WO2020050913A1

WO2020050913A1 - Composition, method for the manufacture thereof, and articles prepared therefrom

Info

Publication number: WO2020050913A1
Application number: PCT/US2019/041915
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kapil Chandrakant Sheth; Hariharan Ramalingam; Liang Shen; Mian DAI; Sanjay Braj Mishra
Original assignee: Sabic Global Technologies B.V.
Priority date: 2018-09-03
Filing date: 2019-07-16
Publication date: 2020-03-12

Abstract

A composition includes particular amounts of a poly(phthalamide) having a weight average molecular weight of 35,000 to 50,000 grams per mole, an amine end group content of less than 40 parts per million, and an acid end group content of less than 15 parts per million; and a poly(etherimide-siloxane). Methods for the manufacture of the composition and articles including the composition are also disclosed.

Description

COMPOSITION, METHOD FOR THE MANUFACTURE THEREOF, AND ARTICLES

PREPARED THEREFROM

BACKGROUND

[0001] Poly(imides), in particular poly(etherimide)s (PEI), are high performance polymers having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of greater than l80°C. These polymers have high strength, heat resistance, and modulus, and further can have broad chemical resistance. Poly(etherimide)s are widely used in applications such as automotive,

telecommunications, aerospace, electrical/electronics, transportation, and healthcare.

[0002] Poly(etherimide)s can include poly(etherimide-siloxane)s which comprise poly(etherimide) and siloxane blocks. The poly(etherimide) blocks can provide the desirable properties associated with poly(etherimide)s mentioned above, while the siloxane blocks can contribute flexibility, improved low-temperature properties, and thermal stability to

compositions including a poly(etherimide- siloxane).

[0003] There remains a need in the art for a thermoplastic composition having a desirable combination of physical properties, in particular impact strength, tensile properties, thermal properties (e.g., heat deflection temperature, HDT), and electrical properties (e.g., electrical tracking resistance). Compositions exhibiting these properties can be particularly useful for applications including wire and cable coverings and consumer electronic devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0004] A composition comprises 1 to 50 weight percent of a poly(phthalamide) having a weight average molecular weight of 35,000 to 50,000 grams per mole, an amine end group content of less than 90 parts per million, and an acid end group content of less than 25 parts per million; and 50 to 99 weight percent of a poly(etherimide-siloxane); wherein weight percent is based on the total weight of the composition.

[0005] A method for the manufacture of the composition comprises: melt- mixing the poly(etherimide-siloxane) and the poly(phthalamide) to form a mixture; and optionally, extruding the mixture.

[0006] An article comprising the composition is also described.

[0007] The above described and other features are exemplified by the following detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0008] Described herein are poly(etherimide-siloxane)/poly(phthalamide) compositions. The present inventors have unexpectedly discovered that combining a poly(etherimide-siloxane) and a particular poly(phthalamide) in particular amounts can provide a thermoplastic

composition exhibiting a desirable combination of properties. For example, the compositions can have good heat resistance, impact and tensile properties, and good electrical properties. Advantageously, the compositions described herein can be useful in electrical and electronics applications and wire or cable applications.

[0009] Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure is a composition comprising a poly(phthalamide) and a poly(etherimide-siloxane). The poly(etherimide-siloxane) copolymers comprise more than 1, for example 2 to 1000, or 5 to 500, or 10 to 100 polyetherimide structural units of the formula (1)

wherein each R is independently the same or different, and is a substituted or unsubstituted divalent organic group, such as a substituted or unsubstituted C6-20 aromatic hydrocarbon group, a substituted or unsubstituted straight or branched chain C4-20 alkylene group, a substituted or unsubstituted C3-8 cycloalkylene group, in particular a halogenated derivative of any of the foregoing. In some embodiments R is divalent group of one or more of the following formulas

(2)

wherein Q¹ is -0-, -S-, -C(O)-, -S0₂-, -SO-, -P(R^a)(=0)- wherein R^a is a Ci-s alkyl or C6-12 aryl, -C_yH_2y- wherein y is an integer from 1 to 5 or a halogenated derivative thereof (which includes perfluoroalkylene groups), or -(C₆H_IO)_z- wherein z is an integer from 1 to 4. In an embodiment R is m-phenylene, p-phenylene, or a diarylene sulfone, in particular bis(4,4’- phenylene)sulfone, bis(3, 4’-phenylene) sulfone, bis(3,3’-phenylene)sulfone, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing. In some embodiments, at least 10 mole percent of the R groups contain sulfone groups, and in other embodiments no R groups contain sulfone groups.

[0010] Further in formula (1), the divalent bonds of the -O-Z-O- group are in the 3,3', 3,4', 4,3', or the 4,4' positions, and Z is an aromatic C₆-24 monocyclic or polycyclic moiety optionally substituted with 1 to 6 Ci-s alkyl groups, 1 to 8 halogen atoms, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing, provided that the valence of Z is not exceeded.

Exemplary Z groups include groups derived from a dihydroxy compound of the formula (3)

wherein R^a and R^b can be the same or different and are a halogen atom or a monovalent Ci_-6 alkyl group, for example; p and q are each independently integers of 0 to 4; c is 0 to 4; and X^a is a bridging group connecting the hydroxy-substituted aromatic groups, where the bridging group and the hydroxy substituent of each C₆ arylene group are disposed ortho, meta, or para

(specifically para) to each other on the C₆ arylene group. The bridging group X^a can be a single bond, -0-, -S-, -S(O)-, -S0₂-, -C(O)-, or a Ci-is organic bridging group. The Ci-is organic bridging group can be cyclic or acyclic, aromatic or non-aromatic, and can further comprise heteroatoms such as halogens, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, silicon, or phosphorus. The C_MS organic group can be disposed such that the C₆ arylene groups connected thereto are each connected to a common alkylidene carbon or to different carbons of the Ci-is organic bridging group. A specific example of a group Z is a divalent group of the formula (3a)

wherein Q is -0-, -S-, -C(O)-, -SO2-, -SO-, -P(R^a)(=0)- wherein R^a is a Ci-s alkyl or C6-12 aryl, or -CyEby- wherein y is an integer from 1 to 5 or a halogenated derivative thereof (including a perfluoroalkylene group). In a specific embodiment Z is a derived from bisphenol A, such that Q in the above formula is 2,2-isopropylidene.

[0011] In an embodiment in formula (1), R is m-phenylene, p-phenylene, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing, and Z is a divalent group of formula (3 a). Alternatively, R is m-phenylene, p-phenylene, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing, and Z is a divalent group of formula (3a) and Q is 2,2-isopropylidene. Alternatively, the poly(etherimide) can be a copolymer comprising additional structural poly(etherimide) units of formula (1) wherein at least 50 mole percent (mol%) of the R groups are bis(3,4’- phenylene)sulfone, bis(3,3’-phenylene)sulfone, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing and the remaining R groups are p-phenylene, m-phenylene or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing; and Z is 2,2-(4-phenylene)isopropylidene, i.e., a bisphenol A moiety.

[0012] In some embodiments, the poly(etherimide-siloxane) optionally further comprises additional structural imide units that are not poly(etherimide) units, for example imide units of formula (4)

wherein R is as described in formula (1) and each V is the same or different, and is a substituted or unsubstituted C₆-20 aromatic hydrocarbon group, for example a tetravalent linker of the formulas

wherein W is a single bond, -O-, -S-, -C(O)-, -S0₂-, -SO-, a C ms hydrocarbylene group, - P(R^a)(=0)- wherein R^a is a Ci-s alkyl or C_6-i2 aryl, or -C_yth_y- wherein y is an integer from 1 to 5 or a halogenated derivative thereof (which includes perfluoroalkylene groups). These additional structural imide units preferably comprise less than 20 mol% of the total number of units, and more preferably can be present in amounts of 0 to 10 mol% of the total number of units, or 0 to 5 mol% of the total number of units, or 0 to 2 mol% of the total number of units. In some embodiments, no additional imide units are present in the poly(etherimide).

[0013] The poly(etherimide-siloxane) can be prepared by, for example, the reaction of an aromatic bis(ether anhydride) of the formula (5) with an organic diamine of the formula (6)

H2N-R-NH2 (6)

wherein Z and R are defined as described above. Copolymers of the poly(etherimide)s can be manufactured using a combination of an aromatic bis(ether anhydride) of the above formula and a different bis(anhydride).

[0014] Illustrative examples of bis(anhydride)s include 3,3-bis[4-(3,4- dicarboxyphenoxy)phenyl]propane dianhydride; 4,4'-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenyl ether dianhydride; 4,4'-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenyl sulfide dianhydride; 4,4'-bis(3,4- dicarboxyphenoxy)benzophenone dianhydride; 4,4'-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenyl sulfone dianhydride; 2,2-bis[4-(2,3-dicarboxyphenoxy)phenyl]propane dianhydride; 4,4'-bis(2,3- dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenyl ether dianhydride; 4,4'-bis(2,3-dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenyl sulfide dianhydride; 4,4'-bis(2,3-dicarboxyphenoxy)benzophenone dianhydride; 4,4'-bis(2,3- dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenyl sulfone dianhydride; 4-(2,3-dicarboxyphenoxy)-4'-(3,4- dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenyl-2, 2-propane dianhydride; 4-(2,3-dicarboxyphenoxy)-4'-(3,4- dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenyl ether dianhydride; 4-(2,3-dicarboxyphenoxy)-4'-(3,4- dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenyl sulfide dianhydride; 4-(2,3-dicarboxyphenoxy)-4'-(3,4- dicarboxyphenoxy)benzophenone dianhydride; and, 4-(2,3-dicarboxyphenoxy)-4'-(3,4- dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenyl sulfone dianhydride, as well as various combinations thereof.

[0015] Examples of organic diamines include ethylenediamine, propylenediamine, trimethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylene tetramine, hexamethylenediamine, heptamethylenediamine, octamethylenediamine, nonamethylenediamine,

decamethylenediamine, l,l2-dodecanediamine, l,l8-octadecanediamine, 3- methylheptamethylenediamine, 4,4-dimethylheptamethylenediamine, 4- methylnonamethylenediamine, 5-methylnonamethylenediamine, 2,5- dimethylhexamethylenediamine, 2,5-dimethylheptamethylenediamine, 2, 2- dimethylpropylenediamine, N-methyl-bis (3-aminopropyl) amine, 3- methoxyhexamethylenediamine, l,2-bis(3-aminopropoxy) ethane, bis(3-aminopropyl) sulfide, l,4-cyclohexanediamine, bis-(4-aminocyclohexyl) methane, m-phenylenediamine, p- phenylenediamine, 2,4-diaminotoluene, 2,6-diaminotoluene, m-xylylenediamine, p- xylylenediamine, 2-methyl-4, 6-diethyl- l,3-phenylene-diamine, 5-methyl-4, 6-diethyl- 1,3- phenylene-diamine, benzidine, 3,3’-dimethylbenzidine, 3,3’-dimethoxybenzidine, 1,5- diaminonaphthalene, bis(4-aminophenyl) methane, bis(2-chloro-4-amino-3,5-diethylphenyl) methane, bis(4-aminophenyl) propane, 2,4-bis(p-amino-t-butyl) toluene, bis(p-amino-t- butylphenyl) ether, bis(p-methyl-o-aminophenyl) benzene, bis(p-methyl-o-aminopentyl) benzene, 1, 3-diamino-4-isopropylbenzene, bis(4-aminophenyl) sulfide, bis-(4-aminophenyl) sulfone, and bis(4-aminophenyl) ether. Combinations of these compounds can also be used. In some embodiments the organic diamine is m-phenylenediamine, p-phenylenediamine, sulfonyl dianiline, or a combination comprising one or more of the foregoing.

[0016] The poly(etherimide-siloxane) copolymer further comprises one or more siloxane blocks of the formula (7)

wherein each R’ is independently a C_1-13 monovalent hydrocarbyl group and E can be 2 to 50, or 5 to 30, or 10 to 40. For example, each R’ can independently be a C_1-13 alkyl group, C_1-13 alkoxy group, C_2-13 alkenyl group, C_2-13 alkenyloxy group, C_3-6 cycloalkyl group, C_3-6 cycloalkoxy group, C_6-i4 aryl group, C_6-io aryloxy group, C_7-13 arylalkyl group, C_7-13 arylalkoxy group, C_7-13 alkylaryl group, or C_7-13 alkylaryloxy group. The foregoing groups can be fully or partially halogenated with fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing. In an embodiment no halogens are present. Combinations of the foregoing R’ groups can be used in the same copolymer. In an embodiment, the poly(siloxane) units comprise R’ groups having minimal hydrocarbon content. In a specific embodiment, an R’ group with a minimal hydrocarbon content is a methyl group.

[0017] The poly(etherimide-siloxane) copolymer can be a block or graft copolymer. Block poly(etherimide-siloxane) copolymers comprise etherimide units and siloxane blocks in the polymer backbone. The etherimide units and the siloxane blocks can be present in random order, as blocks (i.e., AABB), alternating (i.e., ABAB), or a combination thereof. Graft poly(etherimide-siloxane) copolymers are non-linear copolymers comprising the siloxane blocks connected to linear or branched polymer backbone comprising etherimide blocks.

[0018] The poly(etherimide- siloxane) copolymer can be formed by polymerization of an aromatic bis(ether anhydride) of formula (5) and a diamine component comprising an organic diamine as described above or mixture of diamines, and a poly(siloxane) diamine of the formula (8)

wherein R’ and E are as described in formula (7), and R⁴ is each independently a C₂-C₂₀ hydrocarbon, in particular a C₂-C₂₀ arylene, alkylene, or arylenealkylene group. In an embodiment R⁴ is a C₂-C₂₀ alkylene group, specifically a C₂-C₁₀ alkylene group such as propylene, and E has an average value of 5 to 100, 5 to 75, 5 to 60, 5 to 15, or 15 to 40.

Procedures for making the poly(siloxane) diamines of formula (8) are known in the art. [0019] In some poly(etherimide-siloxane) copolymers, the diamine component can contain 10 to 90 mole percent (mol%), or 20 to 50 mol%, or 25 to 40 mol% of the poly(siloxane) diamine (8) and 10 to 90 mol%, or 50 to 80 mol%, or 60 to 75 mol% of organic diamine (6).

The diamine components can be physically mixed prior to reaction with the bisanhydride(s), thus forming a substantially random copolymer. Alternatively, block or alternating copolymers can be formed by selective reaction of each diamine with aromatic bisanhydride(s), to make poly(imide) blocks that are subsequently reacted together. Thus, the poly(etherimide-siloxane) copolymer can be a block, random, or graft copolymer.

[0020] Examples of specific poly(etherimide-siloxane)s are described in US Pat. Nos. 4,404,350, 4,808,686 and 4,690,997. In an embodiment, the poly(etherimide-siloxane) has units of formula (9)

wherein R’ and E of the siloxane are as in formula (7), the R and Z of the imide are as in formula (1), R⁴ is the same as R⁴ as in formula (8), and n is an integer from 5 to 100. In a specific embodiment, the R of the etherimide is a phenylene, Z is a residue of bisphenol A, R⁴ is n-propylene, E is 2 to 50, 5, to 30, or 10 to 40, n is 5 to 100, and each R’ of the siloxane is methyl.

[0021] The relative amount of poly(siloxane) units and etherimide units in the poly(etherimide-siloxane) depends on the desired properties, and are selected using the guidelines provided herein. In particular, as mentioned above, the block or graft

poly(etherimide-siloxane) copolymer is selected to have a certain average value of E, and is selected and used in an amount effective to provide the desired weight percent (wt%) of poly(siloxane) units in the composition. In an embodiment the poly(etherimide- siloxane) comprises 10 to 50 wt%, 10 to 40 wt%, or 20 to 35 wt% poly(siloxane) units, based on the total weight of the poly(etherimide- siloxane).

[0022] In some embodiments, the poly(etherimide-siloxane) copolymer can have a weight average molecular weight (M_w) of 1,000 to 150,000 Daltons as measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) using polystyrene standards, and can have a poly(siloxane) content of 10 to 50 weight percent, preferably 15 to 40 weight percent, more preferably 20 to 35 weight percent. In some embodiments, the poly(etherimide- siloxane) copolymer has an M_w of 5,000 to 80,000 Da, specifically, 55,000 to 75,000 Da, more specifically, 60,000 to 70,000 Da. [0023] The poly(etherimide-siloxane) can be present in an amount of 50 to 99 wt%, for example, 50 to 95 wt%, for example, 50 to 90 wt%, for example 50 to 80 wt%, for example 50 to 70 wt%, or 60 to 99 wt%, or 65 to 99 wt%, or 70 to 99 wt%, wherein weight percent is based on the total weight of the composition.

[0024] In some embodiments, a poly(imide), preferably a poly(etherimide) other than the poly(etherimide-siloxane) is excluded from the composition

[0025] In addition to the poly(etherimide-siloxane), the composition includes a poly(phthalamide). In some embodiments, the composition can exclude any poly(amide) other than the poly(phthalamide). Poly(phthalamide)s are the condensation product of terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, a derivative thereof, or a combination thereof, and a diamine. In some embodiments, the poly(phthalamide) comprises repeating units of the formula (10)

wherein Q² is independently at each occurrence a substituted or unsubstituted C4-14 alkylene group. The poly(phthalamide) can be the reaction product of at least one C4-14 aliphatic diamine and terephthalic acid. In some embodiments, the poly(phthalamide) can optionally further include structural units derived from isophthalic acid. In some embodiments,

poly(phthalamide)s are poly(amide)s having a combined content of terephthalamide and isophthalamide units of at least 60 mole percent. In some embodiments, the poly(phthalamide) comprises 60-70 mole percent of structural units of formula (10) wherein the aromatic portion of the unit is derived from terephthalic acid, and 20-30 mole percent of structural units of formula (10) wherein the aromatic portion of the unit is derived from isophthalic acid.

[0026] Q² in formula (10) can be derived from an aliphatic diamine. For example, the aliphatic diamine can be a linear C_4-i4 aliphatic diamine, a branched C_4-i4 aliphatic diamine, a C_4-i4 alicyclic diamine, or combination comprising at least one of the foregoing. In some embodiments, the linear diamine can include l,4-butanediamine, l,6-hexamethylenediamine, l,8-octamethylenediamine, l,9-nonamethylenediamine, l,l0-decanediamine, 1,11- undecanediamine, l,l2-dodecanediamine, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing. In some embodiments, the branched C_4-i4 aliphatic diamine can include 2-methyl- 1 ,5-pentamethylenediamine, 3-methyl- 1 ,5-pentamethylenediamine, 2,4-dimethyl- 1 ,6- hexamethylenediamine, 2,2,4-trimethyl- 1 ,6-hexamethylenediamine, 2,4,4-trimethyl- 1 ,6- hexamethylenediamine, 2-methyl- 1 ,8-octamethylenediamine, 5-methyl- 1 ,9- nonamethylenediamine, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing. Preferably, Q² is derived from a linear C4-14 aliphatic diamine, for example, 2-methylpentamethylene diamine, hexamethylene diamine, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing.

[0027] In some embodiments, the poly(phthalamide) preferably includes structural units derived from an aromatic diacid and a C2-10 alkylene diamine, preferably terephthalic acid and a C2-6 alkylene diamine, more preferably terephthalic acid, 2-methylpentamethylene diamine and hexamethylene diamine or terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, hexamethylene diamine and, optionally, a C2-12 aliphatic dicarboxylic acid

[0028] The poly(phthalamide) can be a homopolymer or a copolymer, including a block copolymer or a random copolymer, and can optionally further comprise additional amide or phthalamide structural units different from those of formula (10) above. For example, in some embodiments, the poly(phthalamide) can further comprise additional repeating units derived from additional aromatic dicarboxylic acids (e.g., 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, 2,7- naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, l,4-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, l,4-phenylenedioxydiacetic acid, l,3-phenylenedioxydiacetic acid, diphenic acid, 4,4'-oxydibenzoic acid, diphenylmethane- 4,4 '-dicarboxylic acid, diphenylsulfone-4, 4 '-dicarboxylic acid, 4,4'-biphenyldicarboxylic acid and the like), aliphatic dicarboxylic acids (e.g., malonic acid, dimethylmalonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, 2-methyladipic acid, trimethyladipic acid, pimelic acid, 2,2- dimethylglutaric acid, 2,2-diethylsuccinic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, suberic acid, undecanedioic acid and dodecanedioic acid), alicyclic dicarboxylic acids (e.g., 1,3- cyclopentanedicarboxylic acid and l,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid), or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing additional dicarboxylic acids. When present, the content of the additional dicarboxylic acid units is generally 50 mole percent (mol%) or less, or 40 mol % or less, or 30 mol % or less, or 20 mol % or less with respect to the total moles of the dicarboxylic acid units. Furthermore, the poly(phthalamide) can comprise structural units derived from polyfunctional compounds such as trimellitic acid, trimesic acid and pyromellitic acid. In some embodiments, the poly(phthalamide) comprises no additional repeating units derived from the aforementioned additional carboxylic acids. In some embodiments, the poly(phthalamide) further comprises repeating units derived from adipic acid, for example, repeating units derived from hexamethylene diamine, adipic acid, isophthalic and terephthalic acid.

[0029] In some embodiments, the poly(phthalamide) can be a block copolymer or a random copolymer, and can further comprise structural units of formula (11)

O O

H . H

- N— Q³— N (H) wherein Q³ and Q⁴ are independently at each occurrence a substituted or unsubstituted C4-14 alkylene group. Q³ and Q⁴ can be the same or different alkylene group. In some embodiments, Q³ can be derived from an aliphatic diamine, and can be the same or different as Q² described above. In some embodiments, Q⁴ can be a hexylene group, for example Q⁴ can be derived from adipic acid. In some embodiments, when present, structural units according to formula (11) can be included in a poly(phthalamide) copolymer in an amount of 50 mol% or less, or 40 mol % or less, or 30 mol % or less, or 20 mol % or less.

[0030] Poly(phthalamide)s can be prepared according to methods that are generally known. The ratio of diamine to dicarboxylic acid is typically equimolar, although excess of one or the other can be used to determine the end group functionality of the resulting

poly(phthalamide). In addition, the reaction can further include monoamines and

monocarboxylic acids which function as chain stoppers and can determine, at least in part, the end group functionality. Examples of suitable monofunctional amine chain stoppers can include aromatic primary amines, for example, aniline, chloroaniline, perfluoromethyl aniline, naphthyl amines, and the like. Monocarboxylic acids, i.e., aromatic groups comprising one carboxylic acid group, can also be used to control molecular weight of the poly(phthalamide)s. For example, benzoic acid can be used. Chain stoppers, when present, can be used in an amount of less than or equal to 1 mole percent, or less than or equal to 0.1 mole percent, based on the total moles of the diamine and the dicarboxylic acid.

[0031] Poly(phthalamides) useful for the composition of the present disclosure have a weight average molecular weight of 35,000 to 50,000 grams per mole, preferably a weight average molecular weight of 37,000 to 45,000 grams per mole. Molecular weight of the poly(phthalamide) can be determined, for example, by gel permeation chromatography using polystyrene standards. Suitable poly(phthalamide)s also have a particular end group

composition. In particular, the poly(phthalamide) can have an amine end group concentration of less than 40 parts per million, and an acid end group content of less than 15 parts per million. End group concentration can be determined, for example, by titration. Additionally, in some embodiments, the poly(phthalamide) can have a crystalline enthalpy of less than 35 Joules per gram. Crystalline enthalpy can be determined, for example, by differential scanning

calorimetry. In some embodiments, the poly(phthalamide) can have a triamine content of less than 1 wt%, as determined by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS).

[0032] The poly(phthalamide) can be present in the composition in a total amount of 1 to 50 wt%, or 5 to 50 wt%, or 10 to 50 wt%, or 20 to 50 wt%, or 30 to 50 wt%, or 1 to 40 wt%, or 1 to 35 wt%, or 1 to 30 wt%, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic composition. [0033] In some embodiments, in addition to the poly(etherimide-siloxane) and the poly(phthalamide), the thermoplastic composition can optionally further include an additive composition. The additive composition can include one or more additives selected so as to not significantly adversely affect the desired properties of the thermoplastic composition. Such additives can be added to the composition at any suitable time, for example during the mixing of the components to form the composition. Additives can include fillers, reinforcing agents, antioxidants, heat stabilizers, light stabilizers, ultraviolet light stabilizers, ultraviolet light absorbing additives, plasticizers, lubricants, release agents, processing aids, antistatic agents, anti-fog agents, antimicrobial agents, colorants, surface effect additives, radiation stabilizers, flame retardants, anti-drip agents, hydro stabilizers, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing. Preferably, additives that can be used include, for example, an antioxidant, heat stabilizer, hydrostabilizer, ultraviolet light stabilizer, processing aid, colorant, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing.

[0034] The additive composition can be present in an amount of 0 to 10 wt%, preferably greater than 0 to 10 wt%, more preferably 0.1 to 5 wt%, even more preferably 0.25 to 4 wt%, most preferably 1 to 4 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0035] In some embodiments, the composition excludes inorganic fillers. For example, the composition can exclude an inorganic filler selected from glass fiber, carbon fiber, glass flakes, ceramic fibers, or a combination thereof.

[0036] In some embodiments, the composition can exclude polymers other than the poly(phthalamide) and the poly(etherimide-siloxane).

[0037] The composition described herein can advantageously exhibit a desirable combination of properties. For example, the composition can have a Notched Izod impact strength of greater than 120 J/m, preferably 150 to 600 J/m, more preferably greater than 350 J/m, even more preferably greater than 400 J/m, as determined according to ASTM D256. In some embodiments, the composition can exhibit a tensile elongation at yield of greater than 21%, preferably, 22 to 100%, as determined according to ASTM D638. In some embodiments, the composition can exhibit a heat deflection temperature of at least 100°C, preferably at least 110°C, as determined according to ASTM D648. In some embodiments, the composition can exhibit an electrical tracking resistance of at least 2, as determined according to ASTM D3638.

[0038] For example, in some embodiments, the composition can comprise 5 to 15 wt% of the poly(phthalamide) and 85 to 95 wt% of the poly(etherimide-siloxane). The

poly(phthalamide) can be derived from terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, hexamethylene diamine, and adipic acid. The composition can exhibit a Notched Izod impact strength of 400 to 500 J/m, as determined according to ASTM D256; a tensile elongation at yield of 22 to 100%, as determined according to ASTM D638; a heat deflection temperature of at least l25°C, as determined according to ASTM D648; and an electrical tracking resistance of at least 3, as determined according to ASTM D3638.

[0039] In some embodiment, the composition can comprise 10 to 50 wt% of the poly(phthalamide) and 50 to 90 wt% of the poly(etherimide-siloxane). The poly(phthalamide) can be derived from terephthalic acid and 2-methylpentamethylene diamine. The composition can exhibit a Notched Izod impact strength of 150 to 600 J/m, preferably 400 to 600 J/m, as determined according to ASTM D256; a tensile elongation at yield of 40 to 100%, as determined according to ASTM D638; a heat deflection temperature of at least l00°C, preferably 100 to l50°C as determined according to ASTM D648; and an electrical tracking resistance of at least 2 (i.e., of 2 or better, e.g., 0, 1, or 2), as determined according to ASTM D3638.

[0040] The composition can be manufactured by various methods. For example, the compositions described herein can generally be prepared by melt-mixing the components.

Optionally, the composition can be extruded, quenched in a water bath, and pelletized. The pellets so prepared can be one-fourth inch long or less as desired. Such pellets can be used for subsequent molding, shaping, or forming.

[0041] The compositions of the present disclosure can be formed into articles using any suitable techniques, for example, melt-processing techniques. Commonly used melt-molding methods can include injection molding, extrusion molding, blow molding, rotational molding, coining, and injection blow molding. For example, the melt molding method can be injection molding. The compositions of the present disclosure can be formed into sheets and both cast and blown films by extrusion. These films and sheets can be further thermoformed into articles and structures that can be oriented from the melt or at a later stage in the processing of the composition. The compositions can be over-molded onto an article made from a different material and/or by a different process. The articles can also be formed using techniques such as compression molding or ram extruding. The articles can be further formed into other shapes by machining. Exemplary articles include fibers, films, sheets, pipes, coatings, or molded parts. In some embodiments, the article can advantageously be a flexible article. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic compositions can be particularly useful for electronics applications. For example, the article can be an electronic device, a component of an electronic device, a wire, a cable, a wearable electronic device, a portable electronic device, a flexible laminate, a flexible display, a lighting component, or an insulation device. [0042] The thermoplastic compositions disclosed herein comprise a poly(phthalamide), a poly(etherimide-siloxane), and, optionally, an additive composition, which yields compositions having a desirable combination of properties including good impact strength, tensile properties, thermal properties (e.g., heat deflection temperature, HDT), and electrical properties (e.g., electrical tracking resistance). Therefore, a substantial improvement in poly(etherimide- siloxane)/poly(phthalamide) compositions is provided.

[0043] This disclosure is further illustrated by the following examples, which are non limiting.

EXAMPLES

[0044] Materials used for the following Examples are described in Table 1.

Table 1

[0045] Compositions were prepared by melt mixing PEI-Si and poly(phthalamide) (PPA). The compositions were compounded by extrusion in a 2.5 inch (6.4 cm) twin screw, vacuum vented extruder. Material blends evaluated are presented in the Tables below, with each constituent reported in weight percent based on the total weight of the composition. The extruder temperature was profiled and ranged from 290 to 320°C at the feed throat and die respectively. The blends were run at 250 rotations per minute (rpm) under vacuum. The extrudate was cooled, pelletized and dried. The resin was dried at l50°C in preparation for injection molding of test samples. Polymer blends were injection molded into ASTM test samples using a barrel temperature setting of 320 to 330°C with a mold temperature setting of l20°C and a 30-second cycle time.

[0046] Properties were measured according to ASTM test methods. All molded samples were conditioned for at least 48 hours at 50% relative humidity prior to testing.

[0047] Notched Izod impact values were measured at room temperature on 3.2 millimeter thick bars as per ASTM D256. Bars were notched prior to oven aging and tested at room temperature. Results are reported in Joules per meter (J/m).

[0048] Tensile properties were measured on 3.2 millimeter type I bars as per ASTM method D638 at 23°C with a crosshead speed of 5 millimeters/minute. Tensile strength is reported at yield (Y) while percent elongation (%Elong) is reported at break (B). Tensile modulus, tensile strength at yield and tensile strength at break results are reported in MPa.

[0049] Heat deflection temperature (HDT) was measured on a 3.2 millimeter injection molded bar at 1.82 MPa stress according to ASTM D648. HDT is reported in degrees Celsius (°C).

[0050] Flame retardance (FR) performance was determined according to Underwriter’s Faboratory Bulletin 94“Tests for Flammability of Plastic Materials, UF 94”, 20 mm Vertical Burning Flame Test. Before testing, flame bars with a thickness of 1.6 millimeters were conditioned at 23°C and 50% relative humidity for at least 48 hours. In the UF 94 20 mm Vertical Burning Flame Test, a set of five flame bars was tested. For each bar, a flame was applied to the bar then removed, and the time required for the bar to self-extinguish (first after flame time, tl) was noted. The flame was then reapplied and removed, and the time required for the bar to self-extinguish (second after flame time, t2) and the post-flame glowing time

(afterglow time, t3) were noted. To achieve a rating of V-0, the after flame times tl and t2 for each individual specimen must have been less than or equal to 10 seconds; and the total after flame time for all five specimens (tl plus t2 for all five specimens) must have been less than or equal to 50 seconds; and the second after flame time plus the afterglow time for each individual specimen (t2 + t3) must have been less than or equal to 30 seconds; and no specimen can have flamed or glowed up to the holding clamp; and the cotton indicator cannot have been ignited by flaming particles or drops. To achieve a rating of V-l, the after flame times tl and t2 for each individual specimen must have been less than or equal to 30 seconds; and the total after flame time for all five specimens (tl plus t2 for all five specimens) must have been less than or equal to 250 seconds; and the second after flame time plus the afterglow time for each individual specimen (t2 + t3) must have been less than or equal to 60 seconds; and no specimen can have flamed or glowed up to the holding clamp; and the cotton indicator cannot have been ignited by flaming particles or drops. To achieve a rating of V-2, the after flame times tl and t2 for each individual specimen must have been less than or equal to 30 seconds; and the total after flame time for all five specimens (tl plus t2 for all five specimens) must have been less than or equal to 250 seconds; and the second after flame time plus the afterglow time for each individual specimen (t2 + t3) must have been less than or equal to 60 seconds; and no specimen can have flamed or glowed up to the holding clamp; but the cotton indicator can have been ignited by flaming particles or drops. Compositions not achieving a rating of V-2 were considered to have failed.

[0051] Electrical tracking resistance tests were performed on a 3 millimeter thick square plaque (6 x 6 cm) in accordance with the ASTM D-3638. The test can be started at any given voltage. At each voltage 5 specimens are tested and the average number of drops is recorded. The test is performed at (at least) 4 different voltages, where there should be at least two data points with an average number of drops higher than 50 and two data points with an average number of drops lower than 50. A voltage extrapolation to 50 drops is made, and based on this voltage a Tracking Index Performance Level Category (CTI PLC) class is assigned. This assignment is provided according to the table below. The CTI rating of a polymer indicates how resistant the polymer is to electrical tracking at certain voltages. CTI ratings range from 0 to 5 with a 1 rating indicating that a polymer is more resistant to electrical tracking than a polymer with a lower CTI rating (for example 3). Table 2 summarizes the Tracking Index for each PLC class.

Table 2

Examples 1-10

[0052] The purpose of these Examples was to demonstrate the effect of changing the amount and type of poly(phthalamide) in compositions containing PEI-Si and PPA. Compositions were made and tested in accordance with the procedures described above. The compositions and results are shown in Table 3.

Table 3

* Indicates a Comparative Example

[0053] As illustrated by the comparative examples, compositions comprising PEI-Si and PPA-2 in an amount of 30 wt% or greater and PPA-l in an amount of 70 wt% or greater were unable to achieve the desired balance of properties. Specifically, the compositions according to comparative examples 2-5 and 9-12 did not exhibit the desired balance between heat, FR performance and ductility. Similarly, comparative example 13* which included PPA-3 having an amine end group content of 104 ppm did not exhibit the desired balance between heat, FR performance and ductility.

[0054] In contrast, the compositions according to Examples 1 and 6-8, which include PEI-Si and PPA-2 in an amount of 10 wt% or PPA-l in an amount of 10-50 wt%, exhibited the combination of excellent notched impact performance of greater than 120 J/m at 23°C, a heat deflection temperature of greater than l00°C using a testing stress of 1.82 MPa, tensile elongation of greater than 23%, and VO FR performance at 1.6 mm thickness. Examples 1 and 6-7 each exhibited notched Izod impact strengths of greater than 350 J/m at 23°C.

[0055] Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to visually evaluate the compatibility of the compositions comprising PEI-Si and PPA. The representative TEM images for Examples 1 and 6-7 are shown in FIGs. 1-3, respectively. As can be seen from the TEM images, each of these compositions demonstrate good compatibility of the PEI-Si and the PPA in the blend.

[0056] PEI-Si also showed excellent compatibility with PPA-l up to 50 wt% loading compared to PPA-2. The blends showed excellent mechanical properties and high tensile elongation, pointing to the high toughness of the blends. These blends also showed good flame retardant performance (V0 at 1.6 mm), excellent impact strength and ductility.

[0057] Accordingly, poly(etherimide-siloxane)/poly(phthalamide) blends can achieve a desirable combination of properties, including heat and flame performance and ductility.

[0058] The results are further unexpected because (as evidenced by the impact strength results) the combination of a PPA and PEI-Si (they are immiscible) produce a composition that exhibits a ductility higher than the ductility of the PPA and PEI-Si individually in certain compositions.

[0059] This disclosure further encompasses the following aspects.

[0060] Aspect 1: A composition comprising 1 to 50 weight percent of a

poly(phthalamide) having a weight average molecular weight of 35,000 to 50,000 grams per mole, an amine end group content of less than 90 parts per million, and an acid end group content of less than 25 parts per million; and 50 to 99 weight percent of a poly(etherimide- siloxane); wherein weight percent is based on the total weight of the composition.

[0061] Aspect 2: The composition of aspect 1, comprising 1 to 30 weight percent of the poly(phthalamide) and 70 to 99 weight percent of the poly(etherimide-siloxane).

[0062] Aspect 3: The composition of aspect 1 or 2, wherein the poly(phthalamide) comprises repeating units derived from an aromatic diacid and a C2-10 alkylene diamine, preferably terephthalic acid and a C2-6 alkylene diamine, more preferably terephthalic acid, 2- methylpentamethylene diamine and hexamethylene diamine or terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, hexamethylene diamine and, optionally, a C2-12 aliphatic dicarboxylic acid.

[0063] Aspect 4: The composition of any one or more of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the composition exhibits one or more of: a Notched Izod impact strength of greater than 120 J/m, preferably 150 to 600 J/m, more preferably greater than 400 J/m, as determined according to ASTM D256; a tensile elongation at yield of greater than 21%, preferably , 22 to 100%, as determined according to ASTM D638; a heat deflection temperature of at least l00°C, preferably at least 1 lO°C, as determined according to ASTM D648 using a load of 1.82 MPa; an electrical tracking resistance of 2 or better, as determined according to ASTM D3638; and a flammability rating of VO measured according to UL 94 Vertical Burn Test at a thickness of 1.6 millimeters.

[0064] Aspect 5: The composition of any one or more of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the composition excludes an inorganic filler, preferably wherein the composition excludes an inorganic filler comprising glass fiber, carbon fiber, glass flakes, ceramic fibers, or a

combination thereof.

[0065] Aspect 6: The composition of any one or more of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the composition excludes a poly(amide) other than the poly(phthalamide), preferably wherein the composition excludes a poly(phthalamide) comprising repeating units derived from an aromatic diacid and a C9 or greater alkylene diamine; a poly(etherimide) other than the poly(etherimide- siloxane); or both.

[0066] Aspect 7: The composition of aspect 1, comprising 1 to 30 weight percent of the poly(phthalamide); 70 to 99 weight percent of the poly(etherimide-siloxane); wherein the composition exhibits: a Notched Izod impact strength of greater than 120 J/m, preferably 150 to 600 J/m, more preferably greater than 400 J/m, as determined according to ASTM D256; a tensile elongation at yield of greater than 21%, preferably , 22 to 100%, as determined according to ASTM D638; a heat deflection temperature of at least l00°C, preferably at least 1 l0°C, as determined according to ASTM D648 using a load of 1.82 MPa; an electrical tracking resistance of 3 or better, as determined according to ASTM D3638; and a flammability rating of V0 measured according to UL 94 Vertical Bum Test at a thickness of 1.6 millimeters.

[0067] Aspect 8: The composition of aspect 7, wherein the poly(phthalamide) comprises repeating units derived from an aromatic diacid and a C2-6 alkylene diamine, preferably terephthalic acid and a C2-6 alkylene diamine, more preferably terephthalic acid, 2- methylpentamethylene diamine and hexamethylene diamine or terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, hexamethylene diamine and, optionally, a C2-12 aliphatic dicarboxylic acid.

[0068] Aspect 9: A method for the manufacture of the composition of any one or more of aspects 1 to 8, the method comprising: melt-mixing the poly(etherimide-siloxane) and the poly(phthalamide) to form a mixture; and optionally, extruding the mixture.

[0069] Aspect 10: An article comprising the composition of any one or more of aspects

1 to 8.

[0070] Aspect 11: The article of aspect 10, wherein the article is a molded article. [0071] Aspect 12: The article of aspect 10, wherein the article is a covering material for wire or cable, a consumer electronic device, or an insulation device.

[0072] The compositions, methods, and articles can alternatively comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, any appropriate materials, steps, or components herein disclosed. The compositions, methods, and articles can additionally, or alternatively, be formulated so as to be devoid, or substantially free, of any materials (or species), steps, or components, that are otherwise not necessary to the achievement of the function or objectives of the compositions, methods, and articles.

[0073] All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. “Combinations” is inclusive of blends, mixtures, alloys, reaction products, and the like. The terms“first,”“second,” and the like, do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. The terms“a” and“an” and“the” do not denote a limitation of quantity, and are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly

contradicted by context. “Or” means“and/or” unless clearly stated otherwise. Reference throughout the specification to“some embodiments”,“an embodiment”, and so forth, means that a particular element described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment described herein, and may or may not be present in other embodiments. In addition, it is to be understood that the described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in the various embodiments.

[0074] Unless specified to the contrary herein, all test standards are the most recent standard in effect as of the filing date of this application, or, if priority is claimed, the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the test standard appears.

[0075] Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of skill in the art to which this application belongs. All cited patents, patent applications, and other references are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. However, if a term in the present application contradicts or conflicts with a term in the incorporated reference, the term from the present application takes precedence over the conflicting term from the incorporated reference.

[0076] Compounds are described using standard nomenclature. For example, any position not substituted by any indicated group is understood to have its valency filled by a bond as indicated, or a hydrogen atom. A dash that is not between two letters or symbols is used to indicate a point of attachment for a substituent. For example, -CHO is attached through carbon of the carbonyl group.

[0077] As used herein, the term“hydrocarbyl”, whether used by itself, or as a prefix, suffix, or fragment of another term, refers to a residue that contains only carbon and hydrogen. The residue can be aliphatic or aromatic, straight-chain, cyclic, bicyclic, branched, saturated, or unsaturated. It can also contain combinations of aliphatic, aromatic, straight chain, cyclic, bicyclic, branched, saturated, and unsaturated hydrocarbon moieties. However, when the hydrocarbyl residue is described as substituted, it may, optionally, contain heteroatoms over and above the carbon and hydrogen members of the substituent residue. Thus, when specifically described as substituted, the hydrocarbyl residue can also contain one or more carbonyl groups, amino groups, hydroxyl groups, or the like, or it can contain heteroatoms within the backbone of the hydrocarbyl residue. The term "alkyl" means a branched or straight chain, unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon group, e.g., methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl, n-butyl, s-butyl, t-butyl, n- pentyl, s-pentyl, and n- and s-hexyl. “Alkenyl” means a straight or branched chain, monovalent hydrocarbon group having at least one carbon-carbon double bond (e.g., ethenyl (-HC=CH₂)). “Alkoxy” means an alkyl group that is linked via an oxygen (i.e., alkyl-O-), for example methoxy, ethoxy, and sec-butyloxy groups. "Alkylene" means a straight or branched chain, saturated, divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group (e.g., methylene (-CH₂-) or, propylene (-(CH₂)₃- )). “Cycloalkylene” means a divalent cyclic alkylene group, -C_nH_2n-x, wherein x is the number of hydrogens replaced by cyclization(s). “Cycloalkenyl” means a monovalent group having one or more rings and one or more carbon-carbon double bonds in the ring, wherein all ring members are carbon (e.g., cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl). "Aryl" means an aromatic hydrocarbon group containing the specified number of carbon atoms, such as phenyl, tropone, indanyl, or naphthyl. “Arylene” means a divalent aryl group. “Alkylarylene” means an arylene group substituted with an alkyl group. “Arylalkylene” means an alkylene group substituted with an aryl group (e.g., benzyl). The prefix "halo" means a group or compound including one more of a fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo substituent. A combination of different halo groups (e.g., bromo and fluoro), or only chloro groups can be present. The prefix“hetero” means that the compound or group includes at least one ring member that is a heteroatom (e.g., 1, 2, or 3 heteroatom(s)), wherein the heteroatom(s) is each independently N, O, S, Si, or P. “Substituted” means that the compound or group is substituted with at least one (e.g., 1, 2, 3, or 4) substituents that can each independently be a C1-9 alkoxy, a C1-9 haloalkoxy, a nitro (-N0₂), a cyano (-CN), a C1-6 alkyl sulfonyl (-S(=0)₂-alkyl), a C_6-i2 aryl sulfonyl (-S(=0)₂-aryl)a thiol (-SH), a thiocyano (-SCN), a tosyl (CH₃C₆H₄S0₂-), a C_3-i2 cycloalkyl, a C_2-i2 alkenyl, a C_5-i2 cycloalkenyl, a C_6-i2 aryl, a C_7-13 arylalkylene, a C_4-12 heterocycloalkyl, and a C_3-12 heteroaryl instead of hydrogen, provided that the substituted atom’s normal valence is not exceeded. The number of carbon atoms indicated in a group is exclusive of any substituents. For example -CH₂CH₂CN is a C₂ alkyl group substituted with a nitrile.

[0078] While particular embodiments have been described, alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and substantial equivalents that are or may be presently unforeseen may arise to applicants or others skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claims as filed and as they may be amended are intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications variations, improvements, and substantial equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A composition comprising

1 to 50 weight percent of a poly(phthalamide) having a weight average molecular weight of 35,000 to 50,000 grams per mole an amine end group content of less than 90 parts per million, and an acid end group content of less than 25 parts per million; and

50 to 99 weight percent of a poly(etherimide-siloxane);

wherein weight percent is based on the total weight of the composition; and

wherein the composition exhibits a Notched Izod impact strength of greater than 120 J/m, preferably 150 to 600 J/m, more preferably greater than 350 J/m, even more preferably greater than 400 J/m, as determined according to ASTM D256.

2. The composition of claim 1, comprising 1 to 30 weight percent of the poly(phthalamide) and 70 to 99 weight percent of the poly(etherimide-siloxane).

3. The composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the poly(phthalamide) comprises repeating units derived from an aromatic diacid and a C2-10 alkylene diamine, preferably terephthalic acid and a C2-6 alkylene diamine, more preferably terephthalic acid, 2- methylpentamethylene diamine and hexamethylene diamine or terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, hexamethylene diamine and, optionally, a C2-12 aliphatic dicarboxylic acid.

4. The composition of any one or more of claims 1 to 3, wherein the composition exhibits one or more of:

a tensile elongation at yield of greater than 21%, preferably , 22 to 100%, as determined according to ASTM D638;

a heat deflection temperature of at least l00°C, preferably at least 1 l0°C, as determined according to ASTM D648 using a load of 1.82 MPa;

an electrical tracking resistance of 2 or better, as determined according to ASTM D3638; and

a flammability rating of V0 measured according to the UL 94 Vertical Burning Test at a thickness of 1.6 millimeters.

5. The composition of any one or more of claims 1 to 4, wherein the composition excludes an inorganic filler, preferably wherein the composition excludes an inorganic filler comprising glass fiber, carbon fiber, glass flakes, ceramic fibers, or a combination thereof.

6. The composition of any one or more of claims 1 to 5, wherein the composition excludes one or more of:

a poly(amide) other than the poly(phthalamide);

a poly(phthalamide) comprising repeating units derived from an aromatic diacid and a C9 or greater alkylene diamine; or

a poly(etherimide) other than the poly(etherimide-siloxane).

7. The composition of claim 1, comprising

1 to 30 weight percent of the poly(phthalamide);

70 to 99 weight percent of the poly(etherimide-siloxane);

wherein the composition exhibits:

a Notched Izod impact strength of greater than 120 J/m, preferably 150 to 600 J/m, more preferably greater than 400 J/m, as determined according to ASTM D256;

an electrical tracking resistance of 3 or better, as determined according to ASTM D3638; and

a flammability rating of V0 measured according to UL 94 Vertical Burn Test at a thickness of 1.6 millimeters.

8. The composition of claim 7, wherein the poly(phthalamide) comprises repeating units derived from an aromatic diacid and a C2-6 alkylene diamine, preferably terephthalic acid and a C2-6 alkylene diamine, more preferably terephthalic acid, 2-methylpentamethylene diamine and hexamethylene diamine or terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, hexamethylene diamine and, optionally, a C2-12 aliphatic dicarboxylic acid.

9. A method for the manufacture of the composition of any one or more of claims 1 to 8, the method comprising: melt-mixing the poly(etherimide-siloxane) and the poly(phthalamide) to form a mixture; and

optionally, extruding the mixture.

10. An article comprising the composition of any one or more of claims 1 to 8.

11. The article of claim 10, wherein the article is a molded article.

12. The article of claim 10, wherein the article is a covering material for wire or cable, a consumer electronic device, or an insulation device.