Methods of forming dynamic cross-linked polymer compositions
View Patent ↗Methods for preparing pre-dynamic cross-linked polymer compositions are described. Methods of preparing dynamic cross-linked polymer compositions using pre-dynamic cross-linked polymer compositions are also described.
1. A method of forming an injection molded article, comprising:
forming a pre-dynamic cross-linked polymer composition by combining in an extruder an epoxy-containing component, polyester component, and a transesterification catalyst at a temperature of up to about 320° C. for about 7 minutes or less;
melting the pre-dynamic cross-linked polymer composition; and
injecting the melted pre-dynamic cross-linked polymer composition into an injection mold to form the injection molded article.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the temperature is between about 40° C. and about 320° C.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the combining occurs for less than about 2.5 minutes.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the combining occurs under an inert atmosphere.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the epoxy-containing component is bisphenol A diglycidyl ether.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the polyester component is a polyalkylene terephthalate.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the transesterification catalyst is zinc(II)acetylacetonate.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the transesterification catalyst is present in an amount of about 0.025 mol % to about 25 mol %, based on the number of ester moieties in the polyester component.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the water content of the pre-dynamic cross-linked polymer composition is less than about 2.5 wt. %, based on the weight of the pre-dynamic cross-linked polymer composition.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the pre-dynamic cross-linked polymer composition further comprises a pigment, a dye, a filler, a plasticizer, a fiber, a flame retardant, an antioxidant, a lubricant, wood, glass, metal, an ultraviolet agent, an anti-static agent, an anti-microbial agent, or a combination thereof.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the pre-dynamic cross-linked polymer composition further comprises glass fibers.
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the injection mold is heated to a temperature of up to about 50° C.
13. The method of claim 1 , further comprising curing the injection molded article.
14. The method of claim 1 , wherein the injection molded article is a gear.
15. A method of forming an article comprising a dynamic cross-linked polymer composition, comprising:
forming a pre-dynamic cross-linked polymer composition by combining in an extruder an epoxy-containing component, a polyester component, and a transesterification catalyst at a temperature of up to about 320° C. for about 7 minutes or less;
heating the pre-dynamic cross-linked polymer composition; and
subjecting the heated pre-dynamic cross-linked polymer composition to a compression molding process, a profile extrusion process, or a blow molding process to form the article comprising the dynamic cross-linked polymer composition.
16. The method of claim 15 , wherein the temperature is between about 40° C. and about 320° C.
17. The method of claim 15 , wherein the combining occurs for less than about 2.5 minutes.
18. The method of claim 15 , wherein the combining occurs under an inert atmosphere.
19. The method of claim 15 , wherein the epoxy-containing component is bisphenol A diglycidyl ether.
20. The method of claim 15 , wherein the polyester component is a polyalkylene terephthalate.
21. The method of claim 15 , wherein the transesterification catalyst is zinc(II)acetylacetonate.
22. The method of claim 15 , wherein the transesterification catalyst is present in an amount of about 0.025 mol % to about 25 mol %, based on the number of ester moieties in the polyester component.
23. The method of claim 15 , wherein the water content of the pre-dynamic cross-linked polymer composition is less than about 2.5 wt. %, based on the weight of the pre-dynamic cross-linked polymer composition.
24. The method of claim 15 , wherein the pre-dynamic cross-linked polymer composition further comprises a pigment, a dye, a filler, a plasticizer, a fiber, a flame retardant, an antioxidant, a lubricant, wood, glass, metal, an ultraviolet agent, an anti-static agent, an anti-microbial agent, or a combination thereof.
25. The method of claim 15 , wherein the pre-dynamic cross-linked polymer composition further comprises glass fibers.
26. The method of claim 15 , wherein the article is a gear.