Compositions containing polyphenylene ether and/or polystyrene having improved tribological properties and methods for improving tribological properties of polyphenylene ether and/or polystyrene compositions

Abstract

Internally lubricated polymer compositions containing a styrene- and/or polyphenylene ether-containing polymer, an olefin-containing polymer, and a compatibilizer are provided. The olefin-containing polymer, which is present in the compositions in about 3 to about 30 weight percent, provides internal lubrication and improves the tribological properties of the compositions compared with the styrene- or polyphenylene ether-containing polymer alone, as determined by wear measurements. Preferred compositions exhibit wear factors less than about 130×10−11n mm5/Pa-m. A preferred composition includes a blend of polystyrene/polyphenylene ether, linear low density polyethylene, and styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene. Methods are also provided for improving tribological properties of styrene- and/or polyphenylene ether-containing base polymers by incorporating into the base polymers at least one olefin-containing polymer and at least one compatibilizer, or by incorporating at least one substantially halogen-free internal lubricant.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.