POLY(ARYLENE ETHER)/POLYOLEFIN COMPOSITION, METHOD, AND ARTICLE
A thermoplastic composition includes the product of melt kneading a composition including a poly(arylene ether), a polyolefin, and a high molecular weight hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene. The composition exhibits substantially improved chemical resistance compared to a corresponding composition prepared with a lower molecular weight hydrogenated block copolymer. Methods of preparing the composition and articles prepared for the composition are also described. The composition is particularly useful for fabricating halogen-free tubes for sheathing automotive wiring harnesses.
1 . A composition comprising:
about 10 to about 35 weight percent of a poly(arylene ether);
about 15 to about 40 weight percent of a polyolefin; and
about 10 to about 35 weight percent of a hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene; wherein the hydrogenated block copolymer has a poly(alkenyl aromatic) content of about 10 to 45 weight percent, based on the total weight of the hydrogenated block copolymer; and wherein the hydrogenated block copolymer has a weight average molecular weight greater than or equal to 200,000 atomic mass units;
wherein all weight percents are based on the total weight of the composition, unless a different weight basis is specified;
wherein the composition has a ribbon tensile strength of at least 15 megapascals measured at 23° C. according to JIS K6251;
wherein the composition retains at least 65 percent of its ribbon tensile strength after 20 hours immersion in a 50:50 weight/weight mixture of kerosene and SAE 10W30 motor oil at 50° C.; and
wherein the composition has a flexural modulus less than or equal to 900 megapascals measured at 23° C. according to ASTM D790.
2 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the composition has a ribbon tensile strength of 15 to 19.8 megapascals measured at 23° C. according to JIS K6251.
3 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the composition retains 65 to 73.4 percent of its ribbon tensile strength after 20 hours immersion in a 50:50 weight/weight mixture of kerosene and SAE 10W30 motor oil at 50° C.
4 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the composition has a flexural modulus of 311 to 900 megapascals measured at 23° C. according to ASTM D790.
5 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the polyolefin has a crystallinity content greater than or equal to 20 percent.
6 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the polyolefin is a homopolymer selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, high density polyethylene, and combinations thereof.
7 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the polyolefin is a high density polyethylene having a melt flow rate of 0.3 to 10 grams per ten minutes, measured at 190° C. and 2.16 kilograms force according to ASTM D1238.
8 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the polyolefin is a polypropylene having a melt flow rate of 0.3 to 10 grams per ten minutes, measured at 230° C. and 2.16 kilograms force according to ASTM D1238.
9 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the hydrogenated block copolymer has a weight average molecular weight of 200,000 to about 400,000 atomic mass units
10 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the hydrogenated block copolymer is a linear block copolymer.
11 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the hydrogenated block copolymer excludes the residue of monomers other than the alkenyl aromatic compound and the conjugated diene.
12 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the conjugated diene consists of butadiene.
13 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the hydrogenated block copolymer is a polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer.
14 . The composition of claim 1 , further comprising a second hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene, wherein the second hydrogenated block copolymer has a poly(alkenyl aromatic) content of about 10 to 45 weight percent, based on the total weight of the hydrogenated block copolymer, and a weight average molecular weight of about 40,000 to less than 200,000 atomic mass units.
15 . The composition of claim 1 , being substantially free of a second hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene, wherein the second hydrogenated block copolymer has a poly(alkenyl aromatic) content of about 10 to 45 weight percent, based on the total weight of the hydrogenated block copolymer, and a weight average molecular weight of about 40,000 to less than 200,000 atomic mass units.
16 . The composition of claim 1 , further comprising a third hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene, wherein the third hydrogenated block copolymer has a poly(alkenyl aromatic) content of greater than 45 to about 90 weight percent, based on the total weight of the third hydrogenated block copolymer.
17 . The composition of claim 1 , being substantially free of a third hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene, wherein the third hydrogenated block copolymer has a poly(alkenyl aromatic) content of greater than 45 to about 90 weight percent, based on the total weight of the second hydrogenated block copolymer.
18 . The composition of claim 1 , further comprising an unhydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene.
19 . The composition of claim 1 , being substantially free of an unhydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene.
20 . The composition of claim 1 , comprising a continuous polyolefin phase and a dispersed poly(arylene ether) phase.
21 . A composition consisting of:
about 10 to about 35 weight percent of a poly(arylene ether);
about 15 to about 40 weight percent of a polyolefin;
about 10 to about 35 weight percent of a hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene; wherein the hydrogenated block copolymer has a poly(alkenyl aromatic) content of about 10 to 45 weight percent, based on the total weight of the hydrogenated block copolymer; and wherein the hydrogenated block copolymer has a weight average molecular weight greater than or equal to 200,000 atomic mass units;
optionally, up to 10 weight percent of a second hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene; wherein the second hydrogenated block copolymer has a poly(alkenyl aromatic) content of about 10 to 45 weight percent, based on the total weight of the hydrogenated block copolymer, and a weight average molecular weight of about 40,000 to less than 200,000 atomic mass units;
optionally, up to 10 weight percent of a third hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene; wherein the third hydrogenated block copolymer has a poly(alkenyl aromatic) content of greater than 45 to about 90 weight percent, based on the total weight of the third hydrogenated block copolymer;
optionally, up to 5 weight percent of an unhydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene;
optionally, an additive selected from the group consisting of stabilizers, mold release agents, processing aids, flame retardants, drip retardants, nucleating agents, UV blockers, dyes, pigments, antioxidants, anti-static agents, blowing agents, mineral oil, metal deactivators, antiblocking agents, nanoclays, and combinations thereof;
wherein all weight percents are based on the total weight of the composition, unless a different weight basis is specified;
wherein the composition has a ribbon tensile strength of at least 15 megapascals measured at 23° C. according to JIS K6251;
wherein the composition retains at least 65 percent of its ribbon tensile strength after 20 hours immersion in a 50:50 weight/weight mixture of kerosene and SAE 10W30 motor oil at 50° C.; and
wherein the composition has a flexural modulus less than or equal to 900 megapascals measured at 23° C. according to ASTM D790.
22 . A composition comprising:
about 15 to about 30 weight percent of a poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) having an intrinsic viscosity of about 0.3 to about 0.6 deciliter per gram, measured at 25° C. in chloroform;
about 15 to about 35 weight percent of a polyolefin selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, high density polyethylene, and combinations thereof;
about 10 to about 30 weight percent of a hydrogenated block copolymer that is a polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer; wherein the hydrogenated block copolymer has a polystyrene content of about 25 to about 35 weight percent, based on the total weight of the hydrogenated block copolymer; and wherein the hydrogenated block copolymer has a weight average molecular weight of 200,000 to about 400,000 atomic mass units;
about 1 to about 10 weight percent of melamine polyphosphate;
about 2 to about 10 weight percent of magnesium hydroxide; and
about 5 to about 20 weight percent of a triaryl phosphate flame retardant;
wherein all weight percents are based on the total weight of the composition, unless a different weight basis is specified;
wherein the composition has a ribbon tensile strength of at least 15 megapascals measured at 23° C. according to JIS K6251;
wherein the composition retains at least 65 percent of its ribbon tensile strength after 20 hours immersion in a 50:50 weight/weight mixture of kerosene and SAE 10W30 motor oil at 50° C.; and
wherein the composition has a flexural modulus less than or equal to 600 megapascals measured at 23° C. according to ASTM D790.
23 . The composition of claim 22 , wherein the composition has a ribbon tensile strength of 15 to 19.8 megapascals measured at 23° C. according to JIS K6251; wherein the composition retains 65 to 78 percent of its ribbon tensile strength after 20 hours immersion in a 50:50 weight/weight mixture of kerosene and SAE 10W30 motor oil at 50° C.; and wherein the composition has a flexural modulus of 311 to 600 megapascals measured at 23° C. according to ASTM D790.
24 . A composition consisting of:
about 15 to about 30 weight percent of a poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) having an intrinsic viscosity of about 0.3 to about 0.6 deciliter per gram, measured at 25° C. in chloroform;
about 15 to about 35 weight percent of a polyolefin selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, high density polyethylene, and combinations thereof;
about 10 to about 30 weight percent of a hydrogenated block copolymer that is a polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer; wherein the hydrogenated block copolymer has a polystyrene content of about 25 to about 35 weight percent, based on the total weight of the hydrogenated block copolymer; and wherein the hydrogenated block copolymer has a weight average molecular weight of 200,000 to about 400,000 atomic mass units;
optionally, up to 10 weight percent of a second hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene, wherein the second hydrogenated block copolymer has a poly(alkenyl aromatic) content of about 10 to 45 weight percent, based on the total weight of the hydrogenated block copolymer, and a weight average molecular weight of about 40,000 to less than 200,000 atomic mass units;
optionally, up to 10 weight percent of a third hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene, wherein the third hydrogenated block copolymer has a poly(alkenyl aromatic) content of greater than 45 to about 90 weight percent, based on the total weight of the third hydrogenated block copolymer;
optionally, up to 5 weight percent of an unhydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene;
optionally, an additive selected from the group consisting of stabilizers, mold release agents, processing aids, flame retardants, drip retardants, nucleating agents, UV blockers, dyes, pigments, antioxidants, anti-static agents, blowing agents, mineral oil, metal deactivators, antiblocking agents, nanoclays, and combinations thereof;
about 1 to about 10 weight percent of melamine polyphosphate;
about 2 to about 10 weight percent of magnesium hydroxide; and
about 5 to about 20 weight percent of a trianyl phosphate flame retardant;
wherein all weight percents are based on the total weight of the composition, unless a different weight basis is specified;
wherein the composition has a ribbon tensile strength of at least 15 megapascals measured at 23° C. according to JIS K6251;
wherein the composition retains at least 65 percent of its ribbon tensile strength after 20 hours immersion in a 50:50 weight/weight mixture of kerosene and SAE 10W30 motor oil at 50° C.; and
wherein the composition has a flexural modulus less than or equal to 600 megapascals measured at 23° C. according to ASTM D790.
25 . The composition of claim 24 , wherein the composition has a ribbon tensile strength of 15 to 19.8 megapascals measured at 23° C. according to JIS K6251; wherein the composition retains 65 to 78 percent of its ribbon tensile strength after 20 hours immersion in a 50:50 weight/weight mixture of kerosene and SAE 10W30 motor oil at 50° C.; and wherein the composition has a flexural modulus of 311 to 600 megapascals measured at 23° C. according to ASTM D790.
26 . A composition comprising:
about 18 to about 25 weight percent of a poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) having an intrinsic viscosity of about 0.3 to about 0.6 deciliter per gram, measured at 25° C. in chloroform;
about 20 to about 30 weight percent of a polyolefin selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, high density polyethylene, and combinations thereof;
about 15 to about 25 weight percent of a hydrogenated block copolymer that is a polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer; wherein the hydrogenated block copolymer has a polystyrene content of about 25 to about 35 weight percent, based on the total weight of the hydrogenated block copolymer; and wherein the hydrogenated block copolymer has a weight average molecular weight of 200,000 to about 400,000 atomic mass units;
about 1 to about 10 weight percent of melamine polyphosphate;
about 2 to about 10 weight percent of magnesium hydroxide; and
about 5 to about 20 weight percent of a triaryl phosphate flame retardant;
wherein all weight percents are based on the total weight of the composition, unless a different weight basis is specified;
wherein the composition has a ribbon tensile strength of at least 15 megapascals measured at 23° C. according to JIS K6251;
wherein the composition retains at least 65 percent of its ribbon tensile strength after 20 hours immersion in a 50:50 weight/weight mixture of kerosene and SAE 10W30 motor oil at 50° C.; and
wherein the composition has a flexural modulus less than or equal to 600 megapascals measured at 23° C. according to ASTM D790.
27 . The composition of claim 26 , wherein the composition has a ribbon tensile strength of 15 to 19.8 megapascals measured at 23° C. according to JIS K6251; wherein the composition retains 65 to 78 percent of its ribbon tensile strength after 20 hours immersion in a 50:50 weight/weight mixture of kerosene and SAE 10W30 motor oil at 50° C.; and wherein the composition has a flexural modulus of 311 to 600 megapascals measured at 23° C. according to ASTM D790.
28 . A composition comprising:
about 21 to about 23 weight percent of a poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) having an intrinsic viscosity of about 0.3 to about 0.6 deciliter per gram, measured at 25° C. in chloroform;
about 25 to about 27 weight percent of a high density polyethylene;
about 15 to about 17 weight percent of a first hydrogenated block copolymer that is a polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer; wherein the first hydrogenated block copolymer has a polystyrene content of about 25 to about 35 weight percent, based on the total weight of the hydrogenated block copolymer; and wherein the first hydrogenated block copolymer has a weight average molecular weight of 200,000 to about 400,000 atomic mass units;
about 3 to about 5 weight percent of a third hydrogenated block copolymer that is a polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer; wherein the third hydrogenated block copolymer has a polystyrene content of about 55 to about 75 weight percent, based on the total weight of the hydrogenated block copolymer; and wherein the third hydrogenated block copolymer has a weight average molecular weight of about 30,000 to about 60,000 atomic mass units;
about 3 to about 5 weight percent of mineral oil;
about 0.05 to about 0.5 weight percent of pentaerythritol tetralis(3-3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-phenyl)propionate);
about 0.05 to about 0.5 weight percent of bis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)pentaerythritol diphosphite;
about 5 to about 7 weight percent of melamine polyphosphate;
about 5 to about 7 weight percent of magnesium hydroxide; and
about 15 to about 17 weight percent of resorcinol bis(diphenyl phosphate);
wherein all weight percents are based on the total weight of the composition, unless a different weight basis is specified;
wherein the composition has a ribbon tensile strength of at least 15 megapascals measured at 23° C. according to JIS K6251;
wherein the composition retains at least 65 percent of its ribbon tensile strength after 20 hours immersion in a 50:50 weight/weight mixture of kerosene and SAE 10W30 motor oil at 50° C.; and
wherein the composition has a flexural modulus less than or equal to 600 megapascals measured at 23° C. according to ASTM D790.
29 . The composition of claim 28 , wherein the composition has a ribbon tensile strength of 15 to 19.8 megapascals measured at 23° C. according to JIS K6251; wherein the composition retains 65 to 78 percent of its ribbon tensile strength after 20 hours immersion in a 50:50 weight/weight mixture of kerosene and SAE 10W30 motor oil at 50° C.; and wherein the composition has a flexural modulus of 311 to 600 megapascals measured at 23° C. according to ASTM D790.
30 . A composition comprising:
about 21 to about 23 weight percent of a poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) having an intrinsic viscosity of about 0.3 to about 0.6 deciliter per gram, measured at 25° C. in chloroform;
about 23 to about 25 weight percent of a high density polyethylene;
about 19 to about 21 weight percent of a first hydrogenated block copolymer that is a polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer; wherein the first hydrogenated block copolymer has a polystyrene content of about 25 to about 35 weight percent, based on the total weight of the hydrogenated block copolymer; and wherein the first hydrogenated block copolymer has a weight average molecular weight of 200,000 to about 400,000 atomic mass units;
about 1 to about 3 weight percent of a second hydrogenated block copolymer that is a polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer; wherein the second hydrogenated block copolymer has a polystyrene content of about 25 to about 35 weight percent, based on the total weight of the hydrogenated block copolymer; and wherein the second hydrogenated block copolymer has a weight average molecular weight of about 100,000 to about 140,000 atomic mass units;
about 3 to about 5 weight percent of mineral oil;
about 0.05 to about 0.5 weight percent of pentaerythritol tetralcis(3-3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-phenyl)propionate);
about 0.05 to about 0.5 weight percent of bis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)pentaerythritol diphosphite;
about 5 to about 7 weight percent of melamine polyphosphate;
about 5 to about 7 weight percent of magnesium hydroxide; and
about 15 to about 17 weight percent of resorcinol bis(diphenyl phosphate);
wherein all weight percents are based on the total weight of the composition, unless a different weight basis is specified;
wherein the composition has a ribbon tensile strength of at least 15 megapascals measured at 23° C. according to JIS K6251;
wherein the composition retains at least 65 percent of its ribbon tensile strength after 20 hours immersion in a 50:50 weight/weight mixture of kerosene and SAE 10W30 motor oil at 50° C.; and
wherein the composition has a flexural modulus less than or equal to 600 megapascals measured at 23° C. according to ASTM D790.
31 . The composition of claim 30 , wherein the composition has a ribbon tensile strength of 15 to 19.8 megapascals measured at 23° C. according to JIS K6251; wherein the composition retains 65 to 78 percent of its ribbon tensile strength after 20 hours immersion in a 50:50 weight/weight mixture of kerosene and SAE 10W30 motor oil at 50° C.; and wherein the composition has a flexural modulus of 311 to 600 megapascals measured at 23° C. according to ASTM D790.
32 . A composition comprising:
about 21 to about 23 weight percent of a poly(2,6-dinethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) having an intrinsic viscosity of about 0.3 to about 0.6 deciliter per gram, measured at 25° C. in chloroform;
about 25 to about 27 weight percent of a high density polyethylene;
about 15 to about 17 weight percent of a first hydrogenated block copolymer that is a polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer; wherein the first hydrogenated block copolymer has a polystyrene content of about 25 to about 35 weight percent, based on the total weight of the hydrogenated block copolymer; and wherein the first hydrogenated block copolymer has a weight average molecular weight of 200,000 to about 400,000 atomic mass units;
about 3 to about 5 weight percent of a second hydrogenated block copolymer that is a polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer; wherein the second hydrogenated block copolymer has a polystyrene content of about 25 to about 35 weight percent, based on the total weight of the hydrogenated block copolymer; and wherein the second hydrogenated block copolymer has a weight average molecular weight of about 100,000 to about 140,000 atomic mass units;
about 3 to about 5 weight percent of mineral oil;
about 0.05 to about 0.5 weight percent of pentaerythritol tetralcis(3-3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-phenyl)propionate);
about 0.05 to about 0.5 weight percent of bis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)pentaerythritol diphosphite;
about 5 to about 7 weight percent of melamine polyphosphate;
about 5 to about 7 weight percent of magnesium hydroxide; and
about 15 to about 17 weight percent of resorcinol bis(diphenyl phosphate);
wherein all weight percents are based on the total weight of the composition, unless a different weight basis is specified;
wherein the composition has a ribbon tensile strength of at least 15 megapascals measured at 23° C. according to JIS K6251;
wherein the composition retains at least 65 percent of its ribbon tensile strength after 20 hours immersion in a 50:50 weight/weight mixture of kerosene and SAE 10W30 motor oil at 50° C.; and
wherein the composition has a flexural modulus less than or equal to 600 megapascals measured at 23° C. according to ASTM D790.
33 . The composition of claim 32 , wherein the composition has a ribbon tensile strength of 15 to 19.8 megapascals measured at 23° C. according to JIS K6251; wherein the composition retains 65 to 78 percent of its ribbon tensile strength after 20 hours immersion in a 50:50 weight/weight mixture of kerosene and SAE 10W30 motor oil at 50° C.; and wherein the composition has a flexural modulus of 311 to 600 megapascals measured at 23° C. according to ASTM D790.
34 . A composition comprising:
about 21 to about 23 weight percent of a poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) having an intrinsic viscosity of about 0.3 to about 0.6 deciliter per gram, measured at 25° C. in chloroform;
about 23 to about 25 weight percent of a high density polyethylene;
about 15 to about 17 weight percent of a first hydrogenated block copolymer that is a polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer; wherein the first hydrogenated block copolymer has a polystyrene content of about 25 to about 35 weight percent, based on the total weight of the hydrogenated block copolymer; and wherein the first hydrogenated block copolymer has a weight average molecular weight of 200,000 to about 400,000 atomic mass units;
about 5 to about 7 weight percent of a second hydrogenated block copolymer that is a polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer; wherein the second hydrogenated block copolymer has a polystyrene content of about 25 to about 35 weight percent, based on the total weight of the hydrogenated block copolymer; and wherein the second hydrogenated block copolymer has a weight average molecular weight of about 100,000 to about 140,000 atomic mass units;
about 3 to about 5 weight percent of mineral oil;
about 0.05 to about 0.5 weight percent of pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-phenyl)propionate);
about 0.05 to about 0.5 weight percent of bis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)pentaerythritol diphosphite;
about 5 to about 7 weight percent of melamine polyphosphate;
about 5 to about 7 weight percent of magnesium hydroxide; and
about 15 to about 17 weight percent of resorcinol bis(diphenyl phosphate);
wherein all weight percents are based on the total weight of the composition, unless a different weight basis is specified;
wherein the composition has a ribbon tensile strength of at least 15 megapascals measured at 23° C. according to JIS K6251;
wherein the composition retains at least 65 percent of its ribbon tensile strength after 20 hours immersion in a 50:50 weight/weight mixture of kerosene and SAE 10W30 motor oil at 50° C.; and
wherein the composition has a flexural modulus less than or equal to 600 megapascals measured at 23° C. according to ASTM D790.
35 . The composition of claim 34 , wherein the composition has a ribbon tensile strength of 15 to 19.8 megapascals measured at 23° C. according to JIS K6251; wherein the composition retains 65 to 78 percent of its ribbon tensile strength after 20 hours immersion in a 50:50 weight/weight mixture of kerosene and SAE 10W30 motor oil at 50° C.; and wherein the composition has a flexural modulus of 311 to 600 megapascals measured at 23° C. according to ASTM D790.
36 . An article comprising the composition of claim 1 .
37 . An article comprising the composition of claim 21 .
38 . An article comprising the composition of claim 22 .
39 . An article comprising the composition of claim 24 .
40 . An article comprising the composition of claim 26 .
41 . An article comprising the composition of claim 28 .
42 . An article comprising the composition of claim 30 .
43 . An article comprising the composition of claim 32 .
44 . An article comprising the composition of claim 34 .
45 . A tube for sheathing an automotive wiring harness, comprising the composition of claim 1 .
46 . A tube for sheathing an automotive wiring harness, comprising the composition of claim 21 .
47 . A tube for sheathing an automotive wiring harness, comprising the composition of claim 22 .
48 . A tube for sheathing an automotive wiring harness, comprising the composition of claim 24 .
49 . A tube for sheathing an automotive wiring harness, comprising the composition of claim 26 .
50 . A tube for sheathing an automotive wiring harness, comprising the composition of claim 28 and having an internal diameter of about 2 to about 30 millimeters and a wall thickness of about 0.2 to about 1.2 millimeter.
51 . A tube for sheathing an automotive wiring harness, comprising the composition of claim 30 and having an internal diameter of about 2 to about 30 millimeters and a wall thickness of about 0.2 to about 1.2 millimeter.
52 . A tube for sheathing an automotive wiring harness, comprising the composition of claim 32 and having an internal diameter of about 2 to about 30 millimeters and a wall thickness of about 0.2 to about 1.2 millimeter.
53 . A tube for sheathing an automotive wiring harness, comprising the composition of claim 34 and having an internal diameter of about 2 to about 30 millimeters and a wall thickness of about 0.2 to about 1.2 millimeter.
54 . A method of preparing a thermoplastic composition, comprising:
melt kneading
about 10 to about 35 weight percent of a poly(arylene ether);
about 15 to about 40 weight percent of a polyolefin; and
about 10 to about 35 weight percent of a hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene;
wherein the hydrogenated block copolymer has a poly(alkenyl aromatic) content of about 10 to 45 weight percent, based on the total weight of the hydrogenated block copolymer; and wherein the hydrogenated block copolymer has a weight average molecular weight greater than or equal to 200,000 atomic mass units;
wherein all weight percents are based on the total weight of the composition, unless a different weight basis is specified;
wherein the composition has a ribbon tensile strength of at least 15 megapascals measured at 23° C. according to JIS K6251;
wherein the composition retains at least 65 percent of its ribbon tensile strength after 20 hours immersion in a 50:50 weight/weight mixture of kerosene and SAE 10W30 motor oil at 50° C.; and
wherein the composition has a flexural modulus less than or equal to 900 megapascals measured at 23° C. according to ASTM D790.
55 . A method of preparing a thermoplastic composition, comprising:
melt kneading
about 15 to about 30 weight percent of a poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) having an intrinsic viscosity of about 0.3 to about 0.6 deciliter per gram, measured at 25° C. in chloroform;
about 15 to about 35 weight percent of a polyolefin selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, high density polyethylene, and combinations thereof;
about 10 to about 30 weight percent of a polystyrene-poly(ethylene/butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer having a polystyrene content of about 25 to about 35 weight percent, based on the total weight of the triblock copolymer; and wherein the triblock copolymer has a weight average molecular weight of 200,000 to about 400,000 atomic mass units;
about 1 to about 10 weight percent of melamine polyphosphate;
about 2 to about 10 weight percent of magnesium hydroxide; and
about 5 to about 20 weight percent of a triaryl phosphate flame retardant
to form a blend; wherein all weight percents are based on the total weight of the composition, unless a different weight basis is specified; and
melt filtering the blend through a filter comprising openings with diameters of about 20 micrometers to about 150 micrometers;
wherein the composition has a ribbon tensile strength of at least 15 megapascals measured at 23° C. according to JIS K6251;
wherein the composition retains at least 65 percent of its ribbon tensile strength after 20 hours immersion in a 50:50 weight/weight mixture of kerosene and SAE 10W30 motor oil at 50° C.; and
wherein the composition has a flexural modulus less than or equal to 900 megapascals measured at 23° C. according to ASTM D790.
56 . The method of claim 55 , wherein the poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether), the polystyrene-poly(ethylene/butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer, the melamine polyphosphate, the magnesium hydroxide, and the triaryl phosphate flame retardant are melt kneaded to form a first blend; and wherein the first blend and the polyolefin are melt kneaded to form a second blend.