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>-methylphenyl)benzotriazole, <NUM>-(<NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>-tert-octylphenyl)-benzotriazole and <NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>-n-octoxy benzophenone or the like or combinations including at least one of the foregoing light stabilizers. Light stabilizers can generally be used in amounts of from about <NUM> to about <NUM> parts by weight, based on <NUM> parts by weight of the total composition, excluding any filler.

The thermoplastic composition can also include plasticizers. For example, plasticizers can include phthalic acid esters such as dioctyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-epoxy-hexahydrophthalate, tris-(octoxycarbonylethyl) isocyanurate, tristearin, epoxidized soybean oil or the like, or combinations including at least one of the foregoing plasticizers. Plasticizers are generally used in amounts of from about <NUM> to about <NUM> parts by weight, based on <NUM> parts by weight of the total composition, excluding any filler.

In further aspects, the disclosed composition can include antistatic agents. These antistatic agents can include, for example, glycerol monostearate, sodium stearyl sulfonate, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate or the like, or combinations of the foregoing antistatic agents. In one aspect, carbon fibers, carbon nanofibers, carbon nanotubes, carbon black, or any combination of the foregoing can be used in a polymeric resin containing chemical antistatic agents to render the composition electrostatically dissipative.

Ultraviolet (UV) absorbers can also be present in the disclosed thermoplastic composition. Exemplary ultraviolet absorbers can include for example, hydroxybenzophenones; hydroxybenzotriazoles; hydroxybenzotriazines; cyanoacrylates; oxanilides; benzoxazinones; <NUM>- (<NUM>-benzotriazol-<NUM>-yl)-<NUM>-(<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-tetramethylbutyl)-phenol (CYASORB™ <NUM>); <NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>-n-octyloxybenzophenone (CYASORB™ <NUM>); <NUM>-[<NUM>,<NUM>-bis(<NUM>,<NUM>-dimethylphenyl)-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-triazin-<NUM>-yl]- <NUM>-(octyloxy)-phenol (CYASORB™ <NUM>); <NUM>,<NUM>'-(<NUM>,<NUM>- phenylene)bis(<NUM>-<NUM>,<NUM>-benzoxazin-<NUM>-one) (CYASORB™ UV- <NUM>); <NUM>,<NUM>-bis[(<NUM>-cyano-<NUM>,<NUM>-diphenylacryloyl)oxy]-<NUM>,<NUM>-bis[[(<NUM>-cyano-<NUM>, <NUM>-diphenylacryloyl)oxy]methyl]propane (UVINUL™ <NUM>); <NUM>,<NUM>'-(<NUM>,<NUM>-phenylene) bis(<NUM>-<NUM>,<NUM>-benzoxazin-<NUM>-one); <NUM>,<NUM>-bis[(<NUM>-cyano-<NUM>,<NUM>-diphenylacryloyl)oxy] -<NUM>,<NUM>-bis[[(<NUM>-cyano-<NUM>,<NUM>-diphenylacryloyl)oxy]methyl]propane; nano-size inorganic materials such as titanium oxide, cerium oxide, and zinc oxide, all with particle size less than <NUM> nanometers; or the like, or combinations including at least one of the foregoing UV absorbers. UV absorbers are generally used in amounts of from <NUM> to <NUM> parts by weight, based on <NUM> parts by weight of the total composition, excluding any filler.

The thermoplastic composition can further include a lubricant. As an example, lubricants can include for example, fatty acid esters such as alkyl stearyl esters, e.g., methyl stearate or the like; mixtures of methyl stearate and hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfactants including polyethylene glycol polymers, polypropylene glycol polymers, and copolymers thereof e.g., methyl stearate and polyethylene-polypropylene glycol copolymers in a suitable solvent; or combinations including at least one of the foregoing lubricants. Lubricants can generally be used in amounts of from about <NUM> to about <NUM> parts by weight, based on <NUM> parts by weight of the total composition, excluding any filler.

Anti-drip agents can also be used in the composition, for example a fibril forming or non-fibril forming fluoropolymer such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The anti-drip agent can be encapsulated by a rigid copolymer, for example styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN). PTFE encapsulated in SAN is known as TSAN. In one example, TSAN can include <NUM> wt. % PTFE and <NUM> wt. % SAN, based on the total weight of the encapsulated fluoropolymer. The SAN can include, for example, <NUM> wt. % styrene and <NUM> wt. % acrylonitrile based on the total weight of the copolymer. An anti-drip agent, such as TSAN, can be used in amounts of <NUM> to <NUM> parts by weight, based on <NUM> parts by weight of the total composition, excluding any filler.

As an example, the disclosed composition can include an impact modifier. The impact modifier can be a chemically reactive impact modifier. By definition, a chemically reactive impact modifier can have at least one reactive group such that when the impact modifier is added to a polymer composition, the impact properties of the composition (expressed in the values of the IZOD impact) are improved. In some examples, the chemically reactive impact modifier can be an ethylene copolymer with reactive functional groups selected from, but not limited to, anhydride, carboxyl, hydroxyl, and epoxy.

In further aspects of the present disclosure, the composition can include a rubbery impact modifier. The rubber impact modifier can be a polymeric material which, at room temperature, is capable of recovering substantially in shape and size after removal of a force. However, the rubbery impact modifier should typically have a glass transition temperature of less than <NUM>° C. In certain aspects, the glass transition temperature (Tg) can be less than -<NUM>° C, -<NUM>° C, -<NUM>° C, with a Tg of less than -<NUM>° C typically providing better performance. Representative rubbery impact modifiers can include, for example, functionalized polyolefin ethylene-acrylate terpolymers, such as ethylene-acrylic esters-maleic anhydride (MAH) or glycidyl methacrylate (GMA). The functionalized rubbery polymer can optionally contain repeat units in its backbone which are derived from an anhydride group containing monomer, such as maleic anhydride. In another scenario, the functionalized rubbery polymer can contain anhydride moieties which are grafted onto the polymer in a post polymerization step.

In one example, the composition can include a core-shell copolymer impact modifier having about <NUM> wt. % of a core including poly(butyl acrylate) and about <NUM> wt. % of a shell including poly(methyl methacrylate). In a further example, the impact modifier can include an acrylic impact modifier such as ethylene-ethylacrylate copolymer with an ethyl acrylate content of less than <NUM> wt. % (such as EXL <NUM> as supplied by SABIC). The composition can include about <NUM> wt. % of the ethylene-ethylacrylate copolymer.

In many aspects, the compositions can be prepared according to a variety of methods. The compositions of the present disclosure can be blended, compounded, or otherwise combined with the aforementioned ingredients by a variety of methods involving intimate admixing of the materials with any additional additives desired in the formulation. Because of the availability of melt blending equipment in commercial polymer processing facilities, melt processing methods can be used. In various further aspects, the equipment used in such melt processing methods can include, but is not limited to, co-rotating and counter-rotating extruders, single screw extruders, co-kneaders, disc-pack processors and various other types of extrusion equipment. In a further aspect, the extruder is a twinscrew extruder. In various further aspects, the composition can be processed in an extruder at temperatures from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, particularly <NUM> to <NUM>.

In various aspects, the disclosed compositions combine IDP, polyetherimide, and a crystalline polymer to provide desirable ESD properties while also maintain a broad color space. The disclosed compositions also achieve balanced performance in electrical, aesthetics, impact and processing by the combined merits of crystalline polymers and amorphous PEI polymer.

The compositions exhibit electrostatic dissipative properties. The composition exhibit a surface resistivity of from <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> ohms to <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> ohms when measured in accordance with ASTM D257 and a volume resistivity of from <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> to <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> ohms·cm in accordance with ASTM D257.

As provided herein, compositions of the present disclosure are colorable. Colorable may describe the ease of coloring of the polymer composition. That is, the polymer composition may be sufficiently "light" in color to accept dyes, pigments, or other color treatments/additives that impart a desired hue to the composition. Conventional dissipative materials often include dissipative additives that are dark in color such as carbon fiber or carbon black. As such the color space for conventional ESD materials may be limited. The disclosed compositions may alleviate these restrictions as they achieve surface resistivities less than <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> ohms or between <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> ohms and <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> ohms when tested in accordance with ASTM D257, while also being colorable. Values of the present disclosure have certain values for certain colorimetric coordinates L*, a*, b*. The "L* value" describes the lightness-darkness property. If the L* value is <NUM>, the object is black. If the L* value is <NUM> the object is white. The L* value is always positive. Compositions having an L* value further away from the extremes (<NUM> and <NUM>) have a more natural color, which may be the selected color for a specific application or which may enable the composition to be more easily colored. Having values further away from <NUM> and closer to <NUM> for L* results in a composition that has a much wider "color space". The "color space" is the range of L* that can be achieved using an optional colorant, pigment and/or dye. L* may be measured using ASTM <NUM> with <NUM> degree observer; International Commission on Illumination (CIE) Standard Illuminant D65 illuminant; specular component included (SCI) reflectance; and large aperture). The polymer composition may exhibit an L* color value of at least about <NUM> or at least about <NUM> or at least about <NUM> when measured using a spectrophotometer with D65 illumination in a <NUM>° observer in reflection mode.

The compositions may exhibit a heat deflection temperature of at least <NUM> when tested in accordance with ASTM D648 at <NUM> megapascals (MPa) and a specimen thickness of <NUM>.

These compositions are thus a suitable candidate for consumer electronics/semiconductor/construction applications and enable a critical capability to be made into ESD products with customized color. Furthermore, these compositions demonstrate the potential to replace carbon fiber, conductive carbon black, graphite, graphene, carbon nano tube, etc., filled ESD materials in the market.

In various aspects, the present disclosure relates to articles including the compositions herein. The compositions can be molded into useful shaped articles by a variety of means such as injection molding, extrusion, rotational molding, blow molding and thermoforming to form articles. The compositions can be useful in the manufacture of articles requiring materials with high modulus, good flow, good impact strength, thermal conductivity, and reflectivity.

The advantageous characteristics of the compositions disclosed herein can make them appropriate for an array of uses. Formed articles can include, but are not limited to, personal computers, notebook and portable computers, cell phone antennas and other such communications equipment, medical applications, RFID applications, automotive applications, and the like. In various further aspects, the article can be appropriate as a computer and business machine housing such as a housing for high end laptop personal computers, monitors, robotics, a hand held electronic device housing (such as a housing or flash holder for smart phones, tablets, music devices), electrical connectors, LED heat sink, and components of lighting fixtures, wearables, ornaments, home appliances, and the like.

In a further aspect, non-limiting examples of fields in which the thermoplastic compositions can be employed can include electrical, electro-mechanical, radio frequency (RF) technology, telecommunication, automotive, aviation, medical, sensor, military, and security. In a still further aspect, the thermoplastic compositions can also be present in overlapping fields, such as mechatronic systems that integrate mechanical and electrical properties which can, for example, be used in automotive or medical engineering.

In a further aspect, the suitable article can be an electronic device, automotive device, telecommunication device, medical device, security device, or mechatronic device. In a still further aspect, the article can be selected from a computer device, electromagnetic interference device, printed circuit, Wi-Fi device, Bluetooth device, GPS device, cellular antenna device, smart phone device, automotive device, medical device, sensor device, security device, shielding device, RF antenna device, LED device, and RFID device. In yet a further aspect, the article can be selected from a computer device, sensor device, security device, RF antenna device, LED device and RFID device.

In a further aspect, the molded articles can be used to manufacture devices in the automotive field. In a still further aspect, non-limiting examples of such devices in the automotive field which can use the disclosed blended thermoplastic compositions in the vehicle's interior include adaptive cruise control, headlight sensors, windshield wiper sensors, and door/window switches. In a further aspect, non-limiting examples of devices in the automotive field which can the disclosed blended thermoplastic compositions in the vehicle's exterior include pressure and flow sensors for engine management, air conditioning, crash detection, and exterior lighting fixtures.

In a further aspect, the resulting disclosed compositions can be used to provide any desired shaped, formed, or molded articles. For example, the disclosed compositions can be molded into useful shaped articles by a variety of means such as injection molding, extrusion, rotational molding, blow molding and thermoforming. As noted above, the disclosed compositions are particularly well suited for use in the manufacture of electronic components and devices. As such, according to some aspects, the disclosed compositions can be used to form articles such as printed circuit board carriers, burn in test sockets, flex brackets for hard disk drives, and the like.

Detailed aspects of the present disclosure are disclosed herein; it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the disclosure that may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limits, but merely as a basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present disclosure. The specific examples below will enable the disclosure to be better understood. However, they are given merely by way of guidance and do not imply any limitation.

The following examples are provided to illustrate the compositions, processes, and properties of the present disclosure. The examples are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the disclosure to the materials, conditions, or process parameters set forth therein.

The compositions as set forth in the Examples below were prepared from the components presented in Table <NUM> (shown in <FIG>).

The compositions as set forth in the Examples herein were prepared from the components presented in Table <NUM>. Formulations were prepared by extruding the pre-blended components using a twin extruder. The polymer base resins (polycarbonate and polyester), IDP, inhibitor and additives are pre-mixed and fed via the main throat. The extrudate was cooled using a water bath prior to pelletizing. Components were compounded using a Toshiba™ TEM-37BS Twin Screw Extruder co-rotating twin screw extruder at between <NUM> and <NUM>. The compounding and molding conditions used are shown in Tables <NUM> and <NUM> (as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, respectively). Processing temperatures were maintained as low possible, as IDP degrades at the conventional processing temperature of PEI (specifically, at temperatures greater than <NUM>). This is a technical hurdle which has been overcome by the unique composition enabling low-temperature processing for intrinsically high heat and low flow PEI as in this disclosure.

Molded samples were tested in accordance with the standards presented in table <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). Optical properties, such as color and reflectivity, were measured on a ColorEye™ 7000A with D65 illumination in a <NUM>° observer in reflection mode. Assessments were made according to the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) providing values for colorimetric coordinates L*, a*, b*. The coordinates correspond to different color attributes: a* represents redness and green; b*, yellow and blue; and L*, whiteness. Values of L* range between <NUM> and <NUM>. Lower L* values correspond to darkness of a material while values of L* greater than <NUM> correspond to materials appearing white to the naked eye.

The notched Izod impact ("NII") test was carried out in accordance with ASTM D256 on <NUM> x <NUM> x <NUM> molded samples (bars) at <NUM>. Data units are J/m.

Heat deflection temperature was determined per ASTM D <NUM> with flatwise specimen orientation with a <NUM> thick specimen (<NUM> x <NUM>) at <NUM> megapascals (MPa). Data are provided in units of °C.

Comparative samples C-<NUM> was prepared to assess the performance of formulations with and without the transesterification inhibitor. Comparative sample C-<NUM> also did not include the polyester PBT <NUM>. Table <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) presents the formulations and surface resistivity observed.

As shown in EX-<NUM>-<NUM> in Table <NUM>, crystalline polymers PBT or PET to lower the processing temperature (<NUM> for compounding and molding as in Table <NUM> and <NUM>), because these polymers are less viscous. Compared to EX-<NUM>-<NUM>, the conventional ESD/anti-static formulation comprising carbon fiber-filled PEI (control sample C-<NUM>, commercially available as EE004) required processing temperatures over <NUM>. This resulted in much higher energy consumption. The inventive samples were processed at a much lower temperature, which kept the IDP intact during such low-temperature processing so that ESD/anti-static features were maintained. The surface resistivity EX1 - EX3 in Table <NUM> are all at least <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> Ohms, indicating they were suitable for anti-static applications. Furthermore, the volume resistivity were at <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> to <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> Ohms level, implying a potential to further lower the surface resistivity if additional IDP could be expelled from core to part surface. This was evidenced by increasing the PBT content to <NUM> wt. % as in EX-<NUM>. Here, the surface resistivity was further lowered to <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> ohms/sq. The high heat feature was also maintained as demonstrated by the high HDT (<NUM>-<NUM>) shown in Table <NUM>. A high flow was also achieved as EX <NUM>-<NUM> can be processed at <NUM>, and the MVR for EX-<NUM> is <NUM> at <NUM>/<NUM>). As EX <NUM> and EX <NUM> exhibited a lower HDT, these examples were considered comparative samples with respect to EX1.

Samples were also evaluated for optical properties via visual inspection with the naked eye and via spectrophotometer. Another crucial feature of the formulations is that the appearance of all the listed blends are colorless.

As shown in <FIG>, the plate by PEI/PBT/IDP blend (left) appeared to be a very light brown upon visual inspection thereby enabling further coloring. Indeed, a plate comprised of the disclosed composition appeared even whiter than neat PEI resin which appeared more amber. A conventional ESD PEI material (shown in <FIG>) was completely black with no appreciable color space. The L* values shown in Table <NUM> quantitatively demonstrated the potential for inventive samples to be colored. The L* value of EX-<NUM> was <NUM>, which implied a high potential to be further colored. Comparatively control sample C-<NUM> (carbon fiber-filled PEI), exhibited an L* value of <NUM>. This darkness inhibited any further color space.

Claim 1:
A polymer composition comprising:
from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of a polyetherimide resin;
from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of a crystalline polyester resin;
from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of an inherently dissipative polymer; and
from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of a transesterification inhibitor,
wherein the polymer composition exhibits a surface resistivity of from <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> ohms to <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> ohms when measured in accordance with ASTM D257 and a volume resistivity of from <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> to <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> ohms·cm in accordance with ASTM D257, and
wherein the combined weight percent value of all components does not exceed <NUM> wt. %, and all weight percent values are based on the total weight of the polymer composition.