Process for making particulate-free poly(phenylene ether) compositions and photovoltaic backsheet materials derived therefrom

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a process for preparing halogen-free melt-filtered polymer compositions, compositions prepared by the process, as well as articles derived therefrom. The process comprises filtering the melted composition through a filter to remove particulate impurities that are 0.5 mm2 in size or larger. The composition comprises: (a) 60 to 90 percent by weight of a poly(phenylene ether); (b) 3 to 23 percent by weight of a styrenic polymer; (c) 5-11 percent by weight of a halogen-free flame retardant comprising at least one organic phosphate flame retardant, wherein the composition has: (i) a melt viscosity of 620 Pa·s or less as measured according at 280° C. and 1500 s−1; and (ii) a heat deflection temperature that is 135° C. or more as measured according to ASTM D648 on 6.4 mm thick bars at 1.82 MPa.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.