Intimate physical mixtures containing macrocyclic polyester oligomer and filler
AssigneeCyclics Corporation
InventorsTohru Takekoshi, Steven R. Bahr, Steven J. Winckler
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Abstract
The invention provides intimate physical mixtures of macrocyclic polyester oligomer (MPO) and filler, as well as methods for their preparation and use. Improved dispersion of filler in a polymer matrix is achieved upon polymerization, and larger amounts of filler with high aspect ratio can be used. In one aspect, the invention provides mixtures of MPO with magnesium silicate. In another aspect, the invention provides a mixture of MPO, filler, and polymerization catalyst as a one-part, ready-to-polymerize material with a long shelf life. The one-part material can be used, for example, in the manufacture of parts without modification of existing processing equipment.
Claims44
A mixture comprising:
- (a) a macrocyclic polyester oligomer;
- and
- (b) a filler comprising magnesium silicate.
A method for preparing an intimate physical mixture, the method comprising the step of:
- contacting a macrocyclic polyester oligomer and an anhydrous magnesium silicate at a temperature at which the macrocyclic polyester oligomer is at least partially melted.
A method for polymerizing a macrocyclic polyester oligomer, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing an intimate physical mixture stable at ambient conditions for at least one week, the mixture comprising:
- (i) a macrocyclic polyester oligomer;
- (ii) a polymerization catalyst;
- and
- (iii) a layered mineral;
- and
- (b) heating the mixture to polymerize the macrocyclic polyester oligomer.
An intimate physical mixture comprising:
- (a) a macrocyclic polyester oligomer;
- and
- (b) a layered mineral, the layered mineral comprising a substantially non-polar, substantially charge-neutral surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.