Self-reinforcing polyphenylenes

An ultra class of high performing polymers (CUT > 240 °C) including polybenzimidazole (PBI), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyimide, polyamide-imide, polyether-imide (PI, PAI, PEI), high temperature sulfone (HTS), self-reinforced polyphenylene ether (SRP),etc. 

Self-reinforced polyphenylene ether, SRP Primo-Spire ... 

Isayev A I and Subramanian P R (1991) Self-reinforced composite of thermotropic liquid crystalline polymers and process for preparing same, U.S. Patent 5,070,157, Austr Patent 645,154 (1994), Eur Patent EP 0543 953 (1997), Can Patent 2,086,931 (1993), Jap Patent 2 841 246, French Patent 0543953, Ger Patent 69125493.1, Great Brit Patent 0543953, Int Patent WO 92/03506 (1992). Isayev A I (1991) Wholly aromatic polyester fiber-reinforced polyphenylene oxide and process for preparing same, U.S. Patent 5,006,403. 

Flame resistance The underwriters ruling on the use of self-extinguishing plastics for contact-carrying members and many other components introduces critical material selection problems. All TSs are basically self-extinguishing. Nylon, polyphenylene oxide, polysulfone, polycarbonate, vinyl, chlorinated polyether, chlorotrifluoroethy-lene, vinylidene fluoride, and fluorocarbon are examples of TPs that may be suitable for applications requiring self-extinguishing properties. Cellulose acetate and ABS are also available with these properties. Glass reinforcement improves these materials considerably. 

Some self-lubricating grades of polyphenylene sulphide, containing specific additives and reinforced with glass or carbon fibres, are marketed. The coefficients of friction are good, for example 0.2 for a carbon fibre reinforced compound. 

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